Page 62 of Business Casual

“Imani…” He put his hands on the desk in front of him and leaned toward the counter. “Let me ask you a question. Do you have feelings for that Avery boy?”

Surprised by his question, I recoiled. “No, not at all.”

“Then you need to cut him loose. If this woman keeps coming after you because of this man and he keeps letting it happen, it won’t stop because he’s allowing that shit to happen.” He shook his head. “Was that all the damage? Just the tires?”

“Yeah, from what I could tell. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Imani. Come here. I would hug you, but I got oil and some other shit on me.” He walked around the counter and took my hand. “I can replace the tires. I can’t replace you. Do you know what could’ve happened to you if you drove on flat tires?” He shook the hand in his grasp. “Do you know what could’ve happened to my rim?”

I let out a little laugh and he smiled.

“Don’t let me see you with that Avery again,” he warned. “Matter of fact, don’t let me see Avery again.”

I nodded. “Yes sir.”

The whine of the door opening caused me and my godfather to look when Tre entered.

“Hey,” he greeted us. His eyes fixated on me. “Everything okay, Imani?”

I nodded. “Yes, thank you. Sorry, I didn’t come back out and let you know.”

Tre’s brows furrowed. “Don’t worry about that. I just wanted to make sure you were okay before I left.”

My stomach fluttered at the kindness coming from the bronze Adonis before me. The endorphins swirled within me, and he had never been more irresistible then at that moment. I was so glad we weren’t alone because I wouldn’t have been able to control myself.

“Thank you,” I said as normally as possible. “I appreciate you getting me here.”

“You don’t have to thank me.” He jerked his thumb behind him. “The tow truck just offloaded the vehicle and gave a man with cornrows the paperwork. Just wanted to let you know.”

“Who are you?” Jimmy asked.

“I’m sorry, sir.” He crossed the room and extended his hand. “I’m Alex Franklin III.”

“Jimmy Brown,” he returned, giving him a onceover before letting go of his hand. “How do you know my goddaughter?”

I tried not to react.

“We both work for Franklin Financial,” Tre answered diplomatically.

“FranklinFinancial, huh?” He looked between us. “Okay.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you’re her supervisor?”

“Yes, sir.”

Jimmy nodded. “Okay, okay.” He glanced at me and then back at Tre. “Thank you for getting Imani here safely. She’s like a daughter to me.”

“I know, sir. She speaks very highly of you.”

Jimmy smiled broadly. “Good, good.”

“I have to head back to the office, but it was very nice to meet you, sir.” Tre shook my godfather’s hand one more time before he turned to me. “If you need anything, call me.”

“How much do I owe you for the tow?” I asked.

“You don’t.”

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