First Down (Texas Titans #3) (17 page)

“There’s a lobby,” Grayson snarled. “You could have used it instead of storming into my office uninvited.”

“Sorry,” Bernie said, swiping a hand over his shiny bald head. “I got the impression you wanted this as soon as possible. If you’re busy with something else, I’d be happy to wait.”

“Just give me the damn offer.” Grayson scanned the document. “He stole it under power of sale. Why am I not surprised?” He walked around his desk and sank into his leather swivel chair as he reviewed the comparatives Bernie had compiled. “You think this is a fair offer? Have you seen the place? It needs a hell of a lot of work.”

“I got the impression you weren’t messing around. If you want to modify the offer, we certainly can. Whatever you’re comfortable with—you’re the one calling the shots.”

Grayson thought of Alana’s soiled carpets, stained walls, broken locks, and the cracked window he’d spotted. The place wasn’t habitable, and that slumlord clearly didn’t feel an ounce of responsibility for the poor people in his building. He reached for a pen. “No, it’s fine. But I want the property management company to take care of this for me. No one, and I repeat no one, is to know I’m the new owner.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Bernie said. “I made the offer in your personal corporation’s name. No one could trace it back to you unless they’re digging pretty deep.”

Grayson scribbled his name on the appropriate lines. “Tell this guy I want an answer tonight, and if he drags his heels thinking he can get more money out of me, the offer’s off the table. We both know this is way more than that place is worth.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out,” Bernie said, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’ve been known to buy fixer-uppers in upscale neighborhoods, but this one seems way out of your wheelhouse.”

“A friend of mine just moved into this building,” he said, passing the offer back to Bernie. “She told me a lot of single parents and seniors live there. They’ve tried to get this guy to do the necessary repairs, and he won’t. That’s not right.”

“Sounds pretty altruistic. I’ve never known you to take on charity cases.”

Grayson didn’t know if he was referring to Alana or the building. Either way, he didn’t like the implication. “Why do you care? As long as the deal closes and you get your commission, you should be happy.”

“Yes, well…” Bernie was clearly at a loss for words. “I was just looking out for you. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad investment; it just doesn’t fit your profile. I always keep my eyes open for a very specific type of property, just like you told me to. I don’t understand how this one fits into the plan.”

“It doesn’t. Fortunately, I’ve made enough money to deviate from the plan when I want to.” Grayson stood, buttoning his gray suit jacket. “If you’ll excuse me, there’s someone I have to see.”

“Of course,” Bernie said, shaking his hand. “I’ll be in touch soon.”

***

Alana was ravenous, but she hadn’t had time to stop at the grocery store the previous day. Looking in her wallet, she realized buying lunch would cut into her grocery budget for the week. She was trying to make her cash stretch until her next paycheck. She had vowed to be disciplined about her spending so she could save up to move out of her apartment as soon as her lease was up.

Grayson knocked on her open door as she was contemplating her dilemma.

She flinched and shoved her wallet in the top drawer of her desk. “Hey, Grayson, I didn’t see you standing there.”

“Is there a problem?” he asked, eyeing her desk drawer.

“No, I was just checking to see if I had any change for the vending machine. I thought I saw some apples in there.” She hated lying, but if he found out she hadn’t eaten, he would accuse her of not making her well-being a priority. She was determined to prove to him that she could take care of herself.

“You were planning to get food from the vending machine?” he asked, wrinkling his nose. “There’s nothing in there but sandwiches stacked with something resembling meat, chips, and chocolate bars. Let me take you out to lunch instead.”

“I can’t. I’m swamped. Rain check?”

Grayson leaned against the doorframe, crossing one foot over the other as he slid a hand into his pocket. “If you won’t let me take you out to lunch, how about a compromise?”

It was difficult to focus on food when she was so distracted by him. He hadn’t shaved, and the stubble covering his jaw only made him more appealing. “What did you have in mind?” She cleared her throat when she realized how sultry her voice sounded.

He crossed her office, reaching across her desk for the phone. Smiling at her, he punched a few buttons. “Hey, Wendy, it’s Grayson. I didn’t have a chance to grab lunch at the meeting. Would you mind bringing a couple of sandwiches down to the accounting department? I’m in Alana Holmes’s office. Thanks.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Alana said. “I was going to grab something.”

