by Francis Ray
“That makes sense,” she said. “You’re a busy man.”
“I’m going to get a lot busier when The Rafferty Grand opens. I plan for it to have five stars by the end of the first year,” he told her.
“You’ll get it, too,” she replied with complete confidence. Few things could probably withstand the force that was Tanner Rafferty. The thought caused her a moment of unease.
“We might as well get out here, if you don’t mind,” he said when the car idled through another green light. “Unless you want to wait until the driver can get closer.”
“This is fine.”
“Let us off here, Pete. Don’t bother to get out,” Tanner said to the driver. “I’ll call you when we’re ready to be picked up.”
“Yes, Mr. Rafferty,” the driver said as he eased to the curb.
As soon as the car stopped, Tanner retrieved the basket, helped Ayanna out, then did what he’d wanted to do ever since he saw the enticing bare curve of her slender back. He placed his hand on that smooth, bare skin.
She jumped and whirled around. Her eyes were huge, her chest heaving with fury.
Her skin had felt like warmed silk, but if he wanted to touch it again, he knew he had better back off. He took her arm and they walked down the street toward the hotel. “Temptation is a terrible thing,” he said contritely. “I had a weak moment and I’m not sure I won’t have another.”
Ayanna glanced up at him, no longer upset. He’d done it again. Made light of what could have been an embarrassing moment for her and, at the same time, made her aware that he thought she was desirable. “You believe in speaking your mind,” she said.
“Always.” He opened one of the small glass side doors to the entrance of the hotel. “Tonight is for us to have a good time. I also plan to make it a memorable one.”
Ayanna didn’t doubt him for a second.
The Imperial Ballroom was a moving sea of people. The sparkle of the women’s gowns and their jewelry rivaled that of the ten immense chandeliers in the vaulted ceiling. A five-piece band played Judge Wyman’s favorite songs, made unforgettable by jazz legend Miles Davis. Food and drink were plentiful and people were taking full advantage of both.
Ayanna and Tanner hadn’t gone five feet before the first of many guests came up to speak to him, welcome him to the city, or invite him to join a club or a business organization. Every few steps the process was repeated. With the ease of a man used to being fawned over, he thanked them and moved on without committing himself.
Ayanna would have to be blind to miss the speculative looks and outright stares she received, or the envy in many of the women’s eyes. She tried to recall if Tanner’s name had been linked to any woman since his arrival and drew a blank. She certainly didn’t want to be the first. Having fun was one thing; being known as the first woman Tanner dumped in D.C. was quite another.
“What’s the frown for?”
“Just considering how it’s going to feel to be known as the first of many you dated while in D.C.,” she said.
“I wouldn’t worry about that if I were you,” he said, handing the basket to an attendant at one of the three tables reserved for gifts. Two security guards stood nearby.
She was about to ask him why when she spotted Sheri dragging Reginald and another man toward them. Somehow she knew the slender man with the long, serious face in a tailor-made black tux was George.
“I think we’re about to meet my would-be replacement.” Tanner’s hand moved from her arm and curved possessively around her waist. Ayanna looked up and saw the hard glint in his eyes. He was definitely staking a claim, and she wasn’t quite sure how she felt about it.
Sheri, pretty in a pale blue gown, quickly made the introductions. Reginald had a wicked sense of humor and soon had all of them laughing … except George. He seemed more interested in letting them know of his family connections and how brilliant he was. Ayanna caught Sheri’s pained look and hoped fervently that she would now stop trying to fix her up. A few minutes later Reginald saw his parents and they went off to meet them.
“We’d better find my mother and Judge Wyman,” Ayanna said, trying to peer through the growing crush of people.
“Do you bare a striking resemblance to your mother?”
“Yes. Why?” she asked.
“Because, if I’m not mistaken, they’ve found us.”
Ayanna followed the direction of his gaze. He was right. Her mother and Judge Wyman, arms linked, were heading straight for them. And both were grinning as if they’d won the lottery.
