by Candace Shaw
Taking a sip of her lemonade, she dabbed the side of her mouth with a napkin. “I don’t mind. No, it wasn’t over a broken heart even though my ex, who I thought I would eventually marry, cheated on me pretty much the entire time we were together. Honestly, at first it didn’t start out as a break. It was more of a drought. I was busy opening my business, and dating became secondary. I just didn’t have time. I’ve never really cared for casual sex or one-night stands. Don’t get me wrong—I’ve had the friends-with-benefits situations, and I’m not a holier-than-thou prude by any means. It’s just been more of a spiritual awakening for me. Getting to know Blythe Rose Ventura better. I still date, but I’d rather learn more about the person and have a soul connection before a body connection. I don’t have a ballpark figure of how long that will be, but I would prefer to be in an actual relationship before having sex. It just baffles me how some men really think we’re having sex after two dates.”
“So, you’re not celibate or anything like that?”
“No, but I would like to be in a relationship that would lead to marriage. That’s the end game. I want a husband and children someday. I want to be in sync in mind, body, spirit and soul. Sex is so much more than just physical...or at least, it is to me. I want a complete connection before I just jump in the bed with someone. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it wasn’t satisfying, special or loving at all.”
“So tell me about the ex who gave you the wake-up call.”
“We were together for two years. Off and on. My friends told me about his reputation, but I ignored them. Of course, he was a player, but I thought I could change him because I’m a good woman. Why would he ever play around on me? He laid on the charm and I believed him. Besides, he was handsome, was educated, had a very lucrative career and was very close with his family. And over thirty. Most men over thirty are ready to settle down. Playing games should be over with. He was the first to bring up marriage, not me. I even met his mother after only a month of dating him. After some time, I started to see the red flags, but I ignored them as he reassured me he wasn’t seeing anyone else. Well, my wake-up call was when I caught him in bed with two women. I wasn’t heartbroken, just pissed at myself for not seeing the signs all along.”
“Wow. I’m sorry. You don’t have to worry about me trying to get you in my bed. If we get to that point, it’s your decision.”
“Thank—” She stopped and laughed as Hope interrupted their conversation by bouncing up on the chaise lounge with Blythe and snuggling at her feet. She leaned over and rubbed the dog’s back.
“That’s her spot when she’s ready to go to sleep for the night,” Preston explained, setting his plate on the coffee table between them and sliding over to sit next to Hope. She rested her head on his lap, wagged her tail and went back to sleep.
Standing, Blythe stretched her arms out and yawned. “It’s late, and I have to be up early in the morning. I’m going to finish Hope’s mural before going to work.”
Preston stood, grabbed her hands and kissed them softly. “Don’t overexert yourself. We have plenty of time before Christmas Eve.”
“I know, but after a while I won’t have time because of the busy season. The closer to Christmas, the more booked Paint, Sip, Chat is.”
“Well, I appreciate all the help. Hope and I are going to the hospital on Friday afternoon. Do you have a session?”
“I’m free after two. I was going to use that time to get some work done on the Winter Wonderland project, but I can come for a bit. I’d love to meet the children you care so much about.”
“Perfect. They’re having a read-a-thon for the younger ones. I’m giving them all tablets filled with tons of children’s books and educational games. I’m also sending hard copies of the books to their homes. It would be too many to bring to the hospital, but I’m going to read a couple of books during story time. Maybe you can, too.”
“I’d love to.”
She headed to the elevator with him striding next to her. A relaxed, protected feeling washed over Blythe when he pulled her close to him and kissed her gently on the lips, followed by a sweet kiss on the forehead.
“For the record, that clown didn’t know what he had. You’re a precious gem, Blythe, and I promise we will take things as slow as you want. You’re the kind of woman I don’t want to hurt or do anything to push away.”
“I appreciate that, and thank you for a wonderful time. I enjoyed the racing game. I almost want to play again,” she teased.
“One more time. I’ll even show you the secrets on how to win.”
She dropped her purse to the floor. “Game on.”
