Page 31 of Nothing Less Than Everything

WREN

Acheddar apple pie taunted me through the cellophane window of the Annie’s bakery box sitting on my desk. The pie—a whole one, not a slice—had arrived with a tankard of iced coffee and a flower arrangement featuring birds of paradise.

Because, of course, he would find a bird-related flower.

I suppressed a smile and flicked open the card displayed on the floral pick.

You didn’t give me your number, so sending these to your office was my only option. -T

A honk of laughter escaped me as I plopped into my desk chair. Damn him. Rehearsal was the only reason I’d peeled myself away from Tatum’s delectable body the night before. My new status on the team meant I couldn’t be late no matter how tempting a heavy make-out session was. Instead, we shared a chaste goodbye kiss.

Tatum had asked for my number, but evasive was my middle name. I sidestepped the question the way he had every time I asked what he did for work. Granted, I hadn’t been particularly forthcoming about my involvement with the Ladies in Red.

My place on the squad filled me with pride. Nothing compared to the thrill of dancing for the Reds. But I hadn’t divulged my part-time passion with the men I’d been on dates with. Not since Preston dumped me for quiet and dutiful.

I’d filled the stark white line on my ring finger with self-tanner. Too bad broken hearts couldn’t be covered with St. Tropez.

Reluctantly, I opened Tatum’s client file, found his cell number, and punched it into a new text message.

Wren: I see someone’s a good listener. How did you know Annie’s was my favorite?

I set my phone aside and buried myself in sourcing pieces for his penthouse. That’s what I needed to focus my thoughts on. Faucets, paint colors, and a dining room set that had been taunting the outskirts of my brain.

Was Tatum the type of man to host dinner parties? Would the space be better used for something else? I had bookmarked a trio of counter stools for the kitchen island. They were practical. But a dining room set? My phone vibrated atop the bakery box, reminding me of the deliciousness inside. Maybe just a taste…

Before I could dive headfirst into the carb and sugar-laden goodness, I snatched my phone up. Tatum.

“Hello?”

“Little Bird.” Tatum sounded amused, like an animal toying with his prey. His husky timbre had me crossing my legs, reliving the memory of his thick erection nestled between my legs as his fingers clawed into my hips. There was a cacophony of noise in the background. Metal slamming, shoes squeaking. It sounded like a locker room. He was probably at the gym. “I take it you got my gift?”

I trapped my phone between my shoulder and ear as my fingers flew over the keyboard so I could pull the trigger on the counter stools. “That was very thoughtful, Mr. Bryant, but completely unnecessary.”

Tatum’s smirk was practically audible. I closed my eyes and envisioned his easy confidence and swagger. “You’re still at your office, aren’t you?”

“That, uh,” I stuttered, all too aware of Maddox loitering in the breakroom just outside my half-opened office door. I cleared my throat and turned on my best customer service voice. “That’s correct, Mr.Bryant.”

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. It was dark and devious. “You sound nervous. It’s cute.”

“I’m not nervous,” I whispered.

“Mhmm. Sure.”

“I’m not!” I said with a laugh.

“It’s alright, Little Bird. You can admit that I make you nervous.”

I cleared my throat and dropped my voice to a whisper. “If you’ll remember correctly, I’ve seen every inch of your … property. I know what to expect.”

Tatum stifled a laugh. “Beautiful, you’ve got no idea what to expect. All you got was a sample.”

“Tatum!” I hissed, which only encouraged his laughter.

“To answer your question, you mentioned your wicked cheddar apple pie came from a shop in College Hill. Annie’s Pies was the first search result. Google is magical.”

“Smartass,” I grumbled. “I’m glad you called, though. Dining room tables … thoughts?”

“I would use it for eating, but it wouldn’t be for eating food. Might wanna make sure it’s sturdy if you catch my drift.”

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