by Zi'ere
I also opened my mental file cabinet to compose a note to get onto my thieving brothers. They could afford to produce on their own personal movies, why they needed to shoplift my DVD’s was beyond me! It was a major pet peeve of mine to have to search for something I knew I possessed and it was not where it should have been. Just then I heard a car door slam outside my home.
Calm down Steph, you are in control of this show, not the other way around.
24
I collected my wits and walked hurriedly to the front door. As Ced planted both feet into my foyer, he grabbed me around my waist lifting me effortlessly to bring my lips up to his.
“You don’t know how long I have waited for this” His voice was heavy and his breath warmed my face.
Before I could respond he kissed me hard on the mouth. He didn’t hold anything back, his wide wet tongue left me wet all around the lips. My brain was in overload. I’d barely closed the front door before he was lifting my shirt over my head, I stood leaning on the wall watching him as he began to unbutton his shirt. One button lead to two, which lead to three, which left him standing in my foyer in a white wife beater undershirt. His muscular arms shone like he had just been basted like a Thanksgiving turkey. He pulled the undershirt over his head then leaned forward, nestling his face into my bosom. He pulled my breasts up then out of the cups of my bra, massaging and kissing them both equally as though he wanted me to nurse him. He then moved to my neck and found my spot right under my ear. I moaned in satisfaction as he sucked on my skin.
“Baby, do you want me?” He spoke into my ear. His breathe on my skin gave me goose bumps. I had not felt his skin directly against mine since we’d returned from New Orleans. The stress from the day in addition to his sex appeal had my core pulsing in anticipation. I could feel the moisture increasing between my legs.
“Yes.”
“No, hold up a minute Steph. I mean do you really want me- all of me, not just as a secret or a test run; I mean me and my kids. I’m talking about for the rest of our lives, not just tonight Baby.”
I looked into his eyes, searching for the truth in his words. I found it, Cedric Goldman was proposing to me for real!
“Make love to me Ced!” He moved to slide down to his knees, kissing my bare chest and stomach on the way down.
He unbuttoned my jeans and slid them down over my hips, planting soft kisses at the joints of my legs. Once my shoes and jeans were off, he spread my legs and kissed along the material print of my thong. My breathing became labored as his tongue became firmer as he licked closer to my honey pot. He hooked his finger around the thong moving it to the side, giving him direct contact to his coveted prize. My legs began to tremble as he locked in direct suction on my clit. Feeling my juices drip down my thigh, Ced began to moan barely coherent words about how sweet I tasted and how wet I became for him. He finally let up as the waves settled down then he pulled me down motioning for me to lie on the floor. As I got into position he stood up to finish undressing, I attempted to sit up to help him and he firmly told me he had it under control.
25
There I lay, stark naked on the floor of my foyer. I knew I would forever have this special memory in this house for as long as I lived there. I reminded myself to be present in the moment, so I focused my attention on the fine specimen of a man undressing before me. When Ced freed his manhood from his boxer briefs, I could barely contain my excitement. It was then I allowed myself to grasp the bask in the realization of Ced being the one for me. When he got down on all fours he dove right into a perfect fit. Nothing stood in between us as we became one in sheer animal like passion.
Ced took his time and hit every nook and cranny of my box. I couldn’t help but to yelp out in sheer pleasure at the pain I felt every time he hit me with his vicious strokes. The man should be against the law in at least one state for turning my well educated brains to mush. His equipment met all of my requirements- long, thick, and hard. I was prompted into several sexual positions I had never imagined would occur in the best porn flicks. I was in love by the time I came for the third time and he the first.
I really couldn’t comprehend Ced not having more than three kids. He made me want to match those three and a few extras. As we lay spent on the tiled floor, I didn’t believe I would be able to stand let alone walk into the house. It was official; I had met my match in every possible way. Cedric Goldman had made passionate love to me once again beyond any expectations I had ever thought to have. Stephanie had blurred vision, wobbly knees, and shaky hands. As I continued to lie immobile, Ced turned to face me. It appeared that I wasn’t the only one incapable of getting off the floor.
“Steph I know you don’t think so but I really do mean everything I’ve been saying. I am ready to have a wife and all the things fifty year marriages are made of. I know in my soul that you are that woman I know I deserve. I know we would have a good life together. I will treasure you and want only you until I take my last breath. Please make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?”
The only response I could give was a toothless smile as I began to scramble about attempting to retrieve my ringing cell phone. Spotting Darrell’s name on the screen scared me so bad I dropped the phone. My eyes settled back on the beautiful perfect specimen before me. His good looks and heart felt words blinded me to the ruthless person I had heard he was in the streets. His sweet smile blinded me to the win at all cost personality I knew he possessed. In that moment all I could see was a beautiful heart wanting to love my heart completely. I would no longer deny I had been blinded by Ced’s love.
“I’m not going anywhere Steph. Even though you can’t answer me today, I will still ask again tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that until you feel comfortable in answering me with a yes.”
26
I could no longer hold the passionate gaze he locked my eyes into. I looked down at my hands.