“We had lunch brought in for our board meeting, but I didn’t have a chance to eat either. No sense letting all that good grub go to waste, is there?” He sat on the edge of her desk, glancing at the spreadsheet on her computer screen. “What’re you working on?”

“Bob’s just bringing me up to speed on your marketing budget.”

“You like what you do?” he asked, crossing his arms. “Being an accountant, I mean?”

“Sure. Numbers make sense. I like that—” She stopped short of saying that numbers were safe and predicable. They didn’t have any hidden agendas or unknown variables like people did.

“What were you going to say?”

“Nothing, I just—” She was saved by a tap on the door.

A silver-haired woman wearing gray dress pants and a matching silk shirt beamed at Grayson. “I forgot to ask what kind you wanted, so I just brought a bit of everything. And I know how much you love these peanut butter cookies.”

Grayson winked at her as he rounded the desk to take the tray. Kissing her soundly on the cheek, he asked, “What would we do without you, Wendy?”

“Oh stop.” She took her glasses off as the chain around her neck held them. “Flattery will get you nowhere with me, young man.”

Grayson chuckled. “Wendy, this is Alana. She’s the newest member of our accounting department. She just moved here from Sacramento to take the job.”

Wendy moved forward, extending her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Alana. You made the right decision. I’ve worked for High Rollers from the start, and I can tell you it’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

Alana smiled as she wrapped both hands around Wendy’s. “That’s good to hear. I’m sure I’ll be very happy here too.” Something about the woman reminded Alana of her mother, and she was a little homesick looking at her. Alana decided to call her parents that night to check in and let them know all was well with her new job.

“Wendy is Dylan’s receptionist,” Grayson explained, “but I haven’t given up on trying to lure her away from him.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Just tell me what I have to do. A raise? More vacation time? A company car? Expense allowance? You name it, and it’s yours.”

She laughed, squeezing Grayson’s hand. “You’re shameless, but I love it. Keep an eye on this one, Alana. He could charm the pants off…” She blushed. “I’ll just leave it at that. I better get back to work.” She waved at Alana. “I’m on the fifth floor. Come on down and visit me sometime.”

“I’ll do that,” Alana said, smiling. “And thanks for lunch.”

“My pleasure, dear.”

“Why do you have that look on your face?” Grayson asked, moving aside some files so he could set the tray on Alana’s desk.

“What look is that?” She reached into her desk for some hand sanitizer. She squirted some in her palm and rubbed it in before she offered him the bottle.

He looked amused but indulged her nonetheless. “You looked a kind of sad.”

“Wendy reminds me a bit of my mom. It wasn’t easy leaving my family behind. We’re close, and I’ve never been away from home before, not even for school.”

“But they supported your decision to move here?” He pulled up a chair and settled in.

“Yeah. They knew I’d never get any peace with Ronan hounding me, so they encouraged me to put some distance between us. In time, I’m sure he’ll move on. When he does, I might go back home. We’ll see how things work out here.”

Grayson frowned with his hand hovering over the tray. “I didn’t realize you saw this as a temporary position.”

“I don’t,” she said quickly, chastising herself for putting her foot in her mouth. “I’d like to be here for the long haul, but none of us knows what the future will bring, right?”

“What do you see in your future, Alana? What do you hope will happen?”

The intensity of his question startled her. She didn’t know what he was getting at. “I want what everyone wants—to be happy.” She knew it was a simplistic answer, but it was true. “Eventually I want to find a partner who wants the same things I do. I want to have a family, a career I enjoy, friends, maybe travel a bit.” She reached for a chicken sandwich on rye, hoping he couldn’t hear her stomach growl. “But I’m in no hurry. Things will unfold as they’re supposed to.”

“Sounds like a healthy attitude,” he said, digging into a roast beef sandwich on whole wheat. “I’m used to dating women who want to choreograph every minute of the relationship. I guess that’s why I work so hard to keep things casual.”

