“Do I make you nervous?” he queried, almost bursting into laughter when she turned to pin him with a shocked expression.

He knew she was about to blast him, and decided to intervene. Before anything could be said, he closed the short distance between them, dipped his head and thrust his tongue past her lips.

Vivian gasped, offering his tongue deeper access to the dark cavern of her mouth. She held the lapels of his stylish navy suit coat in a tight grip. The strength in her legs seemed to ooze away and she gripped the lapels as though they were a lifeline. Caesar only touched her with his mouth. The force of his kiss pushed her against the wall of the elevator.

When he finally pulled away, a cocky smirk fell across his lips. His heavenly, warm gaze softened at her tousled state. The silky, dark mass of her hair lay over her head in a disarray of curls, and her cocoa lipstick was smudged….

ALTONYA WASHINGTON

is a South Carolina native and graduate of Winston Salem State University in North Carolina. Her first contemporary novel, Remember Love, BET/Arabesque 2003, was nominated by Romantic Times BOOKreviews as Best 1st Multicultural Romance. Her novel Finding Love Again won the Romantic Times BOOKreviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Multicultural Romance 2004. She presently resides in North Carolina, where she works as a senior library assistant.

Rival’s Desire

AlTonya Washington

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To my family, friends and readers. I consider you all one

and the same. Your support is treasured and motivates

me more than you could know.

Dear Reader,

Thank you so very much for joining in on the rollercoaster ride between Vivian and Caesar in Rival’s Desire. I had a really wonderful and fun time creating these characters. From the very sensual to the very comedic, the interactions between the alluring songstress and the gorgeous athlete presented an array of emotions. The experience of crafting their story was a true pleasure.

As always, please e-mail me at altonyawashington@yahoo.com with your comments or questions. Visit my Web site, www.lovealtonya.com and my MySpace page, www.myspace.com/altonyaw. For more up-to-the-minute updates on all my future projects, visit my Yahoo Web group, LoveAlTonya.

Be blessed

Love,

AlToya

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 1

“You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Vivian Desmond bellowed as she glared into her rearview mirror. The huge, imposing black SUV was practically on top of the sleek, burgundy sports car she drove. Blinding dust flew on either side of the car as she accelerated down the long, curving driveway. The faster she drove, the closer the massive vehicle came to her car’s rear bumper.

Finally the impolite driver tired of tailgating and passed her. Pounding bass from the Expedition’s impressive sound system drowned everything in the vicinity.

“Jackass!” she called, her lovely dark eyes narrowing as she watched the truck zoom up the road.

The SUV parked at an angle before the wide stone porch, which led to a set of double-glass encased brass doors. The driver remained inside, shielded from view by tinted windows.

Of course Vivian knew exactly who it was. She parked her car a few feet from the SUV. After snatching the black cat-eyed spectacles from her face, she jumped out of the car and stormed across the driveway.

“You stupid jerk! What the hell are you tryin’ to do? Caesar? I know you hear me!”

No response rose from behind the tinted glass.

She kicked one of the shiny, silver rims. “Caesar Morrison, you idiot! Answer me, dammit!” she ordered, slamming her fist against the driver’s side window. After a few minutes, the window rolled down and she took a step back.

Caesar Morrison’s light brown gaze raked over Viv’s body slowly. He started at her feet, loving the way the strappy black sandals flattered her polished toes. The knowing gaze traveled upward over the form-flattering gray jumpsuit she wore. He traced the outline of her full breasts straining against the outfit’s snug bodice.

Viv rolled her eyes and propped her hands on her hips. She cleared her throat, hoping to gain eye contact with Caesar. Of course, he was more interested with the present view.

Propping his elbow on the armrest, Caesar placed his index finger against his temple and smiled. There was no other woman he loved to watch more than Vivian Desmond. Her black bob of thick, bouncy curls, the luscious, dark chocolate complexion and almond-shaped, coal-black eyes, always gave him cause to stare. She never failed to captivate him in humor or anger. Of course, the fact that she was perhaps the only woman he knew who hated him passionately only attracted him more.

“Were you intentionally tryin’ to run me off the damn road?” Viv cried, her narrowed gaze practically spewing daggers.

Caesar pretended to be offended. “Now why would you think that, Plum?”

Viv rolled her eyes toward the sky and groaned at the sound of the dreaded nickname. Unfortunately, the handle had endured since childhood and she knew there was no way he’d ever stop using it. “Don’t you sit there and play innocent with me. You need to watch this big hog if you’re gonna fly around in it!”

“I’m very sorry, Plum. I guess I didn’t see you,” he whispered, a tiny smile tugging at the sexy curve of his mouth.

Vivian’s smile was purely wicked. “You didn’t see me?” she asked, folding her arms over her chest. “And what is it you do for a living?”

The cool expression on Caesar’s handsome face disappeared. “Cool it, Viv,” he warned, catching her little dig at his career.

“What’s wrong?” Viv whispered, leaning against the driver’s side of the massive black vehicle. Her wicked juices were flowing abundantly. Caesar hated it when she made fun of the football profession. “Don’t get mad at me because you can’t see right in front of your face.”

“Viv—”

“Of course, that would explain why you got cut from the team.” She shrieked when he opened the door against her hip. When he stepped out of the truck, Viv pressed her lips together to keep from smiling.

Caesar’s six-foot-eight-inch frame towered over Vivian’s slender form. “For the hundredth time,” he growled, “I was not cut from the team.” His wide chest heaved. “My contract was up and I opted for a change. If you knew anything about the game, you’d know this expansion team has gotten a lot of positive press its first season. A lot of that has had to do with yours truly. We were in the playoffs and are expected to go even farther this year.”

Vivian was quiet while Caesar made his speech. As he talked, she couldn’t help but let her eyes trace his face; an incredibly gorgeous one at that. Caesar Morrison was known for his skill and savvy on the football field and loved for his entrancing looks. Everything about him was coolly…sexual. Broad shoulders, a wide chest and back, and an impressive array of abs contributed to the almost chiseled appearance of his physique. His complexion was a flawless honey-tone, complimented by exquisite slanting light brown eyes and full wide mouth, complete with mustache and double dimples. However, his most unique trait was the headful of curly blondish-brown hair. He wore the healthy crop in a neat afro with sideburns trimmed evenly at his cheekbones. Vivian often wondered what it would feel like to run her fingers through the bright, silky curls. Uttering a silent curse, she ordered her dislike of him to shuffle to the back of her mind.

Caesar had finished the fierce defense of his profession and waited for Viv’s apology. When she only yawned in response, he rolled his eyes and headed toward the porch.

Vivian followed. “I wonder why your grandmother wants to see both of us?” she asked as they approached the grand mansion in Forest Hills, New York.

Caesar studied the heavy key ring he carried for the key to his grandmother’s front door. “Maybe she’s itchin’ to see a good fight,” he mumbled.

“More lemonade, Carly?” Francine Morrison asked the lovely, dark-complexioned woman who occupied the lounge next to her.

Carlotta Desmond waved her hand and smiled. “No, thanks Frankie, I’m fine,” she assured her friend, enjoying the shade of the huge pecan tree.

Francine poured herself another glass of the refreshing drink and took a long swallow. “That Gretchen outdoes herself every time,” she said, referring to her housekeeper.

“Frankie?” Carlotta called, turning on the lounge to give her best friend a concerned look. “Do you think this is a good idea?”

Francine shook her thick, blondish-brown tresses across her shoulder and shrugged. “It better be a good idea, those kids will be here any minute.”

“I just hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces,” Carlotta sighed, propping her cheek against her fist.

“Honey, we’ve been trying to get our grandkids together for years. This might be our last shot.”

Carlotta pulled a black straw hat from her head and ran her fingers through the silky gray strands of her stylish short cut. “I agree.” She set the hat aside. “I still can’t help but wonder if it’s a good idea to force them together like this.”

“Well, I think this is the perfect setup. I mean, it’s time they put those business degrees to good use. Besides, it won’t be forever and it won’t interfere with Caesar’s football or Viv’s singing.”

Carlotta nodded, turning to relax against the lounge once more. “I hope it’s long enough.”

Francine shrugged. “It’ll be rough for a while,” she predicted. “They’ll act like kids for a while. Humph, I believe that office of ours will be in need of some heavy remodeling by the time they’re done with it. Still, I’ve got faith.” She sighed, drawing a long sip from her glass. “Those two have a lot of desire beneath all that dislike. They’ve just never had the opportunity or…proximity to let it flourish.”

Carlotta rolled her eyes over the suggestive tinge to Francine’s words. “Love and desire are two different things, Frankie. How long can one survive without the other?”

“Who says they’re without it?” Francine challenged.

Vivian and Caesar walked out onto the patio to find their respective grandmothers lounging under one of the many towering trees that filled the spacious back lawn.

“What’s my grandmother doing here?” Viv whispered.

Caesar was suspicious, as well, and sent her a confused look before they headed down the wide brick steps leading from the patio.

Francine and Carlotta were so relaxed they didn’t notice their approach. Caesar pressed both hands against his grandmother’s shoulders and planted a kiss to her cheek. Meanwhile, Viv ran her fingers through Carlotta’s hair and kissed her forehead.

“So, what’s going on?” Caesar asked after he had kissed and hugged Carlotta.

“We want to take you kids out to lunch,” Francine announced.

“Lunch?” Viv exchanged glances with Caesar.

Carlotta pushed herself off the lounge and grabbed her hat. “Lunch,” she confirmed, patting her granddaughter on the head.

“What for?” Caesar asked, helping his grandmother to her feet when she offered him her hand.

Francine kissed his smooth cheek. “Guess you’ll have to come to lunch to find out.”

Caesar and Vivian shrugged, knowing they’d get nowhere standing around asking questions.

Francine and Carlotta nodded their approval and headed back to the house.

“Caesar will drive!” Francine decided.

“Oh, Lord,” Viv sighed.

“All right, you two, that’s enough!” Carlotta snapped. “I can’t believe this, we bring you out here to have an adult conversation and you act like this.”

“We just don’t understand why it has to be this way,” Caesar replied, glancing at his grandmother who glared at him murderously.

“Well, we’ve made up our minds and that’s that,” Francine retorted.

Viv massaged her temples before turning pleading eyes to her grandmother. “Grammy, you can’t do this to me.”

A humorous smile crossed Caesar’s handsome face. “Your grandmother can do whatever she wants.”

“Oh shut up!” Viv snapped as she pounded her fist against the pristine, white tablecloth. She was about to stand when Carlotta pointed a finger in her direction.

“Vivian Monet Desmond, sit!”

“And you hush up, Caesar,” Francine warned her grandson when he began to chuckle.

Vivian’s soft mouth curved down into a pout. “Who do you think you are?” she asked Caesar.

He leaned forward and pointed his index finger on the table. “I’m the one who should be running this company.”

“Ha!” Viv blurted, her dark eyes sparkling. “Our grandmothers didn’t come to own a successful company by allowing dumb jocks at the helm.”

Caesar’s easy expression turned murderous. “Watch it, Viv.”

“Or what?”

“Or I’ll forget you’re supposed to be a woman.” He sneered, his stare cold as ice.

Of course, Vivian wasn’t about to let him have the last word. She stood, her eyes narrowed at Caesar. “Who the hell are you to threaten me?” she raged, storming around the square table.

