Читать книгу A Chase For Christmas - Candace Shaw - Страница 9
ОглавлениеBlythe rode the elevator up to the third floor of the huge, updated industrial building on the outskirts of downtown Atlanta. The first two floors served as the offices of JP3 Chase Technologies, Preston’s company, and the top floor was his loft apartment. He’d sent a text message with the address and pass code to enter the gated parking lot and the building plus another code for his private elevator. He’d also asked her not to eat dinner because he was having the meeting catered by Q Time Restaurant, a family-owned soul food place that specialized in healthy, home-cooked meals. She’d frequented the eatery and was glad they were catering the dinner.
Once the elevator stopped, she shifted her oversize sketch bag and purse on her shoulder and waited for the doors to open. As she stepped out, panic seared through her veins and she screamed as a large golden dog charged her way and pounced its paws up on her shoulders. It licked her cheek in a sloppy kiss.
“Hope! Down, girl.” Preston commanded in a firm voice while grabbing Blythe to him by the waist and wiping her cheek with his hand. “I’m so sorry. She’s never done that before,” he said, eyeing the dog, who’d lain at his feet with a sulk. “She usually waits until I introduce her to people. Are you okay?” he asked in concern, sliding the huge bag from her and hoisting it onto his shoulder.
Blythe sighed in relief that the dog hadn’t bitten her and swiped her hand through her curls. “Oh, yeah. I just wasn’t expecting it. That’s all. But I love dogs, and I know golden retrievers are highly affectionate. So if she’s calm, I’d love to meet her.”
“Alright.” He patted his knee and the dog stood up. “Hope, this is Blythe. Blythe, this is Hope.”
Blythe smiled at the dog with warm brown eyes, who wagged her tail fast back and forth. Blythe petted Hope’s head, followed by a friendly ruffle. “Nice to meet you. She’s beautiful, Preston. How old is she?”
“Almost two years old and usually well-behaved. I feel bad she jumped on you like that.”
“No problem. I’m fine.” She followed him into the extravagant, contemporary-style loft divided with brick walls, enormous tapestry drapes and comfy seating areas. There was a huge, restaurant-type kitchen along a wall of windows, where two older women were preparing a delicious-smelling dinner that rumbled her stomach and reminded her she hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Nearby was a wooden dining table that appeared as if it could hold twenty people. Hope walked alongside her master for a bit before she veered away and plopped on a huge dog bed in front of the lit fireplace. Preston motioned for Blythe to sit in one of the oversize gray chaise lounges that were the same size as a full bed, and he sat in the one opposite. Curling her legs underneath her, she was grateful for the warmth of the fire, because the temperature outside had dropped that afternoon and she’d forgotten her jacket.
“I’m fine, Preston,” she stated once more since he seemed still to be somewhat anxious over the incident. “No need to be upset with her.”
“No. She’s also a trained service dog and accompanies me to the children’s hospital. Hope is usually pretty calm around strangers, so there’s something about you she really likes, or you have doggie treats on you,” he teased.
Upon hearing her name, the dog’s ears perked up, and she set her eyes on Preston while rapidly beating her tail against the mat.
“So, where’s everyone else?” Blythe questioned. She’d arrived twenty minutes early because she wasn’t familiar with the area, but she assumed people would show up soon. Unless he’d only invited her, and she really hoped that wasn’t the case. However, Preston had always treated her with the utmost respect since she was best friends with his sister. Plus, he didn’t seem the type to lure women to his house.
“They should be here soon. You’re early.” He paused and nodded to the picture above the fireplace. “Do you like the painting?”
Gazing up, she realized it was one of her favorite abstract pieces that she’d painted. Wrinkling her forehead, she turned toward him. “Where did you buy that? I gave it to Tiffani when she requested some pieces for a couple of charity auctions.”
“The scholarship fund-raiser that Tiffani’s sorority had at the beginning of the summer. I’d wanted both pictures, but my cousin-in-law Elle outbid me. But that’s fine. I love this one more. It’s peaceful. I relax here after a long day with a brain tired from developing new game concepts and strategies. Staring up at the serene mixture of blues and greens is quite tranquil. It’s calming, and sometimes I need that. It gives my eyes a break from staring at computers all day.”
