Toni’s smile broadened. “It’s about damn time. How long has it been?” She tucked hair from her bob behind one ear. “More importantly, who is it,” she inquired before wrapping her lips around her straw.
Regina tilted her head and examined the contents of her sandwich. “His name is Simon.” She spied for Toni’s reaction over the bread. “We met while working on a project for the center.”
Toni swirled the ice in her drink then sat on the edge of her chair wide–eyed. “Wait. Are you talkin’ about Simon Young?” The corners of her mouth jerked along with her dainty round shoulders. “You slept with your brother’s old college roommate?” She held her sides and threw her head back in a laughing fit. “Are you insane? He’s gonna flip.”
“Why?”
“Why? You know why. Simon's like Marc’s main boy. He's the only person who he made sure was at the courthouse for our wedding.” Regina recalled the family’s partial surprise when Marcus and Toni announced their marriage. She was still at college in San Diego when she got the call. Marcus Kent was not the type to do things on the fly, so everyone knew he’d fallen deep for Toni.
“Your brother can barely tolerate the two of us being so close, and you know how overprotective he gets when you’re dating. Now you’re bumping uglies with his best friend? Oh, I can’t wait to see this.” Toni took another sip. “Please, please, tell him when I’m in the room.” The armchair practically swallowed her frame as she fell back into it. Regina’s napkin flying at her only increased her laughter.
“Thanks for the support.” Regina kneaded her thigh. How am I gonna tell Marcus? Toni’s right. He’s not gonna take any of this well.
“Don’t worry,” Toni said, touching her best friend’s knee. “He’ll have to come to grips with it.”
“Maybe not. It was only one time.”
“So, what? You had a one-night stand? That’s not like you.”
Regina shrugged. “Sleeping with him in the first place is not like me.” She rested her arm on the back of the sofa and sighed. “It’s probably better if it is only once.”
Toni straightened in her chair. “Tell me about last night.”
Regina fiddled with her earring. “The sex was pretty amazing. I mean, granted, I haven’t had any in a million years.” She stared at the swirling patterns in the painting on the wall across from her. “But there was something about the way he touched me—how his lips felt on my skin. It was electric. When he whispered my name, it was like he had to have me, not just have sex, but me.”
“I bet he did,” Toni broke through.
Regina cast her friend a side–eye. “Maybe I’m reading too much into it. We were probably just both really horny.”
“Maybe, or maybe there’s more.” Toni leaned forward. “You’ll never know if you end it now.”
“True.”
“Either way, you made an excellent choice to end your dry spell. Simon is fine and smooth.”
Regina bit her nail and mused over the memories of the last time she saw and felt the man that made her so hot. It was less than half a day, but it felt much longer. “Indeed, he is.”
Toni propped her head on her palm and gazed into the air. “I get why you wanted to bed the man. I just hope you practiced safe sex, young lady.” She wagged her finger at Regina.
“I’m glad you find this funny.”
“I do. I really do.” The friends continued to talk and eat. Toni glanced at her watch. “Time to get ready for my next client.”
Regina gathered the remnants of their meal into a bag. “Thanks for listening to me, Toni.”
“Of course. I’m always here for you. Now, I really have to get ready,” Regina obeyed her friend’s gentle prod towards the door, “and don’t worry about Marcus. The two of us can handle any kind of man-fit he has.”
***
Back at home, Regina rubbed her distended belly and suppressed a burp with the back of her hand. Time to get to work. I got bills to pay. The typing commenced. After a while, she scrunched her nose and mouthed the words of the article she wrote based on the email she sent herself. Nice, and there’s still time to have it ready to go live tomorrow.
Her phone vibrated next to her hand. Her heart jumped a little when she read Simon on the screen. She cleared her throat. “Hello?”
“When can I see you again?” His sultry voice drifted into her ear and sent a shiver down her spine.
“I’m not sure.”
“How about tonight?” She pursed her mouth, trying hard not to let him hear how hard he was making it for her to breathe. Droplets of sweat formed at her temples as a rush of heat ran up her neck.
“I can't tonight.” She grabbed the mouse with her trembling fingers and leaned forward to gaze at the computer screen. “I have plans.”
