His Loving Caress

by Candace Shaw

  “Do you want dessert?” he asked, whisking her out of her pondering. “The pastry chef here makes a slamming Turtle-pecan cheesecake. I read an interview you did with Vogue that you rarely eat sweets, but you’ll eat cheesecake every blue moon.”

  Pushing her plate away from her, she leaned back in the booth. “Oh, no. I’m stuffed. Perhaps I can take it to go. It sounds delicious.”

  “Of course. Whatever you want.”

  He called over the hostess who was nearby checking on tables and asked her to make a to-go box for four slices of the cheesecake.

  Her attention diverted to the stage as the pianist performed a solo. He was good, she supposed. She’d found herself over the years comparing every pianist to Braxton. While some were noteworthy, none of them measured up to him. The man was the epitome of a musical genius. When he played, he was one with the music. The two were inseparable as he poured out his emotions and his heart through the melody. It always sent chills down her spine to hear him caress the keys. And while she’d admitted to him that she owned all of his CDs, she’d found it hard to listen to some of the songs.

  She caught his eyes on her as he bobbed his head to the song. Finishing the polenta, he tossed his fork on the empty plate and pushed it to the edge of the table. He crossed his hands in front of him and continued his intent gaze at her. Fear swept over her as she noted the same passion from the other night rage in his eyes. She didn’t even know why it had all of a sudden appeared. Their conversation had been friendly and safe, minus the part about her dress.

  But she knew all of his facial expressions, mannerisms and moods. Pleasure rushed through her as he licked his bottom lip and scooted toward her until he was in the middle of the booth next to her. His hard, muscular thigh pressed against her almost bare one. Elle knew the dress was short when she’d slipped it on, but she’d been surprised at how much it rose when she’d sat down. Tugging on it hadn’t worked when she had realized he was sliding over to her. The waitress stopped by, gathered their empty plates and quickly left.

  Clearing her throat, Elle focused her attention on the band. “I wish you were playing tonight,” she stated as she noticed his fingers tapping the table silently. She had to get the focus off them and since music was his first love, she figured they could discuss that and kill whatever sensual mood had arisen.

  His forehead dented and his face frowned when he glanced at the band as if he’d forgotten where they were. His jaw clenched in a sexy smile as he turned his head to her. Resting his hand on her thigh, he gave a provocative squeeze and lowered his mouth to her ear. “Yeah, I wouldn’t mind playing tonight. All night.”

  Her breathing became restricted as his tongue gently grazed her ear. She managed to remain composed on the outside as people passed their table, some of whom waved or said hello to Braxton. Although he remained completely unaware of their greetings. Even when the waitress dropped off the cheesecake and asked if they needed anything else, Braxton didn’t flinch. She kept her eyes locked on the stage as his strong hand glided a tad higher under her dress.

  “You remember how I used to play, Elle. Running my fingers and lips along every inch of your skin. Sometimes gently and sometimes...well...not. You would make those erotic purrs and I’d call you my little kitten. Hmm...you remember, baby? While I enjoyed last night’s sample, I could barely sleep thinking about you. Wanting you. Needing to kiss your lips along with whatever else just to hear you and feel you tremble hard in my arms after you were completely satisfied. It took everything I had in me not to hop in my ride and speed back to your hotel to finish what we’d started.”

  Sliding her hand sensually on top of Braxton’s, she turned her head to face him as her lips rested a mere inch from his. She gave a sultry stare as he parted her thighs and her mouth parted at the same exact instant.

  “If you move your hand one more time, I’ll break every single finger and you’ll never play the piano the same again,” she said though clenched teeth and a sweet smile.

  * * *

  Braxton stared in bewilderment at Elle’s threat as he reluctantly removed his hand from between her supple thighs and placed it back on the table.

  Chuckling, he scooted back to his original spot and rested his eyes on her.

  “While your words aren’t reflecting it, I know your body better than you, Sunshine, and last night proved there’s something still lingering between us. I intend to act on it every chance I get. Even if I end up with a few broken fingers, my love, it will be worth it.”

