The Love Game

“They’ll be worse.” Iris slid her notes back into her project folder. “But don’t worry. You handled this practice session like a pro.”

“I should probably be more nervous this time around.” Tyler gave a mental shrug. “This is a larger audience than our associates’ launch. And they won’t be as forgiving. But for some reason, I’m more at ease this time. Maybe it’ll hit me tomorrow.”

Iris crossed her long legs. Her vivid green skirt suit added a glow to her honey skin. After their long day of travel from Columbus to San Diego, she should be wrinkled and tired. Instead, she looked like a fashion model on a photo shoot for a line of power suits.

There were so many sides to Iris Beharie. The consummate professional who’d presented her product launch proposal during their first meeting. The fighter who’d defended herself when he’d confronted her over what turned out to be false rumors of unethical behavior. The siren with whom he’d almost lost control the evening he’d asked for her help with his presentation. Who would she reveal next?

“Maybe you’re more relaxed this time because the internal launch was more important to you.” Iris’s shrug seemed restless. “Anderson Adventures is like a family. We’re more concerned about our family’s reaction than what strangers think.”

What had he heard in her voice? Tension? Uncertainty? “How did your family feel about your quitting your job?”

Iris lowered her gaze. “Lily, my middle sister, was supportive. But Rose, the oldest, thought I’d lost my mind. I think she would’ve had me committed for psychological evaluation if it weren’t for Lily.”

Tyler was torn between laughter and outrage on her behalf. “How does Rose feel about your venture now?”

“She’s still worried.” Iris gave him a rueful smile. “Success is the only thing that will prove to Rose that I can be successful.”

“She sounds like my father.” Tyler’s eyes roamed over Iris’s elegant features. He could spend the rest of the night looking at her.

“I wish she’d give me credit for knowing what I’m doing.” Iris’s right calf began to swing in a now familiar gesture. “I sound like a sulky adolescent, seeking my older sister’s approval.”

“I feel the same way about my father.” Tyler leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “But I think he and your sister will change their minds once this launch is over.”

“You’re right.” Iris gave him her special smile. “We make a good team.”

“Yes, we do.” The realization filled him with excitement for his future.

Anderson Adventures was releasing “Osiris’s Journey” in a little more than five weeks. Tyler’s body tightened with anticipation. The release would signal the end of Iris’s professional commitment to his company. Then they’d be free to pursue a personal relationship.

He considered Iris. Is that what she wanted, too? He prayed that she did. He couldn’t imagine himself returning to a life without Iris Beharie.

* * *

“Exciting craftsmanship.”

“Gorgeous graphics.”

“‘Osiris’s Journey’ is a truly skillful game that fans will obsess over.”

Iris wanted to pump her fist in the air. She continued to eavesdrop on gamers and reporters after Tyler’s presentation Thursday afternoon. Media day. She’d been posting photos and messages on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest since they’d arrived at the convention. She sent a tweet with the overheard comments as she wound her way through the audience to the back of the hotel ballroom’s makeshift stage. The area was thick with reporters from every type of news outlet: industry publications, local newspapers, international journals, radio, television and e-zines. Tyler had impressed them all with his presentation. She finally caught up with him backstage.

“You were wonderful.” Without thinking, she gave him a congratulatory hug. She caught her breath when he pulled her even tighter to his long, hard body.

“All thanks to you.”

“You’re giving me too much credit.” Reluctantly, Iris stepped back. It was cold outside of his embrace. “You didn’t seem nervous at all.”

“Why would I be nervous when my lucky charm was with me?”

“What lucky charm?” In the three months they’d been working together, he’d never mentioned one before.

“You.”

The look in his ebony eyes made her body burn.

A couple of times during his presentation, Tyler’s gaze had found hers in the crowded ballroom. She’d given him a smile and received one of his slow, sexy grins in return. Was that the reason he’d sought her in the audience, because he thought she brought him good luck? She was flattered. The idea warmed her, made her want to throw her arms around him again. Tempting, but it wouldn’t be a good idea.

Before she gave into her desires, Iris pivoted on her heel to lead Tyler into the hotel’s hallway. The bright white walls and strong lighting were in dramatic contrast to the more intimate shadows backstage. The chill of the air-conditioning felt good on her flushed cheeks.