Spark of Desire ; All for You

by Sheryl Lister

  Chapter 3

  Randi shifted in her chair. She’d been fine while Lorenzo sat in the office, but now with just her and Cedric, she sensed the same undercurrents she had the day they met. He stared at her in awkward silence, making her change positions again. “I hope everything’s okay.” She wanted to ask if he was married as well, but curbed the urge. She didn’t care. Or at least that was what she told herself.

  “So do I. Will my employees have to go to the police station to get fingerprinted? This will be uncomfortable enough without them being subjected to a visit to the precinct.”

  His voice held a slight edge and she understood how this might affect his workers. “I’ll talk to Detective Warner and see what can be arranged.” Randi stood. “If you think of anything, let me or Detective Warner know.”

  Cedric slowly came to his feet and nodded.

  Today he wore a pair of well-worn jeans that clung to his strong thighs, and a long-sleeved T-shirt with the company logo across the front that outlined the muscles of his arms and chest. She could see small spots of dirt and speculated on whether he’d been working on one of his other sites. Her sister’s comment about construction doing a body good came back to her. “Thanks for your time.” She headed for the door.

  “Hang on a second and I’ll get the information you wanted from my assistant.”

  She paused at the door. “You can just send it to me or the detective. My information is on the card I gave you and I can give you Detective Warner’s if you don’t have it.”

  “No need to do that when you’re already here. It’ll only take a couple of minutes.”

  He came around the desk and strode across the room with a walk so sexy she wanted to ask him to do it again. Get it together, girl.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Randi moved aside to let him open the door at the same time he moved, and their bodies collided. She jumped back and nearly tripped over his foot. Cedric’s strong arm came up and steadied her. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

  “My apologies,” Cedric said at the same time. He stood there a moment longer, then opened the door and exited.

  She blew out a long breath. This is ridiculous. I do not get all worked up over a man. To make sure the same thing didn’t happen again, she walked over to the window and glanced out at the traffic. She checked her watch. It was after five and she wanted to get to the gym. Her workout clothes had been in her car for the past two weeks. She would check emails and review the evidence from the comfort of her condo later on.

  “Here you go.”

  Randi spun around at the sound of Cedric’s voice. “Thank you.” She scanned the sheet he handed her. It contained the names of every worker, along with their addresses, phone numbers and years at the company.

  “Is this what you need?”

  “Yes. I’ll pass this on to the detective. I’ll be in touch.” She started for the door, keenly aware that he was watching.

  “Do you have to go back to your office?”

  She turned back. “No. I can work just as well from home tonight.”

  “Would you like to have dinner?”

  Randi studied him intently. “Thanks for the offer, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Why? Aside from the case, that is,” Cedric said as he closed the distance between them.

  She instinctively took a step backward. He towered over her five-eight height by a good six inches. Aside from the case, she didn’t have a legitimate reason, except for wanting to steer clear of men for a while. “Since there is a case, nothing else matters.”

  A small smile crept onto his face, and he folded his arms across his wide chest. “And if I promise we won’t talk about the case? Are there any rules against it?”

  “Not that I know of, but I—”

  “Think of it as my way of apologizing for being such a hard-ass. One dinner won’t get you into any trouble.”

  In her estimation, dinner would be only the beginning of trouble, because Randi knew he’d be charming—like now—and she didn’t need or want charming in her life. Yet, she heard herself say, “Okay, one dinner and no talk about the case.”

  He unleashed a full-dimpled grin that made her breath stack up in her throat. The half smile she’d seen on the website photo didn’t come close to capturing this sexy version, one a woman would sell her soul to touch, as Iyana had pointed out. But Randi wouldn’t be selling her soul or touching. After tonight, there would be nothing between them except what pertained to the case.

  “Deal. Any particular food preferences?”

  Randi opened her mouth to say Mexican, but changed her mind since she’d just eaten some yesterday. Another reason she needed to hit the gym. “No.”

  Cedric went to his desk and picked up his phone. “There are several restaurants around the area. I’m sure we can find one to fit both our tastes.” He typed for a moment, then came back to where she stood. “See if there’s anything that catches your attention.”

  She leaned over to see the phone as he scrolled slowly through the choices. Some she hadn’t heard of, and others she recognized but had never visited. “Have you ever been to Yard House?”

  “Yes. The food’s pretty good. You?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Check out the menu and see if it’s something you’d like to try. They have everything from burgers and pizza to steak and seafood.”

  She scanned it briefly. “That sounds fine. Is it far from here?”

  “Ten, fifteen minutes. It’s across the street from the Roseville Galleria Mall. We should take the streets instead of the freeway since most people are just getting off work. I’m going to add us to the call-ahead list to cut down on the wait time.” He did that and pocketed the phone.

  She’d been to the mall but didn’t recall seeing the restaurant. “I’ll follow you.”

  “Okay. Let me go talk to Lorenzo for a minute, then we can go.”

