Table For Two: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book Two Read online

  Table for Two

  Barrington Billionaire Series

  Book Two

  by

  Jeannette Winters

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  JeannetteWinters.com

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  Author Jeannette Winters

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  Dean Henderson never backs down from a challenge. No matter the cost or the opponent, when it comes to business, if he wants it he gets it. No exceptions.

  Tessa Brooks left her small town to get out of the spotlight of being the preacher’s daughter. Boston is the perfect place to blend in and finally be herself. A low profile job in the HR office of Poly-Shyn fits perfectly into the life she is creating for herself.

  When Dean takes over as the new CEO, sparks fly. Tessa grew up hearing about the difference between right and wrong, but no one ever told her that wrong could feel so good.

  They belong together, but they might realize it too late.

  There are consequences to loving a powerful man—and sometimes they’re deadly.

  Copyright

  Kindle Edition

  An original work of Jeannette Winters, 2016.

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, events, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to Himanshu Handa. Thank you for the encouragement, support and seeing the strengths in me I didn’t know I had. And thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t.

  I am also supported by a team of beta readers who aren’t afraid to tell me the truth. Thank you for that!

  Karen Lawson, Janet Hitchcock, E.L. King and Marion Arche, my editors as well as Nicole Sanders at Trevino Creative Graphic Design for my cover, you are all amazing!

  And to my co-workers, you all know who you are. Your endless support and cheering on is so appreciated!

  To my readers who brings joy into my life with each and every message. Always keep romance in your lives!

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Other books by Jeannette Winters

  About The Billionaire’s Secret

  Books by Ruth Cardello

  About Maid for the Billionaire by Ruth Cardello

  About Fierce Love by Danielle Stewart

  Chapter One

  “I’ll handle Brice.”

  Dean Henderson had no intention of letting the family business be sold without a fight. Poly-Shyn might remind his siblings of difficult times with their father, but to him, it was a constant reminder of his family never trusting him enough to be involved in the business. This is my opportunity, and no one is going to stand in my way.

  Trent Davis, his oldest brother’s best friend and business guru, glared at him from the other side of the desk. “You have no idea what you’re up against.”

  “And you know this how?”

  “It’s my job to know. I didn’t get where I am today by leaving anything to chance,” Trent replied.

  “And you think I have?” Trent’s lack of response spoke volumes. He didn’t need another person judging him for his past. They looked at his juvenile record and the tabloid stories and took it all as truth. He wasn’t about to deny that he lived his life on the edge, and how he made his money wasn’t illegal—immoral maybe, but not illegal.

  Trent was one of the last people he thought would judge him for those actions. Until recently he had been one of the biggest sharks in the water, and many of the tactics Dean used to acquire a company he learned from watching Trent crush his competitors.

  “You don’t know what I’m capable of, Trent.”

  Trent nodded. “You’re right. But I know if you can’t settle this with your family quickly, there won’t be a company left to fight for.”

  “Is that a threat?” Dean asked through gritted teeth.

  Trent laughed. “I have been playing this game a lot longer than you, Dean. If I wanted this company, it would already be mine.”

  Trent wasn’t bluffing, but he wasn’t right either.

  “I know Brice told you to find a buyer, but this company is off the market.”

  Trent shook his head. “Dean, there are big players now who are watching this situation closely.”

  Dean raised a brow and asked, “Who?”

  “I’m not the only shark in the ocean. When your family asked me to find a buyer for the company, it was stable. The buyout would have been profitable. Your decision to keep it has shaken shareholder confidence. The price of your shares is dropping. It’s blood in the water, Dean. There are others who have made their fortune by capitalizing on exactly the situation you’re creating. If I’m correct and this individual decides he wants Poly-Shyn, you are going to be in one hell of a battle—one you can’t win.”

  That was something his father had told him all his life. He wasn’t right then, and Trent wasn’t now. There wasn’t anyone he was afraid to go head to head with. Trent wants to play messenger? Okay, take this message back to my brothers. “I know the risk, but you’re talking to the wrong brother. I’m not changing my mind. The sooner my brothers understand that, the sooner the company will stabilize. I’ll take this fight wherever it needs to go, and I’ll win against whoever stands in my way.”

  Just as his father had before him, Dean knew business was business. It didn’t matter who your competition was. Sometimes the people who wanted you to lose the most were the ones closest to you. He wasn’t about to explain that to Trent. The fewer people who knew your moves, the better, and Dean already knew where Trent’s loyalty stood. No one was going to change his mind. Not Trent or anyone else. “So just to be clear, Trent, whoever this so-called buyer is, you better warn them to step aside. I’m sitting in my father’s chair now.”

