by Cherry Kay
Mark did a file search on his computer and found her business plan; the place was called me jazz lounge and café. It couldn’t hurt to check it out. Maybe Mark would find a hot date to make it really worthwhile… Never mind. If he didn’t want Mr. Ivory to pull out of their arrangement, then Mark would really have to start getting serious about Rose. Sighing, Mark pulled out his cell and gave her a call.
“Mark! I almost didn’t expect you to call so soon.” Rose sounded pleased and Mark heard female chatter in the background of her call fall silent.
“I just wanted to let you know I made it to the plane safely. Also I want to apologize if I seemed short earlier, at my office.” The flight attendant brought him his usual order of scotch and Mark smiled at him gratefully while he took a drink from the glass.
“Oh, no need for that. I know you’re a busy man. So what does your itinerary look like for when you land?”
Mark took another drink of the scotch and prattled off some of the meetings and appearances he had to make. Mark was careful not to leave any gaps in his time, as he didn’t want her showing up unannounced again.
“Sounds like you’ll certainly be busy, then. No chances to surprise you and steal you away to relax a little while you're there?”
Mark scanned the cabin for the flight attendant. He signaled to his drink so the flight attendant could bring him another.
“I’m afraid not, but don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it, and then maybe we can go for a nice dinner?” Mark asked just to appease her and he rolled his eyes when she sighed happily.
“Oh, that would be perfect, we’ll set it up later; I don’t want to keep you, you should probably get a few hours sleep before you go right into work once you land.”
Thank goodness she had the ability to appear considerate. Mark quickly got off of the phone with Rose and reclined in his seat as the flight attendant brought him a new drink. He finished up some e-mail and his drink before letting himself doze off.
***
Once Mark arrived at the Marriott, all he had time for was a brief look at the view of the beach and ocean, a shower, and quick change of clothes for an investor’s dinner. In his early days of the hospitality business, Mark had learned from the best; that one must always keep their investors in the loop and diamonds in their eyes. That meant dinners, parties, and the whole nine; they get excited about what they’ve invested in and long-term relationships could grow from that. Of course, that’s assuming a hotelier delivered on his promises.
Mark arrived at the acclaimed steak house he rented out for the event and took the perfunctory photographs outside before he went inside.
“Robinson! There you are; we were beginning to think you hadn’t made it out of New York yet what with the empire you run.” Steven Pierce, one of Mark’s biggest and most loyal investors, clapped him on the shoulder as soon as Mark made it through the door. Steven was probably the youngest business investor on the scene at thirty-four; his father had died of a heart attack before his time and Steve was left to take up the reins of their family’s fortune.
“I just made it. Had a good nap on the flight over too, so I’m ready to go for the next month or so until the next business trip,” Mark said jokingly.
Steve chuckled as they walked past the restaurant’s foyer; drinks were already being served and Mark would barely have time to make his rounds after giving the short speech he prepared.
“I hope you were tired from that hot piece you’ve been spotted with twice now. Isn’t she old Ivory’s daughter?” Of course Steve would see right through Mark’s motives for being with Rose.
“Yeah, she is actually.”
Steve gave Mark a look; he definitely knew what that was all about.
“Let me know when you need an investor for that resort, huh Robinson?” Steve winked at Mark before walking off after swiping a glass of champagne from a passing server.
After chatting with a couple more investors, Mark made his way to the stage where the band paused their set so that Mark could thank everyone for their brilliant choice in backing his Las Olas resort. After speaking, he invited everyone to start eating.
These kinds of events always bored Mark to no end. Just a bunch of rich guys talking about their investments and how filthy rich they’ve become. Then, of course, there was the group who felt it was always smart to invest in something lasting, like real estate or hotels and resorts. At least Mark had made it into the latter category.
