by Pamela Yaye
“You worry too much. Loosen up. We’re going to have a great time tonight.”
“I’ll loosen up as soon as you do.”
“Me?” he’d scoffed. “Woman, please, I’m so loose I could teach your hot yoga class!”
Hours later, the joke still made Jariah crack up. Nicco was taking her out tonight, and although she wouldn’t admit it to anyone—not even herself—she was looking forward to spending time with him. The kiss they’d shared yesterday at The Wine Cellar was all Jariah could think about, and she was hungry for more—
“Ava is a Covington, and I expect her to look and act like such at all times.”
The sound of Stella’s loud, shrill voice yanked Jariah out of her reverie. “She’s only six years old. You can’t expect her to be perfect.”
“Yes, I can,” she shot back, her self-righteous tone as haughty as ever. “Wesley was a model child, and he never gave me any trouble whatsoever.” She paused. “If I wasn’t so busy with my charity work, I’d take Ava in and raise her as my own.”
Over my dead body.
“Since it’s obvious you can’t handle, Ava, you should relinquish custody to my son.”
“Which son? Do you have another child I don’t know about?”
“Wesley is a terrific father, and a noble young man with great morals.”
You are so delusional, Jariah thought, rolling her eyes behind the safety of her sunglasses. Wesley grumbles about paying child support and routinely breaks plans with Ava.
“It’s also obvious that you’re still bitter.”
“Bitter?” Jariah repeated, incredulous. “I’m the one who called off our engagement.”
“That’s because deep down you know you’re not good enough for my son, and it was killing you inside.”
Jariah tossed her head back and laughed out loud. “That was a good one. Thanks, Stella. I really needed that.”
“Go ahead, yuck it up, but you will never, ever be a Covington!”
I know. Talk about a stroke of good luck! Jariah knew she was adding fuel to the fire, but she couldn’t resist saying, “Thank God for that,” as she turned and walked back to her car.
* * *
“Honey chile, where are you going? You look hella hot!”
Jariah wheeled around, saw Felicia double-parked behind her car and waved. “Hey, girl. What’s up? Where are you rushing off to?”
“You first.” Displaying a coy smirk on her lips, she leaned out the window of her red SUV. “Don’t tell me. You and that fine-ass boss of yours are meeting up at one of those ritzy downtown hotels to get your freak on!”
Ever since Nicco and Richie had come over for dinner last month, Felicia had been questioning her incessantly about their relationship. Her neighbor was convinced they were lovers, and although Jariah fervently denied the accusation, her friend believed otherwise.
“You’re hot for that gorgeous Italian millionaire, and he’s hot for you. Just admit it.”
“No, I’m not,” she said, avoiding Felicia’s gaze. Jariah didn’t want anyone to know about her plans with Nicco—especially the neighborhood gossip—so she did the only thing she could and she lied. “If you must know, I’m meeting my old college roommate for coffee.”
“In that sexy getup? Yous a damn lie!” Her demeanor turned serious, and her tone was filled with concern. “Be careful, Jariah. Your boss has a reputation for being a heartbreaker, and I’d hate for you or Ava to get hurt.”
Me, too, Felicia. That’s why I’m going to take things slow.
“Men love the thrill of the chase, and rich guys are the biggest dogs of all,” she continued, her tone no-nonsense. “I’m not saying Nicco’s going to play you, but it would be crazy for you to think you’re the only girl he’s kicking it with...”
Jariah nodded as if she was listening intently, but she wasn’t. Reading bestselling books on relationships had turned her friend into an amateur shrink. And since Jariah didn’t have the time to listen to Felicia’s unsolicited advice, she changed the subject. “You look great, and I love your new haircut. Where are you going?”
“For coffee with my old college roommate.” Felicia winked, slid her sunglasses on and cranked up her car stereo. “See you later, girlfriend. Have fun with boss man!”
