Strategic Seduction

by Cheris Hodges

  “Why not? This is going to be beautiful. Just try it on and see.”

  Alicia looked down at the dress and wondered if she should take the fashion risk. She normally stuck to dark and muted colors. Plain and simple.

  “Girl, what are you waiting for?” Marie asked. “Try it on.”

  Alicia took the dress and headed for the fitting room. When she put the ivory dress on, she felt as if she was glowing.

  “So, let’s see it,” Marie said. Alicia walked out of the fitting room with a smile on her face.

  “What do you think?”

  “You look good. I totally missed my calling.” Marie turned to the shopkeeper. “I could be a professional shopper.”

  “I thought you already were,” Alicia quipped. “I’m going to change.”

  After the ladies finished shopping, Alicia was happy to be back in Richmond’s arms again in the hotel. Richmond stroked her hair as they cuddled in silence. They’d both had a busy day. He’d gotten a lot of research done on boutique hotels and what makes them successful. He knew that with Devon’s recipes and the tips he’d gotten from a couple of managers from two popular hotels, he was in a great position for success.

  “How much longer do we get to stay on our pretend business trip?” she asked.

  “I wish I could say as long as we want, but we’d better get our heads back in the game. I’m sure Solomon and Adrian are waiting for reports on what’s going on in Atlanta.”

  “Atlanta,” she said. “Not really missing that place right now.”

  “It’s hard to miss Atlanta when you’re in Paris. But there is work to do. Now that I have an idea of what I want the hotel to look and feel like, I’m ready to get busy on my vision.”

  “So, things go back to normal tomorrow?”

  Richmond nodded. “Afraid so. But at least we have tonight and an eight-hour flight.”

  “Then back to the grindstone,” she said. “I guess I should check in on my other clients and line up some meetings and—”

  “Not today. Today is all about me and you. And I know what I want to do right now.”

  “And what would that be?” she asked, though she felt his growing desire.

  After making slow love, Alicia and Richmond showered and dressed for Devon’s dinner party. When she walked into the sitting room in her new ivory dress, Richmond let out a low whistle.

  “We’re not going anywhere. Damn, you look amazing. I don’t want to share you with the rest of the world.”

  “You really don’t have a choice, because shopping with Marie Charles is an Olympic sport and I’m showing off my find. This dress is my gold medal.”

  “I know another place where I can’t wait to see that dress,” he said as he drew her into his arms.

  “Where would that be?”

  “On the floor or the foot of the bed. Let’s go before that happens sooner, rather than later.”

  Alicia had no problem leaving, because she wasn’t above being talked into another dance between the sheets. They hopped into the black car waiting for them downstairs and rode to Marie and Devon’s event. Alicia stroked Richmond’s cheek and smiled. “I see why so many people are in love with Paris,” she said. “It’s such a magical city.”

  “It’s only as magic as the person you’re sharing the trip with. So, being here with you has been something more than magical.”

  “Is that so?”

  “There’s not a word to describe it. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.”

  “So, we’re an us now?”

  Richmond shook his head. “We’re beyond an us. You’re mine, Alicia.”

  “Richmond, this is happening really fast and right now—in Paris—everything is so . . .”

  “Everything is leading toward our future together. We’re not going to forget what this trip meant to us and what we mean to each other when we return to Atlanta. I’ve never met a woman like you before in my life. And I know one thing for sure, you’re not the kind of woman a man places on a shelf. You made me feel things that I’d given up on feeling for years. So, going back to Atlanta means that we’re going to be mixing business with pleasure and a lot more. Are you ready for that?”

  She nodded, unable to form the words to tell him how she felt. About her fears, her hopes and desires. Alicia didn’t want to be hurt again and she didn’t want to believe that she’d fallen for a trip romance that would make her forget that she said she would never put herself out there to fall in love again. While she didn’t love him right now, in five minutes she couldn’t say that wouldn’t be the case.

