Chapter Six
Private Meeting
Talina
Once again, I should have called in. My head is pounding as if I have another hang over. As reality set in, a ton of emotions overwhelmed me.
At thirty-three, I thought I would have what my parents had. I’ve watched friends from college married and start families. It is a stinging thought that I’ve yet to find that.
Five years ago, I thought I’d found that in Malcolm. His mother has practically planned our wedding. At most functions, she introduced me as her soon to be daughter-in-law.
I think the shock of the break up wore off, when Malcolm tried to turn the tables again. No, that’s just not fair to me. Five years, I invested so much into that relationship.
I slam my tablet down on my new desk. I haven’t unpacked in my new office, I needed to get some work done first. Only, my brain won’t let me focus on a damn thing.
“I can come back at another time,” I hear a rich rasp.
I look up to see Nelson’s gaze on me. He’s leaning into the doorjamb of my new office. His navy suit, fitting him like a glove. His black silk tie, and stark white shirt, adding to the frame of the finely made suit.
The smile on his full lips brightens his face, taking away from the harsh plains. I smirk, as I take in his bushy brows and long nose. I wonder if and how he truly broke it in the past.
“No, you’re fine,” I say with a genuine smile. “How can I help you?”
“I wanted to pop in a talk over the details for London. Detra was supposed to pop in with me,” Nelson pauses to frown, seemingly at his own thoughts. “Something came up, but I wanted to at least confirm with you and get you up to speed. We’ll be gone for a long time and its already Thursday.”
“Sure, sure,” I nod. “Detra did email me the itinerary and some notes. I planned to look at them in a few. I have a few projects I want to clean up before we head out.”
Nelson moves into the office. It’s the first time I take notice of the tablet he’s holding in his long fingers. I find that interesting. He always has a tablet attached to him. Normally, that would be the first thing I notice about Nelson, not his suit and looks.
Certainly, not the way his large body folds onto the couch in my office. I lift from my desk chair smoothing out the nonexistent wrinkles in my grey sheath dress. It dawns on me how long it took me to get dressed this morning.
I hadn’t realized the effort I placed in choosing my outfit or doing my hair until this moment. The red heels were a last minute decision to help me feel like I’m taking some of my power back. Yet, everything else, had been an unconscious decision, even my makeup.
I take a seat on the couch, placing a good enough distance between us for me to not be too close, but to be able to share our devices if necessary. His cologne engulfs me right away. It draws me in like a shoe sale. I lean towards him, crossing my legs.
“I told you that dress would look good on you,” Nelson says with a tight smile on his lips.
I look down at my dress, and the conversation from yesterday hits me. I hadn’t even noticed I picked one of the many things I bought while we shopped together yesterday. I smile, looking back up at him.
“You have good taste, Boss. You’re a great shopping partner as well,” I laugh.
Something crosses Nelson’s eyes, but he quickly shuts it down. I want to say I saw disappointment, maybe regret, but I can’t put my finger on it for sure. I brush it off and continue to give him an open smile.
“I’m at your service anytime,” he says with a small smile. “It is my hope that you will become a part of the team Detra and I have created. We are sort of a family unit, within the company.
“I think things around here have thrived from our close relationship and ability to anticipate each other,” he adds.
“I can see that. We have a great work culture here. It was one of the things that led me to want to work here,” I nod.
“Yes, and now that we have removed the cancer from around here, things will only get better,” Nelson’s smile grows a little more.
“Well, I hope I can fit into the subculture you two have as well,” I say hopefully.
“I think you will. Detra can’t fly out with us, but she has arranged to join us. I think it will be a good time for all of us to bond,” he replies.
“Well, is there anything I should do to keep my team running here. I mean, I know the work load. I just want to make sure everything runs as usual, with all of our absence,” I ask, mentally making my own checklist.
“It’s December. The office will be closing in a few weeks for the holidays. Detra will meet us sometime around then. For now, everything should run smoothly. Our biggest accounts are locked in and being handled. All other bids will be taken care of in the New Year,” he responds.
“Yes, so true,” I nod, still tapping in a few notes on my tablet to go with the lists in my head.
“Do you mind if I remove my jacket, it’s a bit warm in here,” Nelson asks, scooting forward in his seat.
