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  He frowned which she thought it was because he couldn’t remember. Of course he wouldn’t. Quickly she explained. “In the parking lot the other day. I dropped my grocery bag and you brought it to me. I appreciate it.”

  “Anytime. Please have a seat.” He sat down right beside her at the end of the table. “I wasn’t frowning about that though,” because he was faking the whole thing. He knew perfectly well where he had met her he just wanted to make sure she remembered him. Yet her eyes still showed no interest towards him. Matter of fact, she looked at Trisha with more interest than she did him. It was like how he looked didn’t matter at all. “I noticed your eyes are different.”

  It was her turn to frown. “Different, sir?”

  “Mr. Newman, please,” he corrected her. “Yes, different. I’ve never met a black woman with purple eyes.”

  “Elizabeth Taylor has purple eyes, but I don’t consider mine purple. They are more like a blue with a hue when the light reflects upon them. I assume one of my parents had this color eyes, but I never met them so I wouldn’t know.”

  “An orphan?” he questioned. “All alone in the world, are you?”

  She nodded, picking up his ‘alone’ connotation. Did he really want to know of her martial status or did he just show this sensual concern for all women as part of his playboy style? Skye convinced herself she would not fall for it, no mater how much her senses screamed he was the most gorgeous man in creation.

  “I am comfortable being alone, are you?” She snipped.

  He smiled enjoying the verbal banter. This woman was truly fascinating. “I am quite comfortable with it. My father left me when I was young, but my mother was supportive. Yet enough about us, let’s get down to business.” He picked up the price list she had. “These are mostly medical report pricing?”

  She nodded. “I have only done service with medical companies, Mr. Newman. My regular price per page is two dollars and per line is eleven cents.”

  He sat back in the chair. She winced hearing the plastic creak in protest from his weight. “Well Trisha pointed out that we use a smaller font size and it would adjust the page line, wouldn’t it?”

  Surprised that he could notice something like that impressed her. Managers and business people hardly paid attention to diminutive particulars when it came to the layout of documents and so forth. “Yes it would give me more lines per page, but I am willing to adjust-” She kind of had a feeling he would be cheap!

  “No need. Matter of fact, I was willing to charge thirty cents per line to compensate you. I don’t think our lines matter, but it’s the size of the documents. On contracts I insist you charge that amount and for proposals and letters I insist you charge twenty cents a line.”

  “But-” She was in dubiously shocked. He wasn’t cheap; he was wasteful! No one in their right mind would pay those exorbitant prices.

  Adamantly, he cut her off, “I insist.”

  Skye shut her mouth. The man was charging way too much, but he didn’t want to listen.

  “Do you accept my terms, Ms Patterson?”

  “I guess I have no choice in the matter since you insist. I would like it on record I protested.”

  The tension between them was clearly noted, why Trisha cut in, “It will be noted. With that settled why don’t I show you around, Ms Patterson, while Mr. Newman gets that agreement on my desk for you to sign.”

  “Please do.” Skye was eager to get out of his presence and stood up hastily. He stood at the same time outstretching his hand.

  He noticed she shook his hand with a lot of caution, as if he were a rattlesnake about to strike.

  “It was nice to meet you again, Ms Patterson.” He tried to sound sincere to put her mind at ease.

  “Feelings mutual, Mr. Newman. Good day.” She followed Trisha out the office, who happily showed her around Newman Enterprises.

  When the tour was over, she had Skye sign the agreement and then Trisha gave her a copy of the agreement along with the templates and examples.

  After Skye was on her way, with a promise to Trisha to have the sample e-mailed by tomorrow morning, Trisha went into Thaddeus' office to see him staring out the window thoughtfully from his chair. "Have you lost your mind sir?" Trisha questioned confused. "Did I just see you daydreaming?"

  Thaddeus shifted his weight uncomfortably and slightly dipped his head to acknowledge her.

  “Can I be honest, Mr. Newman?” she asked standing in front of the desk.

  He didn’t bother to turn around to address her. “You know I value your honesty, Trish, go ahead.”

  “As long as I’ve known you, I’ve never known you to make someone so uncomfortable as you did, Ms Patterson. Was this deliberate?”

  “Did I make her uncomfortable?” He looked concerned as he turned to look at her.

  Now she knew something was wrong with him. All the incidences came to her, as a wicked smile crossed her face.

  “What?” he asked seeing the glitter in her eyes.

  “You like her.”

  “I don’t,” Thaddeus immediately responded.

  “Oh no. It’s worse than like, it's more?!” she exclaimed. “I never thought... I mean...” She paced as she spoke giddy with excitement. “Your lifestyle, the way you’ve stayed away from women... I thought your work involvement was because you wanted your company to succeed, then even after you succeeded you still worked hard, which confused me, but it was all a front. It was all to protect you from women, wasn’t it?” She didn’t’ give him time to answer. “But she’s different and you see this, right?”

  He squinted not at all pleased at Trisha’s quick deductions. Thaddeus relaxed his features and sat back in his chair feeling defeated. Trisha knowing his feelings really didn’t matter to him.

