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“This is a cool game,” she complimented him after playing for thirty minutes. She was hooked and almost didn’t want to stop. She rarely played the games on her phone, but this one was going to be downloaded as soon as it was available to the public. “Little girls love to play dress-up, so the fact that they can change outfits according to the occasion and win points to buy more cute clothes is pretty sweet.”
“Thank you, Blythe. I asked Tiffani, aka girlie-girl, her opinion, and she said the same.”
“I see you even have a cupcake shop in the game,” she noted with a pleased smile, handing the laptop back to him after completing the first three levels.
“Shout out to my baby sis.” He placed the computer on the floor, but he didn’t move from his spot next to her.
Blythe was glued to the seat. She wanted to move. Needed to move. He was so close she could hear his pulse race. Or maybe it was hers. She was surprised that she wasn’t uncomfortable, especially when he bit his bottom lip lightly in a sexy manner that tied a tangled knot in her stomach. Being alone with him wasn’t scary, and that ironically swept a fear into her. Preston was a man she’d kept at bay for the past year. She’d shrug or groan whenever his sister teased her about hooking them up because she knew the notorious millionaire playboy would break her heart. And not necessarily on purpose. Preston was an up-front man, and she was sure that all his female friends, acquaintances, booty calls, girls-of-the-month or whatever he called them were aware he wasn’t going to commit to them. Not a road she wanted to go down again, which was why she hadn’t had a steady boyfriend in almost three years.
Abruptly she stood, and so did Hope, who’d been napping on her mat. Blythe gave the dog’s head a pat as she heeled beside her.
“Leaving?” he asked with a slight frown.
“Yeah. It’s been a long day.”
Standing, he grabbed her sketch bag from beside the chaise, and they headed toward the elevator. “I understand. I appreciate your help with the project. Hope and I will walk you to your truck. I need to take her outside.”
“Thank you, but the truck isn’t mine. I borrowed it from a friend so I could haul the tree. Unfortunately, he couldn’t help because he had a business meeting, so I’m glad you were there.”
His eyebrow rose. “Oh? A boyfriend?” he asked, grabbing Hope’s leash from a hook by the elevator and snapping it onto the ring on the dog’s collar.
“No, no boyfriend. He’s just a good friend,” she explained while silently laughing at his curiosity.
“Mmm-hmm. As beautiful as you are, I’m sure he wants more than just a friendship.”
Suppressing the heat that wanted to rise so badly on her cheeks thanks to his compliment, she shook her head once more. “No...well, maybe at first,” she admitted. “We did go on a date once two years ago, but we realized that there was no romantic connection. We’ve been cool ever since. He’s like a big brother.”
“Ah, man. He got placed in the big brother category.” He chuckled and pressed the button. A mischievous grin reached across his face as they stepped onto the elevator. “So, you do date?” He pushed the button for the ground level, and the doors closed.
“Yeah. Why do you think I don’t?”
“Well, the few times I’ve seen you at events with Tiffani, I just thought you didn’t date because you’re usually alone. And when men approach you, you kind of brush them off.” He paused as a sly fox smirk inched up his face. “Unless...you don’t like men? Is that why you’re the only woman not throwing yourself at me?” he teased. “That would explain a lot.”
Twisting her lips to the side, she playfully pinched his arm. “I like men, but dating is hard for me.”
“You had your heart broken?”
“No, not really. More like a wakeup call.” She shrugged and paused, contemplating whether or not she should tell him about her horrible ex. “I’m taking a dating break right now. Sure, I’ve been on a few random dates here and there but for the most part I’m just concentrating on me. Plus, sometimes men want to rush me after the first or second date...if you know what I mean and I’m like ‘Dude, slow down. We just met.’ That turns me off. Some men want to play games and I’m too old for that. I want forever, not a one-night stand or a relationship that goes nowhere. I want stability and commitment. For some reason I keep meeting duds, so now I’m just taking a break and focusing on me.”