My eyes take him in as he moves, his big frame taking my imagination on a trip. My eyes drop to his lap, and I damn near gasp. I lift my eyes quickly, feeling the heat in my cheeks, so grateful for my darker brown skin.
“Sure, make yourself comfortable,” my words come out in a breathy rasp.
I pinch my eyes closed. What in the world has come over me? Okay, it’s not my fault he has a print that the world can see. Damn, and what a fine print it is.
Girl, that’s in a state of rest. Nelson is packing like a motherfucker. Where are my pearls?
“Would you like some water? I can have Alice bring us some,” Nelson says, while I clear my lusty throat.
“No, I’m fine,” I reply, but he has already sent a text.
Nelson’s brows knit. “I meant to ask, would you like to do the interviews for your new assistant?”
“Oh, I had assumed Brenda would be my assistant,” I respond.
Brenda was Art’s secretary for as long as I’ve been here. I was given Art’s office, so I thought I’d inherit Brenda as well. I hadn’t thought very much about it to be honest.
Nelson frowns. “I’m not sure letting her stay on is such a good idea. She has a long history with Art. Lots of loyalty there,” Nelson says, with a hint of anger and maybe some bitterness.
“Well, I’ll use her until we find a replacement if that’s okay. She knows the workload. I think she’ll be fine, until after the holidays. If you haven’t decided to fire her yet,” I say, hating the thought of anyone losing their job during the holidays.
Nelson frowns, I can see him thinking over my words. He nods after a few seconds, still not seeming to like the conclusion of his thoughts. I take note of the dark shadow that crosses his face.
My interest is peeked, it’s the second time I’m seeing a real hint of Nelson’s temper. Something about it is kind of sexy, the broody look that dances on his face, as an internal war wages, is quite interesting.
“I guess it will be fine for now,” he murmurs. “I want to start looking for her replacement, as soon as we return,” he says, as if giving in to some great compromise.
“Great, so let’s tackle this agenda. Tell me the main focus and objects of our trip and where I can be of the most use,” I say, wanting to change subjects and lighten the mood.
Alice enters the room just then, with two bottled waters and two glasses. Nelson nods his thanks, but keeps his attention on me, moving right into working on the task before us.
We get so consumed in the trip and tossing around ideas, we both lose track of time. I’ve never been more engrossed in my job. Nelson truly is brilliant. Having someone to throw ideas back and forth with, at this level, has blown my mind.
I stretch as my back starts to stiffen. Nelson looks over his shoulder from his perch over his tablet. Again, I have to ask myself if I’m seeing things or if that’s true heat in his eyes, as he gazes at me.
It’s not the first time I’ve questioned my sanity. It seems like there has been a pull between us the entire time we’ve been in this office together, sitting so close to one another. I’ve written it off as my mind’s new fascination with my boss and that monster print in his pants.
I chide my inner freak. She needs to get her shit together and mind her own business. I make a mental note to hit the spot to pick up a toy or two for the trip. This can turn into a problem over the next month or so that we’re away.
Not that I would throw myself at my boss. It just wouldn’t be the greatest idea to sit around in wet panties from the fantasies that have started to float in my head. It could prove to be embarrassing.
My sister, Mya says, Jin is a freak in the sheets. I’ve never dated outside my own race before. I’ve always been attracted to tall, dark chocolate. Every single one of my boyfriends have been over six feet and dark juicy berries. I lick my lips thinking about the berries I’ve had the pleasure of sucking.
Talina! You’re at work, get your mind out of the gutter. You just moaned out loud.
I snap out of my dirty thoughts to see Nelson staring at me with curiosity and dare I say…heat. I want to bury my head in between the cushions of the couch. I can’t believe I just zoned out like that.
“Are you hungry,” Nelson asks, in a smooth husky rasp that makes my heart skip a beat. “We’ve been at it for a while.”
It’s a simple question, but my mind goes through another series of dirty thoughts. I squeeze my thighs together. Okay, this is just nuts. I know it’s been a little while, but I shouldn’t be behaving like this.
