Tyrese rose to his feet and crossed the room in quick strides. He peeked out of the window before turning his attention back to Zaire. “It’s a beautiful night. The sky is clear.”
Zaire stood up and joined him at the window. “It is a nice night.”
He turned and looked down at her. “The scenery in here is much more beautiful, in my opinion.”
She smiled. “You really know how to woo a girl.”
Tyrese embraced her, holding her tight against his body. He loved the way she fitted in his arms. It was as if Zaire had been made just for him.
“I don’t ever want to lose you,” he whispered into her hair.
“You never have to worry about that,” Zaire responded. “We are a team for life.”
“Maybe I should get that in writing.”
His infectious grin set the tone. She laughed. “Honey, I love you so much. You are that guy.”
“And you are that girl.”
“Prove it,” Zaire whispered.
His lips descended slowly to meet hers.
* * *
“Livi, can you do me a favor?” Zaire called her sister-in-law early the next morning. “I hope I didn’t wake you or Blaze.”
“You’re fine,” Livi assured her. “Blaze isn’t here, but we’ve been up for hours. What’s going on? What do you need?”
“I need a gown for a charity event that’s happening tonight. I want to surprise Tyrese. He asked me to go with him, but I told him that I wasn’t up to being around so many people.”
“I actually have the perfect dress for you,” she told Zaire. “I’ll drop it off in a couple of hours.”
She released an audible sigh of relief. “Great. Thanks so much. I didn’t know what I was going to do about a gown. I didn’t want to wear one I already own because I’ve been photographed in them.”
“You don’t have to worry,” Livi said. “You are going to be the best-looking woman at the charity ball.”
“Now I just need to order a car. I’m a little nervous about it, but I have to do this. Tyrese is getting an award, and I need to be there to support him.”
“Zaire, we’re going to the event tonight,” Livi announced. “Do you want to ride with us?”
“That would be great,” she said. “I would be much calmer riding with you and Blaze.”
“I’m going to put together a complete outfit for you from top to bottom. You just sit back and relax.”
“My hairstylist is coming by in an hour and she’s bringing someone to do my mani-pedi.”
Zaire wanted the evening to be perfect. It would be her first public appearance since the attack. Tyrese was going to be surprised to see her there. He had originally planned to bow out, but she had convinced him to attend since his company was receiving an award. Pilar knew that she was attending and had secured her invitation.
Her sister-in-law arrived shortly after eleven o’clock.
“Livi, this dress is gorgeous,” Zaire exclaimed. “It’s perfect.”
“I’m glad you like it. It will look stunning on you.”
She hugged Livi. “Thanks so much for your help.” Zaire opened the shoe box. “Wow...I love them.”
Livi picked up her purse and car keys. “I need to get to my office, but call me if you need anything else.”
“Thanks again,” she said. “Oh, put everything on my credit card. You should have it on file.”
“This is a gift from me,” Livi told her. “We’ll pick you up at seven.”
“I’ll be ready.”
Zaire turned on the radio.
She loved music, and it had been a while since she had listened to music in any form. Zaire danced around the living room as she sang the words to a Mary J. Blige song.
She no longer felt like a victim. She was free and that freedom was worth celebrating, in Zaire’s opinion.
* * *
“I don’t feel right being here without Zaire,” Tyrese told Pilar. He had been there for less than twenty minutes, but he was already preparing to leave. “She’s at home alone, and I’m not sure she’s ready for that.”
“It’s only for a few hours. She’ll be fine.”
“Pilar, she’s been through a lot and she’s doing well, but I don’t want anything to set her back.” He pulled at his collar. “Do me a favor and accept the award for me. I’m going home to Zaire.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” Pilar looked past Tyrese and smiled.
He followed her gaze.
Tyrese’s mouth dropped open at the sight of Zaire. She looked exquisite in the silver strapless gown that hugged her curves as if it were made just for her. The pleat and rhinestone beading added a sophisticated touch to the dress.
Zaire smiled and waved to a couple of people as she made her way over to Tyrese and Pilar.
The two women embraced.
“I’m glad you showed up when you did,” Pilar stated. “I don’t think I was going to be able to keep him here a minute longer. Girl, he was about to get up out of here. He was worried about you.”
She met his smile. “That’s so sweet.”
“Well, I see a couple of people I need to talk to,” Pilar announced. “I’ll see you both in a few minutes.”
“You look beautiful,” Tyrese told her when they were alone. “Why didn’t you tell me that you wanted to come?”
She grinned. “It wouldn’t have been a surprise if I’d done that. There was no way that I’d miss this night. I have to be here for you the same way you have been there for me.” The warmth of her smile was echoed in her voice.
“I’m glad that you’re here,” Tyrese said. “I was just about to leave because I wanted to be home with you.”
“I’m here now, so let’s enjoy the evening.”