The dinner was finally over. Now he could rest some before his full day going over final details with the construction companies and architects. While Mark stood out on the sidewalk waiting for his car to come around, he took a deep breath of the night air. What the hell is coffee made for anyway? There’s no way Mark was retiring to his bed so early. It was only ten-thirty after all. There were plenty of clubs Mark could visit in Miami… or maybe he should check on that lounge he invested in. Who knows? If it were a hit, maybe the owner wouldn’t be opposed to opening another lounge in Mark’s new hotel.
The image of that curvy, brown skinned woman rebranded itself into the forefront of Mark’s mind. It definitely wouldn’t hurt to see her again. Mark told his driver to take him to me on Las Olas Boulevard and when the car pulled up out front of the lounge Mark was let right in; he was able to skip the impressive line at the door. He liked what he was seeing already.
Mark walked into the café area of the lounge and stopped by the bar to order an Old Fashioned. Service was quick, and the drink tasted perfect. The vibe in the lounge was laid back and perfect for that of a jazz lounge. The décor was warm and inviting and the patrons all had smiles on their faces, enjoying themselves. This was a great investment indeed. The owner must have a great management team and staff. Just past the bar were the lounge area and the dance floor; both faced the stage where a band was playing blues. Mark saw there was a second floor and he walked up the grand staircase to the balcony where there were more dancers and people-watchers; toward the back of the upper floor was a second bar and lounge area. Standing from any vantage on the second floor, Mark still saw the performers on stage.
Mark was amazed that his slightly drunken investment turned out better than he thought. He took a seat at the bar and had a sip of his drink while he listened to the soulful crooning of the saxophone.
“Mister… Robinson?” Her voice wrapped around him like a silky haze. Mark had forgotten how intoxicating it was just to hear her speak. He turned around and saw the woman he met in New York. She was dressed in dark tights, sexy gold heels that weren’t gaudy at all, and an almost-revealing gold blouse that was created to drive men crazy. The neckline plunged just enough and at the angle she was standing while she leaned on the bar showed it’s strappy back that revealed just enough of her smooth chocolate skin. Mark wished he could remember her name though, instead of just staring at her like some virgin idiot.
“I must say, I never expected to see you in here. I’m Clarissa Francis, I know we only met in person that one time and I’ve dealt with your assistant about your investment since then.” She held out her hand for him to shake and Mark took it, surprising himself as well as her by bringing it to his lips.
“It’s wonderful to see you again, Clarissa. I’m glad to see that me has really taken off.” Clarissa took her hand back and Mark committed her face to memory. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and Mark had seen his share of a few. She had an exotic beauty and grace about her that was hard to find, and special when it was found. She had beautiful green eyes and thick lashes to frame them. Her cheekbones were high and beautifully formed; her nose a gentle slope to her full lips and soft chin. She even had a deep dimple in each cheek. Her hair was thick and long, falling down to her back. Her body was curvy and supple, and there was nothing fake about her.
“Yeah, it really has. My manager and I are really exited for me’s future.” Clarissa brushed her hair from her face and one of the bartenders slid her a bottle of water, she smiled at him
gratefully and Mark’s chest heated up in jealousy. He wanted to be the one to win all of Clarissa’s smiles.
“As am I. You’ve done a great job with the lounge. I’m glad to see you’ve used my investment wisely,” Mark said with a smirk and she actually rolled her eyes at him.
“You better be glad I did. I hope you don’t go handing every girl you meet at a bar checks for thousands of dollars.”
Mark smiled, oddly pleased with her smart mouth. “Not usually no. You’re the first and probably the last, as I doubt I could ever run into someone as beautifully convincing as you.”
Clarissa laughed and the sound of it had some sort of direct correlation with Mark’s cock, which stiffened instantly.
“Okay, sure, you had a few drinks then and I’m sure you’ve had a couple now,” she said with a joking lilt to her tone. Mark watched her take a drink of water, her neck moved delicately when she swallowed. His eyes latched on to her lips and this did nothing to calm his increasingly hardening penis.
