Fever (Falling For A Rose Book 4)

by Stephanie Nicole Norris

  “Can we please talk about anything other than that? What are you doing and where are you going?”

  I pulled my shoulders back and peered at the screen.

  “Who says I’m going anywhere?”

  “I can hear your radio playing in the background.”

  I reached for the dial and turned it down.

  “I’m on my way to the mall, pulling up in the parking lot as we speak.”

  “Oooh, shopping is always nice. What’s the occasion?”

  I hesitated, knowing this probably wouldn’t be the perfect time to tell Carla about my position at the newspaper.

  “Josiah is taking me to dinner tonight.”

  “Santana, are you all dating?”

  “Yes,” I said firmly. “We are.”

  A high-pitched squeal sounded through my ear, and I pulled the phone back and squinted until Carla was done.

  “Oh my God, that is so exciting. It’s you. You’re the next one to get hitched by one of those fine ass Rose brothers.”

  “I don’t know about all that,” I said.

  “What do you mean? It seems like one by one, they’re all turning in their playa cards for love and mark my words. You’re next!”

  My smile was bright. Carla’s words were very encouraging, but I reminded myself that our relationship wasn’t a real one. Just that thought deflated me.

  “Listen, don’t get all excited, we’re talking about Josiah here.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  I exited my car and hit the alarm on my keypad. It chirped, and I sauntered across the street into The Shops at North Bridge Mall. My heels clicked against the vinyl tile as I headed straight for the bank of elevators.

  “We’ve talked about this before,” I said. “Hold on for just a second, Carla.” I shifted the strap that was tied to my handbag and dug in the pocket for my Bluetooth. After adjusting the device on my ear, I dropped my smartphone inside my purse and continued my walk to Nordstrom’s.

  “Hey, Carla, can you hear me?”

  “Yeah.”

  “So, as I was saying. Josiah’s young. I’d be foolish to think he’s ready for marriage.”

  “Oh, girl, pa-lease!”

  I stopped walking at Carla’s heavy insinuation.

  “What?” I shrugged.

  “You’ll have to come better than that. You talk like the man is sixteen. Honey, he’s in his late-twenties. Josiah knows what he wants.”

  “How do you know?” I asked, making my way into the store.

  “It’s not rocket science. Look, consider this. Josiah was raised in a strong male household. I’m sure his values are very different from most twenty somethings.”

  She had a point, but I didn’t want to let her know it.

  “I hear you.”

  “Do you,” she shot back.

  “I do.”

  I browsed through summer dresses before pulling a few off and heading to the dressing room.

  “I should’ve been right there with you. I could use some retail therapy. How much vacation time did you put in at work?”

  “Initially a week, which ends in three days. But I just got a new job, so I’m going to put in my two weeks’ notice.”

  The phone went silent.

  “Hello, Carla?”

  “I’m so happy for you I could cry.”

  “Aww, are you?”

  “Yes, I am, but I am jealous as hell.”

  We laughed.

  “Where did you get another job?”

  I paused for dramatic effect. “The Chicago Chronicle.”

  Carla gasped then squealed, and I did a little dance in the dressing room as I stepped into the thin gown.

  “I know!” I said, excitement bubbling over. “That’s why Josiah is taking me to dinner. He wants to celebrate.”

  “Girl, you are on some love-struck shit over there. I can’t even relate!”

  I tossed back my head and laughed.

  “Tomorrow, his family is having what he called their annual barbeque, and he wants me there.”

  “Dang, I want to go! He got about fifty thousand other brothers. Maybe I can bag one of them.”

  I laughed again and slapped the wall in the dressing room.

  “Hey, you never know. If you really want to go, I’ll ask Josiah if it’s okay that I bring you.”

  “Um, why hell yes I want to go!”

  My laughter continued. I could see Carla standing with a hand on her hip going into a circle neck roll and lip pop. I twirled in the mirror and loved the way the see-through lace fit my breast snugly down to my waist. From there, silk material flared at my hips stretching to my knees. I felt like Mary Poppins. Well, the updated, sophisticated, sexy as hell version if I did say so myself.

