Chapter 4 Brooke

The night was winding down, and Brooke was meticulously supervising the event breakdown, keeping a close eye on the remaining guests as they trickled out of the ballroom. Andre Jackson's fundraiser had been a success, and by all appearances, so had her ability to ward off his advances. But she couldn't shake the feeling of unease lingering from her earlier exchange with him.

Andre approached her as the final guests said their goodbyes. His presence was magnetic, and Brooke could feel the intensity in his gaze as he walked over. His smile was warm yet almost unsettlingly focused.

"Brooke," he began, his voice smooth and low, "I just wanted to thank you again for tonight. You made me look good-better than I thought possible."

She managed a polite smile, knowing full well what charm Andre could wield when he wanted to. "Thank you, Andre. I'm glad it went well."

He leaned in, his face closer than she'd expected, his eyes never leaving hers. "It went better than well. I'd like to think you and I make a pretty good team." He paused, his gaze flickering to the few remaining staff as they worked. "In fact, I could use someone like you for another upcoming event. It's a more intimate affair, but I think it's right up your alley."

There was that honey-coated voice again. She felt a twinge of nervousness at the implication. Working with Andre again? The thought stirred something complicated within her. "Another event?" she replied, her tone carefully measured. "I'd be happy to discuss it. You know how to reach me."

"Oh, I know I could call your office, but I'd prefer something a bit more personal." His smile widened as he extended a hand toward her. "How about you let me drive you home? We can talk it over on the way."

Brooke's stomach did a flip. She wasn't accustomed to this kind of attention from clients, especially not with such obvious interest. She quickly composed herself, giving him a polite yet firm shake of her head. "That's very kind of you, Andre, but I'll have to pass. I need to stay until everything is wrapped up here."

"Then I'll wait with you," he said, his tone casual but the words carrying an unexpected weight.

Brooke felt her carefully constructed façade waver for a moment. This was new. Men like Andre didn't wait around for anyone, let alone a busy event planner. "There's really no need," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Andre crossed his arms, his expression one of quiet determination. "I insist. It's late, and it's the least I can do after everything you've done for me tonight."

Brooke blinked, her mind racing as she tried to assess the situation. Her professional instincts urged her to keep things strictly business. Still, there was something undeniably appealing in his offer to stay, something that spoke to a part of her she rarely acknowledged.

She opened her mouth to reply but found herself at a loss for words. For the first time in a long while, she didn't have a calculated response. She could only nod, wondering if she'd just made a choice that would complicate her carefully crafted world. She was always good at playing it cool with men, but this one? He had her. There was no wonder people loved him.

Andre's smile softened as he caught her response. "Good," he said, his tone gentle now. "We'll let the team finish up, and then I'll see you home. Just think of it as my way of making sure you're taken care of for once."

Brooke gave a small smile, her mind spinning as she realized that, despite her best efforts to keep things professional, Andre Jackson had managed to step past her walls-at least for tonight.

The drive back to her townhouse was wrapped in a silence that felt anything but awkward. Normally, she would have Spotify tuned to her late-night playlist, but tonight, she felt like she was riding on a cloud. Brooke kept her eyes on the road, occasionally catching a glimpse of Andre's car in her rearview mirror. The city lights blur into a soft glow behind her as they left the bustling heart of Atlanta and entered the quieter streets of Buckhead. Andre's driver stayed close, a shadow following her all the way home. She couldn't deny the thrill that ran through her, knowing he was there, close but not too close, giving her just enough space to breathe.

As she pulled into her driveway, his car came to a smooth stop behind her. His driver stepped out, nodding as he opened the back door for Andre, who emerged with a casual elegance that made Brooke's pulse quicken. The night was crisp, and as he approached her car, she opened the door slowly.

He reached for her, melting his hand with hers as they walked to the door. She was acutely aware of his every step and the way he moved with such effortless grace and confidence. When they reached her doorstep, he turned to face her, his eyes holding hers with an intensity that made her heartbeat quicken.

"You know," he said softly, "this whole night, I kept wondering when I'd get the chance to talk to you alone. Really talk."

She managed a small smile, the coolness of the evening air doing little to calm her racing thoughts. "Well, here we are. What is it you wanted to talk about, Mr. Jackson? We did chat earlier, remember?"

"Mr. Jackson?" he echoed, his lips curving into a grin. "I think we're past formalities by now, don't you?" He took a step closer, his eyes warm and searching, and she could smell the intoxicating blend of his cologne-a mix of spices and something deep, almost woodsy.

"Call me Andre."

"Andre..." it rolled off her lips with ease. "I..."

"I know you keep a lot close to the chest, Brooke, but I'd like to get to know you. Really know you, Brooke."

Her breath hitched, and she took a half-step back, trying to regain her composure. "Andre, I don't... I'm not sure what you're after."

He moved in, closing the distance she'd tried to create, his voice a low murmur as he spoke.

"Maybe I don't know either. But I know there's something about you I can't ignore."

Before she could react, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that caught her completely off guard. For a moment, she let herself melt into him, the warmth of his mouth and the firmness of his hands at her waist sending a shiver down her spine. He kissed her with a quiet urgency, his mouth soft yet insistent, as if he'd been waiting for this moment all night.

But just as quickly, she pulled back, catching her breath as reality snapped back into focus. She placed a hand on his chest, gently but firmly, and took a step back. "Goodnight, Andre," she managed, her voice steadier than the ruckus she felt inside.

He studied her for a moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "Alright, Miss Brooke," he said, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I can respect that. For now." He took a step back, giving her space, but the look in his eyes was unmistakable. He wasn't giving up, not by a long shot.

"Goodnight," he said, his voice smooth and rich, before turning and walking back to his car.

As she watched him leave, a part of her wondered just what she'd just gotten herself into. She could still feel the warmth of his kiss lingering on her lips, and she knew without a doubt that Andre Jackson was a man who didn't give up easily. She exhaled slowly, knowing that the next time he came around, resisting him might not be so simple.