Hurricane Watch - DK2 Read Free Page A

That’s your problem, cupcake. You can’t think like that. You have to think positive.” Steven pointed the marker at her. ”You’re too conservative, and it’s killing our potential to sign new business.”
    Kerry propped her chin up on one hand. ”No, we’re just following the written guidelines for new business, as set down by corporate in Houston.
    If you have an issue with how the business case has to be structured, you need to address that with Alastair McLean, since it’s his model.”
    She neatly flipped the tables on him. ”And those five accounts you tossed into this issue do not adhere to that standard. In fact, two of them show significant potential for our taking a loss on the overall account, despite the bonus you all will get for signing the new business.” Her voice was gentle, and almost pleasant. ”So, as you can see, I’m really not convinced we should go to Infrastructure on this, and ask them to accelerate their program.” She stood up. ”Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I have a lunch meeting I’m due at in twenty minutes.”
    José grabbed his papers and left with a disgusted look. Eleanor trailed after him, leaving Steven and Kerry in the room. He sauntered over to her. ”You’re pretty sharp.”
    Sea green eyes regarded him. ”Thank you.” She picked up her papers. ”Excuse me.”
    ”Hey, hey, hold on.” Steven circled around and perched on the table. ”I’m not going to bite you.” He smiled. ”Unless you want me to, of course.” He flicked the papers. ”No need to be hostile. We’re on the same side, remember?”
    ”Are we?” Kerry asked. ”Then why accuse our division of deliberately sabotaging yours?” She held up the printed out email. ”Or didn’t you write this?”
    ”Aw, c’mon,” Steven chuckled. ”It’s just a game, loosen up.” He slapped his folded papers against her arm lightly. ”We’re both pretty new here, right?”
    ”More or less,” Kerry replied relaxing her pose.

    Hurricane Watch
    9
    ”So, we can talk. Look, I’m not here to make trouble, okay? I’m just trying my best to jump-start some sales here. It’s to all our benefit, remember?” His brows lifted. ”We can help each other. Things are kind of stagnating, and if we work together, maybe we can get things moving again.”
    Kerry studied him. He was charming, he knew it, and she could feel the allure of that engaging smile. ”I’d be glad to help in any way I could,” she answered, carefully. ”Without compromising our standards.”
    He moved closer, in a casual way. ”Ah, now Kerry, would I ask you to compromise your standards?” He grinned. ”I heard you say you have a lunch meeting, maybe tomorrow we could grab a bite in the cafeteria and chat. How about it?” Steven captured her eyes, and his lips twitched a little.
    ”All right,” Kerry said, quietly. ”We can do that.” She shifted her papers. ”I have to go. I’ll be late for my meeting.” She favored him with a gentle smile.
    He winked. ”Go on, cupcake. See you later.” He watched her leave, and then smiled to himself, letting out a low, soft chuckle. ”Now that is a nice piece of ass just waiting to be led out of the cesspool.”
    THE CAFETERIA WAS crowded with the early lunch people, staff who came in before eight, and by noon were more than ready to eat.
    Kerry picked up her tray, and wound her way through the room. She spotted Maria and several other older women seated near the back where a window allowed a view of the water. ”Hi,” she greeted them, putting her tray down by an empty chair. ”Looks like we’re going to get some rain.”
    ”Si,” Maria agreed, looking out at the threatening clouds. ”How are you, Kerrisita? Did your meeting go all right?”
    Kerry seated herself, and picked up her silverware. ”More or less.”
    She took a sip of her iced tea, and speared a piece of lettuce. ”We agreed to disagree, you know?” She gave the older woman a wry look, then glanced around