by D. Camille
Sage turned and answered the door.
“The Sun God is here!” Ray boomed as he came through the door. He grabbed Sage in a big bear hug. “Congratulations Baby Goddess. I'm so proud of you girl!”
Sitting her down on her feet he now noticed Lily standing next to Sean.
“Well...well...well. If I had known little beauties like this came with this apartment I might have rented one myself,” he said walking over to Lily.
He took Lily's hand “Beautiful goddess you must bless me with your name.”
Lily was amazed at Ray. “It's Lily.”
“Hmmm...as beautiful as the woman herself. Lily...a delicate flower from the valleys of the earth.”
Lily smiled. “Thank you and you are?” she quirked a brow.
Ray slid her a sexy smile. “I am Ray. The Sun God.” He winked at her.
Lily removed her hand and glanced over at Sage. Sage shook her head.
“Lily this is my brother Ray who just so eloquently introduced himself. Ray this is my friend Lily from college,” she relayed. “And Ray I know that you know Sean.”
Sean who had been standing by watching Ray's performance now nodded at Ray.
“What's up Ray?”
“I'm cool Sean. You here to help out?” Ray asked.
“Yes. I am,” Sean replied.
Ray winked. “I'll leave the light stuff for you,” he said as the movers arrived.
“And I’ll leave the tip,” Sean replied.
The two men looked at each other. “Ray, why don't you show the movers how to get everything up here?” Sage suggested.
With one last look at Lily he made his way outside.
Over the next three hours Sage, Sean, Ray and Lily were able to get Sage's new apartment organized and livable. Sage had noticed that Sean's interest in Lily had waned as Ray continued to shower her with his attention. Soon Sean announced to Sage that he was taking off and she walked over to give him a slight hug.
“Thank you so much Sean. I really appreciate your help. I'm beginning to think I can't get anything done without you,” she teased.
Sean smiled down at her. “It's my pleasure. Let me know if you need anything else.”
He glanced over at Lily then walked over to where she was standing. “Again it was a pleasure meeting you Lily,” he extended his hand.
She touched her hand to his. “You too Sean.”
“Ray,” Sean said heading out the door.
“Sean,” Ray responded.
Ray announced that he too was taking off.
“Baby Goddess, make sure you lock the door and turn on the alarm. And check the windows before you go to bed,” he instructed.
“Yes Ray. I'll be fine,” she assured him.
He nodded and turned to Lily. “You have certainly been the bright spot of my day today beautiful Lily. Possibly the universe will provide a way to be in your presence again,” he said smiling at her.
“It was nice meeting you Ray as well,” Lily responded.
Ray nodded and headed out the door. “Lock the doors Sage!” he yelled from the other side.
“Okay!” she yelled back as she bolted the door.
She turned to her friend laughing. “The Gods! I am sooooo happy to have my own place!”
Both women plopped down on her sofa.
Lily put her face in her hand and rested her elbow on the back of the sofa as she turned to Sage.
“First question,” she said, “Is Sean the guy you're in love with?”
Shocked, sage replied. “I'm not in love; and no, Sean's not my guy.”
“But there is a guy?”
“There was,” Sage said softly.
“Okay, spill it girlfriend,” Lily demanded. “Who put that sadness in those big brown eyes?”
Sage looked down at her lap. “His name is Jordan.” Just saying his name brought chills to her body.
She cleared her throat. “Jordan Black. He is a close friend of Ray's and works with Sean.”
Lily was shocked. Although she had never met him in person before today, she'd heard many stories of Sage's brother and his tendency to be super overprotective of Sage.
“Your brother let you date his friend?”
Sage rolled her eyes. “Jordan really didn't give him a choice.”
“Damn. I gotta meet this brother,” Lily said impressed. She also knew that Sage's brother was like a contract killer or something, nobody really knew for sure, and that he could get real crazy, real quick.
“So tell me about this Jordan, and why just saying his name sends you into a tailspin.”
