A Christmas Song

by Imari Jade

  “Will you dance with me tonight?”

  Denise nodded. “If I can get you away from all the ladies standing in line to dance with you and your brother.”

  “So I can take that as a yes?”

  Denise chuckled at his persistence. “Yes, but nothing too fast. I’m an old woman.”

  “You’re just six years older than me and I like older women.” He didn’t see Trent standing behind him until it was too late.

  “Older women are so overrated.”

  Jose jumped.

  “They’re grumpy and they like to have their way.” Trent accepted the glass from Juan. “And besides, this old lady is mine.”

  Jose sized Trent up with his eyes. “Miss Denise is never grumpy and she’s not that much older than me.”

  Vince and Dante came out of the pool next and joined the conversation.

  “I dated an older woman before,” Vince told Jose. “She smelled like Bengay.” He sniffed Denise. “She smells wonderful.”

  Denise tried not to smile. “That’s not nice. The poor woman must have had a few stiff joints.”

  “Or wanted one,” Juan said.

  Jose and the others laughed at his brother’s joke.

  Denise shook her head at them. “Put the tray on the table, Juan, and let them serve themselves. You two can go back to work and then go to your rooms to rest for the evening.”

  Juan followed her instructions and pulled his lusting brother along with him.

  M. J. and Bernard were still in the pool playing. She caught M. J. giving Bernard a huge kiss. Her two friends did look happy, but she wondered what kind of future they could have when M. J. lived in Los Angeles.

  “A penny for your thoughts,” Trent told her.

  “I was just thinking about those two. How can they be together if M.J. lives in Los Angeles?”

  “Things will work out if they’re meant to be together.”

  She wondered if he were talking more about him and her than M.J. and Bernard. “You really think so?”

  Trent nodded. “I guess I better let you pencil me in on your dance card tonight too. If I can get Jose off you.”

  “Yeah, he’s quite the little demon. But I think I can fit you in.”

  “Can you fit me in after the benefit too?”

  Denise smirked at him. “Maybe, but won’t you be tired from performing?”

  “Darling, I’ll never get too tired for romance. We’ll meet in your suite and I’ll bring the champagne.”

  “Okay and I’ll bring the condoms.”

  Trent smiled at her. “Oh, one other thing. Are you in a relationship with Martin? I couldn’t help but notice the way he looks at you.”

  Denise shook her head. “No. We’ve dated a couple of times but we’re not a couple.”

  “Good. I don’t like competition.”

  Unsure how to respond, Denise walked away from him and went back inside the hotel to see how lunch was coming along. Then she was off to her room for a nap.

  § § §

  The kids were excited as they entered the hall. Christmas music filtered out through the speakers and everyone walked around wishing each other Merry Christmas. The children were served a delicious meal of turkey, whipped potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Dessert was cake decorated in white icing with red and green sprinkles. Denise sighed contently. Everything was perfect.

  Santa arrived around seven and began distributing the toys donated to the Doll and Toy fund. Each child also received new clothes and shoes donated by local clothing stores.

  After all the children had been served and sent back to the orphanage, the catering service began rearranging the tables to serve the adults. Bernard, Keisha, and Jerome sat at the reserved table with her and Martin. Four other seats were marked for the members of Three-Ringed Circus who would be joining them shortly. There were also seats at their table for Enrique and his band members. The other group, Popsation would sit at the table next to them.

  The three bands came out a few minutes later. Three-Ringed Circus and Popsation sat down while Enrique and the Latin Rhythmics took the stage. Everyone rose.

  Denise was barely on her feet when Jose appeared and pulled her to the dance floor. He looked cute in his black tux and he had no problem wiggling his slim hips to the sultry Latin song. The moves proved a little harder for her because she wore a long gown and had to balance in high heels.

  Bernard also didn’t have trouble shaking his little narrow rump on the dance floor with M. J.

  Keisha danced near her once she coaxed Jerome to dance with her.

  Popsation took the bandstand two hours later. They had a younger, hipper beat, and just as she told them, both Jose and Juan were very popular dance partners.

  This time she and Dante busted a move on the floor, laughing like a couple of kids as they broke into some dances from the ‘90s. She was thoroughly sweaty and tired when they made it back to the table. The band took an intermission and canned music filtered out of the speakers. Martin claimed her for Nat King Cole’s ‘The Christmas Song.’ She’d never danced with him before, but found him to be light on his feet.

  Trent gave her a murderous look, which she ignored. The two of them never got a chance to dance since he and his band members had to leave the table so they could perform.

  “I can’t believe you used to date Trent Lansing,” Martin said to her.

