“See, there you go worrying about the wrong thing.” Vega chuckled at the face she made before he stood. “I’ma head out. Come lock up.”
For some reason, she was disappointed that he was leaving. Nyelle didn’t know him at all, but she found herself wanting to. She also hated being alone but damn sure wasn’t about to askhim to stay. When they made it to the door, Vega stepped out then turned to give her his attention one last time before he left. His large hand extended toward Nyelle, gripping her at the waist and pulling her into his personal space before he closed her in his embrace. Nyelle inhaled the scent of weed and his cologne, enjoying the feel of Vega being so close. So much so that when he let her go, she was yet again disappointed.
“Be easy, shorty.”
“I need to be telling you that,” she fired back with a smug grin, causing him to flash her a smile, exposing a set of perfect teeth.
Vega nodded and was about to walk off but hesitated. “Ay, what’s your name?”
“Neighbor who might need help one day.”
“Come on, shorty. We shared a little moment. I can’t get your name?”
With a playful eye roll, she spoke. “I guess. It’s Nyelle Reid.” She wasn’t sure why she gave her entire name, but she did. Possibly because he gave his entire name and she felt safe offering hers in return.
“Damn, that’s sexy.Nyelle. I like it. Goodnight, Pretty Ny. I’ma see you soon if you let me.” Vega winked at her before he took off down the hall and around the corner toward the elevators in a staggering stride that showed his intoxication.
Nyelle didn’t miss that the way he moved was still confident and sexy. She shut her door and locked it before shaking her head at what had just happened. Once she had her bearings, she headed back to her room, climbed in bed, and pulled the cover up over her shoulders with a smile on her face.
One thought weighed heavy on her mind while she tried to settle herself enough to go back to sleep. That one thought had her entire mind captivated.Damn, she sighed as his name quickly followed.Vega Orr.
“Ms. Reid.”Nyelle turned at the sound of her name and noticed Tony heading her way. He had a huge smile on his face as he stopped in front of her just prior to her exiting her building.
“Morning, Tony. Is something wrong?”
“No, ma’am. I just wanted to give you this. Mr. Orr asked that I see to it that you have his number. He handed it to me this morning before he left.”
He’s up and already in the streets?Nyelle didn’t see how that was possible. It was eight a.m. and he had just been in her condo a few hours ago reeking of weed and intoxicated from too much consumption of both.
“Thank you.” Nyelle accepted the folded paper and shoved it into her purse. “It’s eight, why are you here? Didn’t you come on at seven?” Nyelle glanced over at the security station and noticed Carl was assisting a guest, which meant that Tony was free to go. The security team did twelve-hour shifts and his had been over an hour ago.
With a courteous nod, Tony slipped his hands into his pockets. “I’m leaving now. Mr. Orr paid me to stay just so I could get that to you. Now that the task is done, I’m heading home, unless you need anything before I go.”
With a shake of her head, she responded, “No, not at all. I’m heading to work, but thank you.”
“Have a good day, Ms. Reid,” Tony offered with a slight smile before heading toward the security station while Nyelle headed out the front of the building so she wouldn’t be late.
A few hours later, she sat at her cubby, eyes tired and mind fuzzy. The lack of sleep from the night before had caught up with Nyelle and she was seriously regretting it. Well, sort of. Hercheeks rose at the thought of Vega and she was grateful for her phone buzzing and interrupting her thoughts. She removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes, pressing the button to answer April, who ran the front desk.
“Ny, you have someone here to see you.”
“Who is it?”
“Umm,BD.” April whispered and Nyelle assumed it was because she was attempting to hide the fact that she was warning Nyelle about her visitor.
“The hell does he want?” she fussed through a huff of frustration.
Reese wasn’t supposed to be allowed on their floor without security clearance, but Nyelle was well aware of how it happened. He was a smooth personality and a sweet talker. Marissa, a pretty little Hispanic twenty-something, was working the station this morning. Reese flashed her a promising smile, the one that had women’s panties instantly wet, and gained access to her floor.
“I’m coming.”
“I’ll tell him.”
Nyelle briefly shut her eyes before she pushed her chair away from her desk, stood, and smoothed her palms down her thighs. She hadn’t seen Reese in a little over two months. There was no need for him to show his face, not even to provide for her and Nick financially. The money he provided them with was deposited into her account. Herpersonalaccount that Reese’s name wasn’t on. She was smart and always kept her finances separate from his.
With her chin slightly angled in the air, she left her tiny office space and saw him the second she rounded the corner. Nyelle was one of the best echocardiographers in the business, but the color of her skin still kept her away from certain privileges. Theotherswith more fair skin had the offices that lined the backwalls, giving them a view of midtown through floor to ceiling windows.
Nyelle worked hard because she wanted one of those offices if she didn’t have her own building. She put up with the bullshit because she loved her job, was compensated well over the average yearly salary for her title, and she was in an exclusive location.
