by Shayne Ford
“It’s stupid.”
“Say it.”
“Chad wouldn’t happen to mention anything about Shade’s private life, would he?”
She smiles.
“You mean if there is someone else?”
I nod.
“It’s stupid, I know...” I say, frustrated.
“No, no. It’s not stupid. He didn’t say anything. But even if there was a woman, I doubt he’d say anything.”
“You’re right. Well, I guess I’ll just have to put a question mark on that,” I say with a different voice, trying to lighten up the atmosphere.
She reaches inside her bag and fishes her phone out.
“What?”
“I just remembered something,” she says, tapping the screen and making a call.
“Hi... Yes. Not tonight. Okay... Yes. I’ll call you,” she says on the phone.
I arch an eyebrow.
“What was that?” I ask.
“A friend. I had to cancel him. I can’t afford to drown him in my tears. I have to treat him nicely. I might need him... indefinitely.”
9
TARA
I spend ten minutes going over my clothing options.
In the end, I pick a fitted black dress with a deep cleavage, nipped waist, and a slightly flared skirt. A silver-tone, metallic zipper closes it tightly against my back.
I slip into my heels, grab my sunglasses, and my bag, and walk out of my place.
Frank is off today, so I drive my car to work.
Something’s in the air.
The closer I get to my destination, the more nervous I become. For some unexplained reason, I’m excited and tense which makes no sense.
The dress I’ve opted for today is also a sign. It’s way more sophisticated than the usual laid back style I’m sporting in the office.
I have no idea why I picked it but something tells me that today is not just another day.
Carefully, I switch bands and take a turn, heading to my downtown office. Minutes later, I park the car, check my attire and hurry to the elevator.
Anticipation builds inside me as I walk down the hallway and enter my office.
The first hours of the morning tick by uneventfully.
For the most part, I sift through pictures, go over the last week sales numbers, and review Maya’s reports on the response we see on social media, and also the website metrics.
A couple of business meetings keep myself occupied before I go out for lunch.
It’s three o’clock when I come back to the office, and luckily, I’m no longer nervous. Whatever had me all wired up this morning is now gone.
Relaxed, I stroll down the corridor. Danielle’s poodle greets me midway. I pick him up and stride to her office.
I find her frozen in the doorway.
“You okay?” I ask, handing her the pooch.
“Yes.”
She looks at me and then through me. Slightly lifting her chin, she motions me to my office.
More than telling, her expression brings back the sensation that I’ve been grappling with throughout the day.
Without saying a word, I spin around and pace to the end of the corridor.
Noise and music come from the photo studio.
Crammed with models, the room poses a stark contrast to the quiet atmosphere reigning over my working space.
I veer left and step into my office, my eyes drawn to the windows where Shade stands and peers outside.
My heart dances in my chest, my pulse racing.
I’m sure he heard me, yet he doesn’t turn around.
Slowly, I take him in.
From his designer shoes to his impeccably tailored suit, and his expensive watch wrapped around his wrist.
A crisp, white shirt stretches across his muscular back. The sleeves are cuffed up, revealing his tanned forearms. His sun-kissed hair brushes his collar.
My heels click-clank against the floor as I edge to the desk, and toss my handbag on it.
Unhurriedly, he turns to me, not a smile on his face.
Steps away from him, I freeze, my voice stuck in my throat.
A flutter races through my chest.
“Great view,” he says, flicking his chin and motioning over his shoulder.
Crossing his arms over his chest, he props himself against the window sill.
Finally, I unglue my feet, pivot, and lean my backside against my desk as well.
His eyes lock mine.
There’s nothing between us except walls.
“Why are you here, Shade?”
My voice is frosted like the winter.
Narrowing his eyes, he drags his gaze down on me–– a slow, meticulous examination that brings no smile to his lips or warmth to his face.
“I figured there’s nowhere you can run if I catch you in your office,” he says, cold like the AC blowing air down my neck.
He pulls away from the window and leisurely ambles to me, his hands tucked in his pockets, his eyes sharp like two blades.
I straighten my back–– out of reflex if nothing else, my skin warm and flushed. His eyes hold mine, his expression unreadable.
He brushes past me, the heat of his body and the scent of his cologne mixed with a hint of smoke, slathering all over me.
I swivel my head, my eyes on him as he pulls an envelope out of his suit jacket sitting on one of the chairs and plops it on my desk.
“Our offer.”
My eyes start darting back and forth between my desk and him.
Without giving me enough time to come up it the right words or questions, he saunters back to his chair.
Unhurriedly, he picks up the jacket and drapes it over his shoulders, hinting that he’s about to leave.
His hands slide back into his pockets, the smooth motion making his pecs strain against his shirt.
My gaze drops to his chest before it goes down his dress pants.
Suddenly, I feel lost.
“What offer?” I mumble, my gaze wandering over him, unfocused.
A dull pain fills my chest when I focus on his eyes.
How can he look so composed?
