Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage Read Free Page A

boundaries would prove a challenge, but one he looked forward to meeting.
    “Have you thought about what Jacob discussed?”
    Since that had been the original purpose of their dinner meeting, Bryce asked, “Did he tell you what my alternative to resigning is?”
    “No, but I have an idea”—he paused to sip his coffee—“and a suggestion if I’m right.”
    Turning away from the couple across the room, Bryce waited. Having grown up with Richard, Bryce didn’t doubt that the plans he’d been carefully devising since his father’s ultimatum had also been weighed and measured by his friend. “A solution to my problem?”
    “Mattie.”
    “Lawrence?” His attention turned back to the table in time to see Victor slide his hand over her thigh. The flare of anger and possessive indignation surprised Bryce, but the urge to stride over and grab Victor by the throat was eased when Lawrence slapped Victor’s hand away and stood up. Her words were quiet, but the expression on her face left little doubt she was furious, before she turned and strode out of the restaurant. The other man remained in his seat, finishing the last of his meal and ignoring the pointed stares of the diners around him.
    Richard chuckled as he watched the exchange across the room. Leaning back in the booth, he nodded. “Yes, her. If Jacob is pushing you to get married in order to placate some of the board members, then she’s the perfect candidate for your wife.”
    “How?” He’d rationalized his own arguments, but wondered if his eight-year-long attraction to the woman was clouding his judgment.
    “She’s familiar to the board, knows the way the company works, and is a loyal employee.”
    “You sound like you’re creating an argument for giving her a raise.” Bryce shook his head.
    “She’s cool under pressure. Makes decisions based on a balance of gut instinct and logical research. And can plan a dinner party for six to six hundred guests with little to nothing going wrong. You need her, Bryce. Her reputation alone will gain you points with the board.”
    “Reputation?” He acknowledged all the assets Richard listed with a nod.
    “Mattie isn’t a party animal, Bryce. You and I both know the primary concern Frieda and Lionel are using to turn the board against you is the playboy persona Upscale’s article hyped.” Richard shrugged. “Considering the tidbit your last playdate helped circulate in The National Recorder last year about the things you and she did at the Club, someone with a wholesome reputation is just what you need to get back in their good graces.”
    “And what if I don’t want to be blackmailed into marriage?”
    Richard watched him carefully. “If memory serves me correctly, you never intended to marry. At least that was your decision just after Miss Helen died.”
    “I said a lot of things when I was sixteen, Richard.” Bryce shrugged.
    “True.”
    “And it isn’t like I haven’t tried to get married. Am I the only one who remembers I’ve been engaged? Twice.”
    “No, most of the country has been reminded of those facts. That may be part of the problem with that blasted article, my friend. Third time’s a charm, and every woman with her eye on the easy life is hoping she’ll make you change your tune.” Richard smiled. “But you never would have married Sybelle or Carolyn, even if they hadn’t broken the engagements. You’ve spent the last twenty-four years of your life working to make Halsey Unlimited the first name off anyone’s lips when it comes to the construction of ships, from tugs to cruise ships to aircraft carriers. Neither of those women understood what was necessary to keep the company growing.”
    “I could do other things.”
    “What are you going to do with the rest of your life, Bryce, if you don’t have Halsey Unlimited to run?” Ticking off each item on his fingers, Richard continued. “You’re not needed for the day-to-day stuff at DBC. You haven’t assisted in the