by Sherell Lynn
The conversations were flowing and thanks to me, so was the champagne. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Adam must have been one great boss to have had everyone show up on a holiday. The party was in yet another conference room, only this one was bigger than the last one we’d catered in. He probably chose this room to accommodate all the extra towns’ people. There were signs all over town about the big corporate party. Any and everyone who wanted to be seen and known would be here. Ava had been almost tempted to hire extra staff just for this event. She changed her mind just as quickly as that thought had crossed it. She didn’t want to train another person or be responsible for a screw up. So, we were toughing it out.
My feet were feeling it. They were aching and swelling quickly. I took a minute to lean up against the wall hoping that motion would give my feet a little relief from my weight bearing down on them.
“I could bring you a chair if you wish to sit,” a deep baritone voice spoke, sending chills down my neck. I turned to see the man of the hour.
“Adam.”
“Oh, so, we are on a first-name basis now?” he says, looking pleased.
I watched him in amazement. He was tall, about 6’2” with well-toned muscles that filled out his suit perfectly. His eyes were sparkling an even more electric color of blue than when I first met him.
“You like what you see?”
Damn! I had been caught. Was I really staring that long? I rolled my eyes and pushed myself off the wall. Before I could even walk away, he grabbed me by the elbow. “I have more drinks to serve.” I shook my arm away from his.
“Bella, this is my party if anyone is unhappy it will fall on me. And if I want to talk to the sexy woman serving the drinks, no one will have a problem with it. If they get thirsty, tough shit.” There was nothing I could say to that. So, I just smiled.
“Your smile is beautiful. Did you like the flowers I sent you?”
“Yes, they were beautiful. Thank you.”
“I would like to take you out on a date, Bella.” This was the confirmation that he was interested. But what did he have to gain? He was rich and fine as hell, why me? Did he have a black-girl fetish? Did he see me as easy? Maybe he saw me as a challenge.
I was just another notch on his belt. Instead of standing there wondering, I decided to ask, “Why?”
He stood there. “Why?” He obviously hadn’t expected that response.
“Yes. Why?”
He pushed my body even closer to him “Because you’re the most stunning woman I have ever laid eyes on. You intrigue me and I want to know what goes on in that lovely mind of yours.”
I had to look away from his beaming examination. The party is still going on. People are laughing and dancing across the floor. I see Ava and someone who looks like Luke talking. No, that is Luke. What was he doing here?
“I will leave you to your thoughts. I do expect an answer, my Bella.” He brushed the strings of hair that had fallen out of my ponytail out of my face and then walked away, leaving me breathless and instantly lonely. I didn’t realize until that moment how lonely I felt.
20
Adam
I watched her from the back of the room for what seemed like hours. Tonight, she had her hair pulled up in a ponytail that really displayed her high cheekbones. The way she swayed her hips had every man here mesmerized and even some women too. I was waiting. I accepted the fact she would be too shy to come seek me out. I was ready to make my move.
I walked to where Bella was standing. Ten, nine, eight, the countdown had started. Everyone was shouting. Seven, six, I placed the tray she was holding on the table and grabbed her by the waist. Five, four, our eyes connect. Three, two, I placed both of my hands on the side of her face and went in for the kiss. One. Happy New Year! Everyone was screaming and whistling in the background. Both of us were caught up in our own little moment. I could hear the fireworks, but the only fireworks I was paying attention to belonged between the two of us. My hands traveled down her body. Past her shoulders, down her back and then reaching her round, plump ass. She gasped and pulled away. Shit I took it to far.
“I’m sorry,” I said, hoping that my face conveys that message as well.
She took a step back. “It’s okay.”
I want to touch her again and rub my body up against hers. I held off from that notion and decided to finish the conversation from earlier. “Bella, have you made your decision? Will you go out on a date with me?” I tried not to come off looking desperate, but I am. After that kiss, I would do just about anything to see this woman again.
She hesitated for a minute.
That was when I’d had enough. I had given her a chance to respond. “Enjoy your night. I will be picking you up tomorrow night at 8 o’clock sharp. See you then.” With that, I walked away.
21
Ava
I was dog-tired. We didn’t make it back to my building until after three a.m. The party lasted until two. There was no more food or alcohol to serve, we left carrying empty trays, pans, containers, and utensils. Catering that event was a huge success, but it would probably be the last holiday event we held like that unless they paid as well as Adam. The money was too good to pass up. Plus, it’s good exposure, everyone from town and the neighboring cities had been there. I had given out several business cards, so hopefully, something would come from it. I was already going to have to hire more staff members. We were over extended as it was with this event.
