by Naomi Chase
Glancing up from her computer, the petite, dark-haired young woman smiled wanly. “I’m okay.”
“You don’t look okay,” Tamia countered skeptically.“You look like you’re in a lot of pain. What’s that little man in there doing to you?”
Noemi grinned wistfully. “The ‘little man’ isn’t so little. Although I’m only thirty-four weeks along, he already weighs five pounds—”
Tamia whistled softly.
“—and his weight is putting a lot of pressure on my sciatic nerve, which causes my lower back and legs to hurt. It feels worse every time he moves.”
Tamia pursed her lips for a moment. “Okay, I’m not even gonna pretend to know what a sciatic nerve is, but what you’ve just described sounds painful, and it’s clear to me that you should be at home with your feet up, letting your husband rub your back and wait on you.”
Noemi giggled, brown eyes twinkling. “You’re so funny, Tamia.”
“I’m serious. I know we only met this morning, but I like you, and I hate to see you suffering like this.” Tamia glanced at her watch. “It’s after four anyway. Who’s gonna care if you cut out a little early?”
Noemi grimaced. “Not that I wouldn’t love to, but I really shouldn’t. It’s bad enough that I didn’t come back to the office after my doctor’s appointment yesterday. Which reminds me, I am so sorry for deserting you on your first day.”
Tamia waved off the apology. “Don’t worry about it. You left me great instructions, so I had plenty to do. And the template you provided for writing a report was extremely helpful, so thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad it helped. I’m taking your report home with me tonight, so I’ll give you my feedback tomorrow.”
“Great! And remember what I said earlier. Be brutally honest with me. I can take it.”
Noemi grinned at her. “We’ll see.”
Tamia laughed.
Seconds after Noemi had returned her attention to her computer, she was back to rubbing her stomach and wincing.
Tamia sighed. “Okay, you really need to go home.”
Noemi met her exasperated gaze. “I can’t—”
“Yes, you can. Look, for all you know, those pains you’re having could be contractions. So you could be in labor right now. If I don’t know what a sciatic nerve is, I damn sure don’t know the first thing about delivering a baby. Besides,” Tamia continued pragmatically as Noemi opened her mouth to argue, “you just said you’d be reading my report this evening, right? So, technically, you’re taking work home.”
“Well,” Noemi conceded slowly, “that’s true.”
“Of course it’s true. So what is it you need to do before you leave this evening? Maybe I can take care of it for you.”
Noemi wavered, biting her lower lip. “If you’re sure ...”
Tamia gave her a pointed look. “I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t.”
“Well, I need to make copies of the minutes from last week’s partners meeting. As the newest partner, it’s Brandon’s responsibility to provide copies for everyone before the next meeting. Never mind that the minutes are saved on the network and everyone downloads them to their PDAs anyway,” Noemi added with a disgusted eye roll. “All that matters to Russ is that they’ve been printing hard copies for years, so he insists on maintaining the status quo.”
“Russ?”
“Sutcliffe. One of the firm’s senior partners”—Noemi lowered her voice—“and a major league asshole. Just to give you a heads-up, he and Brandon are sworn enemies. I’m talking Superman versus Lex Luthor, and you know which one is the despicable villain. Russ has always hated Brandon’s guts, and he was strongly opposed to his hiring you. So just keep your head up and watch your back, ’cause Russ Sutcliffe can be a spiteful son of a bitch.”
Tamia nodded slowly. “Thanks for the warning.”
After Noemi left, Tamia got up and headed to the copy room, relieved to find it empty. She had a lot of copying and collating to do, and she didn’t feel like waiting on anyone else. She also craved some privacy to daydream about Brandon and the incredible night of lovemaking they’d shared.
She was disappointed that she hadn’t seen him all day, but she understood that he was very busy. She’d checked out his schedule, so she knew that he’d spent the entire day running from one meeting to another. But she wondered whether he, like her, had found himself frequently losing his concentration as he replayed memories of last night. She hoped he had. And she hoped that he didn’t regret what they’d done. Didn’t regret telling her that he loved her.
