A Winter's Kiss (A Winter's Tale Book 1) Read online

  Dean stood quickly, hurriedly gathering his belongings before rushing out of the conference room, his pride obviously bruised. Nicholas waited until the room was clear before he turned his attention to Charlotte who had been watching him, amused. Sitting on the edge of the wooden table Nicholas spun her chair closer toward him.

  “You could have given me a heads up about the meeting. I had no idea what to expect,” Charlotte glared at him.

  “You think better on your feet,” he shrugged. “It was better this way.”

  “Dean was annoyed that I was here.”

  “Dean’s a prick. He has this weird inferiority complex when it comes to women in the work place.”

  “I’ve noticed,” she rolled her eyes. “Still, it probably wasn’t a good idea to include me in the meeting. I’m not a board member, and I’m not a part of the sales team, so in all actuality there was no need for me to be here.”

  Narrowing his eyes, Nicholas thoughtfully rubbed the tip of his index finger along his jawline. “I wanted you here,” he said finally. “And so you were.”

  Charlotte laughed. “It’s that simple?”

  “Pretty much,” he answered his laughter mirroring hers.

  “You’re going to make it worse.”

  “Make what worse?” he asked.

  “The rumors, you’re going to give people more to talk about if you don’t stop showing me favoritism.”

  “Dimple, you’re the Editor . . . it makes sense for you to be involved in a meeting with the board . . . don’t worry so much.”

  Charlotte gave a half smile. “I thought I told you not to call me Dimple at work.”

  Nicholas shrugged non- chalantly. “We’re the only ones in here,” he smirked. “Do you seriously think people don’t know that we’re good friends by now? We’re always together.”

  “Nick that’s what I’m saying people are watching us. We are like the talk of the office- it’s uncomfortable.”

  “So are we not supposed to be friends at work? Should I ignore you?” he laughed entertained by her coyness.

  “You find everything funny. I’m being serious right now.”

  Nicholas grinned, his dark grey eyes beaming at her. “Are you?” he mused bringing his full bottom lip into his mouth.

  Charlotte watched him through long lashes, her wandering gaze drifting, taking him all in. Friend or not, Nicholas was a very attractive man- a Prep boy by all standards, very clean cut from his close shaved chestnut brown hair to his newly grown cinnamon goatee . . . he was gorgeous.

  “You could at least wait until I’m not paying attention before you eye rape me,” he teased.

  His words caused a blush to set in her cheeks. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Charlotte rolled her eyes, embarrassed.

  “Mmhm.”

  “Just do me the favor of taking it easy at work. I don’t want lies going around about me just because I’m friends with the boss.”

  “Fine. At work I’ll treat you just like everyone else.”

  “That’s all I ask.”

  “Well if you’re done making your demands, get back to work.”

  “Sure thing, Chief,” she smiled rising from her chair and walking toward the exit. Turning around briefly she mouthed, “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, Dimple.”

  Chapter Three

  “I’ve changed my mind,” Charlotte said apologetically. “I’m not going.”

  “What do you mean you’re not going?” Patricia Foster demanded, sighing into the phone. “I thought we agreed that you would ignore any thoughts about cancelling, and just go for it?”

  Patricia Foster, the Advertising Director for Leisure Me Ready magazine, and Charlotte’s closest confidant was determined to accomplish her aspiration of setting up her introverted friend, and while she had thought that it was an ambition fought in vain the notion of throwing in the towel seemed like an unforgivable inclination.

  “I don’t know Trish,” Charlotte groaned. “The whole blind date thing is just too weird, you know? Maybe, I’m just not ready to start dating . . . maybe it’s too soon.”

  “Charlotte! We’re not doing this again. There’s always an excuse . . . just go on the date and see where it goes. You might be surprised.”

  “Or, I might end up dead and alone in Central Park,” she grumbled rolling her eyes at her friend’s words. For months Charlotte had been quick on her feet, making up excuses at the last possible moment to get out of dates that her overzealous friend had adamantly arranged, and though she appreciated Patricia for caring as much as she had- at the same time she wished the other woman would cease in her feeble attempts at trying to play matchmaker.

