by Zuri Day
“She’s not kidding about the dancing,” Julian said. “My girl’s a professional dancer. Nicki Long. She was on Broadway before the injury sidelined her.”
“For real?”
“A Hair’s Tale,” Nicki said.
“The lead’s best friend.” The director pointed at her and held out his hand. “That’s where I’ve seen you before. Ngo Xhe,” he introduced himself, pronouncing it “In. Go. Che.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Ngo.” She returned the enthusiastic handshake. “You’ve been to the show?”
Ngo shook his head. “I want to. Saw a clip of the show online. I think you guys were on a morning show?”
“Yes, we danced a piece on there.”
“You should give me your information. We’re fielding a lot of offers across the country from people interested in sponsoring the show. Who knows? We might end up on Broadway.”
“Most definitely! I could totally see this show as a hit.”
Nicki exchanged information with the young director. There was something about what he’d done that spoke to Nicki and touched her heart in a way she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Maybe even since she was a child and first fell in love with dancing. Cast or no, she felt that she could float out of the auditorium and dance to the car.
A half hour later, Nicki and Julian returned to their suite. Tired yet exhilarated after the whirlwind day, she hopped over to the bed and fell back on it.
“Julian!”
“Yes, baby.”
“Get over here.”
He walked over and sat on the bed, reached down and untied his shoes before crawling on the bed beside her. “Yes, my love.”
“Have I told you lately that I love you?”
“I don’t remember hearing that lately, no.”
“Well, I do. You are amazing. I don’t know how you pulled this trip together so quickly, but I can’t thank you enough. I’ve never had an experience like this in my entire life. You made me feel like a princess in a fairy tale.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled his lips toward hers. “Thank you.” The first kiss was light, wispy, cushy lips brushing against each other like a whispered promise. Nicki felt Julian press harder, as if he wanted to devour her sweetness. She totally understood and wanted to eat him up, too. They hadn’t made love since returning from New York. But she refused to rush the moment. She pulled away from his mouth to lick his ears and nuzzle his neck. She felt him relax, imagined his practiced restraint. He’d gotten the message to follow her lead. Good. Just what she wanted.
Nicki slid her tongue between his parted lips and reached for his belt. He lowered the zipper on the front of her jumpsuit, obviously fine with the direction she headed. She felt a hardening against her thigh. Every part of him was on board. She reached inside his boxers and wrapped cool fingers around a hot, hardening shaft. His hand slid over and beneath the fabric of an OTB original. Tweaked one nipple with his thumb and forefinger while lapping the other with his tongue. Nicki moaned as his hand slid farther down. Felt the love in his touch. The want in his tongue. She wanted it, too. Wanted it now. Wanted to feel his naked goodness against her skin. Thigh to thigh. Chest to breast. Totally connected.
She sat up to undress.
“Here, let me get that for you.” Julian kissed her shoulders and the nape of her neck as he eased the jumpsuit away. Continued the oral onslaught as he sought and found the clasp of her bra and loosened that, too. Always a multitasker, the doctor. One of many things that Nicki loved about him.
Once the material was off her shoulders, she lifted her hips. Julian eased the pants down her long, toned legs, ever careful of her ankle as he slid the silky material from even softer skin. His eyes smoldered as he took in dark chocolate nipples that complemented golden tones of caramel skin. He pulled off his shirt and undershirt. Slid off the bed to remove his trousers. His eyes were locked with Nicki’s as though mesmerized. She felt powerful. Sexy. Decadent. Rubbed her hand over the single piece of material that remained on her body. Spread her legs to boldly display what the thong barely hid. His eyes narrowed. Trousers dropped. Boxers followed. His weighty dick swayed gently as he placed a knee on the bed.
“Stop right there, Doctor.”
