Love Me Always: A Romance Anthology

by Peyton Banks

  I review any open parts orders to see if they will be delivered on time, particularly Roderick’s so I can assure his car will be ready and I can get rid of the urges that kept me up all night. Falling asleep after getting a much-needed orgasm, I was awakened by deep longings to come again. The dream I had entranced me from within the deep in my psyche. I woke with my hands softly rubbing my clit and the soft coos of my voice. My battery-operated-boyfriend didn’t make it past thirty minutes, and I had to pull out my backup. When I woke up this morning, I realized being single sucks. Not like I am looking to jump the broom or anything like that, but it would be nice to have a warm man beside me with his member softly hinting at what it wants.

  All this thought about desire and wants is stirring my libido. I quickly dismiss the thoughts and grab a bottle of ice-cold water from my fridge and down it, before sauntering off to my bathroom and have a long, relaxing soak in preparation for sorority memory lane.

  5

  “Lucas, my dude. How are you?” I say when I see my friend as I approach the dock where the group is waiting.

  “Ooo, look at Mr. GQ. You look like you just came out the pages of a magazine.”

  “You look like you are the new model for Polo.”

  We both laugh since the compliment brag is common between us. We do this every day at the office during morning huddles. We dance a little, model a little, then get to business. He likes to keep the energy high and positive.

  “Look at you, Simone. Wow, you look amazing. No flirt shit.”

  She laughs and gives me a hug.

  “Thanks Rod. I appreciate the compliment. Having family and friends together, on a boat, is nerve wracking. Especially since my girls can be a little rowdy.”

  “Your girls? Well, why you holding back? Introduce me.”

  “I’m waiting on one more to show. She better not back out on me. She already missed Friday and Saturday night.” She pulls out her phone, sends a text and starts to dial a number but abruptly stops. “There she is. Alexandria, hurry up. We are ready to cast off.”

  I turn around to see who she was speaking to and my jaw drops. A vision in a thin strapped long white dress is approaching. I swear she is an angel walking toward me. Her hair is pinned up, showing off the long lines of her beautiful neck, which is adorned by a thick gold choker, and earrings shaped like Africa hang from her lobes. She stutter-steps when she sees me and then her lips expand to show her dazzling white teeth as her grin appears.

  “Hey, Monie. I’m sorry. I stopped to look at my friend's boat he just bought, and listen to the motor to make sure it was sound.”

  “Glad you didn’t get any grease on that fabulous dress,” Simone says as she pulls her in for a hug.

  “We rebuilt the engine over the past month. Today is the inaugural sail.”

  “I didn’t know you work on marine engines too?” Lucas adds.

  “Is there anything you can’t do?” I add.

  “Oh, I'm sorry. This is—”

  “We know each other.” She smiles.

  I take her hand and pull it up to my lips placing a gentle kiss on the back of it. “Ms. Johnson. You are stunning.”

  The blush reaches her eyes and the twinkle in them gives way to my return smile.

  “Thank you, Mr. Thrower. You aren’t looking too shabby yourself.”

  “So, how do you two know each other?”

  “I am currently working on his car, which, by the way, I checked, and the part should be in tomorrow morning and I will have it ready by the time you get off work.”

  “Yeah, but this isn’t a ‘she’s my mechanic’ vibe,” Lucas adds. Simone folds her arms, cranes her neck to the side awaiting a response.

  “We also ran into each other at Red Hot Saturday night; I bought her and her friend a drink, we shared a dance, and that was it.”

  “So, you can go to the club but not to the male revue with us for Akina’s shower?”

  “Not now, Monie. Let’s go meet up with the others.” She takes Simone by the hand and pulls her way from the awkward conversation.

  “Wow. You have a thing for Alex, huh?”

  “I don’t know man. I do find her sexy, intriguing, and she sparks my intellect.”

  “Is she one of your conquests? You know, get in, get off, get out?”

  “I’m not like that at all. Most of the time, it turns out to be a one-night thing. They don’t want more and I’m okay with that. Not that I wouldn’t mind. So, I’ve just been used to women being in control of what happens”

  “What makes Alex different?”

