Читать книгу Secret Miami Nights - Pamela Yaye - Страница 11

Chapter 2

Haley sat inside her red, two-door coupe, which was parked on the Rollinses’ winding, cobblestone driveway, giving herself a pep talk. Her hands were damp with sweat, shaking so hard she couldn’t open the car door, and butterflies fluttered inside her stomach.

“I can do this. I can do this,” Haley chanted, drawing strength from her words. “I have nothing to be afraid of. It doesn’t matter that Ashton has piercing brown eyes, a panty-wetting voice and a muscled physique. It’s just a business dinner. No big deal.”

Then why are your knees knocking together? her inner voice asked.

Dismissing the question, Haley told herself she had nothing to worry about. Besides, it was too late to change her mind. If she left now it would ruin everything. Add to that, getting to Fisher Island had been an exhausting ordeal, and she was starving. After getting her name cleared by security and ferrying her car across Biscayne Bay, she’d driven the ten miles to Ashton’s opulent neighborhood. Home to celebrities, dignitaries and international businessmen, Fisher Island was remote, exclusive and elegant. She felt out of place driving past the custom-built mansions in her second-hand car. A tropical oasis with breathtaking scenery, Mediterranean architecture and luxury yachts, the island was described as “the playground of the rich.” The Rollinses were the richest of the rich, and Haley hoped she didn’t say or do anything to screw up her business meeting.

Opening the visor, Haley checked her hair and makeup for the umpteenth time. Wanting to look professional, she’d paired a canary-yellow sundress with a fitted cardigan, gold accessories and wedge sandals. She’d hastily added a touch of mascara and some lip gloss before heading out her condo door.

Haley took a deep breath. Enough stalling. Time to get the show on the road. The Aunt Penny Foundation was counting on her to secure the support of the Millionaire Moguls, and nothing was going to stop her. Not even her frazzled nerves.

The front door of the mansion swung open and Ashton appeared, instantly seizing her attention. Peering out of the windshield, Haley leaned forward in her seat. Tall, with dark skin, close-cropped hair and a neatly trimmed mustache and goatee, Ashton Rollins had a face made for movies and a body made for sin. Dressed in a blue button-down shirt, belted shorts and sandals, not only did he look handsome he exuded confidence and masculinity. There wasn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t find Ashton Rollins sexy, and seeing him again caused her pulse to soar and her heart to race. He was staring right at her. Watching her every move.

Grabbing her clutch purse off the passenger seat, Haley stepped out of the car, ready to meet the hottie COO with the thousand-watt smile. He was a one-night stand waiting to happen, and as he jogged down the steps goose bumps pricked her skin. Haley didn’t know if she was sweating profusely because of the heat or because Ashton was headed her way, but she suspected it was the latter. He made her nervous, unsure of herself, and keeping her wits during dinner was going to be harder than riding a bicycle backwards in six-inch heels.

“Welcome to Fisher Island.” Leaning in close, he kissed her cheek. “It’s great to see you again, Haley.”

“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here. Your home is stunning.”

“I have dinner waiting for us poolside. Do you like soul food?”

Haley smiled. “Of course I do. Doesn’t everyone?”

Resting a hand on her lower back, Ashton guided her along the stone pathway that led to the rear of the mansion. “If you’d like, after dinner I can give you a tour of the estate...”

Wow, this is what heaven must look like, Haley thought, admiring the expansive grounds. The property was attractive and serene, and everything in the outdoor living room was state-of-the-art and designer quality. A wrought-iron table covered with fine china, bronze candelabra and a glass vase filled with sunflowers was beside the Olympic-size pool. The air smelled of spices, the savory aromas from the outdoor kitchen carrying on the breeze, and jazz played on the stereo system. Haley couldn’t wait to tell Aunt Penny about the Rollins estate; she knew the eighty-eight-year-old senior would love hearing about her business dinner.

Ashton pulled out a chair at the table, and Haley thanked him. Taking a seat, she noticed a heavyset black woman with auburn braids emerge from the house carrying a gold serving tray in one hand and a pitcher in the other.

