Lovers Premiere (Kimani Romance) by Adrianne Byrd Read Free Book Online Page A

“It’s just…” She struggled for the right words and then just ended with, “I don’t hate you.”
    â€œThat’s good to hear.” He shrugged his big shoulders. “Even though I don’t quite believe it.”
    Sofia squirmed in her chair.
    â€œI guess it doesn’t matter,” he said, but then thought about it. “But it would be nice if we could somehow figure out a way to have some kind of cordial relationship since we are going to be working together.”
    She sucked in a deep breath.
    â€œAnd yes, it’s still duly noted that you’re against the merger. But that’s already behind us. Moving forward I think the best thing we can do for our employees is to show a united front. I know that’s what your uncle and I both want.”
    Silence.
    â€œOr not,” he amended, feeling his frustrations re turning. “It’s up to you. We can pit the Limelight employees against the A.F.I. employees and see how far that gets us. But I’m willing to bet not far.”
    Sofia took another deep breath and then said, “I’m being stubborn, aren’t I?”
    â€œThat’s…one word I would’ve used.” He smiled. “If I was going to keep it PG.”
    That won a second smile from her. Still she was conflicted about letting go of a grudge she’d held for so long against the Jordans. “How about we strike a deal?”
    Ram laughed. “It’s always about the deal with you, isn’t it?”
    â€œWhat can I say? Negotiating is in my blood.”
    He nodded. “All right. What kind of deal are we talking about?”
    â€œMy client list,” she said, crossing her arms. “No dividing it up. My people are my people.”
    Ram threw his head back and laughed. “Now why didn’t I see that coming?”
    â€œI don’t know. Maybe you had mistaken me for someone who gives up.”
    â€œNever that, baby girl. Never that.” He shook his head.
    â€œWell?”
    He tugged in a breath. “The point in me taking the list was to lighten your workload.”
    â€œDo you want to end the stalemate or don’t you?”
    His eyes narrowed. “I do, but—”
    â€œGood. You want something and I want something. Let’s negotiate.”
    Boxed into a corner, Ram considered his options. The fact that this is the longest conversation they’ve had without her storming off or tossing in a few choice words his way forced him to recognize the sweet carrot she was offering. “Your list for peace?”
    â€œThat’s pretty much it in a nutshell.”
    â€œBut there’s still the issue of you working too many long hours,” he said, hedging. “I admit that you’re one hell of an agent and a great asset to the company, but let’s face it. You can’t sustain this workload. You need help and you’re too stubborn to admit it or acknowledge it.”
    Sofia’s jaw clenched. “Fine. I’ll cut back on my hours.”
    â€œTo forty hours a week.”
    â€œWhat? Don’t be ridiculous. I can do…seventy.”
    â€œLower.”
    â€œSixty-five.”
    â€œLower.”
    â€œSixty?”
    â€œLower.”
    â€œOh. I give up. You’re totally being unreasonable.” She shifted in her seat in an attempt to give him her back.
    Ram was too busy laughing.
    â€œWhat’s so funny now?”
    â€œYou are,” he said. “I recall us almost having the same exact conversation when you were telling me that you wanted to date a gazillion boys.”
    â€œWhat?” And then the memory hit her. “Oh.” Her face warmed as she blushed. “You remember that?”
    His smile returned. “Well I had asked you to marry me for like the millionth time.”
    â€œYou were persistent. I’ll give you that.”
    â€œAll the good that did me,” he mumbled under his breath. “I believe