Love Me Now (22 page)

Kenya hurried to her condo and got ready for her date. She
showered, dressed, then looked at herself in the mirror. She wasn't the raving beauty Asia was or the smooth-talking home girl Sidney was, but she held her own, too.

She used a bit of makeup and then sprayed on her favorite perfume. She was just finishing her hair when the doorbell rang. She buzzed the opener, releasing the outside gate's security latch. A few minutes later the bell rang again. She pressed the elevator button, sending it down. When the door opened she stood waiting.

T
rey smiled automatically at seeing her. Then a second later he paused, admiring her more fully. She was a vision and she took his breath away. “You look sensational. Is that one of your designs?”

“Yes, it is. Do you like it?”

“I love it. It's gorgeous,” he said, encouraging her to turn around. “Wow, you are truly a vision in that gown.” He stepped closer as she turned back around to face him again. “I'm tempted to cancel our plans and see how it looks off.”

Kenya blushed. He was definitely a charmer. “I thought this was supposed to be a business date.”

“It is,” he assured her.

“I'm sure you wouldn't say that to Bill Gates,” she admonished.

“Probably not,” he said, chuckling. “I can't see him filling out that dress as well as you do.”

“Business date, remember.”

“Aw,” he said in mock disappointment. “But, sweetheart, you take my breath away. You look stunning.”

“Thanks. You look very handsome in your tuxedo. Are we ready to go?”

“I am if you are.”

She walked over to the sofa and grabbed her shawl and evening purse. The aromatic smell of the bouquet of fresh flowers on the coffee table scented the air. “The flowers are beautiful, thank you. But the card was a bit cryptic. Where exactly are we going this evening?”

He held his arm out to her. “You'll see.”

They got into the waiting limo and headed south. Kenya still couldn't believe the evening, and it was only the beginning. “So, do you call yourself trying to impress me?”

“No, not particularly. You already know how I live, what I have and probably how much I'm worth. What would be the point?”

“Exactly, so why the limo?” she asked.

“Simple, I'm too lazy to drive.”

She chuckled, caught off guard by his response. “You are so silly sometimes.”

“Yeah, I get that a lot,” he confessed. “You know that old saying—don't judge a book by its cover?” he asked. She nodded. “Well, it's very true, especially in business. I'm not saying that I'm some mild-mannered Clark Kent. But make no mistake, I will take care of business when I have to,” he said as the chilling tone in his voice left no doubt.

Kenya nodded then turned to look out the window. A heated flush embraced her as her heart began racing. This was the perfect time to confess, but she couldn't. How did you tell the man you were trying not to care about that you were about to destroy his world? “So where are we going
this evening?” she asked softly, changing the subject before she weakened.

“We're going to a political fund-raiser.”

“Really? I've never actually been to one, but I've always been curious about them.”

“This one might not be the best example.”

“Why? What hotel is it being held at?”

Trey smiled. “No hotel. We're going to the circus.”

“The circus? I didn't even know one was in town.”

“Well, actually it's Cirque du Soleil.”

Kenya gasped. Like a switch that had been turned on, she nearly jumped on top of him. “What, really?” she asked. He nodded. “For real, no joke?” she repeated.

“Yes, why, you don't want to go?”

“Are you kidding me? I'd love to go. I've only seen their performances on television, but what I've seen is awesome. I can't believe it. The artistry, the costumes, they're phenomenal. I can't believe we're going,” she said excitedly.

“Wow, if I knew I was going to get this response, I'd have gotten tickets sooner.”

“It's just a wonderful surprise, that's all. I've always wanted to go. I just never got around to it.”

“I'm looking forward to it, too.”

The limo pulled up in front of the theater. They got out and breezed into the lobby. They were escorted to their private booth just before the performance began. The show was everything she imagined and more. It was awesome. Kenya's eyes were glued to the stage as Trey's were glued to her. She had the perfect reaction. It was thrilling just seeing her so happy.

Afterward, they went backstage. There Kenya was completely enthralled. She spoke to the costume designers and seamstress and gathered as much inside information as possible. Afterward they ate dinner at a small restaurant then
drove around the city the rest of the evening. Kenya relaxed and sat back against Trey. He wrapped his arms around her and she laid her head on his chest. “I don't remember having so much fun. It was an incredible evening. Thank you for this.”

