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Chapter 4

On Monday Daniel was out of sorts. As much fun as he’d had with Angela on Friday, he wanted their return to the office to be business as usual, because he understood those parameters. However, that was hard to do because his mind kept wandering to how good Angela looked last night and how great she’d smelled when he’d been standing close to her after accompanying her home.

He’d wanted to kiss her. Badly.

His libido had even demanded it, straining in his trousers at just how fine the woman looked. And if he’d made just the slightest overture, turned on his signature charm, she could have been his.

But he hadn’t crossed the line.

If he went with his heart’s desire, which was to learn more about Angela, he risked problems at the office. But practicing restraint was a lot harder to do than preaching it, especially when Daniel had told Angela that he’d mentor her and that she could accompany him to high-level client meetings.

One of them was a new listing for an eight-bedroom, six-bath waterfront estate on Sunny Isles. The sellers were just the right mix of privileged wealth that Daniel knew Angela needed to be exposed to. In addition to co-brokering with him on the downtown Miami development, Angela would see in person what it would take to sell a large development from start to finish.

But he’d promised her he’d take her under his wing, and he was a man of his word.

* * *

After some off-site meetings, he returned to the office on Monday afternoon to pick up paperwork for his next appointment and made a beeline for Angela’s office. She waved him in, glancing up from her computer screen.

“Hey, there,” she said, “how are you? How’s your day been?”

Daniel was jolted by just how different Angela looked today. She was back to her usual work attire of a sleeveless fuchsia silk blouse tied at the neck and a black pencil skirt, but no less sexy than she’d been on Friday.

“Busy,” Daniel replied, “and about to get even busier. I have a listing appointment at four on Sunny Isles. Care to join me?”

“Sure, just give me a minute. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

A few minutes later, Daniel was leaning against the edge of the reception counter chatting with Myrna when Angela came toward him. He stood upright as she approached, desire instantly surging through him when he noticed her long, shapely legs emphasized by a pair of strappy heels. He willed the hard throb of his desire to disappear, but it didn’t. His attention was focused so entirely on her sleek body that he ignored Myrna. Instead, he headed swiftly to the door to open it and Angela slid right past him, allowing him to catch sight of her tight bottom as she walked ahead of him.

“So tell me about the estate and the seller,” Angela said when Daniel met her at the elevator bank just as the doors were opening. They both stepped inside, but when he opened his mouth to speak he realized just how close she was standing to him. His gaze traveled from the elegant line of her neck to the curve of her shoulders to the smooth, silky strands of hair that hung generously down her back. Angela had returned to the boundaries of their previous encounters, and that was just fine with him. He needed to get his head back on business.

He blinked rapidly and then finally answered her. “Well, it’s a seven-thousand-square-foot two-story home that sits on the water and has a private dock. Not to mention there’s a spa, a gym and a gorgeous infinity pool with a large outdoor entertaining area.”

She smiled. “Impressive. Have you determined a listing price?” Angela asked once he’d finished describing the house and they’d made it to the garage. This time she didn’t ask whether she should get in his sports car; she just slid in and buckled up.

“No, but I’m hoping to convince them that seven point five is the right price.” He roared the Ferrari to life and exited the garage.

“Are they thinking of more?”

Daniel nodded. “They would love eight million, but the comps in the market aren’t supporting it. So I’ll talk them off the ledge. They are motivated to sell and don’t want it to sit on the market.”

“Wise move.”

* * *

Angela did her best to keep the conversation focused on selling the Sunny Isles home, but it wasn’t easy. She hazarded a glance Daniel’s way when his eyes were on the road. He was dressed in a linen suit that was exquisitely cut and showed off the hard muscles she suspected were underneath it. She marveled at the size of his large masculine hands wrapped around the wheel. Sitting beside him right now, Angela was very aware of him.

She’d felt it Friday night, too. Felt the pull of desire between them, but had blown it off as the excitement of the evening. But now? Today? There was no excuse for the way she was feeling. Daniel was off-limits to her and she knew that. But that hadn’t stopped her mind from wondering what it would be like to feel his incredibly full lips on her.

Feel the heat of his skin.

Touch him all over.

Their short drive to Sunny Isles went faster than Angela expected, and she was happy to escape the confines of the sporty car. As she exited, Daniel was right there to grasp her hand.

“Thank you.” Angela managed to step out onto somewhat shaky legs. Because that’s exactly what Daniel’s touch did to her. It made her slightly weak in the knees.

