Barron was glad to be home. He’d had a long day and needed to unwind. He undressed, thinking about what Rob said and took a long, much needed shower. What was he going to do about Danielle? After his shower, he pulled out his takeout from Eatzi’s and settled ont the couch with a beer. Thirty minutes into watching SportsCenter, he realized he had a missed call on his cell phone.
“Hi Mr. Weston, this is Shari Tate from Channel 5. I saw your picture in the paper this morning. I’d like to interview you and perhaps talk about your relationship with Danielle Mitchell. I know she’s the creative director over at FAT Ads. What’s it like to date someone you’ll be going up against for the Tornadoes advertising account? Give me a call me. My number is 214...”
“Damn!” Barron yelled as he continued to listen to the rest of his messages. The next one was from his brother.
“B, what’s up dude? This is your brother, Melvin. I hear you’re down there making the news already…”
Barron set his plate aside and looked through his missed call log, then he realized he didn’t have any contact number for Danielle other than her office. The he searched the time of the call and compared it to the time she left the message.
“There it is.” He pressed send and waited. Voicemail. Irritated, Barron put his dinner away and grabbed his laptop. He needed something to take his mind off Danielle. Only work could do that.
Danielle was busy working on her presentation when Clarice buzzed her the following morning. “Yes?” she said, taking a sip of her green tea.
“Barron Weston is on the line.
Danielle looked at her watch. It was just 8:30 a.m. I can’t believe he’s at work this early. “Okay, put him through.”
“Good morning, Danielle,” Barron said quietly.
“Barron,” she said softly.
“I got your message last night. Thanks for the call.”
“You’re welcome. Just don’t expect apologies from me too often.”
He laughed. “I know better, but I’m glad you called.” There was a long silence. “Are you ready for Mr. Washington?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Are you ready for me?” he asked in a serious tone.
“Yes—I mean no. Will you stop doing that?”
“Doing what? Teasing you? You always leave yourself wide open,” he said laughing. “But all jokes aside. Can I ask you something?”
“Sure, as long as it’s not about my advertising proposal.”
“No, it’s not about that.”
She could sense the seriousness in his tone. “Well, what’s up?”
Barron didn’t know if he would get an honest answer to the question he was about to ask, but he figured he’d take a shot at it anyway.
“It’s really a request.” His voice was sincere.
“A request for what?”
“I want to make love to you again.”
Danielle quieted. Then she felt hot and her heart began to flutter. She rushed from her desk to close the door to her office. “W-what did you just say?”
“I said I want to make love to you again.” Yep, she’d heard him right the first time.
She closed her eyes, remembering that night. His soft kisses and warm hands all over her body were splendid indeed. The question hammered at her, but she couldn’t lie. She enjoyed every minute of him. Every touch he planted on her body made her wish she were his. Calmly she emitted her reply.
“Barron, how do you expect me to respond to something like that?” She asked, in a voice that seemed to have come from a long way off.
“Follow your heart like you did before.”
Danielle was silent for a moment then she said, “The last time I followed my heart, I woke up alone on the beach.
“That was the last time I’ll ever leave you alone like that. I promise.”
“Don’t make a promise you can’t keep.”
“I can keep this one. I told you I want you. This can’t wait any longer.”
“This what? Your need to screw me? Not going to happen. You had your chance and you blew it."
“I know, Danielle. But just let me be a man and do what I need to do.”
“Barron, I can’t. I have to go.” The dial tone was loud and clear in his ear. Barron put the phone to his chin and then placed in the receiver. Getting Danielle to trust him was going to be harder than he ever imagined.
Danielle collected herself for a moment then buzzed Clarice.
“Yes ma'am?”
“Do me a favor and see if you can get a hold of Jerry Breedlove’s agent over at Johnson and Woods? I’d like to talk to him.”
“Sure. Oh, and Miss Mitchell, Evan Washington is throwing a party Friday. Apparently, it’s a party for all the potential advertisers and the vendors for the arena. Would you like me to RSVP?”
“A party?” Danielle wondered what that was all about.“Sure, I guess I don’t have a choice. How many contenders will be there, I wonder?”
