“I’m sure it’s something you’ll never forget.”
“I haven’t.” He drew in a breath. “After that I decided to take a walk on faith and leave Mississippi when I graduated, build a business. Much of the profits I make from real estate I send back home. I have a foundation there that I personally fund for poor families.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Now I really am impressed.”
He leaned back. “I make more money than I will ever be able to spend. So why not share some of my rewards.” He shrugged. “Besides, I get it back in other ways.”
“Such as?”
“Meeting someone like you.”
Leticia felt her face heat. Sure, she’d been told all manner of bullshit from men over the years, mainly as a way to get between her legs or to stay there once they were in. But this she knew was sincere, and she didn’t know what to do about that.
“Are you blushing?” He reached for her but she slipped out of his way and stood.
“Don’t be silly.” She walked to the railing and pressed her palms against it. She felt him come up behind her and her heart began to race.
Nathan reached out and gently caressed her back, feeling the muscles tighten beneath his fingertips. She closed her eyes and inhaled, slow and deep, enjoying the innocent moment.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered. “And I want you. But I’m willing to wait until you say it’s all right.”
She turned into his arms and faced him. “Do you really mean that?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I do. It’s killing me.” He grinned. “But I mean it.”
She reached up and stroked his chin, then gently touched her lips to his. “Thank you.”
“I gotta be going straight to heaven for this one.”
Leticia laughed, releasing the hot thread of tension that bound them. “I hear it’s a fun place.”
“So you say!” He tapped his finger on the tip of her nose. “Let’s eat.”
“Yeah, I’m starved.”
“Have you ever been married?” Leticia cut into her steak.
“Once.”
She stopped short of putting a piece in her mouth. “Oh. What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“No, I don’t mind. She left me for another man.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Naw, don’t be. It would have never worked out anyway. We wanted different things in life and, obviously, different people.”
“Hmm.”
“How’s your steak?”
“Perfect!”
“Great. Uh, a good friend of mine and his wife are having a little party next Friday night. If you don’t have plans, I’d love to take you.”
“Next Friday?’
“Um-hmm.”
She smiled. “I’d like that. Thanks.”
“I’ll pick you up at the hotel around eight.”
“Great.” She glanced at him over the rim of her glass. His head was bowed. She’d never been asked to accompany a man for the evening as a real date or without being paid up front. This was all new to her, and she suddenly felt out of her element. Well, she’d just have to play it by ear.
The wind slowly began to pick up, blowing the napkins off the table. Nathan looked toward the horizon.
“Uh-oh, looks like a storm is coming. We’d better get this stuff inside.”
She helped him gather everything up and they got settled in the living room, just as the first bolt of lightning zinged across the sky. The sound of thunder seemed to rock the house.
Within moments, a deluge of water pounded against the room, slashing across the windows as the sky grew black and ominous. They stood at the deck window and watched nature whip up a frenzy on the beach.
“Looks like you’ll have to stay the night. This could last for a while, and there’s no way I’d risk driving back into town in this weather.” He looked at her.
“Are you sure you didn’t arrange all this?” she teased.
“I only wish I had that kind of power. But I promise to be a perfect gentleman. You’re safe with me.” He crossed his heart.
Standing next him with the storm holding them captive, she felt as if she were on a deserted island, with just the two of them battling against the forces of nature and their own desires. And she wasn’t sure if she wanted him to be a gentleman or not.
“Everything you need is in the closet in the bathroom. I could give you a big T-shirt to sleep in if you want.” He stood outside the door of the guest room.
“I’ll be fine, thanks.” She turned to him. “See you in the morning,” she said, a note of hesitation in her voice.
He cleared his throat and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Yeah, rest well. Holler if you need anything.”
“I will.”
“Well . . . good night, Pam.”
“Good night.”
He turned and walked down the hall to his room. Slowly she closed the door, but not all the way. Just in case.
Nathan went to his room and walked out onto the deck adjacent to his bedroom and sat down under the overhang as the storm raged on. He heard the shower running in her bathroom, and his mind went into overdrive. He could see her nude body as clearly as if she stood in front of him. He knew she would slip under the covers just the way God had made her. He adjusted himself in the seat as the image resulted in an immediate and intense hard-on. He blew out a long breath. This was going to be one long night.
Chapter 7
Leticia awoke the following morning to a blaze of brilliant sunshine and crystal-clear skies. Slowly she stretched, looked around, and was momentarily confused. This wasn’t her hotel room. Nathan.
She sat up and looked toward the door. It was still slightly ajar, just the way she’d left it. Tossing the sheet aside, she got out of bed and closed the door fully. A mixture of disappointment and surprise filled her. Disappointment in that she and Nathan had not shared the night that she’d envisioned once it was clear that she was spending the night. Maybe he wasn’t as attracted to her as she’d thought. Yet she was surprised that, whether he was attracted to her or not, he did remain a gentleman. How many men would have missed the opportunity to at least attempt to make a play for a woman who was spending the night in the very next room? Hmm, there was more to Nathan Spencer than she gave him credit for.
