The Sweetest Kiss

by Candace Shaw

  Broderick sipped his wine and glanced at Tiffani, who was flushed with nervousness. “I’ll keep that in mind, Preston. KJ I believe you’re next, young man.”

  “I’m thankful for Mommy taking care of me without my father. I’m thankful for both my grandparents, for all of you, my teacher and the fact that my class won the reading bowl.”

  “That’s very sweet, KJ.” Tiffani paused as the cotton on her tongue thickened. Broderick hadn’t taken his eyes off of her the entire dinner. She was sure he was going to soak in every single word she was about to say. “I’m thankful for a lot of things in my life right now. My KJ and all of you. My bakery is doing quite well, and even though I’m not sure what is happening with the shopping center in the near future, I’m fortunate my dream of owning a bakery came true this year. I’m thankful that at the last minute Broderick offered his home to us for dinner because I was a nervous wreck when I realized the heat wasn’t working right before everyone was scheduled to arrive. But he saved the day and for that I’m grateful to him and the special friendship that we have. Cheers.” She raised her wineglass in the air and everyone else followed suit. There was so much more she wanted and needed to say to Broderick, but for now she simply wanted him to know how much she appreciated him.

  After dinner, Preston volunteered to help Tiffani wash dishes while the other men retreated to the study to smoke cigars, except for Braxton, who had left right after dinner.

  “You sure you don’t want to hang with the menfolk?” Tiffani asked, passing her brother a plate to dry.

  “Nah, I don’t smoke cigars or care much about politics. No offense to Steven, of course.”

  “I thought you were bringing Kay or the chick from Phipps Plaza or some other girl.”

  “I had a Thanksgiving brunch with this one girl, and I’m meeting the chick from Phipps around nine for a movie. We’re checking out that new action flick with your favorite actor and then back to my loft for a little dessert.”

  “Geez. How many women are you juggling?”

  “Enough. How’s your artsy friend, Blythe?”

  Tiffani set the last wineglass in the drying rack and snickered. “Not thinking about you.”

  “She was checking me out. I know women.” He stacked the last plate, then picked all of them up. “Show me where these go and then I have to jet.”

  “Follow me.”

  After her brother left, the others bid their goodbyes, as well. KJ was hanging out in the media room and Tiffani decided it was late and it was time for them to go, too. She found Broderick in the library sipping on a drink and smoking his cigar on the couch.

  “Come sit with me, beautiful. You look exhausted.”

  She crashed next to him and closed her eyes for a moment. “I am. Thank you so much for your hospitality today. My family and I truly appreciate it, considering you didn’t have to and we’re barely speaking.”

  “Correction, you’re barely speaking because you don’t want to enter into a real relationship again, even though I keep telling you I’m not him. I get it. You’re scared but you can’t keep using the excuse of me betraying you because you think I was aware of something that I wasn’t. Deep down you know I’m telling the truth. Granted, maybe you didn’t realize it at first, but you know the kind of man I am. I have no reason to lie to you, and I pulled out of the deal because I would never want to hurt you, angel.”

  She swiped her hands through her hair and looked away from him because he was right. She was scared. At one point, she’d thought Keith was perfect, until he made her feel lower than the Georgia red clay on the bottom of her shoes. She feared taking that chance again.

  “Broderick I just need more time,” she said quietly. “But I do believe that you are telling the truth about not knowing and I appreciate you for pulling out of the deal.”

  “Well, I may have pulled out from the group but my partners and others have not. I’ve been keeping up with it and Harvey is looking to sell before the end of the year. I don’t know who he’s leaning toward but my bet would be whoever offers the most, and that’s more than likely the ones who want to expand. Either way, your lease would be safe until it’s up. I would suggest searching for a new location in the meantime just to be prepared.”

  She yawned wide and stood, stretching her arms out. “I better get going before I can’t drive me and my baby home.”

  “Stay here. I have plenty of rooms. Besides, you have no heat, and KJ is having a blast playing video games on the big screen.”

  “The heat upstairs works fine. I’ll call you when we get home. It’s only a thirty-minute drive.”

  “All right.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead tenderly. She thought he was going to move his lips lower, but he didn’t. A part of her was disappointed for a moment, but she knew he was respecting her wishes.

  As she lay in bed that night, Tiffani knew she needed to make a decision before she lost a good man that loved and cherished her. Broderick was patient and kind. Even in the beginning Keith had been none of those things. He was high strung, impatient and clingy, which she thought was cute at first until she realized he wasn’t being clingy—he was being territorial and controlling. However, she’d married him anyway, thinking perhaps he’d tone down. But it had only gotten worse. And although Broderick hadn’t mentioned the word marriage, he had mentioned forever to her, and that was the same thing. As she drifted off to sleep, she prayed she would make the best decision for her and for KJ.

  Chapter 13

  Tiffani placed a half dozen peach bear claws into a box for a customer and smiled sweetly even though deep down she was a nervous wreck. It was the week after Thanksgiving and she’d barely seen Broderick since dinner at his home. He was back and forth between Arkansas negotiating the details of the casino and North Carolina for the groundbreaking ceremony. He’d stopped by the bakery that morning for a quick coffee and Danish break before he’d jetted back to North Carolina for a meeting with Devin and all of the investors of the lakefront subdivision.

