Read Online The Best Thing Yet by McKenna Jeffries and Aliyah Burke - Free Book Online Page A

gently.
    “It doesn’t matter.”
    “You’re such a liar. It does and he will.” Tim squeezed her shoulder.
    “Thanks for hanging with me on the cruise.” Arissa stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.
    “Please, you kept me from jumping ship and swimming back to the mainland to work.” Tim grinned.
    “From now on, we both have to promise to take some time just for fun. Okay,” Arissa said.
    “Okay.” Tim hugged her.
    “Arissa.” She glanced at Jackson as he strode off the elevator towards them.
    “Hey, Jackie. Jackson Carlyle. This is Timothy Vastin. We met on the cruise.”
    A rolling, drumming sound interrupted them.
    Tim winced and said, “Excuse me a moment.” He walked away a few steps. “Jorge, I’ve told you about messing with the ringtone on my phone.” His voice faded as he walked farther down the hall.
    “Only you would go on a cruise and come back with Timothy Vastin,” Jackson said.
    “What does that mean?” Arissa frowned.
    “You don’t know who he is?” Jackson looked at her in disbelief.
    She shook her head and he chuckled. Arissa slugged him in the shoulder. She pushed open her door and went inside. Jackson followed. She put down her bag and turned to face her.
    “So who is he?”
    “He designed this building and all the brownstones on the block. Not to mention a few other notable structures. And has won a boatload of awards,” Jackson said.
    “Okay so he’s good. But he’s just Tim.” Arissa shrugged.
    “See that is why I love you my friend. Just accepting anyone for who they are. So fill me in on the trip.”
    “In a sec. Let me check on Tim.”
    “Okay. I’ll grab some drinks,” Jackson said going into the kitchen.
    Arissa went back out into the hall. Tim, from the sounds of it, was still on the phone with Jorge. Arissa walked up behind him. “Have him park the car and come up. There is a garage across the street.”
    Tim glanced at her. “I’ll be down in a moment.” He pressed a button to end the call. “I’d love to but need to get home to get a jump on work.”
    “Jorge said you were still on vacation.”
    “He’s an interfering pain in my ass.” Tim grinned.
    “And I’m sure you need it.”
    “He’s already won you over to his side.” Tim groaned.
    “It was the shirt and pants,” Arissa said.
    “He loves to be shocking. Confuses people when they hear that British accent and then see his clothing. It’s amusing to watch.” Tim laughed.
    “I bet.” She studied Tim then added, “Jackson mentioned you designed this building and a few others. And are some kind of big shot.”
    “And does it matter to him?”
    “Nope but I’m curious why you didn’t say something on the cruise.”
    “It wasn’t relevant. And still isn’t. Or is it?”
    “Are you going to keep asking me that?”
    “No need to get growly on me. Come give me a hug and let me get on my way.” Tim laughed.
    Arissa went over to him and hugged him. Tim embraced her and kissed the top of her forehead.
    “See you this weekend.” Tim released her.
    She followed as he went into her apartment. Tim approached Jackson and put out his hand.
    “It was nice meeting you at least briefly. We’ll talk more this weekend.”
    “This weekend?” Jackson said.
    “Arissa invited me over to your game day. Hope you don’t mind.”
    “No, that’s cool.”
    They shook hands. Tim came towards her, touching her shoulder as he passed.
    “Tell him about Deiter.”
    Arissa shoved him. “Get out, troublemaker.”
    Tim laughed as he left. She locked the door behind him then went to join Jackson on the couch. She picked up the beer he had got her then curled her legs under her.
    “Who’s Deiter?” Jackson asked in a mild tone.
    “Nobody.”
    “Rissa,” Jackson said in his calm way.
    Arissa sighed, knowing it was useless not to tell him. He’d get it out of her. Or gang up on her with Deyon and Sarah until they got it out of her. She filled him in. Jackson listened not