Rock Your Body: A BWWM Romance (10 page)

“Hello, Mr. Brennan. Sorry about those paparazzi,” the doorman said from a few feet away.

“Not a problem. I think they camp out.”

“I’ve shooed them away. I don’t know where they were hiding.”

“Not a problem, Gus. Thanks. There will be a delivery in about an hour,  so please let them up. From my favorite restaurant.”

“Okay, Mr. Brennan.”

The doors to the elevator opened and he nudged Tamra into the car. “All is okay now.” She let out a breath. “Do photographers follow you everywhere?”

“Yes, they do.”

                                                                       ***

Tamra shuddered at the intrusion into his life. She could not imagine people following her or taking pictures, or any of that stuff that happened when you were famous. She’d be happy to be known in her industry, but that was it.

Nothing more.

She’d be glad when this gig was over. Hopefully, her company would gain in their reputation from protecting such a highly visible client. She had to remember that.

If she had to put up with Colin and his antics, she had to keep in mind that it was business. She’d never have to see him again after this.

He leaned against the side of the elevator, his legs crossed at the ankles. He didn’t seem to be uncomfortable any place where he was. She bet that any day she could drop him in her own neighborhood and he’d figure out how to make a friend.

Not a bad quality to have, just annoying to her at the moment.

“We forgot our bags,” she said.

He shook his head. “Sean will unload them in the back and Gus will bring them up.”

What would it be like? Getting used to people catering to you? She thought it would fit her like an itchy sweater. She liked her privacy and her alone time. And that alone time is what she missed most during this case.

Suck it up, buttercup. This was business. She had to keep reminding herself.

“You look unhappy.”

She shrugged. “No. I’m fine.”

“You look like you are going to your execution. That doesn’t do much for my ego.”

“Am I supposed to fawn over you?”

“No, but I’d like to think that being in my presence isn’t horrible.”

“It’s unnerving. Okay? Flashbulbs when you get out of the car. Things like that are not part of my everyday existence.”

“Thanks for being honest. What are you going to do if you get more high profile clients?”

“Someone else will be protecting them. They probably won’t have a tantrum if it isn’t me on the job.”

“Good point.”

The elevator stopped. The doors opened onto a short hallway.

“I thought you were the only penthouse on this floor?”

“I am. The hallway is just an added layer of security.” He swiped a key card in the only door and it clicked open. “After you.”

She stepped into a room bigger than her whole apartment. The view was amazing. The buildings of Manhattan were laid out for them to see through the floor to ceiling windows. No building around was this high, so no one could see in.

What if there was a fire? These were things she had to think about.

Colin closed the door behind her. “Welcome to my home. Well, one of them.”

“Nice view.”

She didn’t mean to gawk, but she did. The view was stunning and she walked over to the windows just to stare for a moment.

***

Colin held his breath, wishing that Tamra liked the place. That was important. This place was his and part of his nutty life.

“What do you think?”

She turned from the view. “Quite a place.”

“Let me show you around.”

She followed him into a kitchen almost the size of the one in the house he was renting. Guess he liked to cook. “Nice.”

“There are three bedrooms, but I use one as an exercise room. Sadly, I can’t always run around Manhattan.”

He led her down a hallway. “This will be your room.”

She glanced in to see a four-poster bed and dark cherry furniture. Very traditional.  The walls were painted a subdued green. The room beckoned to her. Soothed her. How odd. She’d never had that reaction to any place she’d been.

“It’s very pretty.”

He grinned. “Thanks. My room’s right next door and across the hall is the exercise room. I don’t even know if you work out?”

“Uh, no, I don’t.”

“You should. It helps me calm my mind. I do yoga too. You should join me in the morning.”

“We’ll see.”

Yoga? What the hell? She was really taking one for the team.

“Just wear something comfortable.”

“Not sure I have anything like that. I brought a suit and a pair of jeans.”

“Then we’ll get you something. What size are you?”

She frowned at him. “My size?”

“I can’t tell. Just tell me. I already think you’re hot, so no worries what the number is.”

She sighed. “Eight.”

He pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Gus. I need a yoga pants and shirt in size eight.” He looked at her. “Do you care what color?”

“Black.”