“I don’t know.” Clarice tried to suppress her concern. “Forgive me for saying so but you don’t sound too excited, Miss Mitchell.”
“I’m not. It’s awfully close to presentation time. This party is going to be a distraction.”
“It probably won’t be too bad,” Clarice assured her.
“We’ll see.”
“Well, I’ll call Johnson and Woods for you. Let me know if you need anything else.”
Barron read the fancy calligraphy on the invitation from Evan Washington and sighed deeply. He had only one more week to tie up loose ends for his presentation to Mr. Washington and his staff. Partying was the furthest thing from his mind. He liked to stay focused when he was working on something. It allowed for less mistakes. It was bad enough Danielle was on his mind. Now he had to socialize too? One more interruption like this and I’m pulling out. He got up from his seat and reached for his coat. No sooner than he was about to leave for lunch, his boss Roger Simmons came in.
“Barron, how are you?” he asked extending his hand.
“Fine,” Barron said putting his coat back on the chair. “What brings you by?”
“Well,” Mr. Simmons said, clearing his throat. He settled into the chair in front of Barron’s desk and set a folded newspaper on it. Barron recognized the picture of him and Danielle in the lifestyle section of the Dallas Morning News.
“This brings me by,” Mr. Simmons said pointing to the photograph.
“Is there something I should know about?”
“No,” Barron said. “Miss Mitchell’s an old friend.”
Mr. Simmons leaned forward. “What kind of an old friend?”
Barron didn’t like the tone in his boss’ voice. Truthfully, it really wasn’t any of his business what kind of an old friend she was. “We met at a conference after college.”
Mr. Simmons leaned back. “Oh, okay. Because I was going to say if you had been intimate with her you could probably use that to your advantage.”
Barron couldn’t believe what his boss was suggesting. But he decided to play along anyway. “What exactly do you mean?”
“Well, I was just going to say, if you were able to say, coax her, we could get some information on what FAT Ads has planned for the Tornadoes deal.”
Barron frowned but remained calm. What Mr. Simmons was suggesting was unprofessional and unethical. “Mr. Simmons, I don’t need to pick Miss Mitchell for information. As you know, my reputation speaks for itself. I’ve never had to use someone else’s ideas. I consider Danielle Mitchell a friend. And I’m not going to jeopardize our relationship.”
Mr. Simmons’ eyes darkened. “I know we all like to do the right thing. But sometimes in business you have to go far and beyond the call of duty, if you know what I mean.”
Barron knew exactly what he meant.
Mr. Simmons picked up the newspaper. “I won’t press you on this. Since you know what you’re doing, I’ll let you do it. But just remember, FAT Ads is our biggest competitor. Miss Mitchell and her team are good. If anybody gives us hell, it will be them. Keep that in mind the next time you see her. From the looks of her smile, she may want to be more than a friend.”
Barron watched Mr. Simmons leave his office. He was furious. He’d never been so insulted in his life. Of all his years in advertising, he never had to steal someone else’s idea. He was a brilliant marketing genius who started trends not stole them. Who needed other people’s ideas when he had his own? Frustrated and hungry, he grabbed his coat and left for lunch.
Barron was frustrated by the second. No matter what he said or did, Danielle wasn’t buying any of it. He figured she had a right to be suspicious. They had a volatile past and she didn’t trust him. After Danielle, Barron found it hard to be committed in a relationship, especially with all the work he had to do. His personal life had taken a back seat to his career. And it appeared that Danielle was experiencing the same fate.
“Would you consider forgiving a man who is genuinely apologetic?” he said, approaching her at the bar.
She had her back to him, but managed to crack a slight smile as she took a delicate sip of her drink.
“Sure. I can do that.”
“Thank you. I really want us to be able to get along, Danielle.”
“I agreed, now let’s just leave it that,” she said.
Sure, she could pretend to let the people think she and Barron were cool for business’ sake.
After all, she was going to be the one to get the Tornadoes account.
He put his hand behind her back and led her toward the crowd. “Come on. Let’s go meet the press.”
Danielle winced at the heated touch of his hand. She could only imagine what his touch would do to her if they were ever alone again.