She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t realize someone had entered the room until a woman’s voice drawled, “Hey, new girl. We don’t allow that around here.”
Startled, Tamia glanced up from the humming Xerox machine to encounter the coolly amused gaze of an attractive, thirty-something brunette wearing a two-piece power suit and kitten-heel pumps.
Tamia blinked at her. “Sorry. What did you say?”
“I said we don’t allow that around here,” the approaching woman repeated. She was conspicuously empty-handed, which meant she’d either left behind what she wanted to copy or was there for the sole purpose of meeting Tamia.
“Allow what?”
“Daydreaming.”
Tamia flushed, glancing away.
When she offered no denial, the brunette chuckled knowingly and sidled up to her. “Judging by the smile on your face, girlfriend, that must have been some gooood dick.”
Tamia gasped, taken aback by the crude remark and the woman’s bold familiarity. Raking her with an annoyed look, Tamia said tightly, “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”
“Addison.” She stuck out a manicured hand. “I’m an associate here.”
Tamia hesitated, then shook the brunette’s hand. “I’m—”
“No introduction necessary. Everyone knows who you are.” Cool, assessing green eyes roamed across Tamia’s face and body—a frank appraisal that ended with Addison shaking her head. “I must admit. You’re downright gorgeous in person. No wonder.”
Tamia narrowed her eyes. “No wonder what?”
But Addison merely smiled. “So how’s it going so far? This is, what, your second day on the job?”
“That’s right.” Tamia turned back to the copy machine, which was slowly cranking out the collated pages of the meeting minutes. She wished Addison would take the hint and leave, but no such luck.
After glancing toward the doorway, Addison leaned close to Tamia, further invading her personal space as she confided, “I’m sure it won’t surprise you to hear that there were some grumblings among the administrative staff when you were hired. Certain people were offended that you were hired with practically no legal experience. Most of the assistants who work here have bachelor’s or associate’s degrees in paralegal studies, so they’re rightfully insulted by the notion that you think you can just waltz in here and do their jobs with limited training.”
Tamia nodded slowly, keeping her expression neutral. “I can certainly understand their concerns. If I were in their shoes, I’d probably feel the same way.”
“Wow.” Addison stared at her with a combination of surprise and admiration. “That was a very mature response.”
“I’m just speaking the truth.”
“I know. Which was what made it so ... refreshing.”
Tamia gave her an amused look. “I’m sorry you didn’t get the reaction you were obviously expecting or hoping for. But you didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know. The other assistants resent me for getting a job I’m unqualified for, so as an act of protest, they’ve decided to give me the cold shoulder.”
“Pretty much,” Addison confirmed.
Tamia gave an unconcerned shrug. “That’s their prerogative. I’ve never cared about winning popularity contests, and I’m not about to start now.”
A slow, delighted grin stretched across Addison’s face. “I think you and I are gonna get along just fi
ne, Tamia Luke.”
Tamia had her doubts about that, but she kept the thought to herself.
As she checked the progress of her copy job—wishing the damn machine would collate faster—Addison eyed her with fascinated curiosity. “So what’s he really like?”
“Who?”
“Brandon.”
“Brandon?”
“Yeah.” Addison looked amused. “You know, your ex-boyfriend slash lawyer slash new boss.”
“Got that part. What I don’t get is why you’re asking me what he’s like.”
Addison smiled. “I’m curious. I mean, Brandon has so many different facets to his personality. He’s a consummate professional at the office, a total gentleman who opens doors for the ladies, and a sweet guy who remembers people’s birthdays. But then he’s a ruthless mercenary in the courtroom and in meetings with people he doesn’t like. Since I’ve never had the pleasure of hanging out with him after work, I just wonder whether he’s one of those brothas—”
Tamia’s brow shot up.
“—who lets it all hang out when he gets around his friends. Does he get loud and rowdy? Does he curse like a sailor? Does he act really silly and playful?” Addison chuckled softly. “I just figured, next to Deondre, you know Brandon better than anyone else.”
