by Nicki Night
“I was taking a chance. Have you had breakfast?”
“Actually no, but I’m only having a quick bite this morning. I need to get ready for church.” She jogged up the stairs to her room.
“What are you doing later?” he asked.
“Dinner with the family. My aunt and uncle are visiting from out of town.” Chloe pulled a dress from her walk-in closet, held it up to her torso and looked in the full-length mirror.
“Oh. Okay,” he said, sounding disappointed.
Too bad she couldn’t invite him to join her for dinner. Her mother’s eyes would fly out of her head if she brought Donovan to their home. The thought made her chuckle.
“I won’t get to see you today,” Donovan said.
“You never know,” she teased. Chloe tilted her head, turning side to side with a different dress pressed against her.
“I like the way that sounds. Call me when dinner is over. Maybe we can have a nightcap.”
To Chloe, that was code for more heavy petting. If they kept that up, she’d soon burst from all the sexual frustration they were building. She could only imagine what Donovan had had to do to release all that tension and shuddered at the image that appeared in her head.
“Chloe!”
“Huh?” She had zoned him out completely, thinking about his parts. She laid three dresses across the end of her bed trying to decide which to wear to church. She needed something that could easily transition into a comfortable option for dinner with the family.
“Can you hear me?”
“Oh. I can hear you now.” Chloe went along as if the cell phone was the reason she’d missed what he’d said. She couldn’t admit she’d been thinking about his member. She chose an ivory sheath dress with a blended fabric. It was one of those outfits that could be dressed up or down and appeared to be the coolest option for the hot summer day they were expecting.
“Will Tuesday evening work for you?” Donovan asked.
“Work for what?” She had missed more of the conversation than she’d realized.
“I told you it’s a surprise.”
“Hold on.” Chloe removed the cell phone from her ear, tapped her calendar and checked her availability. “Yes. Tuesday is open. What time?”
“Six thirty?”
“That’s fine.”
“Good. Call me when you get in later if you feel like talking.”
“Sure.” Chloe thought his request a little odd since they spoke every night.
“Especially if you feel like having company,” Donovan added.
“We’ll see about that,” Chloe said and laughed already knowing how that could turn out. As much as she wanted to, she wasn’t sure if she should go there with Donovan.
Chloe ended her call, showered and joined her family at the church they attended since she was a little girl. They headed to her parents’ estate after.
Even with amazing cooks, her mother, aunt and grandmother, Mary-Kate, insisted on helping out in the kitchen. In no time, they churned out a delectable spread of roasted veggies, braised meats, fragrant rice, colorful salads and decadent desserts—all variations of Grandma Mary-Kate’s recipes.
Chloe’s father, Robert Dale, or Bobby Dale as their grandfather said as if it were one word, joined their uncle, grandfather and siblings in the Florida room listening to soul music and chatting.
They sectioned off in groups, Bobby Dale on one side speaking with the older men of the family while the siblings convened at the wicker table. Eventually, they were called in for dinner in the main dining room with a table large enough for the entire family. Grandpa blessed the food and the next sounds were fine china clinking, sweet tea flowing and utensils scraping against plates.
“That sure was good,” said their patriarch, Edward Chandler, whom they endearingly called Grandpa Eddie. He was a strapping man with gentle eyes. He sat his burly frame back in the chair.
“Thanks, Grandpa. I made it all by myself.” Chloe’s youngest sister, Jade, took credit and the table erupted in laughter.
“You wish!” Christian, their only brother, teased, licking his fingers.
“Chris!” El reproved his actions with a glare.
“Sorry, Mom. This dinner is great!” He continued licking his fingers. “You don’t see anyone throwing up, do you, Grandpa? That’s a clear sign that Jade was nowhere near the kitchen.” He continued teasing his sister.
“Hush, Chris. I can cook.” Jade squinted her eyes at him.
“You can cook up a hot mess,” Chris acknowledged matter-of-factly.
El pursed her lips. “All right now!” she chided even through her laugh.
“I have to admit, all of the women in our family are great cooks,” Christian said.
“The men are no slouches,” Grandpa Eddie added.
“He’s right about that,” Bobby Dale agreed. “We don’t do it as often but we’ve got those skills as you young people say,” he said, leaning back to allow the housekeepers to pick up his plate.
“Grandma, Grandpa.” Jade got their attention. “Does it amaze you that Grandma’s pies led to a food empire for the family?”
Grandpa’s chest lifted a little and he tossed a proud glance at his wife.
Mary-Kate patted Eddie’s knee. “I’m just glad that we were blessed enough to provide for our family. I never expected this when I started making pies for people. The first restaurant was as far as we thought this would go. It was your dad that took things to another level when he got the idea to start Chandler Food Corp.” Mary-Kate looked at her son lovingly. “And your mother came up with the idea to open Chandlers. I’m proud of all of you.”
“How’s business going?” Grandpa asked.
“Well,” Bobby Dale chimed in. “We’re looking at renovating the kitchen and expanding the warehouse. Jewel’s leading that charge, right, honey?”
Smiling proudly, Jewel nodded. “I got some great ideas and met with a few vendors at the convention.”
