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by Taras Ford

  “I don’t know. I like knowing you this way. I’d rather not know that side of you if it exists.”

  “Fair enough.”

  She fell back onto one of the pillows, feeling relaxed and light-headed as she looked at the stars through the skylight. Together they had depleted a bottle of wine. “Funny, you never see this many stars in the sky at night,” she said, her lids growing heavy.

  Todd sat up with his knee bent, holding his wine glass, and looked up at the ceiling. “It’s a beautiful night.” The glow of the fireplace cast shadows across his face as he smiled at her. Putting down his glass, he crawled over to her and laid his head next to hers on the pillow.

  She looked into his face, now very close to hers. “I’ve never kissed a man before.”

  “Would you like me to kiss you?”

  Emboldened by the wine, she looked him directly in the eye. “Yes.” Todd touched her face and kissed her softly on the lips.

  She closed her eyes, feeling his breath breeze over her top lip. The sweet and gentle kiss mingled with the wine made her feel as if she were lying on a cloud. He ran his tongue across her lips, slowly parting them. In response, she opened her mouth, ready to do what she imagined would be decadent under his control, and kissed him back. She tasted the wine and cheese on his breath. The feeling of his tongue in her mouth made her warm with desire. He kissed her more deeply, still touching her face. Slowly his hand went to the curve of her neck, then to her shoulder. Trish opened her eyes as the kiss came to a natural end, and he continued to caress her arm.

  She saw his hesitation to go further and smiled. “I know that you think I’m fragile.”

  “I don’t. . . .”

  “It’s ok. I’ve told you a lot, and it’s some pretty heavy stuff to lay on someone.”

  “I’m glad you told me.”

  “Me too.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  Trish stared into his eyes, searching for her voice. “I—I want to be a real person. A woman.”

  “Trish, you are—”

  “No. I don’t want to be Patricia anymore. It hurts too badly. I just want to be Trish, and, right now, I feel safe being Trish with you.”

  Todd rolled onto his back and looked up through the skylight. “I hate that he hurt you,” he said, looking anxious and unhappy.

  Trish sat up on her elbow, her long hair falling to the side, and looked down into Todd’s face. The bruise from his accident was fading now, but still looked somewhat painful. She touched it tenderly. “Do you think you’ll hurt me?”

  He nodded, and she smiled comfortingly. “Then we can just be friends. I just want you to treat me as a person, not someone you pity or have to handle with kid gloves.”

  “I see you as a person, a complete person, Trish, but you don’t see yourself that way. Even if I wanted more than friendship with you, I’m not convinced you can handle it.” She nodded. “Try me.”

  Todd frowned. “What?”

  Trish lay back on the pillow and closed her eyes. She closed her eyes and clasped her hands over her stomach. She felt his hand moving her silky hair from her face and opened her eyes to see him staring down at her in her turtleneck. Taking her hand, he kissed it and then her fingertips.

  She smiled but didn’t stir.

  Lowering his face to hers, he kissed her again, and Trish opened herself to the experience, wanting to know more.

  “I think Ms. Minetti is experiencing some separation anxiety,” Sydney said, stabbing steamed asparagus with her fork.

  Nolen looked up from his wine, his blue eyes darkening. “Why do you say that?”

  “You know what happened on Monday? She called me into her office to warn me about you.”

  “Warn you?”

  “Yeah, to back off. Showed me her diamond pendant and all. Very pretty, Nolen.” He fumed.

  “Nothing to say?” She pressed.

  “She had no right to do that.”

  “According to her she has every right,” she said, trying to sound casual. “It had no effect on me. I know you’ve showered the women in your life with trinkets.”

  “I wouldn’t call them trinkets,” he said.

  “Ok, lavish gifts.” She shrugged. “Anyway, those taunts didn’t bother me. The assumption we’re messing around so I can have my part does.”

  “We know it’s not true. It’s why I did what I did today.”

