Читать книгу The Sweetest Kiss - Candace Shaw - Страница 10

Chapter 3

Tiffani drove up to the wrought-iron gate of a vast mansion in the West Paces Ferry area suburb of Atlanta. She spotted an intercom panel, rolled down her window and pressed the button. While she waited for a response, she focused on the massive brown brick and stone house in front of her—well, a half of a mile away it seemed down the long driveway that matched the brick on the house. Today’s plans hadn’t included dropping the cupcakes off at Broderick’s home, but her assistant, Kendall, had a study group that evening for a midterm exam. Luckily, it was grandparents’ day at KJ’s school, so he could go home with them. Still waiting for an answer, she pushed the button again. She was starting to get antsy because she was already fifteen minutes late thanks to traffic and making a wrong turn. She knew it wouldn’t take her more than twenty minutes to set the cupcakes on the serving platters that Matilda, Broderick’s housekeeper, promised would already be placed on the dessert table. She’d called that morning to verify the set-up time and to inform Tiffani that there was no need to bring any serving platters because she would be providing crystal ones.

The gate opened and a lady’s voice from the intercom stated to drive around to the side door by the garage. Once at the side entrance, Tiffani gathered the container with the cupcakes and the pie from the backseat. She was greeted with a warm smile from a middle-aged woman dressed in the standard black-and-white maid’s uniform.

“Hello, I’m Matilda. Do you need help bringing anything in?”

“Nice to meet you and no I don’t. Thank you.” She followed Matilda through the mudroom and into a huge gourmet kitchen where a chef and his crew were busy preparing food. Delicious aromas filled the atmosphere and it reminded Tiffani that she hadn’t eaten since lunch.

As they continued to the dining room, Tiffani noticed Megan’s expertise everywhere, from the heavy amethyst drapes that flowed from the top of the ceiling down to the walnut hardwood floors. The exquisite, long dining room table that sat at least twenty was surrounded by gold upholstered chairs. Bouquets of calla lilies were spread out on the table that was laden with serving trays and bowls.

“You can set up the cupcakes here, Ms. Lake.” Matilda waved her hands toward a buffet table on the wall that had two square crystal platters.

“These are gorgeous...almost too gorgeous for my cupcakes.”

“I’m sure they will look splendid. Do you need another platter for the pie?”

“Oh...no. The pie isn’t a part of the order. It’s for Br... Mr. Hollingsworth.”

“Very well. I’ll place it in his refrigerator. If you need anything, I’ll be in the kitchen.”

Matilda slid the pie off of the container Tiffani held, and for a moment she thought about not giving it to her. She’d made it especially for Broderick, making sure each ingredient was measured perfectly, and for some reason she didn’t want anyone else to touch it.

“Okay. Thank you,” she said, trying to muster an upbeat tone.

Tiffani spent the next few minutes arranging the cupcakes on the crystal platters, then she topped each one with a fondant rose. She felt weird being in Broderick’s home considering she didn’t even know if he was there or not. She’d wanted to ask Matilda but decided against it when she had almost said his first name. She’d noted a twinkle in the housekeeper’s eye and Tiffani figured Matilda probably had assumed she had a crush on her handsome, rich employer. Which wasn’t far from the truth, but seeming desperate wasn’t her personality. Besides, she was there to do a job, not chat with Broderick.

“Hi there.”

Tiffani’s heart skipped as soon as she heard the sexy, deep voice behind her that belonged to the man she couldn’t stop fantasizing about. It washed a load of goose bumps over her body and her eyes closed for a second. She almost put her finger in the last cupcake as she placed it on the platter. Exhaling, she reminded herself Broderick was a customer, not her next boyfriend. Pivoting, she was grateful she was dressed appropriately in a pair of gray dress slacks and a black sweater as opposed to the tank top that had her breasts on display.

“Hi.” She held back a wow as her eyes scanned his handsome features. Every time she saw him he was impeccably dressed in a suit and freshly shaven as if he’d literally just left the barber’s chair.

He strode over to her and glanced at the cupcakes. “I didn’t know you were coming. I would’ve been down here earlier to greet you.”

“It was last minute. My assistant had an emergency.”

“Too bad, but at least I get to see you again. You should stay. A lot of investors are going to be here. They’re always looking for new businesses to back if you ever decide to expand.”

