Whistlin' Dixie (Tempered Steel Book 1) by Maggie Adams Page B

soothing shower and a much-anticipated evening with Dixie. He could hardly wait. Wine? Check. Roses? Check. Condoms? Double Check.
    “It will cost next to nothing. We’ll do it. We will take shifts. Right now, we’ve committed ourselves to building only a few houses at a time, so there’s really no problem. And there’s five of us, plus Jamie. We can handle it,” Chance predicted smugly.
    “And just how do we handle this tremendous influx of housing contracts that are going to be flooding our “in” boxes? Staying up all night is guaranteed to make us a bit too tired to take on additional projects,” Lucky grumbled.
    “And what about Jamie? He seems a good kid, but there is no proof that he wasn’t in on at least a part of the sabotage,” Nick stated.
    At the mention of Jamie, Mac pulled himself together. “He’s not. Just look elsewhere,” His dark voice left little room for argument.
    “Mac, there’s a Ms. Trumbull here to see you. She doesn’t have an appointment, but apparently she’s connected to Trumbull Investment Properties.” Dottie said at the doorway of the conference room. She peered at Mac over her bifocals sending him a severe frown. Very few people breached Mac’s inner sanctum without Dottie’s approval and an appointment. Mac noted she was not a happy camper.
    Apparently, Ms. Trumbull must be quite determined. Mac wished he could place the name. It was always better to know who you were talking to in any particular situation. “Show her into my office. I’ll be there in a few minutes and find out anything you can because I don’t remember who the hell she is.”
    “No need. Ms. Flashy Pants is already ensconced there. She said she never waits in a lobby,” Dottie said sarcastically.
    Mac groaned. Just what he didn’t need. He finally remembered the name. Christina Trumbull was a spoiled brat who liked to pretend she ran her father’s company. Unfortunately, Daddy did listen to her on occasion, so it would probably be best not to ruffle her feathers. Her father was extremely rich and powerful man in the state of Illinois. The only reason she could be here was because of the marina project proposal.
    Mac excused himself and headed down the hall to his office. Closing the door quietly, he took a moment to remember the woman waiting by his desk. One day of marina proposal meetings with her father; one night of totally forgettable sex with her. It had been over two years ago. He didn’t even remember what she looked like until she turned around. “How can I help you Christina?”
    “Hello, Mac. It’s been a long time.” She glided over to him on high red heels, her tall slim body encased in an all-white suit. Perfectly manicured red hot nails grazed over his face. Her tawny tresses were artfully styled to complement her amber eyes, which smoldered with desire. The silent invitation in her delicate pose was designed to bring a man to his knees. But Mac felt absolutely nothing but irritation.
    “Again, how can I help you, Christina?” he asked impatiently as he sauntered around his desk. He immediately felt better as soon as there was a desk space between them.
     
    Christina frowned. “Father heard about your plan for a new winery near the marina. He wanted to find out a bit more before he makes a decision whether to back your proposal.” Christina sauntered over to the brown leather couch and sat down, as she crossed her legs and leaned back provocatively.
    “Proposal was six months ago. What’s taken him so long? I may have already found all the financing I need,” Mac stated dryly. He hadn’t found all the financing, but he was angry enough to let her think so. She was taking up valuable time he could be spending with Dixie, and her attempts at seduction left him cold. Dixie left her in the dust at every level.
    “My father’s a very busy man. Someone as hard-working as you can appreciate that I’m sure.” She stood up, crossing to the large window, letting the sun