“Haley, this is my personal chef and surrogate mom, Ms. Edith.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Haley said, licking her lips. “Something smells delicious.”

Wearing a proud smile, Ms. Edith set two bowls down on the table and filled their water glasses to the brim. “I’ll be back shortly with the second course, so eat up before your soup gets cold.”

“Ms. Edith don’t play,” Ashton whispered. “We’d better do as we’re told, or we won’t get dessert. I don’t know about you but I live for peach cobbler.”

Giggling, Haley stirred the thick, orange soup. It tasted so good she finished it within seconds.

“Someone’s hungry,” he teased, his eyes bright with mischief. “Would you like more?”

“No, I’m pacing myself. I have to save room for the next course, because it’s obvious Ms. Edith’s an exceptional cook, and I want to try everything she made tonight.”

“How do you know I didn’t make the soup?”

Hayley scoffed. “You? Cook? I bet you can’t even boil water.”

“You’re right, I can’t, but I did a hell of a job setting the table!”

They shared a laugh, and Haley realized she’d been stressed out for nothing. Despite his wealth and social status, Ashton wasn’t a smug, stuck-up rich boy. He was personable and laid-back, easy to talk to, and cracked more jokes than a comedian on Comedy Central.

“We should discuss The Aunt Penny Foundation,” she said, curious why he’d invited her to his estate. “What’s on your mind?”

“Tell me how you got involved with the organization.”

His question confused her. Frowning, she cocked her head to the right. Hadn’t he read the dossier Becca had submitted in May about the foundation? Hadn’t he paid attention during her colleague’s presentation? Telling herself it didn’t matter, Haley opened up to him about her family background and her fifteen-year relationship with Penny Washington. “When I was a kid, my parents worked several jobs, and our neighbor, Ms. Penny, took pity on me because I was home alone a lot. She never married and had no children of her own, and she looked out for me,” she explained, as happy memories filled her mind. “If not for Aunt Penny’s kindness and generosity I never would have been able to afford to go to university.”

“She sounds like an incredible person. You’re lucky to have her.”

“I know, that’s why I came up with the idea for a nonprofit organization that would give other talented, gifted youth from the inner city an Aunt Penny of their own...”

Ms. Edith returned, and Haley waited as the cook cleared the empty bowls, put down plates of cornbread salad and promptly left. Remembering the last time she’d had soul food made her heart sad. She’d joined her ex-boyfriend and his loved ones to celebrate his dad’s seventieth birthday. It felt bittersweet to think about the fun, gregarious Argentinian family she’d come to love as her own. Haley wanted to be with someone who was loyal and supportive, who wouldn’t try to change her or control her—and even though her ex had turned out to be Mr. Wrong, she still missed his family. She hadn’t dated anyone since their breakup last year, but Haley was tired of being single, and wanted one special man in her life.

“Do you like your job?”

His question broke into her thoughts. “I love it. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

“How long have you been CEO?”

“For three years, and even though the foundation has faced some trying times in recent months, there’s nowhere else I’d rather work. I have a dedicated, committed team, and incredible sponsors in my corner as well.”

“Tell me more about the services The Aunt Penny Foundation provides.” Ashton reached for his glass and took a drink.

“We provide counselling, tutoring in all subject areas, and our job preparation classes offer coaching, help with résumés, and even mock interviews.”

Ashton raised an eyebrow. Haley could tell that he was impressed with the work they were doing at The Aunt Penny Foundation.

“That’s terrific, Haley. It sounds like you and your staff are doing fantastic work in the community.”

Touched by his words, she smiled in response. “Thanks, Ashton. We’re trying our best.”

“How many scholarships are awarded each year, and what criteria are used to select the recipients?”

“Every year, we receive dozens of scholarship applications, and incredible personal essays, but unfortunately we can only award five scholarships. We select recipients in financial need with high academic achievement, who have volunteered for a minimum of one year.”

