The Sweetest Encounter Read online

  Cream marble tiles ran through the lobby, and a gigantic sparkling chandelier hung from the high ceiling. I walked toward the front desk, where a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair was standing. My heart was racing. I am so out of my league. Nothing intimidated me, but I felt out of my comfort zone. I cleared my throat and smiled at the concierge.

  “Good evening, I’m here to see Dallas Hollingsworth in Penthouse B,” I said, looking over at him. My stomach was doing somersaults.

  “Who, may I ask, is visiting, sir?” he said with an English accent. Shit, he sounds so fucking stuffy. I felt out of my element and glanced at his nametag. Harry Witherspoon has a stick up his ass.

  “Franco Donnelly,” I said with a smirk, puffing out my chest.

  “Oh yes, she is expecting you, sir,” he said, reaching to pick up the telephone and pressing a button. “Good evening, Miss Hollingsworth, your guest has arrived.” He paused as Dallas greeted him on the other end. “Very well, Miss Hollingsworth.” He hung up the phone and glanced over at me with a stiff smile. “Please follow me to the lift, Mr. Donnelly.” He walked around the desk and headed to the elevator bank. I walked closely behind and then he stopped at the last elevator. He inserted a key into it and turned towards me. “Sir, please step in. This lift will take you up to Miss Hollingsworth’s residence. Have a good night.” He bowed and then pivoted back to the front desk. Fuck, is this the military?

  I walked into the swanky elevator and the door slid shut. Blood rushed to my head as the car zoomed up to the penthouse. I let out a puff of air into my palm and sighed in relief. My breath is good. I inhaled deeply when the elevator came to a stop. The door slid open, and I stepped into the foyer. My breath caught in my throat and my jaw dropped when I saw her. I had an instant hard-on and hoped there was not a bulge in the front of my pants. Dallas looks fucking incredible.

  She wore an off-the-shoulder floral minidress and black crisscross high heels sandals. Her hair was a cascade of spiral curls on her shoulders. Her caramel skin glowed as if she just came back from the islands. This girl is un-fucking real. It looked as if she stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine. She sashayed over to greet me and I snapped out of my trance. The sweet aroma of vanilla and sugar floated in the air when she stood in front of me.

  “Dallas, you look amazing,” I said, swallowing hard. I could not take my eyes off her. I reached down and planted a kiss on her cheek. My lips tingled when I made contact with her silky skin. It felt like heaven being around her, and I wanted to pinch myself in case it was a dream. Then I remembered that I bought her roses and chocolates. “These are for you,” I said, holding them out to her. A big smile spread across her exquisite features.

  “Oh, Franco, yellow roses are my favorites,” she shrieked, taking the flowers and chocolates out of my hand. “Godiva chocolate, wow, Yankee, you scored.” I almost came in my pants when she reached up and planted a soft kiss on my lips. “Thank you. I love them. Come on inside and I’ll put these in water, then we can leave.”

  I touched my lips; they were still tingling from the kiss. Judging by my reaction towards her, I did not know how I would make it through the rest of the date. She swished in front of me and her legs looked sexy as hell. The high heels sandals clicked across the marble tiles and we walked into an enormous room with a freaking to-die-for view. Holy shit, this place is like a fucking palace. The view of Central Park was incredible.

  “Dallas, this view is unbelievable,” I said, my mouth hanging. “You live here by yourself?” Now I knew what Nat meant when she said Dallas was loaded. She wasn’t like the other snobby rich girls I hated back in high school. They were not rich. This luxurious penthouse was the epitome of wealth. Dallas was Texas-oil rich, not Jamaica Estates rich.

  “Yeah,” she drawled in that sexy-ass twang. “Blame my daddy. He wanted me to be safe in the city. This is one of the safest buildings in Manhattan. Do you like it?” She peeked over at me, waiting for my reaction.

  I laughed and took in the swanky décor, high floor-to-ceiling windows, and a living room that was double the size of my entire one-bedroom apartment back in Queens. My apartment was large by today’s standards and was almost 700 square feet. “What’s not to like, sweetheart?” I added, following her into the gigantic gourmet kitchen. She put the chocolates and the roses on the white granite island countertop and walked over to open a white wood cabinet. “This place is astonishing. Your dad has great taste.” Her daddy is one rich motherf’er.

