by Candace Shaw
“I’ll be here,” she answered with a smirk. She couldn’t believe she was actually in his bed because she’d fallen asleep from an orgasm. She could just see Megan and Syd laughing outright if she ever told them.
Later on that night as Tiffani finally rested in her own bed, she couldn’t help but think about her evening with Broderick. The things that man did with his tongue were unreal. She still couldn’t believe she was being in the moment with one of the nicest men she’d ever met. He wasn’t arrogant or cocky as some men were with their wealth. If he was those things, he wasn’t with her. She was glad she had confided in him about her marriage and her theory on relationships and that they were on the same page.
Even though she didn’t know what direction her life was taking, she was still happy and in control of her own decisions.
Chapter 6
“Girl, I so needed this,” Megan said, pouring a glass of wine. “You want white zin or the merlot?” she asked Tiffani, who was stepping into the room carrying a tray of chocolate raspberry tarts that were fresh out of the oven.
The ladies had convened in the Paint, Sip, Chat next door to Tiffani’s bakery for a family night of fun and catching up while testing out their artistic sides. She set her tray on the snack table next to the Thai chicken wings and the spinach dip with pita bread that Megan had brought.
“I’ll wait until Preston arrives with the margarita mix. Is something up with you?” Tiffani asked, concerned. She then sat next to Megan at a long table set up with six painting stations of easels, canvases, paint and brushes with white smocks draped over the back of the chairs.
“I just needed a break. Luckily, The Best Decorated Homes is on hiatus until January and I can concentrate on my clients here in Atlanta. However, Devin is breaking ground soon on a lakefront subdivision in North Carolina and wants my team to decorate the five model homes. We’re studying the floor plans, trying to come up with concepts and designs. So yes, I’m glad you arranged this outing. My brain needed a rest from fabrics and furnishings.”
“Well, painting, along with a good glass of wine, can be relaxing.”
“Hey, ladies,” Preston greeted, strolling in with a wide smile and a box containing a blender, tequila, small bag of ice and margarita mix. He peered around the room at the paintings and murals on the walls. “Whose idea was it to come here and paint? All I can draw is stick people.”
“It was mine, big bro.” Tiffani jumped up and kissed his cheek. “I thought it would be fun.”
He chuckled and plugged in the blender. “Well, next time I’ll nominate paintball or dirt bike racing. Sydney and I would enjoy that much more. Who are we waiting for?”
“The newlyweds and Braxton,” Megan answered. “The senator is in DC.”
Tiffani looked up to see Sydney and Bryce trek in carrying their motorcycle helmets. “Isn’t it too cold to ride your motorcycles? It’s forty degrees tonight.”
A wicked smirk lit Sydney’s face. “Not when we ride together on the same bike, and especially not when I’m driving.” She winked and slid her black leather jacket off. Bryce popped her leather-clad bottom with his hand and headed over to chat with Preston.
Tiffani laughed. “I hear you, girl. Help yourself to some food and drinks. Our session begins in a few moments and the instructor will be in soon.”
Tiffani’s cell phone beeped in her jeans pocket. As she pulled it out and glanced at it, a huge grin etched across her face when she saw a short text from Broderick. For a moment she forgot that she wasn’t alone in the room. The text simply read “Take pics.” She couldn’t help but giggle because she always requested him to take pictures and he’d grunt but would occasionally send one. This was the first time he’d asked for one. Tiffani had invited him to attend the painting party, but he’d declined, citing a meeting. In a way she was relieved. When she’d asked him it was on a whim just to see what he would say.
“What has you so giggly lately?” Megan asked. “I should start calling you Ms. Giggles. You laughed and texted all day when we went shopping on Sunday. Is there something you’re not telling us?”
The room fell silent and all eyes were now on Tiffani. She wasn’t ready to discuss Broderick just yet with the group. Sure, they all knew him except for Preston, but she didn’t know how to explain their relationship status. Whatever it was worked for them, and she was satisfied.
