A Miami Affair

by Sherelle Green

  Becca shivered. She hadn’t noticed Josh paying attention to her, but that was probably because she’d been too busy trying not to pay attention to him...and failing.

  Josh glanced up then and caught her gaze. Despite the array of people and pets scattered around, they didn’t break eye contact.

  “Honey, Josh has been volunteering here for years and I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he’s looking at you.”

  “What about the other women he’s brought here?” Becca asked without breaking eye contact.

  “What women? If anything, he brings one of his brothers. Never a woman. You’re the first the staff and other volunteers have met, and since that photo of you two in the paper circulated the office, we recognized you the minute you walked through the door.”

  Tinley proceeded to ask Becca questions about the movie premiere, but Becca barely heard her own answers. She was too busy staring back at Josh, trying to keep her heart in check.

  * * *

  To Josh, intelligence and beauty made a great combination in a woman. If you added feisty and willing to get her hands dirty to the mix, the combination was dangerous.

  As Josh sat outside his favorite sandwich shop with Becca later that day, he reminded himself that he was supposed to be eating, not creepily watching her eat. If he hadn’t been kissing those soft lips days prior, he probably would have been able to concentrate more.

  “I never would have thought to put meat and lettuce on a bagel with cream cheese. It’s delicious,” Becca said, taking another bite of her sandwich.

  He took a bite of his own sandwich, never taking his eyes off her as he did. She had a couple dirt smudges on her cheeks that he figured he should probably tell her about. But he thought they looked too adorable to wash off. It showed just how much effort she’d dedicated to the animal shelter.

  “If you’re going to keep staring at me, the least you could do is talk to me.”

  Josh mentally shook his head from its Becca-induced state. “Sorry, I was just thinking about how great you were today. You really dived right in with helping the animals and I think it’s amazing that we were able to get over thirty animals adopted in a few hours.”

  “I had a lot of fun today! And I never would have pegged you for an animal guy.”

  “Oh really?” He quirked an eyebrow. “What type of guy did you have me pegged for?”

  “I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. “I guess since you live on a yacht and you’re constantly on the move, I just didn’t imagine you as the type who had time for pets.”

  “I’ll admit that I do travel a lot, but I always make time for animals. My dog, Bailey, just passed away last year, but before she did, she went everywhere with me, as long as it was dog friendly.”

  Becca’s eyes lit up. “What type of dog was she?”

  “A brown Lab. I’ve always had Labs, so I’m partial to them.”

  “I grew up with golden retrievers. The eight-week-old golden retriever I was holding today was so cute, I almost adopted him. I wasn’t surprised he was one of the first to go.”

  “Puppies always go fast. Every time I volunteer I’m tempted to adopt one of the older dogs. I’m sure the staff is waiting for me to choose one.”

  “But you haven’t found the perfect match?”

  “Exactly. When I find my future dog, I’ll know it. Until then, I find joy in helping other loving families find their perfect pet.”

  Becca took a sip of her water and finished off her sandwich. “Did you have anything else planned for today?”

  Am I imagining it, or does she seem like she wants to spend more time with me? “This was the only thing I had planned for today. Why? Did you have any ideas?”

  “No ideas. Just curious since I have the day off. We don’t have to do something else, though.”

  Josh thought about what they could do. He didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to spend more time with Becca. He had an idea. “The sun is going down soon, so we’d have to leave now. It’s a little unconventional, but if you’re down for a quick adventure, I’d love to show you one of my favorite spots.”

  “Let’s go.”

  Josh almost dropped the rest of his sandwich at her quick response. He expected her to ask more questions. He took the rest of his sandwich to go and they made their way to his black Maserati.

  “I meant to ask,” she said as she sat in the car. “If you live on your yacht, where do you store your cars?”

  When he’d picked up Becca to take her to the animal shelter, she’d performed her normal thorough search of his vehicle but hadn’t asked any additional questions. He knew her curiosity would eventually get the best of her.

  “The Moguls own their own car storage lockers, so I store all five of my cars there.”

  Becca lifted both eyebrows. “Five? What are the other three?”

  “You’ll find out one day.”

  She pouted and crossed her arms over her chest. “You suck.”

  When Josh pulled up to a red light, he glanced over at her. “Didn’t we discuss choosing your words wisely the other day?” There were a whole lot of things he wanted to suck, if only she’d give him the opportunity.

  Her lips parted into a perfect O upon realizing her error. The car crackled with sexual tension until they made it to their destination. Josh pulled into his normal discreet location in a dark corner underneath a bridge. After they got out of the car, he covered the part of his car that was visible with a long piece of cardboard that was leaning against a concrete wall.

  “Okay, now I’m concerned. Why are you hiding your car?”

  “Shhh.” He gently covered her mouth and pulled her to the side of the car. He didn’t release her mouth until he was sure no one was around.

  “What is going on?” she whispered. “Where are we?”

  “We’re at the Miami Marine Stadium. Have you heard of it?”

  “Yeah. It’s a historical landmark, right?”