FOUR
Patricia Hardcastle, slim and lovely at fifty-six years old, had never met a stranger, Ayanna thought. Her father used to say she’d talk to a sign post. Two minutes after meeting Tanner, she was chatting with him as if they’d known each other for years. She even managed to get in a plug for her school. If Tanner ever considered being a sponsor, or if any of his staff wanted to mentor, her elementary school would be grateful.
“I’d be happy to discuss it with you when things settle down a bit,” he said.
After he’d sidestepped so many requests and invitations that evening Ayanna couldn’t hide her surprise. Only Tanner noticed. She had a feeling that very little got past him.
“Children need to know adults care. The earlier, the better,” he said sincerely.
“Exactly,” Patricia said, beaming. “Thank you, Mr. Rafferty. It would mean so much to my kids.”
“Please call me Tanner,” he said with urbane charm.
It would have taken a woman of stone not to melt when all that charm was directed at her. Her mother actually blushed.
Ayanna had been the recipient of that soulful voice and mesmerizing eyes, so she understood her mother’s reaction. From the first she had labeled him as dangerous to the female population. Any woman who went out with him would either have to be very self-assured or so enamored of him that she didn’t care that he attracted women like bees to a honey pot.
As if aware of her thoughts, Tanner smiled at her. Again heat shimmered through her. She was acutely aware of his hand on her bare skin. Dangerous. So what was she doing here with him, doing all this pretending, instead of being home with a good book?
“I see, as usual, you’ve managed to find the best,” Judge Wyman said, his shrewd black eyes staring at Tanner. The judge was dressed in a black tux that fit his slender body perfectly.
“I try.” Tanner smiled down at Ayanna.
She flushed and decided it was best to lighten the mood. “Judge Wyman, it’s a wonderful party.”
“Glad you could come.” The judge looked her over and nodded his gray head approvingly. “Leo would be proud of you.” He glanced at Tanner. “But he’d also be a bit concerned.”
Ayanna sighed. Her ploy to keep things light hadn’t worked. However, before Ayanna could speak, Tanner said, “He wouldn’t have to be. I hope you and Mrs. Hardcastle won’t be, either.”
After a moment, the judge nodded. “You can be a ruthless SOB, Tanner, but you’re a fair one.”
“I trust my daughter’s judgment until you show me otherwise.” Patricia’s eyes, the exact color of Ayanna’s, narrowed. “Mess up and you’ll regret it.”
Ayanna flushed in embarrassment. “It’s just a date, Mother. We’ll probably never see each other again.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Tanner said firmly, taking her arm. “If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to have at least one dance. I promised Ayanna not to keep her out too late.”
“Why so early?” her mother asked with a frown.
Tanner looked at Ayanna and she forced herself not to squirm. “I have a lot of paperwork.”
“You work too hard,” her mother admonished with a frown. “For once, just enjoy yourself.”
“Patricia is right,” the judge said. “I’d like to know that people had a good time at my party.”
Everyone knew the judge’s wife threw the birthday party as a social event. “I suppose we could stay a littl
e while longer.”
“Then let’s dance.” Tanner didn’t wait for an answer.
As soon as he put his arms around her, she knew she was in trouble. Nothing in her wildest dreams could have prepared her for the erotic sensation of the feel of his hard body against hers, the arousing touch of his hand on her skin.
Warning bells went off in her head, but overriding them was the seductive pull of his body against hers. Without thought, her body softened, fitting itself against his. When the music stopped and he looked down at her, she saw reflected in his eyes her own naked desire.
“I never knew need could be this intense,” he said huskily.
“Neither did I,” she said without thought and watched his eyes narrow, his nostrils flair. His head started to descend. “T-Tanner.”
His hand clenched in hers. He seemed to shake himself. “Would you like something to drink or eat?”
She didn’t, but it was safer than another dance. “Yes.”
They walked from the dance floor, their bodies brushing against the other with each step. Neither thought of moving away.
This is it, Ayanna thought as Tanner unlocked her front door. The big moment when you had to decide on the good-night kiss. With her recent dates, there hadn’t been any question. She’d thanked them politely and then went inside … alone.
