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We turn our heads at the sound of incoming footsteps.
"Oh, hello. You must be Samantha," Nick says while sending his signature grin to her as she stands in the door opening of the terrace. I chuckle, seeing my daughter's cheeks blush. Guess no woman can resist that smile. Nick has both a handsome face and a fantastic personality. Women drool when they see him, and Brian and I love to tease him about it. But next to being best friends, we're business associates. His talent lies in making and closing deals, and I'm the pro at creating watertight contracts. Together we're an unbeatable team. We've built our partnership and friendship on trust and respect—two key factors in my book.
I pat my friend on the shoulder while introducing him. "Samantha, this is one of my best friends, Nick Brown."
Samantha's eyes widen, and the color on her face intensifies. "H-Hello," she whispers.
Nick walks over to her and sticks his hand out. With a shyness I haven't seen before, she shakes it. "Nice to meet you, Samantha. You're more beautiful than Cole described."
Samantha giggles at his reaction and brushes a hand through her hair.
Two knocks get our attention.
"Can you get that, Samantha? That may be the girls."
"No problem," she chirps while traveling to the front door. Through the window, I see how Emma introduces herself to Samantha the moment she walks in. Alisha stands next to Emma, and as they walk our way, another round of laughter glides through the air. Samantha holds the box with tompouces, and for the first time, she sends me a genuine smile.
"Did you see this? Alisha asked Emma to make these for us. Isn't that sweet?"
"Yeah."
The guilt of going overboard on her before weighs on me. Nick gives me a knowing stare, and I know what to do.Honesty.
I clear my throat and turn my attention to the fiery blonde, who is talking with her best friend. My gaze travels over her and halts at her black, open toe high heels with an ankle strap. An image of her wearing only these shoes flows into my brain, and my lower body reacts.Shit.
I let my eyes go up while stopping next to them. "Uh, could I have a word with you, in private?"
Her attention darts to me before going to her best friend, where they exchange a conversation without words. When they're done, she replies, "Okay."
Emma walks to Samantha and wraps her arm around her. "Ready to try the tompouce? I would love to hear your opinion."
"Sure, they look delicious," Samantha exclaims with a bright smile.
Emma turns and makes eye contact with the both of us. "While you two talk this out, we will spend time with your lovely daughter, Cole."
I grin at Emma, who's taking Samantha with her to her husband.
As Alisha strides inside, I can't help but follow and scan her movements. My gaze goes from her sexy ankles to her toned calf muscles. From there, they trail up to her thighs and end on her gorgeous, round derriere. I ball my hands into fists. Alisha's clothing style is sublime. Everything she wears enhances her natural feminine beauty. She halts, and I break free from my hypnotizing stare to discover we're standing in my kitchen.
"You wanted to talk?" she says, taking a few steps further before making a one-eighty to face me.
I rub my palms against each other as I try to find the right words.How do I do this?Nick's suggestion echoes in my brain. Be honest. Her red lips distract me, so I bring my focus to the window and start talking while staring outside.
"I owe you a proper apology. My behavior towards you at your apartment was unacceptable."
Her heels click as she moves my way, and when I glance sideways, she tilts her head to the side while inspecting me. When she's done, she turns and speaks while gazing outwards. "What caused your outburst?"
I run my fingers through my hair before continuing. "My emotions got the better of me."
"Which emotions?"
"Frustration."
Alisha pivots her body towards me. "Is the fact you said yes to me living in the apartment frustrating you? If that’s the case..."
"No! I’m fine with that. I know you need a safe place. It was a cheap shot to threaten to take it away."
"Thank you," she mumbles while staring at my chest. This is the first time we’re talking without shouting or throwing nicknames, and I have to admit, it’s a pleasant change.
