“Good morning, Imani,” he said.
Pull it together, pull it together, she thought as she opened her eyes and looked at him. Imani inhaled sharply as she took in his image, shirtless, loose pajama pants and no shoes. How was it that he could look this delicious this early in the morning?
“Morning,” she replied calmly.
Raymond stepped closer to her and whispered, “Over your temper tantrum?”
“Excuse me?”
“Last night, I left you alone so that you could get your head together and think about not only what I said but what we did. I’m not going to keep fighting with your ghosts, but I’m also not giving up on you because I know who and what I want.”
She faced him and chewed on her bottom lip. “So, you didn’t spend the night with Lucy?”
“No. When do you plan to let that go? I don’t want Lucy.”
Before she could reply, the doors to the elevator opened. Please let him be telling the truth. Don’t let me set myself up for failure. Raymond took Imani’s hand in his and kissed it as they stepped on the elevator. He pressed the Close button before the production assistant got on. Once the doors shut, he pulled the emergency stop button.
“What are you doing?” Imani asked.
“Clearing something up with you. Don’t ever think that I’m not a man of my word. And since you want me to be honest with myself . . .” he said as he backed her against the wall. “I want you more than I want my next breath, and no other woman will ever stand a chance with me as long as you’re a part of my life. But you’re going to have to stop jumping to the conclusion that I’m incapable of waiting for you.”
“Raymond, I’m scared. I don’t want to wake up and be played for a fool. This whole situation here is so surreal. What happens when we return to the real world?”
“You’re going to have to give us a chance to see what happens then. Stop trying to end it before we have a chance to really get started. And by the way, you look absolutely beautiful.”
She self-consciously fingered her hair and smiled. Standing on her toes, she kissed him on the tip of his nose. “Raymond,” she said, “you know just what to say to make a woman feel special.”
“I’m telling you the truth. And the reason why you feel special is because you’re more than simply special to me,” he said, then pulled her into his arms. “I could see myself falling deeply in love with every part of you.” Raymond brushed his lips against Imani’s before capturing her mouth in a sultry kiss that melted any thoughts she had of leaving him. The elevator jolted to a start as they broke off their kiss.
“Guess they figured there was no emergency,” Raymond said as he gently patted Imani’s backside.
“Yes, the emergency is over,” Imani replied as she leaned her head against his chest.
The doors opened and Tres met them. “What happened? Why was the elevator stopped?” she asked. “Come on, we have to do this interview. And Imani”—Tres held out a thick envelope—“I’m guessing things are looking up for your career. These came from New York for you.”
Imani took the envelope and inspected the seal. Satisfied that it hadn’t been opened, she told Tres, “Thank you.”
“All right,” she said. “Our winning couple, we need to do this interview. Now that our couples are forming, the interviews will be done together.”
Raymond smiled as he and Imani followed Tres. He liked the idea of being a couple. Liked the idea of having Imani as his, and not just on TV. As they waited for Tres to set up the cameras, Raymond couldn’t think about anything but going back to New York with Imani on his arm. Showing her his clinic and introducing her to his friends, especially Keith and Celeste. He imagined that Celeste and Imani would lament together about how much time he and Keith spent at the clinic as they shopped at Macy’s or attended a Broadway show. He would love walking the red carpet with Imani at one of her movie premieres or her first Broadway show.
He glanced at her as she opened her envelope. “Oh my God,” she gasped.
“What?”
“Yes,” Tres said, reminding them both that she was in the room and the camera was rolling.
“This script is from Gina Prince-Bythewood. I love her,” Imani exclaimed.
“Then I guess you’ve accomplished what you came here for,” Tres probed. “I spoke with your agent and you’re becoming quite the hot commodity in New York these days. How does that make you feel?”
Imani ran her hand through her hair and cocked her head to the side. “Of course I’m excited about it. I’m an actress, I want to be in demand for roles. That’s why I’m here. If producers and directors like what they see now, wait until I get the right script.”
The hairs on the back of Raymond’s neck stood on end. Tres seemed to notice the look on his face and turned the camera on him. “How does that make you feel, Raymond? Especially after our last talk?”
“I’m happy for her. She hasn’t hidden the fact that she wants to be a successful actress, as I haven’t hidden the fact that the prize money from this show will help my clinic.”
“But,” Tres said, “everyone can see that there is something between you two. You worked really well together during the challenge and you spend a lot of time together.”
Imani and Raymond glanced at each other. “He’s fun to be with,” Imani replied. “I enjoy our time together.”
“And kissing him?” Tres asked.
“Raymond’s a great kisser,” Imani said, then laughed.
“As are you,” he replied.
Tres smiled. “So, love connection? Do you think America will want you two to stay together? Especially when there is chemistry with Raymond and Lucy?”
“There is no chemistry with me and Lucy,” he interjected.
“Is that so?” Tres asked, then turned a monitor around to Imani and Raymond. “Care to explain this?” The screen was filled with the previous night’s dinner, showing Raymond and Lucy sharing a glass of wine. “She looks really into you.”
Imani seethed as she watched Raymond pour Lucy a glass of wine. “What is this?”