  “You won’t end up dead and alone,” Patricia laughed. “Trust me . . . would I ever put you in a dangerous situation?”

  “Not intentionally,” Charlotte mused.

  “Not ever.”

  Heaving a sigh of frustration Charlotte pouted her lips in deep contemplation. I really don’t have much to lose . . . right? I mean what’s the worst that could happen, well other than this dude being a total psycho and me dying at the tender age of twenty eight?

  “Hello? Charlotte? Are you there?” Patricia shouted into the phone. “Did you hang up?”

  “I’m here.”

  “Get dressed. He’ll be waiting for you in front of Keairs on Broadway at nine.”

  “What’s his phone number?”

  Patricia laughed softly in her ear. “There’s no way I’m trusting you with that information.”

  “What? How will I call him when I’m close by?” Charlotte demanded.

  “Girly, who are you trying to fool. I know your games, as soon as I give you his number you’ll be calling with an excuse to reschedule-”

  “That’s not true.”

  “It’s the God honest truth, and you know it. You’ll come up with something that no one thinks to question . . . you’re running a fever . . . you were called back into work . . . your dog has fallen ill.”

  “I don’t have a dog,” Charlotte said un-amused.

  “You’ll make one up,” Patricia declared. “And to stop that timeless debacle from reoccurring I’m only telling you need to know information.”

  “Are you insane? You’re sending me out to meet a strange man at nine o’ clock at night by myself all the while refusing to give me information about this person.

  “He’s single, in his thirties, and childless. Everything else is learnable through conversation.”

  She really is insane, Charlotte thought. “If you think that I’m stepping foot outside my door to meet someone who I barely know anything about, you’re mistaken. Do me the solace and cancel for me. Good night.”

  “Alright. Alright. His name is Jeremy Brooks, and he’s a friend of a friend. Charlotte, this guy is a catch, and if you don’t show up tonight he’ll be standing out in the cold waiting for you in front of Keairs for God knows how long because I’ am not canceling.”

  “Patricia.”

  “Charlotte. I’m not joking. I’ am not going to call him and cancel. If you want to cancel . . . show up and do it in person.”

  “That makes absolutely no sense.”

  “And neither does the thought of a beautiful woman in her twenties sitting around in her apartment when there is such a big world outside her window waiting to be explored,” Patricia snarked.

  Charlotte smacked her lips loudly into the phone. “Fine,” she huffed. “Okay, fine. I’ll meet him, but only to tell him that I’m not interested and then I’m leaving.

  “Do what you have to do,” Patricia said non- phased. “All I ask is that you show up.”

  ***

  Stepping out of her apartment building Charlotte tucked her hands into her coat pocket grateful that she had opted to wear her infinity scarf. Inhaling the cold November morning air she closed her eyes smiling as the early wintry rush spread through her body. Walking quickly in the direction of the subway she glanced down at her watc
h. 6:43 a.m. Crap. I can’t believe that I over slept, she grimaced. Running across the street Charlotte flagged down a cab quickly jumping into the backseat before anyone else had a chance to do so. Smiling to herself she felt a quiet sense of pride that a county girl from Baltimore had mastered the art of hailing down a cab so effectively in the busy streets of New York.

  “Tompkins Square Park, Avenue B, please,” she said once inside.

  “Yes, ma’ am.”

  Charlotte squinted her eyes in the darkness of the cab in hopes of getting a good look at the driver, but to no avail. Shrugging her shoulders in defeat she leaned back into the hard black cushion and rested her head against the seat.

  “How are you this morning?” she asked the cab driver.

  “I’m well, Ms. How are you?”

  Charlotte smiled at the stranger’s heavy Indian accent. “A bit tired. I had a long night.”

  “Oh. Uh, I’m sorry to hear that. Many hopes that you receive plenty of rest this evening Ms.”

  “Thank you,” she yawned closing her eyes. “Can you let me know when we get there?” she mumbled.