  “Well, you need to get yourself together, sweetie, because I’m sure he’ll say yes.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. My Josiah’s a sweetheart. He never tells me no.”

  “Wait one minute!” Carla said. “Your Josiah? Never tells you no! Girl, you have been holding out, and I don’t appreciate it. If you could’ve heard that damn dreamy sigh you just spoke all that with! Oh my God, Santana, you’re in love!”

  My stomach balled, and my throat tightened.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m in very strong like,” I said.

  “The hell you are! Meet me at my house in fifteen minutes,” she yelled.

  “Why?”

  “Because I said so that’s why.”

  I let out a heavy sigh knowing Carla was about to question me to death but I’d hidden my passions for Josiah for as long as I could. So now it was time for me to spill the tea.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Okay now, you’ve got to make this quick.”

  Carla folded her arms as she readjusted herself in the passenger seat.

  “What’s the rush. Your date isn’t for another few hours.”

  “I’ll need that time to get ready.”

  Carla looked me up and down. “What’s wrong with what you have on?”

  “It’s what I wore to my interview.”

  “It’s still hot. I like it,” she offered.

  “Well, thanks. I think Mrs. Hathaway liked it, too.”

  At Carla’s puzzled look, I explained. “The lady who hired me.”

  “Oh, your new boss,” she popped with a little stank in her voice.

  “Don’t be mad. Look at it this way. Once I get my foot in the door, I can check out what other positions they have available and get you on.”

  Carla’s frown spread slowly into a reassuring smile. “Yeah you can!” she said.

  I nodded. “See and you were getting ready to give me major attitude.”

  “Not major.” She pierced her fingers together. “Just a little.”

  “Mmhmm.”

  “So, since you’re in a rush, I need a quick favor.”

  My eyes rose in surprise. “I’m listening.”

  “Can you introduce me to Jacob?”

  I sat back in my seat. “Josiah’s brother?”

  “Yeah…”

  “How do you know him?”

  “Duh, I’ve seen him on every major news channel just like all the others, and he is gorgeous.” She swooned.

  I dropped my eyes to her. “What if he’s a dog?”

  Carla pushed air out of her lips with a frown. “What is up with you?”

  “What?”

  “You know those brothers don’t dog women!”

  “I don’t mean like that. But he has all the potential to be a heartbreaker just like the rest of them.”

  “Well hell, maybe that’s a chance I’m willing to take. Just introduce me!” She pouted. “We’ll work out the specifics later.”

  I smirked. “Girl, is that why you had me come all the way over here?”

  “No. I wanted to get all in your business, but you tryna rush a sister.”

  I pursed my lips, unsure if I believed her. “I’ll see what I can do, but I
don’t know Jacob that well.”

  “You can put a bug in Josiah’s ear. Like you said before, he never tells you no.” Carla winked, and I couldn’t be mad at her for using me.

  “All right girl, I got your back. Now get out. I’ve got to get going.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m out.”

  Carla climbed out of the car and traipsed to the sidewalk to check her mailbox.

  “See you tomorrow,” I chimed, pulling off to go get ready for my date with Josiah.

  When I opened my front door, Josiah stood there dapper in a Giorgio Armani suit that tailored his muscled physique with splendor. My nipples hardened immediately, and I found myself in awe with the way his sheer presence made me feel. Chills rose on my skin as my eyes traveled down his suave excellence to the sharp shoes that held a shine liked they’d been buffed to perfection. Besides his striking appearance, the way Josiah looked at me with a lethal perusal tightened my areolas to the point where I was certain they were now bulging through the lace top of my gown.

  “Good evening,” I said. “You sure know how to clean up, don’t you?”

  A lazy grin tugged at his lips. “Thank you,” he said. “And your beauty is beyond stunning.” He held his arm out. “Shall we?”

