Closing The Deal 14

Closing the Deal

The negotiation had gone on all afternoon. Three companies were involved, each represented by a senior executive and a lawyer. A collaboration to bring an innovative medical device to the market was being discussed. Megan Davis was the only woman in the room. As a divisional VP for Marketing for Apex Technologies, a Fortune 500 company, she was also the most nationally prominent business executive present. A single mom with a teenage daughter, she had developed a reputation for combining her shrewd insights in feminine consumer products marketing with poise, charm and grace. She was also drop-dead gorgeous with a nice figure.

The lawyer working for Megan was Matt Davis, a younger lawyer from Knight & Mourning, a large nationally prominent Intellectual Property law firm. The staffing arrangement had been recently suggested by the General Counsel for Apex because of Matt's expertise in Intellectual Property, coupled with a deep background in FDA regulation of medical devices. Megan had met Matt briefly for the first time just before the negotiation. The purpose was to go over strategy and business points. Megan wanted Matt to understand not only the importance of the project to Apex but to her personally. This project was known internally to be the first corporate step in a new strategic direction. To Megan the implications were clear. If she pulled off this project, it was likely to lead to a ticket to corporate VP status for her.

Matt made a favorable impression on Megan based on his grasp of the issues and general demeanor. He also presented himself well. He was clearly a young lawyer, still building his career and credentials. But he was very self-assured, carrying himself with great confidence. Although she was not good at guessing ages, Megan guessed that he was probably a good 6 or 7 years younger than she was.

She apologized to Matt for pulling him away from his family on short notice, only to learn that there was no family, explaining that he was still at the stage of his career where unpredictable long hours and frequent weekend work made him not very compatible with family life. He was certainly attractive, clean cut, tall, with a muscular athletic build and a warm smile.

After several hours of back and forth, the final sticking point in the negotiation concerned control of the process of notifying FDA in the event that something went wrong...an injury to a patient, a manufacturing defect or recall, anything that might damage the reputation of the product in the market. The meeting had been going on all afternoon but was now hung up on control of the FDA communication issue. Literally, everyone in the room but Matt had spoken passionately about their own need to control the process. Matt had remained silent.

Finally, the lawyer for the patent owner and prospective licensor laid down an ultimatum. His position was simple. A very important revenue stream for his client was at risk. They

must

control the process. This would be a deal-breaker issue. Megan had a sinking feeling in her gut.

Matt responded to the opposing lawyer calmly, with a carefully worded, non-dramatic statement. "I understand your concerns. But this is not something we can compromise on. Adverse reaction reports with FDA happen every day. Recalls happen to even the biggest companies. The Food Drug and Cosmetic Act has both potential civil and criminal consequences. While we understand the need for collaboration and good communication, I think we realistically need to look at who has the most to lose. With all due respect, Mr. Johnson, if the product were to be recalled or subject to some adverse regulatory action tomorrow it would not make page 17 of the Wall Street Journal. But with the involvement of Apex. With Apex in the deal, it goes at least to page 2. Apex is publicly traded. Newsworthy. With all due respect, you are not in the same place. You certainly can walk away from this deal, but there is no one better positioned to make this project a commercial success than Apex. This is a deal-breaker for us. It's up to you."

Megan controlled her facial expression. This was not a position they had discussed. At the same time, she saw that Matt's logic had impacted on all of the men in the room.

Philip Powers, the attorney for the prospective contract manufacturer interjected. "I want to suggest that we caucus privately and reconvene in 10 minutes." The suggestion was quickly agreed to and the parties caucused in separate breakout rooms. Once alone with Matt, Megan spoke, "I think what you said was brilliant, but I need to point out that we didn't discuss making this a deal-breaker issue."

"I understand. Let's see how it goes. I can find a way to reopen if we need to. But what I said is completely true. Trust me. I know exactly what you need." Megan looked at his ringless left hand and wondered whether what he said about knowing exactly what she needed could possibly be true.

Back in the conference room, Philip Powers spoke first. "I think we understand the reputational risks. I think if we can work out some notice and cooperation language. We can let Apex take the lead."

