“We all have urgent matters pending," one of the members growled. "What the hell is Nick's problem that he can't be here?""He said it's a labor relations problem.""That's no excuse!" another member exploded. "We all have labor relations problems.""I reminded Nick of that," the chairman replied."What did he say?""He said that nobody has a labor relations problem like his.”

“Nick Sinclair will not be present today," he informed the thunderous-looking group. "He asked me to express his regrets and to explain that he was called away on an urgent matter."In unison, six outraged faces turned to glare with impotent hostility at the vacant chair of their missing member. "Last time it was a labor relations problem. What the hell is Sinclair's problem this time?" a jowly man demanded unsympathetically."A merger," the chairman answered. "He said he is going to try to negotiate the most important merger of his life.”

“He remembered the sheer perfection of her creamy breasts; the incredible silkiness of her skin; the exquisite taste of her lips; the way she had kissed him and held him to her..."Nick," the chairman said sharply, "I assume you are in favor of this proposal?"Nick dragged his gaze from the windows. He had no idea what proposal was being discussed. "I'd like to hear more about it before I decide," he prevaricated.Seven surprised faces turned toward him. "It's your proposal,Nick," the chairman scowled. "You wrote it.""Then naturally I'm in favor of it," he informed them coolly.”

“Maybe I ought to do exactly what I told Nick I was going to do and pursue you myself."Lauren smiled. "I have a feeling you're as jaded and cynical as he is." He looked so stung that she added teasingly, "Well,you are-but still very attractive,for all that.""Thanks," he said dryly.”

“I understand that you have an urgent task for me.""I do.""What is it?""I want you to go to the coffee shop and get me something to eat.""That-" Lauren choked. "That's your idea of urgent?""Very urgent," Nick replied imperturbably. "I happen to be starved."Lauren clenched her hands into fists. "To you I may mrely be some frivolous, amusing sexual object, but downstairs I have an important job to do, and Jim needs me.""I need you,honey.I've been here since-""Don't you dare call me honey!" she burst out, reeling with unwanted joy at the casual endearment."Why not?" he cajoled, a smile lighting his face. "You're sweet.""You won't think so if you call me honey again," Lauren promised.His brows drew together at her tone, and Lauren had to remind herself that he was still her boss. "Oh all right!" she capitulated ungraciously. "What do you eat for breakfast?""Irritating secretaries," he mocked.”

“They’re going to ask what you said. And if I tell Mr. Twindell you said heaven will be like this, he’ll be very disappointed. He’s counting, you know, on gold streets and angels and horses with wings.”“I see where that could be a problem,” Ian agreed, and he tenderly laid his hand against his son’s cheek. “In that case, you can tell him I said this is almost heaven.”

“Speaking of 'things,' Mary tells me that Nick is like a keg of dynamite ready to explode at the first spark. She says you're bearing up under the strain marvelously. You've won her wholehearted approval," he added quietly."I like her too," Lauren said, her eyes clouding at the mention of Nick.Jim waited until she had left to go upstairs,then he picked up his telephone and punched four numbers. "Mary, what's the atmosphere like up there this morning?""Positively explosive," she chuckled."Is Nick going to be in the office this afternoon?""Yes,why?""Because I've decided to light a match under him and see what happens.""Jimmy,don't!" she said in a low, sharp voice."See you a little before five, beautiful," he laughed, ignoring her wanring.”