by Rina Gray
Nathan couldn’t pretend to smile back at his boss. He knew Isaac was a little rough around the edges, and after ten years as a stockbroker on Wall Street, Nathan shouldn’t be surprised. But this wasn’t The Boiler Room and Tiana wasn’t the enemy.
She swiveled her chair to face him, and if looks could kill, he’d be a pile of ashes. “Like I said, our bet is off. Do not engage me in conversation unless absolutely necessary. And when one of us becomes the director, let’s pray to God they let us transfer to another team because it will be a cold day in hell before I report to you. Got it?” She sprang from her seat and stormed out of the office.
Nathan slumped in his chair. “Well, damn.”
Chapter Thirteen
Tiana moved her chair to face the window, staring at the ant-like figures below her thirty-eighth floor office view. A spring of pride welled in her chest. She couldn’t believe eight months had passed since her much-needed move to New York.
She was in a much better place than when she’d been working with Greg, and lost so much of her fiery spirit during the breakup. She’d avoided confrontations with him and Stephanie, avoided friends, and avoided family. If avoidance were an Olympic sport, Tiana would have been a gold medalist.
A quick succession of knocks grabbed her attention.
“Come in.” Her mouth dropped when she saw Denzel Washington’s doppelganger at the door. Gray hair was sprinkled liberally throughout his low-cut hairstyle as well as his goatee. The silver fox even had the sexy, all-white teeth smirk Denzel was known for. She straightened in her seat. “How can I help you, sir?”
Silver Fox smiled. “May I?” He gestured toward the chair in front of her desk.
Usually, she would’ve given someone she didn’t know the third degree, but there was something about this man that was familiar, safe, and comforting. She nodded.
“Much obliged.” His baritone southern voice warmed her chest. He folded his long lean frame onto the chair. A plain brown bag with a delightful aroma wafting out of it rested against his leg. “You must be Tiana.”
Moving her chair against the window, she nodded. “And you are?”
“Garrett Lawson.” He stood and offered his hand. “Nate’s father.”
Tiana smiled and shook his hand. “It’s an honor to meet one of the best men Nathaniel knows.”
Garrett’s cheerful laughter was Christmas and Thanksgiving rolled into one. “I’ll take the compliment.”
Tiana leaned forward on her desk. “And I can only imagine what Nathaniel says about me. If you’re the best, then I’m probably his worst nightmare.”
“Oh, no, not at all. He sings your praises. Tells me that one day you’ll be running your own marketing agency. Nate says you’re tough, but at the core you’re sweet, loyal, and a wonderful sister.”
Tiana snapped her head back as if she’d been shot. “He really said that?” She could hear the disbelief in her voice.
“Yes, he really said that. Every time he comes home, it’s always Tiana this, Tiana that.” Garrett tilted his head toward the ceiling. “Now that I recall, I’ve never heard my son speak of a woman so often. I’d bet my left leg he’s smitten with you.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Smitten? Oh, no. Noooo.” She shook her head like a dog attempting to dry off. “Your son does not like me like that.”
And I sure as hell don’t like him like that. Not at all.
Those sharp chocolate eyes focused on her. “Sure he does.”
“Pops! What are you doing here?” Nathaniel leaned against the doorframe.
Garrett stood and gave his son a hug. “Hey, I was just speaking to your Tiana.”
Nathaniel glanced in her direction. She could have sworn a flash of panic marred his too-handsome face.
“Don’t believe a word this man says.” Nathaniel gave his father a side pat on the shoulders.
Tiana smiled. Although she didn’t care for Nathaniel, his father was certainly charming.
“So what brings you here, Pops?”
Garrett lifted the brown bag. “You forgot the ribs yesterday.”
“Yes! I was kicking myself on the way back home.” Nathaniel grabbed and opened the bag. The delicious aroma of sweet-and-spicy barbecue teased her nose.
“Thanks, Pops. That’s enough for two lunches and dinner.” He grinned and breathed deep into the bag.
Garrett slapped him on the back of his head. “Get your head out the bag.”
Nathaniel rubbed his head and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry.”