He nodded his head in understanding, The doors opened to the first-floor lobby of his company, and they headed out the back door toward where she’d parked.
“Oh...well. Those men are stupid, because you’re a really great person. When men are ready to settle down with the right woman, they’ll realize it’s not a game. Trust me. I’ve had a lot of fun times with women and my life in general. But as men we need to know when to respect a woman and her wishes. Apparently these men you’ve gone out with aren’t looking for forever because if they were you wouldn’t have had a string of dating disasters. A man who really wanted to be with you would wait, get to know you and respect your decision. Until you’re both ready.”
Tilting her head, she slid her tote bag from his shoulder and grabbed her keys from the side pouch as they made it to her black four-door Lexus.
“Oh...wow... I...” She pushed the button on the key fob to unlock the door, but she didn’t open it. She held the handle and stared up at him in bewilderment.
“What? The last words you thought I’d ever utter?”
“Um...something like that.”
“I’m not a bad guy, Blythe,” he said in a low, serious tone, stepping toward her. He reached over to the handle, settling his hand on hers, and opened the door for her.
The brief touch of his warm skin in the cold air sent a heated current through her, and the atmosphere around them altered. But she knew she had to ignore it and stay focused. “I know you’re not. Your advances and flirtations just don’t do anything for me.” She laughed and slid into the driver’s seat. “Good night, Preston.”
“Good night, and thank you for committing to the Winter Wonderland project.”
“No problem. I think what you’re doing for the children is wonderful. I’m happy to help.”
“Ideally you’ll get to see another side of me.”
“I’m already seeing it.” Winking, she pulled the door shut and waved at him through the glass.
She zoomed away a little faster than normal. It was the only way that she could clear her mind until she arrived home. There she could blast some jazz and paint away her crazy thoughts that she could actually have a relationship with Preston Chase.
Chapter 3 (#u7cec52df-a4d2-5584-b1f8-e301a1a36f42)
Preston poured himself a huge mug of black coffee and scanned his eyes over the computer code on his laptop one last time. He’d stayed up most of the night troubleshooting the bug and playing the game to verify it was fixed. Finally, at three o’clock in the morning, it was complete and he’d crashed in the bed. He knew he should’ve had the minor issue completed by midnight, but the conversation with Blythe hadn’t left his brain. It had wrecked his train of thought, but he was pleased to know that she wasn’t one of those women who’d sworn off men because of a broken heart. She wanted a real relationship. A committed, monogamous relationship. The thought irked him even though he wanted the same for himself. However, he had a hard time deciphering whether or not a woman honestly cared about him or cared about his millions and what he could do for them. He figured it was the latter because a lot of them had requests for expensive items after the first few dates. One woman had the audacity to ask for a Range Rover. Needless to say he never called her back. Preston didn’t mind spending his money, he was a very giving person, but he did mind being taken advantage of. Perhaps like Blythe, he needed a dating break as well, he joked to himself.
Sipping his coffee, he set the mug on the kitchen island and bit into the bagel topped with cream cheese and capers. He thought about the last real girlfriend he’d had, three years ago. They were exclusive for almost two years. They got along and the sex was awesome. But the emotional chemistry, compassion and connection weren’t there. No matter how hard he’d tried. During that stage in his life, he’d figured it was time to settle down and start a family. He’d assumed that since they’d been together longer than any of his previous relationships, perhaps she was the one. However, he couldn’t fall in love with her, and in the end they both knew it wouldn’t work. Preston wanted to experience the kind of love and respect that his parents shared over the last forty years. It exuded from them, and he desired the same.
Preston shut the laptop, slid the computer into its bag and took one last sip of his coffee before hustling toward the elevator with Hope on his heels. It was almost noon and he had yet to go down to the offices of JP3 Chase Technologies. Once he arrived at ground level, he walked briskly to his office, waving and nodding at a few of his employees who were heading out to lunch. He waved at his assistant, Linda Jones, who was on the phone, talking fast and aggressively. He plopped into his chair as Hope pounced on her nearby mat. Moments later, Linda peeked her head into the doorway.
