Read Online Her Little Black Book by Brenda Jackson - Free Book Online Page A

Unlimited had been hired to take them to that level. Already the tone of the ad had been set for something sophisticated, edgy, and in your face. The target market was women of all ages, but the prominent hit was women between the ages of twenty-five and forty. The Falconer Woman was to become as popular as the Marlboro Man had years ago.
    â€œI think it’s more than we anticipated,” she responded in a sultry voice. “But then I’m not surprised. I’d heard you were a man known to deliver.”
    Lake took in her meaningful expression, along with her suggestive words and shrugged. “I try. I don’t believe in giving any less than one hundred percent.” And to let her know he was speaking strictly of business, he added, “And I expect the same of anyone who works for me.”
    She nodded. “I understand you’re related to Alexia Bennett-Masters.”
    She had shifted topics on him, which was fine, since
he intended to keep up with her. You could never let a woman of Tammi Grier’s caliber think she had your mind screwed up or your reasoning twisted into knots. “Yes, Alexia is married to my brother Quinn.”
    â€œAnd what does he do for a living?”
    He wondered why she wanted to know, but decided to answer anyway. “He’s an entertainment attorney in Los Angeles. In fact, that’s how they met.”
    Her eyes raked over him slowly, as if she was still looking for a crack in his armor. “Did you know she’s here in Paris performing?”
    No, he hadn’t known that. Alexia was a nationally known recording artist whose songs were legendary in becoming number-one hits on the R & B charts. The last time he’d talked to Quinn, his brother had mentioned she would be doing an international tour but hadn’t said in what countries Alexia would be performing.
    â€œNo, I didn’t,” he finally answered, and hoped she wasn’t fishing to accompany him to one of Alexia’s concerts on a date. And just in case she was, he added, “In that case, I need to find out what hotel she’s staying at and invite her to have dinner with me.”
    He watched her purse her lips. Even with her boldness, she wouldn’t lower her pride to include herself in a threesome. She had too much class for that.
    â€œCan I interest you in a drink after we finish up business here today?”
    Her question made him smile. She was determined not to give up, and he was just as determined that she do so. But still, to maintain a smooth working relationship
and not ruffle her feathers, he decided sharing a drink with her wouldn’t hurt matters. In fact, it might help them. Even with her man-eating demeanor, she was still good at what she did at Falconer. The old man was her uncle. Family ties, he knew, were what they were.
    â€œYes, you can interest me in that,” he answered smoothly, with a smile.
    A grin touched the corners of her lips, and her hot-and-heavy gaze was still intent on him. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that she thought them sharing a drink would be just the beginning. She had two weeks to break down his resistance before he returned to the States. There was no doubt in his mind that she was determined to work it with everything she had.
    The corner of his own mouth twitched. She could definitely take pleasure in trying.
    â€œYou were wonderful tonight, Alexia,” Lake said as his eyes roamed over the strikingly beautiful woman who was married to his brother. He had been escorted backstage to her dressing room the moment she performed her last song.
    â€œThanks, Lake,” she said, leaning up and kissing him on the cheek. “Quinn didn’t mention you would be in Paris.”
    â€œOnly because the last time we talked, our conversation was rushed. I think he was trying to get the boys out of the house to day-care.”
    Alexia laughed, and Lake thought the sound was just
as smooth