Free Catt Chasing by Shana Burton

about—”
    Oni cleared her throat and stared him down, enunciating slowly. “Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear,” said Oni in an inflection that meant it was going to be her way or the highway. “I’m not going on the tour. I have too many obligations here to take that kind of time off. You, on the other hand, Jamal, will go on as scheduled. Catt will be joining you. I will check in with the two of you every day and fly in for a couple of stops when I can. All of the arrangements have already been made for you. Catt, all you have to do is give your plants to the neighbors to water and toss some clothes in a suitcase.”
    They both stood silently, lips pressed together and refusing to say anything to defy Oni. As cool as she was, she was still their boss.
    â€œAre there any questions or concerns?” she asked. “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
    Catt inched up her hand. “I just need a copy of the itinerary to look over and to give to my dad. I don’t want him to be worried and wondering where I am.”
    â€œNo problem. You can get all of that from Michelle. Anything else?”
    Jamal shook his head. Catt looked down at the patterns in the tile.
    â€œCheer up, you two!” She slapped Jamal on the arm. “You’re about to go on the adventure of a lifetime, not to the electric chair!”
    Catt raised her eyes. “Is that an option?”
    â€œNo,” replied Oni. She pulled Catt off to the side, out of earshot from Jamal. “This is a great opportunity for you. You’re due for some fun in your life. This is a business trip, but no one said it had to be all business . . .”
    Catt wrinkled her nose. “What are you trying to say?”
    Oni cut her eyes to Jamal. “I’m trying to say that you’re going to be alone out on the open road with a very attractive, very eligible man for the next few weeks. I would make the most it. Heck, I had planned to if I didn’t have to cancel at the last minute.”
    â€œIf I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to encourage me to hit the sheets with Jamal!” replied Catt in a stern whisper.
    â€œI’m not telling you to do that. I’m telling you to live a little and enjoy yourself. Jamal is the kind of guy who’s great for that sort of thing.”
    â€œOni, did you pray before making this decision?” Oni groaned loudly. “I’m serious! How do we know it’s the Lord’s will for me to go out on the road for three weeks with a man I hardly even know?”
    â€œIt’s the company’s will! And it’s your will to stay gainfully employed, which could be in serious jeopardy if we don’t see a spike in sales real soon. Please don’t turn this into some religious event, Catt. Just say you’ll go.”
    Catt relented. “Okay, okay! You win. It’s not like I have much choice in the matter anyway.”
    â€œYou don’t, but you could’ve been a real witch about having to go. I’m glad you chose not to be. And I really do want you and Jamal to have some fun while you’re out there on the road. This trip doesn’t have to be a grudge.”
    Catt shook her head. “The last thing I need is to be mixing business and pleasure with a player like Jamal.”
    â€œSuit yourself. Either way, you’re going on this trip. You might as well make it one to remember.”

Chapter 11
    Three days later, Catt found herself staring out of the window of Jamal’s shiny black Suburban as he backed out of her driveway.
    â€œTurn left,” directed the automated voice through the GPS system. It was the first of many directives sure to follow during the 200 miles of highways and back roads they had to cover that day. Catt wondered if the monotonous voice would be the only semblance of conversation they’d encounter for the duration of the trip. She had nothing to say to him, and