Free Salesmen on the Rise by Cheryl Dragon Page A

Her heart and her head wrestled to believe it was sustainable and acceptable. Could she live without these men, or more importantly, could she find a way to live with them?

    “Let’s talk about strategy for the meeting tomorrow.” She focused on work as her inner struggle continued.

 
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    The breakfast meeting had been a total success. The clients were intrigued by this progressive little town they’d discovered . Better still, they had a lot of contacts who could use little carts for various functions. Don smiled at how the four salesmen had spun their great personal life to their advantage.
    Zoe had passed cloud nine and was now orbiting earth somewhere. Now, they walked down the main drag of New Orleans and sampled drinks, as well as grabbed food that looked interesting. Cam and Don had closed a few smaller deals, but the consulting firm was the big story. So immense that Zoe wasn’t pushing them to spend the lunchtime of their last day of the tradeshow making more deals. They were goofing off.
    Don knew a significant part of it was the engineer arriving early for breakfast and talking with the customers. Topher was a casual guy with big brains. He’d obviously confirmed the group love story because the customer didn’t push or question it again. The meeting was all about the products and what the companies could do for each other.
    Money trumped sexuality and relationship. That’s all they really needed. Don required no one’s approval for his family. It felt odd to think of it that way, but he did. Zoe was impulsive and creative. It brought out his overprotective side. She deserved better than what she’d had as a kid. Her dad should’ve been there for her.
    Don and Cam had families that are more traditional. Jar did as well, but not in a supportive way. Owen seemed good with the arrangement, but he’d had a rough childhood just like Zoe. The way she strutted up to the Absinthe place and ordered one made Don relax. She took a sip and handed it to Owen. He sipped as well and sucked in air.
    Jar shook his head when she offered it to him. “We really shouldn’t be drinking on the job.”
    “I thought I was a good employee.” She handed it to Don.
    He took a sip and passed it to Cam. They’d both had the sinful beverage before, but why ruin her fun?
    “Strong stuff.” She took the last sip and shivered.
    “Let’s sit down and get a real lunch. We’ll bring Topher back something.” Cam nodded.
    “Why did he agree to watch the booth at lunch?” Don asked.
    “He has to leave before dinner. Some preplanned thing in the morning that he needs to drive back home to make. It’s not a big deal. We’ve covered anything we need from an engineer,” she said.
    “Okay, we’ll have plenty of fun without him.” Don watched Zoe so at ease walking with her guys. The give and take didn’t seem to bother her.
    She certainly could over think things. They all could, but that’s when she seemed to freak out, especially at night, when her brain had time to spin in all directions. They could help her with that if she just opened up more. Not that they’d give up on putting the pieces together in a way that worked for all of them. In some ways, it was already working well. Don sat back and realized not being the center of attention all the time was a big relief. Growing up, he’d had all eyes on him. Now, he was able to fit in, blend in and lay low if he felt like it.
    All the guys were happy, and Cam gave Don a quick wink. Zoe’s stress from the previous day seemed to be gone, and they kicked back to enjoy lunch. Don couldn’t wait until the show was over, and they could go to bed. Tomorrow, they’d be on the road back to Lucky Springs. Home always felt better.
    * * * *
    After dinner, Don popped open the bottle of champagne in their hotel room. As they celebrated, the clothes came off. Zoe seemed to relax as the intent turned sexual. Part of him wanted to slow it down and force a