by Candace Shaw
Whatever it was had him out searching for her and ignoring ten phone calls along with a slew of text messages from three different women in the last two hours. He’d gotten so sick of hearing his cell phone ringing and beeping that he almost tossed it out his sunroof. Instead, he locked it in the glove compartment.
“Hey man!”
Sean turned around to see his best friend, Dr. Garrett Braxton. They’d been best buds since they’d met in their first year at Meharry Medical College.
The gentlemen proceeded with their secret fraternity handshake unbeknownst to others around them. “What’s up, man? You just got here?”
“Yeah. I was somewhat caught off guard when you called and suggested we meet at Lillian’s instead. I thought we were hanging at the strip club,” Garrett said as the men headed to the bar and found two empty bar stools.
Sean sat facing away from the bar. “Nah … change of plans,” he answered as his eyes finally landed on the vision of loveliness he was searching for. It took him a moment because her hair was different. It wasn’t down in curls around her shoulders or up in a bouncy ponytail. Instead, it was straight down her back and danced like silk every time she moved her head. She wasn’t her wearing her glasses, but she was wearing an off the shoulder blouse that displayed her sun-kissed satin skin.
“I see,” Garrett said, rubbing his low-cut beard. “So let me guess. The flavor of the month told you to meet her here?”
He cut his eyes at his best friend. Rotating the bar stool toward him, Sean stated seriously, “No, and she’s not like that.”
“Wait? What?” Garrett slammed his hand on the bar. “Bartender, I need a shot … no, make it two shots of Patron.”
“I don’t drink tequila,” Sean said as the young lady poured the shots and set one of them in front of him.
Garrett slid the other shot glass toward him. “These are both for me. I’m speechless right now. Has the player finally found the one who will make him not go to the strip club to watch Champagne and Sapphire shake their big, beautiful butts and breasts in his face?”
“Okay, when you say it like that it is tempting, but no. Not tonight. I needed to confirm something.”
“And what’s that?”
“I think I’m falling in love,” Sean said quietly before downing both shots of tequila.
*****
“So glad you suggested we come to Lillian’s,” Caitlyn said, swaying back and forth to the sounds of the blues band on the stage. “These crab cakes are delicious. I may need to order another batch along with one more Long Island iced tea.”
“Yeah, me, too. Good thing we live downtown and can take the trolley home. These drinks are so strong but so good.” Traci sipped on her margarita. After spending all day with Sean, she needed to get her mind off of him. However, it was no use because she constantly kept kicking herself for not turning around and letting him do whatever he wanted against his front door.
Caitlyn stared over Traci’s head and nodded with a sexy smile in the direction of the bar.
Traci wiped the barbeque sauce from her beef ribs off of her mouth. “Who are you making goo goo eyes with?”
“Two fine gentlemen who keep staring over here … and um … well let’s just say one of them is checking you out.”
“Girl, please. My back has been to the bar for the majority of the time. He doesn’t know what I look like.”
“I’m sure Dr. Sean Arrington knows exactly how you look, smell, feel, and taste.”
With the mention of his name, a cold shiver traveled through every cell of Traci’s body, and she was suddenly excited plus afraid at the same time. Slowly, she glanced over her shoulder, and her eyes landed on the penetrating gaze of his ruggedly handsome face. He met her stare in a commanding stance, mesmerizing her as heat pooled between her legs. Goodness she wanted this man, and if he asked her to leave with him that night, she’d willingly go—no questions asked.
Turning toward Caitlyn, Traci tossed her napkin down on the table and grabbed her purse off of the empty chair next to her. “What’s he doing now?”
“Still gazing.” Caitlyn bit into the last crab cake. “Where’s the waiter?” She glanced around and caught his attention. She ordered another batch of crab cakes along with a pitcher of sangria.
Traci rummaged through her purse and pulled out her makeup bag to find her compact mirror. “And now?” She was seriously about to pass out from nervousness, and she hated that. No man had ever unraveled her up like Sean.
“Girl, get up and go over there,” Caitlyn demanded.
