Her One Night Consequence, page 15
Did he want to?
No. He shook his head. Love was a recipe for disaster—or at least that’s what he told himself.
* * *
“So, what do you think?” Blake asked Asia when he arrived at the store two weeks later. The construction for Six Gems was nearly complete and he was here so they could go through the punch list items and make sure everything was ready for the grand opening the following Saturday.
Asia didn’t know how Coleman & Sons Construction had managed to finish the project in four weeks, but they had. She was impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of their work. “It’s wonderful, Blake.” She whirled around to look at her dream come to life. “I can’t believe this is happening. All because of you.”
“No.” Blake walked toward her and took both of her hands in his. “Because of you. You had the vision. This is your dream. I’m only helping facilitate it. I’ve seen you working your fingers to the bone to add to the new collection you started with that first piece you sold me months ago.”
Asia had expanded her raw diamond collection to include more pieces that would complement the necklace. “True, but you were a big piece of the puzzle. Thank you.” She stepped up on tiptoe and placed her lips against his. She mated her tongue with his in a dance that sent shivers up and down her spine. She couldn’t get enough of this man. Ever since the day of the ultrasound, they’d been inseparable, in and out bed.
Her decree of no sex until they got to know each other had gone out the window after that day. She was madly in love with Blake and wanted to be with him every day. He thrilled her to the core of her being. However, she did sense that Blake was holding back. Asia didn’t know how she knew, but she did.
Was he as passionate in bed as before? Yes, but that night, as they’d lain in each other’s arms, Asia thought she’d seen a shift in Blake that gave her hope he might be falling in love with her, too. But then recently, she’d thought she imagined it. Was she projecting because she wanted so badly to believe he could love her, too?
“You’re welcome,” Blake said. “Do you feel like you have everything you need for the party?”
Asia nodded. “The party planner you suggested has everyone staged and ready for Saturday. Food will be high-end canapés. Music will be a soft harpist playing in the background, and my jewelry will be spotlighted so everyone can see the new collection. And the best part? All the Gems are flying in for the event. You’ll finally get to meet them.”
“I can’t wait to meet the women who have been such an integral part of your life.”
“Neither can I.” She was eager to have all five women here to help advise her if she was making a mistake, because she was in such deep waters with Blake, her feet couldn’t even touch the bottom.
* * *
“You look stunning, Asia,” Blake said the night of the grand opening. She’d been staying at his apartment the past few days because it was easier than shuttling back and forth to her place.
“Thank you for the dress.” Blake had had a slew of dresses sent over for Asia to choose from. She’d decided on a strapless embellished Dior Haute Couture gown. Asia liked the light gray dress because it was wrapped in sleek fishnet and tulle fabric. What made it stunning was the staggered rows of tulle and crystal-beaded ribbons that gave it sparkle, and it covered up her baby bump.
Although she was barely showing, there was definitely a swell to her stomach. As for her hair, she’d opted to have her shoulder-length do done in sideswept 1930s waves. She had a smoky eye and dark red lipstick, but otherwise, the rest of her makeup was minimalistic. The true star was the diamond necklace she’d made for the event, which she’d paired with a matching baguette bracelet.
Although they were spending an extraordinary amount of time together, Asia still wondered if Ava had been right. Was a marriage without love doomed to fail? Blake told her she would want for nothing in life and he would support and care for her. But love? She knew he would love his son. She’d seen it in his eyes when he saw the ultrasound. He loved him already, but her? He didn’t love her. The question was, would he ever?
She felt Blake’s hands on your shoulders. “You all right? You were daydreaming. Are you nervous about tonight?”
She shook her head. “Not at all. Having you and my girls here is all the reinforcements I need.” Even Ava said she would swing by, especially when Asia had had a designer dress couriered over for the event. She couldn’t risk her mama showing up in one of her tawdry ensembles.
Blake offered her his arm. “Then we had better get you to the ball, Cinderella.”
A limousine was on hand to drive them to the event so Blake could enjoy a drink if he wanted to. Asia wished she could have one. She was all nerves, wondering how many people would show up. With Blake’s connections and the help of the publicist she’d hired, she’d reached out to all the major news outlets and invited several movers and shakers in town, but she still had no idea how things would turn out.
It was a big deal for Asia. Six Gems was her baby. She’d put everything she owned and her blood, sweat and tears into this venture. It had to succeed.
A half hour later, Asia and Blake arrived to find several photographers outside the store, waiting by the red carpet. Was that a good sign?
Blake squeezed her hand. “It’s going to be all right. You got this.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek and then he was climbing out of the limo and waving at the press. He held out his hand and helped Asia exit.
“Blake, are you really going to settle down with one woman?” one of the photographers yelled out.
“How does it feel to snag one of Denver’s most eligible bachelors?” another shouted.
The press knew about their engagement, but that’s the way Blake wanted it, so Asia wasn’t going to fret. She smiled and waved but didn’t speak as she entered the store. When she arrived, she was happy to see that Six Gems was bustling with guests. She wished Yvette could be there, but she was off on a world cruise with Melvin. She did see her favorite five women huddled in a corner, sipping martinis.
