Business Not As Usual, page 11
“Oh please, this is nothing new for me. Though I appreciate . . .” A gust of wind had them both swaying, and then Dreamy’s Afro wig flew off.
“What the . . .” Karter’s words trailed off, and his mouth gaped open while he stood in shock.
“Argh!” she shrieked, her hands going to her head, where she had two long French braids braided down the back.
He watched the red, hairy blob float through the air and between a few parked cars.
“Don’t just stand there! Get. That. Wig!” Dreamy shouted and took off in a sprint. She tore across the parking lot like she was being chased by Olympic track star Allyson Felix. And to run like that in heels was beyond impressive.
“Stop that wig!” she hollered.
Before he knew what he was doing, Karter took off running, ducking between cars as the wig flew through the air. When it dropped to the ground, he made a mad dash toward it, only to have the mop of hair take off again when he was within a foot of it. He picked up speed, chasing the curls around the parking lot until he was able to get close enough to snatch it out of the air.
Fisting it, he bent over with his hands on his knees as he struggled to catch his breath.
“Oh my goodness. Thank you. Thank you,” Dreamy panted, her posture similar to his when she stopped next to him.
“I think this belongs to you.” Karter held up the wig and started laughing uncontrollably. “I can honestly say that I have never in my life had to chase down a wig.”
Dreamy grinned and accepted the hair from him. “Hang around me long enough, and you’ll have a lot of firsts.”
Humor laced her voice, but Karter had no doubt that hanging out with her would definitely be an adventure.
She put the curly Afro back on her head as if it were the most natural thing to do, then tucked her long braids underneath it. Karter always assumed women wore wigs when they had hair issues, or as part of a costume. But Dreamy had a head full of hair. It didn’t seem appropriate to question her about it. Maybe one day.
“So, how about Saturday night then?” she asked once she was all pulled together and her confidence was fully intact. She didn’t seem at all fazed by the wig-chasing incident.
It took him a second to realize what she was talking about. Surprised she had changed her mind about dinner, Karter said, “Saturday would be perfect.” Even if he already had plans, he’d reschedule them for a chance to spend time with Dreamy. “Seven o’clock work for you?”
“Yep.” She gave him her address, and he typed it into his cell phone.
“Now, how about we try to get to your car before something else blows away?”
“Sounds good, but first”—Dreamy gently gripped his forearm and leaned into him—“I just want to say thank you.” She placed a lingering kiss on his cheek that sent a surge of excitement pulsing through him. It was a simple, chaste kiss that felt more intimate than it probably should.
“Now we can go,” she said, and hooked her arm through his as they strolled across the lot as if nothing happened.
Once she was safely inside her car, Karter headed to his SUV, where Najee held the back door open. He had no doubt that the conversation during the ride home was going to be a lively one.
Najee nodded as Karter climbed into the back seat. It wasn’t until his driver was in the driver’s seat that he spoke.
“I guess you probably don’t need to go on your evening run, huh?” Najee said with a straight face, then crumpled into a fit of laughter.
Karter couldn’t help but join in. For the next few minutes, they laughed, recapped what happened, and laughed all over again. He dabbed the corners of his eyes with the back of his hand.
“I can’t remember the last time I laughed or ran that hard. I will never in my life forget this moment.”
“Well, if you do”—Najee held up his cell phone—“I’ll be glad to share the video with you.”
“You didn’t . . .”
“Oh, but I did. I figured I might need this footage as a bargaining chip the next time I ask for a raise.”
“Is it crazy that I can’t wait to see her again?”
“As hard as you work, you need a little crazy in your life. And if what I just witnessed is any indication, you’re in for a wild ride.”
Karter hoped so. He needed to shake up his life a little, and Dreamy was just what he needed to make that happen. He just hoped he didn’t get himself killed in the process.
“I promise I won’t share the video. I only recorded it because I couldn’t resist. Check it out.”
He handed Karter the phone and they laughed all over again.
What a way to end a long day.
He couldn’t wait for Saturday to roll around.
Chapter Fourteen
Dreamy stood at the foot of her bed and stared down at the dressiest outfits she owned. Nothing seemed to be good enough. Nothing she had was good enough to wear for a night out with Karter.
What was I thinking saying yes?
He was Karter frickin’ Redford, son of a famous movie star. What was she doing? She couldn’t go out to dinner with a multimillionaire looking any old kind of way. Dreamy had thought of little else over the last few days. One minute she was excited about the prospect of seeing Karter again. The next, she felt as if she would throw up from nervousness. She tried telling herself that even though they came from two different worlds, it wouldn’t matter. They could still have a good time hanging out.
But honestly, those were just lies. Karter was accustomed to having dinner with women who knew the proper fork to use with their salads. Women who knew how to carry themselves around the rich and famous. And women who knew what to wear to the most exclusive five-star restaurant in Los Angeles.
“Who am I kidding? I’m not that person,” Dreamy mumbled under her breath. “I can’t do this.”
“You can, and you will,” Jordyn said, appearing in the doorway. “I already know what you’re thinking.”