Tamia eyed her suspiciously. “And you want to know all these things about him because ... ?”
Addison shrugged nonchalantly, twirling a strand of dark hair around her finger. “Like I said, I’m just curious about him.”
“Ohhh, I see.” Tamia nodded knowingly. “You’re one of those.”
“One of what?”
“An MSWG.”
Addison frowned. “What’s that?”
Tamia hesitated, then decided since Addison had been so forward with her, she’d return the favor. “MSWG is an acronym my best friend made up. It stands for Mandingo-Seeking White Girl.”
Addison gaped at her for a moment, then threw back her head and laughed. “I love it!”
“You do?”
“Yes! I’m totally gonna start using that.”
Tamia smiled sardonically. “I’m glad you weren’t offended.”
“Not at all.” Addison’s green eyes twinkled. “I love black men, and I make no apologies for that.”
“Umm-hmm.” I see I’m gonna have to keep an eye on this heffa, Tamia thought.
“I hope I’m not interrupting this, ahem, bonding session.”
Tamia and Addison glanced toward the doorway. Cynthia stood there smirking at them, a manila folder in her hand.
“Hey, Cynthia.” Addison made an exaggerated show of glancing at her watch and gasping in shock. “Oh, my goodness! It’s after five and you’re still here?”
Cynthia’s mouth tightened, but only for a moment. “Of course I’m still here,” she said with stinging sweetness as she entered the copy room, “but I’m surprised that you are. I heard you totally bombed in court today, flubbed your closing argument so bad that the judge may have to declare a mistrial.” She tsk-tsked. “Poor baby. Better luck next time.”
Addison’s face reddened.
Watching the barbed exchange with keen interest, Tamia thought, Well, what do we have here? Was it possible that she’d finally met someone else who didn’t belong to the Cynthia Yarbrough fan club?
Recovering her composure, Addison plastered on the fakest smile and volleyed back, “Gee, thanks for your concern, Cynthia. It’s remarkable that you have time to keep up with my cases when you have so much on your own plate, which apparently includes planning your wedding. Or was that someone else’s bridal magazine and invitation sample book on your desk?”
Tamia stiffened with surprise.
Cynthia darted a glance at her before glaring accusingly at Addison. “What the hell were you doing in my office?”
Addison smirked. “I went to ask you a question, but you weren’t there. Your door was open, so I decided to leave you a note. But after I saw all the wedding paraphernalia on your desk, I got distracted and left.” Addison raised a brow at Tamia. “Did you know that your boss was getting married?”
Tamia glanced at Cynthia, who looked like she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole. “No,” she murmured. “I didn’t know.”
Addison sighed. “I don’t think he knows either. Especially considering what I overheard last ... Well”—her wickedly amused gaze met Tamia’s—“that’s another story for another day.”
Tamia’s face flamed at the realization that Addison had overheard her and Brandon last night. Although most of the offices had appeared dark and empty, Addison must have been lurking around somewhere. She’d shamelessly eavesdropped at the door as Tamia and Brandon rocked each other’s worlds, which might explain why she’d been asking all those weird questions about Brandon and had known what Tamia was daydreaming about.
Tamia looked back at Cynthia. Her eyes were narrowed suspiciously.
Blushing harder, Tamia turned back to the Xerox machine, relieved to see that her copies were finally done.
Cynthia advanced into the room, glaring venomously at Addison. “For your information, the bridal magazine and sample book belong to my cousin who just got married. I had pulled them out of my desk drawer so I’d remember to give them back to her when she returns from her honeymoon.”
Addison snorted. “Nice try, but that was the December issue of Brides magazine, which didn’t hit the stands until after your cousin’s wedding.”
When Cynthia said nothing, Addison taunted further, “What’s in that folder? Are you making copies of the wedding invitations that you liked?”
“Bitch, whatever,” Cynthia hissed.
