Blue Roses (Reunited Series)

by Sharon C. Cooper

  “Just say when.”

  “So how was the concert?”

  “It was amazing,” Dallas gushed and placed her hand over her heart. “I think I’m in love with Stevie Wonder.”

  “Girl, you and me both,” Skylar agreed.

  Tyler frowned and held out his arms. “Uh, what about me? Don’t I get some love? New dress, some pampering, front row seats and I barely get a thank you.”

  “Aw, I’m sorry,” Dallas said and hobbled into his arms. She reached up to kiss him on the cheek, but he turned his head and the soft kiss landed on his lips. Surprised by his move, but not disappointed she said, “Thank you for the best evening I’ve had in a very long time.” Tyler moved her crutches and pulled her closer.

  Skylar cleared her throat. “Okay. On that note, I’m out here. I’m going to bed.”

  “I thought she’d never leave,” Dallas said, and they both laughed.

  “What am I going to do with you?” Tyler asked. He stared into her upturned face before placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. “These past few days have been fun. Thanks for hanging out with me.”

  “My pleasure. It’s been like old times,” she said, steadying herself. With his large hands around her waist, she took the liberty of wrapping her arms around his neck and caressing the side of his face. He’d been a perfect gentleman all evening and she hated it. It was time she took matters into her own hands. Her speech last week about them being friends worked a little too well. Sure she didn’t want a serious relationship, but a little kissing here and there wouldn’t hurt, would it?

  Her heart hammered against her chest when she stared into his passion-filled eyes. With the way his eyes bore into hers, she wasn’t the only one still affected by the attraction between them. Before she lost her nerve, she grabbed him by the collar and pulled him down until her mouth covered his. His reluctance, at first, surprised her until he began teasing her with his delectable tongue and his expert kiss. Mmm, he tasted delicious. If she weren’t careful, she could get used to this. The way he treated her; the way he caressed her with just a look, and his kisses. Have mercy. Shock waves coursed through her body as their tongues played the mating game. How would she ever be able to leave him and return to her life?

  To her disappointment, Tyler ended the kiss. He swept her up into his strong arms and said, “I’d better take you to your room before you get too carried away.”

  “Me?”

  “Yeah, you.”

  “Okay, so what if I don’t want to go to my room?”

  Tyler lifted an eyebrow with a spark of surprise in his eyes. “Well, where do you want to go, Mrs. Hollister?” He held her as if she were weightless.

  Dallas would never admit it out loud, but she loved it when he called her Mrs. Hollister. If only it were true. If only she could allow herself permission to travel down that road, with a guarantee she wouldn’t get hurt. “That depends. Where are you going?”

  Tyler gave an unstable chuckle. “Girl, don’t play with me, ‘cause right now you’re playing with fire. I only have just so much control and it’s teetering,” he said nipping at her ear. “You have me so turned on I’m about ready to take you right here on this kitchen counter.”

  His expression turned serious. “I’m trying to respect the friend title you’ve given our relationship. So, I can carry you upstairs, to your room, or I can take you to some other part of the house. But wherever I take you, I’m leaving you … alone. So what’s it going to be?”

  Dallas stroked the fine hairs sticking out of the top of his button down shirt. He was right. She was the one who came up with the idea of them keeping their hands and lips to themselves. She needed to behave. Being in the same space with him right now probably wasn’t a good idea, especially after that soul-stirring kiss. She wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be able to abide by her own rules. “I guess you can take me to my room,” she said and rested her head against his muscular chest.

  ****

  “You’ve been grumpy for the past few days. What’s going on?” Skylar asked, finishing up her breakfast of bacon, eggs and hash browns. “You haven’t received any more crazy calls or threatening notes have you?”

  Dallas shook her head no. She moved her scrambled eggs around on her plate as she thought about the last few days. Apparently, she hadn’t done a good job of hiding her funky attitude. It’s all Tyler’s fault. He was avoiding her. Or at least that’s the way it felt. She hadn’t seen much of him since the night of the concert, and that amazing kiss. She couldn’t believe he hadn’t taken advantage of the situation. Just last week he had practically ripped her clothes off. She sighed. It’s not his fault. I need to figure out what I want. Either I maintain my stance or we pick up where we left off six months ago.

