This Christmas Rivalry

by Beverly Jenkins

  “That was one of the players,” Tasha volunteered.

  “Nice guy.”

  At the door Sammy King and the cold-eyed Donnie Ware stood waiting. Donnie looked over her head. Sammy at least smiled. “Welcome back, Ms. Bloom.”

  “Thanks.”

  He gave Monty the once-over, which Monty met with an icily raised eyebrow. Taking that as his cue, Sammy opened the door. “Enjoy your evening, folks.”

  Inside, the melodic sound of a jazz flute filled their ears. As Monty glanced around, Tasha saw the smile on his face. “Nice, huh?” she called.

  “Very nice, and that flute is jamming.”

  Just as soon as they took up a spot at the back of the line that stretched to the hostess station, Hazel walked up wearing a smile as plastic as the one she’d shown Tasha last night. “Good evening, Ms. Bloom. Good to see you again.”

  “Hi, Hazel. This is my good friend Monty Taxton.”

  “Pleased to meet you,” Monty said smoothly. Although Tasha was immune to Monty’s international charm, the rest of the female population on the planet was not, and when he turned that café-au-lait smile Hazel’s way, her issues with Tasha seemed to take a backseat.

  The woman actually tittered like a middle schooler. “Nice to meet you, too.”

  Tasha rolled her eyes.

  “Do you have a preference for seating, Mr. Taxton?”

  Tasha wondered when she’d become invisible.

  “Call me, Monty, and no. First time here, so I’ll let you be my guide.”

  “This way, please.”

  She led them upstairs to the balcony and Tasha swore there was a whole lot more swing in the woman’s behind than was necessary. Monty glanced over at Tasha and grinned. She cut him a quelling look but knew it would be ignored. He loved women and he was just getting started.

  The table was the same one Tasha shared with Drew last night. The house lights were dimmed but the musicians on stage were highlighted by a blue spotlight that added to the club’s atmosphere. She and Monty took their seats just as the musicians announced a break. The house lights came up and the music was replaced by the buzz of the crowd.

  “Can I get you a drink?” Hazel asked.

  They gave her their orders. “I’ll be right back,” she said, smiling down at Monty.

  As she hurried off, Tasha picked up her menu and chuckled.

  “You have a problem, Ms. Bloom?” Monty asked.

  “Nope, not me. I’m used to having to step over the fainting women when you’re around.”

  “Hater.”

  “You wish.”

  “Speaking of wishes. Here comes your quarterback.”

  Tasha forced herself not to watch his approach.

  “Oh, you’re not going to check him out?”

  “I’m reading the menu.”

  “Don’t want to act like there’s a ring in your nose. I understand.”

  She kicked him beneath the table.

  “Ow!”

  When Drew reached the table, Tasha smiled up innocently. “Hi, Drew.”

  “Tash. Taxton,” he added with a nod of greeting. “How are you two?”

  “Crippled,” Monty groused.

  The puzzled look on Drew’s face made Tasha say, “Don’t pay him any attention. He likes being dramatic. How are you?”

  “I’m good. Glad you made it.”

  Tasha was, too, and was doing her best to keep her eyes focused on his eyes and not on the mouth she was anticipating kissing.

  “Hazel’s bringing your drinks?”

  “Yes.”

  Monty gestured. “Join us, please.”

  “I will in a minute. Need to greet some people first. Enjoy yourselves. I’ll be back in a bit.”

  He departed and Tasha took in his walk with an appreciative sigh.

  “You’re drooling, Ms. Bloom, or should I say, Tash.”

  “I’m leaving you at home next time.”

  With the lights up, they were able to see the faces of the people in the crowd. At a table nearby sat three elegantly dressed women. They were checking out Monty, who was checking them out in turn.

  “Can you at least wait for Hazel to bring your drink before you start sharing yourself with the populace?”

  “Carpe diem, sweet thing.”

  Hazel walked up on the heels of that. She set the drinks down with a smile. “Sorry for the delay. We’re really busy. Are you ready to order?”

  Monty replied, “How about giving us a minute?”

  “Sure.”

  But she didn’t move.

  Tasha sipped her drink and shook her head with amusement.

  Monty asked gently, “Um, Hazel? How about coming back in a few minutes?”

  “Oh, sure,” she replied hastily, but her disappointment at not being able to remain and bask in the sunshine of Montgomery David Taxton the Third was obvious as she left them alone.

  “One of these days you are going to pay for cutting through women like Hurricane Ike.”

  “Moi?”

  “Oui, mon ami, vous.”

  “Nah. They love me. But I think I’m going to play over there, if you don’t mind.” The women at the table were sending him all kinds of come-hither looks.

  “Okay, but don’t be mad if Ms. Hazel slips rat poison in your food as payback.”

  “I’ll take my chances.”

  “Bye.”

  It wasn’t the first time he’d taken her to dinner only to leave her behind for greener pastures, so she wasn’t offended in the least. It was Monty being Monty. One more reason why she preferred to call him friend rather than lover.