“I promise I’ll be on my best behavior,” Barron said, as they headed toward a group of reporters.
“That should be a task in itself,” Danielle remarked
Barron laughed under his breath.
After brief interviews with the press, Danielle and Barron talked over more drinks. He told her how he had been to France and how miserable he was without having a woman to enjoy Paris with. He had been single since he had briefly dated an aspiring actress back in New York. She ended their courtship suddenly and told him she didn’t think being tied down would be a good career move. Secretly Barron was relieved.
After that ordeal, he focused more on work and the occasional non-committed sex flings. Danielle was somewhat sympathetic. She knew how hard it was to have a successful career and relationship at the same time. The last guy she dated turned out to be engaged to someone else and she was looking to get burned again. She had different views on sex, however. She had been celibate for almost a year.
There was one feeling that they shared: They both loved work. They were doing what they always wanted to do, be two of the most prominent people in advertising. After parting for a few minutes to mingle with the other guests, Barron made sure not to wander to far from Danielle. He watched her like a man in love would watch his woman, careful not to let her slip from view.
Danielle pretended not to notice the fiery eyes staring at her. She found herself thinking about him in ways she knew she shouldn’t. Seeing him again had her tangled in a web of emotions. She thought about their night of lovemaking and how beautiful it was. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn’t want to have those thoughts of him, especially after the way he treated her. And no matter how much she wanted to deny it, she was still attracted to him.
Barron was thanking his guests as everyone prepared to leave. When he saw Danielle slip out of the door, he excused himself to go and find her. By the time he got to the valet, she was already slipping behind the wheel of her car.
“Danielle!”
She didn’t hear him and pulled off into the night. So much for more of her time. He shoved his hands in his pockets then started back inside. The chirp of a text message on his phone caused him to pause for a moment. He pulled his phone out and looked at the screen. There was a message from Danielle: Just because I have forgiven you, doesn’t mean I’m letting my guard down.
Barron smiled devilishly, smoothing his goatee. At least she was thinking of him. Now all he had to convince her to do it every day of her life.
***
“Mr. Washington, I assure you, we’re going to make sure we do everything in our power to project a positive image to the Tornadoes fans. We’re exhausting a lot of resources to make that possible,” Danielle said, via speakerphone.
Evan Washington, owner of Dallas Tornadoes was a young charismatic computer genius who’d purchased the troublesome team a few months ago. A billionaire with money to spare, he wanted to renew the city’s faith in the once cumbersome squad. Danielle admired him because he had been consistent in hiring qualified minorities within his organization to help get the team to where they needed to be. He wasn’t afraid to defy the corporate goons and their old boys network antics.
“I want this to work,” Evan said. “You are my first choice for this account Danielle, but you know the board wants to look at other people as well.”
“I know. And I promise you, Mr. Washington, we’ll do whatever it takes to give your organization what it needs. You won’t need anyone else.”
“Good because I really like your work.” He paused for a moment and continued, “You know S&J has Barron Weston now, and we both know how good he is.”
Danielle forced a smile. “Yes, but I’m much better. And when you see our presentation, you’ll think so too.”
“I’m a fair man. But business is business. “The best campaign will get my vote and my money.”
“I understand. And I’m looking forward to showing you our presentation.”
“And I’m looking forward to seeing it. Thanks for the call.”
“You’re very welcome,” Mr. Washington.
“Oh, and by the way,” he said. “It’s good PR to have your picture taken with a business rival. It draws attention to you.”
Danielle didn’t understand. “My picture?”
“Yeah, you made the lifestyle section with Barron Weston in today’s paper. I gotta run, talk to ya later.”
Danielle rushed to Yolanda’s office to see if she had the paper. She had. She was looking at the front desk with the firm’s receptionist, Bridgett. They both looked up at her.
“Girl, you have to see this,” Yolanda said.
Danielle sighed. “Please say it isn’t so.”
“Wish we could, cain’t,” Yolanda said.
“Damn.”
Bridgett showed Danielle the paper. “You and Mr. Weston make a cute couple.”
