Taming Her Tycoon Read online

  “I don’t think that’s true,” Adam interrupted Lucius’s musings. “It’s because you care. Every time your mother visits, you get riled up.”

  Lucius took a long drink of his scotch. “That’s not true.”

  “Do you remember the last time she was here? You were so out of sorts that it nearly cost us that Corinth deal because you insulted the man right when he’d agreed to not fight you on the takeover.”

  “Yeah, well, he deserved it,” Lucius commented, even though he knew Adam was right. His hotheadedness was one of his flaws. “Speaking of takeovers, let’s talk about Brooks and Johnson.”

  “Ah, are you ready to tell me why you’re so interested in the company?”

  “Have you seen the numbers they’ve been bringing in?” Lucius commented. “They’ve grown steadily over the last three years, and their revenue is impressive and can double now that they’ve been public for a few months. And I’ve learned that one of the principals might be open to selling. So we should strike while the iron is hot.”

  “Kelsey Johnson or Naomi Brooks?” Adam inquired. “Why would either of them sell?”

  Lucius rubbed his chin. “Didn’t the dossier on Kelsey Johnson say she’s pregnant with child number two? She could be thinking of downsizing and focusing on her family. That could be our in.”

  Adam leaned back in his chair. “I would think business is the last thing on her mind.”

  “We need to convince her that now is the right time to sell.”

  “And what about Brooks?”

  “Let me handle her,” Lucius said. He was eager to reconnect with his high school classmate and see how the once nerdy kid he remembered had turned the tables and become a successful entrepreneur. He’d also seen a picture of her recently, and she’d blossomed into a fine-looking woman. A woman he wouldn’t mind getting to know better.

  * * *

  “You should be aware that Lucius Knight has been silently buying up Brooks and Johnson’s stock since the IPO,” Bill Andrews, Naomi’s vice president, told her the next morning after they went over some company business.

  Naomi was leaving for Anaheim later that afternoon because she wanted to get a jump on traffic leaving Long Beach. She would check in to the hotel, pick up her registration packet and get settled before the trade show and conference started tomorrow. But first, she’d come into the office to take care of a few items. She hadn’t expected Bill to tell her that corporate raider Lucius Knight, her former high school crush, was interested in her company.

  “Since when?” Naomi asked, staring up from her MacBook.

  “A couple of months ago,” Bill responded. “At first I dismissed it, but then Knight International recently picked up another 5 percent, making his total stake in the company 30 percent.”

  Naomi closed her MacBook. “That’s not good.”

  “No, it isn’t,” Bill said. “Every time Lucius Knight sets his sights on a company, he either dismantles them or they wind up as part of his portfolio.”

  “But why would he be interested in us?” Naomi asked. “We’re a far cry from his other holdings.” She too had done her research on the man. Ever since college, she’d kept her eye on her former crush—Knight International had a mix of industries in its portfolio, but they were mainly centered on technology.

  Bill shrugged. “He could be looking to diversify. And given the success of Brooks and Johnson, he could get in on the ground floor. I received a call from his attorney Adam Powell—he’d like a meeting with you.”

  “A meeting?” Naomi hated that her voice hitched and the question came out more like a squeak.

  “How would you like to handle it?”

  “Ignore it,” Naomi responded. “I’m not interested in talking to Lucius about my company or anything else.”

  Bill stared at her.

  “What?” she snapped. She knew Lucius was a large shareholder, but she didn’t care. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “Because I haven’t seen you this passionate before unless perhaps we’re talking about a new product or launch.”

  “Well...well, I just don’t like the thought of Knight thinking he can railroad me or my company. I’m no one’s pushover.”

  “Never thought you were, Naomi,” Bill replied. “What you and Kelsey were able to accomplish is phenomenal.”

  Naomi’s burst of anger fizzled, and she smiled back at Bill. “I’m sorry if I was a little abrupt,” she said. “I just get angry at the thought of someone trying to take something I worked so hard to build.”

  “We won’t let that happen, Naomi. But he’s a major shareholder now.”

  “I’m aware, Bill.” She began packing her computer and some work files into her leather briefcase. When she was done, she snapped it shut and reached for her purse inside a drawer. “However, I trust that you’ll keep the hounds at bay at least while I’m at the conference. When I get back, we’ll address this.” She started toward the door.

  “Absolutely, boss.”

  “I’ll see you when I get back.” Seconds later she was headed toward the elevator lobby.

  She stabbed at the down button as she waited for the elevator.

  Lucius Knight wanted her company? Her baby? Hell, no. There was no way she was going to let the man—no matter how good-looking—weasel his way in and take over everything she’d built. She would show him and every other local who’d discounted her in high school and thought she was less than just how strong she’d truly become.

  Chapter 2

  “Grandma.” Lucius softened his tone when he heard his grandmother’s voice on the other end of his iPhone. “It’s so good to hear from you.”

  “I hope that remains the case when you hear what I have to say,” she replied.

