Heart's Choice

by Celeste O. Norfleet

  The shock of his body entering her nearly made her scream then whimper. She leaned forward, obviously stilled by the act. “Are you okay?” he asked with concern.

  The quick pain had startled her, but now the fullness of his penis inside her was incredible. She felt every adoring inch of him. It was amazing. “Jazz, are you okay?” he repeated. She nodded then tightened her inner muscles as he twitched. He felt her. She smiled and began gyrating her hips up and down, in and out.

  She rose up and then down again. Devon held tight to her waist as each motion brought them closer and closer to their climax. She leaned forward. He captured her breast in his mouth. Then his rogue tongue licked at each nipple. The tantalizing torture of his mouth on her and his hardness inside of her was mind-blowing. Each pulsating movement caused another ripple, which caused another thrust, which caused another surge.

  She rode him harder, quicker, penetrating deeper, grinding her core against his hardness. The climax came in a flash of blinding light. She gasped loudly, exploding and trembling as if every nerve ending in her body had erupted. Breathless, she held tight to him. He reached down behind her and grabbed her buttocks, pressing her closer and deeper. Then he rolled over, taking her with him.

  She was beneath him with his hands still on her buttocks. He lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and grabbed his neck and held tight. She was completely suspended off of the bed. With one hand on her rear and the other on the bed, he was making love to her while she was in midair. The impossibility of their position aroused her even more. The friction of his long, luscious strokes against her pushed her closer and closer to the edge.

  She closed her eyes tight as she hovered intimately connected to his body. The fierceness and intensity of their pace quickened. As rapture approached, she held her breath. Each powerful thrust pushed her further and further over the top. Seconds later, she screamed. The blinding orgasm gripped her hard. He thrust into her once more. Every throbbing, quivering inch of her body tensed as she came again. Then, with one final, unrestrained thrust, he went rigid and his body shook as he surrendered his pleasure to her.

  He gently placed her back onto the bed then lay down beside her. She rolled to her side. He slipped behind and cuddled close behind her. “I have to go,” she said dreamingly.

  “No, you have to stay right where you are,” he whispered in her ear. He surprised himself. He’d never insisted that a woman stay with him in his bed all night. But everything about Jazz had broken the rules.

  “Close your eyes and sleep,” he said, but she didn’t. And when she knew he was asleep, she moved to the edge of the bed then looked back and smiled. “Good night,” she whispered then got up and left.

  When she got back to her bedroom at Melanie’s house, she grabbed her cell and called her friend Savannah. She answered quickly. “Hey, I called to tell you that I was just lying next to a hunk of man and the two of us just had hot ’n’ sweaty butt-naked, scream-his-name-over-and-over-again sex.”

  Savannah screamed and laughed riotously. “Everything, tell me everything.”

  “I’ll tell you later. I’m whipped. Goodnight.” She lay back on the pillows and smiled in the darkness. “YES!”

  Chapter 9

  EXTERIOR—BEACH

  Devon sat on his deck’s rail, looking out at the dawn of a new day. The sun had already crept over the horizon and a crispness chilled the morning air. He took a sip of his bottled water then stretched his muscles to prepare for his five-mile run. With most of Sag Harbor still asleep, it was the perfect time of day to run. He stretched his muscles against the wooden rail, preparing and organizing his day, but his thoughts wandered to the night before, to Jazz.

  Thinking about Jazz had now become a habit. She had set a new standard he was certain no other woman could ever reach. She was fun and smart and so very sexy. And even her baggy top and pants couldn’t hide her lusciousness. He had dreamed about making love to her again. He liked seeing her on top of him. He wanted to look into her eyes as they came together. But when he woke up, she was gone.

  He licked his full lips as an easy smile stretched wide. He had really enjoyed their time together. Being with Jazz was better than he imagined. Although she seemed tentative and uncomfortable at first, she soon relaxed and seemed to enjoy herself. She was nothing like he expected, but he liked the contradiction. He expected her to be a Hollywood type. He’d been around enough of them to know their style: high fashion, high drama and high maintenance. But to his surprise Jazz was a thoughtful, funny, intelligent woman. The fact that she was the opposite of everything he thought he knew about her intrigued him.

