Love on the Rocks Page 12

  “I should be asking you the same thing. Is there something going on between you two that I need to know about?” There was something wrong with this picture and Warrick couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a lot more going on. “Did he ask you out?”

  “Lyndon suggested we grab a bite to eat.” Slowly parting her lips, Tangela slid a hand up to her mouth to conceal a yawn. “But my head is killing me. I’m going to take a couple of aspirin and go to sleep.”

  Warrick’s face felt harder than clay. He was right. Lyndon was interested in her. Why was everyone after his woman? If it wasn’t one of her male friends blowing up her phone, or a construction worker showing off his chiseled pecs, it was one of the volunteers hitting on her. Tangela’s natural charm had always drawn men to her, but now that she’d been on the cover of People magazine, she garnered more attention than ever.

  “Lyndon told me you came by the site today and picked a fight with him in front of his employees,” she reported, her pretty features contorted into a glare. “I’d seen the house on Pritchard while out driving one day and I think it looks good.”

  “Well, there’s good and then there’s better.” Warrick raked a hand over his head. “Each family committed to putting in three hundred volunteer hours toward building their home but Ms. Drummond did twice as much. I’m not going to let Lyndon or anyone else ruin it for her and those kids. After all they’ve been through, they deserve some happiness.”

  “I’m not questioning your views, just your methods. Threatening people doesn’t produce results. Everyone here is working hard, but you’re so focused on what’s wrong you don’t see all the things that are right. Cut Lyndon and his men some slack.” After a moment of silence, she asked, “How are things coming along for the wrap party?”

  Warrick cursed under his breath. “Damn! I was supposed to order more cases of wine this afternoon, but it slipped my mind.”

  “You’d better get to planning, then. Everyone’s really looking forward to it.” Touching the bandage on her forehead, she wore a sad smile. “I’m going up to bed. I’m exhausted.”

  Something came over Warrick. Something he’d never experienced before. He didn’t know if it was seeing her with Lyndon or the helpless look on her face, but he wanted to protect her. Starved for her touch, he drew her to his chest. His willpower eroded when her body touched his. Subtle but enticing, her perfume induced visions of that rainy afternoon they’d spent making love in his cottage in the woods.

  Minutes passed. Warrick couldn’t get enough of her, but tonight, holding her was enough. Running his hands along her back, he thought about all they’d been through over the last nine years. Tangela had always been a calming presence in his life. His love for her hadn’t diminished and as he caressed her cheek with his thumb, the truth became painfully clear. Tangela Howard was still the only woman he loved and wanted to be with.

  Hands wet with perspiration, he stared down at her, wondering what was going through her mind. Warrick held the back of her head in his palms and her silky hair slipped through his fingers. Even without makeup, she was a looker. Straight-up sexy without even trying. He was aroused by the feel of her warm flesh, and his eyes traced the outline of her lips. Their hug was as sensual as any kiss and he heard the catch in her voice when she said good-night. “I’ll walk you up.”

  “No. Go on, I’ll be okay. I’m only on the second floor.”

  In the vain hopes of persuading her, he smoothed his hands over her shoulders and said, “Tangela, there’s nothing I’d love more than tucking you in.”

  Her eyes were three times their usual size.

  “See what you’ve done to me?” He wore a sly smile. “You have me saying and doing things I wouldn’t normally do.”

  “Thanks for checking up on me. That was very thoughtful of you.”

  Warrick watched Tangela leave, his heart sinking in his chest. He knew what the problem was, but he didn’t know how to fix it. There were a million things to do and no one to shoulder the load. And now on top of everything else, he had a party to plan. How could he romance Tangela with fifty other people in the room? He had to get her alone, far, far away from the crowd, but how?

  Deep in thought, he stalked through the lobby of the bright, luxurious hotel. Warrick didn’t have a plan, but he wasn’t going to just sit back and let Lyndon steal Tangela right from under him. He’d always been laid-back in matters of the heart, but it was time to pull out the big guns. If he wanted Tangela to take him seriously, he had to kick things up a notch. No more Mr. Nice Guy, he decided, handing the valet his keys. I deserve to be happy, and that will start with having Tangela back in my life.

