Encoding Love (BWWM)

///SEVEN

Early Monday morning, Zora arrived on the 37th floor with a signed contract. She was donning a coffee-stained skirt after her taxi driver had been a little hasty turning the corners of the city blocks. One sharp right turn had her sliding across the backseat, spilling the hot liquid. Her favorite pencil skirt bared the brunt of the mess.

Still, she managed to disregard the ugly stain. She overlooked the five dollars lost on the espresso and ignored her burning skin to follow Mr. Klein's request. So here she was bright and early, despite the irksome morning she's had thus far. At least she managed to keep the contract free of marks and folds.

Zora stepped across the marble tiles. Uncomfortable by the noise her heels created throughout an otherwise silent room. She approached the receptionist's desk only to find the usual occupant missing. She peered around, but Wilson Fields was nowhere she could see.

Distant laughter erupted beyond closed doors, catching her attention. Seconds later, one door opened with Wilson standing on the threshold. Behind him in the room was Mr. Klein hovering over his desk while a man sat before him. They laughed again, and Zora craned her neck. If only to catch a glimpse of the ever-stoic Nathan Klein with a smile on his face.

She couldn't get a visual as Wilson's solid frame stood in place.

"Ms. Rhodes, how lovely it is to see you this morning," he acknowledged her while closing the door. His tone implied that he hadn't expected her arrival. "Is there something I can assist you with?"

As he approached her, a look of concern crossed Wilson's face. He noticed her haphazard appearance, his gaze fell onto the offending blotch on her skirt. His expression was stern. As if to say, "Don't let Mr. Klein see you in such a poor state." Zora tugged at her knit cardigan. A desperate attempt to cover what she could.

"Mr. Klein requested to see me this morning," she spoke softly.

"You must be mistaken. Mr. Klein is with an important guest at the time."

"There is no mistake."

Their mouths shut instantly upon hearing Nathan's voice. As every time before, his presence reduced Zora to a nervous wreck. She felt the weight of his steely gaze glance over her. Then, abruptly, he turned back into his office, leaving the door open.

She tore her eyes from his retreating back and glanced at Wilson, who nodded his head to follow. Zora did so in measured steps, discreetly placing her shoulder bag in front of her skirt.

The man she noticed earlier stood to his feet then. They were at eye level, Zora being able to peer into his pale green eyes. He was middle-aged with a round face, a shaved head, and a well-groomed beard. He had the richest brown complexion and the softest smile.

"Keaton Stone. Wonderful to meet you, Ms. Rhodes." He grasped her hand in a gentle yet firm shake before gesturing to the armchair beside him.

Zora smiled. It wasn't often that she received such a warm reception. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Please call me, Keaton," he requested as he settled into his seat once again.

Nathan rounded his large desk but remained standing. "Keaton is my chief financial officer. We were discussing financial matters about our new joint venture." Nathan told her. "I take it everything was in order with the contract?"

"Yes. We found your terms agreeable and fair. There is nothing to dispute." Zora answered briskly. She removed the document from her bag and placed it on the desk.

The contract stipulated Klein Technologies would have exclusive rights to her unnamed software. Mainly, the company would distribute her software on their consumer electronics, including mobile devices and personal computers. Lolland Software would get a hefty percentage of revenue. Zora would have full creative rights and gain global recognition. She would also earn too much money for her mind to comprehend