Owner of a Broken Heart Page 8

  “We’ll see.” Clinton walked away. Nina had gotten what she wanted, she knew that Lamar was still into her, and when he was back in Charleston, they would probably reconcile. Clinton hoped that Nina was smart enough to know Lamar wasn’t into her, but didn’t want her with anyone else. Typical male ego.

  Walking over to Nina, he saw that she’d just finished her story and was packing up her computer and notepad. “That was quick,” Clinton said.

  “That’s what deadline pressure does to you. Are you ready to go?”

  Clinton smiled. “Absolutely.”

  Nina rose to her feet and pulled her jacket on. He noticed that she hadn’t looked in Lamar’s direction once.

  “So what’s next?”

  Nina shrugged. “Let’s just get out of here. And you were right, using you to make him jealous was a stupid idea. I’m glad I saw the light.”

  Clinton slipped his arm around her waist. “You’re learning, grasshopper. I thought you were going to cook for me.”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “That’s the last thing you want me to do. But I can take you to my favorite diner.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Nina and Clinton headed for the elevator, not caring that Lamar was watching their every move.

  * * *

  As they drove to the diner, she couldn’t help but smile. She was having a good time with Clinton and it had nothing to do with making Lamar jealous. He was funny and sweet.

  “What’s that grin all about?” Clinton asked.

  “Tonight turned out a lot better than I thought it was going to be. Thank you.”

  “You don’t have to thank me. I actually learned something tonight.”

  “What’s that?” Nina frowned as a car stopped in front of her for no apparent reason. “Oh, come on!” She leaned on the horn and fought the urge to scream profanities at the car. Glancing over at Clinton, she smiled. “Sorry, I have road rage pretty bad. But you were saying?”

  “I see,” he said with a smile. “Football isn’t that bad. How much farther to the diner? I’m starting to fear for the safety of the other drivers.”

  Nina turned into a parking lot and brought the car to a stop. “We’re here.”

  They walked into Midnight Diner and took a seat at a secluded table in the corner.

  “Seeing him threw you for a loop, didn’t it?” Clinton said.

  “It did, even though I knew he was only paying attention to me because you were there. So childish. But it was nice to have you by my side.” Nina toyed with the menu and averted her eyes from Clinton’s gaze. “Sorry I tried to use you.”

  “I have an ulterior motive,” he admitted.

  “Really, and what would that be?” Nina lowered her menu. Was this the moment his true colors came out?

  “I just wanted to get to know you better away from the watchful and suspicious eyes of your sister. I know you’re having a hard time believing in a man because of Lamar. But believe me, we aren’t all bad.”

  “I never thought that, it’s just . . .”

  Clinton reached across the table and took her hands into his. “You need a break.”

  “With football season about to start and all of the high schools looking to take down Independence? I can’t take a break.” Nina slid her hands from his. “Besides, Cody gave me one with sweetheart-gate. I have to regroup now.”

  “Can’t or won’t? Self-care is important and you need to take care of Nina.”

  “You’re right, but the way my bills are set up, I have to work.”

  “Two days won’t hurt you. Besides, after seeing how hard you work, you deserve this.”

  “I won’t argue that fact.” She inched closer to him. “Night games are the best and the worst. You know everyone is going to read your stories and you will gain more social media followers. But the rush to get everything done”—she expelled a breath—“it can be hard.”

  “And that’s why you deserve to relax.”

  His face was inches from hers and their lips brushed against each other’s. Nina’s cheeks flushed as he took her face into his hands. Clinton captured her lips so quickly that she couldn’t protest, not that she wanted to. His kiss thrilled her, sent heated waves of lust through her body. Unlike their first kiss, she welcomed his tongue as he slipped it between her parted lips. He tasted rich like her favorite coffee. A soft moan escaped her throat as Clinton deepened his kiss. It was as if they were alone and not in the middle of a diner. As if they realized their surroundings, they broke off the kiss and stared into each other’s eyes.

  “We’d better stop. This is dangerous.”