  Or maybe it’s time to go home. Everything she felt for him, before their break up, occupied her mind and filled her heart. It had only been a few weeks, and she was falling for him all over again. And the fact he was attending that stupid banquet with Desiree tonight wasn’t helping.

  “Oh, so what, you ain’t talking today? Well, that’s okay, ‘cause I know what your problem is. Desiree Thomas. I knew you’d regret pushing Tyler into the arms of that barracuda.” Skylar walked over to the sink to rinse out her breakfast dish then load it into the dishwasher. “When are you going to admit you care for him?”

  Dallas remained silent. What good would it do to admit her feelings? It wasn’t like she’d act on them. He was too much of a distraction. She hadn’t been sleeping well, and she wasn’t getting her work done, all because of him. He’d sparked a desire in her that she hadn’t felt in months and it was taking some serious control to keep her hands … and her lips to herself. He’d been creeping into her every thought, not to mention her nightly dreams.

  “Hey, ladies. How are my favorite girls doing this morning?” Tyler asked, strolling into the kitchen and over to the coffee pot.

  “I’m fine, but Ms. Sour Puss over there is another story.” Skylar fixed him a plate and handed it to him. “I’m going outside for awhile. Maybe you can figure out what her problem is.” Skylar dried her hands and left her brother and Dallas in the kitchen.

  Tyler carried his plate and cup of coffee over to the table. With one hand on the table and one on the back of Dallas’s chair, he leaned over her. “Are you feeling okay?”

  She nodded. What could she say? Don’t go out with Desiree tonight. I don’t want you with another woman. She knew she was being selfish, but she didn’t care. Tyler was too good for these shallow, superficial, gold digging women. According to Skylar, Desiree only wanted him for his money and his status. Why couldn’t he see that? He deserved someone who could love him the way he deserved to be loved.

  “Dallas?”

  She finally looked at him. And why does he have to be so damn attractive? And, God he smelled good. Urg, she growled within. Men like him didn’t come along often and here she was pushing him away. What’s wrong with me? She screamed internally, but answered him calmly. “I’m cool, just a lot on my mind.”

  Tyler took his seat and bit into his bacon. “You’ve been kind of quiet for the last couple of days. Is something bothering you?”

  “I’m ready to go home,” she blurted out. If she left, she wouldn’t have to watch loser women vying for his attention. “I’ve been here long enough. Though you’ve been absolutely wonderful, it’s time for me to go.”

  Not daunted by her announcement Tyler shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said, his voice calm, his gaze steady. He wiped his hands and mouth with a napkin. “Until we find out who’s threatening you and why, I’ll feel better if you were here.”

  “But there haven’t been any threats or any word from the police lately, maybe this has all been a big misunderstanding.”

  He looked at her doubtful but said, “Maybe, but let’s be on the safe side and give it some time. I know being cooped up isn’t helping, but I think you should give yourself a little more time to heal.
Hopefully in a couple of weeks, they’ll be able to take the cast off and put you in a boot. At least then I’ll feel a little better about you being by yourself in Chicago.”

  Dallas hated when he was right. Yes, she was getting around better, but pain still gripped her with certain moves, and the stairs were still her enemy. Hopefully, at her next doctor’s appointment they’d give her a clean bill of health and send her on her way. Until then, she’d wait it out. “Maybe you’re right.”

  “I’m glad you agree. You’ll be back on your feet soon.”

  “What’s up my people,” Quinn greeted as he walked into the kitchen. “Did y’all know the garage door was up?”

  Tyler cursed under his breath and leaped from his chair. “I told Skylar about that. I don’t want just anybody walkin’ up in here.” He looked pointedly at Quinn, passing him to go and close the garage.

  Quinn smirked at his friend. “Man, forget you. So what’s going on Ms. Dallas? You’re looking beautiful as usual.” He rinsed his hands in the sink, grabbed a plate, and then piled it with food.