  Chapter Thirteen

  There’s nothing sexier than an intelligent, articulate man, Tangela decided, her eyes crawling down Warrick’s slim physique. And as she listened to his speech at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning, she had to ward off sinful thoughts. Passion ruled her body and her legs tingled every time they kissed. Humble, down-to-earth guys were damn sexy, but it was his dedication to the community that she admired most about him. Tangela had never known someone who cared so selflessly about the poor and when the audience broke into feverish applause, her heart overflowed with pride.

  “We’re all bonded by our desire to see New Orleans become the vibrant, captivating city it once was. For real, effective change to begin, we have to remember that we’re a unit, a family, a strong, unified brotherhood. In union there is strength and this community has some of the most courageous men and women I know!”

  From her place behind the refreshment table, Tangela saw one of the female volunteers hand Warrick a pair of oversize scissors. Seconds later, he concluded his speech and invited the mayor to join him onstage.

  Rubbing her chilled hands up and down her shoulders, she stared up at the sky. The air smelled like rain, but the cool weather didn’t dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm. They applauded when the mayor cut the ribbon and cheered when Bernard gave each home owner a gold key.

  Tangela felt as if she had a minor stroke every time a beautiful woman approached Warrick, but she didn’t let her anxiety show. Her days of chasing him were over. If he wanted to talk, he knew where to find her. Helping herself to a cup of juice, she allowed her eyes to comb over his firm, lean body. Tastefully dressed in a dark suit and designer shades, he moved among the crowd, shaking hands and talking to prominent members of the community. No one dressed better than Warrick and he paid close attention to every aspect of his appearance, from the color of his handkerchief to the design of his cuff links. He walked with self-assurance and had a soft glint in his eyes.

  The ribbon-cutting ceremony was the culmination of two long, tiring weeks, but thanks to Warrick, Tangela felt calm and relaxed. Since her fall, they’d seen the sights, hit up a cool club and bar and even taken in a show. Staying in the moment was a concentrated effort, but she’d stopped thinking about all the things that could go wrong and just enjoyed his company. It was easy to be around him, easy to like him, to love him. Warrick celebrated her intelligence, wasn’t intimidated by her strength and, unlike most men, didn’t want to change her.

  “I’m glad this week is finally over,” Payton confessed, pouring sparkling cider into disposable cups. “Warrick’s been a bear to work for the last six months and it’ll be nice to have my evenings back again. I hardly see my husband these days.”

  Tangela sympathized with the personal assistant. “He’s always been a bit of a control freak and I doubt he’ll ever change. Take this project for example. It was Bernard’s brainchild, but Warrick practically stole it right from under him.”

  Frowning, Payton tilted her head up, as if deep in thought. “Tangela, I think you have your facts mixed up. After Hurricane Katrina, Warrick’s dad contacted Bernard and told him about his desire to rebuild his old childhood neighborhood. When Mr. Carver fell ill, he turned the project over to Warrick and here we are.”

  “Maxim Designs and Architects is funding this project?”<
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  She nodded. “And that’s not all. Warrick designed all six homes, selected the furniture and accessories, right down to the shower curtains and bed linens and paid for the renovations at the recreation center out of his own pocket. It’s no surprise this community loves him. Warrick puts his money where his mouth is, and does what needs to be done.”

  Lips parted wordlessly, Tangela considered what Payton had just told her. She knew that Warrick was generous, but this blew her mind. He’d downplayed his involvement with the Urban Development project and insisted that Bernard was the one running the show. Raising her eyebrows, she thought over the last week. Warrick worked around the clock, and yesterday when they went shopping at Hamilton mall, he’d received a flurry of calls from Bernard, Lyndon and other staff members. If he wasn’t in charge, than why was everyone around here so desperate for his approval?

