Beauty and the Beast (25 page)

Catherine and Roy seemed as different as fire and ice. Catherine had lush brunette hair and warm, captivating brown eyes, while Roy had dull black hair and cold blue eyes lacking depth. While Catherine’s presence was commanding and confident; Roy’s was unsure and unassertive. Catherine was young, vibrant; Roy seemed to be fighting to hold on to days long gone.

Just as Nefertiti was about to introduce herself to Roy, Rachel came rushing out of the study. “Here’s your…” She stopped and turned toward Roy. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there. Excuse me.”

Roy nodded a polite hello, then returned to perusing.

Rachel continued over to Nefertiti and knelt. “Here’s your cell,” she whispered. “Thanks. I’ll get my own in a month. I want to pay off my Visa before I add another bill.”

“Good idea,” she answered in hushed tones.

“Who’s that fine man over there?”

“That fine man over there is old enough to be your father. Forget it, Rachel.”

“I loves me some older men.”

“You are too much.” They both laughed. “Get on out of here before I slap a chastity belt on your fast tail.” Smile deeply ensconced in her heart, she shooed her away.

“Too late for that.” Rachel smiled at Roy on her way out.

Just as Nefertiti was about to introduce herself to Roy, Betty leaned out of Janis’s office. “Tee, could you take Mr. Dixon up to Bruce’s office, please. Janis is on the phone.”

“No problem.”

 
Roy followed Nefertiti along the stairwell.

She glanced over her shoulder. “My name is Tee. I guess I’m your tour guide for today.”

His features took on a youthful glow when he smiled. “Pleased to meet you, Tee. I’m Roy, Roy Dixon.”

She rested her gloved hand on the banister as she ascended the stairs. “I haven’t met your sister, but I’ve seen the results of her work. She’s doing a great job with Dixon Textiles.”

“She’ll be glad to hear that. I’ll be sure to forward the message. Do you work here?”

“No,” she answered simply.

“You have beautiful eyes.”

Where did that come from? She glanced over her shoulder. She didn’t know why she was shocked he had actually noticed. “Thank you. His office is right down this hallway.” They made a right at the top of the stairwell.

“Your voice is…” He trailed off. “I apologize. You’re just very attractive.”

His comment stopped Nefertiti in her tracks. “You can’t even see me.”

Men.
She shook her head and laughed.
You sure aren’t unsure or unassertive when it comes to picking up women. I’ll need to keep you away from the baby girl. She “loves” her “some older men.”
Nefertiti continued along the hallway, opened the door to Bruce’s office, then turned to leave.

“I’m glad you came up. Stay.” Bruce held his hand out to her.

She could tell he wanted to say something and was glad that, for a change, he held his tongue. She crossed the office, stood behind him, then gently massaged his shoulders.

Roy situated himself in the leather armchair in front of Bruce’s desk, but couldn’t seem to get comfortable.

“I trust you’ve met my fiancée, Tee.”

A touch of disappointment colored Roy’s face momentarily. “Yes I have. She’s quite lovely, congratulations.”

Bruce affectionately caressed Nefertiti’s hand. “Yes, she is. Now what can I do for you?”

Roy sat with his back straight and his hands placed in his lap. Nefertiti noticed the tapping of his foot. It wasn’t dramatic, but enough to show her he was nervous.

He drew in a deep breath. “What can I do to convince you to sell your shares of Dixon Textiles to me?”

“Nothing.”

Nefertiti knew Roy couldn’t have thought it would be that easy. At least she prayed he hadn’t.

His index fingers joined the rhythm and tapped against each other. “Then perhaps we could come to a compromise,” he said with a slight shake to his voice. How amazing, she thought, the confidence she’d heard in his voice while he flirted with her was now nowhere to be found. But she still gave him credit. From what she’d heard, most people feared negotiations with Bruce because it was either Bruce’s way or no way.

“I’ve read through your proposal for the resort and see the potential,” he continued. “Actually, I’m excited about it. But Dixon Textiles has been in my family for years. The community was built around the mill. I made a mistake in selling my stock to you.”

“You made a sound business investment.”

“But at what cost? Family is more important than money.”

Nefertiti and Bruce nodded in agreement.

“I know Dixon and the surrounding areas like the back of my hand. I’ve found other land that may suit your purposes.” The more he spoke, the smoother his voice became, until he was talking from passion instead of some prepared script. He continued to give pertinent information about the alternative site for Dixon Resort.

