Then There Was You Read online

  “Whatever.” Brooklyn swished her mouth to the side in a sarcastic smirk. “You have a date in mind?”

  “No, but I want a late spring wedding so we’ll start planning soon. Zaria has already made herself my wedding planner, and I have a book full of ideas I’ve been collecting since I met Blake.”

  “Wow, you sensed he was the one, huh?” Brooklyn asked, remembering when Reagan first met Blake on the beach while she was in a yoga class. Blake jogged by and was instantly smitten with her.

  Reagan nodded her head wearing another bright smile enhancing her dimples even more. “Yes. I think when you meet the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with you just know,” she answered in a whimsical sing-song voice. “And nothing can stand in the way of true love.”

  Those words haunted Brooklyn later on that evening as she sat in her dark room printing out the pictures of the proposal to make a book for Reagan. The picture Chase had requested was framed and staring at her on the work table. Witnessing the siblings overjoyed to see each other caused her to miss her big brother, Rasheed, and the sudden overwhelming of homesickness crept into her spirit as it had for the past year. She was at a crossroads in her life with career decisions, goals, and the dreams she’d placed on hold in order to help others facilitate theirs. However, she was ready to make a change and hoped her friends and business partners would understand.

  Chapter Two

  “This is nice. Um … tiny but nice,” Chase commented while searching for the right words to say as he stood in the middle of the living area of Addison’s home. “It definitely has character and spunk. Eclectic. Like you, Journey.” He used the family’s nickname for her since she was never in the same place long and loved to travel wherever on a whim. He was surprised she’d been with Precious Moments for almost two years, but still managed to travel the states by taking on event planning jobs away from St. Simons Island.

  “Thank you. I know it may seem odd to some … well, everyone in our family, but for me this is all I need. You know I’m a simple girl.”

  “Ha! Yeah, a simple girl who’s favorite hobby is to swim with the sharks.” He said it sarcastically even though he was quite sure she’d done it before. Like the words “Free Spirit” printed in black across her white T-shirt read, Addison had always been a free spirit. She was simplistic, never taking herself too seriously, and didn’t care about the expensive, finer things in life.

  “It was fun, too. You should come next time.”

  “I’ll pass. But seriously,” he paused to peer around the three-hundred-square-foot tiny house with admiration for his sister. “I’m proud of you and your home. It fits your adventurist type of lifestyle.”

  “Thank you. Zoe loved it, and I can’t wait until Hunter visits,” Addison stated, referring to their other siblings. “Well, let’s take a tour.”

  On one half of the longest wall, there was a small yet well-equipped kitchen with two white cabinets on either side of a picture window, baby blue antique-style appliances, and stainless steel counter tops. A small island sectioned off the area and a two-seater couch and a wicker chair finished out that side. The opposite wall had a flat screen television over a small antique wood dresser, storage shelves, the front door and stairs led to Addison’s loft. Each stair opened for storage. Underneath the master loft was the bathroom with a walk-in closet, and on the opposite facing side was the guest loft above the kitchen and an area designated for an office or yoga room when the desk was hidden like a Murphy bed.

  The outside of the house reminded him of a train caboose. A rock climbing wall on the backside led to a mini deck with collapsible rails on the roof, and the other half had two solar panels. It was all practical and definitely represented Addison’s free spirit and on-the-go personality. Even though their family was skeptical at first, Chase could see why she decided to go this route. All she had to do was hitch it to her truck and travel to whatever adventure awaited.

  Still, Chase couldn’t believe he’d let his sister talk him into crashing there. He’d been staying at a hotel since he arrived two weeks ago to prepare for classes. The house the university provided had sustained damage from a storm before his arrival and was undergoing renovations they promised would be done in a week. Now it was going on two weeks and he’d grown tired of the hotel. When Addison offered, he’d immediately said yes without thinking it through. Now, as he glared with concern at the rock climbing wall leading to the guest loft, after having toured the tiny bathroom with the shower stall sure to be the death of him (or at least leave a dent in his head if he stood all the way straight), he was having second thoughts. However, he looked forward to the experience. Plus, the beautiful eye-candy a few feet away would make the stay even more pleasant.