Megan broke into a broad smile. "I sense a conceptual handshake here. Can we leave it to the lawyers to work out the details?"

All heads nodded in agreement.

"Great. I suggest we let the lawyers talk and get us ready to sign something."

The patent owner quickly chimed in, "I agree. Megan can I interest you in a celebration of our handshake in the bar?"

"I would love to, but I have to turn my attention to an important call that I will need to take in my room regarding a product we are importing from France."

"I understand. But thank you. As a point of information, we all feel very comfortable with Matt taking the lead in the future should we need to communicate with FDA."

"Great news. With that I will retire. Matt, I will be making my call regarding the French import on the hotel phone. Please give me a call or text me on my cell when you wrap-up. I will break-off if I need to."

"Will do."

About an hour later Matt called Megan on her cell phone. "I think we are wrapped up on details."

"Great. Do you have time for a de-brief? I need to stay in my room to receive another call. Can you come here?"

"Sure. When?"

"Whenever it's convenient."

"Now?"

"Absolutely! Suite 1101."

A few minutes later Megan answered the knock on her door wearing a short black silk robe. Matt paused when the door opened. "Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want me to come back later?"

"No. Don't be silly. Come in."

"But I see that I have not given you enough time to dress. I don't want you to be uncomfortable. I can come back."

"There is no need. I am completely comfortable." They walked into her suite where a bucket of champaign was evident on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

" Let me be clear. I did not want to 'celebrate' with our future business partners. I wanted to privately 'de-brief' with you. The call regarding a French import was actually to room service. I ordered French champaign so we could celebrate. Will you do the honors?"

Matt was knocked back. "Yes, certainly." He opened the champaign and poured.

"So you think we have a deal?"

"Yes, absolutely." Glasses clinked, followed by the first swallows of champaign.

"Great! Have a seat on the sofa and let's talk. Matt, tell me why did you think I might be uncomfortable to meeting you dressed in my robe? My robe is very comfortable."

"I'm sure it is. But, I would have guessed that you wanted to be more...dressed."

"Matt, do I make you uncomfortable because I am dressed in my robe?" Matt blushed.

"Not uncomfortable. I just don't want to embarrass myself."

"How would you embarrass yourself. I don't understand."

Matt paused. "If I let my mind wander and started to imagine what you might be wearing under that robe, I might start to drool. That would be embarrassing."

Megan smiled. "That's adorable. If you promise to drool I might be persuaded to undo the belt. But you are also being very presumptuous. Who said I was wearing anything under my robe?" She unfastened the belt.

Matt was incredulous, but not disinterested. As Megan's robe loosened it became increasingly evident that although she was strategically 'covered' were no other garments under the robe.

"Matt, I want to let you know that I appreciate you taking charge today. I want to express my very deep appreciation. And I want to work with you in the future. Closely. Very closely! I want you to understand that this is not usual behavior for me. In fact, it has been more than four years since I have been intimate with a man. I am just not used to having a smart handsome man being protective of me. But I like it a lot."

"Megan, I did not expect this. I do not have a condom with me."

Megan winced. "Now, I am embarrassed. Thank you for protecting me...again. In my sexual fantasies the man never stops to put on a condom. I just got carried away with the idea that you were the man I have been waiting for." Megan was distraught. "I have just failed 'Hook-up 101', big time."

Matt recognized Megan's distress and took her into his arms. "Megan, don't get me wrong. I would like to have sex with you. Big time. But when it's safe for you. I do not want to pass on the opportunity to sleep with you tonight. And I am confident that we will get to the main event, but you have to be safe. I have an idea. Do you want to know what it is?"

"Oh, yes!"

"What if we get naked and go to bed with the agreement that, for tonight, the finale will be completely oral. You can't get pregnant that way."

"You mean sixty-nine?"

"Well, that is certainly one possibility, but I would prefer 6...and then 9...and then 6 again...and then 9 again. You get the idea."

"I do. And I like that idea a lot. What do we do now?"

