What Love Tastes Like (26 page)

“I'm on my way.” Keith quickly threw down two one-hundred-dollar bills and exited the restaurant. He was in such a hurry that he almost ran over the tall, lean man who rounded the corner. “Oh, excuse me, brothah,” Keith said as he looked up. Recognition came immediately as he took in the immaculately dressed Black man. “Nick Rollins,” he said to himself.

“Yes,” Nick replied. “And you are?”

“In a hurry,” Keith replied before quickly exiting the hotel.

Nick's eyes narrowed as he watched the man scurry from his establishment.
Who is he?
Nick thought.
And why is he in such a hurry?

Tiffany yawned as she unlocked the door to her new home. She was exhausted, her shoulders and feet ached, and she needed a shower. At the same time, she'd never felt better. For the first time in a long time, in fact, since she could remember, her father had complimented her for doing what she loved. His praise lay like a blanket around her, causing all the physical aches and pains to recede into the background of her mind.

“Nick?” Tiffany walked into the master suite and immediately began pulling off her clothes.
He's probably in his office.
Tiffany smiled as she stepped into her favorite part of this bedroom—the custom shower. It was made of pure marble and was as large as her old walk-in closet. Six pulsating showerheads enveloped her in a liquid massage, with dual seating for at-home pedicures—or as was more often the case with Tiffany and Nick, lovemaking. Tiffany twirled around, luxuriating in the feel of the soft water flowing from all angles against her skin. She could have stayed in the shower indefinitely, but remembering the good news she wanted to share with Nick, she quickly washed her hair. After toweling off and rubbing on her favorite vanilla-and-jasmine-scented lotion, Tiffany donned a skimpy, silk pajama short set and went in search of her man.

“Hey, you,” she said when she found him, looking out the window in his home office. She snuggled behind him before walking around and searing him with a long kiss. “I'm so glad to be home.”

“I'm glad, too,” he drawled, dipping his head to kiss her again. “Especially now.”

“And I'm so happy! You'll never guess what happened to me today!” Tiffany almost bounced around the room as she told Nick about her father's visit to the restaurant. She gave him a rundown of all the dishes she served and a recap of their conversation. “He loved my food!” Tiffany finished. “He said I was a top-notch chef, and that I made him proud! The one and only Keith Bronson—proud that his daughter's a cook! I can't believe it.”

Nick's head jerked up at this last comment. “What did you say?”

“I said that I can't believe that my dad is proud—”

“No, his name.”

“Keith Bronson.”

Nick's brow furrowed. “But your last name is Matthews.”

“My mother's maiden name. It's a long story, but she changed both of ours after their divorce. But that's not the point! The point is that for the first time in my life, my dad gets it. He finally gets why I love to do what I do!”

“That's great, baby, that's real good.” Nick hugged her tenderly.

Tiffany stepped back and looked into Nick's eyes. She'd been so wrapped up in her own happiness that she hadn't noticed his subdued mood until now. “What is it, Nick? What's wrong?”

What was wrong? That was the fifty-million-dollar question—literally. It was the question Nick had wrangled with since leaving his office around six o'clock, after spending hours on the phone. When he'd finished making calls and having them returned, he knew all he needed to know about Keith Bronson, the financial whiz behind the other contenders for the chain of nightclubs in China. Everything but the fact that he had a daughter named Tiffany.

Competition aside, Nick admitted to having a grudging respect for Keith Bronson. He was a man who, like Nick, had pulled himself up by his own bootstraps. Keith was brilliant with numbers, and tenacious when it came to getting the deal. He'd been labeled “silent but deadly” in business circles, the one who would verbally cut you with such finesse that it was only days later you realized you were bleeding. While being persistent, Nick learned that Keith stopped short of being ruthless. And he had a soft side, as his informant had found out. Keith had almost single-handedly funded the children's ward of a low-income hospital in Detroit, where he grew up. Nick was in turmoil with what to do about what he knew, and how much to tell the woman who stood nestled in his arms.

Nick reached for Tiffany's hand and walked over to the large office chair. He sat down and pulled her into his lap.
How can I tell her?
He ran his hand through her still damp hair and kissed her neck, but remained silent.
How can I tell her that my competition for this business venture, the one that will set me up to give Tiffany the life and relationship she wants…is her father?