  “I guess I better get used to this,” she said. “A man of his word.”

  “That’s right. I’m all yours, Alicia. All yours.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that, because I don’t share.”

  He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek as the car pulled up to the restaurant. “We got this.”

  Alicia should’ve known that Devon’s dinner party wasn’t going to be a low-key event. But she hadn’t expected a red carpet, camera crews, and microphones. “This has Marie written all over it,” she whispered to Richmond as they walked the carpet.

  “She’s a force of nature. Reminds me of you,” he said.

  Alicia laughed. “That’s a first. Marie is the life of the party; I’m the person working on the spreadsheet behind the scenes.”

  “I used to be that guy,” Richmond said. “You got to do more relaxing.”

  “That’s the main thing I’ve gotten out of this trip, that relaxing with you can be a lot of fun.”

  “You haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until you see what we can do in the wine cellar. And I have to get a couple of bottles to add to the collection,” he said.

  “I can’t wait to raid your wine collection,” she quipped.

  “That comes with a price,” he said with a wink.

  “We’ll start with dinner and move from there.” Alicia squeezed his hand. They started for the entrance and a photographer touched Alicia’s elbow.

  “Kiara Kabukuru? You look amazing,” the photographer said with a smile.

  “I’m sorry?” Alicia said.

  “Aren’t you Kiara Kabukuru?”

  She shook her head as Richmond ushered her inside. “That was weird,” she said.

  “Who is Kiara Kabukuru?”

  Alicia pulled out her cell phone and Googled the woman’s name. Alicia was floored. “She’s a supermodel.” She turned the phone around and showed it to Richmond.

  “She has nothing on you, though. She’s all right, but you’re amazing. With more curves.” He kissed her on the forehead.

  “Hey!” Marie said when she spotted Richmond and Alicia. “Glad to see you made it.” She hugged Richmond, then gave Alicia a kiss on the cheek. “I knew that dress was going to look amazing on you. Beautiful.”

  “Thanks,” she said, and spun around.

  “Well, come on. You two have a seat with me at the chef’s table, and these appetizers are amazing.”

  “I bet they are,” Richmond said. “I wish I’d had a chance to taste more of Devon’s recipes.”

  “Then you better stick with Alicia, because she and her friends can’t cook and my husband keeps them fed,” Marie said with a smile.

  “That he does,” Alicia said. She glanced at Devon as he worked the room, making sure his guests enjoyed the food. Alicia couldn’t help but think about how an event like this would be amazing for the restaurant or for one of the hotel openings.

  “You’re thinking about work, aren’t you?” Richmond asked as he held a mushroom cap out to her.

  Alicia took the cap from his fingers. “How did you know?”

  “I can read your mind. Nah, I was thinking that an event like this would go over well in Atlanta.”

  “Great minds,” she said with a smile.

  “We can talk about this when we get to Atlanta. Tonight we’re just going to enjoy the party and the Paris night.” He reached out and wiped a spot
of cheese from her bottom lip. “All we need to discuss tonight is slipping that dress off your gorgeous body.”

  Shivers of desire ran up and down her spine. “Would it be rude if we left right now?”

  “Umm, yes!” Marie said, reminding them that she was still within earshot. “But I do understand. Just tell Devon hello and goodbye before you leave.”

  Alicia bumped her hip into Richmond’s. “We can stay a little while longer,” she said. “Trust me, it will be worth the wait.”

  He kissed her cheek. “I know that. But how long do I have to wait?”

  Chapter 16

  Richmond knew one thing for certain as he danced with Alicia: If he ever got married again, she would be the woman that he married.

  He needed this woman like his lungs needed air. Even if he wasn’t in love at this moment, he was falling faster than a snowball melting in July. Spinning her around, Richmond closed his eyes and saw them doing these moves at their wedding reception. Slow down, he thought as they swayed back and forth.

  “You have some moves, Crawford,” she said as the song ended.

