Deception. Donna Hill

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      “What might that be? If you don’t mind my asking.”

      “Well, if you must know—” she pretended to sound annoyed but she was proud of her work, and it came through in her voice “—I teach African dance to a group of kids in my building on Saturday morning.”

      Clint was impressed. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you? Are your students any good?”

      Laughter bubbled in her voice. “Let’s just say they have potential.”

      “In that case, I promise to get you home early.”

      “Then I’ll see you at seven.”

      Terri gently hung up the phone and tried to suppress the exhilaration that had taken control of her body. Then reality struggled for the upper hand. What in the world was she doing? She’d been divorced for only a year, although her marriage had been over before then—and now she was considering another man. A man who she had serious concerns with regarding his principles. Was it too soon? Well, maybe tonight she could put her unsettling feelings to rest.

      The cheerful greeting from her friend and employee wrestled her away from her musings.

      “Girl, it’s good to have you back,” Stacy declared as she hurried over and gave Terri a warm hug. “You have definitely been missed,” she added in her North Carolinian drawl.

      “Thanks.” Terri chuckled, returning the embrace. “I feel as though I’ve been away forever instead of three months.”

      “It felt like forever.” Stacy groaned as she took a seat on the sofa and slid her shoulder-length blond hair behind her ear with the tip of her finger. “With mad Mark Andrews in charge, I thought I’d go stark ravin’ outta my mind.”

      Terri smiled knowingly. “He can be a bit much at times, but he’s one of the best advertising men in the business. Unfortunately we don’t always see eye to eye.” A slight frown creased her otherwise smooth mahogany brow.

      “I can tell by that look that you’re not too pleased with that deal he’s been working on with Hightower Enterprises,” Stacy said. “I just got wind of it myself when I got back from vacation. I knew you’d want to know, and I was pretty sure that Mark hadn’t breathed a word to you about it.” Her green eyes, fringed with long black lashes, widened in question. “Am I right?”

      Terri slowly crossed the airy office and took a seat behind her desk, twirling one of her ebony locks between her slender fingers.

      “That’s an understatement. Mark knew perfectly well how I felt about Hightower Enterprises and its head honcho, Clinton Steele, in particular.”

      “So what are you going to do?”

      “We met yesterday, and I initially told Steele to find another agency. However, I’m considering taking another look at the proposal. But there’s some investigating I want to do on my own about Mr. Steele before I make my final decision.” She paused a moment. “We’re having dinner tonight.”

      Stacy looked at her quizzically. “Really? That’s not usually your style.”

      Her eyes held a faraway look as she spoke. “Mr. Steele is a very unusual man.”

      “Do you want me to tag along?”

      “No. I’m sure I can handle it. I suppose I could use the stimulation of a good debate to get my thoughts back in focus.”

      Stacy heard the emptiness that filled the usually rich voice that she had come to know so well. She spoke softly. “Terri…I know that the divorce and then losing the baby right on top of it has been hell. But, well, if you want to talk, you know I’m always here.”

      Terri forced a weak smile. “I know. But it will be a while before I can talk about it.” She lowered her thick lashes. “I really just want to put it out of my mind, Stacy. At least I won’t have to run into my ex anytime soon,” she added cynically.

      “I heard through the grapevine that Alan is in L.A.”

      Terri nodded, the acute pain of betrayal seizing her. “I can only hope that he finds what he thinks I couldn’t give him.”

      Her turbulent four-year marriage to Alan Martin ran through her brain in a kaleidoscope of images. Everyone said that they made such a beautiful-looking couple, but that opposites must certainly attract. Terri, with her exotic natural beauty, had a sense of purpose rooted in the age-old philosophy of family and work for the common good. While Alan, with his playboy good looks, lived for the fast life, the quick money and personal gratification.

      It was a marriage almost doomed to fail, but Terri had loved Alan unselfishly almost to the point of losing a part of herself in the process. But after the first blush of passion began to fizzle, Terri saw how unalike they truly were.

      Involuntarily her hand stroked across her empty stomach—a place that not long ago had been filled with budding life. Terri blamed herself for the breakup with Alan, feeling that she could not be the kind of woman that he wanted. She’d never allow herself to be that vulnerable to anyone again.

      “Terri,” Stacy called softly.

      Terri shook her head, dispelling the visions, and focused on Stacy.

      “Are you all right?”

      “Sure,” Terri answered absently. “I’m fine.” She took a shaky breath and put on her best smile. “Now, if I’m ever going to get back in gear, I’d better get busy with the contracts for McPhearson. We’re scheduled to meet in a few days.”

      “I have the promotional campaign almost all mapped out. I’d like you to take a look at it before I put on the final touches,” Stacy said.

      “You’ve done a great job on it so far. I can’t see how they won’t love it. If you’re not busy this evening, maybe you can drop it off at my apartment. I’ll go over it during the weekend.”

      “I’ll try. If not, it’ll be ready for you on Monday. But do you think you’ll be up to it after a night on the town with Mr. Steele?” she teased.

      Terri shook her head in amusement. “Very funny.” She pushed herself up from her seat and walked Stacy to the door.

      “Thanks for caring, Stacy.” She gave her a warm look. “It means a lot.”

      Stacy patted Terri’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. Anytime.”

      Terri flashed a fleeting smile as Stacy left the office.

      “Mark,” Terri called.

      He stopped and waited for her near the elevator.

      “I’m going out to lunch. I was expecting a call from McPhearson’s secretary. She hasn’t called yet. If she calls while I’m out, I’ve told Andrea to pass the call to you.”

      She slipped into her lightweight, copper-colored trench coat.

      “Do you want me to set up the meeting time?”

      “Yes. Just check my СКАЧАТЬ