by Terra Little
“Tracee, I need you to stop and listen to me.”
Her friend’s voice was shaky. Tracee glanced up at her—she was sitting as if she was about to leave. “What? Why are you sitting there like that? Take your coat off.”
Mae cleared her throat. “I can’t stay. But I didn’t want to do this over the phone.”
The hair on the back of Tracee’s neck stood up. She put her pen down and got up from the floor to sit on the couch. “Girl, you’re scaring me.”
Mae lowered her shoulders. “I’m gonna have to bow out of the business.”
Tracee’s eyes widened. I didn’t hear that right. She shook her head before studying her best friend and business partner. “What are you talking about?”
“I was offered the position of director of marketing this morning, and, Tracee, I can’t turn that down. It’s the position of a lifetime. I’ll be the first African American female director with the company. That’s the career path I was on before my divorce, when I had to put everything on hold.”
Tracee was listening but felt a pain developing in the pit of her stomach at the same time. First the café itself, now her business partner. It seemed like the harder she tried, the more things fell apart.
“You’ve helped me get my head back in the game,” Mae continued, “and I’m so grateful for that. I wanted to tell you the minute he made the offer, but I knew this was news I had to deliver in person.”
Tracee nodded. “I understand—honestly, I do. I know it might not look like it, with my damp eyes and all, but I do. I’m just a little bummed right now, that’s all. But I know what this position means to you, so I’m happy for you. Congratulations.”
Tracee leaned over to give her friend a big hug. Mae deserved that job. As much as she hated to lose her as a partner, Tracee couldn’t help but be happy for her. “Are you sure there isn’t a way you can swing the job and be my part-time partner?” Tracee asked with a big smile after the embrace.
Mae frowned. “The job’s in Memphis, Tennessee.”
Tracee flinched, and her mouth fell open. She was on the verge of tears. “You really are leaving me, aren’t you?”
“Not for a couple of weeks. I don’t start until after Thanksgiving. Maybe until then I can help you find a new partner.”
A wave of nausea found its way up the back of Tracee’s throat. She moved back over to the couch and sat down. “I appreciate that, but get yourself ready to move. I’ll find somebody, or I’ll go it alone. Either way, I can’t be stopped now.” She wiped at her tears that threatened to spill over.
A huge smile broke out on Mae’s face. “Girl, I’ve known you since junior high, and believe me, I know you’ll find a way to open that café. Don’t stop reaching for it. Never give up.”
Tracee ran her hands through her hair and reminded herself to breathe. She blinked back tears as she quoted her friend. “Never give up! That’s exactly what I plan to do.”
Chapter 14
After Mae left, Tracee turned off the computer, turned on the television and balled up on the couch. She didn’t care what was on the screen—she just wanted something to take her mind off her troubles for a few minutes. She needed to regroup and get herself together. The minute her head hit the couch, Laurent came to mind. Sunday night he’d surprised her by stopping by, and she’d surprised him by asking him to leave. Why hadn’t he told her about his family’s wealth? She’d thought he was just a fishing buddy of Sam’s. Where was he right now? Would she ever see him again? She shut her eyes and fought the urge to reach for her cell phone.
In two weeks, Tracee had developed an unexpected fondness for Laurent. Now she needed to put some distance between them. If he became the new owner of the Rival Hotel, would he stay in town and run the hotel, or hire someone else and return to California? What about their friendship, which was turning into a relationship? She enjoyed having sex with him, but what if their intimacy had affected him leasing her the space like he said he would? Had she known about his pursuit of the hotel, she never would have gotten involved with him. Everything was so complicated right now she felt overwhelmed.
Her cell phone buzzed from the coffee table. She stared at it but didn’t move. Not now. I don’t want to talk to anybody right now. Maybe it was Mae calling to see if she was okay? She was, so there was no reason to answer the phone. Then she thought about the way she’d kicked Laurent out Sunday night and the fact that he might be leaving any day now. She reached for the phone and turned it over. The display read Laurent Martin, so she answered it.
“Hello.”
“Hey...it’s Laurent, were you busy?”
She swung her legs off the couch and sat up. “I know who it is, and no, I’m not.” Her tone was void of enthusiasm, and he probably thought it was all about him.
“Feel like some company?”
She hesitated, covering her face with her hand. What had she just thought about putting some distance between them? If he came over, no doubt they would end up in her bed; she couldn’t help herself. She could see the strong structure of Laurent’s jawline, his perfect nose and the beautiful bow of his top lip that made her want to kiss him every time she was with him.
“Hello? You didn’t hang up on me, did you?”
Her eyes popped open. “No, I’m here. Sure, come on over. We need to talk anyway.” Her thoughts went from losing the space to Laurent’s deception, and now the loss of her business partner. She might be down, but she wasn’t out. She was just as determined to have her café as Laurent was to own the hotel. Instead of being mad at him, maybe she needed to take him up on his offer and work with him.