  “What did you do today?” Sydney set her fork down. Her heart hammered in her chest. She had enough problems working with Madame and Xenia she didn’t need another. If Nolen interfered and tried to assert himself she’d be cut for sure, or ostracized.

  “I withdrew my participation. I’m only financing the show. I won’t return there to make you uncomfortable or weigh in on any decisions. From here on out consider me the unseen investor.”

  “Are you serious?” she gawked.

  He lifted his brow. “It was never something I was truly interested in, until I found you. Now that I have you, well, I’ll just support you.”

  “Have me? What does that mean—have me?”

  Nolen ate a bit of steak, and then sipped his wine. Sydney knew what having her meant the last night she spent in his arms. And yes it was good. But surely this would remain casual a bit. Not that she expected him to see other women. She just didn’t expect him to offer a commitment to her so soon.

  “I’d take a bag of nuts over a diamond pendant any day.” She joked lightheartedly, deciding to change the subject.

  Nolen stared at her for a long moment, this time he watched her eat. “Will you ever let me give you more?”

  “What more? We’re friends.”

  He shifted uncomfortably. “Is that all?”

  Sydney heart fluttered in her chest. She tried to mask her own excitement. If she wanted Nolen for the long haul, she couldn’t confess these wild feelings of desire and love to him. It’s too soon, and would certainly scare him off. She laughed. “Isn’t it enough, we barely know each other.” Nolen narrowed his gaze on her. “I’ll help you understand something. I don’t play by the rules you are used to. What I’m saying sweetheart is life, and everything I have in it, I’ve gone after and claimed. If I went by the constraints of time and patience I wouldn’t be as accomplished as I am at 27.”

  “I don’t like the sound of this.” Sydney frowned.

  “I admit I was attracted to you at first. And yes it was lust and purely physical. That changed. So did my desire. It’s not about possessing you; it’s about having you. Not asking for your hand in marriage Sydney. But you have to understand I want more than to be your friend.”

  “Wow. That’s different. You’re the same guy who can’t talk about his past with me, and you want more.” She picked up her wine to mask her irritation at his little speech. When her gaze shifted back to his face, he looked more embarrassed than angry. Had she struck a nerve? “I’m sorry Nolen. It’s just that. We’re different okay? I’m an open book. I grew up in Carolina with a father who was a part time minister, and part time schoolteacher.”

  Sydney’s throat went dry. She decided against sipping the wine again. She wanted to be clearheaded.

  She had something to say, and she wouldn’t stop talking until she got it all out.

  “The most adventure I had as a child was coming to New York with my mother after Christmas each year and spending time with Portia. It’s why I fell in love with this city. I saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe one year when I was six and I knew I wanted to dance. My parents were against it from the start. So I defied them and came anyway. First I tried to get accepted into Alvin Ailey and missed the deadline for admission. So I tried the Dance Academy, and well, that didn’t work out.” She quickly hurried past the mention of anything associated with Ben Mendoza. “I didn’t give up, and almost a year later here I am. Love however, relationships, do take time. All of it is based on me knowing someone, trusting someone, and then loving someone—in that order. You’re a smart man. I see what you have, h
ow you deal with people. But you are very closed off. And that’s on purpose. Don’t sit there and ask me to relax and give you more without question.”

  “So you want to know more about me?”

  “Yes.”

  He seemed impressed. A small satisfied smile tipped the corners of his mouth before he wiped at them with his napkin. He then rose from his chair and came around the table to her.

  “You’re too good for me.”

  “Don’t say that anyone is too good for anyone else. I’m not perfect, Nolen, and neither are you. I think we should both be clear on at least this much before we go further.”

  “Understood.” He nodded.

  He took her closer to the window that overlooked the city skyline. “Look out there, beautiful isn’t it?” he held her from behind.

  “It really is.” She said relaxing as he held her before the cool tall window. A coldness seeped in from the night air beating across the glass. His arms around her became as comforting as a warm blanket.

