Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
N yla parked her car in the parking deck of Gordon’s lawyer’s office and grinned like she’d just won a million bucks. Today, after she signed a few papers and ensured the transfer of funds went through, she’d finally be a business owner.
She was early for the appointment and sat back in her seat to stare out the windshield. The view was of another office building, but she barely noticed, since she was just glad to take a breather.
The past month had been a whirlwind of activity, but it had also been the best month she’d had in years. Not only did she finally have a dependable vehicle, but she also moved into a one-bedroom apartment not far from Moody Days. More importantly, she could afford both.
It had been hard not to accept Harrison’s offer for her to move in with him. It would’ve been so easy, and she would’ve enjoyed them being under the same roof. But she was determined to start standing on her own. Besides, it was too soon for them to think about living together. Even if she was crazy in love with her man.
Joy bubbled up inside of her each time she thought about him. “I love Harrison Grant,” she said into the quietness of the car. Neither of them had spoken those three little words—I love you—to one another, but they showed each other how they felt in so many other ways. Whether it was him making sure she always had gas in her car, or her sometimes having a nice dinner prepared for him when he got home from work.
It was the small gestures of thoughtfulness that added to their dating life. They might not have been together long, but Nyla was learning that it was about the quality of time they spent with each other. Not the length of time.
She and Harrison saw each other almost every day, and when they didn’t, they called or texted. He was truly a gift from God, and she was grateful to have him in her life. There had been days when she’d been overwhelmed with all that she’d had going on, but a hug, a kiss, or just hearing his voice settled her down.
They were great together, and of course Jamie was taking all the credit. He claimed that he might start his own matchmaking business.
Nyla jumped when her phone alarm sounded, signaling she had ten minutes to get to the lawyer’s office. She grabbed her bag and climbed out of the car, hoping that Cree was either already there or on her way.
Nyla would’ve preferred having Harrison by her side today, but they had agreed that since he was a silent investor, it would be better if he stayed away. Instead, Cree would be with her, which was good. It made sense to have legal counsel with her.
When Nyla entered the building, Cree was waiting near the information desk.
“Hey, sis. Thanks for coming,” Nyla said as they shared a quick hug.
“Of course. I’m glad you asked me to come with you. I wouldn’t have wanted you to sign any papers without a lawyer looking over them.” As they rode the elevator to the fifth floor, Cree asked, “Are you ready for this?”
Nyla nodded, unable to hide her grin. “I’m more than ready. I was born to own a jazz club,” she said and laughed.
Cree snickered. “I know I don’t say it enough, but I’m really proud of you.”
A warm glow flowed through Nyla at her sister’s heartfelt words. “That means a lot coming from you. After your version of a pep talk months ago about how I needed to grow up,” Nyla grinned when Cree groaned, “I had to agree. It was just the kick in the butt I needed to get myself together. So thanks for that.”
Smiling, Cree wrapped her arm around Nyla’s shoulder and pulled her close, giving her a little squeeze. “Anytime. That’s what big sisters are for.”
When they made it to the law office, Nyla was about to give her name to the receptionist, but they saw Gordon.
“We’re in here,” he said from down a short hall and pointed to an open door.
They followed him into a small conference room. After introductions, his lawyer went over the paperwork with them. Thirty minutes later, documents signed, and handshakes given, Nyla walked out as the new owner of Moody Days Jazz Club.
“I can’t believe it,” she squealed and threw her arms around her sister, laughing. “I did it!”
“Yes, you did, Ms. Business Owner. How are you planning to celebrate?” Cree asked as they headed to the elevator.
“I was thinking of closing the club one night and having a private party there just for family and close friends. I also thought that it could be a double celebration since Zion’s thirtieth birthday is coming up.”
“That’s a great idea. Let me know if you need my help. Oh, and there’s a reporter I know who would love to interview you about Moody Days. I figured you’d be interested because it’ll be a way of getting some free advertisement.”
“Yes! I’m definitely interested.”
“Good, here’s his card. Give him a call when you’re ready to set something up.”
Nyla practically floated to her car. She’d done it. She had saved, sacrificed, and made a lifelong dream into reality. Her dad always said, if you work hard, anything is possible, and she proved that to be true.
And this is only the beginning.
When she climbed into her car, instead of driving away, she pulled out her phone and called her favorite person. The phone rang several times before he picked up.
“Is this the new owner of Moody Days Jazz Club?” Harrison said by way of greeting, and Nyla laughed.
“As a matter of fact, it is!” She squealed and was grinning from ear to ear as if he could see her.
“Damn, baby, I’m so proud of you. I knew you could do it.”
Nyla placed her hand over her heart, suddenly choked up. “I couldn’t have done it without you.” And she meant it. He trusted her enough to invest in her and her dream. That was something she would never forget.