“What’s up, fam?” Braxton announced, striding in with a covered tray. “The chef at the club just made these delicious sweet potato fries, so eat up. I figured they’d go great with Megan’s wings.” He stopped and noticed everyone eyeing Tiffani. “Why is everyone staring at Tiff?” he asked with an amused smirk.
“I don’t know Braxton. Now that you’re here, we can begin. I’ll let the instructor know we’re ready.” Grateful for the escape, she skedaddled out of the private studio and into the next one, where their instructor, Blythe, was checking on another group.
When Tiffani returned, jazz played low in the background. A tune she was sure Braxton had written. Owner of the hottest jazz club in Atlanta, Café Love Jones, he was also an accomplished jazz pianist and songwriter.
“All right, we can begin,” Tiffani announced, putting on her smock and plopping in her seat. “All eyes on Blythe.”
“Yes, indeed,” she heard Preston whisper as a half smile inched up the left side of his mouth. He then sat down next to Tiffani and set a plate of food between them to share. She thumped her brother playfully on the knee as he gazed lustfully at the instructor. Blythe was indeed an attractive young woman with a thick mane of hair cornrowed on her scalp but loose on the ends, which were pulled into a ponytail on top of her head. She wore a tie-dyed T-shirt cinched at her belly button, which was pierced with a diamond navel ring, black jeans with rips at the knees and a pair of jeweled flip-flops. She reminded Tiffani of the singer Alicia Keys when her first album was released with her bohemian style of dress and was the cool, down-to-earth girl guys wanted to hang out with.
“Hola, everyone,” she started in her raspy, deep voice. “I’m Blythe Ventura, owner of Paint, Sip, Chat and that’s what I want everyone to do this evening. It doesn’t matter if you actually know how to paint or not. It’s about having fun with your family.” She glanced around the room. “I believe everyone has been here before except for two new faces. Please tell me your name, and if you have any questions feel free to ask.” Her eyes lingered on Preston for a second and then shot to Braxton.
“I’m Braxton Chase, Megan and Syd’s big brother. I’ve been looking forward to catching up with my family. With my hectic schedule, I don’t always have a chance to hang.”
“Nice to finally meet you. I’ve been to your club a few times. Love the jazz and the food. You’re a monster on the keys.” Blythe turned her attention to Preston. “And you, sir?”
“Sir? I like that. I’m Preston Chase, Tiff’s big brother. I can honestly say I can’t paint so I may need a little extra help tonight with a few things, like which way to stroke the paintbrush and what position to hold it in. You know, however you prefer it, Blythe.”
Tiffani glanced at Blythe, who simply said “no problem” and continued with her instructions. If she was ruffled by Preston she definitely didn’t let it show. Women usually flirted back with him and sometimes first if they were bold enough. He was the pretty-boy type with silk curls, flawless butterscotch skin and a clean-shaven face; sometimes he would sport a mustache and goatee. Plus, he was one of Atlanta’s hottest and richest bachelors, having made his fortune from creating video games for smart phones and tablets. Of course, he always loved a challenge and Tiffani sighed when she figured the next two hours would be long if he decided to flirt with Blythe...who wasn’t paying him any attention.
“So is everyone ready to see what you’re painting tonight?” Blythe asked, standing next to an easel in the front of the room with a wh
ite sheet draped over it.
“A naked woman? Preferably y...” Preston stopped as Tiffani pinched him on the knee. He’d whispered the last part, so she hoped Blythe didn’t hear him.
“No, Preston, it’s not me if that’s what you were going to say,” Blythe commented as she slid the sheet off of the easel to reveal a painting of a tree with fall leaves and a pumpkin at the bottom with different-colored leaves scattered about. “I figured this would be unisex, and considering it’s almost Thanksgiving, this would be perfect. Go ahead and study it...”
Tiffani’s concentration was interrupted by her cell phone vibrating in her pocket. She really didn’t want to pull it out, but it could be the babysitter. This wasn’t her first painting party so she already knew the instructions. She excused herself outside to the yellow-and-pink-striped bench that sat between her bakery and Paint, Sip, Chat. Once seated, she pulled out the phone and was elated to see a text from Broderick that had asked if the painting session had started. As she was typing her answer wearing a Cheshire cat smile, he sent another text.
