Exposed

by Naomi Chase

  Chapter 16

  “What took you so long?” were the first words out of Brandon’s mouth when he opened the door ninety minutes later.

  Tamia held up an overnight bag.“Stopped home first and packed a change of clothes. Just in case your alarm clock decides to go on strike during the night.”

  Brandon chuckled, taking the bag from her and closing the door. “It didn’t go on strike. The power went out that night, which means my clock is absolved of any and all blame.”

  Tamia laughed.“A defense attorney to the end.”

  “Damn straight.” He swatted her playfully on the ass before heading down the hall to deposit her bag in the master bedroom.

  While he was gone, Tamia toed off her sandals and padded into the kitchen in search of liquor. She was still shaken up by how close she’d come to getting caught tonight. She needed a glass of wine to help calm her frayed nerves.

  She’d just removed a bottle of merlot from the refrigerator and set it on the center island when Brandon appeared. He pulled her close and kissed her, his tongue tracing her lips before dipping inside her mouth. She moaned, curving her arms around his neck. One thing that definitely hadn’t changed was the power of Brandon’s kisses to melt her insides.

  “If you’re spending the night,” he murmured, nibbling her full lower lip,“does this mean you’ve forgiven me?”

  “Hmm.” She pulled away reluctantly.“That depends.”

  “On what?”

  “On what I’m forgiving you for.” She eyed him warily.

  Brandon frowned.“It’s not what you think.”

  Tamia arched a brow.“So you’re not about to make a confession regarding Cynthia?”

  “Sorta,” he hedged, turning to retrieve two wineglasses from the cabinet, “but it’s not the kind of confession you’re thinking about. I’m not sleeping with her, baby. I respect her tremendously as an attorney and, yes, we’ve become good friends over the past two years. But I’m not attracted to her. When I told you there was nothing going on between us, I meant every word.”

  Tamia considered him for a moment. He looked and sounded so sincere, there was no doubt in her mind that he was telling the truth. Which was more than she could claim.

  She smiled at him.“I believe you.”

  He grinned, relieved.“Good.”

  She watched as he uncorked the bottle of merlot and filled their wineglasses, then handed one to her. She took a long sip, savoring the smooth, rich flavor in her mouth before swallowing.

  “So … what’s your confession?”

  Brandon grimaced, staring into the twinkling ruby contents of his glass. “About a month after you and I started dating, I took Cynthia to the governor’s state dinner.”

  Tamia’s eyes narrowed.“You did what?”

  He winced at her sharp tone. “Months before you and I met, I invited Cynthia to the dinner with me. My parents always expect me and my siblings to attend so they can show us off and brag about our accomplishments. I didn’t want to go alone this time because I knew my mother and her friends would spend the entire night trying to find a wife for me. So I asked Cynthia to be my date, strictly to keep my mom and the other matchmakers off my damn back. She was kind enough to agree. She canceled a previous engagement, even went out and blew a small fortune on an evening gown. Once you and I started dating, I couldn’t bring myself to tell Cynthia, ‘Thanks, but your services are no longer needed.’ Not after she’d rearranged her schedule to go with me.”

  “And you think she’s not interested in you,” Tamia muttered into her glass. “Ha.”

  Brandon deliberately ignored her. “Last week you asked me whether she’d ever met my parents, but you didn’t give me a chance to explain the circumstances. So there you have it.”

  “Let me guess,”Tamia said sullenly.“They absolutely adored Cynthia.”

  Brandon hesitated, then nodded reluctantly and took a gulp of wine.

  Tamia’s lips twisted with displeasure.“So now your parents think you and Cynthia are dating.”

  “No.” His tone was emphatic. “I’ve made it clear to them that we’re just colleagues. Nothing more.”

  “It doesn’t matter. If she made such a positive impression on them, they’re going to keep hounding you about her, hoping your answer will eventually change. And from now on, every woman you introduce to them will be compared to Cynthia and found lacking.” Dejected, Tamia downed the rest of her wine, set the empty glass on the counter with a sharp clink, then stalked out of the kitchen.

