Playing for Keeps by Yahrah St. John Page B

tenacity.
    When the associate had left, Richard turned to Quentin. “So, what do you think?”
    â€œI think you played your hand very well,” Quentin replied. He was intrigued by the wealthy and shrewd businessman. He wasn’t nearly as ruthless as he’d thought.
    â€œWell, it’s all a matter of knowing your opponent.” Richard looked him dead in the eye. “I knew he couldn’t hold out for long. Getting what I wanted was inevitable.”
    â€œYou’re a very confident man.”
    â€œI wouldn’t be where I am today if I weren’t.” Richard rose to his feet. “So, how long do you think this exposé is going to take?”
    â€œThat depends on your schedule.” As soon as he said the words, Quentin realized there was no backing out—he’d committed himself to this project. Malik was not going to be happy.

Chapter 7
    O n his way to Dante’s later that evening to deliver the bad news, Quentin decided he needed something pleasant to offset the dreaded task that lay ahead of him. So he dialed Avery’s cell and she answered on the third ring.
    â€œHow are you, beautiful?” Quentin asked. He’d purposely waited several days before calling after their date. He didn’t want to appear overzealous. If he came on too strong, Avery would bolt. If he wanted to win the bet, she had to be handled just right. And if he was lucky, those lithe limbs would soon be entangled in bed with his as he took them both over the edge.
    â€œHello yourself.” Avery smiled on the other end of the phone. Quentin Davis was exactly the pick-me-up she needed after an emotional week.
    â€œHow’s your week been?”
    â€œExhausting.”
    â€œHow does dinner at my loft sound tomorrow night?” Quentin wanted to get Avery on his turf and then maybe, just maybe he could break through that armor of hers. What better way than a home-cooked meal prepared by his own hands to soften her up?
    â€œDinner at your place?” Avery wondered aloud. Was he trying to get her over to his place so he could seduce her? Maybe you need a little seducing, an inner voice said back. It sure had been a long time since she’d had that particular itch scratched.
    â€œWhat do you say?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Avery hesitated.
    â€œI make the moistest lemon-dill salmon you’ll ever taste in your life.”
    Avery could just hear the little devil on her shoulder, saying go ahead, live a little. Enjoy Quentin Davis. She was sure he’d be fantastic in bed. That firm, chiseled body, that luscious mouth. She licked her lips. “Okay, okay. You don’t have to convince me. What time should I arrive?”
    â€œSeven?”
    â€œPerfect. I’ll bring the wine,” she said, hanging up.
    Quentin smiled as he closed his phone. He had Avery Roberts exactly where he wanted her. It was too bad the same could not be said for Richard King. Quentin hated to admit it, but King had impressed him with his negotiating skills and business prowess. He doubted Malik would see it that way. There had to be a happy medium, where he could do the job he’d been paid for and help his friend.
    Quentin found the gang gathered at the bar, nibbling on several of Dante’s tapas.
    â€œQ, join us,” Dante said. “I’ve made some great new tapas that you’ll love. How does some scallops in saffron cream, chicken croquettes, sautéed porto-bello mushrooms and some fried calamari with garlic mayonnaise sound to you?”
    â€œSounds wonderful as always,” Quentin said, sitting down at the bar. Dante was an excellent cook and should have had his own restaurant a long time ago. Quentin focused on him and avoided looking at Malik. “Dante, can I get a Corona?”
    â€œSure thing.” Dante pulled out a bottle from underneath the bar, popped off the top and handed it to Quentin.
    â€œThanks,” he said, hanging his