Grand Passion

of his unexpected caller.
    “Max, I have to talk to you,” Kimberly said in a cool, businesslike tone as she came down the hall. “This is extremely important.”
    “How did you know I was in town?”
    “I called Robbins' Nest Inn. I was told you were here with Cleo. Max, you can't put me off. This is absolutely critical. I've talked to Roarke. He told me you suggested that he and I try to take over the Curzon board. Were you serious?”
    “Why not? Looks like the logical move.”
    “Roarke seems convinced it could be done,” Kimberly said slowly.
    “The two of you can do it together.”
    “But my father—”
    Max cut her off abruptly. “The only way you're going to prove to your father that you're as good as the son he never had is to take Curzon from him.”
    “Do you really think so?” Kimberly asked.
    “Yes.”
    Kimberly hesitated. “That isn't the only thing I want to talk to you about. Max, give me five minutes. That's all I'm asking.”
    “All right,” Max said impatiently. His cane thudded softly on the tile as he led Kimberly into the breakfast room. “Five minutes, but no more. Cleo and I have things to do today.”
    “Such as?” Kimberly asked dryly.
    “Such as shop for a ring,” Max said. “Cleo and I are engaged.”
    “Well, isn't that interesting,” Kimberly murmured. She looked at Cleo. “I can't say I'm surprised.”
    “Thank you,” Cleo said around a mouthful of waffle. “I think.”
    “Max was always very good at arranging advantageous engagements for himself,” Kimberly said.
    “If you're going to make cracks like that, Kim,” Max said calmly, “you can leave now.”
    Kimberly looked at him. “What's the matter, haven't you told her why you've gotten yourself engaged to her?”
    Max sat down and regarded Kimberly with cobra eyes. “Say whatever it is you came here to say and then leave.”
    Kimberly walked over to the sideboard and helped herself to a cup of coffee with the ease of a woman who was familiar with her surroundings. She smiled bleakly at Cleo.
    “Has he told you yet that he's negotiating with an outfit called Global Village Properties?” Kimberly asked. “They've offered him the same deal Curzon has, but Max wants more. He wants the CEO position.”
    “No,” Cleo said. She looked at Max. “He didn't mention that.”
    “Damn,” Max said. “I knew I shouldn't have opened the door this morning.”

Chapter

15

    C leo forked up another bite of waffle and ate it in silence. She was aware of Max's gaze on her as Kimberly talked.
    “It's all true,” Kimberly said not unkindly to Cleo. “My sources tell me that Max recently met with Turner and Sand, two point men for Global Village Properties.”
    Cleo glanced at Max. “Is that right?”
    “Yes,” Max said. His eyes did not leave her face.
    Kimberly looked grimly satisfied. She started to pace the breakfast room with the elegant, restless stride of a racehorse that had been penned for too long. Cleo wondered how she could stand wearing high heels all day.
    “I only know of one meeting,” Kimberly said. “But that doesn't mean he hasn't been negotiating with them since he left Curzon last month. I'm told that they made him a very generous offer.”
    Cleo glanced at Max. “Did they make you an offer?”
    “Yes,” Max said.
    Kimberly shot him a knowing glance. “The rumor I heard is that the offer included a vice presidency and a seat on the Global Village board. But as I said, Max wants the CEO slot. So he's told them that he's going independent unless they can make it worth his while not to do so.”
    “What's that supposed to mean?” Cleo asked curiously.
    “It means he's allowing everyone to believe he's going into business on his own.”
    “Unless he receives a better offer from Global Village? Is that what you're saying?” Cleo watched Kimberly carefully.
    Kimberly gave a sigh that held a trace of genuine sympathy. “Try not to feel too bad about it, Cleo. Max has a reputation for getting the job done and for using whatever means he thinks are necessary to do it. People who are far more savvy about business than you will ever be have gotten ground to dust beneath his chariot wheels.”
    “A colorful image.” Cleo ignored Max's silent, brooding stare and kept her attention on Kimberly.
    Kimberly looked briefly disconcerted. She flicked a quick, searching glance at Max and then frowned at Cleo. “The point I'm trying to make here is that Max is using you to add an element of