  “Remember, I took ballroom dance lessons.”

  Alicia nodded and leaned in closer to him. “Yeah, I remember you told me that. Your instructor should be proud.”

  Richmond nodded. “It was fun for a while, then I realized I needed a real partner. If you’re game, we can take it up again back in Atlanta. It’s a great stress reliever.”

  “There are just so many layers to you,” she said as they headed back to the table.

  “And that’s a good thing, right?”

  She smiled. “Of course.”

  “When are you going to let me see everything that makes up Alicia?” He reached out and stroked her cheek.

  Alicia turned her head away and grew silent for a moment.

  “We should get some wine,” she said.

  “What was that pivot all about?” he asked, taking her chin between his index finger and thumb. “Alicia . . .”

  “Richmond,” she said. “Let’s get the wine and go.”

  “Are you all right?”

  She nodded. But what she didn’t say was that he might not like what was underneath. She didn’t want to think about how this romance wasn’t going to last. She patted the back of his hand and smiled. We’ll always have Paris, she thought, then leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Red or white?” he asked.

  “Surprise me.”

  As Richmond walked over to the bar, Marie crossed over to Alicia. “I’m going to be expecting my wedding invitation soon,” she said as she took the seat that Richmond had vacated.

  “You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”

  Marie rolled her eyes. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you and how you look back at him.”

  “It’s just because we’re in the most romantic city in the world. I’m not trying to get too caught up in these moments.”

  “Stop being so damn practical. Girl, let go and let that man love you. Then you can love him back.”

  Alicia looked at the bar and caught Richmond’s glance. She smiled, thinking about what Marie said. Maybe it was time for her to let go and allow herself to fall for him. He wasn’t Felix and she wasn’t a naïve college student anymore. It was time for her to fall in love.

  “I’m going to go and talk my husband into leaving,” Marie said as she rose to her feet. “If you need help planning that bachelorette party, you know I’m still your girl.”

  Alicia stood up and gave her friend a hug. “You’re too much, still,” she said.

  “I try,” Marie replied, then sauntered away.

  Richmond returned to the table with two glasses of merlot. “I’m definitely going to have to get a bottle of this for the collection.”

  Alicia took her glass and sipped the wine slowly. “This is good.”

  “Let’s see.” Richmond set his glass aside, then leaned into Alicia. In a quick motion, he captured her lips in a hot kiss. The sweetness of her mouth mixed with the bite of the wine sent his hormones into overdrive. Realizing that another moment of kissing her would probably lead to him ripping her clothes off at the table, Richmond broke the kiss. “Very good.”

  “You’re a hot mess. But the merlot tastes good on you too.”

  “Why don’t we get out of here and have a nightcap?”

  She rose to her feet and extended her hand to him. “Let’s go.”

  Richmond took her hand in his and kissed it. “I can’t wait to see that dress on the floor,” he whispered as they headed for the exit.

  Atlanta, Georgia

  Vivian was hot and tired. But more than anything she was pissed off. How had Richmond disappeared in a city like Atlanta? She’d found his office building, but not him. It had been three days and nothing. Alicia was just as much of a ghost. She hadn’t returned any of Vivian’s messages, and that made her wonder what kind of businesswoman she really was.

  “They have to be together,” she muttered as she walked into the W hotel bar. Taking a seat, she waved for a bartender. When no one came immediately, she was pissed. Then she remembered, she wasn’t in New York and these country bumpkins had no idea who she was.

  “Hello, what can I get for you?” the bartender asked when she finally crossed over to Vivian.

  “A Manhattan and a menu.”

  “All right, I’ll bring you your drink and a menu. Our special today is roasted shrimp and grits.”

  Vivian rolled her eyes. She wasn’t interested in eating anything, she just wanted to punch Richmond in his face until she got the money she wanted. Glancing at her watch, she wondered if she would be able to get Richmond to give her what she wanted with the threat of blackmail, or if she would actually have to follow through on her threats.