I’m not exactly easy. I have only slept with boyfriends that I’ve been in committed relationships with. I can count them on one hand. Yet, I’m sitting here twisted up, wondering what those lips would feel like wrapped around my breast.
I clear my throat. “I think I could stand to eat something,” I say softly.
“What would—,” Nelson’s words cutoff and he frowns down at his phone. “Shit.”
“Is something wrong?” I sit up straighter, when I see the tension that coils the muscles in his back.
“I don’t know how this slipped my mind. I have a fundraiser tonight. My date just canceled,” Nelson presses his lips.
“Can’t you take Detra?” I ask, hating the frustration that takes over his face.
“She’ll already be in attendance. We’re both to be auctioned off for the charity. My date was supposed to bid on me,” Nelson says, his cheeks staining with red, as he clamps his mouth shut.
I watch him closely. I see the discomfort the subject has brought on. I’m eager for more information. I have so many questions, as his face goes through a range of emotions.
“Hey, I have the dress I was supposed to wear to the anniversary party. It would be a shamed for it to go to waste. I’ll be your date if you will have me. I can bid for you. I don’t know if I can afford to outbid the other women, but I can do my best,” I smile and shrug my shoulder.
The moment his eyes turn fully on me, I wish I would have kept my mouth closed. His face is shuttered, his eyes have gone hard. I don’t know what I’ve done wrong.
~B~
Nelson
“I can bid for you. I don’t know if I can afford to outbid the other women, but I can do my best.”
If only she knew how much her words sting. I don’t believe she’ll have much competition. She wouldn’t have to dig too far into her purse.
I’m a glutton for punishment. I should’ve waited for Detra to have free time to have this meeting. We’re just short on time. We leave tomorrow evening. I’ve had so much on my mind, starting with my need to have Talina on this trip with me.
Spending the last few hours in this office, alone, with Talina so close, has been torture. She smells so delicious, I want to lick her to the very last drop. How does she smell like both chocolate and vanilla? More than once, I’ve gotten lost in fantasies of burying my face between those thick thighs.
If Talina weren’t just as distracted as I’ve been, she would probably think me an idiot. This is a lot of change for her in a short amount of time. She must be overwhelmed. She’s probably distracted with all the things she has to do before tomorrow night.
I’ve been trying to keep a handle on my thoughts. It’s the reason for me totally forgetting to feed her. Hearing that sexy ass moan fall off her lips and seeing the distant look in her eyes, reminded me we haven’t eaten.
She made a similar noise when we were out eating Thai yesterday. It didn’t sound as sexual, which I blame on my turn of thoughts. I’ve tried not to look at her like I’m ready to devour her, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to cup those delicious looking mounds and suck her nipples until her cum drips down those chocolate thighs.
I must be going crazy because for the last hour, I swear I can smell her arousal. I know it’s all in my imagination. I want her so badly; my mind is playing tricks on me. I’ve been feeling this pull toward her since we sat here together.
All. In. My. Head.
“I can bid for you.”
If she only knew my true reason for loathing this auction and needing a date to bid for me. Talina as my date tonight? I don’t think my ego could take that.
I was so pissed off, when Detra signed me up, as a bachelor to be auctioned off at the fundraiser tonight. Sometimes, I swear Detra is out to humiliate me for all the bullshit I pulled when we were teenagers.
I’d asked one of my regulars to accompany me as my date. I also gave instructions for her to drive the bid up immediately. If no one else offered a bid, I would save face. If someone did bid, but didn’t offer much, I would still save face and it would all be in the name of charity.
This last minute cancellation throttles all of my plans. Now, to ask Talina to come along as my date and have to ask her to bid on me. I won’t ask it. I also won’t stand there and have her watch me go without a single bid.
Yes, I have money. A fortune that would drive bids alone. However, there will be eligible bachelors at auction that have been on the covers of magazines and named in the top ten sexiest, most eligible bachelors.
I really don’t know what Detra was thinking. My mother’s voice has been ringing in my head, since the other day, when Detra dropped this bomb on me.
‘Nelson, you’re one ugly motherfucker. That’s what I get for getting knocked up high,’ my mother would hiss.
