Chapter 2 #2
As much as I wanted to keep my worlds separate, it may have been time to bridge the gap.
“Alright,” I sighed, “tell daddy I’ll be there. And make sure there’s an extra seat for Corey.”
“Nah, baby girl. You know the rules. Family only.” Bash grinned. “I’ll see you later tonight,” he said as he rose from the desk, his usual swagger back in full effect.
I sighed, running a hand over my face, already dreading dinner, but before I could dwell on it, I noticed Bash pause at the door, his gaze shifting to someone coming in.
Great.
As if my day couldn’t get more distracting, in walked Teo Donatelli.
I didn’t even need to look around to know the effect he had on the women in the shop. I could hear the faint gasps and see the bridal party googly eyes in the reflection of the mirror. It was the same reaction every time. Which I had to admit he looked good. Like always.
Today he was in his usual attire — a tailored navy suit perfectly cut to fit his frame, a black button-up shirt, and a pair of very expensive Oxfords.
The cufflinks were made of gleaming platinum, each engraved with an intricate design that hinted at his family’s wealth and status.
He flashed a charming smile as he sauntered over, making a beeline straight for me, but not before dapping my brother up.
Then he flashed his dark eyes over to me, like he always did.
“Yanna.” His voice was smooth, almost a low rumble as he acknowledged me with a nod.
Before I could respond, Constance, my assistant strutted over and cooed.
“Hey, Teo.” That damn girl was in heat. I tried to bite back my smile but failed miserably.
Poor girl. She always got like this when he came in.
I keep telling her she should shoot her shot.
As far as I knew Teo was single. But the girl was so shy, she couldn’t handle a conversation with a man like Teo.
Hell, she just recently graduated to speaking to the man.
Teo’s lips twitched into a small, charming smile. “Hello, Miss Constance. How’re you doing?” he asked, his tone easy but not flirty. He’d been in the shop enough times to know her, and he always made a point to be polite. I got the feeling he knew she was attracted to him.
“I’m good, really good.” Constance was almost beaming. “You here to check on Ayanna?”
Teo glanced back at me, his dark eyes giving nothing away. “Yeah, just checking in.” His voice was casual, but there was something about the way he said it today that gave me pause.
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Do you always have to pop up unannounced?”
Teo shrugged, stepping closer to the counter, his eyes scanning the shop. “Just making sure everything’s running smoothly. You good?” His eyes quirked. “Any strange shit happening around here?”
I sighed, leaning back against the counter. “I’m fine, Teo. The shop’s busy, but that’s a good thing. And no, nothing strange. You know I ain’t into the family stuff like that.” I whispered harshly.
His gaze softened slightly, and for a brief moment, there was something in his expression—something protective that I could never quite figure out. But then it was gone, replaced by that familiar calmness.
“You been running yourself ragged again?” he asked, his tone casual but edged with concern.
I blinked, a little caught off guard. “Why?” I asked, a little self-conscious. “I look bad?” I patted my face, hoping I didn’t have any bags under my eyes.
I knew he would tell me. He was like my brother.
Overprotective, brutally honest, and always looking out for me.
“You look fine, Ayanna,” he reassured, his voice steady.
But I didn’t know if I believed him. So, I reached for the handheld mirror I kept under the counter.
Just to see for myself. “Just want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. That’s all.”
“Hmm,” I grunted. Then I put the mirror back after seeing I still looked flawlessly beautiful.
He smirked, leaning slightly on the counter, just enough to close the space between us a little. “You didn’t believe me? You know I would never lie to you Yanna.”
I didn’t bother responding, just shook my head and let out a small laugh, about to say something when my phone buzzed in my pocket, reminding me of the text Corey sent earlier. I gazed down at the phone, dreading the argument I knew canceling would spark.
“Everything alright?” Teo asked, noticing my mood shift.
I sighed, slipping the phone back into my pocket. “Yeah, just... plans I need to cancel,” I admitted quietly. “I was supposed to go out with Corey tonight. But I have family dinner.” I said, sighing, running a hand through my hair.
Teo snorted, eyes flicking back to his phone, his tone filled with barely hidden amusement. “That’s still a thing?”
I raised an eyebrow, not hiding my annoyance. “Yes, it’s still a thing, Teo.”
He shrugged, not even bothering to look up from his screen this time, his expression blank. “I don’t know. Just thought you’d have moved on by now.”
He said nothing else—just gave me that arrogant smirk. The smug, self-assured look he always had.
I rolled my eyes, exasperated but used to his attitude. “I don’t know why you and Bash don’t like Corey. He’s a nice guy.”
Teo finally lifted his gaze to meet mine, his dark eyes sharp and unreadable. For a moment, I felt something shift, something in his gaze that made me pause. Then, with that same smug tone, he said, “I don’t dislike him, Yanna.”
This time the way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine. I opened my mouth to respond, but stopped myself when my next appointment walked in.
“My one o’clock is here. Are you going back home today?” I asked.
“Yeah, but I’ll be back this week. I’ll let you get back to it. Call me if some strange shit pop off. Talk to you later Yanna.” He rapped his knuckle against the counter and then he was gone, leaving me to think about what this family dinner was all about.