She checked her emails one last time before preparing to shut down for the day.
“Valencia. Good, you’re still here.”
Valencia turned to find one of the administrative assistants standing in the doorway. Hey, Jenice. You just caught me. Is there something you need?” She really hoped not. It was already after five and Valencia should’ve been gone ten minutes ago.
“You had a delivery.”
Puzzled, she locked her desk and slung her purse over her shoulder. “Since I’m leaving, I’ll just follow you out and pick it up on my way out.” She couldn’t imagine who’d be sending her a delivery at work.
Jenice rounded her desk and pointed to a large vase that held a dozen red roses. “These are yours.” She picked up a small teal gift bag and held it out. “This is a Tiffany’s bag. Whoever he is, he’s a keeper,” she said with a smile.
Valencia gasped softly. It took several seconds for her to find her voice. “Um…yes, he is.” The vase sat in a carrier box, which would make it easier for her to take in the car. She didn’t dare open the card or the gift, even though she could tell by the look on Jenice’s face, the woman was itching for some information. “Thanks. I’m going to take these gorgeous flowers home. See you in the morning.”
“Have a good evening.”
A few minutes later, seated in her car, Valencia opened the card. It only had two words and signed with his initial: Tonight. Midnight. D. “What does that mean?” she mumbled. She mentally went over their earlier conversation for any indication of what the cryptic words meant, but drew a blank. Setting it aside, she dug the small jewelry box out of the gift bag. Her heart raced as she opened. “Oh. My. Goodness.” Inside, she found a diamond tennis bracelet with a diamond-encrusted ‘V’. Leaning back against the seat, Valencia closed her eyes. If she wasn’t already in love with Dwayne, this would have pushed her over the edge. He’d asked for five nights to prove their relationship meant more than a passing fling, that it was worth the risk. Obviously, he planned to go all out. She opened her eyes, started the car and drove off.
As soon as she got home, her cell rang. Valencia hurried over to the coffee table and set the vase down, the dug her phone out of her purse. She smiled when she saw Leah’s name on the display. “Hey, girl.”
“Don’t ‘hey, girl’ me,” Leah said. “You were supposed to call me last night when you got home.”
Laughing, Valencia walked to her bedroom and deposited her purse and the gift bag on her dresser. “I know, and I’m sorry. I had planned to, but D—…um, he stayed around for a while and it was too late to call by the time he left.” She groaned inwardly. Leah’s middle name was nosy, and one slip and the woman would know everything about Dwayne Albright from his vital statistics to where he went to preschool.
“Mmm hmm. More like y’all got busy.”
She dropped down on the bed, but didn’t comment. As usual, Leah was spot on.
“That silence says I’m right. Did you talk to him about ending things like you mentioned?”
“Yes, but he wasn’t on board with it at all. He wants to prove we can make it work.” She kicked off her shoes.
“Aw, that’s so romantic. Wait. Don’t tell me he expects you two to keep your relationship a secret indefinitely.”
“I don’t know what he expects, but he showed up in my office today. I thought he came to talk work, but he…he kissed me.”
Leah screamed into the phone. “That’s what I’m talking about! Looks like your mystery man is ready to come out of the shadows,” she added with a giggle.
“Or something.” She debated on whether to tell Leah about the gifts, and before she could stop herself, blurted out the words. “He had flowers and a bracelet from Tiffany’s delivered before I left the office this evening.” Her friend was silent for so long, Valencia thought they’d gotten disconnected. “Leah, are you still there?”
“I’m here. Sis, I think you’re going to have to decide real soon what you want to do. Any man sending those kinds of gifts to the office of a woman he’s not supposed to be seeing says he’s serious about you.”
She’d had the same thoughts and it scared her to death. At age thirty-three, she had almost given up hope of meeting a man like Dwayne—a man good to her and good for her. But would it cost her the job that she’d grown to love? “What if we go public, then a month or two later, he decides I’m not who he wants anymore? Everybody’s going to know and think I’m trying to sleep my way to a better position.”
“Relax, Lyn. For what it’s worth, I just don’t see him doing that. From what you’ve told me, which hasn’t been much, he seems like a great guy.”
“He is a great guy and I really like being with him.” The past four months with Dwayne had been amazing and truthfully, she didn’t want it to end.
“There you go. Think about it, your job isn’t the only one at risk. His is, too.”
“I doubt it,” Valencia mumbled. It wouldn’t even cause a blip on any radar since the man owned the company, but she couldn’t tell her friend that. At least not yet.
“It’ll work out,” Leah said. “Anyway, tell me about your weekend in the sun.”
She laughed. “It was amazing. Eighty-degree temperatures, miles of beautiful sandy beaches, and—”
“And a sexy ass man to help you get your freak on.”
“Yep, that, too. A girl could really get spoiled. The great thing was that because he has a friend with a private jet, we didn’t have to spend half of our getaway waiting in an airport.”
“Spoiled indeed. Does he have any brothers?”