“Thank you for inviting me, but I have to be at my son’s karate tournament at 7:30.”

He nodded as if he understood, and she appreciated that. A couple of men she’d gone out with didn’t seem to comprehend that her son came first.

“Okay, definitely leave some business cards next to the cupcakes.”

“I will. Matilda placed your sweet potato pie in the refrigerator.” She grabbed her purse from a chair at the dining room table and pulled a stack of business cards from the inside pocket.

“Thank you. I was wondering if you’d remember. When you emailed the invoice, I didn’t see it.”

“On the house.”

“I appreciate that and the delicious bear claws, but if you keep giving your desserts away you won’t make a profit.”

“Not true at all. Didn’t you take Marketing 101? You give away free products and they keeping coming back for more but as loyal paying customers. You ordered cupcakes after tasting just one at the reception.”

Stepping directly into her personal space, a sinful grin emerged across his ruggedly handsome face. “I only ordered them to see you again. I could give a damn about cupcakes, even though yours are delicious. And you’re right. I’m definitely coming back for more and more just to lay eyes on the breathtaking baker I can’t stop thinking about.” He traveled a gentle finger down her cheek and paused it on her lips, which parted on demand. “You are too tempting to resist.”

Tiffani cursed inwardly at her mouth betraying her. Sucking in her breath, she stepped back, but when she did, all she felt was the wall next to the dessert table. His dark eyes held hers in a deep trance that could only be broken by a magical spell in a fairy-tale world far, far away. He hadn’t moved and neither had she. Even when the chef came in the room with a dish that smelled like roast beef and exited as quickly as he’d came in.

Before she could speak, Broderick yanked her body to his. As a surprised gasp escaped her, he pushed them out a side door she hadn’t noticed. Tiffani glanced around briefly to see where they were but could only make out a leather couch before he lowered his lips to hers in a subtle, sweet kiss. A part of her wanted to protest, but his mouth on hers caused fervent moaning, which only caused him to sink deeper into her as she willingly responded. Running her hands up his beard, a muffled groan resonated from his throat and he clasped her bottom tight, bringing her body even closer to his hard one. Tiffani loved the sounds they made and the intensity of their connection as he continued twirling his tongue with hers. She’d imagined him kissing her passionately but now, in reality, he was even more powerful and ardent than she’d deemed possible. He was all man. No denying that, especially when he lifted her up like she weighed nothing and carried her to the couch as their lips never left each other’s. Sitting down with her straddling his lap, he broke their kiss and stared at her with a heated yet adoring gaze. But before she knew it she had lowered her lips furiously to his once again.

Tiffani knew she needed to stop this charade, but his tantalizing manly scent was fogging her common sense and all she desired at that moment was more of him. She ran her hands across his chest and down his solid abs until she settled at his belt. She had the urge to yank it off and throw it somewhere in the room. Instead, she grasped it tightly as their kissing manifested more with each passing second. She let out a loud, disappointed gasp as his lips left hers and his tongue explored her neck while clutching her hips and pushing her body even farther on his. She didn’t even think that was possible until she felt a slight bulge through his pants, causing electric bolts to shoot through her and end at her center, which was exactly where she wanted him. Broderick had awakened a desire in her that had been suppressed for many years.

Gripping his belt tighter, Tiffani tried to restrain herself from unbuckling it. She couldn’t believe her thought process. True, it had been a long time since she’d been intimate with a man, but this wasn’t the time or place. Removing her hand from his belt, she wrapped fingers around his neck and he smiled lazily at her.

“Goodness, I wish people weren’t on their way over here,” he muttered against her ear. “I’ll cancel if you tell me to,” he said in a gruff tone, tugging at her bottom lip as the doorbell chimed.

“Mmm...as nice as that feels, you are expecting guests.”

“Who cares,” he whispered, “I’d rather be here with you, beautiful.”

She pulled away from him reluctantly as the second chime reminded her she needed to leave.

Gliding her fingers through her hair, she knew it had to be a mess thanks to him running his hands in it. Normally, she hated a single strand being out of place, but right now a disheveled appearance was well worth it. “I believe your guests are arriving, and I really have to get going. If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late.” She glanced at her watch and realized she had less than forty-five minutes to jet across town.

He stood and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I understand. Your son is your first priority. Perhaps we can get together for dinner this weekend?”