  “I’ll let you know when I find out.” We turn and join the others on the deck enjoying champagne.

  “Son, so glad you could join us,” his dad sarcastically says.

  “Sorry. Rod and I were talking business.”

  “Hey, Mr. Weathers. Nice to see you, again.” I extend my hand and he accepts.

  “Roddy, it’s been a while. You should come over next week for dinner. Nina is an excellent cook.”

  “Do I hear my name on the lips of a sexy man?”

  “Ah, there’s my love.” He takes her into his arms and pulls her in for a kiss. Sweet and chaste. Despite what Lucas and the rest of our friends may think, these are the moments I wish to have someday. Being a single man is great, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve been reflecting on my own life recently. I glance across to the other side where the bridal party is dancing to the tunes the DJ is spinning. Alex is enjoying herself, laughing, singing, and grooving along with the others. I excuse myself and snake across the floor to crash their party.

  “So, you said my car will be ready tomorrow evening?” I whisper in her ear.

  She's in front of me, her back close to my chest. I expect her to pull away, but she doesn't.

  “That is the plan. Want to make sure you’re satisfied, and I keep my five-star rating," she throws over her shoulder.

  My dreams and thoughts of her tease me but I know I can’t let that cloud my response. “Then go out to dinner with me tomorrow to celebrate.” I take her hand in mine, turning her to face me.

  She pulls away and takes a few steps backwards. “I can’t. I have other clients to get to. I’m hoping to secure a contract to work on a few racers for a friend. I’m going out to his place this week to look them over and discuss price.”

  “Is this a romantic interest or do you just like engines and motors that much?”

  “No romance. I happen to like breaking things down, to see what makes them tick and fix what’s broken.” She takes another sip of the bubbly. The twinkle in her eyes tells me this is what she loves, and she’ll be there for it every chance she gets.

  “I can tell you have a great passion for your career.”

  “Well, don’t you? Making others rich and profiting from it, albeit legally, obviously makes you happy. Doesn’t it?”

  “It does, but I want more. Don’t you?”

  She shies away, choosing not to answer my question.

  My keen sense tells me not to push the issue. “Let’s take a walk,” I suggest.

  “Lead the way.” She gestures her hand to mimic her concession to me.

  I take a few steps and we stroll around the vessel only to pause when I come to a set of stairs. “I’ve always wondered what was on the lower deck of this boat. Wanna be nosey?”

  “Yeah. I’ve been dying to see the engine room.”

  We descend the steps and open the steel door that leads to the machine area. It’s surprisingly clean when we enter. She looks around, careful not to touch something and then touch her dress.

  “Wow, this is immaculate. Obviously, they keep regular maintenance and cleaning up, so they should never have any problems,” she says, looking in admiration.

  I just follow her, taking in what she sees through her eyes. Pulling from her vibe and energy. We walk until we reach a dead end.

  “Ooo. No exit on the other side of the main water valve. Guess we need to turn around,” she says.

&
nbsp; I don’t move, keeping her boxed in, and use the pad of my thumb to softly caress her cheeks down to her lips. Not wanting to lose this moment, I go for a taste.

  Taking her lips with my mouth, I expect her to fight back. When she doesn’t, I delve in deeper. Savoring every tender flavor of her mouth, down to her lip gloss.

  “Mm,” she moans as she places her hands around my neck.

  My hands slide around her waist and I pull her to me, pressing lightly into her frame. My dick twitches at her response. I scoop her up, my hands full of her ass, and carry her over to the little seated area we passed earlier. Her continued moans drive my desire for her. I trail my kisses down her neck and onto her shoulders before reaching the tops of her breasts.

  Her breath quickens with anticipation, evident by the way her mounds heave up and down. “Rod,” she moans at the warmth of my tongue sliding in between her tits, eventually pulling one out of her strapless bra and taking the dark mahogany nipple into my mouth.

