Loe raamatut: «Rival's Desire»

“Do I make you nervous?” he queried, almost bursting into laughter when she turned to pin him with a shocked expression.

He knew she was about to blast him, and decided to intervene. Before anything could be said, he closed the short distance between them, dipped his head and thrust his tongue past her lips.

Vivian gasped, offering his tongue deeper access to the dark cavern of her mouth. She held the lapels of his stylish navy suit coat in a tight grip. The strength in her legs seemed to ooze away and she gripped the lapels as though they were a lifeline. Caesar only touched her with his mouth. The force of his kiss pushed her against the wall of the elevator.

When he finally pulled away, a cocky smirk fell across his lips. His heavenly, warm gaze softened at her tousled state. The silky, dark mass of her hair lay over her head in a disarray of curls, and her cocoa lipstick was smudged….

ALTONYA WASHINGTON

is a South Carolina native and graduate of Winston Salem State University in North Carolina. Her first contemporary novel, Remember Love, BET/Arabesque 2003, was nominated by Romantic Times BOOKreviews as Best 1st Multicultural Romance. Her novel Finding Love Again won the Romantic Times BOOKreviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Multicultural Romance 2004. She presently resides in North Carolina, where she works as a senior library assistant.

Rival’s Desire

AlTonya Washington

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To my family, friends and readers. I consider you all one

and the same. Your support is treasured and motivates

me more than you could know.

Dear Reader,

Thank you so very much for joining in on the rollercoaster ride between Vivian and Caesar in Rival’s Desire. I had a really wonderful and fun time creating these characters. From the very sensual to the very comedic, the interactions between the alluring songstress and the gorgeous athlete presented an array of emotions. The experience of crafting their story was a true pleasure.

As always, please e-mail me at altonyawashington@yahoo.com with your comments or questions. Visit my Web site, www.lovealtonya.com and my MySpace page, www.myspace.com/altonyaw. For more up-to-the-minute updates on all my future projects, visit my Yahoo Web group, LoveAlTonya.

Be blessed

Love,

AlToya

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 1

“You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Vivian Desmond bellowed as she glared into her rearview mirror. The huge, imposing black SUV was practically on top of the sleek, burgundy sports car she drove. Blinding dust flew on either side of the car as she accelerated down the long, curving driveway. The faster she drove, the closer the massive vehicle came to her car’s rear bumper.

Finally the impolite driver tired of tailgating and passed her. Pounding bass from the Expedition’s impressive sound system drowned everything in the vicinity.

“Jackass!” she called, her lovely dark eyes narrowing as she watched the truck zoom up the road.

The SUV parked at an angle before the wide stone porch, which led to a set of double-glass encased brass doors. The driver remained inside, shielded from view by tinted windows.

Of course Vivian knew exactly who it was. She parked her car a few feet from the SUV. After snatching the black cat-eyed spectacles from her face, she jumped out of the car and stormed across the driveway.

“You stupid jerk! What the hell are you tryin’ to do? Caesar? I know you hear me!”

No response rose from behind the tinted glass.

She kicked one of the shiny, silver rims. “Caesar Morrison, you idiot! Answer me, dammit!” she ordered, slamming her fist against the driver’s side window. After a few minutes, the window rolled down and she took a step back.

Caesar Morrison’s light brown gaze raked over Viv’s body slowly. He started at her feet, loving the way the strappy black sandals flattered her polished toes. The knowing gaze traveled upward over the form-flattering gray jumpsuit she wore. He traced the outline of her full breasts straining against the outfit’s snug bodice.

Viv rolled her eyes and propped her hands on her hips. She cleared her throat, hoping to gain eye contact with Caesar. Of course, he was more interested with the present view.

Propping his elbow on the armrest, Caesar placed his index finger against his temple and smiled. There was no other woman he loved to watch more than Vivian Desmond. Her black bob of thick, bouncy curls, the luscious, dark chocolate complexion and almond-shaped, coal-black eyes, always gave him cause to stare. She never failed to captivate him in humor or anger. Of course, the fact that she was perhaps the only woman he knew who hated him passionately only attracted him more.

“Were you intentionally tryin’ to run me off the damn road?” Viv cried, her narrowed gaze practically spewing daggers.

Caesar pretended to be offended. “Now why would you think that, Plum?”