With Tanner her body had been in a humming state of arousal since they had left the party. They’d stayed about forty minutes longer, then bade everyone good night. As if both were aware their emotions were being held in check by a delicate thread, they had not returned to the dance floor, nor had Tanner touched her except on her arm.
Holding the front door open, Tanner stood aside for her to enter. The key was still in his hand. She could wait for him to give it to her, or go inside and get the kiss her body craved.
Silently she walked inside, heard the door close behind her, and turned around.
In the next second she was in his arms, his mouth devouring hers. She heard her purse land on the terrazzo floor. His hands on her burned with feverish delight. She couldn’t seem to get enough of him.
He jerked his head up, his breathing harsh and deep. Ayanna’s eyes flickered open and she stared into the glittering eyes of a man who ravaged and plundered to take whatever he wanted. She shivered.
He shut his eyes briefly, then drew her gently into his arms and held her. “I could kiss you forever and it still wouldn’t be long enough.”
Her breath shuddered over her lips. She knew exactly how he felt.
He stepped back and held her at arm’s length. “I understand Leo’s has brunch on Sunday. Care to join me if I can get a reservation?”
Ayanna stared up at him. He hadn’t phrased the invitation as a date but more as friends meeting. He also hadn’t expected preferential treatment. “I’d like that.”
“After I make the reservations, I’ll call.” He pulled her key from his pocket and handed it to her. “Good night.”
“Good night.” Her hand closed around the ring of keys and felt the lingering heat.
His lips brushed so softly against her cheek it could have been her imagination. Her eyes drifted shut again. When she opened them he was gone.
Sunday morning Tanner and Ayanna arrived at Leo’s shortly before their 11:30 reservation. Her cousin Noah was in front helping with seating. His astute black eyes flickered from Ayanna to Tanner, then Noah smiled. Ayanna breathed a bit easier. When it came to men, all three of her cousins tended to act as if she were operating on less than half a brain cell. Apparently marriage had mellowed her older cousin Noah. The twins, Tyrell and Tyrone, were a bit more unpredictable.
“Hi, Ayanna. Glad to have you back, Mr. Rafferty,” Noah said as he stuck two menus beneath his arm.
“Hi, Noah,” Ayanna greeted. It didn’t surprise her that Noah greeted Tanner by name. He prided himself on remembering Leo’s patrons. “Tanner, this is my cousin and one of the other owners and the manager of Leo’s, Noah Hardcastle.”
The handshake was firm. “This way,” Noah said, leading them through the already crowded restaurant to a quiet table in the corner of the room. “Is this all right?”
“Yes,” Tanner said, seating Ayanna, then taking his own seat and accepting the menu.
“Can I get either of you something to drink, perhaps a mimosa?”
“Ayanna?” Tanner said, his menu still closed.
“Tomato juice.”
“I’ll have the same.”
“Your waitress Sarah will be with you shortly.”
Tanner opened his menu as Noah left. “What’s good?”
“Everything,” Ayanna answered. They smiled at each other across the table.
“I’ll take your word for it,” he said as their waitress came up to take their orders, then left. “Do the other cousins work here as well?”
“The answer to your question is coming this way.” Tyrell and Tyrone were identical twins but opposites in the way they dressed, wore their hair, in temperament, and taste. Both had made artistic triumphs in their own right, Tyrell as a master chef and Tyrone as a musical genius.
They spoke to Ayanna, nodded at Tanner, put their drink order on the table, then flanked her, each twin placing a hand on the back of her chair, and stared at Tanner. Although they were a year younger than Ayanna they had grown up protective of her. Too much so, in her opinion.
“Be good,” she admonished, then made introductions.
Tanner stood and extended his hand. “Glad to see you look after her. Not that she needs it,” he added when Ayanna snorted.
“No, I don’t,” she agreed. “Tyrell, you’re probably needed in the kitchen and, Tyrone, I believe we’re supposed to have live music today and I want to hear my favorite.”
