I put my hand on his chest. “You stay right here and finish; I’ll be back before you know it.”
I kissed him again then grabbed my bag. I walked into Mark’s room and went to my drawer, taking out a pair of black lace panties and a matching bra. Since I’d been staying here more often, Mark gave me drawers so I wouldn’t have to keep bringing my bag. I still do, though, just in case I want to bring something from Simone’s.
I looked at the set and smiled; tonight would finally be the night. We’ve waited almost five months to be together, so it was only fitting to do things right.
I took a long shower, lotioned my entire body, and sprayed a little Michael Kors’ Sexy Sunset on my sweet spots. It was extra special since Mark loves this scent on me. Instead of the sweats and tank, I put on a black sleep dress that accentuated my frame perfectly. I stared at myself in the mirror, smiled at myself, and walked out of the room. The living room was beautifully decorated with an array of candles placed throughout the room. The dining room table was also covered with candlelight, and the tostones and stew was centered near two chairs along with the bottle of Zinfandel he'd opened earlier. Mark came over, pulled me into his arms and slowly kissed me. He hugged me, taking in my scent as I kissed the side of his neck.
“Was I in the shower long enough for you to do all this?”
“You sort of were, but it was worth it.”
“Everything looks beautiful. And the food, wow, it looks delicious.”
“You know, I've always thought about giving you samples of my food; I wanted to wait for you to try this before I did,” Mark said, pulling out my chair.
“I’m sure it’ll be great,” I said and sat down.
“Of course. Starting the restaurant made me want to get back into the kitchen. I’ve been thinking up some recipes that I think would go well with the restaurant’s menu.”
“Wow. How does Victor feel about that?”
“He’s actually happy about it. He wanted me to take part of the menu and show my culinary skills. I think he just wants me to do the majority of the work, while he makes the profit.”
“That's sounds about right,” I teased, laughing.
“We were even thinking about including Xavier and a few of his dishes on certain days. He still wants to manage the food truck, which won't be a problem.”
“Ever since I've known Xavier, he's been so proud of his business, so I can see that.”
“Let's say grace before we eat,” Mark suggested as he took my hands, and we bowed our heads. A smile crept across my lips as I listened to him speak. My heart thumped hard against my chest, and I gripped his hands tighter. At that moment, I realized that this man is not only someone I’ve grown to care about but also someone I loved. We’ve only spent a short amount of time together, but I’ve fallen in love with him.
Once we said amen, I slowly opened my eyes, but Mark was still holding my hands. I tilted my head, wondering what was going, then he cleared his throat.
“Before we eat, I need to say something,” he announced.
“Okay.”
“I just want to let you know how much you’ve changed my life, Vanessa. You've made me feel alive again. From slowly getting back into the kitchen to going out and just having fun, you’ve helped me do that, and for that, I just want to say thank you.”
I was speechless as I stared into his eyes. They were sincere and full of happiness. That was exactly how he made me feel. I just wished I could be happy, though.
“Wow, Mark. You know I feel the same way about you. Before I met you, I'd literally sworn off all men. I thought you all were vile, disgusting, and compulsive liars. My view changed when I met you. You are sweet, compassionate, and just an all-around great guy. You go out of your way to help anyone in need. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re sexy as hell.”
He grinned at my last comment.
“You really are too good to be true, and I’m happy that we’ve developed this wonderful relationship. I really do care about you, Mark, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead for us.”
“I am, too.”
We continued gazing at each other for a minute before he slowly let go of my hands. “Okay, now, we should definitely eat before the food gets cold. And I have another surprise for you.”
“Mark--”
“This one will be my last one, but it’s a good one.”
I nodded and took a spoonful of the stew. I put it to my lips and instantly melted. It was fantastic.
“Is mine better than Xavier's?”
I nodded as I continued stuffing my face with food. Mark laughed when I held up my index finger.
“I'll take that as a yes,” he joked.
I swallowed and smiled. “Definitely. Just don’t tell Xavier.”
“It’ll be our little secret.” He winked.
As we ate, we talked about everything from work to current events. After we finished, he pulled out the budin, which was just as good. I think I might have had an orgasm while eating it.
After we cleaned up, he told me to sit in the living room as he went to the stereo. Once I heard “Crush”, I immediately smiled. He came over to me and slowly pulled me off of the couch.
“You remembered!”
“Of course. How’s the evening been so far?”
“It’s been wonderful. Thank you.”
As we slowed danced to the music, I rested my head on his chest. This was the perfect evening, but my conscience was trying to ruin it for me. I know I should tell Mark about what I’d been hiding. He would be upset, but at least I would have finally come clean.
“Should we start on the Spanish lesson?” I whispered.
“We could, but I was hoping it’d be later on, in bed.”
