Chapter 12 Gary MacIntyre: Big Invrstor
Sarah paused outside the conference room and adjusted her blazer.
The satin cowl neck top beneath it fell softly against her chest, smooth and cool. She felt put together and good enough. Not just as a businesswoman, but as herself. She lifted her chin before pushing the door open.
Gary MacIntyre stood when he saw her.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, with silver threaded through his dark hair. His smile came easily, the kind that looked practiced but warm.
“Sarah Hayes,” he said, his eyes sweeping over her in a way that lingered just a second too long. “You look even better than your portfolio.”
She blinked, then smiled politely. “Thank you for coming, Mr. MacIntyre.”
“Gary,” he corrected smoothly, extending his hand. “Please.”
She shook it. His grip was firm and confident. She didn’t flinch.
“Have a seat,” she said, motioning to the table.
As they sat, Stacy slipped in quietly, placed a folder on the table, and excused herself. The door closed, leaving the two of them alone.
Gary leaned back slightly, crossing his legs. “I’ve been following your work for a while.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Sarah replied. “We’ve grown steadily over the years.”
“I can see that.” He opened the folder. “Your designs are clean. Elegant. Very… you.”
She frowned lightly. “You?”
He chuckled. “Refined and bold, I mean. Understated confidence.”
She nodded, letting it pass. “We focus on functional beauty. Spaces that feel lived in, not staged.”
“I like that,” he said. “Too many designers forget people actually live in these places.”
“Exactly.”
They talked numbers. A possible second office. His interest was real, his questions sharp. Sarah relaxed into the rhythm. This was familiar ground.
Then he tilted his head and smiled again.
“You know,” he said, “it’s refreshing to meet a woman who built something like this on her own.”
She kept her tone neutral. “It wasn’t easy.”
“I’m sure,” he said. “But you wear success well.”
She laughed softly. “I hope you mean the company.”
“I mean both,” he replied without hesitation.
She paused, then smiled again, thinner this time. “Let’s stick to the company.”
“Of course,” he said easily. “Forgive me.”
They continued. He outlined what he wanted. Minority stake. Advisory role. No interference with creative control.
“That part is important to me,” Sarah said. “I don’t give that up.”
“I wouldn’t ask you to,” Gary replied. “Your vision is why I’m here.”
She nodded. This was good. Solid.
Then he said, “Your husband must be very proud to have you all to himself.”
Her spine stiffened. “I’m divorced.”
His eyebrows lifted. “Ah. His loss.”
She didn’t respond right away. “Let’s talk timelines, Gary.”
He smiled again, unfazed. “Straight to business. I like that. And I like how Gary sounds coming from your lips.”
Sarah smiled awkwardly but said nothing else.
They reviewed schedules. Potential dinners with other partners. Meetings. He leaned closer across the table as he spoke, lowering his voice slightly.
“You have a presence, Sarah,” he said. “People listen when you speak.”
She met his gaze. “That comes with experience.”
“And confidence,” he added. “Very attractive on a woman.”
She closed the folder. “Mr. MacIntyre—Gary—”
“Gary,” he reminded gently.
“Gary,” she corrected, “I want to be clear. I value professionalism.”
His smile didn’t fade. “So do I.”
“Good,” she said. “Then we’re aligned.”
There was a brief silence. He studied her openly now.
“You don’t get compliments often, do you?” he asked.
“I get respect,” she replied. “That’s enough for me in a professional setting.”
He laughed. “You’re something else.”
She stood. “I have another meeting soon, we should get this done, don't you think?”
“Already?” He checked his watch.
“Time moves fast with good company.”
She didn’t comment.
He stood as well. “Why don’t we continue this conversation over dinner tomorrow?”
She hesitated for a fraction of a second. Dinner could be normal. Many deals closed over meals.
“That’s fine,” she said carefully. “I can push a few things around and make it to dinner so we can finish this, hopefully.”
“Of course,” he said. “It’s going to be purely business.”
Then he added, casually, “Are you dating again?”
Her expression changed instantly.
“I don’t discuss my private life with investors,” she said calmly.
He raised his hands slightly. “No offense meant. Just curiosity.”
“I’m sure,” she replied. “But boundaries matter.”
His eyes sharpened for a moment, then softened. “Point taken.”
He picked up his coat. “Tomorrow, then.”
“Stacy will coordinate,” Sarah said.
He paused at the door. “For what it’s worth, whoever ends up with you will be a lucky man.”
She didn’t answer.
After he left, Sarah stayed seated.
Her heart wasn’t racing. But something felt off. Not dangerous. Just… invasive. Like fingers brushing a thought she hadn’t invited.
She exhaled slowly.
Was he just flirtatious? Some men were like that. Especially powerful ones. Used to being admired. Used to taking space.
Still, the question lingered.
She gathered her things and stepped out.
Stacy looked up immediately. “How did it go?”
“Productive,” Sarah said. “Interesting.”
“Interesting how?”
Sarah paused. “He’s… confident.”
Stacy smirked. “That usually means trouble.”
Sarah shook her head. “No. Just… unexpected.”
As she walked back to her office, her phone buzzed.
Alex.
“Did your ex leave yet?”
She stared at the screen.
“Yes,” she typed. “Everything’s fine.”
A pause.
“You sure?”
Her fingers hovered.
“Yes,” she replied. “It was just business.”
She set the phone down.
But even as she did, her mind replayed Gary’s smile. The questions he asked and the way he looked at her like he might gobble her up if he got the chance to.
Sarah leaned back in her chair.
Business was never just business. She knew that now.
And somehow, she had a feeling this man wasn’t done crossing lines.