Shay saw her first and screamed, “Asia!” and rushed toward her. Blake released her hand as the rest of the women followed suit, enveloping Asia in a hug.
“It’s so good to see you, Asia,” Wynter whispered, when they finally parted. “I’ve been worried about you, but I don’t know why—you’re looking fabulous.”
“I have to agree with Wynter,” Egypt said. “Motherhood looks good on you.”
Asia couldn’t resist blushing. “Thank you.” She tried to keep tears from falling because she didn’t realize how much she’d missed these women, how much she needed these women, until now.
“And are you the illustrious Blake Coleman?” Teagan asked, walking up to Blake. Teagan was sizing him up from head to toe.
“One and the same,” Blake replied, and offered his hand. “I take it you’re Teagan.”
“How can you tell?” Teagan inquired, shaking his hand.
“I’ve seen pictures, and Asia’s description fits you to a tee,” he responded.
“Oh, I love a man that can give it back to me,” Teagan said. “We should chat.”
“I agree,” Shay and Egypt said in unison. They each circled an arm around Blake and led him away from the group with Teagan on their heels.
Lyric reached out and grasped Asia’s hand. “Since they—” she glanced over her shoulder at Shay and Egypt, who were no doubt about to grill Blake “—have Blake covered, how are you doing, my friend? I mean, this place—” she glanced around “—looks nothing like it did before.”
“I agree,” Wynter said. “You’ve done a complete three-sixty, and it looks wonderful. And you’ve got a great turnout tonight.”
“Thank you, ladies, but if you’ll forgive me, I do need to mingle,” Asia said. She saw several of the women whom she’d met months ago at Sadie’s birthday party come in. “But I’m in desperate need of some girl talk. Are you guys free later?”
“Oh, absolutely,” Lyric said.
Asia gave her friends a smile and headed for the wealthy group. Finally, she could talk freely about her feelings to her sistas, who understood her. Asia hoped they might help give her some clarity on what to do next.
* * *
Blake wasn’t afraid of talking to Asia’s friends. He was confident in who he was and knew he was doing the right thing by Asia. Whether the Gems thought that way was another matter entirely.
Once they were some distance away from Asia, Blake turned to them. “What do you want to know, ladies?”
“Everything,” Shay responded, folding her arms across her chest. Her dark locs were arranged in a haphazard updo, but it worked for her, and she was just as athletic in her fitted jumpsuit as Asia had mentioned. “Why did you propose to Asia?”
“What are your intentions toward our girl?” Egypt asked. She, too, was exactly how Blake had envisioned her. Buxom and bold and nearly meeting his height in the heels she wore with a black sheath dress.
“Are you ready to be a husband and a father?” Teagan fired off. Teagan was an all-work-and-no-fun kind of gal in a red power pantsuit, but he could take her.
Blake held up his hands in defense. “I can only answer one question at a time, so I’ll start first with yours, Shay.”
He sensed that the yoga instructor wasn’t his biggest fan. Asia had mentioned that Shay had flown to Denver when he’d proposed and hadn’t been keen on the marriage. “I proposed to Asia because I want us to be a family. Her, me and my son.”
“Son?” Shay asked, her eyes wide.
Blake glanced at each of the women. “Asia didn’t tell you?”
They all shook their heads furiously. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I assumed, given how close you are, she’d have shared the news. Maybe she wanted to tell you in person? Anyway, I know what it’s like to have two parents and have a happy life and to have it all snatched away, because my parents were killed by a drunk driver when I was twelve years old. I grew up without my parents and I don’t want that for my son. Asia and I want our son to have everything we never had, which is two parents who love him.”
“That’s commendable,” Shay replied. “And I appreciate your honesty. I, too, I know what it’s like to have a missing parent.”
“Then you can see my intentions are honorable,” Blake continued. “I’m doing the right thing. Making an honest woman out of your girl—” he looked directly at Egypt “—and taking responsibility for the new life we created.”
“True,” Teagan said, “but are you ready for it?”
Blake shrugged. “Is anyone truly ready to be a parent? We could read all the books in the world, but honestly, I think you have to follow your gut,” he said, pressing his hand to his stomach.
Egypt and Teagan both nodded their heads, but Shay was the holdout. “How do you feel about Asia?”
Her question was direct and not one he could answer easily. “I care for Asia a great deal. I think she’s beautiful, sexy, funny and talented. I want to support her dreams and protect her. She’ll want for nothing. I’ll make sure of that.”
“And love?” Shay pressed, looking Blake directly in the eye.
Fear clawed at Blake’s insides. Fear that whatever answer he gave wouldn’t be good enough. He’d told them everything he was capable of, same as Asia. He hadn’t lied to anyone.
Egypt touched her friend’s shoulder, “Easy, Shay.”
“I think it’s a valid question,” Shay replied, her eyes drilling into his. “And perhaps you might want to give it a little thought before you take vows. Marriage is a commitment and not something you should take lightly.”
Without another word, Shay stalked off.
“I’m sorry,” Egypt mouthed, and then she and Teagan left Blake alone.