Goodness, you’re beautiful.
Heat rose to her cheeks and she swiped her hand through her hair. As Tiffani tried to quickly finish her message about the session so she could jet back inside, she heard the click of shoes walking her way and then stop. She glanced up a tad to see black men’s dress shoes as the enticing scent of cologne she knew all too well drifted to her nose. Slowly, she lifted her eyes and they met the hypnotizing stare of Broderick Hollingsworth in all of his alluring sexiness.
“Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise?” Although she was delighted to see him, she didn’t know what to say to her family if he were there to paint after all.
“My meeting ended earlier than expected and because it wasn’t far from here, I decided to drop by since you did invite me.”
“Of course.” She raked her eyes over him and stood up from the bench. “You have to take all this off.”
Drawing her to him, he lowered his lips to hers, kissing her tenderly. “So we’re going to make love for the first time on the bench outside of your bakery. Nice.” Sliding his coat off, he tossed it on the bench and wrapped his hands around her waist again while walking them backward. “You can sit on it,” he teased. “And I’ll start out by doing that one thing you love.”
She gave his chest a gentle push before she followed his exact suggestion. The simple kiss rippled fire straight to her core and now she yearned for him to kiss her again and do that one thing that made her unconscious. “Ha-ha. I meant, you’re overdressed. You just need your shirt and pants. Actually, just a casual shirt and jeans would’ve been fine.”
“All right, but I like my idea better.” He winked and took off his suit jacket and tie.
The notion of them making love was now clouding her brain. Her vivid thoughts were further enhanced when he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt as they strolled into the lobby of the paint studio. She’d never gotten the chance to plant kisses all over him and now that he was showing a small portion of his chest she longed to sample it.
“I think you know everyone except for my cousin Braxton and my brother...Preston.” Dang it. She’d forgotten all about her brother. Every since she’d told him about Keith’s treatment of her, Preston had been a real ass toward any man she’d brought around.
“I know Braxton. I’ve been to a few events at his club, and he’s played at some of my private parties.”
“Great. Just be yourself.” Tiffani mustered up all the strength she had as they headed down the hallway to their private room. Taking a deep breath, she twisted the doorknob and entered with Broderick towering over her by her side.
“Do we have room for one more?” she asked with a nervous laugh.
She locked eyes with Preston as he held his paintbrush in midair with Blythe leaning over him. Everyone seemed to be in midst of something. Syd held her wineglass just at the tip of her lips but wasn’t drinking and Megan was in the middle of talking, or maybe she was simply in shock because her mouth was wide open.
Blythe strolled to a shelf and gathered more supplies. “Of course. There’s always room for one more. Let me grab you a smock and an easel.”
“Who’s your friend?” Preston asked in a firm, deep voice.
Tiffani cleared the frog stuck in her throat. “I believe most of you know Broderick Hollingsworth.”
Bryce rose and gave Broderick a handshake. “What’s up, man?”
“Hey, what’s up? Missed you and Syd at my Halloween party, but I know you had the event at the community center for the children.”
“Yeah, it was a great night for the kids. They had a lot of fun. How was your party?”
“Oh...it was the best one I’ve had. Tiffani even stopped by.”
She relaxed a tad because Bryce was friends with Broderick. The two carried on their conversation as Preston eyed her. Once Blythe set up the empty station on the other side of Tiffani, they sat down and started to catch up with everyone else working on the background of the painting.
Everyone was silent as they painted, ate and sipped wine or margaritas. Tiffani caught Megan, who was sitting across from her, peer over the easel with a raised eyebrow and a twinkle in her eye. Ever since she’d met and fallen in love with US Senator Steven Monroe three years ago and married him a year later, Megan had wanted the same for her loved ones.
“So, how did y’all meet, Tiffani?” Preston asked, sipping on his margarita and setting the glass down with a hard bam.
“At Syd’s wedding.” Oh boy. Here we go. Please don’t embarrass me.
“Oh yeah, I do remember seeing you two chat briefly. I had no idea you were now dating.”
