You and I

by Jacquelin Thomas

“What did you tell him?”

  “That I can take my daughters wherever I want. He needs to pay child support and actually visit the children if he wants to be a part of their lives.”

  Cherise checked her watch. “I guess we need to get ready for dinner.”

  Ivy agreed. “I’ll go wake the girls.”

  An hour later, they left the suite. Steven was standing outside their room when they walked out.

  “Did you get any rest?” he inquired.

  Cherise shook her head. “Ivy and I spent some time together just talking.”

  He took her by the hand, leading her down the stairs.

  Members of her family were already seated when they arrived. She sat down beside her brother. “I haven’t seen much of you and Sherrie,” Cherise chided.

  Julian broke into a grin. “We’ve been keeping to ourselves.”

  She felt the heat of Steven’s gaze on her and turned her attention to him. He winked at her.

  After dinner, Cherise, Steven, Brennen and Elle decided to go dancing.

  Walking back to their table, Cherise fanned herself with her hands. “Steven, would you like to take a walk outside? I need to get some air.”

  “Sure.” Steven grabbed her gently by the elbow and led her toward the exit doors.

  They strolled outside and he took her by the hand.

  Cherise closed her eyes, savoring the feel of the night air on her face.

  Steven leaned over and whispered, “I’m really enjoying spending time like this with you, Cherise.” He wrapped his arm around her waist.

  She glanced up at him. “I am too, Steven.” Cherise felt the heat of desire wash over her like waves.

  Turning her to face him, Steven leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips. “I’ve been wanting to do that all night.”

  In response, Cherise pulled his head down to hers. Their lips met and she felt buffeted by the winds of a savage harmony. Her senses reeled as if short-circuited.

  Breaking their kiss, Cherise buried her face against his throat; her trembling limbs clung to him helplessly. She was extremely conscious of where Steven’s warm flesh touched her.

  “Why are you so quiet?” he asked after a moment.

  “I’m thinking that we just shared a great kiss, and as much as I’d like to do it again, I think that maybe we should head back inside. Elle’s probably looking for us.”

  “I love your honesty, Cherise. As for Elle, I don’t think she’s worried, because she knows that we’re together and that I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  “You and Steven have been gone for a quite some time…” Elle commented when her husband and Steven went to get drinks for them. She tilted her head in curiosity. “Hmm, I guess you two were really getting to know each other, huh?”

  Wearing a look of innocence, Cherise murmured, “I don’t have a clue as to what you mean.”

  “Uh-huh,” Elle responded. “Tell that to someone who will believe you. Just a hint—you might want to put on some more lipstick.”

  “Okay, he did kiss me,” Cherise whispered. She stole a quick look over her shoulder to see if Brennen and Steven were still at the bar.

  “I’m not surprised. The man can’t seem to keep his eyes off you.

  Cherise nodded. “I know one thing. He’s a good kisser.”

  “Okay, that I didn’t really need to know,” Elle murmured.

  “I hope this doesn’t sound insane to you, but I’m crazy about him. I’m not thinking of rushing into anything. I’m just taking it one day at a time. I’m going to enjoy being with him on the ship, and when the cruise is over—I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

  Steven was bursting with desire. He wanted to take Cherise back to his suite and make love to her, but he knew her well enough to know that she wasn’t about casual flings. His body was so on fire for her that he’d had to take a cold shower as soon as he returned to his suite.

  While he showered, Steven sorted his feelings for Cherise. She seemed almost perfect in his estimation. She was beautiful, intelligent and honest. If his mother and aunt were here they would agree that Cherise was perfect for him.

  No drama and no secrets. Nothing like his last relationship.

  Chapter 4

  The dark and gloomy fortress of Castel Nuovo was their first view of Naples, leaving the port by coach. They continued past Piazza della Borsa. Naples, Italy, was everything Cherise had ever imagined and more.

  The coach stopped at Piazza Plebiscito, where she and Steven walked hand in hand, following members of her family and other cruise passengers to view the seventeenth century Royal Palace, the San Carlo Opera House and the Church of St. Francis.

  “Have you ever been to Italy before?” she asked Steven.

  “No, this is my first time. I’d like to see Rome the next time I come.”

  “Elle and Brennen visited Rome last year,” Cherise said. “She said it was beautiful, and the perfect place for someone who loves shoes.”

  Steven broke into a grin. “Are you that person?”

  “I confess,” Cherise said with a smile. “I love shoes.”

  He turned on his camera. “Go over there. I want to take pictures of you.”

  She did as he requested. “You’re next,” Cherise told him.

  Steven took several photographs of the Ransom family with the Church of St. Francis serving as the backdrop.

  A couple of times, Cherise caught him staring at her. She wondered what he was thinking during those times but couldn’t summon the courage to ask him.

  They enjoyed refreshments at a local café before getting back on the coach for the return to the ship.

  On the way back to the boat, they passed by Mergellina and Castle of the Egg in Santa Lucia.

  “Have your family been giving you a hard time about me?” Steven asked her, later that evening. They had decided to have dinner alone at one of the restaurants on the ship.

  Cherise smiled. “Not really.”

