Pulling in front of Delaney’s Tuxedo shop, Xavier parked the Jag and hopped out. The bell atop the door jingled as he sailed through and was promptly greeted by a member of the staff.
“Mr. Valentine, your party is in the back, let me show you to your space.”
Xavier strolled behind the man, appreciative that he’d closed the shop so he and his brothers could be fitted for Hunter’s wedding without disturbance.
“There he is,” Lance barked as soon as Xavier entered the room. It was an open space with mirrors etched against the wall completely. In this room, you could see yourself in a three hundred and sixty-degree angle, so missing a detail wasn’t likely. Xavier slapped hands with Lance.
“That’s a nice tux there, brother,” Xavier said. “Fits you well. Has it been tailored already?”
Lance nodded as he took a sharp eye over his mirror image.
“Yeah, cuts around my edges just right, too. No tug or rework needed. Almost perfect,” Lance said.
“I would leave out almost,” Xavier responded, admiring the tux’s fit.
Movement in the room caught Xavier’s attention, and he crossed the distance to slap hands with Hunter.
“Damn, yours looks equally as sharp.”
“That’s because it is,” Hunter agreed. “Delaney’s work is impeccable. It’s why we keep coming back for our custom suits.”
“Yeah, but I’m surprised you’re just now doing this. The wedding is next week. How can you worry your pregnant wife waiting until the last minute to have this done?”
“My pregnant wife doesn’t know I waited until the last minute. She thinks I’m here to pick up the tux that I ordered a long time ago.”
“I told Corinne you were vile, now look at you being deceptive.”
The two men chuckled.
“Nah, not deceptive. I did order this tux weeks ago. I just didn’t have the time to get fitted. So I guess I’m a lucky bastard that Delaney’s worked with us previously or this would’ve been a tragedy.”
“Could’ve,” Xavier said. “Always stay optimistic, brother.”
“Speaking of wives,” Hunter began. Xavier arched a prominent brow. “I noticed you ignored my question when we were on the phone.”
Xavier knew what question Hunter was referring to, but still he pretended he didn’t.
“Which was?”
Hunter smirked, also knowing Xavier knew.
“Would your timeliness have anything to do with Corinne?”
A staff member approached the men then. “Mr. Xavier Valentine, are you ready for your fitting?”
“I am,” Xavier said.
Hunter reached out for Xavier’s shoulder, stopping him from fleeing this conversation. “Give us a second, Dell,” Hunter said.
Dell nodded and Xavier turned back to Hunter. Hunter folded his arms and waited for Xavier’s reply. Xavier stood still, musing for a long moment before responding.
“I love her.”
Hunter’s eyes widened, and a glorious smile cruised across his face. “When did it happen?”
Xavier sighed. “I don’t know. I can’t explain any of it. Maybe it was our paragliding adventure that did it or the frank way she doesn’t kiss my ass just for the sake of doing whatever pleases me. Maybe it’s her sincerity and the way she gives and cares for others. Maybe it was Africa or the way she submits herself to me unequivocally. Maybe it was the first time I met her, the feeling I had that she was someone I’d come to call my own.” Xavier paused. “Whenever it happened, I’m glad it did. Corinne is truly one of a kind.”
Hunter’s smile had widened. “I know the feeling,” he said, glancing back at himself in the mirror. “Just remember, if you marry her, I introduced you to your wife, so, you owe me one,” he teased.
Xavier rubbed his hands together in thought. “Well technically, I helped you save yours, so, we’re even.”
Hunter’s mighty guffaw brought the attention of their other brothers, and Xavier slapped Hunter on the back then pointed at him. “Game, set, match,” he said, strolling off to get fitted.
Chapter Eighteen
“Can I talk to you for a minute?”
Corinne glanced at Monica who she’d only spoken to in reference to a task that needed to be handled on board Kinship Airlines.
“Depends,” Corinne said. “Is it flight related?”
