Barbara Dunlop - The Billionaire’s Bidding

2007

Emma McKinley should have been nervous as she stepped off the elevator onto the Garrison Hotels corporate floor. But her emotions had been wrung dry days ago.

It all started with her fathers sudden death. Then she discovered McKinley Inns massive debts. And then she learned of the bizarre financial offer made to her sister in order to save the family corporation.

The only thing left inside her now was a grim determination. And it was focused on Alex Garrison, the CEO of Garrison Hotels.

She clamped her bag against her Donna Karan blazer and marched her matching pumps straight down the marble-pillared hallway. Shed never been in the Garrison offices before, never had a reason to talk to her familys rivals. But it didnt take a genius to figure out the double doors at the far end would lead to Alex Garrisons inner sanctum.

She ignored the stares from admin staff whose desks were tucked into discreet alcoves along the way. Nobody seemed inclined to stop her. Just as well, she wasnt in a mood to be stopped. She might not have an appointment with Mr. Garrison, but she had a moral right to confront him in person.

How dare he take advantage of her little sister, Katie, mere weeks after the funeral, with his veiled threats and outrageous propositions?

Emma drew a breath into her tightening lungs.

Maybe she did have some emotion left in her after all.

Excuse me, maam, came a female voice on her left as the hallway widened into a posh reception area.

Emma didnt answer. She didnt glance across the desk at the woman, and she didnt break stride. Ten feet from his door. Eight feet.

Maam. The voice was louder this time, more strident as a neatly suited, thirty-something woman jumped up from her chair.

Five feet.

You cant go-

Emma clamped her hand around the elongated, ornate gold door handle.

-in there.

Emma swung the door wide open.

Four men in dark suits, sitting at a round, mahogany meeting table, turned sharply to stare at her. Two were gray-haired, with bushy eyebrows and accusatory squints that told her shed made a terrible blunder. The third was a younger, blond man. His sparkling blue eyes and restrained grin told her he welcomed the interruption.

The fourth man shot to his feet, pushing a leather chair backward with the motion. Dark-haired, dark-eyed and broad-shouldered, his stance told her he was more than ready to take on her and anybody else who breached his privacy.

Im so sorry, Mr. Garrison, came the secretarys breathless voice from behind Emma. I tried-

Not your fault, Simone. The mans slate-gray gaze never left Emma. Can I help you with something?

Emmas grip tightened on her shoulder bag. Everyone else in the room faded to mist as her anger returned in force. She focused on Alex Garrison. Did you think there was the slightest chance Id let you get away with it?

Simone gasped.

As you can see. Alexs jaw clenched over the steel-threaded words. Were in the middle of a meeting.

I dont care if youre-

If youd like to make an appointment.

I would not.

Then Ill have to ask you to leave.

Do you know who I am?

No.

Liar.

Ill call security, said Simone.

Alex raised his eyebrows, gazing blandly back at Emma. She realized with a jolt that he really didnt know who she was. How was that possible? Katie was the public face of McKinley Inns, sure. But

Do we need security? he asked.

Im Emma McKinley.

His nostrils flared and he jerked back ever so slightly.

Then, after a silent pause, he lifted a gold pen from the tabletop and tucked it into the breast pocket of his finely tailored jacket. His burgundy silk tie gleamed under the discreet lighting as he straightened to full height. If youll excuse us, gentlemen. I believe I can spare five minutes for Ms. McKinley.

The men started to rise.

Alex held up a broad hand. Please. Ms. McKinley and I will use the boardroom.

He gestured to a wide oak door and indicated she should precede him.

She crossed the room and turned yet another ornate gold handle. The doorway opened into an impressively large boardroom, dominated by an oblong table of polished, inlayed wood. The twenty chairs surrounding it were covered in burgundy leather, and a bank of windows running down one side let in the August sun that was hanging over uptown Manhattan.

She heard the door click shut, and she pivoted to face him.

I trust you can make this quick, he said, taking a single step toward her, planting his oxfords wide apart.

He was even larger and more impressive up close, with broad shoulders and a deep, muscular chest. Stark sunrays highlighted the uncompromising planes of his face. His chin was square, the set of his lips grim, and his eyes were the color of gunmetal gray after a glistening rain.

She got the feeling few people crossed him and lived to tell the tale. If she didnt know hed been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, shed swear he grew up on the streets of Brooklyn.

Not that any of it mattered. He wasnt getting his hands on her baby sister or their company.

You are not marrying Katie, she stated bluntly.

He gave a careless shrug. I believe thats up to Katie.

My father isnt even cold in his grave.

Doesnt change your financial situation.

I can fix our financial situation. Maybe. Hopefully. They could always mortgage the Marthas Vineyard property.

Alex cocked his head to one side. I can have your loan called within twenty-four hours. Can you fix your finances that fast?

Emma didnt answer. He knew darn well she couldnt fix them that fast. It would take weeks, maybe months to work through the maze of mortgages, letters of credit and personal guarantees signed by her father.

Her chest tingled and tightened. Why, oh, why did her father have to die so young? She missed him desperately. And shed counted on having his guidance for decades to come.

Ms. McKinley?

Why do you even want McKinley Inns?

Garrison Hotels had dozens of properties, bigger, more opulent facilities. McKinley occupied a small, high-end niche, where Garrison could compete with any luxury hotel chain in the world.

Youre joking, right?

She shook her head.

Like anyone, I want to expand. And youre an opportunity.

And you dont care who gets trampled in the process?

The mans reputation was well and truly deserved. Though his press coverage had become more flattering over the past months, Emma wasnt fooled. He was a coldhearted takeover artist who profited from other peoples misfortune.

He took another step forward and crossed his arms over his chest. I dont think Katie made the situation clear. Im the one doing you a favor.

Emmas spine snapped straight. She tipped her chin to look him in the eyes. By marrying my sister and taking over our company?

By saving your company from bankruptcy. Youre insolvent, Ms. McKinley. If I dont take you out, somebody else will. Thats the way capitalism works.

Dont patronize me.

A cold grin flexed one side of his mouth. Way I see it, this is a win-win.

The way I see it, this is a lose-lose.

Thats because youre idealistic and impractical.

At least I have a soul.

He shifted his stance. Last time I checked, a soul wasnt a requirement for a business license in the state of New York.

She will not marry you.

Did she explain the deal?

Yes, Katie had explained the deal. Alex wanted their company. But hed spent thousands of dollars over the last two years improving his image, and he was afraid of negative publicity from preying on two newly bereaved sisters.