What A Day

What A Day!

Bree

The blaring of my alarm clock woke me from slumber, letting me know it was time to get up and get moving. I groaned as I reached over on my nightstand to turn it off. I did not want to get up after the long night I had. Lawrence, my business partner, kept me in the office until near one this morning. He wanted to make sure we had everything for our meeting with a potential partner. Our small business, LB & Associates has grown exponentially, and it has become overwhelming for both of us. When Lawrence and I decided to leave the accounting firm we were both busting our butts for but not getting the deserved recognition because we were the minority, we had no idea how successful our firm would grow in a short amount of time. A lot of our clients left our ex-employer to follow us to our business and with referrals from them, LB & Associates soared. So, I honestly couldn’t be upset about working hours beyond closing time.

I tossed the comfy covers off me and sat up. I yawned and stretched my five foot five, one hundred-and fifty-five-pounds curvy frame as slid my feet into my house slippers. I stood then made my way to my bathroom and began my hygiene for the day. After my shower, I wrapped my body with a towel and padded over to my closet. I stood in the entry way looking around at my neatly and color-coded organized array of clothes, trying to decide what to wear.

Remembering the pair of Jimmy Choo silver and blue Romy 100 pumps I bought the other day, I went over to the blue suits and strolled through until I came across a form fitted navy blue dress with decorative buttons going down one side. It included a matching crop jacket.

“Perfect,” I said out loud once I pulled it off the rack. I went back into my room and laid my dress on my bed, then went to my dresser and pulled out a matching navy-blue bra and thong set. “No panty lines today.” I held the thong up as if I was inspecting it.

Once I was dressed, I switched my tote bags out to match my outfit of the day, then headed towards the front door. I snatched my trench coat off the coat rack next to the front door just as my cellphone began vibrating in my tote. I ignored my phone knowing it was either Lawrence or my assistant, Jordan, calling. My heels click-clacked on the marble floor as I made my way to the elevator at the opposite end of the hall.

I loved the luxury condominium I lived in. Being on the top floor served its perks since there were only three units on this floor. Up to just a few days ago, only two of them were occupied, mine being one of the two, and the other was a married couple that had no children. I haven’t met my new neighbor yet. Whoever it was though was just as quiet as the Browder couple because I hadn’t heard any noises coming from their apartment.

My cell vibrated again for the third time had me on alert now. It was very unusual for back-to-back calls. I stopped in the middle of the hallway to search my tote for my phone when the door to Apartment A swung open, and a golden retriever shot out the entrance running directly into me, knocking me into the opposite wall.

“Aaah,” I screamed out as I went one way, and my tote went the other falling to the floor. The dog then came over and began sniffing me before he tried licking my face, but I blocked him.

“Max, down!” A male voice commanded. Max immediately halted and ran over to its owner. “I’m so sorry,” the man apologized as he helped me to stand.

I fixed my mouth to go off on him but when I looked up at him, my words got caught in my throat at the sight before me. I took in every detail of this caramel god towering over me. Starting from the top of his head, down to his feet, I looked over this Adonis that had me speechless. His hair was cut low and neat in waves. His eyebrows were thick. His eyes, my damn, were a funny mixture of grey and green. Beautiful! They pierced my soul as I was momentarily hypnotized by them. When he blinked, that broke my trance and I continued to peruse his handsome face, taking note of his Jackson Five nose, big kissable lips, and chiseled jaw that was outlined with that five o’clock neatly trimmed shadow beard and flowed into a low-cut goatee. My eyes trailed down to his white t-shirt that clung to muscles bulging from his arms and clung to what I had no doubt were washboard abs underneath. I gasped when my eyes landed on the print of his dick in a pair of gray sweatpants. My girly parts did a few backflips.

“Mmhm,” he cleared his voice causing my eyes to snap back up to his.

I had to cover my mouth to make sure I didn’t drool on myself. The amusement in his eyes took away all my sexual thoughts and feelings as the reason for our encounter came to mind. My vibrating phone snatched my attention to the floor where all my things were strewn about.

“Shit,” I moaned as I bent down and began gathering my belongings.

“Let me give you a hand,” he said.

“No! No, thank you.” I held my hand up stopping him. I quickly scooped up everything and tossed them into my tote, holding onto my phone. When I stood up, the man was still there looking agitated. “Don’t you know you’re supposed to have a leash on your dog whenever you bring him out of your apartment?” I asked.