There’s nothing on his face. Not a smile, no emotion.
He takes a few steps toward the door, and I watch him go, horrified as if the ground is about to split open and pull us away from each other again.
A voice screams inside me. I argue with it.
No, no. I don’t want to run after him. Or stop him.
Without giving me an answer to my question, he simply walks away.
It takes me a few moments to come to my senses and comprehend what just happened.
The cameras start flashing across the hallway as the photo shoot gets started. Sucking in a sharp intake of air, I dash to the door.
Two steps inside the corridor, something catches my eye. I flick my head to the right just as he emerges from, um... Danielle’s office?
They were talking to each other.
From where I stand I can see her face turning crimson. A smile he didn’t have for me dances in his eyes… for her.
That’s what made her blush.
Jealousy wraps around my heart.
My knees start shaking.
He shifts his eyes to me, a mysterious grin threading through his gaze as he casually saunters to me.
He stops in front of me, and for a moment, I stare at him, breathlessly.
“I forgot something…” he purrs. “There’s a party at my place this coming Saturday. You’re both invited.”
My eyes widen in surprise.
“We?”
“You and Maya,” he says, pulling an invitation card out of his pocket and handing it to me.
His fingers brush mine for a moment, spurring a magnetic storm beneath my skin.
I lift my gaze and get lost in his eyes for a few more moments when my attention gets snagged by the man who passes by.
Thor takes us in.
He gives Shade a glance before he locks my eyes, a small s
mile tilting his lips.
Nodding softly, he gently touches my shoulder and kisses me on my cheek, his familiar gesture catching Shade’s eye.
“I’ll see you later,” Thor throws my way along with a lopsided grin, the most flirtatious smirk from his bad boy arsenal.
Tearing his fingers away from my shoulder, he gives me a quiet nod while smoothly striding away.
Shade’s eyes stay on him all the way to the end of the hallway where he vanishes inside the studio.
A knowing smile curves his lips.
Cocking his head to the side, he examines me for what feels like an eternity while I slowly collapse inside.
“Hmm... Not bad, Tara Hart,” he says, mischief glinting in his gaze.
Taking me completely by surprise, he erases the small space between us, leans toward me, and cups my face, his fingers slowly brushing my cheek.
He lowers his mouth to mine, his breath fanning over my lips as he slowly murmurs.
“You can bring your boy toy with you as well,” he says before he smoothly tears away from me. “By the way, I need an answer by the end of the week,” he says, tipping his head back and giving me a different grin. “I’m talking business now. Don’t be foolish. We can do good business together. We’re a good match. Chad and I have the money and a lot of expertise. And you’re a smart businesswoman. This could grow your company a few times over,” he says stepping backward, giving me another smile and a wink. “And you don’t have to deal with me or Chad. Just think about it.”
His last words still echo in the air as he turns around and swaggers away.
My eyes stay trained on his silhouette all the way to the point where he takes a left turn and walks to the elevators.
I crawl back into my office, my heart bleeding.
TARA
I spend the next three days on a buying trip, boarding planes, checking into hotel rooms, meeting people, reviewing products, placing orders, and getting company updates around the clock. At the same time, fighting my heart until my mind slips into a daze.
I work through the end of the week, the memory of his words and eyes and gestures staying with me, real as the air I breathe. They make me bleed inside to death.
The offer he made us is a no brainer.
It’s a good offer, and I would look like an amateur if I’d turn it down because of my ego. I ran it by my team, and everybody gave it a thumbs up.
It’s even harder to say no now.
The growth would be sustainable, more jobs would be added, and we could build a second warehouse. With the capital injection, we’d easily meet the quota for next year.
I leave the office on Friday afternoon, resolute, and keen to handle this professionally even if it involves participating at a party that makes my stomach tie in knots.
I spend a good hour musing over what to wear. I eventually settle for a black, cut out, knee-length dress, a signature piece in our summer collection.
A strap curls around my neck as horizontal bands of fabric comprise the top, continuing in the back in a symmetrical pattern, merging with a long piece of fabric that delineates my spine and pulls the dress tightly on me.
The long back zipper running down my back ends at the hem.
I finish putting on my makeup and inspect it in the mirror. I went all the way with it this time, from the glimmering lips to the smoky eyes and the fake lashes.
Glancing in the mirror one more time, I give myself a swift once over when I hear a noise at the door.
“It’s open.”
Maya walks in.
She wears a white dress with a sharply cut bateau neckline, tapering bodice, and open back. Her platinum blonde hair goes past her shoulders, falling freely on her bare back.
I give her a double take.
“Can you twirl for me?” I say, sounding so professional. “Damn,” I murmur.
She glances around.
“What are you looking for?”
“Are we alone?”
“Yes,” I say, smiling. “Why?”
“Where is your boy toy?” she asks, amused.
“Where’s your friend?”
She laughs and shrugs.
“I don’t know.”
