Page 36 of Analysing Her Assets

“So. You’re going to be chief soon. I’m a shoo-in to be the next head of brokerage. We can be a power couple. Come on, join me for drinks in Hertzel 16. They have happy hour now.”

“I have this rule...” she started, hating herself for using this apologetic tone.

“I know about your rule, but don’t tell me you won’t break it for the right guy.”

She did break her rule, but under her own terms. How can she say no to Danny without antagonizing him? She needed him to champion her project.

“I’m really attracted to you,” she lied, squirming under the intense blue gaze. “But this will distract us. I need my focus now more than ever.”

His lips curled. “Am I making you nervous?”

“Yes,” she answered truthfully.

She became aware that they were completely alone in the brokerage. She took a step back, hitting the desk behind her with her butt. He stayed where he was and folded his arms, wearing a contemptuous look.

Fuck him, she wouldn’t show weakness, and she wouldn’t kiss ass.

“Danny.” She employed the voice she used when she gave lectures on themes she understood. “You’re big, you’re intimidating. And I need you for my project. But I’m not going to go out with you just to get ahead.”

The blue eyes widened, then he grinned.

“I like you, Feynman, I always have. You got more balls than most guys, and a head on your shoulders. I’ll be straight with you, I’m seeking a business relationship with my partner. We join interests and help each other while having fun.”

He was talking to her head, not to her heart. He offered no feelings, just joined interests, a bit of sex, and working together towards bettering their careers. He was honest and straightforward, and it should have appealed to her. But she didn’t feel safe with him. Plus, he smelled of sweat, but not like Gideon, not in a good way.

His blue glare demanded an answer.

Her fingers started pinching her pants’ creases, then noticing his lips forming another contemptuous pout, she’d stopped.

“We’ll see,” she finally answered. She needed his willing cooperation, so a tiny crack had to remain open.

“I’ll be patient.” His smile was flirtatious.

“Yes,” she mumbled, too exhausted from this exchange to have a better answer. She turned and walked out of the brokerage glassy enclosure. His smug laughter followed her.

20. Gideon

Gideon leashed Shemesh for their evening walk.

“Let’s go see Giddy’s mommy,” he told Shemesh, who barked approvingly.

He passed underneath the neatly trimmed evergreen arch at the entrance to Tamar’s building and was greeted by a plumeria, which still held on to a few late blooming flowers. The delicate clusters of white frangipani smelled just like Tamar. He reached up and plucked several jasmine scented blossoms, inhaling deeply. She’d be lovely with her dark, straight hair flowing down, adorned with a white flower and that vibrant yellow center. He climbed up to the third floor, his nose in the flowers, his mind flooded by replays from last night. He reached apartment twelve and knocked. Then, recalling their no strings status, he threw the flower heads away.

The door was answered immediately. Tamar wore a T-shirt, no bra, and loose sweatpants.

“Gideon! I thought you were my sister! What are you doing here?” Her sleek hair was free, sending dark brown vines around her unbound breasts.

“I’m sorry,” His voice was suddenly hoarse. “I came to,” he cleared his throat, “to see whether you want to join me with Giddy for a walk...also, maybe you wanted to have our second date tonight? I mean, our... whatever.”

He paused. It wasn’t like him to be so tongue tied and timid. Her brows arched and she bit her full lips, considering.

“Sure, I guess we can meet tonight, but my sister is coming to dinner with my nephew, so I’ll come to your place afterwards? I need to get dressed.”

She turned and walked to the bedroom, her round ass making the loose sweatpants cling and sway, and shut the door. He was soon joined by a woman and a small, very handsome child, perhaps nine or ten years old.

“Hi, who are you? Why is the door open? Where is Giddy? This dog looks just like Giddy! What’s his name?” the child asked. “Can I pet him? Or maybe it’s her?”

He didn’t wait for a reply. He crouched and caressed Shemesh’s head.

---