  His mind wandered to Brooklyn Vincent while his sister explained to him the best way to climb the wall by using the green rocks only. Chase had been smitten with the gorgeous photographer ever since laying eyes on her at his cousin Shelbi’s wedding. That had been almost eight years ago. While he thought Brooklyn was the cutest and most adorable young lady he’d ever seen, he’d witnessed her blossom into a beautiful, confident, and sexy woman. She still had the adorable aura especially when she smiled. The beauty of it hadn’t changed, and it drew his attention to her in the first place.

  “So, try it out.”

  Addison’s voice jerked Chase out of his thoughts and for a moment he assumed she was referring to trying out Brooklyn. A wicked smirk emerged as his mind flashed back to the way Brooklyn’s jean shorts hugged her hips and bottom at the barbecue. His gaze had drifted onto her as she’d snapped pictures of Reagan and Blake in the distance during the proposal. All eyes were on the happy couple, but all Chase viewed was toned, supple legs and thighs that he had an urge to entangle himself with. Her skin was a smooth milk chocolate, and her tresses of dark brown waves with subtle blonde highlights fell a few inches below her shoulders. However, he knew there was so much more to her than a cute face and a banging body. She was independent and ambitious, securing her own future despite the fact her big brother, Rasheed, was an ex basketball player who was now part owner of his old NBA basketball team and worth millions. Chase had always been impressed with Brooklyn’s determination to succeed on her own, which turned him on more than anything.

  “Ready or are you chicken?” Addison asked while clucking sarcastically. “Or you can use the ladder, but I know you’re no punk!”

  Chuckling, Chase breathed in and grabbed onto the green rocks until he reached the top of the loft area with a triangle-arched ceiling. There was a full size mattress on the hardwood floor covered in a flowered quilt, a ton of colorful tossed pillows, and a nightstand with two drawers. He couldn’t stand all the way up but at least he could crawl to the bed which was more comfortable than the hotel bed. There was a half a wall to block the loft for privacy. A skylight above led to the rooftop, and there were long, rectangle windows on each wall. One of the windows peered out to a wooded area beyond the fence and the other one peeked right into Brooklyn’s home. He caught a glimpse of her shadow walking past the blinds in the room above the garage before a light went out.

  “Whatcha think of my little space?” Addison questioned, climbing up and sitting on the edge as her feet dangled over.

  “I think I may need a chiropractor after this,” he said, rubbing his neck. “No, I’m kidding. It’s unique. Very you.”

  “And mortgage free.”

  “You’ve always been practical and smart when it comes to your finances.”

  “I will always live well-below my means. I’d rather spend my money on traveling, seeking new adventures, and trying different cuisines. There’s more besides Memphis barbecue, you know.”

  “You sure about that? You know you love ribs.”

  “I did have plenty today. Plus, Brook makes delicious barbecue, especially chicken wings. She usually does a batch for football and basketball games. You should join us sometime since you’ll be here for the next few months.�
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  “She invited me to dinner while I’m staying with you.”

  Addison’s eyebrows rose and a devilish grin crossed her face. “Oh really? Am I invited or is this a romantic dinner?”

  Surprised by her response, he decided to remain neutral. “Definitely not. She mentioned you two eat dinner together a couple of nights a week.”

  “Mmm-hmm. True, but … um … you know she has a crush on you.”

  He wrinkled his forehead and frowned. No, it’s the other way around. “Crush? We’re not in high school. Besides, Brooklyn barely speaks to me. I don’t think she knows I’m alive.” Great, now I sound like a sixteen-year-old high school nerd.

  “Oh, trust me. She knows. We’ve never actually discussed it, but I overheard her and Reagan chatting about you. Plus, there’s a … wait, no, I’m not going to tell you.” Darting her eyes away, Addison climbed back down the rock wall and plopped on the couch, looking up at him. “My lips are sealed.”