“Unbreakable ones? I can make sure you don't regret it.”
Regina’s nipples hardened and a warm sensation blossomed between her thighs. She wanted nothing more than to have a repeat performance of last night and feel Simon's hands exploring her hot body. Control yourself. "I’m not at your beck and call, Young. I have a life, you know.” Hopefully taking a stern tone will cool things down. “Would you drop everything and come running uptown if I asked?”
“If it meant I could put my head between those thick thighs of yours, yes. Is that an invitation?” His smooth voice sent messages to all the right places. She was going to have to change her panties after this phone call.
Hell yes. Regina put her thumb between her front teeth and bit hard to steady her nerves. “No.”
“Well let me know as soon as there is one. Until then, how about tomorrow night?”
She scanned her calendar with increasing dread at all the colors it hosted. Meetings and interviews spotted her week, and then off to see the parents on the island. I can’t blow them off. I’m not risking the wrath of Adrian Kent for some guy that’s hot between the sheets—no matter how great the sex. Shit! "No to that, Young. The soonest I’m available is Monday.”
“Seriously? Aren't you a freelancer? Can't you move your schedule around?” Regina lifted her eyebrow at the new tension in his tone. Did he really think that she was some accessible booty call? It was time to nip that assumption in the bud.
vYeah, the word free is deceptive. I actually have a tight schedule and commitments." She exaggerated a little. There were a couple of meetings she could reschedule, but like hell was she going to be that weak. "I’ve professional obligations that I can't just toss to the side."
“I wasn't saying that.”
“Yes, you were, but no worries, Young." Stretching her legs in front of her, she shook her foot and waited. He’s gonna have to get the message real quick that I’m not going to be his plaything. "Monday?" She expected a flat rejection. Experience taught her that men didn't take kindly to women not making themselves available. Most wanted an easy lay, something she refused to be.
“Sounds great. How about dinner at my place?”
Hell no. “How about lunch? I’ve dinner plans. I can meet you downtown so it won’t be a hassle for you to get back to work."
“I can do lunch.” The corners of Regina’s mouth twitched. He was apparently not used to women saying no to him. The heavy sigh she heard over the phone gave her pause. “Whatever you want, Regina.” Regret tugged at her heart. Is this what I want? Last night was amazing, and her body was still burning from the thought of his touch.
No, I want him, and he’s exactly who I’m gonna get. She put Simon on speaker phone and opened her text message app.
Regina: Hi Damion. I’m going to need to reschedule our meeting tonight. Is there any way we can meet earlier?
“Do you want anything in particular?” Simon continued.
“Surprise me.”
Damion: Hey, Regina. Sure. I’m free at 5, but I can only give you a half-hour.
Regina: That’s fine. Thanks for understanding.
Damion: np
“Umm, Simon. I just got a cancellation for toni
ght. Today must be a lucky one for you.”
“I guess it is.” His tone perked up. “So, it’s dinner then? Where do you want to go? Like I said, whatever you want.”
The sensation between her thighs stirred again. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. It’s not like she hadn’t been flirted with before. There was a steady stream of men approaching her, but she typically swatted them away like annoying flies to focus on her career. She’d planned to do the same with Simon, but, for some reason, that was not possible. She wanted him there, at that moment, in her bed, and nothing was going to stop her. “Nowhere. Why don’t you come here? Around 9 good?”
“I prefer 8.” The sensual tone returned to his voice; she shifted in her chair. Words on the screen swam in front of her. She silently prayed that he hadn’t heard the small squeak that escaped from her throat. The lust stirring inside her demanded satisfaction.
“I can do 8.” And you. “I’ll see you then.”
“Yes, you will.” Air returned to Regina’s lungs. Her shaky legs carried her to the refrigerator. She patted her face and neck with a cold-water bottle. She returned to her seat in front of the computer and tapped the desk with a pen. It was sheer madness to get involved with Simon. Nothing could come of their relationship—not that what they were doing was one. Dinner and a night of hot sex wasn’t exactly a testimony of undying love, no matter how good the kebabs and orgasms.