Viv rolled her eyes toward the sky and groaned at the sound of the dreaded nickname. Unfortunately, the handle had endured since childhood and she knew there was no way he’d ever stop using it. “Don’t you sit there and play innocent with me. You need to watch this big hog if you’re gonna fly around in it!”

“I’m very sorry, Plum. I guess I didn’t see you,” he whispered, a tiny smile tugging at the sexy curve of his mouth.

Vivian’s smile was purely wicked. “You didn’t see me?” she asked, folding her arms over her chest. “And what is it you do for a living?”

The cool expression on Caesar’s handsome face disappeared. “Cool it, Viv,” he warned, catching her little dig at his career.

“What’s wrong?” Viv whispered, leaning against the driver’s side of the massive black vehicle. Her wicked juices were flowing abundantly. Caesar hated it when she made fun of the football profession. “Don’t get mad at me because you can’t see right in front of your face.”

“Viv—”

“Of course, that would explain why you got cut from the team.” She shrieked when he opened the door against her hip. When he stepped out of the truck, Viv pressed her lips together to keep from smiling.

Caesar’s six-foot-eight-inch frame towered over Vivian’s slender form. “For the hundredth time,” he growled, “I was not cut from the team.” His wide chest heaved. “My contract was up and I opted for a change. If you knew anything about the game, you’d know this expansion team has gotten a lot of positive press its first season. A lot of that has had to do with yours truly. We were in the playoffs and are expected to go even farther this year.”

Vivian was quiet while Caesar made his speech. As he talked, she couldn’t help but let her eyes trace his face; an incredibly gorgeous one at that. Caesar Morrison was known for his skill and savvy on the football field and loved for his entrancing looks. Everything about him was coolly…sexual. Broad shoulders, a wide chest and back, and an impressive array of abs contributed to the almost chiseled appearance of his physique. His complexion was a flawless honey-tone, complimented by exquisite slanting light brown eyes and full wide mouth, complete with mustache and double dimples. However, his most unique trait was the headful of curly blondish-brown hair. He wore the healthy crop in a neat afro with sideburns trimmed evenly at his cheekbones. Vivian often wondered what it would feel like to run her fingers through the bright, silky curls. Uttering a silent curse, she ordered her dislike of him to shuffle to the back of her mind.

Caesar had finished the fierce defense of his profession and waited for Viv’s apology. When she only yawned in response, he rolled his eyes and headed toward the porch.

Vivian followed. “I wonder why your grandmother wants to see both of us?” she asked as they approached the grand mansion in Forest Hills, New York.

Caesar studied the heavy key ring he carried for the key to his grandmother’s front door. “Maybe she’s itchin’ to see a good fight,” he mumbled.

“More lemonade, Carly?” Francine Morrison asked the lovely, dark-complexioned woman who occupied the lounge next to her.

Carlotta Desmond waved her hand and smiled. “No, thanks Frankie, I’m fine,” she assured her friend, enjoying the shade of the huge pecan tree.

Francine poured herself another glass of the refreshing drink and took a long swallow. “That Gretchen outdoes herself every time,” she said, referring to her housekeeper.

“Frankie?” Carlotta called, turning on the lounge to give her best friend a concerned look. “Do you think this is a good idea?”

Francine shook her thick, blondish-brown tresses across her shoulder and shrugged. “It better be a good idea, those kids will be here any minute.”

“I just hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces,” Carlotta sighed, propping her cheek against her fist.

“Honey, we’ve been trying to get our grandkids together for years. This might be our last shot.”

Carlotta pulled a black straw hat from her head and ran her fingers through the silky gray strands of her stylish short cut. “I agree.” She set the hat aside. “I still can’t help but wonder if it’s a good idea to force them together like this.”

“Well, I think this is the perfect setup. I mean, it’s time they put those business degrees to good use. Besides, it won’t be forever and it won’t interfere with Caesar’s football or Viv’s singing.”

Carlotta nodded, turning to relax against the lounge once more. “I hope it’s long enough.”

Francine shrugged. “It’ll be rough for a while,” she predicted. “They’ll act like kids for a while. Humph, I believe that office of ours will be in need of some heavy remodeling by the time they’re done with it. Still, I’ve got faith.” She sighed, drawing a long sip from her glass. “Those two have a lot of desire beneath all that dislike. They’ve just never had the opportunity or…proximity to let it flourish.”

Carlotta rolled her eyes over the suggestive tinge to Francine’s words. “Love and desire are two different things, Frankie. How long can one survive without the other?”