  Alex

  “Mmm,” I lament as his tongue makes wet trails over my engorged buds. I know we shouldn’t be doing this, but after the past night of fighting haunting desires and wearing out my batteries, I figure I owe it to the voltage gods.

  “I want to taste you so bad,” he whispers against my lips.

  That drives my libido further up. I reach down between my legs and slide my finger up and down my wetness before returning to his lips and smearing him with my juices.

  “How’s it taste?” I ask as he licks his lips and then sucks the very finger responsible for the new flavor.

  “Fucking sweet. But I’m not one for sampling.” He bends down and places his head between my thighs, slowly licking them on each side. He’s just about to go into his all you can eat buffet when the sound of a few people coming down the stairs interrupts our moment.

  “Quick get up and act like I’m telling you about the engine,” I say jumping to my feet and sorting myself out.

  He straightens himself and turns toward the large assortment of metal and steel. “So, are all of these gas lines?” he asks aloud while the guests are led in by one of the crew members.

  “No, they don’t appear to be. Looking at the caps and the valves, some of these are water lines.” My cover isn’t a surprise to the others since they know I’m a mechanic by trade.

  “I was wondering where you two got off to,” Lucas says as they enter.

  “Oh, yeah, sorry. I was showing him the cost of the parts for his car and we just started talking about the engine and differences between them. You know, operating in my wheelhouse.”

  “Leave it to you to start talking about motors even with a bridal party going on,” Simone adds.

  “You know I can’t help it. That’s my passion.” I slide in beside her and the others and we continue the tour. Along the way, Rod and I pass each other knowing glances and smiles, all the while keeping our near tryst under wraps. We reach the main deck to see staff awaiting with drinks, the outer lights glowing, and soft music playing.

  Each guest takes a glass as we exit the doors. People seemingly pair off and have conversations among themselves. Roderick makes his way toward me and I know he’s gonna ask me out again. I really do have to meet with a friend tomorrow, but it is in the earlier part of the day, not the evening like I led him to believe.

  “Nice evening, isn’t it?” he asks, taking space by my side.

  “Yes. The sunset is always beautiful over Lake Michigan.”

  “So, is that the soon to be wed couple or is she nibbling off someone else's fingers as a last hoorah?”

  I look toward my friend who is happily cooing with her fiancé, Steve. “No, that’s her man. Lucas should’ve introduced you, but I think we were off playing hooky.” I turn to face him and softly place my palm on his chest, feeling the rock-hard pecs under his shirt.

  “Yeah, I still have your taste on my lips.” He slides his hands down my shoulders and I shiver under the electric sensation it sends through my body. Knowing what those fingers have the potential to do gets me wet. For a moment, the world around me shrinks to the two of us, until the sound of glass being tapped brings me to reality.

  “Friends, may I have your attention please? Our family and my girlfriend would like to thank you all for joining us this evening. It has been a special weekend for Anika and Steven. I want to wish you both a long and happy journey. To the soon to be bride and groom.”

  We all raise our glasses and shout to the bride and groom. Another tap of the wine glass is made, and attention is once again turned to the gracious host.

  “Sorry, there is just one more thing.” He reaches into his pant pocket and pulls out a small blue box and turns to Simone. “Now, I know this isn’t about you and I this weekend, but after spending Friday night and Saturday with the men and hearing them, especially Steven, talk about all the wonderful things they have with their wives or girlfriends, and after signing a contract for our first house, I knew I had to make it official with you. A house is just that, but making you my wife will make our house a home. Simone Elise Greene, will you do me the honor and make our house a home? Be my wife, please?”

  The deck fills with gasps and I can’t help but notice how Roderick is looking at me when I turn to gauge his reaction. I retract my gaze and focus on my friend.

  “Lucas, of course I will. Yes.” He takes her into his arms and swings her around while the rest of us clap and cheer.

  I take Roderick by his hand and bring his attention to me. “Yes, I will have dinner with you tomorrow night.”