  “What happened last night was simply left over attraction. So I hope you enjoyed yourself because it will never happen again.”

  “If you say so, but your flushed skin and the way your eyelids fluttered shut when I touched you say otherwise.”

  “Nope, your breath was just foul that’s all.” She shrugged, and followed with a wink and a cute giggle. “So glad you moved back over there.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s my girl. I see you still have those witty comebacks, but it doesn’t deflect the fact that you want me and I intend to make you mine again.”

  “You keep thinking that.”

  Grabbing her purse from the seat and her to-go bag from the table, she began to slide out of the booth. “I have an early morning appointment with my client.”

  Standing, he walked around to her side and helped her out. Squeezing her hand, he was surprised when she didn’t drop it. “You’re leaving so soon?”

  “Yes. Besides, you have a club to run,” she said, as they begin to walk out of the dining area. “And groupies to greet.” She nodded toward a group of scantily clad women who were in the waiting area, all of whom smiled seductively at him.

  “Nah...not my type. I’m more into the beautiful woman who’s been swinging hands with me,” he said in a teasing manner as they entered the revolving door together.

  Her forehead wrinkled and she looked down as if she was shocked that they were holding hands. She snatched hers away as she stepped onto the sidewalk. He continued in the revolving door one more loop around as he laughed and then landed directly in front of her on the sidewalk. Sinking his hands into her waist, he drew her toward him and was surprised when she didn’t pull away.

  “It wasn’t that funny, Brax. It’s just a habit. We’ve been holding hands since we were children.” She ran her fingers through her straight tresses. “No big deal. Just like last night. No big deal.” She shrugged and began walking to the corner with him beside her.

  “And yet you can’t stop mentioning it.”

  Pushing the button on the walk sign, she turned toward him. “Think whatever you want. Anyway, thank you for dinner. I’m going to skedaddle to my car.”

  “Where did you park?”

  “In the parking garage across the street.”

  “I’ll walk you to your car.”

  “Not necessary. I parked on the lower level. I’ll be fine. Good night, Braxton.”

  “It’s almost ten o’clock in downtown Atlanta,” he said as the digital sign changed to Walk. “You’re not walking alone.” He stayed a few steps behind, watching her long legs strut in the heels as her calf muscles flexed. Her bouncing butt was plump and tight causing a strain against his pants as he pondered whether or not she was wearing panties. Perhaps a sexy G-string thong because he didn’t notice a panty line. “So do you drive much in New York?”

  “Goodness, no. I have an apartment in Manhattan not far from my office, so I either walk or take a taxi. I hire a car service when I need to get to events around the city. I do own a car, but it stays at my home in Piscataway. That’s the only place I drive.”

  “You remember when I taught you how to drive?”

  She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye as she fished around in her purse. Pulling out a key, she aimed it toward a black BMW coupe to unlock the door.

&
nbsp; “Is this a trick question?” she asked, as they stopped beside the car. “Some sexual innuendo?”

  “Um...no. That’s your mind in the gutter. I really was referring to the time when I taught you how to drive the summer before you took driver’s ed, not the times when you were naked on top of me. But those were fun, memorable times, as well.”

  Groaning, she reached to open the door, but he beat her to it. “Now you know that’s something you never have to do when I’m around.”

  Sliding into the car, she placed her belongings on the passenger seat and turned to stare up at him with a solemn expression. “Mmm...well you haven’t been around, but I’ve managed just fine to take care of me.” She said it quietly as a hurt expression washed over her lovely face that tugged at his heart.

  Stooping down in front of her, he pushed a few wisps of her hair behind her ear. “And that’s completely my fault. We still need to talk, Elle.” He placed his hands on either side of her face and rested his forehead on hers. He was relieved when she didn’t pull away despite the fact she sucked in her breath at his touch. “There are so many things I need to say to you...things I should’ve said then.”