  “I’m sorry, Ms.?” The driver frowned in a state of confusion. “What is it that you want?”

  Opening her eyes she blinked several times in an attempt to stay awake. “Don’t mind me,” Charlotte said staring out of the stained window at the hundreds of people walking the streets in the early morning hours. The fast pace of the Big City still amazed her. It was as if the streets themselves pulsed with an undying energy. “Don’t mind me at all,” she repeated her voice barely a whisper as she allowed her eyes to close once more.

  Chapter Four

  Walking through the foyer Charlotte avoided the watchful eyes of her gossiping co- workers. Pretending to be engrossed in her Planner, she skimmed her fingers over blank pages in hopes to deter the small talk of the catty secretaries. Although she had grown use to the many rumors that were floating around about her supposed affair with Nicholas, she hated the uncomfortable feeling of knowing that she would be the subject of interest whenever she passed.

  “Good morning Ms. Toutant,” called a familiar voice from behind her. “Do you have a moment?”

  Charlotte turned around quickly eyeing Nicholas quizzically. “Yes sir. What can I help you with?” she screeched rather loudly aiming to get the attention of the idle chatterboxes.

  Nicholas furrowed his brows as he eyed her curiously. “Are you okay?” he asked closing the space between them.

  “Yes sir. I’m well, thank you. What can I do for you, sir?” she responded taking a step away from him.

  Biting his lower lip, Nicholas narrowed his eyes at Charlotte confusion evident in his dark grey eyes.

  “What can I help you with, sir?” she continued, hoping that their audience was paying close attention.

  “What are you doing?” he asked, perplexed.

  Pleading with her eyes, Charlotte nodded in the direction of the gathering onlookers. This was their golden opportunity to showcase their strictly platonic business relationship. “Please,” she mouthed.

  Combing his long fingers through his goatee Nicholas contemplated her request. “You’re late. Patricia mentioned that you were up late gathering research for a new project.”

  “Did she?” Charlotte frowned.

  “She did. I’m curious as to how your findings panned out,” he grinned. “After all, if this project was worth you losing sleep over . . . I think it’s only right that I learn more about it.”

  Charlotte regarded him closely, but remained silent. He was baiting her, and she didn’t like it. Licking her lips in deep deliberation she inched closer to Nicholas. “What happened to you treating me like a regular employee?” she whispered.

  Nicholas laughed softly. Placing his hand on the arch of her lower back he pulled her into him, ignoring the gasping sounds of the women who had gathered behind the receptionist desk to the left of him. “What happened to us not keeping things from one another?” he breathed into her ear. His lips skimmed her lobe causing a shiver to stir in the pit of her stomach.

  Charlotte opened her mouth to speak, but decided against it knowing that she would regret her words as soon as she had said them. Turning away from Nicholas she hurried in the direction of the elevators feeling frustrated. Jerk! She scoffed annoyed by his gull. There goes trying to banish the idea that our relationship is strictly professional. “Great,” she sighed under her breath.

  ***

  The atmosphere in the conference room appeared solemn at best as Nicholas handed each of his employees a stack of thick manila folders. Raising one in the air he said, “This unfortunately is our last hope at trying to find a life line within the framework of our magazine marque, we have forty- eight hours to get our hands on something worth preserving. Hayward Fissicle, the owner of Gizzelle Bridal has bought a share of Leisure Me Ready, a substantial share, making him a highly beneficial board member.”

  “That could work to our benefit,” Patricia offered as she opened the folder with certain fingers.

  “How so?” Nicholas asked.

  “Well, your father and Fissicle have worked together on different takeovers in the past. I’m sure if you gave him a call . . . .”

  Nicholas mused over the thought before shaking his head adamantly. “No, that wouldn’t work. Family and business are two separate entities.”

  “Nickolas, if Fissicle is a part of your father’s circle I don’t see a reason for you not to use that to your advantage. Ask your father to speak to him about keeping Leisure Me Ready afoot. He very well may appreciate the idea of helping out his friend’s son.”

