by Delaney Diamond
The Ultimate Merger is the prequel to Second Chances.
Two workaholics slow down long enough to find love when they least expect it.
Renaldo da Silva is on the verge of entering the U.S. market with the purchase of a hotel in downtown Chicago. After working hard for several days straight, he heads to a local bar and sees a woman who instantly makes him reconsider how to spend his evening.
When another one of her male counterparts unfairly becomes the lead on a project, Sabrina Porter leaves work intent on drowning her sorrows in wine and loud music at a local bar. Instead, she meets a sexy Brazilian who’s intent on showing her a different way to unwind.
Chapter One
Sabrina Porter stormed in and slammed the door to her windowless office. She didn’t give a damn if they heard. Slapping the sheets of paper in her hand onto the desk, she blinked back tears of anger.
It’s so unfair, she thought.
She had worked harder on the Japanese project than her co-worker, Devin, but he was the one sitting back in his chair, smiling like a Cheshire cat, hoarding the accolades from the senior analysts. He was the one they decided would be the lead on the merger. And why? Because she didn’t play golf?
Too wired to sit down, she paced the floor with a fist jammed into her hip bone.
A soft knock shifted her attention to the door. Before she could answer, Ernestine, the assistant she shared with Devin and four other analysts, poked in her head.
“Is it safe to come in?” she asked with a timid smile.
Sabrina gave a curt nod.
“How’re you holding up?”
Ernestine pushed her gold-framed glasses up on her nose and clasped her hands in front of her. She’d been working at Global Investments, Inc. since the formation of the company fifteen years ago. Despite the difference in their ages and the fact that Sabrina was one of her supervisors, they’d become friends when the firm hired Sabrina two years ago.
“How am I holding up? You took notes in the meeting. They gave the Japan project to Devin. That fu—” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Then she took another deep breath and let it out slowly, too. “That freaking brown-noser. Apparently, you don’t need any real skill or intelligence at this firm to handle a multi-million dollar merger. All you need is a penis!”
Ernestine’s pale cheeks reddened to the same shade of her hair. She cleared her throat. “You might want to lower your voice. You don’t want anyone to hear you, do you?”
Sabrina let her head roll back and stared up at the ceiling, knowing Ernestine was right. “No, I don’t,” she said in a heavy voice. She walked over to her desk chair and collapsed onto it. “It’s just so unfair. I work twice as hard as Devin does—three times, even, and I produce good work. I’ve been here two years, Ernestine. Two years, and every time a major deal is in the works, one of the male analysts gets it. Why am I even here? Did they have to fill a quota?”
Ernestine lowered onto the chair on the opposite side of the desk. Her sympathetic gaze connected with Sabrina’s. “Your work will be recognized eventually. You’ll see.”
“When? I thought that busting my butt would get me recognition, but it doesn’t seem to matter. As far as the senior analysts are concerned, I might as well have gone to Jane Doe University and not even bother to come in to work every day. I’d get the same amount of respect.”
Ernestine took a deep breath before responding. “You’re going to get even more upset when I tell you what I’m about to.”
Sabrina sighed. “Lay it on me.”
“They’re moving Devin into a bigger office. One on the same hallway as the senior analysts.”
Sabrina slumped back in the chair and stared in disbelief at her co-worker. “Are you kidding me?”
“I wish I were. I was told to start coordinating the move with the building facilities manager.”
“Unbelievable.”
Sabrina shook her head. She worked so hard, but it all seemed for naught. Two years ago she’d finished magna cum laude with an MBA from the University of Chicago. She’d hoped to land a job in a firm where she could work her way up in her specialty—mergers and acquisitions. However, even though she consistently churned out excellent work, she never received any of the exciting projects nor received the respect granted to her male counterparts.
“Why don’t we go out for a drink tonight?” Ernestine offered. “Seems like you need it. We’ll go to Giovanni’s and listen to music.”
“You won’t drink with me.”
“That doesn’t mean we can’t go out. I’ll have cranberry juice, and you can have one of those mojitos or whatever you like—on me. How’s that?”
Sabrina smiled genuinely for the first time all day. Ernestine was so sweet. Having someone in her corner helped to temper her unhappiness.
Normally, she didn’t drink much because growing up, she’d seen the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol on those around her, but she needed a drink tonight.
“Nah, go home to your hubby and kids,” she said. “In the mood I’m in, I’ll need more than a few drinks. It might be better for me to go straight home.”
Ernestine rose from the chair. “You need to get out more.”
“What? You’re the one who rushes home every day after work. I’m surprised you even offered to go out with me.”
“And you’re the one who hasn’t been on a date in months.”
Sabrina groaned and covered her face with her hand.
“You know it’s true. Why don’t you let me fix you up?”
“I don’t want any more hook-ups.” Last time her co-worker tried to set her up had been a disaster. The date ended in an argument with the guy calling her “you modern women” in a tone that clearly indicated it was not a compliment.
“Okay, I screwed up the last time, but I do have another man in mind for you. He’s more your type. You need someone with your drive and ambition and someone who appreciates it in you. Clark wasn’t the right person.”