Caesar stood, as well, but he was far calmer than Viv. As far as he was concerned, she could yell at him for as long as she liked. It was a treat watching her bat the long lashes that fringed her lovely dark eyes and toss her bouncy hair in his face. If she wasn’t such a thorn in his side, he’d—

“Dumb beast, you don’t even have the brain power to run this company!” Viv noted, one finger poised in the air.

“What the hell did you say to me?” Caesar roared, finally losing his temper.

Vivian remained undaunted. “You heard me. I can’t believe you’re even considering this. If the company needs to be looked after, I’m the person to do it!”

“That would be so true if we were being asked to keep the trash from pilin’ up! Unfortunately, this requires some skill.”

“And you think you have it? That’s a joke!”

Caesar stepped closer and brought his face to within inches of hers. “The joke would be you, Plum,” he whispered.

“Jackass,” she breathed.

“Witch,” he replied.

Everyone in the restaurant caught wind of the heated conversation between the two well-known diners. Every guest at Alindo’s considered themselves privileged to be witnessing a shouting match between one of the nation’s hottest pro ballers and a sultry member of one of the country’s most popular R&B groups.

Unfortunately, management was far from happy. Vivian’s and Caesar’s voices echoed throughout the now silent dining room. Soon, Sherman Joyce, the restaurant manager, approached the table.

“Excuse me, ladies,” the manager whispered to Francine and Carlotta, who held their foreheads in their hands. The two women looked down at him as he knelt between their chairs. “Is everything all right over here?”

Carlotta bent close to whisper into the manager’s ear. “I think the answer is pretty obvious, don’t you?”

He cleared his throat. “If they don’t keep it down, I’ll have to ask them to leave.”

Francine and Carlotta exchanged glances before turning back to Sherman.

“Do it,” they simultaneously requested, nodding when Sherman gave them a shocked look. Carlotta waved her hand to urge him to handle it.

Vivian and Caesar were still arguing full-steam. Insults flew back and forth—each one more harsh than the last. When Sherman approached them, he covered his ears and joined in.

“I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you two to leave!”

Caesar and Viv ended their squabbling amid Sherman’s shouting. When they heard the word “leave,” they watched him for a moment. Then they turned to their grandmothers.

“You heard him,” Francine replied, her arched brows rising toward her grandson and Viv.

“You’re just gonna let him throw us out?” Viv asked, disbelief clear on her face.

“That’s right,” Carlotta sang, turning her attention to the delicious-looking salad that had arrived before the fight.

Vivian and Caesar watched in utter amazement as their grandmothers enjoyed their food. The manager, who stood behind them, cleared his throat softly. With the grace of a queen, Viv retrieved her purse from the table and headed for the nearest exit. Caesar followed.

“I can’t believe you got us thrown out of here,” Viv muttered as they walked through the maze of whispering diners.

Caesar was silent as he strolled through the dining room, as though he were completely untouched by the scene. When the double wooden doors swung shut behind them, he caught Viv’s upper arm and made her face him.

“This is exactly why you shouldn’t even consider doing this.”

Viv propped her hands on her hips as her onyx stare narrowed. “Why shouldn’t I consider doing this?”

Caesar stood back and pushed his hands into the deep pockets of his sagging khakis. “You’re too high-strung.”

“Too high-strung!” Vivian cried, her lashes fluttering as she struggled to calm herself. “How can I be too high-strung when you play football for a living? It’s just like I said, you don’t have the brain power to run a business!”

Caesar knew most people thought jocks were dumb, but hearing it from Viv never failed to get a rise out of him. He hated to lose his temper, but feared it could not be helped. Luckily, the grandmothers arrived in the parking lot before anything more could be said.

Dark scowls clouded Francine and Carlotta’s faces as they glared at their grandchildren. Francine propped her hands on her hips and stepped between Caesar and Viv.

“I suggest you two get your acts together by tonight,” Francine scolded.

Vivian bit the bullet and dared to ask a question. “What happens tonight?”

“We want the two of you back at Francine’s house by eight. We’ll finish our conversation then,” Carlotta explained, the tone of her voice brooking no argument.

Caesar nodded, shooting Viv a cool glance.

“We’ll be there,” Viv replied.

“On your best behavior,” Carlotta advised before heading to the taxi that had just arrived in the parking lot.

Vivian crossed her arms over her chest and watched Francine and Carlotta ride off in the cab. “Maybe you should use the time before dinner to think about who is better qualified to run this business. It’s obvious we can’t do it together.”

Again, Caesar took Viv’s arm and forced her to face him. “I already know who the best person is for the job, Plum.”

The deep, rough tone of Caesar’s voice turned Vivian’s legs weak. She managed to ignore it and look away from his roguish smile.

“I’ll see you tonight,” he told her. Then he smacked her bottom and walked away.

Viv let out a loud cry and rubbed her stinging derriere.

Caesar looked back at her and slapped his hand against his forehead. “Sorry, Plum, that’s somethin’ us dumb jocks do,” he said as he headed to his ride.

Shooting him a scathing glare, Viv was about to walk away when she remembered. “Caesar, wait!” When he sent her an expectant look, she ground her teeth. “Could I have a ride back to the house?”

Caesar laughed the instant he heard the request. The roaring sound grated on Vivian’s nerves and she stomped her foot out of frustration.

“Dammit, Caesar, I need to get my car!”

“So?”

Viv gasped and propped one hand on her hip. “How can you be so cold?”

Caesar shook his head and took a few steps closer to her. Crossing his arms over the dark, blue denim shirt hanging outside his pants, he peered down into her face. “After the things you’ve said to me? Now you expect me to give you a ride? Please!”

Vivian took a step closer to Caesar until her face was inches from his. “If you don’t give me a ride, I’ll tell your grandmother.”

Caesar stepped back when he heard the soft threat. A low growl rumbled through his chest as he turned away. “Come on.”

Vivian pressed her lips together in an effort to hide her smile. Once they were inside the dark, cushioned interior of the Expedition, music from a vintage De La Soul CD flooded past the speakers. With the volume on medium, Caesar and Viv nodded their heads to the beat.

“So, how’s the group doing?” Caesar asked after they’d been riding for a while.

Viv smiled. “Everybody’s fine. Between rehearsals, interviews and photo sessions, we hardly have any free days.”

“Well, it’s good to be in demand,” Caesar noted.

“Oh, we’re not complaining.” She remembered when Intrigue was just a dream. Vivian and four friends from college used to sing at parties and other functions. At the beginning of their senior year, they’d sent a demo to the campus radio station and had great success. Instantly the girls became small celebrities and sparked the interest of a producer who had heard them when he’d visited the university. The rest, as they say, was history.

“You know, I bought the last CD.”

Shock registered in Viv’s dark eyes as she turned on the seat to face him. “You did?” she asked.

Caesar grinned and glanced her way. “Yeah, you surprised?”

“Very,” Viv sighed, allowing herself to enjoy his gorgeous profile. “So, what’d you think?” she asked when he caught her staring.

“I play it all the time,” he informed her with a shrug of one of his massive shoulders. “Just like the last two y’all put out.”

Vivian settled back against the seat and smiled. It was always nice to hear good things about Intrigue’s work. Still, it was Caesar’s approval Viv was most pleased to hear. She was surprised to know that after all these years she still wanted to impress him.

“You know, I especially like to hear your leads when I’m feeling down. That low, dead voice of yours is perfect when you’re feelin’ like crap.”

Viv’s hands clenched into fists and she squeezed her eyes shut tight. She knew Caesar said the things he did to get a rise out of her. Of course, it always worked. “You thoughtless jackass.”

“Excuse me?” Caesar replied, a tiny grin tugging at his mouth.

“You heard me! Where do you get off insulting my voice?”

“Insulting you? I just gave you a compliment!”

“A compliment? Calling my voice dead is a compliment?”

Caesar rolled his eyes. “It’s a figure of speech, Plum!”

“In what language?”

The remainder of the trip continued with the two of them arguing. Vivian couldn’t believe Caesar’s thoughtless remark. He acted as though he had just flattered her! Viv practically jumped out of the SUV when Caesar pulled up in front of his grandmother’s home.

“I should’ve never asked you for a ride!” she screamed, sprinting for her car.

“Plum?”

“What?” She flung her car door open and turned to look at Caesar. He was leaning against the Expedition, his arms crossed over his chest.

“You’re welcome.”

Vivian sent him a disgusted look, then got in her car and sped down the long, gravel driveway.

Caesar watched her drive away until the Porsche disappeared around the curve. The easy, humorous expression on his handsome face was replaced by a more pensive look. He had often wondered what being in a relationship with Viv would be like. Every time he saw her, he toyed with the idea while imagining her in his bed.

“Forget it, man,” he ordered himself with a shake of his head. Just before his fingers brushed the front doorknob, his deep-set stare narrowed and he cast one last look toward the driveway. A slow, mischievous smile tugged at the sensuous curve of his mouth before he went into the house.

“Hellooo?” Vivian called as the express elevator doors opened and she stepped into a plush living room. Intrigue rehearsed and composed most of their songs out of Viv’s rooftop studio. When Vivian arrived, everyone was lounging, having snacks and watching TV. She had given them an extra key so they could enter if she wasn’t home yet.

“So, how was lunch, Viv?” Dacia Cartright asked as she and Ivory exchanged glances.

Vivian hung her purse and scarf on the rack near the elevator. When she turned to see the knowing smiles on her partners’ faces, her eyes narrowed. “Lunch was good.”

“Alindo’s was the place to be today, huh, Viv?” Anna Williams asked.

Viv frowned and leaned back against the paneled elevator doors. “How’d y’all find out about that?”

The four young women in the room burst into laughter at their friend’s discomfort. Vivian’s sour expression remained as she watched them practically fall over each other, tears of laughter rolling down their faces.

“Girl, it’s been previewed as one of tonight’s top entertainment stories!” Diane Melon informed her between the laughter. “The lunch spat between the diva and the jock.”

“Dammit!” Vivian snapped, stomping into the living room. “Please don’t tell me they’re makin’ this out to be my fault.”

Anna shrugged and toyed with a strand of her waist-length black hair. “Honey, from what we hear, you started it.”

Viv slammed her fists to the table. “Damn him!”

Ivory grinned and tapped Dacia’s shoulder. “I think they said that was how it started, Viv slammin’ her fists to the table.”

Dacia chuckled and propped the side of her round face against her palm. “Viv, what the hell did you all do to get thrown out of that place?”

Vivian let out a long dramatic sigh and flopped down on the sofa. “It was all Caesar’s fault.” She grimaced at the chuckles of doubt surrounding her. “Our grandmothers wanted us to have lunch with them to talk about running their company.”

“Running their company?” Diane asked, her large brown eyes widening. “For how long?”

Vivian shrugged. “We didn’t get all the details. The moment they told us we had to do it together, Caesar went off.”

“Mmm-hmm. So you just accepted it, huh?” Anna asked.

“No-o-o,” Vivian sourly replied. “But I didn’t act as badly as Caesar. After a while there was nothing I could do. I had to defend myself.”

Dacia pushed herself out of the armchair she occupied. “Well,” she sighed, “it looks like you both did a great job.”

“Look, can we just get to work?” Viv snapped, raising her hands in the air.

The girls sent each other knowing looks as they followed Viv upstairs to the studio. They decided to start that day rehearsing a song they were considering for the release party of their latest CD.

Viv did her best, but her timing and pitch were way off. Caesar had gotten to her more than she cared to admit. He was all she could think of.

“You know, Viv, I can’t understand why you’ve never been able to get along with that man,” Anna noted, propping one hand on her hip.

