But he’d know. Could he live with the guilt? Would that one night set off a series of horrible events to punish him for thinking with his penis instead of his brain?
The meeting began and rolled on. Max knew Sawyer and his team were interested, even with the famous chef at the Venetian who did all the wedding catering. The consideration of a bakery in this hotel spoke volumes, though Max realized the Venetian targeted the casual buyer rather than catering. He made a note to double-check with Michael, but figured the exposure from a pedestrian store may give them a bit of variety. It would be a great testing ground. First he’d need to calculate the statistics of crowds and buying habits, and crunch some numbers.
Carina kept her mouth shut, took notes, and listened intently. He began to wrap it up when Sawyer swung his attention across the table. “Signorina Conte, it’s a pleasure to meet Michael’s sister. I look forward to working with you and Max in the future.”
She smiled. Her face lit up with a natural depth of emotion that still fascinated him. As if she invited every person inside her soul for a visit, not caring if he was worthy. Max always felt special when she bestowed her attention, and fiercely protective of others looking to steal a piece of her. “Thank you, Mr. Wells. I think La Dolce Maggie would be a perfect fit for the Venetian, and look forward to moving to the next step.”
Max let out his breath and stood. “Gentlemen, it’s been a pleasure. We need to crunch some numbers and will get back to you on your offer.”
“It’s a fair one, Maximus.” Sawyer’s tone rolled soothingly as he shook his hand. “We cannot give up our specialized catering but think you’ll do well profit-wise with a store in the lobby.”
Max nodded and kept a worried expression. “I appreciate it, but I’m not sure it’s enough money for the gamble.” Taking the first offer on the table was ridiculous, and both men knew it. Both also knew the game very well. Max grabbed the papers, snapped up his briefcase, and—
“Actually, Max, I think the offer was quite generous.” Carina stepped up to them with a thoughtful look. Max froze, mentally reaching out to her and praying she didn’t blow it. Knowing her incredible talent for figures, she’d already done the stats. Max forced a laugh and gripped her arm.
“But of course it is. Sawyer is always generous. We better go in order to make our scheduled conference call.”
Sawyer stepped neatly in front of Max and smiled warmly at Carina. A shark disguised as Nemo, he went in for the kill. “What a talent you have for numbers, signorina! I’m so glad you agree it is quite fair. For instance, you never received such an offer for your opening in Tribeca, right? I was told you took a lower opening bid in order to gain visibility for your chain. And this is what Vegas will do for you!”
Max opened his mouth but it was too late.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you knew that,” she said with a pleasant chuckle. “The profit margin we calculated as minimum would be met with a little extra. I think Michael will be quite pleased with your offer, as is Max.”
Sawyer grinned and met Max’s gaze.
Merda.
His associate in training had just rolled over on her belly and allowed the shark a fatal bite. There would be no more negotiating at this table, and Sawyer’s obvious glee confirmed it. Carina beamed with success as if she had personally closed a great deal instead of killing it.
Max clamped down on his temper. “We shall see, shan’t we, Sawyer?”
“Definitely.”
His fingers tightened on her arm in warning. “Let’s go.” He gave a final nod and guided her out the conference room, down the hallway, and into the elevator. She opened her mouth to say something, but his look must have been enough. Confusion flickered across her face, but she kept silent as they reached their room, keyed in the code, and stepped over the threshold.
He let his briefcase drop, ripped off his jacket and tie, and exploded.
“What have you done? You have an MBA, for Christ’s sake—and you break the first rule of business in negotiations? You never, ever tell them it’s a good offer in an initial consultation. You just gave Sawyer your approval, and that means he’ll never raise his offer. We now have no wiggle room and have to either accept or refuse.” He cursed viciously and paced. “Michael will kill me. I don’t think there’s a way out of this mess now.”
The blood drained from her face. Her harsh whisper reached his ears. “Dio, mi dispiace. I am so sorry. I didn’t think, I thought the deal was solid and I got excited and I spoke too soon. It is my fault, Max. I will take the consequences.”
He groaned. “There are no consequences for you, Carina, only me. I never should have brought you in. I should have confirmed you should not speak at all and to only observe. I forgot that school training is completely different than in real life.”
She marched up and blocked his next step. “There’s no need to protect me on this. What I did was inexcusable, I got carried away. I will call Michael and let him know what happened.”
Max reached for a deep breath and tried to calm himself. Yelling at her wasn’t an option. He could tell Michael what happened, but he was responsible for this deal—not Carina. He gentled his voice. “I will think of something. There is no need to involve your brother at this point. Why don’t you go back to the pool and relax while I sort this out? Enjoy the hotel while we are here.”