They walked together to the impressive front door of the home and Daniel pressed the doorbell. An older woman with flaming red hair and a bright smile greeted them dressed in a colorful print tunic and flowing white pants.

“Daniel, darling,” she drawled with a hint of a Southern accent, “please come in.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Wilson,” Daniel replied as he stepped inside the foyer and Angela followed him. Once inside, he turned to her. “I’d like you to meet my associate Angela Trainor. She’ll be partnering with me on this listing.”

The woman’s brow rose. “Partner? I thought you would be representing us.”

“And I will be,” Daniel responded softly. “I’m mentoring Angela on larger listings such as yours. Let me assure you, you will have my expertise at the helm.”

A smile returned to her face and Angela tried not to be offended. She knew she wasn’t as experienced as Daniel, but the disappointment on Mrs. Wilson’s face made it clear that she expected Daniel, and nothing less than the best would do.

“Come, let me show you around,” Mrs. Wilson said as she began walking down the corridor.

“And where is Mr. Wilson?” Daniel asked.

“Oh, he’ll be joining us as soon as he finishes his business call.”

“Of course, lead the way.”

Mrs. Wilson showed them the main level of the home, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The Mediterranean home with its whitewashed walls and red tile roof felt open and spacious. Then again, Angela should have known that Daniel represented only exclusive listings.

Eventually, Mrs. Wilson left them to their own devices and Daniel and Angela were able to walk the grounds at their leisure. Their first stop was the private dock.

“What are your thoughts on marketing strategy?” Angela inquired. She could already see the wheels in his mind turning.

Daniel rubbed his square chin. “I’ll bring in Elyse to handle staging. Then we’ll have to get some new photos of the property showcasing this.” He opened his arms, motioning to the stunning water view.

“And the opening?”

“Has to be big,” Daniel said. “It has to make a splash. Out here on the terrace with nothing but the best food and drink. Then I’m thinking maybe even some kind of entertainment, like a well-known artist.”

Angela’s eyes grew wide. “Really? You have that kind of pull?”

“The name Prescott George does.”

“A private concert will certainly get attention.”

Daniel pointed to her. “That’s exactly what we need.”

Later, after they’d said goodbye to Mrs. Wilson—since her husband never materialized—Daniel threw her a curveball.

“Would you be interested in attending a Heat game with me on Friday? I have floor seats to the playoff game against the Charlotte Hornets,” Daniel said. “I’m taking a buyer I’ve been trying to woo.”

“That must have cost you a mint,” Angela murmured. And the minute she said it, she wished she could take it back. It wasn’t her place to comment on Daniel’s finances or how he chose to run his business.

Instead of saying anything to her, he laughed. “Yeah, it did.” Then he told her about the client, Alejandro Rivera. “I’ve been trying to get his business for some time. He owns homes in Chicago, New York, Dallas and LA. Basically every major metropolitan area. Every time he’s in town, I always try to meet up with him for drinks, dinner, tennis, whatever opportunity I can find to get myself in the door. Yet his business has escaped me.”

“He’s playing hard to get.”

“Yes, which is why Friday night is very important. I’m hoping to finally convince him to sign with Cobb.”

“And you’re hoping a little eye candy will help seal the deal?” Angela mused aloud. She wasn’t unaware of her appearance. Men found her attractive. Desired her, even. She’d seen it. Felt it. Except Daniel was doing his best to dismiss his attraction. If he found it so easy to play cool and unaffected, so could she. At least that’s what she told herself.

“You’re a fantastic agent,” Daniel commented, looking sideways at her.

“But it can’t hurt to have a pair of legs with you.”

Her words caused Daniel’s eyes to momentarily stray from the road and travel from her feet, up her legs and her thighs. From his half smile she could tell he liked everything he saw. His heated perusal caused Angela’s pulse to throb, and her breasts thrust forward in the satin bra she wore, making her nipples scream to be touched. Did Daniel even know how hot he was making her with just one glance? Had he noticed her nipples pucker at his gaze?

“No, it can’t, and you have one mighty fine pair,” he finally murmured.

* * *

He shouldn’t have said that. But how could he not? Angela had a killer pair of smooth, sexy legs that went on for miles, and he was not as oblivious to her as he was letting on. He wanted her. His gaze had caught the tiny peaks of her nipples against her blouse, and he wished like hell that he could tongue them. His policy of not cavorting with his employees prevented him from acting on his desire.

“Why, thank you, Daniel,” Angela replied with a grin. “I didn’t think you’d noticed.”