Tiana laughed at the display. She’d never seen Nathaniel so humble.
“I brought you enough to share with Tiana.” Lifting his eyebrows, he jerked his head toward her. “Maybe you two can have lunch and talk about some things?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
She couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled over. Obviously, his father was trying to use ribs as an olive branch. They would have to be the best ribs on Earth to get her to trust Nathaniel again. But she liked his dad and would play along for his sake. And from the way Nathaniel clutched the bag to his chest, he did not want to share.
“Mr. Lawson, what a wonderful idea! I would love to try some of your ribs.”
“You’re quite welcome, young lady. And there’s also mac and cheese, baked beans, and biscuits made from scratch by my wife Martha.”
Tiana’s stomach grumbled in approval. “That sounds amazing.”
“Alrighty, enjoy the food, kids. Son, walk me downstairs. Tiana, it was a pleasure meeting you.”
Standing, she offered her hand, but Garrett pulled her into a hug. He whispered softly enough that only she could hear. “You keep Nate on his toes, you hear?”
She smiled and nodded, unsure of how to respond, and then stepped back.
Nathaniel’s father gave her a sly smile. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon. All right, son, let’s roll.”
Nathaniel turned around, winked at Tiana, and followed his father outside.
• • •
“Real slick, Pops.”
His dad shrugged. “I got tired of you mooning around my house all lovesick. You haven’t been that way since Connie Brigham.”
Nathan rolled his eyes. One time. One time in his entire life he was into a girl enough to be sad when they broke up. Pops and Martha never let him live it down. “I was fifteen, for goodness’ sake. Let it go. I have.”
“I wish thirty-one-year-old Nate could have spoken to fifteen-year-old Nate.” Pushing open the door, his dad walked onto the sidewalk.
“Yeah, I could’ve used the thirty-one-year-old me for a lot of dumb things I did as a kid. But I turned out okay, thanks to you.”
Pops smiled and grabbed his shoulders. “I don’t know if I say this enough, but you are my greatest accomplishment. The money … the job … success doesn’t mean much to a man if he doesn’t have a family to share it with.”
“Thanks. Love you, too.”
His dad slapped his shoulder and stepped back. “Now make me even more proud and go get that girl up there.”
“I’m not sure what to do with her. Just a few weeks ago, she was either freezing me out or we were at each other’s throats. I’m not trying to marry Mom.”
Stepping back, Pops sighed. “She’s freezing you out for a reason, son. You admitted to me that you barged in on her shoot.”
“Not on purpose, Pops.”
“Not on purpose, but you did it all the same. As for Tiana being like your mother … I don’t know. Tiana seemed real sweet to me, and I think it’s worth exploring.” His eyes drilled holes into Nathan. “And she’s nothing like Renita. Trust me.”
Nathan nodded. “Right. Gotta go, Pops.”
“All right, son. Take care.” He turned to leave.
Nathan waved one last time as he watched his dad turn the corner. Then he took his time walking through the marble lobby. When the elevator came, he punched the number for his floor. After the doors slid closed, he was grateful for the space, solitude, and silence.
; What mood would Tiana be in when he returned? She’d seemed charmed by his dad, and he wasn’t surprised. Everyone loved Pops.
He’d told Pops about their bet, and his dad and Martha had been badgering him about his progress ever since—although he’d told Pops he had no plans to date his mistrustful coworker.
Nathan got why she didn’t trust easily. She had baggage. Lots and lots of baggage, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted the hassle. Why couldn’t she be easy like Shelly? Or like Shelly used to be. She did everything he asked, no complaints. Never pushed back. Never called him out when he was wrong. Never turned him down when he wanted something.
And he was bored out of his ever-loving mind.
The elevator dinged. Stepping off, he picked up the pace, eager to see Tiana. I like her and dammit, I want to try. But she wouldn’t believe his words. She’d heard them before. Probably from her mother and former fiancé. She needed action, patience, and kindness. He would give that and more. When he pushed through the office, the door swung behind him.
