Page 41 of Remembering Passion

“Yes.”

“Ella, it’s the same thing. Your position will be as the program director over the coalition’s distribution campaign.”

Before I could respond, the door opened, and George returned with our tuna tartare.

As we started to eat, Damien asked, “Do you have any questions?”

The appetizer melted on my tongue. “I’m certain I will. I’m not thinking straight.”

Damien’s lips quirked. “Is it the wine, the tuna, or the company?”

“It’s been a long day.” I took another sip of wine. “Why can’t this work be done from my office, within Beta Kappa Phi?”

“Because you have a lot to learn about the seven different companies.” He lifted his hand. “I’m sure you were well versed with Sinclair, but we’ve made significant advancements in the last two years. Wade, Holston, McCree…they’re all different, and the same. I don’t believe even Julia or any other CEOs would be happy with you taking proprietary information about their companies to your office in Carmel. Hell, I don’t want Sinclair data there. They, the members of the coalition, have agreed to allow you access to their sensitive data in a controlled environment.”

I shook my head. “Is that what Sinclair Corporation is…a controlled environment?”

His blue orbs lightened like white-hot embers. “Control is one of my objectives.” He wiped the corners of his mouth. “Speaking of which...may I see your purse?”

“A purse is a rather personal collection of items.”

He lifted his hand.

Maybe it was the wine or the tuna. I couldn’t pinpoint the reason I handed him my clutch.

With a smirk, he unclasped the latch. With the innate sense of a bloodhound, Damien didn’t hesitate to dig his long fingers beyond my comb, phone, and lipstick. As the door opened again, he retrieved my panties, balled them into his fist, and placed them in the front pocket of his jeans.

With a grin, he handed me back my purse. “Thank you.”

Oh my God.

“If you need another tissue…” I said, fearing George was listening.

Damien smirked. “I’m not done. There are more answers to learn.”

While having George walk in on us was embarrassing, I was relieved that with the interruption Damien didn’t have the chance to examine the panties, to learn they were clean or check to see if I was wearing any.

“Another time,” I said with a smile as George retrieved our appetizer plates.

“The night is young.”

Damien

As I ate my wedge salad, Ella sipped her wine and asked, “Did you speak with Ms. Barns after our earlier meeting?”

“During…would be a better description. Or between. We are still meeting, correct?”

“Correct.” Her eyebrows came together. “Why?”

“Why did I speak to her? She’s the executive director of Beta Kappa Phi.”

“Yes, she’s also my boss.”

“I thought she should know the deal wasn’t yet complete. We would continue our negotiation.” I wiped my lips with the napkin as I tried to assess Ella’s expression. “Ms. Barns told you?”

“I called her after I left Sinclair Corporate. She already knew I hadn’t yet agreed.”

“What will you tell her in the morning?” I asked.

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