Free Betting On Love by Cheris Hodges Page A

your business plan is exceptional,” said Christopher McAlster, president of Nevada State Bank.
    â€œIs it exceptional enough for you to invest in my restaurant?” Jade asked, with a smile on her face.
    â€œThe market is so fickle right now. But from what you’ve shown me about Charlotte, North Carolina, this might be a good investment,” Christopher replied.
    Serena looked from Christopher to his second in command, Richard Habersham. It seemed as if they were going to be shot down by the bank. Richard’s face was emotionless and stoic.
    â€œ Might be a good investment?” Jade repeated. “Mr. McAlster, this is the best investment opportunity that will come your way this year.”
    Christopher looked at Richard, who gave him a slight nod.
    â€œWe’re willing to take a chance on your restaurant,” Richard said. “But here are the terms of our investment.” He reached into his briefcase and pulled out a contract.
    â€œLet me see this,” Serena said as she took the contract from Richard’s hands. Silently, she read over it. “This reads more like a loan document. We’re not looking for a loan. Charlotte is the number two banking center in the country. I’m sure we can get loans there with lower interest rates.”
    Christopher cleared his throat, then said, “Well, the restaurant business is risky, and I can’t in good conscience allow the bank to just hand over money and not know when we’re going to see a profit. It would be different if the restaurant was going to be here in Las Vegas.”
    Jade squared her jaw. “Serena, let me see those papers.”
    â€œI tell you what,” Serena said as she handed the contract to Jade. “This interest rate is way too high. The monthly payments are a little more than we are willing to pay and ...”
    Jade flipped through the papers and then asked, “Where do I sign?”
    Serena flashed her friend a look that said, “Have you lost your damned mind?”
    Christopher smiled and pulled a pen from his slacks’ pocket. Jade took the pen from his hand and then turned to Serena. “We need this, and we’re going to pay this loan back. This restaurant is important to us, and it will be a success.”
    â€œI tell you what,” Christopher said. “Let’s order breakfast, and I’ll see what I can do about this interest rate. Ms. Christian, I like your spunk, and I do believe your business is going to be a smashing success.”
    Jade smiled and shook hands with him. Richard cleared his throat, then said, “I’m going back to the office, Mr. McAlster, unless you need me for something else.”
    â€œNo, Richard, that’s all,” Christopher said.
    Serena and Richard rose to their feet at the same time. Serena turned to Jade and whispered, “Make sure you get a lower interest rate. This loan is one step below highway robbery.”
    Jade nodded and pinched her friend on the arm as she took her leave. Once Christopher and Jade were alone, his true colors began to shine through.
    â€œYou know you’re a beautiful woman,” he said after ordering two mimosas and eggs Benedict and bacon for both of them.
    â€œThank you, but what does that have to do with you lowering my interest on this loan?” Jade asked, smiling at him again.
    Christopher placed his hand on top of her knee and stroked it. “That’s all up to you.”
    She pushed his hand away. No matter how much she needed the money, she wasn’t going to let this sleazy old man try to get her into bed. “I don’t think I like the way you do business, Mr. McAlster.”
    â€œPlease, call me Christopher. You know, I keep a suite in this casino hotel. Penthouse suite, actually. It’s private, even the balcony. Have you ever made love on a balcony with the sun’s rays caressing you like a lover’s kiss?”
    The bartender set their drinks