  I roped my arm through his, and we left the house. Inside his car, a buzzing energy wafted around us, tantalizing and electric. I’d taken measures to make my appearance stand out, and already my panties were useless.

  “Do you mind?” Josiah said, turning to a rhythm and blues station.

  “Not at all. I could use a good tune.”

  “Yeah?”

  I smiled. “Yeah.”

  Josiah elevated the volume and reached for my hand linking our fingers together. His warm touch sent shivers flying through me and my heart kicked with an erratic beat. The Infiniti cruised down the highway, and it wasn’t until we were twenty minutes down the road that I realized I was unaware where we were headed. But when we pulled into the Veranda, I knew I’d be in for a treat.

  “I’ve never eaten here.”

  Josiah gave me that sexy grin. “I was hoping you hadn’t.”

  He pulled in front of the door and valet took over the driver’s seat while I placed my hand in Josiah’s pro-offered one. Arm and arm, we sailed into the restaurant and waited all of ten seconds before being seated.

  “Wow, that was quick, and this place is crowded,” I said. “This is the type of restaurant where you had to make reservations months in advance to get a seat.”

  “Six months,” Josiah corrected.

  My eyes rose. “Are you serious?”

  “Afraid so.”

  Suddenly, my mind began to swirl. Six months ago, I didn’t know Josiah, so I had to wonder who he’d made these reservations for. The thoughts twisted my stomach. But I held off from asking. A man walked up to our table dressed down in a chef’s hat jacket and pants.

  “Good evening, mademoiselle,” he greeted. The chef turned toward Josiah. “Monsieur Rose, I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to have you and your companion here at Veranda tonight. Your meal is on the house. The only thing I ask in return is a quick picture for our wall of fame.”

  The chef pointed to the wall that ran around the elegant restaurant with pictures of celebrities from James Brown, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Gladys Knight, and others.

  Josiah dipped his head. “Of course, as long as my lady doesn’t mind it.” He brought those sexy eyes to me that I’d dreamed about countless times since his departure a few days ago.

  “Oh no, I don’t.” I smiled.

  “Parfait!” the chef said delightedly. “Tell me what you would like to eat, and I’ll make it personally and bring it out to you.”

  Josiah grinned. “I was wondering if you could put on a show for my lady as you cook your masterpiece.”

  The chef’s eyes rose with elation, and I looked on quizzically.

  “If you’ll follow me, I have the perfect seats for you to enjoy this rendition of a meal.”

  Josiah stood to his feet and helped me to mine. We followed the chef through the restaurant, and I could feel the heat from Josiah’s hand sitting at the small of my back. Curious eyes stared at us as we made our way through. This upscale restaurant was no stranger to famous faces, but still, I caught a few pictures snap at us as we moseyed through. The chef pulled up to an open grill much like the one I’d seen in Montego Bay and sat us at a table attached to the lining of it.

  I looked at Josiah. “So, this is where they hide the jewels of the city,” I said.

  Josiah gave me a devilish grin, “Not all jewels,” he responded, pulling my seat out. I sat and got comfortable while Josiah took his place. The chef stood in front of us and with a sprinkle of oil, the grill flamed and a fire held with an orange glow. I smiled and crossed my legs. Josiah pulled me close and my back settled into the firmness of his chest. We lounged and watched the chef cook up a meal with a spirited performance.

  “I never knew watching someone cook could be so entertaining,” I said.

  “You like?”

  “I do.”

  I cocked my head to the side and peered up at him. His lips were divine, smooth and inviting. They hovered slightly above my cheek, and a blush warmed me over. A second passed, and Josiah leaned into me, placing a warm kiss on my face. My eyes closed and I exhaled and shivered at the warmth trickling over my skin.

  “I missed you,” I said, surprising myself.

  Josiah pulled his arm forward and threaded our fingers together as he kept the other arm leisurely laying across my shoulders.