  “My story is a strange one Sydney. My parents weren’t like yours. Far from it. My father’s death was my mother and brother’s freedom but being his son will always be my curse.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry. Can you tell me why?”

  “He wasn’t a good man. I was a kid when he was around, but I had to grow up fast.” He spoke with his cheek pressed to hers, and his chin resting on her right shoulder. His arms cinched tighter around her and she weakened. Being held so powerfully was more erotic than a kiss. How could that be possible?

  “It happened. I’m a better man for it.” He mumbled.

  “Do you keep in contact with your mother and brother?”

  “It’s more like they keep in contact with me.”

  Sydney decided to leave it at that. Time would tell her much more. She liked the fact that he shared with some of himself with her.

  “You really want to know me?” he asked.

  Sydney’s eyes opened. Minutes had slipped by and she succumbed to his touch. “What?”

  “Do you really want to know me?”

  “Yes. I do.”

  “Then I have something to ask you,” he added.

  “Okay?”

  “Will you accompany me to my niece’s christening in a few weeks?” Sydney’s eyes stretched. The man went from sharing a few details of his family to inviting her to meet them? And wait, he has a niece too? “You want to introduce me to your family?”

  “For reasons I can’t explain, I do.”

  Excitement stirred over the mystery of his words. She turned to face him. He looked down at her with the most sincerity she’d seen that day. This was a genuine offer and she knew the only offer he’s made to a woman in quite some time. Laying her head against his chest and holding on to him, she couldn’t keep the smile from her voice. Her heartbeat slowed. “I’d love to go with you, Nolen. I wish I could do the same. Take you to meet my family.”

  He rubbed her back. “I’ve already met them—Portia and Trish.” Sydney smiled. “Yes, you have. I think Trish likes your friend.” Nolen stiffened. He gently pushed Sydney out of his arms to look into her face. “What?”

  “Did I say something wrong?”

  “What do you mean, she likes him?”

  “He asked her to paint for him, and Portia said Trish was pouting when she came home after the session.

  If I know Trish, that means she likes him and will push him away. I hope he sees through her defenses and really gets through to her,” Sydney said.

  His face drained of color, but he didn’t explain why.

  “Nolen, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I’m surprised, that’s all. Todd’s such a bachelor. I’m sure nothing will develop between them, and that’s probably for the best.”

  Sydney brushed her lips over his. “And so were you, remember? Now look at us.” He rubbed her rounded bottom. “You’ve tamed me,” he said in his deep voice.

  “I think we should go to bed now.”

  He laughed, pulling her by the hand. “Me too.”

  Todd rolled on top of her, pinning her to the cushions. Trish allowed him to kiss her neck softly. Feeling his hands slide down her curves, she looked up at the stars. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she heard him say how beautiful she was. She closed her eyes again and tried to settle the deep sadness she felt from his touch.

  Todd raised his head. “Are you ok?”

  She looked up at him and nodded.

  “Then how about I hold you instead?”

  She smiled in relief. “That would be nice.”

  As Todd moved off her and pulled her gently to his chest, she wrapped her arms around him, snuggling against him.

  He closed his eyes. “Will you stay the night?”

  “I’d like to,” she said softly.

  “I’d like that too,” he said.

  Portia opened the door. “I didn’t think you’d come.”

  Ricky walked inside, looking around. “You said she was here.” Portia closed the door. He headed to Sydney’s room. When he came back out, she said, “I’m sorry, Ricky, but she’s gone to him.”

  “What do you mean, gone to him?”

  “She said she’s in love with him.”

  Ricky shook his head. “That can’t be right. Sydney is smarter than that.” Portia touched his face.

  Ricky moved her hand away and headed to the door. “I need to find her.” She grabbed his arm. “Then what? What can you possibly do? The man has more money than God.

  Hell, he’s paying for her to star in that Broadway show.”

  “Sydney wouldn’t be with him for that reason.”

