Escape for Valentine's: Beauty and the Billionaire / Her One and Only Valentine / The Girl Next Door

Sinclair thought that fact boded well for the discussions, but Hunter’s expression remained neutral.

“We’re in Paris for a few days,” explained Hunter, “looking for partners in the upcoming launch of a promising new line called Luscious Lavender.”

Sinclair mentally prepared herself to talk about the products. She’d start with skin care, move to cosmetics, then introduce some of the specialty personal care items.

“With Osland International’s involvement,” Hunter continued, “we’re in a position to launch simultaneously in North America and Europe. A spa would naturally be an ideal outlet for us, and we believe Castlebay’s clientele are dead center for our target market.”

Seth continued nodding, which Sinclair took to be a great sign.

“Under normal circumstances,” he said, “I would agree with you. And I’ve no doubt that Luscious Lavender would serve our client market well. But, there’s a complication.”

Sinclair’s stomach sank.

Hunter waited.

“There’s an offer on the table to purchase Castlebay Spas in its entirety.”

“What kind of an offer?” asked Hunter.

“I’m sure you realize I’m not in a position to discuss the particulars.”

Hunter sat back in his chair. “Let me put it another way.”

This time Seth waited.

So did Sinclair.

“What would it take to get the offer off the table?”

Seth looked puzzled. “In terms of …”

“In terms of another offer to purchase.”

Seth’s eyes narrowed. “Are you empowered—”

“I’m empowered.”

Seth stood up, crossing to a telephone on a side table, and picked it up.

Sinclair stared at Hunter.

Seth asked, “Do you mind if the head of my legal department joins us?”

“Not at all,” replied Hunter. “I assume you have a prospectus and some financials I could review?”

“It’s all in order. Plus a full set of appraisals.”

“Thank you,” said Hunter.

Then he turned to Sinclair, he penned a few words on a business card he’d pulled from his pocket and handed it to her. “Could you call Richard Franklin? Have him set up a meeting at our hotel this afternoon. I’ll meet you there.”

Sinclair palmed the card and quietly left the room.

On the way across the lobby, heart pounding, mouth dry, she flipped over the card. On the back was Richard’s name, his number and the phrase NO ONE ELSE.

Six

When Hunter reached the ground floor of the office building that housed Castlebay Spas, Sinclair was waiting on a bench near the exit.

She jumped to her feet as he neared. “I couldn’t wait,” she said.

“Apparently.”

“If you came down with anyone else, I was going to hide.”

Hunter couldn’t help but grin.

“What happened?”

“Looks like we may be buying ourselves some spas.”

Richard would have to review the contract, but Hunter was satisfied with the price. And, the combination of Lush Beauty and Castlebay Spas was going to be dynamite. His grandfather insisted Hunter run Lush Beauty Products? He was damn well going to run Lush Beauty Products.

“Just like that?” asked Sinclair, with a snap of her fingers.

“Just like that,” echoed Hunter.

“I can’t believe it.” She skipped a step to keep pace with him. “So we can use Luscious Lavender in the spas?”

“That would be the point.”

“How much—” She stopped. “Never mind.” She shook her head. “None of my business.”

“Lots,” said Hunter. He’d drained the available cash in the Osland investment account, and put up a manufacturing plant as collateral to secure low ratio interest.

“How many spas?” she asked.

“Twelve. I have a list if you want it.”

They started down the steps.

“You bet.” Her face nearly burst with a grin. “So, what do we do now?”

“Who is Richard sending to the hotel?”

“Miles something …”

“We drop the papers off with Miles something for review. Then we carry on with your makeover.”