“Remember when you left?” he said.
“So, you just called her over?”
“No, Lucy showed up. She ended up alone because I went looking for you.”
Imani turned back to the screen and saw Raymond getting up to leave and her defenses fell. She remembered what happened when he found her and how he made her feel with his special touch.
“Are you all right, seeing this?” Tres asked Imani.
“Why wouldn’t I be? I know what Raymond wants and it isn’t Lucy,” she replied confidently, and took Raymond’s hand in hers.
“All right, thanks guys,” Tres said. “The next task starts this afternoon.”
Imani and Raymond rose from their seats and left the room. “So,” she said once they were in the hallway, “they want to see me, you, and Lucy have drama, huh?”
“That’s what it looks like, but you do know that—”
She placed her finger to his lips. “I know that when I left that dinner and you found me, neither one of us were thinking about Lucy. Before we have to do whatever task they have set up for us, I have to go look through these scripts. Gina Prince-Bythewood—can you believe it?”
Raymond smiled, trying to be happy for her. But he had to wonder if she was going to focus more on her career goal than their budding relationship.
Chapter 15
As the filming continued, more scripts and offers for Broadway shows rolled in for Imani—as well as advances for endorsement deals. Imani was happy that she was able to pay her cell phone bill and have contact with the outside world. But she hadn’t even bothered to use it.
She and Raymond had been spending so much time together that she hadn’t called Dana. She sporadically checked in with Edward, happy to learn that the deals were still rolling in as well as quality scripts. Gina Prince-Bythewood was a big fan and couldn’t wait for Imani to come in for a screen test for her latest project
.
Of course, America loved her and Raymond as a couple. According to Tres, they received the most votes after every show. Imani hoped the fans she and Raymond had attracted would translate into movie sales. She could not wait to start shooting a movie when she returned to New York.
I wonder if I should do something to rock the boat, something to get kicked off so that I can get my career started, she thought, then looked over at Raymond’s sleeping frame. Imani shook that thought out of mind because she didn’t want to be away from him. Over the last three weeks, Imani and Raymond had spent every free moment together. He even helped her decide what scripts she should give serious consideration to.
Having a man in her life who actually encouraged her dream made Imani feel so warm and special. So special that she’d nearly forgotten that they were being filmed the night before.
“Stay with me tonight,” Raymond had asked as he pulled her into his arms when they’d returned from an evening stroll on the beach. For the first time since they’d been officially matched by America’s votes, they had lost a challenge. Lucy and her partner had bested the couple in a relay race. It hadn’t bothered Imani that she and Raymond had lost to the couple because they’d had immunity on the challenge anyway. Besides, they had spent much of the race—accidentally on purpose—falling against each other and sneaking kisses.
“Umm, tempting,” she’d replied as she felt heat rising to her cheeks.
“Come on,” he’d whispered, his lips close to her ear and his breath making her hotter as he spoke.
She’d leaned her head against his chest. “Okay,” she had replied as Raymond twirled her around.
He’d held her out at arm’s length, drinking in her body, the way her tan strapless dress clung to her curves. She was beautiful. The island sun had bronzed her skin to golden brown perfection. Red hues framed her face from where the sun had lightened her hair. Raymond wasn’t used to what he was feeling. He felt as if he was holding a goddess. Better yet, a living doll. He would have never believed it if someone other than Imani told him that she was a virgin. How could a woman that kissed the way she did and had so much sex appeal be a virgin? He kissed her hand and led her into the bedroom.
Imani held her breath as Raymond had closed the door behind them. She had no idea what was going to happen once they’d entered the room. She’d felt as if she wanted him and wanted to experience the passion that was silently promised to her every time they’d kissed. She’d wanted to lose herself and her virginity as soon as they’d laid down on the bed. She wanted him more than she had ever wanted a man. Raymond had awakened something inside her, something that she didn’t know existed. When he touched her, her body came alive. Desire burned inside her and flowed through her bloodstream. When he kissed her, she felt as if she was melting.
But Imani hadn’t wanted to share her first lovemaking experience with a national audience. She’d always dreamed that her first time would be in a fancy hotel room, with the lights low and roses surrounding her. She didn’t want cameras everywhere, though. But as she’d looked at Raymond as he’d taken his shirt off, the cameras had been the last thing on her mind. Her mouth had watered at the sight of his bare chest and washboard abs. A shirtless Raymond had become a normal sight, but that night had enforced what sexual desire meant to her with an exclamation point and a wetness between her thighs. Would he be a gentle lover? she’d wondered as she’d sat on the edge of the bed nervously biting her bottom lip. Damn, he was a beautiful man with skin like sunshine and caramel. She forced herself to turn away as he dropped his slacks, revealing a pair of black and white boxer briefs.
Imani had slowly risen from the bed and unzipped her dress, but she didn’t take it off, couldn’t take it off. She hadn’t wanted to show herself to the camera. She’d wanted to save that for a time when she and Raymond were alone. When he’d glanced at her, he smiled and opened his bottom drawer, then handed her a T-shirt. It had been like he’d felt how apprehensive she’d been about getting naked in the room.