Nicki’s moves were graceful, seductive, as she shifted to her knees, bandaged ankle in the air as she crawled toward him. Her eyes dropped from his to the tip of the erection that bobbed its greeting. She licked her lips. Kissed it. Flicked her tongue over the tip. Wrapped her fingers around his long, thick tool. Caressed it lovingly with her fingers. With her tongue. Swirling. Licking. Long wet brushes from base to tip. Grazes of teeth against sensitive skin before lovingly taking him all the way in. He inhaled sharply, began to roll his hips. She felt hands on her butt. Fondling her starfish, making her wet.
“Baby.” The word came out on a gush of wind, a gasp when she licked his jewels.
Nicki smiled and turned around. Swayed her butt to tempt a man who didn’t need tempting. With the intensity of a soldier directing a heat-seeking missile, she felt Julian ease himself inside her. Slowly, creating delicious friction, pulling out to the tip and plunging in again. He set up a rhythm. She joined in the dance. Julian thrust and stroked again and again. Deeper. Harder. Faster. More. Nicki’s body quivered. She went over the edge. Weak legs could no longer hold her. She plopped on her stomach. He followed her down and turned her over. Nicki might have been finished, but Julian was just getting started. He eased his tongue deep into her mouth. Slid his dick in deeply, too. Made love thoughtfully and thoroughly, skillfully, like he did everything else. She remembered his words from earlier, of making new memories. That happened seconds later, as he gave Nicki an orgasm she’d not soon forget.
“Baby, that was amazing.”
With one last quick kiss, Nicki turned on her side, scooted back until her body was flush against Julian’s and pulled his arm around her waist so they could spoon. She sighed, content in every possible way. Aware of the blessing in this moment. Wonderful afternoon. Fantastic evening. Amazing night. A man who wasn’t perfect but who was perfect for her. And as if all that had happened wasn’t reason enough to celebrate, there’d been no call or text from Vince. Life was one big hallelujah!
When she’d woke up that morning she’d been sure about returning to New York next week. It had always been home. Was all that she knew. Even being in Los Angeles for her best day ever, she really couldn’t see herself living there. But as she heard the steady sound of Julian’s deep breathing, signaling sleep, she realized her hard stance toward relocating had softened a bit. She wasn’t ready to give notice to her landlord or tear up her MTA card. She knew it would be hard for her to live anywhere but New York. But she knew something else—a woman was allowed to change her mind.
Chapter 18
Julian had a part two planned for his getaway with Nicki, and he’d hoped to have more time off. But an emergency appointment wouldn’t allow it. Interrupted his plans. The next morning, after enjoying extra helpings of breakfast and booty in bed, he and Nicki were driven back to the airport. The company plane had been flown back the previous night, so Julian and Nicki boarded the first-class section of a commercial plane just after ten o’clock.
“It’s okay, Katie. One o’clock is fine. Right, we’re boarding now. I should be in the office around noon. What’s after the one o’clock?” He stepped back so that Nicki could take the window seat in the second row, then sat down beside her. “No, thanks,” he said to the flight attendant eager to serve him. “Not you, Katie. I was talking to the attendant. Okay, so have her come in at three thirty. Right, I know. That’s okay. I’d rather he be allowed to keep his appointment. One o’clock, three thirty and five. Got it. See you soon.”
Julian buckled his seat belt, leaned against the seat and closed his eyes.
“Tired much?” Nic
ki teased.
“Meditating.”
“Yeah, right. I should let you catch some sleep. Sounds like your day will be busy.”
“A little bit,” Julian said through a yawn. “But seeing you happy was worth the loss of sleep.”
“I owe you one for sure.”
“I plan to collect.” Julian repositioned himself so that he could rest his head on Nicki’s shoulder. “Don’t forget about my mom.”
“What about her?”
“You’re meeting her for lunch.”
“I am?”
He nodded, squeezed her thigh. “She called earlier to reschedule your meeting. I forgot to tell you.”
“Are you sure? She said she’d call me.”
“She knew you’d be in Los Angeles.”
“How long had you planned this?”