I looked at him, and he slowly kissed me. Just feeling his lips on mine immediately turned me on. Honestly, he didn’t have to do much to turn me on. He could just look at me, and I’d be wet.
His lips moved from my lips to my neck; he gently sucked my skin, and I began moaning.
“You think tonight is the night?” he whispered between kissing my earlobe.
“Tonight is definitely the night.”
He quickly picked me up and looked into my eyes as we went into his room. He lay me on my knees on the bed, then he did the same. Maxwell played in the background as he slowly pulled off my dress. He took in my black bra and panties and shook his head.
“You are so beautiful.”
My heart started racing, while I slowly took off his shirt. I looked at his chest; his muscles were in all the right places, and I loved it. I slowly touched the tattoo on his back, which he told me was a rosary with his mother’s birthday. I thought it was beautiful that he got a tattoo to honor his mother, but it made me wonder what Simone meant that night about Mark not knowing the entire story about her and Enrique.
He turned me around, his fingertips lightly caressing my skin as he supplied kisses to my shoulder. He continued kissing me while unhooking my bra. His hands moved to my breasts, and I moaned softly.
“Beautiful and sexy,” he whispered. His hand went to my clit, while the other massaged my breast. I leaned my head back on his shoulder, enjoying the feeling.
“Are you ready for me?”
His hand pleasured me, while his lips kept my skin hot. I think ready was an understatement; I needed him now.
“Yes, baby. I've always been ready for you.”
He turned me around so we were face-to-face. My heart was still racing; I was feeling a little nervous regarding what was about to happen.
We slowly lay down, and he reached to the nightstand to get a condom. I watched him secure it on himself, which made me a little more anxious. I spread my legs to invite him in as he gazed into my eyes. His eyes never left mine as he slowly inched his way inside me. My nails dug into his back, and I closed my eyes, trying to get used to this feeling again. It'd been a while since I'd had sex. A very long while.
“Are you okay?” Mark asked with a concerned look.<
br />
“I’m fine.”
“You sure?”
“I am Mark,” I said with a sweet smile.
We just lay there, looking at each other as my body adjusted to his. He slowly brushed a strand of hair from my face, and I looked at his lips. I slid my hands down his back, letting him know it was okay.
He kissed me as our bodies moved together. It took me a moment to get into rhythm with him, but once I did, I was fully into it. I spread my legs even wider when he sucked on my nipple. I leaned back on the pillow, feeling good from all angles. This is what we’d been wanting since the first moment we laid eyes on each other; but now, it wasn't just about physical attraction. We had each other’s hearts, and that's what made this moment even more special.
“I love you, Vanessa,” he whispered with his lips buried in my hair. I tried hard not to tear up at that moment, because I didn’t want him to think something was wrong, but I couldn't help it. I loved him, too, which made me want to reveal what I’d been hiding from him.
When he looked at me, I could feel him reaching his breaking point. I clawed his back, reaching mine as we both fulfilled our sexual desires. I had to admit, I was not disappointed.
He looked at me like he was worried. I guess he was wondering if he'd made a mistake by saying he loved me.
“I don't want you to think I was just caught up in the moment; I really do love you, Vanessa. I have for a while now.”
I smiled and kissed his chest. “I love you too, Mark.”
I couldn't hold back my tears as I kissed him. He held me as we celebrated our love for each other. But I wasn’t just crying because of that; it was also because the guilt is starting to really get to me. I can’t keep doing this to him, especially since I just confessed my love to him. I can’t keep protecting Simone and Enrique. I have to finally confess.
Mark
I watched Vanessa sleep. I gently touched her cheek, still in shock that we'd finally taken the next step in our relationship. When I told her I loved her, I didn’t think she would say it back. I’d already fallen in love with her a while back, but I didn’t know how she felt. Now that I know the feeling is mutual, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulder. I just wished I could let the world know about our relationship.
I was about to get up when my doorbell rang. I glanced at my bedside clock and saw it was close to 9 PM.
“Who the hell is at my house?” I asked to myself while grabbing a shirt. I quickly put it on along with a pair of shorts and went to the door. The doorbell was being rang repeatedly. When I opened it, I saw it was Sebastian and Carmen.
“Why are you two here so late?” I asked as they barged into my place.
“And yes, you can come in,” I added sarcastically and closed the door.
“We had to come by. It’s urgent,” Carmen insisted as she went to sit on the couch. Even though she didn’t notice the candles, my brother did, and he went to her.
“Uh, Carmen. I think we caught Mark at a bad time,” he told her, looking at me. Even though they're twins, they still had the same brown/gray eyes I did. The only big difference between the three of us was our hair; theirs was honey brown.