Dacia nodded. “I can’t, either. I mean, Caesar Morrison is…mmm, Caesar Morrison.” She sighed.

“Sexy,” Diane added.

“And, mmm…delicious,” Ivory concluded.

“And you sluts have one-track minds,” Vivian retorted, giving them each distasteful looks. “Caesar Morrison and I have hated each other since we shared the same playpen.”

“But, Viv, girl, that was when you two were kids. The playpen could be a lot more exciting now.”

The entire studio came alive with laughter over Diane’s comment. Even Viv couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at her full lips.

“Listen—” she reached for her glasses “—I will admit that Caesar is fine, sexy and all that, but it could never work for us.”

“Why not?” Ivory asked. “He knows you’re not after him for his money. The two of you have known each other all your lives.”

Vivian shook her head at Ivory’s reasoning. “The man is just too pigheaded and too much of a sexist.”

Everyone groaned, but Viv stood firm. Luckily, they were able to get some real work done before parting ways for the evening. Vivian thought about all the advice her partners had given her during rehearsal. Of course, a relationship with the gorgeous athlete was out of the question.

“I hope that cools you down a bit,” Francine remarked, pulling the stylish sunglasses away from her face.

Caesar hoisted his muscular frame out of the pool. He reached for the thick towel hanging off the back of a chaise longue. “Funny,” he replied as he dried droplets of water from his body.

“Sweetie, is it really that hard to get along with Vivian? She’s so lovely and lively.”

“That’s it right there,” Caesar replied, holding out one hand. “She’s too lively. The girl is loud and pushy…nothin’ but a headache I don’t need.”

“I think you’ve met your match.”

“My match?” Caesar mocked, his deep voice muffled by the towel covering his head.

“She’s a woman who isn’t so in awe of your looks and stature that she literally falls over herself to get your attention.”

“Granny, you know I don’t date stupid women,” Caesar proclaimed, tucking the towel around his lean waist before taking a seat next to Francine. “Besides, I don’t think Plum’s ever seen me that way.”

A look of disbelief crossed Francine’s lovely caramel-toned face. “Baby, if you believe that, you’re crazy,” she said, patting Caesar’s cheek. “You know, it would be so nice if the two of you came to an agreement before dinner.”

Caesar’s long, light brows drew close. “Go see Viv again? No thanks!”

Francine just smiled as she shifted position on the comfortable lounge. “I think it would be very nice if the two of you showed up on my doorstep ready to cooperate. Together.”

Caesar’s mouth fell open as he stared at his grandmother.

Viv began running a bath in her sunken Jacuzzi tub. Just as she was about to add a bit more bath foam to the bubbling water, she heard a loud commotion. The bottle fell into the bath as she rushed out of the room. She flew down the burgundy-carpeted staircase and through the living room. Obviously the deafening boom had come from outside, so something major must have happened. When she pulled open the front door and saw her neighbor seated amid a group of boxes, she almost laughed.

“If I see one smile, your butt is mine,” Alex Trevor threatened.

“What happened?” she asked, gathering her long, emerald silk robe in one hand as she stepped out into the hall.

Alex smashed one of the huge boxes with his fist and grimaced. “I put the damned wedge in the door to hold it open, but when I got back with all these damned boxes, the heavy-ass door must’ve closed on the wedge. Thereby, producing the loud boom you heard when I slammed into the door.”

“Well, it looks like I’m the only one that heard it,” Viv noted, looking down the long, empty corridor.

Alex huffed. “Those deadbeats,” he muttered, referring to the other two top-floor apartment tenants.

“Are you locked out?”

“Hell yes.”

Viv smiled and pulled a long bobby pin from the ball atop her head. “Stand back,” she ordered, coming to kneel before the front door.

Alex crossed his arms over his wide chest and frowned. “What are you doin’?”

“Just hold on,” Vivian said as she jiggled the pin inside the brass lock. A few moments later she heard a soft click and twisted the knob. “There you go.”

“Where the hell did you learn to do that?” Alex asked, kneeling in front of his door to inspect the lock.

Viv chuckled and patted the top of Alex’s shiny bald head. “Don’t worry about it,” she said, stooping to pick up one of the boxes. “Dammit, boy, what do you have in here?”

A sneaky smirk crossed Alex’s dark face. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Funny,” Viv replied, though she was happy that she was able to calm her neighbor’s quick temper.

For the next fifteen minutes, Alex and Viv worked on getting the boxes inside. Viv discovered Alex had asked his long-time girlfriend to move in with him and she’d accepted. All the boxes belonged to her.

“How much more do you have?” Viv asked.

“A crapload.”

Viv laughed. The full, throaty sound filtered out into the hall as she opened the front door. It reached Caesar’s ears just as he stepped off the elevator. His sparkling, light brown eyes scanned the long carpeted hallway for any sign of Viv. He spotted her with a tall, dark man. They were laughing and had their arms around each other.

“Thank you, sweetheart. I really appreciate what you did,” Alex said, pressing a kiss to Viv’s cheek.

“Ah, no problem, hon.” Then, she turned toward her apartment just as the door closed behind Alex.

“Viv!”

Gasping, she turned at the sound of the booming voice. Her dark eyes widened at the sight of Caesar Morrison bolting down the hall.

Chapter 2

“What the hell were you doing?”

Viv propped one hand on her hip and glared at Caesar. “Excuse me?”

Caesar had no idea how furious he appeared. “What the hell were you doing?” he repeated, his voice rising an octave as he frowned more fiercely.

Vivian only shook her head. “What are you doin’ here?”

“I asked you first,” he retorted, stepping closer until his huge frame towered over her.

Viv tossed a curl out of her face. “I was helping a friend.”

“That was obvious.”

“What are you trying to say?” she asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Caesar poked a finger against her shoulder and watched Viv move backward. “I didn’t know you were givin’ it up to the neighbors, Plum.”

Viv’s palm ached to slap the handsome face before her. “You dirty weasel, I’m not givin’ it up to anybody. Not that I have to explain a damn thing to you!”

“The hell you don’t! What were you doin’ in there with him?”

“None of your business!” she cried, uttering a silent prayer of thanks that Alex was playing his music loud and couldn’t hear the squabble in the hallway.

Of course, the hall’s other tenants finally peeked out of their doors. One of Viv’s neighbors was so bold as to walk out into the hall and approach the shouting duo.

“Excuse me?” the man interrupted.

“What?” Viv and Caesar simultaneously roared.

An uneasy smile crossed the man’s face and his blue eyes widened a little. In his hands, he held a small book, which he offered to Caesar. “Could I get your autograph?”

Caesar switched modes easily and grinned while taking the book from the sports fan. “No problem, man, you got a pen?”

Vivian rolled her eyes and headed back to her apartment. “To hell with this!”

“Don’t walk away from me, Viv,” Caesar warned, even as he signed the autograph. “Here you go, man,” he said, returning the book. He followed behind her once the fan had returned to his apartment.

Viv held her head in her hands as she stormed into the living room. “Caesar, please! I don’t want anything more to do with you. Can’t you just leave me be?”

Caesar massaged the bridge of his nose and thought about his grandmother’s suggestion to work things out with Viv. “I don’t think that’s gonna happen, Granny.” He took a seat on the arm of Viv’s green-suede love seat. A moment later, he heard a deafening scream.

“Viv!” Caesar called, bolting from the love seat and sprinting up the staircase. He followed her agonizing cries to the bathroom. When he peeked around the corner, a wide grin brightened his face.

“Dammit!” Viv groaned. She stood on a floor teeming with water and bubbles. The tub had overflowed while she’d done a good deed for a neighbor and then argued with her nemesis out in the hall. When she heard the low, male chuckle behind her, she whirled around. “Get the hell out!”

Caesar forced an innocent expression to his face and leaned against the doorjamb. “But, Plum,” he said, then chuckled again, “I want to help.”

“You can help me by leaving,” she said, gathering the drenched hem of her emerald robe. The low chuckles she heard turned into fullblown laughter.

“What happened in here?” Caesar managed to ask.

Viv blew a curl out of her face. “I’d say that’s pretty obvious, wouldn’t you? The damned tub overflowed while I was helping Alex.”

Caesar grimaced at the mention of Viv’s neighbor. “I guess you should’ve been paying more attention to your own house, hmm?”

“You know, Caesar, I really don’t need to hear this now, okay?” She felt around the bottom of the tub for the bottle of bubble bath.

Caesar knew his teasing was only making things worse, so he left her alone. The sight of Viv toiling around in the water and foamy bubbles was as amusing as it was arousing. “Can I help?”

“You can stop acting like a buffoon and help me find the bottle of bubble bath.”

Caesar pulled off the stylish beige loafers and socks he wore and rolled up his shirtsleeves and pant legs. He walked down the three steps leading to the sunken bathroom. “You know, finding it might be easier if we shut the water off.”

Viv ground her teeth as she watched Caesar push the water knob in. “Thank you,” she whispered, continuing her search for the bottle. When her fingers brushed the plastic container, located at the bottom of the deep tub, she uttered a victorious sigh.

“You better get dressed if you plan to be on time for dinner.”

Viv stood and shook the water from her hands. “I’ll probably be late anyway. I really need to take a shower after spending the afternoon in the studio.” She headed through the opposite door that connected to her bedroom and used the phone on the nightstand to call housekeeping. After the call, she set the phone back on the receiver, and found Caesar lying on her bed. “Get out,” she ordered.

“Where will you take your shower?” he asked. His head was cradled in his hands as he stared at the robe clinging to her damp body.

“Don’t worry about it,” she sweetly replied. Vivien then headed to her wardrobe and disappeared behind the tall glass doors.

Caesar’s long brown lashes closed over his eyes. “I don’t have a choice. The grannies want us to come to dinner together.”

“What? Why?” Viv asked as she tied a belt around the waist of the short pink robe and stepped from the huge closet. When Caesar shrugged, she tapped a nail against her cheek. “I wonder what they’re up to?”

“I guess they want to make sure the company’s in the best hands.”

“Humph. Yeah, emphasis on hands,” Viv noted, coming to stand in the middle of the room. “I just don’t get why they want both of us to run the place.”

“I guess they didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

A small furrow formed between Viv’s arched brows. “Excuse me? How would they be hurting my feelings?”

Caesar snuggled his mammoth-size frame deeper into the bed and smiled. “Plum, it’s obvious I’m better qualified for the job. Granny and Miss Carly know it, they just didn’t want to upset you.”

“You know, Caesar, you’re just dense enough to think something crazy like that.”

Caesar opened one eye to see Viv towering over the bed, a murderous expression on her face. “Did you forget my major was business?”

Viv gave him a tired look. “No, I didn’t forget. Business was my major, too, plus I had a minor in public relations.”

Caesar let out a deep breath. “Please! If anyone knows about PR, it’s me.”

Viv rolled her eyes and walked away from the bed. “I deal with fans, executives, cosmetics people, magazines—”

“So do I,” Caesar replied in a haughty tone.

“Forget it,” Viv said, raising her hands above her head as she walked out of the room.

“So, do you want to use my shower or not?”

Viv returned to the bedroom, suspicion clearly etched in her dark almond-shaped eyes. “You’d actually let me do that?”

Caesar propped himself up on his elbows. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it, Plum.”

Viv watched him for a few minutes before her gaze faltered. “No, thanks.”

“You scared?”

The taunt stopped her in her tracks. “Scared of what?”

One sinewy shoulder rose just slightly. “Of what might happen.” He taunted her so covertly it might have been imagined.

