Feel the Heat Read online

  Greta rose to her feet and glared at Brent. “You think you’re slick, huh?”

  “It doesn’t matter what I think. Sign the papers and let’s stop wasting the court’s time.”

  She signed the papers with a flourish and threw them at Brent before storming out of the conference room. A string of profanities followed Greta down the hall. Susan shook her head as she looked at Brent.

  “That was a smooth move,” she said. “And if my client wasn’t so difficult, I would tell her that your recording wouldn’t hold up in court.”

  Brent smiled. He liked Susan as an attorney; she was tough and usually won her cases, but she wasn’t ready to compete with him.

  “Susan, I’m surprised you took her case.”

  “She knows my mother and a few of my aunties,” she said with an eye roll. “And she’s a great actress. They bought her story and ran a guilt trip on me.”

  “You’re supposed to be stronger than that,” he said.

  “Teach me about strength over drinks one night. I heard about you and Denisha. I can’t say that I’m sorry.” Susan winked at him. Brent shook his head as she sauntered out the door. Susan was attractive, smart and accomplished. And before he kissed Mimi, he would’ve gladly taken her up on her offer for drinks. Maybe even started dating her. But there was something about Mimi that held him back.

  “Mimi,” he muttered. “Damn it.”

  “What are you mumbling about?” Craig asked. “We won and a fine legal eagle just handed you the key to her...”

  “Thinking with the wrong head will get you every time. Did we not learn a lesson with Greta?” Brent gathered his papers and briefcase. “Next time I see you, I hope it will be about financial planning.”

  “For sure. As a matter of fact, you need to open an account at the credit union and help me fund some of those scholarships at the Atlanta University Center.”

  “Let’s get together on Monday. Right now, I’ve got to put another fire out.” Brent shook hands with Craig, then headed down the hall. If he could beat the lunch rush, he would make it back to his office in time to review Mimi’s blog and the post about Fast Love in depth. He was sure a few of his paralegals probably read Mimi’s blog regularly and had heard Rocky his receptionist talk about her online dating experiences. Their input would be vital in getting this case crushed before it even got started. And he’d need that to happen because while Mimi was his client, there could be no more kisses or thoughts of making love to the soulful sax of John Coltrane.

  Why did I volunteer to do this? he thought as he walked into the parking garage.

  Chapter 10

  MJ stood in front of Mimi shaking her head. “I told you that Fast Love blog post was going to get you in trouble. But five million dollars? You’re holding like that?”

  “Shut up, Mikey,” Mimi snapped. “Brent said he can help me and I’m going to let him.”

  “Help with the case or something else? And the next time you call me Mikey, we’re fighting.”

  “Of course the case. Although his lips are magical.”

  “Wait. What? Y’all kissed?”

  Mimi nodded. “After you and Jamal left, I came home, worked on my blog and played some Coltrane. Then he knocked on the door and kissed me.”

  “Whoa. That was some Love Jones melodrama right there. Then, did you...”

  Mimi’s eyes stretched to the size of quarters. “No! But I wanted to. Right here on the floor. I was kissed senseless and I didn’t even think about Sunday morning.”

  “That’s serious, but you know while he’s your attorney you can’t do anything with him.”

  “Well, if he is as good as he says he is, this will all be cleared up with a phone call.” Mimi smiled as she thought about feeling the softness of his lips again.

  “Earth to Mimi! Wow, this guy must have done a number on you.”

  “Maybe it’s just that I haven’t met a man like Brent before. He’s different from the typical Atlanta man. Like Jamal, for instance.”

  “Wait a minute, Jamal’s cool,” she said. “We had a great time and he was a gentleman. And quite the dancer. And there was no kissing when he dropped me off at my car. He even told me that he wasn’t looking for a relationship.”

  “That’s obvious.”

  “Not really,” MJ said. “He likes to have fun, but at least he’s honest about it.”

  “Yeah, but even if a man is honest about wanting to sleep with you whenever he’s free, it doesn’t mean you don’t hurt when the feelings aren’t returned.”

  “Was that a veiled examination of me and Nic? I’m done with that. I’ve handed his contract off to another one of my employees and I deleted his number from my phone. We’re done.”

  Mimi started to ask for how long, but she realized that she had to meet Brent. “I have to go and get with Brent,” she said. “Hopefully traffic isn’t going to be that bad.”

  “You know good and well there is never a time when traffic isn’t bad in midtown. You go and I’ll see what I can do as far as your brand goes. The publisher called me. Obviously the news of the suit is making the rounds.”

  “Damn it,” she muttered. “I don’t need this, especially since I wanted to pitch a travel book to the publisher.”

  “What? We didn’t talk about that.”

  “I know. Let’s have sushi tonight and I’ll go into detail about it.”

  MJ shot her a questioning look. “Okay,” she said. “But that was never in the plan. Your next book was supposed to be based on the blog. That’s what we sold the publisher.”

  “Plans change. See you later,” Mimi said, then dashed out the door.