  “There’s a what?” Chase asked, wondering if he would be able to climb down as easily. There was a rope ladder as well, but he was scared he’d break it or his neck if he fell. “What, Addi?”

  She was quiet for a moment in contemplation mode. “Fine.” Addison rolled her eyes and smacked her lips at the same time. “She has a collage of pictures she’s taken over the years on the wall in her home studio.”

  “Well, she is a photographer,” he replied, curious to what she was alluding to.

  “Brook has a picture of you at Hunter’s wedding reception smack dab in the middle of the collage. You’re looking away from the camera, holding a drink, your bow tie is hanging off and your tux coat is opened. One of your top buttons to your shirt is unbuttoned. I guess you could say it’s quite debonair, and you weren’t posing for the picture which makes it natural.”

  “And?” He tried to shrug it off but was surprised and rather elated that perhaps Brooklyn was more into him than he realized.

  “Nothing. I wanted you to know. It’s up to you what you do with the information.”

  *

  Later on that night, Chase lay awake staring up at the stars through the skylight and thinking about his present life. He was happy with his decision to resign as the assistant district attorney at the beginning of the year to take a sabbatical before rejoining and taking over his mother’s law firm. He hadn’t planned on teaching pre law classes to end out his year off. However, after running into a law school buddy who was over the division and needed an adjunct professor, Chase decided to volunteer. He’d taught pre law classes at the University of Memphis in the past and had contemplated doing so again.

  But there was another part of him that wasn’t happy. Since Chase turned thirty-seven, he’d wrestled with the fact that his life had literally flown by and what exactly had he accomplished? Sure, he’d been one of the youngest assistant district attorneys, came from a prestigious family, and was now taking over his mother’s law firm that had been in her family for generations. He felt something was missing in life as he was nearing forty. He’d always wanted a wife and children one day, but with his hectic schedule, dating had turned into a chore or an unwelcomed distraction. His family said his serious side and always purposely staying busy turned women off even though he was bored with them. They simply didn’t pique his interests to develop a meaningful relationship—but one woman always did during the far in-between times of being in her presence.

  Yawning, he turned his head toward the window that faced Brooklyn’s home and saw a light flick on. He could make out her hour glass, five foot three silhouette through the blinds. Her curves were dangerous, and he imagined running his hands along them and drawing her into him for a deep kiss on her full, pouty lips. The light went off and he closed his eyes as thoughts of her filled his sleep.

  *****

  “Gotta go to work, big bro. There’s breakfast food in the fridge, and I made a pot of coffee. Spare keys and alarm code are on the kitchen island.”

  Chase heard his sister’s fast-paced shout through his dreams, and the door shut which shot his eyes fully open to rest on the skylight with the sun streaming through. Groaning, he turned his head toward the clock on the nightstand which read 8:36. He remembered Addison had a brunch event to attend. Yawning, he sat up as the strong aroma of coffee perked his senses. He remade the bed as best as possible considering he couldn’t stand all the way, and grabbed his cell phone and watch from the nightstand.

  Twenty minutes later, he’d showered and was dressed in a pair of jeans while he waited for the iron to heat so he could press his shirt. He sipped his strong coffee while perusing the refrigerator. He wasn’t an early morning eater, but his sister did remember he loved coffee upon awakening.

  A movement outside of the kitchen window caught his attention, and he spotted Brooklyn clipping herbs from the potted garden on the patio. She was dressed in blue plaid pajama pants that enhanced her cute little derriere, a pink half apron, and a white tank top with her hair swept over her left shoulder. Her feet were bare, and he could make out purple nail polish. If she was going to be his breathtaking view every morning for the next week, bumping his head in the tiny house would be worth it.

  Taking the few steps to the door, he opened it and stuck his head out. “Good morning,” Chase greeted, standing on the little wooden front porch of the tiny house.

  “Oh!” A startled gasp from Brooklyn sounded out as she raised her head. Her eyes blinked several times when they settled on his chest and then darted to his face. Running her empty hand through her hair, she cleared her throat. “Hey. You’re up early.”

