Chapter One
Coffee. I need coffee.
Cree Priestly could almost taste the strong black coffee, with a shot of mocha, that she’d been craving all morning. It would be just the boost she needed to get through the second half of her busy day.
She glanced at the diamond-studded watch on her wrist, confirming she was on time as she reached the coffee shop. The short walk from her law office in downtown Chicago gave her a chance to clear her mind after a mentally exhausting morning of meetings.
As an entertainment lawyer, doing everything from reading through contracts, negotiating deals for her clients, and even helping with securing financing for film projects, there was never a dull moment. And if she was honest with herself, she loved her job and the busyness that came with it. She only wished she could say the same about the firm she worked for.
“Don’t go there,” she mumbled under her breath, trying to stop her mind from going down that route.
Even if things were a little tense between her and Warren Ellis, one of the partners who started the firm over thirty years ago, Cree wouldn’t let him derail her goals. As one of the newest managing partners, she was bringing in more clients and clocking more billable hours than any of the partners. Especially him, and he didn’t like it. Sure, he liked the way their bottom line looked, but not the way she was outshining him.
Cree slowed in front of the coffee shop’s large picture window, noting the wind had blown a few strands of her hair around. She quickly finger combed her short bob and, once satisfied, reached for the door handle. But before she could grab it, the door swung open.
She gasped, jumped back, and would’ve gotten slammed in the face if not for her quick reflexes.
“Whoa. Sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t realize my own strength,” the tall, light-skinned brother with pretty hazel-green eyes said as he boldly gave her a once over. “But allow me to hold the door for you, Queen. I have to say, you’re the most stunning woman I’ve seen all day.”
Cree shook her head and chuckled when the man opened the door wider, bent at the waist, and gave a slow sweeping motion with his arm for her to enter the building.
“Thank you,” she mumbled, but ignored him when he asked to take her to lunch. Used to being hit on, she tuned out whatever else he was saying and went about surveying the inside of the establishment.
Besides, she was taking a break from men. It hadn’t started out that way, but for the last few months, thanks to clocking in an obscene number of hours at work, she didn’t have time to date. Surprisingly enough, she didn’t miss the tedious task. Yes, her day job brought her in contact with some incredible men, but since she didn’t date clients, their good looks and fat bank accounts were wasted on her.
When she glanced around and didn’t see her sister, Essence, Cree went to the counter and ordered for them both. Usually, whoever arrived first did that, and it was always easy since they typically ordered the same thing—large black coffee and a pastry.
Five minutes later, one of the servers called out, “Priestly,” and set the order on the counter before working on the next order.
Cree stepped forward, adjusting her large handbag on her shoulder, then grabbed the drink carrier and white bag that held their pastries. The place was busy, and she still didn’t see Essence, but she did spot an empty table.
Skirting around people who were in line to order, her long strides carried her the short distance to the two-seater table. She arrived seconds before another woman reached it.
Cree didn’t bother acknowledging her. She set her food down, placed her handbag on one of the chairs, and then planted her butt in the other. Before she could settle in, she spotted her sister entering the building.
“Hey you,” Essence said as she approached, looking cute.
The short, pink plaid jacket that had the sleeves rolled up above her wrists, showed off several silver bangles. Beneath the jacket was a white tank paired with vintage jeans frayed at the ankles. Short blue pumps, which matched her jeans perfectly, covered her feet. “Hey yourself, Sexy Lady.” Cree stood and hugged her sister, who was also her best friend. “You’re right on time. I already have your order,” she said as she reclaimed her seat. “I gotta say, Sis, I’m loving this new you.”
Essence was two years older than Cree, and with them being the oldest of five, they were also the closest.
Essence grinned shyly. “Thanks. After dropping a few pounds, and then taking your advice and updating my wardrobe, I’m liking the new me too. Granted, it took me a year to listen to you, but better late than never. No more roaming around town in leggings and a T-shirt or, worse, my scrubs. Especially on my days off.”
“See what happens when you listen to your little, and wiser, sister. You start looking like a sexy vixen instead of an overprotective mom of a college student.”
Essence snorted and waved her off. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.”
A pediatric nurse, Essence loved her job and probably put in more work hours than Cree. But lately, she’d been stepping out of her comfort zone. Though she claimed the changes had nothing to do with a man, Cree wasn’t so sure, but she liked it.
As a teen mom, Essence had devoted her life to raising her son, Tray, often forgoing her own needs. It was nice seeing her doing something for herself for a change. Now that Tray had started his first year in college in Atlanta, Essence was trying to find herself and admitted it wasn’t easy.
“Speaking of cute outfits, is that a new suit?” Essence asked. “You have like a trillion of them. I can never be too sure.”
Cree laughed. Since she practically lived in suits, her walk-in closet was full of them in every color and style.
“Nope, I’ve had this one for a while, but I can’t remember the last time I’ve worn it.”
This morning she’d been going for a badass boss look and had settled on one of her favorite gray power suits. The single-button jacket had two layers of pleats that stopped just below her waist. Giving her that snatched waist look she often aimed for.
