Behind the Scenes
» This Novella went from idea to completed story in two weeks. My fastest completed story to date. And within a week from submission I received the contract offer.
» I wrote this from beginning to ending while listening to the music of Final Frontier.
» This story was based on a dream I had. Although the dream was very sexy, it wasn't an erotic dream. I took liberties while writing.
Closing the Deal
Up Close and Personal Anthology
© 2006
This version is unedited and may differ slightly from the final version
WARNING: If you are under the age of 18 please click here.
When the call went into voicemail Lani said, “Hey, Tina. It’s Lani. I know you said you’d call if BBX made a move, but you know me.” She looked around the lobby as she spoke. When her gaze swiped past the registration desk she was lust struck.
Now standing at the counter was a delectable slice of tall, dark maleness that put every other man she’d seen on this retreat in the hall of shame. Black, collar length hair, dark shirt stretched taut over broad shoulders, and jeans that snuggly fit the tightest ass she’d ever had the pleasure of ogling. Something red-hot streaked through her blood to pool between her thighs. She couldn’t remember the last time a man affected her this way.
“Whoa, baby.” She realized she was still on her call and quickly said, “I, um, have to go. I’ll call you later.”
She hung the phone up and stared at the man’s back, unable to tear her gaze away. Too bad she couldn’t see if his front looked half as fine as his backside. This could potentially put a whole new spin on the meaning of restful weekend. Turning it into a rejuvenating one as well. How many times had Tina told her all she needed was a good lay?
Just then the guy turned his head, and she caught a glimpse of his profile. She wouldn’t mind a taste of that.
"What did you say?"
Crap. Had she said that out loud? The passing couple stopped and stared at her. “Sorry. It was nothing.”
You own your company for crying out loud. Get a grip. If seeing one man could turn you into a babbling idiot then you have been deprived too long.
But that was exactly what a man should look like.
Shaking her head, she cleared it of that let-me-out-to-play voice. There wasn’t time for those kinds of thoughts or behaviors. She’d decided to come on this trip to find a fresh approach with her last two loyal clients and unwind from the stress that had a vise grip on her blood pressure. Not fraternize.
She turned her back to the desk, removing the stud from her site, and lifted her knee to rest her briefcase flat so she could open it and slip her phone inside. With her broken heal wobbling, she struggled to remain balanced. Lani started to move to a chair, but at that moment a group of tourists streamed past, knocking into her. She lost her balance, and her briefcase and everything inside flew across the floor in different directions.
"Damn it."
She hurried over to retrieve her papers, before the herd trampled them. Just as she started to lift the files a second pair of hands joined hers. Looking up, she stared into the face of the hottie.
"Are these yours?"
His velvety voice grazed her skin. In an attempt to keep her wits, Lani breathed deep only to take in his exotic, spicy scent. He reached his hand up and pulled his sunglasses down until he peered at her over the rims with his deep, soulfully dark eyes.
She was supposed to say something. “Yes. They’re mine. Thanks.” She grabbed them from him and shoved them into her briefcase.
They both stood, and he watched as she struggled to close her case. He reached over and took it from her hands. “Allow me.”
He held it steady while she fastened it.
"Thanks, again." She took the handle and slipped it out of his grip.
"No problem."
That man was walking, talking sin, and she needed to get away from him. Distractions of this nature, no matter how decadent, could not last and were not a part of her plans. Grabbing her other suitcase, she’d only taken a step when he stopped her.
"I think you forgot something."
She turned back in time to watch him lean over and pick up a foil packet with his thumb and forefinger. He held it out to her in his palm. When she reached for it, he pulled it back. “I like a woman who comes prepared.”
“This woman only comes when fully prepared.” She snatched the pack from his grip and tucked it into her pocket.
She turned and started walking toward the doors leading out into the resort, and the babe fell into step beside her. “So do you keep one with you at all times?”
“That would imply I’m consciously seeking.”
"You mean you're not?"
"Unlike men. I don't want to have sex with every person I see."
"Tell yourself that often?"
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