Absolute Love: A Second Chance Romance (Blazin' Love Book 6)
Page 1
Absolute Love
Ja’Nese Dixon
Also by Ja’Nese Dixon
Read the Series
Blazin’ Love (Contemporary Romance)
Platinum Love (Book 1)
Privileged Love (Book 2)
Exclusive Love (Book 3)
Chosen Love (Book 4)
Special Love (Book 5)
Absolute Love (Book 6)
Devoted Love (Coming October 2019)
Steamy Sensations Holiday Love
ABSOLUTE LOVE. Copyright © 2019 by Ja’Nese Dixon
All rights reserved.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organization and events portrayed in this story are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
ISBN-13: 978-1-950405-08-4 (paperback)
Printed in the United States of America.
Contents
About Absolute Love
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Epilogue
Author’s Note
Leave a Review
Join My Newsletter
Book 1 ~ Platinum Love
Book 2 ~ Privileged Love
Book 7 ~ Coming Soon!
SNEAK PEEK: Rockstar Secrets
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Also by Ja’Nese Dixon
About the Steamy Sensations Holiday Love
About the Author
About the Publisher
Can two people so different find love?
I’m sitting in a luncheon and my boss announces that I’m the first female African American partner under the age of thirty in the history of the firm.
I’m Ryann Gibson. I practice corporate law by day and hang with my guys by night, as a partner of Platinum Prestige. My bank account is fat, my house is laid, but my bed is cold and empty.
Dating at this stage of my life mirrors the setup of a bad joke. What do you get when you…fill in the blank? Meet an old guy? Meet a broke guy? Meet a young guy?
When Xavier, our waiter, asks me out I wait for the rest of the joke. Because he has three strikes against him.
He’s young, cocky, and he just quit his job. His confidence intrigues me and our instant attraction has me saying yes when I should say no.
Little do I know, I’m signing up for the ride of my life. Nor how this one concession sets my cold bed ablaze and all work, no play becomes all night, all day.
But when the smoke clears, can two people so different find love?
Chapter 1
A trail of sweat trickles down my spine. I lean forward with my gaze focused on the podium across the room. The intimate venue sits inside Torsion, one of Austin’s premier restaurants. My firm, Colin, Baker & Garrett, hosts its annual luncheon on Labor Day to announce the new partners.
“Breathe ma.” I turn my nose towards the smile of his cologne. The waiter smiles, darting his eyes towards Ryker Colin, the managing partner. “Your face gave you away.”
I’m a wreck. This is the third year I’ve sat through this luncheon sure Ryker would call my name. Today’s no different.
The silver pitcher crosses my path, and I glance back up at the waiter. His brown eyes resemble the way I take my coffee, black with a splash of milk. I didn’t notice him before, but I do now.
I nod to send him on his way because at this point I’m just listening for my name. He refills my glass with more water then he turns to leave. His shoulders are broad and fill out his crisp white shirt to perfection. He glances back, his eyes linger over my face then dip lower.
Look at him.
Most men, including present company, don’t see me as a woman. I’m the competition, even though we work for the same firm. I respect his confidence.
“Thank you, Xavier.” The silver name tag sits on his massive chest.
“You’re welcome.”
I watch him pass through the sea of tables until he stops at the back of the room. He points from one end to the other as the waiters disperse around the room.
“Enjoy your meals.” Ryker nods his head, retaking his seat near the front of the room.
“What did I miss?”
“Nothing. I should be asking you the same.” Scott tips his head towards Xavier.
“Stop.”
“What?” He laughs, but I have to cancel whatever is dancing around in his very active head. Scott’s the office playboy, so he believes every man is sniffing around waiting for their next conquest. But I’m not that type of chick, at all.
“Eat.” I point at the plate lowered in front of him grabbing my glass. I take a drink, wanting to run it across my forehead and neck. But I refuse to ruin my makeup or let them see me sweat.
“Ryann Gibson, you're no fun,” he dips closer, “when you need to get laid.”
I gasp at his retort, and the water slips down the wrong pipe. I’m choking. Scott has laughter in his eyes as he reaches to pat my back, but he’s beat by another steady hand. I glance up, and it’s Xavier. His touch sends shock waves through my body.
“You good?” His smile is kind and causes little wrinkles to gather in the corners of his eyes.
“Uh-huh. Thanks again.” I slump forward to avoid his touch.
“No problem.” He’s off again, and this time I’m not the only one watching his departure.
Scott leans over my shoulder. “I know you won’t ask for my opinion. But as your friend, co-counsel, drinking buddy, and I’d say I’m your best friend if you didn’t have the guys vying for the position…”
I laugh using the napkin to dry my eyes. Damn water.