  “Right. It was created to watch speed boating back in the sixties and has been closed for decades. We’re parked right behind it.”

  Becca lifted her head and glanced around. “I’m guessing we aren’t allowed to be here.”

  “That assumption would be correct.” Josh grabbed her hand and increased his walking speed when they were out in the open. “It’s not open to the public, except for special events. Even then, you can’t really get near the stadium unless you’re part of the organization devoted to the historical preservation of this place.”

  “If we aren’t allowed to be here, why are we here?”

  “You’ll see,” he said with a smile. Making sure the coast was clear, he walked over to the easiest wall to climb over. “Here, stand on my hands. I’ll lift you over.”

  Becca stared at him. “You can’t be serious.”

  “I’m dead serious.” He linked his hands together. When a noise in the distance caught their attention, Josh glanced over in time to see the security guard making his rounds. “Better act fast unless you want to get arrested.”

  That definitely got Becca’s attention. She was over the wall in no time with Josh right behind her. He led her around the side to the entrance of the stadium.

  “Wow,” she said, looking out over Biscayne Bay and the city of Miami. “This view is amazing.”

  “It is.” Josh grabbed her hand and led her to a more discreet corner. “But this view is the reason I come here.”

  Becca gasped when Josh stood back to let her soak in the entire graffiti-covered stadium. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “Pretty remarkable, right?” Josh jogged up a few steps, then turned to face her. “There isn’t a part of the stadium that’s not covered in graffiti. But it’s not just the graffiti and breathtaking views that I love. It’s the fact th
at the graffiti tells a story.”

  Becca jogged up to meet him. “How so?”

  “Some of the best graffiti artists in Miami contributed to the artwork displayed across this stadium. When I was younger, my dad used to sneak here with my brothers and me and tell us stories about the famous street artists who added to the beauty of this place.”

  Josh started walking to the top of the stadium. “You see, most people think the graffiti destroys the beauty of the stadium, whereas my dad always taught us that the rich colors and detailed images are a form of expression that created a message that helped define this place. On days when I need a pick-me-up, I come here and soak in the inspiration that I imagine those artists felt when they created their artwork.”

  When he reached a private corner, he leaned against the wall. “You see, I was never good at drawing or painting. Hell, I wasn’t even a good writer. But I’ve always been intelligent. I always saw things a little differently. Interpreted life in a way others didn’t. I always felt like no one really understood the world like I understood it...except my brother Logan, although I’d never tell him that. Being here with my father always made me feel like I belonged to something greater than what people expected of me. In a way, I guess I still feel that way when I come here.”

  Josh had been so wrapped up in the memories he had here with his father that he hadn’t noticed how Becca was closely observing him. “What? Do I have something on my face?”

  Becca smiled. “You joke around when you get nervous, don’t you?”

  “Baby, Joshua DeLong—brilliant corporate raider—never gets nervous.”

  Becca leaned her body into his, pushing him closer against the wall than he already was. “That may be true. But Josh DeLong—the man who volunteers at an animal shelter, takes long walks in the park to think and reminisces about precious moments in a graffiti-stricken stadium—does get nervous.” He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat.

  “I like this side of you,” she said right before her lips met his. When she’d pushed him against the wall, he should have been prepared for her boldness, but he hadn’t been. After the kiss they’d shared a few days ago, all Josh had been able to think about was kissing her again.

  He tried to will his hands to stay by his sides, but they somehow made their way to her backside, pulling her even closer to him than she already was. Her lips were intoxicating and her sweet moans filling the warm air were enough to increase his boldness.

  He wanted to let her hair out of her high ponytail so that he could embed his fingers in it, but he settled for sliding them underneath her shirt instead. Josh ran one of his hands up the side of her body before palming one breast and teasing her nipple through her thin bra. She shuddered beneath his fingers when he tweaked the other nipple.

  Kissing Becca was unlike anything he’d experienced before. He’d always liked the art of kissing, but with Becca, he found the act even more enjoyable. The way their tongues tangled in perfect unison caused lust-filled groans to erupt from deep within him. He could have stood there kissing her forever, but at the sound of someone clearing their throat, they broke apart.

  Becca stared up at him with wide eyes, clearly assuming security had just spotted them. When Josh glanced over Becca’s shoulder, he frowned.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I should be asking you the same question.”

  Becca slowly turned around to see who he was talking to before glancing back at Josh. Josh made sure her shirt was in place before walking her over. “Becca, I’d like for you to meet my brother Logan. Logan, this is Becca.” He was sure his brother had seen them kissing, but even if he hadn’t, her swollen lips would have given them away.

  “Nice to meet you,” Becca said, shaking his hand.

  “The pleasure’s all mine.” When Logan kissed the back of Becca’s hand, Josh gave Logan a look that warned him to tread carefully.

  “I thought you had something to do today, little brother.”

  Logan laughed. “I finished early. When I went by the shelter, they said you’d already left. Clearly you found a better replacement.”

  Becca smiled, already falling for the Logan charm. Logan winked at Josh, obviously enjoying the fact that he’d interrupted Josh’s time with Becca.

