Heart of Steel Read Free Page A

interested in her reaction to Logan’s words. She cleared her throat. “I apologize for my outburst. I never meant to imply something was wrong with your life, I know you made a choice to work hard for your success.” She smiled. “I worry about people too much. I once worked in this type of corporate climate so I’ve seen the kind of drive and dedication needed to climb to the top. I’ve also seen the damage. I’d like to help your employees handle their stress so they don’t wake up one morning and wonder what their lives are about. I think they deserve more.”
     
         Logan Grant was probably one of the most controlled, self-contained men she’d ever met. She bet he carefully analyzed every emotion before he decided to express them, or bury them deep. A pang of regret confirmed her belief about corporate executives. They never let their emotions overrule business decisions. They pushed away messiness and made logic their God. A shiver ran down her spine when she thought of the way his fingers had glided over the pen. Something deep inside told her Logan Grant held many secrets behind a steel barrier, but it would take Superwoman to unveil the ray of vulnerability she glimpsed within his eyes.
     
         She was not Superwoman, and she mustn’t forget that he reached the top by being cold-hearted. She needed to be on guard.
     
         Logan nodded. “Apology accepted. I know you have good intentions. But good intentions don’t necessarily mean good profits.” Chandler braced herself for his next comment.
     
         “Your outline is excellent. Your idea is creative. These figures show how well your clientele is expanding, but I also see your profits aren’t what you need to keep the business going. Even with your research, there’s still no proof these employees are doing more productive work. So, Chandler, the bottom line is that you want to use my company as a guinea pig because without my money, the Yoga and Arts Center is going under. Richard, do you agree?”
     
         Richard Thorn looked regretful, but gave a nod. “Sorry, Chandler. Personally, I think you have a great plan, but Logan is right. We can’t take a chance.”
     
         She almost closed her eyes in defeat. She’d been hoping, no betting, that with the proper appearance and some impressive paperwork, he may not see the truth. Of course, she should have known her ruse was a mistake the moment she met him. Logan made CEOs of billion dollar corporations fidget beneath his stare. A novice never had a shot.
     
         “Yes, Mr. Grant. Your bottom line is correct.” Surprise flickered over his face, before the mask slammed back down. “So, I’ll guarantee a profit.”
     
         “How?”
     
         This was the riskiest part of the deal. “Test the program out for a six month trial period. If you don’t see a difference, our relationship will be terminated and I’ll reimburse you in full.”
     
         It was a while before he spoke. When he did, his voice conjured up a number of disturbing images. Heavy velvet pulled over naked skin. Steel sheathed in satin. Smooth silk dragged over rough gravel. Definitely a bedroom voice. Definitely a mass of contradictions she wanted nothing to do with, so Chandler pushed away the thought and concentrated on his words.
     
         “Do you realize your position if I decide to terminate this arrangement?” he asked. “You’d lose everything. If you invest all your capital and efforts into this program and it fails, your client base will be reduced along with your cash flow. Your whole business could go under.”
     
         Chandler nodded. “I’m willing to take a risk. If you don’t want this offer I have a new list of names to approach. I’m sure one executive will give me a trial run.”
     
         Logan glanced at Richard. The attorney shrugged his shoulders. “If she’s willing to back up her offer, we have nothing to