  Brandon followed her into the sunken living room, which featured rich earth tones, sleek Italian furniture, hardwood floors, and original artwork that vividly captured a kaleidoscope of subjects. A wall of picture windows revealed spectacular views of downtown Houston, best enjoyed from the private terrace situated off the living room. Tamia loved Brandon’s condo and often fantasized about living there with him. But at the rate she was going, Cynthia would be taking up residence before she did.

  Heaving a deep sigh of frustration, she turned from the windows.“It’s getting late. I think I’ll just—”

  “Close your eyes and hold out your hand,” Brandon instructed her.

  Tamia gave him a puzzled look.“Why?”

  “Just do it.”

  When she complied, he dropped a small metal object into her palm.

  Her eyes flew open. “Oh my God! Is this what I think it is?”

  Brandon smiled. “Only if you think it’s a key to my condo.”

  “Oh, baby!” Elated, Tamia threw her arms around his neck. It wasn’t a diamond engagement ring, but it was definitely a step in the right direction. A huge step.

  Brandon kissed her forehead.“I’ve been planning to give it to you for almost two weeks now, but one thing after another kept coming up. I think this is the most time we’ve spent together since we had dinner at Vic and Anthony’s.”

  “I know.” Tamia grinned, shoving aside the reminder of how and why that particular evening had been cut short.“You know, when you told me that Dre and Leah were moving in together, I wondered whether you’d get—”

  “Inspired?” Brandon chuckled wryly. “Yeah, it went through my mind to ask you to move in with me, but honestly, I don’t think we’re ready to take such a big leap. Even Dre and Leah waited three years before … What’s wrong, baby?”

  Tamia was frowning at him.“I don’t understand. I thought you were asking me to move in with you.”

  “You did?” Brandon looked surprised, then painfully em-barrassed.“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression . I just thought it’d be nice if we took the next step in our relationship and exchanged keys. For instance, if I’d had a key to your house tonight, I could have just waited inside for you.”

  Tamia stared at him. This was his idea of taking their relationship to the next level? Swapping keys? At this rate, they’d be senior citizens before he proposed to her!

  “I’m sorry,” he said sheepishly.

  She waved off the apology.“You don’t have to keep saying that. You’re right. It’s a great idea for us to have access to each other’s homes.” Not that she had any intention of giving him a key to Shanell’s house!

  “Hey, you never know,” Brandon said cheerfully.“One day we’re leaving toothbrushes at each other’s cribs, the next day we’re roommates.”

  Tamia forced a jaunty smile.“You never know.”

  An awkward moment passed.

  “It’s been a long day,”Tamia blurted abruptly. “I think I’ll hit the sack now.”

  Brandon nodded. “I’m gonna finish up some paperwork, then take a shower.” He winked at her.“You’re more than welcome to join me.”

  Her mind flashed on an image of the steamy, decadent shower she and Dominic had shared, and she blushed.“Maybe next time, baby. I’m exhausted.”

  As she started toward the bedroom, Brandon said,“Tamia.”

  She turned back.“Hmm?”

  His expression was earnest. �
��I know you’re disappointed, and I’m really sorry about that. But I want you to know how much you mean to me. At the risk of sounding like some corny Hallmark card, your face is the first thing on my mind when I wake up every morning, and the last thing I see before I go to bed every night.”

  “Oh, baby.” Tamia gave him a gentle smile, sincerely touched by his words.

  “I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what you said the other night,” he continued. “I can’t believe you’d think, even for a second, that I’m only interested in you for sex. Nothing could be further from the truth. So just to prove it to you, I’ve decided to keep my hands to myself unless you say otherwise.”

  She stared at him in surprise. “Excuse me?”

  He exhaled a deep breath, as if to shore up his resolve.“I’m not going to initiate anything between us unless you want me to. As much as I enjoy making love to you—and as much as I’ve missed doing so these past two weeks—I want to prove to you that there’s more to our relationship than good sex.”

  Tamia arched a brow.“Good?”