“Mmm-hmm. You definitely understand the mood I was in. I painted it after a peaceful time of unwinding and meditating. The one Elle won was the opposite with bold, daring colors and somewhat of a wild streak. I was listening to one of my Miles Davis CDs. The songs during his jazz fusion period. Insane, up-tempo jazz that made sense only to him, but I understood the emotions behind it. I’m almost surprised you like this one better. The other one seems more your speed.”
“Yeah, I know you think I’m all play, but I work hard, so I play hard. Live in the moment. It’s been my motto for a long time.”
She nodded in agreement, thinking of the wild stories Tiffani had mentioned about him. “So I’ve heard, playboy.”
He chuckled. “You know, I don’t really consider myself a playboy or a player. I just date and have fun. Women usually approach me. But eventually, I do want to settle down with a wife and have children. I was raised by two parents who have a loving, wonderful marriage. I want the same. Sometimes I go on one or two dates and realize the woman simply isn’t the one for me and there’s no point of wasting my time or hers. And for the record, I don’t sleep with every single one of them, but I do like to have fun and live life like it’s my last day. That doesn’t always include being with a woman. At times, I travel alone, skydive, play video games or find something new to experience.”
Blythe was about to respond, but the opening of the elevator doors sent both of their attentions to it, and Preston excused himself to greet a group of men and women. Releasing the breath that had been lodged in her windpipe, she was relieved that the other committee members were beginning to arrive. She noticed Hope stayed seated and watched her instead. Blythe kneeled down and rubbed Hope’s head before the dog turned over on her back and placed her paws up.
“Oh, I know what you want,” Blythe said in a singsong voice, rubbing the dog’s stomach. “Who’s a good girl?” Blythe loved dogs and had been searching for one lately. It had been two years since her beloved Misty, a German shepherd, had died. Perhaps a sweet golden retriever puppy was what she needed for Christmas.
Preston returned as several of the guests made their way into the dining area.
“I see you two are becoming fast friends.” Preston stooped down and rubbed the dog’s head.
“I love dogs. I lost my dog of thirteen years a few years ago, but I’m contemplating owning another one. I think I’m ready, but I’ll always love and miss my Misty.”
“Sorry to hear that. Dogs are truly a man’s...and a woman’s best friend. What breed do you want?”
“Actually, a retriever like Hope or a Labrador would be ideal. Something sweet and lovable so people won’t be scared of my dog. Misty was a German shepherd, so sometimes she had to stay in my bedroom when certain family or friends stopped by to visit. I see Hope loves to be spoiled.”
Preston nodded his head with a smirk. “She loves tummy rubs and her hair being brushed. She’s a pampered pooch. Aren’t you, girl?”
“All women loved to be pampered.”
He raised a questioning eyebrow. “Really?” He stood and reached his hand down to her.
She grabbed it but let it go quickly once she was back on her feet. The warmth of his hand was cozy and comfortable. For a moment, it felt nice to hold a man’s hand, even if the man was Preston.
“Well, I know I do,” she admitted. “Facials, pedicures and of course, deep tissue massages. That should be at the top of every woman’s pampering list.”
He glanced at her over his shoulder. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he answered in a low, seductive voice.
Ignoring the heat that rose to the surface of her skin, Blythe stopped walking as her eyes perused the loft. “Where’s your powder room? I just need to wash my hands.” And have a moment to calm the hell down.
“Down that hallway. The last bedroom on the left has a bathroom. The others are still being renovated. Use whatever you like.”
“Thank you.”
Making her way down the hall, she realized that only the front part of the apartment was lofty. The rest was divided into rooms, and she peeked into each that was open as she passed. A home office, two bedrooms, a game room with a pool table along with vintage video game machines, and a workout room. Finally she landed in front of the one he’d mentioned. She stepped into a vast bedroom that was more than likely the master. An oversize cherry wood bed with gigantic swirled poles was the focal point of the room, draped in a plush gold comforter topped with at least a dozen decorative throw pillows.
That must be where the magic happens, she thought sarcastically.
