Bride 2 Be

Chapter 12 ~ Decisions

Chapter 12
Decisions

"Tell me, Lisa. Admit that you missed me too," Cal said, his growing desire to hear her confess taking over.

She was here, in his arms, pressing into him, grinding her little bottom against him and responding to his every touch, yet he still had an overwhelming need to hear her say the words. He couldn't say why; her actions were clear, but for some reason, that escaped him. Hearing her admit it would thrill him like nothing else.

She moved toward the counter for support, creating a small distance between their bodies.

"Lisa," he whispered in her ear, dragging out the 'ah' before his tongue swept across her jaw. When she moaned, he knew she would give him anything he asked for. Her sweet perfume overloaded his senses, and the warmth of her silky skin against his mouth made him want to take her right there on the counter. His hands grasped her breasts again, squeezing, his hips grinding against her hard, hunger burning through his slacks to be one with her again.

The moment she left his bed, he found it difficult to focus on anything else; even work couldn't distract him enough to push that one incredible night out of his mind. He used the contracts as an excuse to hop the jet to Michigan to see her, to see if he were the only one contemplating this relationship going further. There was something about this woman who responded to his touch as if she couldn't get enough, something that had him ready to make a drastic change in his life, but he had to know this wasn't one-sided. One word—one word was all he asked for, and she still refused to say it. What does this mean?

If he continued to give her what she wanted, what her body clearly needed, he wouldn't get that word to pass her lips. Calvin took a deep breath and stepped back, letting his hands release her. His body screamed in protest for breaking contact, his fingers itching to pick up right where they left off, but his mind had control for now, and until she acknowledged that she missed him, even a tiny bit, he would have to resign himself to keep his distance.

She spun around, her mouth hanging open as she gazed at him. "Cal?"

God, he loved how she said his name. She was so full of wonder and breathy with passion. His eyes focused on her mouth, a mouth so close and tempting he could hardly wait to kiss her again.

"Yes?"

"Why did you stop?" Lisa asked, her arms crossing over her chest, hugging herself.

He had her. He knew he did. "I don't want to push you into anything, and right now, I feel that I am."

Lisa's brown eyes widened as she stared at him. He could get lost in the depths of her eyes, so welcoming and inviting, expressive when darkened with desire. Just like that, she tore her gaze from his, focusing more on his chest as they stood in silence. The clock's ticking on the wall filled the room, the sound growing louder with each passing second. Still, he waited, hoping that she would confirm his suspicions and they could see where this relationship would take them.

"You're not being too pushy," she spoke, her voice just above a whisper.

Calvin reached out and raised her chin, forcing her to make eye contact again. "I'm not?"

"No."

Her bottom lip hung open, calling to him. Before he could stop the impulse, he fused his mouth to hers again. Lisa responded, her tongue dueling with his, searching and stroking. She had to be feeling all that he was; there was no way a woman like her would let him make such allowances if she felt nothing.

The chiming of a cell phone tore them apart. Calvin cursed, pulling the device out of his pocket as it rang again. His father's number flashed on the screen. Calvin answered the phone and took a few steps away from Lisa.

"Dad," he said, trying to calm his ragged breathing.

"I hear you're in Michigan. Is there a problem?"

Calvin turned away from Lisa, his mind working on a plausible excuse to leave the office today. "Nothing I can't control. Didn't Janie give you my message?"

"Yes, son, she did. But it didn't explain why it was necessary to fly there," his father stated.

If Calvin didn't know any better, he'd swear his father's voice had a hint of humor.

"It made sense to be here in person and finalize things with Lisa and Anna before next week's meeting. I have something in the works that could propel us forward."

"Let me know if you need any help."

"Certainly," Calvin said, hanging up the phone.

Amusement danced in Lisa's eyes when he turned to face her.

"What?"

Lisa chuckled, "A few things in the works? Is that what I am now?"

Calvin laughed. He loved that. That natural playfulness kept developing between the two of them. He moved forward, closing the distance that kept her out of arms reach, and grabbed her hips. When he looked down into those smoldering eyes, he became lost in the desire that continued to surge in her presence.

"What do you want to be?" he asked before he brushed a light kiss on her lips.

“Mmm,” Lisa murmured. "Now there's a question."

"So many questions, so little answers."

Her eyebrow rose as she looked up at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, you didn't say you missed me; you are dodging what you want to be, so I'm guessing you will evade any serious question I ask."

Before she could answer, her cell phone rang. Lisa turned and dug into her purse.

"Hello."

Cal watched as she spoke, wondering what he would have to do to get this woman to admit her feelings. She responded to him every time he touched her, and he had no doubt she was just as perplexed as he was in this budding relationship. What surprised him was that she couldn't talk about what was happening. When it came to the boardroom, she made her feelings perfectly clear, but matters of the heart seemed more complicated.

"We'll be there," Lisa said, hanging up the phone.

Cal smiled at her and found it interesting that she'd make plans just to get out of having a conversation with him.

"That was Anna. They've invited us to dinner."