“Oh, I noticed,” he answered honestly just as he pulled his vehicle into the parking spot inside their office building. He’d noticed everything about her, from the curve of her hips to how long her legs were. He kept the engine idling, but shifted in his seat to face her. Her lips were parted. For what? His kiss?

“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” Angela said, opening her door. “Oh, and Friday. Where shall I meet you? At the arena?”

“No. I’ve arranged for a limo service for the evening, so I’ll pick you up at your place,” Daniel stated, opening the driver’s-side door.

“Th-that’s really not necessary. I can meet you there.”

He raised his eyes to hers. “It’s no trouble. I’ll pick you up at six. We’ll have dinner at the arena before the game.”

“All right.” Before he could get out another word, she was exiting the passenger seat.

Daniel was happy for it. He’d had a hard time focusing on driving thanks to the view of her legs in that skirt. Just thinking of how the material stretched over her tight bottom had caused his erection to spring forward in his trousers. But it wasn’t all one-sided. Angela did flirt with him. He suspected the attraction simmering between them was about to bubble over.

* * *

Angela stared at her backside in the cheval mirror in her bedroom on Friday night. She knew it was a bold move, but she loved how the red leather skinny jeans made her bum look. And would Daniel love it, as well? Though she would never admit if questioned, she had dressed with him in mind tonight. She’d opted for sexy without trying too hard by covering the leather jeans with a white silk button-down shirt and black pointy-toed heels. She jazzed up her outfit with dangling gold chains around her neck, gold hoops adorning her ears and chunky bangles around her wrists.

Overall, she was pleased with the results. Daniel would be able to see she had curves, but they weren’t all on display. She was just swiping some lip gloss on when her cell phone rang.

It was her mother.

Angela sighed. She wasn’t in the mood for a parental chat right now, but she answered brightly anyway. “Hi, Mama. I was just running out.”

“Surely you have time for your mother.”

Guilt. Why did her mother always have that effect on her? She hadn’t lived at home since she was nineteen and had struck out to travel abroad in Europe. So why did she always feel she was letting her mother down?

“Of course, Mama. We can talk while I finish getting ready.” Angela tucked the phone in the crook of her ear and began applying a thick coat of mascara to her eyelashes.

“Where are you headed to at this hour? I would think you’d be winding down after a long week.”

“Not tonight. I’m going to a Miami Heat game for work.”

Her mother chuckled. “Sounds less like work and more like play.”

Angela disliked the disapproving tone in her mother’s voice, but she wasn’t surprised by it. The Trainors thought that Angela’s career as a real estate agent wasn’t a real job. How could she be successful by showing homes all day?

“It’s a little bit of both. My boss and I are taking a prospective client out for dinner and a game. He’s hoping to wine and dine him so he’ll sign with our firm.”

“I’m sure that’s how the game is played in big business. One hand greases another,” her mother replied.

Her mother just couldn’t resist a put-down.

“Did you want something, Mama?”

“Your sister is going to be coming home in a week for the summer while she’s working on her PhD. I thought it would be a great idea if we planned a welcome-home dinner.”

“Denise hasn’t been gone that long.” Five months, if Angela recalled.

“I know, but we haven’t seen her all year. And it’s not like we see you much now since you started this new position.”

Angela glanced in the mirror. Her eyes said it all. She’d used her new job as an excuse to avoid visiting her family. She just hadn’t wanted to hear that she didn’t measure up to her educated baby sister.

“Mama, I told you how dog-eat-dog it is in the real estate business. I have to stay focused and get my name out there.”

“I know that, Angela, but your dad and I miss you girls. And we would love to have the entire family together.”

“All right, all right. Just tell me where and when.”

After getting the details and finally hanging up with her mother, Angela barely had time to grab her clutch purse and throw a few items in before her buzzer was ringing. Glancing at her watch, she saw it was 6:00 p.m. Daniel was on time.

When she arrived downstairs, a chauffeur was waiting beside the limousine. Angela didn’t think the display of wealth was necessary, but she didn’t mind enjoying the benefits tonight.

“Good evening, ma’am.” The driver tipped his hat to her as he opened the door.

Angela climbed inside and was greeted by the sight of Daniel lounging on the backseat. “Hello,” she said.

“Hello, yourself. Have a seat.” There wasn’t much room for her as his large frame took up most of the seat, but he patted the cushion beside him.

It was going to be impossible to ignore Daniel with him sitting so close. He was the kind of man who dominated his surroundings no matter where he was. In the confines of a car, he could be devastating. But what could she do? Reluctantly, Angela slid in next to him. “Where’s Alejandro?”