Page 5 of Masters of the Game: Colton

Two years later

A huge smile touched the corners of Colton Masters’ face. His cousin had contacted him earlier in the week, telling him about his decision to open a third office. Lake Masters was an incredible CEO of the company, and Colton was thoroughly enjoying his work alongside him as his COO.

Lake had started Masters Unlimited Corporation right out of college and now employed well over a thousand people.

The corporation had two offices--one in Boston and the other in Orlando.

Lake operated the one in Orlando, and Colton was in charge of the one in Boston.

However, now it seemed as if the long-talked-about opening of a third office would soon become a reality.

Lake had arrived in Boston that morning to meet with him to discuss it further. “Have you selected the location for the third office?” Colton asked, unable to contain the excitement that he’d been feeling since Lake had made the decision.

“No, and this is where you come in. I’ve narrowed it down to Los Angeles or New York City, and I’ve hired a consulting agency to help in the selection process.

I need you to work closely with the agency’s owner to ensure we choose the right city, which will entail spending time in both places and checking them out thoroughly. ”

Colton nodded. “That’s no problem. Who is the owner?”

“Kelly Perkins of KP Consulting Agency. They are based in Atlanta.”

“Kelly Perkins?” Colton asked, trying not to sound as thunderstruck as he suddenly felt.

“Yes. Have you heard of her company?” Lake asked.

“Kelly and I met a few years ago at the Bennetts’ double wedding. She’s Monica Bennett-Chestnut’s half-sister,” he said, unsure if Lake knew the connection. His cousin’s next word was a sure indication that he hadn’t.

“I know Monica, since Quinn and Grey are married to Alexia and Brandy, and Tez is married to Victoria. Whenever there’s a Bennett family get-together, we’re usually invited. However, Courtney and I haven’t attended any events in years because of Lakelyn’s busy tennis schedule.”

Lake’s daughter, Lakelyn, along with Lake’s oldest brother Shane’s daughter, Shaniya--both fourteen years of age--had become professional tennis players.

After years of participating on the junior circuit in the public realm, they would compete in their first pro-tournament this summer.

Colton knew Lake was a proud father and uncle.

Once the shock wore off, Colton decided there was no need to tell Lake just how far his and Kelly’s acquaintance went. “How did you decide on this particular agency? She’s relatively new, right?” Colton asked.

“Yes, but she was highly recommended. A number of well-known and more established agencies were considered; however, my decision was based on recommendations from people I know and trust, as well as Ms. Perkins’ track record, which I found impressive.

What I admire about KP Consulting Agency is the way Ms. Perkins has managed to make a name for herself in just two short years.

Her agency’s reputation is outstanding, and she has proven to deliver results. ”

There was no doubt in Colton’s mind that Kelly had worked hard to acquire those achievements.

He knew, personally, of the sacrifices she’d been willing to make in order get where she was.

The last time he saw her, she’d told him that she could only focus on one task at a time.

That meant her consulting firm had been her sole concentration for the past two years, and it had paid off. He couldn’t help but be proud of her.

Suddenly, he was reminded of something Lake had said. “You want me to work closely with her? And that would include us visiting LA and New York City?”

“Yes. An expansion to another city is a big undertaking for this company, Colt, and is of vital importance. I don’t want to hand such a major move off to any of the junior executives.

” He paused a moment then added, “However, I’ve advised Sherelle Telfair to assist you, but only if you need her. It will be your call.”

Colton knew Sherelle was one of Lake’s junior executives at the Orlando office.

Because of her seniority with the company, she’d been a top contender for the COO position.

However, she’d come close to botching a really important deal--a deal Colton had ended up saving at the last possible minute.

Lake hadn’t been pleased with how Sherelle had handled things and since then, she’d been working hard to redeem herself.

“I don’t foresee that I’ll need Sherelle’s assistance. But if I do, then I’ll contact her.”

“Good enough,” Lake said. “Now that Lakelyn and Shaniya are on the pro-tennis circuit, I will be away from the office more than usual and need to know I’m leaving the decision about the third office in good hands.”

