by Donna Hill
Choice eyed Trey from behind, taking in his broad, strong back and tight, round butt. “Starved.”
Trey stopped and turned around to catch Choice’s eye. She quickly averted them to the containers of food, but Trey had gotten the message anyway. He placed the large drinks of Thai tea on the table and enveloped Choice in his arms. “I’m hungry too,” he said, before crushing his lips against Choice’s in a ravenous kiss. She gasped, and Trey immediately took advantage of the opening. He swept his tongue into her mouth, swirling it around seductively until he had found her tongue. The dance began again, even more fervent than when it had started just a little over forty-eight hours ago, fifty-five floors above ground. Choice felt like she couldn’t think or breathe. She was drowning in passion, almost choking on a desire so strong it scared her. She’d just met this man, barely knew him, but had an aching desire to become totally his in every way. Warning bells went off in her head, but she ignored them. All she wanted was Trey, all of him. Here. Now. Forever.
Trey pressed his hardened shaft against Choice’s stomach. His hands slid from her waist and cupped her luscious booty. He wanted to be inside her, pounding away, claiming her territory as his own. He felt that once he started making love to her, it would go on forever. But when it happened, his logical mind reasoned, it wouldn’t be in her studio on the break room floor. She deserved better than that. She deserved everything that he could give her. As much as he wanted to do otherwise, Trey abruptly broke off the kiss and stepped back. “I’m sorry,” he said, breathing heavily. “I almost got carried away.”
Choice fought to catch her breath as well. “I almost wanted you to.”
Trey looked deeply into Choice’s eyes. “Baby, there’s nothing I want to do more than to make love to you, nice and slow, and for a long, long time. But . . . I don’t know. You’re different than the other women I’ve been with. It feels more special with you. So when we take this to the next level, I want to do it right.”
Choice, having regained her breath and her composure, stepped to the table and began opening the containers. “What exactly is this,” she asked, “and what next level are you talking about?”
Trey pulled two paper plates from a separate sack, along with forks and napkins. “I guess that’s what we need to talk about. “So,” he began, after taking a hearty bite of his Pad Thai chicken, “what’s up with you and Remington?”
Choice knew that the question was coming. Trey had hinted about her and Remington’s possible connection the night before. Might as well get it out of the way. “We used to date,” she answered simply.
Trey took a moment to let this news digest. The noodles had gone down easier. “For how long, and how long ago?”
“For about three months, nine months ago.” Choice took a bite of her Kung Ping shrimp, savored the taste of the chili lime garlic sauce. “It was inevitable, really. I’ve known Rem my whole life, though he’s been married throughout much of my adulthood.”
“Remington is married?”
“Past tense, he divorced about five years ago. He was married ten years and has an eight-year-old daughter.”
“Why didn’t you two hook up after his divorce?”
“He wanted to, but I was in a relationship. When that ended, I took a break from dating, needed to get me back, you know? Remington and I talked a lot during this time, as friends. Then finally, I agreed to give him and me a try. He’s a good man, and we’ll always love each other, but romantically, he’s not the man for me.”
“Does he know that?”
“He’s having a hard time believing anyone can say no to the great Remington Black.”
“What about your father?”
Choice’s face was a puzzle. “What about him?”
“How does he feel about the fact that you and Remington aren’t together?”
Choice sighed. “Sometimes it takes a while for parents to understand that their children have minds of their own and lives to live based on their own decisions. I’m constantly reminding them that I’m my own person.”
“Like your being here instead of at McKinley Black.”
“While defiance may have played a role initially, I’d like to believe that my love of clothes is the biggest reason I’m here. But maybe, somewhere deep inside, I just didn’t want the pressure of my father’s legacy on my shoulders. Thankfully, Remington’s are big enough to carry the mantle for both of our fathers.”
Trey didn’t like Choice commenting on Remington’s broad shoulders and tried switching the subject. But Choice wasn’t about to let him off so easy. “Before we talk about the ongoing heat wave, there’s something I’d like to know.”
“What’s that?”
“Why isn’t there a special lady in your life?”
“I have other priorities right now.”
“Has there ever been anyone special?”
Trey’s countenance grew serious. “Everyone has a past, Choice. I don’t like to talk about mine.”
Whoa, what’s with the attitude? Choice knew she’d hit a sensitive spot but couldn’t back off. Not just yet. They were both way past grown, had both had relationships. So what’s up with the secrecy? “Why? I’ve told you about Remington and that there was someone before him. Have you ever been married or in a serious relationship?”
“Yes, I have. But the present is all you need to worry about, and like I said, there’s no one special in my life right now.” This time when Trey switched subjects, Choice went along. They finished their dinner, and then Choice stood and began placing their empty containers in the trash. “Thanks for dinner, Trey, but I’ve got to get back to work.”
“Work? It’s eight thirty. I was hoping we could go out and catch a jam session, maybe go to Harlem.”