Usually on Sundays, I took this time to decompose. Bella had called me wanting my help. Apparently, last night Adam had asked her out. She never mentioned it last night, I guess because there was so much going on. I wanted to say hell no. To tell her she’s out of her league and that she would never be good enough for him. The guilt of it all clouded my judgment. I shouldn’t be feeling this way. I was green with envy. She was my friend, isn’t this what friends do, help each other out. Make sure they look hot for dates with the finest man they ever laid eyes on. Not only was Adam fine with his mesmerizing blue eyes, olive skin tone and tall and muscular physique, but he is made of money. His pockets went really deep. Some say he is worth millions, some say he is worth billions. Either way it was too many zeros to count in one day for me. Rich is rich. I needed to be excited for Bella, after the life she has had, she deserved this. So, why do I not feel that way?
The guilt of not wanting to be a good friend to her was getting to me. I had given her the silent treatment off and on for a few days already. That did not stop her bubbling personality from intruding on my inner thoughts. She had been trying to do everything she could to break me out of my funk. She succeeded and by Saturday, I had truly forgiven her only to end up mad at her again today. Why couldn’t I let her have Adam? I mean I had Luke. Luke was hot, just not Adam. Luke was attentive and the things he did to my body left me in a puddle every time.
I thought back to the first night we were together. He had made his way over to my place after he got off work. He works as a first responder, a fire fighter, a very noble job that keeps his body in shape, but his bank account shorter than I would like. What he lacked in money he more than made up for in the bedroom. His stamina was something I had never seen before. I had met him at the door wearing next to nothing. I had just put on a matching lace bra with silk panties, which set me back fifteen hundred dollars. Why I wasted it on Luke, I have no idea. But every girl has her needs. I needed him to understand that the soft silk and see through lace required expansive taste. That night he would get a sample, but in order to get the full deal he had to offer more than a pocket full of change.
I led him back to my bedroom. He grabbed me by the waist and his hands slid down my back and rest across my ass. He rubbed my milky-white ass cheeks in a circular motion and then squeezed and pulled me in closer to him. So, close that I can feel his hard-on through his pants. Our eyes met and I can see the desire in his. He leaned in kissing me softly on my pink lips. His hands made their way back up to my breasts, massaging them in h
is hands. He unclasped my bra and his lips leave my mouth kissing their way down to make a connection with my swollen nipples that were already aching with need.
With one nipple in his mouth he said, “Your body is so beautiful. Ava, you have me so hard right now. I can’t wait to taste you.”
I moaned, “What are you waiting for?”
Taking that as an invitation, he dropped to his knees and pulled my panties all the way down. I stepped out of them and laid back on my bed. With my legs spread, his tongue runs up and down my thighs. He kissed my lower lips and he got his first taste of my nectar. I grabbed a handful of his hair as the sensation of his tongue traveled through my body.
“That feels so good, Luke.”
My words seemed to encourage him because his kisses got rougher. He started to lick and suck on my clit. And I orgasmed out of control.
“Oh, Luke, yes, Luke, yes.” My eyes rolled to the back of my head, my toes curled and my juices flowed straight into his mouth.
He drank in every drop as if his life depended on it. He made his way back up my body. Luke planted his pussy-eating lips on mine and I could taste the remainder of my juices on him.
“You tasted just as sweet as I imagined.” He began to unbuckle his pants and…
Knock, knock, knock, the sound of someone knocking on my car window interrupted my thoughts.
“Ava, are you going to get out of the car?”
I saw Bella standing outside my car. I watched her as she knocked on my window again. I cut my car off and contrived to get out.
“Ava, are you okay today?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I said, wiping all thoughts of Luke out of my mind. I had to remember why I was at Bella’s house.
Bella placed herself in front of me and grabbed my hand, “If you are not feeling well, I can get ready by myself. It’s okay.” She was always placing others before herself. Again, the guilt of what a bad friend I have been sets in.
Squaring my shoulders back, I attentively look into her eyes. “Today is not about me. Let’s go in this house and get you ready for prince charming.”
The next few hours fly by. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Being around Bella is so easy and fun. I flat ironed her shoulder-length hair and added a gold flower and diamond-encrusted tassel headband. I applied just a touch of makeup. These slight simple changes have my friend looking like a Nubian goddess. I envied her beauty. Bella stood in front of the mirror gazing over her body.
“Thank you, Ava, so much for dropping your Sunday plans and coming to my rescue.”
I wave my hands in the air. “Girl, did you really think I was going to let you screw this up for us?”
“Us,” she interjected.
“Yes, the way I see it you and I are a team and I can’t have you go on a date with someone as hot and rich as Adam looking a mess.”
Bella erupted in laughter and I followed suit. “I guess it’s better to have your help then Mr. Garett’s,” she said, putting all the remaining products we used to get her ready away.
“Yes, he would have you looking like a crack headed Diana Ross.” I guffawed. “Now that you are looking like a runway model, my job is done. Don’t make me wait too long on the details of your date,” I uttered on my way to the front door.
