She cleared her throat. “I was calling to see if you would be available at some point this week to discuss your donation to the Global Heart Foundation?”
There. She managed to sound cool and professional. Totally in charge. Not like some crazed teenager who was totally crushing on a guy way out of her league deigning to notice her.
“That would be fantastic. When were you thinking of?” The words rushed out of the phone as if Hemi was afraid she would change her mind. It threw Kamiya off balance. She always thought of Hemi as being a strong person with a confident personality. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe he was just better at hiding his insecurities than the rest of the world.
His feelings gave her confidence. It was hard to put someone on a pedestal when they were exhibiting the same feelings of nervousness she was.
“I am free on Wednesday, how is your day looking,” Kamiya suggested.
“Let me look.” The phone went so quiet Kamiya could hear the clicking of computer keys. The only time I have free on Wednesday is lunch time. Are you up for a lunch meeting?”
“That sounds great.” A huge smile came to her face.
“Okay, I will have my administrative assistant set it up and send yours the information.”
“Sounds great, Hemi. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.”
“Good.”
Kamiya spoke quickly before Hemi could end the phone call.
“Hemi,” she softly spoke into the phone. She let a breathless sigh out, smile in her voice.
“Yes.”
“Thank you for the coffee.”
“You are very welcome. See you Wednesday.”
Kamiya sat back in her chair, a goofy smile on her face. This was the first decent conversation she had had with Hemi. What took place between them didn’t count as a conversation because they didn’t exchange words, just kisses.
Maybe there was hope for them in the future?
Chapter Nine
Hemi couldn’t recall the last time he had been so excited about a business meeting. Hell, that would be never. He hungrily watched Kamiya walk towards the table in the small elegant bistro. The gentle breeze blew through the large open windows from the outside bringing the hint of cinnamon to his nose. He inhaled the scent of her deeply into him.
This was something he would never get tired of. His eyes devoured the sight of her as she scanned the room, seeing him and approaching the small round table. The stylish brown pants she wore glided over her long legs with every step she took. The graphic printed t-shirt she wore looked both professional and casual at the same time. Her purple tipped hair bounced with every step she took giving a hint of mischief he knew dwelled deep inside of her with the capability of bubbling to the surface at a moments notice.
His dick turned to stone at the sight of her. He clenched his hands tightly under the table to prevent himself from reaching out and grabbing hold of her, dragging her onto his lap and dominating her cute little bottom lip just begging him to taste. Would it be the same without the Bourbon? He was willing to test it.
He stood up to greet her, holding out his hand.
“Kamiya, it is great to see you again.” A warmth infused his body when her hand met his. His already hard dick came further to attention.
His head swam with the images of throwing her on the table and fucking her right there. He had to fight his body to release her hand long enough to pull out her seat and help her into it. Once she was seated, he retook his seat and then found himself lost in the depth of her sparkling, spice brown eyes.
“Hello Roman,” her soft, lilting voice teased his ears. “Thank you for meeting with me. I am glad we can work together on this project. It is something I have dreamed of for a long time, and I am so excited.” He heard the words as she spoke them, but his eyes were glued to her lips as she picked up the glass of ice water and took a sip of it. Just the sight sent him back, into the memory of the taste of her.
He gave his head a sharp shake to clear his mind and to focus on the purpose of this meeting. To rebuild a new relationship on their tattered past.
“My team was excited to work with the Global Heart Foundation. You opened their eyes to the plight of homeless teens. You opened my eyes. I was so unaware of this enormous problem right out here in the open. Something most people manage to block out even though the evidence is here to see.”
He pointed outside the window to a pair of teens wondering down the street opposite of the bistro. On their backs were dirty backpacks in which their whole lives were stored. They were wearing less than clean clothes as they stopped to rummage in a garbage can, pulling out a half-eaten sandwich which they split between them.
“I will be right back,” Hemi watched Kamiya jump up from her seat before he could say anything and hurry past the waitress heading their way to take their order. He waved the waitress off.
He watched as Kamiya hurried across the street calling out to the teens, a male and a female. They turned to her. The male stepped slightly in front of the female. In most cases, it would have been laughable as both teens towered over Kamiya, but he guessed living on the streets had taught them to be wary of everyone.
Kamiya walked slowly up to them; hands held up in a peaceful gesture. He couldn’t hear her over the sounds in the restaurant and the traffic in the streets, but he could see her talking and arms waving as she spoke to the teens. She handed both of the teens a small card before giving each of them a hug. They didn’t hug her back, but they also didn’t brush her off. She turned and walked back to the bistro. Hemi watched the teens continued on their path talking animatedly between them.
He watched, amazed as she calmly walked back in. When Kamiya was seated once again, the waitress approached them for their order. He waited for the waitress to walk away with their orders before he spoke. “What did you say to those teens?”
Kamiya shrugged as she took a sip of water. “Nothing much, I just told them if they wanted help to get off of the streets, they were more than welcome to come by the Global Heart Foundation office for information.” She looked up at him with eyes canted up. “Your donation has made it possible for us to get our soup kitchen up and running a lot faster than we planned. Right now we can only offer box lunches, but as soon as Sandy crunches the numbers, we are hoping to offer hot meals.”
