Executive Sweet (A Sample)

"They're rich and famous. I'm poor and nobody."

"No, it's not that at all! I . . . How do I put this? I actually think you're better than most of them, and I'm curious to see what they'll think of you." Dan shook his head and flattened his mouth. "I'm not selling this party very well, am I? It's not that my friends are so bad-it's more that I haven't been much of a friend to them, lately. This job takes all of my time, you know."

"But not so much time that you can't help me take down your business rivals."

"I view our little game as part of my job. It's hard work, but someone has to do it." Dan smiled. "Look, forget what I said about my friends. Think of this as a party with new people for you to meet. Who knows, you might meet the man of your dreams there."

Kay tried not to blush. Has that already happened? "Think of it as a way to celebrate your success with some friends and music and food and drink."

"And meet your family. I look forward to hearing you explain me to them-a woman dressed like a hooker, with another man's bodily fluids in her hair. And how will you describe me to your friends? Maybe if you tell them that this is the newest fashion trend, they'll all start wearing drool in their hair."

Dan cracked up. "You haven't even met my friends yet but you've hit the nail on the head as far as their fashion sense goes. But don't worry, the party actually doesn't begin for a while so you can take a nice long shower first."

If Kay thought she was too forward when she invited herself into Dan's bathroom, he definitely took it to the next level by inviting her to meet his parents! "Going to a party with you . . . to meet your friends . . . and your family." She turned to Dan. "And how will you introduce me? Am I your latest toy, fresh from the office?"

"I wasn't going to mention our work connection-you're just some woman I know. Believe it or not, nobody will ask for more. And don't forget that some of these folks might be of interest to you too. This is a gathering of many powerful and well-known people."

Kay smiled. He really knew how to push her buttons. "Fine. What do I wear to this party?"

"Well, what did you bring to change into after the Rosseau deal?"