Danielle looked at the paper reluctantly. Clear as day, there was picture of she and Barron embracing at the Martini Bar. It was a candid shot, with both of them gazing intently into each other’s eyes. Danielle couldn’t believe it. She even had the nerve to look happy. The text beneath the picture read: Cozy Rivals. Dallas advertising executives Barron Weston and Danielle Mitchell make nice at reception.
“Why would they print this? This is so bad. Soooo bad. Damn it.”
Just then, the firm’s main phone line rang. Bridgett answered it. “Thank you for calling FAT Ads & PR, this is Bridgett.” Her eyes met Danielle’s. “Just a moment, Mr. Weston. Let me see if she’s available.”
Danielle started nodding her head no. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with Barron. “I don’t want to talk to him.”
Bridgett pressed the hold button and asked, “Are you sure? He sounds really nice.”
“He always sounds nice…Why won’t this man leave me alone?” she said, throwing her head back. “Be professional, be professional,” she muttered.
“I’m sure he has his reasons,” Bridgett said waiting on her answer.
Danielle rolled her eyes at Bridgett. “Put him on speaker.”
“Are you sure?” Bridgett asked.
“Yes, do it.”
Yolanda’s eyes widened. “Are you sure you want to talk to him on the speaker phone?”
“I don’t have anything to hide.” She turned to Bridgett. “Put him through.”
Reluctantly, Bridgett did as she was told. “Mr. Weston?”
“Yes?”
“Miss Mitchell is available. Go ahead.” Bridgett left Danielle and Yolanda alone.
Barron cleared his throat. “Good morning, Miss Mitchell. How are you?”
“Fine, Mr. Weston. And you?”
“I’m great. Have you seen the paper?” he asked.
Danielle could only imagine the smile on his face. “Yes, I have.”
Barron continued, “And what do you think?”
“About what?”
“Our picture…Do you like it?” His voice was deep and inviting.
“No, I don’t. And as soon as I find the photographer who took it, I’ll have his job.”
“Oh, come on now, Danielle. It’s a nice picture. And I must admit we do look good together. The people in Dallas are going to have quite a time figuring us out.”
“They won’t have that much trouble,” she said rubbing her index finger across her chin. “You know, Barron. If I didn’t know better, I would think you were trying to set me up and get me in an incorrigible position.”
“Believe me, if I get you in an incorrigible position, it will give you more pleasure than anything else.”
She could see his sinister grin through the phone as she yanked the receiver. “What do you want, Barron?”
“You.”
“Try again. I can’t get involved with you.”
“Can’t or won’t.” His voice was low and enchanting. “And we’re already involved.”
“I told you, I’m not interested in anything with you, Barron,” she said, unconvincingly. “If we have to deal with each other, it needs to be strictly business.”
“Business went out the window twelve years ago, Danielle when we were on that beach.”
Her long spell of silence gave him just what he wanted—satisfaction. Her tough girl act was just that. “I’m not going to have this conversation with you now,” she said in a low voice.
“Well when can we talk?”
“Never,” she said, slamming the phone down. “Damn he makes me sick! I’m gonna kill that photographer!”
Yolanda rested her hand on Danielle’s shoulder. “What good would it do? You’re in the man’s arm all over the city. And really Dee, it’s not that bad. There are worse things than having a photo of you and a handsome man you despise printed in the newspaper,” she winked.
“Oh yeah, like what?”
Yolanda came close to Danielle’s ear and whispered. “You could actually be with him again…making love, getting multiple orgasms between satin sheets . . . having him sweating all on top of you. But that’s just one of the things that could happen.”
Danielle couldn’t help but laugh. “You are so silly—and nasty might I add.”
“You know that’s right. Get over it, girl,” Yolanda said, checking her watch. “You know you want some more of Barron Weston.”
“Whatever,” Danielle said, walking off.