  Trent smirked. “I knew your father. Are you sure you want that seat?”

  His father was a cruel man who never gave a fuck about anyone but himself. As far as any of his children knew, he died bitter and without any friends. I’m not my father and never will be. Dean couldn’t help but appreciate Trent’s frankness. “Point taken, Trent. Doesn’t change the fact that I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Didn’t think it would. You’ve got guts and drive. Both of these are things you need to acquire a business. But it takes a hell of a lot more to make it profitable. That’s what I’m not sure you’ve learned yet.”

  Dean didn’t have any experience in managing anyone except himself. How hard
could it really be? All he needed to do was listen to his gut instincts like he always did, and he would be fine. Anyone who challenged him was out. Simple. “You should know better than to underestimate your opponent.”

  “Oh Dean, if it wasn’t for the fact you’re Brice’s brother, I would look forward to the clash of wills that’s about to take place. Hell, I might even have thrown my hat in the ring just to make it even more interesting.” Trent stood, headed for the door, then turned with one last piece of advice. “I had always loved a good fight, and like you, it didn’t matter if my hands got dirty or not, but now that has changed. Someday you might have someone you value more than the kill.”

  Dean was shocked by Trent’s last words. He knew he had married and was now the father of two children, but he never would have thought the man had gotten so damn soft. Trent Davis’s name had made many opponents quiver when he gave their company a second look, never mind actually pursuing it. If he wanted it, there were no lengths he wouldn’t go to in order to achieve his goal. Dean had studied his tactic when he was younger and in some ways adopted some of his practices. Between those and what he gained from watching his father, he knew he had what it took. They could underestimate him if they chose. It would be a mistake on their part. He had become very good over the years at being the chameleon in the family.

  Dean buzzed the intercom. There was no answer, so he buzzed again and again. Where the hell is my secretary?

  He had no patience for anyone who was unreliable. When she finally showed up he was going to fire her. No second chances as far as he was concerned. It only made you vulnerable to accepting a third and fourth chance. He was never given one, so why the hell should anyone else get one? Thanks, Dad. You taught me some valuable lessons.

  Dean had been running the company since his father had become ill a few months ago. At that time, no one had expected him to pass away. The saying that only the good die young obviously was incorrect because there wasn’t anyone who ever used the word good or nice when speaking about his father. The man had a vicious reputation in business, but that wasn’t anything compared to what it had been like at home. Dean might be the youngest of six, but he was one of the first to get out. Or thrown out. All the same to me.

  He had made choices that would follow him forever. There were times he regretted them, but then all he had to do was remember the reasons behind his actions, and he knew he would do them all over again. Dean wasn’t sure who that should scare more: him or the people around him.

  He buzzed the intercom again and still no response. Getting up from his desk, he went to find his secretary. His outer office was empty, so he made his way down the hall. Wherever she was, her time with Poly-Shyn was short-lived.

  Dean pressed the elevator button, and the door opened immediately. A short woman, carrying a stack of files almost as tall as she was, exited the elevator and walked directly into him, causing the files to spill onto the floor. Is there anyone competent here?

  If he wasn’t on his way to address issues with the HR manager, he might have offered to help her pick them up. Dean learned at a young age never to count on anyone to be there when you needed help. Learn now . . . you can only count on yourself.

  He stepped aside and into the elevator, about to press the button for the fourth floor to head down to where the mysterious HR manager seemed to be hiding all the time. Somehow she had been able to avoid meeting him face to face. She would have no such luck today. Things were out of control with the staff. He needed to make sure she was delivering the right message, his message. It’s my way or the highway. What he had witnessed the last few weeks said they weren’t getting the point. If it meant he would need to replace every single employee, he would, and if she wasn’t on board with how he ran things, then she could take the door with the others. Everyone’s replaceable.

  Waiting for the doors to close, he could not help but notice the short woman’s bare but perfectly shaped legs as she stood with her back to him. Just before the door fully closed he watched as she bent to retrieve the files from the floor. Her skirt hugged just enough so he could appreciate the curve of her full hips and rounded ass. He was tempted to stop the door so he could take a look at the rest of her. He thought he had met the entire staff, yet none appeared to have the curves this employee did. Probably better that way. I don’t need anything distracting me right now. Whoever you are, you would be a major distraction.

  On second thought . . . Dean moved his finger up to the open doors button and pressed. As it opened, he saw her still bent over, retrieving the files in haste. She appeared to be talking to herself. When he listened closer, he was surprised by her words.

