“I have a contact that will do it but wants exclusive access to them. He’s starting out but wants to build his portfolio.”
Brent nodded.
They ironed out a few more details before the time was up. Brent excused himself to get to his lunch appointment. Before he left, he rested a hand on her shoulder.
“I wish that I’d found you sooner.”
Charisse rested her hand over the warm spot left by Brent’s hand. She sincerely hoped that he hadn’t felt the slight tremble of her body’s reaction to his touch. Despite her doubts earlier, she recognized a real connection between them.
“Hey, you have a minute?” Tracy asked.
Charisse chased away the thoughts that were turning her body on fire to attend to Tracy. She motioned for her to come into the conference room.
“That job called me back.”
“Yes?” Charisse now felt a chill.
“They made me a counteroffer. More money. But you need me here.”
“I hope that I’ve never made you feel as if you owe me anything. You’ve stuck it out with me long enough. Your son is your priority. Take the job. Learn lots. Then when I’m the queen of PR come back with all the delicious secrets.”
“You don’t care if I leave?” Tracy cried.
“Tracy, I’ve been up nights thinking about you leaving. I count you as a friend and a great employee. I didn’t want to push you, but I do have an offer.” Charisse looked Tracy in the eye. “Would you be interested in a management position? You’ve already started learning the business. The clients love working with you. Shelby’s loss is my opportunity. Take your time to consider my offer.”
Tracy began to cry, escalating to a soft sob. “I need a tissue. I can’t believe you’re being so kind.” She ran out of the room before Charisse could stop her.
Even Charisse had to bite back her own tears. On the one hand, she was thrilled that Tracy had had such a successful interview. On the other hand, her staff needed to feel vested in the company’s success. There was no way that she could do this on her own.
Brent hurried over to her. “I was knocking. What’s the matter?” He looked around the room, then patted himself down. “Sorry, no handkerchief. I saw Tracy running out of here crying. And you’re also looking like the world is on your shoulders. I’m not trying to pry in employee relations, but what’s the matter?”
Charisse waved her hand, struggling to keep her emotions in check and respond to Brent coherently. She wished that he didn’t have that soft, concerned look on his face. In her emotional state, she couldn’t be responsible if she broke down against his chest or simply kissed him.
The morning romp between them had not been discussed. She didn’t know what to say. For now, she decided to set it aside.
“Tracy received a fantastic job offer.”
He whistled.
“I know. The tears are happy ones, I think. I counteroffered with a promotion.” Charisse looked up at the door. “I hope her response was a yes.”
Brent pulled her into his arms and held her there. Or maybe she wanted to stay close. His embrace had the magic to dry up her tears. Her body switched gears, as she settled into the thick wall of his muscular chest. Her hand found his heartbeat, steady and strong, beating against her skin with a hypnotic tribal calling.
She looked up at the strong chin that supported his firm, defined mouth. She wanted to feel his lips upon hers and stroke his neck with her cheek. A low groan rumbled in his throat.
He lowered his mouth to hers. She stood on tiptoe to touch his lips with a gentle, investigative kiss. His arms encircled her, closing out any unnecessary gaps between their bodies.
“I can’t help myself,” Brent whispered against her lips.
She kissed away his guilt. She wanted nothing to intervene with what she felt. For all she knew, she could be floating inches off the floor. Maybe it was the way he pulled her against his body.
She didn’t want him to stop. His mouth seduced and toyed with her, coaxing her mouth into a frenzied response. Like a welcome visitor, his tongue entered her mouth with a tender introduction. The intimate meeting sparked warm rushes of excitement in every sensitive part of her body. Just like its master, his tongue charmed her at the merest touch and at its boldest thrust into her mouth.
Finally they pulled apart. Her lips pulsed as if they had a heartbeat of their own. She wanted to launch herself at him for an encore. But the longer they remained apart and the slower her heart beat, the more common sense began to ripple through, dousing any further flames of desire.
“I’m sorry,” they announced at each other.
“Charisse…?”
She placed her finger against his lips. “I think we’d better get back to work.” Charisse knew they needed to talk, but not in the office. Besides, what she really needed to do was exit this situation, quick and fast.
“Yeah.” His voice had a sexy huskiness that made her quiver inside.
She knew nothing about him. Yet her heart fluttered with a manic beat whenever he was around. Her body responded to him with a passion that she’d never felt. Even her brain couldn’t stay on point, couldn’t be rational and logical.
Charisse was suddenly afraid of what lay just around the corner. She hurried out of the office and bumped into Tracy.
Tracy reached out to steady her. “I was coming back to talk to you. Sorry I got so upset.”
“No problem.” Charisse avoided eye contact with Tracy when she heard Brent behind her.
She traced her lips with her finger, hoping that the lip color hadn’t strayed to give away her actions.
“I’ll get back to my office.” Brent sidestepped around her.
She could feel him looking at her, but she refused to look up.
