DanielsSurrender Read Online Free PDF Page B

offered the stranger
his hand and was impressed with his firm handshake. He was also impressed when
the stranger immediately returned his hand to Meri’s neck.
    “Tony Renatto.” He had a firm grip, a firm voice, and met
Matthew’s eyes squarely when he spoke.
    “The contractor, right?” Renatto nodded. “Since Meri’s in
charge, I’ll assume we’re on schedule and good to go.”
    The other man slid a slow smile in Meredith’s direction. “Oh
yeah, we’re good to go.” To Matthew’s amazement, Meredith flushed a glowing
pink. Damn. Who woulda thunk it?
    Before they could continue the conversation, there was a
brief knock and Daniel entered the room. Matthew felt an instant current zap
between them, and noticed Daniel deliberately focused his attention on Meredith
and her companion. He took the time to admire the other man’s build. Daniel
spent hours a week at the gym, and still more at home working out and lifting
weights, and it showed in his hard, toned physique. He was a smidge shorter
than Matthew, but made up for it with sheer charisma.
    Lost in his own thoughts, it took Matthew a minute to
realize the conversation had shifted to him.
    “Sorry, zoned out for a minute there.” Daniel’s bland look
made it clear he knew exactly what zone Matthew had been in. “Can you rewind
about two minutes for me?”
    Meredith gave him an impatient look. “I said, since I’m
already on the Convention Center construction, I’d like to see you take over
the property search.” She shot Daniel a distracted look. “Since Daniel’s
already here, Tony and I can move to my office, and the two of you can get to
work.”
    Matt nodded, making note of Daniel’s reaction. Or his
complete lack of reaction. He smiled to himself. This just might be fun.
    Matt plopped himself down in Marcus’ abandoned office chair.
Folding his arms casually behind his head, he flashed a beaming smile at
Daniel. When no smile was returned, he let out a long sigh and put his hands on
the desk.
    “Lighten up, Danny-boy. We’ve got too much work to do to get
all jammed up about last night.”
    Daniel gave a brief nod and flipped open his briefcase. It
seemed to Matthew he was almost hiding behind it. When he looked up again,
Matthew was still watching him, a secretive little smile curving his lips.
Daniel scowled, and Matt laughed.
    “Do we need to talk about last night?” He already knew the
answer. He’d seen it in Daniel’s eyes when he left. Regret etched deeply on
Daniel’s face, making him appear suddenly older
    Daniel slapped three thick files on top of the desk. “There
isn’t anything we need to discuss, Matt.” End of subject. It was beyond clear
that Daniel had shut down even as he opened the first file.
     
    “This is a property in Traverse City. The owner is asking
two-point-five million but I think with our present economy we can talk him
down. Its located half a mile from the water and within walking distance of
restaurants and other tourist haunts.” Daniel chanced a glance at Matt. His
chin rested in his hand, and he was wearing an amused grin. Okay, enough of
this. Daniel stood up and shoved the folders across the desk.
    “Look these over, Matt. I’ll be back tomorrow around eleven.
I need a decision by then.”
    “Running away?” Matt’s smooth voice froze Daniel in his
tracks. He turned and approached Matt. Spinning his chair around, Daniel
grabbed both arms, leaning in close enough to smell the minty gum Matt was
chewing.
    “I don’t run, Matthew. This can’t go on. Your brother is my
best friend. I had fun, but you can’t handle how I need things to be, and you
know it.” He straightened up. “Do yourself a favor and find a nice vanilla
girlfriend who will adore you.”
    Matthew’s laughter caught Daniel completely by surprise.
    “You ass.” Matthew was almost snorting with humor. “When
will you quit trying to tell me what I want?” Matthew stood, stepping into
Daniel’s space, close enough