“I’m glad offending others is amusing to you, Mr. Green,” she murmurs.
“Oh, come on! Read this drivel from Jessica Silva. It’s full of childish drama. If she can’t handle criticism, perhaps she should get married, have a couple of kids, and hire someone to run her fledgling apparel company with the god-awful name. What was it? Beauty Factory or some bullshit like that.” He tosses the card onto his desk.
“It’s Beauty Boutique Clothing, Sean,” Evelyn says disapprovingly.
“Whatever, it’s still a bad name!” Sean exclaims, not understanding what the big deal is.
“Then perhaps you should take on a fledgling company with a bad name to see if you’re really as good at this business as you’ve convinced yourself you are,” Evelyn says with a challenge in her eyes.
Sean raises his eyebrows. “Wow, you must really like Jessica. Or you’re becoming more charitable in your advancing years.”
She rolls her eyes. “You’re an asshole. It’s not just that I like Ms. Silva, which, by the way, I do. I really like her designs. She has found a niche market between retail outlet and designer stores; though I don’t think she knows it yet. By the way, most of the clothes I wear that you like are Ms. Silva’s designs, purchased at the Beauty Boutique’s stores. So why don’t you get over yourself and your success and help someone else for a change?”
He snorts. “Because I don’t run a nonprofit organization. I do what I do because I make money, and lots of it.” He pauses, considering those dazzling green eyes, then says, “But I tell you what. I’ll make a deal with you. Please send Ms. Silva a bouquet of Asiatic blackout lilies with this note attached: ‘Jessica, Thank you for the delightful snacks. They are appreciated very much. Please also accept my sincerest apologies since I apparently offended your delicate sensibilities. Sean.’ Our deal is you cannot give Jessica any more advice or insight into me. If she contacts you, go ahead and schedule another meeting, and book this one for an hour. If she comes into this meeting prepared, I’ll consider working out a benevolent contract with her to launch her organization and career. But the flip side is if Ms. Silva comes into the meeting unprepared, again, you will never bug me about her and her piss ant company again. Deal?”
“Boy, have you got yourself a deal. I’m going to have fun watching you represent Beauty Boutique Clothing.”
Sean laughs. “We will see, won’t we?”
Evelyn turns to go but stops partway through the door and says, “By the way, Mr. Green, I do believe you find Ms. Silva attractive.”
“This is between you and me and has nothing to do with Ms. Silva’s physical attributes,” Sean says firmly.
Evelyn quirks an eyebrow. “Really? I have never been able to bait you into doing anything you didn’t want to do, and appealing to your sense of benevolence never works. So why this time?”
Sean leans back in his chair, considering. “Well, you believe in Ms. Silva’s product, and I have always respected your opinion. Therefore, I’ll give her one more chance to prove me wrong.
Evelyn rolls her eyes. “That is such bullshit, and you know it!”
“Evelyn, just send her the lilies, and let’s see how this chapter plays out, okay?” Sean says, frowning.
“Very well,” Evelyn replies, exasperated.
Evelyn picks up the phone at her desk and dials the florist. She orders the lilies as instructed, reciting the note for the florist. She then instructs the florist to deliver the flowers first thing in the morning, to give Ms. Silva ample time to reflect upon the implied message and how to handle it appropriately.
Meanwhile, Sean sits at his desk and starts to analyze the fashion and apparel industries’ annual sales. He quickly learns that the United States fashion sales are around $250 billion per annum. Additional inquiry demonstrates that the retail fashion industry is segmented into several niche markets, ranging from loungewear to high fashion. Further potential markets include children’s wear, accessories, and fragrances. Sean also discovers that the typical retail fashion store averages $1.5 million annually, and that approximately 65 percent of the apparel industry is dominated by fifty of the largest companies, totaling approximately $97 billion annually. Sean’s analysis reveals that the fashion industry has been in a steady but slight decline since 2005, which he quickly calculates as being due to the worldwide economic downturn. He writes a few notes to remind him to ask about the types of metrics Jessica uses to quantify her stores’ performance against her competition, puts his new file on her away, and returns to more pressing client matters.