“I’m thrilled Prescott George is partnering with The Aunt Penny Foundation this year. It’s the smartest thing we’ve ever done, and I look forward to learning more about you, and your brilliant students...”

Haley listened in awe as he spoke. She met with businessmen on a regular basis on behalf of the foundation, but she’d never met anyone like Ashton. Unlike the hedge fund manager she’d had brunch with yesterday, he didn’t drone on and on about his high-profile job, or his staggering wealth. Instead, he was gracious and kind. A part of her couldn’t help wondering if he’d be so nice to her if he knew her BFF, Becca, was engaged to his nemesis, Joshua DeLong. That afternoon, she’d bumped into the happy couple as they were leaving the foundation’s offices for lunch, and when Haley mentioned she was having dinner with Ashton that evening Joshua had scowled.

His words replayed in her mind, drowning out the BB King song playing on the stereo. Be careful. Don’t fall under Ashton’s spell. He’s not who you think he is.

From her talks with Becca, Haley knew that there was no love lost between the two men, and that Joshua was planning to challenge Ashton in the upcoming election for president of Prescott George. The corporate raider had claimed Ashton was trouble, a bad seed, but Haley took his admonitions with a grain of salt. The Rollinses were an old, respected Miami family, and she doubted Ashton had ever done anything sinister or illegal. Besides, he was throwing his support behind The Aunt Penny Foundation, and that was good enough for her.

“I’d love to hear more about your family’s company,” Haley said, tired of hearing herself talk. “How long has Rollins Aeronautics been in business, and who founded it?”

“My grandfather George and his partner, Prescott Owens, founded the company in 1938. Five years later, they became the first black millionaires in Florida. Rollins Aeronautics has stayed profitable through the generations. I run the day-to-day operations of the company, and when my father retires next year I’ll assume his duties as CEO.”

Ms. Edith reappeared, carrying plates topped with lamb chops, collard greens, shrimp-fried rice and okra. Haley’s mouth watered at the sight of the main course, but she waited until Ashton was finished eating his salad before tasting her entrée.

While they ate, they had a spirited discussion about the day’s news stories. Haley was intrigued by Ashton. Couldn’t help it. It wasn’t every day she met a man of his caliber, who shared her likes and interests. Having dinner with him was turning out to be the best part of her day.

Sipping her drink, she admired the tranquil surroundings. The views of the water were as spectacular as the food. Each course was flavorful and delicious, and by the time Ms. Edith brought out dessert Haley was so full she couldn’t move. The meal got an A for presentation and an A+ for taste, but what she enjoyed most was getting to know her handsome host better.

“What would I do if I wasn’t working at the foundation?” Repeating the question posed by Ashton seconds earlier, Haley gave it some serious thought. “If I wasn’t CEO of The Aunt Penny Foundation I’d probably work at a hardware store.”

Ashton frowned. “A hardware store? Why?”

“Because I love building things,” she explained, unable to hide her excitement. “I attend free workshops at Home Depot several times a month to improve my skills, and last week my instructor said my birdhouse was the best one in the class.”

“You strike me as the type who likes to bake, not swing a hammer.”

“Growing up, I was a tomboy. I rode dirt bikes, played video games and never left home without my beloved Firebirds baseball cap.”

“And now?”

“I still enjoy playing sports, but I’ve definitely embraced my feminine side.” She joked, “Being a woman is great! I can change my look whenever the mood strikes and my shoe collection would make Jimmy Choo jealous!”

“You’re a talented young woman who’s destined to do great things in the nonprofit sector, and at Home Depot.” Ashton smiled. “Your boyfriend must be very proud of you.”

For the second time in minutes, her mind ran to her ex-boyfriend, Federico Tevez. A year ago they’d been making plans for the future, but now their relationship was over, nothing but a distant memory. Their breakup had been painful, but for the best. He’d moved to Washington, DC, as planned—without her—and every time someone mentioned the nation’s capital, Haley wondered what could have been. On paper, they were a perfect match. He was a trained chef with big dreams and traditional values, but—

Stop dwelling on the past, Haley told herself, breaking free of her thoughts. He wasn’t the right man for you. You have to accept that and move on. He’s not coming back.

