Hearts in the City

Chapter One

Olivia’s thoughts drifted to the stack of legal briefs sitting on her desk back at the office. It had been a hectic week, meeting with clients, attending meetings, and working on her contribution to the firm’s monthly newsletter. She ate, slept, drank, and breathed her legal career which could be the only reason for her plotting ways to escape her best friend’s wedding to go finish up paper work back at the office. No other reason. Of course, there was no escaping the fact that Simone’s wedding to Jamal was a farce. As much as Simone had convinced herself going through with her wedding to Jamal was the right thing to do, nothing could change the fact that she’d been sleeping with an ex-lover in the months leading up to the wedding. Olivia had gone to great lengths to convince Simone to either break off her engagement with Jamal or simply tell him the truth. Afraid of losing him, Simone had chosen to keep the affair a secret. So when it came right down to it, Olivia had no reason to feel guilty. After all, if Simone wasn’t taking her vows seriously, why should she?

She thought of the Hinton McGuire and Matheson Enterprises merger she’d closed just that week. She’d spent long hours at the bargaining table, participating in the negotiating process, using her expertise to help everyone arrive at a deal that made everyone happy. The satisfaction of immersing herself into the wheelings and dealings of corporate mergers never got old.

The realization her cramped feet were throbbing in pain forced thoughts of mergers and acquisitions from her head. Her feet were damn near killing her. She dropped to a chair, pulled her shoes off, and wriggled her toes free, letting out a sigh as she did. Olivia loved her high-heels as much as the next shoe-obsessed woman, but standing in six-inch heels all day long was a different story—even if it was her best friend’s wedding. The heels Simone had chosen for her girls were cute, but were hell on the feet. Enduring pain and suffering for a sham wedding was something she’d only have done for a friend. She wriggled her toes again, feeling instant relief. The things one did for a best friend, she thought, shaking her head.

Her indiscretions aside, Simone looked stunning in a Vera Wang wedding gown. Coming in with such a hefty price tag, the gown could very well have purchased a small village in a foreign country.

Equally as impressive, Simone’s choice of shoes notwithstanding, she’d hit the ball out of the park with the bridesmaids’ gowns. The dresses were exquisite. Olivia and six others were dressed to the nines in chartreuse, strapless gowns. Olivia’s hair was styled to perfection with tendrils cascading down either side of her heart-shaped face and falling just short of her shoulders. The style framed her soft, ebony features just right. She was pleased with the way the makeup artist had applied her makeup. She’d applied just the right amount of eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara to enhance Olivia’s dark brown almond-shaped eyes. Her perfectly-shaped, full lips looked succulent in a shiny bronze. Around her neck was delicate diamond necklace, given to her by Simone as a token of their friendship. The piece complimented her hair and dress perfectly.

The killer heels no longer cramping her toes, a moan of relief escaped Olivia's lips, coming out louder than she'd intended. Jamal's best man, Alistair Davenport, spun around, giving her his full attention.

I give killer foot massages, he said with a twinkle in his eye and a sideways grin.

Caught by surprise, Olivia gave him an odd, but friendly look. Her face softening, she laughed. I’m sure you do, but I’m okay, thanks anyway.

All right then. But you’re missing out. His smile showed off a set of perfect white teeth. I’m pretty incredible with my hands. 

So he was using that tactic, was he? I’m sure you are. But I’ll be fine just as long as I keep these deadly things off my feet, Olivia said, nudging the stilettos out of the way with her big toe. 

He gave a bemused look at the six-inch heels lying at her feet, a suggestive smirk emerging on his face. "Well, being a typical male I do love a woman in stilettos, but those look like they’d be a little tricky to walk in."

"You have no idea. Believe me."

And yet you refused my foot massage. He shrugged. 

His eyes shone as he laughed. Deep-set under a hooded brow and hazel-brown in color, they were undoubtedly the most incredible eyes she’d ever seen. For the briefest of moments, she was mesmerized. She caught herself just as quickly as she’d let it happen.

