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  A waiter appeared to take the drink order. Cope’s frown and troubled gaze tipped Dani to his concern about her drinking.

  Without hesitation, Dani said, “Sparkling water, please.”

  “I’ll have the same. A bottle of your best.” He grinned at the waiter and eased back into his chair. “You okay, Dani?”

  “Me?” She waved away his question. “I should ask you. What’s happening? Have you found funding for your business?”

  “I’ve got a few meetings lined up, and one of them will get me the money I need.”

  “Call me when you’re up and running. I’ll be your first client.”

  “I’d be honored.”

  They chatted until the waiter returned with their drinks, and Dani realized she’d forgotten to review the menu. Cope asked the waiter for more time, and they scoured the options.

  Since filming on the new picture would start soon, Dani had doubled her daily exercise quota and planned her meals carefully. She went with the roasted pumpkin salad. Cope chose the salmon with roasted cauliflower, squash puree, and roasted apples and kale.

  When the waiter left, Dani reached across the table and placed her hand over Cope’s. Their gazes locked, and Dani licked her suddenly dry lips. “Thank you for the other night.” She lowered her eyes. “You’ve always looked out for me, and I took you for granted. Newt shouldn’t have fired you—I never expected that. I can get so full of myself. Please forgive me. I got used to doing whatever I want, breaking the rules when I want, and it cost you your job. Why aren’t you furious with me?”

  Cope turned her hand over and held it in one of his while a finger lightly traced circles around her sensitive palm. Dani stifled a gasp at the jolt the touch speared through her body.

  “I disobeyed the rules, Dani. I didn’t argue with you much, and you didn’t know what a breach of protocol it was.”

  “Yeah, but I was so drunk I didn’t care, which was selfish.” Dani gave him her brightest smile. “Forgive me?”

  “Always. Let’s not talk about this anymore. It’s all good. I consider it an opportunity. If it wasn’t for that, I’d still be preparing to start my own business instead of getting into massive action. I should thank you for what you did.” His answering smile spread warmth through her body.

  The food arrived, and they ate in silence, Dani studying his face. She was more familiar with the back of his head from sitting behind him in the limo. He had the hint of a mustache and a light stubble on his face that gave him a classy bad-boy appearance. Young. He looked so young, but the attraction between them was evident even if he wasn’t her usual type.

  A buzz sounded, and Cope set his fork down to pick up his cell phone. “Sorry, I meant to put it on silent.” He glanced at the call display, and his face lit up. “The investment company. The meeting’s confirmed for three o’clock tomorrow afternoon.”

  Dani’s cell chimed then, and she reached into the front pocket of her handbag to see who’d texted. Star Power. Meeting with Robert Copeland tomorrow at 3:00 pm. Dani smiled and switched the phone to silent.

  Chapter 11

  The meeting room in the Star Power headquarters building resembled a lounge in a country club rather than a typical meeting room, and the décor was first class. The interior designer whom Dani had hired to decorate it had done an exceptional job. Smaller tables with leather chairs were scattered around the room, with a larger table and chairs taking center stage. A fireplace with mantle dominated the west wall, and a wet bar filled the east.

  Hidden near the ceiling in the rich mahogany walls were video cameras that allowed Dani to view the meeting from any angle. On her screen, Cope stood in front of the main table, laser pointer in hand. The presentation projected onto the monitor on the north wall behind him. He’d been talking for thirty minutes, and she followed along on the handout she’d had smuggled to her.

  Sorry she couldn’t participate in the meeting, Dani experienced a surge of pride for Cope. He carried himself well, speaking with confidence and presenting the data in an organized and logical manner. His figures looked good, though in that area, she relied on the five-person team sitting in the room evaluating Cope’s presentation.

  By the time he was taking questions, Dani was sure the team would get on board with the idea. They interrogated Cope, and he fielded the queries and comments without hesitation. Once, he paused to sip from the bottle of water sitting next to his briefcase, perhaps giving himself time to think, or perhaps for effect. To Dani, he came across as thoughtful and professional—and hot.

