Close Quarters: A Novel (Zane Presents) Read Online Free PDF Page B

efforts.”
    Donner shifted in his chair. “I’m glad we’re on the same page, Malik.”
    I hated the way he pronounced my name. He said it so that the “Mal” rhymed with “Al.” It didn’t matter that I had corrected him a million times; he called me what he wanted. Donner patted his gray comb-over and rearranged his glasses on the bridge of his nose. “I want you to partner with Kai Cooper on a new project.”
    Finally, he had said something interesting. “What type of account will we be working on?”
    “We’ll all meet tomorrow morning at nine to discuss the particulars. Block at least two hours on your calendar.”
    “I anticipate hearing the details.” I headed to the door.
    “By the way, you did a great job this morning. I’m expecting bigger and better things from you. Don’t disappoint me.”
    “I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”
    I strode down the hall, speculating on the magnitude of the assignment I was about to receive. I was certain of only one thing—it had to be good for Donner to pair me with Kai. I couldn’t say if it was the short skirts or talent, but she managed to secure the best clients. Our pairing ensured that I was aboutto get away from the trash heap accounts I kept getting stuck with. I’d wait to see how the project turned out and then gauge the quality of my next account before deciding exactly when to branch out on my own, if at all. Maybe both Newport and Donner were finally taking notice of my worth.

CHAPTER SEVEN
MALIK
    T he hostess led us through the dimly lit restaurant to an isolated booth in the corner. Smooth jazz filtering through the speakers, mingled with the low hum of conversations. Kai scooted into the velvety red, crescent-shaped booth and I slid in after her. I unbuttoned my suit jacket and reclined against the seat, placing one arm on the backrest.
    Kai slinked a little closer to me. “I don’t know why we haven’t met for drinks sooner,” she said.
    She could pretend she didn’t know, but I was fully aware. Until that morning, I hadn’t registered on Kai’s radar. She considered me a guppy in the shark tank, measured by the quality of accounts I was given. All of that was about to change. I would make sure of it.
    “We’re here now and the timing couldn’t be better. I hear we’re going to be working on a project together,” I said.
    It was almost imperceptible, but her smile faltered. She straightened up, moving from the crook of my arm. I was steering this ship tonight. Business first, intrigues later.
    “Yes, Gerry told me he was entrusting us with the Sphere Electronics account.”
    My mental assistant kicked in and started taking notes. She was on a first name basis with the boss and already had an advantage with information about the client.
    “Sphere is the leader in the videogame market,” I said. “I recently read they’re developing a new racecar game that looks so real it’ll make you think you can feel the wind on your face.”
    “I’ve seen it and it’s amazing.” Kai stroked her hand on my leg. “You and I will be responsible for transferring that same exhilarating feeling through our ads.”
    “How long have you been at Newport and Donner?” I asked, moving my leg out of her reach.
    “Seven years.”
    “Is this your first time working jointly on an account?”
    “No. You?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Gerry likes to have two creative minds working on the larger projects. He says it yields a more abundant harvest. When he told me I would be working with you, I knew he had picked the right man for the job.”
    I smirked. “I couldn’t agree with you more. We are about to shake up the videogame advertising market.”
    I signaled the waiter over to the table and ordered a bottle of champagne. We perused the menu while waiting. The waiter returned with a bottle of Perrier-Jouët. He filled our champagne flutes and left us to decide on our meals.
    “A toast is in order.” Kai lifted her flute and waited for me to