Tinjin leaned to give her another kiss. “From your mouth to God’s ears!”
Natalie smiled sweetly. “I need to change and get going. Will I see you later?”
Tinjin shrugged. “That depends.”
She leaned back on her hip, one hand falling against her waist. “On what?”
He lifted his eyebrows suggestively then winked an eye. Natalie rolled hers skyward.
“I am not your late-night booty call, TJ!”
He laughed. “You’re the one who asked about seeing me later, remember? I’m the one feeling like a slab of meat right now!”
She grinned as she pressed herself and her couture dress against him. “And a mighty fine slab of meat you are!”
* * *
His touch was electric. The first time she’d wakened to Tinjin tasting her sweet spot Natalie had lost complete control, unable to fathom how she was only in his apartment and bed and not lost somewhere in the stratosphere. Because with each pass of his tongue, his mouth locked against the door of her secret spot, she found herself reeling with pleasure, her body floating sky-high.
She gripped the sides of his head, his mouth bobbing up and down between her parted legs. His tongue caressed her slowly as he planted damp kisses down one side of her slit and up the other. Every muscle vibrated in response, her whole body one relentless tremor that could not be contained. He wrapped his lips around her clit and sucked her gently, his tongue washing her in small circles. His mouth was heaven-sent and Natalie arched her back in response, the convulsions moving her to pull his face against her as she pushed her hips to meet his tongue.
Her sweet scent filled his nostrils. He’d awakened to an erection that had refused to be ignored, her body wrapped around him like a warm blanket. The nearness of her was difficult to resist, her nakedness igniting a roaring flame deep in the pit of his spirit. He’d been hungry for her, his thirst feeling insatiable. And so he’d tasted her, determined to eat his way to ecstasy.
Natalie suddenly bucked, her body vibrating with a mind of its own. She bucked and twisted until they found themselves in a classic sixty-nine position and then she took him into her mouth to return the favor. It had become their morning ritual, their days starting in extreme ecstasy, both yearning for the other until the wanting actually hurt.
Their orgasms erupted at the same time, both exploding in sheer pleasure. Natalie stroked him fast and hard as he spilled his seed over her hand and against her lips. He pushed himself into her hand and pulled out, driving himself back and forth across her palm. It was bliss and a near-perfect way to start their day.
* * *
Tinjin was past the point of exhaustion. He’d been running on full steam for days with no end in sight. As he navigated the rise of his new business, every ounce of his fortitude was being taxed. His time was rarely his own and his to-do list was miles long. His one and only reprieve was the time he was able to spend with Natalie.
Natalie. Every time he thought about her he found himself grinning foolishly. The woman had gotten under his skin, attaching herself like an extra appendage he didn’t need but couldn’t see himself doing without. He was so far gone that he couldn’t begin to imagine life without her. More importantly, he didn’t want to.
Everything about the two of them together worked, even in those moments when they didn’t expect it to. Despite being annoying and spoiled she was funny and intelligent and she made him laugh when he least expected it. If Tinjin were honest with himself, she had his heart, despite his best efforts not to let her.
Tinjin shifted in his seat, glad that he’d been able to make the early evening flight. He’d been back and forth between London and Paris, business and his growing fondness for Natalie holding him hostage in both places. He’d been serious when he’d asked her about moving with him to Paris. He also understood her reluctance to answer. He’d been second-guessing the question since it had come out of his mouth, unsure if he was even ready for a permanent relationship with any woman. And then he thought about Natalie, understanding that she wasn’t just any woman. There was something special about her and, being honest, he was wholeheartedly happy that she was his woman and he had no reservations about claiming her.
As the plane touched down on the tarmac, taxiing slowing toward the gate at London’s Heathrow Airport he engaged his cell phone and dialed Natalie’s number. She answered on the second ring.
“Hello!”
“Hey, what are you doing?” Tinjin questioned. She sounded rushed and was breathing heavily into the receiver.
“I was just about to head out the door. Where are you?”
“At the airport. I just landed.”
“I thought you were staying in Paris tonight?”
“I changed my mind. I missed you.”
There was a moment of pause. “I missed you, too,” Natalie said, her voice a loud whisper on the other end.
“Where are you headed?” Tinjin asked.
“Dinner, then out with the girls. But I can cancel if you want me to.”
Tinjin shook his head. “Of course not! No, go have fun. I can meet you later. I only flew back to get me a quickie.”
Natalie laughed. “You’re so funny, TJ, but I don’t do quick.”
“That sounds like a personal problem to me.”
She giggled again. “Goodbye you!”
“I’ll see you later.”
On the other end Natalie took a deep breath and then a second as she disconnected the call. On the other side of the room Jean-Paul Vivier was eyeing her curiously.
“Who was that?” the man questioned.
Natalie met the look he was giving her. “None of your business,” she answered. “Are you ready to go?”
Jean-Paul nodded. “I’m delighted you agreed to see me again. I’ve missed you, Natalia! I’ve missed you so very much!”