“Yeah, you could’ve done it yourself. It might’ve taken a little longer, but that club would’ve been yours one day.”
He was right. She’d been determined to own the club no matter what but having his financial support made it happen sooner.
“Harrison.”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for believing in me.”
“Always, baby. I’ll always believe in you.”
Tonight was the night.
Nyla had been a ball of energy since early that morning in anticipation of the celebration tonight. She and Harrison had been busy coordinating contractors, overseeing every single detail of renovations she’d wanted to have done. They’d even helped with a few.
She had closed the club for two weeks. During that time, the minor makeover included a fresh coat of paint throughout the building, new shelving and mirrors behind the bar, and they’d updated the sound system.
Those small changes were just the beginning of her short-term plans for the club, and they had made a world of difference. Nyla couldn’t wait for her family and friends to see the improvements. They’d all be there soon, and she had a few more tasks to take care of before her guests arrived.
First, she needed to finish up this interview with the reporter, Milton, who was sitting on the other side of the desk typing furiously on his tablet. He’d been there for an hour, and though he had asked great questions, he seemed to be jotting down every single word she said. Which was taking forever.
But she couldn’t afford to complain. He worked for a local newspaper that had a ton of subscribers. No way would she pass up a free opportunity to spread the word about Moody Days.
“All right, Nyla, I think I have everything I need.” Milton shoved his tablet into his messenger bag before standing. “Thanks again for your time, and thanks for the invite to the celebration tonight. I’m looking forward to it,” he said as she walked him to the door.
“Good. I’ll see you later.”
She moved back to her desk, but before she could reclaim her seat, Harrison strolled in wearing his Black Knight Rider gear. The man looked like a big, strong, intimidating, badass. Nyla loved his Clark Kent daytime persona, but his musician disguise made her horny as hell. He was all broad shoulders, wide chest, and muscles everywhere she looked. And suddenly, she wanted him like a chocoholic wanted chocolate.
She rushed past him, slammed the door closed, and locked it before turning back to him. He had already shed his hat and coat and was now looking at her strangely.
“How about a quickie?” she said as she started stripping out of her clothes.
Harrison stood in the middle of the room, his eyes suddenly like hot molten lava as he watched her undress. Nyla was already wet for him, but when his tongue snaked out and swiped his bottom lip, she grew wetter. When all her clothes sat in a pile on the floor, she ran and leaped into his arms, knowing he’d catch her.
Sputtering, it was like his shock had stolen his words until he said, “Whoa, babe! Hello to you too.” His deep baritone was huskier than usual. “Though I love seeing you naked, but here? What’s gotten into you?”
“Hopefully, you in like sixty seconds if we’re going to get in a quickie, and I mean it has to be super quick because people will be here soon,” she said while grinding against him as she nuzzled his neck.
Harrison held her tighter, moaning as she started sucking on his neck. Then his erotic sounds turned into a curse when he stumbled back, bumping into the desk.
“Okay. Okay wait,” he said in a rush and suddenly set her on her feet.
At first, Nyla started to protest as she squeezed her thighs together, struggling to tamp down the delicious ache between her legs. But then Harrison wasted no time getting out of his boots, jeans, and his boxer briefs. He didn’t even bother with his shirt. Instead, he dug for his wallet and removed a condom.
After making quick work of sheathing himself, he hauled her into his arms again and backed her to a nearby wall.
“I didn’t know you could move that fast,” she said, breathing hard as if she’d just sprinted a mile. And before Nyla could form her next thought, Harrison drove into her in one smooth move, and she cried out in pleasure as her inner muscles adjusted to his thick shaft.
Harrison’s fingers dug into the back of her thighs while he drove into her like a man possessed, and Nyla held on for the ride.
Just seeing him walk through the door had her wet with need. It wouldn’t take long for her to reach her release, especially with how good he felt buried deep inside of her. She was already teetering on the edge.
“Ba—baby,” Harrison ground out as his thrusts grew more frantic. “Come for me. I need you to… Ahhh sh…”
Nyla lost it. She cried out as her body tightened around him, and her release hurtled through her hard and powerful. Harrison was right behind her, holding her closer as his growl shattered the quietness in the room. Then he nailed her to the wall with his hard body.
“ Oh, my goodness ,” Nyla wheezed, her nails still digging into his shoulders, while she felt as if she’d just ridden a roller coaster.
“Damn, baby,” Harrison heaved, his breath warm against her neck. “Feel free to…to greet me like that all the time. What the hell did that reporter ask you to get you all hot and ready for me?”
Nyla snorted a laugh. “It—it had nothing to do… with him,” she said, still panting. “It was all you, babe. You and your sexy Knight Rider gear.”
“Noted,” he said, then eventually lowered her body until her feet touched the floor. “We’re doing this again, but slower when I take you home. Right now, though, we need to hurry and get cleaned up.”