Free Exposed by Naomi Chase Page A

look.“What did he want?”
    Shame engulfed her. Dropping her gaze, she mumbled, “Nothing I can’t handle.”
    “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
    “It means I’m handling the situation, doing what I gotta do.”
    Lou said nothing. She didn’t have to spell it out for him. He knew exactly what she was doing to ensure Dominic’s cooperation. He might not approve, but he was the
last
person on earth who would judge her.
    A long, heavy silence lapsed between them.
    Before either could break it, a dark QX56 Infiniti tricked out with gleaming rims, tinted windows, and chrome trim pulled up quietly to the curb.
    Tamia let out an appreciative whistle.“Nice whip, papi.”
    Lou smiled.“You know how I do.”
    The swing creaked and rocked gently as he stood. Cupping Tamia’s chin in his hand, he searched her face in the warm glow of the porch light.“If you ever need my help, mamacita, you know where to reach me.”
    She swallowed, then nodded slowly. “Thanks, Lou … for everything.”
    “Don’t mention it.”
    As he sauntered off the porch, she called out,“Lou?”
    He glanced back at her.
    She hesitated. “I heard … the studio’s been having some problems. Is that true?”
    “Yeah.”A sardonic grin cut across his face.“But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Chapter 12
    The next afternoon, Tamia was waiting in line at her favorite gourmet coffee shop across the street from her office building when Brandon called.“Hey, beautiful. What’re you up to?”
    She smiled. “Getting my two p.m. chai latte fix. What about you?”
    “Getting ready for a meeting. But I wanted to call and see if you have to work late tonight.”
    “Depends on how much I accomplish by five.” She inched up in line.“Why?”
    “Remember that charity ball I mentioned to you awhile ago? The function being hosted by one of our biggest clients?”
    “Yeeeaaah.” Tamia drew out the word slowly. Cautiously. “Please don’t tell me that’s tonight, Brandon.”
    “It is. But I’m not going,” he hastened to assure her. “I’m working on a time-sensitive project for my boss, so he excused me from having to attend the ball. But everyone else has to be there, so it’s going to be pretty deserted around here.” His voice deepened suggestively. “I was thinking this might be a good night for you to drop by … unannounced.”
    A slow, delighted grin crawled across Tamia’s face. “Why, Mr. Chambers,” she purred.“Is this what I think it is?”
    “Depends,” he said slyly.“What do you think it is?”
    “Well, I could be wrong, but I
think
it’s a booty call.”
    Brandon chuckled, the sound so sexy it curled her toes. “That’s exactly what it is. So since I’ve made the call, you bring the booty.”
    Tamia laughed, excitement tingling through her veins. “What a naughty boy you are, Counselor.”
    “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Another wicked chuckle. “Listen, baby, I gotta run. But I’ll tell the security guard that I’m expecting you after hours. He’ll let you up with no problem, ’cause we’re cool like that. Don’t call first. Just come.”
    “Oh, I will,” she promised. “I’m going to come … and come … and come some more….”
    Shortly after seven p.m., she stepped off the elevator and sauntered through an elegant reception area paneled in rich, dark wood and gleaming marble. The large reception desk was empty, as were the darkened offices she passed on her way down the long corridor. As she walked, the hem of her trench coat whispered across her bare legs, and the razor-sharp heels of her Manolo Blahniks sank into plush carpeting that muted her footsteps.
    She smiled privately, her body humming with anticipation and arousal. It had been over a week since she and Brandon made love, and while this wasn’t out of the norm—given their busy schedules—she felt an urgency to reestablish intimacy in their relationship.
    Before it’s too late,
an inner voice warned
.
    But as she