  Traffic on Georgia 400 was more like driving around a parking lot. Cars crept along as if they were Hot Wheels being pushed by toddlers. Mimi was about thirty minutes late for her meeting. When she walked into Brent’s office, she was extremely impressed. His staff was a mix of young lawyers, men and women. They all had intensity etched on their faces as they moved with the speed of hungry lions around the office. Crossing over to the receptionist’s desk, Mimi smiled at her then said, “I have an appointment with Brent Daniels.”

  The woman looked up at Mimi and smiled. “And your name, ma’am?”

  Ma’am? Seriously, do I look that old? she thought. “Mimi Collins.”

  The woman’s eyes stretched incredulously. “The Mimi Collins? Like The Mis-Adventures of Mimi Collins?”

  “That’s me.”

  “Oh. My. God! I love your stuff. Read your blog every day.”

  “Thank you.” Mimi beamed.

  “I’ll let Mr. Daniels know you’re here,” she said as she picked up the phone and handed Mimi a notepad. Placing her hand over the mouthpiece, she whispered, “May I have your autograph?”

  Mimi happily scribbled her name on the pad. She listened as the woman told Brent that Mimi was in the lobby. When she told Mimi that Brent would be right out, Mimi handed her the pad. “Thank you for reading,” Mimi said.

  “Thank you for being so real and fearless!”

  Mimi pulled out her cell phone. “Want to take an us-ie?”

  She tilted her head to the left. “He wouldn’t like that.”

  Mimi looked up and locked eyes with Brent. And damn did he look good. Dressed in a charcoal suit and a peach tie, he looked even sexier than he had in the hallway at home. Was he wearing that suit before? Mimi couldn’t remember because she’d been so angry and appalled by her actions that she hadn’t noticed.

  Now she saw it all. And he was a sight to behold. “Hi,” Mimi said.

  “You’re late,” he said, then smirked.

  “Traffic,” she said after learning to breathe again. “But I’m here now. Let’s get this madness over with.”

  Brent nodded. “We need to talk about
this. Follow me to my office.” Mimi watched him as he strode across the floor. He walked with confidence and purpose. Everyone seemed to be in such awe of him. Mimi was no exception. Brent at home was totally different from Brent in the office. Gone was the killer smile that Mimi saw as they played cards. He was a man about his business.

  Once they reached his office, Brent held the door for Mimi and turned to his petite blonde secretary.

  “Anita, hold my calls,” he said briskly.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Mimi walked in behind Brent and was impressed again. From his massive mahogany desk to the wall of legal books behind it and the windows looking out over the city, she felt as it she was in the presence of power. This Fast Love thing would be over before it started. He offered Mimi a seat.

  “Mimi, I reread your Fast Love blog. Can you prove everything you said?” he asked.

  “Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?”

  “It’s harsh, Mimi. Their case has some merit.”

  She leaned back in the chair. “What happened to ‘all they need to hear is a lawyer’s voice and it will be done’? That event was bogus. That company is preying on single women trying to find love.”

  “That may be true, but how is this any different from any other online dating site?”

  “You’re defending them?”

  “They want to meet. Mimi, do you realize how popular your blog is? I talked to a few of the ladies here who live and die by your recommendations. They’re just a sample. As Spider-Man said, with great power comes responsibility.”

  “Really?” she asked.

  “Maybe that was a little much, but you’re a tastemaker and your words carry power. Did you meet Rocky out front?”

  “Rocky? Oh, the receptionist. Yes.”

  “She gave me a crash course on Mimi Collins this morning,” Brent said as he leaned forward in his chair. “You speak your mind as if you’re talking to your girlfriends. That’s what she said. The only problem with that is it’s as if you have about fifteen million girlfriends and that has allegedly hurt Fast Love’s bottom line.” Brent turned the computer screen around and showed Mimi the email he’d received from Fast Love’s attorney. Mimi glanced at the metrics showing how the enrollment on the site had dropped since Mimi’s blog went viral.

  “So? They lied. They set up women to meet these men who were expecting sex, and what if someone had been raped?”

  “Good point. But can you prove it?”

  Mimi stroked her forehead, then she remembered the email. “Hell yes!” Digging her smartphone out of her purse, she searched for the random guy’s email that she’d forwarded to herself.

  Mimi held her phone underneath his nose. “This is what the men got and it was totally different from the email the women received.”

  “This changes everything,” Brent said as he read the email. “Do you have your original email?”

  “Of course I do,” Mimi said. “So can we put this thing to bed now? I have to go record a talk show about online dating in an hour.”

  “No,” he said.

  Mimi rose to her feet. “You can’t tell me what to do.”

  “You’re right, but I’m advising you not to say anything about online dating until this is wrapped up. Their lawyers are going to be watching you and your blog. Anything you type, text or tweet will be held against you. I think you should take a hiatus.”

  “Are you going to pay my rent? This blog is my life. These media appearances mean more page views, more revenue, more advertisers...”

  “More lawsuits,” Brent exclaimed. “Mimi, why do you hide behind the internet?”