  Pulling her phone out, she started to dial Richmond again. Then a man walked over to her and sat down as if he’d been invited.

  “If he’s not here, he’s not worth your time,” the man said. Vivian looked up at him, a Boris Kodjoe look-alike with a sexy gleam in his eye. A man like this in New York was probably an actor with no money; in Atlanta, he probably owned a business.

  “He’s my ex-husband and we have business,” she said.

  “I’m sorry to hear that he’s keeping you waiting, but glad to know you’re waiting for an ex. I’m Felix Thompson.” He took Vivian’s hand in his and kissed it.

  She was impressed. Southern hospitality had its charm, and Felix was fine. “Vivian,” she said.

  “Would you like to join me for lunch? I’m celebrating the last day of school, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than dining with a beautiful woman.”

  “You guys sure lay it on thick here in the South.” Vivian looked at this man and realized two things: She was either going to have a good lunch or good afternoon delight. His lips, his eyes, and his hands seemed to be calling out to her body.

  “That’s what makes the South so special,” Felix said. “So let me guess, you’re new to the city and you’re looking for something adventurous?”

  “I’m just trying to take care of my business and get back to New York. I’m not a big fan of being in the South. I’m sorry. Atlanta’s nice, but I love New York—as cliché as that may sound.”

  “Bet I could change your mind,” Felix said.

  “That’s a bet that you will lose,” Vivian replied. “And I’m not willing to go there with you right now, but please tell me there’s something other than grits that Atlanta has to offer, because I haven’t had a good meal since I’ve been here.”

  “What do you have against grits?” Felix asked with a smile. “One of the delicacies of the South.”

  “You all can have that. Just give me some jasmine rice and veggies.”

  “It’s that simple?” Felix asked. “I know the perfect thing we can have for lunch. Even the New Yorker will enjoy it.”

  “I hear you talking.” Vivian smiled as the bartender brought over her drink.

  The woman tu
rned to Felix and smiled. “Can I get you something?” she asked.

  “I’ll have what she’s having,” he said, then squeezed Vivian’s knee.

  The bartender nodded and started making the drink.

  Felix turned to Vivian as she sipped her drink. “What are you having?” he asked.

  “A Manhattan.”

  “You’re so New York. Whatever did your ex do to get you to come down South?”

  “Well,” she said as she set her drink aside. “He pretty much came down here and forgot that he had responsibilities in New York. Then I get here and it’s as if he’s disappeared. It’s frustrating.”

  “Who is this guy?”

  Vivian rolled her eyes and picked up her glass. “I doubt you know him. He’s new to the city.”

  “Try me. I keep my finger on the pulse of what goes on in Atlanta.”

  “Richmond Crawford,” she said, then took a big swig of her drink.

  Felix shook his head. “See, I do know him, and seeing you confirms what I think of him.”

  She raised her eyebrow as she took another sip of her drink. “And that is?”

  “He’s not as smart as he wants everyone to think he is. How could he let you become his ex?”

  “It was for the best,” she said. “Trust me.”

  “Well, he hasn’t rebounded well. I’ve seen his so-called replacement.”

  “Alicia Michaels, right?” Vivian shook her head and downed the rest of her drink. “It’s funny because they probably have been having an affair for years. That’s why he needs to pay. I’m not going to be made a fool of.”

  “Sounds like you’re not the kind of woman someone wants to cross.”

  Vivian nodded. “That’s right. I’m from New York and we don’t play that shit.”

  “Maybe I can help you out.”

  “And why would you do that? Don’t tell me it’s because it’s the Southern thing to do.”

  “How about, I met your ex and I don’t like him. It’s just that simple.”

  Before Vivian could respond, the bartender returned with Felix’s drink.

  “So, what did Richmond do to draw your ire?”

  Felix took a sip of his cocktail. “Let’s just say I don’t like to be played for a fool, and your ex tried me.”