“You’re one funny looking little fucker. Go get my smokes,’ she’d laugh. ‘Lanky ass, that nose could sniff out a secret in a vault it’s so fucking big.’ ‘I bet the girls at school run from you. Or do they laugh in that funny looking face.’ ‘A face only a mother could love. Just my luck. Quit crying over that girl, she was too pretty for you anyway,’ she taunted after my first girlfriend crushed my soul.
It took years for me to get over her words. To stand before a room and wait for women to bid on me. I feel sick just thinking about it. I’m going to kill Detra.
“Hola,” speaking of the devil herself. Detra floats into Talina’s office, a broad smile on her lips. “Oh, God. He has that look. What kind of torture has he been putting you through?”
Talina gives a strained laugh. “He’s not torturing me. I think I may have overstepped a bit,” Talina replies and dips her head.
My chest squeezes. I didn’t mean to make her feel as if she’s the problem. Her offer just tossed me into the past. A time when I was vulnerable and so unsure of myself. My mother was a bitch. She went so far to make me feel like shit.
I rub my chest, trying to relieve some of the tightness there. I need to find the right words to turn Talina down without hurting her feelings any further. I press my lips and pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Overstepped how?” Detra asks, gracefully flouncing in an accent chair across from us. “He can be such a bear sometimes. I’m so sorry I can’t join you in London sooner. My advice, just nod, when he gets pissy. It will pass.”
“You didn’t overstep,” I find my voice.
Detra looks between us, with wrinkled brows. “Well, what happened?”
“My date for the gala had to cancel,” I huff.
“Okay, take Talina,” Detra says, as if it’s no big deal.
I glare at her, wanting to choke her. I narrow my eyes, when I swear I see a small smile in the corner of her lips. It’s gone, as she turns to Talina.
“I can have a dress sent to your place. We still have a few hours. Do you have plans tonight?” Detra persists.
“Detra,” I hiss.
“I already offered. I actually have a dress, but…I’m sorry, Nelson,” Talina says, before clamping her mouth shut.
“Oh, nonsense. I heard through the rumor mill that you’re now single. I can add you to the roster for the auction,” Detra says excited.
“No,” I say with more force than I mean to.
I wince when I see Talina’s head whip back. I’m only making this worse by the minute. I’m going to kill Detra.
Fuck.
Detra waves me off. “I’ll have a car pick you up at seven. I’ll make sure the both of you go up for auction in the first half of the night since you both have a flight to catch tomorrow,” Detra insists.
“You know what, I think I’ll pass. I should probably finish packing and getting ready to leave for eight weeks,” Talina says quickly.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. I can see it in her eyes, I just fucked this up. I take a deep breath, knowing I’d rather be humiliated than allow Talina to think I don’t want her around.
“I could truly use the date. I know it’s last minute. I’ll make it up to you if you would still be willing to come with me,” I say, easing a smile onto my face.
Talina looks at me warily. I had planned to attend the gala, I just didn’t plan to be in the auction. It is for the literacy program Talina had asked me about.
“It’s for Literary Hearts, I would love for you to learn more about it,” I add, trying to defuse her current caution.
“I wouldn’t want you to be put out,” Talina murmurs.
“I wouldn’t be. I’ll pick you up myself, at seven. We can ride there together,” I offer. “Why let a good dress go to waste, right?”
“It’s settled,” Detra says, looking up from her phone. “I’ve already added you to the auction list.”
“What,” I turn to glare at Detra.
She gives me a smug grin and a shrug. “Need to get those kids every penny we can get. Talina is gorgeous, I know she’ll be able to help us meet our goal.”
“I don’t know about all of that,” Talina gives a nervous laugh. “I’ll probably bring in the lowest bid.”
“I doubt that,” I snort.
“Are we allowed to bid if we are in the auction?” Talina asks, I can see her eyeing me cautiously.
“Oh, but of course,” Detra sings.
“Oh, that’s nice,” Talina replies biting her lip.
I can’t help wondering what she might be thinking. I don’t want her pity bids. I tighten my fists in frustration.
“This evening has just gotten so much better,” Detra laugh, standing and leaving just as swiftly as she entered.
“We should call it a day. There is much to do before tonight,” I say to Talina.
I won’t chance a look at her. I don’t know if I will even be able to look at her after tonight. I need a drink.