Nodding, she pointed to a seat.“Sure, sit.”
While he settled in front of her, she tried to gauge his attitude.He certainly looked more upbeat, which was a relief.She didn’t relish fighting a battle she couldn’t win.When she realized he was speaking, she scrambled to make sense of his words.
“She thinks it’s a good plan.Just needs that added information you’re waiting for, and she pointed out a couple of areas that can be fleshed out.Lend me those papers, and I can show you where the additional details go.”
“Sounds good.”She handed him the file, then asked, “Are you sure I shouldn’t offer her something for the consult?”
“No, Rochelle believes in giving back.”He spread the papers on the desk and picked up her pen while she walked around to stand next to him.
“So, the added stuff goes here.”He moved to another page and marked an x.“And here.”
She lowered herself into the seat as he continued reviewing the proposal.
“Rochelle suggests boosting this section, too.”
While he scribbled, she noticed the hairs on the back of his hand and the fresh aroma of the lemon and orange oils in his cologne.His hand stopped moving, and her gaze jumped to his.She had the feeling he’d been saying something while she’d been gazing at his skin.
She licked her lips, and he blinked like someone waking from a deep sleep.As though drawn by a magnet, they inched closer to each other.When his lips touched hers, her eyelids lowered.With one hand, he gently grasped the back of her neck and deepened the kiss.
As it intensified, he gently lifted her onto his lap and locked her in with both arms around her waist.The kiss was the sweetest she’d ever had.It lasted long enough for her to melt into his chest and ask herself why they’d waited so long for this.
That thought brought her back to the confines of the office and the argument she’d been having with herself about him.She pressed both hands to Shomari’s chest, which made him pull away to look her in the eyes.
“If you expect an apology …” He shook his head slowly and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth.“I’m afraid you won’t be getting one.I enjoyed that way too much.”
Lizette slid off his lap and into the other chair, hoping his mood didn’t shift again.“I’m not gonna lie either.So did I.”
Chapter 14
“Myanswerisfinal.”
“This is for your daughter,” Christy snapped.“You can’t say no.”
Shomari switched the phone to his other ear and sat on the edge of the mattress.“You’re not listening.If you want to take Natanya to New York with you for Christmas, that’s fine with me, but I’m not paying to fly her there.”
“You are so tight.Any other father would want his daughter to experience—”
“This is pointless.I don’t have the money.”
Technically, that wasn’t true, but he wasn’t about to break any of his investments for Christy to have a fun time overseas.
“You have enough to be living in that fancy house—”
“Which belongs to my friends.You.Left.Me.With.Nothing.”
“You’re lying.”
He huffed and rubbed his forehead, slowing his words.“Christy, listen to me.The money you withdrew fromouraccount was for a specific purpose.You knew that.I wasn’t keeping tabs on you because I thought you wanted the same things I did.Turns out I was wrong.After you’ve spent nearlyeverythingI have on buying a new vehicle, should I now pull money out of my—”
“Don’t say it,” Christy yelled.
“And to top it all, I don’t know what you’ve done with the rest of what you took.”
“I have a child for you.I’m entitled.”
He dragged a hand over his beard and stared beyond the rust-colored drapes.“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.How does that make sense?”
“Your daughter is sitting right here, hearing all of this.”