“You're very welcome. I had a great time, too.”

Kenya closed her eyes. “Tell me about her.”

“Tell you about whom?”

“The woman in your last relationship,” Kenya said.

“My what?” he asked, taken completely off guard.

“The woman in your last relationship,” she said.

“Are we at that point already?”

“Uh-huh,” she answered.

“Why do you want to know?”

“I'm curious. What was she like?”

“Truthfully, I haven't had a quote-unquote ‘relationship' in a long time. I've dated, obviously, but there's been no one steady woman in my life for some time. There was a woman a long time ago, but it didn't work out.”

“Did she break your heart?” Kenya asked.

“No, why?”

“As I said, I'm just curious.”

He paused a moment. This conversation was hitting too close to the mark. He needed a good old-fashioned diversion. “The business fast track doesn't leave a lot of time for emotional entanglements.”

“You mean relationships, don't you?”

“Semantics. At any rate, I find it hard to sustain a meaningful long-term relationship with my schedule. I just don't have time.”

“You take time for what's important and for what really matters to you,” she said.

“I guess you're right, because here I am out with you this evening.”

“How about that,” she said.

“So tell my why you asked.”

“I wondered if you'd ever had your heart broken.”

“Is that what you intend to do to me?” he asked.

“No one ever intends.”

“Not true. To answer your question, no, not yet. But there's always a first time, right?” he offered. She nodded silently. “What about you? Tell me about your last relationship.”

She sighed heavily. This wasn't what she wanted to talk about but in all fairness she started it. “We met in New York. He was a businessman, very determined and very focused on his goals. He was strong-willed and charming and well on his way to being very, very successful. I believed in him and I thought I knew everything about him. He was everything I thought I wanted.”

“But?” he asked.

“But he wasn't. He asked me to give up my work to be there for him, totally devoted and attentive.”

“Did you?”

“Yes, for a while I did. We moved in together and I was the perfect girlfriend.”

“Then,” he prompted.

“Then I realized he wasn't the man I thought he was. Everything I thought I knew was a lie.”

“What do you mean?”

“I found out that I wasn't the only woman in our so-called monogamist relationship. His reasoning was that he needed more than I could give.”

“I see.”

“Unbeknownst to me he had a child by one woman and had gotten another woman pregnant, after I put aside my career for him. I found myself in the middle of baby-mamma
drama. So that was the end of that. Oh, one last thing, he was a stock broker.”

“Figures.”

“Yeah, figures,” she said.

“He lied to you, cheated on you and played you.”

“Yes. But that's long over now.”

“Good, I'm glad,” he said.

“Good, I'm glad,” she repeated. “Insensitive much? I just poured out my soul to you and all you can say is ‘good, I'm glad'?”

“Yes, because had you not gotten rid of him, we might never have met.”

The genuine sweetness of his remark made her smile. He'd caught her off guard again. Every time she thought that she had a handle on him, he turned it around. “What have I gotten myself into with you?” she questioned quietly.

“I've been asking myself that same question.”

“Is that bad?” she asked sleepily.

“I sincerely hope not.”

She yawned, covering her mouth. “Excuse me. Do you know that since I met you, I have yet to get to bed before twelve o'clock?”

He reached over and pressed a button on the side panel. “Driver, take us back, please.”

“I really like being with you, Trey. I know I'm not supposed to. You're so wrong for me.”

He kissed her forehead. “With that said, shall we test the waters again? How about dinner tomorrow evening?”

“I can't. I have plans tomorrow.”

“Another man? Should I be jealous?”

“Definitely,” she joked.

“Who is this rival?”

“Manhattan.”

“I think I know him. Tall guy, beard and mustache?” She poked him gently as he chuckled. “So you're headed to New York tomorrow.”

“You should know. I have a feeling you set the whole thing up.”

“What whole thing?”

“Shelly and I got a call this morning from Youngin's retail stores. They want to see our work. They're interested in selling us through their stores.”

“That's wonderful. Congratulations. But how would I know about it?”

“You didn't set this up?” she asked.

“No, sorry, I wish I had. But it wasn't me,” Trey said.

“Well, then I wonder how they heard about us.”