“I think you have an admirer.”
“I’m ignoring you and eating this unseasoned chicken while I wait for these people to come to their senses.” I glance at Scott, who has the deepest blue eyes I’ve ever seen.
“Think about it. A quickie with a waiter.” Scott’s sarcasm is dry and boring. Let him tell it, he’s the only one for me.
My head snaps in his direction. I can’t deal with this man. I don’t have time for men or the craziness that comes with them. I politely ignore Scott and pick up my fork. I inspect the chicken breast, steamed potatoes, and green beans. Expensive food doesn’t always mean it’s good food. I shrug. I have time to kill since they save the announcement until the end of the luncheon.
Scott grabs his fork, starting up a conversation with the associate beside him. He and I started as interns together. We joined the firm the same year, yet they promoted him to partner two years ago.
We’ve spent many nights marveling over the fact that they’ve passed me up twice. I was pissed, but I’m proud of my friend. He’s happily rubbing elbows with the big dogs at the firm while I’m still proving
myself. I take a deep breath hoping and praying my early days, late nights, and Saturdays prove to the firm that I’m partner material. I can’t imagine where I’d be if it weren’t for my best friends and business partners at Platinum Prestige. Probably curled up in a puddle of tears.
My mind races with ultimatums, should they not promote me again. Because in reality, I don’t need this job. Platinum Prestige is booming, and as an equal partner, I can walk away from practicing law at any time. That and the trust fund from my grandparents.
It’s been about five years since the ten of us—Hunter, Harper, Charlee, Parker, Taylor, Chase, Jordan, Payton, Alex, and I—turned the idea of an elite concierge service into a multi-million dollar company. Our clientele grows daily, and it’s even brought in many clients into my corporate law practice. I’ve worked my ass off for this firm.
It’s now or never.
“Excuse me, Miss Gibson.” I look up to see a young woman with stars in her eyes. I remember those days.
“Please call me Ryann.” I pat the empty seat beside me.
“My name is Dominique. I’m clerking with the firm this summer.”
“Congratulations. How’s it going?”
“Well, I think.”
We laugh. “I know the feeling. Are you a second-year student?”
“Yes, ma’am I’m at the University of Texas. You’re the reason I applied here.”
“Really?”
She nods. “You spoke at a career day my junior year in high school. So, I wanted to thank you personally.” Her eyes glisten with unshed tears.
“Don’t you dare.” I tease, passing her a napkin. “You had to do the work to get here. But I’m glad to have contributed in any way I could to get you here.”
“You made me believe I could do it.”
“And I was right.” I hug her and pass her my card. “Let’s get together for coffee or lunch.”
“Yes, ma’am.” She holds the card to her chest like its a prized possession. “Enjoy the rest of the luncheon.”
“You too.” She walks away. We need more talented woman of color around this firm.
My emotions swirl and I drop my head, getting my feelings in check. I stand to excuse myself. These stuffy men in suits do not determine my value. I know it, and I remind myself with each exhale. Young women like Dominique are why I stay.
I visit the ladies room and step out to find Xavier leaning against the wall. A pleased look covers his face. I’m not attracted to beards, but his might change my mind.
“Xavier, are you waiting for someone?” I scan the hallway.
He stands from the wall, taking a few steps in my direction. “I didn’t get your name.”
I glance up, extending a hand. “Ryann.”
I estimate he’s a few inches taller than me. I’m sure his size intimidates most, but I’m six feet myself.
“Ryann, I was waiting for you.” He smiles with a chuckle brushing his thumb across the tip of his nose. He breaks eye contact for a second before turning back.
“Yo X, congrats man.” Another waiter passes by, and Xavier taps fists with him.
“Thanks, man. I’ll see you on Friday?”
“No doubt.”
We’re alone again, and Xavier turns back to me. “I’d like to take you out.”
“Congrats? Did you get a promotion?”
“Not exactly. It’s my last day.”
“Oh, really.” I step aside to let someone pass. “What’s next for you?”
“I got plans. I’ll tell you all about it over dinner.”
“Are you old enough to date?” I tease to bring my hormones under control because my senses are on an epic roller coaster, from nervous to agitated to flattered. “No shade.” I hold back a laugh.
“That sounds shady as hell.” His mouth twists as if in deep thought with his eyes peering through his thick eyelashes down into mine. “I got you ma. Kick it with me, Friday night.”
“Kick it…with you?” I point at him, pronouncing every letter and syllable sounding boujee as hell.
Xavier is handsome, I’ll give him that, but he looks no more than twenty-three, twenty-four, tops. And I’m adding a few of those years purely on the strength of his full facial hair. It gives him a mature appearance.
