LITMIR.BIZ

      Chapter 4

      “As you can see, the Willow Creek Ranch is perfect for what Bill Daniels has in mind for his company’s retreat,” Zaire said. “There is a lake for fishing and walking trails.”

      Tyrese gave her a smile that sent her pulse racing.

      “I have to say that I think you nailed it. I like the idea of having a personal trainer and a nutritionist on board.”

      “I can also arrange to have the chef prepare health-conscious meals all weekend if Bill wants. He really wants this retreat to be fun but also educational. He wants his managers to start thinking more about their physical well-being. He is hoping that they will also encourage their employees to do the same.”

      “It’s actually a great idea,” Tyrese said. “We have an increasing problem with obesity, which is leading to serious health issues.”

      Zaire agreed, “I think more and more companies are focusing on the health and well-being of their employees. We may get more requests like this in the future.”

      The telephone rang.

      “I need to take this, but don’t leave,” Tyrese told her.

      She studied him while he talked to Pilar. Rumor had it that she was planning to relocate to New York and open another division of M.G.

      The mystery in his eyes beckoned to her irresistibly. There was an air of efficiency about Tyrese that fascinated her.

      He ended his call. “I’m sorry about that.”

      “It’s not a problem.” Zaire stared with longing at him.

      Every time his gaze met hers, she could feel her heart turn over in response.

      Zaire noticed that Tyrese was watching her intently. She cleared her throat softly. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. I should get back to my office.”

      “You have nothing to worry about when you have your meeting with Bill.”

      “Thank you.”

      Zaire’s gaze landed briefly on his lips. She wondered what it would feel like to kiss him. Her pulse quickened at the speculation, prompting her to pick up her pace as she headed down to her office.

      She was entirely too caught up in her own emotions. Zaire deliberately tried to shut out any awareness of him as she finished the rest of her workday.

      * * *

      Tyrese had to fight his own battle of personal restraint where Zaire was concerned.

      It was an awakening experience that left him with a feeling he had thought long since dead.

      He had to regain control of his emotions before they led him back down a path of ruin. Tyrese had worked too hard to make M.G. the company it was. He was not about to let his attraction to Zaire destroy his life’s work.

      Tyrese checked his watch. He needed to leave now if he wanted to be on time for his dinner with Pilar.

      He made a couple of phone calls before leaving the office.

      Pilar was already at the restaurant by the time Tyrese arrived.

      “So tell me, Tyrese,” Pilar said as they sat down at a corner table. “What do you think of Zaire Alexander?”

      “She’s everything you said she was,” he responded with a smile. “She has drive, and she’s ambitious.”

      “Zaire is also very beautiful.”

      Tyrese looked at his longtime friend. “You and I go way back, Pilar. You know everything about me, even what happened in Chicago. You also know that I can’t go back down that road.”

      “I’m not saying that you should hook up with Zaire,” Pilar stated. “But you do need a life outside of M.G.”

      “I’m fine with the way things are,” he said softly. “It’s probably better that I stay single.”

      “What happened in Chicago was not your fault, Tyrese. She lied to you. You can’t stop living your life because of your past.”

      “I don’t want to talk about it.” His tone was firm and exact.

      “Okay.” Pilar’s smile did not indicate compliance. She continued, “So, let’s talk about our plans for expanding M.G. I believe that New York is the perfect location for our East Coast division.”

      “Marshall doesn’t want to relocate?” he asked.

      “No, he doesn’t.” She sighed. “Tyrese, he’s asked me to marry him.”

      “I hope you said yes.”

      Smiling, Pilar held out her hand to show him the four-carat princess-cut diamond solitaire on her left hand. “We’re getting married in six months. We both want a big wedding, and we’re having it at the boathouse in Central Park.”

      “I’m really happy for you, Pilar.”

      “So what do you think about a New York division of M.G.?” she inquired.

      Tyrese broke into a grin. “Let’s do it. M.G. is just as much yours as it is mine. You worked as hard as I did to make this a reality.”

      “Are you serious?”

      “Yes. You’ll run the East Coast division, and I’ll oversee operations out here.”

      “I can’t put into words how much this means to me, Tyrese. I love you dearly.”

      He smiled. “I love you, too. It’s because of you that I never missed out on having a sister. You have always been there for me.”

      “I feel the same way about you. I will never forget the day you went after those boys who stole my bicycle. They nearly beat you to a pulp, but you didn’t give up. You brought my bike back to me.”

      Tyrese laughed at the memory. “It didn’t belong to them. I was not going to let them keep it. It took two days for me to steal it back.”

      “You are such a wonderful person, Tyrese,” Pilar murmured. “I just wish you’d open your heart. Let someone love you.”

      He shook his head. “Let’s not go there.”

      “Tyrese—”

      “No,

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