The Merger Mogul Read Free Page B

joked Claire, referring to Daniel’s short term relationships with
various women.  They all laughed as Daniel rolled his eyes and tossed back
his gin and tonic.
    “What are you
doing for the rest of the weekend, Dan?” asked Bryan. “I can’t believe you let
Margaret book you here with us for company on a Friday night.”
    “Margaret is
hoping to reform me,” said Daniel, “so I let her have her way tonight since I
didn’t feel like fighting through the weekend traffic either.  I’ll use
the time to rest for a date I have tomorrow night.”
    It was Claire’s
turn to roll her eyes.  “One day, boss, you’re going to fall hard for
someone and you’ll be running to the altar to create your own merger without
even having a prenupt and Brian will be running behind you waving one shouting:
Daniel, you forgot this!” Everyone was in stitches at the visual Claire
described, especially since Bryan, being a lawyer, was always focused on having
all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed before they did anything.
    “The day that
happens you’ll know I’ve lost it,” replied Daniel cynically, “so just call the
nearest Psych ward to come and pick me up.”
    “Don’t
underestimate the power of love!” Claire said, claiming the last word.

 
 
    The power of
love, Daniel thought remembering Claire’s words as he turned off the Art Deco
bedside lamp next to his king-size bed.  Love would never have power over
him. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which he remembered studying at
university, once you had food, shelter and sex you were off to a good start. He
made sure that he had the best of the first two and
plenty of the third so he was doing OK. He couldn’t remember all the other
levels but he was pretty sure that he’d covered all of them.  After all he
was successful and had a great life; a luxurious penthouse apartment, a
successful business and his choice of beautiful and willing women. What else
did he need?

Chapter
4

 
 
    Saturday night
at eight o’clock sharp found Daniel stepping off the elevator on Angela’s
floor.  He found Apt. 9, rang the bell and waited for a few seconds for
Angela to open the door.
    “Well hello,”
he drawled as she opened the door.
    “Hello yourself.” She stood to one side and said, “Come in.
Welcome to my humble abode.”
    Daniel offered
the bouquet of flowers and the box of Belgian chocolates he held in his hands
and touched his lips to the corner of her mouth as he entered the apartment.
    “These are
beautiful, thank you.  And I love chocolates.”
    “ You are
beautiful,” Daniel said. “I like your dress.”
    That wasn’t
surprising since Angela had chosen it strategically. It was soft and flowing
with a halter top and a scandalous neckline.  It was on the dressy side
for a dinner at home, but it certainly whet Daniel’s
appetite, as it was meant to.
    “Thank you,
sir,” said Angela coquettishly as she led him to the sitting room which was lit
by vanilla scented candles on the coffee table and on two floating
shelves.  The room was small compared to the living room in his penthouse
apartment, but tastefully furnished in shades of taupe with turquoise accents.
The whole atmosphere shouted “Seduction!” which was just fine by Daniel. His
body stirred in anticipation.
    “Can I get you
a Tanqueray and tonic before dinner?” offered Angela,
as Daniel sank into the couch and leaned back against the well-padded arm so
that he could see her as she walked to the kitchen.
    “That sounds
great,” he replied watching the sway of her hips as she walked and her dark
hair bouncing against her bare back.
    “How did the
retreat go?” Angela asked as she entered the small kitchen.  He could see
her through the open partition as she got glasses, ice and poured the drinks; a
gin and tonic for him and water for her.
    “It was good –
very productive.  We came up with some ideas that I hope will take the
company to the next level,” said