The Property Brokers by Sandi Lynn
Chapter 13
Myles
I sat behind my desk and stared at the piece of paper with Cassandra’s phone number on it. She was a beautiful woman and she seemed to have a great personality. The fact that she slipped her number in the bag of cookies indicated she wanted to get to know me better. After I saw her the first time, the attraction to her was undeniable, which was the reason I went back to the bakery. I couldn’t stop thinking about her and I wanted to see her again. I was treading carefully, and she dove right in. My thoughts were interrupted when I looked up and saw Bella standing in the doorway.
“Bella, come in.”
“Sorry to interrupt you. You looked like you were in deep thought.”
“No. Not at all. What can I do for you?”
“Grant is out of the office with Tom, and he just texted me and asked me to bring you this contract to sign. So, I’m dropping it off.” She smiled as she handed me the folder.
“Thanks. How did the listing pitch go today that Grant pawned off on you?”
“It went great. Not only did I get the listing, but the client also wants me to find him a house in L.A.”
“Excellent job.” I smiled as I leaned back in my chair. I grabbed the bag of cookies on my desk and held it out to her. “Cookie? They’re the best.”
“Sure. Thank you. Um, Grant told me that the owner slipped her phone number in the bag.”
“Yeah. She did.”
“Are you going to call her?”
“I’m thinking about it.” I smirked. “Listen, I just want to clear the air about something.”
“Sure.”
“Are you okay working here considering the history you and my son have? I know how he didn’t keep in contact with you after—well, you know.”
“Of course. I’m totally fine with it. That was so long ago. My gosh, we were just kids.”
She tried to sound convincing, but she wasn’t pulling one over on me.
“Okay. Just so you know if you ever need to or want to talk, I’m here.”
“Thanks, Myles.” She smiled as she left my office.
Picking up my phone, I dialed Cassandra’s number. After five rings, it went to voicemail.
“Cassandra, it’s Myles Roman. Your number was a surprise to me. How did you know I like surprises? I want to take you out to dinner tomorrow night. Give me a call back and let me know if you’re available. You can reach me at this number.”
“Hey, Myles. Tina and I are going to head to the East 63rd property and check on the renovations.”
“Okay. Keep me updated. If you need me, let me know.”
“Will do.” Rodney tapped his knuckles on the door before walking away.
Just as I got up to grab some papers from the fax machine, my phone rang, and Cassandra’s name popped on the screen.
“Myles Roman,” I answered.
“Hello, Myles. It’s Cassandra. I got your message, and I would love to go to dinner with you tomorrow night.”
“Excellent. Is there anywhere special you like to go?”
“Tavern on the Green is one of my favorites,” she said.
“Good choice. I’ll call and make reservations.”
“No need. I already did after I listened to your message. I made them for seven o’clock. I hope that time works for you.”
I was speechless for a moment because I couldn’t believe she made the reservations already.
“Sure. Seven o’clock is good.”
“Good. You can pick me up at six-thirty. I’ll text you my address.”
“I look forward to it.” I smiled.
“Me too, Myles. I need to get back to work. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“See you then.”
* * *
Grant
When I stepped through the door of Coco Pazzo, Tasha took one look at me and smiled.
“Grant Roman.”
“Hey, Tasha.” I kissed her cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m good now that the divorce is final, and that cheating bastard is out of my life.” She smirked. “Lamar is sitting outside at a table. Follow me.”
“Hey, bro,” Lamar said as he stood up and we hugged.”
“I’m glad you’re back, man.” I took the seat across from him.
“Me too. Two weeks in Chicago was enough.”
“Tasha looks good.”
“Yeah. Now that Damon is out of her life for good, she’s moving on.”
“Your sister has always been a beautiful woman. She won’t have any trouble finding someone else.”
“I think she put the brakes on dating for a while. She’s more focused on opening up her own restaurant.”
“Really?” I cocked my head. “I had no idea she wanted to do that. If she needs help finding a building tell her to let me know.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Good evening, I’m Beth, and I’ll be serving you tonight. What can I get you two to drink?”
“I’ll have a scotch,” I said.
“I’ll have the same,” Lamar spoke. “And we’ll also start with an order of the calamari.”
“Coming right up, fellas.” She smiled.
“So, what’s going on with you?” he asked. “You sounded off when I called. That Pete guy still giving you a hard time?”
“No.” I sighed. “We got his place sold.”
“Congrats, man. I knew you could do it.”
“I wasn’t the one who actually sold it. Someone else did. Someone from my past.”
His brows furrowed as he leaned back in his chair and our waitress walked over with our drinks and calamari. After she took our dinner order, we continued our conversation.
“From your past? Who?”
“Her name is Bella Marcus,” I said as I picked up my scotch and took a sip.
“Do I know—” He paused for a moment. “Oh.” His brows raised. “Not the same Bella from Hawaii?”
“Yep. The same Bella.”
“Damn.” He shook his head. “How is she?”
“She’s good. She’s a broker and I hired her.”
“You what?” He leaned over the table. “You hired her and she took the job? I thought you said she was going into teaching or something.”
“I thought that too. But she decided to get into real estate. She just moved here from California. She said she needed a change of scenery because her parents were killed in a car accident, and she broke up with her boyfriend.”
“So, she’s single.” His hand wrapped around his glass. “Is she still hot?”
“Like you wouldn’t believe. She’s gorgeous, Lamar. Even more beautiful than she was fourteen years ago.”
“Grant, don’t forget I was with you after you came back from Hawaii. It took you a long time to get over her.”
“I’m not sure I ever did.” I took a sip of my drink. “She’s definitely holding a grudge,” I said as I took some calamari and put it on my plate.
“Why do you think that?”
“Little things she says and the fact that I asked her out for a drink, and she refused. She told me things between us will always be strictly professional and nothing more.”
“And how does that make you feel?”
“I don’t know, man.” I sighed. “You know I can’t commit anyway, but seeing her again after all these years really brought back everything I thought I buried a long time ago.” Suddenly, my eyes caught sight of Tasha who was escorting two beautiful women to a table not too far from ours. Bella’s eyes locked with mine and the expression on her face was the same one I had: shock. I gave her a smile and a small wave and she did the same.
“Who are you waving to?” Lamar asked.
“Tasha just sat Bella and her friend down at a table not too far from us. Whatever you do, don’t turn around.”
“She’s here? Bella is here?” His finger pressed into the table.
“Yes.”
“Wow. I can’t believe I’m finally going to get to meet her.”
