by Candace Shaw
“I agree. I just want to know a man before I jump into bed with him. I’m not necessarily waiting until marriage, but I want to know he’s the one I’m going to marry or, at the very least, be in a long-term committed, monogamous relationship with.”
“I hear you, Blythe. I wish my brother thought like that. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he’s a wonderful, caring man like our father and my husband. And I know Prez isn’t having sex with all the women he’s dating, but I just want him to settle down with one. A good one who believes in him. He’s getting too old for his player ways. Plus, Mom keeps nagging him that he needs to find a good woman and stop dating gold digging thots. Yes, my mother actually said thots.”
“Oh, my goodness. You know your mom swears she’s our age. But as far as Preston, perhaps he’ll turn over a new leaf. Or maybe he just hasn’t found the one yet.” Not that I’m implying it’s me, because it’s not.
“Yeah... I suppose you’re right.” Tiffani shrugged, biting into her blueberry muffin. “I just want him in a healthy relationship. A lot of women seek him out because of his wealth.”
“Is he dating anyone serious right now?” Blythe probed, trying to keep her tone in the same lighthearted, I-really-don’t-care manner. But she did care. The way he’d kissed her as if she belonged to him had shaken her, and a part of her almost wished it was true.
“Who knows? According to him, he doesn’t have a girlfriend, just female friends. The one he brought to Thanksgiving dinner probably won’t be the one at my Christmas party, and the one at the New Year’s Eve party at Braxton’s club will be someone he met the day before. After a while their faces and names become blurry in my memory, and his, too, more than likely.”
Blythe chuckled. That point just solidified why she definitely could not fall for Preston. So what, he’d kissed her? So what, it was the best first kiss ever? So what, according to him she’d never forget it? He was just being arrogant and overly confident. No, wait. I’m still thinking about it. However, none of that meant they should go further, even if his comment still sounded loud in her ears: “I wasn’t ready for a woman like you. Not then.” Was he implying that now he was ready for a woman like her, or ready for her?
“Well, I’m sure whomever your brother settles down with, she’ll have to be someone special to get the president of the player’s club to fall.”
Standing, Tiffani swiped her cell phone and mug from the coffee table. “Most definitely. Gotta run. I have to bake some sweet treats for an order but just wanted to stop by for our morning chat.”
After Tiffani left, Blythe breathed easy again. She hated not telling her friend what happened. She had always confided in her. Though there really wasn’t anything to tell. It was just one kiss, and nothing was going to progress from it. She didn’t want to be just one of many women Preston had on rotation. And she didn’t want to get Tiffani’s hopes up.
A beep from her cell phone jerked her from her thoughts. Sliding it off the table, she opened it to several pictures of Hope from Preston. Smiling, she scrolled through the pictures, and her heart stopped beating at the last one. It was a selfie of Preston and Hope lying on the floor together. The dog was adorable with her paws up, but her master’s smile was exquisite and sexy as if it was just for her.
“Hey, Blythe.”
Startled, she looked up to see Ms. Bernice walking in and taking her jacket off.
“Sure is chilly this morning, but it’s supposed to warm up this weekend. Taking my granddaughters to see the Christmas decorations at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Sunday.” The older lady paused and eyed Blythe carefully. “Are you okay?” She continued to her desk and placed her coat on the back of her chair before walking back over to the seating area. “Something happened?” she inquired with a concerned expression.
Blythe turned the phone all the way off when she noticed Ms. Bernice straining to see what was on the screen. “No, I’m fine,” she answered, standing. “Just thinking about our busy week, but that’s a good thing. I can pay the bills and your paychecks,” she teased, realizing she was too giddy. That wasn’t her at all. She made an effort to regain her calm.
“How’s the Winter Wonderland project going?”
“So far so good. Going back tomorrow after work.”
Ms. Bernice nodded. “Good. I’m glad you decided to help. I thought you’d be tired today, but you look refreshed and glowing.”