“Well. There’s no way I’m going to pull Thor in Shade’s shack. Besides, I don’t know how long I’ll be there. If I need to leave quickly–– which could happen, I want to be able to vanish at a moment’s notice.”
“Smart girl. It makes sense, although judging by the way you’ve dressed, it looks like you want to spend the night over. Possibly the week.”
Her chuckle makes me smile.
“I would’ve dressed this way anyway. ”
“Mmm-hmm,” she mumbles skeptically.
“Whatever.”
I run my hand through my hair and grab my purse.
“We take one car, but I can’t promise that I’ll be your ride back. Okay?” I say.
“Don’t worry about me.”
Nervous as hell, I follow her as she slips through the door.
One hour later, we cruise along the highway, the Pacific ocean stretching on the right. The sunset paints the sky with tones of red and orange, the colors seeping into the water.
“That’s beautiful,” she says.
I steer off the road and pull to a stop in a large circular driveway as Maya runs her gaze over the house.
We step out of the car.
Moments later, we climb a few short stairs, the door swinging open as a friendly woman invites us in.
Outlined by glass walls, the house opens to an unbelievable view. The sky meets the ocean at the horizon, the sunset spilling into the pool water.
Lit candles illuminate the rooms, casting a glow over the black marble floors. The house is full of people, most of them strangers to me.
We retreat into a quiet corner.
It doesn’t take long before Maya pulls away from me. I glance around, and I quickly learn why.
Not far from me, Maya melts in Chad’s embrace. His arm curls around her waist, her palm sliding up onto his chest.
He pulls her into a warm hug, her eyes softening, and her lips curving into an affectionate smile as if the time lost between them shrunk to nothing.
They seem to be falling into each other as if they’ve never been apart.
He places a tender kiss on her lips, showing her the same care as I remember. Her eyes narrow with a smile, a blush coloring her face.
She found her man.
He takes her hand and walks her back to me.
“Hey,” he says as I give him a soft nod. “I’m glad you both made it,” he mutters.
Leaning closer to me, he gives me a kiss on my cheek.
“What would you like to drink?” he asks, his eyes darting back and forth between Maya and me.
“What would you recommend?”
“I’ll fix you something good,” he says. “Do you mind if I steal her from you?”
Maya drinks him in, barely breathing at his side.
I shake my head.
“Not at all. I’ll be fine,” I say, smiling.
Fingers laced together, they walk away.
He steps behind the bar and starts mixing our cocktails while Maya hops on a barstool, and looks at him.
Once in a while, they lock eyes, and a smile beams on her face. Luckily for her, he seems to be just as smitten.
A few minutes later, he brings me my cocktail, excuses himself for keeping her at the bar and invites me to join them. Politely, I refuse, giving them the space that they need.
He strides away.
Sipping my drink, I swivel my head and look around the house, my eyes skimming the crowd.
No trace of Shade.
Between casual conversations with people I just got acquainted with and two more cocktails, I manage to relax.
The evening finally sets in, the subtle lighting showcasing the beautiful house and the ocean view.
A few minutes after nine, my gaze gets drawn across the room as the
front door opens and more people walk in.
A woman comes into view first–– slender and about my height. She has brown hair and blue eyes, and fashions a silver sequin dress.
She slips in, her hand linked to a man’s.
He enters the room right after her. And oh, how I wish he hadn’t. The moment I take a glimpse of him, a quake shakes the ground beneath my feet.
The sight of him linked to that woman rams through me, turning me to stone.
My mouth drops open in surprise as I run my gaze over his sparkling, green eyes.
Trembling, I lean against a wall, trying to make sense of what I see.
Despite my effort, I can’t peel my eyes away or fight back my emotions.
He smiles at the woman who looks just like me, a grin glowing over his handsome features.
He wears a garnet shirt and dark pants. The slim fit of his clothing sets off his tapered waist and muscular hips.
I turn my back to them–– not fast enough to miss the moment when her arms curl around his neck.
Leaning toward her, he smiles again.
My cocktail creeps up my throat.
Clamping a palm over my mouth, I move farther away and grab the handrail with a shaky hand.
I fight the impulse, but lose the battle, and sneak another glance in their direction. Resting his hand on her waist, he nudges her to the bar.
They inch closer, joining Maya and Chad, and just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, a collective gaze comes my way.
Fuck.
I make a harsh retreat, almost knocking down a plant.
I wish I could vanish. No, no... I need to vanish. Like right now.
I shouldn’t have come here to begin with. My people could’ve talked with his people. I didn’t need to give him the answer in person.
It was a fucking setup, and I face-planted in it.
I thought I’d have everything under control and prove to everybody, myself included, that I’m no longer affected by him.
It’s always a bad idea to fight your fate because you’ll always lose. And I’m one lousy loser.
As hard as it is to admit, I can’t stand seeing him with another woman. Despite the time and space and a gazillion questions left unanswered between us. Despite the anger–– and perhaps the hate, for making me feel the way he does.
This was a bad, bad idea.
What did I expect?