  A short moment later, one of the women from his new table came over to where Tash was seated and said, “Hi. I’m Lexie. Can I talk to you a minute?”

  “Sure.”

  “The guy who just joined me and my friends, he said you two weren’t, like—a couple.”

  “No. We’re family.”

  “So, you don’t mind him hanging with us?”

  “Nope. Not at all.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes, and thanks for asking.”

  The young woman smiled. “You’re welcome. Just didn’t want any drama.”

  “Understandable. Nice meeting you.”

  She nodded in parting and returned to her table with Monty and her friends.

  The house lights dimmed. The musicians took the stage and the soft glow from the lit tea lights inside the beautiful glass globes in the center of the tables bathed the room.

  The flutist opened with a cover of a tune by Minnie Riperton, and the notes from his silver instrument rose and fell with the club’s excellent acoustics.

  “Can I join you?”

  Even with the dim lighting shrouding his features the sight of Drew Davis standing beside her table made her heart skip. “Sure.”

  He sat, then leaned over to ask above the sound of the music, “Where’s Taxton?”

  She pointed. “Mingling.”

  He swung around and took in Monty and the women. “You’re not upset?”

  “No. He likes women like a little kid likes pizza. I’m used to it.”

  “It’s rude.”

  “No, it’s Monty.” Because he seemed upset by Monty’s desertion, she tried to reassure him. “I’m okay. Really.”

  “Is he coming back?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Then I’ll drive you home.”

  Her heart skipped again. The idea of cozying up next to him for the ride home made her hope Monty stayed away until the snow fell. “I’ll text him and let him know.”

  “Have you ordered dinner?”

  “Not yet. Hazel said you were very busy,
so I’m still waiting.”

  “Then come, let’s go get you something to eat.”

  Tasha had no idea where he was taking her, but she grabbed her clutch and shawl. After giving Monty a wave and getting a thumbs-up from him in reply, she let Drew be her escort.

  On the stairs, they ran into Hazel, who upon seeing them together didn’t bother hiding her irritation. “You two going somewhere?”

  “Just out back for a minute.” If he was picking up on Hazel’s disapproval, he didn’t allow it to show. Instead, he had a question for Tasha. “What would you like to eat?”

  “Just a burger and some fries will be fine.”

  He ordered the same and instructed Hazel, “Have it brought to my office when it’s ready.”

  She responded with a terse nod while he added, “Oh, and her friend Taxton has switched tables but keep him on my bill.”

  Hazel’s eyes brushed Tasha’s again, making her wonder if the manager would reveal what was on her mind, but her next words were directed at her boss. “Anything else?”

  “Nope. Everything under control?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Then I’ll see you later.”

  Tasha could feel Hazel’s eyes boring into her back, but she refused to let that spoil her mood. Hazel would probably be much more upset when she got a look at Monty and his new tablemates anyway, so she followed Drew with a smile.

  To her surprise, they ended up outside under the night sky in the moonlight.

  He asked, “Remember my telling you about the outdoor area I planned to open?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is it. It’s not officially ready for customers yet because there’s still work to do. The staff and I eat out here sometimes anyway, just for the peace and quiet.”

  The open-air platform was on the back of the building and faced the Detroit River. The lights of Windsor, Ontario, could be seen twinkling on the Canadian side. Faint strains of music from inside the club drifted out softly on the gentle breeze. “This is nice, Drew.”

  “Like it?”

  She turned from the view of the river. “I do.”

  “When we finish the construction there’ll be speakers and tables and a small dance floor. I’m looking forward to seeing the final project. I’m hoping it’ll add another dimension to the place.”

  Tasha respected a man with dreams.

  * * *

  Drew wanted to ease her into his arms and kiss her until the stars fell from the sky, but he decided to set that aside for the moment and just enjoy the night and her company. He didn’t want her to think the only reason he brought out here was to pounce, even if it was sort of the truth.

  “What are your other dreams?” she asked.

  He was caught off guard. No other woman in his life before had ever posed that question or even pretended interest. “One is to open a charter school for middle-and high-school-aged musicians.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. There are some music schools in the city, but I want mine to focus on jazz.”

  “I’m impressed.”

  Drew had no idea what to say to that, but hearing her praise pleased him.

  “I mean it,” she said. “With all the budget cuts schools are having to make these days, there’s no telling where the next generation of musicians will come from. That’s an important dream, and if you need investors, let me know because I’d certainly be interested in helping out with something like that.”

  Drew knew it probably took a lot to impress a world-wise woman like Tasha Bloom. Due to her background and money she’d probably seen and experienced more things than an old jock like himself could ever imagine, yet she wanted to invest in the future of a bunch of inner-city kids. It was his turn to be impressed. “I didn’t bring you out here for a shakedown.”

  “Then what did you bring me out here for?”