“I don’t think that’s a great idea, Broderick.” She stepped back as her senses became unclouded. When he mentioned KJ, she considered that perhaps a date was too much, too soon.

Puzzlement crossed his features. “That was some kiss.”

“Yes, yes it was, but I don’t want things to move too fast with us. We should get to know each other on more of a friend level first.”

“Friend? Mmm...friends don’t kiss like that, sweetheart...” He paused as the doorbell rang again and male voices could be heard in the next room.

“I have to run,” she said, pulling her keys out of her purse. “Is there another way out to the garage area?” she asked, looking around the wood-paneled room that she now realized was the library.

“Straight through those French doors,” he said, pointing toward a row of doors that led outside. “I’ll walk you out.”

“No need. You should go greet your business associates, and I really need to skedaddle to my car.” She began to fast walk but he was on her heels. He opened the door for her and she stepped out but turned around quickly. “You should wipe that hot pink lipstick off before someone sees you.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a wet wipe.

Laughing, he took it from her and wiped his lips. “You are definitely a mother. I bet you have hand sanitizer, peppermints, bandages and snacks in there,” he teased.

“Yep, along with Neosporin and Children’s Tylenol.”

“I can believe it. You have my number, so send me a text so I’ll know you arrived safely.”

“Will do.”

* * *

Somewhat bewildered, Broderick locked the door back and strode through the main entrance of the library, heading to the foyer. He couldn’t believe he’d just told Tiffani to text him when she arrived at her destination. Not that he wasn’t a concerned type of person, but normally when a woman left, she left. She was different. This woman had him up at night reading her blog and her social media sites. He wasn’t even on social media himself. He didn’t see the point in taking selfies, stating what he ate for lunch or what song was “now playing” in the background. None of that held any importance to anyone besides himself. However, reading her cute little catchphrases and seeing what she was up to daily made him crave to know even more. When he had kissed her—which surprised him, as well—he felt like he knew Tiffani. Her wanting to be friends first seemed kind of odd considering he knew everything about her, just from her online presence. Friend? The word irked him, but he’d go along with it just to be near her and to respect her wishes. He had a feeling it would be worth it.

Clearing his throat, he straightened his tie and entered the great room. Some of his colleagues were mingling and a few were waiting in line at the bar. He spotted Josh and headed over to him.

“I was looking for you,” Josh started. “Matilda mumbled something about a pastry chef and walked out.” He raised a blond eyebrow with a smirk. “You weren’t getting busy with a pastry chef were you?”

Normally, Broderick would tell the truth when it came to the women he was pursuing or dating, though this time he didn’t. There was something about Tiffani he wanted to keep all to himself.

“I have no idea what Matilda is referring to. Is Jeffrey Benson from Benson and Smith Enterprises here? I liked his ideas from the mixer we attended on Saturday, but I need more information before proceeding.”

“He’s on the list but hasn’t yet arrived. However, Carl Tandy and Cedric Diggs are here, as well as Devin Montgomery from Supreme Construction.”

“Cool. I saw him at the wedding I attended and invited him to come this evening. His company is building new lakefront subdivisions in North Carolina, and I’m interested in investing. Make sure you set up a meeting with him.”

“No problem, boss. I’ll go speak to him now while you see what Carl and Cedric are cooking up in the investment department,” Josh stated as the two gentlemen in question approached.

The men shook hands, grabbed some cocktails and retreated to the library to discuss their next business venture in private. Upon entering, Broderick smelled Tiffani’s perfume still lingering in the air. His mind drifted back to savoring her delectable lips and the warmth of her skin under his hands. However, he couldn’t think about that right now. Even though it was hard not to, considering her scent surrounded him as he now sat in the same spot he had just a few moments ago.

“Josh tells me you two have some new project ideas.”

Carl nodded as he sipped his drink. “Yes, along with two other possible investors and hopefully you.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Well, there’s this outdoor shopping area in Dekalb County not too far from the Perimeter Mall area. The property value is high but the stores in the shopping center are old and need some updating. Heck, they may even need to be torn down, but we won’t really know until an inspection is done. The man who owns the place is ready to retire and move to Florida and is selling at a reasonable price. We’d love to buy it, tear it down if necessary and rebuild with high-end stores. The places that are already there could stay at a higher lease once their current one runs out. Some are national chains like Starbucks and some are locally owned businesses.”