Stop making a toss in the sheets more than it is. She gazed at his contact pic in her phone. The only thing Simon’s actions indicated was that he wanted her physically. No obsessing over what might happen. I’m gonna just enjoy the ride—literally.
Chapter 8
Let’s Keep This Between Us
Regina rubbed her glossed lips together and inspected herself in the mirror. The short-sleeved white top contrasted her brown skin and made it shine as did the gold pendant that hung around her neck and rested just above her cleavage, matching the anklets from her friend Hind jingling under her skirt. It’s been a while since I played the seductress role, but I’m pretty sure I can pull it off. Her stomach fluttered at the sound of the doorbell. She raced out of the bathroom and past the steaming hot pots bubbling on the kitchen stove. She looked at herself one more time in the hall mirror and smoothed the front of her skirt just before opening door with a smile.
Simon balanced bags in each hand. His eyes lit. “You look great.”
Regina shifted hers to the floor and pulled at the waist of her skirt. “Thank you.” She rested her hands on his shoulders as he wrapped one arm around her waist and kissed her. The toes of her bare feet curled when his lips covered hers. The kiss began soft but quickly increased in desire. Regina turned her head to break it before the two of them ended up tearing each other’s clothes off in the doorway. "What’s all this?"
"It's dinner." Simon brushed passed her and strode into the apartment. “I figured you might like some Italian.” Placing the bags on the counter, he looked over at the stove. “Oh, you already made dinner?”
“Yeah, I did.” Regina eyed the steaming pots. “It's okay. We can eat what you brought.”
"No, I definitely want what you have for me." Simon smiled mischievously and rested his hand on her behind. "How about I get a reward for bringing all this sustenance?"
"Let me see what you brought first. Then I’ll decide on a reward."
Simon began to take the packages out of the bag, announcing confidently what each one contained: “shrimp parmesan, eggplant parmesan, garlic knots, Greek salad.”
"Impressive. Someone has been paying attention."
"Indeed, I have,” his lips hovering over hers, “and now, for my reward." She grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into her embrace. Their lips met. Hot blood flushed her entire body when he pressed his already hard cock against her leg.
Regina slowly moved backwards, pulling Simon with her until the wall stopped them. She reached down to caress the bulge in his pants. Shivers of pleasure ran through her body as his hand traveled down her back and rested on her bottom. Simon pulled her hips against his groin and crushed his lips harder, deepening the hunger of their kiss. The intensity rattled Regina’s core. She wanted to hear him call her name again, to lose himself to her.
She strained her lips away and peered into his eyes. They gleaned with passion as he stared down at her breast. “Regina.” Her name passed through his lips layered with lust and aspirant need—both of which she was all too willing to satisfy.
A sharp shriek from the ceiling seeped into her consciousness. A burning smell accompanied a billow of smoke bursting from underneath pot lids, creeping up the wall and fanning out over the ceiling.
“Oh, no. The food.” A grey cloud bombarded her as she reached the stove and lifted the lid. It cleared away to reveal tiny dots of black invading the surface of the rice. Scraping the bottom of the pot, a charred layer sticking to it confirmed the futility of even thinking the food she worked so hard to make was salvageable.
“Aww, I’m sorry.” Simon stood behind her and held her hips. “Is all lost?”
“Yeah. I guess we’re eating what you brought.” Regina fanned at the beeping smoke detector with a dish towel until it stilled. She picked up the oven mitts and maneuvered the pot full of now offensive chow at arms distance towards the sink.
“I’ll go wash for dinner.” Simon disappeared down the hallway.
The pot landed with a crash as Regina jumped at the sound of the doorbell. “Who the hell can that be?” She eyed the closed bathroom door before answering the second chime. “Please, don’t be Marcus.” She crept down the hall; dread mounted in the pit of her stomach, and every nerve fired at the touch of the cold doorknob. A sigh escaped her lips at the site of Jeremy’s bright smile.