  When Cope completed his dog and pony show, he thanked everyone in the room for giving him the opportunity to speak. With flourish, he presented them each with a $100 coupon toward hiring one of his limos. Dani couldn’t help grinning. The man had flair.

  After Cope left, Dani hurried out of her office to the elevator. Almost dancing with excitement, she hopped on and pressed the button for the twelfth floor. The ride seemed to take forever, and when the doors opened, she raced down the hall.

  The team sat huddled at the table reviewing the proposal, notes, and charts Cope had left them.

  “Well?”

  The group looked up, and Sam, the accounting director, cleared his throat in that fussy way he had and spoke before anyone else could jump in. “He’s saved a substantial down payment, and his five-year plan looks solid. I need to dig into the numbers a little further to verify, but I’m optimistic it’s a good investment.”

  Will nodded agreement, and Sheila flashed a thumbs up. Nate, who usually kissed Will’s ass, and who reminded Dani of a gnome, frowned and shook his head. “I don’t know if I want to invest in a limo service. They’re a dime-a-dozen in LA.”

  Everyone turned to stare at him.

  Nate locked his gaze on Dani. “I know you have your reasons for backing this guy, but the city doesn’t need another limo service. But he impressed me. If he comes up with something more viable, I’ll back him.”

  “I think he persuaded us he’ll distinguish himself from the herd. The added special services, such as combining limo driver and a bodyguard licensed to carry, will give him an edge.” The speaker, Carla, a young, aggressive MBA who’d helped Dani start the investment company, was one of the more trusted advisors. Dani tended to agree with Carla’s conclusions, sometimes to the chagrin of the others. But so far, the young woman’s instincts hadn’t disappointed the team.

  “Verify the numbers, Sam, and if you’re satisfied, draw up a contract and send it to his lawyer. I want this pushed through fast. Will?” Dani, brows raised, glanced at the president to confirm he was on board, and when he nodded, she thanked them for their time and dismissed everyone but William.

  When the others were gone, Dani lowered herself into one of the seats at the table and cleared her throat before speaking. “I’m not trying to step on anyone’s toes here. I wanted to make sure you’re okay with this. If it isn’t a sound proposal, then tell me, and we won’t invest. My judgment may be clouded since I feel I owe him.”

  Demeanor neutral, Will remained silent for a moment, as though considering what to tell her.

  “Say it. I don’t want anyone pussyfooting around me.”

  “We’re not, Dani.” Will sounded annoyed at the accusation.

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply you’d just tell me what I want to hear. You haven’t yet. We leave that shit to Nate.”

  Will grinned at that.

  Dani continued. “I’ve needed this investment business. It keeps me sane. In the two years since we started, it’s done well. We’re making good returns, and I owe that to this team. I didn’t have much business sense—just a vision to help startups, provide opportunities people otherwise might never have. If others hadn’t done that for me, I wouldn’t be where I am. I was a nobody before, running from an abusive home. It could have gone any number of ways, all ending badly.”

  She sighed. “Sorry. I know Cope’s not downtrodden. He comes from a wealthy famil
y. But he’s struggling to make it on his own, and I respect that.”

  “All right,” Will said. “Is there a ‘but?’”

  A genuine smile of affection lit up her face. “But I won’t put money on a losing proposition no matter who it is. I think his proposal is sound. The rest of you, except, oddly enough, Nate, seem to agree. Is that your assessment?”

  “Yes. Don’t worry about Nate. There might be something personal there, too. I think Nate has a connection to Cope’s father—they call the father Big Cope. From what I understand, Nate and Big Cope used to be tight. Then something happened, and they no longer speak to each other.”

  That explained why Nate had the balls to disagree with the president when usually he was up Will’s ass. Dani didn’t like Nate, personally, but Will and Sam had insisted he was a valuable part of the team. He had as big a head for business as Carla but years more experience.

  “Okay. As long as we’re in agreement, I’ll be comfortable backing him, and that’s what I was hoping would happen. I don’t want Cope to know of my involvement in this.”

