Read Flirting with Felicity for Free Online Page B

Vernon
took his father’s place. My grandfather made the mistake once of borrowing
money from the accounts he oversaw, and Vernon removed him from the board,
dissolved their partnership, and tossed him out of the company.”
    “Sounds like embezzling,” Destiny said with the hint of a
laugh.
    Reid glared at her. “He borrowed the money. He would have
paid it back, but Vernon never gave him the opportunity.”
    “That was a long time ago.”
    Reid shook his head slowly. “Vernon’s actions have affected
my family for years. My grandfather drank himself to death. My father followed
the same path after years of trying to sue Bancroft Industries into giving him
a piece of what should have been his legacy.”
    Destiny curled her fingers in her lap, fighting the urge to
grab a notepad and a pencil and start scribbling down notes. The angry look in
Reid’s eyes told her that wouldn’t be wise. She’d simply have to remember and
research after she was done here. “So what does any of this have to do with
Blake Bancroft?”
    “Blake’s the only remaining Bancroft. Since part of Bancroft
Industries should belong to me, and he’s the CEO, he’s the target,” Reid said.
    “You want some sort of financial compensation for something
that happened years ago?” Destiny asked, suddenly uncomfortable with the role
she’d accepted. She had no wish to end her career before it even began. Blake
Bancroft had power and influence that Reid Fairfax did not.
    “I want to tarnish the Bancroft name the way Vernon tarnished
the Fairfax name. You know the saying ‘Never argue with someone who buys ink by
the barrel.’” Reid’s gaze suddenly became clear, and he focused in on her.
    “Blake Bancroft is no fool. How do you expect me to take him
down?”
    “We can’t strip him of his power or his money, but we can
humiliate him. Bancroft needs investors just as much as anyone. And no one
wants to back a loser. Do that, and I’ll promote you to the news desk of the Seattle
Gazette .”
    Destiny studied his eyes a moment, searching for sincerity in
what he’d offered. It was all she wanted—a job as a reporter. Seeing nothing
but the truth, she nodded. “All right. I’ll approach Blake. I’ll let him think
I’m trying to do an exposé on Felicity instead. Then, I’ll start digging into
his past. Everyone has secrets. I’ll use his to our advantage.”
    Determined to do anything she had to in order to get that
job, Destiny said goodbye to Reid, then headed for the door. She’d already
turned her back on friendship. What more would it take?

    While her crew finished closing down the kitchen,
Felicity headed out to check on things in the bar. After eleven, only Michael
and Casper would remain on duty to serve a limited menu to the late-night
patrons of the bar. However, she always liked to see how busy they were before
heading home. The thought brought a smile. Tonight, her journey home would only
involve a trip to the second floor. Living in the hotel had its perks.
    The cozy leather wingback chairs were filled with Seattleites
and visitors just as in days past. She’d learned today that this very room once
hosted the Vanderbilts and the Guggenheims upon opening over 105 years ago. The
lounge’s signature drinks still welcomed authors, musicians, and artists. At
the highly polished mahogany bar, Ryan, her bartender, garnished a Haute Toddy
with a cinnamon stick and a lemon twist before setting it on Valerie’s tray to
be delivered to one of their guests.
    At her approach, Ryan smiled. “Sit yourself down for a
minute.”
    Felicity slipped into one of the tall wooden chairs at the
busy bar and took off her chef’s cap. She smoothed her fingers over her hair,
tidying any loose strands back toward her usual ponytail. “Things are hopping
tonight.”
    He reached behind him for a tall flute and a bottle of
champagne. “Nothing we can’t handle.” He filled the flute with bubbly liquid
and set it before her.
    “What’s