Heart of Steel by Jennifer Probst
Logan waved for him to continue as he reached for an ashtray he kept in the top drawer. The older man opened his jacket and pulled out a cigar. He clipped the tip, lit it, and drew the smoke into his mouth, sighing with pleasure.
"God, the Cubans sure know how to make a cigar." He paused, enjoying his smoke while Logan waited. "I wondered about the real reason you accepted her offer. Knowing your business savvy, I doubted it was for the classes. So, it came down to two choices. Either you were interested in becoming involved with my daughter personally, or you decided it would be good to have her working for you as leverage."
"Leverage?" Logan tapped the pen absently against the edge of the desk. "What kind of leverage?"
The older man grinned. "You're a smart man. The moment she walked into your office you must have known she was my daughter, once worked for me, and that we haven't spoken on an intimate level in years. You must also know how desperately I want her to marry the right man. Hell, I worry about her constantly. Ever since she started this crazy yoga business I hoped one day she'd come to her senses. She needs someone to show her she belongs in my company. But since she won't talk to me, let alone run it, my second option is to give it to the man she marries and hope she takes her rightful place. I have a feeling the man could be you."
Logan's expression never changed. The steady tap-tap-tap of the pen was the only sound in the room. He gazed at the older man across the desk as the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together. Alexander Santell had made his first mistake by assuming he knew all the details of Chandler's past. His more deadly mistake, was assuming he could manipulate Logan as he did his former business executive--namely Michael Worthington. The thought of the man who was once Chandler's fiancee turned Logan's stomach and made his gut wrench.
"What if I don't want to marry her?" Logan asked.
A glitter of triumph lit moss green eyes. "Oh, I think the idea appeals to you immensely. Besides getting my company, you'd get my daughter. From my detective's report the other night, it seems the two of you are on more intimate terms."
Logan dropped his casual demeanor. He leaned over the desk, every muscle drawn with tension. His fist clenched over the pen he held and he lowered his voice to a silky pitch. "Listen to me and listen well, Santell. If you ever send another person to track me or your daughter, I'll destroy you. If you know me half as well as you think you do, you'll realize I don't make threats. I make promises."
The older man smoked his cigar. Slowly, he nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Point taken. It seems you're more involved than I originally thought. Another reason to think about my offer. I miss my little girl, and I worry about her. I think you'd be a very good match."
"As good as the last one?"
Alexander waved the question away. "That was a mistake from the beginning. Worthington wasn't strong enough for her, and I regret the episode. He ended up ruining my entire relationship with my daughter. I admit I made a mistake when the deal of a lifetime was dropped in my lap. I needed to get my daughter married fast. I thought Worthington would be perfect for her. It didn't seem like a bad idea at the time, since Chandler started to stray. I figured a marriage would help her settle down and focus." He shrugged massive shoulders in an innocent gesture. "It would have worked if Worthington had been the right man." Alexander pointed his cigar at him. "But I have a gut instinct about you, Grant. I think beneath your cool exterior, you have real feelings for Chandler. And I know you'll make my company profitable."
Santell stood up and stamped out his cigar in the ashtray. "The flock should be here in a few minutes to go over the details. If you agree, I'll deliver on my promise when the ring is on her finger."
Logan caught the triumphant expression on the man's face and knew Santell thought the game was over. As an experienced player, Santell had recognized his hunger, and offered to feed it. Logan smothered a groan and cursed himself for letting his emotions about Chandler show so clearly. He'd gain a lucrative contract that would put L&G Brokerage over the top. And he'd finally possess Chandler, body and soul.
All he had to do was agree to the deal.
The swirling emotions ripped at his gut as he gazed at her father. Logan knew if he accepted the proposal, Alexander Santell would control him. If Chandler ever found out their marriage was based on her father's business deals, he'd lose his chance at gaining her heart.
"And if I don't agree?" Logan asked.
Disappointment glimmered briefly in Santell's eyes. He shrugged again. "Then you don't get the contract. And, because of my displeasure I may have to encourage my suppliers and business associates to put a little pressure on you. The contract with Weatherall was superb, by the way, but nothing like what I can do for you." He turned to go, then stopped at the door. "Oh, I also forgot to mention that Chandler is quite sensitive to any ruthless dealings in business. It would be a shame to have to tell her all the details of your past, wouldn't it?"
Logan chuckled. "I heard you like to play hardball. Again, I warn you not to involve her in your little games. You'll regret it."
Santell nodded. "Thank you for listening to my proposal."
"It was enlightening. Did you ever stop to think about what Chandler might want?" Logan ground out. "Or does that even matter to you?"
Santell laughed. "Her welfare is what is most important. I've been taking care of her since she was a little girl, and I know what's best. She may not realize it, but this will make her happy."
