Grand Passion

ploy to get the seat on the board that Uncle Jason promised you, I assure you, you didn't need to stage this dramatic little scene.”
    Max arched a brow. “Come off it, Kim. We both know your father would never allow anyone but a member of the family to sit on the board.”
    Kimberly flushed. “I know my father has a thing about that, but I might be able to talk him into reconsidering his decision. He wants you back at Curzon. He'll do just about anything to get you back, Max.”
    “Forget it. Things have changed. I don't give a damn about the seat on the board. Not any longer.” Max listened to his own words with silent amazement. At one time he would have seized the offer with both hands. A seat on the board would have meant that the Curzons as a group had really accepted him. It would have been the next best thing to belonging to the family.
    “What are you trying to do?” Kimberly asked tightly. “Why the shock tactics? What's your agenda? Just tell me, Max. We can come to terms.”
    “I don't have an agenda. At least not one that concerns Curzon.”
    She shot him a quick, suspicious glance. “Don't tell me you've decided to go with Global Village Properties? If that's the case, I can guarantee you we'll match whatever offer they make. You know as well as I do that Curzon can't afford to have you go work for our chief competitor. You know too much.”
    “I'm not going with Global Village.”
    “What is it then? You can't be serious about working for that odd little innkeeper in the tacky running shoes.”
    Max smiled slightly. “Why not? The pay's good.”
    “Don't be ridiculous. She can't possibly pay you anything close to what you were earning at Curzon.” Kimberly swept out a hand to indicate all of Robbins' Nest Inn. “We both know you could buy this place with less than one year's salary. Not to mention bonuses. How much is she paying you?”
    “Minimum wage.”
    Kimberly stared at him. “I don't believe you.”
    “It's not such a bad deal. I've got my own room in the attic and three hot meals a day. I also get to keep all the tips I make in the lounge. Some guy left me a ten-dollar bill last weekend.”
    “You sleep in the attic? You're working for tips? This is insane. Why are you doing this to me?” Kimberly came to a halt in front of him. “You know Curzon needs you. I need you.”
    Max rested his head against the back of the wicker chair. “You don't need me, Kim. Neither does the company. In a few months you'll realize that you and your family can get along just fine without me.”
    “We've all depended on you for years. You know that, Max.”
    “Dennison is probably a little nervous at the moment. After all, this is a transitional period. But he's got you.” Max narrowed his eyes faintly. “You've got what it takes to handle the company, Kim.”
    “You know my father would never turn Curzon over to me,” Kimberly said bitterly. “I'm not the son he always wanted, and I never will be.”
    Max said nothing. There was nothing to say. Kimberly was right. Her father, Dennison Curzon, intended to take the reins of Curzon International and prove that he had the same talent his brother had had. It was unfortunate for all concerned that he was not the brilliant corporate strategist that Jason had been.
    The only one in the family who could lead Curzon International into the future was Kimberly, and they all knew that her father was highly unlikely to entrust her with the task. Dennison believed the job required a man.
    It was probably going to turn into an unholy mess, but Max figured that was the Curzons' problem now.
    Kimberly watched Max for a moment. Then she turned away and walked to the fountain. She stood looking down at the bubbling water, her head bowed. “I think I should tell you something, Max.”
    “What?”
    “Roarke and I are having problems. I'm thinking of leaving him.”
    Max eyed her classic profile. “Why?”
    “Does it matter?”
    Max shrugged. “No.”
    Kimberly touched the blue tiles that formed the highest pool on the fountain. “I made a mistake three years ago, Max. I allowed my father to talk me out of marrying you.”
    “He didn't have to talk very hard. You started having doubts right after I put the engagement ring on your finger.”
    “I was a fool.”
    “Let's not get melodramatic about this. I'm in no mood for it.” Max reached for his cane. “It's been a long day, and I'm tired.”
    Something bright gleamed in the open doorway on the