“Corinne,” Monica stepped closer to her, wanting to speak in a lower tone in order to keep the exiting passengers from overhearing their conversation. “I want to apologize. I’m sorry.”
Corinne folded her arms and caught an instant attitude. Monica had one chance to keep this conversation on the right road, so Corinne wouldn’t tolerate any backhanded compliments or statements regarding her and Xavier’s relationship.
“I was out of line when I spoke to you previously about Xavier. I only know what I’ve seen in the media, and that’s an outside looking in type of thing. It wasn’t fair for me to judge him without knowing his character. I hope you can accept my apology.”
Corinne watched her closely, slowly defrosting at her words.
“I promise it won’t happen again. I know I’m pretty closed off most days, and honestly, I hate keeping to myself all the time, I just don’t know how else to be.” She paused. “Anyway, I hope you have a good weekend, I overheard you talking to Amber about your friend’s wedding. Bachelorette parties are always the best parties. At least that’s what I’ve heard since I don’t have friends to invite me.”
Monica smiled then readjusted her flight uniform blouse. “Anyway, have a good time for me.” Monica strolled passed Corinne.
“Monica,” Corinne called.
Monica paused and turned back with an inquisitive expression masking her face.
“If you’re free, you’re more than welcome to join in on the festivities.”
Monica’s brows arched followed by an elated smile but just as quickly it disappeared. “Oh no, I didn’t say all of that for you to feel sorry for me. I really meant—”
“Monica,” Corinne cut in. “I don’t feel sorry for you,” she said frankly. “I’ve wanted to get to know you better anyway. You just seemed a little bitchy at first, so I also planned to keep to myself.” Corinne paused. “However, this bachelorette party could be good for both of us. I’m not going anywhere any time soon. You’re not either, right?”
“Right,” Monica nodded.
“Then we may as well be friends or at the very least close acquaintances.”
Monica smiled brightly and nodded enthusiastically. “You’re right. Thank you, I’d love to come.”
Corinne smiled. “Good. The party starts tomorrow at seven. If you’d like to ride in the stretch limo with me and the bridesmaids, you’re more than welcome to.”
Monica clasped her hands together. “That would be fantastic. Here let me give you my number.”
Corinne pulled out her cell, and Monica rattled off her phone number.
“What will you be doing in the meantime?” Monica asked.
A risqué smile journeyed across Corinne’s lips. “I’ve got a date with the man of my dreams, but he doesn’t know it yet.”
“Hmm, sounds like a daring engagement.”
Corinne nodded. “I’d say so, but only time will tell.”
The two snickered, and they both gathered their things and left the aircraft. On her way to Camilla’s apartment, Corinne thought about renting her own space at the luxurious Regency high rise. She had gotten accustomed to the security of the building and the layout of the grand area. It wasn’t every day someone could rent from the building as there was an extensive background check, criminal, FBI, and homeland security check because of the tenants living there.
There were athletes, businessmen, politicians, Valentines, but still she would put in an application. Going back to Miami right now didn’t appeal to her anymore. She heard Xavier’s voice and remembered his words.
“What’s keeping you in Florida? Everyone you love is either in
Tennessee or Illinois.”
“Florida is my home. It’s all I’ve known when it comes to building a foundation. But Chicago is growing on me.”
“Then you should stay,” he added, “with me.”
Snapping out of her thoughts, Corinne entered The Regency and made it to Camilla’s apartment without interference. It was a good thing because since she and Xavier had been displayed across every major newspaper in Chicago along with footage of them in the restaurant spinning on some new stations’ airwaves, people had been taking random snapshots of her while she was out. At first it was a little weird, but then she realized it came with the territory of being the leading lady in Xavier’s life, and if she planned to keep it that way, it would only get worse.