  “I missed you, too.” His lips touched my face with a brush, and his nose nudged against my skin. The vibrations around us were so strong that sitting next to him felt like riding a rollercoaster. An exhilarating thrill. As the fire rose from the grill, I turned completely to face him, and with no more words spoken between us, we kissed. Slow and elaborate. Then fierce and urgent. For what felt like minutes we kissed, re-exploring each other’s mouths before I had a notion to tear my mouth away from his. With heavy lids, Josiah gazed at me then licked his lips as if getting the remainder of my kiss in his mouth. I tried with ease to calm my labored breaths and inched away from him, resting a hand on his chest.

  “I think we forgot we were in public,” I said, attempting to make a joke.

  “We’re secluded back here.”

  I glanced around at other couples, some within possible earshot and quirked an eyebrow up at him. “Secluded?”

  He smiled. “Somewhat.” His stare went to my mouth, and it was doing crazy things to my body. I was as hot as the fire in front of us, and I wished I had one of those church fans to pull out for a quick rush of wind.

  The chef put the last touches on our dish and sat them around us in a grand presentation. “That was beautiful,” I said complimenting the chef for his production.

  “Thank you, mademoiselle. Do you have everything you need?”

  I glanced at Josiah, and he grinned and looked to the Chef, “We do. Thank you, sir.” The men shook hands.

  “I’ll be back to check on you two in a minute.”

  “Take your time,” Josiah said.

  Josiah slipped his hand in mine. “Shall we pray?”

  I smiled. “Of course.”

  We bowed our heads, and Josiah gave thanks over our food. Hearing him talk to the Lord even in a simple prayer warmed my heart. I wondered if he talked to his mom this way, and I realized I wanted to know more about where he went when he was inside his head.

  “Amen,” we said together. As our heads lifted, we stared at each other, and I let out a soft giggle.

  “I want to propose a toast,” Josiah said, raising a glass of champagne. I reached for my glass and held it up. “To you, Santana. You’re beautiful, intelligent, and the most down to earth woman I’ve ever known. You should get an award for being you. Congratulations on getting a position at the Chicago Chronicle. You deserve it, and I’m proud to call you my love.
”

  A surge of heat, thick and glazed, coasted over my skin. Our glasses clinked as I tried to comprehend his words. I sipped slowly while I thoughtfully engaged in a battle in my mind. Was he serious or was he putting on a show? After taking a drink, Josiah sat his glass down and reached for a shrimp kabob and fed me. I ate unhurriedly, and our table grew quiet as we sought nourishment. My appetite had gone past needing the physical sustenance but now more than anything; I wanted him in every way there was to have a person.

  As my mind wandered, I found myself watching him eat, paying attention to every bite, lick, and stretch of his masculine jaw. I was paralyzed. Absorbed in the provocative way he enjoyed his meal while wishing it was me instead. It turned me on, every time the thick fringe of his lashes lifted to find me staring. How he deliberately coated his lips with his tongue only to pull another bite to his mouth for a taste. His capturing stare stroked me with a current of heat that made my hands rush to my shirt and pop open a button only to find that I was indeed wearing a dress. My skin roasted as his eyes swept over me and his pupils darkened when they made it to my breasts. When he spoke, I only saw his lips move.

  “Full?”

  I couldn’t find my voice. Had no idea where it went. I reached for a glass of water and took a needy sip then cleared my throat.

  “My goodness,” I said, “I think I’m going to need something stronger than that.” My laugh was thin, but it ended in a dense chortle. “I’m not full, but I’m good,” I said. Needing to switch gears quickly, I changed the subject. “I’m surprised Mrs. Hathaway hired me on the spot. She seemed more intrigued with our relationship than anything.”

  Josiah frowned. “How do you mean?”

  “She asked questions about how we met, how long we’ve known each other, and if we were in a relationship.”

  Josiah studied my face. “And what did you tell her?”

  “Well, I think she could tell I was uncomfortable with answering such personal questions, so she promptly told me I didn’t have to answer them if I didn’t want to, she was just curious. So, I changed the conversation back to my resume.” I took my eyes around the restaurant then back to him. “I hope you don’t mind me asking but are you two involved?”