“You can taste the subtle and perfect harmony of these wines, Annabelle. They coat the tongue with elegant, smooth explosions of essence. It’s seductive and powerful and…sensual.”
His firm and sensual lips turn up into a small smile. He’s teasing me with the same lips that pushed me over the edge and kept me captive to rapturous, agonizing pleasure. I take a sip of water to hide my flushed cheeks.
Kalin’s eyes scan the room and he leans into me. “See the shorter gentleman there by the fireplace?” I glance over to where Kalin is looking. “That’s Steven Spielberg. We probably have the largest concentration of actors, musicians, designers, movie directors, and of course bankers than any place in the world. Now look over your left shoulder, very slowly.” Kalin grins at me.
“Oh, my God! It’s Jimmy Fallon. He’s hilarious.”
“Yeah, I was actually referring to the guy he’s talking to.”
“Who’s that?”
“Jerry Seinfeld.”
“Wow, I didn’t recognize him with the short hair.”
Kalin smiles and glances around the room. His brows furrow and he tosses his napkin on the table. “I don’t believe it. Hold on, sweetheart. I’ll be right back. There is someone from my college days here.”
“Okay.” I decide to do some star-gazing as Kalin walks over to his chums. My eyes search the room for familiar celebrities. I swear there is a guy who looks like Howard Stern laughing it up with a couple of people at a table across from me. He glances over at me. I twist my mouth and glance at Kalin. He’s still talking to the men by a table next to the larger window overlooking the bay. He looks so natural in this environment, and I feel so…ordinary. I graze my neck with my fingers at the thought and take a sip of wine. Oh, my. Kalin wasn’t kidding. This is like a sensual explosion in my mouth. The smell alone is divine, with a mix of black cherries, blackberries, and hints of vanilla and chocolate. I savor the taste on my tongue. Hmm. Kalin returns with his buddies.
“Annabelle, this is Brian McMillan. We went to college together at Northwestern University. And this distinguished-looking gentleman is Jeff Corman. He’s on the board of TALVIS.” Kalin shoots a knowing glance at me.
“How do you two know each other?” I gaze at them and blink.
Kalin perks up and waits for their response. Jeff pauses, glances at me, and then turns to Kalin. “It turns out Brian has a lot of experience at ProEast Energy, one of the largest energy companies on the East Coast.” He presses his hands together. “We may be able to use his management experience at TALVIS. What do you think, Kalin?”
“Another manager from ProEast Energy. You guys trying to take over?” He laughs. “I’m surprised you didn’t contact me first, Brian. You know I’m good for a reference.”
“It’s been so long, Kalin. I didn’t want to presume.”
“Nonsense. Brian was flipping burgers, working his way through Northwestern.” Kalin chuckles and rubs his large hand over Brian’s shoulder.
“I have a good work ethic, Kalin. I recall using my tip money to buy you a lot of food and beer.”
Kalin breaks out in laughter and brushes his hand over Brian’s back. “I guess I still owe you.”
“All that hard work paid off. You made it to the top. Congratulations. The rest of the Northwestern gang are a bunch of working stiffs. Except for Jerry Preslon. He sold a company to Microsoft for a few hundred million. I am sure you heard of it. He invented some kind of local searching.”
“Yes. It’s brilliant. We use it all the time for local advertising for our clients. Maybe we should hire him on the board.”
Brian cocks his head at Kalin. “Right. Except I hear he’s on vacation for the next, oh, thirty years. Something you should consider, Kalin.”
“I’m easing out slowly. I’m learning to delegate. In fact, Annabelle here is my new marketing assistant. She is in charge of just about every top-level project, so be on your best behavior around her. Both of you.” Kalin flashes me an adorable smile. I rest my chin between my hands and smile back.
Jeff and Brian briefly glance at each other and then turn to me. “This guy’s going to make you earn every penny. Don’t trust him for anything.” Jeff points a thumb at Kalin.
“Annabelle hasn’t officially signed anything, so don’t scare her away, Jeff.”
Jeff drags his finger down his cheek and glances at Brian.
Kalin turns his attention from me to them. “So what are the terms, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Jeff tweaks his neck and straightens his posture. “I don’t mind. It’s still your company, Kalin. We’re offering him standard executive pay, plus five percent stock.”