  When he took her to his bedroom he had no intention of stepping a foot past the threshold. But when she kissed him, all he could think about was how much he wanted her. Every teenage fantasy he’d ever had sprang to life. She’d been part of his fantasy for so long, the reality of actually being with her seemed more dreamlike than ever.

  He walked back through the house and down to the gym, where he headed to the back door that led to the beach. He keyed in the alarm system, exited, and then reactivated the system. After a few more warm-up stretches to get his body ready for his five-mile run, he unlatched the back gate and walked out onto the sand and down to the water’s edge.

  After a few deep breaths, he took off running down the stretch of the beach. He ran at an even pace, keeping his heart rate steady. Then after about twenty minutes, he slowly accelerated to a sprinter’s top speed. His trainer once told him that the sudden burst of energy would shock his system for the miles ahead. After about forty-five minutes of alternating speeds, he turned and headed back down the beach. Moments later he was joined by another early runner. “You’re late,” Devon said.

  “Actually, you’re early,” Vincent responded, touching his two fingers to his neck to gauge his pulse rate as he fell into step with Devon.

  They talked sporadically, mostly about sports and the upcoming seasons. Then they ran at an even pace for about a mile and a half before either spoke again. “So, has Mel sent you out on another date yet?” Vincent asked.

  “Kind of,” Devon said.

  Vincent glanced over to him. “What does ‘kind of’ mean?”

  “I had dinner plans with Melanie last night. She got stuck in the city, but Jazz came.”

  “Jazz? And she showed up?” Vincent asked.

  “Yeah, I invited them both. I wanted to thank Jazz for helping me out of a tight situation at the party the other night.”

  “I presume you’re talking about the teenyboppers on your tail all night.”

  “Yep.”

  “And Jazz helped you out. How’d she do that?”

  “Let’s just say she ran interference for me.”

  “Really? I’m surprised she got involved.”

  Devon glanced over at Vincent, wondering what he meant, but decided not to comment. “Anyway, she came over and we had a nice evening. She’s much different than I expected.”

  “What did you expect?”

  “I’m not even sure anymore,” he said. Vincent shook his head. “She’s never herself. She plays this part for the world to see. I just want to get to know the real Jazz.”

  “And what exactly would you do with the real Jazz?”

  “What do you mean?” Devon asked.

  Vincent slowed, then stopped. He felt his pulse then put his hands on his hips and looked out at the bay. The water was a hazy, murky blue, with ripples of white foam cresting on the shoreline. He took a deep, centering breath then turned to Devon. “Do me a favor,” he began, breathing hard to catch his breath.

  Devon also slowed, stopped and then walked back to where his friend stood. He looked at him with concern. They didn’t usually stop running once they began. “Sure,” Devon said. “What is it? What do you need?”

  “I need you not to hurt her.”

  “What?” Devon asked, expecting Vincent to say something totally different.

  “Jazz,” he said
, breathing hard. “Don’t hurt her.”

  “Hurt her?”

  “Yeah. If you’re looking to have a good time, keep looking.”

  “Whoa, where’s all this coming from?” Devon asked then realized that maybe Vincent and Jazz were more than just friends. “Are you and Jazz together or are you…”

  “No, man, she’s like another sister to me,” Vincent confessed quickly. “I care about her and what happens to her. She’s got nobody now. Brian was there all her life. He was like her guardian. He protected her, sometimes from things he couldn’t even protect himself from. He was messed up bad at times, but he was always there for Jazz.”

  “I heard they were close,” Devin said.

  “Brother and sister close. The media tried to hype it as being something different, but mostly everyone who knew them knew the truth. They adored each other. When he was on top, he watched out for her. When his light faded, she took care of him.”

  “What do you mean, took care of him?”