“I will take the offer,” Tracy said, but her attention was directed on Brent’s retreat. “I want to be with New Vision. Helping to build this company with you, Lance and Jo is what I want to do.”
Charisse had hoped to hear this good news. She’d wanted Tracy to stay so badly that she’d been forced to act nonchalant. While the words stayed stuck in her throat behind the threat of tears, she hugged her friend.
“We’ll do this,” Charisse said, sniffing loudly.
Tracy grabbed a tissue and handed one to her.
Once they were both calm, Charisse said, “I’ve got to head out of the office.”
“Everything okay?” Tracy tilted her head in the direction of Brent’s exit.
Charisse didn’t bother to answer. She’d have to lie. Even if she did want to lie, she’d have to use the right voice. One thing was certain: Tracy knew her too well to accept any offhand remarks. A blush started on her cheeks and shot to the roots of her hair. She couldn’t let anyone pick up on her and Brent getting down and dirty. Instead, she waved a dismissive hand without speaking.
Charisse didn’t know where to go once she left the building. Outside in the middle of the midday rush felt like a good place to be. She headed toward Leonard Avenue, walking past the rows of storefronts.
Nothing held her attention. People handing out flyers only irritated her. She grabbed the information so they’d leave her alone. Her pace increased to a brisk walk to distance herself from the vendors. Happily she weaved and dodged pedestrians and the onslaught of yellow cabs that mowed their way through the city.
She finally stopped in front of an Italian restaurant. She wasn’t hungry, but she could at least get caught up on emails while she nursed a soda for an hour. Her phone rang in her hand.
“Jake? What’s up?”
“I’m wondering why you’re outside looking lost. My little lamb, are you lonely?”
Charisse laughed. She looked around at the small number of patrons and saw Jake waving at her
from the back end of the room. She returned the wave and squeezed her way through the haphazard maze of tables and chairs.
“Didn’t expect to see you here.” Jake kissed her on the cheek.
“I wasn’t planning to come here. Was taking a walk.”
“You’re six blocks away. That’s more than a walk. What are you running from?”
“Not a thing. All is well in my world. How about you?”
“I’ve been stalking you for too long to know when you’re lying. But I’ll leave that alone. Did you get in touch with Gladys?”
“Yep. The interview will be tomorrow. By the way, I’m going to that brunch on Thursday with the young directors showcase.”
“Haven’t heard much about it. But I’m not paying attention to the local scene nowadays. I’m heading out to California.”
“What meeting are you going to?” Charisse searched her memory for the usual conferences. Nothing came to mind for California.
“Another company has plucked me from my humble beginnings.”
“Get out of here. You’re leaving? These are your stomping grounds. Plus you’ve been with that company a long time.” She paused. “So what are you going to be doing?”
“I’m heading up a division. And the position under me is open.” He winked. “Get it—under me.” He chuckled.
“You’re an idiot,” she said, playfully bumping his shoulder. “And no, I’m not interested in working for you.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” a male voice behind them said.
Charisse jumped. She looked up to see Brent glaring down at her and Jake.
“And this is?” Jake drawled. He leaned back, clearly ready to have fun with this situation.
“This is Brent, my latest client.” She stared at Jake, hoping that he’d realize this was the same client he’d helped with Gladys. Plus she didn’t want him blabbing anything.
Brent shook Jake’s hand. Without waiting for an invitation, he pulled out a chair and settled in.
“Have a seat.” Jake still hadn’t removed the grin. Brent’s mouth tightened.
“Am I interrupting?” Brent asked, shifting his gaze on her.
“Jake, who’s a colleague of mine, was just telling me about his job promotion.”
“And I’m trying to get her to come with me.” Jake’s grin got wider.
Charisse shook her head. Jake was definitely intent on being devilish. That didn’t bother her, as long as he didn’t pick up on any tension between Brent and her.
“That would be a loss,” Brent said.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying here.” With you. The confession lodged in her throat, eliciting a cough.
“Uh-oh.” Jake smacked her back a little too hard. “Hope I don’t have to do the maneuver on you. I am certified.” Jake winked at her.
“Jake,” she managed when she could catch her breath, “congratulations on the new job. Let me know when you’re having your farewell party.”
“You know I’ll have more than one.” Jake stood. “You’ve kept me hanging out with you long enough. Brent, my man, keep an eye on her. She’s my favorite girl.”
Brent didn’t return the smile, although he did shake Jake’s hand. The day seemed to be continuing on a tipsy path. After Jake left, silence descended onto the table.
Charisse wasn’t the type to say what was on her mind. Maybe all her years in the business had taught her to be diplomatic at all costs. Running out of the office had just delayed the inevitable conversation about what happened earlier in her house.
She had slept with her client, and she couldn’t avoid the fallout forever.
Without warning, Brent reached across the table and covered her hand with his. She stared at his wide palm and long slender fingers. His muscled forearms were toned. But she knew every last inch of him was also lean and toned.
