“Good afternoon, Ms. Brooks,” the front desk attendant greeted her. “Great to have you back with us again.”
Naomi smiled. “Thank you. I’m glad to be back.”
“I can’t tell you enough how much I love the Brooks and Johnson body wash and lotion line. It’s done wonders for my skin.” The attendant caressed her cheek.
Naomi beamed with pride. This was exactly what she liked to hear when meeting customers. “Glad to hear it!”
“We’ve put you in one of our signature suites, complete with a queen-size bed.” She handed Naomi two room key cards. “I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay, and if there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”
“Thank you, and I will.” Naomi accepted the envelope and headed for the elevator bank.
* * *
Just as Naomi entered the elevator, Lucius’s limousine pulled up to the Hilton’s entrance. Just as he’d promised his grandma Ruby, he’d called Jocelyn. Thankfully she hadn’t answered, so he’d left a message, giving him a reprieve from an unpleasant conversation.
The chauffeur opened the door of the limo, and Lucius stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket as he entered the building. He was used to five-star establishments but knew that he needed to get in front of Naomi Brooks. He’d heard that she would be attending the expo, and the only way he could do that was to be as approachable as possible. Thus, he would stay in the same hotel with all the other attendees and exhibitors.
Content to handle business himself, he made short order of checking in. After obtaining his card, he headed for the elevator.
Some might consider his tactics a bit sneaky, but he needed to figure out Naomi Brooks. What were her strengths, her weaknesses? A smart businessman knew his opponent, because only then could he use the knowledge to his advantage. He was determined to add Brooks and Johnson to his portfolio. Having a company of that caliber under his wing would only lend itself to making Knight International more credible. He didn’t just want to be known as a corporate raider. He also wanted to be known as a man who stood for something, and this acquisition would give him credibility.
Disembarking from the elevator, Lucius headed to his two-bedroom suite. He glanced down the hall, wondering where Naomi was staying. It was just a matter of time before they met.
* * *
Naomi dressed simply yet professionally for the trade show and conference the next day. She’d knotted her wild curls into a bun off her face to show off her neck and cheekbones. Then she teamed a crisp three-quarter sleeved white shirt with a taupe pencil skirt and a thick brown belt with matching heeled sandals. She finished the look with a gold bangle set and long gold necklace. She glanced at herself in the mirror. The outfit was suitable for the office and could transition for an evening afterward.
She grabbed her briefcase and hobo purse and excitedly hurried toward the door. Fifteen minutes later, she’d already checked in with Brooks and Johnson’s event coordinator to make sure their booth was being set up and would be ready when the trade show opened later that afternoon. Assured that everything was under control, Naomi decided she could attend some of the workshops. Perhaps they might give her some inspiration?
She found one to her liking and headed to the right convention room. They were just starting, and there were many empty seats in the back of the room, so Naomi slid into one of them.
She was listening rapturously to the professor when she felt the seat beside her suddenly become occupied.
The scent of cedar washed over her nose as a strong thigh brushed against hers. Naomi’s breath hitched in her throat as she tried to focus on the lecture and not on the man sitting beside her. Whoever this stranger was, he smelled delicious, and Naomi couldn’t resist licking her lips.
“Good topic?” the deeply masculine voice asked from beside her.
Naomi didn’t turn around. She didn’t want to. For just a little bit longer she wanted to stay enveloped in his scent and let her imagination roam as she wondered who the owner of the rich masculine voice and sensual cologne was.
“Yes, it’s very timely,” she commented.
“Undoubtedly.”
Naomi frowned. The masculine voice beside her sounded familiar. Like she’d heard it dozens of times before, like when he’d told some bullies in high school to leave her alone. Except now the voice had matured and was stronger, more confident. Naomi turned and stared directly into the dark brown eyes of Lucius Knight.
* * *
Does she recognize me? Lucius wondered. Or does she just know of me? Is she aware I’m after her company?
Naomi didn’t speak for several seconds; she just eyed him warily before turning back to face the front of the room. He could feel her tense beside him almost immediately. He’d hoped their first meeting would be smoother. He prided himself on his ability to charm the socks off almost anyone, including most women, but it seemed Naomi wasn’t interested.
Instead of replying to his earlier comment, she continued to focus on the lecture until the hour was complete. When it was over, Naomi rose and so did Lucius. “So where are you headed?”
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “To gather info and maybe learn something like everyone else.” And without another word, she left his side and walked up the aisle to speak with the professor. Lucius had no choice but to take action.
He purposely walked toward the duo. “Professor Duvall, great talk,” Lucius said.
“Coming from you, Mr. Knight,” the professor said, “that’s quite a compliment.”
Naomi said nothing from his side. Lucius could see she was fuming, because he hadn’t taken the hint to take a hike. “Lucius Knight.” He turned to her and offered his hand.
She would have to shake it if she didn’t want to appear unprofessional. When she did, Lucius was surprised by the reaction he felt when their hands touched. There was a spark, but she also didn’t offer her name. Instead, she snatched back her hand.
“I’m eager to hear more, professor. Perhaps we can have coffee sometime later?” Lucius reached inside his suit jacket and produced his business card. “Call me.” He nodded to the professor and strode purposely toward the door. He’d accomplished what he’d intended. Naomi knew he wouldn’t be ignored.
Lucius stepped away to take an emergency call from Adam about another acquisition and missed the next few lectures and a chance to catch up with Naomi.
After he’d put out the fire and grabbed some lunch, he was ready for the trade show that opened at 3:00 p.m. He showed his badge and was allowed entry into the show. He was perusing many of the exhibit booths that ranged from agriculture and beauty to fitness products when a certain curly-haired updo caught his attention.
Naomi.
Lucius made a beeline in her direction.
She was bent down, smelling some cocoa beans, when he approached.
“Smell something you like?”
* * *
You, Naomi thought when Lucius’s familiar scent drifted toward her. He probably tasted just as sweet as one of the organic milk chocolates in front of her. Why did she have to run into him now? She wasn’t ready and hadn’t had enough time to put on all her armor. Nor was she in any way prepared for the depth of the attraction she’d felt at the merest touch of his hand earlier.
It had startled her. That now, nearly sixteen years later, Lucius Knight would still have an effect on her. She was no young ingenue anymore.
“Did you hear me?”
Naomi blinked several times, bringing Lucius