“He mentioned having a brother and a sister, but since we’ve been keeping the relationship on the down low, we haven’t talked a lot about our families.” Admittedly, Valencia had been curious about his family and whether they were a close-knit bunch. She’d only seen Dwayne’s father because the older man’s photo happened to be on the website.
“So, I guess that means you don’t know if the brother is single.”
She chuckled. “No, and I’m not asking.”
“See, you just ain’t right. I thought you were my BFF. Out here finding yourself a good man and won’t even hook a sistah up,” Leah grumbled.
“Whatever, crazy woman.” Her stomach growled. She’d been so out of sorts after Dwayne left her office that she hadn’t been able to eat much at lunch. “I need to get off this phone and find some food. I’m starving.” And she wanted to call Dwayne to ask about that note.
“Okay, but you’d better keep me posted. And you could at least tell me the brother’s name now.”
“Soon.”
Leah’s heavy sigh came through the line. “Fine.”
Smiling, Valencia shook her head. They’d been best friends since high school and there had never been a dull moment with Leah around. “I’ll talk to you later.” After disconnecting, she went to the kitchen and rummaged through the refrigerator for something quick and easy. Because she hadn’t gone grocery shopping, she didn’t find much and settled on canned chicken noodle soup and a turkey sandwich. While the soup warmed, she sent Dwayne a text.
A few minutes later, he replied: You’ll find out at midnight.
Valencia: Does that mean you’re coming over at midnight, calling…what?
Dwayne: LOL! You’ll have to wait and see.
She sighed in frustration, then typed back: Fine! Be like that.
Dwayne: I will.
She tossed the phone on the counter. “I can’t stand him.” A lie, of course, but she’d never had patience when it came to surprises. Valencia couldn’t do anything about it, so she sat at the table and ate while sifting through her mail.
Afterwards, she lit candles, turned on some smooth R&B and took a leisurely bubble bath. By the time she got out, she felt relaxed and sleepy. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and noted that she had a little over an hour to go before midnight. Valencia made herself comfortable on the bed, turned on the TV and channel surfed for a few minutes be
fore deciding on an old rerun of Criminal Minds. She couldn’t go wrong with Shemar Moore on the screen. Halfway through the second episode, her doorbell rang, startling her. Forcing herself not to run, she clicked off the TV, made her way to the front door and saw Dwayne through the peephole. She unlocked it and let him in. “Hey.”
“Hey, sweetheart.” Dwayne placed a soft kiss on her lips and shut the door behind him.
“What’s in the bag?” Valencia pointed to the small duffel on his shoulder.
He grinned. “Patience, baby.” He reached for her hand, led her to the living room and gestured for her to sit on the sofa.
She sat and he lowered himself next to her. He had such a serious expression on his face, her heart began to pound. Valencia had been the one to suggest they end things, but knew it wasn’t really what she wanted. Dwayne had told he didn’t, either. Now, she couldn’t be sure. “What is it?”
Dwayne tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Nothing. I know you’re curious about why I chose this time.”
“I am.”
A smile tilted the corner of his mouth. “Do you remember our first kiss?”
She lifted a brow. “Is that a trick question? I’m a woman. What do you think?”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “I know you do, and so do I. It was a warm August day and we’d driven to Lake Tahoe. When I brought you home that night, it was midnight. The kiss we shared hit me in a way I’d never experienced and I knew I had to find a way to keep you in my life. It was the beginning of everything beautiful and I thought it would the perfect time to remind you why we belong together.”
Emotion clogged her throat and she didn’t know what to say. Not only had he remembered their first kiss, but he’d also given it a special place in his memories. “Dwayne.” She drew in a deep breath. He fingered the bracelet on her wrist. “Thank you for this. It’s beautiful, and so are the roses.”
His gaze briefly strayed to the flowers, then back to her. “And so are you.” He reached into the duffel he’d placed on the floor next to him, withdrew another small teal box and handed it to her.
Valencia smiled. “You’re really laying it on thick.”
Dwayne shrugged. “Open it.”
Inside, she found another charm, this one a diamond crown. “This is…it’s amazing.” She leaned over and kissed him. “Thank you.”
“I wanted you to know that you’re my beautiful Black queen and I cherish you. I also thought it was fitting in light of the set down you gave Ingram a couple of months ago. I wanted to bow at your feet.”
She laughed through the tears that flowed down her cheeks. Fifty-something year-old Ingram Fields had worked for the firm almost from its inception and had a bad habit of lording it over everyone. He thought he knew everything and had tried to challenge Valencia on her adding security measures, stating he’d managed several millions of dollars over the years fine and didn’t feel her protocols were necessary. She’d asked the man pointed questions to which he’d had no answers, then told him he should focus on his job and leave hers alone. Afterward the meeting, more than one person had come up to her to thank her for finally putting Ingram in his place. “You know he still doesn’t talk to me.”
“But you got the job done and I appreciate everything you’ve done to make our client’s accounts safer. Now, my queen, it’s time for your royal treatment.”
“What are you talking about?”
“All queens deserve to be pampered and because you’re mine, it’s even more true. Let me show you how much I adore you.” Dwayne picked up the bag, stood and extended his hand.
