Redemption (Iris Series)

by Lynn, Rebecca

  She had decided to wear the dress she had worn on the date from hell with Eugene. Jonathan commented on it, and she told him that she wanted to wear it so she could get rid of the bad juju associated with it.

  When they were finally seated eating chips and salsa enjoying their margaritas, they spent some time just smiling and enjoying small talk. Eventually, Jonathan brought up his mom again.

  “What’s your schedule look like next week?” he asked.

  “Janie and I have an event this coming Monday and Tuesday, and then another one next Sunday.”

  “Could you get away for a quick trip? Maybe Wednesday through Friday? I want to take you up to Boston.”

  Her eyes softened as she looked at him. Then she reached her hand up to touch his cheek. She looked away, biting her lip.

  “What’s the matter?”

  She shrugged, feeling insecure all of the sudden. She hated it.

  He put his drink down then scooted his chair closer to hers. He reached out and pulled her in a little closer to him, wrapping his arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulder.

  “What is it, Yan?”

  She sighed. “I’m not usually the kind of girl a guy takes home to ‘mama’, Jon.”

  He forced her head up so she would look him in the eye.

  “To me, you are. Talk to me.”

  “I’ve never met any of the moms of my exes.”

  “Good. I don’t want you to meet any of the moms of your exes. I want you to meet the mom of your boyfriend,” he said, deliberately being obtuse.

  They were interrupted briefly by the waiter bringing them their food. Once their drinks were refilled and the waiter was gone, they slowly began to eat in silence.

  Jonathan broke the silence first.

  “I’m not going to lie. I’m glad I’m the first boyfriend to ‘take you home to mama’.”

  She sighed and put her fork down.

  “You said yourself I’m crunchy. What if she doesn’t like me? That’s a definite possibility. I’m abrasive, I know.”

  “You’re wonderful, loving, loud, funny, abrasive, crunchy, talented, brilliant, and beyond gorgeous. What on earth could she possibly not like?”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “I’m serious. You’re spicy and keep me on my toes. I love that, and trust me, so will she. My mom has a great sense of humor. She’s been keeping the men in our family on their toes for years. You guys are going to totally hit it off.”

  “I’m not an insecure person. But you’re different, Jon,” she said quietly. “I want her to like me. I don’t want to disappoint you or her.”

  “How the hell could you disappoint me? You’re the two most important women in my life, and I want you to know each other.” He hesitated. “Do you want to meet her?”

  “Yes!” she said without question. “I would love to meet her. I’m just a little nervous. It’s stupid. Forget I said anything. It’ll be fine.”

  “It’s not stupid. It’s how you feel. I know you haven’t had a relationship like this one. And I’m glad of that. It’s natural for you to feel uncertain. But you know what? It’s Day 41, baby. Time for new beginnings. I promise you, she’s going to love you. She really is. You have nothing to worry about, Yan.”

  She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips..

  “Thanks, champ,” she whispered. “I love you,” she sighed. “I’m usually not this whiny.”

  He chuckled. “You’re entitled every once in a while. So you can get away Wednesday through Friday then?”

  She smiled and leaned back. “Yeah. I can get away.”

  “Good,” he smiled back.

  They continued talking a bit about insignificant things and when dinner was finally over, they got home in time for Ayanna to prep for the dinner with her parents. When she was done, they decided to spend the night at Jonathan’s place and headed up.

  Finally settling in on the bed to watch a movie, they spent most of the time touching and talking, laughing and giggling. Because they’d both seen the movie before, their touching started to become less playful and moved into the sexual realm very quickly.

  While he rolled her onto her back, he murmured, “What kind of lovin’ would you like this evening, my little sex goddess? Soft and slow?” he asked with just a breath while he positioned his lips at the shell of her ear. “Or something a little more forceful – like a hard fast fuck?” he asked, sinking his teeth into the skin of her earlobe.

