Executive Sweet (A Sample)

"How about this? We target only those who you think deserve it-sexist bastards who are rude to women. We investigated Mack back when he was slandering us-he rarely plays nice. If you want the latest dirt on him, ask Doris what her friends say about working there-she'll have plenty to tell you."

Dan held out his hands, palms up. "Look, I have no intention of using you to manipulate every negotiation. It really would be immoral to play this game on decent businessmen who are trying to make an honest deal." He raised his fist in the air, his face stern. "But there are some people who just don't play nice, and you can help me even the score with them. This game will give you all sorts of power, including the power to make things better. Wait until you meet some of these men-you'll hate them even more than I do."

Hmm. The gallant Robin Hood Avery. That would make her his Maid Marian. Did Marian use seduction to help Robin? It could well be. "So you want me to pretend to be a secretary. Whose secretary, yours?"

"Yes, I'll tell him that you're a temp who's filling in for Doris. And speaking of Doris, you should talk to her-she knows all sorts of useful information about how to get things done around here. She also has a woman's insight into the people you're going to meet."

"She knows about this kinky idea of yours?" Stupid question-of course she does. Remember that hug? Dan chuckled. "She works with me on it."

That was no surprise. She couldn't stop a sarcastic barb from bursting forth. "So I'll have a pimp and a madam."

Dan frowned. "Honestly, Kay, it's not like that. This isn't about sex-just sexuality. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do." He paused and bit his lip, then continued unsteadily. "I, uh . . ." What now? Probably something kinky that he forgot to mention. "I want to ask you a question. I hope this isn't too personal, but can I ask whether or not you have a boyfriend? Because if you do, this game might put a strain on your relationship."

Kay laughed out loud, and Dan looked puzzled. Perhaps she was laughing a bit too much, but she couldn't help it amid all this insanity. "Strain? Let me tell you! If I had a boyfriend right now and mentioned your idea, he'd leave me, even if I said 'no' to you. Your whole proposal would threaten him so much that he'd get jealous and run for the hills."