  “That’s good. I know that we’ve spent most of this cruise together—I’m not complaining, but this was supposed to be a family trip for you.”

  “Ivy and I are the only ones not coupled off, so meeting you has been great for me.”

  Steven eyed her. “You’re so incredible.”

  Cherise grinned. “I’m just me, Steven.”

  “It’s just a relief for me to meet a woman with no drama. I find your honesty so refreshing.”

  “Sounds like your last relationship was a total trip,” Cherise commented. She’d definitely had her share of bad ones too.

  “It was,” Steven admitted. “I found out that she was married to some man in northern California. We were together for almost a year. I hate secrets.”

  Cherise chewed on her bottom lip. Steven noticed he had not seen her do that until now.

  She had suddenly grown quiet, prompting him to ask her, “You okay?”

  She nodded. “I’m just not as hungry as I thought.”

  Steven studied her. “Are you sure everything is fine?”

  Cherise reached over and covered his hand with her own, sending tremors of desire through his body. “I’m fine. I think my body’s just winding down from all the walking we did earlier. I hope you don’t mind if I renege on our plans to go dancing. I’m just not feeling up to it tonight.”

  “No, not at all,” Steven responded. “I understand completely.”

  She gave him a small smile. “Thank you.”

  They left the restaurant a few minutes later, and Steven escorted her to the suite.

  “Good night,” she said.

  Steven pulled her into his arms, kissing her.

  She responded hungrily. When they parted, she asked him, “Would you like to have breakfast with me?”

  He nodded. “I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do. Sleep well.”

  Steven considered going back to Moonstone’s, a club featuring live entertainment, but decided to call it a night. It wouldn
’t be the same without Cherise.

  Cherise paced back and forth in her bedroom.

  Spending time with Steven these past few days had been so perfect. She had strong feelings for him, and for a brief moment she’d allowed herself to consider that they might be able to continue seeing each other once they were back in Los Angeles.

  That all changed when Steven announced how he hated secrets. What would he think about the one she was carrying around?

  She didn’t have a husband hidden away, but it was something she never wanted him to find out about her. For years she’d tried to keep it buried deep, but every now and then something would happen to bring it back to the forefront of her mind.

  “I’ve done everything to make up for what happened all those years ago,” she whispered. “As much as I care for Steven, this is not something I can ever share with him.”

  Cherise sat down on the edge of her bed, chewing on her bottom lip. She picked up a pillow, holding it close to her chest.

  “I’m falling in love with you, but this is one part of my life that I can’t share with you. Not ever.”

  She pretended to be asleep when Ivy and the girls entered the suite. Cherise just wanted time alone to deal with her troubled thoughts. If given the chance, she would’ve done things so differently, but there were no do-over’s in life.

  Steven walked forward, pausing in front of Cherise as they strolled around the ship. “These last few days have flown by. I can’t believe this is the last night of our cruise.”

  Cherise nodded. “Tomorrow we go back to our lives.” They stopped at a gift shop’s perfume and cosmetics counter. She picked up a sample of Italian cologne, sprayed a little on her left hand and sniffed. “I’ve had a really good time. It was a great vacation—partly because I met you.” She placed the bottle back on the counter, then picked up another and sprayed cologne on her other hand. “Do you like the way this one smells?”

  Steven sniffed her arm. “It smells nice. Reminds me of peaches,” he responded.

  Cherise turned away from the perfume counter, eying him. “So what happens between you and me when we leave the ship tomorrow?” she asked him.

  “We both live in Los Angeles, so I don’t see why we can’t continue spending time together,” Steven responded. “Unless you’re not interested in dating me. Are you?”

  Her eyebrows rose in amazement. His question had caught her off guard, but she warmed under the look he gave her. “Of course I’d like to keep seeing you.”

  Steven gave her a smile that sent her pulses racing. “That’s exactly what I hoped you’d say,” he confessed as he wrapped his arms around her. “I don’t want whatever we have to end.”

  “I don't either,” Cherise admitted, giddy with happiness. “I never expected to meet someone like you on the cruise. To be honest, I wasn’t even going to come, but Ivy and Elle talked me into it.”

  “We were supposed to meet,” Steven said.

  “Do you really believe that?” she questioned.

  He nodded. “I’m so glad that I don’t have to deal with drama.”

  “Same here, but Steven,” she said with a chuckle, “I’m not perfect. Things are great between us, but I’m sure we’re going to have some times when we disagree on whatever.”

  “As long as we’re always honest with each other, we’re going to be fine,” Steven responded. “My aunt used to always tell me that two people who care about each other should never have secrets.”

  Cherise kept her expression blank. “You’ve mentioned your aunt a few times. You must be very close to her.”

  Steven nodded. “I am. I can’t wait for you to meet her. I hope they come home soon.”

  “You said that they live in Ghana, right?”

  “My uncle has a job there. He and Aunt Eula Mae have been in Ghana for ten years now, but he’s supposed to be retiring soon. My aunt wants to come home.”

  Cherise wrapped her arms around him. “Family is everything, isn’t it?”

  “See, this is why we belong together. You and I have so much in common, including our love for family.”