Broderick stirred the ice cubes around in his bourbon. “Mmm...not sure if I want to invest in a strip mall. What else you got?”

“It’s not a strip mall,” Cedric interjected. “It would be one of those work, live and play areas with condos or lofts, eateries, and so on. There’s some vacant property behind it that’s for sale, too. About two hundred acres, so we can expand. We’ve done it before with the other group we used to invest with and you were quite happy with the results.”

“Still not sold. I’m looking for something different this go-round. What was the other project?”

“Well...the other one is similar, just a different location. It’s in the Stone Mountain area. However, we’re also contemplating a famous restaurant chain here in Atlanta. Rumor has it they want to expand to adjoining states.”

Broderick nodded as he soaked in the information. He was most interested in the restaurant chain. “I am searching for something new to invest in, but you know I don’t just put my name on anything or write a check until I have every detail. Send Josh the information so he can start gathering data to determine the best choice to go with. Anything else?”

Carl shook his head. “Nope, that is all for now. We’ll contact Josh if anything else comes up.”

“Great.” Broderick stood as his cell phone vibrated in his shirt pocket. He withdrew it and saw a text from Tiffani. “If you gentlemen would excuse me I need to take this. Help yourself to the food in the dining room. Chef Crenshaw really outdid himself this time.”

He retreated outside on the veranda so he could read her text in private.

Made it to KJ’s tournament just in time. Talk to you later. J

Broderick smiled at the cute smiley face. It was so like her and her girlie personality. Rejoining his guests, he chatted for the rest of the evening, but he wasn’t really focused on discussing any of their money-making opportunities. He kept thinking about Tiffani’s scrumptious lips on his and the soft purrs from her mouth. He didn’t know how long she expected them to just be friends before he was able to kiss her again. But he also understood her husband had died not too long ago, and she probably wanted to take things slowly. However, it was the sweetest kiss he’d ever tasted and he was hungry for more.

* * *

“Thank you for saving me a seat, Preston.” Tiffani plopped down between her brother, two years her senior, and their dad on the bleachers at the karate tournament. “Has KJ gone yet?” She bit into her chicken and pecan salad, sighing with relief. She hated the days when she was too busy to eat, and she also hated buying a salad from a fast-food restaurant, but it was that or remain hungry.

“No, his group is next,” Preston said, then whispered, “Why do you smell like cologne?”

Darn it. She’d been so busy inhaling the remnants of Broderick’s enticing scent embedded on her skin that it never occurred to her that others could smell it, too.

“Huh...what?” Tiffani tried to stare straight ahead. If she looked at her brother, he’d see right through whatever lie she told. She also sensed her father’s eyes on her.

“You heard me. You were late. You’re never late. Did you have a date?”

“Shh. We’re being rude.” She took a bite of the salad and chewed slowly so she wouldn’t have to speak and hopefully he’d leave her alone. At least for now.

Tiffani continued to stare straight ahead as the kindergarten group did their routine, but she wasn’t paying attention. Instead, her thoughts led her back to Broderick’s strong, manly embrace and his wicked tongue dancing with hers while his sensual hands cruised over her body. He’d driven her insane with his handling of her and in just a short time, he’d unearthed a passion she didn’t know she possessed, and she wanted more. More of him. His intoxicating scent that still lingered, only added more to the erotic feelings she was experiencing. She couldn’t believe she’d had the nerve to reach for his tie and belt and had had to restrain herself from doing so. She’d been on a couple of dates since her husband’s passing and had a few first kisses but nothing to the point of being blown away. Broderick’s kiss made her feel like a desired woman, which was new, exciting and scary.

Tiffani had met Keith their freshman year of college and he’d been her first and only sexual experience. However, she wasn’t turned off by the idea of having sex with another man. Far from it, and earlier Broderick confirmed that. She was grateful she’d had to leave and that he had a party to host. If not, things may have gotten more intense, if that were even possible. She may have also done something that in her heart she wouldn’t have regretted. Being with Broderick was awakening, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so sexual and free.

Have I ever? she pondered. Because of Keith’s treatment of her during their marriage, she’d fallen out of love with him and sex became a chore that she hated but only did because she felt obligated.