“Actually, this is my first drink tonight, and you’re as beautiful now as you were in New York… maybe even more so.” Mark winked and her pretty little mouth rounded in surprise before she captured her bottom lip between her teeth. He’d love to see her do that while he had his head between her legs and the taste of her sweetness on his tongue.
“Wow, I see why the ladies love you, Mr. Robinson—you are quite the charmer.”
Mark chuckled and stepped just a bit closer to her. “Oh, you have yet to find out how well I can charm, Miss Francis.”
Clarissa’s eyes grazed him from head to toe and she took a delicate breath before stepping away from the bar and from Mark. “Well, I hope you enjoy yourself tonight Mr. Robinson, I have some things to take care of.” Clarissa hurried off and Mark smiled to himself ruefully. It was better that way anyhow. Mark really should get serious about Rose if he had any hopes of merging with one of the biggest hotel and resort brands in the US. It’d be the biggest merger a Fortune 500 company had seen in a long while, and a defining moment for Mark’s career. Plus, he’d only be there for two weeks at the most, and from how much Clarissa affected him, Mark doubted it would take only that small amount of time to get her out of his system.
After ordering another drink, Mark found a seat near the balcony and dodged inviting smiles and come-hither gazes from women and some men. Instead, he watched the performers. After the band finished their set, Mark recognized an up and coming jazz artist step onstage to play his trombone, accompanied by a pianist and a young woman who softly crooned to the music. The romantic air seemed to hypnotize all of the patrons who grabbed a partner and pulled them close to sway to the music. Mark spotted Clarissa standing next to a tall and relatively handsome looking Hispanic man as they watched the patrons get caught up in the music. Mark wondered if that was her manager… Was she sleeping with him? He sighed and shook himself out of that train of thought. It didn’t matter if she was or wasn’t. Mark wasn’t going to indulge himself with her.
He stayed for another drink and the end of the set. After which he made his way outside and texted his driver. Soon me will make it into the papers and magazines—Clarissa should look into hiring valet. Paparazzi spotted Mark as he was waiting on the car and he agreed to a few photos. Mark was sure Clarissa would appreciate the publicity.
“I don’t care Darrel, I told you I don’t want to see you anymore. Stop calling me and don’t come around here again.” The sound of Clarissa’s voice, stern and exasperated as she handled this Darrel clown, drew Mark’s attention over to the edge of the building. They were just out of the safety of the lit sidewalk. This guy could stab her to death and no one would have noticed. Mark took a step toward them and listened in; he didn’t want to scare the guy off if it turned out to be her annoying cousin or something.
“Look, I just need to talk to you about some things, baby.” The guy’s deep voice was aggressive and not pleading at all. The fact that he called her baby definitely meant he wasn’t her cousin.
“Don’t call me that. We’re not together anymore, Darrel. I need you to leave and leave me alone or I’ll get a restraining order, I’m serious.” Clarissa’s voice wavered and Mark turned his full attention to them. The Darrel clown was gripping her arm in his hand and Mark could bet he wasn’t holding onto her gently. Mark hurried over to her and slipped his hand around her waist while he shoved this guy away from her.
“Hey, do you have hearing problems? Leave,” Mark said with a steel edge to his voice. Darrel was just a few inches shorter than Mark and had a lean build. Mark could easily overpower him. Darrel did the smart thing by turning tail and hurrying off.
Clarissa took a minute to collect herself as Mark held her close to his side. Mark’s hand was on her hip and she felt so right next to him that Mark just didn’t want to let her go.
“I’m sorry you had to see that… but thank you for what you did. Most people would have walked away,” she said with a small voice.
Mark studied her expression and saw she had slid a professional smile into place. Now she was pulling away from him; reluctantly, he let her go.
“Of course, he was harassing you,” Mark replied simply and Clarissa pushed her fingers through her hair.
“I should buy you dinner or something. You’ve done so much for me, giving me me and chasing away aggressors.” She laughed a bit nervously and Mark hesitated, Clarissa caught his hesitation and her expression became unsure, her smile falling.