"Let's go the bedroom and get into the details."

The couple walked hand in hand to the bedroom. "This is not fair. I am almost naked and you have all your clothes on."

"We can fix that!"

Matt's clothes disappeared swiftly until only his boxers remained.

"Now it's time to really 'de-brief'!" Megan put her fingers in the waistband of Matt's boxers and they came down in one swift motion. Megan's robe was next, falling to the floor.

There was no hesitation or reluctance on Megan's part. Matt's erection was in her mouth in the next second. After a few enthusiastic moments she paused, "Is there any place you have to be before breakfast tomorrow morning?"

"No."

"Then we have all the rest of the night to get to know each other?"

"Absolutely, yes!"

"Good, because this is what I want now. And I will want more later. Let's get in bed." Megan quickly resumed her attention to his manhood.

"But maybe I wanted to be first."

"Get over it! I am a very bossy woman."

*****

Megan was both skillful and enthusiastic. Matt did his best to hold back but the pure eroticism of seeing Megan's beautiful naked body joyfully making love to his manhood was quickly overwhelming him. "I'm going to cum!" Megan picked up the pace, her head bobbing even more rapidly until he cried out, releasing his hot seed into her mouth.

It was several minutes before Matt could speak. "Wow! That was so intense, amazing. I could not hold back."

Megan was beaming. "I didn't want you to. That was perfect."

"I wasn't sure how you feel about me cumming in your mouth. I felt like I had to warn you."

"It was exactly what I wanted...and I love that that you were concerned about me...that made me want it more."

"Okay. Can we agree that in the 6...9...6...9 rotation that what just happened was '6' and what is up next '9'?"

"I agree. But I also have to say that sometimes a '6' is not a '6' it's a '10'. That was a '10' in my book."

"I agree. I just wanted to last longer so I could enjoy it even longer. I will do better next time."

"Oh, I fully plan to give you more chances, but I don't think you can get better than a '10'."

"We'll see. So, I will acknowledge that in what just happened Ms. Bossy was completely in charge. Now, we are moving into the '9' phase. And, while in the 9 phase, I will be charge. Agreed?"

"Oh, yes! How do you want me? Should I swing around so that my feet are on the pillow?"

"No. What is important is that this has to be oral...every thing else is secondary. What I want is for you to put your head on the pillow next to mine...then await further instructions."

After Megan scooted up in the bed, Matt put one hand on the side of her face, his fingers touching and holding the side of her face and throat. "I want to make out with you." Megan closed her eyes and surrendered her mouth. By the time that the first kiss ended, both arms were around Matt's neck. The second kiss was just like the first, but even more intimate. Tongues barely touching, each promising the other sensual pleasures not describable with mere words.

In a moment his mouth was on her left ear lobe, then her neck and then lower to her breast, kissing, licking and gently sucking. Megan arched her back, maximizing the contact, her fingers in his hair, cradling his head. Then his mouth was back on hers, his tongue teasing and dancing with hers. His right hand replaced his mouth on her left breast, kneading gently. Megan moaned softly.

His mouth went to her left ear, whispering a single word, "Seven." Megan was momentarily confused, a confusion that quickly became irrelevant because his mouth was now paying sensual homage to her right breast. "Ohhh!" A few moments later she became aware that both breasts were in his hands, his mouth moving from one to the other and back. She was literally squirming in a sensory overload. Then her face was in his hands, his mouth on hers, his tongue just touching the inside of her lips in slow circles. She moaned softly again, her tongue seeking his, inviting him to be deeper, more inside her.

"Eight," he whispered in her ear, then slid down to take her left nipple into his mouth, sucking softly, then moving to the other breast, repeating the process.

"Now! I need you now!"

Matt seemed unmoved, continuing to be attentive to her breasts. When he was finally content he started a new virtual ski-trail, tracing his tongue from the peak of Mt. Boobie to Bellybutton Flats, then tracing back, this time to the twin summit. Then back again to Bellybutton Flats.

"Please!"