  Randi smiled. “Sounds good.” She followed him out and stood in the waiting area until he returned.

  He came back a short while later and grabbed his jacket from his office. “See you in the morning, Loretta.”

  “Bye, boss. I’m right behind you.”

  “I’ll lock the door on my way out.” He faced Randi. “Ready?”

  “Yes.” She walked out to the parking lot in front and pressed the remote lock on her Acura. She startled when Cedric came up behind her, reached around and opened her door. She hadn’t even heard him approach. “Thanks,” she mumbled and got in. He closed the door and sauntered a few spaces over to a dark gray Mercedes. Randi started the engine and pulled out behind him. All during the drive, she wondered if she’d made a mistake in accepting Cedric’s offer. She hadn’t been on a date since breaking up with her ex a year ago, choosing to focus on her career instead. When they arrived, they had to circle a few times to find parking. A spot opened up near the entrance and Cedric motioned for her to take it. A few minutes later, he joined her at the front of the restaurant and escorted her inside. She stood off to the side while he spoke with the hostess.

  “They said it should be about ten minutes.” He held up the little pager. “With this crowd, I’m glad I called ahead. I forgot it was happy hour, too.”

  “Me, too.” The upscale bar and grill had a large crowd of people waiting inside and out. Randi surveyed the area and saw several NBA and NCAA basketball games on in the bar. March Madness was in full swing.

  After a few minutes, Cedric leaned close to her ear. “Do you want something from the bar?”

  His heat surrounded her and it took her a moment to answer. “No, thanks. I’ll just wait until we’re seated. But if you want to get something, we can go over.”

  He shook his head. “I’m good.”

  After a couple of minutes, Randi asked, “Is Lorenzo’s wife okay?”

  “Y
es, she’s good. Thanks for asking. Are you married?”

  “No. You?”

  “No... And I’m not seeing anyone.” He spoke that last sentence staring directly into her eyes. Her pulse skipped.

  “Are you and Lorenzo brothers?”

  He chuckled softly, recognizing her attempt to change the subject. “We’re cousins. And he’s more than happy to let everyone know he’s a couple of months older.”

  Randi laughed. “Hey, as the oldest, I’m with that. My sister probably won’t agree.”

  “I do have a younger brother who occasionally forgets his place,” he said with a smile. The pager buzzed. “That’s us.” Cedric handed it to the woman behind the counter and a young man led them to a booth.

  “Your server will be with you shortly,” he said and handed them menus.

  “Thanks.” She opened her menu and perused the pages. The first thing that caught her eye was the variety of street tacos, but since she had already told herself she wouldn’t indulge two days in a row, she turned the page and kept looking. “What’s good here?”

  Cedric looked up from his menu. “Depends on what you like. The burgers are pretty good, the rib eye and shrimp combo isn’t bad, and if you like spicy foods, you might want to try the jambalaya.”

  Randi went back to perusing the selections. “I think I’m going to have the jambalaya.”

  He set the menu down. “I’m going to have the same.”

  The server came to take their drink order. She chose a mixed drink called Paradise Found and Cedric selected beer. Since they had made a decision on their meals, they gave that order, as well.

  “Would you like an appetizer?” Cedric asked.

  “No, thank you.”

  He handed the menus to the server and waited until the woman left. “You can’t discuss the case, but am I allowed to ask how you got into this career?”

  She smiled. “You’re allowed. When I was nine, my best friend’s house burned down. They never found a cause—or if they did, we weren’t told—and it bothered me. I wanted to know why, so I decided to get degrees in fire science and criminal justice. I worked as a firefighter for almost six years and when a position opened up in the fire investigative unit, I applied and got the job.”

  “I’m impressed. Not many women would venture into such a dangerous field.”

  Randi eyed him. Was he another man who didn’t think women belonged in a male-dominated arena? “Are you saying women shouldn’t be firefighters?”

  Cedric lifted his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not saying that at all. I think it’s cool. They say women don’t work in construction either, but we have five women in our company who can wield a hammer better than a lot of men. I’m all for women choosing whatever career makes them happy.”

  “Oh. Glad to hear it.”

  He laughed softly. “Better now?”

  “Much,” she said, joining in his laughter. “You’re not so bad, after all.”

  “Thanks. I want to apologize for my less than stellar behavior.”

  “I totally understand that you’re frustrated.”

  “It’s still not an excuse in my book and I’m sorry.”

  “Apology accepted.” The sincerity in his voice and in his eyes touched her in a way she didn’t expect. Not good.

  * * *

  The server returned with their drinks. Cedric lifted his beer. “To good conversation.” Randi touched her glass to his, then took a sip. He studied her over his drink. He had no idea why he had impulsively asked her to dinner, but sitting across from her now, he could admit attraction played a part. Curiosity played another. As he’d told her, not many women entered her field, and his admiration for her went up several notches after hearing her story.

  “I’ll turn your question back to you. Why construction?”