  “I’m a morning person,” he stated matter-of-factly while noting her gaze wandering back to his chest.

  She stood on her tippy toes and rose her head up a tad. “I see you don’t have any bruises or dents,” she commented with a teasing smile. “You must’ve managed not to bump your head on the ceiling in the guest loft.”

  “Barely,” he said, rubbing the top of his head. “Doing some gardening?”

  “No, needed some herbs to add to an omelet.”

  “Ahh … are you working today, as well?” he asked, not wanting to hold her up even though he didn’t want to let her go either.

  “Luckily, no. Did Addi already leave for her event?”

  Sipping his coffee, he nodded his head. “Yeah, about thirty minutes ago.”

  “See you have your coffee. Addison mentioned that’s a must have for you.”

  “Yep, first thing in the morning,” he said, taking another sip.

  “Have you eaten yet?”

  His eyebrow rose and his voice lowered into a deep curiosity. “Why no.”

  “You can join me for breakfast if you’d like.”

  He noted the gulp on Brooklyn’s throat as if she was shocked those words uttered from her mouth.

  “I’d love to,” he said quickly before she changed her mind. “You need some help?”

  “No … it’s almost done.” A smile brightened her face. “Just bring yourself … and a shirt,” she added, glancing down at his bare abdomen.

  Chuckling, Chase took another sip of his coffee. “All right. I’ll finish dressing. See you in about fifteen minutes, and I’ll bring the coffee.”

  “Perfect. I’ll leave the patio door unlocked.”

  “Cool. So it’s a date?” he purposely asked to see how she would react and respond considering the newfound information from Addison.

  Her forehead wrinkled, pronouncing a cute indentation on her left cheek. She eyed him carefully while he assumed she searched her brain for an answer. Shifting her balance from one leg to the other, Brooklyn placed a hand over her brow to block the sun that had begun to peek out from behind Addison’s home. Chase admired the way the natural light brushed across her skin and radiated her beautiful warm brown hue even more. Thoughts of running his hands over the silkiness of her filled his head, and he was relieved she began to speak before he reached out to act upon his daydream.

  “Nooooo
ooo …” She brushed her hand through her hair again and a released a cute giggle. “Just breakfast.”

  “I was teasing. Trust me. Our first date won’t be at your house.”

  “Oh, is that right?” Leaning against the door, she folded her arms over her chest. “Our first date?”

  “Yes, most definitely. I think it’s safe to say we both know it’s bound to happen. See you soon.” Winking, he turned on his heel and went inside the house before Brooklyn could say anything else.

  His admiration for Brooklyn had been there since the moment he met her, and now he believed staying at his sister’s home wasn’t by chance but was fate.

  Chapter Three

  Did I really invite him to breakfast? Alone? Brooklyn questioned herself as she slid the pan of a dozen homemade biscuits out of the oven. Placing them on the stove next to the skillet with the herb and country ham omelet, she untied her apron and shoved it into a nearby drawer. It was bad enough she couldn’t shake Chase’s glorious chocolate-coated body out of her head. When he’d said good morning and startled her, her gaze landed on his abs that she could scrub her clothes on if her washing machine ever gave out. Once she finally jerked her stare to his face, she was surprised to see him without his glasses. She found him handsome and distinguished—and even nerdy in a cute way—with them on. However, without he was a tad more charming … or it could be the shirtless image she couldn’t yank from her thoughts.

  A light tap, followed by the chime of the alarm indicating the backdoor was opening, turned her head in the direction. Brooklyn’s heartbeat sped up, but she reminded herself to stay calm and remember the silly crush she once had for Chase had ended and his ridiculous date suggestion wasn’t going to happen.

  Chase strolled through the mudroom leading to the eat-in-kitchen where moments before she’d hurriedly set the table with the guest china, juice glasses, silverware on white cloth napkins, and coffee cups. How she managed to do so within a fifteen minute span along with finishing the omelet, brushing her teeth, and washing her face with thirty seconds to spare that allowed her to remember to breathe correctly in his presence was beyond impossible.