Then the mini ski-trail broke new ground. Starting from Bellybutton Flats headed south to Venus Valley bellow. But it was not a straight direct trail; it was exploratory, seemingly exploring both sides of Venus Valley. Squirming was no longer adequate to describe Megan's movements. Matt had no choice, to achieve his objective he placed his hands on the insides of her legs, just above her knees and used his strength to hold her legs open, giving him the complete access he wanted.

A few moments later it seemed like there was a high-voltage lightning strike somewhere nearby followed by vibration strong enough to shake the room. He paused while the storm passed, then he resumed. Later, in retrospect, The lightening strike seemed pale compared with the earthquake that followed quickly. Clearly, the earth had trembled beneath them. There could be no other explanation for the bed shaking like that. Had to be an earthquake. Right?

Matt resumed. And then a volcano erupted beneath him, spumes of fire erupting with only short intervals in between. There was nothing to do but to hold Megan tightly.

"Oh My God! What just happened? Did I dream that?"

"If you did, we dreamed it together."

"I don't know where I am, but I have never been here, or any place close to here, in my life."

"It's really okay. I promise."

"Matt, I know we had a deal. But I wanted you to break the deal. I wanted...no, more than wanted, I needed to feel you inside me. Not just your tongue. You! I was ready to take the chance, to jump on top of you. But you were too strong...but then...I have never felt anything like that in my life."

Matt smiled. "I have reason to believe that there is more of where that came from."

"But I might explode!"

"Or me."

"Megan, if you were that close to taking a chance maybe I should go out now to find a drug store and get some condoms."

"Oh no you don't! I don't want you to leave this bed. Stay right where you are. I'll try to be good. I do want to ask you a question, though. Why did you say "seven" and then "eight" while we were making out?"

"Well we had agreed that we were going from 6 to 9. Right? So my first stop was at 6, to express my appreciation to your mouth. On the way from 6 to 9 there are two beautiful points of interest. If I remember my math correctly those would be seven and eight, I just wanted you to know that I was making progress towards 9 even if I was taking in the points of interest."

Megan laughed. "You just keep your hands right where they are, on 7 and 8. You can't go wrong there. Do you want to make out some more?"

"I do, but are you ready? That was pretty intense."

"Matt, I have been ready for you my whole life. Now it's my turn to express appreciation." With that Megan rolled Matt onto his back and straddled his chest. Matt could feel the wetness of her core pressed tightly against his abdomen, the sweet musky smell of arousal filling the air. The kiss that followed was beyond sensual. And though Megan was astride Matt, it was her mouth that was yielding, promising sensory delight and inviting penetration. Matt felt the beginnings of his arousal. He carefully broke off the kiss and rolled Megan on her side.

"Without birth control, having you on top is too risky."

"You are protecting me again!"

"How could I not?"

The kiss that followed was intimate, but brief. When it concluded Megan smiled and said "Nine." Then moving her mouth down and across his chest. "Eight, seven, and now six!" Megan established her position kneeling between his legs, inhaling his reviving manhood and making love, her eyes locked on his. Her love making was not urgent. In fact it was opposite. Slow and sensual. At some point Matt became aware that she was coating him with saliva. The purpose became quickly apparent when she adjusted her position, placing his man part between her breasts and then moving them sensuously against him. Matt's arousal was now full and complete. She returned her mouth to the scene of the action with a huge smile on her face. He could feel the distinct and varying pressures of lips, tongue, cheeks and throat as she explored his full length.

"That is so good! Amazing! But as good as it is, if you were on the pill this blow-job would be over now and I would be on top of you. You are making me crazy!"

Megan smiled, "And you are making me very wet."

"Show me." Megan moved her lower body into a classic '69' position and opened her legs. His oral attention to her need was immediate, as were her responses. A few minutes later Matt exploded into Megan's eager mouth, draining him of all strength and rendering him incapable of speech. When he could begin to function he adjusted his position so that he was face to face with Megan, his arms around her. He kissed her mouth gently. She smiled, "Is there any champaign left? I think we have more to celebrate."

*****