  He knew she would never tell anyone about how he felt, but was what he felt really love? How could this be? Lust he would believe, but Skye was so unlike anyone he had ever known.

  “I can’t explain it. I met her at the café the other day that I go to all the time with the clients. She left her bag and I just couldn’t help myself. At first I saw a plain Jane, then I saw something else. Not on the outside, but there was something on the inside. A reservation about me.”

  Trisha twisted her wide nose at him. “Not every woman is attracted to you.”

  Arrogantly, he said, “The majority find me appealing. I am a modest fellow, but I know my looks don’t curdle milk. My height alone draws attention.”

  “Maybe it’s your height that scares her. She might not like tall men.”

  “She looked right through me, Trish. You received more attention than me.”

  “She could be gay.”

  “I doubt that,” he said sourly. “And even then, I’ve gotten some attention.”

  Trisha saw that this had hurt his feelings. “I might rephrase that. She may just not like your type. Too cute you know.”

  “No, I don’t know.”

  “Sometimes women feel that a man who is powerful, successful, and handsome, such as you, is too much for them.”

  His tone dripped with sarcasm as he said, “So I should be weak, broke, and ugly, then I’m sure to get the girl, huh?”

  She smiled sympathetically amused seeing him struggling with these new emotions. Thaddeus had always had reserved control when it came to personal feelings, yet one woman seemed to unravel him. “Just not so forward, sir. She seems rather shy. If you push your interest too much, she might turn away.”

  He realized Skye had some apprehension about him, but he wanted her attention and felt she should feel the same way immediately. Never in his life had he experienced beating around the bush when he wanted something. “So I should let her come to me, but at the same time make my interest known a little at a time. I don’t want to play games with her, Trisha. I am not like that.”

  “In order to help her get over her shyness and express her interest in you, you must, sir. If what you feel is true and it’s not a one-time thing for either one of
you, then you must give her time. Things of this nature cannot be rushed.”

  “So I have to play around until she likes me?”

  “Oh there is no doubt she finds you attractive. You forgot I was watching as you two spoke and the look of admiration was in her eyes several times when you weren’t looking. I think her control of her emotions is even better than yours.”

  “Should I find that a compliment?”

  “Almost.” She sat down in the chair in front of his desk. “You should know every woman wants a man who is successful, powerful, good-looking and strong. Not just on the outside, but the inside too. You have to step back and make her realize she wants you just as much as you want her.”

  Speaking to Trish about his dilemma with Skye was a great relief. “So what should be my next move, Trisha?”

  “I think you should wait.”

  “For what?”

  “You’ve outstretched your hand, now it’s time for her to take it. Right about now, she knows that she was deliberately called here because of you. She seems like a smart woman and she knows this was no turn into adjective encounter. You’ve made your interest known to her, now you must wait until she does the same. Can you wait that long?”

  Lyn from the switchboard buzzed in before Thaddeus could answer that question. “Mr. Newman, there is a Ms Skye Patterson on the line. She wanted to speak to Trisha, but she isn’t at her desk, so I thought you might want to speak to her. She’s on line four.”

  His smile was clearly triumphant as he looked up at Trisha who was surprised herself. “Thank you Lyn, I will pick it up.”

  “Why do I think you planned this?” Trish asked suspiciously.

  “Because I did.” He pressed the pick up line using the speaker and indicated for Trisha to be quiet. “How may I help you, Ms Patterson?”

  Skye was hesitant to answer, “Y-You may have forgotten to sign the agreement.”

  “You think I may have?” he questioned. “And how did you come to this conclusion?”

  “Because when I looked at the end of the contract once I got home, it wasn’t signed by you or Trisha.”

  “Then we must get this resolved. How about... tomorrow I swing by and sign the contract.”

  “Swing by where?”

  “Your residence. I believe you are a home contractor, aren’t you?” he asked as if this was really no problem for him.

  “Yes, but there’s no need for that, Mr. Newman. I can just return to the office.”

  “Well, I might not be here tomorrow. Matter of fact my schedules filled tomorrow. How about you meet me at the café about three? I should be finished with my appointment there.”

  “Can’t Trisha sign it?” she asked fighting the desperation to not see him from coming out.

  “No, I would rather I sign it. Trisha may be my assistant, and can conduct some of my business, but I do still run the company.”

  “Of course. So tomorrow at three at the café?” she confirmed controlling the disappointment. “Goodbye Mr. Newman.” Skye seemed too happy to get off the phone with him.

  “Till tomorrow, Ms Patterson.”

  When he turned off the speakerphone, Trisha asked, “Why do I have the feeling that you didn’t sign that on purpose?”

  “Because you’re right. If she would have contacted you first, I would have already told you she would have been calling and insist that I sign it.”

  Trisha giggled. “I like how you think, Mr. Newman.”

  “I like how you think, Trisha.”

  “I’ll remember that when bonus time comes around.” She stood up. “You are going to heed my advice, aren’t you, sir?”

  “Of course. Take it slow if I don’t want to lose her.”

