Magnate Read Online Free PDF

impressiveness of his towering frame and handsome face. His wide shoulders were framed in the newest style, that of a black tailless dinner jacket. A white single-breasted vest stretched over his immense chest, while his white bow tie and shirt collar contrasted with his tan skin. This was not a man who lived for ponies and pleasure, idling at his club while the world awaited his whim. Here was a man unafraid of hard work, who snatched what he wanted and forged it with his own bare hands. She admired that. Even envied him, a little.
    Her eyes locked with Cavanaugh’s obsidian gaze. He never glanced away, just watched her with an unreadable intensity that sucked all the air from the room. She nearly stumbled, but somehow remained on her feet as they arrived at the most coveted table, one in the center of the room next to the elaborate marble fountain. Where everyone would see them.
    â€œMiss Sloane,” Cavanaugh greeted and moved to pull out her chair. Did she detect a bit of relief on his face? She couldn’t be sure, but that hint of vulnerability made him more . . . human. If he ever smiled she might faint dead away.
    â€œMr. Cavanaugh.”
    She lowered and arranged herself on the seat, careful not to crush her bustle, as he pushed her chair toward the table.
    â€œI didn’t think you’d come.” He signaled to a waiter hovering nearby.
    She liked his deep voice. It was huskier than Will’s, each word pronounced with authoritative precision.
    â€œWhy wouldn’t I? I said I’d have dinner with you. I keep my promises.”
    â€œSurprising for a Sloane,” he muttered, so softly she was certain he hadn’t meant for her to hear.
    â€œWhat does that—”
    â€œChampagne, miss?” A waiter holding an expensive bottle appeared, and Lizzie had to bite off her questions as their glasses were filled.
    When they were alone, Cavanaugh lifted his flute. “To possibilities.” The words, combined with his fierce expression, caused her mouth to dry out. Was he speaking of their business venture?
    She raised her glass. “To possibilities.” She took a hasty sip, focusing on the far wall instead of him.
    â€œI hope you don’t mind,” he said. “I’ve gone ahead and ordered our meal. I thought it would save time.”
    â€œI suppose that makes sense, but what would you have done if I’d stayed home?”
    â€œEaten alone, most likely. Did you consider not coming?”
    â€œOf course not.” A lie. She’d considered backing out at least a dozen times over the last few days.
    The side of his mouth hitched, a simple gesture that softened his hard features, making him even more striking. “If you plan to join the world of business, Miss Sloane, you must learn to lie.”
    The suggestion bothered her. First, he was surprised she’d kept her word to dine with him this evening. Now he was encouraging her to lie. Was he so cynical, then? “You might believe that to be true, but I prefer to practice honesty in all things.”
    â€œIs that so?” When she nodded, he leaned in and lowered his voice. “Did you tell your brother you were meeting me tonight? Or Rutlidge, for that matter?”
    â€œAs it happens, Will has been away this week, and I have not seen Mr. Rutlidge.”
    â€œAnd all forms of communication at your disposal are . . .” He waved his hand, as if searching for the right word. “Broken?”
    Her cheeks grew warm, and irritation swept through her. “Why did you want to have dinner with me, Mr. Cavanaugh? What do you hope to gain?”
    â€œCompanionship?”
    â€œBecause you are lacking in feminine attention?” She finished her champagne and placed the glass on the table. A waiter instantly materialized to refill it. “I find that hard to believe.”
    Had that sounded like a compliment? She nearly winced. Champagne tended to loosen her tongue,