She found a spare toothbrush in the medicine cabinet, brushed her teeth, washed, and got dressed. When she came downstairs, Nathan was already in the kitchen. He smiled when she entered.
“Good morning. Hope I didn’t wake you, banging around down here.”
“No, not at all.” She sat down on the stool beneath the island counter.
“How did you sleep?”
“Very well, thanks. And you?”
He grinned. “I’ve had better nights.”
“Did the storm keep you up?” she asked innocently.
“You could say that.” He put a bowl of fresh fruit on the table. “I’m not a heavy eater in the morning. But I can fix whatever you like.”
“Fruit is fine with me.”
He passed her a bowl and spoon. She scooped out slices of watermelon, pineapple, and cantaloupe.
“Coffee, tea, juice, water?”
“Coffee.”
He poured her a cup and sat down. “What are your plans for today?”
“Go back to the hotel and change out of yesterday’s getup, for starters.” She laughed.
“Whenever you’re ready, I can take you back.” He paused. “I really enjoyed your company.”
“Likewise.”
Nathan tugged in a deep breath. ‘I’d like to keep seeing you.’
She arched a brow. “Really?”
“Yes, beyond our ‘official date’ next Friday. If that’s all right with you.”
She had no business even thinking about getting involved with anyone. That was in her M.O. She was freewheeling, doing her own thing. Besides, when you made attachments it was harder to say good-bye, and she knew she would at som
e point. She was a businesswoman, and her business didn’t have room for relationships. Judging from the kind of man Nathan Spencer showed himself to be, he wouldn’t take too kindly to finding out how she really made her money. And she never wanted to see the look on his face when he did.
“Why don’t we take it slow? One day at a time.”
“Fair enough.” He took a bite of pineapple and chewed slowly before speaking again. “I made the call to the building owner this morning. If you haven’t changed your mind, you can meet with him later this afternoon.”
“You don’t waste time, do you?”
“I’m a businessman. This is business. I think I’d like it to be more, but I’ll settle for this for the time being.”
“You don’t seem like the kind of man who would simply settle for anything.”
“There are exceptions to every rule. You happen to be one exceptional exception.” He stood. “Now, before I go and say something totally inappropriate, let me get you back to your hotel.”
He turned and walked out of the room, leaving Leticia to struggle with her conscience.
Nathan pulled his black Lincoln Navigator to a stop in front of Leticia’s hotel. He turned to her.
“I’ll be back to pick you up at two-thirty.”
“Fine. I’ll be out front waiting.” She opened her door, stepped out, then turned back to him. “Thank you.”
He nodded and watched her walk inside.
Leticia entered the lobby, and the first face she saw was that of Felix. She put a bit more swing in her hips and slowly approached him.
“Felix, how are you?”
“Hmm, muy bien, and you?”
“Actually, I have a little problem in my room.” She rolled her eyes down to his crotch then back to his face. “I’m hoping you can fix it . . . if you have some time.”
“I see. The gentleman that dropped you off could not feex your problemo?”
She absently glanced toward the door, waved her hand in dismissal. “Oh, that.” She shrugged her right shoulder. “Do you have time or don’t you?” She checked her watch. “I’m going up to take a shower. I’ll leave the door unlocked.” She walked away and knew he was watching her every move. Felix was just what she needed to take her mind off of what she knew she could not have.
Promptly at two-thirty, Nathan pulled up in front of the hotel. She’d barely had enough time to shower and change after her romp with Felix. Already, he was getting possessive. Not good. She didn’t need him and didn’t want him for anything more than diversionary sex. She’d have to deal with it. She put on her smile and walked toward the car. This time he was driving his BMW.
Nathan got out at her approach, dressed totally for business in a navy pinstriped suit, stark white shirt, and power tie in a rich burgundy.
“Well, don’t you look impressive,” she said, taking his hand as he helped her into the car.
“So do you.”
She’d decided on a fitted off-white pantsuit with a waist-length jacket with gold buttons, simple black Jimmy Choo sling backs, and matching purse. Small gold hoops hung from her ears and a gold cuff bracelet graced her wrist. She got in the car and gently sat down. Felix had been a little more than rough on their third go-round, and she was feeling its effects. She adjusted the short black silk scarf around her neck, a last-minute accessory when she’d noticed the angry red marks popping up on the left and right sides. Ice and relaxation would diminish them, and she hoped they’d be gone by morning.
Nathan eased out into traffic and headed to the center of town. “The office is on Palm Court, about ten minutes from here.”
Leticia nodded. “How was your morning after you dropped me off?”
“Actually, kind of busy. The paperwork kind. Needed to get some information together for a client.”
