Playing For Keeps Read Online Free PDF Page B

seductive tone matching his.
    â€œThen I’ll be back tonight.” Malcolm grinned as he leaned forward in his seat. “What time should I pick you up?”
    Cilla reached for the cell phone he’d rested on the tabletop. He never once flinched as he watched her. It was one of the newest Android smartphones and it wasn’t password protected. She slid a manicured nail across the screen, moving through all his apps until she found his contact list. As she scrolled through the numbers she lifted her eyes to his for a brief second. Amusement painted his expression as he stared. Dropping her gaze back to the device she pushed the ADD button then entered her contact information. Once it was saved she passed the phone back to him.
    â€œCall me when you land. We can figure out the rest then,” she said.
    Malcolm nodded. He picked up his phone, scrolled through his numbers, and pushed the DIAL button. Seconds later Cilla’s own phone rang in her pocket.
    She laughed. “You didn’t trust me?”
    He shook his head. “Nothing of the kind. I just wanted to make sure you recognized the number. And, now that you have my contact information, I hope you’ll use it.”
    She rose from her seat. “Have a great day, Mr. Cobb!”
    â€œI’m sure dinner and dessert will put the great in this day, Ms. Jameson.”
    With a low giggle Cilla crossed the room and headed for the exit. As she reached the door she tossed him a glance over her shoulder. Malcolm was staring after her, his eyes following the side-to-side sway of her hips as he bit down against his bottom lip. She shook her head, her eyes rolling as she met the look he was giving her.
    She called to him from across the room. “Really?”
    Malcolm laughed heartily, his shoulders pushed into a deep shrug, his palms opened toward the ceiling. With another wave of her head, Cilla turned and disappeared out the door. Malcolm grinned. Dinner couldn’t happen fast enough.
    Â 
    Â 
    Despite the tight schedule, Malcolm had showered, shaved, kissed his daughters off to school, and had made his charter flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to BWI Marshall with time to spare. By ten forty-five he was opening the door to his East Pratt Street design firm, the staff greeting him warmly.
    His dream come true, the opening of 3C Innovative Designs was one of his most successful accomplishments. After graduating with an engineering degree he’d been committed to building an architectural firm that ran circles around its competitors. Sheer drive and love for his craft had pushed them to the forefront in the industry. They were now listed as one of the top five companies in the nation.
    His leaving Baltimore and moving his family to Raleigh had come with some reservations and much risk but had been one of the best decisions he could have made. The business had survived, and excelled, in spite of him having to travel back and forth to do what he needed to do. He credited a talented staff and dedicated employees for helping him accomplish what many had said would be impossible.
    Maxine Perry peeked her head into his office and said hello. “Did you already have your morning coffee or can I get you a cup?”
    He crossed the room to give the woman a hug. His administrative assistant for as long as he had the business, she was soft and sweet like warm cookie dough but polished like a vintage jewel. The business suit she wore was an Anne Klein classic design, one she had probably purchased years ago and had taken meticulous care of. “I’m good this morning, Miss Maxine. How’ve you been?”
    He leaned back against the circular conference table that sat in the center of the room. Crossing his arms over his chest he focused his attention on his ex-wife’s mother.
    Miss Maxine nodded. “Every morning I get up is a good morning,” she said with a soft cackle. “How’s the nightclub business