“Black. Are our suitcases ready to come up?”

She didn’t hear what Gus said.

“Don’t make a special trip. Bring it all up at once,” Colin said.

He disconnected.

“Does Gus have yoga pants lying around at the desk?”

“No, he’ll have someone go out and get them.”

“Go out and get them?”

“It’s part of the job of a doorman in a building like this.”

“Ah, I see.”

She didn’t  really though, and couldn’t imagine a world where everything was at her beck and call. Colin took it for granted. Would he survive in a world different than this one? Probably. He’d come from humble beginnings, but it is easy to lose touch.

“You want to freshen up before dinner?”

“My stuff is in my bag.”

“No worries. There’s a bathroom off your bedroom and there are amenities in there.”

“Oh.”

                                                                         ***

Colin wanted to laugh at the look on her face. Yes, his life was easy in some ways. He had everything at his fingertips. Not that he didn’t work hard for his money. He did and felt he deserved his success.

He left Tamra to freshen up and he went to set the table. He had a small one that he set up by the window in the living room. He’d enjoy the view and he bet Tamra would too. Next came a tablecloth and silverware. Of course a candle in the middle and a vase with a rose in it.

Having no idea what flower she liked, Colin went with tradition. Gus had left the rose in the refrigerator for him.

His cell rang. Gus. “Hi Gus.”

“The food is here, but the yoga pants will take longer. You want me to bring up the bags?”

“Yes please.”

A few minutes later, the elevator dinged. Colin stood in his open door. A man in a white uniform carried bags of food. It looked like a lot. Colin hadn’t wanted to run out and didn’t know what Tamra preferred.

“I’m Jake, sir.”

“Nice to meet you, Jake.”

Colin took the bags from Gus who left in the elevator.

“Which way is the kitchen?” Jake asked.

“To the left.”

“Thanks.”

Colin looked at the table and was happy with what he’d come up with.  He followed Jake into the kitchen.

“Okay. Let me get the rest of the stuff in the warming oven,” Jake said. “Do you want me to open the wine and let it breathe?”

“Let’s wait. I don’t even know if my guest likes wine.”

“You don’t drink?”

“No, I don’t.  Never appealed to me,” Colin said.

“When will you be ready for service?”

“We'll need the main course in ten minutes.”

Colin left him to his devices, sure the meal would be splendid. His nerves were starting to hum. Had Tamra gotten lost?

She finally appeared in the living room, looking a little more relaxed than she had before.

“Hope you’re hungry. The first course is almost out.” He pointed to the table. “Have a seat.”

She glanced from him to the table then back again. “You don’t do things halfway.”

“No, I don’t. By the way do you drink wine?”

“I like the odd glass here and there.”

“Okay. I’ll have the chef open it.”

***

Colin disappeared into the kitchen as Tamra walked to the table. A rose, a tablecloth. Napkins. Wow. And the view was amazing.

Then she remembered what she forgot to tell Kelly, but now didn’t seem to be the time to make a call. Instead, she sat at the table and waited for Colin. She watched the lights in Manhattan begin to come on as the sun set.

Her heart thrummed in her chest. Colin was serious about this romance stuff. She figured she’d amuse him and he’d get bored, but now she didn’t think he would. He’d take this to the end.

And what would that end be? Probably her heart broken. Would be a fun ride. Kind of like being a kid at a county fair. Rides, food, and a lot of fun, but a tummy ache awaited at the end of the day. Though, her tummy ache would encompass her heart.

Even if the whole situation worked out, how would she ever fit into his life? She had a job. A business that she loved. She wasn’t going to just take off for six months while he toured. There was no working this out. She just couldn’t see it.

Or should she grab life with both hands and enjoy the ride. Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead? That wasn’t her style. She was a hard worker, but cautious. Not only careful with her life, but careful with her heart.

She’d gone for it once and her heart had been stomped on. That would take too long to recover from again.

A glass of wine appeared in front of her.  “You’re so deep in thought that I think you’re talking yourself out of this.”

“This?”

“My romancing you. You’re already looking for an exit strategy. If you spend your life looking for a way out you’ll never appreciate what’s in front of you.”

