Exposed

by Naomi Chase

  Cynthia opened her mouth to protest, but he talked right over her.“You knew it would be too obvious if you showed up in a sexy negligee. So you went to the opposite extreme and threw on some old sweats that look like they were dragged out of the back of your closet, completing the ensemble with these Ugly Betty glasses. You figured if you made yourself as unappealing as possible and we still fucked tonight, then you could ease your conscience by telling yourself that you hadn’t seduced me.”A slow, knowing grin crawled across his face.“Does that about sum it up, Counselor?”

  He’d never seen a black woman blush as hard as Cynthia was blushing now. She held his stare for several moments, then covered her face with her hands and groaned. “I hate you, Brandon. I really do.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “Damn, baby girl! That was some serious premeditation on your part. How long have you been planning to seduce me?”

  “Consciously? Only a few hours. I got the idea after dinner.” Uncovering her face, she heaved a resigned breath and eyed him sheepishly. “Believe it or not, though, I originally brought the sweats and eyeglasses on this trip because I anticipated us working long hours together—in our hotel rooms, without the buffer of our colleagues. I figured if I made myself ‘unappealing,’ as you so eloquently put it, then nothing would happen between us.”

  Brandon shook his head slowly. “But it wouldn’t have worked.”

  She stared at him.“Why not?”

  He moved toward her.“Because there’s nothing you could do that would make me not want you, Cynthia.” He laughed softly.“The whole time we’ve been sitting here, all I can think about is how you remind me of a naughty librarian in these glasses. And covering yourself from head to toe only makes me more curious about what’s hiding underneath.”

  Cynthia swallowed visibly. “What are you saying, Brandon?”

  Stopping in front of her, he gently slid the glasses back onto her face.“Let me simplify it for you.”

  He lowered his head and kissed her. She felt and tasted so damn good that he audibly groaned. Deepening the kiss, he sucked on her plump lower lip before snaking his tongue inside her mouth. She moaned with pleasure and wrapped her arms around his neck, but he was already pulling away.

  She made a small sound of protest.“Brandon—”

  “Shhh.” He kissed her forehead, then rubbed his cheek back and forth against her soft hair.“Things are so complicated with me right now, so fucked up. I think Tamia’s been cheating on me, but I haven’t proved it. There are ways I could, but I don’t wanna go that route. Not yet. Truth be told, I probably don’t want to know ’cause I’m afraid of what I might do.”

  He pulled back, framing Cynthia’s face between his hands as he searched her eyes.“I’m really feeling you, sweetheart. Believe that. But as much as I’d love to carry you over to that bed and lose myself inside you for the next two days, I’m man enough to know that two wrongs don’t make a right. And you deserve so much more than a revenge fuck.”

  She smiled regretfully. “Even though it’d probably be the best fuck of my life.”

  Brandon chuckled, gently turning her around and swatting her round ass. “Go on. Get your naughty-looking self out of here before I change my mind.”

  She sighed dramatically.“Well, all right, if you insist.”

  “I must.”

  And then he stood there, head lowered, eyes closed, until he heard the door open. Unable to resist, he cracked one eye open and hazarded a glance.

  Cynthia had removed the glasses and unpinned her hair. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed her dark mane over one shoulder, licked her lips, and smiled coyly.

  “Sure you won’t reconsider?”

  Swallowing a groan, Brandon croaked,“I’m sure.”

  She winked at him.“Just testing.”

  He glowered at her.

  She grinned.

  And then she was gone, leaving a trail of wicked laughter in her wake.

  Chapter 33

  River Oaks.

  Home to Houston’s privileged elite.

  Located halfway between downtown and Uptown, the residential enclave boasted grand seven-figure mansions, perfectly manicured lawns and parks, blooming gardens, upscale shops and restaurants, and an ultra-exclusive country club. Considered one of the wealthiest communities in Texas, River Oaks was such a departure from anything Tamia had ever called home that it might as well have been located on a different planet.

