Slade pulled into his reserved parking spot at Logan Industries and cut the engine on his SUV.

He looked over to the passenger seat to find Mandisa smoothing the creases of her pants. If his guess was correct, all her twitchiness meant something more was going on behind this impromptu visit to the office besides her need to see test tubes.

“With respect to proprietorship, I had to let the Assistant Director know you were coming. Other than that, no one knows who you are or your purpose here.”

She nodded her head slowly, now picking invisible lint off the smooth material of her pants.

What the fuck is it with her and these damn pants?

He placed one of his hands over hers to keep her from fidgeting. She still wouldn’t look up at him, but she threaded her fingers with his, squeezing tightly.

“Darlin’, what’s wrong?”

She shook her head as she kept her eyes focused on their joined hands. “Nothing,” she answered.

“Mandisa, I might not have known you long, but even I can tell when something isn’t right with you. What’s going on? Are you having second thoughts about this? You do know you don’t ever have to walk inside one of my labs unless you want to.”

She took a long but silent breath and raised her head and eyes to him. She was composed. To the average person, she looked put together, ready for whatever was waiting. To him, she looked tense. As if she was exerting too much effort to keep the mask in place.

“Slade,” she answered with a calm smile across her lips. “I’m fine. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with you on the ranch. But we did make a deal. I can’t possibly make a decision about selling to you until I see what kind of facilities you have.”

She turned away from him to open the car door, but Slade refused to release her hand, keeping her planted in the seat. He leaned in, touching his mouth to hers. He needed the connection they’d shared only hours ago not just to anchor him, but to somehow remind her they mattered more than this damn business deal on the table.

When he pulled away, there was warmth in her eyes again, less of the cold emptiness that seemed to be attempting to settle in. Satisfied his Mandisa was back, he opened his door and walked around the car to open hers.

She smiled at him again as she took his hand and let him help her out of the vehicle. They walked to the elevator. Mandisa watched the illuminated numbers above the elevator door while Slade watched her.

When they arrived at the appropriate floor, a low tone dinged to announce their arrival. The doors opened, and they were greeted by a middle-aged man standing with a clipboard in his hand and a pocket protector securely lining the breast pocket of his lab coat.

Bill Johnson was everything one would traditionally expect when meeting a fifty-year-old scientist. Black, wire-rimmed glasses, a starched and iron-pressed long lab coat covering an equally stiff suit, and a facial expression that let the rest of the world know he was smarter than most stupid mortals. Everything about Bill said, “Don’t touch me, I’m sterile.”

Every time he saw this man, Slade wanted to laugh, but his good manners made him give Bill the respect he deserved. “Mr. Hamilton, it’s a pleasure to see you again sir.”

Slade took the hand that Bill offered and shook it before turning to Mandisa. “Dr. Bill Johnson, please meet Dr. Mandisa Avery. I’m trying to court her to head up our new line. Please help me convince her that Venus is where she needs to be.”

Bill smiled at Mandisa and offered her an excited hand as well. “Dr. Avery, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Hamilton has told me a great deal about you. I’ve also followed up on several of your accomplishments in the chemistry world. It is truly an honor to meet you.”

Mandisa smiled and returned his eager handshake. He could tell she was readying herself to speak, but Bill jumped in again before she could utter a word. “I read your study in Chemistry Now. Let me just say it was the most forward-thinking concept on waterproof mascara that I’d seen in the last twenty years. That study caused so many cosmetic houses and lines to change their formulas on the chemical level.”

Slade fell back while Bill and Mandisa discussed things he had no knowledge of. Bill escorted them to some sort of anteroom where they removed their jackets and then donned lab coats, disposable caps for their heads, booties for their feet, and protective goggles to shield their eyes. Slade followed Bill and Mandisa, watching her as she delighted in all the equipment and scientific bells and whistles Bill had to show her.

