Total pages in book: 190
Estimated words: 181992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 910(@200wpm)___ 728(@250wpm)___ 607(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 181992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 910(@200wpm)___ 728(@250wpm)___ 607(@300wpm)
It seemed inevitable that we’d bump into each other at Oakengrove, but it hadn’t happened thus far. I’d caught glimpses of him from a distance now and then, though—usually when he was talking with the people who ran the various businesses in the village, since they now technically worked for him.
In terms of how he treated people, he was nothing like the business tycoons I’d come across over the years. One of said tycoons was my father. Dane Davenport was a content man, but his smiles were as rare as rocking horse shit. Also, he didn’t make much of an effort to be social, likeable, or approachable. He tended to look through people and very rarely greeted them unless he was networking. Many of his business associates could be described the same way.
Dax, however, was different. His lips often settled into charismatic smiles. He spoke to every one of his employees, from cleaners to PAs, treating them all equally. More, he addressed them by name and asked after their families.
I knew from speaking to these people that they loved having that recognition and respect. But it also made them nervous, because it meant they weren’t mere cogs in his machine who could hide behind teams and managers if they fucked up. No, if a mistake was made, he’d know exactly who was responsible, and he’d know where to find them.
I would bet it was all very deliberate on his part; that he knew exactly what effect his behavior had on them. It was a very devious, albeit effective, way to keep people in line.
“Well, whatever his reason for seeking out Sapphire Glade, I’m glad for it—handling an event for him would be real good for business,” Sabrina said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Any kind he threw would involve a guestlist of wealthy or, at the very least, influential people.”
“It would,” I allowed. Dax was a true powerhouse. Not merely in the business world, but in general. He wielded so much social power it was nuts. He also had connections everywhere, some of which were the definition of unsavory.
Not all his dealings were legal. Everyone knew it, but no one could prove it. He wasn’t knee-deep in organized crime or anything, but he was not a guy who had an issue with subverting the system or bending and breaking rules. He lived life by his own code. In that, he was his father’s son.
Given all that, people generally strived to stay on Dax’s good side. They didn’t merely fear him, though; they respected him. He might have his hands in some illegal pies, but he’d done a lot for the community—organizing fundraisers, donating to charities, arranging holiday food drives, and sponsoring small businesses and youth sports’ teams.
“Also, he’s hardly likely to want a low-budget event,” said Sabrina. “Our rates would be chump-change to him, which would allow us to be seriously creative and go butt-wild.”
“Indeed.”
Her brows pulled together. “Then why don’t you look excited?” She lowered my nameplate to the desk.
I rubbed at my temple. “Maybe because my hormones never fail to fall at his goddamn feet.” Back when we’d had our little fling, I hadn’t realized that that type of insane chemistry was rare. It was something I hadn’t experienced with anyone else before or since. “My libido snaps awake so fast it’s dizzying.”
Sabrina unsuccessfully tried to stifle a smile. “Does this mean you’re planning to not take the job?”
I dropped my hand to my lap. “No, I’ll always do what’s best for Sapphire Glade and, as you said, throwing an event for Dax means big money and lots of exposure. I’m just not looking forward to seeing him again, since I know my hormones will react like idiots.”
“Dax seems to have that effect on most women, if it makes you feel any better.”
It didn’t. “Hmm, I’ve noticed.” He tended to have tall, slim blondes hanging off his arm. Also the occasional redhead. Female specimens who were, in fact, very much dissimilar to me. I had dark hair, a curvy figure, and was average height. “I’ve realized over the years that, though we had major chemistry, I’m not actually his type.”
“In terms of physical traits, maybe not. But you’re a person who stands out in a whole other way—and without even trying. You look so calm, collected, and put-together that it makes guys want to get under your skin and see if they have what it takes to ruffle your feathers. The more dominant they are, the more challenged they seem to feel by you. Dax probably wasn’t an exception to that.” She paused. “You seem really surprised that he contacted you.”
I sat back in my chair. “I am. I mean, I wouldn’t have expected him to consider hiring Sapphire Glade.”
Sabrina frowned. “Why not? We have a shit-hot reputation and are known for going the extra mile.”