Chapter 6
Blythe unbraided her hair in the mirror that hung on the inside of her closet door in her office. She’d washed and dyed her tresses with a brown rinse the night before. She’d braided her hair and then set it with huge twist rollers. The ringlets of curls and the color had come out as beautifully as she’d hoped. Shaking it, she fixed a few strands before applying a light coat of red lip gloss and eyeliner. Blythe couldn’t believe she was stressing over seeing Preston. She usually never got riled up over preparing to see whoever she was dating, even though what they were doing wasn’t dating. In fact, they’d never been on an actual date, but in a way, it wasn’t necessary. She’d enjoyed getting to know him better without the pressure of stating they were dating or in a relationship. This way was more organic and carefree without the nonsense of titles. She looked forward to seeing him at the hospital and wanted to look beautiful for him. They’d spoken and sent text messages for the past few days. He’d traveled out of town to oversee the production of the video games for the Winter Wonderland project and had arrived back that morning. He’d sent a sweet good-morning text message along with a picture of him and Hope that flew her to cloud nine ever since.
Finally satisfied with her hair, Blythe closed the closet and almost jumped as she saw Tiffani leaning against the open office door.
“Hey, girl,” Blythe said. “I didn’t know you were standing there.” Walking over to her desk, she tossed her makeup bag on it and grabbed her belongings. Swiping her shades, she placed them over her eyes and slid her purse on her shoulder.
“Just got here. Ms. Bernice said you were preparing to leave for the day to work on the Winter Wonderland project.” Tiffani tilted her head, and her face lit up with excitement. “Do you have a lunch date first that you forgot to tell me about? You look hot!”
“Nooo...why would you think that?” Oh, my goodness. Am I about to lie to my best friend?
“Because you wear makeup only when you’re going out somewhere. You rarely wear it here.”
Walking around the desk, she met Tiffani at the door and headed out to the hallway as she racked her brain for the best way to answer the question without lying. Closing her office door, she locked it and trekked down the hall with her friend. “No date. Just, um... Preston invited some of the Winter Wonderland committee to the children’s hospital. There’s a read-a-thon today.” Okay, so it’s not quite a lie. He did say at the first meeting that he’d love for the committee members to visit with the children.
“That’s cool. He loves going. I’ve been a few times, but it’s an overwhelming experience because it reminds me of when he was there and we almost lost him.” Tiffani’s expression turned solemn but quickly perked back up. “You really seem to love working on this project. I’ve never seen you so involved with something before besides your business. You’re almost glowing.”
Blythe laughed nervously. She wanted nothing more than to tell Tiffani about Prez, but she wasn’t sure how to word it. She liked Preston a lot. She’d had a harmless crush on him for the past year but not enough to do anything about because she knew it wouldn’t lead to anything. Now the tide had turned, and the desire he’d awakened in her beckoned her to explore her feelings for him. Usually she told Tiffani eve
rything, but right now she couldn’t.
Even though Tiffani would hint that Blythe would be the perfect woman for Preston to settle down with, she didn’t want to risk ruining their friendship. If it didn’t work out, would Tiffani blame her? Would she be upset? Would their relationship be strained if Prez turned out to be a dog and Blythe hated his guts? She wouldn’t expect Tiffani to take sides; however, she wouldn’t expect her to be comforting toward her, either. Tiffani loved her big brother. No, for now, she’d keep it to herself. Besides, she and Preston were taking it slow just in case they realized there was nothing between them. Then at least they could go back to normal without anyone knowing. Even though the thought saddened her a bit.
Shaking off the sadness that wanted to sink in, she put on a pleasant smile.
“Just excited about this time of the year. You know how much I love Christmas.” Her cell phone vibrated in her hand, and she glanced down to see Preston’s name and a picture with Hope on the screen. A wide beam reached across her face when she saw his name and his charming smile. Slipping the cell phone in her purse, she looked up to see Tiffani eyeing her.