* * *
Tinjin ran by his house first. The sparse decor had gotten scanter since most of his belongings had been transferred to his new home in Paris. Checking up on the place had become ritual since he now spent most nights with Natalie. He felt himself fingering the key to her abode, the act subconscious as he thought about her. Eventually he might consider selling the space, but until he was absolutely sure that he had no reason to maintain a residence in London, he planned to keep it.
He blew a deep sigh. He didn’t expect Natalie to drop everything for him but he missed her badly. And missing her had him wishing she’d given up her night with her friends to spend all of her time with him. There was nothing rational about the thought but he wasn’t afraid to admit to himself that he was having some issues. He didn’t see himself being that forthcoming with anyone else. He chuckled softly, the sound echoing around the room.
His cell phone suddenly chimed in his pocket. Pulling the device into his hand he acknowledged the caller ID with a warm smile.
“Hello!”
“Why haven’t you called me?” his sister Tierra questioned. Her reprimand echoed over the phone line.
Tinjin laughed. “I just spoke to you last week!”
“How’s Natalie? Things still good with you two?”
“Natalie is good. Natalie and I are still good. Thank you for being concerned.”
“I am concerned. I worry about you all the time.”
“I’m a big boy, Tierra. I’ve been tying my own shoes and combing my own hair since I was eight. If I remember correctly I was also tying your shoes and combing your hair back then, too.”
“You know what I mean.”
Tinjin smiled. “How are the kids?”
“Growing too fast. The baby is trying to crawl already and we just registered Lorenzo for T-ball. Hopefully you’ll get back to the States to see him play before the season is over.”
“I’ll plan on it. Uncle’
s going to need to give him some pointers!”
“I really wish you’d come back home. I hate that you’re out of the country.”
“Well, you and I both know that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Paris is going to be home for a while.”
“How does Natalie feel about that? Does she want to move to Paris with you or do you two plan to do the long-distance thing?”
Tinjin shook his head. “Natalie and I are making it work for now. We’re taking things slow. Besides, I’m so focused on business right now that I can’t give the attention to a full-time relationship that I would need to.”
“Yes, you could. Travis and I did it when he was deployed. You make it work if you love each other.”
“Who said anything about love?”
“Mama Dee! Who, by the way, is having some health issues so make sure you call and check on her.”
“What kind of issues?”
“She’s not taking her blood pressure medicine the way she’s supposed to and her numbers have been too high. The doctor fussed her good yesterday. Hypertension is not something to play with!”
“Mama Dee knows better. She’s putting herself at risk for a stroke or a heart attack.”
“She does know better but she refuses to change her diet and she doesn’t get enough exercise so she has to take her medication.”
“I’m sure stress doesn’t help, either.”
“Mama Dee doesn’t have any stress. She’s the most stress-free woman I know. You and I together have more stress than she’s had her whole lifetime!”
Tinjin laughed. “You’re probably right about that. I love how that old woman just takes everything so easily.”
“But back to what I was saying before. Mama Dee says you and Natalie are in love with each other but neither of you is willing to admit it yet. And our grandmother is never wrong!”
Tinjin was grateful that his sister couldn’t see the blush of color that had warmed his cheeks. He would never have gotten a break if she could see the expression that crossed his face. “Well, I don’t know about love but I’ll say we like each other a lot. We’ll just see what happens.”
Tierra nodded into the receiver. “Well, don’t mess it up, Tinjin. You know how you can do sometimes.”
“Goodbye Tierra. I’ll call you next week.”
“I love you, big brother!”
“I love you, too!”
Disconnecting the call, Tinjin felt his pulse quicken. Yeah, what he felt for Natalie was love, but until he could get a handle on things no one needed to discuss it. He stole a quick look at his wristwatch. He had time to kill before Natalie found her way home. His stomach rumbled and he realized he’d not eaten since earlier in the day. He suddenly remembered a little bistro near Natalie’s townhouse that she’d encouraged him to try. Since he was headed in that direction he couldn’t think of a reason why now wouldn’t be as good a time as any other. Taking one last glance around the space, he made his exit and locked the door.
* * *
Natalie had finished two glasses of wine and was working on her third. Jean-Paul had been going on and on about absolutely nothing since they’d been seated. She smiled politely but everything about her body language said she had no interest in being there. He was the only one who didn’t seem able to catch the clues. Dinner had only come after his insistence, the man promising a business opportunity she’d not be able to refuse. Only because Jean-Paul had always served her well when it came to business had she agreed to join him.
She reached for her cell phone to check the time and to see if Tinjin might have sent her a text message but there was nothing. It was radio silence. No calls, no messages, no nothing. She blew a deep sigh before forcing herself back to the conversation Jean-Paul was having with his lonesome.
“I’m not sure what I plan to do but I’m sure it will all work out,” he said as he reached across the table for her hand.
“I’m sure it will,” Natalie responded as she pulled her fingers from his, dropping her hand into her lap.
“I was very impressed with that piece you did on Jourdan Claude. They are definitely a company one should keep their eye on.”
