Free Close Quarters: A Novel (Zane Presents) by Shamara Ray

Electronics.” Donner patted me on the shoulder, then left the room.
    I leaned back in the chair with my hands behind my head.
    Kai closed her portfolio. “Someone’s content with himself.”
    Satisfaction was written all over my face. “We’re gonna blow them away with our campaign.”
    “Malik, you have really impressed me. Donner should have teamed us up a long time ago. I could have used you on a few of my other accounts.”
    “I’m all for being a team player, but Donner should have given me a shot—on my own—at some of the larger accounts a long time ago.”
    “Well, here’s your chance to make a mark at Newport and Donner.”
    “I don’t intend to make my mark at this agency.”
    “Why not?”
    “I’ve spent a lot of years, too many years, working my ass off to only just now receive a crack at a top client.”
    “Are you going to another agency?”
    “In a way. I’ve got some concepts that no one has even conceived yet and when I present them, it will be at my own company.”
    “I’m interested in hearing more about your plans.”
    “We’ll have to hold off until later. Right now, our focus has to be on dazzling Sphere Electronics.”
    “We’re going to have to put in some long nights,” she said with a sly grin.
    “I’m not opposed to hard work.”
    “The harder, the better.”
    “Keep talking like that and you’ll get yourself in trouble up in here.”
    Kai collected her things and got up to leave. She bent over and whispered in my ear. “In case you didn’t know, trouble’s my middle name.” She switched her hips over to the door, looked back and winked.
    I walked up behind Kai and placed my hand on top of hers on the doorknob. “I want you at my place tonight. We have business to handle.”
    “I’ll be there, Mr. Denton.”
    I let Kai leave the conference room first. I went to get my binder from the table and had to laugh to myself. Kai was a vixen behind closed office doors and strictly business as soon as they opened up the slightest bit. She knew the rules of the game. In fact, she could probably teach me a few tricks. The past week had been an enlightening experience. Kai had stripteased for a brother, massaged my feet, bathed me and sexed me. I didn’tmind spending time with her. She was a sports fanatic and knew how to kick back and relax with a cold beer. Kai was a lot like me—maybe a little too much.
    • • •
    Kai was nestled against me on the couch. I flicked my tongue around the edge of her ear, entertaining myself during the commercial break. We were watching the Yankees struggle to maintain their lead in game two of the playoffs. Thanks to Kai, I’d be at Yankee Stadium for game three. We were supposed to go together, but when she came over she explained she had to cancel due to a meeting and gave me both tickets. I had to decide which of my boys to bless with the extra ticket, but that could wait. Kai tilted her head up and licked my neck.
    I moaned. “Keep that up and you won’t see the end of the game.”
    “I didn’t realize I was here for the game.” Kai licked her lips.
    “What did you have in mind?” I slipped my hand beneath her sweater. “Whatever it is, I can accommodate you.”
    Heeled steps echoed outside in the hall, halting my exploration. Melina’s keys jingled in the lock. She glided through the door, sporting her fur and a pair of jeans. She looked from me, to Kai, to me again.
    “Hello, Malik.” She turned her attention to Kai. “Hi, I’m Melina.”
    “Mel, this is Kai.”
    Her lips curved upward in slow motion. “Kai? Oh yes, you two work together, right?”
    I cut my eyes at Melina and her smile grew.
    Melina extended her hand to Kai. “Pleasure to meet you, Kai.”
    “Same here.” Kai shook hands with Melina. “That is a beautiful ring.”
    “Thank you,” Melina said, beaming.
    I directed my attention to Melina’s hand. Leave it to women to compliment each other on every little thing—or not so little. I jerked