“Hey, Regina.” His green eyes sparkled behind square glasses. “I’m sorry to bother you, but you left this at the center. He held the crimson crocheted scarf right under her nose. “Everything okay? I smell smoke.” Regina stood on her tiptoes and swayed back and forth to obstruct the sight line of Jeremy’s craning head. Though a harmless enough young man, if Marcus’s acolyte saw Simon, it wouldn’t be long before big brother would be harassing her with questions, and she wasn’t inclined to have her life unfold like a scene out of a 90’s teen melodrama.
“Hi, Jeremy.” Regina stepped into the hallway and pulled the door behind her until it was barely cracked. “Aww, thank you. I was wondering what happened to it. I could’ve sworn I put it in my bag. You didn’t have to come all this way to bring it to me.”
“It’s no problem. I don’t live too far.”
“Don’t you live up in Washington Heights?”
“Right.” Jeremy jammed his hands in his pockets. “I meant you don’t live far—from the center that is. So, I came here to give you this before heading home.” His cheeks were quickly becoming as red as the scarf.
“I really do appreciate that, Jeremy.” Regina looked back at the door, grateful that the inside of the apartment was still.
“What’s that smell?”
“Huh? Oh, I burned dinner.”
“Great. I mean, that’s not great. I’m sorry about your dinner.” Jeremy stared down at his shuffling feet. “I mean, since you burned dinner, why don’t we go get somethin’ to eat?”
A sound came from behind her. “I would love to Jeremy,” she said eyeing the apartment door again, “but I’ve a ton of work.” Regina backed into the doorway, careful not to open the door too wide. “Now I have to clean up the mess I made. Some other time, I promise.”
She returned to the kitchen just as Simon emerged from the bathroom. His shirt once again neatly tucked into his trousers, he combed his fingers through his hair as he peered at the door.
“Someone here?”
“Umm, no. It was nobody.”
Simon pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry about dinner. I was really looking forward to it.”
Her nipples pebbled and tingled as they brushed against his chest. She
was really beginning to feel like a horny teenager. “It’s okay. Can you get the plates?” She slid past him, trying to put some distance between them to keep her head clear. “They’re in the cabinet to the right of the sink.” Regina began opening the takeout packages when she noticed a small plastic bag. “Hey, what’s this?” She pulled out a tall black plastic bottle with the words “Hair + Body Wash” printed in bold letters on the label. “Soap?”
“Yes, soap.” Simon took the bottle, grabbed the bag and set it to the side. “It seems that people notice when a man smells like a bouquet of lilacs. So, I’ll be using this in the morning.”
Regina knitted her eyebrows. “You’re that sure you’ll be staying the night?” The pitch in her tone probably gave away her excitement at the thought of his warm body against hers all night.
“Yeah,” Simon pronounced as he grabbed a plate and fork and headed for the sofa. “I’m that sure.” After sitting down wide-legged, he picked up the remote and flicked on the television before jamming food in his mouth.
Regina chuckled and scooped a spoonful of shrimp. This was the first time he appeared completely relaxed, He usually looked like he was constantly gauging the room or guarding what he was doing or saying.
“Okay.” She walked towards him, balancing a plate in one hand and two drinks in the other. “You can put it on the sink next to your new toothbrush.” Purposefully ignoring Simon’s smirk, she positioned herself to fit in the crook of his arm. “No sports. Marcus drove me crazy with basketball games when we were kids.”
Simon threw his head back with a hearty laugh. “You have my sympathy. I went to sleep and woke up to sneaker squeaks. If Marcus’s nose wasn’t in a book, he was watching or playing basketball.” Simon consumed another forkful of food and settled his hand on Regina’s thigh. “So, what’ll it be?”
A warm sensation crept down her leg. She stabbed at the food on her plate. “I’m not sure.” The feelings Simon stirred inside her were exhilarating and frightening. Her body longed for him, and she loved the time they spent together, but the nagging truth of their different races pierced at the back of her mind. People were not going to make a relationship between one of their most vocal pro-Black activist writers and an Asian man easy. They won't care that he made her heart skip with a smile. To some, she would be a sellout—another Black person who skipped out on their people to date or marry outside their race. Given the tensions between Asians and Blacks in the country, others may think her dating Simon was worse than being involved with a White guy.
My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1) Page 6