Apparently, the lady knew her stuff. Although Slade hadn’t the slightest idea what she was talking about, Bill seemed to hang on her every word. Not just Bill, either—all the other worker-bee chemists clamored around to get a glimpse of the apparently famous Dr. Avery.

Since the moment Slade’s eyes fell upon the lovely sight of Mandisa in that lounge, he’d known she was something special. Her aura stood out like a beacon while he muddled in the depths of his anger at Bull. Her light had literally called to him, and it was obvious that even in her professional community, her radiance still drew people in.

Slade leaned against a far wall in the back, giving her room to move around without his big frame hovering over her. A spark of pride ignited within him as he thought of all of Mandisa’s qualities.

Beautiful, kind, funny, sexy, brilliant, and mine.

It took a moment before the words in his head caught up with his consciousness. The realization sent a chill through him. When did he begin thinking of this woman as his? Neither of them had asked for any kind of commitment. Lord only knew Slade wasn’t ready for one. But he couldn’t deny the pride that swelled within him as he watched her in her element. He couldn’t deny how possessive he felt when it came to her.

Thoughts of another woman he’d once felt that strongly about filled Slade’s mind. A dull ache began to throb in time with his heartbeat. The pain was bearable now, but ten years still hadn’t cured him of it. Slade shook his head, trying to free himself from the past’s painful grip. Mandisa wasn’t Macy. She’d given no indication that she’d betray him the way his ex-fiancée had.

Mandisa was loyal and dutiful, probably two of the reasons Slade couldn’t seem to get enough of her. The fact that she was here, trying to make her mother’s dream into an empire, trying to add to that existing legacy, was selfless and noble. Macy wouldn’t know nobility if it smacked her on her plastic-surgery-altered rump.

Slade had sworn never again after the debacle with Macy, but staring at Mandisa now, watching her glide so effortlessly from one workstation of the lab to another, “never” seemed a lot less permanent than it ever had before.

Slade allowed the idea of more than their prescribed three weeks together to filter through his mind. What would it be like to have her with him all the time, with no expiration date looming in the near future? Was that something he wanted? Would she even consider it?

Slade remained fixed in his far corner of the lab, continuing to watch Mandisa move from section to section. His mind was still attempting to process this unexpected realization when his senses detected the sour smell of burned cigar.

Slade’s body instantly tensed against the repugnant odor. He knew no one was stupid enough to light up a cigar in the lab. It was the remnants of a recent moment of indulgence in a disgusting habit.

He didn’t need to look to see who it was. Only his father would think it appropriate to walk into a place of business reeking of his vice. “What do you want, Bull? How did you know we were coming here today?”

Bull remained silent for more than a beat before he stepped close, leaning against the same wall that was currently holding Slade up.

“Slade, I keep telling you, boy, there’s nothing you can sneak past me. I have eyes and ears everywhere.” Slade could feel his anger rising inside of him. If the amused look on Bull’s face was any indication, Bull noticed too. “You might want to check that attitude of yours. You can’t kick me out of here.”

Slade swallowed hard. There was truth in Bull’s statement. The high-rise building housed several subdivisions of Logan Industries, including Venus Cosmetics, and its labs. Slade couldn’t run him out of this building the way he could the ranch.

“Is that Dr. Avery? She’s a pretty thang, ain’t she?” Bull noted.

Slade tracked his eyes across the room when he realized Bull’s distraction had caused him to lose sight of Mandisa. When he found her again, she was back in the anteroom, removing the protective gear and exchanged her lab coat for the blazer she’d arrived in.

Slade left Bull where he stood and headed for the anteroom to catch up with Mandisa. Protective gear removed, he was turning around to lead Mandisa out of the labs and away from his father when he heard Bull’s rough voice coming from behind him.

“Ms. Avery,” he called, grabbing Mandisa’s attention. “Might I have a word?”

Mandisa turned around, giving a brief smile to Slade as she looked around him to see the source of the voice calling to her.