Seconds later, Jariah got inside her car and put on her seat belt. She slid the key into the ignition and turned the lock, but it didn’t start. It didn’t even make its usual noises. Sweat trickled down her forehead, and the car sweltered with heat, but she continued furiously pumping the gas. Jariah didn’t know how long she sat there, willing her temperamental Dodge to start, and when her cell phone rang from deep inside her purse she ignored it.
It rang incessantly, until Jariah couldn’t take it anymore. Taking her cell out of her purse, she saw that it was six forty-five, and that she had four missed calls from Nicco. No wonder he’s blowing up my phone. He thinks I stood him up!
Taking a deep breath, she put the phone to her ear. “Hello.”
“Is everything okay? I’ve been worried sick about you.”
Jariah felt a swell of emotion inside her chest. His voice was filled with concern. Jariah didn’t know if it was the heat finally getting to her, or how sweet he sounded, but she fell apart. Her eyes welled up with water, and tears gushed down her cheeks. “I’m still at home. My stupid car won’t start.”
“Sit tight. I’m on my way.”
“Nicco, I’ll be fine. I can handle it.” Embarrassed that she’d lost her composure, Jariah grabbed a Kleenex from her purse and wiped her face. “I’ll just call a tow truck.”
“Go inside and relax. I’ll take care of everything.”
“Are you sure? I feel terrible for inconveniencing you.”
“It’s no inconvenience at all, and like I told you this morning, nothing is more important to me than seeing you. Now get off the phone and go inside,” he ordered.
Twenty minutes later, Jariah spotted a sleek black Jaguar turn in to her complex and knew that Nicco was behind the wheel. He collected luxury vehicles the way most women collected shoes, and drove a different car every day of the week.
Stepping out onto the porch, Jariah waved and walked down the steps. She wanted to run—straight into Nicco’s arms—but cautioned herself to not to act like a forlorn teen. But seeing him looking all kinds of sexy in his all-black attire made her heart soar. Diamond earrings twinkled in each ear, and tattoos covered his left arm.
“Hey, you.” Nicco hugged her, and every muscle in her body tensed. “What’s the matter? Are you still upset because your car died? I told you it’s no big deal. It happens.”
“That’s not it.” Jariah glanced nervously around the complex. “Someone could see us.”
“And?” he challenged. “You’re my lady, and I don’t care who knows.”
Jariah felt like jumping up and down, but remembered she was a grown woman, not a toddler, and told herself to relax. Inside, Jariah was dancing, but on the surface she played it cool. They weren’t a couple, and although she loved the idea of dating Nicco, she knew their attraction wasn’t enough to forge a long-term relationship. “I’m not your girl—”
“Not yet, but you will be. Mark my words.”
“My, my, aren’t we overconfident.”
“Not overconfident. Determined.”
He stroked her neck softly, nuzzling his chin against her cheek.
“I don’t stop until I get what I want,” he confessed, his gaze as strong as the sun’s blinding rays. “I’m going to make you mine. Just wait and see.”
Be still, heart! she warned, aroused by his bold declaration.
Suddenly a loud rumbling noise polluted the air. A blue tow truck was chugging up the block, blaring rock music. Mechanic Motors was embossed on the hood of the truck, and the bear
ded driver nodded in greeting as he pulled up behind her Dodge.
“Leave everything to me.” Nicco took Jariah’s car keys out of her hand and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Nicco jogged over to the tow truck and spoke to the driver. Seconds later, he was back at Jariah’s side, hustling her around the front of his Jaguar.
“Shouldn’t we wait for the tow truck driver to remove my car?”
“There’s no need. Luciano’s a pro. He’s got this.”
“Do you think he’ll have a chance to look at my Dodge tonight?” Jariah asked. “I have to pick up Ava from her grandparents’ house on Sunday afternoon, and taking a cab to Coconut Grove would cost me an arm and a leg.”
“I’ll take you.”
“I can’t let you do that.”