So what if I change my mind? she said, unable to help playing along.

Oh, I maybe could make an exception for you, he said, licking his top lip suggestively.

Okay, here we go. He must be trying to get laid tonight, she thought. She didn’t know much about him other than he was Jamal’s best friend dating way back to his childhood.

Although she’d posed with him for wedding photos, she hadn’t realized how good looking he really was until that moment. Truthfully, she’d been so preoccupied with her maid of honor duties, tending to Simone that she’d barely paid attention to anyone around her for most of the day.

He was extremely handsome. His skin was the color of caramel, his hooded eyes sexy and suggestive. He wore his hair in a fade, showing off the perfectly angular bone structure of his face. Framing his facial features was the slightest, most neatly trimmed goatee she’d ever seen. He had a certain aura and undeniable charisma that oozed from his pores. At that moment he was standing close enough to smell his cologne. She’d caught subtle hints of it all day long and had guessed it to be one of her favorites—Eternity for Men.

He eased his lean frame into the seat across from her. His smooth and controlled demeanor seemed as natural as breathing to him. He cocked an eyebrow and toyed with his goatee with his thumb and index finger. Strange that other than knowing each other’s names we’ve barely said two words to each other.

And whose fault is that? she asked him, smiling.

A look of realization swept across his face. You got me there. I could say I was late because I was out saving the world, but I’d be lying.

Too bad. It might have given you a pass.

He smiled in response. I’d liked to have been a little more prepared than just showing up in a tux and escorting you up the aisle.

Then your ass should have been here on time, she badgered him playfully.

A broad grin formed around the corners of his mouth. "So she turns down foot massages and she scolds at the drop of a hat...hmmm."

Hey...I’m just saying... She shrugged, stifling a smile.

I totally deserved that. I was actually supposed to have arrived home by the day of rehearsal at the latest. Had I known who I’d be standing next to, I’d have done my best to get here sooner.

Olivia gave him a sly grin. Resorting to flattery now are we?

Well honestly when Jamal told me Simone’s maid of honor was one of the best looking women in the wedding party, aside from the bride herself, I thought he was making it up just to get me to be in the wedding. But when I saw you, I realized he was telling the truth.

Flattered, she gave him a broad smile, shooing him away with her hand. "Well, thanks for the compliment. This is definitely the only time I’d be caught dead showing up in public wearing the same dress as another woman let alone six of them."

Well if I may, the rest of them can’t even hold a candle to you. Don’t get me wrong. I think all sistahs are beautiful in their own way, but let’s face it, not all beauty is created equally. He paused for a second, glancing around the reception hall. "Mind you, I could be mean but I’ll restrain myself..."

She smiled. She knew what he meant. They were surrounded by well-meaning female guests, most of them Simone’s cousins. God love the poor things, they’d tried to put their best face forward fashion-wise, but had missed the mark entirely. With ill-fitting, unflattering dresses that clung to them in all the wrong places they’d committed every Glamour magazine faux pas there had ever been.

In any event, being stuck at the airport was hell. Thank God I had my laptop with me or I’d have been bored to death.

"We’re so dependent on our technology these days it’s scary. And to think we ever lived without it." Olivia was trying hard not to get lost in his eyes but damn it was hard. If the eyes were truly the windows to the soul then Alistair had flung his shutters wide open and given her the invitation to peer into the depths of his. She watched as he fiddled with his bow tie.

"Isn’t it though? Although I did have the opportunity to respond to a bunch of unanswered emails during the wait, so technology does have its advantages. I was worried I might have to cancel on Jamal at the last minute, Alistair confessed. Guess it serves me right for flying out of town on a whim."

She laughed. So do you normally make a habit of flying out of town on a whim?

He shook his head. Not normally. It was last minute thing. There was a festival going on up in Brighton’s Cove I decided to go to at the last minute. Weather was great one minute then without warning we got hit with that awful rainstorm. Thankfully it eased up just before my flight.

"Thankfully, she said. You must have been relieved."