“Hello. I’m Bull Hamilton, Slade’s daddy and the CEO of Logan Industries. It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”

Slade watched as Mandisa graciously accepted the hand Bull offered in greeting. He could feel his blood begin to boil as he watched the exchange. When the old bastard pulled Mandisa’s fingers to his lips and pressed them against her knuckles, Slade had to grip the doorknob to keep from closing his fist and slamming it into Bull’s face.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Avery,” Bull cooed when he finally released Mandisa’s.

Mandisa nodded and watched Bull carefully, as if she were taking in all his attributes and assessing him carefully.

“Actually, it’s Dr. Avery,” she countered. “And it’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Hamilton.”

The side of Slade’s lip curved into a sinister smirk. Gracious and the epitome of class, she still managed to check Bull on his shit.

Thatta girl.

“Doctor, please forgive me. In my experience, doctor means someone who has attended medical school.”

Slade’s body relaxed as he watched Mandisa cross her arms against her chest and lift a perfectly arched brow in question.

“The original etymology of the word doctor is ‘one who is learned, or who has learned the most in their discipline. One who is qualified to teach.’ There’s no mention of the practice of medicine at all. With a PhD in chemistry, I’d say that I’m definitely afforded that designation.”

Slade almost hurt himself trying not to laugh. Bull’s face was turning an uncomfortable shade of pink. Obviously shaken by Mandisa’s ability to both put him in his place and remain perfectly professional at the same time, Bull simply swallowed hard and nodded.

“Well, I did not know that, Dr. Avery. I guess you learn something new every day.”

“If we’re lucky,” Mandisa countered, “we indeed do.”

Bull cleared his throat, obviously still uncomfortable with Mandisa’s ability to handle herself. Slade just shook his head. This wasn’t even heavy lifting as far as he was concerned. This exchange with Bull wasn’t even something this brilliant woman had to work hard at. She was the perfect mix of kick-ass sassy and smart that made her a threat in the boardroom and bedroom. Too bad Bull hadn’t known that before he stuck his foot in his mouth.

“Is there something we can do for you, Bull?” Slade hoped he normalized his tone enough to keep the obvious hatred he had for his father out of his voice. Mandisa didn’t need to know the history Bull and Slade shared. She didn’t need to become involved or tarnished in any way by his father’s black soul.

“Well, I’m staying in Austin for a few days. I was hoping to convince Ms….” Bull stumbled over the word as he took a quick look at Mandisa. “I mean, Dr. Avery, to join me for dinner.”

There was a familiar gleam in Bull’s narrow eyes. It made Slade’s pulse beat in an erratic rhythm. Slade felt himself take a step closer to Mandisa, crowding her, needing to make some form of contact with her.

Slade didn’t take his eyes off Bull when he spoke. “Dr. Avery’s calendar is very busy. I don’t think she’ll have time to have dinner with you.”

“I think the lovely doctor is capable of telling me what her schedule will allow. Aren’t you, darlin’?”

Slade felt his body tense and tightened his already closed fist. He could see from the smile dancing in Bull’s eyes the man was enjoying this confrontation. He could also see Bull had a lecherous plan sparking in his head.

“Ah, thank you for the offer, Mr. Hamilton,” Mandisa interjected.

Slade felt her hand press against his arm lightly, a simple gesture that drew some of the tension out of his body, bringing his attention to her instead of his father.

“Slade and I already have plans for the next few days with respect to your labs and business negotiations. There isn’t much leeway for extracurricular activities. I’ll have to take a rain check.”

Slade let a spark of pride bend his lips into a celebratory smirk as he stepped closer into Bull’s space. “You heard it for yourself—the lady’s calendar is full. I’ll make sure to have my secretary update you on any developments regarding Dr. Avery’s decision on Logan Industries’ purchase of her company.”

Slade slipped a hand to the small of Mandisa’s back and gently guided her toward the door. He needed out of there in the worst way, and he wasn’t about to let her suffer in Bull’s presence alone.

The silent ride down the elevator drew out the few moments it took to reach their parking level. Slade instructed Mandisa to wait at the curb for him while he retrieved the car. He needed a few minutes to get his head together before they headed out.