  Staring into the concerned faces of his team he appeared to be vexed. Agitated, Nicholas combed his fingers through his hair. While his father was a key factor in his businesslike developmental growth, he had never used the benefit of having a business savvy father to his advantage. In all honesty he preferred to seek and accomplish success by his own means, and by his own standards. “I’m not interested in involving my father into this situation,” he said matter- of- factly, his tone stern.

  “Patricia does have a point,” Dean challenged, looking around the table he encouraged others to agree with him. “You’re father’s involvement could be the last chance we have at not being taken over by Fissicle’s company.”

  “Did you not hear what I just said? Nicholas demanded. “Fissicle has already bought a substantial share of the company, and is now a member of the board . . . he has already taken over. The issue is the uncertainty of whether or not he plans on dislodging our team to bring in members of his own, or if he even plans on keeping the magazine afloat.”

  “Take away his opportunity in making a conscious decision. Have your father speak to him,” Dean pushed.

  Nicholas stared at the other man shrewdly. “That’s not an option.”

  Dean groaned indignantly. “This is crap.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “The whole spiel about family and business being two separate entities . . . what about business and pleasure?” Dean snorted. “You don’t seem to mind mixing those two ordinances.”

  “Oh crap,” Patricia muttered quietly. “It’s about to get real.”

  Nicholas squared his shoulders, furrowing his brows as he spoke. “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”

  “You know as well as everyone else sitting at this table what it means. You called a team meeting . . . and we’re all here with the exception of one. Charlotte seems to be among the missing, and I’m sure that’s fine by you, right. She can pretty much do whatever it is she wants . . . show up to meetings that she isn’t a part of, strut into work late, leave early, miss meetings, and yet she is still employed. Obviously, there are lines that have been crossed as far as you and Ms. Toutant are concerned, so I guess what I’m asking Chief is why not take one for the team and cross just one more. Certainly considering what’s at risk for the staff that has worked so hard for you over the years-”

  “That’
s enough,” Nicholas snapped.

  “If you would just-”

  Slamming his fists onto the hard cherry oak table he regarded Dean intently, his grey eyes a molten steel. “I said, that’s enough,” he shouted causing Barbara, the robust Latina woman sitting closest to him to jump. “My father is not taking part in any functions of this company whether they are successes or failures; he has no part to play in either. And as far as my relationship with Ms. Toutant- it’s not now, nor will it ever be any of your business. She carries her weight around here, and that’s all you need to concern yourself with as far as she is concerned. Got it?”

  Dean stared at Nicholas, his mouth agape as if he were about to argue but opted in remaining silent.

  “I asked you a question,” Nicholas snarked unsatisfied.

  “Got it, boss.”

  “Good. As for the rest of you, forty- eight hours. Make me proud.”

  Chapter Five

  Charlotte lay on her chaise lounge wrapped in a gold faux blanket slowly drifting off to sleep as the voices of Dorothy and Auntie Em caressed her sub- consciousness. It was a Toutant family tradition to watch The Wizard of Oz at least once on Thanksgiving, once being the operative word, Charlotte could vastly recall years of watching the classic more than a few times in one sitting. Snugging into the plush of her coverlet she allowed her mind to drift off to thoughts of years past. She missed her family, her friends, Baltimore. And while she found the ability to turn off the switch to her past beneficial, there were times when she couldn’t help but take a stroll down memory lane. Thoughts of her parents, Babet and Manuel, of her kid sister, Adeline rayed through her consciousness. Visions of laughter and love clouded her mind causing a soft smile to form at her lips. She couldn’t help but wonder how they were spending their holiday, if her father had chased her mother around with the turkey’s drumstick, if her mother had spent most of the morning screaming for Adeline to turn down her music. Had their next door neighbor stopped by at wee hours of the morning asking for Manuel’s homemade JuJu sauce, a Creole family recipe that had been passed on through the generations. Charlotte’s mouth watered at the thought of her father’s sauce. For as long as she could remember her mother had asked for the ingredients, but to no avail, her father was intent on keeping his secrets. Secrets. My family and their secrets, she cringed.