“You’re right. Every day I wake up counting my blessings. I worked hard and reaped all the rewards and then some. Life has been good to me.”
“So, is the music industry as cutthroat as what you read about?”
“Even more.”
“Really?” Chloe asked, giving Christopher a stunned look.
“You shouldn’t be so surprised. Everybody thinks the music industry is so big, but it’s actually very small, and because of that we’re all trying to eat from the same plate. And everyone knows how greedy people are. So when you have that many hands scrambling just to get a bite, it’s inevitable that the seven deadly sins will take a front seat.”
“So, how do you survive it?”
“Love for the music. That has to be more important than the money and the fame. Because when you take away all the sprinkles, the music is all you have left. Enough about me, let’s discuss you. Tell me about Chloe Johnson.”
“My life is so boring compared to yours. We can get to me another time,” Chloe said quickly. “But I would like for us to toast to a wonderful evening.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
Chloe smiled to herself as she and Christopher clicked their champagne glasses.
After dessert and a few more glasses of bubbly, the two lovebirds left Cipriani with their arms wrapped around each other. Chloe had never felt so alive and didn’t want the feeling to ever end.
“What’s the next stop, Mr. McNeil?”
“We’ll be taking Chloe home next, Pablo. Baby, what’s your address?” Christopher inquired.
Chloe sat up in her seat and turned to Christopher. “I don’t want to go home.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
Chloe felt as if she were on an exhilarating voyage that she never wanted to end. It seemed as if her normal cautious self that always followed the prim and proper dating rules had taken a backseat to a more adventurous Chloe. It was a complete no-no in her book to ever be intimate with a man on a first date, or better yet at least the first month. She would never even give in to a passionate kiss until after the third date, but Chloe’s chemistry with Christopher was different. He was like a magnet pulling her in and Chloe welcomed it.
When the driver pulled up to the high-rise on the Upper East Side, Chloe knew this was her last chance to change her mind and go home. Once she stepped foot in Christopher’s apartment, there would be no turning back. Her body would give in to their undeniable lust, but with the temptation of passion lingering in the air, combined with her champagne buzz, Chloe threw caution to the wind and followed her sexual desires. By the time they reached Christopher’s top-floor penthouse, Chloe was practically out of her dress. Christopher’s touch was more powerful than she had even imagined. He lifted Chloe up and carried her into his opulent master bedroom where the most inviting king-sized bed greeted them.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Christopher asked between delectable kisses, each one more passionate than the other.
Chloe paused and stared deeply into Christopher’s eyes. “I want you to make love to me unless that’s not what you want.”
Christopher didn’t speak another word. He let his actions do all the talking. He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the solid frame of well-defined muscles that Chloe had been craving to sink her nails into. When Christopher stepped out of his pants, divulging the sort of tool that every woman dreams of, Chloe thought she would have a mini orgasm without even being penetrated. Before she had the chance, Christopher gently removed Chloe’s dress, exposing her lace black bra and panties. He ran his fingers through her hair, grasping it tightly as his tongue made love to her mouth. “Wait, I’ll be right back,” Christopher whispered as he stood up.
Chloe wanted to beg him to stay, not wanting to be out of his embrace for even a second. Chloe watched Christopher’s rock-hard buttocks walking away from her and wondered where he was going until the hypnotic sound of Prince’s ‘Adore U’ filled the room. Now the mood was right, and the scene was set up perfect for a night of making love.
“I want you to lie back and let me take care of you,” Christopher said in a soft yet commanding voice.
That’s exactly what Chloe let him do. She savored the endless peppering of kisses that led to his tongue stoking her clitoris and devouring her inner lips that pulsated with desire. Chloe gripped tightly to the silk sheets, not wanting to run away from the pleasure but becoming overwhelmed. Christopher held firmly on to Chloe’s baby-soft skin, allowing his tongue to go deeper, bringing her to the ultimate climax. Chloe’s moans of satisfaction seemed to arouse Christopher even more. As Chloe’s body jerked, still calming itself from her powerful orgasm, Christopher sprinkled her stomach with more kisses as the tip of his fingers played with her nipples until the warmth of his mouth took in Chloe’s succulent breasts.