“Who says they’re without it?” Francine challenged.

Vivian and Caesar walked out onto the patio to find their respective grandmothers lounging under one of the many towering trees that filled the spacious back lawn.

“What’s my grandmother doing here?” Viv whispered.

Caesar was suspicious, as well, and sent her a confused look before they headed down the wide brick steps leading from the patio.

Francine and Carlotta were so relaxed they didn’t notice their approach. Caesar pressed both hands against his grandmother’s shoulders and planted a kiss to her cheek. Meanwhile, Viv ran her fingers through Carlotta’s hair and kissed her forehead.

“So, what’s going on?” Caesar asked after he had kissed and hugged Carlotta.

“We want to take you kids out to lunch,” Francine announced.

“Lunch?” Viv exchanged glances with Caesar.

Carlotta pushed herself off the lounge and grabbed her hat. “Lunch,” she confirmed, patting her granddaughter on the head.

“What for?” Caesar asked, helping his grandmother to her feet when she offered him her hand.

Francine kissed his smooth cheek. “Guess you’ll have to come to lunch to find out.”

Caesar and Vivian shrugged, knowing they’d get nowhere standing around asking questions.

Francine and Carlotta nodded their approval and headed back to the house.

“Caesar will drive!” Francine decided.

“Oh, Lord,” Viv sighed.

“All right, you two, that’s enough!” Carlotta snapped. “I can’t believe this, we bring you out here to have an adult conversation and you act like this.”

“We just don’t understand why it has to be this way,” Caesar replied, glancing at his grandmother who glared at him murderously.

“Well, we’ve made up our minds and that’s that,” Francine retorted.

Viv massaged her temples before turning pleading eyes to her grandmother. “Grammy, you can’t do this to me.”

A humorous smile crossed Caesar’s handsome face. “Your grandmother can do whatever she wants.”

“Oh shut up!” Viv snapped as she pounded her fist against the pristine, white tablecloth. She was about to stand when Carlotta pointed a finger in her direction.

“Vivian Monet Desmond, sit!”

“And you hush up, Caesar,” Francine warned her grandson when he began to chuckle.

Vivian’s soft mouth curved down into a pout. “Who do you think you are?” she asked Caesar.

He leaned forward and pointed his index finger on the table. “I’m the one who should be running this company.”

“Ha!” Viv blurted, her dark eyes sparkling. “Our grandmothers didn’t come to own a successful company by allowing dumb jocks at the helm.”

Caesar’s easy expression turned murderous. “Watch it, Viv.”

“Or what?”

“Or I’ll forget you’re supposed to be a woman.” He sneered, his stare cold as ice.

Of course, Vivian wasn’t about to let him have the last word. She stood, her eyes narrowed at Caesar. “Who the hell are you to threaten me?” she raged, storming around the square table.

Caesar stood, as well, but he was far calmer than Viv. As far as he was concerned, she could yell at him for as long as she liked. It was a treat watching her bat the long lashes that fringed her lovely dark eyes and toss her bouncy hair in his face. If she wasn’t such a thorn in his side, he’d—

“Dumb beast, you don’t even have the brain power to run this company!” Viv noted, one finger poised in the air.

“What the hell did you say to me?” Caesar roared, finally losing his temper.

Vivian remained undaunted. “You heard me. I can’t believe you’re even considering this. If the company needs to be looked after, I’m the person to do it!”

“That would be so true if we were being asked to keep the trash from pilin’ up! Unfortunately, this requires some skill.”

“And you think you have it? That’s a joke!”

Caesar stepped closer and brought his face to within inches of hers. “The joke would be you, Plum,” he whispered.

“Jackass,” she breathed.

“Witch,” he replied.

Everyone in the restaurant caught wind of the heated conversation between the two well-known diners. Every guest at Alindo’s considered themselves privileged to be witnessing a shouting match between one of the nation’s hottest pro ballers and a sultry member of one of the country’s most popular R&B groups.

Unfortunately, management was far from happy. Vivian’s and Caesar’s voices echoed throughout the now silent dining room. Soon, Sherman Joyce, the restaurant manager, approached the table.

“Excuse me, ladies,” the manager whispered to Francine and Carlotta, who held their foreheads in their hands. The two women looked down at him as he knelt between their chairs. “Is everything all right over here?”

Carlotta bent close to whisper into the manager’s ear. “I think the answer is pretty obvious, don’t you?”

