except maybe Adam. “What’s going on?”
“I spoke with your mother today.”
“And?”
“Don’t act dense, Lucius. It doesn’t suit you,” she responded. “She said you haven’t returned her calls.”
“I know.”
“Well, when do you intend to?”
Lucius snorted. He hated the reproachful tone in her voice. He counted from one to three to remind himself to remain respectful. Grandma Ruby deserved it. She hadn’t had to take him in when he was a young boy. She’d raised all her children. Three, to be exact—his mother, Jocelyn, his aunt, Deborah, and his uncle, Troy. But she had taken him in. And she’d been in his corner ever since.
He finally responded. “Soon.”
“I wish you two would try to get along,” his grandmother said. “It takes so much energy to hold on to all the bad blood.”
“Have you told her this?” Lucius asked. “The only thing I’ve ever asked of that woman is tell me who my father is. And to this day, even though I’m thirty-four, nearly thirty-five years old, she refuses to tell me.”
“Perhaps some things are best left unsaid.”
Lucius was silent. He’d always wondered if his grandmother knew the truth, but she’d point-blank told him that if she did, she would tell him.
When he continued to remain silent, his grandmother said, “I have to go. I’m heading to the grocery store, but do go and see your mother, Lucius. You might regret one day that you never resolved things between you. Promise me you will.”
He was being guilt-tripped and he didn’t like it. “All right, Grandma. For you, I’ll make the effort. Satisfied?”
“Immensely. Love you, Lucius.”
“Love you, too, Grandma.” Lucius ended the call and sat back against the plush cushions of the limousine. He knew she meant well, but her meddling in his and Jocelyn’s relationship wouldn’t help the situation. He would never see eye to eye with his mother until she was honest with him about who he was.
Until then, they’d always be at an impasse.
* * *
Naomi was excited as she checked in to the Anaheim Hilton. A valet immediately greeted her when she disembarked from her car and took care of her baggage while she checked in to the hotel.
She glanced around and took in the modern decor done in beiges and dark wood. It was classic yet modern. It would serve as a good backdrop for the natural products expo where she hoped to get Brooks and Johnson even more into the public consciousness. She wanted people to start using their products, which were now inclusive of not only personal care products, but home cleaning products and a new baby line as well.
The baby line was Kelsey’s brainchild. It was still in its early stages but included baby washes and baby powders. They would soon expand to include diapers, rash cream and wipes. Naomi was just as passionate about having organic products for her goddaughter, Bella, and her soon-to-arrive godson, Caden.
With Lucius Knight circling like a vulture, Naomi just hoped that she could convince Kelsey not to sell her shares so they retained majority interest in the company they’d built.
“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