  Drew prided himself on his discipline and self-control, but her quiet sauciness, potent nearness and the beautiful night made him reach out and trace his finger down her cheek. “There’s this…” he replied softly. Her skin was like warm silk, and he liked the way her breath caught in response to his touch. “Then, there’s this…”

  He moved his finger possessively over her lightly glossed lips before leaning down and pressing his lips against them.

  In that moment, they were both lost. The tentative first tasting soon gave way to the intensity they’d been harboring. He eased her in close. She slid her arms around his waist and they shared a silent moment of passionate learning that spurred them toward more. He brushed his lips against her jaw and thought she smelled like heaven. She ran her hands up and down the hard muscles in his arms and thought he’d been made by the gods. His kisses left her dizzy and breathless. Her tongue playing against the corners of Drew’s mouth tempted and burned. He was hard with full arousal, and Tasha felt the low burn of wanting grow and build.

  His hot mouth slid over her bare shoulder before capturing her lips once more. Tasha wasn’t a virgin. She’d had men in her arms and bed before, but this interlude seemed different and new. Being with him felt familiar, right. He seemed to know that teasing the skin behind her ear was increasing her desire and that lingering there would make her moan. His lips fit perfectly against the pulse point in the hollow of her throat, and the touch of them set her ablaze.

  “Excuse me, you two. Hate to interrupt.”

  Monty.

  While Drew glared in his direction, Tasha fought through the fog brought on by passion to remember who and where she was. “What do you need, Monty?”

  “Sorry. Just wanted to make sure you were okay and to let you know I’m taking the young ladies home. I’ll swing back by and pick you up.”

  “I’m okay. You go have fun. Drew’s offered me a ride home.”

  His next question was directed at Drew. “You sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “You aren’t just going to throw her in a cab, are you?”

  The tight set of Drew’s jaw made Tasha intervene. “I’ll be fine, Monty. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “I’m her only male relative, Davis. I take that seriously.”

  “That why you left her at the table by herself?”

  Tasha said wearily, “Both of you, stop. Monty, go. Drew will make sure I get home in one piece.”

  The two men continued their staring contest until Monty turned around and disappeared into the shadows.

  Drew studied the face of the woman in his arms. “He always so protective?”

  “Only when he thinks he needs to be.”

  “I didn’t appreciate it.”

  “Neither did I, but it’s just him taking his job seriously.”

  “Not serious enough if he leaves you alone while he dogs around.”

  “Can we forget him, please? I was having a really good time, you know.”

  “Were you now?” He traced her cheek with his finger again before leaning down to tempt her with more kisses. “Then maybe we should get back to what we were doing. I think we were right about here…”

  “Your food’s in your office, player.”

  Drew stiffened.

  The interrupting voice belonged to Tommy Reed.

  “You on the waitstaff now?”

  “Madhouse inside, so Hazel put me to work. One of her people went home sick.”

  Drew could see Reed checking out Tasha, who was still in his arms. Even in the moonlight his disapproval rang loud and clear. “Thanks, Tommy. Be back inside in a minute. And tell Hazel I don’t want to be disturbed unless there’s weapons or fire.”

  “Sure thing.” Tommy ran his eyes over Tasha again, then left them alone.

  “I don’t think he likes you fraternizing with the enemy.”

  Drew didn’t t
ell her that her words mimicked Tommy’s almost exactly. “Until he turns into my mom, he can stay the hell out of my business. Besides, you’re not the enemy.”

  “After the way my grandfather screwed you, sure I am. None of the people working for you are happy about that.”

  That, too, sounded familiar. “Has he or Hazel said anything to you?”

  She shook her head. “No. They’ve been very professional, but I can feel the frost.”

  “I’ll be sure to talk to them.”

  “No. You blocking for me will only make it worse. I’ll handle it. And who knows, maybe we’ll all be one big happy family in the end.”

  Drew found her more impressive by the moment. “You sure?”

  “Positive.

  “Then how about some burgers and fries.”

  “Then back to kissing?”

  He laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  CHAPTER 6

  When Tasha entered his office and saw that the entire front wall of the main room faced the stage and was made of glass, all she could say was “Wow!”

  He chuckled. “Pretty nice, huh?”

  “This is amazing.” The view out onto the club was awesome. The office suite surrounding her was set up and furnished like a high-end designer living room and was equally as impressive. Behind her was a large leather couch, a couple of nicely upholstered chairs and two beautiful floor lamps. A glass-topped coffee table holding their covered plates of dinner was positioned in front of the couch. There was even a fireplace. “Are we above the balcony?” Speakers somewhere in the room brought in the music from the performers on the stage. It was like having her own private concert.

  “Yes.” He was taking the metal tops off the plates holding their burgers. “Designed the space myself.”

  “Really?”

  “In college I started out majoring in architecture. When my football career took off, all the practicing and travel made it impossible to handle the classes, but I’ve always had a thing for building and design.”

  “You’re so not the stereotypical dumb jock.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment. Come sit before your food cools off.”

  Tasha reluctantly tore herself away from the fantastic view and joined him on the couch.

  “Are you having a good time?”