by Pamela Yaye
Hearing her cell phone ring, Jariah searched the kitchen for her BlackBerry. Spotting it on the breakfast bar, she scooped it up and read the number on the display. Luckily, it wasn’t Wesley or his obnoxious mother. Jariah didn’t recognize the number on the screen, but as she put her cell phone to her ear, she hoped and prayed it was someone calling to offer her a job. “Hello, Jariah Brooks speaking.”
“Good evening, Jariah. This is Nicco Morretti. How are you?”
The sound of his deep, smooth voice tickled the tips of her ears.
“I’m great, thanks.” Jariah knew why Nicco Morretti was calling, and for the first time since losing her job last month, she smiled from ear to ear. Excitement surged through her veins, hard and fast. Jariah wanted to dance around the kitchen, but she maintained her composure.
“I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time.”
“No, not at all,” she rushed to say. “I’m not doing anything. Now’s a great time to talk.”
“I’d like to discuss a business proposition with you.”
Confused, Jariah scratched her head. A business proposition? Frowning, she stared down incredulously at the phone. Did I get the account manager position or not? she wondered, leaning against the granite countertop. “I’m sorry, Mr. Morretti, but I’m afraid I don’t understand. What is this pertaining to?”
“I’d rather not discuss it over the phone.”
Discuss what? I have no clue what you’re talking about!
“Let’s meet at Dolce Vita for drinks at eight o’clock.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes, is that a problem?”
“Mom, look, I washed my hands with soap!” Ava stood beside the pantry door, waving her hands frantically in the air, hopping up and down as if she was on a pogo stick. “Can I have some cookies now?”
To quiet her daughter, Jariah pressed a finger to her lips, and steered her over to the table. “Is it okay if I call you back in an hour? I’m kind of in the middle of something.”
“That’s no problem at all,” he said, his tone calm. “I’ll talk to you then.”
Jariah hung up and rested her phone on the kitchen counter. What was that all about? she wondered. What is Nicco Morretti up to? As Jariah fixed Ava a plate, she replayed her conversation with the cocky CEO in her head, trying to figure out if she’d missed something. But there was nothing to miss. Their conversation had been brief, and he’d been vague and mysterious throughout. The only way to find out what Nicco Morretti wanted was to meet him tonight at his restaurant, but first she had to find a babysitter.
Once Ava was eating dinner, Jariah slipped out of the kitchen and went into her bedroom. It was times like this that Jariah wished she could talk to her parents. She longed to hear her mother’s voice and her father’s booming laugh, but she knew they would never take her call. They had cut her out of their lives, and their bitter rejection still stung months later.
Ignoring the heaviness in her chest, Jariah flopped down on the bed, punched in her neighbor’s phone number and waited anxiously for the call to connect. Cousins, Sadie and Felicia Robinson were good old-fashioned country girls, and Jariah loved hanging out with them. And so did her daughter. The cousins fussed over her, snuck her junk food when they thought Jariah wasn’t looking, and gave Ava free reign of their town house.
“Hey, Sadie, how are you?” Jariah asked, greeting the thirty-five-year-old boutique owner with the fun-loving personality.
“I’m great. I was just about to make dinner. How is my sweet little honey pie doing?”
“Ava’s fine, giving me sass and attitude as usual.”
“Good for her!” Sadie cheered. “She needs to stand up for herself. You’re way too strict.”
“I have to be. Her dad is a total pushover,” Jariah explained, feeling compelled to defend herself. “Ava throws a fit and he caves like a house of cards!”
The women laughed.
“Is Felicia still at work?” Jariah asked.
“No, she has a date.”
“Another one? That’s the third one this week and it’s only Tuesday!”
“I know, tell me about it,” Sadie quipped, her voice losing its cheer. “And the guy who picked her up tonight was a total hottie. Was driving a sports car and everything.”
“You sound jealous.”
“Why would I be jealous? I have a date, too.”
“You do? With who?”