Wild, hot thoughts kept popping into her head: Brent standing naked in front of her. Brent kissing her breasts. Brent thrusting into her. She lowered her head to break his gaze. Yet she didn’t pull her hand away from his. Be strong, dammit.
“Brent, look, I had a weak moment earlier. It’s not in my…” She articulated with her hand what she didn’t know how to say.
“Nature. I think the word you’re looking for is nature.” Brent smiled and then kissed her hand.
She snatched her hand away as his lips touched with a scorching peck.
“I’m not going to play your game.”
“Don’t mistake me for a playboy. I’m not like that character.” He motioned with his head in the direction of Jake’s departure.
She squinted at him. “No, you’re certainly not him.” She was grateful for that. “But I’m not him, either. I don’t flirt outrageously, nor make sexual innuendos.”
Brent nodded. “Okay, so you want to pretend that nothing happened between us?”
Charisse nodded. She’d like to pretend. The reality, though, blew up her rules. She couldn’t dispel the images from her mind or numb the sensations in her body.
If she had the strength, she could pretend that, after today, Brent was a client like any other. That was a big if.
“I’ll grant your wish,” Brent said in a flat tone.
“Oh.”
This is what she wanted. She repeated the thought to convince herself. Charisse tried to match Brent’s detached manner.
“Now, I must get back to work.” She took a cleansing, but shaky, breath.
“I’m heading off to some appointments. I’ll give you your room. Tomorrow the guys will arrive in the morning.”
“Good. I’ll come to your office to meet them.” She wanted to see him on his own turf.
“Looking forward to that.” He shook his head and pushed back his chair. “On that note, I’m going to leave now.”
Charisse chose not to leave with him.
Her phone rang. She glanced down at the displayed number. “Crap!” She’d forgotten that she’d promised to go out this evening. She reluctantly answered.
“June, hey, I was going to call you.”
“I can hear you backing out already.” Her friend sounded irritated.
“Yeah, I’m tired. Heading home early today ’cause I have a busy day tomorrow.”
“Coward. Are you expecting a man to drop into your lap? You have to do a little work.”
“Maybe I’m a romantic. A man will drop into my lap because I’m too tired to beat the bushes for one.”
“Yeah, and the Easter bunny turns into a hot stud of man at midnight.”
“It’s been a hectic day.” Charisse tried to reason with June.
After several minutes of going back and forth with June, she ended the call rather than listen to her friend rattle on about the woes of the single female in New York City. Her single status had never been a cause of frustration for her.
Putting herself on the market wasn’t an option. Her career always came first.
Everything else came second.
Chapter 10
The hotel’s wake-up call hurt Brent’s head. He slammed down the phone and fought the temptation to turn over and catch another hour of sleep. The night had been spent tossing and turning in bed, replaying his gutsy impulse to seduce Charisse. He hadn’t planned anything that risqué, not even a kiss. But seeing her standing there, looking fresh and tantalizing in the early morning blew his mind, not to mention his body.
What could he do now? Charisse had clearly rejected him. He wanted to convince her that he meant no harm. For her to think that he was up to no good unsettled him. Dating was new to him. Maybe he shouldn’t have skipped ahead to such intimacy. But he believed that, with Charisse, fate ruled where common sense failed.
What he wanted more than anything was to figure out how he could overcome her objections and his own guilt for moving ahead beyond a casual friendship. His focus had to remain on All For One. Yes, he had lied that he’d leave her alone. A month ago, a relationship was the last thing he wanted. Now it was all he wanted.
At least he had a busy day to look forward to. All For One would be arriving in an hour. Admittedly he was excited to have them here in New York. Their exuberance would occupy his time and distract him from any tempting impulses.
Brent felt better once he was showered and dressed. He sipped his coffee on the way to his office and tried to sharpen his focus for the day. All For One’s key to success was in this city. He and New Vision had to take control of their image. He hoped the guys had the stamina and passion for the ride. Thinking about the journey recharged him. There was much work to be done.
By the time he arrived at the office, the guys had arrived. Their boisterous horseplay took over the agency. His staff had gathered in the lobby to meet them. He liked the lively atmosphere. Their heightened energy had to be present like this when they had their interview later that day.
“Brent, my man, good to see you,” Akhil greeted.
The guys greeted him, one at a time.
“Akhil, Kevin, Cameron and Archie, welcome to New York. How was the flight?”
“That little plane sucked, Mr. T.” Archie shook his head. He looked as if he was reliving the turbulence, including the side effects. “I couldn’t look out the window.”
“He was like a little girl, just shaking,” Kevin added, while staring at the receptionist.
It didn’t help that the receptionist was clearly pleased with his attention. That hook up wasn’t happening on his watch. None of these guys were twenty-one. He’d promised all grandmothers, mothers, fathers and even high school principals that he’d watch over them. Not that they made his job easy. But they had come a long way in a short time.
“Let’s go to the conference room.” Brent ushered the noisy group into the room.
“Brent, what was up with that trainer you got us?” Kevin asked when they got into the conference room.
If I Had You Page 11