“It’s fine, Tim. It was definitely the beginning of my villain story, that’s for sure.” She laughed, making me laugh.
Although I don’t remember the day she mentioned, I didn’t doubt her story. I’d always had tunnel vision about Breeze. She was the only girl I saw, especially back then; she had my head fucked up.
She closed the space between us when I laughed, close enough that I could smell her perfume. It was something soft and warm that didn’t match the sharp glare of her eyes.
“I know you don’t remember,” she spoke quietly. “You never had to.”
I turned slightly toward her, meaning to keep things light, but she reached out before I could say anything. Her fingers closed around my wrist, gentle but firm, stopping me mid-step.
“Relax.” She scoffed, thumb brushing slowly over the inside of my wrist. “I’m not trying to ruin your marriage or your business.” Her hand slid just a little higher, resting briefly against my forearm. “I was just making my point that I was still as bold, just invisible back then.”
I swallowed but didn’t speak. Then I looked down at where she was touching me. She followed my gaze, then met my eyes again without pulling away.
“You see me now, though. Don’t you?” she asked.
She wasn’t aggressive, just sure. Like she had found her confidence and used it to her advantage. This version of Cedes, I’m sure, got what she wanted when she wanted. After a beat, I pulled away from her; her fingers trailed my arm and brushed my abs.
“Go. Think about the rates. Think about the partnership with the bank. And think about the fact that some people don’t forget you… even when you forget them.” She stepped backward, trying to snap her professionalism back in place.
“Appreciate it, Cedes.” I nodded. Unsure of what else to say, I went toward the door and reached for the handle.
Behind me, she added softly, “Tim, it’s still there. The next time that you come in here, don’t act like you don’t feel it.”
I didn’t turn around.
I walked through the lobby with the contracts, waving to the tellers and bankers as I left. My mind raced with thoughts about Breeze; she and I had already agreed we might have solo encounters. Until now, though, I planned to let her take the lead if it ever happened. I always felt that if she found someone, I would too, but I didn’t want to act before she was ready. With Mercedes, who was bad and familiar, I could avoid the pressureof explaining my intentions to someone new. Cedes already understood my loyalty to Breeze.
I jumped into my truck and headed back to the dealership, my mind racing. Once I pulled into the parking lot, I drove toward my designated spot, and the one next to it was empty, which meant that Breeze still wasn’t here. She hadn’t been here before I left, either.
Quieting the engine, I stepped out of the truck and walked toward the front entrance.
“Good morning, Nat. Where’s my wife?” I asked as I strolled through the lobby and shook hands with some of the customers waiting nearby.
“Good morning, boss. I have no clue, I tried to reach her earlier and couldn’t get her,” she answered.
I nodded, “Okay, send her my way when she makes it in.” I bypassed her desk and went upstairs.
The first thing I did was check my emails, and the first one I saw was from a customer; the subject line read "COMPLAINT." Bold and it was in all caps. It pissed me off. Once I read it, I called Breeze’s cousin immediately. I had been going back and forth with him about the complaint when she walked in with wide eyes and some wings from our favorite spot.
She took a seat in my lap until I finished talking. Then she laughed at me as I explained to her what her cousin had done.
“Where have you been? I went to your office this morning, and you weren’t there?” I questioned while rubbing her thigh.
"Ran some errands and picked up food,” she answered, then set the bag of food on my desk and took out some garlic parmesan wings, placing them in front of me.
“Cool. We need to talk later.”
“Okay, about what?” she asked, frowning.
“We’ll talk later; this isn’t the right time or place,” I doubled down and then kissed her cheek.
Then her phone vibrated in her purse, and she stood from my lap and gave me a quick kiss.
“I have to take this call,” she said in a rush as I opened the container of food. I nodded and slapped her ass as she walked out the door.
I wanted to talk to her and see where her mind was about the solo encounter. I didn’t want to rush her, but I also wanted to keep her in the loop about the fact that I had someone in mind. Something was telling me that Mercedes would be the person I spent twenty-four hours with. As long as she agreed, could give me clean test results, and understood the terms, then I felt like everything was a go.
***