  He groaned.“Amazing.”

  “That’s better,” she said with a laugh.

  He grinned. “So here’s what I’m saying,” he continued, spreading his hands wide.“If you want me, you’re gonna have to make the first move.”

  Tamia cocked her head to one side, lips pursed as she silently assessed him, pondering his proposal. After a few moments she nodded.“Okay.”

  Brandon looked surprised.“Okay? You’re on board?”

  “Sure. You’re trying to prove a point, so I should let you. Right?”

  “Right.” But his voice lacked conviction.

  Smothering a smile, Tamia said appreciatively,“What you’re offering to do is incredibly unselfish, putting my needs and concerns above your own. Not many guys would make such a sacrifice. I’m a very lucky woman.”

  Brandon grinned at her, reminding her of a puppy hoping for a treat after performing a neat trick.

  She smiled at the thought. “Well, I’m off to bed. Good night, baby.”

  His grin faltered.“Good night,” he said halfheartedly.

  Tamia made her way to the bedroom, secretly grateful for the reprieve she’d just been granted. After spending half the day in bed with Dominic, she was too worn out to even think about giving up any more pussy.

  Chapter 17

  The downtown skyscraper that housed the blue-chip law firm of Chernoff, Dewitt & Strathmore also boasted a four-star restaurant aptly named Stogie’s. Its elegant decor harkened back to the days of gentlemen’s cigar clubs, complete with mahogany-paneled walls, sumptuous leather booths, dim lighting, a fireplace surrounded by plush lounge chairs, and a large bar stocked with an impressive selection of cognacs, bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. It was a classy establishment, an ideal spot for entertaining clients and decompressing after a long, stressful day.

  Every time Brandon ventured into Stogie’s, he felt as if he were entering an exclusive boys’ club, the doors of which would have been closed to him fifty years ago. But he’d earned his membership card by virtue of being a rising star at the firm and belonging to one of Houston’s most prominent political families. Everyone at Stogie’s knew Brandon by name. When-ever he arrived he was greeted ceremoniously, ushered to his favorite corner booth, and presented with his humidor. The VIP treatment made him feel like some don in a Scorsese film.

  Unable to concentrate on work that Friday afternoon, he’d grabbed some files and headed downstairs to Stogie’s. But the change of scenery hadn’t helped. Instead of his mind racing with defenses and strategies, all he could think about was sex. Or rather, the lack of sex he’d been getting lately. It had been nineteen days since he and Tamia made love. He knew, because he’d started counting off the days on his calendar like a prisoner marking time.

  Tamia had recently landed a major account at work, which required her to put in longer hours at the office. Between her busy schedule and his, they’d become the proverbial ships passing in the night. Brandon didn’t know how much longer he, and his neglected libido, could hold out for some attention.

  “How did I know I’d find you here?”

  Brandon’s head came up. Cynthia stood at his table, her lips curved in a lazy grin that coaxed an answering one out of him.

  “Hey there,” he said warmly.

  “Hey yourself.”

  “How’d it go in court today?”

  She sighed contentedly. “Wonderful. I’ve got those jurors eating out of the palm of my hand.”

  Brandon could believe it. She looked beautiful and feminine in a two-piece power suit that flattered her slender figure and showed off a killer pair of calves that he—and every other man at the firm—had probably ogled at one point or another. She’d let her hair down today. The sleek, smooth strands gently caressed her face and shoulders.

  “Brandon?”

  Hearing the faint amusement in her voice, he realized that he’d been staring at her, completely missing the question she’d asked.

  “Sorry.” His expression was sheepish.“What’d you say?”

  “I asked if you wanted some company.” She gestured to the files spread across the table.“That is, if you’re ready for a mental break.”

  “Absolutely.”

  As he gathered his paperwork to make room for her, she peeled off her suit jacket and draped it over the back of the booth. The ivory blouse she wore was made of crushed silk that looked incredibly soft to the touch. Like her brown skin.

  As she sank into the plush leather seat across from him, she laughed.“Why do we do that?”

