I’m not in the least bit surprised when she dabs her mouth daintily halfway through dessert.
“It’s been so great talking to you, Landon Court.” She starts to rise. “We should have dinner tonight at my place and talk a bit more. I will rethink your offer and have an answer by then.”
I narrow my eyes, all the charm of earlier replaced by a cold demeanor that causes her to stop in her tracks.
“Sit, Madeleine.”
Shocked at my tone, she does as I say.
“We’re not having dinner.” My voice is cold. “You will take my offer, which, in case you have forgotten, is the best you’ve got. Our lawyers are here with the contracts. I can see you have no real objections to the deal. So, no more games. You can either sign right now, or you’ll never hear from us again.”
She stares at me. “I don’t—”
“I’m a busy man, Mrs. Fortrand, and I don’t take kindly to people wasting my time, believe me. I want those contracts signed. I didn’t come all the way here just for the pleasure of your company.”
She flinches at my tone. “Fine.”
I make a call and Alex shows up, her lawyer close behind. With a sulky expression, Madeleine signs the papers.
“It’s all granite underneath the charm, I see.” She gives me a tight smile.
My shrug communicates that I don’t care what she thinks about me. “You can have more wine if you like.”
She shakes her head. “All this business has given me a headache. I’m going home.” She rises, then stops. “Ava led me to believe this would be more enjoyable. Apparently, she doesn’t know you as well as she thinks.”
I don’t react to Ava’s name, or even ask her to clarify. I watch her walk away, scowling internally.
Ava.
What is she trying to achieve?
A waiter comes to offer me a dark coffee, and I take it, contemplating calling Ava. I should ignore her, but I want to know what game she’s playing.
Her cell rings for a few moments before I hear her voice.
“Landon! What a surprise, and a coincidence. I’ve just been talking about you.”
“No need to guess with whom, I suppose.”
Her tinkling laugh fills my ears. “Don’t be grumpy.”
“What did you hope to gain?”
She sighs. “I set the stage for you to loosen up a little. A beautiful widow, an exotic location, good wine. The Landon I know would have left poor Madeleine a few good memories.”
There’s a pause. A long time ago, I might have been amused. Now, I’m just annoyed.
“So…this girl in New York…” she continues. “You’re serious about her?”
I close my eyes in disbelief. “You could have asked.”
“I did, and you didn’t give me an answer.”
“Because, Ava, what’s going on in my life is none of your business.”
“Anymore,” she adds. “There was a time when it was.”
“Maybe somewhere between your numerous marriages, things changed.”