She shrugged. “I wish them well.”
“I actually met Claude Von Brett, the owner. He and I have much in common. I liked his wife, as well.”
“Jourdan’s very sweet,” Natalie said, her gaze skating around the small restaurant.
“I’ve been thinking about doing business with them. How would you feel about that?”
Natalie shifted her eyes back to his. “What kind of business?”
“They need a financial infusion and I’m looking to get more involved. I could make you the face of Jourdan Claude. It could be a brilliant marketing strategy.”
Natalie stared at him, not bothering to respond. She reached for her glass and took another swig.
“We can talk about it more at my party tomorrow night,” he said. “They will both be there. And I don’t know if I told you, there’s another young designer looking for a handout to kick his design business off, as well. I want you to meet him, to give me your opinion.”
“I don’t know if I’m going to be able to make your party,” Natalie said. “I might be unavailable.”
“You must be there,” Jean-Paul insisted. “This party is to honor you.” He reached across the table, grasping her hand a second time. He pulled it to his lips and kissed her palm.
Natalie let out another deep sigh as she gestured toward the waiter with her other hand, needing a refill of her wineglass.
* * *
Tinjin had been seated at a table on the opposite side of the room when he spied the two of them together. He bristled as he watched Jean-Paul Vivier suck Natalie’s fingers into his mouth. Her snatching her hand away did nothing to ease the swell of jealousy that had surged through his spirit.
He took a deep breath. Natalie had lied to him. He had trusted that she was having a good time with her girls and instead she was being wined and dined by another man. He couldn’t help but wonder—if he had not come back to London unexpectedly would she and Jean-Paul be sharing more than dinner?
He was just about to confront the two of them when the restaurant’s door swung open, ushering in Frenchie, Leslie and Imani, the trio moving quickly toward Natalie’s table. There was a brief conversation before Natalie rose from her seat and bid Jean-Paul goodbye. The four women were out the door quickly, raucous laughter echoing after them. Neither had bothered to look in his direction, Natalie not realizing that he was even there.
Tinjin tensed. The waitress hovered over him, ready to take his order. He’d suddenly lost his appetite, his mind racing as he tried to put the pieces together. Natalie had left with her friends, so her lie was more a half-truth, conveniently leaving out her dinner plans with Jean-Paul. And what was the relationship between the two? Tinjin hadn’t been aware that they’d even known each other. He had more questions than answers and just as he was growing weary of trying to figure it all out, Jean-Paul called his name.
“Tinjin Braddy! How are you?”
Tinjin met the man’s outstretched hand, shaking it in greeting. “Jean-Paul, what a surprise.” He then eyed the man.
“Yes, it is. Did my assistant contact you with the information about my party tomorrow?”
Tinjin nodded. “She did. I look forward to it. I hope you don’t mind if I bring a guest.”
“Oh, please do. It will be quite the event. Of course, I’ll have made my decision about your business venture and it will be a wonderful opportunity for us to both announce our plans. I’m also excited to officially announce my engagement. You just missed my fiancée,” he said as he tossed a quick look over his shoulder and pointed toward the door.
Tinjin felt himself bristle a second time. “Your fiancée?”
Jean-Paul nodded as he continued. “But you’ll have the opportunity to meet Natalia tomorrow.”
Tinjin felt his jaw tighten as Jean-Paul extended his goodbye. “Have a good night,” he responded as the other man waved in response.
The waitress was still eyeing Tinjin curiously. “Are you ready to order yet, sir?”
He shook his head. “I’ve changed my mind,” he answered as he placed a twenty pound note onto the table. “This is for your troubles.”
The girl’s eyes widened at the generous tip. “Thank you, sir! But you really don’t...”
Her last words fell on deaf ears as Tinjin rushed from the room, heading to Natalie’s home to wait. Intent on getting to the truth.
* * *
“So, what do you plan to tell Tinjin?” Frenchie asked, her forehead furrowed.
Natalie shrugged her narrow shoulders. “I don’t plan to tell him anything. There’s nothing to tell.”
Frenchie shook her head. “I think he might want to know about Jean-Paul’s obsession with you.”
Natalie rolled her eyes. “He’s obsessed with himself, not me. Jean-Paul is a nonentity in our lives.”
“So, what about his party tomorrow? Are you going?”
“I really want to meet Karl Lagerfeld. Don’t you want to come with me?”
Frenchie shook her head. “Why don’t you take Tinjin?”
“I might do that. You act like I don’t want Tinjin and Jean-Paul to meet.”
Her friend laughed. “You don’t need to convince me.”
Natalie sighed. “Take me home. I’m intoxicated and you’re picking on me. I can see things going downhill between us and I don’t want you to ruin our friendship.”
The other woman laughed, mirth flooding the air around them. “Our friendship will be just fine. However, you have a problem on your hands and you don’t even know it,” she said. “You need to tell Tinjin. He doesn’t seem like the kind of man who would appreciate his woman keeping secrets.”
My Stallion Heart (The Stallions Book 7) Page 12