Valencia didn’t hesitate. Taking his hand, she led him to her bedroom. She reached for his shirt, but he stilled her hands.
He shook his head. “This night is all about you, Lyn.”
He slowly stripped away the lounging pajamas she wore, kissing each newly bared area until she lay flat on the bed. Moans spilled from her lips.
“Turn over,” he whispered.
She complied and he trailed his tongue down her spine. He kissed his way back up to her neck, causing her to tremble.
“Don’t move.” Dwayne left the bed for a moment and stripped down to his black boxer briefs.
She waited for him to finish, but instead, he reached into the bag for something, then came back to the bed and straddled her.
“What are you doing?” Valencia glanced over her shoulder and tried to see what he held, but he blocked her view. A few seconds later, she felt something cool drip onto her back.
“Enjoy.”
Before she could say anything, Dwayne’s hands moved over her in a combination of deep, light and featherlike touches that lulled her into a state of total relaxation. He kneaded her shoulders, back and buttocks. His hands went lower, grazing her core and she moaned, wanting more. But he continued to massage her thighs, legs and feet. Valencia’s breathing slowed and she felt herself drifting off. His deep voice near her ear awakened her.
“This is what you can look forward to in the new year—me taking care of you, just like a queen deserves. Tell me you want it as much as I do.”
“Yes,” she managed to say. No man had ever touched her as if she were a priceless work of art. She’d be crazy not to want what he offered. He turned her over and began again.
Dwayne brushed a kiss over her lips. “I’m glad to hear it.”
Her eyes drifted closed once more as she gave herself up to the delightful sensations. She had no idea how much time passed, but when her eyes opened again, she found Dwayne fully dressed and staring intently at her.
“Sleep well, my beautiful queen. I’ll see you in the morning.” He covered her mouth in a slow-as-molasses kiss that made her want to strip him naked and treat him to the same sensual explorations. He slid off the bed. “I’ll lock the door behind me.”
She was glad because she couldn’t move if her life depended on it. “Good night and thank you,” she said, her voice slightly slurred. A couple of minutes passed and Valencia heard the click of the front door. The man didn’t play fair. A smile curved her lips. And I don’t even care.
Chapter 3
Tuesday evening, Dwayne spotted Dwight seated at a small table in the crowded bar and grill, and started in that direction. “Hey,” he said, sliding onto the opposite stool. Almost immediately, a server approached. “I’ll have a White Russian, please.”
She gave him a smile. “Coming right up.”
“You’re working later these days.” Dwight tilted the beer bottle to his lips and took a swig.
“It’s the end of the year, so there are several reports that need to get done. But you wouldn’t know that since you never leave that office. I don’t think one person even knows you work at the firm.” How Dwight managed to slip in and out of the building unseen never failed to amuse Dwayne.
“I don’t know how long I’m staying. I only came on board because you asked, but I’m still taking care of things at the construction company. The good thing is because of the weather, things are slower and Terrell can handle most of it alone.” Dwight and Terrell Murray had been best friends since college and both had worked in construction. When Terrell proposed starting his own construction company three years ago, Dwight hadn’t hesitated in signing on.
“Have you talked to Dad?”
“No, but I will. I’ll be here until you find out who’s trying to steal from the company. But it’s not like you need my help. You’re every bit the troubleshooter I am.”
“That may be true, but I do need your help.” Dwayne could easily track down the culprit on his own, but he wanted it done in secret, something impossible with his administrative assistant having access to his computer. “No one knows what you’re doing except me. They’d find out if I started investigating them.”
“Your drink, sir.” The server placed the glass in front of Dwayne. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No, thank you.” He waited until the young woman walked away before continuing his conversat
ion. “How are you doing really?”
Dwight gave him a small smile. “How did I know you were going to ask that? I’m good, just like I told you the last hundred times you asked. It’s been three years and I’ve moved on.” He took a long drink from the bottle.
He studied his brother. After losing the woman who’d been one of his best friends and whom he had never had the chance to tell of his love, Dwight had become almost a recluse. Dwayne had felt his brother’s pain as if it were his own. Only in the last few months had Dwight began venturing out again.
“And stop looking at me like that.”
“That’s what big brothers do.”
Dwight snorted. “Big brother, my ass.” They shared a smile. “So, what’s up with this woman you’re supposed to be dating. You’ve never been this closed-mouthed about a relationship before and I don’t see why it’s complicated. Either you’re dating her or not.
He idly stirred the cream in his drink, then took a small sip before answering. “It’s complicated because she works at the firm, and there a no frat policy.” One that he regretted putting into place.
“Since when? I don’t recall Dad having any rules about dating and I know for a fact that a couple of folk who work there are married.”
“He didn’t. I put it in place at the beginning of the year.”
“I bet you’re regretting it now,” Dwight said with a chuckle.
“No shit.” He took another gulp of his drink.
“Why now? Did you have some harassment issues between the employees?”
Five Midnight Moments: New Year Bae-Solutions Page 2
