"Yes, right," Mack mumbled. "Okay, sure. Legal costs are always a bother. I know how it is." He turned to Kay and joked, "Lawyers! Always charging too much. Never date a lawyer, my dear." He gave her a weak smile, picked up a pen, and signed two copies of the contract.
Dan and Kay glanced at each other with wide eyes.
"Listen, kid, when you get sick of working for this guy, call me up." Mack handed her a card.
"Thank you, Mr. Mack. I mean, Jason." She spoke his name warmly.
Dan took the documents and signed them, handing one copy to Kay. "Take care of this." He leaned back in his chair with suppressed delight.
"Yes. sir." She took it and left the office.
Just outside the office door, Kay leaned against the wall and put her hands on her knees, waiting for her heartbeat to slow down. The door was still open so she could hear what was being said. At first, there was nothing but silence. Finally, Mack spoke up.
"What just happened?"
Dan laughed. "Isn't she something?"
"I'm going to hire her away from you, Dan."
"I don't know, Jason. I think I'll make her full-time. Sorry."
Dan finished reading the last report on his desk and noticed the time: nearly six in the evening. What a stupid report. These reports were so interesting just two days ago; now suddenly they seemed tedious. What report could even begin to compare with what Kay had just done? He considered setting fire to the entire pile, and chuckled at himself when he realized that he could think of very few reasons not to.
Dan kept replaying the deal and laughing to himself. In fact, he had been laughing all afternoon. He hadn't had so much fun in . . . in . . . well, in his entire life! Even if she never does another deal with me again, I'll never forget today. The way she worked Jason Mack was pure genius. And wow, what a looker. Her middle name had to be "distraction." Dan certainly couldn't keep his eyes off of her. So beautiful! I want those lips. This was going to be the hardest part about playing the game: working with Kay and keeping his hands to himself.
Dan got up to stretch and wandered out into the hall. Doris was getting ready to leave, and Kay was back to her modest business suit. Why can't I stop thinking about her? "Come on in, you two."