Trey shrugged. “I have no idea. It wasn't me, unfortunately.”

“Hmm,” she said, seeing the familiar landmarks of her street as the limo pulled to a stop in front of her building. The driver got out and opened the door. Trey helped Kenya out and walked her through the alcove and to the elevator. “I hate to keep being redundant, but thank you, I had the best time.”

“I'm glad.”

“So I guess I could invite you up for a nightcap.”

“You could,” he said, smiling, “but we both know where we'd be two seconds later, especially after seeing you in this gown.” He touched her bare shoulder and slowly traced the curve of her breasts down to her hip. He breathed deeply. “You realize, of course, that I'm going to dream about this dress tonight.”

She leaned close and whispered, “That was the whole idea.”

He instantly grabbed her waist and drew her close, pressing her against his hard body. He didn't speak or kiss her, he just stood there looking into her eyes, holding her tight. The
piercing gaze took her breath away. Then he closed his eyes, released her and walked away.

“Trey,” she called to him. He stopped but didn't turn. She walked and stood behind him. She leaned her body against his back, molding as close to him as she could get. She reached around and held his chest, laying her cheek on his back. “What do I say?” she asked herself out loud. “How did I let this happen?”

“It sneaks up on you,” he told her.

“Yes, it does.”

“You're not alone.” He turned, grabbed her in his arms and kissed her until she forgot who she was. All she knew was that she was his for as long as he wanted her.

T
rey sent the driver away.

He walked back to the building and met Kenya at the elevator. She pushed the button as soon as he got in. They stood across from each other, their eyes staring into each other. The doors closed. The silent hush of the mechanics jerked the elevator's motion. It began to rise. With each floor they passed Kenya's heart beat harder, faster, stronger. The anticipation of being with him made her whole body quiver. Her breathing increased and her body, already on fire, was tingling.

She watched him watch her. He didn't move, yet the muscle in his jaw flexed tight. She slowly lowered the shawl from her shoulder, letting one end hit the floor. His eyes didn't waver. She leisurely reached up and released the clip holding her hair in the loosened French twist. Loose waves and ringlet curls dropped to her shoulders.

By the third floor, her breasts seemed to expand, nearly
bursting from the bodice. She arched her back, giving him full view of her offering.

The elevator arrived on the fourth floor. The doors opened. She pushed away from the side and walked out. But before she got two steps into the loft, Trey grabbed her hand and pinned her back against the inside of the elevator wall. He pressed the hardness of his body firmly against her. He leaned in, parted his lips but didn't kiss her. Just inches away, she waited, feeling only the sweet grind of his body against her. Her breathing was labored as his fiery eyes blazed hot with passion.

Then, in an instant, he took her mouth, pressing his lips to hers forcefully. The kiss was intense. She stopped breathing and her heart raced, but she was too overcome to notice. She felt the steel-hard shaft of his manhood press into her. Her stomach fluttered as her desire surged. She moaned as his kisses fell to her neck, her shoulders, her chest. The elevator beeped. She pushed him back against the button panel. The doors closed again.

Moments later, the doors opened. They were on the building's roof. The warm breeze blew around them as they barely even noticed. He touched her body freely, caressing her shoulders, arms and breasts. She reached behind him and pressed the fourth-floor button again. The doors closed. When they opened a short time later they were back at her apartment. She pulled away from his embrace. Breathless and overcome by passion, she staggered into her apartment. Trey followed.

She turned, grabbing his tuxedo jacket and removing it. He held her and kissed her hard. She pulled the end of his tie then started unbuttoning his shirt. Midway down, she ripped it open. With the shirt opened she touched his chest, running her palms over his nipples. He hissed and moaned, pressing her against the back of the sofa. Her fingers tantalized his nipples and his hands stroked her breasts.

They were mindless in their pursuit. “I don't want to rip it. Take it off,” he muttered huskily. She turned away from him, revealing the indiscernible zipper in the back. He found the tab and pulled down. The fabric separated, revealing her smooth, even skin. “Take it off,” he ordered. She turned, holding the bodice up just over the tips of her nipples. The abundant swell of her breasts teased him. “Take it off,” he repeated. She let the garment fall.