“I look forward to working with Ms. Perkins to make sure the right location is chosen,” Colton said.

Lake glanced at his watch and then looked back at Colton. “Ms. Perkins is due to report to this office on Monday morning. Arrangements have been made for her to stay in one of our private quarters at the St. Laurent--Boston.”

Colton nodded his understanding. A partnership agreement between Lake’s brother and his wife, Grey and Brandy Masters, owners of the luxurious St. Laurent--Boston hotel, blocked off several floors in the east wing of the hotel to accommodate any Masters Unlimited employees who frequently traveled between the Boston and Orlando offices, as well as for any visiting business associates.

A similar arrangement had been set up with the St. Laurent--Orlando.

There were executive penthouses in both hotels, and Colton had permanent residency in one of those in Boston.

Lake stood. “Well, I’ll be going. Courtney accompanied me on this trip, and it’s our date night. We’re leaving first thing in the morning for the Netherlands. Lakelyn and Shaniya have a few matches scheduled.”

“When?” Colton asked, standing as well.

“Not for a few weeks. Their coach wants them there early to get familiar with the tennis courts.” Lake headed for the door and then stopped and turned back to Colton with a serious expression.

“I can’t say enough about what a great job you’re doing, Colt.

” He chuckled and then added, “But there was no doubt in my mind that you would.”

Colton smiled, again appreciating the vote of confidence. “What made you so sure?”

“You’re a Masters. You can’t help but go above and beyond in whatever you do. It’s in our blood.” Lake then left, closing the door behind him.

Colton eased down in his chair, taking time to let his brain cells absorb what Lake had just told him—that he and Kelly would be working closely together.

How was he going to manage that? He hadn’t spoken to her since he’d walked out on her that night.

However, he had caught a glimpse of her when he’d attended Sebrina Bennett and Parker Stanhope’s wedding six months later, on Christmas Day.

She’d been part of the wedding party that time, as well.

He intended to speak to her at the reception; however, each time he tried approaching her, she’d made it a point to avoid him.

Since she was making it pretty damn clear she wanted nothing to do with him, he kept his distance the rest of the evening and had left the reception before it ended.

He leaned back in his chair and absently began rolling his ink pen between the palms of his hands.

His brothers called it his pensive move, something he did when his mind was occupied.

Usually, they were right, but not this time.

What preoccupied his thoughts now was a decision he’d made two years ago.

A decision he still believed had been the right one.

He would admit, however, that he had regretted it a few times.

Especially whenever he remembered the glare she’d given him just before he had walked out of that hotel room.

The barely-there outfit she’d been wearing had been made for seduction, and not allowing himself to be seduced had been one of the hardest things he’d ever done.

He could still remember the moment of awe he’d felt when he’d first opened that door and saw her, Temptation incarnate.

A bolt of desire had hit him, sliding down his spine, and almost obliterating his self-control. And that come-hither look in the dark depths of her eyes had nearly brought him to his knees.

It had been one of the hardest things he’d ever done, but he’d managed to keep his self-control intact.

Even with the frosty glare he’d seen in her eyes before leaving, he had been acutely aware of the undeniably strong heat transmitting between them.

But like he’d told her, she deserved better. And he still believed that.

Because he knew, as he’d told Cobra, that had he shared a bed with Kelly, he would not have been able to give her up. He believed she would have done something that no other woman had yet to do—gotten under his skin, and stayed there.

It had been two years. Had Kelly realized he’d made the right decision for them both that night? He knew for certain she hadn’t realized it at Sebrina and Parker’s wedding, which is why she’d avoided him. How did she feel about it now?

Sighing, he stood and walked over to the window, glancing out at downtown Boston. How would she handle it when they saw each other again? Had she already been told they would be working closely together? Would it bother her?

Then he shook his head. He knew Kelly was a professional and would do her job regardless.

Colton was determined to do the same.

**

“Did you hear what I just said, Monica?”

“Yes, I heard you, Kelly. Now tell me again, sister-dear, why you’re so upset when just this morning you were on cloud nine.”