Real Love

by Tracy Reed

  “Get on your back.”

  There was no politeness, just business. Neither of them was here because of an affection towards one another. She was a service he purchased, and all he cared about was getting what he paid for. If he wanted intimacy, he’d get a girlfriend. But he had one, and for whatever reason, she wasn’t ready or didn’t want to sleep with him. He was frustrated more than normal tonight and he wasn’t leaving until every ounce of frustration was gone. He stripped down, walked over to the bed with fire in his eyes and dove hard and fast inside Jasmine.

  When he looked at Jasmine, he saw Olivia and his frustration grew. He pushed harder and deeper inside her. He may have been angry and frustrated with Olivia, but he was even more angry with himself, because he was falling for Olivia, and that wasn’t part of his plan. She was just supposed to be a gateway to the next level. But here he was developing feelings for her.

  He pushed harder and felt Jasmine tensing up. She cried out with each push. Finally, he caught up to her and for the first time, they finished together.

  He collapsed on top of her while still holding her hands down. Breathing hard, he lay there for a few moments, and then rolled over onto his back. She got up, cleaned herself up and came back and cleaned him up and handed him a drink.

  “Rough day, darling?”

  He sipped his drink. “Yeah.” He rubbed his head and took another sip.

  “Hungry?”

  Of all the women he had slept with, Jasmine was his favorite. He thought about trying a different girl at the club, but he genuinely liked Jasmine. Although this was strictly a business relationship, he liked her. She was that hooker with a heart of gold.

  “No.”

  “Want to talk?”

  He climbed out of bed, put a robe on, walked over to the sofa and sat down. She sat across from him in the petite armchair and crossed her legs.

  He took another sip. “It’s my girlfriend.” She nodded. “I can’t get a read on her. I’ve been giving her time and not pushing her. I thought tonight we were finally going to make love and…”

  “She changed her mind.”

  “Stopped before anything happened and told me to leave.”

  “That’s not good.”

  “I know.”

  “How long have you been together?”

  “A couple of months. Let me rephrase that. We didn’t become serious until a couple of months ago.” He rubbed his head. “I don’t know, maybe I was wrong about her.”

  “Don’t give up on her. Could be, she just needs more time.”

  He rubbed his head again. “Here’s the thing, I’m not sure if she’s playing me or…”

  “Did something happen to her?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “You need to ask her.” He sipped his drink. “Is she a virgin? Maybe that’s it.”

  “I don’t think so, and if it is, I don’t want any part of that.”

  She smiled. “Why not?”

  He shuddered. “Too much responsibility.” She laughed. “I’m serious. I don’t need her getting attached…” Then it hit him. That’s exactly what he needed. He needed her to be so in love with him, that she would do anything for him. “You’re right. I should be more sensitive.”

  “Or, she might not like sex.”

  He looked shocked at her statement. “What did you say?”

  “She may not like sex. I know it sounds strange. However, we get a lot of clients in here whose partners don’t like sex. Or, who just want to watch.”

  A big flag went up when she said partners. That word confirmed those other rooms weren’t empty. Second, that meant there were probably male versions of Jasmine in the employ of La Porte Noir. It kind of excited him to know that.

  His thoughts returned to Olivia. His new plan would include sensitivity, and making it known he had no intention of making love to her until she was ready. And even then, it would be on her terms.

  He finished his drink, stretched his arms over his head and let out a deep sigh. His demeanor had changed. He felt invigorated, empowered. “Come here.” She walked over and stood between his legs. “Take your robe off.” She did as he directed and let the black silk robe fall to the floor. He looked her up and down. She was nothing like Olivia. Jasmine had thick, smooth mocha thighs and full curvy hips. He liked watching her move when she was naked. He reached up and grabbed her breasts. She had more than a handful. Another area where she and Olivia differed. He loved the way Jasmine moved and the sounds she made when he touched her.

  Jasmine knew what Eric liked. They had been at this song and dance for almost two years. But tonight was the first time he came in here stressed and frustrated. She sensed their arrangement might be coming to an end. She tried to remain professional, but knew there was something about this woman that had attached herself to Eric. Of all her clients, Eric was her favorite. She enjoyed her time with him. He wasn’t like some of the other clients. He seemed to genuinely respect her, in spite of their arrangement. He never asked her to do anything disgusting.

  Sometimes they would spend an hour just talking. On those nights, she knew once he finished he would be very animated. She didn’t know what he did for a living. That wasn’t something the “therapists” were required to know. All they needed to know was the code name and how long the session would last. Once the door closed, the therapist was required to give the service the client requested. Eric was sort of like the kind of guy she’d like to meet and settle down with.

  She looked at her watch. “Darling, I hate to bring this up, but if you want to book additional time…”

  He removed his hands and nodded. She walked over to the panel on the wall next to the door and texted his request. He scanned her body as she placed his request. “Dance for me.” She pressed a button and magically music filled the room.