  “He got paid for everything she did. If she starred in a movie, he was in that same movie. Same with television. She looked out for him. Then when he really started going down, she sent him to rehab. When that didn’t work, she’d take him away with her. They’d stay away for months at a time until he got himself together again.”

  Devon shook his head. “The media always made it sound like they hated each other because of their father.”

  “Frank was a whole other issue, for both of them. Jazz has a strong passion for life, but she’s vulnerable right now. She hasn’t been the luckiest when it comes to the men in her life. So do me a favor. Tread lightly.”

  “First of all, I would never—”

  “Yeah, I know you’d never intentionally hurt anyone. I know that. But it still happens. You’ve been known to leave a trail of broken hearts. And trust me, Jazz can afford to buy her own diamonds, so a consolation prize isn’t going to work.”

  “You make me sound heartless.”

  “Nah, you’re a guy with bank. I get that. Women throw themselves at you. But that only shows how little some women value themselves.”

  “I agree,” Devon said. “But Jazz is different. I care about her, I really do. I didn’t expect to, but I do.”

  “Understandable,” Vincent said, seeing Devon’s sincerity. “She’s had some tough times. Everybody wants a piece of her. In case you haven’t learned yet, she’s strong. But she also has a heart of gold, and I’d hate to see her hurt, albeit unintentionally.”

  “I want to get to know her.”

  “Also understandable. Just know that I’m honor bound to come down hard if you hurt her.”

  “You? Come down hard? In your dreams,” Devon taunted.

  “Please, I know you still wake up with nightmares after I warned you about dating my cousin,” Vincent said as he started running, backward at first. Then he turned, knowing that Devon would soon catch up. He was right. An instant later Devon was right there by his side.

  “First of all, Jessica asked me out. And second, we’re talking about a junior high school Sadie Hawkins dance.”

  “Didn’t matter,” Vincent said.

  “And I would never think about Jess or Ronnie like that.”

  “I’m just saying, I’d have to hurt you.”

  “Oh, and you think you can take me?” Devon joked, amused by Vincent’s threats.

  “See, I was giving you a break, but all bets are off.” As soon as he said the last word, he took off like a flash. Devon laughed heartily and within seconds caught up and even passed him.

  Vincent lagged behind, then somehow found a burst of energy and caught up. They ran side by side, still trash-talking. “Is that all you got, Mr. Football?” Vincent teased, running even faster and cutting Devon off.

  “Mr. Football?” Devon said, bumping Vincent. “Who you calling Mr. Football?” he said, easily taking the lead again.

  “If the helmet fits, wear it,” Vincent called out, closing in on him again.

  “I got your helmet,” Devon said, running past him.

  “Hey, remind me again why they gave you that big fat contract? ’Cause it wasn’t because of your running. Your sister can outrun you,” Vincent yelled over his shoulder.

  “Then she must be beating your butt, too, because I’m barely breaking a sweat over here,” Devon jeered, beside him again.

  “Sweat this,” Vincent said as he bumped Devon, knocking him off balance and into the water.

  Devon splashed hard and then sat up laughing. He watched Vincent continue running, but at a slower pace. “That’s one,” he called out after his friend.

  “Later, Mr. Football,” Vincent said, laughing, and continuing to run down the beach.

  Devon sat a moment longer, seeing Vincent turn and head to Melanie’s back door. He saw someone standing on the deck, but a second later they were gone. His thoughts instantly went to Jazz, but he couldn’t be sure. He stood up and walked back down to the beach to his back door. Once inside, he headed straight to the shower.

  Two hours later, showered and shaved, with thoughts of Jazz still running through his mind, Devon sat at his desk to work. Although training camp wasn’t for another few weeks, his other business ventures kept him extremely busy year-round.

  He’d just read through a major endorsement deal from a recognized vitamin supplement company. The deal was extremely lucrative for all parties concerned, but he just couldn’t get behind it. He decided against it since it would create a conflict of interest with most of his other sponsors. He knew his appeal as an athlete and celebrity was mainly with kids and teens, and he didn’t want to jeopardize that relationship.