“Thank you,” she’d whispered as she’d taken the shirt. The moment their fingers had touched, Imani had felt a surge of electricity shoot through her bloodstream. She’d been on fire from the slight contact and Raymond seemed to feel it as well as they’d stood near the bed, locked in each other’s gaze.
Imani inhaled, hoping to quell the fire burning in her stomach. Raymond’s lips came toward hers. She braced herself for the richness of his kiss, the sweetness of his lips and tongue, and before she knew it, she’d been the one to initiate the kiss. He’d held her close as their lips remained locked together. His fingers danced across her skin, making her wet, hot, and filled with wanton desire. She’d pressed her body against him, feeling his erection against her thighs.
Do it. Let him make love to you, had played in her head as his kiss went deeper.
Raymond had pulled back from her and looked deep into her eyes before brushing a light kiss across her lips. “I know we’d better stop,” Raymond had said, “because one more kiss . . .”
She placed her finger to his lips and he instinctively licked it. Imani shivered and took a step back. “I want you,” she’d said. “But you know . . .”
He nodded and cupped her face in his hands. “I know. All we can have at this point is you falling asleep in my arms. That’s all I want.”
“Is that enough for you?”
“For now, yes,” he’d replied. “Baby, I can wait for you. Because I know that it will be amazing for both of us. But we both have to be ready.”
“And away from these cameras.”
“You got it,” he said as he twirled her around and they fell back on the bed, with Imani landing on top of him. Instantly, Raymond had gotten hard, wanting to just melt with her. When she’d felt his erection, Imani rolled over on her side. Raymond had locked his arms around Imani’s waist and she rested against his chest. Then they’d both drifted off to sleep.
When the sunlight poured into the room and Imani stirred against Raymond’s body, she smiled. He’d been the perfect gentleman as they’d slept, despite the fact that she knew he wanted to make love and she did as well.
She stroked his strong arm, which was draped across her, and Raymond grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Morning,” he said, his voice deepened by sleep.
“Morning,” she said, then kissed his chin. “Sleep well?”
“Anytime you’re in my arms, I sleep well.”
Imani stretched and smiled. “I feel the same way. Can you believe that we’re one of the final four couples? I think I actually want to win now.”
“Umm, I really don’t care about being here, just being with you,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “What I’m looking forward to is waking up with you in my arms in Harlem.”
“Yes. No cameras, no Lucy and”—Imani was interrupted by a knock on the door—“no production assistants ruining our morning.” Neither of them made an effort to move.
“But I do expect breakfast in bed,” she teased him.
“Really?” Raymond said. “So that means you’re going to spend the night often?” The knocking persisted.
“You’d better get that,” she said.
“Why me? You’re closer to the door,” he quipped.
“Your room and I don’t have any pants on. Unless you want me show the world my booty.”
“Absolutely not,” he replied as he released her and swung his legs over the side of the bed. “That’s a sight that is only mine.”
“What if a movie role calls for nudity?” she asked as she sat up and wrapped the sheet around her. “It got Halle an Oscar.”
“You’re a better actress than that,” Raymond said as he opened the door. “Yeah?”
The frazzled production assistant nearly dropped her clipboard as she looked at Raymond’s bare chest. “D-Dr. Thomas, Tres needs to see you. Something happened in New York.”
“What? What happened?”
The girl shook her head, causing her ki
nky twists to swing like branches in a windstorm. “I—I don’t know.”
“I’ll be right there,” Raymond said as he shuffled back into the room and grabbed a T-shirt and a pair of shorts.
“What’s wrong?” Imani asked. “Did that lady say something happened in New York?”
“Yes. It sounded pretty ominous,” he said as he pulled his clothes on.
Imani grabbed her dress from the night before and pulled it on. “I’m going with you.”
“Imani, you don’t have to,” he said.
“If it’s something really bad, you’re going to need me. That’s what couples do. I’m supporting you,” she said. “Discussion closed.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said as he opened the door and held it for Imani.
As they walked to the elevator, Imani gripped Raymond’s hand. “Everything is going to be all right,” she murmured.
“I hope you’re right,” he said as he pressed the button. They stepped on the elevator as the doors opened and rode to the production area in silence. Raymond wondered what was going on in New York. Had the water pipe burst been more serious than Keith let on? What if the clinic had suffered a serious setback while he was in Hawaii falling in love with Imani? The whole point of doing the show had been to get money for the struggling clinic, and if something terrible had happened at the clinic, then shouldn’t he leave and go fix that?
But can I leave Imani? Can I ask her to leave when this show is setting up her career for success? he thought as he glanced at her when the elevator came to a stop.
“Are you okay?” she asked, catching his pensive look.
“Yeah, just wondering what in the hell is going on.”
“I’m hoping it’s not serious,” she said. “We only have about two weeks left and you need this money.”
“Especially if something bad happened. I keep thinking about all of our patients who will have nowhere else to go for their health care. Damn it, I should’ve been there. We should’ve found a better way to fund the clinic.”
Too Hot for TV Page 15
