Sheri watched him sip his beer, slowly digesting his words. He did have a point in not wanting to do the deed in front of a crowd, but could he not see just how inappropriate winning the title looked from a business standpoint?

“You were just at a very public event, one anyone could see. You really think no one else was watching that? You do realize if I decide to walk out of here and leave you to it, I’m putting my own ass on the line, right? As much as I appreciate what you did for me in Colombia, I am not going to put myself in a bad position for you or for anyone. Surely you can understand that.”

“I’m aware of that, yes.”

Sheri continued to watch him, before leaning in a little closer, almost whispering now.

“So, what reassurance do I have that after I leave here that you will make good on your contract? How do I know I won’t be coming home to an uninvited guest of my own in a few days? You know, they have much... worse people than either of us working for them. I don’t want any part of that.”

She rolled her eyes now, the refrigerator swinging open, and another beer making it’s way across the apartment to her hand. The cap popped off of it’s on accord, and rested neatly on the coffee table. Sheri took a long drink, deep in thought.

“I’m not saying that I don’t trust you, or that I don’t think you are a man of your word, but I am going to need something a little more reassuring than ‘I’m workin’ on it’ before I get up and leave you alone to admire your shiny new title there.”