Blake moved some distance away from the crowd to get in control of his emotions. He knew Shay meant well and only wanted the best for Asia, but she’d tried to push him to say three words he’d never said to another living soul except his parents and his aunt Sadie. The Gems wanted him to say he loved her, and he suspected Asia wanted the same thing, but he couldn’t do it. He had to stay in control of himself and his feelings. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—make himself vulnerable to heartbreak again.
* * *
Asia was having an amazing night. The grand opening was going fabulously. The food was divine. Asia munched on a couple of spinach and mushroom tarts as she flitted around the room from one group to another, making sure everyone was enjoying themselves. She stopped and talked shop with several people who wanted to talk about the inspiration for her collection and was thrilled when she saw purchases being boxed discreetly at the back counter. Several of the women from Sadie’s party had bought one of her pieces.
It was beyond fabulous to have Wynter, Egypt, Shay, Lyric and Teagan on hand for her big day. Every now and then, she would stop to check in with them and they would give her an enthusiastic thumbs-up, but Blake had been suspiciously absent for most of the night.
The few times she’d seen him over the course of the evening, their eyes had connected from across the room and he’d smiled, but there had been something missing. She had thought he’d be by her side the entire night, but he hadn’t been. Had his conversation with the Gems not gone well? Shay, Egypt and Teagan had remained mum when she asked, but she knew there would be a postmortem, if not tonight, then tomorrow, since her friends planned on having brunch before leaving the next day.
Asia tried to tell herself it was nothing. This was her big night, but it was Blake’s, too. He’d been instrumental in seeing her vision come to life. She wanted to go find him to talk to him, but then she felt a tap on her shoulder.
Asia spun around and saw Ava dressed in a fashionable black gown with one dramatic sleeve that draped to the floor. Her hair was swept up in an elegant chignon. “Mama, you look fabulous.”
Her mother grinned broadly. “It’s easy to do that when you’re dressed in couture.” Ava leaned over and gave Asia’s shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Congratulations, baby girl. You said you were going to open your own store and you did it!”
Asia beamed with pride. “Thank you, Mama.”
“And you look stunning in the dress—I can hardly tell you’re preggers,” she whispered conspiratorially.
Asia didn’t know how to take that comment, so she remained silent.
“So,” her mother said, glancing around, “where is my soon-to-be son-in-law? I can’t wait to meet him.”
“C’mon, I’ll introduce you,” Asia said, moving them across the store until they came to Blake, who was chatting with a group of women. With his thick, dark brows, square jaw and sculpted lips, he looked handsome in a custom black suit. All of the women in the group were tall, gorgeous and looked as if they’d just walked off the runway. They were Blake’s usual type.
“Excuse me,” Asia said. “Do you mind if I steal Blake away?”
“Not at all,” one of the women said. “Congratulations on the store. I love your work.”
Asia feigned a smile, when, inside, she was crazy jealous. She didn’t like seeing Blake with beautiful women, especially not thin beautiful ones. Her arm around Ava’s shoulders, she grasped his arm with her other one, and once they were a discreet distance away, she said, “Blake, I’d like you to meet my mother, Ava Reynolds.”
“Ms. Reynolds, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Blake said, taking her mother’s hand and kissing it. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Ava was momentarily stunned into speechlessness. Asia was certain she wasn’t used to a man as charming as Blake. “Umm, thank you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for my baby girl.”
Blake turned to Asia and she caught a glint in his eye. One she hadn’t seen all night. “No thanks needed. Asia is a very special lady.”
Asia believed that Blake cared for her. She did, but how much? She loved Blake. She loved his integrity. His commitment to his family legacy. But was her love enough to build a marriage on? Could she commit her entire life to a marriage knowing he might not ever love her back? Asia wasn’t so sure, and that frightened her.
Eighteen
The event ended on a high note. Asia had sold a huge number of pieces from her new collection and was feeling really good about herself. Once she was assured that the planner had everything under control to get the store in order for the soft opening on Monday, Asia came toward Blake, who was waiting for her. After a quick appearance, her mother had departed, claiming she had a hot date. The Gems had also retired to their hotel, with plans to meet up with Asia the next morning for brunch.
“Ready to go?” Blake inquired. “You must be exhausted. It was a big night.”
She nodded. She wanted to talk to him and find out what was going on with him, but Asia was afraid to. She wasn’t sure how the conversation would go, so she decided to remain silent. “Yes, I’m ready.”
They walked outside, only to be greeted by several reporters.
“Blake, when did you find out Asia was pregnant?”
“Is that the reason you’re having a shotgun wedding?” another screamed.
Asia’s hand instantly went to her stomach in a protective gesture and Blake ushered her into the limo. After being accosted by the press, she was somber in the limo on the way home. That was not how they wanted to announce her pregnancy. How had they discovered she was pregnant? They’d told no one but their immediate family and friends, but maybe someone had overheard her tonight with the Gems or her mother?
And that wasn’t the end of her troubles. Instead of the conversation Asia had hoped to have with Blake about his feelings and their future, Blake stayed on the phone the entire ride home.