He sat down across from her, his face wide open and eager. A small smile flirted with his lips.

“That’s easy for you to say.” She looked around. “Your life is this?”

“I wasn’t born into this. I worked for this which gives me every reason to enjoy it all.”

“I didn’t mean to insult you.”

“I know, but I want you to understand this is only one part of me,” Colin said.

In that moment she wanted to know more about him. He was sweet and sexy and like a puppy. Who could resist a puppy? His energy was intoxicating. Or would she tire of him. He was like a sexy, hot Energizer Bunny.

She sipped her wine, noticing that he didn’t have any.  “How would our lives ever fit together?”

“Why worry about that? Why borrow trouble? I just want to get to know you.”

As usual, he made it all sound so simple.

CHAPTER 7

Kelly’s daughter didn’t talk to her for the rest of the evening. She wasn’t surprised. Then the phone rang and it was Kelly’s ex, George.

“What did you do?” he said.

“Hello to you too.”

“Your daughter is in her bedroom in tears.”

“What did you do?”

“I signed the consent form.”

“Without even discussing it with me? I might have been amenable to it if she’d approached both of us. I could probably have been persuaded, but her doing this behind my back convinces me of her immaturity. And you should know better. I do my best to not make unilateral decisions. I discuss them with you.”

“She wants to be a star. Why are you holding her back?”

“Because she’s 15. She's too young and besides, it’s a tough business.”

“Have you heard your daughter sing?”

“Yes and she’s very talented.  I agree, but she isn’t going to pursue this at this age.”

“You are a buzz-kill.”

“Someone needs to be the grown-up, George.”

“There’s no talking to you. Bye.”

He disconnected the call. She just shook her head. Then her phone rang again.

“I’m not changing my mind,” she said.

“What?”

It was Larry.

“Sorry, Larry. I thought you were someone else.”

“You had me worried for a moment. I had no idea what decision you’d made and then you said you weren’t changing your mind, I was wondering if I was going to have to coax you into changing it.”

She laughed. “No, a family matter. What can I do for you?”

“I just wanted to say that I enjoyed our lunch today.”

Kelly paused, not sure what to say. To her it had been a business lunch, albeit a casual one. She had enjoyed herself, if truth be told. “Well, I did, too. Actually.”

“You sound surprised.”

“I thought it was a business lunch.”

“On the surface it was, but I’ll be honest. I just wanted to get you alone.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Sounds cheesy, I know, but I found you attractive and wanted to get to know you better. I’m calling because I’d love to take you out to dinner.”

“Dinner?”

“You know that meal that you eat at the end of a work day.”

She laughed. “You’re asking me on a date.”

“Am I doing it so badly that you can’t recognize it?”

“No, not at all. It’s just been awhile. Crap, that sounded pathetic.”

“Not at all. I’m sure you’ve been focusing on your daughter.”

Smooth. “That was good, but I don’t really like charming.”

“Too much?”

“A little.”

“
Well regardless of how long it’s been, I’d like to take you out,” Larry said.

“Well, you’re a client. I’m not sure I should mix business with pleasure.”

“Do you have a policy?”

“No, we don’t.”

“I know Tamra wouldn’t do it, but she’s pretty militant about those things.”

“Yes she is. Let me talk to her and I’ll get back to you.”

“I’ll take it. You didn’t turn me down. You have a good night, Kelly.”

***

Colin wondered why she had to make it so complicated. He wasn’t proposing marriage, just them enjoying each other while she was here.

“I’m not asking for a lifelong commitment. I’m proposing for us to have some fun. Why not take advantage of the fact that neither you nor I can presently date anyone. I’m too busy and housebound because of this stalker and you are here to protect me.”

“You offering me a physical relationship?”

“That’s part of it. Why not enjoy each other for the time you’ll be here.”

He actually wanted more than that, but knew she might run screaming from his penthouse if he mentioned that. There was something about Tamra that intrigued him. He wanted to know her, and he bet there were so many layers to her that he’d be peeling them off for years.

“I’ll have to think about it. I usually stay away from romantic entanglements. And I don’t date clients.”

“I understand, but think about it.”

The first course arrived at that moment.

A kale salad with truffles and roasted red peppers. Tamra looked at it. “Well.”