“Well, you know I love volunteering when needed, especially for a good cause. I have an hour before my paint party, so I’m going to head back to my office to finish payroll.”
Blythe scurried off to her office, closed the door and sank into the love seat. She’d finished payroll already, but she had to get away from the conversation before everything that happened last night spilled from her mouth. Ms. Bernice was very observant, and if she said Blythe was glowing then she was. Usually the effects of a first kiss didn’t last this long. In fact, first kisses informed her whether or not there would be a second. Unfortunately, this time there wasn’t going to be a second, even though the kiss said differently. Is it too early for a glass of wine?
* * *
Blythe pulled up to the event venue the next evening, relieved not to see Preston’s Aston Martin or his Range Rover. The skating rink was complete, minus the ice. The spot where the Ferris wheel would reside was roped off. Upon the entering the building, she was greeted by Hope as she charged toward her, wagging her tail affectionately. Stooping down, she rubbed the dog’s head and glanced around for her owner, but they were alone in the lobby. The double doors to the main hall were closed, and Blythe could hear electric saws, hammering and the voices of the men from Devin’s crew. It was five o’clock so they would probably leave soon. Trekking to the doors, she peered through the window of one of the doors and saw Preston chatting with Jonathan Dexter, Supreme Construction’s head builder. Santa’s Village seemed to be complete, and the Christmas trees surrounding it were beautifully decorated in an array of colors. As if he sensed her staring in his direction, Preston turned his head slowly and released a sexy smile that sent a rush of goose bumps along her skin. He motioned for her to come in and mouthed for her to leave Hope in the lobby.
Sighing, Blythe petted the dog once more and hoped that her owner would leave with the rest of the crew. Stepping inside, she was surprised to see all of the progress that had been made in the short time frame that she’d been away.
“Wow! It’s gorgeous. This is definitely Santa’s Village,” she said, trying to keep her eyes off Preston and instead perusing the scenery. Plush red carpet led to a platform where a huge red-and-gold throne sat waiting for Mr. Claus. The mechanical animals and people, Christmas trees and Nativity scene sat on the fake snow, just as she’d sketched out. She walked along the carpet covered with plastic as the men followed behind.
“The sled and the petting area for the reindeer and other live animals will be behind the stage. That’s the only part of the village that isn’t complete,” Jonathan stated. “Well, that and the murals at the entrance, but that’s why you’re here.”
“Exactly.” She turned toward Preston. “I see you’re back in town, Prez.” She was relieved it came out in a regular tone even though on the inside she was filled with jitters as if she’d drunk five cups of strong black coffee with sugar.
“Yep. Hope and I just arrived from New York, and I instructed my driver to bring me straight here. I wanted to see the progress in person. Plus, I wasn’t sure if you needed any help again this evening. I enjoyed painting with you.” His lips formed the last comment, but the wicked twinkle in his eyes said, I enjoyed kissing you.
Blythe was disappointed when Jonathan excused himself and she was left alone with Preston. “Actually, no. I’m staying only a few hours. Just long enough to complete the entrance. Mandi is coming back with me on Sunday to do the ski scene.” That was one big fat lie, but she coul
dn’t have him stay. She was trying her hardest to stay composed.
He nodded as he glanced at her lips and then back at her eyes as if he’d been caught. “Cool. Well, Hope is here if you need her to pose. I wasn’t sure if you’d received the pictures or not. I never heard back.”
“Oh...yeah. I got them and sketched out a cute scene with her and some children having a snowball fight.” She opened her tote bag, withdrew her sketch pad and turned to the page before handing it to him. “Here you go.”
He examined the scenes, nodding his head in a pleased manner. “This looks just like my Hope. I wasn’t sure when I hadn’t heard back from you whether or not you were avoiding me.” He shut the sketch pad and handed it back to her.
Stifling a gulp, she stared up at him and prayed he wouldn’t be able to read into her upcoming lie. “I’m not avoiding you. Why would I?”