"Good. I need to see Nolan while I'm in town," he said.

Lisa stared at him as if searching for an explanation. "You do?"

"Yes. A new game plan for AO will catapult us to the front of the fashion industry, and Nolan will have precisely what I'm looking for. You will appreciate what I have in mind for us."

Her eyebrow rose as she studied him, and Calvin knew he piqued her curiosity. When she did find out what he had planned, it might push her back against the wall. He needed to be extra careful before he laid it all out for her.


IT DIDN'T MATTER HOW often Cal visited Anna and Nolan Brady's house; he still found it charming and impressive, with its wide hallways and earthy décor. The bold color choices of the paintings complimented the oversized rugs on the oak floors. He expected no less from his top-notch fashion designer and her husband, who was an accomplished builder. Anna's baby bump swelled, and the glow on her face radiated like white light. Seeing how the couple acted together made it easy to see that they were still in love, just like his parents. Cal wondered if he could find that someday. He gazed at Lisa, and his heartbeat leaped as thoughts of marrying her and watching her belly grow with his child flooded his mind. He took a deep breath and tore his gaze away, knowing it was too soon to think like this, especially since the woman couldn't even admit she'd missed him. Even though he knew these things, he couldn't prevent his mind from heading in this direction. His business associate, this vibrant woman, made him want permanent things in a way Jules never did.

"I'm really sorry I won't be able to make it to New York next week," Anna said, penetrating his thoughts.

"Don't be. We all understand. Your top priority is having a healthy baby right now. I did bring a copy of the new contract with me, so you will be kept in the loop."

"Still, I hate sitting on the sidelines," Anna complained. The fashionista reminded him of a teenager pouting.

Nolan shook his head. "My wife is a bit of a control freak."

Anna smacked his arm. "I am not. I just like to know what's happening, when it's happening."

"There's always Skype," Lisa said.

"Now you're heading in the right direction," Calvin said.

Anna gaped at them, her bottom lip hanging open. Calvin wanted to laugh at her bewildered expression, but he'd heard too many tales about emotions and pregnant women.

"That would be ideal. It would take little to set it up in the boardroom. You could stay here and video stream or stream from the Boutique,"

"I like that idea," Lisa stated.

"I suppose that could work," Anna said.

Nolan laughed. "Stop being so stubborn. You know the idea is more than appealing. I can almost hear the wheels turning in your head."

Anna stood. "It is, and you know how my mind works. Why don't you take Calvin out back so I can clean up and make coffee?"

"I'll help," Lisa said.

Nolan stood and kissed Anna on her cheek. "Very subtle."

She shooed her husband away and began clearing the dishes.

Calvin stood and followed Nolan through the house and outside to the patio. Knowing Anna wanted a few minutes alone with Lisa to find out what was happening, he could get some information from Nolan to prepare his proposal for the board meeting.

"I'd apologize for Anna, but by now, you know how she is," Nolan said.

Calvin laughed. "Don't worry about it. Besides, I wanted to speak with you anyway."

Nolan turned. "Oh?"

"I have something in mind to take us into the future, and I know you have the expertise I need."

"Sounds intriguing." Nolan pointed to one of the six wicker chairs with blue cushions that sat around a table with a fire pit in the center and sat.

"With online buying driving small businesses out, I was thinking AO would need to change with the times."

Nolan nodded. "Smart thinking. What do you have in mind?"

"Real estate. New York would be pricey, but since we already have a small base here, it would be economical to expand in Endurance.

"So, you want office space?"

"Yes, and a warehouse to accommodate production and shipping. The office would need to be big enough to comfortably fit forty people, with a boardroom and kitchen. Is there anything like that around here, or would we be building from the ground up?"

"There are a few abandoned warehouses on the outskirts of town, about a ten-minute drive from the Boutique, that might work well. I'm sure one of the warehouses could be converted into office space," Nolan said.

"Great. When would you have time to show them to me? And do you know of a local real estate broker?"

"Let me make a call," Nolan said. Pulling out his cell phone.

"And Nolan." He looked at Calvin before dialing. "Let's keep this just between us for now."

Nolan shook his head. "You do know my wife, right?"

Calvin laughed as Nolan made the call. He gazed around the backyard, where he'd been a dozen times, but never noticed how quiet it was here. Usually, Anna and Nolan hosted launch parties at their place, and the yard was always booming with activity. Just a few months ago, Megan and Corey Brady's wedding reception came to a crashing halt when the police showed up and arrested the groom. Calvin only knew a little about small-town life, but on his numerous visits, the place always intrigued him.

Endurance completely contrasted with New York, and he wondered if branching out here was a bad idea. He would spend much more time here if everyone agreed to his plan. Thinking about splitting his time between his home and the small town USA sent doubt racing through his mind. Is this a good idea? Do I really want to make this proposal knowing I'll be the one to see it through from conception to completion?

"Hey, Calvin, will you be here tomorrow afternoon?"

"I can be."

"She can see us at one if that works for you," Nolan said.

"Sounds good."

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