“The remote control!” Sadie giggled. “Dating in the City starts in fifteen minutes, and I can’t wait to see what happens between Nelson Hamilton and the chick from...”
Jariah checked the time on the digital alarm clock, saw that it was almost six o’clock, and knew she had to rush things along. “Sadie, I need a favor,” she began, clearing her throat. “Can you babysit Ava for me tonight? I know its short notice, but the CEO of Morretti Incorporated just called and asked me to meet him for drinks.”
“No problem, girl. I’ll be right over.”
“There’s no rush. I don’t need to leave for another hour.”
“I know,” she said, “but I can smell your cooking all the way over here, and I’m hungrier than a plus-sized model on a no-carb diet!”
* * *
Jariah glanced at her wristwatch, and then tossed a look over her shoulder for the third time since arriving at Dolce Vita. When she’d entered the ritzy restaurant lounge and informed the hostess that she was meeting Nicco Morretti, the freckled brunette had greeted her warmly and escorted her to a secluded table in front of the picture window.
To pass the time, Jariah logged on to the internet and resumed reading an article she’d found that afternoon about Morretti Inc. Thanks to the magazine, she knew tons of information about the company and it’s handsome CEO with the bold personality. Knowing the good, the bad and the ugly about Nicco Morretti made Jariah feel prepared and more confident about meeting him for drinks at his downtown restaurant.
A rich, heady aroma sweetened the air. A waitress sashayed through the lounge pushing a dessert cart, and Jariah hungrily licked her lips. A loud cheer went up from the table behind her, but she didn’t pay the group any mind.
Dolce Vita was large, boisterous and busy, but the candle-lit tables, Italian marble and sable-brown decor created an intimate vibe. The restaurant lounge was the perfect setting for a romantic date, or a surprise marriage proposal, and as Jariah sat there, bored out of her mind, she reflected on the pitiful state of her love life. Is Wesley right? Am I going to regret dumping him one day and beg him to take me back?
Banishing the thought to the furthest corner of her mind, Jariah picked up her cocktail glass and slowly sipped through her straw. She longed to have someone special in her life, a man who would love her unconditionally. As she glanced around the room and saw all the starry-eyed couples toasting with wine flutes held high, she felt a stab of envy. Am I ever going to meet Mr. Right? Or am I destined to spend my nights alone with no one to keep me company but my daughter and my girlfriends?
Her thoughts turned to her parents, but instead of pushing her memories aside, she dialed their home number. As usual, the answering machine clicked on, and when it did, she took a deep breath and mustered all the cheer she had inside her. “Hi, Mom, and Dad, it’s me, Jariah. I was just thinking about you, and wanted you to know that Ava and I miss you very much. We’d love to hear from you, so please give us a call. Bye.”
Jariah pressed the end button on her phone and dropped it back into her purse.
“Can I interest you in another pineapple martini?”
“No, just the bill, thank you.”
The waiter’s eyes were wide with alarm, but he nodded and scurried off. He was back seconds later with the hostess in tow, fidgeting nervously with his hands.
“I just got off the phone with Mr. Morretti, a
nd he asked me to apologize on his behalf,” the hostess said, her tone contrite. “Can I get you another beverage while you wait?”
“No, thank you. I’d like the bill.”
“The bill?” she repeated. “But Mr. Morretti is on his way.”
“That’s all fine and well, but he’s already wasted enough of my time tonight.” Jariah checked her watch, saw that it was eight-thirty, and stood to her feet. Cuddling in bed, reading with her daughter was the highlight of her day, and if she hurried she could still make it home in time to put Ava to bed. “The check, please.”
“It’s on the house.”
“On the house?” Jariah frowned, confused by the hostess’s words. “Why?”
“Because you’re a personal guest of the owner.”
Oh, of course. I bet all of his female guests eat for free.
