LITMIR.BIZ

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date. I have to get this deal finalized, then we’re meeting with the Bennett Bagel people.”

      She allowed herself the smallest glimmer of hope. “They’re thinking maybe some local TV exposure will help the opening of their new sandwich shops. I’ve already scoped this new actor who spreads mayo like it’s foreplay.”

      His gaze narrowed on her. “Only you could make hawking bagels a sensual experience.”

      “Food is always sensual. Besides, you know it’s not me. Entice Advertising does it. Elliot’s the one with all that creative talent. We’d go belly-up without him.”

      Adam nodded toward a vase on her desk filled with a rainbow bouquet of condoms. “Need spice, think Entice.”

      “That’s it.”

      She quirked her mouth to one side. Her partner’s preference for other men hadn’t hindered their fledgling agency in earning a reputation for using sex better than anyone else to sell their odd range of clients and products to the general population. In fact, Elliot came up with all the provocative campaigns, while Lauren spent her energies rounding up clients, keeping the books straight and feeling a little like an impostor for not being the sexy siren others assumed her to be.

      “So, can I take a rain check on lunch?” she asked.

      “Sure, I just thought you might have some quick advice.”

      “Quick advice?”

      She rose, then moved around to lean stiffly against the desk. Did they really have to pursue this strange new idea of his? He couldn’t have thought this through.

      “This is another case of your impulsiveness, isn’t it?” she asked.

      He pursed his lips. “I am not impulsive.”

      “Oh? Who was it who hopped a flight to Hawaii for just the weekend last month? Who bought that huge house? Who got a tattoo on his—”

      “You promised not to ever mention that—”

      “All on the spur of the moment? Who was that? Oh, yes, it was you.”

      “Okay, so maybe I have an impulsive moment from time to time.”

      She stared at him.

      “And maybe I hadn’t thought about having a wife before I said that, but I still mean it. I do need a wife. Sometimes, when you know something, you just know it.”

      That funny feeling churned again in her stomach. It swirled around inside her, sending unexplainable anxiety racing through her. With an effort, she curved her mouth into a grin. “Let me get this straight. You want my advice on how you should go about finding a candidate for a wife?”

      “Yes.”

      “A wife? You’re serious?” Her grin stiffened. To her dismay, the anxiety swelled. Nervous laughter spilled from her.

      After a moment, she straightened. “I’m sorry.”

      She bit her lip and swiped at her eyes. She’d been under way too much pressure lately. That was it. She was displacing her worry over her business’s finances. It did not bother her that Adam wanted a wife.

      “Look, given my track record, I can understand your amusement, but you help me with this, and I’ll do something for you…I’ll owe you big time.”

      “And I’ll collect.”

      After drawing a calming breath, she faced him. “But didn’t we have this conversation when you were ready to buy your car, then your house, then all the furniture to go in it?”

      “What’s wrong with that? I value your opinion. And in return you got those hydrangeas, a fine lesson in negotiating price—”

      “Ha! Who do you think negotiates all the deals around here?”

      “And that new fountain in your backyard.”

      “Hey, if I do this, it’s going to cost a lot more than that fountain.”

      “Fine.”

      “I’ll have to think about it. But don’t expect me to come cheap for this kind of thing.”

      “An eye for an eye.”

      “Right. Not that I’m looking for a relationship. I don’t have the time.”

      “No, you don’t.” He regarded her a moment.

      She steeled herself. He’d been very vocal of late in criticizing her work ethic, but he continued, “So, where do we start?”

      “Well, this isn’t like those other times.”

      “It’s not so different. You know my tastes.”

      “Yes, Adam, but don’t you see what you’re doing?”

      The muscles of his shoulders rippled in a half shrug.

      “This is not another acquisition of personal property.” She spread her arms in appeal. “It isn’t like you can shop for a serious relationship at the mall.”

      “Well, of course I’m not looking to buy a wife.”

      “Good.” She cocked her head as another thought occurred to her. “What will all your women friends say?”

      “You’ll all have to get used to the idea. I’ve made up my mind.”

      He settled back in his chair, the look of resolve she knew all too well settling over his features. “On the serious relationship anyway. I’m not going to jump into marriage, though that’s the ultimate goal.”

      Drawing up straight, she shoved aside her nervousness. Of course she’d help him. He’d never let her down before. Hadn’t he rushed over last week when she’d been up late working and found a half-live mole her housemate’s cat had dragged in? He’d disposed of the poor creature without uttering a single complaint, even though she’d wakened him from a sound sleep.

      Adam was a great guy. The best. He deserved whatever happiness he could grab. “Okay, then my advice is to go about this with one thing in mind.”

      “What?”

      “Romance her.”

      His eyebrows arched.

      “When you find the right woman, woo her.”

      He folded his arms across his chest.

      “Roses, Godiva chocolate, perfume—”

      “Diamonds, chartered vacations?”

      “Yes. You’ve got the idea.”

      “Right. You want me to buy a wife.”

      This was what she got for offering her advice? “No. That’s not what I’m saying.”

      A quick rap sounded on the door. Elliot Star leaned around the doorjamb. He swept a hand over his graying curls. “Oh, hello, Adam.”

      Adam shifted, not quite meeting the man’s admiring gaze. “Elliot.”

      Lauren could never have gone into business without Elliot’s help. After one too many prima donna fits over his need for artistic license, he’d been fired from one of Atlanta’s premier ad agencies. Ever ready to champion a new cause, Lauren had left that same agency, plotting with him to try it on their own. The man was a genius. Giving him free creative reign had put Entice Advertising on the map in just under two years.

      Elliot sighed and shifted his gaze to Lauren. “Those proofs are back. You ready to talk bagels?”

      “Sure.” She gave Adam’s shoulder a quick squeeze. “Sorry about lunch. I’ll make it up somehow.”

      “Yeah? How about tonight? I’ve got a taste for that Cajun meat loaf you make so well.”

      Surprise welled up inside her. “You want

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