“Another commercial building?”
“Yes, an upscale beauty salon.”
“My kind of spot.”
He turned to her and grinned. “When it opens in about two months, I’ll take you by there, see if it meets your high standards.”
“I’m actually pretty easy to please.”
“Are you? That’s good to know. Now I won’t have to bring in my stable of character witnesses.”
She tossed her head back and laughed. “Do they get a salary or are they on retainer?”
“Retainer. I never know when I have someone I need to impress. You’ll meet some of them soon.”
“And I can’t wait to hear what they have to say about you.”
They pulled up to the complex and got out.
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
“All right, let’s go.”
They got off the elevator on the tenth floor and walked down the hushed corridor to the offices of Graham and Associates. Nathan opened the door for her and stepped up to the desk of the receptionist.
“Good afternoon, Ginny.”
“Hello, Mr. Spencer. Mr. Graham is waiting for you—go right in.”
“Thanks.” He placed his hand at the small of Leticia’s back and ushered her inside.
Miles Graham stood, a dead ringer for a young Mickey Rourke during his 9½ Weeks fame.
“Miles.” Nathan approached with his hand outstretched. They shook hands, but Miles’s eyes stayed focused on Leticia. “This is Pamela Armstrong.”
“Ms. Armstrong.” He extended his hand to Leticia and held it a little longer than needed.
“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
“Not a problem at all. Please, have a seat.”
Nathan held the chair for Leticia. “I’ll leave you two to discuss business. I’ll be out front when you’re done.” He walked out, closing the door behind him.
“So, you’re interested in the penthouse apartment.”
“Yes, it’s perfect.”
Miles opened a folder and turned it to face Leticia. “These are the specs for the apartment, along with the asking price, which is expensive. I have to be honest—I wasn’t interested in having a single woman take over the property.” He folded his hands atop the desk. “If it weren’t for Nathan’s recommendation, I doubt if I would have seen you.”
Leticia looked into his eyes. “Why is that?” She arched a brow.
“The asking price is quite high and I need to be sure that the payments can be made.”
“What makes you think that a single woman wouldn’t be able to make the payments?”
“Not that she wouldn’t, just that I believe from experience that it may prove to be more difficult.”
“I’ve never had any difficulty holding up my end of anything, Miles. Can I call you Miles?” Her gaze locked onto Miles, her eyes darkened, and a gradual flush rose from his neck to his cheeks. He cleared his throat, obviously flustered, and Leticia crossed her legs in a scene right out of Basic Instinct. She gave him a slow smile, leaned slightly forward, and slid the file toward her.
She nodded her head slowly as she read the contents, flipping the pages unhurriedly. Several minutes later, she closed the folder and pushed it back across the desk. “Looks fine.”
He tugged a bit at his tie.
“What do you want from me to make this happen?” she asked, the question simple, the innuendo loaded. “Would you like to see my papers?” She uncrossed her legs, waited a beat, and crossed them back.
“I’ll have to run a credit check,” he said, almost apologetically.
“Of course.” She folded her hands over her crossed knees, drawing his eyes to just where she wanted them to be. “I’ll definitely have to invite you up for drinks once I get settled. I have some great ideas on how I’m going to decorate. I think even you would be impressed, Miles.”
“I’m sure I would.” He flipped through the papers on his desk until he found the form he was looking for. “If you would fill this out . . .”
She leaned across the desk, offering him a hint of a glimpse. “I really love that place. I’d hate for it to go to someone else. I feel as if
it were made for me. You ever feel like that, Miles, that something was simply made for you?”
“I—”
“Are you married, Miles?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Oh, then I guess you’ll be coming alone for drinks.”
A thin line of perspiration popped up on his forehead as he ran his tongue across his lips. “Do you want me to come alone?”
She tilted her head to the side. “Sounds perfect.” She reached for a pen on his desk and completed the application, then passed it back to Miles.
He barely looked it over. “I’m sure everything is fine. I’ll be sure to expedite the application. I should have an answer back for you tomorrow.”
Languidly, she stood, looking down on him. “That long?” She pouted. “Can’t you do it faster? Isn’t the final decision yours?”
“Yes, it is.”
“You don’t strike me as the kind of man who doesn’t trust his instincts. What are your instincts about me?”
He rose and came around the desk to her side. “My instincts about you are that you would be a lovely addition to the building.”
“Of course I would. You’ll love having me.”
His nostrils flared. His voice dropped a note. “Would I?”
“I guarantee it.” She smiled up at him. Fool. Just like a man when it comes to the scent of pussy. “Now, about these papers.” She held them up between them.
He took them from her hand. “I’m sure they’re fine. You can make your check out to Graham Management Corporation. You’ll sign your lease as soon as the check clears, and then you can move in.”
“What a pleasure it is doing business with you, Miles,” she purred.
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