Nick paced his office. Various conversations from the past few days vied for attention in his head—especially Bastion's pleas and the other partners' appeal for caution where this monumental decision to bow out of the China venture was concerned. As loud as those voices were, however, they paled in comparison to the conversation he'd had that morning, when a trustworthy informant had confirmed his suspicions about Stan. Their finance guy was definitely playing both sides against the middle, and Nick believed he knew why. Angelica. Obviously, Stan had become more enamored with her than Nick had realized, enough to where he would betray one set of partners for another. But why?

“Mr. Rollins?”

Nick frowned at the fact his musings had been interrupted. “Yes, Kim?” Kim was the woman sent from the temporary agency to replace a hastily fired Christina—whom he'd let go after questioning her about Angelica. Christina denied sharing any confidential information with Angelica, but admitted she had talked to her since the breakup, and had initiated some of those conversations. That was enough information for Nick to lose faith in her, even though he felt she was lying as well. Nick liked to run a tight ship and a drama-free life. He had to trust everyone who worked for him, and he no longer trusted Christina. So she had to go.

“Tiffany is on line one.”

Nick smiled. Tiffany was the one who could make him happy that his attention had been diverted. He walked behind his desk and sat down. “Hey, baby.”

“Hey, you. Sorry to bother you, but I'm on break and was thinking about this Sunday. I have the day off, and thought about inviting Joy and her crew over. Do you have plans?”

Nick glanced at his planner. “Nothing urgent. I'll fix my world-famous grilled steaks.”

“You and Randall can fight over the grill. Joy and I will handle the side dishes. Say…three o'clock?”

“Or earlier, if you'd like. And make sure the kids bring their swimsuits.”

“Thanks, Nick.”

“You're welcome.”

“Okay, bye.”

“Uh, hold on a minute. Aren't you forgetting something?”

There was a pause on the other end before Tiffany answered. When she did, there was a smile in her voice. “Oh, that. I love you, Nick.”

Nick's chest swelled with pride and his manhood with longing as he hung up. They still hadn't taken their relationship public but he knew from Steven, the head of the concierge and all-around ears in the lobby, that people were starting to whisper about the amount of time Tiffany spent in his office. Nick had not one ounce of shame that a few of the meals Tiffany had brought him to taste had turned into another type of tasting altogether.
Just another couple months.
Once Nick and his partners sealed the restaurant/nightclub deals in China, Nick was going to surprise Tiffany with what she'd always wanted—even though she'd have to promise to work part-time. Nick had no intentions of cutting down his heavy schedule while his wife became a workaholic.
Wife? Where did that come from?
Nick knew from where. That thought had come from his heart. Tiffany's exuberance for cooking and passion in lovemaking, combined with the naïve, vulnerable side that she tried so hard to keep hidden, was an attractive combination that Nick couldn't resist. Nor did he want to. He thought they were perfect together, and thought that Tiffany would make a wonderful mother. He only hoped he could be a good dad.

Thinking of fatherhood brought Nick's thoughts back to Keith Bronson. His frown returned. To navigate the situation between Tiffany and her father was tricky at best. If he got the deal, would Tiffany be angry that he'd won against her dad? If Keith got it, and Nick had to put the life he wanted for them on hold for several years, would Tiffany's trust in him fade? Would she be able to tamp back her fears that he was like her father? Nick felt guilty withholding this information from the woman he loved, but if he could just find a way to either pay Keith off or get him to somehow back out of the deal…

“What am I thinking? That will never happen,” Nick said to the empty room. He ran a weary hand across his face, got up from his desk, and walked over to the magnificent ocean view that always calmed him.
If it comes down to a choice between this deal or Tiffany…
Nick didn't doubt his love for Tiffany.
But is it enough for me to walk away from fifty million dollars?

“How can I do this?” Nick murmured to himself. “How can I get rid of Stan, make a case with Keith to back out of the deal, and expose Angelica for the snake that she is?”

“Mr. Rollins?”

“Yes, Kim?”

“Steven is here and would like a moment with you.”

Steven? What could he want?
“Uh, sure, Kim. Send him in.”