Lily and Sage had spent everyday day together during college and had stayed close friends afterward even though each was traveling the world trying to live their dreams, so Lily knew Sage very well.
Sage looked over at her friend. “Jordan is beautiful, incredible, smart, strong, controlling and a liar,” she finished.
“Wow the list started out so well,” Lily joked then sobered at Sage's look. “What did he do?”
Sage looked out of her new window. “He told me he loved me and he didn't mean it.”
“Did you want him to mean it?” Lily asked softly.
Sage turned back to her friend and answered truthfully. “I think I did Lily. I really did.”
Chapter 12
The night of the Gala, Sage dressed with extra care. The look she was going for was what she and Lily had termed “Bad As Hell”. She'd chosen a white Grecian Collar halter style dress that accentuated her breasts and left them exposed just enough. The cinched waist showed her perfect hour glass shape. The long split showed her beautifully waxed legs. She added a new pedicure with stiletto heels. She wore very little jewelry not wanting to detract from the beauty of the dress.
Her piece de resistance was her hair. She had twisted the front of her hair into goddess twists to the crown of her head then she'd let the rest fall and cascade down her back in falling waves. She'd gone a little heavier on the makeup tonight using the eyeliner to create a seductive slant to her eyes. Additional mascara made her brown eyes seems brighter and on her full lips, bright red lipstick. Her lips looked like a ripe strawberry. She sprayed herself with a good dose of perfume and she was ready. She looked at herself in the mirror and remembered Lily's words, “show Jordan what he missed.”
“Sage. Jordan is here,” Ray yelled up the stairs.
She'd decided to get ready at Ray's house instead of her apartment since it was a closer distance to the venue. Plus she didn't want Jordan to come to her apartment and leave images of him being there in her mind. Right now her place was Jordan free and she'd keep it that way.
She'd been surprised that when she told Ray that she and Jordan were no longer a couple he'd handled it amazingly well. Maybe he was growing? He didn't seem surprised either when she'd told him she was attending the Gala with Jordan. He hadn't even inquired as to why she was dressing at his house instead of her own place.
Sage headed down the stairs and saw Jordan at the landing waiting for her. Those penetrating dark eyes pinned her gaze and she felt that familiar warmth. When she reached the landing Jordan held out his hand and she placed her hand in his.
“Hi Sage.”
“Hi Jordan.”
She looked over to Ray.
“I'll see you later Sun God,” she said.
“You look beautiful Baby Goddess,” Ray told her.
“Thank you,” she said smiling then turned to leave with Jordan.
Jordan walked her out to the waiting car. Once inside she settled on one side with him on the other. She took the time to take in all that he was. He wore a triple black tuxedo with a large sparkling watch. His hair and beard were cut to perfection. And his cologne… it always made her inhale deeply just to soak it up.
He was very quietly looking out the window.
“Are we picking up your date?” she asked.
He didn't turn. “No. She's meeting me there.”
“Oh,” Sage said softly.
/> What was she going to do when they got there? Would Jordan just dump her and go off with his date? She knew he couldn't babysit her all night. Sage took a deep breath. She had to focus on promoting the gallery. This is why she was here.
In silence they arrived at the venue. After two raps on the hood Jordan reached for the door. He got out and reached back to help Sage. Out of the car Sage took in the scene. Beautiful, rich people were everywhere it seemed. Expensive cars and limousines were all in a line. Jordan offered his arm and she hooked hers around it. Sage didn't really care for crowds. They made her feel claustrophobic. She squeezed Jordan's arm a little tighter and if he noticed he didn't acknowledge it.
Inside the event there was exquisite art and photography everywhere. Jordan led her through the throng while people greeted him along the way. Each time, he would stop and introduce Sage and mention her gallery. Sage lost track of how many people they'd spoken with who had expressed an interest in attending her Grand Opening. Finally they came upon the Director of the Art Museum. He was a short little balding man with spectacles.