“I want to.” Closing the space between them, he cupped her chin in his hands and forced her eyes to meet his. “I want to help, so let me.”
His words filled her heart with joy, and the urge to kiss him was so overwhelming she couldn’t think straight. Common sense kicked in, but her need for the Italian heartthrob still remained. “I appreciate the offer, but trust me, you do not want to meet Ava’s grandmother. She’d take one look at your tattoos and diamond earrings and go into attack mode.”
“I guess you haven’t noticed, but I have a way with the ladies.”
“Not this one,” Jariah quipped. “She’s so mean she could scare the devil!”
Chapter 14
Dinner was an indulgent, five-course meal at the most expensive restaurant in town. By the time Nicco escorted Jariah out of The Greek Isles, the sun was making its descent, and the sky was bathed in a brilliant yellow-orange hue. Laughter and boisterous conversation carried on the summer breeze, decorative lamps showered the streets with light and a Hispanic teenager dressed in army fatigues recited poetry with the conviction of a Civil Rights Leader.
“What did you think of The Greek Isles?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I finished my entrée and yours!” Jariah said with a laugh. “The service was outstanding, and you were right about the honey lemon cake. It was to die for.”
“I hate to say I told you so, but well, I did!”
Nicco chuckled, and the hearty, good-natured sound brought a smile to Jariah’s lips.
“Tell me more about Italy,” she said, curious to know more about his native country. During dinner, he’d talked much about his relatives in Venice, and the five-room villa he owned in his beloved hometown. “Do you go there every summer?”
“Of course. Sometimes three of four times a year if my schedule permits. My family didn’t immigrate to the States until I was twelve, so in my heart Italy will always be home.”
“I’ve always wanted to go, but I’ve never been. What’s it like?”
“Loud, energetic and very much like New York City. There’s always something to see and do, and Italians are the most gregarious people in the world. They love to entertain and socialize and nothing matters more to them than their family. Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house were always non-negotiable,” he said, his eyes bright and his tone warm.
“I’ve always dreamed of seeing the Colosseum and Vatican City.”
“Then I’ll take you. Let’s go for New Year’s, because no one knows how to party like my Uncle Guido. And he’s seventy-five!”
“My ex would never agree to keep Ava.”
“He doesn’t need to. We’ll take her with us.”
His voice was firm and final, as if the matter was decided. Shock prevented Jariah from speaking, and her heart was beating so loud she couldn’t hear herself think. Is he for real? Is it possible he cares for me and my daughter or is he just saying what he thinks I want to hear?
“I’m having a great time with you, Jariah. I only wish we had done this sooner.”
Nicco took her hand in his, held it tight, causing her to feel mushy inside. She couldn’t remember ever having this much fun on a first date, and wasn’t ready for the night to end. There didn’t seem to be anything the restaurateur didn’t know, and every day he taught her something new. Yesterday, it was how to select the perfect wine, and tonight it was how to order her entrée in Greek. It was awesome being alone with Nicco, laughing, joking and flirting. Jariah wondered what else the Italian-born businessman had up his sleeve.
As they strolled down Grand Avenue, hand-in-hand, they discussed his brothers’ upcoming visit to Miami, and his parents’ anniversary bash on Labor Day weekend.
“How did your parents meet?” Jariah asked.
“At Mardi Gras. They spent the weekend together, and when my dad returned to Italy, he sent mom a ticket to come visit. They’ve been inseparable ever since.”
Awed, Jariah shook her head. “Wow, that’s some story.”
“Pops said it was love at first sight, and the moment I saw you, I knew how he felt.”
He angled his head toward her, as if he was going to kiss her, but didn’t. Jariah felt a twinge of disappointment. Tonight was about getting to know Nicco better, not jumping his bones.
“What color is your dress?”
“My dress?” Jariah repeated, puzzled. “For what?”
“My parents’ anniversary bash of course.”
“I’m not going.”
Nicco slowed his pace. “Why not? All Morretti Incorporated employees are invited.”
