Chapter 2
Kasen sat uneasily on a sofa in Raine’s spacious office. She had left for lunch over an hour ago but was expected to return shortly. Raine had no idea Kasen was in her office waiting for her, nor would she be prepared for what he was about to do. This was sudden. But the timing, according to Kasen, felt right. He also felt that Raine needed some good news. She was overwhelmed with the many troubled children who attended the school district where she worked. They both had full plates, but Kasen’s plan was for him to propose, for Raine to say yes, and then the two of them could celebrate this evening when they got home.
Kasen was hyped about his plan, but a little tense because he wasn’t sure how Raine would respond. While he knew she loved him, he also figured that there was a chance, however small, that Raine could say that she wasn’t ready to be a wife, or to give her all to one man. She had been the one to insist on more of a commitment when he moved in with her, but since then, it wasn’t like they really discussed their future beyond that move. What if it he was wrong to assume that she wanted to take that next step?
This new doubt that had crept in weighed heavily on Kasen’s mind as he paced the floor for a while and then plopped back down on the sofa. A sheen of sweat formed on his forehead, and his once-crisp white shirt was now stuck to his skin. He removed his jacket, hoping to loosen up a bit and feel at ease. This was a very intense moment for Kasen. He couldn’t help but wonder if all men felt this way when they were about to propose.
“Chill,” he mumbled under his breath. “Relax and calm down.”
That was what he attempted to do, but before he knew it, he was back on his feet, pacing back and forth again. His thoughts switched to the tiny black box in his pocket. As soon as he had laid eyes on the three-carat diamond ring at the jewelry store, he knew it was the one for Raine. She had superb taste, and he knew she would love it. Just the thought of her opening the box and locking her eyes on the ring made him crack a smile. He felt himself relaxing ever so slightly.
He took a deep breath and walked over to the window. From the third floor, Kasen watched the children playing kickball on the school playground. Several teachers stood nearby, watching their classes. Two police cars were parked at the end of the street, reminding Kasen that Raine worked in a dangerous neighborhood. It was something that had always bothered him, but he knew there was nothing he could say or do to get her away from this place. She loved helping children, and even though her salary as a grade school counselor wasn’t great, Raine found her job to be very rewarding. Kasen understood, because he loved helping his patients too. He just wished that Raine would look for a better district to work in, so he didn’t have to worry about her driving to and from this rough neighborhood every day.
Raine didn’t deny that the area was sketchy. She had been robbed before, almost stabbed once while trying to break up a fight, and she caught a substantial amount of flak from parents who felt as if their bad-ass children had done no wrong. Yet in spite of all that, Raine made it clear that she was exactly where she needed to be. He couldn’t argue with that, and just like on many issues between them, he had learned to keep his mouth shut in order to keep Raine happy. She was a bright and accomplished woman, and she was definitely strong willed. He didn’t want to be the kind of guy who squashed that confidence. Kasen always wanted her to feel like an equal in their relationship, so if he knew she felt strongly about something, he often went along with it to keep the peace.
Kasen spotted Raine’s burgundy Saturn as she attempted to squeeze between two cars parked on the street.
“Don’t do it,” Kasen warned out loud. “Find somewhere else to park before you hit that—” He paused, shaking his head when he saw Raine’s car bump the one in front of it.
He watched her exiting her car, and while she examined the vehicles for any damage, he examined her. His eyes were fixed on his beautiful woman, who made his package swell every time he saw her. Her hips swayed from left to right, and as she bent over to examine the cars, dirty thoughts invaded Kasen’s mind.
He couldn’t help but to think about their lovemaking session from the night before. It was on point, as usual, and Kasen was ready for round two. He hoped that Raine would be in the mood, before or after his proposal. He moistened his thick lips with his tongue and stroked the fine hair on his goatee. Many women considered Dr. Phillips to be one fine motherfucker, and with his smooth chocolate skin, a six foot two chiseled frame and mysterious brown eyes, not many could deny it. Raine was well aware of the prize she’d been gifted, but Kasen was the one who felt real lucky today.