“Jordan!” he boomed shaking his hand. “So glad you could make it. You know without your generous donations we couldn't provide half of the features of the museum.”
“Ralph. It's good to see you again and thank you. It's my pleasure to support the museum.” He turned to Sage. “This is Sage Parker. Sage is an award winning photographer who is opening her own gallery in the Black Diamond building. Sage this is Ralph Benson, the Director of the Art Museum.”
Ralph looked over at her. “Sage Parker? The Sage Parker with the outstanding collection of African photography?” he inquired.
Sage looked surprised. “You've seen my work?”
“I wouldn't be very good at my job if I wasn't familiar with award winning photography.” he relayed.
“Please pardon my saying, but you look more like you should be on the other side of the camera. You are absolutely stunning.”
Sage smiled. “Thank you Mr. Benson. That's very kind of you.”
“You must send us the information of your opening so that we can distribute it to all of our members,” he offered.
“Oh my, Mr. Benson that would be amazing!” she said stunned.
“Please call me Ralph and it would be my pleasure. We're fortunate to have someone of your caliber opening a gallery in our area.” He turned to Jordan.
“Jordan thank you for bringing this jewel to us,” he said gushing.
Jordan placed his hand in his pocket. “My pleasure Ralph.”
“Well I'll let you two continue to mingle,” Ralph said excusing himself.
When he walked away Sage turned to Jordan and threw her arms around. “Thank you Jordan. Thank you so much.” She squeezed him tightly and then moved back.
“You don't have to thank me Sage.” His gaze connected with hers and she was back in the airport seeing the most handsome man she'd ever seen. But now she knew what he felt like and what he tasted like. She knew what he looked like underneath that shirt and jacket. She knew how hard his thighs were when she sat on them. She knew how gentle he could be and how he could kiss her softly or deeply with passion.
“Jordan! Here you are. I've been looking all over for you!” The woman's voice brought Sage out of her memories. She turned to the sound of the velvety voice. Apparently Sage hadn't been the only one going for the ‘Bad As Hell' look tonight. This woman was flawless. She was mix between Beyoncé and Michelle Obama. She was beautiful, polished and regal. She seemed to be closer to Jordan's age and apparently just as wealthy. She was everything that Sage was not.
“Isabelle.” Jordan's smooth voice caressed her name. He embraced the beautiful woman and she kissed his cheek.
He stepped back. “Isabelle this is Sage Parker. Sage this is Isabelle Martin,” he said introducing the two women.
Sage found her voice as her heart sank. “Nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Isabelle returned. “Do you mind if I steal Jordan away? There are so many people asking to see him.”
Sage stole a look at Jordan. “No...no...not at all. Jordan has done enough for me tonight.”
Before leaving Jordan touched her elbow, “Mingle and have a good time,” he said before walking away with Isabelle all over him. She whispered something in his ear and he laughed; a slow, sexy laugh.
Sage turned and went in search of...of what? She didn't know where she was or anyone here except Jordan and he was off with his date. She walked around until she came across a door that led to an outdoor patio. Stepping outside she admired the night scenery. Sage placed a hand on her abdomen. She felt sick inside.
Taking a deep breath she told herself to get it together. Jordan had told her he had a date. Why was she tripping? Would he go home with her tonight she wondered? ould she go to his place? Would they share physical love? Had they before? Sage sighed.
How could he do this, just weeks after he’d professed his love to her?
She went back inside determined to stay focused on her business. In another room there was food and dancing. She spotted Jordan on the dance floor with his date. He held her loosely in his arms as she gazed up at him in adoration. He smiled down at her and she blushed. Sage needed something for her stomach as the sickness threatened to come up. She ordered a ginger ale at the bar and stood gazing down into the sparkling golden beverage.
Meanwhile on the dance floor Jordan was chomping at the bit to get to Sage.
“Jordan, will you relax? Your plan is never going to work if you just try to bulldoze her,” Isabelle admonished. “Let it play out.”
