Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 115833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
I was a planner who lived life by routine, which meant this meeting had to go well. I had to keep Declan in my back pocket and make sure he was happy that day, because if I didn’t, I would feel like a complete failure.
Hmm. Maybe that was my ego talking.
I waited at my desk, chewing on a thumbnail while going over my notes. It took only a few minutes for Tish to send me a text with the words HE’S HERE!
My heart skipped a beat, but I played it cool by taking a sip of tea and then walking around my desk to wait.
Less than a minute later, there was a knock at my door.
With the door halfway open, that knock was more of a courtesy from my best friend. Tish walked in first, dressed to impress in a black pantsuit, with her hair brushed into a sleek puff. She wore gold jewelry with her outfit because “gold is for queens” (her words, not mine), and her gold eye shadow made her umber skin pop.
She grinned at me like she was going to burst into a fit of giggles. I had to look away from her before I started laughing. That was one of the silly problems about us being friends. We laughed at the dumbest shit and always at the worst times.
I cleared my throat as a short, bald man with warm ivory skin entered my office, and trailing behind him was a man the polar opposite of him.
Tall, with satiny brown skin, prominent cheekbones, and a sharp jawline, it was none other than Declan Bishop. His coarse black hair was short and lined up, the natural waves like ocean currents in the night. A light trace of stubble was peppered along his jaw and chin like he’d shaved a day or two ago.
He wore a crisp linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and three buttons at the collar undone. A gold chain hung around his neck, a crucifix pendant dangling from it, and square diamond earrings pierced both ears.
The NBA player swept his downturned eyes around my office, and as if he were impressed with his surroundings, he smirked and provided a slight nod.
There he was. In the flesh. Star shooting guard for the Atlanta Ravens and a man worth a lot of money. The pictures online did not do him justice.
His brown eyes landed on mine and locked with intention. I couldn’t help noticing they were a deep, rich brown, but the sunlight pouring through the windows revealed the slightest hint of cognac within his irises.
He gave me a look I couldn’t read. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to find my flaws or drinking me in.
“You must be Davina,” the short man said, offering me a hand. I accepted it, giving it a generous shake.
“I am. And you must be Arnold Glass.”
“That’s me.” Arnold smiled, revealing a rather cute gap between his two front teeth. It suited him, made him appear friendlier. Arnold fixed his blue tie, cleared his throat, and said, “And I’m sure you already know Deke Bishop.”
My eyes slid up to Declan’s again, and he leaned forward, offering a hand to me. I took it and gave it a firm shake. His hand was twice the size of mine and surprisingly soft.
“I’m well aware of who Mr. Bishop is,” I said with a warm smile.
“Mr. Bishop?” Declan raised a brow with a crooked smile. As he did, a set of dimples adorned his cheeks. Good Lord. I forgot the man had dimples. “You can spare the formalities. Just call me Deke.”
“Okay, Deke.” I released his hand as he assessed me with his eyes. “It’s very nice to meet you in person.”
Both corners of his mouth turned up. “Likewise.”
I gestured to the love seat near the windows. “Please, have a seat. Can I get you some coffee or anything to drink before we get started?”
“Water for me,” Arnold said.
“Got any Gatorade?” Deke requested.
I glanced at Tish, who shook her head. “We don’t,” I answered. “But I can have Tisha run out to grab you one. There’s a market right up the street.”
“Nah, it’s all good.” Deke relaxed in his seat, spreading his long legs and placing an arm on the arm rest. The other hand rested in his lap, very close to his groin. I focused on his face, trying not to let the placement of that hand distract me. “Make it water for me too.”
Tish nodded, trotting away and leaving the office to get their drinks.
I stood in front of my desk, allowing myself a minute to collect a breath while my heart steadied to a calmer rhythm. When I faced them again, I went for it.
“Well, firstly, Deke, I’m so glad you loved our products,” I said, and he nodded, looking into my eyes. I don’t know what it was about the way he looked at me, but it was like he was staring into my soul.