Executive Sweet (A Sample)

Kay looked up from her purse, right into Dan's waiting eyes. They held their gazes for a long time, staring and giving each other subtle nods, their own silent high-five. It brought back those intense moments during the deal when they meshed like perfectly formed gears.

Stop! Don't lead her on. This woman was so much more than he expected. So much more, for that matter, than any other woman he'd ever known. Dan looked away.

Doris cleared her throat and smirked-she had noticed the energy passing between them. As usual, Doris, nothing gets past you. Dan got back to business and wagged his finger at Kay with pretend anger. "I have one little detail to discuss with you . . . Why did you give me orange juice when I asked for a screwdriver? Don't you think I can handle a real drink?"

Kay got back to business, too, her hands on her hips. "It seems to me that both of us need to stay focused when we're doing these deals. And by your own admission, my routine distracted you. That could be a problem. In fact, from now on I'm going to give you a full description of my plans and clothes before each deal, so that you know what to expect."

Did she say "from now on"? "So does this mean you're willing to continue the game?"

Kay stopped, her mouth opened slightly. "You're right! I completely forgot that this was a trial. But I guess I am willing to continue."

"Then there's one more reason to celebrate!" Dan raised his arms and shook his hands. "Let's have drinks! With alcohol this time." He went to the bar and awaited their orders.

Kay laughed. "Wow, drinks with the CEO on my second day of work. This is some job!" She scanned the bottles on the bar, then her eyes lit up. "There it is. I'd like some of that Jack Daniels, please. No ice."

"Really? Jack? I had you figured for a white wine woman." She's nothing like any woman I've ever met. "Blame my father for that. He loves whiskey and taught me to appreciate it."

Oh, how I could appreciate you and a bottle of Jack. Dan brought the drinks and they all toasted. "To a perfect deal!"

Kay sipped and leaned against Dan's desk. "So is this a full-time job? Do I come in to work every day, or do you call me only for special ops?"

"This is a full-time job, Kay. You need to learn about the company, the deals, and the people. Don't forget, you're still earning your salary-these deal payments are just bonuses."