  He tossed the proposal aside, mindful that he needed to speak with his attorney. Just as he grabbed the next item, his phone rang. He answered. It was his East Coast assistant, Darcy.

  “Good morning. Ready to get started?” she said brightly in her Boston accent.

  “Good morning,” he replied as he stood and headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. “Yeah, what’s going on this week?”

  “Okay, we just got the testers for the new cologne. Your samples should be delivered today.”

  “What do you think of it?” he asked, knowing that she’d already sampled it.

  “I like it much better than the last scent, and the marketing team said that it tested very well. It’s not as spicy as the last fragrance, and it seems richer and fuller, if that makes any sense.”

  “Sounds good,” Devon said, taking his cup out onto the deck. “I can’t wait to try it.”

  “Okay, also if you approve this new scent and logo design, the ad agency wants to go ahead with the holiday season launch. For that they need you in front of the camera as soon as possible.”

  “When exactly is as soon as possible?” he asked.

  “Now, today, tomorrow, basically,” she said.

  He pressed a few keys on his PDA and connected with his desktop calendar. “Make it the day after tomorrow.”

  “Okay, I’ll set it up. Also, Liam needs you in to reshoot the jean ad. If you can believe this, the marketing people tested the ads with a focus group and apparently you look too sexy.” Devon laughed. “I know, but that’s what they said. They need you to tone it down a bit since we’re marketing primarily to a younger consumer.”

  “Reshoot. How does that fit in my schedule?” he asked.

  “It doesn’t right now. It’s going to be tight. But if you can get into the city day after tomorrow for the fragrance shoot then maybe I can schedule the jeans re-shoot then, too. But I’ll have to make some calls and work it out.”

  “Okay, make it happen,” he instructed, knowing that Darcy was brilliant at what she did. If anyone could rearrange his and everyone else’s schedule, she could. He turned and headed back to the office. “What do I have going on at the end of this week?”

  “You have four must-do personal appearances, two here in the city, one in Texas and one in Florida. They’re contractual obligations with t
he sponsors, so you pretty much have to be there. Do you want to drive down and leave out of LaGuardia or hire a private service?”

  “LaGuardia is fine,” he said, standing in front of the painting Jazz had admired so much the night before. He had considered giving it to her then, but he knew she’d never accept it. So he thought about having another one painted just for her. “Send a car. Have Liam call me this afternoon. I have a couple of projects for him. Do you have anything else for me?” he asked, still thinking about Jazz and the night before.

  “Yeah, one more thing. Trina called to get your new cell number,” Darcy said.

  “Did you give it to her?”

  “Devon, I really like my job. What do you think?”

  He knew better than to even ask. Darcy was never a big fan of Trina’s. She kept quiet about it, but he knew they didn’t care for each other. “Good. She doesn’t get it, understood?”

  “Fine by me. I’ll pass the word along.”

  “Do that. Anything else?”

  “No, not right now. I’ll text you in a few with the updates. Anything you need on this end?” she asked.

  “No. Wait, yes. I need to arrange for a painting.”

  “From your artist friend?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  “I read that he’s opening a new show in a gallery in either TriBeCa or SoHo. I think it’s in two weeks. Either way I’ll arrange for a private showing before it opens.”

  “Excellent. Talk to you later.” He hung up, troubled by the thought that Trina wanted his cell number. Dealing with her was the last thing he needed. He dismissed her request as quickly as she’d dismissed him.

  He focused on work again, but thoughts of Jazz continued. He didn’t know what time she left, just that it was before the storm hit. It was the lightning that woke him. Seconds later the heavy rumble of thunder made him sit up. He reached out for her, but she was gone. An empty feeling settled inside of him. He never liked losing, never got used to it. He got up and looked for her. She’d left and locked the door behind herself. He considered going after her, but he didn’t. He knew she needed her space, and he knew that he’d have plenty of time to see her again. So he let her go.