Vivian’s full laughter burst forth. “Only in your wildest dreams, sweet stuff.”

Caesar decided not to respond. Silently and arrogantly, he assured himself that if he decided to have her, she wouldn’t think of refusing.

Viv could see the doubt on his handsome face and decided to prove him wrong. “Give me a few minutes to get my stuff together,” she finally told him as she waited for him to leave the room.

Her housekeeper had already arrived by the time Viv got dressed and packed her outfit for dinner. As she headed downstairs, she could hear the woman’s laughter. Vivian shook her head. Obviously, Caesar was turning on the charm.

Indeed he was. Shelly was seated close to Caesar on the sofa. Whatever he had said was causing the girl to laugh uncontrollably. Vivian ran her fingers through her silky curls and watched them for a moment. She cleared her throat to bring an end to the amusing conversation. Unfortunately, she wasn’t noticed. A few more minutes passed before Viv bustled into the living room and cleared her throat, much louder that time.

Shelly’s brown eyes widened when she saw Viv. “Oh! Hello, Ms. Desmond.”

“Hey, Shelly,” Viv replied, shooting Caesar a sour look. “Did they tell you what happened?”

Shelly nodded quickly. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll have it taken care of in a minute.”

Viv raised her hands. “I think it might take more than a minute, Shelly. You may even need some help. I made a pretty big mess in there.”

“Humph, I’ll say,” Caesar noted as he lounged on the sofa and toyed with his hair.

“Anyway,” Viv sighed, “you don’t have to rush. I don’t need the bathroom right now.”

Shelly nodded toward Viv. She sent Caesar an adoring smile before leaving the room.

“I hope you’re not too upset,” Caesar told Viv, noticing the stern look on her face.

“Upset about what?” She pushed her hands into the back pockets of her snug-fitting jeans.

Caesar propped his feet on the oak-trimmed edge of the glass coffee table and crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, I was havin’ a few laughs with Shelly.”

“So?”

“I know you tend to get upset when you see me with other women.”

Viv’s mouth fell open and she stared at him like he had two heads. “What the hell are you talking about? I never get upset over you and other women.”

Caesar propped one index finger along his temple. His gorgeous brown eyes twinkled mischievously. “Maybe a better word would be jealous.”

“Jealous!” Vivian cried. “You know, Caesar, you’ve always been arrogant. But, after all these years, even you should know how much I hate your guts.”

Caesar pushed himself off the sofa and retrieved Viv’s duffel and garment bag. “I understand why you keep saying that. You’re trying to convince yourself.”

“Convince myself of what?” Viv asked. She frowned as she looked up into his handsome face.

Instead of replying, Caesar grinned and patted her bottom.

By the time Caesar parked in front of the condo he owned in Manhattan, Viv was a bundle of nerves. She had always counted on him enjoying their sniping and arguing. The constant quipping was the only thing that kept her from thinking about how attracted she was to him. If he tried to change tactics now, she wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“I just won’t let that happen,” she softly promised herself.

“You say somethin’, Plum?”

Viv saw the expectant look on Caesar’s face and realized she’d spoken out loud. Quickly, she shook her head.

Caesar stepped out of the black Expedition and handed his keys to the valet. Viv took a few minutes to get a handle on her emotions and accepted Caesar’s help when he opened the passenger door.

“You can take off the glasses, you know.”

“What?”

Caesar grinned as they strolled the gorgeous, airy interior of the building. “People are real cool about seeing famous faces in here.”

Viv pulled the stylish, cat-eyed glasses from her face and perched them on top of her head. “I don’t mind the fans a bit, it’s the press I can do without.”

Surprise registered on Caesar’s sinfully handsome face. “You mean, you don’t relish the chance to get in front of the camera as much as you can?” he asked as they approached the elevators.

“The press always catches you at the worst time,” she replied wearily, refusing to let him rile her.

Caesar grinned as the elevator doors closed behind them. “You got a point there.”

“Did you know our lunch at Alindo’s was on the news?”

Caesar only shrugged as he pushed his large hands into his navy trouser pockets. “Doesn’t surprise me. But now I understand why you hate the press being around. You’re always on your worst behavior and they always catch it on tape.”

Vivian clenched her fists so tightly she could have drawn blood from her palms. “You just can’t let it rest, can you?”

Caesar pretended to be confused. “Let what rest?”

Viv closed the tiny distance between them in the elevator and poked her finger against his shoulder. “You just can’t let it go. You have to cut me down as often as you can.”

“I’m not cutting you down. You just can’t handle the truth.”

“Oh, please, spare me, Caesar! Let’s not talk about not being able to handle the truth!”

Caesar’s long sleek brows drew close as he frowned. “I’m not the one who’s been griping all day.”

“That’s because you get off on making me look bad!”

“Love, I don’t think you could take what I get off on,” Caesar softly assured her, the erotic curve of his mouth twitching in amusement.

Viv shook her head and gave Caesar a sour look. “You really are an arrogant jackass.”

Caesar brought his face close to hers. “I’m getting tired of the name callin’, Plum.”

Completely oblivious to the steely edge in Caesar’s deep, rough voice, Viv took a step closer. “And you mean to do something about it, do you?”

When the elevator doors opened, Vivian was thrown across one of Caesar’s powerful shoulders. Her heart pounded wildly as she beat his wide back with her fists.

“Caesar, dammit, wait! My glasses!”

He ignored her, holding her legs snug against chest. He carried her out of the elevator to the polished oak door at the end of the long corridor. He whistled a little tune, unmindful of Viv’s loud voice and her pounding upon his back. He stepped inside the gorgeous, warmly furnished condo and pushed the door shut with his shoulder. He went directly to the bathroom and deposited Vivian on the toilet.

“Get dressed,” he ordered, his stern expression brooking no argument.

The steamy, invigorating shower soothed the tension in Vivian’s shoulders. The powerful spray of water hitting her body felt so wonderful, she dreaded getting out.

“Oh, no,” she groaned when she shut the water off. She realized her bag had not been brought in and Caesar hadn’t been thoughtful enough to provide her with a fresh towel.

Her search through the closet provided no extra towels. “Dammit,” she sighed, propping her hands on her hips and debating on whether or not to risk prancing naked outside the bathroom. “I don’t have a choice.” She pulled the door open and peeked out into the hall. “Caesar?” she called, hoping he wasn’t upstairs. There was no answer, so she sprinted out the door and found a huge bedroom.

She spotted her leather bag on the white oak dresser. “Thank you,” she whispered. She retrieved a thick, dark blue towel and dried her face. Setting the towel on the dresser, Viv bowed her head and took several, refreshing deep breaths. When she opened her eyes and looked into the mirror, she found Caesar leaning against the doorjamb. Unmindful of her nudity, she turned to face him. “What are you doing here?”

Caesar pulled his sensual light stare away from the silky dark curls shielding Viv’s womanhood. “I live here,” he reminded her as he slowly stepped into the room.

Viv gasped, realizing her body was completely bared to his searing gaze. “I mean, what are you doing in here?” She pulled the dark towel in front of her.

“I came to get something.” He crossed his arms over his chest as he watched her. “Besides, I thought I left you in the bathroom.”

“You did, but you brought my bag in here.”

Caesar closed his eyes as realization dawned. “Yeah, that’s right.”

Viv propped her hand on her hip and gave him a strange look. She had no idea the towel only covered the front of her body, leaving the rest in plain view through the mirror. When Caesar just stood there staring, she frowned.

“Are you gonna leave now?” she asked.

“I hadn’t planned on it.”

“Caesar, what are you doing?”

“You know, I wish you’d stop asking me that,” he said, pushing his hands into the pockets of his trousers.

Viv’s lashes fluttered as she shook her head. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know damned well what’s going on here.”

“Well, would you clue me in anyway?”

Caesar leaned back against the wall. “Come on, Plum. All that arguing with me, getting all up in my face, pushing all that chest against me? You’ve been coming on to me all day.”

Viv’s mouth fell open. She was so exasperated it took a full minute before she could speak. “I don’t believe you just said that.”

A wolfish grin spread across Caesar’s face. “Truth hurts, huh, Plum?”

“No-o-o, lies hurt!”

“I’ve been around enough women to know the difference between one who’s not interested and one who’s flirting with me.”

“I’m sure you have, but you’re wasting your time with me!”

Caesar leaned his head back against the wall and smiled. “I’ll take my chances for a body like that.” His eyes trained on the mirror.

Vivian’s lovely, dark gaze narrowed and she glanced behind her. “Dammit!” she gasped, whipping the towel around her body. “I really hate you, Caesar Morrison.”

He feigned surprise. “What?”

“You could’ve told me.”

Caesar pulled one hand from his pocket and pressed it against his chest. “And deprive myself?”

“Of course not, Caesar.” Losing her zeal for fighting, she dropped to the side of the bed. “Oh, how can they make us work together? We can’t even be in the same room for two minutes without arguing.”

Caesar’s features softened at the tiny, lost tone in Viv’s words. He walked over and took a seat next to her on the bed. Turning to face her, he brought his hand to her face and cupped her chin in his palm. “Hey,” he said, waiting for her eyes to meet his. “The grannies must see potential in us or they wouldn’t be asking us to do this.”

“It just won’t work.”

“Shh…” Caesar whispered, leaning closer. His lips brushed the baby-soft hair near her temple.

Vivian closed her eyes and leaned into the pressure of his mouth against her skin. The sweet gesture felt so right, an insistent tingle emerged in the most intimate area of her body. “Caesar…” she whispered, a twinge of unease in her voice.

He trailed his lips down the side of her face, then stood. “Hurry up and get dressed,” he ordered, forcing himself to be firm. “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes,” he called over his shoulder as he walked out of the bedroom.

Caesar looked for the key to his grandmother’s front door while Viv stood next to him. As he pushed the thin key into the lock, his striking champagne stare slid to Viv’s beautiful face. For a while, their eyes held. Vivian was the first to look away. The door opened and Caesar escorted Viv inside with one hand pressed against the middle of her back.

“Are you okay?” Caesar asked, staring directly into her eyes. Concern was clear on his handsome face.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Viv assured him, though her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Caesar? Vivian? Are you two out there?”

“Yeah!” they called in unison, following the sound of their grandmothers’s voices.

“Oh, the two of you came together!” Francine cried as she and Carlotta rushed across the foyer to hug their grandchildren.

When the two women pulled away from Caesar and Viv, they couldn’t help but notice how subdued the two seemed. Caesar was unusually quiet and Viv seemed a bit unsettled.

Carlotta slipped her arm around Viv’s waist as they all headed to the living room. “Baby, you look so lovely tonight.” She took in the ankle-length peach dress with spaghetti straps and empire waist.

“Thanks, Grammy,” Viv sighed as she placed an arm around Carlotta’s shoulders and pulled her closer.

Francine smiled and looked up at Caesar. His gaze was unwavering as it followed every movement of Viv’s svelte form. She patted his back and hugged him. “Aw, baby, you look lovely, too,” she cooed, seeing the smile tug at his lips.

Caesar looked down at Francine. “Thank you, Granny.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Does anybody want a drink?” Caesar asked when they stepped into the living room.

“Sure, if you’re playing bartender,” Francine retorted.

Caesar raised his hand. “I got it covered. What’ll it be?”

“I’ll have a gin tonic,” Francine called.

“Same for me!” Carlotta said as she selected a different set of jazz CDs to play.