“Hey, Boss. Going to lunch with the hubby. Want me to grab something for you?”
“Nah. I just had breakfast.”
Wrinkling her brow, she slipped her keys from her purse and leaned against the doorjamb. “I can only assume you were up all night working on the bug.”
“Yep, but I got it worked out, so we’re good for the test group tomorrow, and then it can be sent for manufacturing and back in time for the event.” He opened the program once more and perused it. He knew it was perfect, but one more glance couldn’t hurt. He was a perfectionist, especially when it came to his games. There could be no mistakes.
“I figured it would work out.” She turned on her heel to leave but pivoted back toward him. “Ms. Ventura stopped by this morning to pick up the check for her supplies.”
At the mention of the reason why he could barely sleep last night, Preston drew his focus from the computer and put it back on his assistant, who was more like his second mother.
“Blythe was here?” Standing, he wandered to his minifridge, snagged a bottled water and poured it into Hope’s water bowl.
“Yep, she was on her way to the warehouse where she buys paint supplies wholesale and then on to the event venue. Oh, and Devin called. He said everything is going well thus far.”
“Good. I’m going to stop by after my meeting with the design team for next year’s game ideas.” Even though now he wanted to cancel it and head on over to the Winter Wonderland site.
“It was a great idea to add Ms. Ventura to the committee. Tiffani is always praising her artistic abilities, and she seems like a lovely woman. I’m looking forward to seeing her winter-themed murals. I loved the idea of the ice-skating penguins. The crew has the Sheetrock ready for the first one.”
“Yeah, she’s very creative.”
“I saw you checking her out last night.”
Preston chuckled. He wasn’t surprised that Linda mentioned that. “Well, she’s a beautiful and lovely woman. I always check her out. There’s something about her I’ve always admired, but she doesn’t take me seriously because of, well...you know the party-guy, playboy rumors.”
Twisting her lips, Linda said sarcastically, “Yes, there are those pesky rumors.”
“Okay, so they aren’t necessarily rumors, but you know I’m a good guy. I’ve just been having fun with my life, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with the one. Mrs. Chase is out there. She just hasn’t crossed my path yet. But when she does, I’m sure I’ll find out it’s all about my money.”
“Or maybe she has, and you just haven’t realized it...or she hasn’t realized it. Trust me, there’s a woman out there who will love you for you. You’re a great, caring man. I’m going to skedaddle so I can be back in time for the meeting.”
“Alright. See you in a few. Tell Mr. Jones I said hello.”
After Linda left, he leaned back in his chair and let their brief yet insightful conversation sink in. Was she implying that Blythe could possibly be the one? He wasn’t sure about that, but he did find her and her artsy ways intriguing. Her different hairstyles always piqued his interest. They ranged from punk rock to braids to afro puffs, her soft natural curls sometimes blown out straight down her back, not to mention an array of colors like purple or blue intertwined in. Her earthy-bohemian fashion selections that included tie-dyed shirts, ripped jeans and eclectic flowy maxidresses and skirts were always sexy on her curvy frame.
She was down-to-earth, intelligent and just about the nicest and most compassionate woman he’d ever met. Her low, raspy voice had a way of capturing his full attention whenever she spoke, leaving him mesmerized. The effect she had on him was uncanny, and the fact that he was attracted to everything about her scared him a tad. Usually he never went too deep with a woman because he didn’t want to get too close if he knew it was going to be a fling or relationship that wasn’t going to lead to marriage. But Blythe Ventura had pulled at his attention for over a year, and now perhaps it was seriously time to find out why, beyond the fact that he found her gorgeous and sexy.