In reviewing his daily calendar, he sees he has a dinner meeting with Mark Stevens in an hour to discuss a marketing dilemma due to the questionable mining practices of one of Mark’s vendors in Brazil. Sean reviews several options he wants to discuss with Mark, then wonders if he is going to get the full-court-press on Ms. Silva and her company. Sean picks up the phone and calls Mark.
“Want to do sushi tonight instead of French cuisine?” Sean asks when Mark picks up his phone.
Mark hesitates. “Bonnie is joining us tonight, and she has her heart set on French. Can we do sushi next time? You know how she dislikes sushi…”
Sean rolls his eyes, thinking, What a pain in the ass Bonnie has become, constantly interfering with business decisions she knows absolutely nothing about while simultaneously imposing her social and environmental agendas on Mark and Global Metal Refining. “No worries, of course we can. Anything for you two. Meet you at the usual place for French?”
Mark sighs in relief. “Yeah, thanks. I appreciate your flexibility. I know how you feel about constantly eating French food.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll just have a little more really good French Bordeaux and a lot less of the cream sauces. See you and Bonnie at seven,” Sean replies smoothly.
“Great,” Mark says. “Oh, and let’s keep our business discussion light and casual tonight. No storyboards or ad copy, okay?”
“Fine, but I don’t think Bonnie is going to like some of my suggestions about this vendor. Should I fill you in now?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“My professional advice is that you publically separate Global Metal Refining from Diablo Mining, Inc., while privately supporting their contracts. Then I can work with Diablo Mining to improve their reputation not only in Brazil, but also in the United States. In essence, we can buy enough time so that they complete their contract with you, and after that we can let the negative publicity take its toll on Diablo. When the outrage starts to spill over, we will claim you were unaware of their environmentally unsafe procedures and Global Metal Refining won’t do business with them again until they correct those deficiencies. You’ll get the gold you contracted for, and this will position Global Metal Refining as a conscious, environmentally friendly, pragmatic, and stewardship-sensitive organization. I don’t think Bonnie needs to be in on this, given her political views on the environment, but I needed you to know the back story. This way, my proposals will make much more sense to you, my friend.”
“I understand. It sounds like a good plan, as always. Thanks for the heads up.”. “See you at seven.”
Sean arrives at the restaurant promptly at 6:45 p.m., pulling his black BMW 633 CSi up to the valet. The valet opens his door, saying, “Good evening, Mr. Green. Will anyone be joining you tonight?”
“Good evening, Jim. I’m meeting Mr. and Mrs. Stevens this evening.”
The valet passes on this information to the hostess, who ushers Sean to the Stevens’ regular table, seats him, and says, “I’m sure the Stevens will be here shortly, but I’ll have your waiter bring your drink. What is your pleasure tonight?”
“I’ll wait for the Stevens to arrive, but I suspect it will be Bordeaux,” he replies.
“As you wish, Mr. Green,” she says, briskly departing the table.
Mark and Bonnie arrive shortly after, and Sean watches Bonnie stroll across the dining room as gracefully as ever. Her turquoise evening dress clings to her hips a
nd is cut low enough to tastefully reveal her abundant cleavage. The gown is slit up the front to just above the knee. Sean muses; Mark has always had great taste in women… especially blondes. Sean stands up, hugs Bonnie, and then shakes Mark’s hand before returning to his seat.
“Sean, you really need to get into designer suits. Those off-the-rack models are so unbecoming. God knows you can afford more than eight hundred dollars a suit.” Bonnie shakes her head in disgust.
Instantly, Sean’s mood sours. “Really, Bonnie? Are we going to go through this again? I don’t need to pay for designer suits. I like my off-the-rack specials. I’ll leave the designer clothing for you, my dear. I’m too cheap to spend that much money on clothing. Although I will admit you look stunning this evening.”
Bonnie eyes him carefully. “If you weren’t so charming, I would suspect you just insulted me.”
Sean smiles. “I would never insult you. I just can’t carry off designer clothing like you can.”
She snorts. “Thank you, but I don’t believe you one bit. And this time, my designer is Jessica Silva.”