Viv was getting comfortable on the love seat. Francine and Carlotta watched as Caesar stepped from behind the bar and walked over to her. He brushed the back of his hand against Viv’s shoulder.

“Are you gonna have something to drink, Plum?” he queried softly when she looked up at him.

“A glass of wine—Riesling, if Miss Frankie has it.” Her alluring dark gaze lingered on his incredible face a bit longer than necessary.

“So, are you two ready to discuss the business and what’s expected of you?” Carlotta asked when Caesar stepped back behind the bar.

“It’s obvious this is a package deal. The two of you want the two of us.”

“That’s right,” Francine confirmed, nodding. “How do you feel about that?” She posed the question to Vivian who had been rather quiet.

“Well,” she began, glancing back at Caesar, “we both want a chance to run the business. If we have to do it together, we’ll give it our all.”

Francine and Carlotta exchanged curt nods and moved to sit together on the long sofa. Between them were three manila folders.

“There are a few key deals that need your attention right off the bat. Thank you, sweetie,” Francine said to Caesar when he handed her a gin tonic.

Carlotta sat her drink on the coffee table. “These deals are in the last stages of negotiations. All that’s needed now are the final go-aheads. Meetings will be abundant,” she warned them, pushing the folders across the marble-topped table.

“The two of you should get together and discuss them,” Francine advised, taking a sip of her drink.

Viv took the files and placed them between herself and Caesar on the love seat.

Carlotta and Francine stood and headed to the white double doors at the rear of the room. “We can finish talking over dinner,” Carlotta called as she and her business partner headed to the dining room.

“When do you want to go over this stuff?” Caesar asked, picking up one of the folders and thumbing through the contents.

Viv toyed with a curl lying against her cheek. “I guess we should find out when the first meeting is.”

Caesar nodded, his long brows drawn as he scanned a page in the folder. “Humph, from the looks of it, we have a meeting in the morning.”

“What?” Viv whispered, snatching the file out of his hands. “I don’t believe it.” She shook her head at Caesar and smiled. “I guess we’ll have to get together after dinner.”

“My place or yours?” he asked, a fiendish smirk crossing his mouth.

Viv tossed her bouncy, clipped locks and stood. “The office.”

Caesar nodded. Even he agreed it was probably the safest place.

Chapter 3

“You and Miss Carly are tryin’ to baptize us by fire,” Caesar playfully accused during dinner.

Francine and Carlotta laughed.

“It’s the best way!” Carlotta assured him.

“Besides,” Francine added. “We’re confident you two can handle it. We wouldn’t entrust you with our life’s work, otherwise.”

Viv cleared her throat as she cut into the succulent white meat of the Cajun-styled mahi. “Can we at least get an overview of the deals that are about to be closed?”

Carlotta set her fork aside. “The largest deal is the Tydes’ account. A couple from Jamaica—brother and sister. They own a lovely bed-and-breakfast and they’re interested in carrying a line of our dolls in their gift shop.”

“What line?” Caesar asked, cracking the shell of a crab leg.

“Our Island line,” Francine replied. “The Tydes are interested in carrying them exclusively.”

Caesar nodded, dipping the crab meat in a bowl of butter sauce. “How do you two feel about it?”

Francine and Carlotta exchanged wide grins.

“Actually, it’s the deal we’re most excited about,” Carlotta admitted. “Of course, the final yes would be given by the two of you. We’ve informed our clients and employees on the change of power. You can expect everyone’s full cooperation.”

Dinner passed very quickly. Caesar and Viv had a lot of questions about the D.M. Doll Factory and how it functioned. Of course, Carlotta Desmond and Francine Morrison were two savvy businesswomen with a wealth of knowledge. By the time dinner had ended, Caesar and Viv were fully informed on what was expected of them.

“Do you need to stop by your house for anything before we head to the office?” Caesar asked Viv, his hand rested against the small of her back as they walked through the foyer.

Viv shook her head. “I don’t need anything,” she assured him, smiling when he patted her back.

“So, what do you think?” Carlotta asked Francine as they stood beneath the beveled living room doorway and watched their grandchildren leave.

“This is gonna work,” Francine predicted, sending her friend a knowing look.

“Man, when they told us you and Viv were gonna be working here, everybody went crazy. Workin’ for a football player and a singer? Only in America!”

“Well, it’s the off-season for me,” Caesar said. “And Viv had some downtime before really gearing up for her new CD’s touring and release. So our schedules just seemed to work out!”

Caesar and Viv laughed at Jermaine Wilkes, one of the night watchmen at the factory.

“We just hope we don’t embarrass ourselves,” Caesar told Jermaine and the other guard, Thomas Gentry.

Thomas waved his hand. “Please! With those two backin’ you up,” he said, referring to Francine and Carlotta, “they’ll help you out of any pinches you get into around here.”

“Besides, everybody who works here loves to help out,” Jermaine assured them. “With you two, they’ll be fallin’ all over themselves to offer assistance.”

Vivian laughed as she patted both men on the shoulder. “I don’t know about all that, but you got me feelin’ a lot better.”

“Anytime!” Jermaine and Thomas replied in unison. They shook hands with Caesar and watched him follow Viv to the elevators.

“Oh my…goodness,” Viv breathed, her midnight eyes widening when she stepped past the double doors leading to the president’s suite. “They’ve redecorated since I was here last. Look at this.”

“I know,” Caesar agreed, taking in the plush elegance of Francine and Carlotta’s office.

The room was magnificent. It looked less like an office and more like a combination living room, dining room. In the far corner, there was a built-in bookshelf stocked with as many horror, romance and psychological thriller bestsellers as there were business manuals, newspapers and financial journals. Between the polished oak shelves was an impressive glass bar and a small white refrigerator. A fabulous white-leather living room set sat before it. On the opposite side of the office were two glass desks that faced each other. On the wall next to them was a built-in black entertainment center trimmed in gold. A huge TV and stereo sat there. The shelves held a DVD player and movies on one side, a hefty stash of jazz, R&B and classical CDs on the other.

“Damn, when do they find time to work?” Caesar teased, inspecting the titles in the movie collection.

“I’ll say,” Vivian agreed, though both she and Caesar knew their grandmothers deserved the best.

Francine and Carlotta began the D.M. Doll Factory right out of the Brooklyn housing project they lived in as young women. When their husbands left for work, the two of them spent hours designing dolls and clothing. It was just a hobby, something to keep their minds off the reality of living in such poor conditions. When a business fair came to the city one year, Francine and Carlotta took a chance and showed their ideas to a young man seated at a bank booth. He thought the ideas were so great, he talked his bank into fronting them cash to produce the dolls. Moreover, he educated them on the procedures for starting and running a successful business. The factory flourished out of their tiny apartments, then into the houses they moved to later that year. Soon, the need for even more space became necessary.

Vivian took a seat behind one of the desks and turned the dark, tanned swivel chair to the windows. “Caesar, remind me to thank Miss Francine and my grammy for my gorgeous new office.”

Caesar, who was still kneeling in front of the movie case, looked up at Viv and frowned. “Your new office?”

“Mmm…” Viv confirmed, enjoying the myriad city lights twinkling in the distance.

“I know you don’t think all this is yours?” Caesar queried, rising to his full height.

Viv was twisting her chair to and fro, basking in the success that surrounded her. The tone of Caesar’s voice didn’t affect her at all. “Until Miss Frankie and Grammy get back, it is.”

“The hell you say!”

“What?” Viv replied, turning the chair around. She saw Caesar standing behind the other desk, his fists braced on the glass top.

“There is no way you get to have all this, Viv,” he coldly assured her.

Viv’s gaze widened. “You can’t possibly want this office?”

Caesar’s long brows drew close. “Why the hell wouldn’t I?” he barked, spreading his arms wide. “Look at this place.”

“Yes, look at it, Caesar,” Viv prompted, standing behind the desk. “It’s clearly a woman’s office and since this isn’t a permanent thing, there’s no time for you to clutter it with sports magazines, basketball goals and your weight machines.”

Caesar’s thick lashes closed over his striking amber stare as he struggled to control his temper. “That may be so, Plum, but I’m not about to give this place up to you.”

Viv massaged her neck. “We’ll just have to share it, then.”

“It worked for our grandmothers,” Caesar retorted, taking a seat behind the opposite desk.

Headed to the bar, Viv cast him a tired look over her shoulder. “Yeah, but they are friends.”

Caesar’s deep chuckle rose and he leaned back to prop his long legs on the desk. “Ah, Plum, I’ll hate it when you leave.”

“Ah, Caesar, I’m not goin’ anywhere,” Viv assured him, pouring herself a glass of wine.

“Let’s get to work, shall we?” Caesar advised, rising and moving away from the desk to grab the folders off the coffee table.

Viv took a seat on the long sofa. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Finally, the two of them settled down to work. They spent close to two hours reading files. Afterwards, they tossed questions and ideas back and forth. Not once did it occur to them that they were getting along so splendidly. Soon, they were sharing the sofa.

Vivian began to sing softly as she scanned the last file on her list. She didn’t notice Caesar watching her. He had set his papers aside and was sitting with his elbow propped along the back of the sofa.

“That sounds so good,” he whispered, gaze soft.

Viv glanced up at him and smiled. “Thanks.”

Caesar turned his attention back to his papers. “Would you sing for me sometime?”

“Ha!” Viv bellowed, slapping her hand against her thigh as she laughed. “Yeah, right!”

“What’s wrong?” Caesar cried, a murderous frown beginning to cloud his face.

Viv pushed her thick curls away from her face and pinned Caesar with an amused glare. “Caesar, please, do you remember the last time I sang in front of you?”

Caesar shifted his huge frame on the sofa, grimacing at the sound the leather made. “I don’t remember that.”

Viv set her papers aside. “In high school? Your grandmother had that big cookout before our senior year?”

“Oh yeah…yeah I remember now,” Caesar whispered, nodding his head. “That was somethin’ else.”

Viv’s smile was far from humorous. “Yeah, it was somethin’ all right. I got up to sing and all I could hear was you giggling and talkin’ in the back.”

“I did that?” Caesar asked, feigning shock. He pressed one hand against his chest and his slanting, deep-set stare was mockingly innocent.

“You know you did that,” Viv told him, her black stare narrowing. “You were so loud, I heard you say I sounded like a man.”

Caesar’s full, rumbling laughter burst forth. He fell face-first onto the sofa, pounding his fist against the leather cushions. Vivian began to kick him with her foot.

“I’m sorry, Plum!” he cried, almost breathless from laughter. “I was just a kid!”

Viv punished him with another shove from her foot. “That’s no excuse!”

Caesar held his hands over his head to ward off the blows. “Plum, I was too young to appreciate your singing then.”

Viv couldn’t help it and her contagious laughter soon filled the office. “Good try, but I’m not fallin’ for it.” She moved to leave the sofa. Caesar’s large hand closed over Viv’s ankle and he stopped her.

“I’m sorry, Plum. Honest. If you give me another chance, I promise to be a better listener next time around.”

Viv drew her dress above her knees and knelt on the sofa. “You promise?”

“I promise,” he instantly replied, his gaze unwavering.

Again, their eyes mirrored an emotion that made them forget about all the misunderstandings. It was as though the rest of the world faded away, leaving them alone…together.

Caesar’s fingers slid across the space separating them to trail her bare knee. Viv’s lashes fluttered as a rush of sensation coursed through her from the simple caress. When Caesar’s hand curled around her thigh to pull her close, Vivian’s lips parted in anticipation of kissing him.