After the meeting, Preston walked Hope to her fenced-in green area for some playtime before dropping her off in the loft. She usually went everywhere with him, but because of the construction of the Winter Wonderland, he didn’t want to risk the chance of her stepping on a nail or otherwise getting hurt.
Pulling up to the event venue, he spotted the ice-skating rink being set up on the side of the building. He parked next to Blythe’s Lexus and grabbed his jacket from the passenger seat before heading toward the entrance.
He waved and gave a thumbs-up to the crew outside. “Looking good. Thanks for volunteering.”
The transformation of the vast warehouse was amazing, but he’d known Devin and his crew would have it together. They built million dollar homes in the Southeast, so Preston knew this event would be a piece of cake. Some of the men were on a break while a few others were putting the final touches on their assignments. He spotted Devin and Sasha conversing, and paint fumes led his attention to Blythe, who was seated on the floor, painting. He wanted to head straight toward her, but Devin waved in his direction, and Preston mustered a fake smile as he approached the couple.
“Hey, man. Things are really shaping up,” he complimented Devin, shaking his hand. “I’m impressed.”
“Yeah. I told you my boys got this.”
“Well, I see my vision coming to life, and it’s amazing.”
Preston’s eyes scanned the makeshift walls painted white to give Blythe a blank canvas. He briefly glanced in her direction again and tried to concentrate on what Sasha was explaining about Santa’s Village and the train for the children to ride. However, all he could focus on was the beauty bobbing her head to the music in her purple headphones while painting penguins ice-skating. The loose-fitting khaki cargo pants did nothing to hide her shapely curves. He was somewhat disappointed that her hair was tied in a scarf because he was curious to see what unique style it was in. She halted midstroke and slowly turned her head in his direction. She didn’t seem too surprised as she smiled and waved before returning to the penguin wearing a pink ballerina skirt. How did she know I was here?
“I’m glad everything is to your liking,” Devin stated. “We’ve been here since six this morning and are about to call it a day, but we’ll be back at the same time tomorrow to build the North Pole and Santa’s Village and finish up a few other things.”
Sasha glanced at her iPad. “The Christmas trees are arriving Wednesday morning, so I think by Friday you will definitely see your vision taking shape.”
Preston nodded. “Oh, I see it now. I really do.” His gaze sped past Sasha and onto Blythe, who’d stood and stretched her arms out along with a yawn. Is she leaving, as well?
“The arcade games, merry-go-round and Ferris wheel will arrive two days before the event,” Sasha continued, wearing a bright smile as she gazed at her husband.
Preston looked back and forth between the doting couple, who seemed to have forgotten he was there. “Am I missing something? Or is this an inside joke for married folks?”
Devin chuckled and patted Preston on the back. “Nah, man. We have this thing about Ferris wheels. She’s just giddy about one being here.”
Sasha hooked her arm around her husband’s. “We fell in love on one...on our second date, and when we got back together after being separated for five years, we made up on one, and he proposed to me on top of one. It’s just special to us.” She paused as Devin kissed her tenderly on the cheek. “But getting back to the event. Everything is pretty much on schedule.”
“Perfect. You two are wonderful. I’m going to explore. Thank you for your hard work and dedication thus far. This is really shaping up.”
“No problem, man. We both want to put a smile on the children’s faces. We’ll see you tomorrow,” Devin said as he and Sasha departed from the conversation.
Preston walked around a bit and noticed each area was roped or taped off according to the plans. The game and activity stations, the train tracks throughout, the merry-go-round area and the photo booths were all as he’d envisioned them, and he couldn’t wait to see the children enjoying themselves. When he finally made it to his true destination, he found Blythe sipping from a Starbucks cup and sitting crisscross on the floor. Maybe she wasn’t leaving just yet. She removed her headphones and placed the cup next to her.
“Hey, Prez. Like what you see?”
“Is that a trick question?” A wicked smile inched across his face. “Do you really want me to answer that?”
“Do you ever quit?” she teased.
