to work, Tay.
She had already strategically modified the necessary modules, subtly tweaking them so Bennett wouldn’t suspect she was providing coaching that would undermine his relationship with Mary.
For example, Taylor knew that Mary Rutherford loathed kiss-ups. Therefore, training module number three, which focused on “How to Build a Positive Relationship with Women in Power,” would now stress “recognizing that women enjoy compliments in any setting.”
Taylor snickered to herself. Honestly, most women would probably be fine if a male coworker or business partner complimented their appearance. “You look great today, Betty” or “New shoes, Martha? Very nice.” But Mary would see it as a sign of general smarminess.
Planting similar landmines, Taylor typed the final finishing touches in the other modules, grinning proudly at her work. Let’s see how far your cockiness gets you now, Mr. Wade.
An image of Bennett staring deeply into her eyes flashed in her mind. It was the moment his plane took a nosedive, when he’d risked his safety just to assure her she’d be okay, including giving her his cellphone so that rescue crews would be able to locate her first. His strength and cockiness had kept her from losing her mind.
She stared at the final phony coaching lessons, having second thoughts. Maybe this plan of hers was a mistake. Maybe there was an explanation for what Bennett had done.
Or maybe you’re getting suckered, just seeing what you want to see. She couldn’t deny that Bennett had a way about him that made her want to like him despite his bulldozer tactics. And having a man like Bennett even remotely interested in her—which she wasn’t saying he was—made her feel…well, kind of…she didn’t know really. But what woman wouldn’t appreciate a little attention from such a good-looking man, even if only a superficial kiss probably fueled by curiosity. Or the fact you told him you would never sleep with him.
Oh, boy. She hit her forehead and laughed quietly. Of course. Tell that man he can’t have something, and he’ll go after it just to prove you wrong. She’d seen it on the day she’d told him she wouldn’t work with him. His response had been to corral her onto his plane.
Still, despite the evidence, she wanted to believe there was more substance to this man.
Taylor felt like she was at a crossroads. Why? She barely knew Bennett.
She sighed, shut down her laptop, and lay back, staring at the beige ceiling of the plane. I can’t do this. I can’t. Whether or not he’s done something wrong, this isn’t me. I’m not the person who goes after people.
Yes, he’d wounded her pride. And betting a million dollars with one’s buddies on whether or not you could bag a chick was depraved. Lying to get someone to work for you, claiming you wanted to be a better person simply so you could make money on some big merger was lower than low. Telling a woman he’d have to be drunk to ever sleep with her and commenting on her appearance at a business meeting, as he’d done to her ex-boss Vera, was barbaric. Having two police officers drag a lady off in an airport to force her to talk to you was underhanded not to mention unethical. And then there’s the way he demanded you keep that cell on you at all times because he thinks he owns you…
Taylor found herself completely riled up again.
But what’s any of this going to prove, Tay? Nothing. The man was who he was, and her undermining his merger wouldn’t change that.
As soon as they landed in Tokyo and Bennett was awake, she’d tell him she couldn’t take his money or train him. She wouldn’t give a reason other than she felt she couldn’t offer him anything of value. He’d understand that. And a guy with an ego that large would buy the whole “Oh, but you’re so smart already. What could I possibly ever teach you?”
Problem solved.
—
Taylor awoke to a gentle tug on her shoulder and a cold block of cement inside her head. “Ms. Reed, we’re here,” said Candy.
She cracked open one eye and Candy’s face—perfect makeup, creamy complexion, red lips, and red hair in a neat bun—came into focus. Taylor slowly sat up and noticed Bennett’s seat empty.
“Oh,” said Candy, “he had a four o’clock meeting so he needed to get going, but he said he’d see you bright and early in the morning for breakfast.”
“What time is it?”
Candy glanced at her watch. “Just after two in the afternoon, Tokyo