Writer's Notes:
'Romancing the Sale' is a rewrite of a story written by Cat5 titled 'Sales Team'. When I read it, it spoke to me and I had to do something, so the story herein is the result.
My original desire was for Cat5 and myself to collaborate on this story, to be co-writers and co-editors, the same I wanted to do with JammyJimmy, but so far, it has not happened. Cat5 created the story and deserves credit because credit is definitely due.
I have not been successful contacting Cat5 through Literotica so if anyone knows how to make contact, please ask Cat5 to contact me and also thank Cat5 for writing the great stories.
Therefore, 'Romancing the Sale' is an unauthorized, reimagined rewrite and sequel to Cat5's story, 'Sales Team'. The storyline in Cat5's story is embedded in this story. All character names have been changed because this is my story.
Anyone who has read 'Sales Team' will identify the characters quickly, starting with my main character, Bill Langley, formerly known as Phil Stockton in Cat5's story.
I do hope you enjoy 'Romancing the Sale'. All characters are 18 years of age or older so let the story begin...
MDSW
Chapter 1 Bill's Life
It's a hot, muggy summer day in Atlanta as Bill Langley slowly walks to his second floor apartment. So far, the morning has gone well. His first sales call has created another client, but he still has two more to complete. His commission check next month may very well be the biggest of his career in Atlanta. He's back at his apartment because he left his much needed mobile phone at home, something he rarely forgets.
It's a relatively new apartment complex with lots of singles and parties. The gym and large pool makes meeting other singles easy. He's glad he decided to splurge and rent the three bedroom model, rationalizing at the time, that one of the bedrooms would be his office and vaguely thought it might be a tax write off. The other room he leaves unfurnished for lack of purpose at this time, but it's there if and when he needs it.
In his first six months at the apartment complex, it's relatively easy for him to get dates because all the single women want to check out the new tenant. However, in his mind, none of them are keepers, so he keeps his options open and continues to party.
Bill stays in shape at the gym and works hard in his sales territory, which pays off both financially and by attracting the attention of the Regional Sales Manager, who has noticed his sales volume, being slightly higher than all other salesman.
Life is good and so far, uncomplicated, but he has a problem that limits his sales efforts, which is a recurring problem for him.
Chapter 2 An Unusual Introduction
Bill is resting his head on the back of the chair with his eyes closed as he daydreams of spending his well earned money. Just as he's about to get off his butt and hit the road again, he hears someone knocking on the door. He pads to the door and opens it, but nobody is there. He hears the knock again and it's coming from two doors away.
There is a woman is standing in front of Karen's door and knocks again. She's about five foot seven with dirty blond hairand she's wearing a somewhat heavy skirt and coat over a blouse. That combination has to be warm in this summer heat. A small, black rolling suitcase stands upright next to her.
He pads to her and says, "Hi."
He gets a good whiff of her fragrance and it's not a pleasant one. She jumps and turns towards him.
"Sorry to startle you. Are you looking for Karen?"
She looks at him before answering. He can clearly see her face now. Along with the dirty blond hair, she has blue eyes, high cheek bones and a pixy nose. Those attractive body parts are marred by the sweat on her face, hair in disarray and needs washing, and a body frame that suggests she's under nourished. She is obviously exhausted, but there is good news.
The girl replies, "I'm a friend of Karen's and came for the weekend to visit her, but she isn't home even though I told her when I would be here."
Bill replies, "I'm also a friend of Karen's and live two doors that way," he says pointing toward his place. "Karen's mom had a heart attack two days ago and she left for Chicago to be with her. I guess she forgot to let you know of her change of plans."
"Oh shit," she whispers.
Selling is Bill's occupation and reading people comes with the job. He looks at this woman's face and sees despair turning into panic. He thought she's seconds away from tears, or worse.
Seeing her dilemma, he blurts out, "I'm Bill Langley. Why don't you come to my place and have a cold drink?"
She stares at his face, but it's obvious what she heard isn't registering. Panic is now winning over despair, along with her eyes becoming glassy.
He gently grabs her arm with one hand, her suitcase with the other and leads her toward his apartment. She doesn't resist.
He sits her at kitchen table, turns the thermostat down to seventy-two and fills a glass with ice and water. She takes the glass and drains it. He refills it and sits across the table from her.
"It's none of my business, but my guess is, you could use a friend right now."
She stares at the table top and nods. The first sign of tears run down her cheeks.
"Hey, my name is Bill, what's yours?"
"Dani Taylor," she mutters.
"Well Dani, things can't be that bad."
She lifts her head and looks at him, her tears highlighting her blue eyes.
She blushes and stammers, finally saying, "I've spent the last five days on four different buses. The only possessions I have are in my suitcase and I used the last of my money to pay for the taxi to get me here. To top it off, I look and feel like shit."
He quickly says, with a smile, "Dani, don't hold back. Just tell me what your more serious issues are."
He sees her first, brief smirk, then it disappears as she lowers her head and stares at the table again.
"Dani, please look at me," Bill says.
She slowly raises her head and looks at him, feeling embarrassed about her situation.
"This is not a good time to make decisions or even talk about your problems. I have a sofa bed in my office. You're going to take the longest, hottest shower of your life, then get some sleep. I'll get you towels and a robe and there is a clean toothbrush and shampoo in the bathroom. By the time you get out of the shower, I'll be gone making some sales calls. I'll wake you when I get back and we'll have dinner here. After dinner and a glass of wine or two, you're going back to bed and sleep until morning. Then we'll talk about your minor problems."
"I can't..."
"Dani, please," he interrupts, "just stand up and follow me."
Like a little kid, she stands and follows him. He points out the office, the bathroom and retrieves the towels and robe from the linen closet.
"Take your shower. I will not be offended if you lock the bathroom door as you are in a strange place with a strange man. When you're through, your bed will be open and made. I'll lock the front door when I leave and I'll wake you at dinner time."
Without a word, she walks into the bathroom and shuts the door, but doesn't lock it. Then she opens the door and walks back to him, speaking without making eye contact.
"Would you allow me to fix a breakfast or lunch while you're gone? I'm starving," she asks.