  He still appeared a bit star-struck to her. Denise sighed. She couldn’t believe the condom broke.

  § § §

  “Green is a good color for you,” Dante said to Trent as they changed into their stage costumes.

  Trent frowned at him. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “The look on your face when Denise went off to dance with Martin.”

  “So they danced. Big deal.”

  “And what a loving little kiss he plastered on her forehead. Man, if I was her, I’d be so excited. I can tell he cares for her.”

  “You’re asking for a fat lip.”

  “You guys need to stop squawking and get into costume,” Vince told them. “We’re on in five minutes.”

  Vince was always a stickler for time.

  Dante continued to mess with him. “She danced with everyone except you tonight. What does that say?”

  “That she has poor tastes,” Trent answered. He removed his shirt, put on his vest, and then wrestled his long legs into a pair of tight jeans. Dante stopped fucking with him for a while, which was a good thing. He had already figured out that Dante was trying to get him jealous enough so he would do something to win Denise back. It would have been a lot easier for Dante to just come out and tell him to stop dragging ass and claim his woman. Dante was right though. He was jealous. She’d even given some face time to Jose, who didn’t seem to be fazed by his earlier threat. Trent smiled. Not that he could blame the younger man. Denise looked very lovely in the tight red gown that clung to her curvy body. The only reason he hadn’t claimed his dance was because he’d been trying to ignore a hard-on he’d gotten the moment he saw her this evening. Even a minute in her arms dancing could prove embarrassing.

  He couldn’t even blame Martin for being interested in Denise. For all he knew Denise never told the other man that the two of them had once been engaged. He hadn’t expected Denise to wait around for seven years. But he also wasn’t prepared to see her so happy with another man.

  Trent finished dressing. “Thanks, man. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I think it might be too late. Denise and Martin make a pretty nice couple.”

  “Looks can be deceiving, man. This is Christmas, and I do believe in miracles.”

  “Let’s just get out there and rock the place,” M. J. said. “I have a hot date waiting for me later.”

  Trent smirked. Apparently he meant Bernard. He had to hand it to M. J. He didn’t let anything stop him. “Okay. Let’s go rock this place.”

  The four friends left the makeshift dressing room and headed back into the ball
room.

  The crowd roared enthusiastically as they performed, but he kept his eyes trained on Denise and Martin the entire time he performed. He was trying to be a good guy, but he knew if he didn’t make a move soon he was going to lose Denise.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we’d now like to do a little something from the past. Heck, most of us weren’t even born when this song was popular, but it’s still one of our favorites.” It was also Denise’s favorite. He began singing the introduction to Tavares’ ‘Remember What I Told You to Forget.’

  Fans old enough to remember the song sang right along with him to the soulful ballad.

  Trent moved from the stage and walked through the audience, shaking hands with people until he finally reached Denise. He got down on his knees and began singing to her. “Baby, can I pour my heart out to you?” This is it. He had to let her know he loved her. Trent continued singing, looking directly into her eyes.

  Denise just blushed, looked a bit embarrassed, but still gave him her full attention. The song ended.

  “I love you, Denise. I always have and I always will. Merry Christmas, baby.”

  Denise looked quite confused now, but she didn’t stop looking at him.

  Trent rose to his feet and went back to the stage to sing the next song. The ball was in her court now.

  Chapter Five

  Stupid man. She kept blasting Trent out in her head. Even Martin told her maybe it was time to decide what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. He also told her if she wanted to reunite with Trent this was the perfect time. Martin had told her that even though he cared for her, he knew she’d never really felt that way for him.

  Even though Martin’s words relieved her to hear them, the truth of the matter was she didn’t know what she wanted. A tear in a rubber had put her in a precarious position. Would she go with Trent only because there was a possibility she could be pregnant? Or would she stay with Martin and try and make something work so she could have a near normal life? There was a third option. Would she go with Trent because she loved him? And she really, truly loved him. But she didn’t know if it was enough. Other questions danced around in her head. What would her life be like if she chose Trent? And what about her job?

  Bernard caught up with her in the lobby. “Why don’t you give the man a break and accept his love?”

  Denise rolled her eyes at him. “Are you speaking to me?”

  Bernard rolled his eyes back at her. “Who the heck do you think I’m talking to? Yes, you. The man poured his heart out to you in a song. When are you going to cut him some slack?”

  Denise shrugged.

  “Do you still love him?”

  Denise nodded. “But is love enough? What about my job? I just can’t walk away and leave you high and dry.”

  Bernard chuckled. “Girl, please. Don’t let that stop you.”

  “How are you going to work this out with M. J.?”