  His mouth beckoned her and Cherise was unable to resist. She pulled his face down to hers, planting a kiss on his lips.

  “I want you so much that I can’t think right,” he whispered hoarsely.

  “I want you too,” she responded. “But…”

  Steven nodded. “You’re right. I don’t want to rush things between us either.”

  “So what do we do now?” she asked him.

  “Join the rest of your family,” he suggested. “That should keep us out of trouble. It won’t stop me from thinking about making love to you, but I certainly won’t act on it.”

  “What? You’re worried about the men in my family?”

  “More like the women. Especially Ivy. That woman is no joke.”

  Cherise laughed. “You got that right.”

  He kissed her, then said, “C’mon, let’s go join the others.”

  Cherise’s body ached for Steven’s touch. She stole a peek at the handsome man beside her and smiled.

  Chapter 5

  Two days after the cruise ended, Cherise invited Steven over for dinner. She had been looking forward to seeing him again. Once they returned home and back to work, Steven had to clear his desk to stay on task with his outstanding projects and Cherise had some pressing matters to handle as well.

  He arrived promptly at seven.

  Cherise threw open the door and stepped back to let Steven enter her house. She’d purchased the home three years ago and was very proud of how much effort she’d put into making it reflect her personality by utilizing warm earth-tone colors.

  Leaning into him, Cherise welcomed his warm embrace.

  “I’m so glad to see you, sweetheart,” he murmured in her hair. “I want you to know that it was hard to get my work done, because you were on my mind all day long.”

  Cherise wrapped her arms around him, and replied, “It was the same for me. At one point I thought this day would never end.”

  Steven laughed. “I know what you mean. I kept thinking that there had to be something wrong with my watch.”

  Cherise gestured toward the love seat and said, “Give me a few minutes to set everything up and then we can eat. I was late leaving the office.”

  “Take your time, sweetheart. We have all evening.”

  Ten minutes later, Cherise led Steven into the dining room.

  He eyed the beautifully decorated table. Vibrant flames flickered from the gold-colored candles, casting a soft glow on the succulent display of chicken, scalloped potatoes, homemade muffins and steaming asparagus. “Everything looks delicious.”

  “Thank you.” Cherise sat down in the chair Steven pulled out for her. He eased into a chair facing her.

  After giving thanks, they dug into their food. Cherise smiled when Steven closed his eyes as he chewed. She was pleased to see that he enjoyed the meal. Conversation was kept to a minimum while they ate.

  After dinner, Steven helped her with the cleanup, which was definitely a first for her. None of the men she’d dated in the past ever came into the kitchen unless it was to get something to eat or drink.

  Later, curled up on the sofa together, Steven acknowledged, “The roast chicken was good. You are a wonderful cook, Cherise.”

  She couldn’t get enough of looking at him. His brown eyes were lit from within with a golden glow. Cherise found her voice. “I’m glad you enjoyed dinner. The truth is, I was hoping to impress you with my culinary skills.”

  His eyes clung to hers. “Well, you did. I’m definitely impressed.”

  “Okay. I need to know if you are for real.”

  Steven threw back his head and laughed.

  “I’m serious, Steven,” Cherise said. “I have to be honest with you. You seem almost too good to be true. I guess it didn’t matter much when we were on the cruise ship. I thought you’d somehow be different now that we’re back home.”

  “Sweethea
rt, I’m for real,” he responded. “To tell the truth, I was feeling the same way about you, Cherise. I mean, I’ve never met a woman that I considered perfect for me—not like you are.”

  “No one has ever treated me the way you do. It’s kind of foreign. Do you know what I mean?”

  “I do,” he responded. “Cherise, I’m not going to change, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  Moving closer, she laid her head on his chest.

  Together, they watched television.

  Three hours later, Steven gently sat Cherise up and rose to his feet. “I guess I’d better get going. We both have to work tomorrow.”

  Cherise stood up too. She still ached for his touch so much, and her feelings for him were intensifying, wrapping around her like a warm blanket. Her emotions melted her resolve. “I don’t want you to leave, Steven. I want you to spend the night with me.”

  “Are you sure about this?” he wanted to know. His steady gaze bored into her in silent expectation.

  In response, she led him by the hand to her bedroom. Standing in the middle of the floor, they undressed each other in silence.

  Steven held her in his arms, his gaze making passionate love to her. Taking in his powerful presence, she asked, “What is it?”

  “I’ve grown to care deeply for you.” Pausing, he gazed at her. “I knew you were special from the first time I ever saw you.”

  Cherise was moved by his words. “I feel the same way about you.”

  “I’m not running games, sweetheart,” Steven stated. “I know it sounds like I’m moving fast, but you are everything I ever wanted in a woman. The reason I’m telling you this is because I want you to know where you stand with me before we fall into bed. I’m not looking for casual sex.”

  Cherise didn’t really know how to respond. “I-I really don’t know what to say. I never expected this.”

  “I have to ask. How do you feel about me, Cherise?” He regarded her with a speculative gaze. “Are you looking for something more?”

  He looked almost afraid of her response.

  Stroking his cheek, she murmured, “I want a real relationship, Steven.”