“Nooooo. Can’t do that.” She refreshed her lip gloss and ran her fingers through her straight hair. She was relieved her hairdresser was able to take her at the last minute after planting Sean’s garden. Her hair had been a mess with dirt, mulch, and sweat imbedded in it.
“Why not?”
Traci closed her compact and tossed it back in her makeup bag. “He’ll think I’m desperate or something.”
“Yeah, or something. Smitten. Drunk in love. Or rather lust. You’ve been hot and heavy over this cat since his mom showed you his picture a few years ago. Now your fantasy is a reality. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Do something about it. The man is fine, and according to you a nice guy.”
“I don’t want to waste my time with him. He loves his single life. I don’t want a fling. Maybe if I was still in college or in my early twenties, but I just turned thirty.”
“So you’re ready to settle down with one man?”
“I didn’t say that either. I enjoy being single, but not in the same way he does. I want to date someone with the possibility of leading to a committed, monogamous relationship and hopefully one day marriage.”
Caitlyn looked over Traci’s head once more and grinned. “Well, you need to decide something because here he comes.”
“Oh my goodness! How do I look?”
“You look gorgeous, doll,” Caitlyn answered sincerely.
“What is he wearing?”
“Black slacks and a buttoned down black shirt with purple stripes. Very sexy, indeed.”
“Girl, stop ogling over my man,” Traci teased.
“Oh. He’s your man now? Don’t worry. Not my type, but his friend is kind of hot. He’s ruggedly handsome and chocolate with a low-cut beard. Not as tall as Sean but he could definitely get it.”
“Mmm, he does sound hot.”
“Concentrate on one man and not my future baby daddy.”
Traci laughed, which she needed to do to shake off the goose bumps that were just under her skin waiting to press through. “You’re a mess, Cait.”
“They’re almost here …”
*****
“Traci has a cute friend or are you still trying to get into Zaria Richardson’s panties?” Sean asked as he and Garrett made their way over to the ladies’ table.
“Nah … she has turned me down more times than I care to mention. I don’t even know why I was interested in that uppity diva.”
“Because she’s fine, independent, and successful. Did I mention fine? She’s gorgeous. Not my type, but all she needs is a brother like you to calm her down.”
“Whatever. I’m curious to meet the woman who has made you change your mind about the strip club.”
Sean glanced at his friend. He knew Garrett didn’t mean a word of what he’d just said considering he kept gazing around Lillian’s, searching for the restaurant’s event coordinator that he was infatuated with. Garrett had met Zaria a few years ago when she’d planned a fundraiser event for the Distinguished Gentlemen of Memphis. She was indeed a knock-out with long legs, slamming body, and luxurious hair that touched just at the top of her butt. Even though Sean liked that type, she was too bossy and over-the-top for him. Garrett, on the other hand, seemed to like her high maintenance ways. For some reason he found her intriguing, whereas Sean found her annoying at times.
As the men approached the ladies’ table, Traci flashed Sean a gracious smile, making him forget a
bout the strip club and every other female he’d ever laid eyes on.
“Good evening, ladies.” Sean nodded his head. “Enjoying yourselves?” Even though he was speaking to them both, his stare never left Traci’s face. Tilting his head to the side, he noticed she had on a little makeup. He’d never seen her wear it before, and personally, he preferred her natural face. However, it was just enough to highlight her cheekbones and enhance her dazzling eyes even more. Eyes that held a look of promise that he found quite stimulating.
“Yes. Thank you so much for hooking us up with a table. It’s crowded tonight, but Justin came over to say hello and gave us a round of free drinks along with a plate of crab cakes. They’re delicious.”
“Yep. My brother-in-law can throw down.” He paused, remembering he wasn’t alone. “Ladies, this is my best friend and frat brother, Dr. Garrett Braxton. Garrett meet Traci and Caitlyn.”
Caitlyn held out her hand to Garrett who brought it to his lips and kissed it tenderly. She withdrew her hand slowly as her face flushed. “Nice to meet both of you. Would you two care to join us? There’s plenty of room.” She removed her purse from the chair to her right and gave Garrett a sexy smile as she motioned for him to sit down.
