Passionate Game

Chapter Three: Disclosure

“So Mr and Mrs William want you to plan one of the biggest galas of the year with one of the most sought-after bachelors in Toronto?” Rosy Winters, one of Joyce’s business partners and best friends, walked into Joyce's office and sat in a chair near a desk. At 29, they were proud owners of Elite Events Incorporated, along with Joyce’s twenty-seven- year-old sister, Cydney Rayne, and cousin, Lexus Turner.

“You know Daman Sebastine?” Joyce asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

“I’ve heard his name around.”

“And we’ve seen a picture or two,” Cyd added, as she and Lex walked into Joyce's office and took a seat on her sofa. “We also presented him with an offer to be featured in the most eligible bachelors’ edition of our magazine in a few months. “Didn’t you read the documents I placed on your desk?”

“No, I didn’t. Sorry.”

“That’s okay. I know you’ve been busy.”

Truthfully, they’d all been busy, and Joyce wished she hadn’t taken on so many additional projects. Although each woman ran their respective divisions, Joyce knew that she sometimes took on more than she could handle in her own division. The same could be said for her involvement with her family.

“So what are you going to do?” Lex asked, but all three women appeared to be listening intently.

“I told the William's and Daman that I accepted the proposal, but I don’t like feeling obligated to work with anyone. Regardless, I know I need to suck it up and play nice. Although Gamine never told me why she needed to purchase the estate, she did say it would hold the answers I’ve been searching for. The estate is finally in my reach to purchase, and I’ve been waiting five years to see what answers may lie inside. Whether it be a box or a letter, I need to know.”

The look between Cyd and Lex didn’t go unseen by Joyce, so she decided to divert from talking about Gamine.

“Plus my initial meeting with Daman didn’t go so well.”

“Why not?” Rosy asked.

“He’s arrogant, cocky and thinks he’s God’s gift to women.”

“Seems like most of the men we know,” Rosy said with a laugh.

“That’s true, but something about him gets under my skin. If last night was any indication of how working with him would be, then I need to really think about this.”

“Hmmm…usually you’re so good with words that even the cocky guys eventually quit with that nonsense,” Cyd stated. “Could it be that your attraction to him is what is really aggravating you?”

Joyce looked at Cyd in disbelief. What makes you think I am attracted to him?”

“Oh, come on, girl,” Rosy chimed in. “We’ve all seen his picture. Daman’s your type. Simple as that.”

Joyce sighed as she stood and glanced out her office window before turning her attention back towards the women. “That’s the problem. When the William's first introduced us, the attraction between us was obvious, and you all know my policy about fraternizing with men I work with.”

The three women shook their heads at Joyce's comment.

“You can’t constantly work hard and never allow yourself time to relax,” Lex said. “I can’t even remember the last time you were attracted to a man.”

“Yes, I do miss having male company, and you’re right, I haven’t let loose in a while. I know it’s time for me to try to make some changes to get out of this funk I am in, but unfortunately, that’s easier said than done.” Sitting down at her desk, she took a sip of her coffee, thinking she'd added just enough cream to make her coffee almost the exact color of Daman’s velvety, chocolate skin.

“Enough with all the serious talk,” Cyd said in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Let’s get down to the real business. Just how sexy is Daman in person?”

Joyce shook her head as she thought about the right way to describe her first encounter with Daman. “Honestly, besides being arrogant and cocky, all I can tell is that he’s confident and successful.”

“Seriously?” Cyd asked, with a look of disbelief. “That’s all you got?”

Joyce exhaled. “No’ that’s not all. He’s also tall, nicely groomed and has a smooth, chocolate skin, which I definitely like. His eyes remind me of dark chestnuts and his smile is so sexy. And goodness, what a body. If you could have seen how he looked in that suit….. Her voice trailed off when she noticed how quiet her friends were. The knowing looks on their faces proved that she’d said too much already.

“But that won’t change anything,” she quickly added. All the women laughed. “Oh, yes, it will,” Lex said. “There is only so much a woman can handle. You’ve always been a sucker for Daman’s type, so I don’t see why this situation will be any different.”

Lex has a point. The sooner you admit that we are right, the easier he will be for you to handle,” Rosy added. “We already know how the corporate world works and Daman wants the estate, too, so he’ll pull out all the stops to get it. You don’t need to suck it up and play nice. You need to get your head in the game and go out balls blazing. The two most important things are to help plan one of the biggest events that Elite Events has ever been a part of and win the estate.”

“You’re right,” Joyce replied, allowing Rosy's positive energy to rub off on her. “Organizing such a grand event will be amazing and beneficial. Besides, I can work on convincing Daman that I should get the lake view estate. Y’ all know how convincing I can be when I want something.”

“Hell, yeah! Now you need to keep that attitude,” Cyd stated.

“And pull out all the tricks because you know he will, too,” Rosy added.

“Cyd and Rosy are right. But please don’t stress about your attraction to Daman,” Lex said with a smile.

Joyce wondered if there was anything they didn’t know about her. She was still apprehensive because she usually liked to plan ahead before diving into things, but she would never have turned down such an important proposal as the one from the William's.

“You’re right,” Joyce replied.

“Then it’s settled?” Rosy asked. “You have already said yes to the Williams Proposal. Give Daman a run for his money. Even if that means seducing him, like he probably will try to do to you.”

The situation really didn’t seem settled at all, but Joyce always prided herself on seeing the bright side. Fidgeting with the nameplate on her desk, she tried to hide her apprehension. But she never backed down from a challenge, and Daman Sebastine was definitely a challenge. “Yes, it’s settled.” Let the games begin!