  “I could never be angry with you, Grandma.” He loved the older woman with all his heart. She’d been the only mother he’d ever known and the only person who loved him unconditionally, except maybe Adam. “What’s going on?”

  “I spoke with your mother today.”

  “And?”

  “Don’t act dense, Lucius. It doesn’t suit you,” she responded. “She said you haven’t returned her calls.”

  “I know.”

  “Well, when do you intend to?”

  Lucius snorted. He hated the reproachful tone in her voice. He counted from one to three to remind himself to remain respectful. Grandma Ruby deserved it. She hadn’t had to take him in when he was a young boy. She’d raised all her children. Three, to be exact—his mother, Jocelyn, his aunt, Deborah, and his uncle, Troy. But she had taken him in. And she’d been in his corner ever since.

  He finally responded. “Soon.”

  “I wish you two would try to get along,” his grandmother said. “It takes so much energy to hold on to all the bad blood.”

  “Have you told her this?” Lucius asked. “The only thing I’ve ever asked of that woman is tell me who my father is. And to this day, even though I’m thirty-four, nearly thirty-five years old, she refuses to tell me.”

  “Perhaps some things are best left unsaid.”

  Lucius was silent. He’d always wondered if his grandmother knew the truth, but she’d point-blank told him that if she did, she would tell him.

  When he continued to remain silent, his grandmother said, “I have to go. I’m heading to the grocery store, but do go and see your mother, Lucius. You might regret one day that you never resolved things between you. Promise me you will.”

  He was being guilt-tripped and he didn’t like it. “All right, Grandma. For you, I’ll make the effort. Satisfied?”

  “Immensely. Love you, Lucius.”

  “Love you, too, Grandma.” Lucius ended the call and sat back against the plush cushions of the limousine. He knew she meant well, but her meddling
in his and Jocelyn’s relationship wouldn’t help the situation. He would never see eye to eye with his mother until she was honest with him about who he was.

  Until then, they’d always be at an impasse.

  * * *

  Naomi was excited as she checked in to the Anaheim Hilton. A valet immediately greeted her when she disembarked from her car and took care of her baggage while she checked in to the hotel.

  She glanced around and took in the modern decor done in beiges and dark wood. It was classic yet modern. It would serve as a good backdrop for the natural products expo where she hoped to get Brooks and Johnson even more into the public consciousness. She wanted people to start using their products, which were now inclusive of not only personal care products, but home cleaning products and a new baby line as well.

  The baby line was Kelsey’s brainchild. It was still in its early stages but included baby washes and baby powders. They would soon expand to include diapers, rash cream and wipes. Naomi was just as passionate about having organic products for her goddaughter, Bella, and her soon-to-arrive godson, Caden.

  With Lucius Knight circling like a vulture, Naomi just hoped that she could convince Kelsey not to sell her shares so they retained majority interest in the company they’d built.

  “Good afternoon, Ms. Brooks,” the front desk attendant greeted her. “Great to have you back with us again.”

  Naomi smiled. “Thank you. I’m glad to be back.”

  “I can’t tell you enough how much I love the Brooks and Johnson body wash and lotion line. It’s done wonders for my skin.” The attendant caressed her cheek.

  Naomi beamed with pride. This was exactly what she liked to hear when meeting customers. “Glad to hear it!”

  “We’ve put you in one of our signature suites, complete with a queen-size bed.” She handed Naomi two room key cards. “I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay, and if there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

  “Thank you, and I will.” Naomi accepted the envelope and headed for the elevator bank.

  * * *

  Just as Naomi entered the elevator, Lucius’s limousine pulled up to the Hilton’s entrance. Just as he’d promised his grandma Ruby, he’d called Jocelyn. Thankfully she hadn’t answered, so he’d left a message, giving him a reprieve from an unpleasant conversation.

  The chauffeur opened the door of the limo, and Lucius stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket as he entered the building. He was used to five-star establishments but knew that he needed to get in front of Naomi Brooks. He’d heard that she would be attending the expo, and the only way he could do that was to be as approachable as possible. Thus, he would stay in the same hotel with all the other attendees and exhibitors.

  Content to handle business himself, he made short order of checking in. After obtaining his card, he headed for the elevator.

  Some might consider his tactics a bit sneaky, but he needed to figure out Naomi Brooks. What were her strengths, her weaknesses? A smart businessman knew his opponent, because only then could he use the knowledge to his advantage. He was determined to add Brooks and Johnson to his portfolio. Having a company of that caliber under his wing would only lend itself to making Knight International more credible. He didn’t just want to be known as a corporate raider. He also wanted to be known as a man who stood for something, and this acquisition would give him credibility.

  Disembarking from the elevator, Lucius headed to his two-bedroom suite. He glanced down the hall, wondering where Naomi was staying. It was just a matter of time before they met.

  * * *

  Naomi dressed simply yet professionally for the trade show and conference the next day. She’d knotted her wild curls into a bun off her face to show off her neck and cheekbones. Then she teamed a crisp three-quarter sleeved white shirt with a taupe pencil skirt and a thick brown belt with matching heeled sandals. She finished the look with a gold bangle set and long gold necklace. She glanced at herself in the mirror. The outfit was suitable for the office and could transition for an evening afterward.

