The Sweetest Kiss

by Candace Shaw

  “We did a great job,” he said. “Trying to think where I can hang mine.”

  “I don’t think it goes with your décor.”

  “Yeah, you’re right and Megan spent so much energy and time decorating, I’d hate to mess up the theme of the house. I believe she said it was ‘old world meets contemporary’ or something like that. I’ll find another place to hang it.” He shrugged and slid off the bar stool. “I had fun. Thanks for inviting me.”

  “I’m glad you came. I’m sorry Preston was a jerk.”

  “Nope, it’s understandable. He doesn’t want anyone to hurt his baby sister the way your late husband did. He went a little easy I think since I’m cool with Bryce and Braxton. But I’m sure Preston will grill them about me eventually.”

  “You are so right. Can you walk me to my car? I have to relieve the babysitter in twenty minutes.”

  “Of course.”

  He stepped outside while she set the alarm and locked the doors.

  They walked in silence to her car. She wanted to ask him again about Thanksgiving since he had never really answered her. She knew he didn’t have any family, or least not any he was in contact with, and according to him, his friends were mostly business associates. They stopped at her driver’s-side door and, looking up at him, she grabbed his hand. She didn’t want him to be alone.

  “So if you’re not traveling this year for Thanksgiving, you can spend it with me and my family. You know practically all of us.”

  “Mmm...wow. I can’t remember the last time I spent Thanksgiving with a family. How about I let you know really soon. You do know that means I’ll have to meet KJ. Are you ready for that?”

  She pondered for a moment and reached up and kissed him deeply on the lips. “Yes. I think he’ll like you. You should meet him soon.”

  “No problem. Just let me know when.” He opened her door and she slid into the seat, placing her picture on the passenger side and tossing her purse in the back.

  “Drive safe. Oh wait. You didn’t drive,” she joked.

  “Actually I did.” He kissed her forehead and walked off in the direction of a red Ferrari. “Good night, beautiful,” he called out and her heart hammered hard against her chest. She couldn’t help it. She was falling for him and she prayed that KJ would like him, too.

  Chapter 7

  “Long day.” Blythe yawned as she entered the bakery and plopped onto the window seat. “Tiffy, please tell me you made something with chocolate that’s gluten free. I thought surely I smelled it through the walls and the paint fumes.”

  Grabbing her tongs and a napkin, Tiffani opened the case and snatched a cream-cheese brownie. “You’re in luck. I have one left.” She strolled over to her friend and handed it to her.

  Blythe bit into it and sighed. “Heaven. Girl, put it on my tab.”

  Tiffani pounced on the little bean bag in front of the bookcase that KJ had insisted be placed there. “What’s wrong?”

  “Just a little worried about the possibility of losing my business, or at least this location. Things are really great over there and over here, too. I really want to hire another assistant, but what if I need that money to relocate?” Biting into the brownie, she exhaled.

  “Girl, I hear you. It’s just me, Kendall and Mindy but I’ve thought about that, as well.”

  “Well, I have a friend who said he’ll do some digging around. You know these investors like to be secretive so that other ones in their circle won’t know what they’re doing. If I hear anything I’ll let you know.”

  “Thanks, hon.”

  “Aren’t you dating a real estate investor?”

  “We aren’t calling it that. We’re just...”

  “I know, I know. You’re being in the moment or whatever,” Blythe teased. “I do like the idea. I’ve been celibate for so long maybe I should just be in the moment, myself.”

  “It think that’s what you’re doing, except by yourself.”

  Both ladies laughed as Tiffani walked to the door and locked it. It was officially closing time. She turned the lighted open sign off and retreated to finish counting the contents of the cash register.

  “Tiffani, you’re crazy. That’s probably why I need all this dang chocolate.”

  “I completely understand. But getting back to the topic at hand—Broderick has told me it’s a long process. So in the meantime, I’m saving a little extra when I can and I’ve started researching other locations I may want to consider if I have to relocate.”

  “I’d hate to have to move. This is a great area. I’ve been here for two years and business is wonderful. I can always go back to teaching art in a high school, but I prefer what I’m doing now.”

  “I hear you. I did enjoy teaching as well, but I love what I’m doing now, too. I’m my own boss...even though I miss having the summers off.”

  “That was always a plus.”

  Tiffani pondered on something she’d wanted to ask Blythe since the paint party. “So what do you think about Preston?”

  Blythe pursed her lips to hold in a laugh that stumbled out anyway. “Girl, please. I know his type. No offense.”

  Tiffani shrugged. “None taken. I know my brother, and he’s a straight-up player. I just liked the way you remained professional and didn’t lose your cool when he was clearly flirting and eyeing you the entire time. He’s used to women flirting back and chasing him.”

  “Well, there’s definitely no chase with me,” Blythe said, shaking her head. “However, your cousin Braxton is quite handsome. You know I like chocolate, and he’s bald.” She popped the last of the brownie in her mouth. “A great combination.”

  “Yeah, he’s a good guy. A little eccentric at times but he’s a musical genius. He gets so wrapped up in his music that sometimes life passes him by. That’s how he lost the love of his life. Anyway, I wouldn’t dare hook you up with my brother. I just liked the way you handled him.”