Both men laughed and kissed her on the cheek. “She always was bossy,” Tyrone told Tanner.
“I’d better get back to the kitchen if you want your orders on time. Bye.”
Tanner chuckled. “That little episode reminded me of how my sister Raine reacts to me or Adrian stepping on her independence.”
Ayanna smiled across the table at him. “The newspaper reported she was going to try and duplicate her brothers’ successes by acquiring restaurants across the country.”
Tanner frowned. “She hates it when anyone compares her to us. Some people act as if all she has to do is ask Dad for a check. She’s worked hard, just like the rest of us did to get where we are. Nothing was handed to us. We were given two years to turn a profit or go back to basics and learn why. All of us got it right the first time out.”
Tanner’s defense of his sister endeared him to Ayanna a little more. She’d grown up with three surrogate brothers in her cousins. “Unfortunately, some people will never look at a woman’s accomplishments, her hard work and intelligence, as being equal to a man’s,” she commented.
His dark head tilted to one side. “I hear the voice of experience.”
Sighing, she leaned back in her chair. “Although I was better qualified and had more seniority, I was passed over for promotion and then asked to train my male replacement, who didn’t know a spreadsheet from a debit sheet. It galled me, but I reasoned if I showed them I was a team player, the next time it would benefit me and I would get the promotion.”
She made a face. “I was so naïve and so wrong. The second time I was passed over, I handed in my resignation.”
“What happened then?”
“I moped, gained ten pounds eating junk food, thought of writing to the EEOC, and then Noah, Tyrone, and Tyrell came to visit one night and offered me a chance to be an integral part of their vision.” She glanced around the restaurant that had become her salvation. “I’ll always be thankful to them for having enough faith in me to bring me on as a full partner, for trusting me with their money, and especially for rescuing me from a downward spiral of self-pity.”
His large hand covered hers. “Everyone needs someone sometimes. I’m just glad they were there.”
She wa
nted to ask if he had ever needed someone, but Sarah arrived with their food and she pulled her hand free.
FIVE
Ayanna grew increasingly quiet as their meal progressed. Tanner hadn’t a clue as to what had caused the change in her, but he intended to find out once they were alone. He paid their bill, leaving a generous tip for their waitress, said good-bye to her cousins, then walked her to his rental. He planned to spend the day and possibly the night with her and, for reasons he hadn’t yet figured out, he didn’t want Pete to know.
He pulled out of the parking lot. He wasn’t used to waiting for answers, but he didn’t want her to be the object of the staff’s gossip, or have her cousins interfering if the conversation went where he didn’t want it going. There it was again, the protective instinct that kept popping up.
Stopping at a red light, his fingers tapping on the steering wheel, Tanner glanced at Ayanna. She quickly looked away. He sensed a vulnerability about her that pulled at him. Without thought, he brushed his knuckles against her cheek. Again he felt her shudder beneath his touch and he flexed his hand. The light turned green and he pulled off.
“Why so quiet?” he asked, unable to hold the questions back any longer.
“Just thinking.”
Her answer told him nothing and left him with a vague sense of uneasiness that he was about to get the brush-off. That he wouldn’t allow. “I’ve been to your place. How about coming by tomorrow to see mine?”
She was quiet for so long he guessed the answer. “That’s very nice of you, but although the restaurant is closed on Mondays, I go in and work. I won’t have time.”
Tanner’s hand gripped the steering wheel. People were practically lining up to be the first ones to see inside The Rafferty Grand. He had purposely kept the interior a secret to increase the buzz, but Ayanna had turned him down.
Shooting her a quick glance, he hit the freeway ramp with a burst of speed. Traffic into Maryland on I-95 was surprisingly heavy and he had to concentrate on driving. Finding out whatever was bothering her had to wait.
Thirty-five minutes later he pulled into her driveway. She lived in a quiet neighborhood of modest, one-story brick homes. The yards were well maintained. Scalloped tree rings filled with a profusion of flowers seemed a particular favorite of the homeowners.