Sean glanced at Traci, who was amused by her friend’s flirtatious actions, and he slid into the other empty chair. “So do you mind, dimples?”
“Of course not. You’re the reason why we were able to get a table.” She handed him a menu.
“Thank you.”
The blues band began to play their rendition of B.B. Kings “Why I Sing the Blues” and a crowd headed to the dance floor.
Caitlyn stood, rocking to the upbeat tempo. Pulling down her short blue dress that had risen to her thighs, she grabbed Garrett by the hands and dragged him to out to the floor. Sean was relieved when they left. He wanted all of Traci’s attention on him even though she kept trying to avoid him by glancing at the band and stirring the melted ice around in her glass.
“You could use another drink.”
“Caitlyn ordered a pitcher of sangria.” She stopped stirring and looked at him for the first time since their friends had left. “I’m sure it will be here soon.”
“Did you drive?”
“I took the trolley.”
“Oh, you live in downtown?”
“Yep. Lofts at Union Alley.”
“Mmm … I’m surprised. I thought you’d have a house with gardens like the Biltmore Mansion in your backyard.”
A saddened, faraway look reached her eyes for a moment and vanished the next. “Nope. One day, though. I’m saving. Between student loans and a few credit card bills I ran up in grad school, it will be a while. Plus, when I was growing up I always wanted to live downtown. So when I moved back to Memphis, I decided to do so. I love it here and it’s not far from work.”
“Yes, downtown has definitely changed since we were growing up.” He glanced over the menu that he knew by heart. He usually ordered the same entrée—Justin’s New Orleans gumbo—and wasn’t even sure why he was perusing the chef specials. He’d eaten dinner earlier with his dad, but he still wanted some seafood gumbo. Sean closed it and placed his focus on the stunning woman sitting across from him. Too bad she wasn’t on the menu as he suddenly became hungry for her. Her perfume had wafted in his direction and the light rose scent was stimulating him once again. The cold shower he took after she left that afternoon needed to be repeated.
He leaned over the table. “Surprised to see me here?”
“Not really,” she said with a shrug.
He chuckled. “Oh, so you’re used to men chasing you?”
She swished her lips to the side and raised an arched eyebrow. “Uh huh … so you’re chasing me?” Tossing the napkin from her lap unto the table, she sat back in her chair with a mischievous grin.
He frowned. That’s not what he was doing. Was it? He cleared his throat and sat up straight in his chair as the warmth of the tequila began to race through him.
“I don’t chase after women, sweetheart, but when I see something I want, I go after it.”
Her cheeks filled with a red hue as she tried to stifle a smile that was forming. “Um … isn’t that the same thing?”
He leaned over the table once more and grabbed her hands that began to tremble in his “Not when what I want wants me, too.”
“You sure are full of yourself.”
“Some may think so, but I’m simply going off of that delectable kiss we shared the other day. Plus, the way you looked at me when I was digging the hole for the maple earlier. I could feel your eyes burning on my back.”
“The sun was out,” Traci answered matter-of-factly.
Sean laughed at her cute back and forth banter. He may shake her nerves for he could sense when she was flustered with him, but she wasn’t one of those women who he could run over and say anything to.
“Yeah, it was.” He rubbed his thumbs on her palms. “Made you all hot and sweaty.”
“Well, it certainly wasn’t you.” She grabbed her glass and drank what was left of her melted ice.
“Not yet. Then again … maybe so. I saw you squirm a tad when I asked you to landscape my yard. That desk didn’t hide much. It was all over your beautiful face.”
“Perhaps you’re over analyzing things.”
“Perhaps we should leave.”
“I came with my girl.”
“She looks happy to me on the dance floor with my boy.”
“Is that why he’s here? To keep Caitlyn occupied?”
“Maybe I just want you all to myself.”
Her eyes glazed over and her succulent lips parted. He noticed her squirm in her seat, and he had an inkling she would leave with him.
