Chapter 16
Sixteen
Nhuri sat near the middle of the sleek glass table, jotting down notes as the meeting progressed.
Although the event was months away, and the launch of the new whiskey line didn’t drop until the end of the year, planning ahead was always best. Plus, Shyriq wanted to blow the numbers out of the park with this limited-edition spice blend.
She listened intently to the distribution manager discuss strategies when a smooth voice to her left grabbed her attention.
“That color looks good on you,” Tyreek, the event coordinator, said, flashing her a charming smile. “I just had to let you know that.”
Nhuri blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his compliment.
She was used to men complimenting her, but in a professional setting, during a meeting, wasn’t the time. Clearing her throat, she offered him a polite smile.
“Thanks.”
Shyriq had been flipping through a report but stilled for a second before lifting his head.
His eyes traveled between the two, trying to see what they were discussing.
He didn’t say anything immediately, but the slight tightening of his jaws didn’t go unnoticed.
Nhuri tried not to make eye contact with him, and she could’ve passed out when Tyreek kept talking.
“Speaking of looking good,” he said, clearly unfazed by the brief pause in conversation, “you should let me take you out to celebrate your first official week at GHC. I know a spot with the best seafood in the city.”
Nhuri let out a soft, nervous laugh and shook her head. “That’s sweet, but—”
“She’ll be busy,” Shyriq cut in, interrupting whatever she was about to say.
Nhuri looked horrified but turned on, and she couldn’t place her feelings.
Shyriq’s voice was calm but firm, leaving no room for discussion on her schedule and whereabouts.
He stacked his papers and gave Tyreek an unreadable expression.
At least one Nhuri couldn’t read, but man to man, Tyreek knew what it was.
“Nhuri doesn’t need any distractions right now. We’ve got too much on the table, especially with this upcoming launch.”
Tyreek arched a brow, and a slight smirk played in the corner of his lips. “Her personal life and work aren’t separate?”
A tense silence filled the room. Nhuri wanted to sink into her chair as a few team members exchanged glances, sensing the power move each man was exuding.
She’d been caught between two men who didn’t even have to do all of this right now, but knowing the type of man Shyriq was, she knew he wouldn’t stop until he got his point across.
Shyriq exhaled through his nose, pressing his tongue against the inside of his cheek before responding. “That’s a question you’d have to ask her, but seeing as though we’re in the middle of a meeting, I’d suggest not doing so.”
His message was loud and clear. Nhuri tried to make him look her way, but Shyriq kept his eyes trained on Tyreek.
The possessiveness in his tone, though masked under the guise of professionalism, had Nhuri squirming in her seat.
The seat of her panties was damp, and she couldn’t wait to call her girls.
Sadly, Tyreek hadn’t fully taken the hint.
Chuckling, he shook his head and said, “Got it. Ask her out when work ends.”
Shyriq flexed his jaws and caught himself before he said something crazy.
Tyreek was testing him, and he had no choice but to let it slide.
At least for now. Business needed to be handled.
Nhuri rubbed her glossed lips together, unsure of what to say or do.
She wasn’t oblivious to what just happened, but the last thing she wanted was to make a scene in the middle of a meeting.
Shyriq let the moment settle before redirecting his focus back to the matter at hand. “All right, let’s get back on track. Tyreek, since you’re so good at planning nights out, I assume you’ve finalized the guest list for the prelaunch event?”
Though his title was an event coordinator, Shyriq was being a sarcastic asshole with that comment. A few chuckles broke the tension, and Tyreek smirked, taking the jab in stride.
“Yeah, I did. VIP invites went out yesterday. We’re expecting a solid turnout.”
Shyriq nodded, flipping to the next page of the report. “Good. Let’s make sure it stays that way.”
Shyriq went around the room, letting everyone give their updates.
The exclusive tasting event was high-end and invitation-only.
Shyriq’s clientele and the people he wanted in attendance played a pivotal role in the company’s success, so it was only right that they got special privileges and early access.
Nhuri was grateful there were no further interruptions, at least on her end, but she could still feel Shyriq’s energy lingering.