“Um...because of what happened between us the other night. The kiss.”
She laughed as if it was no big deal, even though the simple mention of it set her heart ablaze. “Oh, that? I’m fine. Haven’t even thought about it.”
He raised a curious eyebrow as if he didn’t believe her. “Wow...well, I’ve certainly thought about it and you.” He stepped closer, and his eyes darkened. “A lot. That was some kiss, baby girl. I can’t stop thinking about you.”
Releasing a wicked smile, she patted his cheek softly. “Well, I’ve always been told I was a good kisser. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get started with the mural of your precious pup. Talk to you later,” she said in cheery, nonchalant tone and pivoted on her heel to jet back down the red carpet before her face turned scarlet from the heat rising in her cheeks.
While she worked on the mural, Blythe noticed he was still there, strolling the venue with Linda, who seemed to be jotting down notes of things he was pointing out. After a while, the tree decorators returned to finish the trees and hang fresh evergreen garland intertwined with frosted pine cones and silver ornaments around the ceiling. She was grateful that this evening she wouldn’t be alone with Preston. Being so close to him earlier, and the fact that he seemed serious when he said he couldn’t stop thinking about her, had caused her once again to question what the heck was happening between them. She’d managed to keep him at bay for now, but Preston wasn’t the kind of man to let sleeping dogs lie. Eventually he’d either flirt or, worse, kiss her even more profoundly than before so she could never say again she hadn’t thought about the kiss.
Two hours later, she was exhausted and done for the evening. She decided she’d come back in the morning since her first paint party didn’t start until two o’clock. Preston and Linda had disappeared through the entrance doors around an hour ago, and she’d assumed he’d left. She was surprised he hadn’t bid her goodbye, but she figured his male ego was slightly damaged since she’d acted as if their kiss meant nothing to her. The truth was far from it, but she couldn’t get involved with a man like him. She’d left her days of dating the party playboy type in her early twenties. No point in wasting any more of her precious time on relationships that weren’t going anywhere.
The tree decorators were still there when she finished cleaning up and packing her supplies away. She waved goodbye to Jonathan, who was overseeing the assembly of the game stations. Pushing the door to the lobby open, she nearly jumped out of her skin when Hope ran to her, and her eyes caught the gaze of Preston sitting on the couch. He was working on his laptop as the sports channel played in the background. “You’re still here?” Her heart restricted in her chest. Is he waiting for me?
“Yeah, waiting for my driver to return. He dropped us off here from the private airfield and then left to take my luggage to my house, but there’s a bad accident on 285 and he’s stuck in traffic. I’d take a cab or MARTA but they don’t allow dogs. Neither does Uber. I just checked.”
“Oh...” She halted as the words on the tip of her tongue almost spilled out. He lived on her way home, but that would mean she’d be alone with him in her car. That was too close, too soon.
“I’m fine, but Hope hasn’t eaten since we left New York, and it’s past her dinnertime. I hadn’t planned on being here this long.”
“I have some baby carrots in my bag. Can she have those while you wait for your driver to return? Misty ate them all the time.”
“Yes. She eats those and apple slices for treats. Thank you.”
She reached into her tote bag, which contained the fruit and raw veggies she usually snacked on to avoid eating junk food. Sitting on the floor with Hope, she held out her hand with a couple of carrots, and the dog immediately snatched them and chomped them down.
Sighing, Blythe knew she was going to regret her decision later. “Prez, I can take you and Hope home. It’s on my way.” She noticed that Hope had on her car harness vest.
“Thank you for the offer. Let me call and see where my driver is.”
Preston placed the call while she continued feeding Hope carrots, eavesdropping on the conversation at the same time. She kind of hoped the driver was only five minutes away. But she knew that wasn’t the case when she heard Preston say that the driver was at least an hour away. Apparently the direction they would travel in would be smooth sailing. Preston told the driver he had a ride and instructed him to go home to his family.
