Rival's Desire. AlTonya Washington
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