“Mr. Graf, I want to thank you so much for meeting me on such short notice. I know you’re a very busy man,” Alicia said, looking at the attractive dark haired man seated in front of her. He reminded her, a lot, of Rob Lowe, but his eyes were a dark rich brown instead of blue.
“Alicia, it was my pleasure,” Ivan smiled. “I was very impressed with the interview you did on me a few years ago. I was happy to get your phone call. Can I hope this is about a romantic interest instead of business one?”
What a flirt. It was a good thing her heart belonged to Brad or this man might have been able to seduce her.
“I’m sorry. I’ve an amazing boyfriend and an outstanding relationship. He’s the reason I’m here.”
“Lucky man,” Ivan replied disappointment clear in his voice. “What can I help you with?”
This might be her only chance to get one of the top ranked former tennis players in the world to go into business with Brad, so she didn’t want to blow it.
“I heard that you’re looking to expand your business with another partner and I was hoping you would consider my boyfriend. He used to be my tennis coach and he knows the business better than anyone I know.”
Ivan stared at her for a moment or two before he finally answered. “How did you find out about this?” he questioned, clearly shocked. “I haven’t mentioned my plans to that many individuals.”
“I can’t give away my secrets and any reporter worth her grain of salt wouldn’t.”
“I don’t know if I can be much help to your boyfriend. I’m looking for someone to help me teach the game and help certain players reach the US Open. The person will be under a lot of pressure, so I can’t give that kind of responsibility to someone who taught you tennis in their spare time. In addition, he would have to be able to handle the business side too,” Ivan said. “So, I’m sorry I have to tell you no again.”
Ivan got up to leave, but Alicia jumped up from her seat and stood in front of him blocking his path while she pulled something out of her purse. “Please just take a look at Brad in action. He’s an amazing player and he’d be an excellent asset to your team. He’s even opening his own business a couple of blocks from here that will focus primarily on tennis.”
Alicia pressed the DVD against Ivan’s hard chest. “If you take a look I promise you won’t be sorry. Brad gave it to me to help improve my game. I taped one of his business cards inside just in case.”
Ivan touched the DVD pressed against his chest and she moved her hand. “Alicia, you must care about this man a lot to go out on a limb like this for him.”
“I love him and would do anything to help him achieve his dream.”
“Okay, I’ll take a look at this on my flight back home,” Ivan finally agreed.
“Thank you.” Standing on her tiptoes, Alicia gave Ivan a sisterly kiss on the cheek. “You’re a good friend.”
“I hope that you don’t think my friendship with you will make me say yes to your boyfriend.”
“I know it won’t,” Alicia said. “Brad’s kick ass talent is what will make you agree to go into business with him. Now, do you think you can walk me back to my car? I’m going to be later for another meeting.”
“I love walking a beautiful woman to her car and especially if it’s you.” Placing his hand in the middle of her back, Ivan escorted her back towards the front of the restaurant.
Alicia was so caught up with happiness that her plan might work out for Brad, she didn’t notice the two men at the table by the far window in the restaurant. Or how they were watching her and the friendly way she was acting towards Ivan.