Safe With Me (Falling For A Rose Book 1)

by Stephanie Nicole Norris

  “So would I.”

  An unbearably gorgeous grin spread across his face. “Let me walk you to your car.”

  He asked for the check and left a tip. They exited the restaurant making it to her car quicker than she liked. “So friend, when will I see you again,” she said turning full circle to look at him.

  “Anytime, you name it.” He closed the gap and lay a kiss on her cheek.

  The warmth from his kiss turned her into mush. Samiyah inhaled deeply. “You have to stop kissing me like that.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because I might get carried away and start to get the impression that we’re more than friends. And well, you know how straightforward you are. A fling’s a fling, right?”

  Jonas pulled back slightly making eye contact with her.

  “If I am to be honest with you, Samiyah, I would say this thing between us surpassed friendship and was never as simple as a mere fling.”

  Her insides melted and Samiyah tried to reason with the rational side of her brain. Unfortunately, his closeness left her incapable of thinking clearly.

  “While I do feel,” Samiyah hesitated to look for the right word, “strongly about our chemistry, I’m not sure if now’s the right time for whatever this thing is.” She admitted.

  “I disagree.”

  Jonas bent down and kissed her lips, his hands slipping into her hair with a firm grip. With an intense pull, her lips parted slightly, and she moaned into his mouth. With his other arm wrapping around her, Samiyah floated into a cloud of ecstasy. With each tug of her lips, she was falling further away from her rationale. A car pulled into a parking space next to them, and the passengers got out and walked away. The alarm chirped bringing Samiyah back from the depths of passion. She pulled away from him breaking their kiss stepping to the side.

  “I have to go.”

  She said quickly making a hasty retreat. Jonas didn’t stop her. He stepped back and watched her run for dear life, but it didn’t matter, Samiyah wouldn’t get far. Jonas had made up his mind, that she was the one he wanted.

  “So, how was the trip and I want details,” Claudia said.

  Samiyah made it back to her townhome when she got the call from her best friend and business partner. She grabbed a basket of clothes and went into the laundry room.

  “It was heavenly,” she breathed with a sigh.

  Claudia squealed, “Ooooh, I am not jealous, I am not jealous,” she chanted trying to convince herself.

  Samiyah laughed. “You should be,” she teased.

  “Okay, I am jealous.” The women fell out laughing.

  “Girl, what happened?”

  “You mean besides the fact that I was basically joined at the hip with Mr. Smooth Operator the entire time?”

  “Oh don’t act like you didn’t like it!”

  “Quite the opposite, I loved it.” Samiyah sighed again.

  “Then why do you sound so sad about it? Perk up. You had one of the finest men in Chicago at your beck and call. There is nothing to be down about.”

  “I’m not down, I’m just confused and a little unsettled.”

  “About what?”

  “He took me out to lunch today, I’ve not too long ago returned, and he makes it seem as if he wants to date me. At first, I thought I was just looking too deep into his comments, but he confirmed today that he wants to be more than friends.”

  Claudia switched the phone from one ear to the other. “I’m still waiting on the part that’s confusing and unsettling,” she spoke evenly.

  “How about the part where I just divorced my husband not too long ago.”

  “So because you’re newly divorced, that’s good enough reason to not fall in love with Mr. Right?”

  Samiyah huffed, Claudia was not making this easy for her. “As a matter of fact, it is! And how would you know he’s Mr. Right? We all know the reputation of men of his stature.”

  “Okay, but how does he treat you when you’re together? Do you feel like arm candy, bedroom candy, or what?”

  Samiyah didn’t have to think about it long. “No, no, none of that. He’s a perfect gentleman.” Her voice dipped low, soft and easy. “He gives me his undivided attention, we’ve talked about a little bit of everything. For God’s sake, I even cried on his shoulder about my father while we were walking down the beach.” She smiled at the remembrance.

  “Then don’t you think you should give him a chance?” Claudia said. “Don’t cheat yourself, treat yourself.”