  She grabbed her briefcase and hobo purse and excitedly hurried toward the door. Fifteen minutes later, she’d already checked in with Brooks and Johnson’s event coordinator to make sure their booth was being set up and would be ready when the trade show opened later that afternoon. Assured that everything was under control, Naomi decided she could attend some of the workshops. Perhaps they might give her some inspiration?

  She found one to her liking and headed to the right convention room. They were just starting, and there were many empty seats in the back of the room, so Naomi slid into one of them.

  She was listening rapturously to the professor when she felt the seat beside her suddenly become occupied.

  The scent of cedar washed over her nose as a strong thigh brushed against hers. Naomi’s breath hitched in her throat as she tried to focus on the lecture and not on the man sitting beside her. Whoever this stranger was, he smelled delicious, and Naomi couldn’t resist licking her lips.

  “Good topic?” the deeply masculine voice asked from beside her.

  Naomi didn’t turn around. She didn’t want to. For just a little bit longer she wanted to stay enveloped in his scent and let her imagination roam as she wondered who the owner of the rich masculine voice and sensual cologne was.

  “Yes, it’s very timely,” she commented.

  “Undoubtedly.”

  Naomi frowned. The masculine voice beside her sounded familiar. Like she’d heard it dozens of times before, like when he’d told some bullies in high school to leave her alone. Except now the voice had matured and was stronger, more confident. Naomi turned and stared directly into the dark brown eyes of Lucius Knight.

  * * *

  Does she recognize me? Lucius wondered. Or does she just know of me? Is she aware I’m after her company?

  Naomi didn’t speak for several seconds; she just eyed him warily before turning back to face the front of the room. He could feel her tense beside him almost immediately. He’d hoped their first meeting would be smoother. He prided himself on his ability to charm the socks off almost anyone, including most women, but it seemed Naomi wasn’t interested.

  Instead of replying to his earlier comment, she continued to focus on the lecture until the hour was complete. When it was over, Naomi rose and so did Lucius. “So where are you headed?”

  She glanced over her shoulder at him. “To gather info and maybe learn something like everyone else.” And without another word, she left his side and walked up the aisle to speak with the professor. Lucius had no choice but to take action.

  He purposely walked toward the duo. “Professor Duvall, great talk,” Lucius said.

  “Coming from you, Mr. Knight,” the professor said, “that’s quite a compliment.”

  Naomi said nothing from his side. Lucius could see she was fuming, because he hadn’t taken the hint to take a hike. “Lucius Knight.” He turned to her and offered his hand.

  She would have to shake it if she didn’t want to appear unprofessional. When she did, Lucius was surprised by the reaction he felt when their hands touched. There was a spark, but she also didn’t offer her name. Instead, she snatched back her hand.

  “I’m eager to hear more, professor. Perhaps we can have coffee sometime later?” Lucius reached inside his suit jacket and produced his business card. “Call me.” He nodded to the professor and strode purposely toward the door. He’d accomplished what he’d intended. Naomi knew he wouldn’t be ignored.

  Lucius stepped away to take an emergency call from Adam about another acquisition and missed the next few lectures and a chance to catch up with Naomi.

  After he’d put out the fire and grabbed some lunch, he was ready for the trade show that opened at 3:00 p.m. He showed his badge and was allowed entry into the show. He was peru
sing many of the exhibit booths that ranged from agriculture and beauty to fitness products when a certain curly-haired updo caught his attention.

  Naomi.

  Lucius made a beeline in her direction.

  She was bent down, smelling some cocoa beans, when he approached.

  “Smell something you like?”

  * * *

  You, Naomi thought when Lucius’s familiar scent drifted toward her. He probably tasted just as sweet as one of the organic milk chocolates in front of her. Why did she have to run into him now? She wasn’t ready and hadn’t had enough time to put on all her armor. Nor was she in any way prepared for the depth of the attraction she’d felt at the merest touch of his hand earlier.

  It had startled her. That now, nearly sixteen years later, Lucius Knight would still have an effect on her. She was no young ingenue anymore.

  “Did you hear me?”

  Naomi blinked several times, bringing Lucius back into focus. “Excuse me?”

  “I asked if you smelled something you like.” He inclined his head to the cache of cocoa beans she was holding.

  “Oh, yes, it has some interesting notes that might work well for one of my product lines.”

  “You own your own business?”

  Naomi rolled her eyes. Really? Were they really going to play this game? Well, if he wanted to act like he didn’t know who she was, she would do the same. “Yes, I do. I own a line of organic personal and home care products, among other things.”

  “So this expo is right up your alley.”

  “Yes, and you? Why are you here?” Naomi realized her question was blunt, but it was to the point.

  Lucius smiled but answered. “I own a variety of businesses and am interested in expanding my reach. The rise of organic products and healthy living has really caused me to evaluate what I want to venture into next.”