“I own forty-six percent of Dixon textiles.”

Roy didn’t even flinch at Bruce’s update. Nefertiti began to reassess her opinion of Roy.

“Even if I bought this other land,” Bruce continued, “I’d want that forty-six protected and productive. I’m in business to make money. The mill will shut down within ten years if production isn’t moved offshore, and I’ll lose my investment.”

“I’m able to buy back the twenty-five percent I sold to you, and I’m sure between Catherine and my parents, they can swing another ten percent. That would leave you with only eleven percent. We could buy another percentage point each year afterwards.”

“With what?” Bruce held his hands out. “I’m impressed with this new attitude you have, but the textile division of Dixon Textiles is losing money and will continue to do so. There is no way your family can afford to cover the last eleven percent.”

Nefertiti’s heart went out to the Dixons. She knew Bruce was right; the mill would close. But why did it have to close at their hands? She whispered into his ear. “I’ll give them the money for the last eleven percent.”

She felt him tense under her touch, but his voice remained low in her ear. “You’re not serious, are you?”

“Of course I am. Please, Bruce, this is their home—his family. How would you feel if Auntie Vic had to lose Maxwell Manor because someone else had more money?”

He grumbled, “Fine.” He faced Roy fully. “Where is this second site in relation to Dixon Textiles? I’ll need to see it before I agree to anything.”

Roy’s eyes briefly connected with Neferetiti’s and offered a silent thanks. “Only ten miles. It even has a private lake. I’ll arrange a flight—at my expense of course. You can stay at Dixon Manor.”

Bruce looked over his shoulder at Nefertiti. “You sure about this?”

She cupped her hand to his ear and whispered, “The only thing I’m sure about is I’ll die if you don’t make love with me soon.”

“Janis will make our flight arrangements, but we would be honored to stay at Dixon Manor. Good day, Mr. Dixon.”

Roy stood slowly. “It was nice meeting you both, and I’ll see you in a few days.”

“Umm-hmm.” Bruce turned his chair toward Nefertiti. As soon as the door closed behind Roy, he pulled her into his lap. The room filled with her squeal.

“Time to save two lives.” He lifted her veil.

From the opposite side of the door, Roy heard Tee squeal with pleasure.
Damn, that’s one lucky man. No wonder he never leaves.
He headed downstairs to speak with Janis and saw the young woman who had given Tee the cell phone.

Though the young woman was attractive and obviously impressed with him, he had his eyes on someone else.

“Excuse me,” he called to her as he reached the bottom step.

She drew her hands to her chest, and her eyes grew large. “Who me?”

“I’m sorry to disturb you. I’m Roy, Roy Dixon, but please call me Roy.”

“What can I do for you—Roy,” she practically purred.

He bit his bottom lip and looked over his shoulder toward the top of the stairs, then back at her. “I was supposed to get Tee’s cell number, but she and Bruce are…” he hunched his shoulders, “let’s say busy.”

Rachel laughed. “Again! Damn.” Cheeks suddenly crimson red, she covered her face with her hands. “I’m so sorry. I mean…” She trailed off. “I’m so embarrassed.”

He chuckled. “I understand. Don’t worry. They’re in love. But now I’m in a bind. I was hoping you could help me out.”

“Oh sure, anything.”

“Tee was going to give me her cell number so we could discuss plans for the mill.”

“Oh! I knew I recognized your name. You’re from Dixon Textiles.”

“Correct. I don’t want to interrupt, and for some reason Janis has decided she doesn’t like me.”

“Oh, I’m sure she likes you. She is just a little stiff. Don’t worry, she’s like that with everyone. If you’ve got a piece of paper, I’ll write the number for you.”

He handed over his cell. “Could you program it in?”

“Sure thing.” She worked her magic on the phone.

“I did it!” Roy said into his cell from the backseat of the taxi on his way to the hotel. “I told you not to give up!” He quickly updated Catherine on Bruce’s tentative agreement to sell his interest in Dixon Textiles to them.

“Oh my God!” Catherine screamed. “I can’t believe this! How? I take back everything negative I ever said about you.”

He watched as they drove out of the wooded area Maxwell Manor was hidden behind. “I hate to admit this, but I didn’t change his mind.”