Yahrah John - Taming Her Tycoon

“It’s clear, Naomi, we’ve reached an impasse on all talk of business for tonight, but that doesn’t mean the evening has to be a bust. So can we toast to having an enjoyable evening?”

Naomi thought about it a moment. She didn’t know how she was going to do that. The wariness she felt for Lucius was armor for her to deflect the attraction she felt. Without it, she was forced to admit to herself that she enjoyed his company. Having removed his jacket, he looked gorgeous in the white button-down shirt that was open at the collar and black slacks. His hair was trimmed so that the wave in it was noticeable. His deeply set dark eyes stared directly across the table at her, waiting for her answer.

“Yes.” She held up her flute reluctantly. “I suppose I can do that.”

An irrepressible grin slid over his incredibly full lips.

Naomi swallowed. It was going to be a long night.

* * *

Lucius was happy with how the evening progressed between him and Naomi. They’d adjourned from the restaurant to sit beside each other—Lucius on one side of a padded wicker love seat and Naomi far away on the other—on the terrace outside and enjoy the crisp fall evening with an after-dinner drink. The terrace was dimly lit by thin strings of light and strategically placed candles.

Lucius regarded her silently.

Sure, his interest in her company had been met with outright hostility, but once they’d agreed to put their differences on the shelf, he found Naomi a breath of fresh air.

There was no pretense with her. What you saw was what you got. She wasn’t like other women, who, once they found out who he was or how much he was worth, were eager to fawn all over him or want him to buy them things. Naomi Brooks was nothing like them. In fact, she couldn’t care less about things. She cared about people.

It was evident in the way she passionately spoke about her family. Throughout the course of the night, he’d learned her parents were still together after thirty-five years of marriage and she had a brother and a sister whom she loved dearly. Then there was her volunteerism—Naomi was involved in several charitable organizations that supported helping children and fighting breast cancer.

Lucius wasn’t sure he’d ever met anyone quite like Naomi. She was more selfless than anyone he’d ever known.

“What?” Naomi was staring back at him.

He blinked several times. “I’m sorry, say again?”

“Am I boring you?” she inquired. “I know I’m not like some of the actresses and models you’ve dated, who I’m sure indulge in more titillating conversation.”

Lucius laughed broadly. “Boring? Ha. That’s the last adjective I would use to describe you, Naomi. I was just musing on the difference between you and my usual companions.”

Naomi eyed him suspiciously. “Am I really all that different?”

“You’ve certainly changed from the nerdy tomboy in baggy jeans and plaid shirts,” Lucius countered.

“And you?” She eyed him in return. “You’re just as dangerous as you were as a teenager, which is why I must be cautious of you, Lucius Knight, despite how charming you’re being.” She glanced down at her watch. “We should call it a night. I have a busy day in the morning.” She rose from the love seat.

Lucius hated for the night to end. He wanted to spend more time with her, but he would have to bide his time. “Of course.” He stood. “Shall we?” He offered her his arm.

At first, he thought she wouldn’t take it, but she must have realized she was out of danger at least for tonight, so she accepted his proffered arm as they walked to the elevators.

Several minutes later, they were back in his limousine and driving to her office so she could pick up her car. She was quiet on the way back, deep in thought. He wanted to know what was on her mind and why she had a concerned wrinkle on her forehead, but he doubted she would reveal her troubles to him. Why? Because she didn’t trust him.

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