Peering around, she spotted a door by the sitting area and made her way in its direction. Behind it was indeed the bathroom, and just like the rest of his home, it was immaculate. The window scarf that flanked the huge stained glass window over the garden tub matched the comforter and the drapes from the bedroom. A flat screen hung on the wall above the tub and there were two vanities on opposite brick walls. She trekked to the one that was empty except for a gold tray with hand napkins and a matching soap dispenser. The other one held colognes, a few pictures of the Chase family in gold frames and an electric toothbrush and toothpaste.
Glancing at herself in the mirror, she noticed her flushed face and sighed. She had no idea what had come over her. Preston Chase had always flirted with her and teased her. She had never taken him seriously and would easily brush him off with a laugh and not give it a second thought. But now her nerves were unraveling and she had to get herself together. He wasn’t someone she could ever in a million years date, not even one date. He was the kind of man she avoided.
Ever since her ex had repeatedly cheated on her three years ago, she’d distanced herself from players like him and Preston. She still dated but thanks to a string of dating disasters lately, she’d decided to take a break and reevaluate her life. While the occasional outing would arise, she wanted the next man she dated to be long-term and one day lead to marriage.
It sure as hell wasn’t going to be Preston Chase. The thought made her nearly laugh out loud. She couldn’t even imagine him married and definitely not to her. She could envision him with children, perhaps because he loved and doted on Tiffani’s son as if he was his own. What kind of woman would he end up with, anyway? Would he want an independent working woman who was his equal or a trophy wife at his beck and call?
Realizing she’d been away for almost five minutes, Blythe tossed the napkin into the wastebasket on the side of the vanity, checked her hair and headed back to the meeting.
She returned to the dining area, where the other committee members were loading their plates with food and conversing about their day or the project. A few other people had arrived and were sharing ideas with Preston in the kitchen. He glanced in her direction when he noticed she’d returned, and a warm smile reached his face. Turning her attention away from him, she chatted with a few people she’d met at a party at Tiffani’s home. There was something intriguing about Preston that sent a slew of goose bumps along her skin. Even though there were twenty other people in the room, she sensed that his attention was solely on her. The thought scared her, and she laughed at herself for having that silly and ludicrous notion. She wasn’t even the man’s type. He was just being friendly as always because she was his sister’s best friend.
Satisfied with that realization, Blythe made a plate with roasted herb chicken, collard greens, cornbread dressing and a hearty helping of peach cobbler on a saucer. Moments later, everyone was seated around the dining table as Preston made the introductions and informed the committee members of each other’s roles for the project. A lot of preparations had already been made, but the most important was coming up with the design plans, according to Preston’s vision. She was paired to work with Devin Montgomery, the owner of Supreme Construction, whom she’d already spoken with briefly that morning about the event, and his wife, Sasha, who was in charge of the Christmas trees and their decorations.
For the next three hours, Blythe, Devin and Sasha worked together in Preston’s game room, and the other subcommittees broke off in different areas, as well. Preston was in and out, checking on them and offering his suggestions. Blythe was impressed by his expertise on the design plans, and his intellect showed through. For a moment, he wasn’t the flirtatious man she was used to. Instead he was serious, confident and compassionate about the Winter Wonderland project. He wanted the best, most extravagant event possible for the children who had grown near and dear to him, and cost wasn’t an issue.
The Montgomerys called it a night, citing that they needed to relieve the babysitter, and Blythe needed to leave, as well. When they emerged from the game room, they spotted Preston by himself on the lounge in front of the fireplace, working on his laptop. He turned his attention toward them as they entered the great room.
“You guys were brainstorming for a long while. Everyone else has left, but I’m really excited about all of the ideas you’ve come up with. I’m glad you were able to put my crazy vision on paper.”
Devin nodded. “My crew and I will start building the set in the morning, Prez.”
“And since I’m off on Mondays, I’ll be able to begin one of the murals tomorrow, as well,” Blythe said, pulling her keys from her purse.
“Perfect. I’ll swing by in the afternoon if I’m done working out the bug in this new game.” Sliding the computer off his lap, Preston grimaced and stood to join the trio, who were nearing the elevator.
“Blythe, I needed to discuss one more matter with you concerning the different stations at the event.”
“Sure.” Wait, what?
She bid goodbye to the Montgomerys. Preston continued to chat with them for a few moments more before joining her on the opposite lounge.