He cleared his throat. “If they don’t keep it down, I’ll have to ask them to leave.”

Francine and Carlotta exchanged glances before turning back to Sherman.

“Do it,” they simultaneously requested, nodding when Sherman gave them a shocked look. Carlotta waved her hand to urge him to handle it.

Vivian and Caesar were still arguing full-steam. Insults flew back and forth—each one more harsh than the last. When Sherman approached them, he covered his ears and joined in.

“I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you two to leave!”

Caesar and Viv ended their squabbling amid Sherman’s shouting. When they heard the word “leave,” they watched him for a moment. Then they turned to their grandmothers.

“You heard him,” Francine replied, her arched brows rising toward her grandson and Viv.

“You’re just gonna let him throw us out?” Viv asked, disbelief clear on her face.

“That’s right,” Carlotta sang, turning her attention to the delicious-looking salad that had arrived before the fight.

Vivian and Caesar watched in utter amazement as their grandmothers enjoyed their food. The manager, who stood behind them, cleared his throat softly. With the grace of a queen, Viv retrieved her purse from the table and headed for the nearest exit. Caesar followed.

“I can’t believe you got us thrown out of here,” Viv muttered as they walked through the maze of whispering diners.

Caesar was silent as he strolled through the dining room, as though he were completely untouched by the scene. When the double wooden doors swung shut behind them, he caught Viv’s upper arm and made her face him.

“This is exactly why you shouldn’t even consider doing this.”

Viv propped her hands on her hips as her onyx stare narrowed. “Why shouldn’t I consider doing this?”

Caesar stood back and pushed his hands into the deep pockets of his sagging khakis. “You’re too high-strung.”

“Too high-strung!” Vivian cried, her lashes fluttering as she struggled to calm herself. “How can I be too high-strung when you play football for a living? It’s just like I said, you don’t have the brain power to run a business!”

Caesar knew most people thought jocks were dumb, but hearing it from Viv never failed to get a rise out of him. He hated to lose his temper, but feared it could not be helped. Luckily, the grandmothers arrived in the parking lot before anything more could be said.

Dark scowls clouded Francine and Carlotta’s faces as they glared at their grandchildren. Francine propped her hands on her hips and stepped between Caesar and Viv.

“I suggest you two get your acts together by tonight,” Francine scolded.

Vivian bit the bullet and dared to ask a question. “What happens tonight?”

“We want the two of you back at Francine’s house by eight. We’ll finish our conversation then,” Carlotta explained, the tone of her voice brooking no argument.

Caesar nodded, shooting Viv a cool glance.

“We’ll be there,” Viv replied.

“On your best behavior,” Carlotta advised before heading to the taxi that had just arrived in the parking lot.

Vivian crossed her arms over her chest and watched Francine and Carlotta ride off in the cab. “Maybe you should use the time before dinner to think about who is better qualified to run this business. It’s obvious we can’t do it together.”

Again, Caesar took Viv’s arm and forced her to face him. “I already know who the best person is for the job, Plum.”

The deep, rough tone of Caesar’s voice turned Vivian’s legs weak. She managed to ignore it and look away from his roguish smile.

“I’ll see you tonight,” he told her. Then he smacked her bottom and walked away.

Viv let out a loud cry and rubbed her stinging derriere.

Caesar looked back at her and slapped his hand against his forehead. “Sorry, Plum, that’s somethin’ us dumb jocks do,” he said as he headed to his ride.

Shooting him a scathing glare, Viv was about to walk away when she remembered. “Caesar, wait!” When he sent her an expectant look, she ground her teeth. “Could I have a ride back to the house?”

Caesar laughed the instant he heard the request. The roaring sound grated on Vivian’s nerves and she stomped her foot out of frustration.

“Dammit, Caesar, I need to get my car!”

“So?”

Viv gasped and propped one hand on her hip. “How can you be so cold?”

Caesar shook his head and took a few steps closer to her. Crossing his arms over the dark, blue denim shirt hanging outside his pants, he peered down into her face. “After the things you’ve said to me? Now you expect me to give you a ride? Please!”

Vivian took a step closer to Caesar until her face was inches from his. “If you don’t give me a ride, I’ll tell your grandmother.”

Caesar stepped back when he heard the soft threat. A low growl rumbled through his chest as he turned away. “Come on.”