Corinne entered Camilla’s apartment and went straight to the guest room. Inside, she headed to the closet where she’d stashed Victoria’s Secret lingerie she’d picked up during one of her layovers. She had sworn to save the three-piece set for a night when she and Xavier would have the next few days to roll up under each other, but she didn’t want to wait. She was about to turn this evening into a random rendezvous. Swiftly, Corinne’s steps carried her to the shower where she lathered herself with an African fragrance he’d gifted her with. The sweet lemon scent seemed to rouse his libido more, so she was sure there was no way for her to go wrong.
As she bathed, Corinne hummed Prince’s song with a smile across her face. She rinsed, exited, and lotioned herself from her face down to the crevasses in her feet. She then dressed her thick-a-licious body in the sexy number before adding a spray of her botanical gardens perfume that had her smelling like a fresh lemon orchard. Corinne finger combed her shoulder-length mane, giving it a vixen like bounce as it fell over one eye and cascaded to her shoulders. On her feet, she applied a pair of six-inch razor-like sharp stilettos, then added diamond studs in her ears. She didn’t want much jewelry taking away from the way the racy lingerie kissed her body. No, she wanted Xavier to notice how the nude bra looked like skin against her flesh, how the matching open crotch panties practically disappeared into her skin, how the lacy thigh-high pantyhose accented her brown thighs.
After twirling in the full-length mirror, making sure her look was perfect, Corinne grabbed the last piece that would set her look off, a trench coat. She was gone after that, driving down the street with the same tune in her head she’d been singing in the shower. Her mind in one place, determined and set in motion to surprise her man then rock his entire world at the end of his long day of negotiations. She’d checked in with him previously and knew once he left Delaney’s Tuxedo shop he would make his way to his office to finalize the deal. So she all but expected to ambush him, in the most glorious way possible. A smile pulled back on Corinne’s lips, and she rounded his building before pulling into the underground garage parking lot. She shut the engine off and checked her lip gloss, making sure her mouth still held an immaculate polish.
Feeling perfect, she left the vehicle and her spiked heels hit the cement as her hips twisted in a spicy sashay to the bank of elevators. She entered his key code, the one that would take her straight to the top without any stops. She still hummed as her tongue chased the outline of her teeth. At her destination, the elevator doors opened, and the lounge was empty with only the receptionist at the desk who had her purse on her arm as she prepared to depart for the day.
The receptionist glanced up and did a double take. A smile crossed her face.
“Oh hey, Ms. Thomas, I didn’t know Mr. Valentine was expecting anybody else today.”
Corinne strolled to her desk. “He’s not, this is a surprise, so I would appreciate it, Cynthia, if you kept it to yourself.”
“Oh.” Cynthia Meadows smiled. “Of course.”
“Thank you.” Corinne tapped the desk and continued her sashay to Xavier’s office. The door was closed, so she knocked twice then entered without waiting to be instructed. To her dismay, Xavier wasn’t in his office. It was just as bare as the rest of the workplace. Pursing her lips, Corinne glanced to the wall clock. Maybe he hadn’t made it back to the office or maybe he was caught in traffic. Whichever the case may be, Corinne sauntered around the mahogany desk, her fingers dragging along the surface until she made it to his professional leather high-back chair. She whipped it out, then sat with the trench still closed and lifted her legs to prop her feet on the desk edge. She crossed her feet at the ankles and leaned back, causing the chair to tilt slightly on its hydroplane legs. Then she hummed the tune that had been stuck in her head all day and waited for him to arrive.
When the doors to the elevator opened, Xavier stepped out and headed for his office with his thoughts on the surprise he had for Corinne. An elegant smile graced his face. Xavier had managed to pull off many things before, but this one by far was his best surprise yet. He thought of her face and the way she would surely beam when it was revealed, and that warmed his heart to the point where he almost did a fist pump in the air. He was deep in his musing, rounding past his receptionist’s desk but was stopped short when someone called out his name.
“Xavier…”
His feet paused and the hair on his neck stood up. He pivoted slowly without revealing his disbelief at the visitor waiting in the seated area. She rose to her feet and slowly made her way up to him, then removed her shades.
“I know you’re busy, but can I have your attention for just a minute?”