Papers resting beneath Viv’s knee crinkled when she moved closer. The sound intruded on the moment, forcing them back to reality.

Caesar cleared his throat and pulled his fingers away from Viv’s leg. She pressed her hand against the nerves twisting in her stomach and moved off the sofa.

“I better get home,” she said, reaching for the stylish, peach wedge-heels sitting beneath the coffee table.

Caesar nodded, but said nothing. After Vivian slipped into her shoes, they tidied the office and left.

“I hope your bathroom is okay,” Caesar told Viv, watching as she unlocked her front door.

Viv walked inside and headed right for the stairway. “I do, too!” she called, sprinting up the carpeted steps. Thankfully, the bathroom was in pristine condition and Viv hugged herself. “I’m gonna take that bath I missed out on!”

“You sure you got time?” Caesar asked when Viv walked back into the living room. “You should be trying to get all the rest you can.”

Vivian sent him a knowing look as she walked over to him. “I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be in top shape for our meeting. Don’t worry,” she added, pressing her palms against his chest. The solid, chiseled muscles forced a gasp past her lips. Sometimes, she forgot just how powerfully he was built. “Good night, Caesar,” she whispered quickly, hoping to hide her embarrassment.

Caesar didn’t tease, but a knowing smile tugged at the curve of his lips. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he promised, heading toward the front of the condo.

Vivian followed him to the door. When he was gone, she let her head fall against the polished maple door. “I can’t fall for that man. Please don’t let me.” She felt more attracted to Caesar in that moment than in all the years she had known him.

Still, aside from the fact that she felt desperately attracted to him, Viv steeled herself against letting things go further. It could never work. A fling was out of the question and anything more serious would not be fruitful—literally. Several years ago, Vivian discovered she was unable to have children. Though she tried not to let it make her feel like less of a woman, it was still something she was ashamed of. She survived the anguish of that by reminding herself that she’d not be partly responsible for bringing a child into a world where things changed so rapidly. Things like a parent’s love…Clearing her throat suddenly, Viv dismissed the upsetting memories and focused her thoughts elsewhere.

Caesar Morrison had crafted a well-known, respected image. Part of that image had a lot to do with the way he felt about children. Kids who otherwise would not stand a chance with society, could look to a man like Caesar for advice and consideration. His work with less fortunate or at-risk youth had gained national and, in some cases, international attention. It wasn’t for show—even Vivian could admit that. Caesar truly dedicated himself to standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves.

A fool could see that the man would want children of his own. He deserved to be with a woman who could give him that. Vivian knew that woman could never be her.

Vivian felt more like herself when she arrived at the office early the next morning. She appeared cool, sexy and confident in the stylish, light blue business suit she had chosen for the day. The short, linen blazer hugged her torso, outlining her full breasts adoringly. The matching skirt reached mid-thigh, accentuated the length of her shapely legs.

The D.M. Doll Factory was alive with conversation concerning the arrival of the two superstars. It took Vivian quite a while to make it to the top floor, with everyone wanting a moment to speak with her. She felt even more confident about working there after seeing all the support and smiling faces of the Doll Factory family.

“Hey, Sandra!” Viv called, waving as she gave the tall, lovely woman a bright smile.

Sandra Weathers, executive assistant to both Carlotta Desmond and Francine Morrison, waved back. “Girl! I’m so happy to see you!” Sandra cried as she stepped from around the desk.

Viv pulled the woman into a tight embrace. “How have you been?”

“Just fine!” Sandra confirmed, her round vanilla-complexioned face practically glowing with excitement. “I guess I don’t have to ask you that.” She stepped back to take a better look at Viv. “You look fierce!”

Viv threw her head back and laughed. “Sweetie, you should get paid extra just for the way you compliment!”

“Thank you. I’ll make a note of that.”

“So, how’ve you been really?” Viv asked again.

Sandra shrugged. “Working.”

Viv appeared to be shocked. “Working? What about romancing?”

“Romancing?” Sandra replied, her hazel eyes widening. “Girl, please! It’s slim pickin’s around here!”

Viv tapped one French-manicured nail to her chin and frowned. “I don’t know about that, girl. I saw some pretty nice specimens when I walked in this morning.”

Sandra smiled, as well. “Well, so did I this morning when Caesar Morrison walked in.”

Viv rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “Oh, please don’t tell me they’re fallin’ all over him already?”

Sandra stepped forward and brushed her hand against Viv’s arm. “Honey, you didn’t know? I think every woman in this place has made an effort to get on this floor for some reason just to get a glimpse of the man.”

“Mmm…” Viv gestured, her dark eyes twinkling mischievously. “They sound very happy to have him here.”

“Humph. We are,” Sandra assured her. “Come on, lemme give you the fifty-cent tour and get you reacquainted with this place.”

“I understand you and Caesar are sharing the office?” Sandra remarked as she and Viv entered the break room—their last stop.

“Unfortunately, that’s true,” Vivian sighed, peeking inside the tall, chrome refrigerator.

Sandra folded her arms across her chest and leaned against the paneled countertop. “I know a lot of people who would gladly trade places with you.”

“They can have it.”

“Mmm-hmm. Put it in writing.”

The two of them burst into laughter. Then Sandra patted Viv’s shoulder and headed for the door. “Talk to you later, girl.”

“All right!” Viv called, inspecting the cabinets. “I’ll be out after I make a cup of tea,” she said, choosing a box of flavored herbal blends. She reached for a pot of hot water and filled a black mug.

“Is that Vivian Desmond I see?”

Viv turned to the doorway and screamed. “Ray Warren, I didn’t know you still worked here!” she cried, holding her arms out to the tall, brown-complexioned man who approached her.

Ray pulled Viv against him and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Girl, you know I can’t leave those two old women!”

Viv laughed. “Ha! You mean they won’t let you leave!”

Ray’s deep laughter filled the room. “Same difference.”

“I know.”

“So, how long are y’all gonna be working here?” Ray asked, his warm, dark-brown gaze questioning.

Viv shrugged. “We’re not sure. It’s up to the grannies.”

Ray chuckled. “Well, you and I need to have lunch or something before you jet off.”

“Hey, we should do it today. I really don’t know what the rest of my schedule will be like.”

Ray checked his watch. “I’m free around one.”

Viv thought for a moment. “Sounds good to me. Come by the office and we’ll head out.”

Ray leaned forward and kissed her cheek again. “I’ll see you then,” he whispered before heading out of the room.

Vivian collected her things and headed out a few minutes behind Ray. The president’s office was located around the corner at the end of a long corridor. When she stood outside the double polished oak doors, she took a deep breath and headed inside.

“Good morning, Caesar,” she greeted in an airy voice.

Caesar looked up from the folder he had been studying. His bright, deep-set eyes narrowed as they raked over Viv’s gorgeous figure in the flattering light blue suit. A long whistle flew past his lips, followed by a deep chuckle, when Viv twirled around for him.

“Very nice,” he complimented, reclining in the large black-suede chair he had requested.

Viv set her briefcase and mug on the desk and nodded. “You, too.” She took in the beige pin-striped suit he wore with a beige silk vest beneath and matching tie.

“I appreciate it,” he replied, his eyes still sweeping Viv’s body with heated strokes.

“I’m glad we didn’t have to argue about the desks,” Viv conceded, taking a seat.

Caesar’s brows rose as he turned his attention back to the files he’d been studying. “If I remember correctly,” he began, “I never really lost my temper about the whole thing. It’s you who always has an angry word for everything.”

“Me?” Viv breathed. “You lying dog. You almost ripped my head off when I mentioned havin’ this office to myself.”

Caesar leaned back in the chair and propped his legs on top of the desk. “I don’t think so,” he argued thoughtfully, scratching the line of his brow.

“Oooh! You make me so damn mad!” Viv clenched and unclenched her fists. Her blue pumps tapped the carpet methodically.

Caesar pressed his lips together to keep from smiling. He let Viv stew for a moment before making another comment. “You know, Plum, if you need me to handle the meeting, I can.”

Viv shook her head, curly dark tendrils dangling outside the sleek French roll she wore. “Why would I need or want you to handle the meeting?”

“Well, you still seem to be on edge from last night,” he told her, pretending to be engrossed with the contents of the folder he held. “I’m a lot calmer, so I’ll probably make a better impression with the Tydes and—”

“Forget it, Caesar Morrison,” Viv snapped, standing behind her desk. “If you think I’m gonna let you handle everything and look like Snow White for the grannies, you got another think coming.”

Just then, the buzzer sounded.

“Yeah, Sandra?” Caesar called into the intercom as he watched Viv standing before him with her fists braced on the desk.

“Caesar, Kitty and Derrix Tydes are here for your meeting.”

“Thanks, Sandra, we’ll be right out,” he replied, standing behind his desk, as well. “So? Are you ready?” he asked Viv, his sleek brows rising in challenge.

Viv grabbed her portfolio and walked around the desk. “I pray we get through this meeting without a scuffle.”

Caesar laughed and offered her his hand. He smiled when Viv accepted it.

“Let’s do this.”

A short, brown-complexioned couple waited in the quiet, cozy lobby outside the president’s suite. They stood when Caesar and Vivian walked out to meet them.

Sandra had just arrived with a tray of coffee and smiled when she saw everyone. “Caesar Morrison and Vivian Desmond, this is Derrix and Kitty Tydes of the Tydes Inn, Kingston.”

Caesar and Viv stepped forward to shake hands with the brother and sister. Meanwhile, Sandra poured four cups of coffee and headed into the office.

“Your grandmothers told us they had beautiful grandchildren, but they did not tell us how beautiful,” Kitty remarked, her brown eyes twinkling merrily.

“Thank you,” Caesar and Viv replied in unison.

“We hope you’re as interested in our proposal as your grandmothers are,” Derrix stated, his expression clearly questioning.

Viv stepped forward and placed her hand in the crook of the handsome, older man’s arm. “Our grandmothers gave us plenty of information regarding your proposal. We assure you we’re very interested.”

Caesar nodded in agreement before smiling down at Kitty. “Shall we?” he asked, waving one hand toward the office.

“Mmm. This coffee is delicious!” Viv exclaimed later when they were all seated in the office.

Kitty Tydes practically beamed. “Thank you, dear. It’s a blend we serve in our inn.”

“Well, if the coffee’s this good, I can imagine what the food tastes like,” Caesar said, placing his cup and saucer on the coffee table.

“It used to be served in the gourmet coffee shops, until we convinced the owner of the recipe to let us serve it exclusively,” Derrix informed them.

Viv’s striking dark eyes widened. “And they gave it to you?”

Derrix shrugged. “For the right price.”

“But,” Kitty interjected with one raised finger, “he was happy to do so, since he has a lifetime pass to the inn.”

Everyone laughed and nodded at the man’s reasoning.

“Sounds like a fair trade,” Caesar said.

Derrix shook his head. “I don’t know about that. Do you know how many new visitors we’ve had since we brought this coffee in? The revenue in our little café has more than tripled.”

“Because of this coffee?” Viv asked, taking another sip of the delicious brew.

“Initially,” Kitty replied, “they come for coffee and wind up ordering everything else on the menu.”

Caesar grinned and propped his elbow along the arm of the high-backed leather chair he occupied. “And now the two of you want to add dolls to the list?”

Kitty nodded, her eyes never leaving the handsome face before her. “We met your grandmothers two years ago at a black entrepreneur’s convention in Hawaii. I was so taken by the collection of dolls they had on display, I stopped to talk to them.”

