Brian was impressed with how Jessie handled that situation. He’d been with other women in similar circumstances, and the responses were usually polar opposite of Jessie’s.
“So, how did you meet Téa?”
“She was actually a referral for a position in my company. Some people just hit it off and when we met we just clicked. I think it’s important to keep people around you who can keep you honest. Téa is nothing if not honest.”
Brian was nodding in agreement. “Yes, but that is hard to find. It’s one of the things I cherish the most—honesty and being able to trust someone. That’s why my circle is so small. I’ve lost patience trying to figure people out.”
“Unfortunately, I’m the same way. It’s hard, but once I let you into my space, I’m very protective of the relationship. I’m sure it’s much harder for you being so high profile.”
“Don’t get me wrong…I love being Brian Wright and all the perks that go along with it. But, even after all of these years, it can still be overwhelming. It’s not often I have the opportunity to sit in a restaurant like Burger Joint and feel—normal.”
Jessie smiled, “I’m glad I was able to be a part of the ‘normal experience’.”
Jessie and Brian couldn’t believe they’d been at the Burger Joint for several hours. Before they knew it, Mr. Charleston was closing up.
“We’d better get out of here. I still need to find a place to stay for tonight. My flight doesn’t leave until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.”
Jessie cocked her head to the side, “Is that your way of asking if you can sleep on my sofa this time?”
“What….your sofa? I was hoping I could sleep in your bed.”
“What?”
Brian laughed, “Wait…that came out wrong. I meant sleep in one of your guest bedrooms, but I’ll do a sofa.”
*****
Later that night, Jessie and Brian were sitting on her sofa drinking wine and getting to know one another even more. Brian couldn’t believe how beautiful and down to earth Jessie was. Most of the women he knew were either beautiful or down to earth but rarely both.
“Michael’s been different ever since he met Téa.”
“Yeah, Téa too.”
“It’s hard to be on the same page but it seems like they are. I’ve often wondered why it’s so hard to make a connection with someone.”
Jessie rolled her eyes, “Brian, I’ve read your rap sheet since the first time we met. You’ve been connected with half the women in Hollywood. I find it hard to believe you can’t find someone. Like most men…I think you’re enjoying being single too much. Why would you want to settle down with one, when you can have some—if not all—the women you want.”
“I’m not going to lie. I do enjoy being single. But, honestly, finding the right one is too much work. You never really know people’s motives, and I’m so skeptical that it’s hard to get close to someone.”
Brian finally asked the question he’d wanted to know all night, “So what about you? Is there someone special?”
There was a wistful note in Jessie’s voice. “No. I can’t say there is. I just don’t have the time.”
Brian didn’t know if it was the wine or not, but when Jessie put her glass to her lips he wondered how they would taste. Jessie froze because she thought she saw a glimpse of something in Brian’s eyes, but it was gone before she could be sure.
Brian broke eye contact first. “It’s late…you have work tomorrow, and I should let you go to bed.”
Jessie showed Brian to his room.
“It’s not some swanky hotel, but this room is better than my couch.”
Brian walked inside, “And private. I’m grateful for that. So, if I haven’t already…thanks for entertaining me tonight on such short notice.”
“No thanks necessary. You actually helped me.”
“How?”
“Had you not called I probably would have ended up working tonight—instead I had some fun for a change.”
Brian flashed that million dollar smile “Then, I’m glad I called.”
“Me too.”
Jessie turned to leave and closed the door behind her.
After she left the room, Brian couldn’t help but think Jessie was something special. She was ridiculously gorgeous, smart, and funny. She was easy to talk to and more than anything, he appreciated the fact that she did not possess any drama queen or diva-like tendencies.
Later that night while lying in bed, Jessie found it hard to sleep. She couldn’t help thinking about Brian being over in the next room. It was obvious that he was a sexy man, but more than that, he seemed to be a genuinely nice person.
For a moment, it was nice to let her imagination run wild. It was obvious he enjoyed being single, and Jessie’s life had no room for romance; however, that didn’t stop Brian from creeping into Jessie’s dreams.
The following morning Brian caught his flight, but his presence lingered on for days.
*****
Two days later the picture they’d taken at the restaurant was plastered all over the tabloids. And since the picture captured one of Brian’s tender glances at Jessie, everyone wondered, Who was the mystery woman?
Chapter 10
Jessie’s office building was a sight to behold. It stood twenty-three floors high and no matter which way anyone turned, you couldn’t help but see the beautiful downtown city of Phoenix. Though, for security reasons, the building was made of special glass so no one could see the inside of the building from the outside.
Jessie was coming from a meeting with Tony and Jake. They handled all of the recruiting and new recruit training. Jake had given Jessie portfolios for a couple of people he thought she might be interested in bringing on as part of the team. As she walked back into her office, her phone began ringing. Lisa, her administrative
