Despite his instinctive dislike of James Caine, Ryan had to reluctantly admit the pretty boy Prince Charming had a good head for business.
The man listened to his proposal with rapt attention, interrupting only to ask shrewd and sensible questions, a few were unexpected, and threw him for a second, but fortunately, Ryan had been able to answer each question, mentally revising flaws in the proposal.
He glanced at Sam, who sat across from him, also listening attentively though her gaze remained fixed on Prince Charming and a weird tightness, the same feeling he'd experienced back at the museum stabbed at his chest at the admiration he saw clearly written on her face.
His train of thought stumbled. To hide it, he coughed and reached for the glass of water sitting on the table, taking a long sip while he recollected his thoughts, berating himself for letting personal feelings get in the way of something so important.
Sam was right; getting James' approval was the key to convincing Caine Senior to give Silvercorp a second chance. He needed to stop acting less like a spoilt brat who'd had his favorite lollipop snatched from him and more like a businessman.
He needed to put aside the jumble of emotions that plagued him when it came to her for the time being before he let it consume him the way he'd let Nicky's betrayal overwhelm him to the point he'd lost a billion dollar contract due to sheer stupidity and negligence.
Swallowing the cool liquid, he set down the glass, resolve hardening his features and he continued talking. Sam now had her head down as she busied herself with typing something on the tablet in her grasp; face still slightly flushed from the incident minutes ago. She stiffened as though she could feel his gaze, but resolutely kept her eyes lowered.
The corners of his mouth turned up in the beginnings of a smile. The way she’d looked at him just then, eyes glazed, mouth parted slightly in the expectations of a kiss, a dreamy expression as if caught up in a fantasy with him being the main protagonist had damn near brought him to his knees. It had certainly done a riser on his ego…and other, more sensitive parts of his body as well.
For one brief second, Ryan had been tempted to fulfil her wish there and then; to lean over the table and kiss her senseless, present company be damned.
That need still raged within, tightly held down in its cage.
He forced his attention back to Prince Charming.
“I’m aware Caine Group is currently open to new bids on the resort and in no way does Silvercorp expect to be given preferential treatment. I only ask that our proposal be given the same consideration as any other competitor.”
James leaned back against the chair, the fingers of one hand drumming a silent rhythm against the table as he appeared deep in thought. Then he sighed and leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, fingers clasped.
“It’s a good proposal,” he said, sincerity ringing in the words. “And will be beneficial to us in the long run and I like your idea to section off parts of the beach for VIP guests only. However, we’ve sunk in so much money into this project already and got less than satisfactory results from Silvercorp.”
His gaze seemed to pierce through Ryan. “What guarantee do we have that history will not repeat itself?”
Prepared for this question, Ryan readily answered. “Silvercorp will make up ten percent of whatever amount is finalized in the contract.”
At this, Sam glanced up sharply and he turned to look at her, giving her a smile in reassurance. He knew what was going through her mind at this point, thinking it was too big a risk to undertake such a contract, and if Bradford was aware of it.
James was surprised as well. “You do realize just how much that is, right?”
“I do,” Ryan didn’t bother to add his intention to foot the bill from his own pocket. “That’s not an issue.”
“I see,” James went back to being thoughtful. “Like I said, it’s a sweet deal for Caine Group and if it were solely up to me, I’d jump at it in a heartbeat. But, as I’m sure you’re aware who the ultimate decision lies with.”
“Yes, we do.” Sam answered before Ryan. “However, we’re hoping you’ll help us get this proposal across to your father, at least for his consideration.”
“Mmm,” James murmured absently. “It won’t be easy. He’s still pissed at Silvercorp, and frankly, who can blame him?”
His gaze shifted to Ryan as he said this, and their eyes met, the unspoken meaning passing between the two men.
Ryan met James’ gaze headon, careful to keep his expression neutral. Much as he acknowledged his mistake, the last thing he would do was to let that guilt eat away his confidence. Most especially, where James Caine was concerned.
Something in his eyes seemed to reassure James because the man gave a brief nod and broke eye contact and turned to Sam. “I can’t guarantee he’ll listen, the old man can be quite onerous when he chooses, but, I’ll see what I can do.”
Ryan stiffened at the tone. The man was definitely laying on the charm on Sam, who, to his consternation seemed to be swallowing it hook, line and sinker. His mood dropped as he watched her beam up at James as though the man had just promised to deliver her the Holy Grail.
Really, Sam?
“Thank you, James,” Her voice was soft, but it set his teeth on edge. “We really appreciate you taking the time to listen and help.”
The smile James leveled her way made Ryan want to wipe it off his face. “It’s my pleasure, Sam.”
Gritting his teeth at the disgusting sweetness, Ryan decided to intervene before the man launched into a love song there and then. The grudging respect he’d had towards him evaporated into thin air, to be replaced by intense dislike.
Pushing back his chair, he rose to his feet and held out a hand. “You mentioned having another meeting scheduled, so we won’t take up any more of your time. Like my partner says, we are grateful to you for this.”
James raised an eyebrow at the word ‘partner’. Rising to his feet slowly, he took his sweet time buttoning up his suit jacket before reaching out to clasp Ryan’s outstretched hand. His grip was firm, almost crushing but Ryan simply tightened his in return, not backing down in this silent battle of wills.
“No problem, Silverton,” James grinned as though he found the power play amusing. He exerted pressure once more and released his grip. “It was actually to my advantage, because I got to meet and have lunch with a beautiful woman.”
Asshole