It took fifteen minutes for Laurent to get there, walk in and pull Tracee into his arms. She closed her eyes and inhaled. What she needed right now was a hug, and Laurent’s hello hugs were everything. She didn’t want him to let go, but he did.
Laurent held her at arm’s length, clasping her forearms. “I’m sorry. If there was a way I could have told you more about me without discussing the deal, I would have. I could have handled Sunday night a little better as well. I have so much pressure on me right now to finalize this deal that—”
Tracee let out a loud sigh. “I accept your apology. We do need to talk, though, because now I feel like I don’t know who you are.”
He held one hand to his chest. “You know me, Tracee. I just didn’t give you all of my background, but I wasn’t pretending to be somebody I’m not. I’m just a guy from California who loves music and my work. My family’s French Canadian and African American. You know I have two brothers, Aubrey and Marquis, a father, Thomas Martin, and a stepmother who thinks she’s Marie Antoinette. I have family in Evanston, all over California and in Montreal that I don’t see that often because of my work. I have an MBA from Berkeley. My blood type is O positive, and—”
“Stop it!” she said, laughing. “TMI. Nobody asked for all that.”
“Well, I want you to know who I am and what I’m about.” He let go of her other arm. “In more ways than one, I’m a musician trapped in a businessman’s body. You know my love for music is real.”
She nodded as he spoke. “I know that.”
He smiled. “Thank you for letting me come over. You said we need to talk, and I agree with you.”
Tracee reached for Laurent’s jacket and placed it on the arm of the chair before walking back over to the couch to reclaim her spot. He followed and sat next to her.
“Would you like anything to drink?” she offered.
“Naw, I’m good.”
She felt like she could use a bottle of wine, but she knew what one glass would do to her on an empty stomach, so she let the wine stay where it was.
Laurent leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. “What did you want to talk about?”
She crossed her legs. “I received some pretty bad news today, so I need to know what you think your
chances are with Mr. Patel.”
He took a deep breath. “What kind of bad news?”
“Mae came by earlier, and she’s pulling out of the business.”
Laurent sat up and frowned. “Why?”
“She’s moving to Memphis.” Tracee told him everything she knew about Mae’s promotion and how she was going to miss her business partner and best friend.
He leaned over, scooting closer to her, and pulled her into his arms. “Baby, I’m sorry. I know you two had big plans for the future,” he said softly in her ear.
She closed her eyes and allowed herself to be comforted for about a nanosecond, then she pulled back out of his embrace. “So, I’m back to square one.” She held her hands up and started counting off. “I don’t have enough money. I have no partner and no location. But that’s not going to stop me. I’ll find a new partner.” With her elbows bowed out, she placed her palms on her thighs and gave Laurent a serious look. “What I don’t want to do is find another location.”
He nodded. “I know you don’t. I can’t say what’s going to happen, but either I’ll have a deal or I’ll be going home by the weekend. That’s why I wanted to see you.”
Tracee’s chest tightened as Laurent gazed over at her with a dismal expression on his face. She’d known this day was coming sooner rather than later, but she hadn’t realized the impact those words would have on her. It felt as if someone had punched her in the gut. She couldn’t respond. They sat staring at one another while the television blared on, unnoticed.
She controlled the quiver in her voice long enough to ask, “So you came to say goodbye?” His eyes squinted, and her insides began to melt.
“I have to get back or my family might start looking for a new brand manager.”
“Don’t leave yet. I’m not ready to let you go.” Tracee couldn’t control the trembling of her bottom lip as she placed a hand against Laurent’s chest, feeling the loss already.
The corners of his mouth slowly turned up, and he arched a brow. “You’re not?”
She bit the inside of her cheek, feeling vulnerable for a moment, but wanting him to know how she felt. “No. Right now I’m thinking about how bad I want you to kiss me.”
“Funny, I was thinking the same thing.” His head lowered, and his lips met hers.
The softness of his lips warmed Tracee down to the bone. She snuggled closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her, and the thought of him taking his hugs away saddened her.
He backed up slightly and glanced down at her before planting a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. She closed her eyes and experienced the most gentle, sensual thing he’d ever done to her.
His voice lowered to a whisper when he pressed his lips against her ear. “I need to hold on to you.”
She hardly recognized the thick voice coming from Laurent. His words and lips were coated with desire as he planted kisses from her earlobe down her neck. His kisses sent hot, sensual flames throughout her body. She needed more air. She leaned her head back on the couch, still holding on to Laurent’s shirt. He slid a hand around her back and lowered her down to the couch. His lips branded her neck and her chest before making their way back up to her lips.
The need to touch and explore Laurent’s body again was so overwhelming for Tracee. She’d never wanted a man as much as she wanted this man right here. She couldn’t control when he left, if he left or if he ever came back, but she could control tonight. He was hers tonight.
The cologne Laurent wore was enough to send her over the edge any day, but tonight his scent tickled her senses and made her want to come out of her panties. He ran his hand down her body, and she ached to feel him against her skin. She let go of his shirt and pushed hard until he sprang back and stared down at her. His brows furrowed, and she watched him try to bring his breathing under control.
