Business Not As Usual, page 15
“Ah, I see.” Dreamy went back to the hallway and gave the puppy a quick hug before setting him down. “Stay right here, and I’ll be back for you.”
He barked and whined, but she closed the door and walked over to where Morgan was still standing.
Dreamy gasped. “You gotta be frickin’ kidding me. Who needs a closet this big?”
“Apparently your boyfriend, and this is not even the only one.”
Boyfriend? She was about to correct Morgan and say they were just friends, but then she thought about the kisses they’d shared. Okay, maybe they were a little more than friends. Or maybe they were special friends.
“I think you have the wrong idea about me and your brother. We’re just hanging out. Tonight was our first date.”
“Girl, my brother doesn’t date. All he does is work. If he took you out and brought you here, you’re his girlfriend.”
Dreamy didn’t know what to say, though a ton of questions rattled inside of her head. One thing she hadn’t asked Karter was whether he was seeing anyone. But the way he’d kissed her tonight, it was safe to say he wasn’t. No way would he be with her if he were involved with someone else. That, she was sure of.
“Don’t look so worried.” Morgan looped her arm around Dreamy’s shoulders. “Let me tell you about my brother. Karter is not a player. He’s only lived here a couple of years, and I can count on one finger how many women he’s brought here. Trust me. If he brought you home, then he’s looking for your first date to turn into many more.”
Butterflies took flight in Dreamy’s stomach, and she tried not to get too excited about the prospect of dating Karter. Neither she nor he could deny their attraction for each other, but Dreamy didn’t want to get her hopes up. She liked him a lot, and though she had sworn off men for a while, if she was going to break that vow, it would be with Karter.
“I think he’s amazing. One of the nicest men I’ve ever met.”
“Would you say he’s boyfriend material?”
“I’d say I’m still getting to know him, but yes.” She didn’t bother telling Morgan that she thought Karter was way out of her league. Nor did she mention that he was older than she usually preferred.
“Now come on in and pick something. I would suggest something on the left side.” Morgan pointed to the long row of dress shirts hanging in color-coordinated fashion. “I’ll be right back.”
Dreamy scanned the closet, taking in the shoe rack that held at least a hundred pairs of expensive footwear. Even his collection of ties and belts was impressive. She strolled along the right side of the closet, admiring what seemed to be fifty million suits hanging in perfect order. He didn’t come across as a materialistic person, but seeing his closet made her wonder if he was.
A heaviness settled in the center of Dreamy’s chest as she moved to where he hung his pants and jeans. The fancy cars, the house, and even the closet were yet another reminder of how different their lives were. Heck, this room alone was bigger than her house. What in the world did he want with someone like her? She hated that she kept feeling like she wasn’t enough, but it was hard not to make comparisons between their lives.
Dreamy moved to the left side of the closet, where there were at least a thousand dress shirts in every possible color. Toward the end of the row were the shirts with patterns, and that’s what she gravitated to. She quickly changed out of Jordyn’s dress and slipped her arms through the sleeves of a green, purple, and yellow flowery shirt. The flowers were pale and the shirt was cute and soft against her skin, but she couldn’t see Karter ever wearing it.
She glanced in the full-length mirror that hung on a nearby wall. The shirt covered all of her assets and stopped at her knees. If she had a wide belt, it would make a pretty dress.
Morgan strolled back into the closet, laughing and clapping her hands. “Oh, wow. My brother is going to love seeing you in one of his shirts, especially that one.”
“Why especially this one?”
“Because it’s his favorite. I have to say, I already think you and Karter are made for each other.”
Dreamy had thought so, too, but now that she saw how he lived, she wasn’t so sure.
Chapter Eighteen
Karter sat at the breakfast bar sipping his brandy, wondering what was taking Morgan and Dreamy so long. As far as he was concerned, he and Dreamy were still on a date, and he didn’t want to waste another minute of it.
Nana strolled to the small built-in desk near the pantry and pulled a white envelope from the drawer. “This came for you today,” she said.
Karter didn’t have to open it to know what it was. His mother’s perfect calligraphy was scribbled on the outside of the envelope. It was that time of the year, his parents’ wedding anniversary. A time when his mother went all out inviting anybody who was anybody to an elaborate celebration.
“She also called this evening, twice, wanting to make sure you received the invitation. When you call to RSVP, she’s expecting you to give her the name of your plus-one.”
“I’m sure she is,” Karter said dryly. “I’m surprised she didn’t tell you that I was bringing Angelica.”
Nana smirked. “Actually, she did, and she insisted that I call Angelica to find out what color she’s wearing. That way you can color coordinate and not clash with her.”
Karter shook his head. “She’s too much. I haven’t even decided if I was attending this year. It’s the same ol’, same ol’ with bourgie folks trying to outdress the next and bragging about their latest movie script or megamansion, or who donated the most money to a worthy charity. I’m over it.”
“I get that, but if you don’t show up, she’ll probably call the president of the United States and insist he send the National Guard here to get you.”
Karter laughed, mainly because she was right. His mother was a diva to the nth degree, and wouldn’t stand for any of her children not showing up to her event. Who would she brag to if they didn’t?