Relieved doesn’t even describe it. Jamal freaked out on me, thinking I wouldn’t get back in time. Poor guy...all up to his ears in this whole wedding thing and didn’t have a standby if I hadn’t showed up. Simone probably would have killed him.

Considering the circumstances, Simone wasn’t in any position to kill anyone. "Ahhh...but you saved the day," Olivia said.

Well now that you mentioned it, I think I did, he said with a smile. He stared quietly at her for a few seconds. Simone says you two have been friends a long time.

"Oh we’ve been friends forever—since kindergarten. And you and Jamal?"

"We’ve been best buddies since high school. We went to university out of state together, but he moved back home right after graduating. Hardheaded old me was too stubborn to come back. Too busy trying to prove I could make a life for myself in the big city so stayed behind working low paying jobs until I landed a decent job working as a financial advisor. Got tired of big city life and eventually ended up moving back home a couple of years ago. When I left I said I’d never be back, but just like Dorothy says, there’s no place like home."

Her face lit up. Hey...one of my favorite movies.

"Hmmm... I prefer The Wiz, myself," he said, smiling.

Don’t worry I won’t hold it against you.

"And exactly what’s wrong with The Wiz?"

"I believe the more appropriate question would be what’s not wrong with it?"

Well no, it won’t go down in history as one of the best movies of time or anything but it’s not that bad as far as mindless entertainment goes.

They shared a laugh.

"And I do have it in my DVD collection, Alistair continued. Maybe one of these days we’ll watch it together and I can break it down for you." He smiled.

For a minute there I thought you were saying that with a straight face. 

Not to worry. I have a bit of a cheesy side, too. I have a whole collection of some of the cheesiest movies ever produced.

She laughed. That’s just way too much information. My opinion of you is shattered.

I’m saddened—a little devastated, even, he said, laughing. I try not to take myself so seriously all the time. I’m a bit of a homebody.

Nothing wrong with that at all. Do you live right here in the city?

Alistair shook his champagne glass, swirling its contents around before taking a sip. No. I’m on the outskirts, near Devonshire’s Point.

That’s a good ways out there. At least twelve miles, isn’t it?

Fourteen to be exact. So yeah, you could say it’s a few kilometers away.

Do you rent or own?

Actually, I own a lovely little gem I bought about two years ago. I sell real estate so I came by it quite easily. What about you? Do you live here in Covington?

Uh-huh. Only minutes from the downtown core—just the way I like it.

Shifting his cross-legged position, he rested his left hand on his right ankle. You poor city types have no idea what you’re missing.

Quite the contrary. At least we city slickers have all the amenities right at our fingertips. If I have a hankering for a late night pizza, I’m just mere minutes away from an all night pizzeria. Don’t believe they deliver to your neck of the woods afterhours do they? Olivia gave him her best gotcha face.

He crinkled his brow, thinking about it for a moment. Okay, you win, he said, leaning over and helping himself to a chocolate truffle from the plate of sweets on the table, popping it into his mouth.

Well I was raised here in the city so it’s the only life I know. Truth be told, Olivia hated the country. All that business of nothing but trees and houses and everyone meddling in your business just didn’t work for her. Give her the fast-paced environment of the city any day. Besides, the city spoke of money, power and vibrancy, the things she thrived on. 

Well I have a little city in me, too, but I’m mostly country. The country is where I unwind so it was natural for me to buy a home out there.

And when did you say you moved back home, again?

Almost three years ago. Which is why I’m surprised I haven’t seen you around anywhere before, Alistair said.

"Well you do live way out in the country. Not much chance in bumping into a city girl like me way out there."

True. After a long day’s work I don’t waste time dillydallying around. I head straight back to the country. I suppose that’s why I don’t get to see that much of Jamal and Simone either.

Hmm...I suppose. You work uptown or downtown?

Neither. My office is closer to the industrial side of the city. Some days I even work from home.

"Well is it any wonder you haven’t seen me before?" Olivia teased.

