Page 65 of Sinclair Duet

“It doesn’t seem as though I have a choice.”

“Oh, you do.” His hand came to my hip, turning me and leading me out to the front cabin. He lowered his lips to my ear. “Option B is that I get to undress and dress you.”

My core tightened at his threat.

Damn my traitorous body.

“Option A,” I said.

“I’ll take a raincheck on option B.”

I turned to meet his gaze. “Thank you for the reminder of what an ass you can be.”

Gabriella

“Iwouldn’t need to be an ass if you would do as you’re told the first time.”

Doing her best to not interfere, Angie nodded and walked toward the front of the plane. If my memories could be trusted, there was a third seat in the cockpit. On shorter trips with only two people manning the flight, the attendant often went to the front to give the passengers some space.

Damien’s dark blue stare stayed fixed on me as he buckled his seat belt, and I buckled mine.

“I wonder,” I said, “if this campaign isn’t a mistake.”

“It’s not.”

The plane began to move.

“I’m concerned,” I said. “What if it doesn’t work out the way you and Mr. Sherman think it will?”

“There is more riding on this than your position. I can’t think of anyone who is more capable than you.”

“Then I don’t understand the clothes.”

Damien sighed, uncharacteristic exasperation saturating his words. “They are just fucking clothes.”

“So are these,” I said, pointing to myself. “I don’t fully comprehend what you want from me, this position, or this campaign.”

He inhaled, his nostrils flaring as he gripped the arms of the soft leather seat. “I want Beta Kappa Phi to be the entity on the ground, talking to administrators and doctors about what our coalition has to offer. I want to increase our scripts and sales and, in the process, increase our donations to Beta Kappa Phi so that the fraternity can fulfill its objectives to a larger client base.”

That objective of being on the ground seemed redundant. “Sinclair…hell, all of the companies pay reps to go door-to-door who do the same thing.”

“The difference is that a rep is a paid employee of said company. You’re not. That gives your endorsement more weight, and Beta Kappa Phi’s reputation as an unbiased organization gives you the needed clout.”

“And at this meeting,” I began, thinking aloud, “I’m supposed to be who? Be your date? Assistant? Friend? Acquaintance?”

“The Shermans are good friends of mine. Van knows that we share a history. I would assume that means that Julia does also. The termfriendworks.” His lips quirked. “I wouldn’t have offered this position to an acquaintance.”

“Friends…” I nodded. “With benefits?”

“Those are two separate things. There is the campaign and there is us. What have you heard from Ms. Barns? What are Beta Kappa Phi’s feelings about this campaign?”

I knew where he was going with this. “I’m sure you’re aware. She’s in favor.”

“You’ve had time to consider what the position means. Do you regret saying yes?”

“I don’t know. The jury is still out.”

“Tell me why.”

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