“Yah think? He practically told me he wanted me barefoot and pregnant.”
“Don’t exaggerate.”
“I’m not.”
“The man I have in mind for you this time is different. He’s—”
“No.” Sabrina wagged her finger at Ernestine. “Just because he’s black, doesn’t mean he’s perfect for me. You need a better screening process, and because of that, you are not allowed to set me up ever again. Comprende?”
“One more time. I promise you’ll like this one. He’s nice, but he’s the kind of man who could handle you.”
“No. I can find my own dates, thank you very much.”
“Fine.” Ernestine headed for the door. Before walking out, she said, “If you change your mind, let me know. The right man can help you relieve some of this work-related stress.”
“If I need to relieve stress, I’ll get a massage.”
“It’s been so long, you’ve forgotten how good it can be.” With a saucy wiggle to her hips, Ernestine reached for the doorknob.
Sabrina shook her head. “You have your husband wrapped around your finger, don’t you?”
Laughing, Ernestine said, “I’ll see you later,” before closing the door behind her.
Sabrina took a deep breath and swiveled in her chair to face the computer screen. She needed a man like she needed a hole in her head. Besides, if she wanted to get laid, she knew who to call. In fact…
She picked up the phone and punched in the number to her friend-with-benefits, Samuel. It had been a long time since they’d connected, but maybe she’d get lucky and he’d be free tonight.
“Hello, beautiful.”
What a nice way to be greeted. “Hey, you busy tonight?”
“No. What did you have in mind?”
“Dinner and drinks at Giovanni’s. My treat.”
“Do I have to put out if you buy me dinner?”
She twirled the phone cord around her forefinger. “Yes.”<
br />
He chuckled, and she imagined his coffee-colored eyes crinkling at the corners. “Rough day?”
Sabrina sighed. “Yeah, you could say that.”
“I got you. Call me before you leave work and I’ll meet you there.”
“Thanks.” Sabrina hung up.
Now she had something to look forward to at the end of the day.
Chapter Two
Renaldo da Silva stood and stretched in the living room of the suite he had at The Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago. He rolled his shoulders to alleviate the tension in his muscles. He might as well have been in a basement for all the attention he paid to the deluxe room with its stunning view of Lake Michigan in the distance.
Ever since he’d arrived in Illinois a few days ago, he’d been in and out of meetings and spent the rest of his time on his laptop conducting research and communicating with his staff. He’d hoped to be farther along in the deal by now, but he’d just have to be patient a little while longer.
He flexed his shoulders and grabbed the room key from the desk. He’d been in the room all day, and it was now dark outside. He needed a break. Time to get out and see a little bit of what Chicago had to offer.
Downstairs, he asked for a recommendation to a place where he could get a drink and unwind. Before long, he headed out on foot to a nearby restaurant recommended by the concierge. When he arrived at Giovanni’s he could hear music playing and the weekend crowd had already started gathering.
One of the best ways to relieve stress was in the arms of a woman. Unfortunately, he’d been so busy he hadn’t had time to make the acquaintance of anyone during his short stay. The energy of the patrons and the beat of rock music would have to suffice tonight.
Renaldo sat at the bar and ordered a scotch. As he nursed his drink, mentally listing everything he had to accomplish next week, a tall black woman walked in. She entered the restaurant with a straight spine and a confident walk. At first he gave her only a cursory glance. She appeared to have just left work, dressed in a plain gray business suit with a white silk blouse and very little jewelry. After she took a seat at the opposite end of the bar, his eyes strayed to her again.
With her kinky, chestnut-colored hair pulled back from her face and clipped neatly at the back of her head, he couldn’t tell its true length. She didn’t wear much makeup on her tawny-colored skin. Good thing, too, because she had an attractive face.
In one graceful movement, she removed her blazer and then twisted on the stool to hang it over the back of the chair, the motion causing the silk blouse to pull taut across her chest. He was a breast man, and she had two nice-looking ones. Not big, but enough to almost fill his hands. His jaw tightened at the thought as he swirled the scotch in the glass. He hoped she was alone. If so, his situation might be improving.
He enjoyed burying his face in the perfumed cleft of a woman’s cleavage. What would the cleft between her breasts smell like? The thought stirred his loins awake.
As he watched her, Renaldo wondered, too, about the color of her eyes. Were they brown or black? He soon received an answer. She idly scanned the room and her gaze landed on him. White heat pooled in his stomach, causing him to halt the swirling motion of his hand.
Light brown. Stunning.
* * * *
Sabrina didn’t think she could have experienced a greater shock if the force of a lightning bolt had coursed through her body. For a moment she froze, bewitched by a pair of eyes as black as midnight.
Unnerved, she dragged her eyes away, but not before she registered the man’s other features: an aquiline nose, short-cut hair the same color of his eyes, and swarthy skin which suggested he might be Italian or Latin. His white shirt opened at the collar to reveal a strong throat and a sprinkling of crisp, black hair.
Even though she’d looked away, she knew he still watched. She could feel it.