  Retreating to the kitchen, she checked on the Christmas cookies and cupcakes she was baking for the next day. A woman’s screaming from the front jolted her out the door to see Blythe running toward her as if she’d just won the lottery.

  Blythe grabbed her hands and began jumping up and down. She was trying to speak, but she was out of breath. Tiffani pulled her into the kitchen because a few customers were watching intently.

  “Calm down and tell me what’s going on. Did you finally break the drought that you keep calling celibacy?” Tiffani was joking; she knew Blythe was serious about staying celibate until she found the one.

  Blythe rolled her eyes. “No. Better. Someone bought the plaza this morning and they aren’t expanding it.”

  Tiffani’s eyes widened. She almost jumped up and down but stopped herself. “Before I start doing the happy dance with you, tell me everything you know.”

  “The chick over at the used bookstore said Harvey sold it to the highest bidder and it was a sole person, not an investment group.”

  Tiffani screamed at the top of her lungs. “That’s wonderful. Who bought it?”

  “The person wants to remain anonymous, but whoever he or she is must have a lot of money to outbid the investment groups. You know they really wanted to expand. This is prime real estate.”

  “And are you sure the new owner doesn’t want to tear the place down and raise leases?”

  “Nope, just some cosmetic stuff that we all know is needed. There’s some marketing team that’s going to come in and assist the individual stores with marketing strategies at no cost to us. Now are you going to do the happy dance with me?”

  Tiffani grabbed her hands and started the happy dance all over again, ending it with a hug. “This is wonderful news. I can’t wait to tell Broderick.”

  “Uh-huh
.” Blythe crossed her arms over her chest. “So it’s safe to say you two are back together?”

  Tiffani sighed and shrugged. “I don’t know what we are, but I just know I don’t want to be without him. I’m in love with him, and I need to own up to that.” Tiffani exhaled in relief that she’d had the aha moment Megan had mentioned would eventually come. There was no turning back. It was out in the universe and now she would deal with it which included telling him as soon as possible.

  “Then that’s all that matters. I have to go back to work. Go call your man.”

  Tiffani rushed back to her office and called Broderick, but it went straight to voice mail, which had stated his box was full. She decided to send a text message for him to call her whenever he had a chance. She made a few more phone calls to her parents, Preston and Megan.

  Megan called her back a few minutes later. “I just received your message and that’s exciting, news, Tiffy. Have you spoken to Broderick?”

  “No. He’s out of town and his voice mail is full. Besides, I’d rather tell him in person.”

  “No, that’s not what I meant. I’m here in North Carolina and Broderick had to fly back to Atlanta about an hour ago. He got a phone call saying his father was being rushed to Emory Hospital. I think he had a heart attack or a stroke.”

  “Oh no! That’s terrible. I’ll go out there now. Thanks, Megan.”

  After calling her parents to pick up KJ for her and making sure that Kendall and Mindy were fine with running the bakery for a few hours, she filled a box with assorted treats for Broderick and headed out to the hospital. She’d tried calling him, but he didn’t answer.

  Once learning what floor and room Roderick Hollingsworth was on, she made it up there and peeked in, but it was empty. Walking around the corner to the nurse’s station, she spotted Broderick in the waiting room staring up at the TV and watching the news.

  “Broderick,” she called out and made her way over to him.

  Shocked, he rose and gave her a warm hug. “How did you know I was here?”

  “Megan told me your dad had a heart attack. I’ve been trying to call you.”

  “I’m not getting any reception in the hospital.” He held up his cell phone and pointed to the lack of bars.

  “How’s your father?” she asked. She’d hate for something to happen now that the two men were becoming close. Broderick was finally receiving the love from his father that he had always needed in his life.

  “Well, he didn’t have a heart attack. It was just indigestion, but his blood pressure is a bit high so they’re doing tests on everything else. What brings you here?”

  “I came to check on you. I didn’t want you here alone.”

  His face softened. “That’s so sweet,” he said, running his hand down the front of her hair. “What’s in the box?”

  She handed it to him as they sat down next to each other. “Snacks and some stuffed croissant sandwiches. I was experimenting today.”

  He leaned over in her ear and whispered, “Nothing wrong with experimenting.”

  She rolled her eyes and smiled. “You’re so bad, Broderick.”

  “No, bad would be taking you into one these empty rooms and making love to you. I think I spotted one on the way up.”

  Her skin flushed at the thought. She missed his kisses and sensual caresses. She decided to tell him her news before she dragged him into one of the empty rooms herself.

  “I have good news to share.”

  He glanced up from digging around in the box and pulled out a macaroon. “What’s that?” he asked, not looking directly at her.

  “Someone bought Premium Village today, and they’re not changing anything except for some updates. But no lease increase.”

  “Do you know who bought it?” he asked nonchalantly, biting into the macaroon.

  “No name. Just that it’s an individual who prefers to remain anonymous. Do you think you could find out since that’s your circle?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m glad everything worked out for you.”