Tiana jumped in her seat and removed her headphones with shaking fingers. Desire churned in his gut. He wanted to stalk and claim his prize, but for now, he would settle for quality time and food and friendship. For now.
“I was an ass, and I’m sorry. The truth is, I value our time together, and when you were at your shoot I … I missed you.”
Her stiff shoulders relaxed at his confession, but her eyes still bore a trace of distrust.
He took a deep breathed and continued. “I wanted to see you in action because you’re talented and beautiful, not because I was trying to distract you. I do have the tendency to step in and take over, and for that, I apologize. If you forgive me, I promise to never betray your trust again.”
Tiana hadn’t said a word throughout his monologue. She stared at him with her cool and assessing eyes.
What are you thinking, Peaches? He was nervous, and he needed to do something. He’d said enough. Tossing her on his desk and kissing her wasn’t an option, so he settled for his pops’s peace offering.
Walking over to the brown bag, he lifted it in the air. “Ribs?”
He held his breath as she continued to take him in. C’mon, baby. Give me a chance.
Tiana nodded, a ghost of a smile on her face. “Don’t forget to share the mac and cheese, baked beans, and homemade biscuits.”
Chapter Fourteen
Aretha Franklin blared from the music app on Tiana’s cell phone. She hummed along, moving around her matchbox kitchen. The kernels had stopped popping on the stove, reminding her to uncover the pot. Toppings already assembled, she sprinkled salt and pepper and then poured melted butter over the popcorn.
After perfecting the treat, she placed the ingredients back in their proper alphabetized sections and then surveyed the kitchen. Everything from the scrubbed counters to the Swiffered floorboards was spotless.
Three staccato beeps interrupted the inspection. She smiled, not upset by the distraction, and pressed the buzzer to let her guest into the building.
When she’d mentioned her plans to veg out and watch her favorite movies over the weekend, Nathaniel had asked if he could come over. Secretly she was surprised and delighted. They weren’t hanging out because of a stupid bet, but because he wanted to hang out. Only as friends. The ribs and the apology had gone a long way for Tiana. Nathaniel had been so vulnerable when he apologized, and somehow his confession and Pops’s magical ribs had bridged the gap of mistrust. She even went to his shoot and refrained from sabotaging him. Well, with the exception of swapping out his ringtone for Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman.” She sniggered at the memory. It had taken Nathaniel most of the chorus to figure out the music was coming from his cell phone. Jake had given him an odd look and said, “Hey, man. To each his own.”
Turning off the music, she opened the door, prepared to greet him, but the words melted like sugar on her tongue.
Nathaniel stood there armed with champagne, half-a-dozen roses, and a dangerous smile.
Her knees felt like twice-whipped mashed potatoes, and she struggled to remain standing.
He was the poster child for bad boys. Plain white tee, black motorcycle jacket, and scuffed-to-all-hell boots. The champagne and flowers didn’t soften the danger, not when he had that blinding, bright white Pied Piper smile in his arsenal.
Like a sorcerer, his hypnotic powers drew her in, leading her into the deep. I’m sinking.
“Peaches, aren’t you going to invite me in?” Lifting his eyebrows, he gave her another killer smile.
She moistened her lips and injected steel into her spine—the wolf at the door wouldn’t be devouring her today. “Come in, and thank you for the flowers and champagne, Nathaniel.” Reaching for the bottle and bouquet, she held her breath, determined to block the scent and any other romantic notions from piercing her senses.
She returned to the kitchen to find a vase and chill the champagne. “Go relax in the living room and prepare to be amazed.” She modulated her voice to be light and friendly.
Sighing, he flopped on the couch, tossing a decorative green-and-navy-blue pillow to the other sofa. “I told you already, Peaches. I’m not into this high fantasy stuff. I didn’t watch Lord of the Rings when it came out years ago for a reason.”
“And I’m here to rectify that horrible mistake.”
“Are you sure we can’t watch something else? Hell, I’ll even try a chick flick.”
“Give it up! You aren’t going to convince me to change my mind.”
“I had to give it one last try.”
“Do you love action movies?” she yelled over her shoulder, shaking the popcorn into a large bowl.
“Yes.”
