A chime at the door got her attention. Taheim didn’t have to turn to see what she had her eyes on. It was obviously a man. She was batting her eyes hard enough to give everyone in the coffee shop whiplash.
“If you’re done rattling on about whatever you just were, I think it’s best that I tell you that the online gossip mag, you know, the one that was so eager to print our love story years ago? Well, they are eager to hear what else I want to discuss with them about you.” She pulled a photo out of her purse and slid it across the table at him. “Meaning your son. This was taken a couple months ago.”
As Taheim studied the photo, his heart began beating out of his chest. It wasn’t as if he were meeting the boy in person yet. It was only a photo. But it was a strange feeling that consumed him as he stared into the eyes of a child who could be his. A young boy with a short fade and a huge smile who’d spent the past eight years of his life without a father, without a man to look up to as a role model.
“Oh, and before you tell me again that you aren’t coming to Florida, I guess I should let you read this.” She handed him a piece of paper she’d pulled out when she’d gotten the photo. As Taheim began reading the first paragraphs, he immediately balled the paper up.
“What the fuck is this?”
“I figured that would get your attention.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder and winked at someone at the counter. Probably the same guy she’d winked at before. “It’s the draft of what I will send to the magazine if you don’t accompany me to Florida this week. In case you didn’t get to the good stuff, it states that when you found out I was pregnant, you checked me into a mental facility.”
“I talked to your ex. He said your mother told him that you had been suicidal during your pregnancy, which is why you were in that clinic.”
“Oh, please.” She waved off his words. “It’s crazy what a homeless guy will do for a little change. I paid him to sign your name on my documents to enroll me, and my mom sat back and watched me do it. Your name is on everything.”
“Forgery is illegal and there’s no doubt that your case would never hold up in court.”
“I have enough dirt on my mom and ex to convince them to stay quiet. Call it a benefit of surrounding yourself with people just as fucked up as you. Whatever my ex told you, he’d never testify and neither would my mother. Besides, the magazine doesn’t give a shit about that. A story is a story, and by the time you figure out how to take legal action against me, I’ll already have accomplished my goal.”
The smile plastered across her face made his stomach turn. Visions of how many people would find out about Andrea’s latest stunt if he involved the courts were enough to make him contemplate her request. He was tired of involving his family and friends in his drama with her. He was smarter now. Wiser. He’d done a lot of growing after they broke up and he’d be damned if he let her undo any of that. Or jeopardize my possible future with Winter.
“This conversation is over.” He threw a few bills on the table and stood to leave.
“Should I email this to them now?” she called behind him.
He turned and looked her up and down in disgust. “I’ll see you in Florida.”
Chapter 18
“Thanks and have a nice day.” Winter wasn’t sure how many customers had walked through the store today, but she was really tired of plastering on a smile.
“Has he called you yet?” Autumn asked.
“Not yet.”
“I’m sure he’ll call,” Danni added.
Winter gave them a look of disbelief. “Three days ago he tells me that he’s going to Florida with his ex to get a DNA test and I haven’t heard from him since. The odds are not in my favor.”
“Did you tell him how you feel?” Autumn asked.
“Where did I have the time to fit that in? Oh, I know.” She snapped her fingers. “Right in between Winter, I have to go to Florida and I’ll finally confirm if he’s my son. You’re so right. Following that up with Okay, I really care about you, so call me when you get there—tell me everything would have worked perfectly.”
“Well, not like that,” Danni said, shaking her head. “Besides, isn’t what you feel for him a little stronger than you’re letting on?”
Winter averted her eyes from the two women trying to read into her behavior. “No, I just care about him.”
“Oh, honey, we aren’t stupid. It’s obvious how much you care about him. Otherwise, you wouldn’t care that he hasn’t called.”
“I only care because the fashion show is in two days.” She started busying herself by straightening up random objects on the checkout counter. “She was pretty. Autumn, you noticed how she looked at him when she walked into Inferno.”
“From how Taheim looked, she’s not pretty where it counts. All I noticed that night was the fact that he wasn’t looking at her like she was looking at him. He was too busy looking at you.”
Deep down, Winter had thought the same thing. “He was in love with her once. He’d pledged to spend the rest of his life with her.”
“Didn’t she betray him, though?” Danni asked. “And now there’s a possibility that she kept his son from him? Seems like he dodged a bullet, if you ask me.”
Winter agreed—of course he’d dodged a bullet. But who was to say he wouldn’t dodge a bullet with her? Some people were easy to love, while others... Well, others just weren’t.
Autumn walked over and placed her hand on her shoulder. “Please tell me that you aren’t holding back with telling Taheim how you feel because of Mom and how she treated you growing up.”
Winter blinked back tears when Autumn nailed the exact reason that had been haunting her mind since she’d realized she was falling for Taheim.