“I know, but I haven’t been with the company long, and I don’t know a lot of people.”
And I can’t handle Mrs. Reddick giving me the evil eye all night!
“You have to come,” he said, grasping her hand tighter. “I want to introduce you to my friends and family, and my mom is dying to meet you.”
“She is?” Jariah questioned, baffled by his words. “Why?”
“Because I told her I finally met the woman of my dreams.”
Eyes wide, her heart began to beat in double time, and she swallowed hard. “You didn’t...”
“I did, and there’s more. You’re going to be my date for my parents’ anniversary bash.”
“Nicco, I can’t.” Jariah tried not to notice his sweet, endearing smile, or the puppy-dog expression on his face. “Being your date would be career suicide.”
“Baby, what are you talking about?”
Baby? Oh, God, I love the way that sounds!
Chiding herself to remain focused, she searched for the right words to make Nicco understand why she couldn’t be his date for his parents’ anniversary bash. Deep down, she was tickled pink that he’d invited her, but she knew attending the party with her boss would be a mistake. “If we go to the party together everyone will think that we’re lovers.”
“What’s wrong with people knowing we’re a couple? Are you ashamed of me?”
The wounded expression on his face pierced her heart. “No, of course not. You’re great, and fun to be around, but I don’t want our coworkers to think we’re sleeping together. I want to advance my career, not ruin my reputation—”
“I would never fire you. You know that.”
You won’t, but Mrs. Reddick will, and I need this job!
“Why don’t you ask Estelle to be your date?” Jariah said casually, though the thought of Nicco with the provocative, sex-crazed model made her burn with jealousy. “You guys make an attractive twosome, and besides, she’d look much better on your arm than I would.”
Nicco stopped walking. Releasing her hand, he studied her closely as if he was seeing her for the first time. “Who’s the real Jariah Brooks?” he asked, his quiet tone belying the significance of his question. “Is she the strong, tell-it-like-it-is woman I met a few months back, or is she the insecure woman standing before me who doesn’t recognize her own self-worth?”
His question litera
lly knocked the wind out of her sails. Feeling exposed, as if she was standing on the street buck naked, she lowered her eyes to the ground. Jariah had never allowed herself to be vulnerable with anyone, and although she had feelings for Nicco, she wasn’t about to reveal her deepest fears to him. Not after one date. Likely, not ever. Unfortunately, he reminded her of Wesley, and Jariah knew if push ever came to shove he’d choose his family over her in a heartbeat. Guys with trust funds always did.
“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
“You didn’t.” It was a lie—his words stung, but Jariah put up a brave front. “And I’m not insecure. I just don’t like people talking behind my back, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen if I accompany you to your parents’ anniversary party.”
Their gazes locked, zeroing in on each other like laser beams.
“Don’t belittle yourself. I don’t like it. You’re better than that.”
“Okay, so I have issues. Sue me!”
“Now, there’s the strong, feisty woman I know and love.”
Love? The word echoed around her head in surround sound. At the thought of spending forever with Nicco, her heart skipped a beat and danced inside her chest.
“Next Saturday is a special night for me, and the only woman I want by my side is you.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed the tip of her nose. “Got it, Ms. Brooks?”
Stunned by his bold declaration, all Jariah could do was offer a meek nod. Outwardly, she pretended as if his announcement was no big deal, as if it didn’t cause her senses to go berserk. But his words floored her. Did Nicco just say what I think he said? He’d rather go to his parents’ anniversary bash with me than that gorgeous sex fiend who snuck into his office yesterday?
“Next Friday, I’m giving you the day off.”
“But we have a meeting with the Miami Capitals basketball team about a catering contract.”
“I know, and I won’t screw it up. I promise.”
Ordering her legs to move, Jariah fell into step beside him. Keeping her wits about her was paramount. Nicco was doing what he did best—charm, seduce and entice. But she knew the Italian heartthrob had no interest in ever settling down or starting a family.