He watched Raine as she opted for another place to park her car. Once the car was settled in a more sensible spot, she locked it and then sashayed across the street in her peep-toe high heels and a mustard-colored dress that cut right above her knees. Her square silver-framed glasses, her makeup free face, and her loosely pinned-up hair made her look like a sexy librarian. Kasen was so proud of his woman’s good looks.
As he watched her enter the building, he rushed back over to the sofa with a wide smile on his face. He slipped the ring box in to his pocket so Raine wouldn’t see it when she walked in.
Showtime
, he thought, rubbing his hands together excitedly.
Minutes later, the door swung open and Raine breezed in. When she spotted Kasen on the sofa, she stopped in her tracks. Her man was always handsome, but this day he had a glow about him. Something was different. He looked overly happy to see her.
“Surprise, surprise,” Raine said, making her way over to him. He stood and pulled her in for an embrace.
“Mmmm, you always smell so good,” she said. “What brings you by? If you brought lunch, sorry, I already ate.”
Kasen gave her a light pat on the ass. “Baby, I can bring you breakfast, lunch, and dinner whenever you want it, but that’s not why I’m here today.” He stepped back slightly to take in all her beauty. She was so damn beautiful.
Their eyes connected, and then Raine’s face crumpled into a frown. “Are . . . are you okay?” Raine asked with a slight frown on her face. “All of a sudden, you seem a little off.”
Kasen snapped out of his trance. “No, no, I’m good. Just happy right now. Feeling real good and happy about us, that’s all.”
His words made Raine smile. She leaned in for a kiss that turned into a wet and juicy one she hadn’t expected. Kasen’s strong arms tightened around her waist. She could feel his package, slowly but surely, rising to the occasion.
“Wow,” she said, backing away from Kasen. She wiped a finger across her wet lips then cleared her throat. “I think I’d better go lock the door. The temperature in here is starting to rise.”
“It’s on full blast, baby. I agree that locking the door may be a good idea.”
Raine walked to the door eagerly. She was always in the mood to make love to Kasen. Since both of their schedules were so busy, they took any opportunity they could to indulge in sex.
With sexiness in her stride, she approached Kasen as he started to unbutton his shirt. She placed her hand on his chiseled chest, running her palm along his rock-hard pecs.
“Let me get that for you,” she said, assisting with the buttons on his shirt. “And while we’re doing this, would you like me on the sofa, at my desk, in the closet . . .? Where exactly would you like to serve me?”
“Hmmm, let’s see. The last time it was on the sofa. Time before that, on your desk. Let’s shoot for the closet today. It’s roomy and real dark in there. I love looking into your pretty eyes, but I’d hate to see them when I put this hurting on you.”
Raine giggled then removed her glasses. “Hurt me, baby, please. But make it quick, because I do have a lot of work to do.”
She reached for his tie, tugging gently on it like a leash as she directed him over to the closet. Inside were several boxes, school supplies on a shelf, and a broken wooden desk that needed the seat to be screwed on tighter. Raine turned off the light, and in a matter of seconds, she was in her bra and panties.
Kasen stood naked. Curious about the length his steel had grown to, Raine reached out to examine it. She knew he was too well-endowed to fit it all in her mouth, but she was always willing to venture there first. Kasen had other ideas, though, and this time, he took charge. He snatched her into his arms then proceeded to kiss her deeply. During the intense lip-lock, he removed her bra, tossing it over his shoulder. He then fell to his knees, and after easing her panties to the side, he dipped his curled tongue into her honeypot while she was still standing.
She gasped then released a deep breath. Her legs trembled, and after almost losing her balance, she backed up to the wall for support. Kasen lifted one of her legs, resting it over his broad shoulder. He resumed his intimate conversation with her candyland and painted every single inch of her walls with his tongue.
Raine moaned loudly, lightly scratching at his back with her long nails. Saliva started to drip from the corner of her wide open mouth, while on the other end, the sweetness of her juices stirred in his.
