Page 40 of Hot for the Boss

Before I can formulate a reply, Bas jumps in. “Are the timeframes for acquisition and transition the same as previously proposed?”

“Absolutely. The payout structure is the same as well,” Douglas assures. “I suggest you think long and hard about this offer, Mr. Cook. No one else will give you this sort of money.”

They’re probably right. And given how quickly technology changes, who knows how long before my data storage system, though revolutionary now, will become obsolete. That’s something they must be aware of.

Until this moment, I never questioned why they wanted to buy Stratus. They aren’t the first, but they are definitely the most cash-rich and persistent. I also want to know why their interest suddenly extends to Nia.

Whatever the reason, I want answers.

“Out of curiosity, what do you plan to do with Stratus? Leverage its capabilities to persuade another tech start-up to begin some other line of business with you? Sell the technology to a bigger player?”

“Neither. We’d like to grow it, maybe eventually merge it with some other technology we’re developing in-house.” Douglas shrugs. “See where that might go.”

I don’t believe his nonchalance for a moment. He’s got a grand plan. Why else would he keep throwing cash at me like I’m a whore and he hasn’t gotten laid in a decade?

I send Bas a glance. I see he’s confounded, too.

“Email me the offer documents. I’ll consider them and get back to you with an answer.”

“We need signed agreements by December twenty-ninth or the offer expires.”

Whatever they want, they want it bad. I need to do some investigating and figure out what.

“Duly noted.” I glance at my watch and stand. “Now we’re done, gentlemen. I’ve given you an extra four minutes and kept my first appointment waiting.”

Both Lunds take the hint and rise to their feet. The elder looks annoyed as he picks up his briefcase.

That makes me smile. He assumed I would jump at his offer. No doubt, he did some research and heard I’m known for being calm and rational, that I always act in my financial best interest. So right now, he’s confused as hell and irritated because he’s wondering where he miscalculated.

Honestly, I’m doing the same. I should take it, persuade Nia to come with me—marry me—and walk into the proverbial sunset with her.

But what if she says no?

Then I lose her, both professionally and personally. And the Lunds know it.

Why are they trying to separate me from Nia?

It bugs the shit out of me that I have no clue. But I intend to find out. Douglas Lund has been a pushy asshole throughout this whole process. I plan to think this through thoroughly and make him wait until the very last minute. If he sweats about it… Oh, well.

I’m not usually vindictive, but they’ve rubbed me the wrong way, especially today. My impatience to show them out grows when Nia knocks and cracks the door, then sends me a questioning glance. Stephen’s stare is all over her again. I grit my teeth.

I want him gone. In fact, I want both men out of my sight. Now.

As I nod at Nia, I approach and block the younger Lund’s view of her with my body, then turn to face him and his father. “I’ll let you know when I have an answer.”

Chapter Seven

Friday, November 17

* * *

Friday night can’t come soon enough. The week seems to drag on interminably. The one bright spot is that the Lunds have gone away and left me the hell alone for the last two days.

Bas, who says he’s planning to quit before this deal goes through, seems relieved, too. We’re investigating possible reasons Colossus wants to acquire Stratus Solutions—and Nia—so badly, especially without a COO. They’re an investment corporation. They don’t manufacture or service tech. This acquisition seemed logical when they intended to keep me around to run things and reap the rewards. Now that they want to operate everything themselves, it makes far less sense. Sure, the staff could assist them, but even collectively they can’t run the company.

“We’re doing all we can. Are you going to stop brooding?”

I turn to face Bas. He’s been asking me this for days. The short answer is no. Not only do the Lunds bug me, I have this nagging worry that my blunt honesty isn’t what Nia wanted on our last date. I shouldn’t be surprised; what woman wants a husband who doesn’t love her? But I doubt I’m capable of opening myself up again. It would be wrong and unfair to lie about that. Besides, there are plenty of logical reasons for her to say yes.