  “What? I’m not hiding at all.”

  “Really, Mariah?”

  Mimi stopped in her tracks. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m not telling you anything I wouldn’t tell another client,” he said as he touched her shoulders. Mimi shrugged out of his embrace.

  “You volunteered for this.”

  “And I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t try to stop you from self-destructing. Why do you go so hard on the internet and think that no one will retaliate? Do you realize your influence on people?”

  “If I’m telling the truth, isn’t the law on my side?” Mimi asked.

  “This is a civil case. The rules are different, but you have the main thing you need to win.”

  “And that is?”

  Brent gave her a half smile. “Me. As long as you follow my advice.”

  Mimi moved closer to the door. “I’ll take that under advisement.” Her glance fell on his lips. “Maybe we should seal it with a kiss?”

  He took a step back. “As much as I’d love to, things have changed. While I’m representing you, we can’t cross that line.”

  Mimi placed her hand on the doorknob. “That’s why lines are there, to be crossed.”

  “Ever think that’s why you’re being sued for five million dollars? Mimi, sometimes you have to follow the rules and don’t get to make them up as you go along.”

  Gritting her teeth, Mimi held her tongue. “Goodbye, Attorney Daniels.” She stormed out of the office, confused by her attitude. Why was she upset with the man for doing his job? A job he volunteered for. She’d just fire him and find another lawyer to get this stupid suit tossed out. She had a good mind to walk back into his office and end the business relationship right now. But the look from his secretary stopped her from being dramatic.

  “Miss Collins,” the woman said.

  “Yes?” Mimi forced a smile at her.

  “I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your writing. You’re so honest and raw.”

  “Thank you,” she said, then shook the woman’s hand. “I try not to disappoint.”

  “I can’t wait for your next book,” she said.

  Mimi smiled and then locked eyes with Brent as he walked out of his office. “Thank you, Anita,” she said. “I’ll make sure you get an autographed copy.”

  The woman beamed. “Thank you so much!”

  “Mimi,” Brent said. His deep voice sending chills down her spine. “Can we talk?”

  “I have to go, Mr. Daniels. But please let me know when the meeting with Fast Love will be. I want to make sure I’m ready.” Turning on her heels, Mimi sauntered out the door.

  * * *

  Brent watched the sway of Mimi’s hips and thought of palm trees in a gentle breeze. That didn’t keep him from thinking about making love to Mimi underneath palm trees. This woman was all wrong for him.

  Brash. Opinionated. And she didn’t listen. He had no doubt that she was going to do that interview.

  “Mr. Daniels,” Anita said, breaking into his thoughts. “Rocky says your next appointment is here.”

  “Give me five minutes,” he said then retreated to his office.

  * * *

  Mimi did what Brent thought she was going to do and headed to the Good Afternoon Atlanta studio. She was going to tell the hosts about the lawsuit and tell them that her attorney advised her not to talk about specific online sites. That should keep Brent’s boxers from getting in a bunch. If it didn’t, so what. As she walked through the doors, her phone rang.

  She was happy and disappointed to see that it was MJ and not Brent. “Hello?”

  “What are you doing?” MJ asked. “Because I just called Good Afternoon Atlanta and they said you’re still doing the show.”

  “Yes, I am,” Mimi said.

  “Are you crazy?”

  “No, but I can’t go silent on my blog and in the media. I don’t care what you and Brent say.”

  “What did Brent say?” MJ asked.

  “That I should take a hiatus.”

  “I was going to suggest the same thing. Re-blog some of your older popular posts and wait this
thing out. Mimi, you can’t afford to have this get out of hand before the second book comes out. And the movie deal has not been finalized. Suppose the studio decides not to go forward with you because of this?”

  She sighed and started to tell MJ that she wasn’t going on the show and saying anything about Fast Love, but that would’ve been a lie.

  “I’m not going to let them attack my character when Fast Love is wrong for their marketing. What if a woman at that event had been raped?”

  “But no one was.”

  “That we know of. Who’s to say they won’t do this again?”

  “You think you’re going to stop them? Mimi...”

  “What if I can? I’m tired of people and companies taking advantage of women looking for love. I speak out and get sued. There’s something that needs to be said about that.”

  “Okay, if that’s what you think,” MJ said. “But you’re making it much harder on yourself to do the book you want to do and keep from having to pay money you don’t have. I’ve known you long enough to know that you’re going to do what you want, good advice be damned.”

  “Thank you for respecting that,” she said. “I’ll call you later.” Mimi ended the call, then walked in the studio. When one of the producers grabbed her and told her that Fast Love’s lawyer was going to be on the show and asked her if she had an attorney of her own, Mimi knew she might be in over her head.

  “Let me make a phone call,” she said as she pulled out her cell phone and called Brent.

  Chapter 11

  It was the third time that Brent had ignored Mimi’s call as he spoke to Myra Ellington. Their consultation should’ve been over an hour ago, but the elder Myra Ellington thought she was in 1950 and still a sex symbol.