Her CV was impressive. A first-class degree in engineering from a top university, followed by an MA in
automotive design from another top institution. And she hadnt gone in straight at the top of her family business, unlike himself: it looked as if shed done a stint in every single department before becoming her fathers second-in-command, and then Max McKenzie had stepped aside two years ago to let her take charge. Again, impressive: it meant she knew her business inside out.
But there was nothing in the dossier about her personal life. He had the distinct impression that she put the business first and spent all her time on it. Given the state of those balance sheets, he wouldve done the same.
But there was one small thing that he could use. Angel McKenzie went to the gym every morning before work. Even more helpfully, the gym she used belonged to the leisure club of a hotel near to her factory. All he had to do was book a room at the hotel, and he could use the leisure club and then accidentally-on-purpose bump into her.
Once they were face to face, shed have to talk to him.
And it would all be done and dusted within a week.
* * *
At seven the next morning, Brandon walked into the leisure clubs reception area and paused at the window. The badge on the womans neat black polo shirt identified her as Lorraine, Senior Trainer.
Good morning, he said with a smile. I wonder if you can help me.
She smiled back. Of course, sir. Are you a guest at the hotel?
I am. He showed her his room key.
And youd like to use the facilities?
Sort of, he said. Im meeting Angel McKenzie here.
Its Thursday, so shell be in the pool, Lorraine told him. Would you like a towel?
Yes, please. And he was glad hed thought to bring swimming trunks as well as a T-shirt and sweatpants.
She handed him a thick cream-coloured towel. I just need you to sign in here, please. She gestured to the book on the windowsill with its neatly ruled columns: name, room number, time in, time out. The changing rooms are through there on the left, she said, indicating the door. The lockers take a pound coin, which will be returned to you when you open the locker. As a guest, you also have use of the sauna, steam room and spa pool. Just let us know if you need anything. She gave him another smile.
Thanks. He signed in, went to change into his swimming gear, and followed the instructions on the wall to shower before using the pool.
The pool room itself was a little warm for his liking. Nobody was sitting in the spa pool, but there were three people using the small swimming pool: a middle-aged man and woman who were clearly there together, and a woman who was swimming length after length in a neat front crawl.
Angel McKenzie.
Brandon slid into the water in the lane next to hers and swam half a dozen lengths, enjoying the feel of slicing through the water.
Then he changed his course just enough that he accidentally bumped into her, knocking her very slightly off balance so she was forced to stand up in the pool.
He, too, halted and stood up. Im so sorry.
She looked at him. The first thing he noticed was how vivid her eyes were; the photograph had barely done her justice.
The second thing he noticed was that she was wearing earplugs, so she wouldnt have heard his apology.
Sorry, he said again, exaggerating the movement of his mouth.
She shrugged. Its OK.
Clearly she planned to go straight back to swimming. Which wasnt what he wanted. No, its not. Can I buy you a coffee?
She took out one of the earplugs. Im afraid I missed what you said.
Can I buy you a coffee to apologise?
Theres no need. She was starting to smile, but Brandon saw the exact moment that she recognised him, when her smile disappeared and those amazing violet eyes narrowed. Did you bump into me on purpose?
He might as well be honest with her. Yes.
Why? And what are you doing here anyway?
I wanted to talk to you.
Theres nothing to say.
He rather thought there was. Hear me out?
We really have nothing to talk about, Mr Stone, she repeated.
I think we do, and your PA wont book a meeting with me.
So you stalked me?
Put like that, it sounded bad. He spread his hands. Short of pitching up on your doorstep and refusing to budge, how else was I going to get you to speak to me other than by interrupting your morning workout?
My company isnt for sale. That isnt going to change.
Thats not what I want to talk about.
She frowned. Then why do you want to talk to me?
Have breakfast with me, and Ill tell you.
She shook her head. I dont have time.
Lunch, then. Or dinner. Or breakfast tomorrow morning. Brandon didnt
usually have to work this hard with women, and it unsettled him slightly.
She folded her arms. Youre persistent.
Persistence is a business asset, he said. Have breakfast with me, Ms McKenzie. You have to eat before work, surely?
I...
Lets just have breakfast and a chat. He summoned up his most charming smile. No strings.
She said nothing while she thought about it; Brandon, sure that she was going to refuse, was planning his next argument to convince her when she said, All right. Breakfast and a chat. No strings.