  Samiyah knew Claudia was right, but she was genuinely afraid to take it there. “I don’t know.”

  Samiyah added detergent to her washing machine, turned her back and leaned against it for support.

  “Seriously Samiyah, what do you have to lose?”

  “I don’t know, but hey let me call you back, I told my mother I would return her call, and if I don’t she’ll swear I’m neglecting her.”

  Claudia laughed, “Tell Ms. Jean I said hi.”

  “Okay.” They hung up, and Samiyah dialed her mother.

  “I was wondering if you were going to call me back. If I were dead and gone, you’d wish I was here.” Samiyah rolled her eyes.

  “Mama please don’t start that.”

  “I’m just saying.”

  “Did you get the wires in your laundry room fixed, and Claudia says hi.”

  “Yes, and I kicked him right out with a check for the amount he quoted. Tell Claudia I said hello. But that’s not what I called you earlier to talk to you about. Who’s this guy you’re on the front of the newspaper with? I don’t have to tell you that men ain’t no good and all they want is what’s in between your legs. Especially men like this handsome young fella on here. Looks can be deceiving child and all that glitters ain’t gold.”

  Samiyah’s head fell back, and she closed her eyes feeling a headache coming on.

  “If you’re just having fun, that’s fine but don’t give any more time than that. I don’t want to see you hurt again, baby.”

  More silence from Samiyah. “Well say something. Don’t get quiet, you know I’m telling the truth.”

  “Mom please.”

  “Please what?”

  “He’s just a friend.”

  “Un huh, don’t you lie to me. This gorgeous man right here ain’t no woman’s friend.”

  “Mom, I’ve got to go I’m washing clothes.”

  “If you want to rush me off the phone, that’s fine by me, but you know I’m right.”

  “I love you mom, bye.”

  Samiyah disconnected the call and redialed Claudia.

  “That was quick.”

  “Girl I love my mama, but sometimes she can be such a prude.”

  “What she say?”

  “She saw us on the front of the Chicago Tribune.”

  “Oh my goodness.” Claudia said, “Listen, I know how Mama Jean is but let me tell you, don’t you listen to her. You know she thinks all men are evil.”

  “Yeah, but she was right about my ex.”

  “And what do Jonas and your ex have in common?”

  Samiyah didn’t need to think about it. “Nothing.”

  “Exactly.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jonas usually spent his time driving through rush hour traffic with jazz music bellowing from his speakers. It was a good way to keep his mind clear of the bumper to bumper road rage that went on around him. But today as he made his way to the Boys and Girls Club, nothing could clear his mind from thoughts of Samiyah. She’d taken off running like something was after her yesterday evening, and Jonas couldn’t blame her. He understood her need to get away more than she thought which is why he didn’t stop her.

  Deep down inside, Jonas was fighting his own battle. Never in a million years had he found himself this taken by a woman. The fact that it happened so quickly was all the more stunning to him. But he’d made up his mind that he wouldn’t let her get away, he couldn’t. If he did, he’d live the rest of his life wondering what c
ould’ve been and Jonas was not a man who liked to live with regrets. He’d had the dissatisfaction of living with only a few of those, and he would do whatever was necessary to make sure he didn’t add more regrets to the pile.

  He grabbed his cell phone and dialed her number but didn’t hit send. Maybe she needed a little space he reasoned. He removed the number and placed his phone back in the middle console. He would leave her be for now, but tomorrow he would make it his business to reach out to her.

  He pulled into the facility and parked. As he made his way into the building, a young boy ran up to him.

  “Mr. Rose!”

  He gave the boy a bright smile and pat on the head. “Hey David, I’m glad you’re here today. How’s school?”

  The six-grader shrugged his shoulders, “It’s alright I guess.”

  “You guess, what seems to be the problem?”

  “It’s a new school; I don’t know anybody there. All my friends went to different schools or are still back at my old school.”

  “That’s because you graduated. It’s a stepping stone. That’s a good thing. I’m sure your parents are proud of you.”

  “Yeah, my mom says this is the best school for my academics. Whatever that means.”

