Page 28 of Lovesick

“Money? What are you talking about?”

“I would like to offer you a position at one of our recent acquisitions. A clinic in Brooklyn.”

“In Brooklyn? Not the Riverside Clinic?”

“Yes. You know it because you live in Brooklyn. Am I right?”

“Your investment firm owns it?” That didn’t sound good for the clinic.

“Not technically. One of our partners acquired it as a tax hedge. They are always looking for talented doctors and naturally I thought of you. It would be close to home . . . and your son.”

She paused, a pleasant smile on her face and scheming machinations going on behind the smile. She’d done her homework, he had to give her that. The elevator doors opened.

“We would double your salary. Think about it.” She stepped onto the elevator. He stayed put.

He didn’t want to betray Louise and the company, but Sosi was talking about working within a half mile of home which meant more time with Tim. And a lot of money.

“Thank you.” It seemed like the right thing to say.

* * *

He didn’t just thankthat damn Sosi-the-enemy, did he? What the hell? How could he? Was he seriously considering her offer? He had to see that it was a bribe, that all she cared about was getting their company. Her family’s company.

If she lured him away and announced it at the meeting, it would take the wind out of their sails for their old-fashioned values event. It would make the whole thing a sham. None of the shoppers would know, but the people voting would know and they’d be soured on the idea that Regal Company could or should continue as a family-owned company.

Louise paced around her office, her heart thudding—which couldn’t be healthy because it had been happening way too often. She kept her mind focused on what to do about Sosi’s underhanded offer, avoiding like hell thinking about Max, her lover, and what it meant for them.

Because her head would explode if she went there. Or she might cry. And she needed to put her heart aside and think of business. That’s what she always did. That’s what made her the successful happy woman she was. Wasn’t it? Wasn’t she happy?

Hell, she should have run down that hall and confronted him, should have asked him what he was thinking, if he was seriously considering the offer.

If he was, maybe it would be best for them. They could be lovers guilt free if he didn’t work for her, right? But would she want to be lovers if he abandoned their cause? Not likely.

She should have asked him what he wanted to do, but the truth was, she was too chicken to hear his answer. She hiccupped. Then held her side against the sharp pain.

God, she was a mess.