“Would you like something to drink?” It was a weak attempt to restart dialogue after he’d shut me up yet again.
“Yes, I would but we need to get you cleaned up first.”
He lifted himself up off the floor and began to pick up our clothing we had shed like animals. One arm full, he grabbed my hand with his other hand.
“Which room do you live in?
“Directly straight ahead, at the end of the hall.” Inside the bedroom Ced released my hand and began to separate the clothing.
While I put my things away Ced turned on the water in the double shower stall. He called out to me and asked if I was ready. My answer was walking into the bathroom still mute. Ced took the initiative to brush my hair into a messy ball on that he placed on the top of my head so I wouldn’t get my hair wet. Inside the stall, he took care to wash my body with the loofa. Unlike most men, he didn’t hesitate to clean his body with the sweet smelling liquid soap. Once we were thoroughly cleaned Ced wrapped me in an oversized plush towel.
“I want to see you in ‘I’m just chilling with my brother’s mode’.”
“Are you sure you can handle me looking a hot mess?”
“I know for a fact you are still going to be beautiful and sexy if you wore a potato sack. I just want you to get comfortable.”
“Ok. Just remember you asked for this.”
After I moisturized my skin, I pulled on a panty and bra set. Matching Victoria Secret sweatpants that stopped just under my knees, a matching tank top, and footie socks completed the relaxed look. I took the ponytail down, fixed it neater and tighter but right back in the original position on the top of my head. When I made my way into the hallway I could smell food cooking. I walked into the kitchen to find Ced adding rice to boiling water while wearing a hot pink, black, and white frilly apron. The scene made me smile.
“Damn, just like I thought- still sexy and beautiful” His voice was so smooth and captivating.
“A handsome man hovering over a hot stove, that’s the sexiest most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Ced walked over to me and placed
a kiss on my forehead.
“For you sweetheart, there is nothing I won’t do. Remember that and we will be fine.”
“Okay, you’re the boss. What are you cooking, what can I do to help?”
“No help is needed, just have a seat at the bar and keep me company.”
“Now, that sounds like a plan.” I made my way to a bar stool positioned at the bar that connected to the counter.
27
Ced turned on the radio and began to sing along to the R&B tune that flowed from the speakers. I could only look on in amazement at the handsome man singing to me with a serving spoon as his microphone all the while cooking dinner. Forty-five minutes later I was served homemade sausage jambalaya, a fresh green salad, and honey biscuits. I was well aware Ced wasn’t a chef looking down at the weird combination he had put together, but he definitely got an A for effort. I had no complaints about him actually cooking and not ordering takeout. The more time I spent with him the more I realized he had great husband potential.
Good food and even better conversation was interrupted by ringing cell phones as I was clearing the table. Ced’s phone rung first with an emergency from his nanny. His children’s mother, Leslie had shown up unannounced to take the children for visitation. Ced wouldn’t make eye contact with me as he instructed the nanny to put Leslie on the phone. His words became even and forced as I heard him ask Leslie what kind of new trick she was trying to pull. My observant eavesdropping was interrupted by my own cell ringing. The screen displayed Darrell’s name again. Even though I wasn’t ready to talk to him, I certainly couldn’t answer his call with Ced demanding answers into his phone in the background. I opted to reject D’s call with a generic message that stated I was on the line with an important call.
“Wendy close the gates, I’m on my way!” Ced rose from his seat abruptly with fire in his eyes. “Steph, I have to get to my house, would you like to come with me?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea right now babe.”
“Ok, I will call you as soon as I get a chance.” Ced’s toned had softened even though he was visibly upset. Without another word he made his way out of the side door.
I was comfortably relaxed in bed watching the nightly news when Ced called me to say he was outside my home. He’d neglected to call me all evening to give me an update on what was going on at his home. Once the door was secured he pulled me into his arms. Neither one of us spoke any words but the comfort he received as he lifted me off my feet and held me close spoke volumes. When he placed me back onto the floor I led him into my bedroom. He shed his clothing down to his boxers and slid under the covers beside me. He pulled me closer to him; I laid my head on his chest and soon fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.
“Which one is it? Let me guess, Darrell?” Ced’s voice startled me, my ringing cell served as an alarm clock early the next morning.
“Um, yes as a matter of fact that was Darrell. You know he and I are the closest. Is that going to be a problem for you?” I had not meant to come off snappy, but I drew the line at insecurities about the relationship I maintained with the most important men in my life.
“Baby Steph- did you hear what I just called you? Baby Steph, I know your life. Don’t try to run me off like the average dude who doesn’t know how to handle a little competition. Competition that really isn’t competition, those men will be permanent fixtures in my life as well. Like I said before I know you, I thought about all 5 of those men. I’m prepared to meet and beat their actions & expectations where you are concerned. I’m ready Steph and I feel like you are ready too, you’re just afraid.” Damn, this man was good.
28
My cell started to ring again. Since Ced knew me so well, I assumed he should have known that if I didn’t call them back they would be on my doorstep in thirty minutes.