“And over at the restaurant,” he said, referring to Chandlers. “El and Chloe are working on some changes to make it a more appealing choice for catering events amongst younger audiences.”
“I’ll admit. I wasn’t too happy when she decided to hire those women from that company that also worked with the Rivers family.” El rolled her eyes. “But I must say their ideas have already helped to gain more exposure.” El turned to Chloe. “Honey, tell your grandparents about the event.”
Chloe felt herself glowing. She trusted that she could take her mother’s comment as an indication that her mother was pleased with the work that she was doing even though she never said anything to her directly. “You have to come, Grandma and Grandpa. We’re hosting a sampling event that will give businesses and prospective clients an opportunity to experience what it’s like to have an event at Chandlers. We’ve done some renovations to the grounds to spruce things up and revamped the menu. We’re already almost at capacity with all the RSVPs we’ve received.”
“That’s good news.” Grandma Mary-Kate looked pleased.
“I’d say so,” Grandpa Eddie said, wiping sweet potato pie from his mouth. “You’ve got the perfect setting right there on the marina. That view is amazing.”
“Absolutely stunning,” Mary-Kate added as if Grandpa’s choice of words weren’t enough.
“What about the foundation?” Grandpa Eddie asked.
Chris cleared his throat. “Going well. We’ve found a few other organizations we’d like to support,” he said, speaking on the part of the Chandler empire that he helped run.
“Good to hear. It wouldn’t make sense to gain so much and not put anything back out into the universe. Blessings are meant to be shared,” Grandpa Eddie said.
“They sure are.” Grandma Mary-Kate nodded in agreement. “The good book says
, to whom much is given, much is expected.”
“As bright and pretty as you girls are, when are we going to meet some men? And where’s your woman, Chris? I’m ready for grandnieces and nephews,” Aunt Ava Rae said. “It doesn’t look like my boys plan on making me a grandmother anytime soon.”
The siblings took turns looking at each other before laughing.
“I’m with her,” Grandma Mary-Kate said. “We want to have some great-grandchildren to spoil someday, right, Eddie?”
“Sure do. We need somebody to pass the businesses down to.” Grandpa nodded at the elders who all nodded back in agreement.
“It sure would be nice to have some grandkids running around here,” Bobby Dale said.
“As long as they find the right—” El paused a moment to let that word sink in. She peered at each of her children over her designer glasses “—partners,” she continued. “We can’t just have anybody joining the family.” She didn’t seem as enthusiastic as the others.
Chloe wondered what El would say if she knew how much time she’d been spending with Donovan.
“Right now, I’m focusing on building the business,” Chloe said.
“Don’t forget to have a life in the process,” Ava Rae said. “No one on their death bed ever wished they worked more hours.”
“That’s right,” Uncle Benjamin said, cosigning his wife’s statement. “Life will pass you right by if you let it.”
“Yep,” Grandma added.
“When I find the one worthy of bringing home, you’ll all know,” Jewel said. “I’m not shy,” she said with a discreet glance toward Chloe. “I just have standards.” Her siblings responded with a mix of head shakes and eye rolls.
“I wonder if there’s anyone out there capable of meeting those standards,” Chris said under his breath but loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Jewel tossed her cloth napkin at him. “You’re talking, playboy?”
Chloe, Jewel and Jade all laughed, knowing how their brother breezed through women, leaving them heartbroken in his wake.
“It’s like shopping,” Chris began. “You check out your options,” he continued, despite the incredulous glares from all three of his sisters. “Try on a few outfits to see what fits well. One day, you’ll find the ideal one and bring that home with you. I haven’t found that perfect fit yet. Plus, I’m young. I still have time.”
“Ha! That’s my boy!” Grandpa chuckled.
“Eddie!” Grandma tossed him a sideways glance. She turned to Chris. “Find you a nice girl to settle down with. She better know how to cook.”
Everyone laughed.
“I think when I meet her, I’ll instinctively know she’s the right one, but I’m in no rush,” Chris said, swiping his hands from one side to the other punctuating his comment.
“What about that Madison girl?” El asked. “She seemed nice and she comes from a good family.” By “good,” she meant a family with an impressive pedigree. That mattered to their mother.
Chloe, Jewel and Jade all looked away, knowing what a scandalous mess that Tiffany Madison was. Chris reared back and shook his head. “Too superficial. That’s the problem with a lot of these women. I mean, I love a good-looking lady but when I settle down, I want her to care about more than the names she wears and the cars she drives.”
“That’s true,” Ava Rae said. She turned to the sisters. “We’ll talk, ladies,” she said, pointing her dessert fork. “I’ll give you some tips for snagging the good ones.” She winked and blew a kiss at her husband, banking tycoon Benjamin Gainesville. He responded with a smile, staring at her as if he wanted to ravish her right there at the table.
They laughed but Chloe planned to take her up on that offer. It was a known fact that Uncle Benjamin and their four sons doted on his wife as if she were royalty. Even as signs of aging began to settle in her beautiful middle-aged face, she turned the heads of men both young and old. They tripped over themselves to get her attention before realizing she was married. After finding out, some still didn’t care. Ava Rae held the key to wooing men without even trying and Chloe wanted to find out what it was. Perhaps she could use those techniques with Donovan.