  Her heart was fluttering at his words, knowing that whichever way she chose it was going to be pretty damn good. She let out a little gasp at that last question and he took that as her answer because a moment later, he pulled her to the edge of the bed yanking off her lounge pants and thong in one pull.

  She giggled, but then stopped when he looked up at her with a lust fueled look.

  “Turn over so you’re bent over the bed.”

  She gave him a sultry look and got up, peeling her tank top off over her head then releasing her breasts from her bra only to have it join her tank top on the floor. Giving him an innocent look, Ayanna watched him as she began to turn her naked body around in front of him.

  “You know, JBG,” she began. “You’re not always going to have all of the control in the bedroom.” She turned her head so she could give him a pointed look over her shoulder then leaned down over the edge of the bed, her ass now raised up into the air. “Just so you know,” she added.

  He put his hand in the middle of her back and gently pushed her front down onto the bed even more, running his hand tantalizingly up and down her spine. She arched into it like a cat and could hear the rustle of clothes as he disrobed behind her. Then he leaned down over her back pressing her more into the mattress.

  “You think so?” he said into her ear. “You sound pretty confident about that.”

  She had her face turned on the bed and smiled teasingly. “I am. One of these days, buddy,” she started.

  He kissed his way down her right flank and captured the skin between his teeth.

  She let out a puff of air at the sensation.

  “One of these days, what?” He continued to savor the taste of her skin as he moved his lips to her left hip. “You really do have a spectacular ass,” he murmured as an afterthought.

  She was beginning to lose her train of thought, chills running through her every time he bit into her skin. With her eyes glazed over, she tried to keep her wits about her.

  “One of these days, I’m not gonna let you call the shots,” she murmured, her thoughts scattering.

  He was now running his tongue over her right ass cheek, and sucking the skin into his mouth.

  “Mm, hmm. You keep telling yourself that, baby,” he said with a mouthful of her flesh.

  She reacted by moving away from his mouth, but before she could turn the tables and take charge, he had his body covering hers so she couldn’t move.

  Her heart beat pounded in her chest while her excitement built as he dominated her. She could feel his hard cock beginning to stroke between her ass cheeks and she wiggled against it.

  “Doesn’t look like you’re calling the shots right now, baby,” he whispered.

  Her breathing had picked up already, so turned on she could practically feel her body humming with anticipation in what he would do next.

  “That’s what you think, JBG,” she breathed. “I’ve got you just where I want you, don’t I?” She wiggled again.

  Before she knew what was happening, he held her hips and thrust into her, forcing a loud moan from her lips.

  “That’s perfect then,” he growled while dragging his cock out, then pushing it back in. “Because you’re exactly where I want you, too.”

  He ground into her then began to move faster and faster, creating an undulating unbreakable rhythm, taking her higher and higher.

  She groaned as the friction of the sheets on her breasts added to the already building sensations. She used her feet still planted on the floor to give her leverage s
o she could meet his thrusts, grinding her forehead into the bed and gripping onto the sheets.

  “Fuck, Yan,” he moaned. “I don’t ever want to stop,” he said through his teeth. He began pounding her into the bed with his forceful thrusts.

  “Don’t,” she gasped in response. “Just fuck me harder.” She added to the demand by reaching back and grabbing at his ass with one of her hands.

  He ground even more forcefully into her over and over.

  “God.” She gripped the sheets with her free hand, pushing her clit into the bed while she rotated her hips back into him.

  “Yan. Come on. I can’t wait any longer. Come with me.”

  She was gasping, whimpering, her inner muscles clasping around him until she was screaming into the sheets and coming around him. She could hear his growl, and then he was fucking her so hard and fast the headboard was knocking into the wall.

  It felt incredible.

  Finally he found his release as he shuddered and held onto her hips, exploding inside of her. He held himself tight to her and she bit her bottom lip to keep from screaming.

  He collapsed onto her back, running his hand up the back of her head and gripping her hair. Her scalp lit up with sensations as he gently pulled her head back so he could whisper in her ear.

  “Maybe I should let you call the shots more often if this is how it ends up,” he breathed, both of them trying to catch their breath. “I’ll let you manipulate me any way you want baby, as long as it ends up like this.”

