The Bachelor Pact by Rita Herron Read Free Book Online Page A

in-home consultations."
    "Yes, but at an escalated price. I'll do the first consultation free, get an idea of what my clients are looking for, then give them an estimate on the spot. No fee unless they actually use my services."
    Jeff twisted his mouth in thought. "You're talking about one of those low-rent mobile-home decorating vans?"
    Maddie fought to squelch her temper. "They're not low-rent. They're called door-to-door decorating vans. Most working people don't have time to drive around to a dozen different stores for estimates and samples, so the whole concept of my business was designed to make decorating more convenient for them. The vans house most of the fabric and wallcovering samples as well as furniture catalogs so the customer doesn't even have to leave her house."
    He remained silent for a moment, obviously considering her logic. "How much start-up capital are you talking?"
    Maddie handed him the detailed file and business plan she'd written, clenching her hands in her lap as he opened the folder and studied the figures.
    "I've met several managers from other franchises and studied profit-and-loss statements as well as reports of their operating expenses. The franchises are profitable. I've also taken a course on merchandising and sales techniques."
    "You sound as if you've done your homework but—"
    "But what?"
    For a brief moment, he let his defenses slip, and Maddie recognized the young man she'd first been attracted to, the eager businessman, the dreamer. She saw the memories flit across his face—the night they'd driven up to the mountains for a romantic picnic, the surprise trip he'd taken her on to Bermuda, the little romantic gifts he used to send her weekly.
    Along with those memories, now she saw the regret, the desire, the boyish charm that had once captivated her.
    Had she been too hasty in her decision to leave him? When had all the romance stopped—when he'd started working for his family?
    "Maddie—" His intercom buzzed and his secretary announced the mayor had arrived early for his luncheon date and a mask slid over his face, hiding his emotions. He was once again transformed into the focused businessman his family wanted. She'd lost the Jeff she once loved.
    She was going to lose the loan, too, if she didn't do some fast talking.
    "Jeff, you know Lance and Reid won the bid on the new development on Skidaway Island, and they have several restoration projects lined up. They've agreed to let me decorate the models for the Savannah Tour of Homes. It'll be the perfect way to jump-start my business. You've heard of River Ridge?"
    A smug expression flitted into his eyes. "Yes, of course, it's a golf-course community. Mother has friends interested in buying out there, very upscale."
    She nodded, tapping her toe on the carpet as if she needed to channel her nervous energy. "I know I can win clients through the tour. Maybe you should study the information I've enclosed about the franchise. You could visit the subdivision before you decide."
    "I have to be honest with you, Maddie." He raised his gaze to meet hers, a hint of tenderness in his eyes that reminded Maddie of the good times they'd shared—the young man who'd first awakened her sexual urges, even though they had never consummated their relationship. "Middlemyer, the CEO here, prefers to fund large corporations. He seldom dabbles in small-business loans."
    Her stomach knotted. "So you're saying you won't approve my loan?"
    He hesitated, fisting his own hands around the file. Maddie could see the indecision within his eyes. "Have you tried the SBA?"
    "Yes," she said in a low voice. "They turned me down. No collateral."
    "How about the other major banks in town?"
    She studied her fingernails. "Ditto."
    "Ferguson's Finance Company?"
    "No one to co-sign, I even wondered if you'd..."
    "You want me to co-sign your loan?"
    "No, oh, no I didn't mean that..."
    He drummed his fingers on his desk, anger suddenly flaring in his eyes. "You aren't