  “Thank you.” She’d always liked Quinn. He appeared care-free and laid back, but there was a dangerous, sexy quality about him. It was no wonder women flocked to him like a magnet.

  Tyler walked back over to the table and picked up his empty plate. “You finished?” he asked Dallas.

  “Yes. I guess I wasn’t very hungry.” She handed him her plate, still filled with food.

  He bent closer to her and spoke only loud enough for her to hear him. “If something else is bothering you, I hope you’d tell me. Quinn and I were headed to a meeting, but I can stick around awhile longer if you need me.”

  She sighed and met his intense gaze, their lips only inches apart. “Everything’s fine. I’m just a little tired.”

  “Why don’t you go and get some rest? If you don’t want to go upstairs, you can always camp out in the family room or even the office. The sofa in there is pretty comfortable.”

  “Yeah, I might do that. My laptop and work files are still in there from yesterday, so maybe I’ll work awhile and then take a nap.”

  ****

  “Dallas, sweetie, wake up,” Tyler shook her. “I didn’t want to leave without letting you know. Do you need anything before I go?”

  She lifted her heavy lids and focused in on the amazing sight standing before her. Tyler in a tuxedo. Her gaze roved over his neat appearance and admiringly assessed him. From his freshly cut hair, to the shawl collared tux that fit perfectly over his broad shoulders and muscular chest, down to his shiny wingtips. The brother looked incredibly sexy. God, please don’t let me attack this man and totally embarrass myself.

  Tyler grinned. “By your appraisal, I’d say I did okay dressing myself.”

  Dallas rose into a sitting position and looked him over again. “I’d say you did better than okay. You look good.” Her voice filled with passion. For the first time since the accident, she was thankful for the heavy cast on her leg, otherwise, she would’ve jumped into his arms and covered his full sexy lips with her own.

  “Thank you,” he bowed slightly. “I’m getting ready to leave. Do you want me to carry you upstairs?”

  Dallas shook her head. “No, that’s okay. Since I slept most of the afternoon, I for real have to get some work done now. I’ll be all right down here.”

  Tyler frowned. “Are you sure? I probably won’t be home until late.”

  Her heart ached with the thought of knowing he’d be with another woman tonight. “Positive. If worse comes to worse, I can lie down here,” she said, patting the sofa. “You were right, it is comfortable.”

  The shrill of the doorbell interrupted them. “Are you expecting someone?”

  “No.” Dallas snapped her fingers. “Oh, shoot. I forgot about Harmony. She was supposed to be here earlier, and as usual she’s late. She wants to borrow some money from me.” Dallas rubbed her forehead. “I forgot about her.”

  “Okay, I’ll let her in. Be right back.”

  Moments later Dallas’s sister walked into the room. “What is this place, a mansion or something?” she asked, looking around the massive office. The shady-looking man with her walked around the space as if he was casing the place.

  “Hello to you too,” Dallas said dryly. “Who’s your friend?” She gestured her head towards the tall, dangerous looking guy, now standing near Tyler’s album collection. He looked oddly familiar, but she couldn’t place him.

  “Oh, that’s my man, Jerome.” Harmony popped her gum and continued her surveillance of the room. “I woulda came earlier, but he didn’t get back from Chicago until late. Then he had to get his car detailed.”

  Dallas studied her sister. For as long as she could remember, Harmony had been slim, but tonight she looked thinner than usual in her pink halter top and skinny jeans. She was beautiful enough to be on the cover of any national magazine, but Harmony had never been one to pursue a worthwhile career.

  Dallas attempted to stand and Tyler walked over to assist her. She held onto the hand he extended and pulled him closer. “It’s okay if you need to leave,” she whispered.

  Tyler placed an arm around her waist and spoke close to her ear. “There is no way I’m leaving you with these people. Especially in my house. I can wait.”

  “So who is this?” her sister asked, motioning toward Tyler who had his eyes glued on Jerome. “Daddy Warbucks or something?” She looped her arm through her boyfriend’s and walked over to where Tyler and Dallas stood.