  “She doesn’t know any better. He has her thinking it’s all her doing. She’s really gone! She’s sleeping with him, Ricky.”

  Ricky looked at Portia, and she could see that he was stung by her version of the truth. “How could this happen?” he asked.

  Portia ran her hand across his chest. “I wish I could tell you, but I have no idea. This town eats you up.

  She’s lost to you, but I’m here.” She smiled sweetly and slid her hand down his chest to his groin.

  He grabbed her hand. “Portia, what are you doing?”

  “Let me show you what it’s like to be loved by a real woman,” she cooed at him, lowering herself to her knees.

  Ricky reached to pull her back up, but she had already unzipped his jeans.

  The night ended with Nolen holding her. He wanted her, but they never progressed that far. The day had worn his love out. Sydney collapsed in his arms. He had desperately wanted to share what he felt. She shifted in his arms, sliding her hand across his chest. “You can’t sleep?” Sydney asked in a hoarse whisper.

  “I’m fine. You get some rest.”

  Lifting her head, she looked at him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Just thinking about us, how happy you’ve made me in the last seven hours,” he replied, running his hand down the small of her back under the sheet.

  “Show me,” she whispered back.

  Grateful that she didn’t question him further, he gripped her hips as she eased over him and straddled him. Before long his body responded. Her soft delicate hands went down his chest warming him, and she slowly rocked her hips to rub her heated center along his semi-erect cock. He slowed the movements of her hips by gripping her hips tighter. She understood the need burning through him and under a cloud of hair that fell over her brow and shadowed her face; she lifted her hips and rose from his lap. Nolen reached to his left and got a condom, which was taken from his hand.

  “Let me do the honors.” She said.

  Nolen placed his hands behind his head. Sydney released the rubber from the foil and expertly smoothed it over the cap of his cock and rolled it down his shaft. It only stretched a little over half the way down. She stared at his dick in wonder.

  “You didn’t believe the myth did you?” he joked.

  “That white men had small penises?” she laughed.

  Nolen wiggled his
brows.

  She laughed more. He loved her laughter. It was like music, light and filled with such beauty. He gazed up at her in wonder. Her skin one even shade of brown as if God himself had taken a pot of warm honey and poured it over her. And her hair once groomed was very stylish, but unleashed it remained thick and exotic, making him want to grab fistfuls of it.

  She licked her lips. A habit he noticed of hers during sex, when she was excited. He moistened his as well when she took his cock in her hand and positioned herself to receive him. All the blood in his body rushed to his cock-head and his breathing became stiff and awkward as he braced for warm, tightness. She eased down slow, and her inner muscles quivered around his shaft as she stretched and accommodated him. Her mouth gaped and her eyelids fluttered, until she took all of him.

  Both of them let out a deep exhale. Sydney pressed a hand to his chest and the other behind her to his thigh as she worked her hips back and forth, then in circular motions. The muscles in his chest coiled to an unbearable knot. He moved beneath her with short, quick, jerking upward thrusts. With his free hand on her hip to keep her steady, he worked the other up to her breast. He pinched her nipple hard. She pumped her hips faster, dropping her head backward to reveal the lovely slender length of her neck.

  He could stand no more.

  Nolen flipped her on the mattress, while she still moved and his cock remained buried deep. She raked her nails down his back and he felt the sting of several scratches. He liked it. One lover his ass, she was no novice at this. She was killing him softly.

  Nolen smothered her mouth with a kiss as he pumped his hips and drove himself in and out of her clenching channel. Her breath, both bitter and sweet, tempted him to go the distance. He’d hungered for this pussy all day. He’d been patient through the night. Now she was his, but when he bit her bottom lip more than once she denied him more of her kiss. Sydney responded by turning her head, and sucking down needed air as she worked her body beneath him.

  “You’re so tasty. Do you know that?” he asked, biting her cheek, then her neck even harder.

  “Owe Nolen, not so hard.”

  “I’m sorry babe, so sorry, I can’t control myself.”