Seconds later, his head concierge and longtime employee walked into the room. “Sorry to bother you, Mr. Rollins, but Angelica and an older man are in the restaurant. Keith, I believe she called him. I know you lifted the ban on her being here, but thought you'd like to know.”

Interesting.
“I appreciate it, Steven. Thanks.” Without thinking twice about it, Nick walked toward the door. Most of the time, when it came to business, Nick was meticulous in his planning, dotting every
i
and crossing every
t
. Now was not one of those times. Now he was going on instinct alone, following his intuition. Two of the three people he'd just thought about wanting to deal with had just walked into his restaurant.
Angelica's idea,
he figured, as he crossed the lobby. And then another thought hit him.
Tiffany can't possibly know that Angelica is dating her father!
Nick's steps increased. He couldn't get to the restaurant fast enough.

“Hey, Tiff, your dad's out there.” Amber said this as she reached for two plates on the counter and then balanced two more in her right hand.

“He is?” Tiffany was surprised her dad was still in town. She was even more surprised that he was back at the restaurant.

“And he's got company,” Amber added before pushing open the door with her backside and scurrying out.

“You fix meal?” Chef Wang asked.

“Uh, oh, sure.”
Who did Dad bring with him? One of his business partners?
Tiffany smiled. If her dad brought someone he did business with to the restaurant, then he was absolutely proud of what she'd served.
But maybe it's his latest love interest.
Tiffany tried not to have this thought bring a downer to her afternoon. After all, her dad had a right to happiness, even though she didn't believe he always made the best choices. “Maybe this one will be different.”

“What?” Roger walked over to her station with a batch of sliced tomatoes, ready for sauce making.

“My dad brought someone to the restaurant,” Tiffany replied. “I know that doesn't sound like much, but considering the fights we've had about my career choice, believe me, it's major!”

 

Nick entered the restaurant and walked directly up to the table where Keith and Angelica dined. “Angelica! This is a surprise.” He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek, before turning to Keith. “Nick Rollins,” he said, with hand outstretched.

Nick's abrupt appearance caught both diners off guard. Angelica had intended to make sure Nick was aware of her presence, but later, after she'd shocked Tiffany with the news that they might become family, and to let the cat out of the bag about her father's great deal happening in China. Now she'd have to play her cards a little differently. Both she and Keith recovered at the same time.

“Keith Bronson,” Keith said, standing slightly to shake Nick's hand. “I see you know Angelica.”

Nick smiled as he motioned for Angelica to make room for him in their booth. “Oh, yes. Me and Angelica go way back, don't we, Angie?”

Angie? Who is this fool talking to? I've never been called Angie in my entire life!
Angelica was flustered. She knew Nick was playing a game and hated having to learn the rules on the fly. “It's Angelica, and you know it,” she said finally, with just the right touch of huffiness. “And if you don't mind, Nick, this is a private lunch.”

“Keith Bronson,” Nick said, ignoring Angelica. “So the rumors I've heard are true.”

“What rumors are those?”

Conversation stopped for a moment while Amber took their appetizer orders. “The scallop dishes are superb,” Nick commented while they decided. “They are my favorite appetizers, and our sous chef makes some of the best dishes I've tasted in the world.”

Keith looked at Nick a long moment before deciding on the scallop medley—a plating featuring the scallops cooked five different ways—and Angelica decided on a crab salad.

“Amber, have one of the 1995 Rieslings brought out…the ones I have reserved for special guests.” Nick smiled and winked at Angelica, further flustering her.

What are you up to, Nick Rollins?

The wine was brought out in seconds and their small talk was once again interrupted while the sommelier opened the bottle and made sure it was to Nick's liking. Nick waited until both Keith and Angelica had held up their glasses and knew that later, they would both wonder where the toast he offered came from: “To strange bedfellows.”

Keith put down his glass without taking a drink. He looked at Nick. “What's going on here?”

“I'm sorry, man, please drink up.”

Keith hesitated again before taking a sip of the wine. “You've heard rumors? What kinds of rumors?”

“Angelica tells me that you're vying for a certain new venture being developed for the…Asian market.”