He sat in the car, took a deep breath, and fought hard to bury the anger he always walked away with whenever Bull invaded Slade’s space.

When are you going to get over this, Slade?

It had been more than a decade since he’d cut all personal ties with his father. They still had to work together, but Slade didn’t have to deal with him outside of Logan Industries business.

Slade’s mother would be rolling over in her grave if she could see the two of them now. But Slade refused to be like his saintly mother, constantly forgiving sins from an unremorseful heel of a man. What did all that forgiveness get his mother? A broken heart and an early grave. Slade wouldn’t allow Bull to kill him the way Bull had Slade’s mother. He wouldn’t go down without a fight.

He shook himself free of the memories stoking his anger, turned the ignition, and pulled out of the parking spot. When he stopped the car in front of Mandisa, he placed his easy smile back on his face, hopped out, and opened the door for her.

The wary smile she wore gave Slade further incentive to get his head back in the game, become the easy Slade she knew. That Slade was fun, that Slade was desirable. Mandisa didn’t need to deal with this Slade. The Slade that harbored all this hatred was an ugly, dangerous man that few people needed to witness. Nothing good ever came from that Slade rearing his head.

He made certain to keep his carefree cowboy façade in place when he leaned across the console and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Ready to go, darlin’?

“I will be as soon as you tell me what that bullshit in the lab was about.”

* * *

Mandisa crossed her arms over her chest and pursed her lips as she waited for Slade to answer her question. She could see the turmoil flaring in his eyes as he tried to figure out how to answer her.

“Mandisa, honey…”

She held up a hand and watched him carefully as his words trailed off. “Just stop, Slade.” She knew he was about to hand her a load of crap, so she just stopped him mid-sentence. She didn’t know what the hell had happened, but for damn certain she knew something was amiss between the senior and junior Mr. Hamiltons. She hadn’t imagined all that tension between the two men.

“I’m a Brooklyn chick who’s spent way too many years in the ’hood learning to decipher non-verbal cues to ascertain intent. You intend to lie to me, and you should know, I’m not really with that. So, what the hell did I step in the middle of?”

He pulled his gaze away from hers and focused on pulling out of the parking lot and getting on the road. He drove silently for a while before he finally cleared his throat and spared her a brief glance.

“My father and I haven’t really seen eye-to-eye in a good while. That was just Bull attempting to run this deal his way. In all his years in business, he still hasn’t learned the art of allowing the second party in a deal to decide in their own time. I just didn’t want him pressuring you to commit to a decision you weren’t ready to make.”

The muscles in his face had relaxed enough that she believed there had to be some truth to what he was saying. But Mandisa wasn’t naïve—she could sense this hostility between father and son impacted more than their business relationship.

Mandisa unfolded her arms and leaned back into the cushioned seat. Whatever this problem was between Bull and Slade seemed complicated. Too complicated for her to deal with in the few days she had left in Texas. Too complicated for her to get involved with, considering she wasn’t more than a visitor in Slade’s life.

Just let it go, girl.

She nodded, accepting his explanation, ignoring the voice that kept nudging her to dig deeper, discover as much information as she could regarding Slade and his relationship with his father.

Your visit isn’t about their family drama—it’s about winning this damn bet and earning capital for your mother’s company. Just let it go.

“So, what do you have planned for the rest of the day? You know, since my calendar is so full. I would hate to have knowingly lied to a man who could end up being my boss. I’m certain you told your father I was busy because you’d already scheduled something for me.”

Slade laughed. It was a genuine, hearty laugh that told her he understood she was calling bullshit, and he wasn’t stupid enough to try to deny it any longer.

“Now that you mention it, I do have something I want to show you. I’ve been meaning to take you somewhere special since we arrived. Today, we’re going to make that happen.”

A skeptical arched brow was her only response.

“Trust me, you’re going to love it.”

She gave a flat chuckle. “I’d better.”