“That sounds great, really, but I’ve got too much to do. I’m launching a men’s line this year and . . . hey!” Choice stood back, looked at Trey with a critical eye. “Turn around,” she commanded, suddenly the designer checking out a potential model for her clothes. She ran her hands across shoulders that were even broader than Remington’s, ran her hands down his back and clenched his waist. “How tall are you?” she asked, turning Trey back around to face her and holding his arms out from his sides.
“Six-three, why?”
“Because I think you’d make a terrific Chai Guy and would make my clothes look good on the runway.”
“You want me to model?”
Choice nodded.
“No, baby girl, that’s not my thing.”
“I know. But it’s my thing. It’s super easy and you’d be great. Would you think about doing it for me?” Choice fixed her face with a pseudo-pout and batted her eyes.
“What do I get out of it?” Trey’s eyes darkened as they roamed Choice’s body.
“A suit?” Choice eked out.
Trey shook his head. “Uh-uh, I have enough clothes.”
“Umm, a day at the spa?”
Trey took two steps and was face-to-face with Choice. “No, that incentive doesn’t excite me.”
“Well, what would excite you?” Choice asked, her nana tingling in anticipation of his answer.
Trey tweaked her nipple through the soft cotton fabric of her tee, even as he placed his mouth close to her ear. “A night with you.”
Choice swallowed hard and resisted the urge to tear off her top and bury Trey’s head between her breasts. “I’ll think about it,” she whispered, relishing Trey’s tongue as it traced her earlobe before he placed nibbling kisses down the side of her face to her neck.
“You do that,” Trey replied, and then once again buried his tongue in Choice’s wet mouth while dreaming about burying it elsewhere.
Chapter 10
There was pep in Trey’s steps as he walked down the halls of McKinley Black on the way to his office. The weekend had brought with it blessedly cooler temperatures, and not only that, his former college buddy and current tennis partner, Josh Meyers, had given him excellent news when they’d met on the court
. His dad’s firm had checked out MB and was going to be calling this week to set up a meeting. Solomon Meyers was a fifth-generation Jew whose grandparents had fled their beloved Poland during the Hitler era and arrived on Ellis Island in 1944. He’d landed in the banking business before expanding to real estate, while his brother had taken a more nefarious route, making millions in Vegas and Atlantic City before venturing into politics. Now a family to be reckoned with, their children wanted for nothing. Josh was privileged, but he wasn’t spoiled. He and Trey had met during their freshman year and hit it off right away. It was a connection that would continue to pay off for the rest of Trey’s life.
And not only that, but Trey was in love. He wasn’t ready to voice these words aloud, could barely believe it himself. Before meeting Choice McKinley, he would have said he didn’t believe in love at first sight. But ever since meeting her, he’d thought of no one else. He’d only been in love one other time, and after that heartbreak, which had tragically ended when his fiancée drowned, Trey swore he’d never fall again. But fall he had, and he was in deep. The funny thing was that Trey had no desire to get out. Choice had come in and rocked Trey’s world and now he couldn’t see it spinning without her in it.
“You’re here early.” Remington stood in Trey’s open doorway. Trey had been so deep into working that he’d not heard Remington walk up.
“I like to get a jump on the day.”
“Any progress on the Ground Zero project?”
“I’ve got some irons in the fire this week. When anything breaks, Charles will be the first to know and then it will be his call to disseminate the information to appropriate personnel.”
Aside from a slight narrowing of the eyes, Remington held his cool. You sanctimonious asshole. You’d better hope you close this deal so that you can live off the commissions while you’re unemployed! Remington didn’t know how it would happen, but he was sure that Trey’s stay at MB would be short lived. He would see to it. The guy was a liar and too suave for his own good. Get the Ground Zero project, get rid of Trey. In that order, and hopefully with one event quickly following the other. “Do I recall from your resume your having worked for a financial institution?”
“No,” Trey answered without looking up.
“Hum, so you’ve never been involved in banking or credit unions or anything like that.”
Aw, hell, not this again. Trey had dealt with an ongoing problem for five years and was hoping the worst of it was behind him. Obviously not. “My work history is detailed on my resume. Would you like another copy?”
“I’m standing right here. Why don’t you just tell me?”
“Because I have a meeting with Charles in one hour and I’d like to be prepared. So if you’ll excuse me, Rem, I’d really like to get back to work.”
Rem? Remington kept his face neutral while his mind whirled. Everybody in the office called him Remington; only Choice called him Rem. Which meant that Trey had seen her, and they’d discussed him. Remington gave a curt nod and left. He headed to his office to make some calls and come up with a game plan. If Trey thought he was going to waltz in off the street and take a Black property, he’d better think again. It had taken Remington years to realize that Choice was the woman for him, and now that he’d made that decision, he fully intended to make her his wife. He’d just have to work faster than he planned, and slow another brothah’s roll.
At exactly nine am, Trey walked into Charles McKinley’s massive corner office. The near floor-to-ceiling glass offered stunning views of the George Washington Bridge and the midcity skyline, and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean sparkled in the distance. Charles’s décor reflected the man: strong, solid, and simple yet refined. Charles stood from behind his desk and motioned Trey to join him in a sitting area at the other end of the room.