  “Do what?” Brandon felt strangely disoriented.

  “Why do we volunteer to give each other ‘mental breaks’? It’s as if I’m saying that a conversation with me will provide no mental stimulation whatsoever.”

  Brandon chuckled.“I’ve never thought of it that way.”

  “And now you have. See? Thirty seconds into the conversation, and I’ve already made you think.”

  They grinned at each other.

  When a waiter came over to take Cynthia’s order, she requested the girliest drink imaginable—some sweet, shaken cocktail made with pineapple, raspberry, and a pinch of vodka. “Oooh, and can you ask the bartender to put one of those cute umbrellas in it?” she gushed, batting her eyelashes. “I just love those.”

  The waiter grimaced.“I’ll see what I can do.”

  As he moved off reluctantly, Cynthia winked at Brandon, who burst out laughing.

  “And you wonder why women were once banned from the premises,” he told her.

  She grinned wickedly.

  Stogie’s was the epitome of a man cave, a den of masculinity where testosterone hung over the air as thick and palpable as cigar smoke. While most of the firm’s female attorneys preferred to dine at the trendy, gender-neutral café across the lobby, Cynthia never shied away from Stogie’s. She’d been known to squeeze into a booth with a group of her male colleagues and knock back as many whiskey shots as the rest of them. She’d grown up with four brothers, so being one of the boys was second nature to her.

  When her drink arrived, she smiled sweetly and thanked the waiter. As soon as he’d departed, she plucked the fuchsia umbrella out of her glass and tossed it onto the table in disgust. “I didn’t think they’d actually have those.”

  Brandon grinned.“Neither did I. I’m shocked.”

  After sampling the frothy cocktail, Cynthia made a face and shuddered.“God, that’s sweet. Ugh.”

  “What is it anyway?”

  She shrugged. “Just something I made up.” She took another sip, grimaced, then eyed the neat scotch Brandon had been nursing.

  He chuckled, moving his glass out of reach.“Uh-uh. That’s what you get for playing around.”

  She poked her tongue out at him, and he laughed.

  After another moment, Cynthia ventured carefully,“We’ve both been so busy over the past week that I haven’t had a chance to apologize for causing
an argument between you and Tamia.”

  Brandon sipped his drink.“You don’t have to apologize. It wasn’t your fault.”

  “Actually, it was. If I hadn’t gone into your office to show you that hilarious deposition transcript, Tamia wouldn’t have walked in on us and gotten the wrong impression.” Her lips curved ruefully. “She thinks I’m trying to seduce you, doesn’t she?”

  Brandon smiled grimly.“Something like that.”

  Cynthia sighed. “I guess I can’t really blame her for being paranoid. You’re a great catch, Brandon. Rich, smart, successful. Sexy as hell. Any woman would be lucky to have you.” She paused.“Well, maybe not that lucky.”

  Brandon choked out a laugh. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”

  “Too late, woman. You already put it out there. Now explain what you meant.”

  “Well …” She bit her lower lip, looking abashed. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Brandon, but you and your parents are a package deal … and I’m not so sure that’s a good thing.”

  He stared at her.“What are you saying? You got a problem with my parents?”

  “No,” she hedged, trying to be tactful.“It’s just that they’re kind of … what’s the word I’m looking for?”

  “Bougie?” Brandon offered.

  She snapped her fingers.“Yes!”

  They looked at each other, then erupted into laughter.

  A few minutes later, wiping tears of mirth from the corners of his eyes, Brandon grinned and shook his head at Cynthia. “Damn, girl, why you gotta be dissing my folks like that? And after all the nice things they said about you, too.”

  She grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, B. I feel really bad about that. And don’t get me wrong. I know they’re wonderful peo-ple. They serve on a bunch of civic and charitable boards, and they do great things for the community. But they’re just so damn snooty. No offense.”

  “None taken,” Brandon drawled, amused. “Believe me, I know how overbearing my parents can be. I tell them so all the time, but”—he shrugged—“they are who they are.”