The American Earl Read Free Page B

to mix.
    â€œIf you’re going to be a smartass,” he growled, “I don’t want you here.”
    She straightened up and dug in her heels, bringing them both to an instant halt. “ You were the one who brought up the subject, Lord Smythe. I have to know something about you if I’m to pretend to be your girlfriend.” Her eyes flashed in challenge at him before softening again. “Did you mean it—about the five hundred dollars?”
    â€œOf course.”
    She nodded, satisfied.
    It didn’t hurt his feelings that playing his girlfriendseemed so unpleasant a task to her it required substantial compensation. Never liked redheads anyway, he told himself. Although none he’d ever met had been as stunning as this one.
    He shoved that thought immediately aside. Down to business…
    â€œThere are a few things you need to know before we go in there.” He took a breath and focused on her face, turned up solemnly to meet his. “The rather portly gentleman is Ronald Franklin of—”
    â€œOf Franklin & James, the shops in every mall across this country?” she gasped.
    â€œThe same. He and his wife don’t like to be pushed. Not a word to him about products, purchases or marketing strategies. Just keep them company and let them choose what they want to eat and drink. They have a new grandchild, you might want to hit on that angle.”
    She nodded and shot him a fleeting look that seemed slightly disapproving, but he couldn’t be sure what she might have found fault with. “And the other couple?”
    â€œTed Ramsey and his date.”
    She didn’t need to say a word. He could tell by the way her eyes lit up that she already knew. She was good. Very good.
    â€œThe casino mogul,” Abby murmured after a moment.
    â€œMogul?” He tipped his head to one side, considering the title, which seemed rather exalted for a real-estate speculator who had started out as a Brooklyn landlord and now built flashy gambling palaces in Vegas and Atlantic City. In Matt’s view, the man had thrown a lot of money around and just been lucky.That kind of fast, sloppy luck didn’t often last. “Call him what you will, he’s considering introducing upscale import shops into his casinos, and the projected volume of sales is hefty. I’d like to be the one to supply him.”
    â€œUnderstandably. How do I approach him?”
    â€œYou don’t, unless you can’t help it. Be polite, but no sexy little smiles or we could lose the sale. The woman with him is new. He’s crazy about her but, word has it, she’s the jealous type. Play up to her. Make her feel like a queen, and avoid eye contact with him.”
    She let out a little puff of air and shook her head. “How do you find out all this stuff? Employ moonlighting CIA agents to spy for you?”
    â€œNothing so dramatic.” He didn’t intend to explain the way he worked to her. “Come on, let’s go.” He gave her arm a tug. “The Duprés should arrive soon; she owns a chain of gift shops throughout New England.”
    This time, she let him guide her through the door. The two couples turned toward them, and Matt made the introductions. Abby smoothly peeled the grandparents away after a few minutes and guided them toward the buffet table. He noticed she helped herself to a generous plateful of food, then realized she probably hadn’t had time to eat before returning to the building. Normally he frowned on his employees chowing down in front of guests, but he noticed that the Franklins seemed to take her cue and also served themselves more than a token taste of each item on the table. Perhaps a good sign.
    His attention returned to Ramsey and his companion. The man was a short, rude bully. Matt didn’t likehis manner or the way he did business, but that was beside the point. He still wanted him as a client, and Ramsey must have sensed it. He