  “There’s a rumor going around that Warrick’s dad is the anonymous donor who gave a hundred thousand dollars to the Lower Ward Scholarship Fund. I don’t know if it’s true, but I wouldn’t be surprised. The Carver family are some of the most giving people I know.”

  Shock loosened Tangela’s tongue. “Warrick said all of the senior architects contributed to the designs and that more than a dozen companies offered financial support. Isn’t that true?”

  “Yeah, but Warrick was the one who worked nights, who came in on the weekends and who pressured those corporations to get involved,” she explained. “Sometimes I’d come in on Monday mornings and find him asleep at his desk. But instead of going home, he’d shower, change and head off to the morning meeting. I don’t know where he gets the energy from.”

  Eyes filled with admiration, Tangela stared openly at Warrick. She waited for him to notice her, then smiled. And just like that, he ended his conversation with a city councilman and met her at the refreshment table. “Someone looks happy to see me,” he greeted, gently caressing her arm. “How’s the patient this morning?”

  “I’m good. Your speech was incredible, Warrick. It was very heartfelt and sincere.”

  “Thanks. I put a lot of thought into it.” His gaze was intense and meaningful. “I don’t expect things to change overnight, but I hope the healing process can finally begin.”

  Tangela coughed. Was he talking about the community or their relationship? “Why didn’t you tell me this project was your doing?”

  “Because it wasn’t. Everyone played a part in the development, construction and completion of all six homes. There’s no hierarchy here. We’re all equal.”

  “So you did finance this venture!”

  “How does your ankle feel?” he asked, gesturing to her foot. “Is there anything I can get you? Ice, aspirin, a pack of—”

  “For the twentieth time, I’m fine.” She wore an exasperated look, but inside, she was touched by his concern. He’d been doting on her since her accident and refused to let her out of his sight. “I’m not sick, Warrick. It’s just a tweak. I’ll rest later.”

  “You haven’t changed your mind about coming to the wrap party tonight, have you?”

  “Why, would you rather I stay home?” Affecting surprise, she widened her eyes and tilted her chin up. “Oh, I get it. There’ll be a lot of single women there and you don’t want me to throw ice on your game, is that it?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the reason I’m even throwing this party.” He stood taller and took a step forward. “It’s my way of saying thank-you.”

  “For what?”

  “For reminding me what matters most in life.” His eyes glazed over, an indication that he was about to kiss her. And he did. The sweet, tender kiss aroused her desires and ended much too soon. Cradling her chin in his hands, he said, “I had to throw this party. How else could I be guaranteed a slow dance or two with you?”

  “I’m a simple girl with simple tastes,” she replied, loving the sound of his smooth tone. “I shouldn’t even have to tell you that. All you had to do is ask, Warrick. You know I’ve never been strong enough to say no to you.”

  His eyebrows climbed up his forehead. “I wish you’d told me that before I spent five hundred dollars on booze!” he joked, chuckling.

  Tangela loved to hear his laugh and the vigorous sound made her heart go pitter-patter. “Everything ready for the party?”

  “Yup, all systems are go,” he said, flashing a thumbs-up sign. He turned serious and the light in his eyes grew dim. “I overheard you talking on your cell phone earlier and worried that you might have to fly out tonight. Do you?”

  “No, but my supervisor asked me to work an overnight to New York tomorrow.”

  “But you hate that shift. The turbulence is always bad and the business passengers are more annoying than usual.” He added, “Your words, not mine.”

  Surprised that he remembered, she held back a smile. “I slacked off a lot when I was at Flight Express and I think that’s why the managers never took me seriously. If I want to show the company I’m managerial material, I have to be a team player.”

  “It sounds like advancing at American Airlines is really important to you.”

  “It is. I’m tired of being passed over for promotions. I want to be in head office and I’m going to get there, one overnight shift at a time.”

  Warrick gave a long, slow nod, then curled an arm around her waist. “Let’s say we get out of here and go get some real food. Those mini-cheese-ball things just aren’t cutting it.”

  “Don’t you want to mingle with the mayor?” she asked, pulling back to look at him.

  “No, I want to be alone with you.”

