What Love Tastes Like. Zuri Day

I’ll be busy this evening,” Nick said casually, even as he adopted a business persona. “Have Christina check my schedule for sometime tomorrow afternoon. I’ll make sure Bastion, the hotel manager, and other appropriate personnel are there as well.” He nodded at the group and walked away.

      Tiffany didn’t let out the breath she’d been holding until Nick left the room.

      16

      When her workday was over, Tiffany had only one thing on her mind—avoiding Nick. That’s why after putting her things into her work locker, she rushed toward the employee entrance, keys in hand. With any luck, she thought, she’d be in her car and on her way within minutes.

      Ha! The coast is clear. Tiffany made a beeline for her car, popped the lock with the button on her keychain, and slid inside. She started the car and reached for her handsfree at the same time. It was time for a convo with backup. Smiling, she pulled out her BlackBerry and headed toward the parking lot entrance. But before she could punch in Joy’s number, her phone rang.

      “Meet me at Stanfords, I’ll be there in five minutes.”

      “Nick? How did you get my number?”

      Tiffany looked at the phone and knew she’d have to get the answer to this question in person. Nick had hung up, and the single line he’d issued before doing so hadn’t sounded like a request, but an order. Tiffany copped an attitude immediately. She hadn’t liked taking orders from her father and she had no intention of doing so with Nick. But he’s your boss. Tiffany took a deep breath, and headed toward a new destination.

      A few minutes later, she stepped inside Stanfords, waiting momentarily until her eyes adjusted to the dim interior. She also took this time to try and cool her ire, reminding herself yet again that Nick was her employer. I don’t care. He might have licked the kitty, but he isn’t going to push me around!

      Tiffany followed the hostess into the restaurant. Nick was waiting for her in a corner booth, busy texting away on his iPhone. Tiffany approached the table slowly, taking in the rich décor of the restaurant/lounge she’d heard about but never frequented. It was reportedly where celebrities and professional athletes hung out, and while Joy had often begged her to come, Tiffany had always declined. She had no desire to be with a man who was more high maintenance than her.