  Chapter 10

  Olivia felt she was savvy when it came to men. Sure, she didn’t date a lot in college, but she’d seen enough of her girlfriends go out with jerks to know one when she encountered him. Eric was definitely nothing like the guys she dated in college, and he was different from the type of man she normally dated. Most of the men she dated were after something, and it wasn’t her body, but her connections.

  Olivia was very well-connected with the elite of New York because of her family. Her father, David Bennett, owned a chain of grocery stores. He and his wife, Virginia, bought a small chain of grocery stores over thirty years ago, and turned it into one of the largest grocery chains on the east coast.

  Her father made it a point to remind her that most men would see her as a way to further their own agendas. That statement did wonders for her self-esteem. Her guard was constantly up when it came to men. She was now in her late thirties, and still hadn’t selected a husband. She could have been married. In fact, since Olivia started dating at age sixteen, she had been proposed to twelve times. She actually accepted two of the proposals. But, due to things that were beyond her control, the engagements were called off.

  Her first fiancé turned out to be gay. He failed to disclose he needed a beard to fool his grandmother. Seems a rather large inheritance was at stake, but only for he and his wife, per his deceased grandfather’s will. His grandmother saw through the charade and gave him the money sans a wife. He in turn, dumped Olivia, took his inheritance and moved to San Francisco with his boyfriend…husband.

  Her second fiancé needed of a lot of damage control. Seems Walter Thomas Cole, III, had a problem with his hands. He couldn’t keep them, or his penis, to himself. His family had hopes of his running for Congress with Olivia by his side. He would have made an excellent Congressman, maybe even a president. He was a kind, compassionate, and generous man. His three baby mamas testified to that fact. Olivia wanted no part of that mess, and broke off the engagement.

  Ever since her failed engagements, she’s been on the defensive when it comes to men. Her theory,...if he looks too good and is over attentive, he wants something.

  Usually a
bout this time in Olivia’s past relationships, her boyfriend or companion would start to show his true colors or motives for being with her. Eric wasn’t like that. He never asked about her family, or how she was able to afford her lifestyle. All he wanted to do was spend time with her. She liked that.

  In the past, most of her companions made it a point to take her places frequented by those in her social circle, with the intention of making profitable connections. When they asked her where she wanted to go, she would tell them and end the statement with, “Use my name.” Her name opened doors, got tables in restaurants, seats on the front row of fashion shows, and access to hard to get into events. Dating Olivia Bennett was the platinum key to a door only a few could enter.

  These lazy men, as she referred to them, only took her places where she was likely to bump into her friends, or associates of her parents. Being on her arm at a highly publicized social function did more for a man’s career than a full page ad in the New Yorker or the New York Times. Ask any man who dated Olivia how his life changed, and he would say, “She helped me come up.”

  She wasn’t stupid. As she grew older, she learned how to play the game very well. When a good looking man approached her and feigned interest, she took advantage of the situation. She’d string him along, and when she began to get bored, if she felt inclined, she’d sleep with him. If he was good in bed, this phase might last a couple of months. If he wasn’t, or she had no desire to sleep with him, she’d throw a party or introduce him to someone that could help him, and then dump him quickly thereafter.

  Dr. Eric King wasn’t like any of those guys. She wasn’t sure how she felt about him. She was physically attracted to him, and that bothered her. The way he could read her body scared her. She always felt vulnerable, yet excited being around him.

  The other night she was so tempted to break her rule and let him stay the night. She spent most of the night rehashing their kiss on the sofa. She closed her eyes replaying his touch and the way her body felt when he teased her nipple. She wondered how he would be in bed. She felt him getting a little excited against her thigh, and that’s why she pushed him away. He wasn’t playing by her rules. He was taking control. She wanted and needed to be in control, if their relationship was to run as she wanted it to.

  The other thing about Eric was, he wasn’t needy like the other men. She expected he would have called her the following morning, but he didn’t. It’d been almost thirty- six hours since their date and she hadn’t heard from him.

  She looked at her watch, picked up her bag and keys, and left. She needed some air. She walked down the hall to her neighbor, Mr. Wilson. He was a nice man. He and Olivia shared the floor. She wasn’t sure how he came to live there, but she made it a point to keep tabs on him.

  She knocked on the door. A few seconds later, the door opened, and standing there on a cane was an older gentleman with grey hair and green grey eyes, smiling.

  “Hello, Olivia.”

  She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Hello, Mr. Wilson.”

  He stepped to the side and she walked inside. He closed the door and slowly turned around. “To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from the prettiest girl in the building?” He smiled.

  “I thought I would come and see if the handsomest man in the building would escort me on a walk in the park.” She smiled.

  “I’m not sure that man is available, but will I do?” he laughed.

  “You mean I get to be seen with the sexiest man?” she smiled and winked.

  “You’re such a dear.” He grabbed his hat and keys and they exited his apartment.

  Once outside, Olivia wrapped her arm around his elbow and led Mr. Wilson down the busy street to the park. They walked a comfortable pace for him. She enjoyed these walks with Mr. Wilson. Both sets of her grandparents were gone, and he was like a grandfather to her. On their walks, they would talk about everything from politics to pop culture to religion to books. Mr. Wilson loved books and old movies. Once a week, Olivia would go down to his apartment, cook dinner, and they would watch a movie.