“Yeah, I do, but he was just excited to be going out for his morning walk and took off as soon as I opened the door. Again, I apologize. I’ll make sure he’s on a leash before opening the door from now on.”

“Fine,” I told him.

“I’m Tris-,”

“This phone just won’t stop ringing! Hello,” I answered. Placing my attention on the call not bothering to see who it was calling, I took off towards the elevator, leaving Adonis standing there with his hand held out waiting for me to shake.

“Bree, why aren’t you answering your phone?”

“Mom?” Her voice sounded strained.

“I’ve been calling you. It’s your father.”

“Ma, what’s going on? What’s wrong with Dad?”

My stomach started turning in knots hearing my mom’s sniffling on the other end. I leaned against the wall next to the elevator. I clinched the bridge of my nose as I felt a headache brimming. I prayed it wasn’t what my gut was telling me, but the way she was stifling to get the words out of her mouth in between sobs, I knew it wasn’t good.

“Is he gone, ma?” I asked just above a whisper.

“Y-yes, baby. H-he’s gone,” she wailed.

For the second time today, I fell to the floor as I cried out. My rock, my biggest supporter, my father, was gone.

Tristan

I placed the last of the plates in the cabinet. I finally finished unpacking and settling into my new condo. I got to thank my brother, Trevor, again for hooking me up with his realtor. She did a great job finding me this place. It was spacious enough for Max to run around, and for me to have an office and gym space being it was a three-bedroom luxury condo. What really sold me were the picture-perfect views of downtown from almost every room. It also didn’t hurt when Marilyn, the realtor, told me there were only three tenants on this floor.

Growing up in the projects and sharing a bedroom with four brothers, I have always liked lots of space once I was on my own. I originally wanted a house, but Marilyn convinced me to come view this listing before deciding on a house. Even with the fabulous amenities she rattled off to me as we drove over, it wasn’t until I was inside this condo, that I was sold. Being that I was paying cash upfront, it didn’t take long to close. The owners accepted my offer, and they in turn honored a few updates be made to the condo I requested. And now, here I am.

This was the second step I made in taking back my life after a messy divorce from my ex-wife, Denver. That woman, who I thought was the love of my life, turned out to be my worst nightmare. It didn’t make matters worse that none of my family ever liked her and all tried to tell me she wasn’t good for me. However, I couldn’t see the fire for the smoke. Lucky for me though, I did follow my big brother, Travis’ advice and got a prenup. Denver did and said everything she could to contest it, but in the end, the judge ruled in my favor. That was after I spent thousands of dollars on attorney fees.

My, dog, Max, began scratching on the door letting me know it was time to go handle his business. He really had to go because he walked in circles in front of the door. I snatched his leash off the arm of the recliner then grabbed my keys and cell phone off the sofa table. I opened the door and attempted to attach the leash to his collar, but Max rushed out of the door and ran up on the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on.

It was as if everything happened in slow motion as Max ran into her knocking her down, sending her one way and her belongings another. My reaction was delayed because her gorgeous face was all I could see until her screeching alarmed me. I quickly made a command to Max who came to me immediately. I apologized to the beauty and once she was standing on her feet, the look she gave me as she eye-fucked me had me smirking. When our eyes connected, my mans rocked up. I had to blink in hopes of clearing the nasty thoughts that were running my mind. However, I couldn’t help but smirk when she caught sight of my hard-on through my sweats.

Her eyes lingered a bit too long because she was on the verge of drooling. I cleared my throat to bring her back to the now. When she went off on me about Max not being on a leash, I believe I fell in love. Her vibrating phone stole the moment I tried to introduce myself to her. She left me standing there with my hand out to shake as she took her call. Not wanting to traumatize her any further with Max in the elevator with her, I decided it was best we took the next one. I turned to lock my door when she let out a heart-wrenching wail. It put Max on alert, and he began to bark.

“Hush, Max,” I commanded.

I ran down to her and knelt in front of her. She sat on the floor with her knees up and her arms crossed over them. She rested her head on her arms. I looked her over searching for any injuries she may have gotten from her previous fall. I noticed she clutched her phone in her hand, so I took the cause of her weeping was the phone call.

“Bree! Bree,” a woman’s voice called out through the phone before it disconnected.

Not sure of what to do, I placed a hand on Bree’s shoulder. She looked up at me with red, puffy eyes. Even with her tears running her makeup and snot trickling from her nose, she was still a beautiful woman. All I knew was I wanted to take away the hurt and pain she was dealing with.

“Come on, let me help you up.” I held out my hand that she looked at before she took it for me to help her up. I grabbed her tote and placed it on my shoulder as I led her back to my apartment. I wasn't going to rummage through her bag for her keys.

I unlocked my door and ushered her inside. I sat her on my sofa then sat her bag next to her. Remembering why I left my apartment, I grabbed a couple of pads and placed them in the storage room so Max could handle his business. I’ll take him for a walk later. After getting Max situated, I went back into the kitchen, washed my hands, then fixed her a glass of water. I grabbed the bottle of Tylenol the went back into the living room to check on her.

“Yes, Mom. I’ll be home in a couple of days. Well, we have that big meeting I told you about. Hopefully, everything will go through today, and we can move forward.”

She paused a few seconds as she listened to her mother on the other end. She looked up and saw me holding the glass of water and Tylenol out to her. I didn’t need to ask if someone in her family passed on that she was close to. That was obvious and something I knew all too well about.

“Ok. Mom, I’ll call you back in a little while. Love you, too,” she said then disconnected the call.

“Are you trying to take advantage of me in my most vulnerable state and try to drug me?” She frowned.

“Huh?”

“You heard me,” she stood to her feet.

“No, I’m not. The water is from the water cooler sitting in the corner. This bottle of Tylenol hasn’t even been opened yet. I figured all that crying, you might have a headache. That’s all. Plus, I don’t need to drug you or any other woman nor do I take advantage of women. Let’s get that straight right now.”

I understood she was going through something traumatic, but there was no way I was going to allow her to make me out to be a pervert when all I was doing was extending genuine kindness. She looked over the bottle, then over to the water cooler before looking back at me. She softened her glare a bit then took the pills and water. She removed the cap off the bottle revealing the seal still intact. She removed it then poured two pills into her hand before she quickly popped them in her mouth and washed them down with the water.

“Thank you.” She handed me back everything. I sat them on the coffee table.

“You’re welcome.”

“I have to go. Again, thank you.” She grabbed her tote off the sofa and started for the door.

“It’s no problem at all. By the way, my name is Tristan.”

“Nice to meet you, Tristen. I’m Bree.” We shook hands.

“It’s nice to meet you, Bree, although I wish it were under better circumstances.”

“Likewise,” she gave a half-hearted smile.

“I’ll see you around, neighbor,” I walked over and opened the door for her.

My lord, the energy that swarmed around us was electrifying. Being that close to her was making me want to do some naughty things to her. I wanted to screw her pain away, take her mind off her phone call. More than that, I wanted to love on her, fill that part of her heart that is now shattered with my love. But how can I love this woman I don’t even know? The last time I fell in love at first sight, I ended up marrying a money-hungry adulterer. Shaking the thought off, I held the door open for Bree.

“Have a good day,” Bree said as she entered the hallway.

“You too, and my condolences to you and your family.”

“Thank you.”

I stood in the doorway and watched her make her way to the elevator. I watched Bree until she was on the elevator and the doors closed. I grabbed the leash off the floor next to the sofa table and wrapped it around my hand. “Max, come.”

Max came trotting from the storage room. I hooked his leash on his collar, then took him for our much-needed walk.

Bree

Since leaving my apartment building, it seems like I was running on autopilot. I have no recollection of driving to the office, nor do I remember getting out of my car and walking to my office. Somehow, I got there in one piece and without causing harm to someone else. I locked myself in my office and had Jordan hold all calls unless it was about the meeting that we had in a couple of hours.

Lawrence came bursting into my office a while later, holding his key up as he stepped in and closed the door behind him. He had a look of concern plastered across his face. I assumed he was looking like that because of the meeting we had in a few minutes. When he walked around my desk and hugged me, it was then I gathered my assumptions were wrong.

“Did my mom call you?”

“Yes, babe, she did. Are you ok? You didn’t have to come in. I could have handled the meeting myself. You should be with Bianca,” he said calling my mom by her name.

“No, work is what I need to do right now. Once we get this deal done with James Accounting Services, I’m going home.”

“Even during your time of bereavement, your business savviness is still in full effect,” Lawrence joked.

“At this point, that’s all I have. You know my dad was my world.”

“I know. Well, Ms. Franklin, let’s go make a deal.”

