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cranberry juice, and you can have one of those mojitos or whatever
you like—on me. How’s that?”
    Sabrina smiled genuinely for the
first time all day. Ernestine was so sweet. Having someone in her corner helped
to temper her unhappiness.
    Normally, she didn’t drink much
because growing up, she’d seen the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol on
those around her, but she needed a drink tonight.
    “Nah, go home to your hubby and
kids,” she said. “In the mood I’m in, I’ll need more than a few drinks. It
might be better for me to go straight home.”
    Ernestine rose from the chair. “You
need to get out more.”
    “What? You’re the one who rushes
home every day after work. I’m surprised you even offered to go out with me.”
    “And you’re the one who hasn’t been
on a date in months.”
    Sabrina groaned and covered her
face with her hand.
    “You know it’s true. Why don’t you
let me fix you up?”
    “I don’t want any more hook-ups.”
Last time her co-worker tried to set her up had been a disaster. The date ended
in an argument with the guy calling her “you modern women” in a tone that
clearly indicated it was not a compliment.
    “Okay, I screwed up the last time,
but I do have another man in mind for you. He’s more your type. You need
someone with your drive and ambition and someone who appreciates it in you. Clark
wasn’t the right person.”
    “Yah think? He practically told me
he wanted me barefoot and pregnant.”
    “Don’t exaggerate.”
    “I’m not.”
    “The man I have in mind for you
this time is different. He’s—”
    “No.” Sabrina wagged her finger at
Ernestine. “Just because he’s black, doesn’t mean he’s perfect for me. You need
a better screening process, and because of that, you are not allowed to set me
up ever again. Comprende?”
    “One more time. I promise you’ll
like this one. He’s nice, but he’s the kind of man who could handle you.”
    “No. I can find my own dates, thank
you very much.”
    “Fine.” Ernestine headed for the
door. Before walking out, she said, “If you change your mind, let me know. The
right man can help you relieve some of this work-related stress.”
    “If I need to relieve stress, I’ll
get a massage.”
    “It’s been so long, you’ve
forgotten how good it can be.” With a saucy wiggle to her hips, Ernestine
reached for the doorknob.
    Sabrina shook her head. “You have your
husband wrapped around your finger, don’t you?”
    Laughing, Ernestine said, “I’ll see
you later,” before closing the door behind her.
    Sabrina took a deep breath and
swiveled in her chair to face the computer screen. She needed a man like she
needed a hole in her head. Besides, if she wanted to get laid, she knew who to
call. In fact…
    She picked up the phone and punched
in the number to her friend-with-benefits, Samuel. It had been a long time
since they’d connected, but maybe she’d get lucky and he’d be free tonight.
    “Hello, beautiful.”
    What a nice way to be greeted.
“Hey, you busy tonight?”
    “No. What did you have in mind?”
    “Dinner and drinks at Giovanni’s.
My treat.”
    “Do I have to put out if you buy me
dinner?”
    She twirled the phone cord around
her forefinger. “Yes.”
    He chuckled, and she imagined his
coffee-colored eyes crinkling at the corners. “Rough day?”
    Sabrina sighed. “Yeah, you could
say that.”
    “I got you. Call me before you
leave work and I’ll meet you there.”
    “Thanks.” Sabrina hung up.
    Now she had something to look
forward to at the end of the day.

 
    Chapter Two
     
    Renaldo da Silva stood and
stretched in the living room of the suite he had at The Drake Hotel in downtown
Chicago. He rolled his shoulders to alleviate the tension in his muscles. He
might as well have been in a basement for all the attention he paid to the deluxe
room with its stunning view of Lake Michigan in the distance.
    Ever since he’d arrived in Illinois
a few days ago, he’d been