Her hands were on her hips, and the scowl, or what Dreamy referred to as her stink face, was on full display. It was the face Jordyn made when they were kids and she was practicing how to cross-examine a witness. Even back then her cousin knew she wanted to be a lawyer.
“Don’t start doubting and comparing Karter with your ex-boyfriend. I should personally hunt Brandon down and beat his ass for screwing up. Your self-esteem was securely in place before his trifling butt came onto the scene. You’ve been doubting yourself ever since his stupid speech about you not being good enough.”
“Maybe, but right now I’m thinking I should’ve stuck with my no-dating vow. It’s too soon for me to get back out there. I was supposed to be spending this time on improving myself.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you.”
Dreamy walked over to the full-length mirror, taking in her frumpy pink robe and big, fluffy house slippers. “I’m supposed to be focusing on my goals and starting my career. I have no business going—”
“You’re going.” Her cousin strolled farther into the room and stood next to her in front of the mirror. “You told me that Karter sees you. That he gets you. If that’s the case, give him a chance to show you what his intentions are. Give him a chance to treat you like the queen you are.”
“What if he ends up humiliating me the way Brandon did?”
“Then you’ll kick his ass.”
Dreamy stamped her feet, which were soundless on the carpet. “I’m being serious, Jordyn!”
“So am I. Brandon caught you off guard and made you start questioning who you are. You know who you are. You’ve always known your worth and didn’t start having self-esteem issues until he got into your head.”
Dreamy listened as her cousin went on and on with her pep talk. The truth was, there were times, especially while she was growing up, that Dreamy had suffered from lack of self-esteem. It had started when her mother, Tarrah, left her in Los Angeles to chase after a man.
For years, Dreamy assumed that she was unlovable and unworthy to have a mother who cared enough to stick around. Why else would her mother have left? Her grandmother, God rest her soul, had been great about instilling positive affirmations into Dreamy. Still, deep down, she questioned her worth.
As she got older, her self-confidence improved and she thrived in everything she set out to do . . . until Brandon came along. He reminded her of all that she didn’t have, but desired.
“Truth is, Brandon was the problem,” Jordyn was saying when Dreamy tuned back in. “He was the one with the insecurities, and needed to make himself look like the big man because he wasn’t good enough for you. Get him out of your head.”
“I thought I had, but—”
“But nothing. It’s time for you to move on, and I think you’re ready for someone like Karter. I mean, come on. Any man who will chase down a flying red wig for you in a three-piece suit is definitely a keeper. I’m just sayin’.”
Dreamy couldn’t stop the smile from pushing up the corners of her lips. “Well, he wasn’t wearing a suit at the time, but you’re right. I don’t know if he’s a keeper yet, but there’s definitely more to him than I expected. I guess I’m just . . . I’m second-guessing myself, because I don’t trust my judgment when it comes to choosing the right guy.”
“Well, technically, Karter chose you. And before you change your mind about giving him a chance, let me check him out. When he gets here, if I’m getting any loser vibes from him, I’ll let you know. I’ll also ask him a few questions to make sure he’s on the up-and-up.”
“Okay, but if you ask him if those are his real teeth or if he grew up with an invisible friend, I’m putting a stop to the questioning.”
Jordyn waved her hand dismissively. “Fine. I guess this means the date is still on, which is good. I heard that restaurant serves a Hawaiian rib eye that melts in your mouth.”
Suddenly feeling a little more encouraged about the evening with Karter, Dreamy returned to the clothes on the bed. All she had to do was decide which one to wear. Most of her attire was made up of separates that she’d mix and match. Tonight required a special ensemble.
Jordyn stared down at the three outfits. “These are your only choices? You should’ve gone shopping.”
“Yeah, but money is a little tight this month. It was either buy a new outfit or get my hair done.”
She had chosen the latter. Tonight, she had opted to wear her natural hair. The stylist had shampooed, conditioned, and then straightened her hair before adding big curls that brushed her shoulders. She loved getting her hair done but was too lazy for the upkeep. Most days, it was just easier to grab a wig, but not tonight. Tonight, she didn’t want to risk having hair flying around the parking lot—again.
Dreamy grunted under her breath. She couldn’t believe her wig had flown off. That had been a first. Seemed she’d had a number of firsts with Karter already, and they had only known each other for almost two weeks. Hopefully, their night would be fun, relaxing, but uneventful.
“Okay, I need to make some decisions,” she said, studying the mustard-colored dress, a color that looked great against her dark skin. “I want to wear something cute, but this might be a little too cutesy.” It had a jewel neckline and a flirty ruffle hem. It fit the cute criteria, but seemed a little too juvenile for a night out with Karter.
After returning the dress to the closet, Dreamy went back to the bed and picked up the red outfit. She’d worn it only a couple of times, but not recently. It hugged every one of her curves and didn’t leave much to the imagination.
“This might be too much. I want to look cute and sexy, but this might be a little too ho-ish.”
Jordyn plopped down on the bed. “I would say so. I remember the little strip of material you’re referring to as a dress had barely covered your butt cheeks. You should consider giving that to Goodwill. Or you can always use it as a headband.”
Dreamy laughed, but her cousin wasn’t wrong. The jersey material probably would be better suited for a head wrap.