Vivian pressed her lips together in an effort to hide her smile. Once they were inside the dark, cushioned interior of the Expedition, music from a vintage De La Soul CD flooded past the speakers. With the volume on medium, Caesar and Viv nodded their heads to the beat.

“So, how’s the group doing?” Caesar asked after they’d been riding for a while.

Viv smiled. “Everybody’s fine. Between rehearsals, interviews and photo sessions, we hardly have any free days.”

“Well, it’s good to be in demand,” Caesar noted.

“Oh, we’re not complaining.” She remembered when Intrigue was just a dream. Vivian and four friends from college used to sing at parties and other functions. At the beginning of their senior year, they’d sent a demo to the campus radio station and had great success. Instantly the girls became small celebrities and sparked the interest of a producer who had heard them when he’d visited the university. The rest, as they say, was history.

“You know, I bought the last CD.”

Shock registered in Viv’s dark eyes as she turned on the seat to face him. “You did?” she asked.

Caesar grinned and glanced her way. “Yeah, you surprised?”

“Very,” Viv sighed, allowing herself to enjoy his gorgeous profile. “So, what’d you think?” she asked when he caught her staring.

“I play it all the time,” he informed her with a shrug of one of his massive shoulders. “Just like the last two y’all put out.”

Vivian settled back against the seat and smiled. It was always nice to hear good things about Intrigue’s work. Still, it was Caesar’s approval Viv was most pleased to hear. She was surprised to know that after all these years she still wanted to impress him.

“You know, I especially like to hear your leads when I’m feeling down. That low, dead voice of yours is perfect when you’re feelin’ like crap.”

Viv’s hands clenched into fists and she squeezed her eyes shut tight. She knew Caesar said the things he did to get a rise out of her. Of course, it always worked. “You thoughtless jackass.”

“Excuse me?” Caesar replied, a tiny grin tugging at his mouth.

“You heard me! Where do you get off insulting my voice?”

“Insulting you? I just gave you a compliment!”

“A compliment? Calling my voice dead is a compliment?”

Caesar rolled his eyes. “It’s a figure of speech, Plum!”

“In what language?”

The remainder of the trip continued with the two of them arguing. Vivian couldn’t believe Caesar’s thoughtless remark. He acted as though he had just flattered her! Viv practically jumped out of the SUV when Caesar pulled up in front of his grandmother’s home.

“I should’ve never asked you for a ride!” she screamed, sprinting for her car.

“Plum?”

“What?” She flung her car door open and turned to look at Caesar. He was leaning against the Expedition, his arms crossed over his chest.

“You’re welcome.”

Vivian sent him a disgusted look, then got in her car and sped down the long, gravel driveway.

Caesar watched her drive away until the Porsche disappeared around the curve. The easy, humorous expression on his handsome face was replaced by a more pensive look. He had often wondered what being in a relationship with Viv would be like. Every time he saw her, he toyed with the idea while imagining her in his bed.

“Forget it, man,” he ordered himself with a shake of his head. Just before his fingers brushed the front doorknob, his deep-set stare narrowed and he cast one last look toward the driveway. A slow, mischievous smile tugged at the sensuous curve of his mouth before he went into the house.

“Hellooo?” Vivian called as the express elevator doors opened and she stepped into a plush living room. Intrigue rehearsed and composed most of their songs out of Viv’s rooftop studio. When Vivian arrived, everyone was lounging, having snacks and watching TV. She had given them an extra key so they could enter if she wasn’t home yet.

“So, how was lunch, Viv?” Dacia Cartright asked as she and Ivory exchanged glances.

Vivian hung her purse and scarf on the rack near the elevator. When she turned to see the knowing smiles on her partners’ faces, her eyes narrowed. “Lunch was good.”

“Alindo’s was the place to be today, huh, Viv?” Anna Williams asked.

Viv frowned and leaned back against the paneled elevator doors. “How’d y’all find out about that?”

The four young women in the room burst into laughter at their friend’s discomfort. Vivian’s sour expression remained as she watched them practically fall over each other, tears of laughter rolling down their faces.

“Girl, it’s been previewed as one of tonight’s top entertainment stories!” Diane Melon informed her between the laughter. “The lunch spat between the diva and the jock.”

“Dammit!” Vivian snapped, stomping into the living room. “Please don’t tell me they’re makin’ this out to be my fault.”

Anna shrugged and toyed with a strand of her waist-length black hair. “Honey, from what we hear, you started it.”

