Soulful Strut by Lynn Emery Read Free Book Online Page A

things.” Chaz slapped
Jayson on the back as he beamed at him.
    “Nice to see you again, Monette.
Congratulations on your new show.” Jayson’s full mouth curved up
like a chocolate treat
    Monette tried not to stare. After a moment
she realized he’d reached out his hand. When she took it, his firm
grip made Monette feel anchored and safe. She’d never had that
feeling from a man before. When Nikki cleared her throat, Monette
blinked back from fantasyland.
    “Thanks. Hope I live up to all the hype,”
Monette quipped.
    “You kidding? Your book is climbing the
charts. Already made the extended USA Today Bestseller list .With
the right topics and our publicity Hot Topic will be a hit.” Chaz
was about to go on when his secretary showed up again. “Be right
back.”
    “You’re a busy guy, Chaz. And I have to leave
anyway. Thanks for giving me first crack at a hot time slot for my
commercials.” Jayson shook hands with Chaz.
    “No problem. Your big brother and me go way
back. Tell him I said hello.” Chaz was already hurrying off as he
waved good-bye to them. “Monette, Monday morning is going to be all
about you.”
    “See you then.” Monette grinned. "Whew, that
guy is a whirlwind in a suit.”
    “That’s our Chaz. Takes good care of us, too.
I better move out of here. I’m the emcee for a lunchtime mall event
See you later, Monette. Bye, Mr. Odum.” Nikki grabbed a
denim-and-leather purse from a file cabinet.
    “Bye, Nikki. Will I see you Monday?” Monette
asked.
    “Sure. I get here around eight usually, but
I’ll come early and give you a quick run-through.” Nikki winked at
Monette, then Jayson.
    “Bye, Nikki. And call me Jayson. That way I
won’t feel so old,” Jayson replied with a grin.
    “Please. You are not old.” Nikki smiled back
at him as she scurried out “I have time to catch another cup of
coffee and a Krispy Kreme cinnamon swirl if I get moving.”
    Monette realized they were alone and suddenly
felt self-conscious. Jayson seemed relaxed as he put a hand in one
pocket “Everybody stays on the move around here,” Monette said.
    “Exciting place. This is going to be your
office?” Jayson glanced around the room.
    “Looks like. If you turn in a circle you will
have taken the grand tour,” she joked.
    “Nice. I especially like this view.” Jayson
went over to the window.
    She followed him and looked out at the
parking lot. Across the street was a busy convenience store. A tall
clown danced on the sidewalk, waving at traffic and wearing a sign
that said no joke, best hot dogs to go in town. Monette burst out
laughing.
    “Now I know I’m in the big time. I’ve got a
desk and a phone I share with only one other person. Plus I get
free entertainment,” she said.
    “Hey, it’s better than my office view. All I
can see through the burglar bars is a vacant lot the owner never
mows,” Jayson joked.
    ‘Tell you what, I’ll loan you my clown,”
Monette tossed back.
    “You’re too kind, but I’ll pass.” Jayson
raised an eyebrow when the clown did a series of hip-hop moves as
he blew his big clown horn. They both burst out laughing at his
performance.
    Monette liked the sound of his deep voice,
the way his laughter rumbled up from his broad chest. She realized
they were standing close together at the window. When she glanced
up at him, a subtle spicy scent enticed her. They stepped away from
each other at the same time. When he glanced away, Monette felt a
hot spike of irritation. Mr. Nice Guy didn’t want to catch her
prison cooties, she guessed. Who needed him anyway?
    “Gotta go. Bye.” Monette gave him a stiff
smile and turned to leave.
    “Sure. Didn’t mean to hold you up. Good luck
with the show.” Jayson followed her out into the hallway.
    “Jayson, one last question on the way you
want your commercial to be produced,” a woman dressed in a dark
green business pantsuit called to him.
    “Sure, Darlene.” Jayson glanced at Monette
again. “Take