  “Dani, if his lawyer does his due diligence, he’ll find out you own this company sooner or later.”

  “I’ll tell him myself before that happens. Cope didn’t want me to lend him the money because he wanted to get the funding on his own. He’s done that. It’s just a coincidence it’s my company backing him.” But the uneasiness in her belly increased, and she doubted what she was saying.

  ***

  “Scotch?” Margaret Copeland raised her glass and saluted Cope, who’d rushed into the room.

  Cope shook his head. “No thanks.”

  He set his briefcase next to the couch on which his mother sat and then leaned in and kissed her cheek. “The meeting went well. I think they’ll lend me the money.”

  “Darling, I’m glad for your sake, but I wish you’d reconsider and let us partner with you. We should work together as a family.”

  “I won’t have that discussion again, Mother. Where’s Ben?” Cope had hoped his older brother would be around. Ben was a computer information systems specialist, and Cope wanted his advice on technology for his business.

  “A meeting. I never see anyone around here during the day. You know Nate is part of the decision to lend you the money?”

  “Yes. He was there when I presented. I’m not worried. If Star Power doesn’t lend me the money, I’ll find someone else. I’ve had meetings with two other investors, and they both went well.”

  “The cocktail party on Saturday will be at eight. I want you to bring a date.”

  “Sure.” Maybe he’d ask Dani. He wasn’t working for her anymore, and if he had to bring a date, he’d like to bring her.

  “Katherine Bloomington is back from college, and I’ve always thought it would be nice if the two of you got together.”

  “No, thanks, Mother.”

  “What’s wrong with Katherine? Are you seeing someone else?”

  Cope sat at the opposite end of the couch and considered pouring himself that scotch. “I might be.”

  “Why haven’t you mentioned it or brought her over? Who is she?”

  “I’m not sure it’s a thing yet. I’ve just started seeing her.” Cope considered the lunch date at Genius their official first date, so it counted as seeing each other. If he didn’t make sure his mother believed he was with someone, she’d push him to date Katherine. That was something Margaret had done before Katherine and Cope had gone off to college.

  “What’s her name?”

  “Let me ask her if she can come first, and then I’ll let you know who she is.”

  Margaret pursed her lips and frowned. “Is she not from a good family?”

  Cope sighed. Good family, to his mother, meant another resident of billionaires’ row. He was sure Dani wouldn’t pass Margaret’s pedigree test, but Cope didn’t care. Even if things didn’t work out between them, he wanted to give it a shot and refused to let his mother spoil it.

  He glanced at the time: five-forty. Cope stood, picked up his briefcase, and gave Margaret another peck on the cheek. “I’ll see you Saturday, Mother. I’ve got to run.”

  “You just got here, Robert. Where are you going now?”

  “Dinner plans.” Before she could ask any more questions, he raced out the door.

  Chapter 12

  Dani hurried from the Star Power building and to the limo. Guilt squeezed her when Mark opened the door for her. His days as her driver were numbered. As soon as Cope’s company was up and running, she’d give her business to him.

  Seated in the back of the car, Dani opened the bar, but reached for the bottle of water instead of the alcohol without hesitation. Life was too full and busy to dull it with alcohol.

  Dani’s cell phone buzzed. She checked the call display. A text from Cope: Great meeting. Maybe too optimistic, but let’s celebrate. My treat.

  Excited at the prospect of seeing him again so soon, Dani texted back: Where would you like to meet?

  Come to my place. I’ll make dinner.

  Dani bit her lip, and a thrill ran through her belly. I’d love that. What’s your address?

  When Cope sent the information, Dani asked him to give her two hours, and instructed Mark to take her home.

  Back in her apartment, after a quick shower, she considered what to wear. Cope had become important to her—more than a friend, and she wanted something classy yet sexy.