He met her gaze. “Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer to just get out of here? We could go home where it’s just the two of us.”
“That does sound tempting,” Zaire murmured softly.
“We can leave right now.”
She gave him a generous smile. “No, we can’t. I have on this gorgeous gown, and I look stunning. But more than that, you are going to be honored tonight for all you’ve done for this charity. Tyrese, we are not going to miss this.”
“I just want you all to myself.”
“We have tonight,” she whispered. “For the first time in a long time, I feel like me. I still have a ways to go, but I’ve come a long way. Tonight, when we get home, we are going to celebrate.”
“Zaire...”
She tingled as he said her name. “C’mon—let’s make our rounds and then we’ll get in line for the buffet.”
A shiver of wanting ran through Tyrese. “We are not staying one moment longer than we have to be here,” he told Zaire.
She nodded in agreement.
They had been waiting for this moment for what seemed like a lifetime.
Tyrese’s hand brushed against hers, which Zaire found soft and caressing, and it sent shivers of delight through her.
Zaire was happy, her mood buoyant.
He took her around the room, introducing her to many of the attendees she had not met yet. Afterward, they walked over to their table and sat down.
Her brother and Livi were seated at the next table. Blaze walked over to her and asked, “Save a dance for me, okay?”
“Definitely,” she responded.
Tyrese excused himself. “I’m going to get something for us to drink.”
“You know I wasn’t sure about Tyrese and you at first, but the more I see you two together...I think he’s good for you.”
Zaire glanced over her shoulder, and then back at her brother. “He’s wonderful, Blaze. I am so in love with Tyrese.”
“I’m glad he makes you happy.”
“He does,” Zaire confirmed. “He really does.”
Tyrese returned with their drinks.
They both tried to focus on the event going on around them but could not.
Zaire glanced over at Tyrese and gave him a knowing smile. She was counting down to the time when they could slip out of the ballroom. She hungered for him. Zaire wanted to feel his skin next to hers.
She was so ready to take their relationship to the next level. It was not just about the sex for her. Her whole being seem to be filled with longing to be united with the only man she had ever loved deep down to her soul.
* * *
“I can’t tell you how glad I am to be home,” Tyrese said as soon as they walked into the apartment.
Zaire laid her purse on a nearby sofa table. “I am, too.” She loved that he considered her apartment his home, as well. Tyrese owned a five-bedroom home in Hollywood Hills, but he had chosen to stay here with her until she felt completely safe. He had been willing to sacrifice his comfort for her—one more reason why she loved him.
She pointed toward the bedroom. “I’m going to get comfortable. Why don’t you make some tea?”
He nodded.
She navigated to her bedroom.
Despite her outward calm, Zaire was nervous, but she hid her feelings from Tyrese. She didn’t want him to consider postponing what was about to happen.
She opened her lingerie drawer and pulled out the gown she had been waiting to wear for him.
Zaire walked into the living room a few minutes later, wearing a turquoise silk gown and matching robe. The gown featured a thigh-high slit, showing off her left leg as she glided across the hardwood floor in a pair of high-heeled turquoise-and-silver sandals.
Tyrese was speechless as he looked her over seductively.
She sat down beside him.
He pointed to the cup on the coffee table. “You should drink your tea before it gets cold.”
Tyrese looked at her as if he were photographing her with his eyes. His gaze dropped from her eyes to her shoulders and continued downward.
Zaire took a sip of the hot drink. “It’s good.”
His gaze rose back up to her face and searched her eyes. Something intense flared through his entrancement.
Tyrese stood up and removed his tuxedo jacket.
Zaire admired his firm, muscled arms beneath his crisp white shirt. His broad shoulders were heaving as he breathed.
Tyrese held out his hands to her.
She allowed him to pull her to her feet.
He wrapped his arms around her midriff. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured. “I love everything about you without qualification. I want you to know that. I never realized just how lonely my life had become until I met you, Zaire.”
“I’m a very lucky woman.”
He grinned. “Yes, you are.”
“You are such a humble man,” she murmured with a short laugh.
His arms encircled Zaire, one hand at the small of her back. “Seriously, I am the one who’s lucky. I never thought I would meet a woman like you, much less have her love me. You are much more than I ever dared hope for.”
She locked herself into his embrace. “I will always love you, Tyrese.”
His mouth covered hers hungrily, sending spirals of ecstasy through her.
Tyrese picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, placing her gently on the bed.
Zaire breathed lightly between parted lips as she watched him walk in confident strides to the door, closing it. She felt as if she had been transported on a soft and wispy cloud. Tonight was perfect.
Chapter 17
The next morning, Tyrese was clearly surprised when Zaire strolled into the kitchen wearing a chic pantsuit and carrying her red tote. Her smile broadened at the sight of him.
“Going somewhere?” he asked her.
She joined him at the breakfast table. “I think it’s time I go back to the office. I’ve been away too long.”