  “I moved in so fast, I did not have time to decorate,” she said, opening the cabinet to take out a crystal vase. “I have to find an interior designer. I’ve been swamped with work.” I glanced around the expansive space and it looked fine to me.

  Shit, this place looks like it could be in one of those Architectural Digest magazines. “Are you serious?” I said, glancing around. “The furniture looks brand new.”

  She strolled over to the sink and filled the vase halfway. “It came with the apartment. It’s not my style, too modern. I’m a country chic kind of gal.” She picked up the roses off the counter and placed them in the vase. “Besides, I want my own stuff. I will keep a few pieces and donate the rest. Do you know anyone who needs furniture?” she asked, glancing over at me with those big amber eyes.

  My face fell in shock at her statement. Shit. I needed new furniture, and so did my brother Johnny. He was set to move in with his fiancée, Sheila, next month, and was saving for their wedding in March. I felt the class difference between us right away. It must be nice to be able to buy things without thinking about the cost. My family had always lived on a budget. When Dad was not on duty, he moonlighted at a security company, and my mom worked as a hostess at her brother’s restaurant. Shit, I always lived on a budget, saving most of my money to buy my dream house one day.

  “Franco.” Her brows creased. “Is everything okay?”

  “I am sorry,” I said, looking into her big eyes. “I was just thinking about how incredible you look and how I can’t take my eyes off you.”

  A tinge of color touched her face as she fussed with the roses in the vase. She looks so cute when she blushes. I did not want to ruin our date with my insecurities. I was here to have a good time with this incredible woman. “Dallas, we have to leave soon.” I glanced down at my watch. “Our dinner reservation is at seven thirty.”

  “Okay, suga,” she responded, carrying the crystal vase with the flowers and placing it on a large glass coffee table in the living room. “Let me get my purse and then we can leave. Make yourself at home, and I’ll be right back.”

  I watched as she sashayed out of the room. Man, I am fucked. This woman has gotten me hooked already.

  Chapter Eight

  Dallas

  Saturday morning, the sunlight beamed through the massive windows in my bedroom. I squinted and turned my back to the windows. I had a fabulous view in my bedroom. Having large windows gave it that airy, outdoorsy feeling I loved, but I hated when the sunlight peeked through the shades.

  As I snuggled in the huge bed, my thoughts flashed back to the amazing date with Franco last night. Damn, that Yankee sure knew how to show a girl a good time. When he stepped off that elevator, my body tingled. He looked so sexy in the white shirt that hugged his broad shoulders. The black slacks stretched across his muscular thighs and tight butt. He was so virile, and my panties were damp by just looking at him. He scored major points with me when he bought my favorite roses and chocolate truffles. I knew he had to ask Janique to find out, but it impressed me.

  Then he took me to a little Italian restaurant, Pellegrino’s on Mulberry Street on the lower Westside. The food was scrumptious, and the service was just as good. He went all out on our date, and I was still recovering from that sizzling kiss at the end of the night. I curled up under the covers as I recaptured the moment.

  He rode the elevator with me up to the penthouse and we held hands. The elevator door slid open, and we stepped out. I glanced up into his heated green gaze. �
��Dallas,” he whispered, drawing me closer to him. “I don’t want this night to end. You are so amazing. This is the best date ever.” I felt the electricity crackling in the air around us, and I had goose bumps all over my body from his touch.

  I swallowed hard. “Yankee, you threw me for a loop. I did not know you were so romantic. I had the best night too, Franco. Thank you.” His hand cupped the back of my neck and I tilted my head. I closed my eyes and felt his firm lips on mine. I opened my mouth wider, and he slipped his delicious tongue inside. He moaned and pulled me closer. He was aroused like me; I felt his hardness against my stomach. I slipped my hands around his waist as he made love to my mouth with his tongue and lips. Hot damn, the best kiss ever. This Yankee can kiss his behind off.