This time, Angelica could not hide her shock, nor could she mistake the anger that flashed across Keith's face. “I did no such thing, Nick, and you know it!”

“Man, don't sweat it,” Nick continued, his voice low, conspiratorial. “I'm sure you know Angelica and I used to date and are still close.”

Keith's eyes narrowed as he glared at Angelica.

“Oh, no, not in that way, man,” Nick said, with a laugh. “No, there's only one woman who has my heart now, Keith. Most likely it is her expertise that you're tasting today. She's a fine sous chef and even finer human being. I'd love for you to meet her. Her name is Tiffany.”

“You're dating my daughter?”

Tiffany stopped in her tracks, sheer will keeping her from dropping the appetizer plates she held in her hands. What was Nick doing having lunch with her father?

There were a million thoughts running through Keith Bronson's head, and right now he was trying to keep most of them from showing on his face. The man he was determined to take down by any means necessary for the Asian market was dating his daughter? And used to date Angelica?
What kind of game is this woman trying to get over on me?
Keith would have to wait for the answers.

For now, he tried to erase the frown from his face as he motioned to his daughter. “Tiffany.”

Tiffany!
Nick's face remained blank while his heart plummeted.
Did she hear what I just said? And wait until she sees…

“Angelica?” Tiffany asked, not trying to mask her surprise. Her hand slipped and the plate of scallops crashed to the table. Unfortunately, it clipped one of the water goblets on the way down. The glass fell directly into Angelica's lap.

“Ow!” Angelica tried to leap up from her seat but was wedged between the middle of the booth and the table.

“I'm sorry,” Tiffany mumbled, still in shock from seeing not only her father and Nick sitting down together, but Angelica as well. Tiffany had no love for Angelica, and while dropping the plate was an accident, she would just as soon have thrown the glass of water in her face. What was she doing at Taste with Nick and her dad?

“She ruined my outfit. Do you hear me, it's absolutely ruined. This is Dolce and Gabbana, brand new. It cost over seven hundred dollars. Nick, I want you to do something about your employee, now!”

“Calm down, Angelica,” Nick said sternly.

“That's my daughter you're talking about,” Keith warned.

Meanwhile, Amber had heard the commotion and came up next to Tiffany with towels to wipe up the water, and to soothe Angelica's nerves. “We are so sorry, ma'am,” Amber said, moving the plates and wiping the liquid. Any other time, she would have made the offer on behalf of the hotel to handle any cleaning bill or other expense that resulted from the accident, but since one of the owners of said hotel was sitting at the table, she wisely thought to leave such gestures to Nick.

“I'm sorry,” Tiffany said again, once Amber had cleared the table. “I'm just surprised to see you here…with my dad.” Tiffany looked at Nick but didn't comment on his presence.

“So, Tiffany, I take it you know Angelica?”

Unfortunately, yes.
“We've met.” Tiffany hoped her voice sounded neutral, though she was hardly trying to act as if she and Angelica were friends.

Keith looked from Angelica to Nick to Tiffany. The tension was thicker than the black bean paste. For the first time since Steven had delivered the news and he'd left his office, Nick questioned his hasty decision to confront Keith and Angelica in the restaurant. How was he going to explain this to Tiffany, and how angry would she be once she was aware that he knew about her father's connection to Angelica and the China venture?

Before Nick could take control of the situation, Angelica spoke. “Keith, I want to leave, immediately. I'm soaked, and upset and…I just want to get out of here.”

Keith started to object, and then decided that leaving was the best thing. He needed answers, and he needed to sort out just what was going on between Nick and Angelica, and what that had to do with Angelica's fast track into his life. Granted, he'd welcomed her with open arms once she entered, but now he had to ask—why was she there?

He stood abruptly from the table and reached for his wallet.

“Please,” Nick said, staying his hand. “The wine and your next meal are on me. Angelica, send the cleaning bill for your pantsuit to the hotel. We'll gladly cover it. Keith, I think we need to talk. If you have any free time while in LA, please give me a call.” Nick reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a business card.

Keith took the card. “I'm not sure there's anything
you
and I need to discuss.” He gave Tiffany a long, hard look, and then followed a huffing, puffing, and dripping Angelica out of the restaurant.