Amy transferred her attention to Lucy. “And in the contract, Ms Maxwell, you will have noticed, I’m sure, that our solicitor has insisted that we retain all rights under European Law, and we will not under any circumstances be bound by US law.”
“That’s right,” Lucy said. “And that’s completely fine by us. Please rest assured we’ve taken over companies in Europe and globally before, Ms Carter. We’ve got it all under control.”
Amy transferred her attention to Dylan, who smiled politely. “Alright, Ms Carter?”
“Is there anything you’re not telling me, Mr Quinlan?”
“We don’t operate like that,” Dylan said. “Everything’s above board.”
“No redundancies?”
“You mean lay-offs?” Dylan waved his hand dismissively. “You have my word. Anything else on your mind?”
“Er… well… yes. I was interested to know whether we will remain autonomous, or will a representative of Quinlan Brothers relocate to take over from Frank Grafton as CEO? This point wasn’t clear in the contract from your solicitor.”
“Due to a personal bereavement,” Lucy said, “the decision hadn’t been finalised when we compiled the contract. Have you made up your minds yet, boys?”
Adam glanced at Dylan. Whenever they took over a company, one of them would usually relocate for the first few months, to ensure things were integrated exactly how they wanted. Adam had been to Hong Kong last year, meaning technically it was Dylan’s turn next. But since Ivan’s death, neither of them was keen to leave their parents or siblings for long.
Dylan shifted in his seat. “We’d really hoped to discuss that with Frank. Is he out of hospital now?”
“Yes he is,” Amy said. “But he won’t sign anything until this important factor is agreed upon. He expects me to finalise these details with you. We need to know who will be leading us, Mr Quinlan. And whether we will all get along as one big happy family with our new head of the household.”
Amy raised a suggestive eyebrow at Adam, making his cock firm with a shudder that pulsed through his body. He loved how she was so clear and assertive, but so vulnerable, too. He was suddenly desperate to fuck her hard, then hold her in his arms and talk about the real Amy Carter. He wanted to protect her, to listen to her fears, to know every detail about her life. And he wanted her to know the real Adam Quinlan. But he wasn’t even sure if he knew him anymore.
Adam spoke coolly, trying to hide his desire. “These are important details, Ms Carter. Perhaps we can speak with Frank on Skype as soon as he’s able? We don’t want you feeling uncomfortable.” He threw her a flirty grin. “Our aim is your pleasure.”
Amy stifled a smirk. “Yes, Mr Quinlan. That’s what I’ve heard.”
They took a break for coffee and Adam found himself in the washrooms with his brother. He rinsed his hands under the warm water of the plush sink, trying to avoid eye contact with Dylan in the mirror.
But Dylan knew his younger brother very well. “You don’t waste time, do you, kiddo?”
Adam chuckled. “She’s a beautiful woman – you can’t blame me.”
Dylan plucked a paper towel from the dispenser. “But it’s more than
that. She’s distracting you at the table – it’s not like you. You need to get your head out of her tits and back on the job.”
Adam laughed at Dylan’s bluntness. “I don’t know what’s going on, Dylan. She’s getting under my skin. I can’t wait to see her again tonight. I can’t wait to get back into the boardroom and see her again now. I mean, what the fuck!”
“Don’t forget it’s mom and dad’s anniversary party tonight, huh?”
“Shit, is that tonight?”
“Fraid so. And you can’t bail out – it’s the first time the whole family’s coming together since… you know, since we said goodbye to Ivan.”
Adam suppressed his disappointment. “I know. I won’t let mom and dad down. So, hey, I guess I’ll just invite Amy along and introduce her to mom and dad. See what they think of her.”
Dylan’s jaw dropped. “Introduce her to mom and dad? Adam, what are you saying?”
Adam grinned. “Nothing. Look, I know I’ve only known her five minutes, but she’s... she’s special.”
“Well, then, you’d better go ask her if she’ll come, hadn’t you?”
Adam made his way back to the boardroom, to find Preti, Lucy, and Amy drinking tea and giggling as if they were at a teenage sleepover. Adam didn’t like to credit himself unduly, but Amy definitely seemed more relaxed today too, as if he’d unlocked something inside her. She looked childlike and free. Genuinely happy. And that made him happy. He wanted to make her happy, and not just in bed… Urgh! What was happening to him?
He stood at the head of the boardroom table, striking a powerful pose, suddenly aware that all three women were looking at him. Where the hell was Dylan when he needed backup?