"You're a real son of a bitch, Santell."
Logan heard the older man's laughter as he walked out of the office. Swivelling back around in his chair, he stared blindly out the window and watched the hazy colors of sunset settle over the smog infested city. He raked his fingers through his hair and cursed under his breath. Things were becoming more and more complicated ever since Chandler Santell walked into his life.
What the hell was he going to do?
He groaned and replayed the confrontation. He'd learned a few interesting things about his adversary. First, in his own twisted way he loved his daughter. Second, the prime motivation driving him was the fear he was getting older and had no one to leave his legacy to. Evidently, he'd been taught that bullying the people he loved was a good way to control them, but that had ended up pushing everyone away.
Including Chandler.
Logan considered his options. A few years ago there would have been no doubt as to his actions. A contract with Santell's finance company would put him at the top for a very long time. He would have achieved everything he set out to do--make his mark on the world. But now, there was Chandler to consider, and her reaction if she knew her father was trying to buy her another husband, who happened to be another corporate executive.
Logan had a pretty good idea her reaction would not be favorable. To either him or her father.
A sudden thought danced before his mind, and he paused before the window. Her father wanted to marry her off to a businessman, and he was the perfect target. But Alexander Santell was a smart man. He'd have a back-up plan to cover his gamble.
Richard Thorne.
Logan muttered an oath under his breath as the final piece fell into place. That was the reason his attorney was interested in Chandler. He'd bet his entire company Thorne had been approached with a nice fat carrot. Marry the daughter and gain the company. Prove yourself and get a prize. The old man was playing both of them at once, and whoever came out on top would win.
He shook his head with disgust. Now Chandler was in the middle of a war she knew nothing about. Somehow, there had to be a way to get everything. Without hurting Chandler.
Logan rose from his chair and buzzed his secretary to bring in a pot of strong coffee. It was going to be a long night. And he didn't want to even think about Chandler meeting Harry for their dinner appointment this evening.
He wondered how a simple yoga teacher could wreak such havoc in his once logical, orderly life.
Chapter 9
*
"Why
"I'm trying to teach someone a valuable lesson." She closed her eyes in delight as the first mouthful passed her lips. Crunchy broccoli drizzled with olive oil and parmesan cheese.
Was there anything more perfect than al dente pasta with fresh vegetables? "One hour later is perfect. It's for someone who, you'll agree, deserves a good lesson."
Harry put down the fork and stared at her. "Okay, what's going on? You don't sound like yourself. You always say accept a person the way he or she is. Don't punish someone or have false expectations. Has something changed?"
She sighed. "Thanks a lot, Harry. There's nothing worse than hearing your own words come back to haunt you. Especially when it's from one of your students."
"You know I hate it when you call me a student," he grumbled. "I'm your friend and equal, remember? Are you ever going to get over the fact you were two years ahead of me throughout school?"
"Sorry." She laughed. "Sometimes I forget you decided to quit my yoga classes."
Harry glowered at her. "That's because you were constantly on my case giving me lectures on nutrition, on stress, on exercise. During class you always embarrassed me by correcting my postures in front of the other students. I had to quit. Class was damaging our friendship."
She fought back a giggle and took a sip of wine. "I apologize. I was concerned with your well being. I guess I was so used to tutoring you in school that I got carried away when you joined the Yoga And Arts Center. Lord knows, I shouldn't lecture on nutrition. My love of food always makes me put my foot in my mouth when I preach about a healthy diet."
"Yeah, you do eat a lot."
She raised an eyebrow. "I only have a big dinner. The rest of the day I exist on fruit and vegetables."
He snorted.
She shot him a glare and stabbed her fork into a crisp red pepper. "Well, getting back to our previous subject, I admit it's not my usual style to teach someone a lesson but I feel there's no choice."
"Who is it?"
"Logan Grant."
Silverware clattered as it hit the plate. "The man who has the power to send you packing and put you in the poorhouse in six months?"
"That's the one."
He studied her with suspicious eyes. "There's something going on you're not telling me. When I met him I felt like he was ready to cut my head off. Why would he take an instant dislike to me? Unless of course..." he trailed off.
"What?"
"No. You wouldn't."
Chandler focused on her plate. She had a feeling she was in for a lecture.
Harry's mouth dropped open. "You did. You're sleeping with him."
"No!"
"Then you're thinking about it!"
She decided not to answer and continued shoving pasta in her mouth.
"I knew it." He muttered under his breath and shook his head. "I knew you'd snap one day because of all that meditation."
"You think I'm crazy, don't you?"
"Yes, I think you're crazy. For years you insisted you'd never get involved with a corporate mogul. Then you pick the most ruthless executive in the city who happens to have the future of the Yoga and Arts Center in the palm of his hand. He could wipe you out with one clean swoop. Yes, I think you're crazy." He picked up his fork and stabbed his swordfish.