  “I’m going to stay here while he’s on tour and probably fly up to see him when I get the chance. I know what I’m getting into. If I want M. J., I have to compromise and be a good lover while he’s away. Besides, he’s not going to always be on tour.”

  “You make it sound so easy, but I don’t think I can just up and leave my life to follow him on the road.”

  “See, this is why I’m always up in your face. You are so selfish. That was your excuse seven years ago. These aren’t immature teens we’re talking about. They are responsible men who want a future with us. Are you trying to tell me you can’t go without Trent for three months while he’s on the road? Do you realize there are military personnel forced to separate from their families for months or even years at a time to keep this country free? You don’t have to give up your job. The only thing you might have to do is move out of the hotel and make a home for Trent in a luxurious mansion right here in San Diego. But don’t say no for the reason you’ve just given me.”

  “I might be pregnant.”

  Bernard stopped walking toward the elevator. “What?”

  “The rubber broke and I’m not on the pill.”

  “Oh. The shit must have been good between you two. You’re a mean heifer, but you’ll make a good mother if you turn out to be pregnant.” He sighed. “I’d love to be in your shoes. I know M. J. was the man for me from the first moment we met. Don’t get me wrong. I loved Enrique while we were together, but I am in love with M. J. and wish I could give him kids.”

  “Ooh, the shit must have been good between you two, too.”

  Bernard nodded. “The best. And he is in love with me, too. Nothing else really matters.” They continued on to the elevator.

  “When did you get so smart?”

  “The day I met you,” Bernard answered. “I’ll be here for you no matter what you decide.”

  Denise playfully punched him on the shoulder.

  Bernard rubbed his shoulder. “Ouch, you big bully.”

  “Thanks for the advice.” They stepped into the elevator and rode up to their floor.

  “See you tomorrow,” Bernard said.

  “Yeah. See you tomorrow.” She headed for her room. Denise sighed. Pretty boy had made it very clear to her. If she wanted Trent, she didn’t have to move a mountain to have him.

  § § §

  Trent entered his suite, tired from the performance, but glad he and the guys had put on a good show. Hopefully they had raised enough for the orphanage to get the things needed. He and the others planned to write Martin a check to build a recreation room for the kids, which was something they wished they’d had when they lived there.

  He noticed a light coming from under his bedroom door. Funny, I don’t remember leaving the light on. Maybe housekeeping had come in to turn back the sheets or to bring fresh towels. He heard music playing. I don’t remember leaving on the radio either. He opened the door. “What is this?”

  Denise lay upon his bed dressed in a sexy red teddy and holding a box of condoms. She also wore a very seductive smile.

  He would have unloosened a tie if he wore one. “Hey, am I dreaming?”

  “Nope.” She reached out her hand to him.

  He joined her on the bed and she put down the box of rubbers and helped him out of his vest. He kicked off his boots.

  “I really liked that song.”

  “I remember it being your favorite.” He still thought he was dreaming even though she was running her fingers up and down his bare chest. “Sorry I didn’t get a chance to dance with you.”

  “No biggie, Santa. We can dance all night.” She crawled closer, pushed him down on his back, and began getting him out of his pants.

  “Denise, baby. I forgot the champagne.”

  “We don’t need it.” She got down on the floor and pulled his pants and briefs off him. “I hope I got the right condoms. They’re extra-large and ribbed for my pleasure.”

  Before he could respond, Denise nudged his knees apart, wrapped her fingers around his cock, and her lips around the head.

  “Oh, my gawd. Where did you learn that?”

  Denise lifted her head. “Sometimes a woman just has to use common sense.” She went back down on him, sucking and licking him like his cock was a candy cane.

  Trent laid back and enjoyed.

  Moments later Denise rose before he came in her mouth.

  “If I knew all I had to do was sing that song, I would have sang it to you seven years ago.”

  Denise chuckled and climbed aboard him. She worked her arms out of the spaghetti straps of her lingerie, revealing those succulent brown breasts.

  Trent ran his hands up her thighs. He rested the fingers of his right hand on her pussy. The red teddy blocked his way, but not for long. He moved a couple of fingers to the snaps and undid the material. He now had full access to her. He slid two of his fingers inside her.

  She moaned.

  “Can we talk now?”

  “I’m listening. Deeper.”

  He shook his head. This older Denise knew exactly what she wan
ted and wasn’t afraid to ask. He slid his fingers out and then pushed them back in.

  Her eyes closed. “I’m still listening.”

  “I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  “What’s in it for me?”

  “What do you mean what’s in it for you? You get me.”

  She opened those sultry brown eyes and stared down at him. “Where are we going to live?”