“Yes, Ryann, with me.”
He leans back with open hands before dropping them in front of his bulky body. One hand clasping the wrist of the other, giving off an aura that I’ve seen a few men possess, namely Denzel Washington, Barak Obama, Shawn Carter. Those kinds of men. That I’m the man—even on my worse day—type of look.
I get a good look. I start from his close crop hair swimming in waves, not excessive, but it shows he takes pride in his appearance. I take my time ending at his polished dress shoes. His swag is on one thousand.
“My father always says, ‘You study long. You study wrong.’” He adds with a cocky grin.
The energy passing between us is explosive, and I’m not beneath enjoying a beautiful specimen such as Xavier but…
“It’s one date, not forever…yet.” He licks his lips, and I glance over my shoulder at the luncheon to bring my temperature down a few notches. “Friday night, I’ll pick you up, you’ll be my special guest.”
“Special guest?” I turn back, and he’s closer. I stand straighter next to him. Even in my heels, I have to look up to meet his intense gaze.
“That’s right. I’d love nothing more than to play this little game with you ma, but I have an appointment. All I need is your address.” He passes his phone, and I stare at it.
“I didn’t say yes.” I cross my hands over my chest, bringing us closer.
“You won’t have to pull out your wallet. I’m not a wack-ass chump that doesn’t know how to treat a beautiful woman, such as yourself. I’ll get you to and from your home safely. So what do you say gorgeous?”
“Beautiful, gorgeous, laying it on pretty thick?”
“I’m gunning for date number two.” The cocky smirk and intensity in his eyes are sending smoke signals warning my heart, Don’t let the smooth baby skin and smooth tenor voice fool you.
I’m beyond youthful mistakes. My days of letting a panty dropper bag me are long gone. It’s not to say I don’t know how to satisfy my womanly needs, when needed, but a third leg and fat wallet doesn’t rule me. Because I have my own coins and batteries are $5.99.
“Just know I’ll be packing.” I strum my fingers over the edge of my purse.
“You won’t need your heat with me baby, but if it makes you feel secure.” He shrugs, seemingly unfazed by my attempts to sidestep this date. “Your address.”
I hesitate. He already knows where I work, meeting him at my home wouldn’t be smart, especially if he’s looking for a sugar mamma.
“Let’s meet at Smith & Jameson in the warehouse district.”
“That’s fine. I’ll pick you up at nine o’clock.” His phone is still hanging between us. “Damn, I’ve never had to plead a case to get a chick’s number. But it’s all good.”
I roll my eyes and take it. “What should I wear?”
“Whatever makes you happy. It’s a gathering for my company.” He drops his phone in his pocket.
“Your company?”
He nods while typing on his screen. “Urban sexy chic is how my sister describes it. Just no jeans.” My phone chimes. “ I need to run. I’ll see you in a few days.”
He extends a hand, and I accept. Much like his height, his large hand engulfs mine.
“I’m curious. How tall are you?”
“Six three.” He lifts my hand to his mouth, his lips softly brush against the back, and I can barely swallow. My body’s working overtime from a little kiss. “Congratulations on your promotion.”
“I didn’t get it yet.”
“You will.”
Oh, this man is good. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Tell me all about it on Friday because I need to run.”
Xavier pulls away, and I step b
ack watching him leave. I glance at my hand, and it still tingles from his touch. I fall back against the wall until the sound of Ryker’s voice fills the hallway. I yank upright to get back inside.
It’s time.
Chapter 2
I’m free. I step outside Torsion loosening my tie. Seven years of my life ended today. No more filling in for “sick” employees, no more late nights and early mornings, no more getting paid less than I’m worth.
I saved every penny, worked overtime, reinvested in my artists and my company. My heart grips. Shit, I’m getting emotional.
I tip my head back. The sky appears bluer, the skyscrapers are higher and more reflective as the sun bounces between the buildings. The rooftop pool in the distance kicks me into gear.
My father’s right, “Humble beginnings make the best stories.” I’m writing this story and riding it until the wheels fall off. Hell, I’ll still turn a few corners on the rims to keep moving forward.
I laugh, pulling out my phone to call my dad.
“It’s official. I’m on my way.”
“You’re the man now. How does it feel?”
“Man, Pops, it feels unreal I’m officially the CEO of Brand X Entertainment exclusively.” I struggle to put one foot in front of the other. But I have a staff meeting.
“Congratulations, you deserve it. How’s your day looking? We can grab a celebratory drink later.”
“I’ll make time for that. I’ll hit you back later. Love you.”
“Love you too. Don’t forget to call your Mom and tell her the good news yourself.”