Free A Question of Marriage by Temari James

was nothing Payton could do but go along with it , to avoid an embarrassing situation so she smiled and thanked everyone, but on the inside she was plotting a certain lawyer’s demise. Then the band began playing a romantic tune.
    W hen Mrs. Banks suggested that she and Jordan dance and enjoy one another, Payton wanted to use the excuse that she was here to work but Calvin put the kibosh on that by saying he could assign someone else the task of wooing possible investors. That left her no choice but to accept Jordan’s suggestion, they share a dance.
    “You have some nerve showing up here and then have the audacity to introduce yourself to my boss and his wife , as my fiancée, I don’t recall us ever reconciling.”
    Jordan gave her a sexy smile. “I’m a very persistent man , when it comes to something or someone I want, don’t you remember?”
     
    Once the song ended, Payton turned and walked off the dance floor Jordan not far behind.
    “The only thing I r emember is you being an asshole,” She said turning to face him raising her hand.
    “Uh- uh, you don’t want to make a scene here especially in front of the boss,” Jordan reminded her as he caught her hand stopping it before it connected with his face.
    Payton glanced over at the table where Mr. Banks and his wife sat with the other executives from the magazine, then back at Jordan.
    “Fine, I won’t. But know th is Jordan Cain, I wouldn’t marry you even if you were the last man on earth.” Then she turned and walked away leaving him standing alone.
    “Things not working out the way you planned?” Howard asked, his team providing security for the event.
    “I think of it as just a bump in the road.”
    Howard chuckled. “More like a roadblock , if you ask me.”
    “Shut up, ” Jordan said, as he stalked off toward the bar to get another drink.
    After nearly three hours of schmoozing , her gown working its magic and even handled a few businessmen trying to cop a feel on her derriere with grace and ease. She had successfully convinced several business men to invest in the City Beat Magazine. Proud of herself and her accomplishment, she decided to reward herself with a much needed drink.
    “You did well, I’m so proud of you.” Calvin Banks said as he walked up and stood beside her.
    “Thank you sir,”
    “Rudolph Watkins was so impressed with your presentation, he bought three full page ads for his men’s hair products. They promised to have his assistant contact marketing, first thing Monday morning. And don’t get me started on Sheldon Swan,” he gushed.
    “It was nothing really Mr. Banks, I was happy to do it. After all you took a chance on me all those years ago, the least I could do is repay you for having faith in me.”
    “I knew a dedicated worker when I saw it and I snapped you up before anyone else discovered what a treasure you were.”
    Payton knew her boss was drunk , or at least close to it, he never called any of his employee’s treasures, even when they were doing a good job.
    “ I see Noel Whitcomb, I think I’ll go say hello.”
    After her boss had departed , Payton saw it as her chance to use the ladies room, after drinking several glasses of champagne, she really needed to use the bathroom. Luckily the restroom was empty because she really needed to sit down and didn’t want to do it if she knew she was flashing someone. Collapsing on one of the couches, Payton kicked off her shoes and wiggled her toes. She didn’t know how in the world she let Mavis talk her into buying these heels, sure they were cute and they matched the dress but jeeze, after standing in them for most of the night, she was ready to come out of them.
    Satisfied that she was somewhat rested , Payton stood up walked to the wall length mirror, over the counter and refreshed her makeup and made sure her hair was still in place. So far, after their encounter on the dance floor, Jordan hadn’t approached her again. Maybe he’d gotten the message that