  I knew that I had to put an end to the kiss or else we would end up in my king-size bed. No matter how on fire I was for him, I was not giving it up on the first date. It took everything in me to pull away from that scorching kiss. I put my hands on his chest and pushed him back. He looked down at me in a daze. “Damn, Dallas, I’m sorry,” he said, stepping back. “I didn’t mean to get carried away.”

  “It’s all right, darlin’.” I smiled and tried to regain my composure. “I’m in the same boat. Franco, as much as I want you, I don’t have sex on the first date.”

  “I wasn’t looking to have sex on the first date,” he said, looking apologetic. “I just want to kiss you good night. But you are so tempting, and it’s taking a lot out of me to leave you right now. I respect you and won’t ever take advantage of you.”

  I smiled and wrapped my arms around him. “I know, Yankee. I guess we should just say good night now. Thank you so much for the wonderful evening.”

  “Same here, Dallas,” he said, touching my cheek. “You are ravishing. Have a good night and I’ll call you.” And then he kissed me on the cheek and stepped into the elevator. What a night to remember.

  I rolled over on the bed and heard my cell phone buzzing on the side table. Groaning, I reached out to grab it. It was Janique, who most likely wanted to know about the date.

  “Morning, suga.” I yawned and nestled back into the soft bed. “Why are you calling me so early? It’s almost eleven o’clock, honey. I sleep in on Saturdays.”

  “Girl, you better spill it,” she said, giggling in my ear. “I want deets. And leave nothing out. How was it?”

  “It wasn’t what I expected,” I teased her. “I don’t know about this Yankee.”

  “What?” she said, sounding disappointed. “I thought for sure you would hit it off. What happened?”

  I had to cover my mouth to contain my laughter. “Am just messing with you,” I chuckled. “I had the best date ever. That Yankee went all out.”

  “I knew it,” she shrieked. “Franco never went all out with a girl before. He bought two dozen freaking roses and chocolate truffles. I am telling you, Cousin, that man has it bad for your country ass.”

  I chuckled at her enthusiasm, and the dark cloud that had hung over me for the past seven months began lifting. It felt good to laugh about something again. As I listened to my cousin going on about my date, I realized that I wanted to experience more of that carefreeness with Franco. I would go out with him again. He made me laugh, and he had eyes only for me. He did not look at other women; his focus was completely on me.

  Whenever Hank and I would go out, his eyes wandered all over the place. I used to get so irate with him, and then he would apologize with excuses about being a man. My daddy said a real man respected a woman, but in my relationship with Hank I never felt that way. Finding Hank and Amber together saved me from a life of heartache. It hurt, but I was now out of that disastrous relationship. My mind was fixed on the past and I forgot Janique was still on the phone.

  “Dallas,” she called out. “Are you listening to me? I asked you what your plans were for today.”

  “I’m sorry, honey,” I said, focusing my attention back to our conversation. “I’m doing nothing but sleeping. I am spending the day in bed. I’ve been getting up extra early for work and need some sleep time.”

  “Dallas, you are sooo spoiled,” she teased me. “You get to work by ten o’clock and some people have to get up at five in the morning. Stop being boogie. Anyway, Mom is finally off duty and wants to cook dinner tonight. She wants you to come over, and since you just admitted to having no plans, I guess we’ll see your spoiled ass later.”

  “Cousin, you sure know how to bring a girl down a notch.” I laughed. She knew how to put me in check whenever I acted like a spoiled rich girl. “I’ll get my pampered butt to Queens. I can’t wait to see Aunt Dez.”

  “Good. I’m going shopping with her right now. Be here at around three.”

  “That’s too early,” I protested. I still wanted to sleep a little more. “I thought it was supper, that’s usually around six.”

  “Well, you’re helping out,” she said, laughing again. “I want you to make your famous mac and cheese dish.” I knew there was an ulterior motive.

  “Okay,” I said, pouting. “I’ll be there, but I have to go back to sleep right now. María will be here in another hour. She wakes me up to clean my bedroom. I’m getting off the phone now. See you later.”

  “Okay,” she said, chuckling. “Get your rest, and you better tell me more about that hot date of yours when I see you. Peace out.”