  Chapter 6

  Arriving at the Network, he was astonished to see the club placed open with a large bodyguard standing in front. It was usually closed before the noon hour, but of course Fats had connections and Thaddeus wouldn’t be surprised if the gangster had his hand in the profit pot as well.

  Coming here had thrown a monkey wrench in the police plan to get Fats on solicitation for now. The back up plan was to get another operative in with today’s meeting to hopefully take pictures of the deal without anyone knowing. Thaddeus wondered if they had succeeded as he entered the darkly lit club. Music played loudly, but no one else seemed to be around except Fats’ people. A beautiful scantily dressed woman met him at the door as he entered.

  “Mr. Newman?” the woman questioned looking him up and down as if he was her last meal.

  “I’m here to see Fats,” he said seriously ignoring that he felt like a piece of meat under her hard wanton gaze.

  “Come on dis way. He been waitin’ for’yr.” She ushered him to a platform where Fats sat on a couch with another scantily clad beautiful woman. Five large men were strategically placed around

  Fats, which Thaddeus assumed were bodyguards. He noticed the bulges at the sides of them and knew this was no joking matter.

  No matter how large he was a bullet could take him out like a bitch. One of them approached him and patted him down.

  Fats explained. “A usual procedure for a man in my position.”

  Thaddeus was glad he wasn’t asked to carry a wire because he was sure that was what the man was feeling for. “Perfectly understandable, but if he feels any longer, I’m going to ask for dinner.”

  “It’s so good to see you, Mr. Newman.” Fats said chuckling at Thaddeus’ wry humor. The gangster didn’t get up, but instead rudely nudged the woman beside him out the way.

  She stood up giving Thaddeus an appreciative glance just like the woman had done at the door.

  “Later Thelma,” Fats barked to hurry her away. “Please sit, Mr. Newman, or can I call you Tad.”

  “Mr. Newman is fine.” He lowered himself on the couch next to Fats who was pretty large, with a custom tailored suit on.

  “I didn’t believe a damn word Pooh said when he came saying some rich cat was looking for a good time. Is it true?”

  Tilting his head slightly with the same serious look, Thaddeus answered, “I am a man of wealth and finding suitable women to suffice a need has become quite tedious.” He had practiced this numerous times this morning with Craig because this is what the police had predicted Fats would ask. “I want the pleasure without all the promises, if you know what I mean. To do it legitimately has become a nuisance. Money is all I’m willing to give and they usually want more than I can buy. Emotions, marriage, a baby, you know.” Thaddeus had to put a spin on it a little because the script that was given had not seemed believable.

  “I understand. I am a man who enjoys a good fuck every once in a while with no strings attached too.”

  Who in their right mind would want to have sex with this gross fat man was beyond Thaddeus, but he knew there were women out there who really just needed the money. “I would like pleasure more than once in a while. If I’m displeased with your first choice, I will let you know. I’d like a somewhat educated woman who I can relate to verbally and physically. I am willing to pay a high price for monogamy as well. I don’t like to share.”

  This sparked a blood-curdling, greedy smile on Fats’ face. “That would be a lovely price. A five-figure initial fee and four figures continuously. I have to make up the money I would be losing to do this.”

  “I am willing to pay.” Thaddeus chose some pretty dark words to call the greedy gangster in his mind.

  One of the women delivered two vodka and club soda drinks to them setting the tray on a small table in front of the couch. She gave Thaddeus another appreciative glance.

  Fats said happily. “This can all be arranged.”

  “I know it can,” he said playing into the man’s ego that was just as large as his huge body.”You are Fats and everyone knows that you can do anything you want.” Thaddeus raised the glass up. “To a good relationship.”

  “A good union. This is a prosperous union for me, Mr. Newman.”

  Thaddeus gulped the dri
nk down and winced as it burned his throat. “So I can expect her this Saturday?”

  “At ten p.m. on the dot.” He passed Thaddeus a napkin with some writing on it.

  Thaddeus looked at the napkin, but made no change in expression as he read $10,000 initially and $2000 a night. This was the expected fee. Pooh had given Craig a tentative price of $20,000, which had been placed in the envelope the sergeant had initially given Thaddeus.

  Thaddeus put the napkin on the table, and then reached inside his coat to pull out two envelopes. “This should cover me for the first five nights.”

  One bodyguard picked up the money, and another picked up the napkin. Thaddeus saw him ignite the end of the napkin with a lighter and drop the flaming paper in an ashtray.

  “Why don’t you stay a while, Newman? My girls would make it worth your while.”

  Thaddeus looked over to see the two women dancing sensually together rubbing up against each daring him to join them vibe. Standing up, he straightened his jacket and sighed with theatrical disappointment.

  “Unfortunately, I have too many appointments today, but I do appreciate the offer. Maybe if I am dissatisfied with what you initially offer me, I can come back and get a sample.” He winked in jesting.

  “Anytime for the right price, Newman.”

  They shook hands before Thaddeus left. He didn’t feel at all right about paying for sex. He had never had to in his entire life and now that he had the experience under his belt, he felt completely turned off to the woman he was going to meet Saturday.