If, and that was a big if, he attended, he already knew whom he’d want as his plus-one. He just wasn’t sure if he would extend the invitation. Not because he wouldn’t want her there. No, it had everything to do with his mother, who was a world-class snob. He didn’t trust her to treat Dreamy kindly. Then again, from what he knew of Dreamy, she could probably hold her own in any situation.
Karter glanced at the back staircase that led to the second floor from the kitchen.
“I’m sure she’s fine,” Nana said, smiling. “You could always go up there and check on her.”
“I don’t want to come across as overbearing.” Which was true, but Karter felt a possessiveness that he hadn’t felt in a long time. “I like her. A lot,” he said, more to himself than to Nana, who was plating up the cake from the restaurant.
“I can tell, and I can see why. She’s very pretty . . . and young.”
“Yeah, I know. She’s Morgan’s age. That was one of the reasons I was hesitant to ask her out. But . . .”
Who am I kidding?
Karter lost all rational thought whenever Dreamy was around. He couldn’t explain it, except that he felt a little reckless when it came to her. So what if they were from two different worlds? All that mattered was that they got along great and had a good time together.
They’d known each other only a short time. Yet he felt as if he’d known her forever. Funny. Sweet. Intelligent. Engaging. There was so much to like about her. If only he could stop worrying about their age difference. Granted they were only ten years and a few months apart, but still. Knowing she and Morgan were the same age made him feel like an old dude going through a midlife crisis and searching for a younger woman.
Nana set a small cheese-and-cracker plate along with grapes and Dreamy’s cake on a tray in front of him. Karter’s left brow lifted skyward.
“What’s all of this?”
“In case you wanted to prolong your date and watch a movie in the theater room. I already replenished everything needed for the popcorn machine downstairs, and the refrigerator has been fully stocked.”
Karter grinned and nodded. “Thanks, Nana. I love the way you think.”
“As for your feelings for Dreamy, I believe in love at first sight because sometimes love can’t be explained. You just have to go with your gut feeling and hang on for the ride.”
“Whoa. I didn’t say anything about love,” Karter whispered, and glanced toward the stairs. “All I said is that I like her.”
“A lot,” Nana finished on a laugh.
Karter chuckled.
“Don’t fight it, my love.” Nana patted his cheek like she used to do when he was a kid. “I want you to be happy. Life is too short to try and control every aspect of it the way you often do. Just enjoy the process. Have fun. You deserve it. Besides, I can tell you’re really feeling Dreamy.”
“How? You just met her.”
“Well, for one, you brought her home with you, and it wasn’t just because of the dress.”
“I’ve brought women home before.”
“A woman, and even then, you didn’t let Valerie traipse around here on the first date. Actually, you went out with her a few months before you brought her here, and even longer before you introduced her to Morgan.”
Karter nodded. “True.” That probably was a sign then that he hadn’t completely trusted her.
“Have you ever wondered why you’re quick to take risks in business, but not in your personal life?” Nana asked.
“It’s different. I know business. I know money. Some of those decisions are based on gut instinct, while others come from research. But when it comes to matters of the heart . . . there are no guarantees and few opportunities to make an educated guess. I’m just not willing to take the same risks. Besides, I did that with Valerie and look how it turned out. I got my heart crushed, and it’s not something I ever want to experience again.”
And then there was Angelica, but Karter never let her get close. Partly because they both knew going in that what they had would never amount to anything serious even if she tried.
That wasn’t to say that he didn’t want to take a chance on Dreamy. Actually, he already had, since he did ask her out for dinner and invited her into his home. Karter just wasn’t sure how much more he’d be able to risk when it came to whatever was developing between them.
“After dealing with Valerie and Angelica, it’s hard to open myself back up to another woman.” Actually, it wasn’t just hard, it was scary as hell. “I need someone I can trust. Someone I can trust not to use me for their own gain, and someone who doesn’t stir up drama at every turn.”
Nana leaned her hip against the counter and folded her arms across her chest.
“Well, you’ll never know if Dreamy is that someone if you don’t give her a chance. I’m talking about a chance without putting up your usual barriers. For what it’s worth, I like her.”
Yeah, me too.
“I like Dreamy because I’ve already started to see a change in you. Coming home at a decent hour and bringing me flowers”—she nodded toward the red roses on the edge of the island—“you seem happier . . . lighter.”
Karter could admit to all of that, but he couldn’t say for sure if the change in him had anything to do with Dreamy. At least not all of it. If he were honest, it probably had more to do with his wanting more out of his life. Dreamy just happened to be the cherry on top.
Speaking of cherry on top . . .
His mouth went dry and his pulse amped up at the sight of her wearing his shirt. She stood at the entrance of the kitchen looking adorable but unsure as she wrung her hands together. At her feet was Melvin, who stared up at her, probably wearing the same expression as Karter. Clearly, the dog was just as enamored of her.
As Karter’s gaze took her in, a rush of heat plowed through his body. Her hair was pulled into a messy ponytail on top of her head, and she no longer had on the killer high-heel shoes. In their place was a pair of fluffy purple socks.
