Kasper didn't expect his father to like his business proposal, but Philip Kane called it ingenious. After working with Jimmy's team, he couldn't wait to see Dani again. If not for his new venture, he might jump ship to work for Sinclair Group. Jimmy's team was fun, and the work was more exciting than property management. The market research and details they put together in one week was unlike anything he expected. Tony said with Jimmy on paternity leave, it was boring, so Kasper's project was a gift to them.

Returning to the office to find Dani at home left him feeling like a kid with a missing puppy. Philip and Baxter debated Jimmy's idea of a joint venture versus it being a part of Kane Properties.

"I want it here. We'll get board approval and perhaps it's time for Jimmy to join the board." Philip got Baxter's attention.

Baxter frowned. "Can you do that?"

"I can give him shares."

Kasper looked at his brother. "Jimmy and not Ivy? When did Mother receive her shares?"

Philip frowned. "After Baxter was born. My father was chairman of the board. Ivy deserves to join, but only Ivy and Jimmy, because you and Tate work for Kane."

Baxter nodded, as Kasper said, "No Gray, but if I had a wife?"

"And a child," Baxter added.

Kasper frowned. "Could I claim one of yours, since I may want a wife, but not a child."

Philip frowned. "Find a girl first. Wear the cross to bind you and we'll decide. If she's like the one from the TV then no. You need an intelligent partner."

Kasper smiled, he found her, but she didn't want him. Maybe the lure of the Kane board would convince her. First, he planned to visit her and he wouldn't take no for an answer.

When the car dropped him off, he let it drive away. Talking her into letting him up was easier than calculating the staff required to support his plan. Kasper stood at her door with a warm brown bag in his hand.

Dani looked beautiful with her hair down. As she lied about missing him, he felt his chest expand. Her tell betrayed her words, and she knew it.

"Kiss me." Make love to me.

Her eyes danced. Was it curiosity or desire, he didn't care. She reached up and touched his neck under his collar just before his lips captured hers in a searing kiss. As soon as she parted her lips, their tongues danced like two lovers in a ballroom. He pulled her against his erection and she sighed before she pulled away. Miscalculation?

"You got your kiss. Tell me."

"Let's eat."

She looked at the bag he had set down. "How do you know I like spicy food?"

He winked. "Because you're spicy hot."

"Ugh. You're incorrigible.'

"Sit. I'll share what I've been busy doing if you promise to put your claws away. He took her soft hand in his and brushed her nails with his thumb.

She looked up at him. "I'm not having sex with you."

He shook his head. "You will and when you do, it will be better than sex."

"Cocky," she mumbled under her breath.

"Don't bring my cock into the discussion unless you want to meet him."

"Nope. I don't."

He laughed. "That's what I thought. You will never be a good negotiator." She blushed and stuck out her tongue. "Do you want me to suck on it?"

"You were about to tell me why you skipped work."

Kasper chuckled. "I didn't skip anything. I was busy working with Jimmy's team."

"Sinclair? Why? Were you covering for him because of Tate's baby?"

"No one can replace Jimmy, although his team is impressive. They helped me determine if my idea will be successful."

"What idea?" She cut her burrito with a fork and knife.

Kasper picked his stuffed tortilla up to eat it with his hands. "A way to get revenues from non leased space. If the board approves, it will be part of Kane Properties, if not, I'll do a joint venture with Jimmy."

"Jimmy Sinclair likes your idea?"

"No, he loves it." Kasper laughed.

"What's this brilliant idea?"

"Hoteling. To offer small spaces, desks or offices, for as short as a day or longer. It's for start-ups and others who don't have an office and don't want to work at home."

"Like people with loud, needy kids."

"Exactly. Will it get us to full occupancy? Nope, but it will generate income. I also flagged some buildings to sell even if we take a loss."

"Does Baxter know about those?"

He shook his head. "Nope. Not yet. I want to take a trip to confirm my list is accurate. Do you want to come with me?"

She shook her head. "You aren't my boss."

"No, and my father offered Sue Ellen as my assistant, if the board agrees."

"Sue Ellen is his assistant." Dani's eyes widened.

"I know, but he said he doesn't keep her busy."

Dani bit her lip. "Will I have to do work for your father?"

Kasper laughed. "Only what he assigns to Baxter. The good news is there's a stay on your execution orders, I mean, firing squad until we determine the staffing needs."

"You make me sound like a horrible person."

"Not horrible. You and Jimmy like to fire people. I'm like Ivy; we both have compassionate hearts. Your food is getting cold." She hadn't taken a bite.

Dani ate without saying if she liked it. He had ordered a milder one for her. As she asked thoughtful questions, he answered leading to more questions. The exchange stimulated his synapses and relief covered him like a warm blanket. What if he had ended up with a woman who didn't understand the tides?

Time passed as if on fast forward. He smiled at her. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Every time I get one, I feel weak."

"Darling, there is nothing weak about you. Will you be my date for this thing this weekend?"

"What thing?"

He laughed. "I honestly don't know. My mother wants me at her table so you can take her attention away from Ivy."

"You and I, we don't get along."

He threw his head back and laughed. "We do and will continue now we aren't competing. You and Baxter are at the helm of the ship. I'm captaining the rescue boat."

She laughed with a snort. "Rescue boat. You are so self important."

Kasper put his hand over his heart. "You know that's not true at all. I care about all people and couldn't think of another boat. I care. I care about you." He reached out and took her hand. "Give me a chance to prove it."

She shook her head. "I don't need a man."

He smiled despite her message. "I know. Your independence is admirable, but there's a difference between need and want. Don't you want a warm body and multiple orgasms?"

"So it's all about sex with you?"

He rubbed his thumb across her soft hand. "No, but in a negotiation you meet your opponent where they are. You have repeated your no relationship stance. I'll take what you are offering and will attempt to change your mind."

She shook her head as a nervous laugh escaped. "I'll break your tender heart."

"I'll take the chance, but I might just find yours." If the cross wasn't broken, she would already love him. "Come here."

He stood and pulled her up. Once she stood in front of him, without resistance, he gently put his lips on hers. After a brief touch, he smiled. "Just like our first kiss."

Before she could respond, he captured her soft lips again in a sensual, but gentle kiss. He attempted to draw forward every ounce of love the cross might have left with her. Perhaps he could magically make it multiply. Maybe he needed to wear the cross again, but it was too risky. She would find it; his Dani was too smart.

By the time the kiss ended, her body wanted more. Kasper glanced from her hardened nipples to her legs pressed together. He understood women, but he had his own desire making him uncomfortable.

His voice was thick and raspy in the quiet room. "Either I leave now or stay. Will you let your desire rule over your brain?"

She slowly shook her head. "It's not a good idea."

"I think it's an amazing idea. You are putting too much weight on it. We are two adults who enjoy sex. Let's enjoying it together." And make love. Kasper had done a lot in his life, but he had never made love before.

When he stepped out onto the frosty street, some snowflakes danced in the air. The ones landing on him might sizzle, because he overheated himself without a release. Kasper reminded himself it wasn't a sprint, as he walked towards home. After three blocks, he flagged down a passing cab. Nothing like a chilly night to lower his temperature. Smiling, it had been a wonderful night, even without breaking through her defenses.

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