“It all happened yesterday. I booked the plane and Dad or someone at the company must have told her. Anyway, you’re to meet her at the club at twelve thirty. I’ll have the car service pick you up at twelve fifteen. Cool?”
“Sure.”
The plane began taxiing down the runway. “Okay, pull that shade, babe. Time to catch forty winks while I can.”
Forty winks was all he needed. Shortly before landing, Julian made good use of the hot towels the attendant gave them, along with a cup of strong black joe. He’d planned the trip to Los Angeles all for Nicki, but it had been good for him, too. The laughter. The loving. Nicki’s love did that. Was just that powerful. Most women had no idea of their power, of just how completely they could rule a man. He was sure Nicki didn’t. Which was probably a good thing. Because the girl had the ability to rock his world. And had.
Upon landing they both took their phones off airplane mode. Indicators dinged and beeped. Julian scrolled through to see what messages he’d missed. Nicki did, too, but only briefly before pulling out her compact and checking her face.
“You’re still beautiful,” Julian said, not looking up. “Nothing’s changed since we left the Ritz.”
Nicki kissed his cheek. “You’re good for my ego. Think I’ll keep you around.”
“Is your ego all I’m good for?”
“Not at all. You’re a man with many talented weapons. Your mouth is only one of them.”
They landed in Oakland. A uniformed driver from the car service stood near the escalator, holding an iPad with “Drake” across the screen. They’d not checked baggage, and airport traffic was light. Within minutes they were settled into a town car’s roomy back seat, headed for PC.
Julian pulled out his iPhone and began responding to emails. Nicki rested her head against the seat back and gazed out the window. As they neared Paradise Cove, Julian looked over and was surprised to see a slight frown marring Nicki’s brow.
“Babe?” She looked over. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Why were you frowning?”
“When?”
“Just now.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize. Just tired, I guess.”
The comment made him smile. “Good loving will do that to you.” He reached for her hand. “Hey.”
“Yes, love.”
“The driver is going to drop me off at the airport to pick up my car. This car can stay with you to drive around PC. All right?”
Nicki looked at her watch. “Sure, that’ll be fine. You said lunch is at twelve thirty?” Julian nodded. “Should I wear the OTB mini? Or is that too risqué for the country club’s noonday crowd?”
“Depending on who’s looking, anything you wear could be considered risqué. You could wear a paper bag and still be sexy.”
“Thank you for loving me.”
“Easy to do.”
They reached the private landing strip, and after a quick kiss, Julian hopped out and headed directly to his car. He’d kept a calm facade for Nicki’s benefit but now couldn’t wait to get to his office. Katie had texted that there was a situation involving Claude Johnson—or Dr. Demented, as she liked to call him. He’d chastised her appropriately. Said they were above name-calling. But intuition suggested that whatever awaited him from the doctor would not be good.
* * *
Nicki entered the country club just after twelve thirty and hobbled over to the host stand as quickly as the crutches allowed. She’d been told about Jennifer’s punctuality and had rushed to get there. Considering the challenges of being injured, and the reason for the frown Julian caught on her face, she was glad to have pulled it together and arrived when she did.
“I’m here for lunch with Mrs. Drake.”
“Of course, Ms. Long. One moment and the maître d’ will escort you back.”
On cue, a handsome older gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair and lively blue eyes appeared at her side, assisted her down the hallway and formally announced her once he’d opened the door to one of the smaller private dining rooms.
“Mrs. Drake, I present your guest, Ms. Long. First courses will arrive shortly.”
Jennifer rose gracefully from the chair and walked toward her, arms outstretched. Or floated, Nicki decided, would be a better word. She looked like elegance personified in an ivory pantsuit paired with a navy knit shell and pearl accessories. Nicki was glad she’d changed her mind about wearing the mini and had instead donned a gold, poncho-styled sweaterdress.
“Nicki, darling. Love that dress. You look amazing.”