“Baby, please let me feel you inside me.”
Christopher reached over and opened the drawer in his nightstand, retrieving a condom. Once it was securely on, he looked up into Chloe’s pleading eyes and gave her what she was begging for. Chloe let out a scream of undeniable ecstasy when all ten inches of thickness pressed through her tight walls. Chloe had had sex with only three other men in her past, but none of them came close to putting it on her the way Christopher was doing at the moment. She wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting to feel every thrust. They were both so engrossed in each other’s euphoria that neither wanted to let go until finally reaching their orgasm simultaneously.
“You felt so incredible,” Christopher said as he rolled over onto his back.
“So were you.” Chloe snuggled up under Christopher and they fell into a deep sleep.
“Good morning, everybody,” Chloe sang out as she made her way to her cubicle.
“You’re late,” Kari fumed.
“I know, but my yesterday evening and this morning were filled with such unexpected events I simply lost track of all time. Sorry.”
“No, you’re not,” Kari shot back.
“You’re right, I’m not,” Chloe said with a toss of her head. “No sense in lying.”
“Chloe, can I speak with you for a moment?” Kari and Chloe both turned to see Leslie Duncan.
“Ha, you’re in trouble,” Kari whispered.
“This isn’t elementary school, Kari. Must you be so juvenile?” Chloe asked as she grabbed her purse.
“Chloe, please close the door behind you and have a seat,” Leslie said sternly. Chloe began to wonder if being a half hour late was a first-degree crime in this office after all.
“Chloe, let me get right to it.” The words you’re fired rang in Chloe’s head. “Would you be interested in the position of features editor?”
“Excuse me?”
“Yes, unfortunately Monica got a much more lucrative offer at another company and won’t be staying with us, and so I immediately thought of you. A final decision hasn’t been made yet and won’t be for at least a few more weeks. But before I added your name to the list of potentials I wanted to see if you even wanted the job.”
“Yes, I want the job, but why me? I haven’t even been working here for three months.”
“Frankly, you’ve been getting rave reviews. Everybody tells me you’re one of the hardest working people here. I’ve also been amazed at how you’re able to juggle working for Kari—which I know isn’t easy—and doing the magnificent job on a few of the articles you’ve edited for me. I especially loved the spin you put on the article covering the Hyatt sisters who claim to be fashion socialites but are more like social piranhas. Then after the wonderful feedback I got back about the photo shoot, I knew you should definitely be in the running. Do you know, both Taj and Melodic called me personally to say how magnificent you were yesterday?”
“Wow! I don’t know what to say.”
“Well, you’re proving to be a force to be reckoned with in such a brief amount of time. But I’m not surprised. You’re bringing tremendous work ethics from your
prior job.”
“So, who else is on the potential list?”
“From here, only you and Kari. We will also be interviewing potential candidates from the outside.”
“Kari? But she’s already the fashion editor. Why would she want to switch positions? Especially since she has access to fashion that hasn’t even hit the runway yet?”
“Higher position equals much more money and perks, like traveling around the world. The features editor has a greater hand in deciding what articles dominate our pages. When you land that position you’re entering the big leagues.”
Chloe wanted to jump on top of Leslie’s desk and break out into some ridiculous dance but used her better judgment. “I feel honored to be among the potential candidates. And thank you, Leslie, for considering me.”
“You earned it. Now go out there and get some work done. We’ll be chatting again soon.”
Chloe walked out of Leslie’s office thinking her day couldn’t get any better until the most beautiful and biggest bouquet of flowers was sitting at her desk. She rushed to open the card.
To the woman who was created just for me. You’re perfect and I can’t wait to see you again.
