A few days had passed and Malcolm was settling into his new job nicely. He had kept a low profile ever since Wanda decided to display their business for everyone to see. He figured that’s the reason why Tonya was being so distant. He didn’t expect her to roll out a welcome mat, but she hadn’t even returned a simple hello or good morning in the elevator ever since that day. It was a good thing he would be out of the office most of the day taking some clients to view a few properties. He thought about offering to buy her lunch but talked himself right out of the idea. His wounds were still so fresh.

Jess was preoccupied as well. Winston dropping the divorce bomb was a shock. She felt jilted, she was the one that was supposed to leave him. She had been unhappy for a while and had mentally left the relationship long ago. How dare he! But hell, at least it was over. Maybe now she would get laid. She was served her official paperwork a couple days ago. Everything seemed to be in order except Winston’s request for half the money in her business savings account and alimony. She stopped dead in her tracks, pausing with her hand on her office door. This was a surprise and it caught her completely off guard since he had not helped her open Top Notch Realty, nor was he an investor. She recalled a conversation with him and he pointed out several holes in her business plan and said no one would dare take a chance on her. “A waste of time” were his exact words. But now that she and her team had grew her “bad investment” into a very profitable business he wanted half.

“This mother fucker.” she said through gritted teeth. She pushed her door open and slammed her purse down.

Lately, Tonya had been the first to arrive and last leave. Her mind was filled with possible leads and patterns she found through her research like, all three women lived alone and had an intense workout schedule. Two of the three even went to the same gym. All three were similar in build; 5’5-5’7 in height, slim-thick, dark skinned and they all also lived within a 10 mile radius from each other.

“He’s probably a local for sure” she said out loud to herself scrolling on her computer. While looking on different media sites she was alarmed to see very little coverage for the cases. She really had to dig and make a few calls to get some of the facts. Which was no problem, with 10 years of call center experience she was comfortable on the phone. After a few compliments and harmless flirting her folder was filled with documents.

She felt bad for seemingly giving M the cold shoulder. But just because she had not engaged in conversation that didn’t mean she didn’t notice him. How could she not? The man was fine and not only that, he was punctual and well mannered. Quiet and hardworking. She felt his presence as soon as he would get off the elevator not to mention his cologne. It lingered in the air minutes after he would walk away. He was intoxicating. She thought maybe she would ask him to lunch but dismissed this thought when she over heard his assistant remind him about his viewings that day.

She knew it would be a risk and she didn’t know if she really wanted to open that door. She was content being single. She liked her space and not answering to anyone. She was alone but not lonely. Even on those rare times when she wanted sex she knew how to get her fix. True, women had been the fix for the time being but feeling her body react to M caused her pussy to throb. It hadn’t yearned for male attention in so long. She had to snap out of it. She hit the print button on her last article and walked across the room to get it. She was being ridiculous, lusting after this man that just got humiliated. He probably wasn’t interested in her anyway.

Malcolm caught a glimpse of Tonya walking to the printer. Sam, his assistant, had told him his two clients were headed up stairs to meet him so they could leave. “Great, thanks Sam!” Malcolm responded. He patted his pockets to make sure he had everything for the day. It was doubtful he would return since it was Friday. He cut the lights off in his office and made his way to the lobby, passing the copy room. He decided to take a chance anyway, he was feeling lucky so he knocked on the door.

“Ms. Green, how are you doing today?” Sliding his hands in his pockets smoothly so she wouldn’t see him fidgeting.

Tonya was startled, she didn’t hear him walk up and the bass in his voice sent chills down her spine.

“Whew shit Malcolm, you scared me.” Laughing nervously. “I’m doing good, how are you? Settling in ok?” It was easy to smile while talking to him. This was new for her.

“Yea it’s all good, headed out now to woo some new clients. I plan on showing them a few properties I think they’ll like. Hopefully it all goes well and brings some money in.” He smiled.

“Oh well that’s good sounds like a busy day. But you got it. Is it the Ferguson account?” she asked while refilling the copier.

“Yep… sure is” Malcolm looked confused. “How did you know?”

“Great! I’m glad someone in this office is finally getting them to do business with us. I tried my hardest to get them as a client but I believe they had an issue working with a woman. Of course they never said that, but I just got a feeling.”

“Damn, well we can split the commission if you like.” Malcolm said, feeling guilty.

“No, no thanks, I’m just glad the company got the business. You’re doing the work it’s only right for you to get the full commission.” she smiled. Tonya was happy she decided to wear a black shirt that day. M had her sweating she was so nervous. It was a shame, she could look someone in their eyes while she took their life away with no problem but a simple conversation with this man had her ready to run and hide. She had to get it together.

Standing there awkwardly in silence, Malcolm looked at his watch. “Ah well I better head out, it was good to finally talk to you, maybe next week we can get together for lunch and I can pick your brain about the Ferguson’s?”

“Ok that sounds good, I would like that. Let your assistant know to add it to my calendar. I hope you have a great time “wooing”. She said with a genuine smile. She walked out of the room catching a whiff of M’s scent.

“Great, I’ll send her an email right now. Catch you later.” Malcolm turned the corner beaming with excitement.

Tonya could’ve kicked herself. She could barely have a cordial conversation in a copy room without bursting into a full sweat. Now she agreed to have lunch with the man?

She plopped down in her seat and covered her face, with a deep sigh she murmured to herself “Shit…..”

💋KV