He smiled.
“Are you okay with this?” Zaire questioned. “Our driving to the office together?” She had a new car, but the thought of parking in the garage at work ignited anxiety in her. She needed more time to get over her fear.
“I don’t care if the others know that we’re together,” Tyrese responded. “I’m sure they already suspect something.”
“As happy as I am right now, I’m sure the staff will pick up on it as soon as I step off the elevator.” Zaire looked at him. “After last night, I feel truly connected to you.”
He reached over and gave her hand a light squeeze.
“What do you want for breakfast?” she asked, looking at the wall clock. “We need to get out of here soon.”
Tyrese pointed to his cup of coffee. “I’m fine.”
Zaire grabbed an apple and some yogurt from the fridge. “I’m ready when you are.”
They left the apartment and headed down to the car.
She was determined to prove to herself that her anxiety would not hold her prisoner any longer. Zaire stole a peek over at Tyrese. She had so many reasons to live her life to the fullest.
Her determination faltered as they neared San Vincente Boulevard. Zaire began to shake as fearful images built in her mind.
As if sensing her discomfort, Tyrese reached over, taking her hand in his. “Honey, you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Zaire leaned back and closed her eyes, using the techniques she had learned to calm herself. A flicker of apprehension coursed through her when the parking deck came into view.
Tyrese gave her hand a gentle massage. “It’s okay, baby. I’ve made lots of changes. There are cameras everywhere. You’re safe. I’m here and I will die before I let anyone ever hurt you again.”
She took several calming breaths. “I’ll be fine.”
He parked the car, got out and walked around to open the door for her.
Zaire’s chest felt tight, but she concentrated on pleasant thoughts. As they walked into the building, her tension eased away gradually. Tyrese remained close by her side.
He made sure that she was settled in her office before he walked down the hall to his own.
Max blew into her office, saying, “I’m so glad that you’re back.”
She laughed. “Good morning.”
“I’m going to make you some herbal tea, and then we are going to get down to business. The Daniels Auto retreat is just weeks away.”
Zaire set up her laptop and turned it on. “We need to finalize the Honore’ event, as well.”
“I’ll be right back.”
She glanced around her office, realizing for the first time just how much she had missed being in the office. It was good to be back.
* * *
Tyrese glanced down at the caller ID and frowned. Although the caller’s identity was blocked, he knew exactly who was calling.
As always, he let the call go to voice mail.
Zaire knocked on his door. “Hey, I thought we were having lunch together? Are you still able to make it?”
Tyrese tugged at the collar of his shirt. “Honey, I’m sorry. Time slipped by me.” He pushed away from his desk and stood up. “I’m ready.”
They walked across the street to the restaurant on the corner.
“You seem a bit preoccupied, Tyrese,” Zaire observed. “Is everything okay?”
He picked up his menu. “Everything is fine.”
“All of the plans for the Daniels Auto retreat have been finalized.”
Tyrese smiled in approval. “I shouldn’t be surprised. I knew that you wouldn’t let any grass grow under your feet once you were back in the office.”
“I have
to be there a couple of days early, but are you planning on joining us for the weekend?” she asked.
“I’ll be there,” he responded. “I’ve cleared my schedule so that I can fly out with you and Max.”
Zaire was touched by his thoughtfulness. “You really have my back, don’t you?”
Tyrese reached over and took her hand in his own. “I will always have your back, honey.”
“Ditto.” Zaire picked up her menu.
After lunch, they returned to the office.
“How late do you plan on working today?” she asked. It was almost five-thirty and she did not want to stay much longer.
“Not late at all,” Tyrese replied. “This is your first day back, and we’re not going to overdo it.”
She released a sigh of relief.
“Baby, I am not going to push you further than you are mentally ready to handle. We are going to take this one day at a time. You don’t have to be in the office every day. You can work from home whenever you want.”
“It’s good being back in the office,” Zaire told him. “The only time I really feel any angst is in the parking garage.” She sat down in the chair facing his desk. “I’m not going to let fear control me.”
“I love your spirit.”
She gave him a wicked grin. “Is that all you love about me?”
“Definitely not,” he responded. “I love everything about you, Zaire.”
“If we leave now, we can have the rest of the evening for us,” she said quietly. “That is, if you’re interested.”
Tyrese shut down his computer.
* * *
After spending the evening making love, Zaire and Tyrese were awakened by the sound of the telephone ringing.
She answered it. “Hello.”
“Sis, it’s me,” Blaze said. “Natasha’s at the hospital. She went into labor. Livi is staying with Joshua, but I’m here at the hospital.”
Zaire sat up in bed, pulling the covers up to cover her nakedness. “But it’s too soon. The babies aren’t due yet.” Sage’s due date was almost a month before Natasha’s—the babies were five weeks early.
Tyrese sat up. “Is everything okay?” he asked in a whisper.
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