“I know Izzy. I’ve just never felt this way before and if this doesn’t work, I don’t what I’ll resort to,” Jordan said still scanning the room for Sage.
“Well I certainly see why you fell for her. She’s incredibly beautiful and wearing the hell out of that dress.” She laughed.
Jordan moved Izzy to side as they danced. “Don’t even remind me. I just want to take her and carry her away,” he growled.
“Well from what you’ve told me about her, that’s the last thing she wants you to do and she wouldn't let you anyway.” Izzy looked up at him. “You’re a great guy Jordan. If she’s the one, she’ll come around.”
Jordan smiled down at her.
“Is that what you’ve told yourself about Sean?” he asked.
Izzy blushed. “See now you just need to mind your own business,” she said softly.
Finally Sage thought she'd been here long enough. She'd already gained more than she ever dreamed of. She would find Jordan and tell him that she was ready to leave. She could call a cab if he didn't want her to take the car. When she looked up to locate him, he was at her side.
“Oh, Jordan. I was just about to look for you.”
“Here I am,” he replied smoothly.
She looked at him. “I...I...I think I'm going to leave now. I'm not feeling too well and I've accomplished more than I ever imagined thanks to you. I don't know how to repay you.”
Jordan caught her gaze. “Dance with me.”
“I'm sorry?” she said confused.
“If you want to repay me, I'd like for you to dance with me.”
Sage stepped back. I... I was going to leave now.”
He stepped forward. “One dance? For old times’ sake?”
“Where's your date?” she asked looking around for the beauty.
“She's dancing already.” He held out his hand to her.
Sage looked up at him. Then on its own volition her hand found his.
Jordan led her to the dance floor. He turned and placed his hand on her waist. She placed hers on his shoulder. She didn't dare look into his eyes. The band was playing all instrumentals tonight and as she listened to the notes being played she recognized Maxwell's For Lover's Only. This was the same song that she and Jordan had first danced to at the night club! Her eyes flew to his but he just kept dancing as if it sparked no memory for him.
It felt so good to be c
lose to Jordan again. She felt like this is where she belonged. Nowhere else did she feel this way. She lowered her head to his shoulder then as they moved to the slow melody she lifted her hand to his hairline and began to gently stroke his neck. She loved the way both his hair and skin felt. Touching his skin reminded her of when they'd share mind sex. Then she'd been able to touch his body without reservation. She’d felt his strength. She'd breathed in his spirit and it still moved within her.
Sage didn't realize that she had moved closer to Jordan. Now their bodies were touching. Her soft breasts against his hard chest and her soft legs against his hard ones. She turned her face and her lips touched his neck. Soon the song ended and Jordan stepped back, took her hand and led her off the dance floor.
“We can go now,” he announced as they walked through the hall.
“I don't want to take you away from your date,” Sage said next to him.
“It's fine. She has her own ride We're meeting up later.”
We're meeting up later? Sage stumbled and Jordan caught her around the waist.
“Whoa. You alright?”
Sage looked down at the floor. “Yes. Let's go please.”
When they were back in the car they both took their seats on opposite sides. As they drove the driver had music on up front. Sage sat back and listened to the music refusing to look at Jordan. She couldn't. When the first notes of California Love came on she looked toward the driver. As the bass thumping beat played she remembered her first day with Jordan. How she'd been so surprised that he even knew a rap song. How together they had rapped the song together along with others. She took a peek at Jordan. He was staring out the window and if he noticed the song on the radio it meant nothing to him. More music played as they drove on.
Finally the car came to a stop. After the customary two raps on the hood, Jordan reached for the door. He exited and reached back for her. When she stepped out she realized that she wasn't at home. She heard the ocean in the distance.
She looked up at Jordan in question.
He shrugged. “I thought since you weren't feeling too well a trip to the ocean would help you to feel better,” he stated. “It's up to you. I can just take you home if you like.”
