скачать книгу бесплатно
Again, their eyes mirrored an emotion that made them forget about all the misunderstandings. It was as though the rest of the world faded away, leaving them alone…together.
Caesar’s fingers slid across the space separating them to trail her bare knee. Viv’s lashes fluttered as a rush of sensation coursed through her from the simple caress. When Caesar’s hand curled around her thigh to pull her close, Vivian’s lips parted in anticipation of kissing him.
Papers resting beneath Viv’s knee crinkled when she moved closer. The sound intruded on the moment, forcing them back to reality.
Caesar cleared his throat and pulled his fingers away from Viv’s leg. She pressed her hand against the nerves twisting in her stomach and moved off the sofa.
“I better get home,” she said, reaching for the stylish, peach wedge-heels sitting beneath the coffee table.
Caesar nodded, but said nothing. After Vivian slipped into her shoes, they tidied the office and left.
“I hope your bathroom is okay,” Caesar told Viv, watching as she unlocked her front door.
Viv walked inside and headed right for the stairway. “I do, too!” she called, sprinting up the carpeted steps. Thankfully, the bathroom was in pristine condition and Viv hugged herself. “I’m gonna take that bath I missed out on!”
“You sure you got time?” Caesar asked when Viv walked back into the living room. “You should be trying to get all the rest you can.”
Vivian sent him a knowing look as she walked over to him. “I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be in top shape for our meeting. Don’t worry,” she added, pressing her palms against his chest. The solid, chiseled muscles forced a gasp past her lips. Sometimes, she forgot just how powerfully he was built. “Good night, Caesar,” she whispered quickly, hoping to hide her embarrassment.
Caesar didn’t tease, but a knowing smile tugged at the curve of his lips. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he promised, heading toward the front of the condo.
Vivian followed him to the door. When he was gone, she let her head fall against the polished maple door. “I can’t fall for that man. Please don’t let me.” She felt more attracted to Caesar in that moment than in all the years she had known him.
Still, aside from the fact that she felt desperately attracted to him, Viv steeled herself against letting things go further. It could never work. A fling was out of the question and anything more serious would not be fruitful—literally. Several years ago, Vivian discovered she was unable to have children. Though she tried not to let it make her feel like less of a woman, it was still something she was ashamed of. She survived the anguish of that by reminding herself that she’d not be partly responsible for bringing a child into a world where things changed so rapidly. Things like a parent’s love…Clearing her throat suddenly, Viv dismissed the upsetting memories and focused her thoughts elsewhere.
Caesar Morrison had crafted a well-known, respected image. Part of that image had a lot to do with the way he felt about children. Kids who otherwise would not stand a chance with society, could look to a man like Caesar for advice and consideration. His work with less fortunate or at-risk youth had gained national and, in some cases, international attention. It wasn’t for show—even Vivian could admit that. Caesar truly dedicated himself to standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves.
A fool could see that the man would want children of his own. He deserved to be with a woman who could give him that. Vivian knew that woman could never be her.
Vivian felt more like herself when she arrived at the office early the next morning. She appeared cool, sexy and confident in the stylish, light blue business suit she had chosen for the day. The short, linen blazer hugged her torso, outlining her full breasts adoringly. The matching skirt reached mid-thigh, accentuated the length of her shapely legs.
The D.M. Doll Factory was alive with conversation concerning the arrival of the two superstars. It took Vivian quite a while to make it to the top floor, with everyone wanting a moment to speak with her. She felt even more confident about working there after seeing all the support and smiling faces of the Doll Factory family.
“Hey, Sandra!” Viv called, waving as she gave the tall, lovely woman a bright smile.
Sandra Weathers, executive assistant to both Carlotta Desmond and Francine Morrison, waved back. “Girl! I’m so happy to see you!” Sandra cried as she stepped from around the desk.
Viv pulled the woman into a tight embrace. “How have you been?”
“Just fine!” Sandra confirmed, her round vanilla-complexioned face practically glowing with excitement. “I guess I don’t have to ask you that.” She stepped back to take a better look at Viv. “You look fierce!”
Viv threw her head back and laughed. “Sweetie, you should get paid extra just for the way you compliment!”
“Thank you. I’ll make a note of that.”