  She liked talking to him because he wasn't judgmental or trying to tell her what to do. She called him her best boyfriend.

  They continued their stroll through the park. “It’s a beautiful day.”

  “Yes, it is.” He nodded. “So tell me about the young man I’ve been seeing in the hall.”

  “There’s not much to tell.”

  “Clyde told me he’s a doctor.”

  “That’s correct.”

  “What kind?”

  “A marriage therapist.”

  “Interesting.”

  “How so?”

  “Has he been married?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.” He nodded. “What’s with the nod?”

  “Can we sit a moment?” They walked up to the bench and sat down. “I would find it difficult to counsel married people, if I hadn’t been married.”

  “Huh, I never thought about it like that.”

  “Does he only deal with married couples?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “You should ask him. Really get to know him before you invite him to stay.”

  His words caught her by surprise. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m not stupid or senile.” He smiled.

  “Oh, my God.” She smiled. “How did you…”

  “We share a floor and my bedroom is close to the elevator. I know when someone leaves and when they arrive.”

  “I’m so embarrassed.”

  “Don’t be. You’re a beautiful young woman, but you should be careful.”

  “You make it sound like I’m…”

  “I would never use the word you’re thinking.” He patted her hand. “I’m saying the few times that has happened, those young men weren’t worthy of your affections.”

  “You’ll be glad to know, the doctor and I haven’t…he hasn’t stayed over.”

  “You should keep it that way.”

  “I was thinking the same thing.”

  He patted her hand. “That’s my girl.”

  “What about you and Mrs. Jessup on the twentieth floor?”

  He smiled. “She keeps bringing me apple spice bread.”

  “You hate apples.”

  “But I like her legs.” He winked.

  “Shame on you, Mr. Wilson.” They laughed.

  Chapter 11

  Olivia spent the rest of the afternoon thinking about her conversation with Mr. Wilson. He was right. It was time for her to learn to trust. Otherwise, she was never going to have what her friend, DeeDee Matthews, had. Olivia envied DeeDee’s marriage. It seemed her friend was leading the perfect life.

  DeeDee and Mike had been together since their senior year of college. It appeared that Mike genuinely adored DeeDee. That’s what she wanted…someone who adored her. Someone she didn’t have to lead around. A strong man that would love her for her, and not for what he thought she could do for him.

  She went into the kitchen, turned on the kettle, pulled a cup and saucer out of the cabinet and placed them on the counter. A cup of tea, that’s what she needed. This conversation with herself required clarity. A glass of wine right now might cloud her thinking. She pulled the notepad across the counter along with a pen, and made a list of pros and cons about her relationship with Eric.

  He was strong, gentle and compassionate. But, he also had a slight temper. She could see that from his reaction the other night. Maybe that wasn't anger, but frustration and agitation at her behavior. The kettle stopped and she filled her cup with water, allowing the Elderberry tea to steep. She reached into the glass jar on the counter, took out two chocolate macaroons, and placed them on a small glass saucer. She looked at the progress of her tea and then went back to her list.

  She reviewed her list, and saw there were still a lot of things missing. She started writing, would he be a good provider?…what’s the status of his practice?…is he seeing anyone else?…what about his family?. She removed the tea
strainer and sipped her tea. As she placed the cup back onto the saucer, the intercom buzzed. She looked at her watch and then headed to the intercom. She wasn’t expecting company or a delivery. Then a smile appeared on her face. Maybe it was another floral delivery from Eric.

  She picked up the phone and answered, trying to contain her excitement. “Hello.”

  “Good afternoon, Miss Bennett.”

  “Good afternoon, Clyde.”

  “Dr. King is here. Shall I send him up?”

  “Yes, please. Thank you.” She placed the receiver back on the hook.

  She was as giddy as a school girl. She rushed down the hall to the bathroom, touched up her makeup, and sprayed on a little parfum. She checked her clothes and walked back to the front door. She paced back and forth waiting on Eric to ring the doorbell.

  After a few minutes, the gentle ring of the doorbell startled her. She stopped cold in her tracks, took a deep breath, wrung her hands, exhaled again and opened the door.

  Wow…she thought. Even in jeans and a sweater, he looked good.

  “Hey.”

  “Hi. Come in.” She stepped to the side and examined him as he walked past her. She closed the door and walked ahead of him into the living room. “I was having some tea, would you like a cup?”

  “I’m not really a tea person.”

  “Oh. Would you like something else?”

  “You know what, I’ll try the tea.” He followed her into the kitchen and sat down.

  “Would you like a macaroon?”

  “No, thanks.” She placed the cup in front of him along with a spoon. “Thanks.”

  She sat down and sipped her tea. “So…uhmm…”

  He sipped his tea. “This is pretty good.”

  “It’s one of my favorites.” They sat in silence for a few moments. “About the other night.”

  “Stop.” He held his hand up. “I’m sorry. I misread things and I…”

  “No, you didn’t.” His eyes got wide. “I was considering…I mean I had been thinking…”