Craig seemed nice but was clumsily trying to impress her. Unfortunately, even though he was super cute, Tasha had no physical attraction to him…at all.
“What advice would you give me, Tasha?”
He’d been talking and Tasha had been only half listening. “I’m sorry, what?”
“What advice would you give me about buying the company?”
She smiled warmly, “Oh…yes, of course. I’d definitely want to see all of the financials. I would want to know what their actual cash assets were, not just revenues but hard cold cash. What were the short term, mid-term, and long term liabilities? That would be just the beginning! I’m an accountant.”
“Wow. You don’t look like an accountant.”
Tasha tilted her head, “What exactly does an accountant look like?”
“I’m sorry that came out wrong. It’s just you’re…a very attractive woman and I wouldn’t have expected that to be your profession.”
“Are you saying a woman can’t be attractive and smart?”
Tim watched in amusement as his baby brother was digging a hole he’d never climb out of. So, he decided to throw Craig an anvil.
“I think what Craig was trying to say was that it’s refreshing to meet women like you and Sabrina; Women who are obviously independent, beautiful, and smart. We meet so many who only want to invest in their beauty. However, it’s the mind that ultimately interests us the most and sustains the interest.”
Sabrina made a mental note. This would be a good time to leave with Tim being slightly intrigued.
“Tasha, it’s getting late and we’re leaving in the morning. We should probably get going. Should we pick up the tab?”
Sabrina was laying it on thick.
Tim wondered if she’d actually pay the tab if he called her bluff but decided to be a gentleman. “I would be insulted if you did.” Instead, he called the maître d over so Sabrina could give them her ticket for her car.
Craig was disappointed. He wanted just a little more time to try to make a good impression with Tasha.
“Where is home?”
When Tasha and Sabrina stood to leave, the guys did as well.
Tasha smiled sweetly to her dinner companions before answering, “Chicago. Home is Chicago. And, Sabrina is right. We hate to have to say goodnight but we really do have an early flight tomorrow. It’s been a wonderful evening and thank you all for dinner.”
Craig reached into his suit-coat pocket and pulled out one of his business cards. He gave it to her. “I do business in Chicago all the time. Call me and maybe the next time I’m there we can have dinner.”
Not wanting to be rude, Tasha took his card. “Okay, that sounds nice.”
The maître d signaled that the car had been brought around to the front. Sabrina didn’t ask for Tim’s number and Tim didn’t ask for hers.
Chapter 5
Early the next morning, Tim walked toward the kitchen of their vacation home to get a cup of coffee. Since the death of their parents, he took it upon himself to make sure his brother and sister stayed connected. It was hard considering they all lived in different states. However, at least twice a year he planned a family vacation. This year it was Palo Alto.
As soon as he stepped across the threshold, he was met with laughter from his one year old niece, Madeline. She and Craig were sitting at the table attempting to have breakfast. Craig was making a fool out of himself trying to get her to eat.
Tim looked amused as he poured his coffee. “What’s going on in here? Maddy probably has more food on her face than in her stomach.”
A giggling Maddy was taking great pleasure in driving her uncle Craig insane.
He walked over to kiss her lightly on the forehead. That was the only place that didn’t have food on it,
“Hi princess.”
Even though Craig was going to have to change his clothes after breakfast, it was obvious he was enjoying every minute of hanging out with his niece too. “You can wipe that silly smirk off your face right now. It’ll be your turn soon enough.”
Tim’s smirk turned into a full on grin, “I’m sure you’re probably right. But, in the meantime, I’m just enjoying watching you and Maddy make a mess.” He looked around, “Where’s Jenny?”
Craig’s smile evaporated, “She and Daniel needed some time alone.”
Tim lifted an eyebrow, “This early?”
Craig gave him a look that needed no explanation. But, he still felt compelled to give him the cleanest explanation possible since they were in front of Maddy. “Apparently, he got home after us last night thus the breakfast outing.”
Tim and Craig couldn’t stand Daniel. He was a serial cheater and they couldn’t understand why Jenny was still married to him. The only good thing about him was he was Maddy’s father and she was an amazing little girl.
Craig decided to change the subject before one of them said the wrong thing in front of their niece.
“Speaking of last night, my suggestion for you is to leave Ms. Links alone. Don’t call her.”
“What? What are you talking about? We didn’t even exchange numbers.”
Craig turned away from Maddy to look his brother in the eye, “You know what I’m talking about. I saw that look in your eyes as soon as you accepted that bottle of champagne. She has trouble written all over her.”
Tim took another sip of his coffee, “You’re being ridiculous. I barely said anything to her. Anyway, I’m not sure how you noticed anything considering how focused you were on her friend.” He laughed as he teased Craig, “Speaking of that, you might want to work on your pick-up game because it’s a little weak.”
Craig glared at Tim, “You better be glad Maddy is sitting here. She