“Sandy?”
“He is our numbers guy. Absolutely brilliant at stretching a dollar. He is hording your two million like it was his last two dollars.” A smile flitted across her face, lighting it up.
He sat back and watched her expressions. She was very animated when she spoke of the members of her staff. Excitement just rolled off her. He could watch her all day.
“So, tell me how we at Hemingway Industries can help the Global Heart Foundation?”
At his question, the conversation just flowed. He listened intently as Kamiya detailed the plans of what they were hoping to accomplish over the summer months before the cold of fall and winter set in. He learned so much as they ate their lunch. He was taken by surprise when the alarm on his watch beeped. Time had flown by. The alarm was to let him know he was going to be late for his next meeting.
“Damn,” he mumbled as he set it off. “I wish I had more time to continue this talk.” He signaled the waitress to bring the check.
“Oh shit, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to take up so much of your time.” Kamiya gathered up the paperwork she had removed from her bag and spread across the table as she and Hemi talked.
“No…no it is not your fault. I enjoyed our talk. It was fascinating.” Hemi scribbled his signature across the bill, making sure to leave a generous tip for the waitress since they had taken up her table.
He debated his next question cautiously and decided to take a plunge. “Would you have dinner with me?”
Kamiya’s eyes flew to his face. He sat there trying to looking harmless, which was amazingly difficult for a guy his size.
“Yes…yes, I will.” She gave him a small smile.
<
br /> Hemi controlled himself. He wanted to jump up and shout his victory to the restaurant. His backup alarm going off on his watch helped ground him in reality. He rested his hand to the small of Kamiya’s back as he escorted her out of the restaurant. “Can I give you a ride somewhere?” he asked as they stopped by his car.
“No, I walked here from my office, and I will enjoy the walk back. It is a gorgeous afternoon. Besides, I don’t want you to be late for your meeting.” The corners of her lips quirked up.
Hemi shrugged. “It really can’t start until the boss gets there.”
“Rude.” She grinned at him turning to walk in the direction of her office.
Hemi reached out and grabbed her hand, tugging her back towards him. He took a risk and placed a kiss on her lips as she turned to her face up to look at him. “I will work on that,” he murmured against her lips.
“You do that,” her husky reply came as she stepped away from him. Without looking back, she walked away. He kept his eyes locked on her, surprised when she was halfway down the block, she turned and waved.
Hemi hated to see her go, but he could get lost in watching her heart-shaped ass sway seductively as she walked away.
What a gorgeous view.
Chapter Ten
Kamiya rolled over and hugged her pillow. It was a going to be an absolutely beautiful Saturday morning. She gazed out the window at the early morning sun breaking as it brushed away the shadows of the night. Today was the day she and her team had been working for over the past few weeks.
This was the day of the first major event for the Global Heart Foundation, the summer carnival which hopefully would become an annual fund-raising event. She hopped out of bed ready to tackle the myriad of task waiting for her. She had a long day ahead of her and was keeping her fingers crossed that nothing would go wrong.
The past few weeks of planning had been interspersed with dates with Hemi. Their relationship had transcended any of her childhood dreams. She was rediscovering her old friend while finding out new aspects of this grown-up version of Hemi.
She discovered the Playboy Bunny image of him that had been portrayed on social media was a shell. There was a depth to him that was not covered by the media and their hyping up of his love life.
She thought back to the dates they had gone on. One, in particular, came to her mind. She expected him to wine and dine her at some expensive restaurant, but instead on warm summer nights he had picked up her at her loft wearing a pair of worn jeans and a t-shirt. She licked her lips at the memory of how the t-shirt hugged the muscles of his chest. Her hands still tingled with the urge to reach out and run them across the broad plain.
Hemi looked up her and down as he stood in her doorway. “You look beautiful, but you are overdressed.” She looked down at the dress and high heels she was wearing and the casual clothes he had on. With a rueful smile, she responded, “I guess I am. My mistake. I thought I was asked to go out on a date.” She motioned for him to come in as she heads toward her bedroom to change.
“If you need any help getting out of your dress let me know. I am available for any and all assistance.” He quipped glancing around.
“I think I can handle it.” Her response drifted back into the living room.
It only took her a few minutes to change into comfortable capris, a tank top with a light sweater and sandals. “Is this more appropriate.” She asked with a twirl.
“Beautiful,” Hemi responded catching her up in his arms his lips closing over her mouth.
Kamiya found herself melting into his arms. She had been kissed before, but when Hemi did it, she felt like she was drowning, his tongue darting into her mouth, exploring. Before she could get lost in his kiss, he broke it off. Looking down at her face with smoldering eyes.
“We better get going before I sweep you up and spread you out on the bed I know is in the next room and have my wicked way with you.”
“Yes, that would be a good idea,” she breathlessly responded.
