A Little White Lie by MacKenzie McKade

have a delightful Chardonnay.”
    She set her briefcase on the floor by her leg, her clutch on the table. “A glass of Merlot, chilled, please.”
    When Thomas returned with the dark red wine and handed it to her, she didn’t waste a second taking a sip. The fruitiness and rather light tannin was pleasant against her palate. Now if she could have half a dozen more drinks she just might be ready for this meeting.
    Several minutes passed before Toliver stepped into the restaurant, minus the cowboy hat. Instead he wore a dark blue suit and boots. His gray hair was freshly cut. There was something distinguished about the older gentleman, but cunning all the same. Stella had liked the man when she first met him. Now she felt nothing. He had done what he deemed necessary for the company and his family. She couldn’t fault him for it. Still, she didn’t have to like him.
    Rising from her chair, she forced a smile. “Mr. Toliver.”
    He took her outstretched hand and cradled it between both of his. “Call me Jonathan. Please sit.”
    Nervous didn’t begin to describe how she felt taking her seat. She didn’t speak, waiting for the waiter to take his order—a whiskey sour—before she started to speak. “I think you’ll like my new proposal.” Bending down to retrieve her portfolio that had fallen farther beneath the table, she continued. “I believe there just might be a market amongst the non-western audience.” When she raised her head, her heart leaped into her throat. “JD.”
    The cowboy was gone. Before her stood the effigy of an executive right down to his Armani suit, tie and polished shoes. The light blue shirt he wore set off the color of his eyes, which scanned her bare shoulders with interest. The mid-thigh-length black silk dress she wore always gave her confidence, but as he slowly undressed her with those eyes she felt anything but confident.
    “Stella.” Her name sounded sensual upon his lips.
    She blinked hard, trying to vanquish the naughty thoughts flowing through her mind. Easy, girl, he’s screwing with you . Paybacks were a bitch and she had no doubt in her mind some were coming her way.
     
    “Well.” JD’s grandfather eased back in his chair. He looked up at the waiter who handed him his drink. “Thank you.” Raising the glass to his lips, he paused and then took a sip. “Seeing that my grandson is taking over, I think I’ll just sit here and enjoy myself.”
    Stella licked her lips, looking as nervous as a mouse in a roomful of cats. She cleared her throat. The little shake in her hands didn’t go unnoticed as she started to open her briefcase.
    “I believe you were telling my grandfather that you have new ideas to show us.” If JD had the opportunity tonight, he would show her exactly what he had in mind and it had nothing to do with what she was about to share with them.
    Did she have silk or lacy panties on beneath that sexy black dress? His cock hardened with the thought of sliding his palms up her legs, hips and waist, easing the gown over her head.
    She looked from JD to his grandfather. “Uh. Yes. I mean I learned a lot this weekend…” she cringed, “…about your clothing and shoe lines.”
    He held back a chuckle.
    “ Boots. ” The high pitch in her tone caught the attention of the couple at the next table. She lowered her voice to regain her control. “Take boots for example. Most people have no idea how comfortable they are. Jeans, slacks, shorts or skirts, your footwear blends with almost any ensemble.” She held up several impressive sketches.
    As the waiter approached, his grandfather set down his glass. “Let’s table this subject until after we order. Hmmm. We’ll start with the Crabtini, barbecued shrimp and Veal Osso Buco Ravioli. My grandson needs a whiskey sour. What are you drinking, Miss Sinclair?”
    “Merlot.”
    “She’ll take another,” Toliver said.
    After the waiter delivered their drinks, they gave him their orders. JD’s grandsire eased