  I ended the call and burrowed back into the sheets. I would get some more sleep before the housekeeper invaded my space. She came in a couple of days during the week and on Saturdays. I usually slept until noon or later, but María was an early bird. She used to work for the previous owners and when they moved out of town, I asked her to stay on.

  ∞∞∞

  A few hours later, I drove off the exit on the Cross-Island Parkway and headed to my aunt Dez’s house. The top of my car was down, and the wind was whipping through my hair. It was a glorious afternoon, and I was enjoying my ride from Manhattan. I swung the car onto a block of small brick homes. They lived in a three-bedroom house across the street from Franco’s parents. I smiled as thoughts of that sexy Yankee popped up. He was on duty this afternoon, and he called me on his way in. We chatted until he reached the firehouse and I invited him to the fashion show on Wednesday. He protested at first, saying it was a girl thing, but I told him to invite his buddies. He gave in and now we had another date next week. My mind came back to the present as I pulled up to an empty spot in front of the house.

  “Hey country,” Janique called out, sticking her head out the window. “Get your butt in here. Mommy is in the kitchen and Nat is coming over in a few.”

  “Hold your horses, suga,” I laughed. “Let me park this car. You know I ain’t used to this parallel parking nonsense.” I turned the steering wheel and pulled the car closer to the curb. Feeling satisfied with my parking efforts, I pushed the button to turn off the car and stepped out on the sidewalk. I glanced across the street and saw Franco’s youngest brothers playing basketball with a group of other boys. Putting four fingers in my mouth, I blew out a Texas-style whistle, hoping to get their attention. It worked, and they looked over at me.

  “Hey boys.” I smiled and waved. “How’re y’all doing?” I chuckled as they sprinted across the street.

  “Dallas!” they exclaimed, embracing me. “Wow, you look fantastic.”

  “Thank you,” I responded, stepping back out of the hug. I was fond of these boys and Natalia so far. I was sure the rest of his family was just as engaging.

  “Are you visiting Janique?” Gino smiled, gazing at me with puppy dog eyes. “I heard you went out with my big brother. He is lucky because if I were older than you, you would only have eyes for me. I hope he treated you right.”

  I raised my eyebrows at his comment and chuckled. What a charmer. “Yes. As a matter of fact, he was a gentleman.” I glanced back over to see their friends ogling me. Time to get inside. The last thing I wanted to do was tempt a group of teenagers. “Well boys, I’ll let you get back to your game n
ow. I have to go inside before Janique comes out to drag me in. It was good seeing y’all.”

  I reached over to kiss them on the cheeks, and they did a whoop, racing back across the street to resume their game. I shook my head and walked towards the side entrance of the house. I put my hand up to knock, but the door swung open.

  “Girl, what took you so long?” Janique complained, opening the door wider as I stepped inside the kitchen. The smell of curry chicken tickled my nose, and my mouth watered as I breathed in the delicious aroma. “I’m already cooking the macaroni, and Mommy went up to take a shower.” The noodles were bubbling in a large pot on the stove. “Give me your stuff and I’ll bring it up to my room.” I handed her my purse and sunglasses, then she dashed upstairs. I picked up the ingredients she left out to make the mac and cheese. A few seconds later, I was busy shredding the cheddar cheese in a bowl when Aunt Dez walked into the room.

  “Oh my Lord, Dallas, honey!” she exclaimed, walking over towards me. I rushed into her arms. “You look so beautiful, sweetheart. It’s great to see you.” She pulled back, eyes searching my face. “I can’t believe you left Mama to move up here, but I know that you needed a change. Mama told me you broke off your engagement.”

  I nodded and stared at my Aunt Dez. I had not seen her in almost three years. Looking at her was like seeing my mother, because they were exact replicas. Aunt Dez was slimmer, with a short hairdo and smooth mocha latte complexion. Mama liked to wear her hair long and flowing; she put extensions or weaves in for a fuller or more dramatic look. Aunt Dez looked about thirty-five, and Janique got angry because men hit on her often. I was focused on looking at her and did not realize she was waiting for me to continue our conversation.

  “Hank wasn’t the man for me,” I said, my brows creased, and a wave of sadness hit me for a second. “It was better to leave the past behind, and when I got this job, it was the perfect opportunity.”