Playing For Keeps by Deborah Fletcher Mello Page B

eyes dancing in sync with his. Her mouth was opened slightly, anticipation blowing in the warm air that billowed past her moistened lips. She whispered. “Sweet dreams, Malcolm Cobb.”
    Malcolm smiled as he leaned forward, pressing his cheek against hers. His words were heated as they blew past her ear. “I’ll be dreaming about you,” he whispered.
    He gave her hand one last squeeze as he kissed her cheek, his lips lingering briefly. Opening the car door he helped her inside. She gave him one last smile as she started the engine. With a slight wave of her hand she closed the door, shifted the car into gear and pulled off, Malcom staring after her until she disappeared out of sight.
    Malcolm laughed heartily as he danced a two-step, his exuberance wafting through the air. He stole a quick glance to his wristwatch as he moved to his own vehicle. He was ready to get home to bed. Excited that morning coffee and seeing Cilla again was mere hours away.

Chapter Four
    It was lunchtime and the summer sun was shining full and bright in the bluest of skies. The city sidewalk was bustling with people walking from point A to point B, everyone enjoying the warm temperatures as they took their lunch hour. Directly in front of the nightclub a line of traffic was at a standstill, waiting for the traffic light at the corner to shift from red to green.
    Malcolm used his key to enter the brick building. Inside he stole a quick glance around the space, confirming that there was only one other person inside. Romeo stood behind the bar checking the inventory as he prepared them for the evening’s festivities. His friend waved in his direction.
    â€œMalcolm!”
    â€œHey, Rome!”
    â€œHow’s it hangin’?”
    â€œStraight as an arrow!”
    â€œI hate to hear that. I had my fingers crossed that you might get you some last night. Get you out of that bad mood you’ve been in!”
    Malcolm laughed. “You got jokes!”
    Romeo held up both hands, the gesture as if he were surrendering. “What can I say?”
    The two men laughed easily together.
    Romeo gestured to a stack of manila folders that sat on the edge of the countertop. “That’s the paperwork,” he said, Malcolm understanding the reference.
    Malcolm reached for the files and moved to one of the tables. He sat down as he flipped through the documents, pausing once and then a second time as he stopped to read the details. “What did the lawyer say?” he questioned, dropping the files back to the wood surface.
    Romeo moved to where he sat and took the seat across from him. “He said it’s a good deal. Both sides gave up some things and gained some things but bottom line, once we sign and write them a check, this building and the two next door will officially be ours. We’ll collect rent instead of paying it and we get to fix all of the headaches by ourselves.”
    Malcolm nodded. “And you feel good about the deal?”
    â€œDon’t you?”
    â€œI’m good if you’re good.”
    â€œThen congratulations. Tomorrow, Marshall and Cobb Investments becomes a reality and we will officially own a piece of downtown real estate.”
    â€œWe’ll own three pieces of downtown real estate.”
    Romeo nodded. “Are you still thinking about expanding the architectural firm and opening up an office here?”
    â€œI think so. If the flower shop doesn’t renew their lease and they leave I think I will be our first official new tenant. It just makes sense right now.”
    â€œHey, I hear you and you know I’ll support you however I can.”
    â€œHow are Taryn and the baby doing?” Malcolm asked, changing the subject.
    Romeo grinned. “Little man is walking! And I mean, high-stepping, kicking-butt walking!”
    â€œNow the trouble starts! JB will be getting into everything now.”
    â€œWho are you telling? Taryn and I don’t do anything