Tim was vaguelyaware he was ranting, but he couldn’t help himself. “If we get more readers, wesell more ads. Isn’t that what you’re always telling the ad department, andthey, in turn, harp on us about? A Connor Albright profile should be verycompatible in that regard.”
He wasn’t surewhether Shelby was listening, since her expression had remained the same.However, the way she nodded and softened her jaw seemed to indicate she’d takenit all in. “I can certainly understand your disappointment. Matt has made clearto me how much time and dedication you put into this interview. However,publishing the interview simply isn’t feasible right now. I hope youunderstand.”
“I don’t.” Timglanced over at Matt, who looked as bewildered and frustrated as he felt. “Whywasn’t I told earlier there would be a problem? It’s not like I started workingon this yesterday. You’ve had the better part of a month to let me know theremight be some sort of conflict.”
For the firsttime, Shelby looked uncomfortable. “To be honest, there wasn’t a problem untilvery recently. But all you need to know is that the situation has changed, andyour article won’t be published.”
“Bullshit,” Timsnapped. “You really think you can get away with saying something like that toa reporter? What’s the real story? I think I have a right to know.”
Shelby’s jawtightened again. “Very well, but I expect you both to keep this in strictestconfidence. The Pickering Media Group has recently closed a sale for asignificant group of ad buys from the Albright Software Media Corporation andseveral of its subsidiaries.”
Shit. Tim knew the involvement of the Chronicle’s parent company meant hisarticle was as good as dead. Or maybe not. Though he’dmade a private vow to keep his work separate from his relationship with Connor,this was an emergency. Connor couldn’t possibly know that some overeager PRflacks in his company had squelched the interview. He’d talk to Connor, andthen Connor would tell the PR flacks to lift the ban. It will be okay.
However, toShelby, he made a show of compliance. “I’m very disappointed, but these thingshappen. I’m sure the new contract pleases the advertising department. In thelong run, I know this deal is to the benefit of the Chronicle’s overall financial health.”
Out of thecorner of his eye, Tim could see Matt giving him an are you insane look, but Tim ignored him and focused on Shelby. Shelooked relieved, as if she’d been expecting a more violent or hystericalreaction.
“I’m glad you’reable to see things from my point of view. While I share in you disappointment,I look forward to reading your next article. You are a great reporter, Tim, andI’m glad you’re part of the Chroniclefamily.”
Tim reachedacross the table and shook Shelby’s extended hand while silently calling herevery curse word that came to mind. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot. Hewould meet with Connor that evening. Together, the two of them would get thismess straightened out and see that the Chroniclepublished his story.
****
Though locatedin one of Philadelphia’s most exclusive high rises, gaining access to Connor’spenthouse proved to be a lot easier than his hotel room in Cedros.Tim walked into the lobby and approached the concierge, expecting to have to gothrough a similar security check process.
But before hecould even give his name, the concierge said, “Good evening, Mr. McInerny. Mr. Albright is expecting you and told us to sendyou right up.” The concierge tapped on his keyboard, and a nearby elevator dooropened. He came from around the desk to escort Tim to it. “Have a good evening,sir,” he said with a small smile.
I hope it will be, Tim thought, as the elevatorstarted to move without him pushing a floor button. Within seconds, it opened,and he found himself walking directly into the marble foyer of Connor’spenthouse. He tried not to gape as he walked into a sleekly furnished livingspace that looked like something out of ArchitecturalDigest.
Tim heardConnor’s voice before actually seeing him. “That’s not acceptable. EitherHolman and the rest of the Scrap Vook execs meet usby the end of the week to straighten this out, or we don’t proceed at all.”
Dressed in anavy suit with a red power tie, Connor seemed to be gearing up for another roundof business negotiations instead of getting ready for a date. Tim consideredsneaking back out when Connor looked toward the entrance and saw him. Pointingat his earphone, he made a five moreminutes gesture and then disappeared into another wing of the penthouse.
You should leave, Tim told himself. However, thelure of the balcony, with its showcase of a nighttime Philadelphia skyline,proved too hard to resist. The twinkling lights from the buildings and signsbelow captured the essence of a city used to hectic days and even busiernights. The stars above created an electric, energetic effect that made Timwant to go out and capture some of the stories of the town’s unique denizens.Maybe he could come up with a comparable article that would make up for the onehe lost with Connor.
Fat chance of that. He still heldout hope that maybe all wasn’t lost. Yet, it didn’t escape Tim that he couldn’teven compel Connor to wrap up a phone call. There was little chance he’d haveenough influence to get Connor to persuade Shelby to change her mind.
“Sorry aboutthat, it couldn’t be helped.” Connor walked out onto the balcony with a wearysmile. “Hey, why didn’t you fix yourself a drink?”
“I’ll get one ina minute. I want to enjoy this view some more first.”
Connor stoodnext to him and wrapped an arm around his waist. He nuzzled his lips againstTim’s neck. “I thought about you all day. I’m so glad you’re finally here.”
“Metoo.”Tim surrendered to his emotions and adjusted his head so their lips touched. Heopened his mouth a little in response to the gentle pressure from Connor’stongue. He moaned the moment it slipped in, and his knees weakened