“Thanks, Jennifer.”
They shared a brief embrace and walked back to the table set for two.
“Isn’t that from Ace’s collection?”
“Yes, an original from their fall line. Julian arranged for us to go by their warehouse in LA.”
“What a smart and thoughtful move. Especially if he brought me something back. Did he?”
Nicki play cringed. “I don’t think so.”
“Then I’m afraid there’s still some home training to do.” Said derisively but with eyes that sparkled with laughter.
“You’ve raised an amazing son.”
“He is so very special. Thank you, but honestly, Ike and I can’t take all the credit. A lot of what the world sees is Julian being Julian, guided by an inner, almost old-soul knowledge and sensitivity. I’m honored to be his mom.”
“I know I was late, by the way. Sorry for that.”
“Ah, so you’ve been warned.” Jennifer waved off the comment. “No worries. I completely understand. It must be difficult to navigate the world on crutches.”
“I have a whole new appreciation for the disabled. My ankle will be healed in weeks. Can’t imagine it being a way of life.”
“It is always good to be thankful.”
The waiter arrived with warm bread, butter and jams. The ladies shared small talk, mostly on Nicki’s ankle and how soon it would heal.
“I never welcome misfortune,” Jennifer continued, breaking her bread into bite-size pieces before buttering each individually and placing it daintily in her mouth. “But I must say it’s delightful to have you here, and a part of me is hoping you’ll stay.”
Nicki felt that was a perfect time to eat bread herself. With a mouthful, she couldn’t respond.
“I know the chances are quite slim. Yours is a talent that belongs on Broadway. What I’m hoping, however, is that while you’re here, you could help me plan a new component for the community center involving the arts. Specifically music, theater and dance. Unfortunately, the arts have been cut from the budgets of most public schools. I believe they’re as important as math or science, maybe more so depending on the child.”
“I agree. It’s how I honed my craft in those early years and cemented my desire to become a professional dancer. Mom certainly wasn’t able to afford private lessons. Those offered through the public school I attended probably h
elped save my life.”
“How so?”
“Kept me off the street, busy, focused. Couldn’t dance and be pregnant, so kept me sensible there as well. I think your idea is an excellent one, and I’d be happy to help. Can you share more?”
“The position I have in mind for you is that of artistic director.”
Jennifer continued, and for the next hour she and Nicki shared their love of the arts, teaching children and creating dreams. By the time dessert arrived, Nicki had agreed to create a dance curriculum, and while making it clear her goal was to return to Broadway, she did agree to give the AD position some thought. She also promised to stay in Paradise Cove for the duration of her rehabilitation. With Vince and the threatening texts resurfacing, proving to be as hard to shake as the common cold in a New York winter, being on the other side of the country once again seemed like a good idea.
Chapter 19
Julian walked his last patient to the door. “All right, Frank. Good work today.”
“Doctor, I can’t thank you enough for finally agreeing to see me. I know you wanted me to stay with Johnson. But I tell you something—” The middle-aged man turned around, his eyes shiny with tears. “I feel better with you after one hour than I did with him in ten years.”
“I wouldn’t discount the work that’s been put in to make you better. Often results aren’t seen overnight. That being said, your focus should be on the present. Feeling better today. Maintaining a positive outlook today. Where’s your journal?”
“Oh, I forgot it in your office.”
“Wait right there.” Julian went back and retrieved the journal the persistent Frank Snyder had selected, a black faux-leather design with bold white letters stenciled across it: Strive for Progress, not Perfection. “Here you go, Frank. See you next week.”
Julian shut the door behind Frank and enjoyed a deep stretch. The day had been long but productive. He was especially pleased with the last appointment. For months he’d declined to treat Frank Snyder, one of the many patients formerly treated by Dr. Claude Johnson who’d practically run to his office and demanded he take them. Actions that undoubtedly led to what had awaited Julian back at the office—a cease and desist letter from Johnson’s attorney.