  Placing a finger over his lips, she gripped one of his hands and stared at him empathetically. “Shh...not now. We just had a nice dinner, and I really don’t want to be stressed out before meeting with my client. I need to save all my energy for dealing with her.”

  “I know you’re busy this week but do you think perhaps we can meet again before you leave?”

  Nodding, she pressed her lips together before letting out a long sigh. “I am busy, but I do want to hear what you have to say and there are things I need to tell you as well. This week will be hectic, but I’ll call you. I promise.”

  “Thank you. I had a nice time tonight minus my fingers almost being broken. I’m glad you agreed to dinner.”

  “Well, a girl has to eat,” she teased with a half-smile. “Now get up and close the door. You’re not getting a kiss tonight.”

  Standing, he chuckled. “Not tonight, huh? But definitely some other time.” He shut the door before she could slip in one of her smart-alecky remarks. He waved as she blew the horn.

  As he headed back toward the club, he spotted Preston across the opposite street. He called out to him and his cousin sped up his pace.

  “Hey man. You just got here?” Preston asked, checking his watch with a frown.

  “No. I walked Elle to her car.”

  “Oh, snap, ya’ll had the talk? You decided a public place would be better so she couldn’t go off on you?”

  Trekking through the revolving doors, Braxton waved to a few people who greeted him as they made their way into the crowd waiting to be seated. “No, just a friendly dinner. I need to go to my office to check the schedule. Are you coming or are you here to meet the chick of the week?”

  “No date. I just left the children’s hospital and decided to grab some dinner before heading home. So yeah, I don’t mind following you to your office. I’ll watch the security monitors, and maybe I’ll even have a date by the end of the evening,” Preston proclaimed, smoothing his goatee.

  Braxton laughed at his cousin’s promiscuous ways. “Cool. You can order from there.” Braxton stopped in front of a door with an Employees Only sign and entered his passcode. They proceeded down the hallway where all of the manager’s offices were located.

  Preston crashed on the couch when they arrived and grabbed a menu from the coffee table in front of him. Braxton strode to his desk and ran his hand over his computer’s mouse to wake up his PC and sheet music from a song he was writing displayed on the screen. He moved the file to the back to pull up the schedule for the club.

  “So how was dinner with the ex?”

  “Better than I expected.”

  “That’s good. Knocking down her wall, huh?”

  “It’s going to be a slow process, but I don’t blame her. After all, I did leave her at the altar.”

  “Yeah, there is that.” Preston tossed the menu on the table. He leaned back on the couch and focused his attention on the large flat-screen television with twelve split frames. “I don’t know why I even look at the menu. I always order the same meal.”

  Braxton picked up the phone and dialed the hostess stand. “Hey, Nia. I need to place an order for Preston. His usual shepherd’s pie with coconut shrimp and a cognac. Have it delivered to my table. We’ll be there shortly.” Hanging up, Braxton placed his focus on his cousin. “So how was the hospital visit today?”

  “It was good overall. It breaks my heart to see those children suffering with cancer, but they’re in good spirits, even when their hooked up to all those machines. I had a few of them testing out an upcoming video game I’m releasing soon. They enjoyed it and a percentage of the profits will be donated to the hospital.”

  “That’s great, man. I love how you’ve been so dedicated in donating your time, not just your money.”

  “Thanks. I want to give back and I love when the children’s faces light up with happiness despite everything they’ve been through. And considering I had leukemia as a child, I know what it’s like to smile through the pain. I’m contemplating doing something this Christmas. Maybe like a big winter wonderland type thing for the kids.”

  “That’s a great idea. How can I help?” Braxton asked while finalizing next week’s schedule.

  “Maybe you and your band could do some Christmas jazz songs.”

  “Done. Just tell me when and where and we’ll be there.”

  “Thanks, cuz. So what’s up with you and Elle? Do you think she’s in the forgiving mood?”

  “I think she’s in a hot and cold mood. Last night after you left the auction, we slow danced. Kind of flirted and moments later I found myself in her hotel room kissing her.” Braxton released a sly smile as his thoughts trudged back to last night. