A Tempting Proposal (Kimani Romance) (2 page)

Chapter 2

D
aman rocked his head to the beat of smooth jazz music as he sat in a popular downtown Chicago steakhouse, awaiting Imani’s arrival. He’d called her earlier that day to settle on a location for them to meet and discuss the Simses’ proposal. However, the business side of him had some strong apprehensions about accepting what they had offered. He knew there was a catch, but he didn’t know what the older couple had up their sleeves. Regardless of his apprehensions, he knew he had to accept their offer and partner with Imani to plan the gala. He’d promised his father he would buy the property when Mr. and Mrs. Sims were ready to sell, and he couldn’t disregard a promise. On his deathbed, his father told him that the estate would be the best investment he’d ever make. He also told him that it held answers to questions he didn’t even know he had. Daman never got the chance to ask his father to expand on his request. So, Daman not only wanted the estate, he
needed
the estate. He knew there would be something there from his father. What it was, he wasn’t sure.

Taking a sip of wine to calm his nerves, Daman pondered the proposal. He was anxious about his business dinner with Imani. This wasn’t like him. He never got anxious about meeting with a woman. Then again, he had never gone months without sex, either. Dealing with pressing personal issues had recently forced him to put everything else on the back burner—even his physical needs. But meeting Imani ignited an inferno under that back burner.

Partnering with her wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen. He was irritated, though, at the way his body reacted to her. Even now he felt like he needed a cold shower. Maybe it was the way her body had sweetly filled out her business suit. Her luscious curves and fair golden-tan complexion were causing him a lot of discomfort. He’d closely assessed her when they were introduced, and the fact that she had boldly assessed him in return every time she caught his eye had made it hard for him to look away.

He glanced at his watch and took another sip of his wine just as he spotted her being escorted to his table. She walked like a woman on a mission.

“Daman, it’s good to see you again,” Imani said. She gave a soft smile but remained professional.

Any man could tell she was poised and she exuded confidence. He usually avoided overly confident women. In his experience, he found them to be too much work, even though his friends would say he never gave that type of woman a chance. On her, however, he had to admit that he liked the confident air.

He stood to pull out her chair. “Good to see you, too, Imani.” The attraction was strong, and so was his anxiety. The faster they got down to discussing business, the better off his body would be.

“I’m sorry I’m a little late,” Imani said as she took her seat. “My mom needed me to run an errand for her. Sometimes I think she’s oblivious to how much work I do. But as she always says, ‘A Burrstone’s work is never done!’”

“No problem. I understand.”

As she ordered her wine, he couldn’t help but observe her natural beauty. Then a thought struck. “Hold on. You said Burrstone. I thought your last name was Rayne.”

“Yes, it is. See, my mother is a Burrstone. My father’s last name is Rayne.”

“Oh, okay. By
Burrstone
you don’t mean...” His voice trailed off. Imani was smiling a little too hard. Something about the way she smiled made him want to suck her lips and really give her something to smile about.

“If you were going to ask me if I was a Burrstone as in
the
Burrstones, then the answer is yes.”

Oh, so she’s one of the infamous Burrstone women.
The Burrstone family was well-known across the county. Its members consisted of educators, business owners, famous actors and actresses, sports icons, politicians and entrepreneurs. They had founded several charities for children and less-fortunate families, and were highly involved in community events. They were greatly admired, and Daman had always liked the fact that they were a close-knit family.

It dawned on him to whom the Simses were referring when they spoke of the loss of Imani’s grandmother during their meeting the other day. He remembered reading about her death a few years ago. From various articles and interviews, he knew that Faith or “Gamine”—as close family and friends affectionately called her—was a remarkable woman.

“I’m sorry about Mrs. Burrstone.”

Imani grew quiet before speaking. “Thanks. I miss Gamine a lot, but I know she’s in a better place.”

“I know the feeling. I lost my father a while ago.”

Daman wasn’t sure why he had shared that information with her. He didn’t share personal information about himself readily. He watched her trying to read his face and wanted to tell her to give up, since he wasn’t an easy person to read.

“I know,” she replied. “I did a little research on you before I got here. It must be hard for you. I couldn’t imagine losing a parent.”

Shrugging his shoulders, he blew off her words. The waiter stopped by their table, took their dinner orders and left again. After silent seconds ticked into minutes, Daman decided to get to the business at hand.

“So I’ve been thinking a lot about Mr. and Mrs. Sims’s proposal and I don’t think there’s any harm in planning the gala and deciding who will get the estate.”

“I agree,” Imani replied. “I think good things can come out of planning the gala, and Mr. and Mrs. Sims have done more than their fair share for the community over the years. Have you ever planned an event this large before?”

“Yes. I’ve planned many client events and conferences for my company, Barker Architecture. I double majored in college so I have my bachelor’s in both hospitality management and architecture. After college, I got my master’s in business and marketing so I guess you can say I’m a jack of many trades.”

“That’s good to hear,” Imani said.

“I heard you own an event-planning company, but rest assured I’ll be able to handle my part of the planning,” Daman added.

“So you’ve heard of me?” Imani asked, appearing impressed.

Daman had researched her after their initial meeting and clicked on the first link that popped up. He didn’t know much, but the article he read was about her company.

“I heard a little something,” Daman responded. “Then we have an understanding? We’re planning the gala?”

“Yes, we have an understanding. But we need to decide how to split the duties, which days we have to go to Atlanta and who will go.”

“I guess you didn’t check your email?” Daman asked.

“No. Why, did you send me a message?” She reached for her iPhone and started scrolling through.

“Mr. and Mrs. Sims did. It’s filled with information we would need to know just in case we decided to accept their proposal. We can change the schedule slightly, but not much. This is going to require a lot more effort than I thought, but I can adjust my schedule to manage it.”

Daman pulled out a printed copy of the email and passed it to Imani.

He watched her expression as she glanced over the schedule. “There will hardly be any free time between work and organizing the gala.” She seemed a little concerned.

Daman nodded in agreement. He liked the way her face wrinkled as she read the schedule. She didn’t seem like the spontaneous type, so he figured the proposal threw her for a loop. He knew her type, and once you met one, you’ve met them all. Everything she did was probably calculated. He was the complete opposite. He lived for the moment and never thought too far in advance. He’d glanced at the schedule long enough to know a lot of work was ahead, but that was all.

“Imani, are you okay?” Daman asked. She had continued to look at the schedule even after they’d eaten the dinner that had been served.

She finally looked up from the paper after hearing Daman’s voice. He could see the wheels in her brain turning.

“I’m sorry. It’s just that if we have to follow this schedule, it seems we’re going to be together a lot.”

Her face became apprehensive.
Interesting
. “Do you have a problem being around me?” He smiled slyly. “I know I’m sexy and all, but I’m sure you can keep your hands off me long enough for us to plan the gala.”

He didn’t know why he was provoking her. It usually took longer for a woman to strike his interest enough for him to even participate in any type of banter. She was different from most women he dated...
not that this was a date,
he reminded himself. The more he flirted with her, the angrier she got, and he liked the effect he was having on her.

“By no means do you affect me, Daman Barker, and you won’t distract me from my work. I’m going through with this proposal because I want my estate. I simply didn’t know it required so much of my free time.”

Hmmm...she doesn’t intimidate easily. I like that.
“By
my estate
, I hope you’re talking about the smaller one.”

Imani took another sip of her wine and adjusted the sleeves of her soft coral blouse. Leaning over the table, she stated in a clear voice, “No, I’m talking about the larger estate that you will agree to let me have after we plan this gala.”

He laughed at Imani’s bold statement. He had no intentions of letting her have the larger estate. “You know something, you seem very confident. Maybe too confident.”

“I don’t
seem
confident, Daman. I know the estate will be mine.”

He winked at her and laughed when she rolled her eyes. He was sure she was usually very professional, but he was throwing her off her game. She obviously didn’t like the look he was giving her, or probably any of the other looks he’d been giving her all evening.

“Daman, when I set my mind to something, I usually get what I want. And in this case, I want that estate, even if it means working long and excruciating hours with someone as arrogant as you.”

It wasn’t the first time he’d been called arrogant, and it probably wouldn’t be the last. He was only arrogant when backed into a corner. Imani hadn’t done much, but he felt a growing need to push her buttons.

“You’re clearly used to winning competitions. Well, I guarantee you that this is a competition you’ll lose. Besides, you can’t help that you’re attracted to me. Most women are.”

With a laugh, she looked him dead in the eye. “Daman, from what I’ve read about you on the internet, I know I’m not your type. Your name has been linked to the ditzy type—you know, women who can barely think for themselves. You’re handsome and all, but you’re definitely not my type. And I’m calling you on your crap because yesterday you were so into me that you could barely listen to the Simses. I saw it in your eyes—looking me up and down as if I were a plate of meat. You see me as a challenge, but trust me when I say that you can’t handle a woman like me. So do us both a favor and get off your high horse.”

He could hardly contain his smile at seeing Imani’s look of satisfaction. She was right about one thing. Even today, she looked good enough to eat. But he refused to let her get the upper hand.

“You’re right. At one point you had my complete attention yesterday.” He dropped his voice even lower before continuing. “But it’s only fair that I call you on your crap, too. You’re attracted to me. You know it. I know it. I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Sims know it. The difference is that you are playing with fire, Imani. You’re definitely not too much for me to handle and I’m not afraid to act on the attraction. No matter how confident you seem today, I remember how our chemistry caught you off guard before. If you want to play this game, then be prepared to be eating out of my hands. I’m good at what I do.”

He was forgetting his manners, and for a minute, he regretted what he’d said because he knew it could be taken more than one way. Then he remembered that anything he could do to throw her off her game was a plus, since he really needed to get the estate.

“Well, I have to go,” Imani said, clearly appalled by his egotistical comments. But like the pro he could tell she was, she quickly recovered and continued their conversation. “I’ll be busy rearranging my schedule, so it won’t conflict with planning the gala. How about we meet Friday?”

Daman needed to make arrangements at work, too. “I’ll call you and work out the details for Friday.”

Imani stood to leave and placed the schedule in her purse. “I look forward to it. And hopefully, you’ll check your arrogance at the door next time we meet,” she stated in a sharp tone.

As Daman watched her walk out of the restaurant, he couldn’t help but admire how gracefully her juicy behind swayed in her suit.
Her thickness should not be hidden under clothes
.

When he’d promised his father he would buy the estate with the lake view when the Simses were ready to sell, he didn’t think he’d be going up against such a beautiful woman. He settled the check and left the restaurant, knowing his body wouldn’t let him get any sleep tonight.

Chapter 3

“S
o Mr. and Mrs. Sims want you to plan one of the biggest galas of the year with one of the most sought-after bachelors in Detroit?” Mya Winters, one of Imani’s business partners and best friends walked into Imani’s office and sat in a chair near the desk. At twenty-nine, they were proud owners of Elite Events Incorporated, along with Imani’s twenty-seven-year-old sister, Cydney Rayne, and cousin, Lexus Turner.

“You know Daman Barker?” Imani asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

“I’ve heard his name around.”

“And we’ve seen a picture or two,” Cyd added, as she and Lex walked into Imani’s office and took a seat on her sofa. “We also presented him with an offer to be featured in the most-eligible bachelors’ edition of our magazine in a few months. Didn’t you read the documents I placed on your desk?”

“No, I didn’t. Sorry.”

“That’s okay. I know you’ve been busy.”

Truthfully, they’d all been busy, and Imani wished she hadn’t taken on so many additional projects. Although each woman ran their respective divisions, Imani knew that she sometimes took on more than she could handle in her own division. The same could be said for her involvement with her family.

“So what are you going to do?” Lex asked the question, but all three women appeared to be listening intently.

“I told the Simses and Daman that I accepted the proposal, but I don’t like feeling obligated to work with anyone. Regardless, I know I need to suck it up and play nice. Although Gamine never told me why she needed me to purchase the estate, she did say it would hold the answers I’ve been searching for. The estate is finally in my reach to purchase, and I’ve been waiting five years to see what answers may lie inside. Whether it be a box or a letter, I need to know.”

The look between Cyd and Lex didn’t go unseen by Imani so she decided to divert from talking about Gamine.

“Plus, my initial meeting with Daman didn’t go so well.”

“Why not?” Mya asked.

“He’s arrogant, cocky and thinks he’s God’s gift to women.”

“Seems like most of the men we know,” Mya said with a laugh.

“That may be true, but something about him gets under my skin. If last night was any indication of how working with him will be, then I need to really think about this.”

“Hmmm...usually you’re so good with words that even the cocky guys eventually quit with that nonsense,” Cyd stated. “Could it be that your attraction to him is what’s really aggravating you?”

Imani looked at Cyd in disbelief. “What makes you think I’m attracted to him?”

“Oh, come on, girl,” Mya chimed in. “We’ve all seen his picture. Daman’s your type. Simple as that.”

Imani sighed as she stood and glanced out her office window before turning her attention back toward the women. “That’s the other problem. When the Simses first introduced us, the attraction between us was obvious, and you all know my policy about fraternizing with men I work with.”

The three women shook their heads at Imani’s comment.

