Chapter 13
This was what Mom didn’t understand—Shomari’s mood swings.
He left as Mr. Sunshine and returned as Mr. Doom-And-Gloom.
Lizette knew it didn’t have anything to do with her because the moment they met face to face in the passage outside her door, she understood his mood had been on a downward track before he returned.
Why would lunch with his sister leave him this blue?
It didn’t make sense, but wasn’t her business.
One thing he’d learn was that kids picked up on people’s vibes easily and weren’t shy to ask questions. Awkward ones that he’d have a challenge deflecting.
The small space only made the situation worse. He was close enough to touch, but so far inside his head, she couldn’t reach him. He handed her the file, barely holding her gaze. “I’ll talk to you on this after my session.”
“Fine.”
She entered the office, cursing her stupidity.
For no reason, other than his attitude, she was now snippy.
The tone of that one word would have told him she was mad, which was crazy.
Why should she allow him to wreck her day?
Squaring her shoulders, she sat. She had more than enough responsibility to keep her occupied. Shomari was for later.
But her mind wouldn’t stay off him, and her thoughts wandered to the conversation with Mom last Friday.
Shomari might set her nerves jangling in an intriguing but uneasy way, but she didn’t know if that was enough to sustain an interest in him.
She’d been attracted to men before, but in her thirty-two years, no one’s touch made her feel like the women she read about in the romance novels she devoured at night.
Her heart rate spiked at the sight of him, and when he was close by, she knew subconsciously.
Wintertime kept her so busy, she didn’t have time to focus on a relationship, and the letdown with Jonathan was enough to put her off men for a while.
Come to think of it, the last time she’d been on a date was roughly two months ago.
She’d give herself grace, though, because Jermaine hadn’t been her type.
His temperament made him as interesting as a peanut butter sandwich, and his touch did nothing to her, unlike the man who now had her head in knots.
“Thanks for a good evening,” she told Jermaine at her door after their evening out.
He’d kissed her cheek and murmured, “See you.”
They both knew what it meant. Neither of them was feeling each other on what would be their first and last date since meeting at a seminar for educators.
She picked up a pen and tapped on the desk, then propped her cheek on one hand. Mom’s words still had her conflicted. I’d be disappointed if you let your prejudice override your heart and good sense.
Her heart wasn’t involved yet, but she did have certain preconceived notions about males.
The men in her family were the same, yet different from Shomari.
They were educated, but they’d made their way in the world and set their lives on an upward trajectory.
Zack did have a spell where they were worried about him after his heart was broken, but he’d continued making his contribution to the company he and Eli owned.
Maybe she’d feel differently about Shomari if she had specifics, but how would she find out what she wanted to know? Especially if Eli and Zack wouldn’t tell her anything.
“Daydreaming?”
The sly question made her sit up and drop the pen. Tapping the file, she said, “Um, no, I was thinking about what’s inside.”
Emily, her cousin and trusted assistant, slid into a visitor’s chair and laid a notepad on her lap. “Okay.” She drew out the word while studying Lizette as if she knew differently.
“What?” Lizette held up both hands.
“Nothing. But I need my eyes examined because I’m sure you were staring into space.”
“And I’m certain you came in here for a reason.”
“Yes, boss lady, I did.” Emily pasted on an innocent smile. “Our Christmas party is coming up, and I wanted to square away some things with you.”
“Sure.” Her gaze went to the proposal, and she hoped Emily would be finished by the time Shomari’s class was over. Maybe a word with him would settle her mind and reveal what was happening in his.
“… use Gina for the food this time?”
She nodded. “Yes, I’d like to do that.”
Since Zack and Gina announced their engagement, Lizette had used Gina’s catering service for all the functions she’d hosted.
Her prices were competitive and the food delicious.
They discussed several other logistical matters before Emily said, “… music and you and I can do the décor, not that there’s much left for us to arrange. What we already have is fine.”
“Sorry, what did you say about the music?”
Emily swept her braids over one shoulder as she studied Lizette. “I asked whether Eli could bring his sound system.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll make a note to ask him.”
“You do that,” Emily said, “’Cause I’m not sure you’re totally in this meeting with me.”
“I’ll admit I’m a little distracted but perfectly capable of remembering to make that request.”
“Speaking of which … this distraction. Would it have anything to do with a certain tech guru?”
“To the extent that he’s helping me with this document.” She laid a hand on top of the proposal.
Rolling her eyes, Emily rose. “You’re such a liar. It may not be clear to anyone else, but there’s a lil magic between you two.”
“And you’re basing this on what exactly?”
Folding her arms, Emily leaned in. “So, you weren’t kissing him in the lab, but the two of you seemed flushed and awkward after your accident, and Luca pointing it out didn’t help.”
“I’ll give you that, but …”
Emily raised both hands. “Don’t even think about lying to me, cuz. Keep that to yourself.”
“Whatever. Just go.”
Laughing, she stopped at the doorway. “Gotta admit, he’s handsome though. You should keep him around.”
“Mind your business,” Lizette said while Emily pulled the handle to close the door.
Her mind wouldn’t settle back to work, so Lizette pulled out her gift list and ticked off items she’d already bought. She still had time, so maybe she’d order some items online.
A few minutes later, someone rapped on the door. The quick double knock belonged to Shomari, so she called for him to come in and prepared herself to deal with whichever personality had him in a stronghold now.
“Is this a good time to tell you what Rochelle said?”
Nodding, she pointed to a seat. “Sure, sit.”
While he settled in front of her, she tried to gauge his attitude. He certainly looked more upbeat, which was a relief. She didn’t relish fighting a battle she couldn’t win. When she realized he was speaking, she scrambled to make sense of his words.
“She thinks it’s a good plan. Just needs that added information you’re waiting for, and she pointed out a couple of areas that can be fleshed out. Lend me those papers, and I can show you where the additional details go.”
“Sounds good.” She handed him the file, then asked, “Are you sure I shouldn’t offer her something for the consult?”
“No, Rochelle believes in giving back.” He spread the papers on the desk and picked up her pen while she walked around to stand next to him.
“So, the added stuff goes here.” He moved to another page and marked an x. “And here.”
She lowered herself into the seat as he continued reviewing the proposal.
“Rochelle suggests boosting this section, too.”
While he scribbled, she noticed the hairs on the back of his hand and the fresh aroma of the lemon and orange oils in his cologne. His hand stopped moving, and her gaze jumped to his. She had the feeling he’d been saying something while she’d been gazing at his skin.
She licked her lips, and he blinked like someone waking from a deep sleep. As though drawn by a magnet, they inched closer to each other. When his lips touched hers, her eyelids lowered. With one hand, he gently grasped the back of her neck and deepened the kiss.
As it intensified, he gently lifted her onto his lap and locked her in with both arms around her waist. The kiss was the sweetest she’d ever had. It lasted long enough for her to melt into his chest and ask herself why they’d waited so long for this.
That thought brought her back to the confines of the office and the argument she’d been having with herself about him. She pressed both hands to Shomari’s chest, which made him pull away to look her in the eyes.
“If you expect an apology …” He shook his head slowly and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth. “I’m afraid you won’t be getting one. I enjoyed that way too much.”
Lizette slid off his lap and into the other chair, hoping his mood didn’t shift again. “I’m not gonna lie either. So did I.”