But it was his shirt on her that had his body tightening and his blood rushing south. With the garment stopping at her knees, it gave Karter an unobstructed view of her long, shapely legs. He didn’t realize it before tonight, but he was definitely a leg man, and boy did she have a beautiful pair of legs.
He stood from the bar and approached her.
“I hope you don’t mind,” she said in a rush and pointed at her outfit. “If you do, I can—”
“I don’t mind at all. As a matter of fact, that shirt looks a hell of a lot better on you than it does on me.”
She glanced down at herself. “Think so?”
“Positive.” She looked so good that Karter was struggling to keep his hands to himself. What he really wanted to do was reach under the shirt and let his hands explore every inch of her lush body.
Maybe later.
Recognizing her anxiousness as she fidgeted with the sleeve of the shirt and moved from one foot to the other, Karter figured it was a good time to whisk her away to the walk-out basement.
“You know what, Nana?” he said. “If it’s okay with Dreamy, we’re going to hang out downstairs in the theater room, watch a movie, and eat cake.”
Dreamy graced him with a huge smile, and Karter couldn’t wait to get her alone again. He grabbed the small tray of food and reached for Dreamy’s hand.
They were almost to the basement stairs when Karter remembered something. “Nana, if Morgan looks for us, let her know where we . . . Actually, tell her to call my cell phone. We don’t want to be interrupted unless it’s an emergency.”
“Got it.”
Every step Dreamy took, Melvin was right beside her.
“You’ve made quite an impression on my dog.”
Dreamy bent down and petted the puppy. “He’s such a good boy. Yes, he is,” she cooed. The dog ate up the attention, barking and jumping on her in an effort to lick her face.
“Melvin,” Nana called. “Come here. You need to stay up here.”
The dog whined, and at first it seemed he wasn’t going to obey, but then he let out a little bark and trotted to Nana.
“And he’s smart too,” Dreamy said.
“Yeah, so smart he eats shoes.”
Dreamy laughed. “I heard about that. I also heard that this is your favorite shirt. Are you sure you don’t mind me wearing it? What if—”
“That’s not my favorite shirt,” Karter said, laughing. “That’s a shirt that Morgan bought me for my birthday when she was a kid. She thinks it’s my favorite because I still have it. She was so proud of the gift. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I’ll probably never wear it because it’s a little too loud for me.”
“Ahhh.” Dreamy laughed. “Okay, I won’t tell her.”
Still holding her hand, Karter guided her down the stairs. The walk-out basement was his sanctuary. Besides a theater room, there was a mini kitchen, game room, and another guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom.
The home might’ve been large enough for a big family, but Karter loved how he, Nana, and Morgan could all be there without getting in each other’s way.
“It’s like an apartment down here,” Dreamy said as she roamed from one room to another. “It’s so big, but still warm and inviting.”
“I’m glad you think so. Now let me take you to the theater room so we can continue our date.”
Dreamy grinned and slipped her hand back into his. “Lead the way, Mr. Redford.”
* * *
• • •
This is too cozy, Dreamy thought.
She and Karter were snuggled together on an ultra-comfortable reclining love seat in his theater room. Add that to the dimmed lights, and one of her favorite movies—Love Jones—playing on the large screen, and you had the perfect romantic setting.
Exactly what she didn’t need.
With her overactive imagination revved up, she was bound to do something crazy. Like climb on top of Karter and kiss him senseless, or insist that they act out one of her many fantasies.
She couldn’t.
She wouldn’t.
This was their first date.
What would he think of her?
Karter was turning out to be everything she wanted in a man. Resourceful. Kind. And the perfect gentleman. This evening would definitely fall under best first date ever. It didn’t matter that everything that could’ve gone wrong pretty much had, but being with him felt natural. It felt perfect.
Too perfect.
She curled her feet beneath her and rested her head on his shoulder. He placed a kiss on her forehead and put his hand on her bare thigh. If he knew that the way he was running his hand up and down her thigh was turning her on, he would stop. Maybe.
Dreamy tuned back in to the movie, but a second later, her mind drifted again. She wanted Karter in every way a woman could want a man, and that scared her to death. They didn’t know each other. Not really. Yet she felt so comfortable with him. It was as if they’d been hanging out for years. It didn’t seem possible that she could be falling for him so soon, but that’s exactly what was happening.
And was it crazy that she wanted to jump his bones?
Of course, she would never act on that. She couldn’t. No way would she put herself out there . . . in case they weren’t on the same page. Then again, if she was reading him right, they wanted the same things. Each other.
No. No. I’m going to keep my mouth shut and my hands to myself.
It was too soon to start fantasizing about a happily ever after. Besides, she had already gotten her heart crushed by a man only months ago. No way was she going through that again anytime soon.
“I can hear you thinking, and you’re drowning out Larenz Tate’s poetic masterpiece,” Karter said.
Dreamy laughed. Her mind was all over the place probably because of Larenz Tate. From the moment she had first seen him in Love Jones, she had fallen in love with the actor. And it was this scene, when he was doing a spoken-word piece for Nia Long after just meeting her, that Dreamy imagined marrying the guy.
