Boardroom Seduction. Anita Bunkley

proposal, a slight frown bridging his thick black eyebrows.

      Kacey paused, inhaled and swallowed her apprehension, aware that her specs related to costs and materials would require a significant financial commitment at a time when upscale stores like Leeman’s were nervously watching the bottom line.

      “I know,” she agreed. “However, I’m hoping to find better rates per unit in Thailand,” she acknowledged, setting aside her remote control. “I’m sourcing that now.”

      Finished with her presentation, Kacey walked to the far side of the room and turned up the lights, allowing the Manhattan skyline to loom dark and gray in the expanse of glass windows that made up one wall. Kacey squinted at the heavy April rain pounding the buildings and slicking the skyline, weary of the thunderstorm that had started during the night and continued to rage. She was definitely not looking forward to a crowded train ride home to Harlem later in the day.

      After taking a seat at the conference table across from her boss, Kacey looked directly at Steve Hadley, prepared to expand her pitch. “I know the specialty fabric could run up production costs, but the expense would pay off in the end. Using Naughty Net on the Sheer Double Dip would make it an instant bestseller.”

      “I love it,” Ariana cut in, cooing her words in her sexy Italian voice as she slipped her fingers through a mass of white-blond, shoulder-length hair. Even though she’d lived in America for thirty years and was a naturalized citizen, Ariana took care to maintain her accent, which she laid on thick to dramatic effect when she wanted to make a point. “I adore all eight styles. Great line, Kacey. Wonderful photos. Linette pulled off some very attractive shots.”

      “Right. Linette is the best,” Kacey agreed, referring to Linette Grier, Kacey’s best friend and an up-and-coming photographer specializing in sportswear photos. “She’s been so busy lately, I was lucky to get her.”

      “Ah, well, I’m glad you did,” Ariana said. “Very nice. Well, Kacey, all I can say is that your designs are spot-on,” she continued. “I especially like Twisted Bliss, the black one-piece that shows off just the right amount of skin but still offers full bottom coverage. Excellent choice for, uh…mature women who still keep in shape, shall we say?” She chuckled, winking at Kacey before turning her attention to Steve Hadley. “Older women with disposable cash are our most important demographic, right?”

      Hadley inclined his head in brief acknowledgment of Ariana’s point. “Kacey, I think your designs show promise and the line is worth exploring,” he stated, choosing his words very carefully, without conveying his decision. “However, because you’re an employee at Leeman’s, it makes for a bit of a sticky situation.”

      “Conflict of interest, and all that?” Kacey injected.

      Steve nodded at Kacey before going on. “Right. You’d have to leave Leeman’s and become a contractor if we decide to proceed with this. But first, let’s get some samples made and assess the project, okay?”

      “Whatever will work,” Kacey rushed to say, willing to do anything necessary to move her career as a swimsuit designer forward. After all, her goal was much larger than to simply do custom work for one retail outlet. She wanted to have her own design firm, have control of her future, and launch a creative explosion that would make hers a household name.

      “However,” Steve was saying, “We must source that specialty fabric at a much better price to make the investment pay off.” He licked his lower lip in thought, his eyes riveted on the scantily clad model whose image still filled the screen. “I’m thinking that a totally domestic production would be the best option. Save shipping costs and time.”

      “I agree,” Kacey replied, encouraged by the fact that he was leaning toward carrying SunKissed by Kacey in his fourteen Leeman’s stores. All he needed was reassurance that the product would turn a profit.

      “What about manufacturing in Mexico?” Ariana offered.

      With a shift, Kacey smoothed the skirt of her burgundy power suit, crossed her arms and placed them on the table. Leaning toward her coworker, she made a slight grimace of concern. “I checked out a few south-of-the-border plants, but didn’t have much luck. However, there are two manufacturers I’m still looking into.”

      “Kacey,” Steve started, clearing his throat. “I want to be clear. I agreed to take a look at your collection because I think you have a good eye for what women want. You also have a great sense of style and I like your swimsuits very much.”

      Kacey beamed her thanks, but said nothing, holding her breath as Hadley continued.

      “But,” he went on, “I have concerns about the timing. It’s very late into the spring shopping season to introduce a new line of swimwear.”

      “But women buy swimsuits year-round,” Kacey countered, pushing tendrils of highlighted bangs away from her face, now wishing she’d had her spiral curls trimmed during yesterday’s visit to the salon. However, she’d been in a rush to get out of the beauty shop and home to put the finishing touches on today’s presentation, which it seemed, so far, was going pretty well.

      “Exactly,” Ariana, stated, agreeing with Kacey about year-round swimsuit purchases. “Winter cruises to the tropics, heated pools in homes and hotels, hot tubs in private residences. That’s what keeps women buying swimwear through all the seasons. I know we’re getting a late start, Steve, but if we can source the Naughty Net and include the Sheer Double Dip style, I think SunKissed by Kacey could be flying out of our stores in six weeks.”

      “Hmm,” Steve murmured, fingers laced and tented in thought. “Only if we could get fast turnaround on production.” He shifted his body to focus on Ariana. “What about Archer Industries? We’ve worked with them before and always had good results,” he remarked. “What do you think?”

      “Good possibility,” Ariana agreed. “The Archer factory has a reputation for fast turnarounds, high-quality production and cost-effective shipping. They handle quite a few private labels.”

      “Old man Archer came through with that rare Hawaiian print we needed for the menswear line last year,” Steve added.

      “Yeah, and saved us a ton of money, too,” Ariana agreed.

      With a lift of her finger, Kacey joined in. “You’re referring to Archer Industries in Texas, right?”

      “Yes,” Hadley replied. “Rockport. On the Gulf Coast. Not much else is there but the Archer factory. That family has been in business for years. The founder, Leon Archer, is getting on in years, but he runs that shop like a well-oiled machine. He’s a dying breed…a good old-fashioned businessman who takes pride in doing a first class job, no matter how large or small.”

      “I phoned and sent an email to Archer,” Kacey said, eager to let her boss know that she’d already considered the family-owned firm that had done quite a bit of business with Leeman’s over the years. “I just received an email this morning to contact Nona James, the quality control manager. I’m going to call her as soon as we finish here.” Kacey began to gather the papers she’d strewn over the conference table, anxious to return to her office, get on her computer and tie up all the loose ends related to her proposal.

      “Don’t bother with that,” Steve stated. “Mr. Archer deserves a personal call from me. He’s a throwback to the old days…likes to do business with the person in charge. In fact, I’ll call him right now.”

      Kacey watched as Steve reached for his handheld, scrolled through his address book and punched in a number. Within seconds he was talking to Mr. Archer, giving the manufacturer an overview of Kacey’s proposed swimsuit line.

      “Sure, sure,” Steve agreed in an expansive voice after several minutes of conversation. “The designer, Kacey Parker, can come down, meet with you and we’ll go from there.” He turned to Kacey, placing a hand over his phone as he whispered, “He thinks he can do it. And he would like to meet with you at the plant tomorrow afternoon. Go ahead and book a flight to Rockport,” he said before returning his attention to his