“Thank you. Good night.” Jariah tucked her black clutch bag under her arm. Walking through the lounge, she noted that every table was filled and that patrons were smiling, chatting and laughing. The waiting area was jam-packed, and as she strode past the aquarium, several men wearing wedding bands winked at her. Jariah rolled her eyes and kept on moving. Getting involved with a married man was asking for trouble, and Jariah avoided drama at all costs.
The evening air was thick and held the scent of rain. Where had the summer gone? Jariah wondered, striding through the restaurant parking lot. In a few short weeks, Ava would be back in school, and she’d be...
Jariah shuddered to think what she’d do if she still didn’t have a job. Her car needed repairs, and Ava needed back-to-school clothes and supplies. If she didn’t land an accounting position soon she’d have to stop doing all the things she loved—like taking Ava to the amusement park, sponsoring children in need and going for cocktails with her girlfriends.
“Jariah, wait up!”
Searching the parking lot for the face that matched that deep, husky voice, she slowed her pace and narrowed her eyes. And when her gaze landed on Nicco Morretti— looking all kinds of sexy in his fitted blue shirt and jeans, her feet froze to the ground.
Standing there with her heart pounding and her limbs shaking, Jariah decided that it should be a crime for a man to be that good-looking. A sin, actually, because all the thoughts that flooded her brain involved handcuffs, a blindfold and whip cream. The restaurateur oozed an intoxicating blend of masculinity and sensuality, and he moved like a tiger prowling the jungle.
“Good evening, Jariah. It’s great to see you again.”
Nicco stopped, just inches away from her face, and when Jariah got a whiff of his cologne her heart murmured inside her chest. The sexy CEO made her hyperventilate—his gaze was so powerful she felt vulnerable and exposed. Jariah hated the effect Nicco Morretti had on her, and wondered how she could be attracted to a guy who’d hit on anything with a pulse.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” His voice was low, and he appeared apologetic. “Something important came up as I was leaving the office, and I couldn’t get away.”
Jariah didn’t believe his story, not for a second, but she didn’t question him. Why bother? He’d only lie, and besides, it didn’t matter why he was late because she was leaving. Remembering their earlier conversation gave Jariah pause. She forced a sympathetic smile. “What did you want to discuss?”
“Not out here. Let’s head back inside Dolce Vita.”
“I was just leaving.”
He cocked his head to the right. “I see that.”
Jariah detected a hint of anger in his voice, and wondered what that was all about. If anyone should be upset it should be me. You’re thirty minutes late! Confused by his reaction, she looked at him inquiringly.
“I invited you here so we could have a bite, and maybe get something—”
“I’m not hungry,” she interrupted, annoyed by his blasé attitude. “I lost my appetite about thirty minutes ago.”
“Then let me buy you a drink.”
The feel of his hand along her bare shoulder weakened her resolve.
“I feel terrible for showing up late, but something came up that required my immediate attention,” he explained. “I got here as soon as I could.”
His explanation sounded plausible, reasonable even, but Jariah wasn’t moved. Unsure of what to do, she vacillated between going home to her daughter and taking Nicco Morretti up on his offer. This isn’t a date, she told herself, pushing her reservations to the back of her mind. It’s a business meeting and nothing more. I don’t even like the guy. But her tingling, inflamed body suggested otherwise. Her heartbeat roared in her ears, invisible beads of perspiration dotted her forehead and her sleeveless blouse stuck to her skin.
“Come back inside. I promise to make it worth your while.”
To Jariah’s utter disbelief and amazement, the word “yes” flew out of her mouth.
“Right this way.” Nicco gestured to the restaurant with one hand and placed the other on the small of her back. “You look incredible tonight. Even more beautiful than I remember.”
I do? The tips of her ears tingled, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Commanding her legs to move and her hands to quit shaking, Jariah tried not to notice how dreamy Nicco Morretti looked or how delicious he smelled. Even though she was attracted to him, Jariah was determined not to be his next victim.
Tell that to your hot, lust-inflected body! her inner voice jeered. You want Nicco Morretti so bad you can’t even walk straight!