“Winter, you can’t let her impact your future of happiness.” Autumn pulled her in for a hug. “You spent years trying to please that woman, but sometimes we just have to let people be who they are, and in this case, Mom will always be Mom. Selfish. Greedy. And hell-bent on trying to break you any way she can.”
Winter wiped away a couple tears, irritated at herself for even shedding them. “What if...” she said as her voice slightly cracked. “What if I got more from Mom than just my physical features? What if she was right and I’m destined to turn into her? She wasn’t always who she is today. When Dad met her, she was a different person...a lot like the person I am now.”
“Listen to me, sis,” Autumn said, grabbing her with both hands. “Even if you tried, you will never be that woman. The only thing she ever did for us was bring us into this world. You will never turn into the type of woman she is. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can open your heart up to love and give Taheim the chance that you’ve failed to give every man who ever wanted to win your heart. I think that all the crap Mom put you through was preparing you for this moment. Time to finally stop being there for others and let someone take care of you. Love you. Cherish you.”
Winter soaked in her sister’s words, feeling the truth in them. She’d never let fear hold her back in any other aspect of her life, so she definitely didn’t need to start now.
“Thanks, Autumn. I know you’re right,” she said, wiping away a few more tears. “Even if he doesn’t feel the same way about me, I have to tell him how I feel.”
Autumn glanced over at Danni before the two shared a laugh.
“What is it?” Winter asked as she looked from one to the other.
“Sweetie, you’re so dense when it comes to Taheim,” Autumn said, shaking her head. “How many times have I told you this since you returned from your trip? If it were up to Taheim, he would already have I’m in Love with Winter Dupree tattooed across his chest.”
Winter smiled, hoping they were right.
* * *
Taheim stared at the thin piece of paper in his hand. It barely had
any weight to it, proof that the weight of the paper wasn’t important to the DNA center. The most important factor about the sheet of paper was the information printed on it. The black font seemed to rise off the pages and slap him across the face.
“You can stare at it all you want,” Ajay said as he walked over to his brother and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “The words on the sheet will still be the same.”
“I know,” he replied as he folded the sheet and placed it in a secure place. “I just can’t believe it. That’s all.”
His trip to Florida had lasted a little longer than he’d thought. He had intended to be there only two rather than four days but had ended up getting back today, a day before the fashion show.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he said to Ajay. “You have a grand opening to prepare for.”
Ajay shrugged. “Most of it is planned. Besides, you’re the one who’s been gone a few days. Don’t you need to prepare for the show?”
“Yeah, but I plan on pulling an all-nighter.”
“Even so, you need to rest. A lot has happened recently.” His brother squinted his eyes in observation. “Paternity test aside, how do you feel about Andrea? Did seeing her dig up any old feelings?”
Taheim sat on the edge of his desk as he thought about their meeting in the coffee shop and the craziness he’d had to deal with in Florida.
Just as he’d predicted, Andrea had wasted no time trying to get him in her bed. She’d even gone so far as to beg her mom to bring her son to the hotel they were staying at—in separate rooms—and then she’d waited in the lobby for him with the boy. He’d thought they were meeting in the restaurant of the hotel because his lawyers had finally gotten to her. After their meeting at the coffeehouse, he’d informed his legal team for Collegiate Life and T.R. Night about Andrea’s accusations and her threat to bring the information to a gossip magazine. They’d immediately jumped to action.
When he arrived at the restaurant and noticed the boy with Andrea, he’d wanted to immediately turn around, but she was already calling out to him. He’d still walked away, but she’d caught him at the elevator.
She’d introduced him to Jamar, and his face had cringed when she mentioned that he was her son. He wasn’t sure how often Andrea had seen Jamar, since she lived in Texas, but he assumed it wasn’t a lot based on the strained look on Jamar’s face.
“I didn’t feel a thing,” Taheim said, finally answering his brother’s question. “Not even a hint of attraction or love or any friendly feelings whatsoever. If anything, I felt sorry for her.”
Ajay smirked in relief. “I’m glad to hear that, bro.” He gave him a suggestive look. “So does that mean you’ve decided to be open about your feelings for a certain brown beauty who’s caused you to lose focus on more than one occasion?”
Taheim smiled at his brother’s not-so-subtle question. “If you’re asking me if I’ve decided to tell Winter how I feel about her, then the answer is yes, I’m definitely going to tell her how I feel.”
“And how exactly do you feel?”
His lips curled into a side smile as he thought about how exciting his life had been since he’d met her. Whether they were disagreeing about something, participating in a questionable theatrical show, diving off a rocky cliff or stealing kisses when they thought no one was looking, he knew that a life without Winter wouldn’t be a life worth living.
“I love her, man. More than I thought I could ever love somebody. And it’s not that passing kind of love. It’s the kind that I secretly always wanted but never thought I’d find. The unconditional kind of love. More important, she accepts me for me and she’s beautiful inside and out. She didn’t turn her back at Andrea’s accusations, but instead she offered me support, no matter my decision.”