“You’re not leaving me tonight,” she whispered.
He stood up, bringing Tracee to stand with him. He stared down into her eyes before pressing his palm lightly against her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his hand.
“Tu es si belle,” he whispered.
Tracee opened her eyes before narrowing them at him.
“You are so beautiful,” he said in a soft voice.
She smiled. “I love it when you speak French.” Then she took his hand and led him to her bedroom.
Laurent’s hand trembled slightly as he unhooked Tracee’s bra and slid the straps down her shoulders. He leaned down and kissed her there. She dropped her head back into his chest, wanting to savor every moment of his touch. He brought his arms around her stomach and squeezed tight.
There was something different about the connection between them tonight. Tracee didn’t know if Laurent could feel it or not, but she wasn’t her usual playful self. He wasn’t her man, and she knew it, but tonight she needed him to make love to her as if he was. When he released her, she finished removing her bra and tossed it on the chair before leading him to her bed.
When they reached the bed, he turned her around and took her face between his palms. She waited for him to say something, but he never did. Those big brown eyes were talking to her, telling her how much he wanted and needed her, but nothing came out of his mouth. She could say I love you, but it was too soon. She didn’t want to scare him away. If he left her tonight before making love to her, she’d cry herself to sleep.
Laurent lowered his head and kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose and then her lips. She wanted a man to look at her the way he was gazing into her eyes right now for the rest of her life.
Without warning, he bent down and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. He walked across the room until her back was above her bed, and then he bent over and tossed her onto the bed. He smiled down at her as he stripped off his shirt, then unbuckled his belt.
She watched him look at her, and her body began to tremble with anticipation. She knew what was coming, but still she bubbled over with excitement.
Chapter 15
Laurent took his time when he made love to Tracee, and expressed with his body what he wanted to say but hadn’t. Something was different about Tracee tonight. After two weeks he’d begun to fall in love with this woman. There was strong chemistry between them that he couldn’t deny.
In the warm afterglow of lovemaking, Laurent’s body was still on fire. He pulled her closer as she snuggled against him. She’d ignited every part of him, and yet he wanted more. Her curls brushed against his neck and chest, and he could feel his erection returning. With his arms wrapped around her, he cupped her breast in the palm of his hand and squeezed.
“Where’s your phone?” Tracee asked him.
“Downstairs, why?”
“I wanted to play you a song.”
He smiled. “How about I sing for you instead.” He cleared his throat. “Let me take you back to some old-school.” The song Laurent knew she would recognize was “I’ll Make Love to You,” by Boyz II Men.
He squeezed her a little tighter and serenaded her with his best rendition of the Boyz II Men vocals.
Laurent had sung that song so many times when he and his brothers performed at family and friends’ weddings that he usually went into autopilot mode. But not tonight. Tonight, for the first time, the song meant something to him. When he finished, he kissed the top of her head.
“That was beautiful,” she said in a soft voice.
“Thank you.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t pursue singing as a full-time career.”
“We played around growing up, but we were never serious musicians. It was fun, and I guess a way for my parents to keep us out of trouble. My mom loved to hear us perform. Then I went off to college and kind of lost interest in music for a little bit.”
“Don’t tell me that’s when you met Sam and turned into a fisherman?”
> Laurent laughed and released Tracee’s breast while still holding her close to him. “I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I’ve never held a fishing pole in my life.”
Tracee pulled away from him and turned around, grimacing. “So, why all the joking about fishing?”
“Sam’s dad had a yacht. So we called it ‘going fishing’ whenever he threw a party and invited a lot of women. The yacht was our bait.”
Her mouth fell open. “So you were fishing for women?”
Laurent held his palms up. “Sam was, not me. I was just along for the ride.”
She twisted her lips. “Sure you were.”
He laughed and pulled her back into his arms.
“I didn’t think you, nor Sam, looked like the outdoorsy type. I bet you guys were a couple of playboys in college.”
Laurent cupped her breast and gently massaged. “I’ve never been the playboy type. I had a lot of female friends, but strictly platonic relationships. Plus, I work too hard to have time for that type of lifestyle. Besides, I’m a one-woman man.”
“Oh, yeah! Then you need to buy that hotel so you can stay right here in Danville. As a matter of fact, I’m thinking about locking you in. Have you ever been kidnapped before?”
Laurent threw his head back laughing. “No, I haven’t. But I promise I won’t put up a fight. I might even enjoy it.”
“You would.” She laughed and turned in his arms, resting her cheek against his chest.
“You could make me your love slave. Force me to have sex with you every hour.”
Tracee pushed herself up and flashed him an openmouthed smile. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Immensely.” The anticipation of making love to her was enough to get him hard again. He reached down and pulled her up until she straddled him. He wanted to feel her warm flesh.
Tracee settled snugly against him, placing her arms around his neck and kissing his face. Her sweet lips against his skin made him smile. He closed his eyes and grasped her hips as she rocked back and forth against him.