Viv slammed her fists to the table. “Damn him!”

Ivory grinned and tapped Dacia’s shoulder. “I think they said that was how it started, Viv slammin’ her fists to the table.”

Dacia chuckled and propped the side of her round face against her palm. “Viv, what the hell did you all do to get thrown out of that place?”

Vivian let out a long dramatic sigh and flopped down on the sofa. “It was all Caesar’s fault.” She grimaced at the chuckles of doubt surrounding her. “Our grandmothers wanted us to have lunch with them to talk about running their company.”

“Running their company?” Diane asked, her large brown eyes widening. “For how long?”

Vivian shrugged. “We didn’t get all the details. The moment they told us we had to do it together, Caesar went off.”

“Mmm-hmm. So you just accepted it, huh?” Anna asked.

“No-o-o,” Vivian sourly replied. “But I didn’t act as badly as Caesar. After a while there was nothing I could do. I had to defend myself.”

Dacia pushed herself out of the armchair she occupied. “Well,” she sighed, “it looks like you both did a great job.”

“Look, can we just get to work?” Viv snapped, raising her hands in the air.

The girls sent each other knowing looks as they followed Viv upstairs to the studio. They decided to start that day rehearsing a song they were considering for the release party of their latest CD.

Viv did her best, but her timing and pitch were way off. Caesar had gotten to her more than she cared to admit. He was all she could think of.

“You know, Viv, I can’t understand why you’ve never been able to get along with that man,” Anna noted, propping one hand on her hip.

Dacia nodded. “I can’t, either. I mean, Caesar Morrison is…mmm, Caesar Morrison.” She sighed.

“Sexy,” Diane added.

“And, mmm…delicious,” Ivory concluded.

“And you sluts have one-track minds,” Vivian retorted, giving them each distasteful looks. “Caesar Morrison and I have hated each other since we shared the same playpen.”

“But, Viv, girl, that was when you two were kids. The playpen could be a lot more exciting now.”

The entire studio came alive with laughter over Diane’s comment. Even Viv couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at her full lips.

“Listen—” she reached for her glasses “—I will admit that Caesar is fine, sexy and all that, but it could never work for us.”

“Why not?” Ivory asked. “He knows you’re not after him for his money. The two of you have known each other all your lives.”

Vivian shook her head at Ivory’s reasoning. “The man is just too pigheaded and too much of a sexist.”

Everyone groaned, but Viv stood firm. Luckily, they were able to get some real work done before parting ways for the evening. Vivian thought about all the advice her partners had given her during rehearsal. Of course, a relationship with the gorgeous athlete was out of the question.

“I hope that cools you down a bit,” Francine remarked, pulling the stylish sunglasses away from her face.

Caesar hoisted his muscular frame out of the pool. He reached for the thick towel hanging off the back of a chaise longue. “Funny,” he replied as he dried droplets of water from his body.

“Sweetie, is it really that hard to get along with Vivian? She’s so lovely and lively.”

“That’s it right there,” Caesar replied, holding out one hand. “She’s too lively. The girl is loud and pushy…nothin’ but a headache I don’t need.”

“I think you’ve met your match.”

“My match?” Caesar mocked, his deep voice muffled by the towel covering his head.

“She’s a woman who isn’t so in awe of your looks and stature that she literally falls over herself to get your attention.”

“Granny, you know I don’t date stupid women,” Caesar proclaimed, tucking the towel around his lean waist before taking a seat next to Francine. “Besides, I don’t think Plum’s ever seen me that way.”

A look of disbelief crossed Francine’s lovely caramel-toned face. “Baby, if you believe that, you’re crazy,” she said, patting Caesar’s cheek. “You know, it would be so nice if the two of you came to an agreement before dinner.”

Caesar’s long, light brows drew close. “Go see Viv again? No thanks!”

Francine just smiled as she shifted position on the comfortable lounge. “I think it would be very nice if the two of you showed up on my doorstep ready to cooperate. Together.”

Caesar’s mouth fell open as he stared at his grandmother.

Viv began running a bath in her sunken Jacuzzi tub. Just as she was about to add a bit more bath foam to the bubbling water, she heard a loud commotion. The bottle fell into the bath as she rushed out of the room. She flew down the burgundy-carpeted staircase and through the living room. Obviously the deafening boom had come from outside, so something major must have happened. When she pulled open the front door and saw her neighbor seated amid a group of boxes, she almost laughed.