Love,
Christopher
“What are you grinning so hard for? Your rich daddy send you some flowers?” Kari questioned sarcastically.
“As a matter of fact he did, but it’s my other rich daddy. Are you comprehending? If not I’ll explain. It’s the daddy that gives you the best sex of your life. That sort of rich daddy, now choke on it.”
“I see you’re feeling yourself, but don’t forget I don’t care who your daddy is, you still work for me.”
“Actually I’m feeling just fine, but obviously news travels around here pretty fast, because I don’t recall telling you who my father is—especially since it’s none of your business.”
“Chloe, dear, I make it my business to know everything that goes on at Posh, including my assistant’s background. Now excuse me, I have work to do.”
Chloe sat down at her desk, rolling her eyes at Kari and continuing to make wardrobe revisions for a photo shoot scheduled at the end of the week with Halle Berry. The whole office was buzzing about having the classic beauty grace the cover and doing an eight-page layout with an interview included. This was one article Chloe would love to edit and kept her fingers crossed that Leslie would allow her to do so. She worked diligently for the rest of the day, not even taking a lunch break. To her surprise but gratification Kari remained mute and didn’t bother her once. When Chloe finally came up for air she decided to try Christopher again and thank him for the flowers. She hoped he would answer, but the call went straight to voice mail. Chloe didn’t mind hearing the sound of his voice before the phone beeped. “Hi, Christopher, it’s me, Chloe. Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers, they’re almost as perfect as you were last night. Call me when you get a chance, miss you.” While replaying their lovemaking episode for the hundredth time, Chloe looked at her watch and realized it was six o’clock.
“Shit,” she said out loud before turning off her computer, grabbing her purse, and rushing to the elevator. “I forgot I have an appointment to see that brownstone apartment. I hope I can still make it uptown by six-thirty.”
Chloe’s cell rang five minutes into her cab ride uptown, and Christopher’s name popped up. “Hi, baby.”
“Hi, where are you? I want to pick you up from work.”
“I’m in a taxi going to Harlem.”
“What are you going to Harlem for?”
“To look at a brownstone. I’m considering renting out one of the units.”
“They have some beautiful spots that way. But instead of moving to Harlem I wish you would move in with me.”
“Christopher, so cute.”
“I’m not being cute. I’m being serious.”
“We’ll see how serious you are when I show up at your front door with all my luggage.”
“Let me know when.”
Chloe smiled, doubting Christopher was serious but glad his tone gave every indication that he was. “Did you get my message? I absolutely adored my flowers, they were perfect.”
“I know. Just like you.”
“Ms., we’re here,” the taxi driver informed Chloe as he pulled up to the three-story green-and-white brownstone in a clean tree-lined block. Even from the outside she could see that work had recently been done on the building. The windows were so clean they had to be new, and the steps looked as if they had recently been steam-cleaned. All of the brownstones on the block—and there had to be twenty on each side of the street—looked good, but this one was a standout. Chloe couldn’t believe her luck.
“Wow, it’s beautiful,” she said out loud, forgetting for a moment she was still on the phone with Christopher.
“You love saying wow,” he mocked.
“I can’t help it. I have a word addiction.”
“How long are you going to be there?”
“I shouldn’t be any longer than an hour.”
“I’m on my way, then, I’ll pick you up.”
“Cool.” Chloe gave Christopher the address, paid the driver, and headed toward the building.
“What’s your name, cutie?” a scrawny-looking brother sitting on the steps of the brownstone next door asked Chloe. She barely glanced at the man, who was wearing beat-up jeans and an army jacket, as she continued her stride. He then walked over and seized her arm. “Didn’t you hear me talking to you?”
“Get your hands off of me,” Chloe insisted, yanking her arm from his grasp.
“My fault, sexy lady. It wasn’t my intention to offend you.” The man put his hands up in mock surrender. “But you can at least acknowledge a brother? You know what I’m saying?”