  Jonas chuckled, “I’m sure your mom is right.”

  “She says, she’s always right,” David said.

  Jonas laughed again, “Sure she is. Come on let’s go inside.”

  They walked into the building and John Ripley, the organizer there, walked out of his office to shake his hand.

  “Mr. Rose, how are you today, son?”

  “I can’t complain, how about yourself?”

  “I wouldn’t dare complain. The wife may overhear me and have my head on a platter.”

  The men chuckled.

  “David, what are you doing out of the classroom?”

  “I saw Mr. Rose pull up and wanted to say hi.”

  “You could’ve done that when he got in the building.”

  “It’s no problem at all,” Jonas responded.

  “Run along now, son, Mr. Rose will be there in just a minute.”

  David left for the classroom.

  “I wanted to ask you; we’ve just put up an open spot for a female mentor to come in and replace Sandra. If you know of anyone, pass along the information, please.” He handed Jonas a folder.

  “What happened to Sandra?”

  “Apparently, she got an internship in Ohio that she couldn’t refuse, so her last day here was last week.”

  “Good for her,” Jonas said.

  “But not so good for us.” Mr. Ripley countered.

  “I’m sure you’ll find someone just a great as Sandra to replace her.”

  “Maybe, but that could take more time than we have. Those girls don’t need to go too long without a mentor.”

  Jonas thought about Samiyah. “I may have someone I can ask.”

  “Perfect, I can always count on you! Now I’ll let you get to your class.”

  Jonas entered the classroom, and the loud talking died down. He placed the folder on his desk and made his way to the front of it perching his hip on the edge. He had them write out a list of goals they wanted to achieve. Some of them being younger than others had fairly comical responses as other had real goals in mind.

  “I want to know how I can get a car like the one you have sitting outside Mr. Rose,” said an eighth grader sitting in the back.

  “I want you to tell me,” Jonas said. The young boy thought for a minute.

  “I need a job?” It was more of a question.

  “What kind of job do you need?”

  “One that makes a lotta money.” The boys laughed.

  Jonas smiled, “And how do you find a job that pays a lotta money as you put it?”

  “One that I build for myself.”

  “What kind of job do we call that?”

  “Self-employment.”

  “So, tell me Matthew, what steps do you need to take to be self-employed to make a lot of money?”

  “First, I need to set a goal, then I need to write out a plan to meet that goal. I have to work hard, save, and look for sponsors.”

  “And what else?”

  The boy continued to answer Jonas as he continued to fire question after question at him. It was no doubt that Jonas was impressed and proud that the kids were paying attention, especially since he wasn’t able to mentor them every day. Jonas randomly called on other boys in the room to make sure they were all paying attention.

  Surely enough they all made valid points and gave some insight on how they would attain their goals. After forty-five minutes of the back and forth answer session, Jonas decided to break so the boys could grab snacks and sodas provided by the organization. There was a lite tap at the door.

  “The door is open.” He spoke loudly.

  When it swung open Samiyah timidly stood in the doorway. Jonas felt a plethora of emotions seeing her statuesque form standing before him.

  “I hope I’m not interrupting, but when you get a moment, there is pizza in the cafeteria for the boys.” A dazzling smile crossed her face. “Don’t wait too long though; the girls already beat you guys to it.” She said demurely.

  The boys turned to Jonas eyes wide already standing to their feet. “Go ahead fellas.”

  They flew out of the room, with Samiyah standing to the side so she wouldn’t be trampled. As the last boy left the room, Jonas walked toward her.

  “Pizza?”

  “I figured you guys could use something to eat. Are you hungry?”

  His eyes faltered as he reached her. “I’m always hungry.”

  Her body lit up with a slow burn that made her squirm.

  “I hope you don’t mind me barging in.”

  “I don’t mind at all. It is a welcomed interruption.”

  A smile lingered on his lips. He had a way of standing right up on her that made his presence and invasion of privacy. However, Samiyah couldn’t find it in herself to step away. Jonas had this paralyzing aura that held her feet firmly in place. She couldn’t deny that this man hypnotized her in a way no one had ever done. And for the brief time they’d been away from each other, she’d missed him.