“You can’t constantly work hard and never allow yourself time to relax,” Lex said. “I can’t even remember the last time you were attracted to a man.”

“That’s because I don’t have time for them.”

Cyd walked over to Imani. “Last time I checked, you didn’t need a lot of time to enjoy a man’s company. Plus,” Cyd continued while nudging Imani’s shoulder, “you and Daman will only be partners for a short time.”

“I know, but I need to stay focused. No one thought that four women as young as us could have built such a successful company so fast. That’s part of why you all don’t date, either, because deep down we know men equal trouble. And trouble makes us lose focus of our goals.”

“I disagree,” Mya said. “At least
we
choose to date every now and then. But you haven’t let loose in a while, which is crazy considering how you used to be. Don’t you miss it?”

Imani glanced up at her friends and business partners because she knew there were words left unspoken. Since Gamine’s death, Imani was far from the person she once was. She used to be more carefree and had no problem enjoying a man’s company or living in the moment. Gamine had always encouraged her to follow her dreams and start her own event-planning business. The fact that her best friend since college, sister and cousin all shared a similar dream was a huge plus. Each of them had talents in different areas, and their business took off like wildfire. Besides being founders of a successful business, they also owned several Boys & Girls Clubs and published their own bimonthly magazine. Each alternated as head planner per event and actively managed a different part of the company. Imani’s focus was on business management and sales; Cyd did marketing and advertising; Lex handled communications and public relations, and Mya worked on educational training and sponsorships. They were a force to be reckoned with, each having accomplished so much before the age of thirty.

Coming out of her trance, Imani noticed that they were still waiting on her response to Mya’s question.

“Yes, I do miss having male company, and you’re right, I haven’t let loose in a while. I know it’s time for me to try to make some changes to get out of this funk I’m in, but unfortunately, that’s easier said than done.” Sitting down at her desk, she took a sip of her coffee, thinking she’d added just enough cream to make her coffee almost the exact color of Daman’s velvety, chocolate skin.

“Enough with all the serious talk,” Cyd said in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Let’s get down to the real business. Just how sexy is Daman in person?”

Imani shook her head as she thought about the right way to describe her first encounter with Daman. “Honestly, besides being arrogant and cocky, all I can tell is that he’s confident and successful.”

“Seriously?” Cyd asked, with a look of disbelief. “That’s all you got?”

Imani exhaled. “No, that’s not all. He’s also tall, nicely groomed and has smooth, chocolate skin, which I definitely like. His eyes remind me of dark chestnuts and his smile is so sexy. And goodness, what a body. If you could have seen how he looked in that suit...” Her voice trailed off when she noticed how quiet her friends were. The knowing looks on their faces proved that she’d said too much already.

“But that won’t change anything,” she quickly added.

All the women laughed. “Oh, yes, it will,” Lex said. “There is only so much a woman can handle. You’ve always been a sucker for Daman’s type, so I don’t see why this situation will be any different.”

“Lex has a point. The sooner you admit that we’re right, the easier he will be for you to handle,” Mya added. “We already know how the corporate world works and Daman wants the estate, too, so he’ll pull out all the stops to get it. You don’t need to suck it up and play nice. You need to get your head in the game and go out balls blazing. The two most important things are to help plan one of the biggest events that Elite Events has ever been a part of
and
win the estate.”

“You’re right,” Imani replied, allowing Mya’s positive energy to rub off on her. “Organizing such a grand event will be amazing and beneficial. Besides, I can work on convincing Daman that I should get the lake-view estate. Y’all know how convincing I can be when I want something.”

“Hell, yeah! Now you need to keep that attitude,” Cyd stated.

“And pull out all the tricks because you know he will, too,” Mya added.

“Cyd and Mya are right. But please don’t stress about your attraction to Daman,” Lex said with a smile.

Imani wondered if there was anything they didn’t know about her. She was still apprehensive because she usually liked to plan ahead before diving into things, but she would never have turned down such an important proposal as the one from Mr. and Mrs. Sims.

“You’re all right,” Imani replied.

“Then it’s settled?” Mya asked. “You already said yes to the Simses’ proposal. Give Daman a run for his money. Even if that means seducing him, like he probably will try to do to you.”

The situation really didn’t seem settled at all, but Imani always prided herself on seeing the bright side. Fidgeting with the nameplate on her desk, she tried to hide her apprehension. But she never backed down from a challenge, and Daman Barker was definitely a challenge. “Yes, it’s settled.”
Let the games begin!