“So, how’ve you been really?” Viv asked again.
Sandra shrugged. “Working.”
Viv appeared to be shocked. “Working? What about romancing?”
“Romancing?” Sandra replied, her hazel eyes widening. “Girl, please! It’s slim pickin’s around here!”
Viv tapped one French-manicured nail to her chin and frowned. “I don’t know about that, girl. I saw some pretty nice specimens when I walked in this morning.”
Sandra smiled, as well. “Well, so did I this morning when Caesar Morrison walked in.”
Viv rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “Oh, please don’t tell me they’re fallin’ all over him already?”
Sandra stepped forward and brushed her hand against Viv’s arm. “Honey, you didn’t know? I think every woman in this place has made an effort to get on this floor for some reason just to get a glimpse of the man.”
“Mmm…” Viv gestured, her dark eyes twinkling mischievously. “They sound very happy to have him here.”
“Humph. We are,” Sandra assured her. “Come on, lemme give you the fifty-cent tour and get you reacquainted with this place.”
“I understand you and Caesar are sharing the office?” Sandra remarked as she and Viv entered the break room—their last stop.
“Unfortunately, that’s true,” Vivian sighed, peeking inside the tall, chrome refrigerator.
Sandra folded her arms across her chest and leaned against the paneled countertop. “I know a lot of people who would gladly trade places with you.”
“They can have it.”
“Mmm-hmm. Put it in writing.”
The two of them burst into laughter. Then Sandra patted Viv’s shoulder and headed for the door. “Talk to you later, girl.”
“All right!” Viv called, inspecting the cabinets. “I’ll be out after I make a cup of tea,” she said, choosing a box of flavored herbal blends. She reached for a pot of hot water and filled a black mug.
“Is that Vivian Desmond I see?”
Viv turned to the doorway and screamed. “Ray Warren, I didn’t know you still worked here!” she cried, holding her arms out to the tall, brown-complexioned man who approached her.
Ray pulled Viv against him and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Girl, you know I can’t leave those two old women!”
Viv laughed. “Ha! You mean they won’t let you leave!”
Ray’s deep laughter filled the room. “Same difference.”
“I know.”
“So, how long are y’all gonna be working here?” Ray asked, his warm, dark-brown gaze questioning.
Viv shrugged. “We’re not sure. It’s up to the grannies.”
Ray chuckled. “Well, you and I need to have lunch or something before you jet off.”
“Hey, we should do it today. I really don’t know what the rest of my schedule will be like.”
Ray checked his watch. “I’m free around one.”
Viv thought for a moment. “Sounds good to me. Come by the office and we’ll head out.”
Ray leaned forward and kissed her cheek again. “I’ll see you then,” he whispered before heading out of the room.
Vivian collected her things and headed out a few minutes behind Ray. The president’s office was located around the corner at the end of a long corridor. When she stood outside the double polished oak doors, she took a deep breath and headed inside.
“Good morning, Caesar,” she greeted in an airy voice.
Caesar looked up from the folder he had been studying. His bright, deep-set eyes narrowed as they raked over Viv’s gorgeous figure in the flattering light blue suit. A long whistle flew past his lips, followed by a deep chuckle, when Viv twirled around for him.
“Very nice,” he complimented, reclining in the large black-suede chair he had requested.
Viv set her briefcase and mug on the desk and nodded. “You, too.” She took in the beige pin-striped suit he wore with a beige silk vest beneath and matching tie.
“I appreciate it,” he replied, his eyes still sweeping Viv’s body with heated strokes.
“I’m glad we didn’t have to argue about the desks,” Viv conceded, taking a seat.
Caesar’s brows rose as he turned his attention back to the files he’d been studying. “If I remember correctly,” he began, “I never really lost my temper about the whole thing. It’s you who always has an angry word for everything.”
“Me?” Viv breathed. “You lying dog. You almost ripped my head off when I mentioned havin’ this office to myself.”
Caesar leaned back in the chair and propped his legs on top of the desk. “I don’t think so,” he argued thoughtfully, scratching the line of his brow.
“Oooh! You make me so damn mad!” Viv clenched and unclenched her fists. Her blue pumps tapped the carpet methodically.
