Lexi blinked questioningly at Aidan’s deliberate use of her maiden name. She’d taken Ian’s name upon their marriage, and literally glowed whenever anyone referred to her as ‘Mrs. Callaghan’. Though his manner was outwardly pleasant she caught the warning undercurrent in his eyes.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dumas,” Lexi said politely. She’d heard the name often enough lately – and usually not in a complimentary way. Never having met him herself, she was a bit curious.
He didn’t look anything like she would have expected. Instead of the cutthroat, high-brow businessman she had envisioned, the man who stood before her looked like the boy next door. The boy next door in a two-thousand dollar, custom-tailored suit, anyway.
“And you, Ms. Kattapoulos. I must say, you are nothing like I envisioned.” His voice, too, was deceptive, as was the slight hint of a dimple that revealed itself with his disarming smile.
While Lexi was trying to decide whether that was a compliment or an insult, he added smoothly, “You are even more beautiful than I imagined. Only now do I feel I have a better appreciation for the inspiration behind the Celtic Goddess.”
In a gallant gesture, he took Lexi’s hand and kissed it lightly. “I must say, I am a great fan of your magnificent creations.”
“You are too kind, Mr. Dumas,” Lexi said, blushing slightly.
Over the top of Spencer’s bowed head she looked questioningly at Aidan, who was watching the scene with genuine amusement. No doubt he was imagining what would happen to Spencer Dumas if Lexi’s husband was witnessing this. Ian was very protective of what was his, and to Ian, Lexi was everything.
Outside of family, Aidan was probably the only other male on the planet permitted within her personal space, and even that was questionable at times. He was tolerated because one, Aidan had saved Lexi’s life on more than one occasion, and two, because Aidan was her best friend, and Lexi would have it no other way.
“Mr. Dumas has brought some very interesting information to our attention, Lex,” Aidan prompted.
“Ah, yes,” said Spencer, releasing Lexi’s hand somewhat reluctantly. She didn’t miss the way his eyes lingered upon her fingers, subtly checking for the presence of a ring. Lexi never wore her bands while cooking anymore, not since she accidently lost one in several pounds of croissant dough that the staff spent the better part of an hour pulling apart. She guessed – correctly – that Spencer was adjusting his ‘presentation’ based on her marital status.
“I know your time is precious, so I’ll get right to the point. I understand the Celtic Goddess is interested in forming a business venture to procure locally-grown organic produce.”
Lexi flashed a look at Aidan, then back to Spencer. He could only be referring to the deal they were trying to put together with Maggie. Legal was still working out the details; nothing had been officially announced.
“I wasn’t aware that was public knowledge, Mr. Dumas.”
Spencer smiled, flashing several of his perfect white teeth. “I do not believe that it is, Ms. Kattapoulos.”
“Mr. Dumas is well connected in the local business community,” Aidan explained, pulling out a chair for her.
Lexi hoped she looked suitably impressed. “Do you hold such property, Mr. Dumas?”
He smiled confidently. “Not yet, Ms. Kattapoulos. And please, call me Spencer.” Lexi offered a demure and encouraging smile, but made no such offer to him in return. She’d dealt with enough like him to know that they were disappointed if she didn’t offer at least a slight challenge.
“The Flynn property is of particular interest to Dumas Industries,” Aidan said casually, but Lexi knew him well enough to hear the warning in his voice. As handsome and smooth as Aidan was, Lexi always said no one ever saw the danger before it was too late.
“Ah, Mr. Dumas – Spencer – I do hope this does not mean we will be competing against one another.”
His eyes glittered. “Not at all. What I propose is a collaboration, not a competition.”
Lexi nodded, wondering where this could possibly be going. She sat back in her chair, taking her time crossing one leg over the other. The flash of gold caught Spencer’s eye for a moment. Lexi forgot she was wearing the gold and diamond anklet Ian had gotten her for Valentine’s Day, resembling something a belly dancer might wear. It was one of Ian’s favorite pieces. Apparently other men found it enticing as well.
“Please, continue,” she coaxed.
Spencer’s gaze snapped upward. “My sources tell me you are attempting to create an agreement with the current caretaker of the property, Magdalena Flynn, by which you contract for the fruits of the land, but not the property itself.”
“Your sources are quite well informed.”
He inclined his head in acknowledgement.
“But I fail to see of what interest this is to you.” She allowed some of her Greek grandmother’s accent into her words, intuitively playing the role Spencer expected to see.