  Blythe stood and straightened her Aztec maxi skirt. “Yeah. I’m kind of used to doing that when single men come to the studio. He was just having fun. I didn’t take him seriously.” She shrugged and smiled. “I have one more paint party tonight and then I’m going home to soak in the hot tub.”

  “Okay, chica. Have fun. I’m leaving here to pick up KJ from my parents’ house. He’s meeting Broderick for the first time, and I’m nervous. I may need some chocolate, too!”

  * * *

  “KJ, remember when Mommy told you that I went to my friend Mr. Hollingsworth’s home for a Halloween party while you were at the sleepover?” she asked as she backed out of her parents’ driveway. She glanced at KJ in the rearview mirror before shifting the car in drive.

  “Oh, yeah,” KJ answered as he played a video game that Preston had given him to test out. “Glad you had fun, Mom,” KJ said, clearly distracted.

  “I did. He knows Uncle Bryce and Auntie Syd. He was at their wedding. That’s where I met him.”

  “Uh-huh. You already told me, Mom.”

  She glanced at him again, but he was so into the game he was barely listening.

  “Mr. Hollingsworth has invited us out for bowling and pizza tonight.” She tried to keep her voice steady. She didn’t know why she was so nervous, but then again, she’d never introduced KJ to a man she was spending time with before.

  “Who else will be there?”

  “Um...just the three us.”

  He tore his attention away from his game and met her eyes in the mirror. “But you can’t bowl, Mommy.”

  She laughed. “No, but you know how to and so does Mr. Hollingsworth.”

  “Are you dating him?”

  She pondered on that. Dating wasn’t in her vocabulary, but she wasn’t going into a long explanation with an eight year old about her “be in the moment” theory. “Um...we’r
e good friends and we hang out. Talk on the phone.”

  “I’ll meet him, but I can’t make any promises that I’ll like him.”

  “Fair enough.”

  As they pulled into the parking lot, Tiffani spotted Broderick’s Ferrari and parked next to it.

  “Nice ride,” KJ stated as they walked by it.

  “That’s Mr. Hollingsworth’s car.”

  “Cool. He has good taste in cars.”

  Once they entered the bowling alley, Tiffani scanned the facility until her eyes landed on Broderick sitting in one of the lane areas. Her heart fluttered as he waved them over, and she was elated to finally see him dressed down in casual khakis with a blue polo shirt and deck shoes.

  “That’s him, Mom?” KJ asked.

  “Yep.”

  “He doesn’t look anything like my father,” KJ said, shaking his head with a pout.

  Tiffani abruptly stopped in her tracks and looked down at her son. “Why did you think he would look like your father?”

  “Because Grandmother Lake said if you ever dated or remarried you would probably find someone just like Dad because he’s all you’ve ever known and that you’d want somebody just like him to fill a void.”

  Not in this lifetime, buddy. Not ever.

  “She told you that?”

  “No. I overheard her talking to some of her bridge club friends.”

  “Oh, well let’s go meet Mr. Hollingsworth.”

  Out of respect for Keith’s parents after he died, Tiffani never told them how horrible and controlling he’d been to her during their marriage. He’d been a loyal and devoted son to them, and she didn’t want to tarnish their image of him.

  “Hello, Tiffani,” Broderick said, reaching out and giving her a slight hug. They’d agreed beforehand to just keep it light and casual around KJ. “And who is this handsome young man? Your bodyguard?”

  “I’m Keith Jonathan Lake Jr., but everyone calls me KJ.” He held out his hand to Broderick, who shook it.

  “You have a tight grip there, sport.” Broderick caught eyes with Tiffani and winked. “I’m Broderick Jerold Hollingsworth. I don’t have a nickname, though. You think I need one?”

  KJ tapped his chin. “Mmm...how about Mr. H?”

  Broderick nodded and smiled. “I like that. So your mother tells me you bowl quite well.”

  “Yes. My Uncle Preston and my grandpa taught me.”

  “Cool. Let’s go get you some shoes. Tiffani, we’ll be back.”

  An hour and a half later, KJ was dancing and cheering in the lane area. He’d just defeated Broderick for the second time. Broderick pretended to be upset, and challenged him to a rematch at a later date. Tiffani was glad they were getting along. She liked Broderick more than she cared to admit, and because they were hanging out more now, she wanted KJ to like him, as well.

  They decided to eat at the bowling alley’s restaurant because KJ liked the root beer floats they served. Tiffani and Broderick waited in their booth for the food while watching KJ play on the pinball machine a few feet away.

  “So what’s the verdict? You think he likes me?” Broderick asked, as he nodded toward KJ and sipped his soda.

  “I believe so, especially since you let him win two games in a row.”

  Broderick shrugged his shoulders. “I just wanted him to have fun, but he’s really good. I was actually trying to win in the second game, but I messed up twice. I was distracted by the lady in the sexy jeans and boots. Next time, you can’t come.”

  The food arrived, and KJ returned, sliding into the booth next to his mother.