Carmen finally looked around and stood up. “Oh wow; are you entertaining someone?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Well, I don’t think we’re interrupting,” she said and sat back down. I shot her a dirty look and sighed. Leave it to Carmen to be nosy. She may seem sweet on the outside, but she’s always been a busy body. Sebastian was more reserved and would just stay on the sidelines. He never really had his own mind, which was evident when he allowed my dad to bribe him with a new car.
“Carmen, whatever you and Sebastian have to say can wait until tomorrow. Now, I have company, so next time, call before you show up to my place,” I fussed. I gently pulled Carmen up from the couch and escorted them to the door.
“Mark, what’s going on?”
I turned around and saw Vanessa walking out wearing the sleep dress she had on earlier. Thank God she'd put that on.
Carmen glanced at me, while Sebastian wore a huge grin.
“Hi, are you Vanessa? I’m Carmen, and this is Sebastian. Who knew that Mark was conducting Suds’ business at home?” She said with a smile.
“Hi, Carmen. I guess your father must have mentioned me.”
“He did. You’ve made quite an impression on him, and I see you've made one on Mark as well.”
“Carmen, leave. Now.”
“Well, since your girlfriend is here, we might as well discuss it in front of her. It’s about Papa. I really think we need to push the meeting up sooner,” she told me and sat in a seat close to the door.
I glanced at her as she took a deep breath. “Why?”
“We've heard some rumblings around the store about the plans Avery has for the company once he takes over. It’s not good, Mark,” Sebastian piped up.
“How did you two really find out about his plans?” I asked.
“Dominic told us. We stopped by the store after it was closed, and he told us everything.”
“I think he’s a little upset with Avery since he sort of threw him under the bus for some of the mistakes that had been made at the store recently. Dad told us everything,” Sebastian added as he decided to sit down as well.
“I heard about that. So what is that asshole trying to do?” I asked, sitting beside Vanessa. I put my hand on her thigh, and she looked uncomfortable. Carmen looked between us and giggled.
“I’m sorry, but sweetie, there’s no point in being embarrassed. If you think we’re going to say anything to our dad, you have nothing to worry about. We've all had our share of relationships at Suds. I did, too.”
I looked at her like she was crazy, and she gave me a look reading, “Stop it.”
“Wait, what? With who?!”
“It was a long time ago, Mark. You were in Austin at the time.”
“Who, Carmen?”
“Fine, it was Kenny.”
“The inspection guy? Really?”
“It was cute. We flirted, and before I went off to college, we dated. We didn’t sleep together, if you’re wondering.”
“I really didn't need to hear that, but I’m glad you didn’t. You are still a virgin, right?” I rambled, and Carmen rolled her eyes.
“Please, Mark. I’m sure you and Vanessa didn't just get done playing Scrabble.”
“We’re getting off subject, you two,” Sebastian pointed out.
“Thank you,” Vanessa mumbled.
“Sebastian is right. So what did Dominic tell you? ”
“He wants to change everything that Papa built. Once he takes over, he’s planning to turn Suds into a mecca for the male professional elite. He wants to cut the employees down to only females and cut all the amenities that makes Suds what it is today,” Sebastian explained.
“ Including turning the salon into a game room and turning the restaurant into some Hooter’s, like a hangout spot for male customers to ‘relax’ in,” Carmen explained, using air quotes “It’s ridiculous, Mark!”
“And Dad agreed to this?”
“I think Papa is going through a midlife crisis or something. Even though he doesn’t know about the plans yet, I think he’s just trying to get rid Suds. How could he allow his hard earned company to be tarnished over a few dollars? El hombre es terco!” Carmen yelled.
“I wouldn’t go that far. He’s just not himself lately,” Sebastian added.
“When has he ever been? He only reconsidered his original plan because I convinced you two to get on-board. If it wasn't for that, he probably would have been sold the company to Avery,” I said.
“Mark, we don't understand why Papa is acting unreasonable. Sebastian and I both told him that you would be the best person to take over. Yes, we have our businesses, but we have to be fully committed to them. We saw what you did in Austin. Not only were you the chef at that restaurant, you were also the manager as well as the problem solver of so many issues.
You would be perfect to head up Suds,” Carmen insisted.
“And with me running the sports shop and Carmen getting ready to open another boutique, neither of us have time to run the car wash, too.” Sebastian added.
“And I do? I am about to open a restaurant.”
“We know that, that’s why if we all become part owners, we’ll get someone else to run the stores, and we’ll make occasional visits, just like Papa’s been doing for years.” He assured me.
“We know you didn’t want to take part in the business, but we also know you didn’t want the family’s name to go down either. Papa wasn’t the only person who ran the business and made it what it is today. Mama played her part, too. So, if anything, we have to keep her legacy going as well,” Carmen expressed.
Into You Page 16