“Wha . . . what in the hell did I do to deserve this!” she murmured. “Kasen, baby, what are you doing to me?”
Just so he could answer, Kasen slithered his tongue out of her moist haven. He planted delicate kisses on her thighs before offering a response.
“Nothing special, but in a few seconds, the doctor will be in—all the way in—so prepare yourself.”
Raine loved the idea of that, and after he stood tall, she removed her panties and wrapped her legs around him. His hard muscle cracked her secret code, unlocking it like no other man had ever done before. Raine was on a serious high, and so was Kasen. She was by far the best lover he’d ever had. They each had some pretty serious bedroom skills, and in this one stolen moment, they utilized them to the best of their ability.
“I love you,” Kasen confessed as he tackled her goodness from behind. She was bent over the desk, holding on for dear life as their bodies rocked together.
“I love you too. And I’m about to show you just how much I doooo!”
The closet echoed with the sounds of enthusiasm expressed from both of them as they came simultaneously. Light sweat glistened on their bodies as their breathing slowed in sync. They took a few minutes to regroup, and then when the festivities were all done, they settled together on the sofa, fully clothed again. Their hands were clenched together, smiles on full display.
“I don’t know what to say about you, Mister, but I’m glad you decided to stop by and bring me lunch.”
“If you thought lunch was good,” he answered, “wait until you get a taste of dinner.”
Raine wet her lips before leaning in to steal a kiss. “Now I’m eager for this day to get a move on so I can get home to you tonight.”
They cuddled next to each other for a few quiet minutes before Kasen spoke up again. “You know, I came here for another reason, but every time you’re in my presence, I get sidetracked.”
She laughed. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”
“All good, baby. Definitely all good.”
Any nervousness he’d been feeling was gone now. As he gazed into Raine’s eyes, he was ready to make his move.
“I have never loved any woman the way I love you,” he started.
“I know, baby, and I love you too,” she said, giving him a quick kiss.
“But this is different, Raine,” he said. “Something happened today, baby, and it was my wakeup call. I had to come see you just so I could tell you what I was feeling inside”—He eased off the sofa and got on one knee in front of Raine—“and to ask you this.”
Out came the black suede box, flashing right before Raine’s eyes. She looked at it and then shifted her eyes to Kasen. There was a sharp silence before she burst into laughter.
“Oookay. Stop playing, would you?” She covered her mouth to contain her laughter. As soon as she noticed that Kasen wasn’t laughing, she rested her hand in her lap and attempted to look at him with a straight face. Still, she suspected this was a joke.
“You need to quit,” she continued. “Why would you play with me about something so serious?”
Kasen never would have expected this. Was she really laughing at his proposal? “As you can clearly see,” he said as he opened the box so she could see the glistening diamond ring, “this is no joke. I really want you to be my wife.” His voice took on a quality that was a little more stern than he would have hoped for a romantic marriage proposal, but his pride was wounded by her reaction.
Raine stared at the diamond for almost a full minute. In fact, she stayed quiet for so long that Kasen started to feel uneasy and got up off his knee. He sat next to her on the sofa.
“Baby,” he said, “this is no joke.” He removed the ring from the box. “Give me your finger and try this on.”
Raine watched as Kasen slid the ring on her finger then kissed the back of her hand. She spread her fingers, gazing at the sparkling stone.
It is real
, she thought.
I’ll be damned, this ring is real!
She slowly lifted her head, looking at Kasen with wide eyes. Now she felt bad for having laughed at him.
“Uh, allow me a minute or two to think about what I need to say right now,” she said. This caused a frown to appear on Kasen’s face.
“Raine,” he said, his voice full of tension, “what the hell is going on? Don’t you know how much I love you? Why would you think I was joking about this?”
She sighed, feeling a little guilty for her lack of enthusiasm. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “Baby, look. I love you too. You know I do. It’s just that we have soooo much going on right now, and marriage would just, just take us to a level that I don’t believe either of us is ready for. I love you with every fiber of my being, but I—no, we—need more time to think this through. Don’t you think?”