  Brandon’s childhood home was a palatial Mediterranean-style villa with a flagstone driveway shaded by tall oaks and guarded by high iron gates. The estate was set back from the road and situated on at least five densely wooded acres. By the time Tamia and Brandon arrived for the dinner party on Saturday evening, a procession of luxury vehicles lined the drive leading up to the mansion. Tamia had never seen so many Bentleys, Mercedeses, and Rolls-Royces gathered in one place. Speechless, she gaped out the window as Brandon steered his own $490,000 whip to a separate ten-car garage reserved for the family.

  He killed the ignition and glanced over at her.“Ready?”

  She stared at him, suddenly struck by the sheer enormity of this moment. Here she was, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, dating a rich, handsome, successful man whose father could very well become the next governor. It was surreal.

  She gulped a nervous breath. “Actually, I don’t know if I am ready.”

  Brandon smiled gently. “Yes, you are. Stop worrying so much.”

  “Easy for you to say. This is your home, your family. You’re not the one who’s gonna be under a microscope for the next five hours.”

  “Five? Shit, I’m rolling outta here after two.” At her shocked look, he laughed.“Just kidding. My parents would kill me. Relax, baby. You look amazing.”

  Tamia smiled demurely. “Think so?” She knew she did. After much searching and agonizing, she’d selected a glamorous black Versace gown with a halter bodice that revealed a modest amount of cleavage, because she didn’t want to give Brandon’s mother any reason to dismiss her as a hoochie. She’d gone to one of the top stylists in Houston, who’d slicked back her short bob and attached an elegant bun that looked so real, the hair could have grown from her own scalp. Her makeup was professionally done, and the diamonds glittering at her ears, throat, and wrist were a surprise gift from Brandon, who’d already ponied up for the expensive designer dress.

  Tamia looked like a million bucks, but she knew it would take more than a glamorous appearance to win over Brandon’s parents, and that was her sole mission tonight.

  As she and Brandon made their way toward the house, he was greeted warmly by members of his father’s security detail, who were checking IDs at the gate and monitoring the grounds of the estate. The front door was opened by a beaming elderly butler who shook Brandon’s hand and clapped him affectionately on the back before ushering them inside. Tamia’s eyes widened as she took inventory of the grand marble foyer with a two-story ceiling, massive crystal chandelier, and curving dual staircases that swept to the upper level.

  After Brandon made the introductions, the butler winked at Tamia.“I’ve known this young man since he was four. If you ever want a good laugh, I’ve got some stories about his childhood antics that’ll have you hooting into next week.”

  Tamia grinned at him, playfully nudging Brandon. “I just might take you up on that offer.”

  “Please do.”The butler smiled as he escorted them down the marble-floored corridor to a wide, arched doorway.“Enjoy your evening.”

  Brandon and Tamia stepped into an elegant ballroom filled with a Who’s Who of Houston’s ruling elite. The men were decked out in black tuxedoes, while the women showcased a dazzling array of designer originals to rival a red-carpet parade at the Oscars.

  As Tamia surveyed the fashionable crowd, she said wryly to Brandon, “I’m so glad I didn’t listen to you. You woulda had me showing up in a cocktail dress.”

  “God forbid.” Brandon gave a mock shudder that earned him a pl
ayful punch on the arm.

  Laughing, he laced his fingers through hers as they advanced farther into the ballroom. White-gloved waiters wove through the crowd balancing silver trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Music from a live orchestra served as a pleasant backdrop to the buzz of laughter and conversation.

  “Darling!”

  Tamia and Brandon turned to see Gwen Chambers striding purposefully toward them. She was resplendent in a long black Chanel evening gown, the epitome of style and elegance. Even from a distance she had that rare quality that few people possess: presence.

  Reaching them, she warmly embraced Brandon, kissing the air beside his cheek so she wouldn’t smudge her coral lipstick. “I was wondering when you’d get here,” she gently scolded.“Your siblings are the ones who like to arrive fashionably late, not you.”

  Brandon chuckled. “Sorry. It couldn’t be helped. I didn’t leave the office until after five.”

  “On a Saturday.” She tsk-tsked, years removed from her own days as an overworked trial lawyer.

  “Mom, I’d like to introduce you to Tamia.” Brandon drew her gently to his side.“Baby, say hello to my mother.”