“We’re just friends, Prez. That’s it.” She bit into a sweet potato fry and hoped that was the end of Preston’s questions. After all, she’d said they weren’t dating. Which wasn’t actually a lie.
“I see. What happened to that other dude I met earlier this summer at the hardware store when we were looking at fixtures for your kitchen and bathroom? He seemed eager to tag along with us.”
“Mmm...you scared him away with all of your questions,” she answered sarcastically. “And the drill you kept playing with.”
“Right. By the way, I see—or, rather, smell—that you’re wearing that perfume again. You know, the one that smells like cologne.”
Tiffani didn’t answer Preston but instead continued painting the trunk of the tree. Her brother never missed a beat and remembered everything. He’d been like that growing up. Always paying attention to every minute detail, which was probably why he was one of the top video game creators, but at times it racked her nerves.
He quieted down but Tiffani knew it would start again. Maybe not that evening, but he’d want to know more eventually.
“Sooooooooo...” Megan began as she glanced at Tiffani with a reassuring smile. “I wanted to know what are everyone’s plans for Thanksgiving this year? I spoke to my parents and they’re going to Memphis to spend the holidays with Aunt Darla and the Arrington crew, so no dinner at my parents’ home this year. Does anyone have any other suggestions?”
Tiffani raised her paintbrush and was grateful to her cousin for the change of subject. “My parents are going on a cruise Thanksgiving week so I don’t mind volunteering to host if everyone brings a dish. KJ has been begging me to have Thanksgiving dinner at our house.”
“That’s a great idea,” Megan answered. “Is that all right with the group?”
Everyone else nodded or said yes. They continued painting as Syd and Bryce discussed their motorcycle honeymoon adventure through Bermuda. Tiffani wasn’t listening as she sat numbly between Preston and Broderick. She tried to concentrate on painting the pumpkin like a cupcake because Blythe had suggested for everyone to show their own personal creative sides or interests. Preston was undoubtedly quie
t. However, she did catch him stealing glances at Blythe as she browsed around at everyone’s masterpieces.
“Broderick, what are you doing for the holidays?” she asked, remembering he didn’t have a family to spend the holidays with. The thought made her sad for him. She couldn’t fathom not being in contact with her family.
“Um...haven’t decided. I usually go skiing or to a beach resort. I honestly hadn’t thought about it. There are a lot of business deals on my plate right now so my mind has been on those and a few other distractions.” He lightly bumped his shoe on hers, and she almost painted a crooked leaf on the pumpkin cupcake.
“What do you do for a living, man?” Preston asked, dipping his paintbrush in water and staring over Tiffani’s head to Broderick.
Setting his paintbrush down, Broderick looked at Preston and smiled. “I’m a real estate investor, but I dabble in other things, as well. What about you?”
“I create video games. Started out with a major company and now I have my own. Perhaps you’ve heard of Dart and Drive? You can download it for free to all cell phones, tablets and computers. I have others, but that’s the most popular one.”
“I’ve heard of it,” Broderick said, rubbing his beard. “Not really into children’s games, but I hear that industry does well. Perhaps I should look into it.”
“I don’t have any complaints,” Preston said before looking directly at her. “Sis, have you heard any news about the selling of this shopping center?”
“No, Prez, but Blythe and I are trying to stay positive.”
Broderick patted her knee. “That’s the best thing to do. Remember I told you those type of business transactions take time, precious.”
She almost choked on the air in her windpipe when he said “precious.” She remained frozen for a moment as she waited for Preston to say something...but he didn’t. However, she did sense him staring at her out of the corner of his eye.
They painted and discussed the menu for Thanksgiving and who was bringing what dish for the next hour until everyone was finished with their artwork. Blythe took pictures for her website before leaving to begin her last group of the evening in the next room. They all bid each other good night and walked to their cars. Before Megan left, she mouthed “call me” to Tiffani as she unlocked the door to her bakery to grab her belongings. Broderick hadn’t left her side, and now he sat at the counter while she ran to her office to grab her purse and jacket. When she returned he was eyeing their paintings, which were propped on one of the tables side by side.