“When I win the lottery tonight, I’m going to hire a fashion stylist so that I don’t—”
“Oh, good Lord. Please don’t start with that lottery crap, and whatever you do, don’t mention it tonight over dinner. Karter probably already thinks you’re a nutcase. No need to prove him right.”
For the next few minutes, they went through Dreamy’s closet trying to pull a presentable outfit together. One thing was for sure, she had wigs and shoes for every occasion, but her wardrobe was deficient.
“I need something sophisticated without being stuffy. Something tasteful while also alluring.” Dreamy snapped her fingers and whirled around to face her cousin. “Oh my, God. I know the perfect outfit! Can I wear your new black dress?”
Jordyn reared back with her eyebrows dipped into a severe V. “You mean the one I paid an arm and a kidney for? The one I’m planning to wear to the reception at the governor’s mansion next weekend? The one that still has the price tag on it because I haven’t worn it yet?”
Dreamy nodded. “Yeah, that one.” Jordyn stood and started shaking her head before Dreamy could barely finish the sentence. “Come on, cuz. Don’t you want me to look nice and make a good impression? Please, can I borrow it?”
Jordyn huffed out a breath and headed to the door. “Fine, you can borrow it, but if anything happens to my dress, I will kill you!”
Dreamy grinned. “Fair enough.”
Thirty minutes later she stood in front of the full-length mirror, admiring how perfectly the ultra-chic black dress molded to her figure and stopped just above her knees. Though she loved colorful attire, black always made her feel sophisticated, dressy, and, at times, like a badass.
The outfit was tight enough to show off her curves, but not too tight. Rarely did she go without a bra, but she couldn’t wear one with this dress because of the seductive cutouts across the chest and near the sides of her breasts. The shoulders were bare, though the outfit had long sleeves.
But it was the double-wide sash, accentuating her thin waist, that totally made the dress. Though it was tied, the end of it hung down the front of her right leg, practically touching the floor. Each time she took a step, her leg peeked out from behind the material, and that alone made the short dress extremely sexy.
Her gaze dropped to the tall, red heels that had a bejeweled strap around the ankles and accentuated her legs, and Dreamy smiled. Her shoe game was definitely on point, and no doubt she would turn heads tonight.
“I have to admit, the dress looks hot on you. Not as good as it’ll look on me, but you’re wearing the hell out of it,” Jordyn said, smiling as she made a slow circle around Dreamy and inspected the garment. “Girrrl, Karter is going to swallow his tongue when he sees you in this outfit.”
Dreamy smoothed a hand down her hips. “Well, I don’t want that to happen, but I’d be totally fine with his eyes bugging out.”
They shared a laugh, and Dreamy grabbed her small red clutch off the dresser. The doorbell rang just as she walked out of her bedroom.
“Okay, so he gets points for being on time and coming to the door,” Jordyn said as she leaned against a nearby wall.
That comment had been a dig at Brandon, who’d failed to do the gentlemanly thing when he picked her up on their first date. Her grandfather had stomped out to the car, cursed him out for disturbing the peace with his horn, and then proceeded to ream him out for proving that chivalry was indeed dead.
Whatever else her grandfather had said to him that night had worked. From that point on, Brandon was quick to ring the doorbell whenever he picked her up, and he’d been a gentleman . . . for the most part.
Dreamy blew out a cleansing breath, then opened the door. But her next breath stalled in her throat at the sight of the man she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about.
“Wow,” they said in unison.
“You look great.”
“You clean up well.”
They spoke at the same time and then laughed like two nervous teenagers. Dreamy wasn’t sure how long she stood there perusing everything about the man before Jordyn cleared her throat.
“Oh, shoot. I’m sorry. Come in.” Dreamy ushered him into the house and closed the door.
Karter held out a beautiful bouquet of daffodils arranged in a large crystal vase. “These are for you,” he said, handing them over.
Dreamy accepted the gorgeous bouquet but noticed a bead of sweat popping out at his hairline. “Are you okay?”
He gave a slight shrug. “Yeah, I’m great . . . and you’re stunning.”
She glanced down at the flowers, and her heart thumped a little faster. He remembered. During one of their conversations, she’d mentioned that daffodils were her favorite flower. She reached up on tiptoe and placed a light kiss on his cheek.
“Thank you. These are beautiful. I’m surprised you remembered.”
“I remember everything you’ve told me.”
They stared into each other’s eyes, and it was as if everything around them disappeared.
“Oh, for Christ’s sake. You two are nauseating,” Jordyn said.
So caught up in Karter, Dreamy had completely forgotten about her cousin.
“I’m sorry. Karter, this is my cousin, Jordyn. The future badass defense attorney that I told you about.”
Karter gave a slight smile and extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Same here,” Jordyn said, shaking his hand. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about you. I like all that you’re doing with the community center. I hear that your firm is working with mine on a project that will build up around that area.”
“Really? You’re with Hawlsey and Meyer?”
“I am. I—”
“Wait. You didn’t tell me you knew Karter like that,” Dreamy said, setting the vase of flowers in the center of the coffee table.