  She chuckled lightly and smiled at him, moving her head into his hand. He massaged her scalp and rested her head back on the bed kissing her cheek, her neck.

  “Your skin is so smooth,” he said in between kisses.

  She reached her hand back and grabbed at his ass grinding back into him.

  “Let’s clean up and go to sleep,” he murmured as he stroked her hair one last time. “I’m beat.”

  “I wonder why, sex machine,” she said dryly.

  He took a nip at her shoulder causing her to yelp. They play swatted at each other then he slipped out of her and helped her up, taking her into the bathroom to clean up and get ready for bed.

  Just as they were cuddled in bed, on the way to falling asleep, Jonathan asked a question.

  “Do you want to use the special sex oven for dinner tomorrow night? Would it make things easier for you?”

  She looked up surprised. “Wow. That’s tempting. Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll just do it at my place. I’m going to have to do some last minute stuff and I’d have to keep running up and down. And I definitely don’t want to make you stay alone with the parental units too long,” she finished dryly.

  “I can handle it, if you really want to use it. I’ll do whatever you want.”

  “Thank you,” she yawned, then cuddled into his arms. “You’re a sweetie, but I’ll just use mine. Rest assured though, champ. I will be using that sex oven again…in an apron and nothing else. Very soon.”

  “Mmm. I’m looking forward to it,” he said with relish, then kissed the top of her head already fading fast.

  As Ayanna fell asleep, she mused over the changes in her life over the past 24 hours and smiled. Now if she could just make it through the dinner with her family, then meeting his, she may finally be on her way to a whole new life.

  Chapter 18

  By 5:30pm the next night, Ayanna had filled Ryann in on the happenings of Day 41, and of course she squealed like a schoolgirl over the phone. To say she was thrilled that both Jonathan and Ayanna had gotten together would be putting it mildly.

  Now she was in the kitchen, the potatoes and chicken in the oven, and the wine chilling. And although Ayanna appeared cool and unruffled on the outside, she was a nervous wreck on the inside. After all, every time she got together with her parents an argument arose. At least Jonathan and Dev would be there. That would help add a buffer to the jagged edges of the situation. Perhaps this time she wouldn’t be impaled by her parents’ comments, but only jabbed a bit.

  Jonathan had arrived moments earlier, dressed impeccably but casually in dark wash slim cut jeans along with a crisp pale blue button down with dark blue and green pin stripes on it. The color brought out his baby blues. With his sleeves rolled up, he finished off his look with tan leather shoes and belt...and he looked absolutely delicious. She loved when he rolled up his sleeves. His forearms were so sexy.

  He had brought along some of her favorite wine to be enjoyed after the party was over.

  She had chosen one of her more conservative outfits, going with low rise skinny jeans and a tailored turquoise sleeveless silk blouse with funky belt, heels and accessories. Over the outfit, she had on her no nonsense black apron, and her hair back in a high ponytail to keep it out of her face while cooking.

  “How ya doin’?” he asked as he came up behind her in the kitchen to knead her shoulders. “What can I do?”

  She sighed and leaned back into him. “I’m doin’ okay. It’s gonna be what it’s gonna be, right?”

  He turned her around and cupped her face with his hands. “Maybe it won’t be as bad as you think. I mean, the fact that they’re coming over is a good sign, so let’s think positively.”

  Just then her buzzer went off on the intercom, and Ayanna knew it was Dev. She leaned up and kissed Jonathan softly on the lips. “You’re right. I’m gonna think positively. Thanks, champ.”

  She walked to the intercom. “Hello?”

  “Hey! It’s me,” Dev said.

  “Come on up, sweets.”

  She turned to Jonathan who had followed her out of the kitchen, and said with a sigh, “And so it begins.”

  “Yup. No backing out now, baby. It’s gonna be great, you’ll see.”

  “Would you pop open a bottle for me? Dev likes the Shiraz.”