  “How so?” He took her hand in his and wouldn’t let her turn away from him.

  “It’s way too soon for me to get addicted to your kisses. And I’m—”

  “You’re right, but I’m the one with the addiction problem. I’ve been wanting to do that all night.”

  “Clinton,” she murmured.

  “Don’t spend too much energy worrying about what you could’ve had with him. You’re going to find a man who will adore you and you’ll never have to question how he feels about you.”

  Nina opened her mouth to ask him when, but the waiter walked over to the table to take their drink orders.

  “You know we’re playing with fire,” she said once the waiter left.

  “You think? I didn’t expect this to happen, but look at you. The minute I saw you, I knew I was going to be in trouble. Couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

  “Then why did you agree to play this crazy game with me?”

  “For selfish reasons. I knew I’d get to spend the evening with you. Though, I didn’t think we’d be alone together.”

  “You knew what you were doing when you set up that interview. It all makes sense now.” Nina laughed and tweaked his nose. Clinton took her hand and brought it to his lips.

  “I really didn’t do that. Your father’s story is amazing and I think the world should know about it. And were it not for Yolanda, I would’ve been there to oversee the photo shoot and everything. She took the styling of your father very seriously.”

  Nina rolled her eyes. “I bet she did. There’s no way Yolanda would’ve allowed you to step in and do your job today. So, I saved you.”

  “And for that, I’m forever in your debt.”

  “Be careful. I’m going to collect one day.” She chewed her bottom lip as their eyes met and the air seemed to sizzle between them.

  The waiter walked over to the table with their drinks and to take their food orders.

  “Why do we like playing with fire so much?” Nina asked when the waiter left.

  “Wish I had an answer. I’m not going to lie and say I don’t want you, Nina, but you’re going to have to want me, too.”

  “I do want . . . Clinton, you’re a breath of fresh air and I want to get to know you more, but is this just a physical thing?”

  “Nina, I’m in no hurry to take you to bed. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to. You’re sexy as hell and—”

  “Maybe that’s the problem. I’m the girl everyone wants to take to bed.”

  “Stop, because that’s not what I’m saying. There’s so much more to you and I want to uncover every piece.”

  She smiled, wondering how she was going to keep her thighs together when they arrived at her place.

  The waiter brought their food over before things went too far—burgers, fries, and chocolate milkshakes—and they dug in. As hard as Clinton tried not to focus on Nina’s lips, he couldn’t help it. Every sip she took from that straw made him hard as he imagined her treating him with the same slow suck.

  “You don’t like the food?” She glanced at Clinton’s half-eaten burger.

  “It’s fine. I just got a little distracted.” He popped a fry in his mouth.

  Nina raised her right eyebrow and took another sip of her shake. There he was being distracted again. She leaned her cup toward him. “You know you can have it, if you want it that badly
.”

  Clinton inhaled sharply, then wiped a bit of cream from her bottom lip. He felt Nina shiver and he knew it wasn’t the coldness of the milkshake that caused it. Need, want, and desire had enveloped them both. “We’d better eat and get out of here. You have an early morning drive.”

  He nodded. “Yes, I do.”

  Nina laughed and sent his heart into overdrive. “And please don’t be late for work. Alex punishes people for having fun.”

  They finished their meal in a comfortable silence. Clinton even allowed Nina to swipe his fries without comment and he was enjoying those salty fritters. But the taste didn’t compare to watching Nina’s lips. When the waiter returned to the table with the check, Clinton pulled out his credit card and slid it in the black billfold. “My treat.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” Nina reached for the check, but Clinton kept it out of her reach until the waiter returned to the table.

  “I know, but I got this.” He handed the waiter the check, then turned back to Nina. “It’s the least I can do.”

  She smiled and reached for her jacket. “Well, let’s go.”

  The ride to Nina’s town house was much smoother because game traffic had died down. The duo rode in silence and when they arrived at Nina’s, she couldn’t help but think about what would happen when they got inside. Her mind wandered to what his lips would feel like between her thighs. Stop it, she thought. This is why you’re in the situation that you’re in now.