Danielle locked herself in her office to have lunch and a moment of solitude. She stared at the picture of her and Barron while eating her turkey sandwich and vegetable soup. Yes, it was a nice picture. And yes, they did look good together. But the idea of anyone thinking they were an item was unsettling and the picture had “couple” written all over it. She didn’t want to be the center of attention under these circumstances or the subject of gossip. The last thing she needed in her career was for people to think she was sleeping with a colleague. The whole town would start to assume things, and that wasn’t good for a woman in her position. Danielle liked to keep her affairs private. And having a man like Barron Weston in her life wouldn’t let things stay that way.
***
“Mr. Weston, I got the extra copies of the paper you wanted,” his assistant, Jody said as she came into his office.
Barron swung around from his computer. “Thanks. Just put them on my desk please.”
“Are you ordering in for lunch or going out?” Jody asked.
“I think I’ll stay in. I have some calls to make. Can you pick me up something from the deli downstairs?”
“Sure, what would you like?” Jody picked up a pen and Post-It from his desk.
“A turkey sandwich on sourdough with provolone, and a bowl of soup, something filling.”
“Is vegetable okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine. If they don’t have that, get clam chowder. Hold all my calls, unless one of them is from Danielle Mitchell.”
Jody snickered. “You think she’ll call? You said she sounded pretty upset this morning.”
“She did. But she’ll come around. We’ll be friends sooner or later.”
“Are you still going to try and find out what ideas she has for the Tornadoes campaign? I think Mr. Simmons wanted you to.”
Barron’s text alert rang. “That’ll be all, Jody.”
She nodded and smiled. “Okay, I’ll be back with your food shortly.”
Jody left him alone. Barron read the message that appeared on his screen. It was from Evan Washington’s assistant. He called her back immediately.
“Evan Washington’s office,” his assistant answered.
“Hi, Cynthia. This is Barron Weston.”
“Oh, yes Mr. Weston. Mr. Washington wanted me to confirm your appointment with him on Thursday. It’s set for nine o’clock.”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“Great. I’ll let him know.”
“Thanks, Cynthia.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, and I saw your picture in the paper with Danielle Mitchell. Are you two seeing each other?”
Barron was surprised by her directness. “Uh, no we’re not seeing each other.” Not yet. “Miss Mitchell and I go way back.” He pondered the thought of asking Cynthia why she wanted to know.
“Really? Well you two may be bumping heads. She’s trying to get the Tornadoes account too.”
“I know. Several other agencies are.”
“Makes for some interesting conversation, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, Cynthia, I guess it does. Tell Mr. Washington I said hello.”
“Okay.”
Damn. Barron hadn’t expected people to take an interest in him and Danielle because of a picture. He was sure now that was the reason why she’d been so short with him this morning. She was always a private person and he was sure she hadn’t changed much. But what he could he do about it? He didn’t ask that the photograph be put there. He was just as surprised as she was. She probably thought it was his idea to begin with. He wanted to set the record straight. He called her office.
“Miss Mitchell isn’t taking any calls, Mr. Weston. Would you like to leave a message?” Clarice asked.
“No. I really need to speak with her.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Weston, I can’t put you through. She asked me to hold all her calls.”
“Do you know if she’s still upset about our photograph in the paper?”
“I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask her. I’ll tell her you called. Okay?”
There was nothing else he could do. “Okay,” he sighed. “Just tell her it’s important.”
“I will. Goodbye, Mr. Weston.”
“Bye.”
By five o’clock Barron still hadn’t heard from Danielle. As he got ready to leave he thought about the Tornadoes advertising campaign. He hadn’t spent much time on it today because he was preoccupied with other things, namely Danielle. He stared at the file on his desk. I guess I’ll have to take this home. He could usually get more work done at home anyway. He removed his memory stick from his computer and slid it in his briefcase.
Downstairs he waited for the valet to bring his car. He stared off into the distance as the rain began to fall. If he hurried he could make it before it started pouring. The valet arrived a few moments later in Barron’s platinum SL500 coupe.
“Thanks, man,” he said handing him a few dollars. He got inside and shut the door just as the rain started to pour.
Barron left downtown headed for the north side, wondering if he’d made a mistake coming to Dallas. He had only been here a week and he had already made the news. Sure, he wanted to be in the public eye, but not as the subject of gossip. He wanted his reputation to precede him in a more positive manner. He had secured some pretty big accounts for the his firm back in Los Angeles, and had every intention of doing the same thing in Dallas.