  “So what are you doing here?” Josh asked. Just then, a noise sounded from the corner. All three of them turned to face a woman approaching. She was adjusting her short dress and wig, and wearing entirely too much makeup.

  “He’s here with me,” she said as she grabbed Logan’s arm. Josh had to stifle a laugh.

  “Josh and Becca, this is Trina,” Logan said.

  “That’s not my name,” the woman said. “Try again.”

  Logan snapped his fingers. “Sorry, it’s Tracy, right?”

  “Nope.” She crossed her arms over her ample chest that was spilling out of her dress. “Try again.”

  “That’s right,” Logan said, hitting his head. “It’s Tamika. How could I forget?”

  “Logannnn,” she whined. “My name doesn’t even begin with a T.”

  Josh rolled his eyes and leaned over to Becca. “We could be here all night.”

  Becca’s laughter filled the air, but didn’t distract Logan and the woman whose name he still hadn’t figured out.

  “How about we head back to my yacht?” Josh suggested in a low voice as he kissed the side of her neck. “Maybe talk business.”

  “Talk business? I don’t believe you. I refuse to be another notch on your belt,” she said. “And The Aunt Penny Foundation is too important to me.”

  “You wouldn’t be,” he whispered. “But I love a challenge, so if you want to stay here with my brother and his flavor of the day, how about we take bets on how many tries it will take for him to get her name right.”

  Becca smiled. “You’re on.”

  As they placed their bets, Josh thought about both the kisses he’d shared with Becca. He couldn’t blame her for turning down his offer to go back to his yacht. He didn’t even trust that he could keep it strictly business if he had her anywhere near a bed. They were supposed to be working together, but he couldn’t remember the last time he’d worked with someone whom he constantly wanted to touch...and kiss.

  Unfortunately, the fact that she’d turned him down only made him want her more. After two kisses, he was already addicted to Becca’s taste and he feared that as time went on, his craving for her would only get worse. You’re in trouble, DeLong, and this time, trouble is in the form of a woman named Becca Wright.

  Chapter 9

  “Becca, can you please stop fidgeting with your dress?” Haley asked after Becca tugged at her sleek black dress for the fifth time since they’d exited the car.

  “I can’t help it. I’m nervous.”

  Haley laughed. “I never thought I’d see the day when you got nervous over a meeting. Usually you’re so composed.”

  “Yeah, well, usually I haven’t made out a couple times with one of the men we’re giving a presentation to.”

  Becca and Haley had been invited to attend the monthly meeting of Prescott George in Miami’s financial district to discuss the goals of The Aunt Penny Foundation and how the Millionaire Moguls might be able to join forces with them in a more permanent manner. This meeting was a huge opportunity for Becca and Haley, but the only thing Becca could think about was ways to calm her rattled nerves.

  Haley raised a finger in the air. “Have I mentioned how proud I am of you? Making out with a man who was featured on the cover of a national business magazine as one of the most influential black men in America is not an easy feat, my dear. Yet you made it look easy.”

  “I’m definitely not making it look easy now.” Becca tugged at her dress again. She had to admit, it was nice to feel a little like her old self, and now that she was
back to wearing heels her calves felt amazing. Yet despite how great she felt, her stomach was doing somersaults at the idea that she was going to see Josh after basically throwing herself at him days prior.

  As they approached a tall older tower, they slowed their stride. Haley glanced at the sheet of paper in her hand. “Are we sure this is the Prescott George headquarters? There’s nothing indicating that the Millionaire Moguls are located here.”

  “I recall Josh saying that they don’t advertise the headquarters. They prefer not to draw attention to anything that may happen behind closed doors.”

  Haley shrugged. “That makes sense. Is there a secret code we have to enter in order to cross the premises?”

  “Something like that,” Becca said with a laugh. She glanced up at the tower and took a deep breath.

  Haley lightly shook Becca’s shoulders. “You’ll be fine. I’m sure the Moguls will have many other things on their minds besides paying attention to us until it’s time for our presentation... Josh included!”

  Becca rolled her neck. “You’re right. I can do this. Let’s go.”

  After following the directions to enter the building, as promised, Josh was waiting exactly where he said he would be. The minute her eyes landed on him, her heartbeat quickened.

  “Hello, Becca.” Her name rolled off his tongue.

  “Hello, Josh.” His black Ray-Bans were pushed back on top of his head and he was wearing navy blue slacks and a gray shirt that was unbuttoned at the top. He had that I-look-this-good-without-trying sort of thing going on that made her clench her thighs as much as she could while standing. When Haley nudged her, she snapped out of her Josh-induced fog.

  “Joshua DeLong, I’d like for you to meet the founder of The Aunt Penny Foundation, Haley Adams. Haley, this is Joshua DeLong.”

  After they finished with the pleasantries, Joshua led them into a long, dimly lit hallway. The walls were adorned with vintage black-and-white photographs of men who Becca assumed had something to do with the organization. It was hard not to stare at the eyes gazing down at her from the walls.