“Let’s do this.” I went to stand but Lawrence waved his hand.

“Um, no ma’am, not looking like that you won’t. Go clean your face first. Shit, you will scare the man away looking like a raccoon on crack by the eyes. I love you but you know I keeps it real.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at my flamboyant and always-together business partner and friend. He was right though. After stepping inside my ensuite bathroom and looking at my reflection in the mirror, I looked horrible. I thought back to Tristan earlier and groaned. He probably wrote me off after how I went off on him and looking like I was looking. Shaking my head, I cleaned my face and reapplied my makeup.

“Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Lawrence boasted. “Gorgeous!”

“Thanks, but I don’t feel like it.”

“It will get better as time goes on,” Lawrence replied.

“Ms. Franklin and Mr. Bell, your one o’clock appointment has arrived and is being escorted into the conference room,” Jordan said through the speakerphone.

“Thanks, Jordan,” I told her.

“I’ll go entertain our guest of honor for a few minutes.”

“Thanks, Lawrence. I’ll be there in five minutes.

Lawrence left out, leaving me alone. Tears threatened to fall, but I refused to let them. I had to hold it together to get through this meeting. After that, the flood gates can open, and the tears can flow freely. I took several deep breaths and gave myself a pep talk as I left my office and headed for the conference room. When I got to the entrance, my brows furrowed at who this meeting was with. Even with his back to me, I knew it was him, my new neighbor, Tristan. He was in a conversation with Lawrence and the attorneys for both parties of this merger. How did I not know this?

“Ah, there she is. Tristan James, let me introduce you to my business partner, Breanna Franklin,” Lawrence said.

When Tristan turned around to face me, our eyes locked on each other as they’d done earlier this morning. Time froze in place and the only movement I could register was Tristan walking towards me. The only sound I could hear was his voice.

“Well, well, well. We meet again,” he said.

Tristan

I gave Lawrence, Bree, and their attorneys my attention as best I could as they went over the terms of the merger. I was very impressed with all they had accomplished in the three years they had been in business. Usually, I’d buy a company out and dismantle it, but after going over the figures and seeing with my own eyes how well their business was going, I’d been a fool if I dismantled it.

The only downfall I saw with this merger would be me keeping my feelings for Bree in check since it was inevitable that we were about to be business partners. Mixing business with pleasure was never a good idea. Shit, who was I kidding? If she gave me an inch of a chance to be with her intimately, I was going to take it.

I had to spread my legs open so my mans could breathe. My dick jumped with each step Bree took back and forth as she spoke about how their business flourished by word-of-mouth via their client referrals. She spoke on how she wanted to guarantee the authenticity and values statement of their company remained intact. At this point, I was about to sign my entire life over to her. Whatever she wanted, she could have. She had no clue. When she finished speaking, I was still in a trance, stuck on stupid ogling over her until someone cleared their throat.

“Did you have any questions or concerns?” Their attorney asked.

“No. I’m good with everything,” I replied, my eyes still on Bree.

“I think you should go back over the terms of your percentage of ownership,” my attorney stated.

“I said, I’m good with the current terms.”

“We can go ahead and sign the contracts now since there are no changes that need to be made,” their attorney said.

“Sounds good to me!” Lawrence applauded.

Bree said nothing. She only smiled and that made my heart melt. My eyes followed her as she made her way back to her seat. We went about signing the contract and we officially became, LBT & Associates.

As soon as all parties signed, Bree excused herself stating she had a family emergency. I stood and followed her out of the conference room to her office. Once we were inside, I closed and locked the door.

“What are you doing?” She asked.

Instead of telling her, I showed her by taking two steps across the room to her, taking her in my arms, and planting a kiss on her pouty lips. I was a bit dizzy when we finally came up for air after several minutes.

“This was our last first kiss, no doubts about it. I know we just met a few hours ago, but I’m going to show you, we are meant for each other.”

“What if we are not meant for each other?” Bree asked just above a whisper.

“Nah, baby. There are no what-ifs. You knew it when you stood there drooling over me earlier,” I teased.

“I was not,” she slapped my chest playfully.

“I know what being in a messed-up relationship is. My heart and soul know you and I were meant to be. We can take it as slow as you want, but you will be my partner in the boardroom as well as the bedroom.”

“Good because someone needs to give her a tune-up,” Lawrence said. We turned to see him standing in the doorway with a key in his hand.