  Tamia summoned her most charming smile and slid her hand forward. “Hello, Mrs. Chambers. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  “How do you do?” Gwen clasped her hand, her fingers as cool as her tone. Dark, assessing eyes raked Tamia from head to toe.“What a lovely gown.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Chambers.” Relief washed over Tamia. At least her appearance passed muster.“You have a very beautiful home.”

  “Why, thank you, darling. It’s been in the family for generations.” Gwen smiled smoothly. “Perhaps Brandon can give you a tour after dinner.”

  “I’d like that.” Tamia’s smile widened. “Has anyone ever told you—”

  “That I look like Diahann Carroll?” Gwen laughed gaily.“I hear that all the time, along with jokes about being a judge whose last name is Chambers.”

  “Right. Judge’s chambers.”Tamia laughed, thinking, So far so good.

  Brandon looked amused. “Where’s Dad?” he asked his mother as he glanced around.

  “He’s sequestered in his study with the mayor and the attorney general, if you can believe it.” Gwen tut-tutted, shaking her elegantly coiffed head.“I’m giving them ten more minutes before I break up their little tête-à-tête and insist that he return to the party to mingle with his guests.”

  “Is the governor here?”

  “No, David had a previous engagement, so he couldn’t make it.” Gwen smiled and waved at someone across the room. “It actually worked out better this way. It’s your father’s night, so he shouldn’t have to share the spotlight with anyone—not even the governor.”

  Damn, Tamia mused. This bitch is cutthroat!

  “I need to check on the caterers, make sure everything is right on schedule.” Gwen sighed.“If Brooke were here, I could at least delegate a few tasks to her so I can give our guests my undivided attention.”

  Brandon scoffed. “Yeah, right. You never delegate, Mom. You’re a control freak, and proud of it.”

  “How right you are.” She laughed, gently patting his cheek.“You and Tamia mingle. I’ll rejoin you shortly.”

  As she moved off with purpose, Tamia grinned at Brandon. “Your mom is no joke.”

  “I know. Scary, isn’t she?”

  “Just a tad.”

  Chuckling, Brandon held out his arm to her. “Well, you heard the woman. Let’s mingle.”

  They made their way through the crowd, socializing with a broad spectrum of business, political, and civic luminaries. Brandon was charming and naturally charismatic—a bona fide superstar in his own right. He couldn’t take three steps without someone calling his name, snagging his arm, drawing him into conversation about his partnership and the upcoming trial. Shamelessly latched onto his arm, Tamia fantasized that she was his wife, that this was their dinner party and these were their guests. Brandon was her man, her nigga, and together they would accomplish great things that would sweep them up to the highest echelons of society.

  Tamia was riding high, feeling on top of the world, when her bubble was burst by the sight of Cynthia heading toward them, date in tow.

  Cynthia was stylishly sleek in a sleeveless black evening gown that featured a deep V-neckline and a crisscrossed waist that made her slender hips look fuller and shapelier. Unlike Tamia, and most of the other women in attendance, she wore her hair down, parted deeply off-center and swept over to one side of her face. She looked damn good—and Tamia hated her for it.

  Seeing her frown, Brandon followed the direction of her gaze. When she felt his arm tense beneath her hand, she shot him a questioning glance. But before she could inquire about his strange reaction, Cynthia and her companion reached them.

  “There you are.” Cynthia’s warm smile encompassed Brandon and Tamia, but her words were addressed to him.“I didn’t realize how many partners from the firm would be here. You know I’ve been doing some serious schmoozing.”

  “I bet.” Brandon flashed a lazy smile before his eyes skipped to the light-skinned, tuxedoed man at her side. “You must be Shane.”

  Cynthia laughed.“Sorry! Where are my manners?”

  She quickly made the introductions.

  Tamia smiled at Shane, reminding him that they’d met at the bar that night. As he and Brandon shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, Tamia unconsciously compared the two men. Although Shane was very attractive, he couldn’t hold a candle to Brandon’s dark good looks and the way he rocked the hell out of a tuxedo.