Every now and then, she caught him watching her, though he never let his gaze linger for too long.
It was subtle, but it was enough. She smirked when she thought he wasn’t looking, and he cleared his throat, making her look up.
Nhuri squinted at his hardened expression, and he smirked, making her smile.
“Valet service will be available all night, and we’ll have a driving company for those who can’t drive home on their own,” Tyreek said.
“All right. And what about our Gold members? Are they receiving special perks like last year?” Shyriq questioned.
“Special perks, as in what?” the membership coordinator asked.
She specifically oversees subscriptions, renewals, and customer engagement.
“Something. They pay the most money every month and should receive something outside of what everyone else is getting,” Shyriq said.
He waited for someone on the team to chime in. When they didn’t, he started taking notes. Nhuri’s brain was in overdrive. As a member of a few subscriptions, she enjoyed the incentives that came with paying just a bit more, especially if it was before the public had access to them.
“I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned,” she began, and all eyes landed on her, “but maybe have an exclusive lounge just for them?”
She noticed everyone’s head nodding, agreeing with her suggestion. When her eyes landed on Shyriq, he was smiling.
“I love that idea. Exclusivity throughout the entire night. Tyreek, get with your team and get the ball rolling on that. Include Nhuri in the emails.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh. He doesn’t have to do that. I was just throwing it out there.”
“And you can continue throwing ideas out there if they’re beneficial. Cara will get today’s minutes out. I’m looking forward to this event, team. I appreciate everyone’s input and updates today.”
Shyriq dismissed everyone, and when Nhuri walked out of the conference room behind him, she couldn’t help but say something to him. She waited until they were close to the elevator.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she said quietly but firmly.
“Do what?” he asked, still walking.
“Shut Tyreek down like that. I could’ve handled him.”
Shyriq called for the elevator, slipped his hands into his pockets, and faced her. “I know you could’ve, and it seemed like you were, but I’m not about to have him thinking he can push up on you.”
Nhuri crossed her arms. “So, what? I’m off-limits to everyone now?”
His jaws flexed. “To him and every other man in this building? Yeah. Yes, you are.”
Her breath hitched, and she smiled a little. His dominance never wavered, and Nhuri spotted the intensity of his words in his eyes and felt them in her chest. Shyriq was serious. Words were okay, but she needed to see him put some action behind them.
Nhuri exhaled, shaking her head. “You’re gonna be a problem, aren’t you?”
Shyriq smirked, stepping back so she could enter the elevator. “A good problem, but I think you like that.”
Nhuri didn’t say anything. She stood on one side of the elevator while he took up space on the other end. Before she could gather her thoughts, Shyriq spoke again.
“Do you have plans on Saturday?” he asked.
Nhuri glanced his way, surprised by his question. “Why?”
“Because I want to take you out,” he said smoothly, his eyes locked on her. “That is, if you’re cool with that. I was thinking something outside of work. No business. I’m not your boss, and you aren’t my assistant. We leave work where it’s at.”
She hesitated for a moment. Before now, she might have second-guessed herself, but after seeing how serious he was, how his divorce was finalized, and how he was making his intentions clear, she let go of the fear holding her back.
“I mean, I guess a date wouldn’t be bad considering I’m all yours,” she said sarcastically, in a playful tone.
Shyriq grinned, pleased with her answer and the way she never really took things to heart. It was refreshing to know he could switch it up with her, and Nhuri wouldn’t be offended. They stopped on their floor, and Nhuri exited first, turning to face him.
“I’m glad you know,” Shyriq teased. “I’ll text you all the details later today. That coo’?”
She nodded and hummed. “Mhm, it is.”
Shyriq nodded and smirked, trying not to show his elation. “A’ight. Have a good rest of your day.”
“You too, boss.”
“Awww. Here you go,” he chuckled.
Nhuri turned and walked off. Her heart was racing, but that didn’t make her want to change her mind.
It was just a date. She was going to have fun, but she also would guard her heart.
The last thing she wanted was to get hurt unintentionally.
But for now, she was willing to take the risk.
There was no harm in that, and even if there were, she’d deal with the consequences later.