Page 10 of Masters of the Game: Colton
“So what?” he snapped angrily. “If they cared about you, you wouldn’t still be a junior executive after all these years. If you’re worried about your position with them, fine. Keep it. However, at least do something to help me. I refuse to marry a woman who won’t have my back when it counts.”
Since he’d never brought up the subject of marriage at any time during their nearly year-long relationship, she asked in surprise, “Marry?”
“Yes. I was going to discuss it with you when I saw you tonight. However, the fact that I didn’t get that contract with your company makes me think I can’t depend on you, Sherelle. Marriage is a team sport, and team members look out for each other.”
The thought that he wanted to marry her made her smile. That would prove her mother wrong. She’d been told all her life that no man would ever want her, that she would grow up an old maid. And when she turned thirty-eight last year, she had begun to think that Leola Telfair’s prediction for her future was true.
“Sherelle?”
“Yes?”
“Can I depend on you or not, sweetheart?”
She loved it when he used terms of endearment on her. “Of course, you can depend on me, Eric. I won’t let you down.”
CHAPTER 3
“Yes, Alvie?”
“Ms. Perkins has arrived, Mr. Masters,” his fifty-something-year-old administrative assistant stated professionally over the phone’s intercom system.
“Please send her in.” Colton stood and adjusted his tie, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach. They shouldn’t be there, but then, no woman affected him the way Kelly did.
After a week of wondering how he would react upon seeing her again, he had awakened that morning with a renewed mind, clear resolve, and a confident spirit. By the time he had showered, dressed, and left for the office, his optimism had been elevated, and he’d been ready to deal with the day.
Now he was dealing with damned butterflies.
When his office door opened and Kelly walked in, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The first time he’d seen her, she had taken his breath away. The same thing was happening now. She had his full and undivided attention.
“Kelly.”
“Mr. Masters.”
The other three times he’d seen her since that night two years ago--all at weddings--she’d been wearing attire for the occasion and looked simply beautiful. But there was nothing simple about her looks.
Today she was wearing her hair up in a style he figured was meant to look professional, yet it put to advantage the gracefulness of her neck, and the beauty of her dark lashes that fanned a pair of stunning brown eyes. His gaze then focused onher mouth. Whenever he’d seen her lips, they’d been painted a hot red. Now they were a modest shade of pink. But the fact that she’d toned down her lipstick didn’t stop him from remembering how those lips had felt pressed against his.
Her outfit was an emerald green business suit, coordinating print blouse, and matching green pumps. Why did she have to look so damn gorgeous? He knew that while some corporations had shifted the focus from ‘dress for success’ to ‘dress for comfort’ which created a more relaxed working environment, Masters Unlimited hadn’t been one of them. However, even though she was dressed professionally, she wore her clothing with an air of sensuality that he felt in every cell of his body. He looked into her eyes. She was a strikingly beautiful woman.
Regaining his composure, he crossed the room to her and extended his hand. “It’s good seeing you again.”
The moment their hands touched, he felt it--a deep, stimulating awareness that nearly shook him to the core. When her gaze flew to his, he was certain she had felt it as well. Colton wasn’t sure how long they stood there, their hands still entwined, when there was a knock on his door.
The sound quickly brought him to his senses, and he released her hand. “Come in.”
His administrative assistant entered. “I just wanted to let you know that Ms. Perkins’ office is ready.”
“Thanks, Alvie.” He could still feel the heat of Kelly’s touch on his hand as he slid both into the pockets of his slacks. When Alvie left, closing the door behind her, he looked back at Kelly.
“It’s good to see you again as well, Mr. Masters.”
He wondered if that was true, since the last time they’d seen each other, she had deliberately avoided him. He also noted she refused to call him by his first name. “Mr. Masters is too formal. Please call me Colton.”
She nodded. “All right. Colton.”
His name on her lips always sounded good. “Please have a seat,” he said, indicating the chair in front of his desk.
“Thank you.”