  Alex

  Another night of hot, passionate, sex with my man of steel was just what I needed. Even my sarcasm is not working on me. After the surprise engagement and me gushing over one of my besties getting hitched, Rod and I danced and shared laughs under the moonlight. It was so sweet, but my mind kept thinking back to the engine room and how he had me near orgasm with just his second base skills. We agreed I would take his car to him and Uber home after dinner, so his vehicle is the first on my list today.

  After going out to meet my friend Carson this morning, and assuring him I know how to repair his race cars, I end up finished in time to work a half day today, from about one pm to close. When I arrive, I open the door to my shop, speak to my staff, go to our storage closet, and find the multiple packages that were delivered over the weekend. Rummaging through them, I find the one from Audi, and go to the bay to start working on the Rodmobile. I pop the hood on the car, locate the defective part, remove it, and replace it with the new one. Once I have the parts in, I check the fluids and fuses before firing her up. I review the dealership service records that were sent to me late Friday evening to make sure the vehicle is not due for any maintenance. Satisfied with my work and the output from the readings using the diagnostic tool, I take it for a test drive.

  “Hey, I’m gonna be out for the remainder of the evening. If you need anything, message me.”

  “Hmm, are you making a special delivery to the irate man from Friday?” Phillip says coyly.

  “We ran into each other on Saturday night and he apologized. I told him I would take the car to him and Uber home to show no hard feelings.” Hell, hard feelings is what I’m hoping for, I think to myself.

  “Oh, well, yeah, That’s not unusual for us. We deliver all the time. Well, I’ll close after finishing the cars in bays three and five. If you need me to do anything else, I can.”

  I look over the remaining cars to be worked on and see who is assigned. “No, that’s fine. Looks like all cars have a tech. Any new ones that come in, just put them in the waiting bays until I can go over and approve the work. By the way, that new contract starts in two weeks. They want us to go out to the track this weekend and do a test run on a few of the racers.”

  “Sweet! I will make sure to clear my calendar. Have a good evening, Alex.” Phillip gets back to his project and I continue to go over a few more invoices before I leave, sending out reminders for payment or posting those tha
t have given authorization. When all the paperwork is complete the time reads four in the afternoon. I send a text to Roderick to let him know I am en route.

  Me: Hey, I’m on my way. Your car is running in top shape and I took care of the upcoming maintenance.

  Rod: Great. Thank you. I hope you have an appetite. I ordered some salmon and risotto from Vitrolla’s and a bottle of white wine is chilling, waiting on you.

  Me: Mmm, a glass of wine is how I like to unwind. See you soon.

  I step into my private bathroom and take off my coveralls and freshen up before changing into the clothes I brought with me. Opting for something simple but not obvious, I grab a pair of jean capris, rolled at the bottom, and a sleeveless top that buttons down the back. The cut is a little asymmetrical with the front a little shorter than the tail, exposing my tattoo to the attentive eye. After shaking my braids to give them a refreshed look and applying a bit of gloss, I am ready to go. Climbing into the car, I press the push button start. The engine purrs like a tamed lion, a sound I never tire of hearing. I press on the gas a few times, checking the roar, of course, and then peel out, taking her on a ride she’s never had.

  I pull up to the address he provided and park in the garage as instructed. Since the parking is in the back, I walk up the stairs and tap on the door off his kitchen.

  “Hey, you’re here. Come on in.” Roderick steps to the side and allows me to enter his domain.

  I turn to hand him his keys. “Here are your—” My lips are interrupted when his claim mine. Our tongues intertwine and twirl with each other in a deep, hot, tongue thrusting kiss. I drop his keys and my purse in response, placing my arms around his neck. Things get intense and suddenly food isn’t what I want. Loosening his belt, I untuck his shirt trying to speed the progress along.

  “Whoa, there. We need to eat first,” he smartly remarks.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I just got carried away.”

  “I’m just kidding. But seriously, you’re going to want your energy to be at full capacity for what I have planned for you.” With a wink, he steps away and back into the kitchen. “The wine is on the table over there if you want to grab a glass and look around. I made shrimp scampi dip and toasted croutons for dipping as an appetizer if you want.”