  Nina dropped her keys as she attempted to unlock the front door.

  “Are you all right?” He bent down and picked up the keys. Clinton unlocked the door and held it open for her.

  “Too much caffeine.” Nina smiled as she flipped the light on. “The perils of a late game.”

  “I hope you’ll be able to get some sleep. I know I have to get an early start if I plan to avoid traffic.”

  She stepped back and nodded. “And the wrath of Alex. I put clean towels in the guest room and the sheets are fresh too,” she said, her voice quivering with nervousness.

  “And she’s protective of her family. I’m going to have a long way to go to win her trust.”

  “It shouldn’t be that hard. I feel like I can trust you,” she admitted, which brought a smile to Clinton’s face.

  “Thank you for your hospitality,” he said, closing the space between them. His lips were inches from hers. “And I really want to thank you for that kiss earlier.”

  Nina didn’t want to speak because if she’d moved her head one inch, she and Clinton would’ve been locked in another passionate embrace. He lifted her chin and forced her to look into his eyes. He winked at her and Nina knew she wouldn’t stop him from kissing her again. “Point me in the direction of the guest room.”

  “Umm, upstairs and to the left.”

  “Good night, Nina.”

  She watched him as he walked up the stairs, thinking that she had to thank his mama for an ass like that. Go to bed, Nina!

  When she heard the guest room door close, Nina headed upstairs and straight for a cold shower.

  * * *

  Clinton couldn’t sleep, despite how comfortable the full-sized bed was. All he could think about was Nina’s lips. When he heard the shower start up, he imagined her stepping underneath the water, her nipples perking up as the tepid water hit her body.

  Like you know how hot she likes her water. Just because you need a cold shower doesn’t mean she does. Clinton closed his eyes and her naked body flashed in his head again. He’d never been envious of a loofah before, but tonight was a different story. He imagined Nina soaping one up and rubbing it across her svelte body. He could see her hair curling up from the moisture as the water hit it. He wanted to run his fingers through her tresses as she wrapped her leg around his waist. The thought of her heat enveloping his hardness lit him up like a candle. Sighing, he cupped his hands behind his head and closed his eyes hoping to go to sleep. But as his erection made a tent in his boxers, Clinton wanted to head down the hall to the bathroom and make love to Nina in the shower. The last thing I need to do is try to rush into something physical with her, he thought. Nina is more than that.

  Still, the image of a wet Nina wrapped in only a towel haunted Clinton until sleep finally grabbed him.

  The next morning, Clinton climbed out of bed about five, grabbed his towel, and headed for the bathroom to take a quick shower before he drove back to Charleston. All night he’d dreamt of Nina, and walking into the bathroom made him want to make his dreams come true. Like he could go and wake her up after telling her that they needed to take things slow.

  Looking around the bathroom, Clinton knew two things: Rose was Nina’s signature scent and favorite flower. Her walls were covered with wallpaper decorated by roses, and she had three bottles of rose-scented perfume on the counter.

  Turning the shower on, he stepped underneath the warm spray and closed his eyes. He couldn’t help but hope Nina would join him underneath the water and make his dreams come true. And if she does, there’s no way you’re going to make it back to Charleston. Clinton dipped his head under the water, needing to wash his lustful thoughts away.

  Following his shower, Clinton dashed into the room and dressed. Then he was faced with a dilemma: Wake Nina so that she could lock the door behind him or wait until she woke up and then leave. His overwhelming desire for her kept him from knocking on her door. Suppose she slept naked? That he wanted to see.

  Clinton figured if he was going to wake her up that the least he could do was brew some coffee or cook breakfast for Nina. As he headed downstairs to the kitchen, he was met with the aroma of strong coffee, fried eggs, and buttery grits.

  “And I was going to come down here and try to surprise you with breakfast,” he said when he spotted Nina at the stove. She was dressed in a pair of black yoga pants, a cropped cotton T-shirt, and pink socks. And she looked absolutely amazing.