  “Me, too. Blythe and I figured it had to be someone with a lot of money to outbid the investment groups, especially those who wanted to expand.”

  He simply nodded. “Pass me one of those croissant thingies.”

  “Let me know what you think.”

  He bit into it and bobbed his head. “This is good. Turkey, cheese and spinach. You should definitely add this to the menu. Serve it for lunch with some chips or something. Drive a little more business your way. For the record, I did take Marketing 101.”

  She playfully pinched his cheek at his remark. “That’s what I was thinking. Now that I don’t have to move, I can think straight again.” She wrapped her hands around his biceps and rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed her forehead, and she exhaled with a smile.

  “I’m glad you came,” he said, placing another tender kiss to her forehead. “Thank you.”

  “Of course. I love you. Where else would I be?” As soon as she said the words, she froze. She didn’t know what had come over her. She’d just blurted it out so naturally, but she meant it. She sat up and looked at his handsome face, which was currently in a state of shock.

  “Say it again, beautiful.”

  She laughed. “I love you, Broderick. Very much.”

  “I love you too, Tiffani. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make you happy.” He lifted her chin and kissed her gently. “I better stop before I really go search for an empty room.”

  “You’re funny. If this investing thing doesn’t work out you can always take your act on the road,” she teased, returning his kiss.

  “I think it’s safe to say I’m good at what I do. I told you I can retire tomorrow with no money worries.”

  “Mmm...” She stopped and tilted her head to the side. “Broderick, did you...no...wait... Did you?”

  “Did I what, babe?” he asked with a slightly raised eyebrow.

  “You bought the plaza, didn’t you?” She turned her body toward him as her breathing became stifled in her throat while she waited for the answer she knew. It was written all over his face.

  “Yes.”

  She put her hands over her mouth as the tears welled up in her eyes. “I can’t... I thought...” Tiffani sat back in her chair and then turned toward him once again. She couldn’t keep still. He drew her onto his lap and rubbed her back tenderly.

  “Breathe, baby. Yes. I bought it. What gave it away?”

  “You mentioned the driving more business my way along with marketing, and Blythe told me that the new owner wanted to bring in a marketing team. Only you would think of something like that. Plus, you had a meeting this morning nearby, and not too long after Blythe rushed in with the news.”

  “Well, I take it you’re happy with my purchase.”

  “Ecstatic, but I thought you weren’t interested in buying the plaza.”

  “I wasn’t. I bought it for you.”

  “For me?”

  “Babe, the bidding was really close. If it had gone the other way, you’d definitely have to start searching for a new place. I couldn’t have you unhappy. You’ve worked hard to make your dream come true. Plus, since we’ve been together you’ve never asked me for anything. Most women I date want trips to Paris, shopping sprees, expensive bags and shoes. You just wanted to be with me...except when you were mad at me. And most important, no one since my mother has showed me so much love and concern as you. Even when you weren’t speaking to me, you still encouraged me to go see my father and now he and I are working on our relationship.” He paused, taking her hands in his. “Look where you are right now. You’re by my side at the hospital because you said you didn’t want me to be alone. Plus, you brought food. I believe you’re a keeper.” He kissed her hands and followed it with a deep kiss on
the lips.

  She placed her palms on his cheeks to stop herself from seducing him right there in the waiting room. “I’m speechless. I can’t believe you bought it. Wait, so now you’re my landlord?”

  “No, I’ll have someone at BJH Corp run it. I have some ideas and some cosmetic changes that need to be made.”

  “I’ll be more than happy to write you a list.”

  “I know you’re being sarcastic, but I actually do want the store owners’ opinions. We’ll have a meeting after the holidays.”

  “Broderick...you’re something else, you know that?”

  He grinned and pinched her butt. “No, you were when you said I love you. Baby, that was the best three words I’ve heard in a long time and I’m glad they came from you. I fell in love with you when I saw you walk down that aisle. I had imagined me standing up there and that you were walking toward me. And just so we’re clear, I know you aren’t up to remarrying just yet, so I won’t pressure you. Knowing you love me the way you do is perfect, beautiful.”

  Tiffani lowered her lips to his and kissed him with all the love and passion she had for him. “Mmm...baby, I love you so much, and I wouldn’t mind a little pressure. I will marry you whenever you ask me. You’ll just need to get permission from KJ.”

  Broderick ran his hands in her thick tresses and pulled her to him as he gently nibbled her bottom lip. A soft sigh arose from her throat. “I’ll definitely ask KJ first. I have a feeling he’d want to have a talk with me.”

  Tiffani giggled and scooted off his lap and back on to her chair when she saw an older couple walk into the waiting area. “Yes, he’ll probably want to talk to you.”

  “Young lady, you could’ve stayed on your man’s lap,” the older lady said as she sat across from them with her husband. “Girl, if Bill’s knees weren’t so bad I’d be sitting on his lap right now!”

  Broderick and Tiffani laughed as Bill patted his knees. “You can come sit on me, Hazel. I don’t mind. Been with my wife for almost fifty years now. Just have to rub some muscle relaxer on me afterward.”