The Ultimate Merger by Delaney Diamond Page A

have
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,