“Girl, that was some smile. You sure you don’t have a hot date later on? You’re doing that glowing thing again,” Tiffani said in a singsong tone. “I haven’t seen you this cheery since you finally started making a sizable profit at the paint studio and you paid your Lexus off.”
“Oh, girl. No... I mean...nothing I want to discuss right now. It’s too early. Plus, you know I can’t keep a man once they learn I’m not giving up the goods anytime soon,” she joked. Of course, your brother doesn’t seem to mind. “I’m taking it one day at a time.” There, I didn’t lie. I’m just omitting part of the truth.
“Mmm-hmm. Well, don’t forget to RSVP for my Christmas party. Are you bringing a date? Perhaps the man who made your face light up like the Christmas tree at Macy’s?”
“Uh...um...” She stopped as she felt the corners of her mouth rise a little too hard in a smile that was sure to give her away. “No... I doubt it. Just put me down for one.”
“Mmm...okay. That’s cool, but if you change your mind, just bring him. If not, Broderick has some single colleagues coming. You know the saying—don’t bring sand to the beach. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone under the mistletoe. I’ll make sure there’s plenty hanging.”
Blythe chuckled. “Yeah, maybe.”
“What’s funny is that this morning I called Preston to ask which of the females he’s currently juggling he would escort to the party. He said that he wasn’t juggling anyone at the moment and he was seeing one special lady who could turn into more. I couldn’t believe it. First him and now you, and neither of y’all wants to discuss it. Too bad it’s not you two together. I’ve always thought you’d be perfect for each other. We’re best friends, but wouldn’t it be cool to be sisters?”
“Girl, you’re a mess.” Blythe laughed a little too hard and halted abruptly. “So, it’s not common for him to date just one girl at a time?” She tried to keep her question steady and in her usual casual tone when speaking of him. But her heart pumped hard against her chest, and she hoped Tiffani wasn’t able to hear it. Blythe could hear the echo in her own ears. Was he referring to her or someone else? He did say he wasn’t seeing anyone but her, but that didn’t mean there weren’t other women waiting in the wings. Single men like him usually had backup.
“Yeah, but he always has backup. I got the impression this wasn’t the case. Weird, I suppose, but I know my brother. He sounded—” Tiffani stopped as a pretty smile graced her angelic face “—different, but in a good way. Plus, he said ‘special lady,’ but he wasn’t going to divulge anything further, which surprised me because he tells me everything. Even things I don’t want to know. Anyway, I’m excited to meet this mystery woman. He said I would adore her, and he’s never said that.”
“Oh...so he’s bringing her to the party?”
“He said he would ask her and get back with me. Well, speak of the devil.” Tiffani nodded toward the window.
Blythe glanced in the direction Tiffani was looking to see Preston’s Range Rover pull up to the curb between the bakery and art studio. Hope had her head out the window in the backseat, enjoying the cool breeze, and she barked affectionately when the two ladies walked out the door.
“Hey, Prez,” Tiffani greeted him as he jumped out of the SUV. “We were just talking about you.”
He raised a curious eyebrow and looked between the two ladies. Blythe, who was rubbing Hope, shook her head to let him know she hadn’t told Tiff about them.
“Really? What were you two chatting about?” he asked with a slight smirk as he glanced over Tiffani’s head at Blythe with a knowing gaze that roamed over her winter-white Indian tunic.
Blythe tore her eyes immediately from him. He looked scrumptious in a pair of khaki dress slacks, a baby-blue sweater and a gray newsboy cap. A light after-five shadow graced his face, making him more manly and sexy, especially when she noticed a few grays sprinkled in. Sucking in her breath, she had to remind herself to stay calm even though she wanted to land a kiss on his yummy lips and throw the cap off to run her fingers through his hair.
“My upcoming Christmas party,” Tiffani answered, giving her brother a hug. “And the fact that you may have a special—”
“And the Winter Wonderland project,” Blythe interjected before Tiffani went any further. “I was telling Tiff how much I’ve enjoyed working on it. It’s a humble feeling to be a part of something so wonderful for the children,” she rambled in one breath.