  “Wait,” Tiffani started as KJ’s hands reached for his burger basket on the tray. “You two need hand sanitizer.” She opened her tote bag and pulled out a Ziploc bag.

  “Ah, Mom. Mr. H and I are men. We’re tough.” KJ rolled up his shirt sleeve and showed his little muscles.

  “And so are the nasty germs that have been all over those bowling balls.” She squirted the sanitizer into both their hands and then hers.

  They began to eat as KJ discussed his day at school and an upcoming science fair project. Broderick seemed to take an interest and asked questions about his grades and classmates.

  “I think I like you, Mr. H. The next time we all go out, I’ll teach you some of my karate moves so you can protect Mommy when I’m not with her.”

  Tiffani almost choked on her French fry and glanced at Broderick, who had an amused expression on his face.

  “I look forward to that, young man. I definitely wouldn’t want anything to happen to your mom when you aren’t there to protect her. I’ll definitely need to learn some karate moves. She tells me you’ve won awards. That’s outstanding.”

  “Thanks. Hey, I know you were just letting me win in bowling. You did well. You have the proper form, like Uncle Preston. He says I’m getting there. He taught me how to bowl since my father is in heaven. Did your father teach you how to bowl?”

  “No, he wasn’t around much when I was growing up, but you’re fortunate to have your grandfathers and uncles to teach you those things.”

  “Is your daddy in heaven, too?” KJ asked with a solemn face.

  “No, he’s here in Atlanta.”

  “Do you go bowling together now?”

  Tiffani wiped her mouth with her napkin. “KJ, that’s enough questions. Finish your fries. It’s getting late.”

  Broderick shook his head. “No, Tiff I don’t mind. KJ, my dad and I aren’t close. However, a dear friend of mine recently suggested that I go see him, and I’ve been considering that more and more lately. I think hanging with you tonight has helped me make a final decision.”

  “That’s good, Mr. H. I’m sure he’d be happy to see you.”

  Nodding, a genuine smile formed on his face. “Thanks, kiddo. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

  “You can take pictures.” KJ slurped the rest of his root beer float and placed the empty cup on the tray.

  Broderick laughed out loud and stood to gather all of their trash on the tray. “You sound like your mother,” he said as he turned with the tray. “I’m going to go toss this.”

  “So you like Mr. H, huh?” Tiffani asked, relieved that the two were getting along well.

  “Yep, Mom. He’s cool. I hope he and his dad make up since he’s still alive.”

  “Me, too. Now let’s go. I have to be at the bakery early in the morning, and I’ve noticed you stifle about five yawns. Grab your video game player and your jacket.”

  Moments later, Broderick walked Tiffani and KJ to her car.

  “It was great meeting you, young man,” Broderick said, holding the car door open for KJ.

  “You, too, Mr. H.” He gave Broderick a high-five and jumped in the backseat and began to play his game again.

  “Well, I had fun, Tiff. He’s a great kid. You’ve raised him well.”

  “Thank you. I’ve had a lot of help.” She looked up at him and ran her hand down his face. “I’m glad you’re going to go see your father.”

  He kissed the inside of her palm and then squeezed it. “I think it’s time.” He opened her car door. “Be safe. Call me when you get home, beautiful.”

  She beamed at his words. She loved when he used terms of endearment. It reminded her of all the pet names her father called her mother. Tiffani was glad a man was finally doing so with her.

  * * *

  Tiffani leaned over the counter at the bakery while perusing the internet. KJ was spending the upcoming weekend with his paternal grandparents, and she was searching for a quick getaway. In talking with Blythe the other day about summer vacations, she realized she hadn’t had her usual break this past summer. She had opened her bakery in June, after having worked on it since April. KJ had the pleasure of spending two weeks in Europe with her pa
rents on his last summer break. Because they were retired, her parents traveled often.

  The bakery currently was empty. A water pipe had burst a few blocks up, which had flooded the main road, and traffic had been rerouted away from the shopping plaza. A couple of regular customers had straggled in that morning for their usual Danishes and stuffed croissants, but for the most part business had been slow for a Tuesday.

  The sound of the bell on the door brought her out of vacation search. A surprised smile emerged on her face as Broderick casually strode in wearing a delicious grin.

  “You know leaning over like that can get you in trouble, woman.” Reaching over the counter he popped her bottom, causing her to laugh. “Whatcha doing?”

  “Searching for a getaway. Somewhere nearby, no more than five hours away because I’m driving.”

  “For spring break?” He sat on one of the bar stools as his eyes glanced at the goodies in the display case.

  “For this weekend. KJ is spending it with the Lakes, you know, my-in-laws. Kendall and Mindy can run the bakery on Friday and Saturday. I’m hoping to leave Thursday evening after dropping him off once I figure out where I’m going.”

  “Oh...you’re going alone?”

  She placed her eyes on him for a moment and then back at the screen. “You can come with me...once I decide where I’m going,” she answered sarcastically. Her heart dropped. Had she just asked the man to spend the weekend with her? That had never been her intention, but now she hoped he’d say yes because the sensual image that had just appeared in her mind needed to be a reality. Ever since he’d mentioned them making love on the bench that’d been all she could think about.