She sighed. "I know, I know. I never asked for this to happen. But don't you think a person can change? If there's a good reason?"
"What kind of reason? People don't usually change overnight."
"If one person fell in love with another, don't you think it's possible?"
She watched as Harry gently placed his fork down. "You didn't."
"What?"
"You fell in love with him!"
She looked away. "I never said that."
"You didn't have to, I know you too well." He paused. "Oh, Chandler, what have you done?"
She met his gaze. Confusion muddled her thoughts. "I've never felt like this before. At first, I fought him so hard I never gave myself an opportunity to explore my feelings. But little by little, he showed me signs."
"What kind of signs?"
"Signs that he wants more in life than just money and prestige. Maybe he wants a wife and family and a home in the country." She pushed back her heavy mane of hair. "Something about him draws me. He's so alone. I feel like in some crazy way he needs me."
Harry groaned. "Logan Grant is not some stray puppy you can bring home. He's not a lost man to show up in your yoga class looking for inner peace. He's a ruthless business executive who could hurt you. Anyway, what happened to the lawyer guy? Thorne, right?"
She sighed. "I like him as a friend."
"I thought you said he was perfect for you."
"He is."
"Hmmm, do women not want perfect now?"
She laughed. "I just don't love him. On the outside he seems to be everything I'm looking for. But my gut tells me he's a liar. Isn't that weird?"
"This whole conversation is weird."
She lowered her voice. "I'm tired of being afraid to trust, to love. I think Logan wants a relationship, not a one night stand. I'd like to give him a shot. After I teach him a lesson, of course."
"What kind of lesson?"
"He ordered me to cancel dinner reservations with you. When I refused, he commanded me to wait for his call at nine thirty. Then he practically threatened me not to disobey him."
"You changed our reservations to eight. We won't be home before ten."
She smiled. "I know."
"I guess he'll just call you on your cell."
She tried not to look guilty. "I left it at home."
He reached for his vodka and tonic and took a long swallow. "Why do I feel like I'm going to be caught in the middle?"
"I'm sorry, I don't want to drag you into this. But you have to admit I'm right. Ordering me to be available for his call? Can you blame me?"
"Actually, I agree with the guy."
"What!"
He nodded. "He's right. If my current lover--"
"I'm not his lover!"
"Okay, if my 'lover to be' decided to go out with some man I didn't know, who said he was an old friend, I'd be nervous. I'm surprised he let you go in the first place. Cut the guy some slack."
Chandler buried her face in her hands. "I can't believe this. Men always stick up for each other. I just don't get it."
"I can't believe you're pushing him this far."
"I only want to prove a point."
"As long as I'm nowhere in the vicinity when nine thirty comes and you're not there to pick up the phone. Logan strikes me as a dangerous man to cross."
A shiver ran down her spine. "Stop trying to scare me, Harry," she said. "His nickname doesn't give him the powers to fly or bend steel. Besides, I intend on calling him when I get home. It may not be nine thirty, which will prove my point, but it'll still give him the reassurance he needs in this relationship."
Harry looked doubtful. "Okay. If you're sure you know what you're doing then I won't rain on your parade." They ate for a few moments in silence. "You're really in love with him?"
"I could be making the biggest mistake of my life, but yes, I think I'm in love with him." She gave a humorless laugh. "My father would be in his glory if he knew."
"You still haven't spoken to him?"
"No. He calls on a regular basis and talks to my machine. I don't know if we'll ever be able to patch up our relationship after what happened with Michael."
"Are you going to tell Logan about your past?"
She dipped her bread in the sauce and bit into the hard crust. "He knows a little, but I'm not ready to reveal all yet. Besides, I don't know what will happen between us. I'm going to grab today and not worry so much about the future." She pointed her fork at him. "You should do the same and ask Rachael out."
Harry groaned. "I've been practicing my speech for months but every time I get cl
"Slip her a note with your phone number on it."
"I'll have an anxiety attack."
"Harry, she's going to say yes. I bet she has the hots for you and just wants you to make the first move."
"Yeah, maybe."
She smiled at his glum tone. "Come on buddy. Dessert is on me. How about the chocolate mousse?"
He raised an eyebrow and glanced at her tiny waist. "How can you lecture on nutrition and still keep a straight face?"
"I will ignore that remark and chalk it up to negative feelings regarding your inability to take a chance on life."
Harry snorted.
After a rich, creamy dessert and ten vows to starve herself for the next few days, they paid the bill and walked out of the restaurant. It was a cool, summer evening which brought hints of the fall to come. The breeze lifted her hair and caressed her skin. The night sounds swarmed around them as they made their way to their cars, the click of her high heels echoing in the smog infested air.