Kenya was now standing there in just lace panties and stiletto heels. Trey stepped back and stared, admiring his prize. “Yes?” she asked teasingly. “See something you like?” He nodded needlessly. The very definite protrusion in his pants proved his eagerness. But to her surprise, he just stood there, staring at her body.

“Woman, you have no idea what you do to me.”

She ran her finger around the top of her black panties and smiled at him, tilting her head suggestively. “Tell me, what do I do to you, Trey?”

He smiled, eyeing her seductive actions. She continued toying with the elastic, dipping it down teasingly. “You set my body on fire,” he said.

“Is that all, Trey, or is there more?” she coaxed slowly. She walked over to him and traced her finger over his chest, each nipple, over his shoulder and then down his back. He closed his eyes and tipped his head up. She leaned in, resting her bare breast on his back. Her nipples pebbled and she moved back and forth.

She reached around front and loosened his pants, then slowly undid the zipper, feeling his hardness the whole time. His pants dropped. She pressed her body, molding tightly against the back of him. “What else do I do to you, Trey?” she whispered just over his shoulder.

He turned instantly and kissed her, holding her with one
hand while stroking her body with the other. He touched the elastic all the way around, ending with his hands caressing her buttocks. She pulled back breathlessly. “Trey, right here, right now,” she muttered.

He shook his head. “No. Where's the bedroom?” he rasped faintly. She turned, looking over his shoulder. He leaned down and grabbed something from his pants pocket. Then in an instant he whisked her up in his arms and went in that direction.

Moments later she fell on the bed with him kneeling on top. Her panties disappeared, as did his briefs. He covered himself, and then hovered an instant before delving deep inside her.

The one smooth motion made her gasp as she dug her nails into his back. Her body quivered and quaked as spasms of release began to take her. The thrusts came quickly, repeatedly, in rapid succession. His divine fullness swelled, filling her completely. She wrapped her legs around his body, holding on tight against the intense pleasure.

He pulled out then thrust again, repeating the action over and over. She arched upward, begging for more. His mouth found her nipple. He licked and suckled, sending tremors of pleasure through her body. The penetration deepened. She writhed beneath him. She fell into his tempo, rocking her hips against his. The frenzied tension surged stronger and harder until the intense eruption exploded. In a blinding light they climaxed.

He quivered and stiffened, she spasmed and released. Moments later he rolled to her side. She looked at him, dreamily breathless, eyes hooded. He smiled mischievously. “You don't think I'm done with you yet, do you?”

Before she could respond, he reached down and captured her tiny nib, and she climaxed instantly. He stroked her again. She gasped, holding her breath, then quivered sporadically, jerking her body like a rag doll.

He repeated the action, and then awaited her release. She didn't disappoint. Her body shook with unrestrained rapture. The madness of his torture was pure ecstasy. Again. Another orgasm shot through her body like a bolt of lightning. She shrieked, abandoning all modesty. She grabbed his hands breathlessly. “Enough,” she rasped unevenly. He stopped.

It took ten minutes before her heart slowed and her breathing returned to normal. “If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to go for some kind of Guinness world record,” she said.

“Um, that sounds like an interesting idea. How about if I—” he began as he reached down between her legs.

“No, no, no.” She rolled away from him only to have him bring her back to his side. “I already think my heart stopped beating. One more climax and I'm pretty sure I'll pass out.”

He encircled her tighter, bringing her close to the side of his body. “We wouldn't want that,” he muttered. “Then again, the things I could do with your unconscious body might be very interesting.”

She closed her eyes, exhausted. “Shh. Sleep.”

They did.

A few hours later Kenya opened her eyes. She was lying on her stomach and Trey was sitting up beside her. She felt his hands touching her back and rear. “What are you doing?” she asked.

“Nothing?” he said innocently.

“That doesn't feel like nothing.”

He continued massaging her buttocks. “I love that right now, you're mine. So these belong to me.” He smoothed and rounded her cheeks, kissing and licking the tops.

“Possessive?” she asked, twitching as her body moistened in response.

“Oh, definitely, I'm very protective of what's mine. Ever since I was a kid, I didn't like the whole idea of sharing.”

“I bet your kindergarten report card read, ‘doesn't play well with others.'”

“How did you know?” he asked, nibbling her neck.

“Lucky guess?” she asked as her stomach fluttered.