Even though she never wanted to remarry, the option of a male companion was fine as long as it was understood that their relationship would never lead to marriage or living together. She enjoyed her independence and control over her life and couldn’t fathom another man tearing her down with his words and ridicule. When she’d told Broderick she wanted to get to know him better on a friend level before proceeding further, she meant it. A man with his power and money could be a controlling jerk like her husband had been. She had to make sure he wasn’t before venturing into another relationship. She’d witnessed male chauvinistic signs with Keith while they were in college but they’d been subtle and didn’t become full-blown until a year into their marriage. She had been contemplating divorce when he’d had a heart attack while driving home from work and died on the way to the hospital.

Tiffani had felt awful about it for awhile. She’d never wished death on him because their son had been four at the time and worshiped the ground he walked on. If she’d gone through with the divorce, she would’ve made sure Keith saw his son whenever he wanted.

“He’s up next,” her father, John Chase, stated.

Tiffani clapped and grabbed her cell phone out of her purse to record her son’s part in the tournament. Even though KJ didn’t have a father, he had plenty of father figures. Her father, brother and her cousin Braxton Chase were all very present in her son’s life. They took him to get his hair cut, attended Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Falcon games, played sports at the park and enjoyed other boy activities that a father normally would do with his son. She was grateful. Even though his dad was dead, KJ never missed a beat and was a fun-loving, intelligent and well-rounded eight-year-old boy. Tiffani sometimes feared he would eventually begin acting like Keith as far as the male chauvinist side, but so far he hadn’t. Considering his three father figures weren’t, she hoped he would take after them.

“There’s my handsome grandson!”

“Let’s go, nephew!” Preston clapped loudly.

“That’s my baby!” Tiffani cheered and then pressed play on the video app on her cell phone.

An hour later, Tiffani ran out to the gym floor to meet KJ halfway as he sprinted toward her with his second-place trophy. She picked him up and twirled him around.

“I’m so proud of you! We’ll add this to the collection,” she said, putting him down. He may always be her baby, but he was no longer small and was too heavy to hold for too long.

“Thanks, Mommy. You think Daddy was watching?”

“Of course,” she answered sincerely. “He’s your guardian angel and will always watch over you.”

“And he watches over you, too,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“Yes, me, too.” I hope not after that steamy kiss today. “Let’s show Grandpa and Uncle Preston and then we’re off to a celebratory dinner at wherever you want to go!”

“Now that sounds like a plan,” KJ said, pulling her by the hand toward her father and brother as they walked out to the floor.

While KJ showed his grandfather some of his karate moves, Preston pulled Tiffani to the side, and she prayed he wasn’t back on the topic he had started before the tournament. Ever since she’d told her brother what really had gone on in her marriage, Preston had been furious that she hadn’t confided in him before Keith had died. However, she knew if she would’ve, he and the rest of the Chase men would’ve pummeled Keith. So, instead she acted as if everything was peachy and had only told Megan bits and pieces when she needed to confide in someone.

“I noticed some of the mothers checking you out,” she started before he could even open his mouth.

“Well, you know they can’t help but notice all this fineness,” he teased.

She reached up and ruffled his curly, silky hair. “Geez, you’re so modest. How’s Kay?”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know. Not seeing her anymore. Talking to this other chick I met at Phipps Plaza last week.”

“You think it may get serious?” Tiffani wasn’t one of those sisters to nag her big brother about settling down, but he had always talked about having a wife and family one day. However, he wasn’t dating women he would consider marrying.

“Nah...she’s cool, though. And I haven’t forgotten our conversation, sis.” Preston’s expression and tone turned serious.

“What are you talking about?” she asked as if she had no clue.

“The cologne you’re wearing.”

“I’m not wearing cologne. It’s from a perfume sample I was given at the mall and it’s just strong. I’m definitely not going to buy it. You know I prefer light sweet fragrances, and this one is just entirely too much for my pheromones. It only smells good in the bottle.”

Tiffani hated lying to Preston, but she knew how overprotective he was when it came to her dating life. Plus, she wasn’t ready to discuss Broderick with him or anyone else for that matter.

Preston raised an eyebrow followed by a snicker at her long, drawn-out answer.

“Okay, you don’t have to talk about it. I just want you happy,” he said sincerely, kissing her forehead.

She interlocked her arm with his and stared up at her brother as they strolled behind KJ and their father. “Trust me, I am.”