“Heroic movies?”
Nathan sighed. “Doesn’t every red-blooded man?”
“You like seeing hot women with a dash of romance?”
“Yes to the hot women. Romance, I could take it or leave it.”
Turning, she smiled at him. “Great, then you’ll love The Lord of the Rings. And for the next nine hours—”
“Nine … nine hours?” He gripped his leather jacket, looking ready to bolt. “As much as I enjoy your company, I cannot sit on my ass for nine hours.”
Tiana shook her head as she hurried, bowl in hand, to the living room. Placing the dish in the middle of the coffee table, she then folded her yoga-pants-clad legs underneath her to settle beside him. “The time will fly by. Trust me.”
“I’ll sit for two movies, but I can’t guarantee the third one.”
“Deal.” Smiling, she lifted the remote. Her mood lightened and soared. She couldn’t wait to share her favorite movies with him. “Now, prepare to be wowed.”
He folded his arms over his chest. “I’m already wowed that you’re a big ol’ nerd.”
She placed a finger over his lips. “Quiet you. Listen to the narrative.”
• • •
Yawning, Nathan stretched his arms up. He looked over and shook his head at Tiana, whispering the hobbit’s dialogue, Samwise whoever. She was so damn cute and in her element, laughing before a character could do or say a funny line. Squeezing her eyes shut during a tense scene, she still whispered the lines.
He glanced down at his watch and cursed. Already half past four. No wonder she’d insisted they start in the morning. He’d refused, of course. No one gets up on a Saturday to watch the entire Lord of the Rings collection.
“Look up. You’re about to miss the part where Aragon tracks the hobbits. Don’t worry. They’re still alive!”
“Joy.”
She once again threw a kernel of popcorn at his head. But this time, he grabbed it from the air and tossed it in his mouth. Putting a finger over her mouth, she shushed him. “Be quiet and enjoy the movie, Nathan.”
“No, really I’m … ” The rest was forgotten. A flood of warmth spread in his chest. She’d called him Nathan. She’d actually called him Nathan.
“You’re what?” Frowning, she paused the mo
vie. “You have to pay attention.”
Oh, I’m paying attention. He lifted his hand to her face, grazing her full lips with the pad of his thumb. “You’ve got some butter there,” he lied.
“Okay.” Her shaky hands pressed the play button.
He grinned, kicked up his feet, and stretched his arms around her shoulders. She was his for the taking. She just didn’t know it yet.
• • •
This woman had to be a witch. How else could Nathan explain sitting his ass down and staring at movies for almost nine hours?
“Soooo?” Grabbing the remote, Tiana turned off the television. “What do you think? Is it not the best trilogy of all time?”
Damn, she’s cute. Cute, but wrong. “Not of all time, but I have to admit, it was pretty good.”
Seated beside him on the couch, Tiana whipped her head to face him. “P-pretty good? Pretty good? Try amazing. Spectacular!” She threw her hands in the air. “I challenge you to find a better trilogy.”
He reached for a bottle of Blue Moon and gulped down the beer. “The Godfather.”
She shook her head as she folded her slender arms. “Eh.” She shrugged. “The first two movies were A-plus. The third was a C-minus at best. Brings down the average. Next.”
Crossing his ankles, he took another gulp. This woman was out of her damn mind if she thought that hobbits and magical swords were better than the mafia and machine guns. “Batman. The Dark Knight trilogy.”
She shook her head. “Sure, if you’re into Christian Bale’s creepy Batman voice. I mean, if he was so hi-tech, why not attach a voice modifier to his mask? Why did he have to whisper-yell?”
That’s it. She’s ridiculous. He narrowed his eyes at her and she smiled.
“Let’s agree to disagree. I have no energy after our movie marathon.”
Her carefree smile slipped. He could’ve sworn he saw a flash of disappointment in her eyes. “Are you tired?”
He stretched his eyes. “Yes, Peaches, I’m tired and have a boxing match tomorrow night.”
“Tomorrow night! You fight people? Outside of training?”
“Yes. It’s fun. Nothing is more rewarding than pounding someone’s head in the ring.”