22
Bella
Besides the height difference, I did look like a runway model. I had chosen to wear a long flowing olive-green maxi dress with a front slit displaying my legs for my date with Adam. Since I didn’t know if this was a casual or formal date, I figured the maxi dress would work for both. I paired the dress with a gold necklace and a few gold bangle bracelets. The doorbell rang. Mr. Garett must have answered the door because I heard it open and close.
I made my way into the living room. And I was baffled at what I saw. Adam was therein a dark grey suit looking scrumptious.
“Close your mouth, Bella, Surely this isn’t your first time seeing a white man in a suit,” Mr. Garett said, leaving me utterly embarrassed. He perambulated to take a seat on the couch. “Young man, have a seat.”
Adam made a short stride over to the loveseat that was situated near the front door and took a seat.
Mr. Garett eyed Adam as if he was the lead investigator interrogating a criminal. “So, you’re taking my little Bella out on a date, huh?”
Embarrassed, I ran my hands across my face forgetting about the make-up I was wearing. “Mr. Garett, I’m not some child who needs her daddy to run background checks on someone I bring here.”
He shook his head. “No, you’re not, but you deserve someone who will treat you right and I’m here to remind you. What’s was your name, son?”
“Adam.”
“You got a last name to go with that first?”
“Adam De Luca.”
As if he didn’t hear him, Mr. Garett goes on his rant. “It’s always nice to have a first and last name just in case someone tries to pull some type of funny business.” In that instance, he must have played back what Adam had said. “Wait a minute. Did you say Adam De Luca?” His voice filled with wonder.
“Yes, sir, I did.”
“You own that construction company that has built half, if not most of this town?”
“Well, my father is responsible for most of the town. I have only recently taken the reins in the last six years. My father believed in working your way to the top and so that was what I did. It just wasn’t given to me,” Adam said this with so much passion and authority. He was proud of his heritage, but he also wanted to express how hard he had to work to earn his spot at the top.
“Okay, well, you kids go and get outta here.” Mr. Garett all but shooed us out the door. Funny how someone with money and status changed his opinion really quick. Adam stood up and offered me his hand. I took it and he led us out the door.
Once we made it out my drive way and on the road, Adam inquired on my relationship with Mr. Garett. I wasn’t ready to reveal the truth to him. Not on a first date. So, I told him what I could. I let it be known that he was like my father. And that he has been my rock through some hard times. Adam seemed to really be listening while nodding his head in response. A comfortable silence had passed before we took an exit that led us down a country dirt road. On each side of the road were massive trees, that had limbs overlapping each other making an archway on the winding dirt road. Beyond the trees were patches of wild flowers and butterflies fluttering in the wind. It was truly serene.
At the end of the roadway was a beautiful building that looked to be made of glass. Near it set a very large lake with a deck overlooking the water. The bridge leading to the glass building was aligned with clear white lights. Adam made his way out of the car and came around to open my door.
“It’s really beautiful here,” I said, stepping out the car.
“Not as beautiful as you,” he said, taking my hand and leading the way. Once inside I realized the glass building was a restaurant. The tables were round and made of wood. The centerpieces were tall green plants inside of glass vases surrounded by small candles. We were led to a table near a window with an amazing view of the sun casted over the lake. After placing our orders, I leaned over the table to get closer to Adam, who was sitting across the table from me.
“This place is…I mean wow there are no words to describe how wonderful and magnificent this is. How did you ever find this place? It is so far away from everyone and everything.”
He looked at me with that award-winning smile. “I am glad this place meets your approval.”
“It does. This must be the spot you take all your dates.”
“Only you, beautiful.”
I stiffened at his compliment. It made me think of one of the last times I was called beautiful. It was years ago by a man that shredded everything beautiful about me.
He must have sensed he said something to offend me. “You do know you’re beautiful, Bella.” Before I could even respond, he continued. “I mean it’s even in your name. Bella in Italian mean
s beautiful, it is you by definition.” I felt a little uneasy with the way he was looking at me.
Changing the subject, I say, “So you speak Italian?”
“Of course.” Adam went on to tell me about his family. His father was born and raised in Italy. His mother, who’s half-Italian and half-American came to Italy to visit her extended family. Though they were both young, they fell in love. When it came time for his mother to go back to America, his father followed her.
He then built his own company, here in the States from the ground up. Forty plus years later, he left his empire to his two sons, Adam and Alex, and retired in his home country of Italy, with Adam’s mother. He went on to tell me more stories of his upbringing and of the love between his parents. It was so refreshing to know a love like that exists. And that Adam and his brother are products of something so beautiful and pure. I could only hope one day to have a love like that. Maybe this first date would lead me to a life of happily ever after.
Dinner was spectacular. We ate, we laughed, and we talked and talked. I held back on telling him about my past and what had led me here. Instead, I told him about the good things. Like work and my friendships with Ava, Ms. Brenda, and Mr. Garett. After the date, we walked the grounds and stepped out on to the dock. Adam grabbed my hand.
“Thank you, Bella, for this incredible evening. I wanted you to be one of the first to enjoy my new venture.”
