A Christmas Kiss
Page 31
Malcolm nodded. “Thank you.”
“We had a great time at your nightclub this past Saturday,” another Starbucks employee chimed in as he blended coffee and cream into an oversized container. “I took my girl and her sister. They’re still talking about it!”
“I appreciate that,” Malcolm said as he moved from the order lane to the pickup counter. While he waited, he made conversation with the staff and the man in line behind him. The morning chatter was casual and easy as they caught up on their weekend endeavors and mused over the news headlines.
Malcolm looked across the room as the bell chimed over the entrance door, announcing a customer’s arrival. His eyes widened as he caught sight of the woman coming through the door. He knew beyond any doubt that the full-figured beauty was a woman who garnered a lot of attention when she came into a room, because she definitely had his.
She had an air of sophistication and glamour that few other women he knew possessed. She was dressed in a formfitting dress that showcased her voluptuous curves and four-inch pumps, and she carried a high-end leather bag across her arm. Her hair was abundant, a healthy mass of natural curls that cascaded past her shoulders. Her makeup was meticulous and flattering to her biracial-brown complexion. She actually took his breath away, and it was only when the Starbucks employee called for his attention that he realized he was staring.
“Mr. Cobb, is there anything else we can get for you?”
Malcolm’s head snapped around as he pulled his attention back to the young employee looking at him with a bright smile across her face. He nodded. “Yes, there is something you can do,” he said as he leaned over the counter, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Charge my credit card for that woman’s order. Whatever she wants.”
Allison looked toward the end of the line. “The woman in the blue print dress?” she asked.
Malcolm nodded. “Yes.”
The girl smiled. “Not a problem, sir.”
Moving out of the line, Malcolm took his macchiato and a cinnamon Danish to a corner table. Settling down in his seat, he watched as the woman placed her order. As she reached into her handbag for her wallet, Allison pointed in his direction. He smiled and waved a slight hand.
Cilla Jameson had noticed him when she’d entered; the handsome stranger had caught the eye of a few women in the room. She’d barely given him a second glance though as her mind had been elsewhere, too many thoughts racing through her head. Foremost was whether or not she had paid her credit card bill and if her card would be accepted when they swiped it to pay for her morning coffee. She was desperate for a good cup of coffee. His generosity was a welcome blessing.
She studied him curiously. She recognized him from somewhere but was having a hard time remembering where. It wasn’t often that she couldn’t remember a handsome face when she saw one, and the man was definitely handsome. He was tall and dark, his beautiful complexion smooth and clear like black ice. He had a slim build, but he was fit. From his running shoes, shorts, and sweat-stained shirt, she reasoned he’d either just left the gym or finished a long run. His jet-black curls were cropped low and close to his head, the precision cut and meticulously lined edges flattering to his face. There was an abundance of attitude shimmering in his dark eyes and a bad-boy aura that surrounded him. If a stranger picked up the tab for her morning meal, she was thankful he was a good-looking stranger.
Picking up her order, she crossed over to where he sat, a bright smile across her face. “Thank you. That was very kind of you,” she said, nodding her head in appreciation.
Malcolm smiled back as he gestured to the empty seat on the other side of the table. “Do you have a minute to join me?”
Cilla hesitated for a brief second before she said, “I think I do have a minute.” She placed her beverage on the table top. She was only slightly surprised when he stood up and moved behind her, pulling out her chair. She tossed him a quick look over her shoulder. “Thank you.”
He nodded as he sat back down. “My name’s Malcolm. Malcolm Cobb.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Malcolm. I’m Priscilla Jameson, but everyone calls me Cilla.”
“Cilla . . . that’s a beautiful name.”
She smiled. “I keep thinking that I know you from someplace, but I can’t figure out where.”
“Did you go to school here in Raleigh?”
She shook her head. “I was born and raised in Charlotte. But I graduated from UNC–Chapel Hill.”
“I went to school here. I did my undergrad at Shaw University and my graduate work at NC State. I studied industrial design and engineering.”
“I majored in pre-law, but I’m working in pharmaceuticals at the moment.”
Malcolm smiled. “I’m not sure how to take that,” he said, the hint of laughter in his tone.
“I don’t deal drugs if that’s what you’re implying,” Cilla said with a slight roll of her eyes. “I’m a healthcare administrator for a biotech company in Research Park.”
“Well, I own a nightclub downtown.”
Cilla snapped her fingers. “That’s where I know you from. You and your business partner were featured in the News and Observer.”
Malcolm smiled. Since its grand opening, the nightclub had been featured in the local newspaper a number of times. Most recently, word of their success had reached a national level, The Playground being named a must-stop on things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Co-owned with Romeo Marshall, his best friend and fraternity brother, their night spot was the place to be and both of them, the men to know. The success of The Playground had propelled them right into the spotlight. “It wasn’t a good picture,” he said. “They didn’t get my best side.”
Cilla laughed. “So which is your best side?”
“The one they didn’t show.”
There was a moment of pause as the two sat grinning foolishly at each other.
“So, your club is a jazz and blues bar, right?” Cilla asked.
“It is, with a hint of R and B and soul.” He reached into his pocket for his wallet and pulled a business card from inside. “If you have some time, maybe you can stop by,” he said as he passed it to her.
She studied it momentarily. “The Playground . . . sounds like it would be a good time.”
“It will be,” he said, his tone smug. “I’ll be there.”
She smiled. “You don’t know when I’m coming.”
He shrugged. “I’m always there, so you can’t miss me.”
Cilla took a quick glance down to her wristwatch. She took one last sip of her morning brew. “Thank you again for the coffee. I really appreciate it.”
He stood up with her. “I’m here every morning, same time,” he said. “In case you’re interested in another cup.”
Cilla laughed, the soft lilt of it stirring a wave of heat through Malcolm’s spirit. “Always here, always at the club, doesn’t sound like you have any time for much else,” she said.
Malcolm’s mouth pulled into a seductive grin. “I would make time for you, Cilla Jameson.”
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“Sealed With a Kiss” copyright © 2015 by Celeste O. Norfleet
“Mistletoe Lane” copyright © 2015 by Regina Hart
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ISBN-13: 978-1-4967-0050-6
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First Kensington Mass Market Edition: October 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4967-0050-6
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