  Tangela smiled at the tuxedo-clad man who opened the front door of Warrick’s Bay Shore home. Her mouth watered at the appetizing scents drifting from the kitchen. It had been another long, exhausting day, but seeing the radiant smiles on the faces of the new home owners at the dedication that afternoon had made all the aches and pains worth it. Now that the homes were finished and the recreation center up and running, everyone could finally kick back and unwind.

  “Please follow me,” the server announced, presenting his left arm in a gallant gesture.

  Amused, she took the hand he offered. This wasn’t what she’d expected. It was a beer-and-pizza party, wasn’t it? At least that’s the impression she’d got when she’d spoken with the other volunteers. Who’d ever heard of servers at a wrap party? Glancing down at her casual, loose-fitting dress, she hoped she wasn’t outshone by the other guests. Warrick had made an impression on all of the female staff and she’d be lucky if they had a minute alone tonight.

  Marble flooring, alabaster chandeliers and the rich blue walls gave the home a relaxed, modern feel. It was elegance and simplicity at its best and as Tangela admired the oil paintings and framed artifacts, she was reminded of what had happened the last time she was here. New Orleans held special memories for her, but nowhere was more special than this house. Specifically, the four-poster bed in the master bedroom.

  When Tangela entered the dining room and saw Warrick standing next to the mahogany table, her stomach jumped up in her throat. He was handsome in a tan sweater and loose, dark slacks, and she felt her body inflame with a righteous, dizzying heat. He looked gorgeous, and everything about him, from his smooth skin to his solid frame was a turn-on. His scent had a hint of citrus and his beckoning smile encouraged all sorts of naughty thoughts to overtake her mind.

  “Thanks, Ricardo. We’ll start with the first course promptly at eight o’clock.”

  The server went into the kitchen, leaving them alone.

  “Baby, you look…” The words stuck in his throat as he took in all of her. Hot-to-death in a short, seriously sexy mauve dress, her hair hanging gracefully down her back, she was easily the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He had a deep, emotional craving for her, but tonight, he was going to satisfy a craving of another kind. But first, he had to execute the perfect date.

  “Where is everyone?” she asked, peering down the hall. It had been years since s
he’d been to the lavish, three-story home, but she still remembered the unique layout. There was a den to the right, a library across the hall and a living room the size of a university gymnasium off the main floor. Could the other guests be in there? Tangela listened for several seconds. When she didn’t hear anything, she laughed lightly. “Please don’t tell me I’m the first one here.”

  “You are, but I’m not expecting anyone else.”

  “Where’s the crew, the volunteers and the Urban Development staff?”

  Sliding his hands into his pockets, he shrugged nonchalantly. “At the Crowne Plaza.”

  In her haste to speak, she tripped on her tongue. Feeling as though her mouth was full of glue, Tangela took a deep breath, let it out slowly and tried again. “What are they doing there?”

  “I got to thinking,” he began, lifting a bottle out of the ice bucket. For the first time since entering the room, Tangela took a good look around. Warrick had gone all out. China, candles, red wine and chocolate. Pleased, she watched him fill two wine goblets to the brim. He was putting on a show and she was loving every minute of it. Cute and romantic would never go out of style, at least not with her. “Why spend my last night in town with the crew, when I’d rather be alone with you?”

  His salacious smile coaxed her away from the window. Her legs quaked as she crossed the room, but they didn’t give way. “So, you paid everyone to stay away?”

  “I arranged to have the wrap party in one of the Crowne Plaza’s banquet rooms.” Tapping the face of his watch, he said, “Right about now they’re finishing dessert and getting down and dirty to Rick James.”

  Warrick chuckled. The muscles around Tangela’s eyes tightened and his laughter dried up. Had he gone too far? Was she angry? In his desire to please her, he’d rushed ahead with his plans without considering how she might feel. He felt guilty for deceiving her, but it was too late to second-guess himself. Self-doubt had no place in his mind, so he picked up his glass and said, “I planned for us to have a quiet evening alone. I hope that’s okay with you.”