********
Restless on the warm summer night, Pete Sebastian
wandered in to The Savage Beast. Saturday night was karaoke night at the bar.
He knew Jo Parker had a date with Devon Drake and that they were headed there.
His temper burned when he thought about Drake beating his time with the hot,
new P.R. woman. He slipped into a seat in a dark corner in the back, ordered a
beer, and checked his watch.
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Right on
time. Why’s he always late for practice? Pete tried to separate his
personal feelings about Jo from his professional attitude toward Devon Drake,
an excellent running back and necessary to the team. Don’t piss him off, but don’t let him make time with her, either.
Pete took his time looking her over, unseen from
his out-of-the-way spot. Her golden hair was freed from the bun she had worn at
the office. It fell loose and free around her shoulders, the ends curling a
little. His fingers itched to comb through the silken strands. She had shed her
severe business suit for a soft, dark pink dress with a frilly ruffle at the
sexy neckline. Her laugh carried across the room and her thousand-watt smile
was trained on the young football player. Stop
drooling. You’re over forty. Get a grip.
Pete cringed. The first singer was terrible. Then
Devon took the mic and did This Guy’s In
Love with You. He sang it to Jo, staring at her with lusty eyes. The back
of Pete’s neck began to burn.
At ten o’clock, the couple stumbled out of the
bar, arm-in-arm. Anger and jealousy bubbled up in Pete’s chest when he imagined
their next destination –Drake’s bedroom. Pete headed home. Tomorrow it’s my turn. Look out, Drake. The master is about to make his
play.
On Sunday, Pete dressed in his best casual clothes
and slapped on Seduction, aftershave
recommended by his daughter. He got behind the wheel of his car. Jo was ready
when he rang her bell. She wore a tailored dress and her hair pulled back in a
ponytail. Pete stuffed his disappointment down. What did you expect, asshole? The same sexy, low cut dress?
The Maitre d’ showed them to a quiet table near a
big window facing the ocean. Pete tipped him handsomely. While he was perusing
the menu, Jo opened her bag. He put it down, ready to suggest the
lobster, when she pulled out a small pad and a pen.
“What exactly is this meeting about?” She asked,
picking up the pen.
********
Thank you for coming. 