  “Mr. Henderson should fire his dumb ass just for being rude. God knows he’s fired people for less.”

  Her voice was soft and sweet, yet her words obviously were not meant to be overheard. Apparently she doesn’t know who I am either.

  He walked over, bent down, and grabbed the few files that had scattered across the hallway. If he had been looking for a thank you, he was mistaken.

  “What are you doing? Can you not read? These files say confidential, if you have not noticed the stamp across the front. You cannot be touching them,” she said sternly as she tried to snatch them away from him.

  Dean stood and looked closer at her. Her curly red hair was pulled back in a wild mess, strands falling in every direction. The only sign of anger or frustration was in her tone; her delicate features seemed to be as relaxed as her hair. Her small features, hidden behind eyeglasses that were way too big for her, only added to the image. It was as though she was trying to hide. But why?

  “I can assure you I was not trying to peek at whatever these documents are,” Dean replied dryly.

  She took them from his hand and put them on the stack with the others. “Good, because I don’t want to have to explain to Mr. Henderson how you don’t understand the meaning of confidential.”

  Dean fought to contain his laughter. “I appreciate that. I hear he can be tough.”

  Without looking at him, she continued to pick up the remaining loose sheets. “You have no idea. If I were you, I would avoid this floor as much as you can.”

  He wanted to stay and talk with her, as he was enjoying the banter. However, he had been on a mission that still needed to be addressed. Time was not on his side, and he might just need to tell his HR manager to promote this file clerk to his secretary. It definitely would make the incompetence more bearable.

  Dean headed back into the waiting elevator. There was no time to play right now. After his meeting with Trent earlier, it was obvious he needed to be at the top of his game. Stopping to help a damsel in distress was not going to get him what he wanted. Poly-Shyn.

  Tessa Brooks couldn’t believe the type of people the new guy had working here now. What kind of person would see someone carrying a ton of files and yet not get out of their way to let them pass by? Someone without any manners, that’s who.

  She had to admit she was shocked when he came back out of the elevator to help her pick them up. If it wasn’t for the contents of the files, she might have taken a moment to enjoy his assistance. She might have been stressed and filled with panic as she looked at the papers on the floor, but that hadn’t stopped her from noticing how tall and sexy that man was. He was dressed a bit casual for the executive floor, but it was possible he was part of the maintenance crew. No one else would dare wear jeans to work. From her bent position, she was at eye level to see his powerful thighs pressed against the fabric. And when she stood she only briefly made eye contact with him, but God, he was handsome with dark eyes, a narrow nose, and a strong unshaven jaw. She would have loved to take a moment and asked his name, gotten to know him a bit. Maybe check out his ring finger to see if he was married, but that hadn’t been an option. The files held information she didn’t even want Mr. Henderson to see, never mind another employee from who-knows-what department. The personnel files contained severance packages for the latest group getting
the ax. In her line of work, you couldn’t get much more confidential than that. If she wasn’t concerned about the papers being mixed up, she might have actually given that guy a piece of her mind instead of half muttering it to herself.

  Instead, she’d barely acknowledged him, and her heart pounded looking at all her hard work on the floor. It was really unfortunate that there seemed to be someone new on the list every day. Tessa had thought when the elder Mr. Henderson had passed away whoever replaced him would, at least, be better. He had been the type of man who ruled with an iron fist. She had heard rumors that he had fired his own son Brice years earlier. She hadn’t had the chance to actually meet the son who was temporarily filling in until a buyer could be found, but what she had heard thus far was he was young and arrogant. That was the last thing this place needed. Someone who knew nothing about the business coming in and messing with people’s lives.

  He might have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but for the rest of them, this job meant a means to provide for their families. If a buyer wasn’t found soon, there might not be any employees left to worry about.

  All of her predecessors in HR no longer had a job. There wasn’t a valid reason for them to be let go. If voicing one’s opinion and quoting law was viable grounds for termination, it was news to her.

  It troubled her each time she had to process yet another termination paper. One by one they all were going. Tessa liked to see the positive in everything. It was getting hard to do so. The only good things that had happened lately were the opportunities for her advancement that would never have been there before. Of course, she was only mildly qualified for most of the promotions. She had been with Poly-Shyn a little over a year as data entry for payroll in the Human Resource department and knew enough to get by, but she was studying for the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist test now and should not have the responsibility she had. But that didn’t change a thing. With all the heads above her chopped, she found herself in charge. We really need someone at the helm. I don’t know anymore about running this company than Dean Henderson does.