“Can you give me a second please?”
“Sure” With that I scurried down the hall to one of the spare bedrooms.
“Hey D!”
“Do you realize I’ve been calling you since last night Stephanie Haywood? What are you doing that you couldn’t answer the phone? Are you still salty about yesterday? I know you aren’t at the office today; I’ve called your phone 5 times already this morning!”
“D, don’t trip you only called twice and I was using the restroom- what’s up?
“Think again, my questions will not go unanswered today!”
“Calm down! Nothing is going on, yes I was upset yesterday when I left the restaurant. I came home, ate, and went to bed. I’m exhausted and I needed the rest seriously.”
“I’m not buying that for one minute but you don’t have another pass at not answering your phone when I call you and I mean it!”
“Alrite D, I got it. I promise it won’t happen again.”
“Yea, ok keep thinking this is a game Steph. Are you ready to go yet?”
“I thought you guys said be ready at 3?”
“Yes we did, but everybody decided to play hooky today so we decided to bump the time up. If you were answering the phone or reading texts you would know this.”
“Yeah, ok, ok. What time were you thinking?”
“I’m about to drive to T’s house now. You can meet us there or we can come pick you up, you decide.”
“Ya’ll can come pick me up. I should be ready by the time you get here.”
“Baby, tell me what’s wrong? You sound like something is bothering you?”
“Other than you letting me get double teamed yesterday without a heads up? Nawl, I’m ok D, but I do need to go ahead and get my stuff packed.”
“Don’t pack too much; you know we are going shopping tomorrow.”
“Ok, I won’t. See you when you get here.”
“Love you Baby”
“Love you too big bro” I had at least an hour to get Ced out of my house before it became a homicide scene. I made my way back to the bedroom and noticed the bed was empty. Just then Ced came out of the bathroom fully dressed.
“Baby I appreciate you for giving me comfort last night. I know I haven’t told you what’s going on, but I will as soon as we have a chance to have a serious talk.”
“I trust you, I know you aren’t intentionally keeping secrets from me. You’ll tell me when the time is right.”
“Thank you for being so understanding. After I check on things at the house I will be on my way to see my attorney. I will tell you everything you need or want to know after I have completed that meeting.”
“I understand babe.”
“I hate I have to leave so abruptly every time I come over. Please don’t think less of me.”
“No Ced, you have a family to take care of , I understand & respect all that entails. I will be fine.” I tried to put on my game face.
“That’s why I know we will be so good together.”
I passed out another weak smile.
“What’s on your agenda for today?”
“The fellas are on the way to pick me up. I will be spending the weekend out in the country and spending time with my family.”
“Do you need anything?”
“Babe, you just gave me money yesterday. I’m fine, I promise.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m very sure. And, I promise I will give you a call or text you later.”
“You promise you’re going to call me Baby?”
“Yes, Ced I promise”
With a deep tongue kiss lingering on my lips, I could feel my legs turn into noodles. After another deep kiss, Ced was pulling out of my driveway in his souped up black Yukon Denali.
29
When I closed the door I melted my back into it, bringing my fingertips to my temple, my mind was mush. I made my way into my walk in closet, pulled out my Louis duffle bag and began to pack for my weekend at Darrell’s house. Standing in my closet I decided I didn’t really need to pack because I had clothing at Terrell’s already. Terrell’s home was designed and furnished for us all (parentals included) t
o come stay at the drop of a dime. Big brother loved his family, what could I say? I glanced at the wall clock, I needed to dress myself and quickly. Promptness was a family trait all Haywood’s honored strictly. I rushed over to my vanity to plug up the flat iron, a set of big curling irons, and turned on the water in the shower. I chose navy blue sailor pants with a blue, white striped halter peplum top, navy blue blazer, and matching pumps as my look for the day. I decided to put some big curls in my hair and freshened up my edges with the flat iron. As soon as I put my shoes on I heard the guys coming through the front door.
“Baby, we’re here and you better be ready!” Terrell stood in the foyer and shouted throughout the house.
I could not understand why he always had to be the boss of everything and everybody.
“Yes, I’m ready. And since you’re starting with me already today, let me give you something more important”
“What’s that?”
“Why do educated, wealthy black men steal from their little sister?”
Carlos started laughing so hard he began to choke. “Oh, I think all ya’ll heard me pretty well! Stop coming in my house taking my stuff! It’s clear you guys can afford your heart’s desire; I’m going to need you to start buying your own dvd’s and leave my property on my property! Do you all get that?”
“Baby Steph I would think that you wouldn’t complain about anything we take, it’s not like you can’t replace whatever it is with all the money we give you!” Terrell really needed to watch his tongue.
Hands on my hips, neck rolling, and finger pointing I got all up in Terrell’s face, “Excuse me sir? It’s not about whether I can replace it or not, the principle comes into play when I get ready for it and it’s not here! I wouldn’t mind picking up a replacement if I knew what I needed to replace before I had a need for it!” I know good and well he didn’t think he could come into my home wrong & then think he was going to read me my rights!