“Sure, why not? I have free time tomorrow night after nine.”
Clarissa smiled in relief. Mark would have kicked himself if he didn’t get to see that smile.
“Great! What’s your number? I’ll text you the details tomorrow.”
Mark gave her his card just as his car pulled up.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then, Clarissa.” Mark put his hand on her waist once more and leaned in to kiss her smooth cheek. He inhaled her warm cinnamon scent and gritted his teeth while he forced himself away from her and into the car.
Chapter2
Clarissa
Ari watched the black Beamer roll away and took a shaky breath, her body still tingling from his touch. She thought about the fact that she just made a dinner date with Mark Robinson. Brooklyn was going to flip. He’d literally do flips and then start planning Ari and Mark’s wedding. Maybe she shouldn’t tell Brooklyn about it. That could jinx it in some way… Anyway, what was she thinking? It’s not like Ari was even his type. She shouldn’t be getting excited about it. Yeah, it was just a thank you dinner. No big deal.
Ari took a few deep breaths and walked into the lounge. Last call would be soon and she had to focus on helping the staff close.
“Hey, where’d you disappear to?” Brooklyn came up behind Ari, startling her, and she shook her head dismissively.
“I just stepped outside for a second. Everything good?” Ari asked him and he studied her for a second before he nodded.
“Yep, everything is running smoothly. Any more encounters with Mark McSexy?” Brooklyn asked, his eyes widened as if he suspected something.
“No, I was outside dealing with Darrel; he showed up.” Brooklyn’s expression turned to one of concern instantly. Ari felt bad for lying to Brooklyn, but technically she covered up with the truth.
“Are you okay? Do you need me to kick his ass… again?”
Ari smiled and kissed Brooklyn on the cheek.
“No it’s fine, but thank you for the offer, I’ll keep it in mind if he comes around here again.”
Brooklyn winked and then headed to the kitchen to help them pump out the last few orders. The rest of the night went by smoothly and Ari managed to dodge many of Brooklyn’s questions about her conversation with Mark. If she slipped up and told him about their dinner tomorrow, Brooklyn would never let her hear the end of it and Ari already had her mother in her ear about how she needed a man who can match her success and offer her the best lifestyle.
While sitting at home, Ari wondered i
f Mark intended to flirt with her or not. Maybe he was just so sexy that he couldn’t help himself when he was around women. That and he almost said no when she offered him dinner. Ari knew she wasn’t his type, but maybe he just didn’t want to be rude to someone he’s invested in.
Ari sighed and flopped back against her pillows. She really needed to get some sleep or she would be a zombie tomorrow. Ari turned the TV on to drown out the noise in her head and soon she finally found sleep.
***
Ari woke up to the incessant sound of her sister’s ring tone. It was annoying for a reason, just so Ari could prepare herself for the coming conversation with Lisa.
“Why are you calling me so early?” Ari grumbled into the phone and Lisa snorted.
“Girl, it’s almost one in the afternoon.” Ari rubbed her eyes and sat up with a sigh. She guessed it was time to get up then. “So I was thinking we can go for lunch and catch up. I haven’t seen you in forever, ever since you opened up me.”
Sighing, Ari nodded and then remembered she was on the phone. It really was early for her.
“Okay, where do you want to meet up?” They planned to meet up in an hour at this really good Cuban restaurant. Ari forced herself out of bed to get ready for lunch with her sister. She was one foot out of her building when her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the phone number, but answered politely anyway.
“Clarissa, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to let me know where we’d be having dinner tonight?” His husky deep voice sent chills up her spine and she had to remember to breathe.
“Mark… I mean Mr. Robinson… how did you get my number?” she asked while trying to remember if she parked her car in the building’s garage or along the street somewhere. Ari remembered driving into the garage and headed in that direction.
“Well, you’re a business associate, I figured that I’d have your personal line on file somewhere.” Amazed at his obvious resources, Ari was speechless, mostly because she hadn’t expected him to call me about dinner before she could text him.