  Cynthia obviously agreed.

  As the foursome struck up a friendly conversation, she couldn’t take her eyes off Brandon—even when he wasn’t the one speaking. Once when he cracked a joke, Cynthia laughed harder than everyone else and casually rested her hand on his arm.

  Tamia’s hackles went up, eyes narrowing with displeasure.

  Catching her lethal glare, Cynthia blushed and quickly dropped her hand.

  They were soon joined by Bernard Chambers, a tall, handsome man with smooth, dark skin and graying temples that made him look distinguished. Exuding an aura of power, wealth, and prestige, he was one of the most visible lieutenant governors in the country, appearing in as many television spots as the governor himself. During their electoral campaign, many Houstonians believed that Bernard should have been at the top of the ticket.

  Once the introductions were out of the way, he graced Tamia with a smooth, polished smile. “Forgive my manners. I’ve been working my way over here to greet you, but I kept getting pulled in different directions. I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”

  “Very much.” Tamia smiled radiantly. “Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Chambers. And congratulations on your campaign launch.”

  “Thank you kindly.” He winked at her.“I trust I can count on your vote.”

  “Absolutely!”

  Bernard chuckled, eyeing her appreciatively. “No wonder my son seems so taken with you.”

  Tamia beamed with pleasure. Now she knew where Brandon got his good looks and charm.

  “Dinner will be served shortly.” Bernard offered his arm to her.“Shall we?”

  “By all means.”As Tamia tucked her arm through the lieutenant governor’s, it was all she could do not to shoot a triumphant look at Cynthia.

  Chapter 34

  She kept a close eye on Miss Thang throughout dinner.

  She had to.

  The bitch was up to no good, and Tamia knew it.

  She’d been dismayed when Cynthia and Shane were escorted to the head table, which was supposed to be reserved for family and special guests. Cynthia was seated right across from Brandon, which Tamia knew was no coincidence. Brandon’s parents adored Cynthia and were probably hoping that she and Brandon would end up together. So it was up to Tamia to open their eyes to a new contender: her.

  She knew the odds were seriously stacked against her. Judging by the way Cynthia�
��s parents were cozying up to Bernard and Gwen at the other end of the table, they were no doubt in favor of a marriage between their daughter and Brandon as well. Tomorrow morning, Bernard would formally announce his candidacy at Joseph Yarbrough’s megachurch in a strategic move to garner widespread support from the black community. So the alliance between the two families had already begun.

  Tamia definitely had her work cut out for her. But she’d come too far to give up now.

  Since she wasn’t seated close enough to Bernard and Gwen to work her charms, she turned her attention to their other offspring, who sat beside her.

  Beau, sexy chocolate like his older brother with a diamond stud twinkling in one ear. And Brooke, who looked like she’d just stepped off the runway in a strapless red Givenchy gown that hugged a bodacious body any woman would envy.

  Tamia struck up a friendly conversation with the two siblings, all the while keeping Cynthia in her peripheral vision. When Bishop Yarbrough opened dinner with a rousing prayer, Tamia cracked one eye open. Brandon and Cynthia were peeking at each other, lips twitching with laughter as they shared some private joke.

  Tamia’s blood pressure accelerated. She had to restrain herself from kicking Brandon under the table.

  After the lavish five-course dinner, several men—including Brandon, his best friend Dre, Beau, and Shane—wandered out to the veranda to smoke cigars and get some fresh air. Tamia seized the opportunity to corner Cynthia near the back of the ballroom.

  “I’m confused about something,” she began coolly.“Maybe you can clear it up for me.”

  Cynthia eyed her cautiously.“Okay.”

  “When I saw you that night at the bar, didn’t you tell me that you never mix business with pleasure? Or did I misunderstand you?”

  Come on, bitch. Lie to me so I can lay your ass out!

  Cynthia hesitated for a moment. “You didn’t misunderstand me. That’s what I said.”

  “Then why is it that every time I turn around, you’re smiling up in Brandon’s face and pushing up on him?”Tamia demanded accusingly. “That’s mighty hypocritical behavior for someone who claims that they don’t sleep around with their colleagues.”