  “Absolutely.” He turned back into the kitchen to prepare a glass for Dev.

  When the knock came, Ayanna opened the door and stood smiling at her younger brother. He looked like a 26 year old version of her dad. Standing a few inches taller than her, he had high cheekbones, latte colored skin, dark brown eyes with long eyelashes, and a thick head of black hair, which was gelled and spiky at the moment. He was wearing skinny jeans, tan colored stylish loafers, and a slim cut short sleeve button down shirt in a lavender plaid.

  Dev, who was studying to be a dentist, had passed the Dental Admissions Test a few years earlier after his undergraduate work, and had just finished up his four year stint at NYU College of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. The last couple of years during his schooling, he had been working with a dentist in Brooklyn, and was now studying for the National Board Dental exams in hopes to complete the requirements for getting his New York State license to open up his own practice.

  “Hey,” he said smiling, walking in with a bouquet of flowers and wrapping her in a bear hug.

  “Hey yourself,” she responded hugging him back. When she backed away, she took the wild flowers and said, “Well, look at you. Someone must’ve raised you right.” She leaned up to kiss him. “Thanks, bud. They’re beautiful. Come on in,” she smiled nervously and grabbed his hand walking him into the kitchen.

  “The place looks great. Smells great, too...like Ammie’s.”

  “Thanks. We’re having one of her dishes.”

  “Nice.”

  When they entered the kitchen, Jonathan was pouring a glass of wine for Dev. Jon looked up and smiled putting the glass down on the counter.

  He walked over and smiled, putting out his hand. “Hi, Dev. I’m Jonathan. Nice to finally meet you.”

  Ayanna watched as Dev looked up at her gorgeous man, a bit starstruck. He’d always wanted a brother and she hoped the two of them got along.

  “Hey,” Dev said with a smirk and shook his hand. Then he looked at Ayanna. “As in the Jonathan?”

  She nodded and smiled.

  Dev turned back to Jon and said, “How much did she pay you to attend this little soir
ee.”

  “Believe it or not, he offered,” Ayanna said, still a little surprised over Jonathan offering to be there.

  Dev raised both eyebrows. “Wow. You’re gonna want that money by the end of the evening, I’m sure,” he said dryly. “It’s nice to meet you too, and may I say I’m glad my sister has turned over a new leaf? You are definitely not her usual type, and thank God for that.”

  Jonathan chuckled. “Well, I’m glad she chose me. She makes me a very happy man.”

  Dev looked over at Ayanna with a raised eyebrow. “Is he for real? Because if he is, you better not screw this up.”

  Jonathan pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head. “I’m sure both of us are gonna screw up plenty of times. But we’ll work it out and stick with it, because I’m not letting your sister go. She’s too much of a catch.”

  Ayanna felt giddy.

  Jonathan looked Dev in the eye, and said, “And I hope you and I can hang out sometime, just the two of us. I know tonight won’t be easy for either of you and it would be nice to get to know you without the pressure of your parents around.”

  Ayanna loved him even more after that.

  There was a pause, then, “Will you marry me?” Dev deadpanned.

  They all laughed then Ayanna pushed playfully at Dev. “Find your own fuckin’man! This one’s mine.” She looked up at Jonathan and grabbed his face to kiss him hard on the mouth.

  “Yannie told me about your mom. How is she doing?”

  “Very well. She’s at home recovering. Thanks for asking about her,” Jonathan said, looking touched.

  “Of course,” Dev responded. “I’m sure it was a difficult time.”

  “It was, but it brought us all closer and made us remember what’s important in life.”

  Ayanna hugged Jon around the waist and said, “Hence the reason for this dinner.”

  “How long has it been since you guys have had a dinner together?” Jon asked.

  “We try to do Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, but quite frankly there isn’t a lot of talking. When we do talk, it’s usually awkward.” Ayanna then turned to Dev. “Devvie, you and I need to fix things with the parental units. We may not ever be best friends with them, but we need to have some kind of relationship with them that is a little healthier than the average adolescent one.”