“At first, we proposed showing the dolls around our lobby,” Derrix informed them, pouring himself another cup of coffee, “just for decoration, but Francine and Carlotta suggested selling them in our gift shop.”

Vivian, who was seated opposite Caesar in the other white armchair, chuckled. “That’s Francine and Carlotta, always thinking about the sale.”

“Well, it’s good they did,” Derrix replied. “We took a shipment of fifty dolls with us to the inn. They sold out in less than a week.”

Caesar and Viv exchanged impressed looks across the coffee table.

“Well, Derrix,” Caesar began, clearing his throat as he leaned forward, “Viv and I have gone over the numbers one-on-one and with our grandmothers. We’re very impressed with everything we’ve seen.”

“Does that mean you’re ready to get the ball rolling with full-scale production?” Kitty asked, leaning back against the leather sofa.

“We’re more than ready,” Viv assured her.

Kitty clasped her hands together and smiled brightly. “Oh, that’s wonderful! We can’t wait to get started working with the two of you!” She said this to both of them, but her eyes were solely focused on Caesar. “I think you and Vivian should come visit us at the inn.”

Caesar could not hide the smile tugging at his lips. He had noticed Kitty Tydes’s obvious interest in him since the meeting began and glanced at Viv to see if she had caught on to that. To his disappointment, she was engrossed in conversation with Derrix.

“That sounds good, Kitty. I think we could arrange something.”

“Well, I do hope so. The two of you should really come down to see first-hand how and where the dolls will be displayed,” she told him, her eyes raking the width of his shoulders and chest.

Viv glanced up in time to catch the wanton stare Kitty Tydes sent in Caesar’s direction. She heard the woman’s offer for them to visit the inn, and shook her head at the effect of Caesar’s charm. After a moment, she cleared her throat and caught their attention. “Um, Derrix and I were over here discussing ideas on how to present the dolls. We think it would be good for them to be shown with more looks and outfits. What do you two think?”

Caesar sent Viv a knowing look as the conversation returned to business. The duration of the meeting was quite productive. Kitty and Derrix were pleased and excited by the new venture. An hour later, Caesar and Vivian were escorting them to the elevators.

“We did it!” Viv cried the moment they were back behind the closed doors of the office.

“One down, two to go!” Caesar replied, referring to the other deals they had to close.

The two of them were so excited and relieved after the success of the important meeting they pulled each other close and hugged. Viv slid her arms around Caesar’s neck as his encircled her waist. The rush of sensation the closeness provided was completely unexpected. The seemingly innocent hug only lasted a few seconds.

“You know…” Caesar cleared his throat as he headed to his desk. “We should go out and celebrate,” he suggested, trying to dispel some of the tension that filled the room.

Viv thought she should refuse. Of course, she wasn’t quite ready to let go of the joyous moment, either. “We’ll go out after work.”

Caesar and Vivian got right back to work after the meeting. They hadn’t realized it was time for lunch until Viv’s stomach growled, signaling its approach.

Caesar could not stifle his laughter.

Viv sucked her teeth at the deep, rumbling sound.

“Do you want to order in or go out?” he asked, once he had calmed himself.

Viv was about to reply when a knock sounded on the door. “Um, I’ve already made plans,” she told him, moving from behind the desk.

Caesar tapped the pen he held against the glass top of the desk and watched Viv bounce across the room. When she opened the door to Ray Warren, the pen ceased its tapping.

“Hey, Ray, you ready?” Viv said, pulling the man inside the room. “Caesar, you know Ray Warren, right?” she asked, walking back to the desk to retrieve her purse.

Caesar stood and shook hands with Ray. “What’s up, man?” he asked coolly enough, though his temper was raging.

“I’ll be back soon!” Viv called, missing the stony look on Caesar’s gorgeous face.

When the door closed behind Vivian and Ray, Caesar glanced down at his hand. The pen he held had been crushed to pieces. Laughing softly, he sat behind the desk and brushed the remnants of the pen into the wastebasket. As the shards of broken pen sprinkled into the wooden bucket, Caesar shook his head. Why are you suddenly so upset about her going out with another man? he asked himself. Of course, it didn’t take long for him to find an answer. He had never been around Vivian enough for it to bother him. He was glad, because he didn’t like it.

“I’ll try to get down there in a few weeks.”

“Man, will you relax? This place could probably run itself.”

“I’d like to see that,” Caesar replied, laughing as he spoke with Simon Harris, the manager of his restaurant in Atlanta.

“I’ve got this place runnin’ smooth as butter,” Simon assured him. “You just have fun in New York playin’ with your dolls.”

Caesar threw his head back and laughed. “Yeah, I see right now. I need to make a run down there for a good ass whippin’.”

“Bring it on, man,” Simon goaded.

The office door opened just then and Viv stepped inside. The easy mood Caesar enjoyed vanished as his cool, light stare turned hard.

“Um, Simon, man, I’ll call you back later, all right?” Caesar said, not waiting for a response before he set the phone down. “I wish you’d told me how long you planned to be gone,” he snapped.

The edge in his deep voice was clear and Viv was surprised by the attitude. “I’m sorry,” she slowly replied, putting her purse in the bottom desk drawer. “We had a lot of catching up to do.”

Caesar closed his eyes, running one hand through his blondish-brown curls.

“Besides,” Viv sighed, taking a seat behind her desk, “the Tydes meeting was the only one we had today.”

Caesar slammed one mighty fist to his desk and stood. “That’s not the point, Viv! We got a lot more to take care of, or didn’t you realize that?”

Vivian’s lovely eyes were wide with confusion. “I didn’t know you needed me to stay through lunch,” she softly replied. “It won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t,” he ordered, jerking into his beige suit coat.

Vivian cleared her throat and attempted to concentrate on the files lying on her desk. Her hands were shaking so badly, she could not focus.

“Are we still on for tonight?”

Viv jumped at the sound of his booming voice and nodded. “Yeah,” she assured him, her voice barely above a whisper.

Caesar nodded, his penetrating eyes shooting her a loathsome look. The office door closed with a vicious slam.

Vivian watched the door several minutes after he left. She realized she was holding her breath and rested her head against the desk. Caesar was right, she thought. He had never really lost his temper with her. She had never seen him act that way before and she hoped she never would again.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with him, Grammy. I never saw him so angry.”

Carlotta smiled as she listened to her granddaughter on the phone much later that day. “And he just started acting this way when you got back from lunch?”

“Yes!” Viv cried, still on edge from the earlier scene. “He seemed fine when Ray and I left for lunch.”

“You and Ray?”

“Yeah, Ray Warren.”

“I know Ray, dear. Caesar knew the two of you had a lunch date?” Carlotta asked.

“Yes,” Viv replied. It never occurred to her that Caesar could have been upset by her going out with another man.

Carlotta sighed, shaking her head at how clueless Vivian was. “Well, honey, I don’t know what to tell you,” she said, deciding to offer a listening ear and nothing more.

Just then the door opened and Viv saw Caesar. “Grammy, he’s back. I gotta go,” she whispered, pulling off her glasses. She watched him drop his keys to the bar and pour himself a glass of juice. “The grannies said ‘hey,’” she told him as he headed to his desk.

Caesar’s low chuckle filtered through the room. “How are they?” he asked.

“In Hawaii and having a ball.”

“Damn, they didn’t waste any time,” Caesar noted, walking around Viv’s desk and leaning against the edge.

Viv’s lashes fluttered as the crisp scent of his cologne drifted beneath her nostrils. “I guess they knew the company would be in good hands.”

Caesar swallowed his juice, before setting the glass aside. The humor in his entrancing, light brown stare faded to a more serious look. “Plum, I’m sorry about the way I acted earlier.”

Viv shook her head, a few loose curls slapping her cheeks. “No, Caesar. I really should’ve given you some idea about when I’d be back. I should’ve told you about my plans earlier. It was very irresponsible.”

Caesar tapped his fingers against his mustache and smiled. “I can’t believe I’m hearing you apologize.”

“Well, enjoy it because it won’t happen often.”

“I realize that,” he said, leaning down to bring his handsome face close. “I’m sorry anyway,” he whispered, cupping her small dark oval face in his massive hands. He pressed a quick kiss to her mouth and Viv gasped, her lips parting instantly. A low growl rumbled in Caesar’s throat and his tongue slipped inside the dark cavern of her mouth. Vivian whimpered as the slow, rhythmic thrusts of his tongue deepened. Her hands reached up to cover his where they cupped her face. She returned the possessive kiss eagerly as though she were starved for his kiss.

Suddenly, Caesar pulled away as though he was shocked by what had just happened. “Are you ready to get dinner?” he asked, moving away from her desk.

It took Vivian a moment to move from the edge of her seat. “I, um, I have my car, so I’ll…just meet you at Tony’s.”

“See you there,” Caesar called over his shoulder.

Vivian pressed her fingers against her lips and watched the door close behind him.

Chapter 4

Ican’t fall for him, but I’m not doing a very good job of resisting. Viv had been telling herself the same thing since she left work. As she parked her Porsche at Tony’s, a small sports bar not far from the office, she began to chant the phrase. She checked her reflection in the rearview mirror. Clearing her throat, she made a silent decision to try harder to resist Caesar Morrison’s potent charm, unique good looks and undeniable sex appeal.

Meanwhile, Caesar was inside the restaurant ordering himself to do the same thing. He told himself he couldn’t afford to let Viv into his heart any more than she already was.

He tossed back the rest of his beer and looked up just in time to see her walk into the dining room. He shook his head slowly and asked what it was about her. Sure, she was the most sultry member of Intrigue, she was smart, lovely and strong-willed, but she was just too quick-tempered and nerve-racking for him. At least, that’s what he told everyone. The truth was he enjoyed bickering with Viv—mainly because it was usually all on her side. Caesar knew if they started on a serious relationship, the one-sided bickering could easily turn into something more intense. Sooner or later, they would have shouting matches about her and how her fame was upsetting the relationship or vice versa. It would be too much and he would probably lose her all together. There was no way he could allow that to happen, best to keep things the way they were.

Vivian stopped by the bar and ordered a drink before making her way through the dining room. “Hey, Caesar,” she whispered, taking a seat at the secluded round table.

Caesar tilted his head back in greeting and watched Viv get situated.

Viv took in the quiet atmosphere of the practically empty restaurant.

Caesar looked around the dining room, as well. “I took a chance it’d be quiet around this time.”

Viv only smiled and turned her attention to her drink. She didn’t know what they should’ve been discussing: the deal or the kiss. Luckily, the waitress arrived with her drink and to take their orders.

“Let me have another Killian’s lager and I’ll have the chicken fettuccine with a lot of bread and salad.”

The waitress smiled at Caesar, nodding at his request.

“Let me have the T-bone steak, well-done, a big baked potato with cheese, sour cream and heavy butter, two rolls and a large tossed salad.”

“Thank you, Ms. Desmond,” the waitress replied, leaving the two celebrities alone.

“I guess the salad helps with the guilt, huh?”

Viv looked up at Caesar and frowned. “Excuse me?”

Caesar tapped his strong fingers against the table and shook his head. “I guess the salad is supposed to make you feel healthy after eating all that crap?”

“Crap?”

“Come on, Plum. AT-bone? All that red meat isn’t good for you.”

Viv couldn’t have been more surprised by his statement. “I know you didn’t just say that,” she scoffed.

Caesar shook his head. “And what about that potato? Cheese, sour cream and heavy butter? Are you tryin’ to kill yourself?”