“What can I get for you?” the bartender asked with a friendly smile.
She ordered a glass of red wine. When he walked away, she picked up the menu to check out the selection of appetizers, disregarding the biting intensity of the feelings that had just flowed through her. A few minutes later, she placed an order for stuffed mushrooms and had a glass of wine in her hand.
Glancing around the bar, careful not to look straight ahead again, she regretted telling Ernestine not to come. They always had fun when they hung out together. Well, she’d have the next best thing soon enough. She’d left Samuel a voice mail before she left work, so he should be here soon.
Unable to resist, she let her eyes drift back across the bar. A pretty brunette had joined the man, and he bent his head to her as they talked. Sabrina stared down into the maroon liquid in her glass. She was meeting Samuel, and she didn’t have dibs on the stranger, but a feeling of disappointment stole over her.
Between the problems at work and her overactive imagination about a complete stranger, she was on her way to winning the award for Doom and Gloom. During moments like these, the doubts started creeping in, and she needed a distraction from the empty void she feared her life had become.
“Nice band,” she said to the bartender as he set a newly replenished bowl of nuts nearby. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them play here before.”
“They’re new. This is only their second night.” He walked away to take another patron’s order.
She drummed her fingers against the top of the bar and did what she shouldn’t—compared her life to Ernestine’s. At forty, Ernestine was fourteen years older than Sabrina, and she had a husband and a family waiting for her. When she walked through the door, their eyes would light up and they’d be happy to see her. Maybe her son and daughter would even rush into her arms the minute she crossed the threshold.
Sabrina’s fingers slowed to a stop, and she swallowed hard to shut out the painful memories of growing up on the South Side of Chicago. The emotional scars kept her focused on the prize of success, but there were times when she wanted…She lifted the glass to her lips and took a sip of the fruity wine, shutting her eyes and welcoming the darkness for several seconds.
She wanted to be welcomed home. She wanted someone to miss her, need her. But the truth was, she feared taking the leap. She didn’t want her plans derailed, and getting involved with a man who didn’t understand her focus and drive could do that.
As a child, she’d managed to survive when her mother would disappear for days at a time, leaving her and her younger cousin in the apartment alone to fend for themselves. She knew what it was like to live on nothing but stale bread and ketchup or whatever she could beg for from the neighbors. Inconceivable to most people, but that was the world she’d known, and she could never go back to it.
The memories made her bust her butt every single day to succeed in the male-dominated world of the career she’d chosen—Plan A. She didn’t even have a Plan B because failure wasn’t an option.
Again she cast what she hoped was a surreptitious glance over to the other side. He and the brunette were no longer there.
Sabrina’s phone vibrated, and she retrieved it from her purse. Samuel had texted her. Something had come up and he had to cancel. She sighed heavily. She couldn’t win for losing today. What a great way to coast into the weekend.
“Excuse me.” A low, accented, very male voice spoke beside her. Sabrina looked up, and up into the dark depths of a pair of eyes set in a face even more striking up close. A knot formed deep in her belly. He held a drink in one hand. “My name is Renaldo da Silva. Do you mind if I join you?”
Chapter Three
A quiver of awareness inched down Sabrina’s spine.
Despite the half smile on his lips and the casual way he’d tucked one hand into his trouser pocket, she knew without a doubt that this man didn’t do casual. He was big, easily six-foot-five, or very near it. Power emanated from him.
She motioned toward the empty stool. “It’s all yours.”
He lowered himself beside her. “And your name is…?” he prompted.
“All I did was ask your name.” Sabrina remained silent. “Don’t tell me I misread the signal I received from across the bar.”
“I’m afraid you did. I never sent you a signal.”
“So you expect me to believe you’re not interested at all?”
She gave him a saccharine smile. “I suppose you’re used to women throwing themselves at your feet. Is that it?”
“Yes, that’s normally how it happens.”
He smiled, and her stomach clenched in reaction. In addition to having a killer smile and being fine as hell, he also had a sense of humor. The man was definitely dangerous.
Sabrina tried to relax, but she remained acutely aware of him, which made it impossible to relax. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this attracted to a man at the first encounter—if ever.
He rested his forearm on the edge of the bar and turned toward her, giving her his full attention. “You are from Chicago?”
She tried to decipher where he could be from by his accent. “Yes, I am. And you?”
“Brazil. I’m here on business. What did you say your name was again?”
“Nice try. I didn’t.”
“I love a challenge. It’s a turn on.”
Sabrina took a steadying breath. How in the world could any woman fight against this type of persistence? “So that means you’re not going to leave me alone to enjoy my glass of wine? By myself.”
“Yes, that’s what it means.”
Before responding, she hesitated, pretending to consider whether or not she should answer. “Sabrina.”
“Was that so hard?”
He’d probably never had to work this hard to get a woman’s name before. “No.” She pursed her lips and decided to make conversation. “How long will you be here on business?”
“About three weeks.” His face remained unreadable as he studied her. “This is my first visit to Chicago.”
“Oh. Well, you’ll enjoy it here. There’s plenty to do and see.”
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