Ajay’s mouth turned into a wide smile. “So when exactly are you going to profess this unconditional love you speak of?”
Taheim grinned. “I was hoping you’d ask that question.”
Chapter 19
Winter peeked her head out the red velvet curtain to gaze at the sea of people wearing an array of different masquerade masks. She smiled at the number of people who continued to admire the place in awe despite the fact that they’d probably been there for hours. Elite Events had really outdone themselves with the decor. Inferno felt more like a holiday fantasy than a lounge.
Every waiter and waitress wore all black and had on the same mask with the word Inferno interlaced in the design. She’d heard that Elite Events had found a vendor to make the masks unique to the Inferno Lounge.
They had also set up numerous photo backdrop sections throughout the massive two-level venue, as well as hired photographers, who clicked away, giving patrons more than enough opportunity to capture the perfect shot of the night.
Long shimmery pieces of silver fabric entwined with lines of crystals were delicately placed throughout the lounge. The ceiling was draped in the same luscious red velvet as the curtain that separated the models backstage from the crowd.
She had to admit, Ajay had really outdone himself with the opening. She hadn’t attended the grand openings of many of his lounge and club locations, mainly because they had already been open when she moved to Chicago. But she couldn’t imagine they’d gone as well as this event was going. He was setting trends and taking names, daring any Chicago club owner to top the event he had.
She glanced back at the models and smiled at the pieces she and Taheim had created for the night. Fabrics in holiday colors filled the backstage area. The masks that all the models wore just added to the mystery and enticement of their attire. She was completely satisfied with each piece of lingerie that was walking out onstage tonight and she’d be the first to admit Taheim’s all-nighters had really paid off. There was no doubt in her mind that his T.R. Night collection would be another successful clothing line.
At the sound of the DJ signaling for attendees to take their seats for the fashion show, she glanced around for Taheim and was not surprised to find him already looking at her. But there was something else in his eyes, something she couldn’t make out. He almost looked sneaky standing on the other side of the room wearing a sly smile on his face.
I wonder what he’s up to. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t be able to ask until after the show.
* * *
With each piece that walked across the stage, Taheim’s chest swelled with pride. The crowd was really enjoying the fashion show and he loved the way his and Winter’s interpretations of lingerie and nightwear favored one another.
Both the collections had something for everyone. Winter’s holiday collection included seductive teddies, sweet satin camis, jaw-dropping boy shorts and bikini panties. Pieces such as Sugary Kisses, Tender Mistletoe and Sensual Silver Bell got a range of ohhs and aahs. Every piece was better than the last. Her black-velvet-with-red-trimmings set, which she called Naughty Little Santa, was a huge crowd-pleaser.
While her collection was seducing the audience, Taheim’s collection brought a little more edge. His silk collection of robes, pants, shirts and shorts were standard men’s nightwear. Although they were typical in type, each style had that T.R. Night edge. He was the most excited about the crowd’s reaction to his Deep in the Night pieces...the collection that he had been inspired to create after coming back from Vegas and Hawaii.
Deep in the Night was for the bolder man, the man who didn’t want to sleep in just anything. He wanted to make a statement even in his sleep, even in the darkest hour of the night. The collection included knit pants, shorts, boxers and briefs with words on the waistband like Powerful, Arrogant, Calculated, Ladies’ Man, Innovative Thinker, and Society’s Nightmare. The purpose behind the collection was to represent the personality of a man and his freedom to express himself even underneath his clothing. For laughs, he’d thrown in some briefs with a few holiday sayings like Jingle My B
ells, Let’s Be Naughty and, his personal favorite, No Peeking ’til Christmas.
When the fashion show was over, he glanced over at Winter, whose happiness was reflected in her eyes, in her smile and in the way she did a little jump for joy.
The models all did their final walk and the announcer called for the designers to take the stage. Here goes nothing, he thought as he surprised Winter by taking her hand before they walked out onstage. He knew that she expected them to take a bow at the end, wave to the audience and head backstage. Little did she know there’d been a change of plans. He nodded for the announcer to leave the stage and pulled two microphones out of his blazer. He clicked them on and handed one to her.
It was almost impossible to keep his composure when he noticed the look of confusion—and a little bit of panic—on her face. “Ajay wants us to say something instead.” Not one to be unprofessional, she quickly nodded her head and smiled to the audience.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we just wanted to personally thank you for giving us a chance to share our lingerie and nightwear collections with you this evening at the grand masquerade gala for Inferno Lounge.” He clapped his hands and the crowd roared and clapped along with him.
“As designers, we create for you,” Winter said, waving her hand to the audience. “We create because it’s our passion, our destiny, our duty to bring you magnificent, one-of-a-kind pieces unique to today’s trends.”
I should have known she would just jump right in. “See, that’s what I admire most about Winter Dupree, ladies and gentlemen. A minute ago I told her we had to speak to the audience before we left the stage and she didn’t hesitate to grab the mic and speak from her heart.”
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