“What’s up, Sean?” a female voice said. He looked up and laid his eyes on Zaria; he wasn’t happy at all about the interruption. He was ready to hear Traci’s answer, not chit chat with Garrett’s crush.
“Hey. This is Traci Reed. Traci, this is Zaria Richardson, Justin’s cousin and the event planner here at the restaurant.”
The ladies shook hands and Zaria proceeded to sit down. Apparently she’d missed the memo where he didn’t want her to stay. He was ready to leave with Traci.
“So, Sean, will you be at the meeting tomorrow at Raven’s home to discuss your parents’ wedding anniversary dinner? You missed the last one, and its less than six weeks away.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there, but Cannon updated me on the information. Sorry I missed it, but I had another appointment.” Which was true. It was the same day as his first meeting with Traci. “Your man is on the dance floor getting his groove thang on,” he said, nodding in Garrett’s direction
Zaria smacked her lips and pushed her long hair that was in a high ponytail back over her left shoulder. “Not interested in anything that little man has to offer.”
“He’s right at 6 feet. Aren’t you that tall as well?”
“When I’m in heels which is all the time. A man needs to be at least your height to ride this ride and have a personality. Anyway, everything is on schedule for your parents’ party. Justin has put together a wonderful menu and is bringing samples tomorrow.”
“So I heard this will be your last big event before you move to St. Simons Island, Georgia to start an event planning company with Reagan.”
“Yes. I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” she said as her face beamed with delight. “We’ve always teased about doing it, so when she made up her mind that she was serious, I couldn’t say no. She’s worked for another event planning company on St. Simons’ for the past year and she’s familiar with the clientele.”
“How does Justin feel about you leaving Lillian’s?”
His eyes diverted to the dance floor for a moment, and he noticed Garrett looking in their direction. Sean hoped his friend wouldn’t make it back over, but the way Caitlyn was dancing on him it was doubtful he’d leave the floor anytime soon.
“I can’t work for him forever. I need to have my
own business and Justin understands. Besides, Reagan is his baby sister and he wants what’s best for both of us.”
He nodded his head. “I’m happy for you. That’s a major step, but you’re an accomplished young woman as is Reagan and Brooklyn so you ladies will be fine.”
“Thanks, Sean. Still waiting for Brooklyn to say yes. I know she loves her job at the accounting firm, but we need her expertise in that field. Plus, she’s an awesome photographer.” Zaria stood when a hostess stepped over and whispered something in her ear. “Gotta go.” She turned toward Traci. “Nice meeting you.”
Once Zaria left, he turned his focus back on Traci. “So where were we?” He hoped like hell that she was still aroused by his last comment to her before Zaria had arrived.
“Leaving.”
Chapter Six
Leaving? Did I really say we were leaving? However, that’s exactly what Traci was doing after Sean paid for her dinner, and they both waved at their friends who were cutting a rug on the dance floor. She didn’t know what had possessed her to even say that. Sure she was thinking it, but she never meant to speak it into existence. She considered telling him she was just kidding. However, the way he licked his lips and stared at her as if he was going to push the table out of the way and devour her in the middle of his brother-in-law’s restaurant, made her keep quiet. Besides, she was still on cloud nine from spending all day with him. Plus, after seeing him with his shirt off, made her want to witness it again … but next time up close and personal. Maybe even run her hand down his chest or glide it along the eagle’s wings.
She followed him silently to the door of the restaurant, wishing like hell she had her glasses on instead of her contact lenses that were bugging the heck out of her eyes. She could see fine without her glasses or contacts, but sometimes when going out to places with low lighting, she preferred to have either or in order to read the menu without squinting. Unfortunately, she’d been in a hurry because Caitlyn—who lived in the same loft apartment building—had a pet peeve of being late, so Traci had rushed to put them in just as the doorbell rang. Now they were irritating her, and she’d neglected to toss her eye drops in her purse. It had been on her list of things to do before leaving, but once Caitlyn had arrived and reminded her of the time of their reservation, Traci shook her hair wrap down, swiped her purse from the kitchen island, and headed to the last trolley that would get them there in a timely manner.