As Tamia turned from the Xerox machine, she ran smack-dab into her nemesis. Caught off guard, she lost her balance and stumbled backward, dropping her armful of copies. As she watched in dismay, the papers scattered across the floor.
“Oops.” Cynthia smirked at her. “My bad.”
Tamia shot her an evil glare, then bent down to gather the strewn papers.
“Guess you’d better watch where you’re going next time,” Cynthia jeered. “Or better yet, stop wearing those hooker heels to the office so you can keep your balance.”
Tamia’s face burned with anger and humiliation.
As Cynthia stepped around her to reach the copy machine, she left a shoeprint on one of the fallen sheets of paper, adding insult to injury.
“Oh, for God’s sake.” Heaving a sigh of disgust, Addison sank to her haunches to help Tamia while glaring at Cynthia. “That was real classy, Yarbrough. Way to show the rest of us those Christian values your parents taught you.”
“I agree.”
All three women’s heads whipped toward the doorway.
Brandon stood there, his face hard with suppressed fury as he surveyed the scene before him.
Cynthia actually withered against the copy machine. “Hey, baby,” she said weakly. “You’re back.”
“Unfortunately for you.” Without sparing her another glance, Brandon stalked across the room.
As he knelt down to help Tamia and Addison gather the rest of the papers, Cynthia stammered out, “I-I would have helped too, b-but I’m sort of in a hurry and I, uh, needed to, uh ...” She trailed off pathetically.
Deliberately ignoring her, Brandon cupped Tamia’s elbow and gently assisted her to her feet. “Are you okay?”
She nodded quickly, clutching the stack of copies to her chest.
He touched her cheek, then looked at Addison. “Thanks, girl.”
She winked at him. “Anytime, handsome.”
Brandon’s gaze shifted to Cynthia. “Can I see you in my office?” His curt tone made it clear it wasn’t a request.
Cynthia wavered, then gave a jerky nod, looking so miserable that Tamia actually felt sorry for her. She watched as Cynthia followed Brandon from the room with the reluctant dread of a misbehaving child who’d been summoned to the principal’s office.
As soon as they were gone, Addison
grinned broadly at Tamia, her eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. “That couldn’t have turned out better if I’d planned it myself.”
Tamia was silent, making another copy of the page that Cynthia had stepped on.
Addison laughed. “Oh, come on, Tamia! Tell me that didn’t feel good, watching that phony bitch finally get her comeuppance.”
Tamia grimaced. “As someone who’s been on the receiving end of Brandon’s anger—and rightfully so—let’s just say I sympathize with Cynthia.”
Addison snorted rudely. “She sure as hell didn’t sympathize with you. I seem to recall her floating on cloud nine for weeks after you and Brandon broke up. And call me jaded, but I think she was secretly relieved when you went to prison. She enjoyed having you out of the picture so she could have Brandon all to herself.”
Tamia smiled wryly, shaking her head at Addison. “There you go again, telling me things I already know.”
Addison laughed.
As they started from the room, Addison suggested, “We should do lunch sometime. I’d love to pick your brain and learn your secret.”
Tamia frowned quizzically. “My secret to what?”
Addison grinned. “Keeping a man like Brandon Chambers wrapped around your little finger.”
Chapter 33
Brandon
Brandon closed the door behind Cynthia, then strode to the windows and began pacing, too angry to be confined to his chair.
Cynthia watched him nervously. “Brandon—”
“What the fuck was that?” he exploded, rounding furiously on her.
She swallowed visibly. “Can you please keep your voice down? Plenty of our colleagues are still here—”
“I don’t give a fuck!”
Cynthia made a whimpering noise. “I-I don’t understand why you’re so upset. What did I do that was so terrible?”
“Are you kidding me?” Brandon thundered. “How can you even ask that question after the way you just showed your ass? Even Addison was embarrassed for you! Do you realize that? You got taken to task by a woman who’s not exactly known for being Miss Congeniality. So you should feel real small right now,” he snarled, raking her with a look of disgust that brought tears to her eyes.