“Kindergarten, right?” she muttered in a haze of sleep and arousal.

He chuckled softly. “What? You sound distracted.”

“Distracted, me? You have no idea.” This slow, melodious torture was too arousing. “Mmm, that feels good,” she muttered as he continued to rub and caress her back and shoulders. His hands flowed down her thighs then back up to her rear, centering again on the rounded cheeks. His fingers dipped between her legs and she moaned out loud, feeling her love come down. “Trey,” she muttered. “Trey.”

The sensual fog of desire draped heavily over her. He had a way of making her want him without even trying. And when he was trying, like now, Lord help her, she was just putty in his masterful hands.

“I could do this forever,” he said, “be here with you.”

The pang of guilt that had plagued her for so long surfaced again. It was now or never. She took a deep breath, rolled over then sat up to face him. “Trey, wait, I need to tell you something. You're not going to like it and you'll probably be—”

“Tell me later, not now,” he interrupted.

“I have to tell you now, it's important. I may not have the courage again later. That first day we met—”

“Shh,” he said leaning over to kiss her. “I know it's important, and we'll deal with it another time, I promise. But right now let me love you.”

With his hands on her rear, he lifted her up to sit straddling his legs. She sat, wrapped her arms around his neck and looked down into his sparkling eyes. She wanted to say so much, to explain everything. But his expression muted her to
silence. He was right, another time would have to do. He continued touching her and she continued basking in the wondrous flow of his undivided attention.

As passions continued, Kenya felt her need escalate. She leaned back. “I don't have any…any…”

“There's more in my jacket pocket,” he said knowingly.

She got up and staggered into the living room. She picked up his jacket and found several more condoms. She brought them all. Watching him watch her with his seductive smile amplified her excitement. She tossed all but one on the nightstand, then climbed up on top, straddling him. She opened the package and rolled it down easily. Their eyes connected and held. Then, as smooth as silk, she reared up and lowered herself onto his firm, hard body.

She opened her mouth wider and wider as she filled herself. Seconds later she sat, satisfied to be completely filled. Neither one looked away or moved an inch. Then, smiling, she tensed and clinched, tightening her muscles around him. She could feel his jerking movement inside. His eyes widened. She had obviously surprised him.

She leaned down and kissed him leisurely, letting her tongue roam freely. His mouth opened, devouring her instantly. Their tongues savored the taste and feel of each other. Passion surged in an easy longing pace. She leaned up from the kiss. He reached up, cupping and covering her breasts. The perfect handful was his bountiful pleasure.

He massaged her swollen mounds while tweaking her nipples with his thumbs. Her back arched and she wanted more. He lowered her and captured a mouthful, squeezing both breasts together, nipples just inches apart. His tongue licked lustfully as he moved his head from side to side. Kenya moaned her arousal. It felt so good watching him work his magic.

He released her and took one breast into his mouth as he
fingered the other and massaged her rear. She was blinded by the rapture. Unable to take much more, she pulled back, breathless. He didn't release her; instead he sat up with her still in his mouth.

She pulled from his pucker and rose up, then began pumping her body onto him slowly. Her arms loosely encircled his neck as he held tightly to her hips. The distance between them was just enough for her breasts to tease his nipples, four together hard and pebbled. She pumped slowly, drawing out his pleasure. She felt his body stiffen and tense. She smiled. She could rock her hips on him all night long to watch him come.

Intently, she watched the strained pull of his dwindling restraint. He obviously had no intention of releasing without her. She quickened her pace, raking her lower lip with her teeth. The delight in pleasing him as he had pleased her was her catalyst. She could see his climax coming in his eyes.

Then he shifted beneath her and she gasped. He had found her out. He knew exactly what she was doing. Shifting back, she slowed her pace. Eye to eye, he shook his head and held her hips as she continued her quickened rhythm. Each downward motion tantalized her, stroking her throbbing nib until the last second. In blinding ecstasy they both exploded. She shrieked, grabbing and holding him tight. The fervor of their rapture surged again, spiking another climax for each of them.

Holding each other tight, they waited until their breathing returned and their heartbeats slowed.

“Kenya, don't do that,” he whispered in her ear. “I'll never come without you by my side. That's a promise.”