Tasha thought to herself about how ironic it would be if Craig was the one interested in Sabrina and not Tim. It would serve her right.
Just watching how this evening was starting to unfold left Tasha on the verge of a full on laughing fit until Craig focused his green eyes on her. He gave Tasha a brilliant smile, “Thank you again.”
She gestured toward Sabrina, “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t send you the bottle of champagne my friend sent it over.”
His eyes never wavered, “I’m glad she sent it because that gave me a great opportunity to come over and introduce myself. You are?” Craig reached his hand out to Tasha.
She smiled warmly and shook his hand. “I’m Tasha Stevens.”
He continued to focus his attention on her. “Would you ladies care to join us for dinner? That way we could share the champagne.”
Sabrina sat there watching Tasha mull the invitation over. It was going to be a long night waiting for her to just accept his invitation. So, Sabrina took the decision out of her hands. Impatiently, she accepted.
“We’d love to join you.”
Tasha knew Sabrina didn’t have a shred of patience. She was always going to accept the invite but it served her right for ambushing this evening to at least think she wouldn’t accept it.
They stood up from their table and followed Craig back to his. When they arrived, Tim was talking to his business associate. He continued his conversation while the three of them stood awkwardly around the table waiting to be introduced. Finally, after a few more awkward moments, he looked up.
Craig didn’t know what Tim was doing but he’d make sure to check him later for making him look like a fool. But for now, he’d just ignore that little power move. Craig made the introductions, “Tim and Shane, this is Tasha and her friend Sabrina.”
Sabrina reached her hand out to Tim completely ignoring Shane for a handshake. “I hope you are enjoying the champagne.”
Without even really acknowledging Sabrina’s presence he gave her perfunctory “Thank you.”
She smoothly pulled her hand back. So, Mr. Horne was either ridiculously rude or was trying to take the game up to another level. Sabrina refused to believe that she hadn’t had any effect on him whatsoever. But, she wasn’t exactly sure if his was a tactic or if she really had no physical impact on him. It didn’t really matter she’d figure it out. It was only a matter of time.
Tim was blown away by Sabrina’s beauty but he’d met women like her before. He understood as long as he played cool, it would drive her crazy.
Craig fell all over himself trying to help Tasha with her chair.
She was polite but there were way too many undercurrents of gamesmanship going on around her and she didn’t like it. “Thank you for the invitation to dinner.”
As usual, Sabrina had roped her into something she didn’t really want to be involved with. However, for now, she’d just play along.
Craig and Shane spent the next couple of hours talking about everything. Tasha didn’t really have to say much. However, it was clear that Craig was trying to impress her.
On the other side of her, Sabrina was trying to get Tim’s attention. However, he hadn’t said much throughout dinner either. She tried all of her tactics to engage him in conversation, and nothing really worked. Tasha could see that it was making her more and more frustrated but more and more determined too.
Tasha admired that as irritated as Sabrina was she remained cool. She only knew because she’d known Sabrina since forever. She would re-group and figure out her next plan of attack.
Sabrina had never been this close to a billionaire before and she’d be damned if she would let this opportunity slip through her fingers. While thinking about her next move, something someone said caught her attention. She’d heard the tail end of the conversation.
“We don’t need it. We already have one in our portfolio.”
Sabrina wasn’t aware she’d spoken aloud, “But, is yours the industry leader?”
Shane answered, “Excuse me? Um…not yet.”
Sabrina flicked an imaginary piece of lint off of her dress. She didn’t know what the commodity was that they were discussing but if they weren’t the industry leader, get rid of the competition. That’s business 101.
“Then, if you’re not the industry leader and the company isn’t worth much, maybe it would be in your best interest to buy it. Buy it now while the price is low or before it shows up on the other market player’s radar. Or, jump on it before they become the competition. Not everything is about an immediate return.”
Tim was impressed. She seemed like she might be an astute business woman. His voice was smooth and deep when he spoke. “So, you’re suggesting we should buy the company?”
He seemed pretty interested in her response. Was this how she needed to get his attention?
“Obviously, without the proper financials it would be difficult to make that decision.” She eyed him hard, “Especially, since I’ve learned…all that glitters isn’t necessarily gold.”
His eyes challenged hers, “I’ve had to learn that the hard way too. No matter how beautiful something may appear looks can be very deceiving.”
Tasha looked back and forth between them and did her best not to roll her eyes. Sabrina and Tim needed to just cut the crap. It would make things so much easier especially since the sparks between them was impossible to miss.
This whole night had been exhausting. All she really wanted was a good meal and to sit on the beach for a while before her vacation was officially over. But, once again, she’d been