  “My father always taught me to feed my guests before they leave,” she said.

  Clinton smiled. “Is that so they’ll come back?”

  Nina grinned as she spooned grits onto a plate and handed it to him. “Say that after you’ve tasted my cooking.”

  Glancing at the watery grits and rubbery-looking eggs, Clinton wondered if Nina was more of a protein smoothie type of breakfast person. “I take it that Alex did all the cooking when you guys were growing up?”

  She folded her arms across her chest and smirked. “I never said cooking was one of my many talents. It’s not going to kill you, it just may not taste good.”

  Clinton set his plate on the counter and gently pushed Nina aside. “Tell me where everything is and I’ll cook a breakfast with some taste.”

  “Fine, and I’ll check the coffee. I’m good at making coffee.” Winking at him, she pointed him to where to find the ingredients. As Nina reached up in the cabinet to grab two mugs, Clinton watched her booty jiggle. Even first thing in the morning she looked like a goddess. He almost dropped a dozen eggs as he watched her make the coffee. One thing he could say was that she was serious about her java.

  After Clinton made a simple breakfast of toast, creamy instant grits, and perfectly scrambled eggs, he was surprised Nina had been so impressed with his effort.

  “I’ve never had a guy cook me breakfast before.”

  “What kind of men have you been dealing with?”

  “The wrong kind, obviously,” she replied as she spooned grits into her mouth. “There are several restaurants in town that claim to have Charleston cuisine, but these are the best grits I’ve had since I’ve been in North Carolina.”

  “It’s nothing spectacular. I like to cook, though. Some of my best memories are of my mother and me cooking in the kitchen, much to my father’s dismay.”

  Nina stared at him thoughtfully. “Why would your father be upset about you spending time with your mother? I wish I could’ve had a chance to know my mother. Maybe I’d be a better cook.”

  He reached over the table and grabbe
d her hand. “I’m sorry.”

  She shrugged, but her eyes glistened with tears. “I was so young when she passed away. That’s the one thing I really envy about Alex and Robin, they have so many wonderful memories of our mother and all I have is their stories.” She hugged herself, then dropped her hands and turned to Clinton.

  “I don’t know what I would’ve done without my mother. My father made no bones about it, I was a disappointment to him because I didn’t run with a ball or shoot one.” Clinton tried not to think bitter thoughts and ruin the moment he and Nina were sharing. But whenever he thought of the past and his father, he couldn’t help but grow angry. Many of his classmates and former football players whom he’d gone to high school with were either in jail, dead, or stuck working a dead-end job in a factory. Clinton was successful, never been to jail or in any kind of trouble. Still it wasn’t enough to please his father. In a way, he felt as if he and Nina were kindred spirits, trying to make the wrong man love them for all the right reasons.

  “We’ve gotten really serious really fast,” Nina said, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had fallen between them. “You’d better hit the road.”

  Clinton rose to his feet. “You’re right, but before I go, I have to clean up. All good cooks clean up after themselves.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  He winked at her as he took their plates to the kitchen sink. “I know. What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

  “You mean after I go back to sleep?”

  Clinton laughed. “Not a morning person?”

  “Umm, after about three cups of coffee.” Despite his objections, Nina helped him wash their dishes. Standing that close to her was almost unbearable.

  And though he knew he should keep his lips to himself, Clinton leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Then I appreciate you allowing me to cook breakfast for you this early in the morning.” He could’ve sworn he saw Nina blush. Looking back at her confirmed that he was right. Clinton wondered how she could be so sexy and so innocent at the same time.

  Chapter 10

  When Clinton left, Nina thought she’d be able to sleep, but her mind was filled with Clinton Jefferson. She’d spent half the night fighting the urge to creep into his room. Instead, she’d taken a cold shower. Acting on her lust would’ve been a mistake. But his kiss burned on her lips all night. Nina decided to clean her place and work on some story pitches. By noon, her body was ready to shut down. She stomped into her bedroom, kicking off her slippers and plopping down on her bed. Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, the phone rang, shattering the silence.