  After talking to Claudia, the day before, Samiyah decided to let her guard down, no matter how much the practical side of her tried to talk her out of it.

  She leaned in slipping a quick kiss on his lips before moving off toward the cafeteria. He reached out pulling her back in. His lips hovering over hers.

  “Jonas… we’re in public. Around kids.”

  That seemed to do it. Instantly Jonas released Samiyah and took a step back. “It might have saved you this time, but it won’t save you later.” He warned.

  She batted her eyes, “I’m counting on it.”

  She turned and sashayed away; his eyes glued to her. When he blinked and looked off, the organizer, Mr. Ripley stood watching them from his office a huge grin displayed on his face. He winked and gave Jonas a thumbs up. Jonas chuckled and made his way to the cafeteria.

  Later that night, Samiyah found herself wrapped tightly with Jonas, their bodies merging into one erotic display of passion. With their moans and whispers of love, they sang out to one another with orgasmic eruptions taking them higher than anything either of them had ever experienced before. Nights turned into days and days into nights as they reveled in each other, growing a love that neither of them thought was possible.

  Samiyah took on a part time mentorship over the young girls at the club until they could find someone full time. But the girls fell in love with her wittiness and sense of humor.

  They soaked up every word she dished out like a sponge, and before long, the organizer asked her to step in for a full-time role. Unfortunately, that would interfere with her time with the preemies. As much as she wanted to help, Samiyah denied the role for obvious reasons.

  “I understand,” the organizer said. “But the girls might not.” He tried to tug on her heart strings
.

  “They’ll never miss what they didn’t have. Part time is what they’re used to so let’s not tell them you asked.” She patted him on the shoulder. “I’ve got some packing to do so I should go, but I’m sure you’ll find someone equally as fantastic as me.” She smiled brightly, dipped into a curtsey and left.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Samiyah lifted a cardboard box and placed it on top of another that sat in the corner of her bedroom. She’d been approved for the luxury apartment at EnV, so she busied herself packing. She wasn’t officially moving in for another two weeks, but this would put her ahead. Her mother had instilled in her at a very young age about taking care of her responsibilities.

  That included bills, children if she ever saw fit to have any, and anything else she signed her name on. Samiyah had done just that. As of right now her box spring and mattress was standing on edge against the wall, her frame unscrewed and taken down. That box was the last of the things she needed to pack in regard to her bedroom, and she was officially moving downstairs to her living room. Samiyah’s life had taken a turn. Gone were the days of mourning her marriage to David. Her future was looking brighter by the day, and she was excited about moving into her new place.

  Her phone lit up setting off a notification. She retrieved it and looked at the screen. It was a reminder that the March of Dimes benefit auction was in three weeks. She’d been thinking about it off and on. The closer the day came the more nervous she became. Since she and Jonas had been spending time together practically every day, she wondered if she should tell him about it. It was no secret really. All of Chicago’s elite would be in attendance. It wouldn’t surprise her if Jonas were going. However, he hadn’t mentioned it.

  Well, you haven’t either.

  Her eyes scanned the time on her device, and she decided to take him dinner. The last time she’d spoken to him, he was still at his office. He worked diligently trying to get another Rose Bank and Trust Credit Union branch opened in New Jersey. She made her way to the bathroom.

  The head scarf she wore was doing nothing for her appearance. She removed it and changed her shirt into a light-colored blouse. She decided to leave on her blue jeans and wrap her hair up into a tight ponytail leaving her neck on full display. She applied some lip gloss to shine up her full lips and added small diamond studs in her ear. Samiyah tried to pull off the most casual look but was failing miserably. She checked her teeth and opened her mouth sticking her tongue out. With one hand cupped to her mouth, she smelled her breath. Satisfied at the outcome, Samiyah left the townhouse and stopped by a Chinese restaurant. After picking up their order, she made her way to Jonas’ building.