“You don’t like?”

“I’m not much of a foodie, but I’ll try anything.”

She picked up her fork and put some salad in her mouth. She chewed, then smiled. “Really tasty.”

“You sure? You aren’t just humoring me.”

Tamra laughed. The sound was unexpected and frankly kind of a turn on. “No, I don’t tell people what they want to hear.”

He smiled. “Good.”

Then he dug into his and it was delicious. The right mix of tastes and textures. How could she eat it and not revel in that fact.

She put more on her fork.

“Wait.”

“Huh?” she said.

“Let me feed you.”

“I can feed myself.”

“Yes, but it’s better when someone else does it.”

She frowned. “Really?”

“Really.” He leaned closer with food on his fork. “Close your eyes and open your mouth.”

She did as he suggested. He put the fork by her mouth and she took the food off of it. She chewed.

“What are you tasting and feeling on your tongue?”

“Food.”

“No, what tastes?”

She frowned, but chewed again. “Tart?”

“Don’t ask. Tell. What textures?”

“Soft, crunchy.”

“You can open your eyes.”

“What was the point?”

“For you to experience food.”

She shrugged.

***

Tamra stared at him. “Experience food?”

What was he talking about?

“Food isn’t just fuel,” Colin said.

“To me it is.”

“So that salad could have been iceberg lettuce?”

She looked down at her plate. “Well, not exactly.”

“Then why not relish the differences?”

She blinked. “If it’s that important to you.” She forked some more food into her mouth. “Yum.”

“Don’t mock.”

“I’m just not understanding what you’re saying.”

“We all have to eat. Why not enjoy the activity? Why not enjoy whatever activity you are doing?”

“Somehow, I think you’ve brought this back to romancing me.”

“Well, I have. Yes. You have to be with me. Why not enjoy being with me?”

“I don’t hate being with you.”

“That’s a start. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy your job than loathe it?”

“Of course. Where are you getting the idea I hate my job?”

“I don’t think you hate it. I just don’t think you are doing something you really enjoy.”

She sat up. Why did what he say seem so right? She didn’t really want to talk about this. Or even think about this. She had her career set. She had a business with a partner. She was good at what she did. Why wouldn’t she be happy?

He chewed on some more food while she pondered this.

“Why did you get into security?”

That was a loaded question. He didn’t mean it that way, but it was. She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, choosing her words carefully. “I sort of fell into it.”

“How?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Probably not, but you’re not willing to share it with me. I bet it has something to do with your reluctance to be romanced.”

She shrugged, then concentrated on her salad. Maybe he’d give up if her mouth was full.

***

Colin made a mental note to talk to Larry about Tamra and her company. This was the crux of her reluctance to be with him.

The first course dishes were cleared and the second course, a hazelnut butternut squash soup, arrived. He watched Tamra dip her spoon into the liquid. She ate it and her eyes closed. So she had been paying attention or was getting back to the food as a diversionary tactic.

He’d come too close to something in his line of questioning. He’d have to pursue that again when they knew each other better. Which they would. He was now even more determined. He wanted to know Tamra. Her likes, her hates, her favorite color and even what she sounded like when she came.

Oh yes, the last one for sure.

He imagined that when she finally did let loose that it would be spectacular. He wanted to be the one to make it happen. This would take a while.

“So what do you think of the soup?”

“It’s good. My mother used to make this in the fall every year. We would search for farm markets and take a trip outside of the city on a weekend. She’d get some squash and make this from scratch.”

A childhood memory. He could play on this. “Where is your mother now?”

“She died a few years ago.”

“Siblings?”

“Two.”

“Where are they?”

“In jail. My brothers chose to be gang members.”

She looked at him with a challenge in her voice as if she thought he would back away when she mentioned jail.

“How did you escape?”

“I got a scholarship to college. I knew once I was out of the city, I could never go back. I only did once,  for my mother’s funeral.”

Tough life. Wow. No wonder she was so hard. She had a lot to lose in letting someone in. He would tread carefully. He didn’t want to break her heart.

“That was the most you’ve ever told me about yourself.”

“Enjoy it. I don’t talk about myself too much,” she said.

“I know. So ask me anything.”