“Well, considering the way football players eat, what I ordered was only a snack!” Viv snapped, her temper rising to full steam.

“All ball players don’t eat like that, Plum.”

“Humph, well then explain how most of you end up fat and sloppy?”

Caesar shrugged. “I didn’t say we all eat right, but the majority of us are in prime shape. We have to be.”

Viv laughed. “Mmm-hmm. You have to look good when you fumble the ball.”

Caesar threw his hands up in the air. “I don’t know why I even bother.”

The two of them retreated to their respective corners after that. Luckily, the food arrived quickly.

“Plum, I think we need to lay down some ground rules,” Caesar announced after they had been eating for a while.

Viv wiped her hands and sent him a cool look across the table. “Ground rules for what?”

“For the office. We got some issues that need to be addressed before we continue this…partnership.”

Viv took a sip of her white wine and frowned. “Caesar, what are you talkin’ about?”

“I’m talkin’ about you having lunch with Ray Warren.”

Viv groaned and buried her face in her hands. “I thought we had finished this conversation.”

Caesar’s brows drew close as he glared at her. “I don’t think we should have dates with the employees.”

Vivian’s gasp sounded loud in the quiet dining room. “What kind of stupid ground rule is that?”

“I think it’s an important one.”

“Ha!”

“Excuse me?”

“Caesar, cut the crap. You’re only making this rule because I beat you to the punch.”

“What the hell are you talkin’ about?”

Vivian’s glare faded into a cool stare and she smiled. “You’re only making this rule because my lunch date with Ray cut into whatever business you wanted to discuss with me and you’re still angry about it. If it was the other way around, you’d expect me to accept it. No questions asked.”

Caesar swirled his fork in the fettuccine and stabbed a plum morsel of the seasoned chicken. “I hoped we’d be able to agree on this.”

“Oh, we can,” Viv assured him, pushing her plate aside. Standing, she pointed a finger in his direction. “Let me tell you this, Caesar Morrison, if I see or even hear about you dating anyone in that office, you’ll regret the day you ever came to me with this bull.”

Caesar leaned back and toyed with the silky whiskers of his mustache. “I tell ya, Plum, you’re a hard one to figure out. I thought you’d like the idea of not having to see me with other women.”

Viv stood straight and planted one hand on her slender hip. “Why would I give a damn about who you see?”

Instead of responding, Caesar just watched her. His enticing brown stare raked her body suggestively. It was impossible to mistake the meaning in the gaze.

Vivian’s lashes fluttered slightly as images of the kiss they’d shared less than three hours ago came to mind. Shaking her head, she snatched her bag out of the empty seat.

“I can’t believe I was starting to soften toward you.” When Caesar shivered, pretending to be disgusted by the idea, she pursed her lips and stormed away from the table.

“Plum? Don’t forget our breakfast meeting in the morning!” Caesar called, humor etched on his handsome face as he watched her leave the restaurant. When she was gone, his smug smile disappeared and he heaved a deep sigh. Things were back to normal.

“Cocky, arrogant son of a—I can’t believe I actually kissed him. Ugggh!” Vivian walked through her front door, cursing Caesar Morrison to the highest. She called him every name she could think of while jerking out of the suit she had worn that day. She was positive he would drive her crazy if she had to be around him any longer than necessary.

“Wait a minute…” Viv whispered, her full lips curving into a wicked smile. “Maybe I can fix that,” she said, reaching for the phone on the end table.

“Hello. You’ve reached the desk of Sandra Weathers, executive assistant to Caesar Morrison and Vivian Desmond. Please leave a detailed message and I will return your call.”

“Sandra, this is Viv. Caesar and I decided it would be best if only one of us used the big office. He wants you to have his things moved out during our breakfast meeting in the morning. Put him in a vacant office on the same floor. If you have any questions, give me a call. Thanks.”

Shivering with delight and excitement, Viv set the phone down. Then she curled up on her sofa. “Ground rules, huh? Well see how you like this, Number Twenty-eight.”

The next morning, Caesar and Vivian met with their marketing department. The group was in the midst of discussing plans for the Island Doll collection. The large round table they sat around was filled with plates of fluffy pancakes, muffins and various omelets.

Caesar and Viv conducted the breakfast meeting with the skill of seasoned business people. No one would have ever known they’d had such an awful evening the night before.

A ringing cell phone caught everyone’s ear at the table and they all went to check their purses and briefcases.

“I left mine in the car,” Viv announced, glancing at Caesar.

“It’s mine,” he said, settling the pocket-size phone to his ear. “Yeah?”

“Hey, Caesar, it’s Sandra.”

“Hey, what’s goin’ on?”

Sandra sighed heavily on the phone. “Well, I’ve been trying to get in touch with Vivian all morning.”

Caesar frowned. “Something wrong?”

“Well, not really. I guess I should be talking to you anyway.”

“What is it?” Caesar asked again.

“Well, it’s about moving your stuff.”

Caesar’s light stare immediately shifted toward Vivian. He leaned back in his chair and gnawed the inside of his jaw. “Is that right?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m sorry to bother you during your meeting,” Sandra said.

“That’s okay, hold on a minute,” Caesar told her as he pushed his chair away from the table. “I’m gonna take this out in the lobby,” he announced before heading out of the room.

“All right, Sandra, what’s the problem?”

“Well, Viv told me you wanted your things moved out of the president’s suite. I’ve got two offices available but I don’t know which one you prefer.”

Caesar pushed one hand into his pocket and frowned. “What do you have?”

“I’ve got one right down the hall and one on the other side.”

Caesar hesitated to respond as a new idea formed in his mind. “Sandra, Viv was obviously mistaken. She’s the one who decided to have her things moved. She was just talking about having that office down the hall.”

“Oh,” Sandra said, quite surprised. “Well, I’m glad I called you before anything was moved.”

“So am I,” Caesar replied, pretending to sound relieved.

“I’ll have everything moved to Viv’s new office by the time the two of you get back from your meeting.”

“Great. Thanks, Sandra.”

“No problem.”

Caesar ran one hand through his silky crop of curls and shut off the phone. “Nice try, Plum,” he whispered.

“Everything okay?” Viv asked when Caesar took his seat next to her.

He smiled, taking in the wide, innocent gaze. “Yeah, I’ve just got a lot to handle when I get back to the office,” he explained, his light eyes settling to her full breasts straining against the gray, spaghetti-strapped top she wore.

Viv nodded and turned back to the table. “So do I. That office is gonna look like a whirlwind hit it.”

“I don’t think anything could make that office look bad,” Caesar bragged, brushing a crumb from the crease of his rust-colored slacks. “Have any of you had the chance to see the president’s suite?” he asked their breakfast companions.

“Several times. The last time I saw it, I couldn’t believe how gorgeous it was,” one executive recalled, smoothing a hand over her short hair.

“Well, I love it,” Caesar raved, “You don’t mind coming to work in a place like that.”

A faint yet genuine smile played around Viv’s mouth. Caesar was far more overjoyed than usual and she relished it. Suddenly she began to laugh and everyone stared at her. “Sorry, I’m so sorry,” she gasped, “I’m just happy our grannies entrusted us with the company.”

“And that plush office, right?” Caesar added, a knowing look on his gorgeous face.

Viv’s long lashes fluttered closed as she nodded. “Oh, yes.”

Vivian and Caesar had taken separate cars to the breakfast meeting. Still, they arrived at the office within minutes of each other. Caesar managed to get inside and race to the president’s office just before Viv walked through the door.

“No-o-o!” Viv moaned when she stepped into the posh suite to find Caesar lounging behind his desk. Her desk, files and other essentials were gone. “What happened in here?”

Caesar moved out of his seat and rushed toward Viv with his arms outstretched. “Ah, Plum. Girl, you always surprise me!” he said, pulling her against him for a tight hug. “I had no idea you were giving me the big office!” he bellowed, planting a loud kiss to her cheek. He laughed when Viv pulled away and wiped the kiss from her cheek.

“I can’t believe this!” she whispered in a fierce tone, dropping the leather bag she carried. Her fingers shook madly as she ran them through the glossy curls brushing her cheeks.

“I know. Looks good, doesn’t it?” Caesar asked as he strode around the office like a king surveying his castle. “I think I’ll put my bench press here,” he declared, waving toward the spot where Viv’s desk had been.

“How did this happen?” Viv asked as though she were speaking to herself. “I was very specific.”

“Specific about what, Plum?” Caesar asked, smirking a little as he leaned back against the bar.

Vivian shook her head, mentally replaying the message she’d left Sandra. “I know I told her to have his stuff moved.”

“Speak up, Plum,” Caesar prompted, his intense, deep-set eyes narrowing to thin slits.

Viv raised her hand, pleading for silence.

Caesar pushed himself from the bar and closed the short distance between them, standing behind her. “You know, if you hadn’t left your cell in the car, all this wouldn’t be mine.”

“What are you talkin’ about?” Viv asked as she whirled around to face him.

Caesar walked away and took a seat on top of his desk. “Sandra called during the breakfast meeting,” he announced, seeing the light of realization dawn in Viv’s dark eyes. “She had two free offices and wanted to know which one I preferred.”

Vivian was so angry, she could not speak. Her hands clenched into tight fists as she imagined herself smashing them into Caesar’s smiling face. “You sneaky oaf,” she whispered.

“Me?” Caesar cried, pressing one hand against the front of his cream-colored shirt. “I didn’t try to have you thrown out of here while you were away.”

“What the hell do you call this?” Viv rebutted, spreading her arms.

Caesar moved off the desk. “Payback.”

“I hate you, Caesar Morrison,” Viv stormed, stomping to the office door. “But I promise you this,” she warned, grabbing her bag off the sofa and pointing it in his direction, “you won’t have the last laugh.”

Of course, Caesar’s roaring laughter followed Viv down the hall.

A soft tune filled the small, cozy corner office as Viv stood in the center of the room later that evening. She had just hung the last painting and was admiring the decor. Surprisingly, she found that she loved her new surroundings.

That was more than evident to Caesar when he stepped into the room. Stepping just inside the door, he watched as she surveyed the office. Pure male desire radiated from his incredible gaze as he appraised the outline of her long legs and full bottom beneath the snug-fitting pants she wore.

Vivian turned just then and saw him standing in the doorway. “Come on in, Caesar,” she urged.

Surprised by the polite invitation, Caesar looked around for any sudden dangers awaiting him. Viv noticed his actions and propped one hand on her hip.

“Will you come on?”

With a cool grin on his face, Caesar walked further inside the office. He took in the off-white walls, the small couch and matching cushioned armchairs that were mauve, lavender and cream in color. Tall, healthy green plants stood in every corner. The coffee table was finished in the same rich maple as the desk and frames of the pictures decorating the room.

“You seem to be settling in just fine…or is it an act?” Caesar queried, taking a seat on the arm of the sofa.

Vivian laughed, stepping behind her desk to get started on arranging her file cabinet. “It’s no act.”

“Ah,” he sighed, tilting his head back. “It won’t last.”

“If you say so,” Vivian sang. She refused to let him goad her into another argument.

“Don’t hold your breath waiting on me to return your half of the office,” Caesar advised.

Viv uttered a tired sigh and did not pull her eyes off the folder she held. “I hadn’t planned to.”

Caesar’s brows rose. He was more than a little impressed by the way she handled the defeat. Unfortunately, he knew Viv too well to believe she would just let things go without some form of retaliation.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.