“I don’t have a boyfriend,” she said quietly. “I’m single.”

“So am I. It’s amazing how much we have in common.”

His husky voice was dreamy, and when their eyes met, her mind went blank. It felt good being with a suave, charming man who smelled divine and showered her with compliments, and Haley wanted to spend the rest of the night hanging out with him.

“Can I ask you something?”

Curious, Haley nodded her head. “Sure, Ashton, what is it?”

“Why are you single?”

“Why are you?” she quipped.

A mischievous expression covered his face. “I asked first.”

“I haven’t met the right person yet. You?”

“Yesterday, I would have said the same thing, but I’ve recently had a change of heart. I’m interested in a beautiful, charity CEO, but I don’t want to scare her off by revealing my true feelings.” Ashton winked. “I’m pacing myself. It’s only our first date.”

Their eyes lined up.

“I had fun tonight,” he said, “and I’d love to see you again.”

Haley moistened her lips with her tongue. “To discuss The Aunt Penny Foundation?”

“No,” he said calmly. “To wine you and dine you.”

Ashton brushed his fingers against hers, and a moan rose in her throat.

Needing a moment to gather her thoughts, Haley sipped her water.

“Have you ever been to the Rooftop Bar?” he asked her. “It’s the most popular restaurant-lounge in the city, and everything on the menu is exquisite.”

You’re exquisite, she thought, staring at his lips, wishing they were pressed hard against hers. “No, not yet. I’ve heard about it, but I haven’t had an opportunity to check it out.”

“I’ll pick you up on Friday night at seven o’clock,” he said with a broad grin, his tone matter-of-fact. “Wear comfortable shoes. We’re going to be doing a lot of dancing.”

“Ashton, I’m sorry, but I have other plans tomorrow night.”

The smile slid off his face. “Do you have a date?”

“Yeah, a date at the Miami Soup Kitchen. Fun times!” Haley laughed. “I volunteer twice a week, and if I’m not there to make my seafood gumbo the regulars will complain.”

“Need some help?”

“But you don’t cook.”

“Yeah,” Ashton conceded. “But I can chop vegetables with the best of them.”

“Then we’d love to have you.”

“Great. I look forward to seeing you again on Friday night.”

“Wear comfortable shoes,” she teased, gesturing under the table at his designer sandals. “Those aren’t going to cut it. You’re going to be on your feet all night, so runners are your best bet.”

“Got it,” Ashton said. “How did you get involved with the soup kitchen?”

Heat warmed her skin. Normally, Haley wasn’t afraid to share her story, but she didn’t want Ashton to judge her, and had second thoughts about opening up to him about her childhood. “Despite my parents both working two jobs, there was never enough food at home, so we’d eat at local soup kitchens a few times a week,” she explained. “I started volunteering when I was in high school, and now I’m there so much it’s like my second home.”

A sympathetic expression covered his face, and Haley wished she’d kept her big mouth shut. Wished she’d lied. She didn’t want Ashton’s pity; she’d made it, built a life she was proud of. Thanks to Aunt Penny, she was an inner-city success story, and she’d never, ever forget where she came from.

“Please give my regards to Ms. Edith,” she said, resting her utensils on her empty plate. “Dinner was amazing, especially her peach cobbler.”

Ashton stood, came around the table and helped Haley out of her chair. “I’m glad you liked it. Next time you come over I’ll see to it that she makes another one.”

Next time? Her mouth watered, and her heart danced inside her chest.

“This was nice, Ashton. Thank you for a lovely evening—”

“You can’t leave. I haven’t given you a tour of the estate yet. It’s not to be missed.”

“Okay, one short tour, but then I have to go. It’s way past my bedtime.”

“If you’re tired you can stay here. I have eight bedrooms and a huge guest cottage.”

“I bet you say that to all the charity CEOs you have over for dinner.”

Winking, he slid an arm around her waist. “No, beautiful, just you.”