She remembered Hemi sweeping her out into the warm summer air. They strolled towards downtown. Kamiya was pleasantly surprised to see a street fair going on. One of the major downtown streets had been closed to traffic, and there were street vendors lining both sides of the street. Up and down the road bands were playing different types of music and people were dancing in the streets. Hemi twirled her around, and they joined a group of people dancing to some Reggae music. Her hips started moving to the beat. She was even more surprised to find Hemi moving smoothly with the music. It wasn’t often she found a partner who could move the same way as she did, but it appeared Hemi and her were made to fit together. They danced and twirled with the other couples losing themselves in the beat of the music. Soaking up the joyful atmosphere.
After a while of dancing, Hemi guided her to the side where they purchased food and drink from one of the vendors as the continued to drift down the street enjoying different parts of the fair. They stopped at a booth where the vendor was selling hats. She laughed at a picture of them trying on big floppy hats. Her side hurt from laughing at Hemi wearing a straw hat with a big green flower. Hemi purchased the hat and plopped it on her head. She wore it as they continued down the street.
She was fascinated by the Brazilian dancers in their shiny costumes doing the Samba. The light reflected off their glittering headdresses. Large feathers in every color made up some of them while other resembled large plants. Each of the beautiful women dancers wore a skimpy bikini covered in rhinestones and sequins. They were barely enough covering them to prevent them from catching an indecent exposure charge. Hemi watched Kamiya hop up and down loudly clapping at the dancers. He smiled when one of the dancers pulled Kamiya into the crowd of dancers and slowly showed her the steps. After a couple of minutes of instructions, Kamiya was twirling and dancing with the professionals as if she had been doing it all her life.
Hemi’s body heated up at the sight of Kamiya exotic dancing. It was sexy. His imagination could easily picture her in the skimpy outfit the dancers were wearing, swaying to the music. His cock grew hard at the picture his mind created. He snapped out of his fantasy when Kamiya twirled from the dancers to land in his arms. He held her there for a few minutes staring down into her beautiful eyes. He watched the flame of passion grow. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips. Hemi lowered his head to kiss Kamiya when he was bumped from behind.
“Sorry man,” the guy who ran into Hemi mumbled. He swung Kamiya up so that she was able to stand on her own feet.
“No problem,” Hemi answered back. He looked deep into Kamiya’s eyes. “Let’s go see what is going on over there.” He nodded his head in the direction down the street.
“Okay,” Kamiya breathlessly agreed.
They paused to watch teens on skateboards perform stunts. They flipped through the air, twisting and turning defying gravity. Kamiya found herself gasping at some of the particularly dangerous stunts and clapping wildly when the teens landed them without difficulty.
She grabbed hold of Hemi’s arm when it appeared a teen was going to lose control of his board and fall. She clutched at him in fear only to breathe a sigh of relief when he landed safely.
“Oh my god, they are fantastic.” She bounced up and down, swinging Hemi’s arm.
She dragged him down the street from one group to another. Stopping to sample food from different vendors. The night flew by and not at any time did Hemi protest her manhandling him. He just grinned and pointed out things he thought she would find exciting. The night ended with them back at her loft. She invited Hemi in for a drink, but he declined.
Hemi’s lips claimed her mouth. Her eyes drifting closed as she leaned into him her lips parting under his touch. They parted wider as his tongue stroked her lips applying slight pressure. The tip directing her movements as the conductor of a symphony. Her body was used to moving to the music and gave way to his direction.
His tongue thrust into her mouth urging the kiss deeper. Kamiya’s hand reached up to gr
asp his head urging him closer. Her body rubbed up against his with a wanting need. Hemi’s hands reached down and grasped her heart-shaped ass pressing her hard against his body.
Kamiya moaned as flames licked their way through her body. The passion of the kiss took her breath away leaving her weak in the knees.
Hemi’s touch skimmed across her skin, stroking her passion higher. Their tongues dueled. Each fighting for dominance. Kamiya conceded control to Hemi, allowing his mouth to master hers. She reveled in the touch of his lips, his tongue, his taste. She never knew a kiss could be so powerful. So all-consuming. “Roman,” she moaned. She wanted more from him.
She wanted him deep inside of her. His cock stroking the flames he ignited until her the ache had been satisfied.
“Kamiya,” Hemi groaned against her lips. He gently set her away from him with a reluctant moan.
“Goodnight Kamiya.”
“You’re leaving?” she stuttered, eyes widening. Her hands dropped down from around his neck to her side. “Why?”
“Because we are not in a place in our relationship to move it to a more intimate stage.” Even as he spoke, his eyes flicked to her lips with such longing, “When I make love to you, I want there to be no questions between us about why we are doing it. No questions of whether it is for us or to satisfy my father or the board.” He gently stroked the back of his hand down her cheek.
He leaned in towards her, his breath brush against her skin as he whispered in her ear, “When you are ready, I am going to fuck your brains out.”
A shiver zipped down her spine at his words. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before turning and letting himself out of her loft.
She drifted off to her bedroom with the taste of Hemi on her lips.
Kamiya recalled the memory of the date more and more often. She found she enjoyed Hemi’s adult sense of humor, better than his teenage one. The silliness still existed, but slightly more mature. Like how he texts her memes.
Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances Page 36