After trading a bit of small talk about the lingering effects of the blackout, the cooler temps, and the upcoming U.S. Open, Trey got right down to business. “I have good news, sir.”
“Oh, yes?”
“Yes. I got a call from Solomon Meyers and we’ve scheduled a meeting for this Thursday. He expressed a desire for you to also attend that meeting. I told him I’d have to check your schedule, but—”
“I’m already there,” Charles interrupted, excitement dancing in his eyes. “I’ve got to tell you, Trey, this is some kind of business you might bring to the firm, less than two weeks after being hired.”
“It’s why I got the job,” Trey replied matter-of-factly. “You wouldn’t have hired me if you didn’t think I could deliver.”
“You’ve got to have inside connections. My network in this city runs pretty deep, and I’ve only been able to ripple the waters around this site.”
Trey told Charles about Josh Meyers and their ongoing friendship. He also mentioned his contacts at the city council, and his personal relationship with Mayor Bloomberg, who was also a tennis fan. “There’s a rumor that they want to finalize this portion of the deal before the year is out,” Trey finished. “Which is why we’re moving so quickly. Plus, I’d already done my homework, had been scoping out this property and possible contracts months before being hired here. I actually started baiting this particular hook a year ago and told Josh that when I got hired here, I was coming after a chunk of that construction deal.”
Charles reared back in his chair, respect for this young man growing with every conversation. “You were pretty sure of yourself then.”
“I was hopeful,” Trey replied. “I knew that I was qualified for the job, and that if given the chance, I’d do everything in my power to convince you of this fact. Plus, my mom is big on that whole positive thinking, visualization stuff. Drummed it into me from the time I was a child. A little of that rubbed off on me. I’ve seen myself working here for a long time.”
Charles’s phone rang. He reached for the extension on the table next to where he sat on the love seat. “Yes, Remington.” He paused, looked at his watch. “Why don’t we make it twelve thirty and meet for lunch.” Another pause. “Fine, I’ll see you then.”
As Trey walked back to his office, his cell phone beeped. He smiled when he saw that it was a text from Choice.
Can you meet me at the warehouse around 6:30?
For a fitting?
Trey reached his desk and typed in his reply.
Sure, I can’t wait to have your hands all over me.
But make it 7.
He clicked on his laptop to check e-mails while he awaited her answer. It came within seconds. 7 is cool. Come prepared to take your clothes off.
Trey laughed and typed. You too?
Almost a minute went by, and then came the response. We’ll see.
Chapter 11
Charles was silent, intently studying the single sheet of paper Remington had placed before him. After another moment, he took off his wire-rimmed glasses and rubbed his eyes. “I can’t believe this,” he said softly. But it was there in black and white: Trey Scott, guilty: embezzlement, coercion, fraud.
“I’m not one hundred percent certain,” Remington admitted. “I plan to have what I’ve learned investigated, but I wanted to bring it to your attention right away. I also plan to tell Dad as soon as he returns from vacation.”
Charles nodded. The waiter brought his perfectly cooked filet mignon, but he had no appetite.
Not so with Remington. He dug into his lobster salad with relish. “What do you think is the best way to proceed?”
“Carefully, to say the least,” Charles said, after a sip of tea. “I’d hate for us to get the Ground Zero job, be front and center in the spotlight, and then have it leaked that a convicted felon is on our team.”
“Exactly. Which is why I’ve been thinking of how we can pull off the deal without him.”
Charles looked at Remington a long moment. “I don’t know about that, Remington. He’s best friends with one of the major player’s sons. That’s how we got in so deeply, so quickly. We have to make sure we have all the facts, and then, if it
comes to it, take care of this matter with a deft hand.”
“In light of what I’ve uncovered on Trey, I think there is something else you should know.” Charles looked at Remington quizzically and finally picked up his knife and fork to begin eating. “He’s been seeing Choice.”
Charles paused for a moment. “How do you know that?” He cut off a slice of steak and put the tender morsel into his mouth.
“I have my ways,” Remington said, with a smile. “I care deeply about Choice and am more than a little protective when I see someone poised to potentially take advantage of her.”
“So you think that rather than having a genuine interest in her, he’s just trying to maneuver himself into the family.” Charles had always thought Remington a perfect choice for his daughter, but the thought of Trey being a possibility had crossed his mind. Of course, that was before receiving the news that his new star employee might be an ex-con.
“I think it’s more than coincidence that the two have gotten so close so quickly. He’s been at the job what, two weeks, and has already had a date with your daughter? I know you don’t play that, Charles, and I’m sure as hell not going to stand back and watch some player make a move on my girl.”
“So you and Choice are seeing each other again?”
“She is still showing that independent streak of hers and seems bound and determined to keep this little clothes hobby that she’s cultivated. But, yes, we’re getting back together.”
Charles nodded in satisfaction. “She can be stubborn when she sets her mind to something, but you’re a pretty determined young man yourself. I’d say you’d do well to handle your business. Because unless and until you uncover news to the contrary? I don’t want Trey anywhere near my daughter.” Charles fixed Remington with a knowing look. “And I mean that.”
