Tempting Aquisitions Read Online Free PDF Page A

crowded publishers’ dinner.
    While a private meeting was preferable, it hardly made sense, and Nathan’s suggestion of a post-event drink didn’t answer the question of what he could possibly be up to. She and her sisters had spent time preparing with Sally and the rest of the legal team, and here Nathan was inviting her out for drinks one-on-one.
    Which brought her to her next question. Why was she here? She was a grown woman. She could have extricated herself from the evening, had been more than adept at doing just that in the past. Which brought her back to the original question.
    Why?
    “A dark Cabernet, as requested.” Nathan set a glass down before her, the deep bowl of the wineglass reflecting in the muted light of the bar’s fireplace. The fire made for a nice, rosy glow, distilling the slight chill of the early fall evening, but Keira found she didn’t need its warmth.
    Nathan Cooper was giving off more than enough heat to keep her warm.
    “This is much better. We can discuss things in a far more civilized manner.”
    “If by things you mean your intention to pillage my company, I’m going to have to insist we talk about something else. I’m not discussing McBride Media without including my legal counsel.”
    As if she’d said the words that let the genie out of the bottle, Nathan leaned forward, his shoulders again drawing her gaze. “That’s fine with me. I’ve no doubt we can discuss some far more interesting things than business.”
    Yet again, she was struck by how easily he maneuvered her.
    Although she hadn’t dated anyone seriously in quite some time, she’d always been able to hold her own. She appreciated the company of men, but she’d never felt this off-kilter. This off her game. Nathan Cooper unsettled her and she was damned if she could figure out why.
    “You’re quite the smooth talker. I hope you understand that neither my sisters nor I will capitulate easily. McBride Media is our heritage. It’s in our blood, and it’s far more than just a job for any of us.” She took a sip of the wine, the rich flavor smooth and even on her tongue. “Can you say the same?”
    …
    Could he say the same?
    Nathan swirled his wine, the heat of the fire growing uncomfortable along his right side.
    Did he feel something deeper, more heartfelt, for how he spent his days beyond this all-consuming urge to conquer? She wasn’t so far off when she used the word pillage . Maybe that was the only thing in his blood. The ruthless need to overpower, to grind his enemies into the ground.
    Keira McBride seemed like anything but the enemy.
    Casually, he removed his tuxedo jacket, but it did little good. The heat of her gaze consumed him. And he was enjoying the sensation more than he’d thought possible. What was it about her? She was beautiful, yes, but it was more than that. Something in her called to him on a far more elemental level. He was a man who enjoyed women. Enjoyed sharing his time with them. But something about Keira made him think of more than sharing a few dinners and his bed afterward.
    More?
    A distinctly uncomfortable knot settled in his gut. He might be West Harrison’s illegitimate son, but he was his son all the same.
    And his genes didn’t do more .
    His mother had learned that the hard way. He’d seen how she suffered and he’d sworn he would never mislead a woman the same way.
    “You’re making this far more personal than it needs to be, Keira.” He savored the feel of her name on his tongue. “I don’t take over companies for personal reasons.”
    “Yes, but McBride Media is personal to me.” A surprising blend of anguish and determination painted her features in harsh lines. “And it’s personal to my sisters.”
    “It’s a business, nothing more. Add on what I’m proposing to buy the company for and the three of you are poised to be very wealthy women.”
    “McBride is about so much more than profit. Have you even read any of our magazines?” She leaned forward,