  “I grew up around it. My father and uncle started Hunter Construction when I was seven and I wanted to be like them. Dad bought me a little tool belt and let me follow him around on a few sites.” He smiled at the memory. “I started with the company as a teen, working from the bottom up. I love being able to take a drawing and bring it to life.”

  “That’s really cool. When did you take over as owner?”

  “Last year the two of them called Lorenzo and me into a meeting and said they were retiring, effective immediately. Then they left to take our mothers on a cruise. We always knew they’d planned to leave the company to us, but I have to say I expected the transition to be far different.”

  Randi’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open. “Just like that?”

  “Just like that. My expression probably looked like the one you’re wearing now,” he added with a shake of his head. “Our heads were spinning.”

  “It couldn’t have been easy taking over without warning.”

  “No, it wasn’t, especially since we both headed up divisions in the company. It took us several months to find replacements for our positions, and until then, we did both.” Cedric recalled the drama that happened right after the takeover. They’d been in danger of losing the business. Now there was the fire. If he didn’t know better, he’d think someone had it in for him. He glanced up when he felt a touch on his hand.

  “Are you okay?” Randi asked with concern. “You seemed a million miles away for a minute.”

  It took him a second to answer because the warmth of her soft hand on his elicited a strange feeling inside him. He gave it a gentle squeeze, and didn’t let go. “I’m good.” The server returned with their food and Randi quickly pulled away, as if she’d realized what she had done. Their eyes held for a lengthy moment before she looked away.

  “This looks good. I’m going to have to do an extra workout this week with everything I’ve been eating.”

  Cedric smiled. “I hear you.” They ate in silence for a few moments, then he said, “You mentioned working out. I imagine you had to be in good shape as a firefighter with all the gear you wore.”

  Randi nodded. “It was pretty grueling having to climb massive ladders, carrying heavy equipment to or from the scene, lifting people, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

  “Sounds like you miss it. Was it hard being a woman in that environment?”

  She shrugged. “Sometimes. There were a couple of guys who acted like I was inferior and incompetent, but thankfully, that wasn’t the general sentiment.” She leaned forward. “The craziest thing a guy said to me was that his wife wouldn’t like the situation—meaning me bunking in the station with all the guys.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Very. I looked him dead in his eye and told him, ‘You’d better find another job, then, because I’m here to stay.’”

  Cedric burst out laughing. “I would’ve loved to see the look on his face. I bet he didn’t come at you that way again.”

  “You’d win that bet,” she replied, using her fork for emphasis.

  The conversation tapered off and as they continued to eat, Cedric found himself wanting to know everything about the fascinating woman sitting across from him. When they finished, he leaned back in his chair and studied her again. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d met a woman with as much spunk as she seemed to have. The server brought a dessert menu. “Would you like to have dessert?”

  Randi patted her stomach. “No, thank you. I can’t eat another bite.” She handed the young woman her plate. “Can you box up mine to go?”

  “Sure. I’ll leave the check and be right back.” She picked up Cedric’s plate and left.

  “You didn’t even finish your food.”

  She laughed. “But I wanted to. I’m trying to get back to my healthier eating habits. I’ve fallen off the wagon over the past few weeks and my body is letting me know.”

  Cedric’s gaze roamed over her. “I don’t know what your body is telling you, but I don’t see one t
hing that’s off the wagon.”

  “Um... I think it’s time to go.” She opened her purse and reached for the bill.

  He frowned and snatched it up. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m paying my part, what does it look like?” She stared at him as if he should know.

  “Please put your money away, Randi.” He withdrew his credit card and placed it in the folder, making sure to keep it on his side of the table.

  “You don’t need to pay for mine. I mean, this isn’t a...a date or anything.”

  “No? Then what would you call it?” he asked, amused.

  “I don’t know.” Randi waved a hand. “It was just dinner.”

  He smiled inwardly at her flustered state. “A dinner date.” The server returned with her food in a bag and took the bill.

  Randi skewered Cedric with a glare.

  He chuckled. “Why are you upset about a man wanting to take you out to dinner?”

  “I’m not upset. I appreciate the gesture, but it’s not necessary since this is a one-time thing.”

  She had mentioned that they would have only one dinner back at the office and he hadn’t argued. However, he knew there would be more. The attraction between them would eventually reach a boiling point and they’d have to deal with it. Cedric signed the bill, pocketed his card and slid out of the booth. He extended his hand to Randi. “Am I allowed to help you up, even though you don’t consider this a date?”

  Randi slapped her hand in his palm. “Ha-ha, funny.”

  He assisted her but didn’t let go of her hand as he escorted her out of the restaurant and to her car.

  She opened the door and faced him. “Thanks for dinner, Cedric.”

  “You’re welcome. I enjoyed it.”

  “So did I.”

  His gaze dropped to her lips. The way she smiled tempted him to find out if they were as soft as they appeared. “I’ll be right behind you. And before you say anything, I’m only following you home because it’s what I do. You can thank my father and uncles for my good manners.”

  She shook her head. “That’s fine.”