Sean raises an eyebrow, motions for the water, and, because of Bonnie’s irritating presence, orders a Macallan triple, cask matured, twenty-five year old Speyside, single malt scotch. Then he looks at Mark and says, “What can I get for you and Bonnie?”
Bonnie orders a dirty martini and Mark orders Tanqueray gin with tonic and a wedge of lime.
While the waiter scurries to procure their drinks, Bonnie says to Sean, “I understand you met my friend, Jessica.”
“Jessica?” Sean questions.
Bonnie resists the urge to roll her eyes. “You know, Jessica Silva? She owns Beauty Boutique Clothing.”
“Oh, yes. I met Jessica.”
“Sean, she really needs your help. I thought you would be the perfect person to—” Bonnie begins, but Sean interrupts.
“You did, did you?”
“Well, actually both Bonnie and I felt you’d be perfect,” Mark interjects.
“Well, thank you both for you confidence in me, but I told Jessica I would help her find someone else. I’m not interested in delving into the fashion industry.”
Bonnie gasps and touches Mark’s arm. “Please, baby, get him to come to his senses! Jessica is terrific. Like I said, this dress is one of her designs. Sean, you simply must reconsider.”
Sean sighs. “Thank you once again, but Jessica will do fine without my help. If she is as good as you say she is.”
Bonnie lifts her chin. “Oh, she is.”
Sean eyes Bonnie warily, “Anyway, Mark, I wanted to share some thoughts I have about your situation in Brazil—”
Bonnie interrupts, “Can’t we eat dinner before you boys start talking shop? Afterwards I can excuse myself so you two can discuss any business you desire.” Mark nods in acquiescence to Bonnie’s desire, and Sean agrees as well, but only if the subject of Jessica Silva is also off the discussion table. Bonnie reluctantly agrees. The discussion remains light over dinner, and Mark orders a Grand Marnier soufflé dessert for everyone to sample. After dessert, Bonnie says, “Alright, I’ll give you guys some time to talk. I’ll head to the bar lounge and call Jessica while you two discuss your business.” Mark and Sean stand as she does, and she nods to them as she leaves the table.
Once seated in the lounge, she telephones Jessica and asks how her meeting with Sean went.
Jessica tells Bonnie it was awful. “Sean is a pompous ass. He was callous and insulting. But I won’t say any more, so don’t ask, please.”
Bonnie is shocked to hear this about Sean, because she has always found him to be gracious, even if he has always been a bit arrogant.
“Maybe he is so charming with you because your husband is his number one client,” Jessica suggests.
Bonnie snorts. “Well then, I’ll ask Mark to apply pressure in the right spots to make Sean reconsider representing you.”
Jessica replies, horrified, “Girl, I love you for supporting me, but promise me you will do no such thing! If SGM is going to represent Beauty Boutique Clothing, it’s going to be because I earned his respect and he sees the value in doing so. Not because he was pressured by my influential friends.” Bonnie’s silence on the issue announces her reluctance to agree. “Promise me, Bonnie!” Jess pushes.
“Okay, okay, I promise you I won’t interfere in your business,” Bonnie finally concedes. “I was just trying to help. And I still believe Sean is amazing when it comes to marketing. His help would boost your business tremendously.”
“I understand. I’m just not sure I can work with an ass like Sean Green,” Jess replies.
Bonnie sighs. “All really successful men like Sean and Mark are assholes at some point. The secret you need to learn is the sexual power we women have over them. For them it’s about the conquest, and for us it’s about the victory. If you handle yourself correctly, by the time you give in to any man, you have achieved victory way before they have enjoyed their conquest.”
“That’s horrible! I would never screw a man simply to gain power over him.”
Bonnie chuckles. “You are so naïve. Sexual attraction is a powerful weapon, and you have it at your disposal. You can use it for good or evil, but you are stupid if you think it isn’t real or you haven’t used it in the past. I’m not suggesting you seduce every man for everything you might want. That would make you a whore. What I’m suggesting is that all women use their sexual attraction to imply a man may have a chance in order to get the results they wish to achieve for themselves once in a while. If you’re attracted to the man, there is nothing wrong with a quick romp in the sheets to cement the deal and release tension.”