Chapter 4
Nicco was having a hell of a time concentrating, and not just because Jariah Brooks was sitting across from him in his favorite corner booth at Dolce Vita looking like a million bucks. He found her worldly, sophisticated vibe appealing, and although the restaurant was loud and busy, he was having a kick-ass time in her company.
Boisterous conversation filled the restaurant, and all of the young, stylish diners were drinking, dancing and snapping pictures with their cell phones. From his seat, he had a bird’s eye view of the lounge, and chuckled to himself when he spotted his head chef walking around greeting regulars, shaking hands and admonishing the tuxedo-clad waiters.
Like last night, the star power was definitely in abundance at Dolce Vita but to his surprise Jariah didn’t get flustered or giddy when his celebrity friends dropped by their booth. She shook hands with each new arrival, but she seemed far more interested in her meal than chatting up A-list stars.
As Nicco surveyed the crowd, he wondered if he was being watched. Were the jerks who’d vandalized Dolce Vita here tonight? Were they sitting at a table plotting their next move? Or at the bar keeping close tabs on him?
Anger burned inside him, and Nicco gripped his tumbler so hard he feared the glass would shatter into a hundred pieces. The police had given up searching for suspects, so it was up to him to find out who had trashed his restaurant. And he would. No matter the cost.
At the bar, Nicco spotted a slim, bald-headed man wearing dark sunglasses in deep conversation with one of the female bartenders, and he sat up taller, straighter. The stranger resembled his ex-friend and former business partner, Tye Caldwell. Nicco considered going into the lounge to find out for sure, but decided against it. Tye wouldn’t be stupid enough to show his face at Dolce Vita after what happened last summer, would he? Nicco squinted, and peered inconspicuously around the young Asian couple sharing a steamy French kiss. The lights were low, and the lounge was packed, which made it impossible for him to get a good look at the well-dressed man. Thinking about, Tye—someone he’d once considered family—filled his heart with pain. Nicco felt a twinge of deep sadness. First Tye screws me over, and then Gracie. Are there any honest, trustworthy people left in the world? he wondered. If my closest friend and confidant could betray me, then anyone can.
“I’m glad I let you talk me into ordering the vitello. It’s so moist and creamy..
.”
Nicco ditched his thoughts and turned his attention to his lovely dinner companion with the knock-out curves. He was a leg man, but couldn’t resist admiring Jariah’s other impressive physical assets. The twenty-seven-year-old beauty was glowing, radiating an inner light that literally lit up the whole restaurant. She smelled like cherry blossoms, spoke with confidence, and despite her youth, carried herself in a composed, mature way. Her ruffled, orange blouse was eye-catching and showed off her toned arms and a hint of cleavage.
“I’m glad that you’re enjoying your meal,” Nicco said, eying her over the rim of his glass. “If you’d like, I could order you another entrée.”
“No, thank you. I’ve had more than enough food for one evening.”
“Does that mean you’re not having dessert?”
“I can’t. I’m teaching a step-aerobics class in the morning, and if I pig out tonight I won’t be able to keep up with my students.”
Her beauty dazzled him, made him forget everyone else in the room. Nicco didn’t know if it was the wine or the lively atmosphere in the lounge that helped loosen her up, but it was obvious Jariah was in great spirits. While waiting for their entrees to arrive, she’d asked smart, insightful questions about his company, and impressed him with her vast knowledge of the stock market. Jariah spoke with enthusiasm and passion about her volunteering work, and chatted excitedly about the new projects she’d developed at the Miami Food Bank.
“I’d love to discuss your business proposition now,” Jariah said, setting aside her plate.
Clasping her hands together, she looked him straight in the eye, her gaze unwavering and intense. It held him in its powerful grip, refused to let him go, and for the second time that night Nicco hoped he didn’t look as stupid as he felt. “I’d rather hear more about your hobbies and interests,” he said, artfully dodging the question. “What do you do when you’re not teaching fitness classes at Premier Fitness?”