A slight gasp escaped Chloe’s mouth, briefly capturing everyone’s attention. She cleared her throat and coughed as if she could have been choking. She held her hand up, waving off any concern from her family. Surprising herself, she couldn’t believe that thought that had just passed through her mind.
She shouldn’t be concerned about wooing a man that she could never bring home.
Chapter 14
Donovan looked at the clock on the dashboard as he pulled his sports car into his designated garage space. Wondering if Chloe had made it back from her parents’, he retrieved his cell phone. He didn’t want to go up to his place if she was willing to have company.
“Hello,” Chloe answered on the first ring.
Donovan bit his bottom lip. The sound of her voice taunted his senses. “Hey. Did you make it home yet?”
“Yep. I’m sitting on my couch watching the home decorating channel. I get ideas for the restaurant when I watch these shows.”
“Would you mind some company for a little while? I’m not ready to go home yet.” Donovan held his breath awaiting her answer.
“Sure.”
“Be right there.” Donovan backed out of his garage and headed to Chloe’s. He promised himself he’d control his urges around her.
When he arrived at her place, he popped his trunk and pulled out a choice bottle of wine. Always searching for the best options for their catering hall, he kept bottles handy. It wasn’t his first time at her place but he never entered empty-handed. Being that it was Sunday, most stores were already closed for the evening.
Chloe opened the door wearing ripped jeans and a tank top. Seeing her bare thighs through the pants gave him pause.
“Good evening.” Donovan kissed her cheek and presented her with the wine.
“Thanks,” Chloe said, taking the bottle from him. She closed and locked the door and headed to the den.
Donovan followed behind. He enjoyed being in her space. It smelled of lavender and vanilla. Chloe invited him to sit in the den before disappearing and returning with two glasses. Donovan popped open the wine and filled each glass halfway. He noticed the television playing. She was still watching design shows.
“You’re redecorating Chandlers?” he asked.
“Oh no!” She wagged her fingers. “I’m not giving up any information. You’re the competition, remember?” she teased.
“Really?” Donovan gave her a sideways glance.
Chloe threw her head back and laughed. The urge to kiss her exposed neck overwhelmed Donovan for a moment.
“How’s the consultant thing going?”
“I really like them. Thanks for the recommendation. You were right. They are the best in business.”
“Does your mother know I referred them?” Donovan looked mischievous.
“Of course not! For the record, I chose to work with them because of their reviews and they came with the most thorough presentation and innovative ideas. I met with three other consulting firms before making my final decision.”
“Because you’re a smart businesswoman.” Donovan’s finger grazed her chin. He thought he saw her shudder a little. “I’m glad to hear things are going well.” He placed his hand in his lap. His finger tingled from touching her face.
“We’re working on planning a reception for clients. I would invite you to come, but you know.” Chloe giggled.
“Maybe I’d show up.”
“You wouldn’t!” Chloe laughed. “I couldn’t even imagine my mother’s face if you walked in there.”
“I wouldn’t want to imagine it. I’m sure Joliet would respond in a similar way.”
“Our parents.” Chloe shook her head.
“If they knew we were here together...” Donovan let the thought hang.
Chloe groaned. “They’d die.”
When their laughter died down, the atmosphere seemed heavy.
“We laugh, but it’s really unfortunate.” Donovan’s tone was serious.
“How so?” Chloe asked.
At first, Donovan narrowed his gaze, contemplating if he should be completely honest with her. “For us. It’s unfortunate for us.” Chloe looked down at her nails. Donovan lifted her chin, forcing her to look directly into his eyes. He wanted her to know his words were sincere. “It would be easier to like you so much.” Donovan watched her swallow, then clear her throat. “I would have no problem telling my mother about you...if we were to become serious, that is. I know it would be hard for you.”
Chloe sighed, averting her eyes once again. “I kind of like it like this,” Chloe said, then cracked a mischievous smile, letting on that she was teasing. “I feel so rebellious and I like it.”
That made Donovan chuckle even though he was serious. There was so much to like about Chloe, she was easy to talk to, smart, talented and beautiful—the full package. Their conversations flowed effortlessly from one subject to another, covering everything from work to sports and goals.
Before Chloe, he couldn’t remember talking to any woman as much. They often did other things to fill their time together. As much as he wanted Chloe, their dialogue was as intriguing as their heavy petting.
Speaking of which, Donovan’s sight settled on her lips. She wore a pale pink gloss this evening. Her plump lips held a sparkling sheen.
“We can’t always control what we feel,” Donovan added.
“I know.” Chloe’s expression grew serious. She shifted her position on the couch, sitting rigidly.
“What if it happened with us?”
Chloe pressed her lips together. “I don’t know.”
Donovan wasn’t concerned about his family in the same way Chloe was about hers. He wasn’t concerned about how anyone felt when it came to the people he cared about. However, he understood and respected Chloe’s apprehension. He knew she was her own woman but the idea of upsetting the family troubled her. He wished it didn’t.