He lowered his head and his voice. “Do you want me to?”
Laughing sarcastically, she shook her head. “You’re a mess.”
“So that’s a no, because you shook your head.”
Smacking her lips, she turned her eyes away from him momentarily. “Do you like the mural?”
“Yes, I love it. The ice-skating penguins are cute. I’m sure the children will love it, as well.”
“I just hope I can finish this tonight. I won’t be able to come back until Wednesday to do the polar bears skiing in the Alps on the opposite wall.”
“I can help.”
Tilting her head, she tried suppressing a smile that turned into a cute smirk. “You’re not dressed to paint.” Her eyes roamed over his gray dress slacks and blue sweater.
“I can take the sweater off, and I’ve had these pants for years. No biggie if they get some paint on them.” He shrugged, glancing around as Devin and his crew began to leave. “Besides, you’ll be here alone soon, and I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. Everyone here is my responsibility.”
“We’re not in a dangerous neighborhood, but I appreciate the help.” Standing, she faced him. “I think I have an Atlanta basketball cap in the car. Wouldn’t want to get paint in your hair, pretty boy.” Reaching her hand up, she ran her fingers through his silky curls, winked and sashayed away.
“Alright, woman,” he called out. “Don’t start nothing you can’t handle.”
She continued walking but looked at him over her shoulder. “Well, that’s something we’ll never find out. However, I’m sure I would do just fine. It’s been a while, but I’m not inexperienced.”
The image that conjured up in his head of them naked and laid out in front of his fireplace shocked the hell out of him. He was supposed to be focusing on the project, not flirting with Blythe to the point of wanting to know just how experienced she was.
* * *
The heat rising to her cheeks had to be noticeable as Blythe made it to the car. The cold air that hit her face did nothing to cool or calm her down. Had she really just flirted back with Preston? Did she really run her fingers through his hair? What the hell had she been thinking? And then she’d had the audacity to agree to let him assist her in painting. Sure, she was behind and needed the extra help, but she’d planned to call Mandi or her other assistant Allison to see if they had some free time that evening since Paint, Sip, Chat was closed on Mondays. She’d figured the girls could use some extra Christmas shopping money and was about to call them when Preston and his sexy curls approached.
Popping the trunk, she found the hat and noticed cars and trucks of Supreme Construction workers driving away. The ice-skating rink company had arrived around the same time as she had, but the sun was setting, so no doubt they would leave soon, as well. She waved goodbye to the Montgomerys as she trekked back inside while praying that she could concentrate on the task at hand. Being in such proximity to Preston wasn’t going to be easy, especially now that she’d actually responded to him. That was a big no, and she couldn’t do that again. He was her best friend’s brother, and she couldn’t cross that line. But his cologne was pure torture and wreaked havoc on her. Ideally the paint fumes would drown out his tantalizing scent.
Upon entering the lobby area, she locked eyes with Preston as he spoke on his cell phone. She stifled a huge gulp and managed to keep her gaze on his face and not on his bulging tanned arm muscles on display. He’d mentioned earlier taking off his sweater in order to paint, and he had. Now, thanks to the flimsy white T-shirt that showcased his tight abs, she was able to be even more frustrated with his presence. Handing him the hat, she skedaddled back to the penguins and set up the task she needed him to do. Afterward she continued sketching out another penguin ice-skating. Ten minutes had passed and still no sign of Preston. Perhaps he had a date and decided to leave. However, she caught him out of the corner of her eye, approaching her wearing a charming smile.
“I’m back. Had to ask Linda to check on Hope for me. It’s almost her dinner and outdoor time.”
“Too bad you didn’t bring her. She’s a sweetheart.”
“Yeah, that’s my girl. So, what do you need me to do?”
Stop being so damn handsome, she thought. And nice.
“Follow me.”
He did as instructed until they ended up in front of the scene that she’d sketched out earlier before he’d arrived to check on the progress.