“And I’m really glad you decided to,” Preston said, resting his eyes once more Blythe. “I couldn’t have done it without you or the rest of the committee.”
Tiffani smiled and patted Blythe on the back. “I told you my best friend is a gem. A true gem.”
“That she is. An angel sent from heaven. I described the vision in my head and she sketched it out perfectly. I can’t wait for you to see the transformation, Tiff. It’s beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. And I know my nephew is going to have a blast.”
Blythe caught his intense stare, and she turned her attention back to Hope. Preston’s dazzling smile and genuine compliment were making her antsy...and hot. She was grateful that the siblings continued talking. She was scared that if she opened her mouth again, incomprehensible words would spill out.
“Well, I can’t wait, either. KJ and I will have to stop by soon. Trust me, he has been begging me to take him. Oh, and your goodies for the hospital are ready and packed up on the back counter, with some extra éclairs for you.”
“Great. Blythe, do you want to ride with me? I can bring you back here. No point in taking two cars. I called you a few moments ago to ask but it went to your voice mail.”
Dang it. Now Tiff is going to put one and one together. “Oh...no. I’m not coming back here, but thank you. I’ll follow you to the hospital.”
“Okay. I’ll go grab the treats and we can jet.”
He skedaddled inside, and Blythe hoped that Tiffani would follow suit, but she didn’t. Instead, she leaned against the SUV and rested inquisitive eyes on Blythe, who chanted over and over in her head that she wasn’t going to break. Thank goodness she had on her wide aviator shades even though it was partly cloudy.
“Sooo... I see you and Prez are finally getting along,” Tiffani stated, wearing a huge grin.
“We’ve always gotten along.” Blythe shrugged nonchalantly and prayed Tiffani wasn’t deciphering the phone call situation, but Blythe knew her friend well, and that’s exactly what she was doing. Plus, Tiffani’s cousin, Sydney, was a criminal profiler and had given them tips on body language. She tried to remain calm and hold her body still.
“Mmm...if you call him flirting and you laughing and ignoring him getting along, then okay, but something is different.”
“Tiffani, you�
��re crazy.”
“Nope, just hopeful. But like they say, miracles happen around Christmas,” Tiffani sang in a joyful tone. “I guess I’ll just sit back in my front row seat and observe.”
“Chica, you’re a mess, and that’s why I love you. Watch Hope. I’m going to start my car. It’s been sitting out in the cold all day. You know I like it nice and toasty when driving.”
Tiffani twisted her mouth to the side. “Uh-huh...okay. Have fun...reading to the children.”
“I will, girl.” Blythe pivoted on the heel of her boot and headed briskly to her car. Once settled, she exhaled a long breath and was grateful for the dark tint on her windows. She started the engine and peered over to see Preston emerge with a huge box. Tiffani opened the trunk for him, and Blythe could tell by her friend’s cheerful facial expression—and the glance toward her—that Tiffani was questioning her brother, as well. He threw his head back in laughter, kissed his sister’s cheek and hopped into his SUV.
Moments later, he pulled up beside her car, and she rolled down her driver’s window.
“Hey, baby girl. I think my sister is on to us.”
“Mmm...she’s pretty observant.”
“Yep. It runs in the family. She mentioned a phone call you didn’t answer before I arrived that made your face light up like Christmas lights. She swears it was me.” He tapped his chin, and a cocky grin emerged. “Oh, wait, that was me calling you,” he said with an arrogant wink.
“Maybe it was someone else,” she said, slyly returning the wink. “You’re not the only man I know. It could’ve been my male friend with the black truck.”
A sexy smile raised up the left corner of his mouth. “I’m the only man who makes you beam the way you did when you saw my name flash across your cell phone screen.”
“If you say so. Perhaps I’m juggling men,” she teased. “You aren’t the only man in Atlanta.”
“Alright now, woman. I’m not the possessive type, but when I want something, I go after it, and once it’s mine, that’s it. I don’t share.”