“So, I’m ecstatic about all of the stations the children can go to. Tiffani is doing a cupcake decorating station, and I was wondering if you would consider having an art station similar to your paint parties, minus the wine, of course. Maybe two thirty-minute-long sessions?”
“Oh, sure, I can do that. No problem. Perhaps I can do one during the day with the children at the hospital.”
Blythe loved the way his face lit up with sincerity and delight at the mention of the children.
“Perfect. They would love that. Maybe you could come with me beforehand to meet them. I’m going next week for story time.”
“I’d love to. Just text me the information, and if I don’t have a paint party, I’ll meet you there.”
The video game he’d been working on chimed, and they both glanced in the direction of his laptop sitting at the end of his chaise. He sighed and set the computer back on his lap.
“Still working out the kinks, huh?”
“Yeah. It’s complete, but just one level has a bug that keeps messing up the other levels after it. It’s for the game cartridge the little girls at the event will take home along with the new at-home console that comes out this year and whatever else is on their wish lists for Christmas. The one for the boys is good to go. I’ll be up late tonight working. I have a test group on Tuesday, so it has to be done. You wanna play it? Give me some feedback?”
“Sure.”
He slid over next to her and set the computer on her lap. He was so close to her that she almost froze. His scent was fresh and manly. She stifled a gulp when he leaned his chest on her back and touched a few keys on the computer to restart the game. The sweater he wore didn’t disguise his hard chest resting on her, and even though he was explaining the concept of the game, she hadn’t understood a word he’d said. Instead, she was focused on the simple tasks of breathing and keeping her eyes situated on the computer screen.
“There will be a similar game available for a free download on phones, tablets and computers, but it won’t be available until the spring. Only the children at the events will receive the cartridges and a free download to their tablets along with five new games my educational division has developed for primary and intermediate grades. Those are the types of games I usually give them, because as the son of two educators, I understand the value of education. However, I do know they need to have a little fun, so I throw in the fun games, as well. That way the kids think I’m a cool dude.”
“That’s very nice of you.” She slid over to the middle of the chaise before she found herself too comfortable against him.
“Well, it gives them something constructive to do and take their minds off the pain they’re in. Trust me, it’s a horrible feeling.”
His face scrunched up for a quick second, and Blythe had the urge to reach out to caress his cheek. Shocked by her thought, instead, she nodded in understanding because she’d witnessed her mother go through some tough times during her cancer period. She could only imagine what Preston and his family had gone through when he was a child. Now she understood why Tiffani always acted like a mother hen with him even though he was the oldest.
She began to play the game while Preston watched and offered hints to her.
“This is a cool game,” she complimented him after playing for thirty minutes. She was hooked and almost didn’t want to stop. She rarely played the games on her phone, but this one was going to be downloaded as soon as it was available to the public. “Little girls love to play dress-up, so the fact that they can change outfits according to the occasion and win points to buy more cute clothes is pretty sweet.”
“Thank you, Blythe. I asked Tiffani, aka girlie-girl, her opinion, and she said the same.”
“I see you even have a cupcake shop in the game,” she noted with a pleased smile, handing the laptop back to him after completing the first three levels.
“Shout out to my baby sis.” He placed the computer on the floor, but he didn’t move from his spot next to her.
Blythe was glued to the seat. She wanted to move. Needed to move. He was so close she could hear his pulse race. Or maybe it was hers. She was surprised that she wasn’t uncomfortable, especially when he bit his bottom lip lightly in a sexy manner that tied a tangled knot in her stomach. Being alone with him wasn’t scary, and that ironically swept a fear into her. Preston was a man she’d kept at bay for the past year. She’d shrug or groan whenever his sister teased her about hooking them up because she knew the notorious millionaire playboy would break her heart. And not necessarily on purpose. Preston was an up-front man, and she was sure that all his female friends, acquaintances, booty calls, girls-of-the-month or whatever he called them were aware he wasn’t going to commit to them. Not a road she wanted to go down again, which was why she hadn’t had a steady boyfriend in almost three years.
Abruptly she stood, and so did Hope, who’d been napping on her mat. Blythe gave the dog’s head a pat as she heeled beside her.