The lines of a smile appeared around the sides of his mouth. I just assumed you might have hung around Simone and Jamal’s a little bit. I haven’t been there much lately but from time to time go spend time with Jamal. He’s my closest friend even though we don’t get to hang out as much as we’d like these days.

"And now you’ll be spending even less time together."

He nodded. "Well...marriage does have a way of changing ones priorities."

I’ll say it does. Too bad this one was under false pretenses.

They look great together don’t they? he said, glancing across the reception hall at Simone and Jamal mingling with their guests. I think they’re going to be really happy together.

She could only hope the couple’s happiness could outlive the dastardly secret Simone was keeping from him. I certainly hope so. She fixed her gaze on Simone and Jamal for a moment. When she turned her attention back to Alistair she caught him staring curiously at her left hand.

I hope you don’t mind my asking, but are you...?

"Married?" she finished for him.

He didn’t appear the least bit embarrassed. Okay, guilty as charged but I couldn’t resist. 

That’s okay. Olivia helped herself to dinner roll from the basket in front of her. I’m okay with you asking. She dipped a knife into a butter dish a few inches away and busied herself buttering the roll. And for the record, I’m single.

He glanced skeptically at her. Okay, let me must say, I have a really hard time believing you’re single.

She stopped buttering her roll long enough to shoot him a look. "Well when I say single I mean single as in unmarried. I am attached at the moment," she said, letting him know he didn’t have a chance in hell, no matter how witty, intelligent and drop-dead gorgeous he was. She had more than enough on her hands with one man already.

A look of realization swept across his face. "Ah...color me crazy but I just knew there had to be a guy. He glanced around the banquet hall, looking like he expected to be accosted by a jealous boyfriend at any moment. Is he here?"

Oh don’t worry...he’s not here. She grinned, taking another sip of wine. He’s away on business. And do you really think he wouldn’t have come over and cut in between us by now? She was smiling as she said it, but she was dead serious. Theo could have an awful jealous streak at times.

Well that’s what I figured. I just hope he knows how lucky he is. 

She looked at him assuredly. Oh you’d better believe he knows.

Theo had come into Olivia’s life by chance. The two of them had literally bumped into each other two years earlier when Olivia was in a hurry to meet with a client to discuss a merger. The merger just happened to involve the company Theo worked for. She’d rushed into the elevator as soon as it opened, running smack-dab into him as he was stepping off. Her briefcase had crashed to the floor scattering papers everywhere and he’d graciously picked them up for her, apologizing profusely for the mishap while she’d assured him it was okay and it was actually her fault for running late.

The first thing she’d noticed was that he was one of those coffee-skinned brothers and had a set of full, luscious lips. She’d thought about how handsome he was as she cordially thanked him then hurried of to her meeting. With the incident long forgotten, she’d been working late one evening later that week when her cell-phone rang. Hastily she answered, perturbed the call had broken her concentration. She soon realized the person on the other end wasn’t calling for legal advice. He introduced himself as that guy who had almost mowed her down a few days earlier outside of the elevator. He’d confessed to finding one of her business cards on the floor after she’d left and said he’d held on to it just in case he ever needed legal advice.

As Olivia sat listening to him she wasn’t sure if she should be flattered or frightened. The last thing she’d needed was some weirdo or some stalker making her already busy life a living hell. Then he’d finally confessed how stunning he thought she was and asked her to forgive him for being out of line, but he’d be honored if she’d let him take her out to dinner. Against her better judgment and usual level-headedness, she’d agreed to dinner with him that Friday evening. She’d thought it would do her good to get out from being cooped up in her office every evening. The whole incident had been surreal. The way they’d met, the way he’d pursued her, the way she’d accepted his dinner invitation. It had been very out of character for her but for whatever reason she’d decided to go with the flow.

He took her to a fancy downtown restaurant where they dined on fine cuisine, drank expensive wine, and chatted and laughed with each other as though they’d known each other for years. After dinner they took a stroll on the waterfront boardwalk and listened to a live band playing. At end of the evening, all Olivia’s apprehensions