  A black sheath dress caught her eye. It would hug her figure but wasn’t slutty. Dani paired it with black heels, two inches—lower than her usual four-inch heels—she wanted comfort tonight. A platinum and diamond sapphire bracelet and opal ring from her jewelry box accessorized the ensemble. She dressed, fixed her hair, and did her makeup while thinking about the evening ahead.

  She’d tell Cope tonight it was her investment firm he’d presented at that day. Better he find out from her than anyone else. If he hated the idea that much, he’d be able to back out of any proposed deal before signing a contract.

  Ready, she hunted for her purse and found it on the end of her bed. Dani grabbed it and transferred her wallet and other essentials to a black, faux-leather clutch that matched her shoes.

  Thirty minutes later, she stood at the door of Cope’s apartment unit with a bottle of sparkling mineral water under her arm. When Cope opened the door, her breath caught at the sight of him. He wore a white dress shirt, open at the collar, no tie, and black dress pants that hugged his hips. Dani handed him the bottle and melted when he grinned in that happy-boy way he had that lit up his eyes.

  “Come in.” Cope stepped back into the foyer and held the door open for her.

  Dani entered a modestly furnished apartment, small and cozy. Delighted to be in his space, she raised up on tiptoes to plant a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for the invite. I’m so happy you called me over.”

  “Want a tour? It’s not much, but I’m proud of it.” Cope swept his arm around the room, encompassing the living room, dining room, and kitchen, and grinned. “That’s most of it.”

  He set the bottle on the kitchen counter as they walked by and led her into his bedroom. Her gaze diverted to the bed, which took up most of the tiny bedroom, Dani had an urge to grab Cope and pull him onto it.

  Control yourself, crazy lady. Be classy. Dani almost laughed out loud as an image of her staggering drunk on the beach flashed through her mind. Cope had already seen her puking up alcohol more than once. Classy was already off the table.

  What was she doing here, in her dress-up clothes and fancy hair and makeup? The prolonged silence made her glance at him. He stared at her, puzzled, expectant.

  “You’ve seen me at my worst, Cope. I don’t know what you think of me or how to act around you.”

  “You’re nervous?” He said it as if he was curious, not surprised.

  Dani nodded. “If I were you, I wouldn’t like me very much.”

  Cope stepped to her side. His arms went around her, and his mouth covered hers. He pressed
her against his body, and she molded to him as though they were made to fit together. A moan escaped her when his tongue darted into her mouth, hungry and insistent. The next moment, he released her, but had to grab her again when she swayed.

  “I’ve been wanting to do that since the day we met. But you were my boss, and I had to keep it professional. After that, I’ve been looking for an opening. How could I not like you?” He stroked her face, pushing the stray strands of hair from her cheeks and forehead. “Because you had a tough time coping with everything? It was difficult to watch, Dani, but it wasn’t your fault, and I did my best to protect you.”

  To Dani’s horror, she burst into tears.

  “Dani?”

  Sobs continued to tear out from deep in her chest. An attempt to speak failed.

  Cope pressed her head against his shoulder, one hand stroking her hair.

  “I barely acknowledged you. What a snob. How could you put up with me? Almost every night, you had to either drag or carry me up to my apartment. More than once, you helped me to the bathroom to puke. God, I’m so embarrassed.”

  Cope sighed. “I’ve had my share of nights like that, Dani—just perhaps not as many as you.”

  Dani jerked her head up, but saw he was smiling. Unable to resist, she smiled in return. “You’re great at holding my hair back and never took advantage of me.” The wonder in her voice rang in her ears, and she flushed. “I don’t mean to imply you’d do that.”

  “It’s okay. You were always this beautiful, fragile, vulnerable young woman, and I’d want to kill anyone who took advantage of that. The times you spent with Henderson were particularly grating. He used you, if you don’t mind my opinion, but I couldn’t interfere, because you chose to be with him.”

  Not wanting to discuss Henderson with Cope, Dani changed the subject. “What happens now? Between us, I mean?”

  “What would you like to happen between us?”

  “I like spending time with you?”

  “Is that a question?” As if unaware he was doing it, Cope kissed the top of her head.