“You are unbelievable sometimes,” Jess says.
“Don’t you dare attempt to tell me you’ve never done such a thing, because I know better, and you know I do.”
Jess finally relents. “Alright. I get your drift, but I’m not going to use my ‘charm’ on Sean Green. He’s a major prick! I’m not even attracted to him.”
Bonnie rolls her eyes. “He’s a prick who knows his shit, and you’d do well to remember that. I just want you to get the best marketing firm around, and SGM is it. Good luck, and if you need some advice on using your feminine charms, just let me know.”
“I think I can handle that area of my life on my own, but thanks for cheering me up,” Jess replies, shaking her head and grinning.
Bonnie smiles. “No problem. Let me know if I can do anything to help outside of the feminine charm.”
As Bonnie hangs up, Mark and Sean enter the lounge and ask if she is ready to go. Bonnie says, “It’s about time you boys were done talking shop. I was getting lonely.”
Sean cringes internally and says his goodbyes quickly. He heads to the valet to retrieve his car, and goes home.
Bonnie licks her lips seductively and suggests Mark needs to get her home soon. Mark grasps the significance of Bonnie’s gesture and calls for his Mercedes to be brought around front as fast as humanly possible. As soon as it arrives, he tips the valet and helps Bonnie into the passenger seat. Bonnie shifts her dress as she slides into the car, exposing her leg to mid-thigh. She smiles shyly at Mark and says, “I think this night is only going to get better than it has already been. Thank you for a delightful dinner, baby.”
“You’re welcome, my lover,” Mark replies, and hurries to get into the driver’s seat.
CHAPTER 3
GETTING LUCKY
Mark and Bonnie turn into the driveway of their ten acre Marin County estate overlooking the well-manicured grounds, private pool, and cabana. It’s a warm summer evening, and the illuminated home is truly palatial, yet still welcoming, basking in the warm glow of interior lighting. Walking into the vast entrance, Bonnie glances over her shoulder and tells Mark with a playful smile, “I’ll make you a gin and tonic if you send the staff home for the evening.”
Mark smiles in return and says, “Consider it done.” Turning, Mark heads to the staff’s quarters and gives t
he help the night off, then returns to the kitchen.
Bonnie hands him his gin and tonic with a wedge of lime and says, “Just the way you like it.” She is holding her own drink, a dirty martini, as well. Mark smiles, and Bonnie puts her drink down to place her arms around his shoulders. She gives him a slow, sensual, lingering kiss. Mark puts his drink on the counter and places his hands on Bonnie’s hips, then slowly brings them up her back. Bonnie spins in his arms, placing her rear against his front, and grabs Mark’s salt-and-pepper hair. She pulls his head a little bit over her shoulder and kisses him passionately, tracing his lips with her tongue, then slipping it into his mouth more aggressively. Mark’s hands come up from around her waist, cupping her breasts.
Bonnie continues to hold his head in place and tease him with her delicious tongue. She now intensifies her assault on his senses by pushing back into him and rotating her hips in a slight circular motion. She hears the pleasure in his breathing and feels it quickening along the side of her face. Mark gives a quick nibble on her ear, and Bonnie responds instinctively by arching her back, pushing her ass against Mark’s crotch. Bonnie is rewarded by sensing his growing desire for her. She lets go of his hair and leans forward, placing both hands on the kitchen counter while simultaneously arching her back and grinding against Mark. He responds immediately by leaning forward and trapping both of her nipples between his thumbs and index fingers. Giving a slight pinch, he rolls both of her nipples through the cloth of her dress. Bonnie lets out a slight moan, then breaks away from his delicious torture, leaving him panting.
“Let’s finish our drinks out by the pool, shall we?” she asks, slightly breathless, and snags their drinks off the counter on her way to the door. Mark sighs out of frustration and realizes Bonnie has every intention of driving him crazy tonight.
Then, he smiles his customary sly smile and says, “Sure, why not? After all, the staff is gone and we have all night, right?” She slinks out the door, and he follows her eagerly.
Uncontrolled Spin: The Power and Danger of Spin ( Un missable Series Book 1) Page 2