Xavier didn’t respond; instead, he inwardly tried to calm his nerves.
“Please,” she said.
“We don’t have anything to discuss, Nadine, so, what the fuck are you doing here?”
Nadine Benson locked her jaw then release it and struggled to get her words in order.
“Speak now or forever hold your peace,” he said.
“I don’t know how many times I can apologize to you.”
Xavier let out a frustrated breath.
“You can’t be serious?” His voice had grown darker.
“I—”
“We’ve been over for three years. I don’t understand what more there is to say.”
“I’m not the woman you think I am.”
“You are serious,” he said, more annoyed than ever. “Leave.”
He turned his back on her and strolled through the building headed for his corner office suite.
Nadine jogged to keep up with his pace.
“I’m not leaving until you give me a chance to say what I have to say!”
Xavier grabbed the doorknob and entered his suite without giving her another word, but Nadine was on his heels, and they both stopped short at the sight of Corinne, now perched on top of his desk with her trench thrown across his chair and her legs crossed over her thighs.
“Hey, baby—”
The sentiment was cut short at the sight of Xavier and Nadine together. Xavier’s eyes arched in surprise, and his dick became excruciatingly hard. His eyes dove over her sexy form, and in the same instance, his gaze pitched.
“Shit,” Corinne said.
She stood to her feet and didn’t hurry to cover herself as she rounded his desk with a sashay in her hips. She grabbed her trench then slid it over her arms and tied the belt tightly. “I didn’t realize you would have company so late in the day.” Corinne’s eyes traveled from Xavier’s midnight eyes to Nadine Benson, standing beside him with her mouth hanging open. “Close your mouth, sweetheart, or something may fly in it.” Corinne rolled her eyes then rounded the desk again headed for the door.
Xavier moved quickly, reaching out for Corinne before she could make her exit. His hands gripped her arm and pulled her softly but forcefully back over to him. “Now… where do you think you’re going?”
Corinne cocked her head to the side. “It appears that you have company.” Corinne rolled another eye at Nadine. “I probably shouldn’t stay. There’s no guarantee that this situation could get better with me around.”
She went to move again, but Xavier held her firm.
“Nadine was
just leaving,” he said, turning around to peer at Nadine. “Isn’t that right?”
Nadine finally closed her mouth and blew out a puff of air.
“Xavier.”
“Nadine.”
“Only if you promise to get in touch with me. I’m not backing down. If you hear me out now, I can get this out of the way.”
Corinne sighed behind Xavier, and he turned back to her and sank his fingers between hers. Rounding the desk, Xavier pulled Corinne with him to make sure she didn’t escape while he called security.
He lifted the desk phone and hit one button.
“Yes, I have someone here who needs to be escorted out and find out how she got in after hours.” Xavier glared up at her as he listened to the security guard. “Yeah, well, when he comes back from the restroom, fire him.”
Xavier dropped the phone in its cradle. “You have five seconds.”
“I never thought you’d hate me so much,” Nadine said.
“I don’t hate you. I just don’t like you. Now leave. Trust me, it will be more embarrassing to be escorted out.”
Nadine huffed then glanced over at Corinne. A smug leer crept across Nadine’s mouth. “So, this is what you like, huh,” she said. “No class, just all ass.”
Corinne’s eyes bucked. Oh, no, she didn’t. “Have you ever had your ass beat by a butt naked woman with no class, Nadine?” Corinne said. “Come here, let me show you.” Corinne shook out of Xavier’s hands and removed her trench so fast Xavier didn’t see it coming. She lurched across the suite, and Xavier reached out to grab her as Nadine recoiled toward the door.
“Let me go!” Corinne shouted.
“Baby, she’s not worth it.”
“Let me go, Xavier!”
“Bella…”
That seemed to calm her down. The door to the office opened, and security marched in. Xavier made sure to cover Corinne with his front.
“Take her now,” he said.
The three guards surrounded Nadine. “Let’s go, ma’am.”
A Risqué Engagement Page 13