The CEO's Little Surprise Read Online Free Page A

class?”
    That was before they’d started sleeping together. He didn’t recall being so magnetically attracted to Cass back then. Sure he’d wanted to get her naked. But at twenty-four, he’d generally wanted women naked. These days, his taste was a bit more refined, but no woman he’d dated over the years had gotten him this hooked, this fast.
    Of course, he never looked up his old girlfriends. Maybe any former lover would affect him the same. But he couldn’t imagine that would be true.
    Her eyes narrowed a touch. “The project where I created a new company on paper, complete with a marketing plan and logo and all of that?”
    â€œThat’s the one,” he said easily. “You got an A plus, if memory serves. Except you didn’t do that alone. I was right there every step of the way. Guiding you. Teaching you. Infusing you with CEO superpowers.”
    In fact, he’d done such a good job, here he was smack in the middle of her corporation negotiating over a Fyra product that was better than his. He appreciated the irony.
    An indulgent smile bloomed on her face and he didn’t mistake it for a friendly one. “Nothing wrong with your memory. As much as I’m enjoying this trip down memory lane, if you have a point, now would be the time to make it.”
    â€œYour success here...” He waved a hand at her office without taking his eyes off her. “Is amazing. Your C-suite is unparalleled. But you didn’t get here without me. I’m a big factor in your success.”
    â€œYes, you are,” she agreed readily. Too readily. “You taught me some of the most important lessons I’ve learned thus far in my life. Fyra’s business philosophy grew 100 percent out of my experience with you.”
    She blinked and undercurrents flowed between them but hell if he could figure out what they were. Regardless, it was a great segue. Exactly what he’d hoped for.
    â€œI’m glad you agree. That’s why I’m here. To collect on that long-outstanding debt.”
    â€œOh, really?” Her head tilted slightly as she contemplated him. “Do tell.”
    â€œYou know what I’m talking about. Without me, Fyra might never have existed. You might never have achieved your goals, particularly not to this degree. Don’t you think turnabout is fair play?”
    â€œHmm.” She touched a finger to her cheek. “Turnabout. Like I owe you for what you’ve done. That’s an interesting concept. It’s kind of like karma, in a way.”
    â€œKind of.”
    But he didn’t like the comparison, not the way she said it. Karma was rarely a word used in the context of reward. More like you were getting what you deserved.
    â€œWhat I’m saying,” he interjected smoothly before this conversation went in a direction he didn’t like. “Is that I want to buy your formula. My role in your success should be a factor in your decision-making process. In all fairness, you do owe me. But I’m fair, too. I’m not asking you to give me the formula for old times’ sake. One hundred million dollars is a lot of tit for tat.”
    He watched her as she filtered through his argument, but her expression remained maddeningly blank.
    â€œHere’s the thing, Gage.” She leaned in, wafting a whole lot of woman in his direction. “You did teach me and I’m grateful. But you must have been sick the day they taught corporate structure, so I’ll clue you in. Again. I’m a quarter owner in Fyra. We’re missing three-quarters of the decision makers, none of whom owe you a thing. I’ll take your offer for the formula to the board and we’ll consider it. Period. That’s how business works.”
    Her mouth was set so primly, he had the insane urge to kiss her. But they were just getting into the meat of this and he needed to hone his focus. Not lose it entirely.
    So he grinned