“Leaving?” he asked with a slight frown.
“Yeah. It’s been a long day.”
Standing, he grabbed her sketch bag from beside the chaise, and they headed toward the elevator. “I understand. I appreciate your help with the project. Hope and I will walk you to your truck. I need to take her outside.”
“Thank you, but the truck isn’t mine. I borrowed it from a friend so I could haul the tree. Unfortunately, he couldn’t help because he had a business meeting, so I’m glad you were there.”
His eyebrow rose. “Oh? A boyfriend?” he asked, grabbing Hope’s leash from a hook by the elevator and snapping it onto the ring on the dog’s collar.
“No, no boyfriend. He’s just a good friend,” she explained while silently laughing at his curiosity.
“Mmm-hmm. As beautiful as you are, I’m sure he wants more than just a friendship.”
Suppressing the heat that wanted to rise so badly on her cheeks thanks to his compliment, she shook her head once more. “No...well, maybe at first,” she admitted. “We did go on a date once two years ago, but we realized that there was no romantic connection. We’ve been cool ever since. He’s like a big brother.”
“Ah, man. He got placed in the big brother category.” He chuckled and pressed the button. A mischievous grin reached across his face as they stepped onto the elevator. “So, you do date?” He pushed the button for the ground level, and the doors closed.
“Yeah. Why do you think I don’t?”
“Well, the few times I’ve seen you at events with Tiffani, I just thought you didn’t date because you’re usually alone. And when men approach you, you kind of brush them off.” He paused as a sly fox smirk inched up his face. “Unless...you don’t like men? Is that why you’re the only woman not throwing yourself at me?” he teased. “That would explain a lot.”
Twisting her lips to the side, she playfully pinched his arm. “I like men, but dating is hard for me.”
“You had your heart broken?”
“No, not really. More like a wakeup call.” She shrugged and paused, contemplating whether or not she should tell him about her horrible ex. “I’m taking a dating break right now. Sure, I’ve been on a few random dates here and there but for the most part I’m just concentrating on me. Plus, sometimes men want to rush me after the first or second date...if you know what I mean and I’m like ‘Dude, slow down. We just met.’ That turns me off. Some men want to play games and I’m too old for that. I want forever, not a one-night stand or a relationship that goes nowhere. I want stability and commitment. For some reason I keep meeting duds, so now I’m just taking a break and focusing on me.”
He nodded his head in understanding, The doors opened to the first-floor lobby of his company, and they headed out the back door toward where she’d parked.
“Oh...well. Those men are stupid, because you’re a really great person. When men are ready to settle down with the right woman, they’ll realize it’s not a game. Trust me. I’ve had a lot of fun times with women and my life in general. But as men we need to know when to respect a woman and her wishes. Apparently these men you’ve gone out with aren’t looking for forever because if they were you wouldn’t have had a string of dating disasters. A man who really wanted to be with you would wait, get to know you and respect your decision. Until you’re both ready.”
Tilting her head, she slid her tote bag from his shoulder and grabbed her keys from the side pouch as they made it to her black four-door Lexus.
“Oh...wow... I...” She pushed the button on the key fob to unlock the door, but she didn’t open it. She held the handle and stared up at him in bewilderment.
“What? The last words you thought I’d ever utter?”
“Um...something like that.”
“I’m not a bad guy, Blythe,” he said in a low, serious tone, stepping toward her. He reached over to the handle, settling his hand on hers, and opened the door for her.
The brief touch of his warm skin in the cold air sent a heated current through her, and the atmosphere around them altered. But she knew she had to ignore it and stay focused. “I know you’re not. Your advances and flirtations just don’t do anything for me.” She laughed and slid into the driver’s seat. “Good night, Preston.”
“Good night, and thank you for committing to the Winter Wonderland project.”
“No problem. I think what you’re doing for the children is wonderful. I’m happy to help.”
“Ideally you’ll get to see another side of me.”
“I’m already seeing it.” Winking, she pulled the door shut and waved at him through the glass.
She zoomed away a little faster than normal. It was the only way that she could clear her mind until she arrived home. There she could blast some jazz and paint away her crazy thoughts that she could actually have a relationship with Preston Chase.