“No, I don’t. So excuse me,” Chloe hissed.
“What the hell is going on out here?” a middle-aged woman with a blue wool coat, and a brown felt hat pulled down low over her graying dreadlocks, bellowed out as she approached them.
“It ain’t nothing, Miss Margie. I was only introducing myself to this fine specimen.”
“Jerome, didn’t I tell you about harassing my people?”
“You said for me not to bother your tenants,” the man said as he backed away. “I didn’t know she was one of your tenants.”
“Well, she might be if you leave her the hell alone. Now get your trifling ass off my stairs before I pull out my baseball bat and go upside your head.”
“Oh, forget you. I’m outta here,” he said with a sneer that revealed his yellow teeth.
The slimy dude pimp-walked his way down the block and Chloe was more than happy to see him go. He definitely gave her the creeps.
“Sorry about that, dear. Jerome is harmless but extremely nerve-racking.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Chloe flashed a quick smile. “So, you must be Mrs. Graham?”
“Damn straight, but call me Margie. Everybody else does. I’m a little up in age but I’m not that old,” she said, poking out her hip, showing she still had some curves to work with. She took a drag from a cigarette she held in her right hand. Her breath suggested it wasn’t the first cigarette she’d smoke that day. “And you must be Chloe Johnson,” she said as she continued up the stairs. “Well, come on and I’ll show you around Margie’s Diamond Palace. That’s what I call my place.” You’re taking a look at unit two, correct?”
“Correct.” Chloe waited patiently as Margie found the key for the lock and opened the door. The brownstone was nice, but no palace, but still if that’s what the lady wanted to call it, it was fine with her.
“You got an accent. You not from here, are you?”
“No, ma’am. I’m from Houston.”
The woman nodded. “Okay. Then let me explain. Unit two is on what you might call the third floor. Down there”—the woman pointed to a courtyard that was three steps below street level—“is what we call the garden apartment. I just rented that out at the beginning of the year to a gir
l from Canada. She looks half Chinese, if you ask me, but she says she’s black. Not that it’s none of my business. Not my business at all. And the first floor here,” she said, pointing to the level they were entering, “is unit one. Girl from Atlanta moved in about five weeks ago. And the girl in unit three moved in last month. All y’all about the same age, I think. Maybe y’all can be friends. Not that it’s none of my business. Not my business at all. Your unit is up here.” She led Chloe up a flight of stairs.
“Take a look,” Margie said, extending her arm to the open space. “This place has been completely renovated with every pipe, wire, outlet fixture, and appliance…Mama don’t play,” she boasted proudly. “I put a lot of money into fixing up this building.”
“I see. This place is just…incredible.” Chloe’s eyes slowly took in the apartment as she moved from room to room. High ceilings with chandelier-like light fixtures, hardwood floors, a stainless steel kitchen, central a/c, and the living room and bedroom even had working fireplaces. “What’s the square footage?”
“Between nine hundred and nine-fifty,” Margie replied.
“Harlem, here I come.” Chloe stood in the center of the apartment and made up her mind that this would be her new home. “I’ll take it.”
“That’s what I like to hear. I’ll get your paperwork prepared and hell, you can move right on in. That is if you have your first month’s rent and security deposit. If your credit is bad, then I’ll need three months’ security.”
“My credit is fine but is that legal, asking for all that extra money?”
“What, you work for the housing department?”
“No, I’m curious to know.”
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head. If your credit’s straight and you have your money, then it’s all good.”
“Wow. Well, I definitely want the place and plan on moving in this time next week. Is that okay?”
“What’s that, February seventh? You must need a place fast, huh? Not that’s it none of my business. Not my business at all. You pay, you play. I don’t care when you move in as long as you pay the rent. I live in the brownstone two doors down. I live in that place, and rent out this one. Just bring the money order over when you’re ready.”
Diamond Playgirls Page 17