Caesar pressed his lips together to keep from smiling. He let Viv stew for a moment before making another comment. “You know, Plum, if you need me to handle the meeting, I can.”
Viv shook her head, curly dark tendrils dangling outside the sleek French roll she wore. “Why would I need or want you to handle the meeting?”
“Well, you still seem to be on edge from last night,” he told her, pretending to be engrossed with the contents of the folder he held. “I’m a lot calmer, so I’ll probably make a better impression with the Tydes and—”
“Forget it, Caesar Morrison,” Viv snapped, standing behind her desk. “If you think I’m gonna let you handle everything and look like Snow White for the grannies, you got another think coming.”
Just then, the buzzer sounded.
“Yeah, Sandra?” Caesar called into the intercom as he watched Viv standing before him with her fists braced on the desk.
“Caesar, Kitty and Derrix Tydes are here for your meeting.”
“Thanks, Sandra, we’ll be right out,” he replied, standing behind his desk, as well. “So? Are you ready?” he asked Viv, his sleek brows rising in challenge.
Viv grabbed her portfolio and walked around the desk. “I pray we get through this meeting without a scuffle.”
Caesar laughed and offered her his hand. He smiled when Viv accepted it.
“Let’s do this.”
A short, brown-complexioned couple waited in the quiet, cozy lobby outside the president’s suite. They stood when Caesar and Vivian walked out to meet them.
Sandra had just arrived with a tray of coffee and smiled when she saw everyone. “Caesar Morrison and Vivian Desmond, this is Derrix and Kitty Tydes of the Tydes Inn, Kingston.”
Caesar and Viv stepped forward to shake hands with the brother and sister. Meanwhile, Sandra poured four cups of coffee and headed into the office.
“Your grandmothers told us they had beautiful grandchildren, but they did not tell us how beautiful,” Kitty remarked, her brown eyes twinkling merrily.
“Thank you,” Caesar and Viv replied in unison.
“We hope you’re as interested in our proposal as your grandmothers are,” Derrix stated, his expression clearly questioning.
Viv stepped forward and placed her hand in the crook of the handsome, older man’s arm. “Our grandmothers gave us plenty of information regarding your proposal. We assure you we’re very interested.”
Caesar nodded in agreement before smiling down at Kitty. “Shall we?” he asked, waving one hand toward the office.
“Mmm. This coffee is delicious!” Viv exclaimed later when they were all seated in the office.
Kitty Tydes practically beamed. “Thank you, dear. It’s a blend we serve in our inn.”
“Well, if the coffee’s this good, I can imagine what the food tastes like,” Caesar said, placing his cup and saucer on the coffee table.
“It used to be served in the gourmet coffee shops, until we convinced the owner of the recipe to let us serve it exclusively,” Derrix informed them.
Viv’s striking dark eyes widened. “And they gave it to you?”
Derrix shrugged. “For the right price.”
“But,” Kitty interjected with one raised finger, “he was happy to do so, since he has a lifetime pass to the inn.”
Everyone laughed and nodded at the man’s reasoning.
“Sounds like a fair trade,” Caesar said.
Derrix shook his head. “I don’t know about that. Do you know how many new visitors we’ve had since we brought this coffee in? The revenue in our little café has more than tripled.”
“Because of this coffee?” Viv asked, taking another sip of the delicious brew.
“Initially,” Kitty replied, “they come for coffee and wind up ordering everything else on the menu.”
Caesar grinned and propped his elbow along the arm of the high-backed leather chair he occupied. “And now the two of you want to add dolls to the list?”
Kitty nodded, her eyes never leaving the handsome face before her. “We met your grandmothers two years ago at a black entrepreneur’s convention in Hawaii. I was so taken by the collection of dolls they had on display, I stopped to talk to them.”
“At first, we proposed showing the dolls around our lobby,” Derrix informed them, pouring himself another cup of coffee, “just for decoration, but Francine and Carlotta suggested selling them in our gift shop.”
Vivian, who was seated opposite Caesar in the other white armchair, chuckled. “That’s Francine and Carlotta, always thinking about the sale.”
“Well, it’s good they did,” Derrix replied. “We took a shipment of fifty dolls with us to the inn. They sold out in less than a week.”