He expected a grateful smile. Instead, he got shoved back by a powerful push and stumbled once before he caught himself. Those gypsy eyes filled with fury and her body bristled with energy, reminding him of the night he kissed her. “How dare you patronize me, Maximus Gray!” She snarled and curled her fists. “Stop protecting me and treating me like a child about to burst into tears if she gets in trouble! I screwed up and there is no excuse. It is not your fault, and I’m sick to death of you taking the blame.”
“Are you kidding me?” He shook his head in total exasperation. “I tell you to go to the damn pool and you’re yelling at me? I don’t need this right now. I’m not up to playing female games of figuring out what you want. You want to be treated like a regular employee? Fine, consider yourself officially out of this deal. You’ll go home tomorrow and oversee the home office while I try to dig myself out of this mess here. Better?”
“Much.” The expression drained out of her face, and she backed up, wrapping her arms around her middle. Suddenly, she looked so alone. Emotion clogged his throat and every cell in his body screamed to take her in his arms. “I’m sorry, Max.” She let out a humorless laugh. “From the moment I began working here you’ve been scrambling around trying to put out my fires. I need some time to think if this is the best place for me.”
“Carina . . .”
She shook her head hard and scrambled toward the door. “No, don’t. I need to be alone for a while. I’ll see you later.”
Before he could say another word, she fled.
Max dropped his face into his hands and prayed for strength. Strength not to strangle her. Strength not to touch her. Strength to send her away so he didn’t have to deal with this mass of crazy emotions suddenly putting him in a spin.
One night.
He forced the tantalizing image from his head. Waited a beat. Then went after her.
• • •
Carina sat at the bar in the casino and fiddled with the edge of the napkin placed under her apple martini. The lovely green color soothed her, along with the tart slide of liquor. How decadent to drink in the afternoon in Vegas, where night blended into day and no one cared. Maybe she’d take a gondola ride later and send a photo to her mother and sisters. They’d get a kick out of their baby sister in such a glamorous setting.
She choked back the tiny sob and gritted her teeth. God, she hated crying. It gave her bad memories of her rage of uncontrollable emotions years ago. While Venezia received vivacious beauty and Julietta a cool intellect, she got stuck with a junkyard of emotions. Always too giving, too trusting . . . too stupid. Always floating on the edges of life and watching others take chances. She’d thought the business world would knock her into shape and give her the direction she so badly craved. A place to finally belong and feel more comfortable in her own skin. Instead, it only stretched her more tightly to the point of pain.
Whine, whine, whine.
She smiled to herself as her inner goddess took control and slapped her. She’d screwed up. Bad. Now she had to fix it, instead of letting Max step in as usual and protect her. Defeat tasted bitter, but she intended to make it go down easier with her martini. Then slip on her big-girl panties and meet with Sawyer Wells. Alone.
“Come here often?”
She held back a sigh. He settled on the stool beside her, ordered a beer, and waited her out. “Max, when are you going to learn you don’t have to protect me? Can’t I even sit here and get sloshed? I’m alone. No big bad men. Middle of the afternoon. Go do something important.”
“I am. Trying to drag you from the dismal depths of depression is important.” His innocent grin strangled a half laugh from her. Just being in his orbit toasted her brain, and her resolve. She lifted her drink and took another sip. “We all make mistakes in the beginning. I shouldn’t have yelled.”
“That was the only good thing you did.”
“Let’s call it a learning curve and move on, shall we?”
“What about the deal?”
“I’ll either take it or fix it. Maybe let Sawyer stew for a while. I’m not worried.”
His concerned gaze shredded her heart. She felt as if she’d let him down. An MBA and she made the most basic mistake a beginner can. Show your hand too early.
Yeah, welcome to Vegas.
His hand slid across the bar and clasped her fingers. His strong, warm hand settled her nerves, and her usual defenses slid down. “I’m not sure this is right for me, Max.”
“You’re still new, cara.”
“It’s more than that. It took me a long time to learn how to balance my emotions with the need to be controlled in business. I actually enjoyed the challenge, but I’m afraid I’ll never be strong enough to succeed. Instead of kicking someone’s ass when they call in sick, I want to bring them chicken soup.”
He reached up and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. The gentle gesture gave her enough courage to look him in the eye. Carved lips lifted in a half smile. “No one wants you to change who you are. In these few months, you’ve captured everyone’s heart and loyalty. And it’s not because you’re a pushover. It’s because you’re special, and everyone knows it.”
“You’re just trying to make me feel better.”
“No. I expected to babysit a girl and keep her out of trouble. Instead, I got a woman who knows exactly what to do and is just trying to find her way. You have a strength when it comes to relationships. You know what’s needed and aren’t afraid to give it.” He studied their interlocked hands. “And you were right about Robin.”