He left Los Angeles because he was tired of being in a big city full of empty souls. He enjoyed the south much better. Besides, he’d done all he set out to do there. And he was ready to settle down. His prospects were limited in Los Angeles. Most of the women he came across weren’t challenging enough. They couldn’t hold a conversation unless it revolved around clothes, music or make-up. And they were always asking him to buy them something. He had dated more than his fair share of beautiful women. But they didn’t fill the void in his life.
Maneuvering through the Dallas Tollway traffic, he thought of Danielle.
Quaint as a raindrop, and feisty as a flame, she was definitely his kind of woman: intelligent, beautiful and hard working. He respected her as a woman and a colleague. No matter what she faced, she always stood her ground. She never let him get away with anything, and could go round for round with him on any topic. That was the one thing he admired about her when they met. He knew it had to be fate that brought him to Dallas.
His cell phone rang as he changed lanes. “This is Barron.”
“What’s up, B. It’s Rob.”
“What up, dude? Where you at?”
“Atlanta, man. What’s up with you?”
“Shit, just working, dawg. You know I started my new gig.”
“Yeah man. I heard about that. How is it?”
“Not bad, dude. Not bad. I’m just trying to get settled in. I made the paper this morning.”
“Already? No shit?”
“Yeah,” Barron said, nonchalantly.
“That’s tight, dawg. You gotta send me a copy of it.”
“Shoot, if this female doesn’t burn ‘em all.”
“Damn, fool. You in trouble with the ladies already?” Rob asked. “You can’t be going all over the country breakin’ hearts.”
“Naw. This is an old one.”
Rob chuckled. “What, somebody you hit?”
“Something like that. It was a one-night stand that turned into something more. Shoot, she can’t stand my ass now.”
“Damn, maybe you didn’t put it down right.”
They both laughed.
“Chill out dude,” Barron said. “But seriously, it’s a long story, man. One I’d rather not tell right now. She and I are both at the top of our game you know and I don’t wanna screw things up.
“So what, is she your boss now?”
“No. She works for another firm. But we’re competing for the Tornadoes. She’s been here longer and I think I’m stepping on her toes a little.”
“No. She works for another firm. But we’re competing for the Tornadoes. She’s been here longer and I think I’m stepping on her toes a little.”
“So the new guy in town is startin’ trouble. Man, you’re a trip. But forget all that. Is she fine?”
“Whew, man fine as hell. Damn a ten, she’s a fifteen.”
“Oh, well shit. If I were you I’d let her have her way. Or at least let her think she’s gonna have her way. Go on and tap that.”
“Man, I can’t do that.”
“Shoot, I would. You put the wood on her again, she’ll forget about being in competition with you.”
“Naw, dawg, it’s not like that. I like her too much to come at her like that. Besides, Danielle’s not stupid. She didn’t get to the top of her game by being an airhead. She’s a sharp lady.”
“Must be if she’s dissing you,” Rob said, laughing.
“Don’t hate. It doesn’t fit you too well, homie.”
Rob burst into laughter. “Oh, please. Dude, you don’t give damn about no woman. As long as I’ve known you you’ve been a dog—a big dog.”
“Well thanks man, I appreciate the compliment,” Barron replied dryly. “But I’m trying to change.”
Rob was surprised. “Man, this isn’t like you to have feelings for someone. What’s the deal? You getting’ soft on me?”
“No. I’m just tired of the bullshit man—enough about me. “What are you doing in Atlanta?”
“Working. This gig sends me to a new city every three weeks.”
“Damn, man. That’s a lot of traveling.”
“Hell yeah. I’m so sick of living in hotel and eatin’ fast food every day. But hey, I get to bang as many women as I want to and I never have to worry about seeing them again.”
“You better watch it. You might run into one who won’t be rid of so easily. ”
“Man, I ain’t scared of no female. I don’t even tell them my real name.”
“Alright do you. But I said what I had to say. I’m setting down.”
Robert cleared his throat. “It sounds like you got a potential already. What are you gonna do about it?”