“Casual works for me.” She smiled to soften her words. “I don’t want anything serious right now. I think you’re a great guy, but I’d just like to relax and have a little fun, like you suggested.”

He seemed pensive, chewing carefully before setting his sandwich on a napkin. “What if things do get serious? Are you going to cut and run on me?”

Alana’s heart beat wildly. Where was he going with that? “Cut and run?” She laughed lightly. “I’m guessing that’s more your speed.”

“You’d be wrong.” He pinned her with gaze. “I’m always straight up with women. Either I see a future with them or I don’t, and I don’t believe in playing games. I’ve never intentionally led anyone on.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, reaching for his hand. “I didn’t mean to imply that.” When he looked down at their joined hands, she withdrew hers. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Actually, that’s why I’m here. I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight.”

As enticing as the offer sounded, she had vowed to spend her free time working on her apartment. Even if she wouldn’t be there for more than a year, Alana longed to have a comfortable place to call home. “Sorry, there’s a paint brush at home that asked me first.”

He frowned. “That’s the second time you’ve blown me off today. I’m starting to take it personally.”

“Please don’t,” she said. “I’d really love to go out with you, but—”

“You have to paint, I know.” He sighed. “That apartment should have been professionally painted before you moved in. All of the flooring should have been replaced, not to mention that kitchen. I saw one of the cabinet doors… I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be critical. But I’m a landlord too, and it pisses me off when I see jerks taking money and refusing to keep the building up to code.”

Alana rested her chin in her hand. “You’re cute when you’re mad. Do you always get so worked up about stuff like this?”

“No, but you matter to me.” His lips thinned with anger, as though he was battling his desire to speak his mind. “I take care of the people I care about. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but that’s just the way I am.”

Alana would never ask him to change for her. She’d had too much experience with someone trying to mold her to try to impose her will on someone else. Many of Grayson’s characteristics concerned her, but not enough to override his magnetic appeal. “We’re just getting to know each other. I appreciate that you care about me… as a friend.”

“I have all the friends I need.” He lowered his voice as his eyes traveled over her face. “I’m looking for a lover.”

Alana nearly trembled. He was making her a blatant offer, one she would be a fool to refuse, but she wasn’t into casual sex. Until she figured out where they were going, she couldn’t allow desire to override her common sense. “You could have been with Patti this weekend.” She could have pinched herself for even suggesting that.

“You’re right. I could have.” He sat back, staring at her. “Is that what you want, for me to find someone else? Are you just not interested in a physical relationship with me? Is that what you’re saying, Alana?”

His question left her with an inexplicable emptiness. She knew he could walk out of her life, and she’d never have the opportunity to get to know him better. She tried to find the right words to make him understand her dilemma. “I believe in taking things slow. Ronan was…” She swallowed, mortified but determined to continue. “My only lover. I’ve dated a bit, but I’m sure I’m not as experienced as most of the women you’ve been with.”

He walked around her desk. Pulling her into his arms, his hands locked around her waist as his stubble grazed her jaw. “I love that you take this so seriously. The fact that you’re not willing to jump into bed with me only makes me want you more.”

Alana felt delicious ripples of excitement move through her as she felt his arousal. He turned her on like no man ever had, and she knew making love with him would be epic. That didn’t mean she was willing to rush into anything.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said, gliding his hands over her bottom. “You make me crazy, Alana.”

His hazel eyes riveted her to the spot, and she fought for breath as she waited for him to continue.

“I meet a lot of women, but I don’t think I’ve ever met one who makes me
feel
this way. I can’t explain it. When I see you, my gut tightens, and I forget what I wanted to say.”

She smiled. He’d just described the way she felt every time he walked into the room.

“When you smile, I lose my breath,” he whispered, gliding his lips over hers. “When you kiss me, I want to get lost in you and pretend no one else in the world exists, just you and me.”

Alana feared he could feel her trembling, so she tightened her hold on him. He deepened the kiss, and the glide of his tongue over hers made her tingle. Her skin warmed everywhere he touched. She felt him pulling her blouse from her waistband before his hands moved over her bare back. They were in her office, and she had to get a grip, but she couldn’t, not while he was kissing her like that.