With that confirmation, Blythe put on a smile and told herself to stay calm and strong. At most, it would be a thirty-minute drive. She’d drop them off at the gate and then head to her own home, where she’d once again have to take a cold shower or paint out her sexual frustrations.
Chapter 5
Once they were on the road, Blythe racked her brain for safe topics to discuss. Luckily, Preston fiddled with his cell phone, and she hoped he would continue to do so all the way to his home. A slew of beeps from the phone had sounded when he’d entered the car. He was smiling quite hard, so perhaps he was gearing up for a hot date that night. The thought sank her heart, and she silently reprimanded herself for caring. That stupid kiss had her thinking crazy, and she needed to stop. The man clearly had other women on his mind. And see, that is the very reason I can never take him seriously.
He shut the phone off and glanced in her direction as they crossed the bridge over the interstate. The other side of 285 was indeed backed up, but the side she prepared to turn onto ran smoothly. If she drove fast enough, she’d have Preston home in twenty minutes instead of thirty. However, they were stuck at the red light, and the silence between them had become uncomfortable, especially since he kept staring at her as if he wanted to say something. Perhaps he was searching for safe topics, as well.
“Hot date tonight?” she asked, breaking the unbearable silence. What happened to the safe topics?
He gave her a sexy grin. “No. Had some offers, of course...but not interested. My focus is elsewhere.”
Her racing pulse settled back to normal. “Oh, well, you were cheesing mighty hard a moment ago,” she teased him.
“I see you were paying attention to me. Mmm-hmm. Interesting. But no, it was one of my business partners I met with in New York.”
“So, how was the trip?” she asked, merging onto the interstate and glad they’d moved on to something else.
“Fantastic. I attended a tech show to introduce the upcoming arcade game models I created for next year.”
“I didn’t know you did those, too.”
“I do it all, baby girl.”
I’ll bet you do. “Mmm...so, I noticed you have vintage games at your home. When I was working with Devin and Sasha on the design plans, I had to fight the urge to go play Ms. Pac-Man. That was my favorite game back in the day, along with Donkey Kong.”
“You could’ve played it. They all work. Linda informed me earlier that a new game I ordered arrived while I was away and is already set up. I’m excited to go home and try it out.”
“What is it?”
“It’s called Cruis’n Exotica. It’s a racing game.”
“Oh, I love those, too. I think that’s how I learned how to drive.”
“Me, too. You should come up and check it out. It needs two drivers. Can’t play alone.”
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. When his voice deepened seductively, goose bumps began to caress her skin. She tapped the steering wheel lightly, hoping to reduce the warmth that radiated over her.
“I’m sure you can. You place the other side on auto. I’m familiar with racing games, Mr. Chase.”
“Mmm...but two people are so much better, beautiful. You don’t want to play with me?
“Prez...” She pressed down a moan in her throat as her insides started to burn again with desire for him. The man was unraveling her with every passing second, and they were only discussing video games. Is no topic safe with him? That kiss wasn’t that damn good, for her to be having these kinds of sensations and withdrawal symptoms. No, wait, she was only fooling herself with that nonsense. That kiss had kept her up at night, trying to memorize every single detail of it. And she had. She remembered the beginning, the middle and the end of it.
“What? I’m not flirting. I’m serious, Blythe.”
“I’ll think about it. What else did you do in New York?” Wait. That topic may not be safe, either. Tiffani did say he had female friends in most of the cities he visited.
“Braxton’s second jazz club finally opened, so I hung out with him and Elle for a bit. Elle had a fashion show for her winter wedding attire collection. I hadn’t planned on going to that, but she insisted. Saw some tuxedos I liked and ended up ordering them.”
“I just love her wedding gowns. They’re gorgeous. I heard they’re expecting. I’m happy for them.”
“Yeah, me, too. I’m glad, considering why they weren’t together for ten years.”
