Her Festive Baby Bombshell

She turned to Finn, whose eyes widened. Oh, no. Had she gone too far? She’d merely wanted to remind these powerful men that they’d overcome greater obstacles in order to make their respective companies household names. If they really put their heads together and pulled in their resources, she was certain they could overcome this issue.

“She’s right.” Finn’s voice commanded everyone’s attention. “We can’t stop now.”

Tensions quickly rose as each powerful man became vocal about their approach to overcome these last hurdles and make the project a go. But this time they were pausing to hear each other out. And at times, building on each other’s ideas.

Finn mouthed, “Thank you.”

It wasn’t exactly the use of her mind that she’d prefer, but the more she heard about this project, the more she believed in it—the more she believed in Finn. He was nothing like his ruthless businessman persona that was portrayed by the press. Why didn’t he show the world this gentle, caring side of himself?

* * *

After spending hours to resolve the transportation problem with Project Santa, they were still no closer than they had been that morning.

Finn had just showered and changed into slacks and a dress shirt before meeting up with his associates for a card game. This trip wasn’t all business. He’d learned long ago that keeping his allies happy was just as important as presenting them with a profitable deal.

He’d just stepped out of his cabin and glanced up to find Holly coming toward him. Her hair was wet and combed back. She looked refreshed and very tempting. His gaze dipped, finding she was wearing a white bikini. She must have been unwinding in the hot tub. He swallowed hard. Look away. Concentrate on her face.

Finn met her amused gaze. “Thank you.”

“For what?” She adjusted a white towel around her slender waist.

His mouth grew dry. “For your help at the meeting. You were a big help getting everyone to work together.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

And then realizing they were talking in the hallway where anyone might overhear, he opened his cabin door. “But the distribution is more than we can overcome at this late date.”

Holly didn’t move. “Actually, I have some thoughts about your problem with the distribution. I don’t think it’s insurmountable.”

He worried that she was a bit too confident. This was a national endeavor—coast to coast. But he had to admit he was intrigued. “Why don’t you step in here a moment?”

Her hesitant gaze moved from him to the interior of his stateroom and then back to him. “I really shouldn’t. I’m still wet.”

“I promise I won’t keep you for long. In fact, I’m due at a card game in a couple of minutes.”

She noticeably relaxed. Without another word, she passed by him and entered the room. His heart thumped as he contemplated reaching out and pulling her close. What was it about her that had such a hold over him?

She turned as he pushed the door closed. She averted her gaze as her hands wrung together. Was she aware of the energy arching between them? Could she feel his draw to her? Was she as uncertain as he was about what to do about it?

“I don’t think I told you, but your boat is amazing.” She looked everywhere but at him. “I had no idea they were so elaborate.”

“I’m glad you like your accommodations. I take it you enjoy sailing more than you do flying?”

“Definitely. I don’t have to worry about falling out of the sky and—”

“No, you don’t,” he said, not wanting her to finish that graphic image. “If there’s anything you want but can’t find, just let me know.”

“You know if you keep this up, you’ll ruin your image.”

“My image?”

At last, her gaze met his. “The one of you being a heartless corporate raider.”

He pressed a hand to his chest. “I’m wounded. Do you really believe those nasty rumors?”

“Not anymore. I’ve seen the part you hide from the outside world.” Her voice took on a sultry tone as her gaze dipped to his mouth. “Why do you do that?”

He swallowed hard, losing track of the conversation. “Do what?”