  Dallas ignored the question. When she and Tyler were dating, she made it a point to keep him away from her blood sucking family. Her mouth tightened into a frown as Harmony’s boyfriend looked at Dallas with longing in his dark, beady eyes. It was disrespectful to her sister, as well as Tyler. Where Harmony found these characters was a mystery to her. To be such a smart girl, she seemed to always end up with the scum of the earth.

  “Here, let me get your package so you can leave,” Dallas said in a chilly tone. She grabbed her crutches and walked over to the desk. After digging through her bag, she pulled out a white envelope. “Here, and in the future, if this is the only reason you’re going to contact me, don’t bother. This is my last donation to the Harmony Cole fund.” She looked at Tyler. “Will you show them out?” Seeing Harmony reminded her of how dysfunctional her family was growing up.

  “Oh, so it’s like that.” Her sister popped her gum and narrowed her eyes at Dallas. “I don’t only come to you for money. The last time I was in Chi Town I tried hooking up with you, but you were too busy working. But nah, you don’t remember stuff like that. Come on, Jerome, let’s go.” She shoved the envelope in her pocket and grabbed her boyfriend by the arm.

  “Nice place you have here,” the boyfriend finally said to Tyler, his voice low and raspy. “Me and my girl gotta come back and visit one day when we have more time.” He grinned, showing several gold teeth.

  Tyler looked at him, his eyes dark and unfathomable. “That probably won’t be a good idea.” He stretched out his arm, gesturing them to the door.

  Minutes later, Tyler re-entered the room shaking his head. “So that’s Harmony?”

  “In the flesh.” Dallas sat at the desk. “Now you know why I was never in a hurry to introduce you to her. The girl attracts thugs like honey attracts bees. It drives me nuts. She has too much sense to be hooking up with knuckleheads like him.” Dallas allowed her eyes to roam the length of Tyler’s body before saying, “Thanks for staying. I hope I didn’t put you behind schedule.”

  Tyler sat on the edge of the desk and peeked at his watch. “Nah, I’m cool. But I probably should head out soon, unless of course you want me to stay here and keep you company.”

  He reached out and moved some hair away from her face, then let the back of his hand trail down her cheek. Dallas closed her eyes and leaned into his gentle touch. She hated to see him leave, but had to face the fact that he’d be hers, if only she’d given them a chance. Opening her eyes, she moved away from
his touch and glanced up at him. “Enjoy your evening,” she murmured.

  He stood, walked to the door and turned to face her. “Skylar’s upstairs, but if you need anything, you know how to reach me.”

  Chapter Ten

  Hours later, Tyler pulled into his garage, and entered the house through the kitchen. He tossed his keys on top of the refrigerator, and shook out of his suit jacket. He should’ve known he wouldn’t have been able to stand Desiree for the whole evening.

  “Hey. You’re home early,” Dallas said as she hobbled in and leaned on the doorframe for support. “How was it?”

  “It was all right.” He reached into the refrigerator for water. “Can I get you anything? I’m about to cut a slice of pie.”

  “That sounds good. Can you also grab the milk?” She sat at the kitchen table while he prepared their snack.

  “How was your night?”

  “It was okay. I didn’t get as much work done as I would’ve liked, but at least I made some progress. So tell me about the banquet.”

  “Nothing to tell.” He took the seat closest to her. “Picked up Desiree, took her to the banquet, hung out for a minute, then left. End of story.”

  “What’s with the attitude and why are you really back so soon?” She glanced at the clock on the microwave. “It’s barely eight-thirty.” She took a bite of her pie, and her eyes rolled as she savored Skylar’s handiwork.

  “Tired, so I left early.”

  No need in telling her what really happened. It wasn’t one of his proudest moments, especially the way he’d abandoned Desiree at the event. He knew before going out with her that she wanted more from him. She’d been after him for years, but he really thought he could escort her to the banquet with no drama. She clearly had other things on her mind.

  With her fork midair, Dallas’s eyebrows shot up. “You were tired? You have more energy than anyone I know. And rumor has it you were out with a very beautiful woman. So forgive me if I don’t believe you.” She took another bite and grabbed her milk. “What? Did she try to jump your bones or something?”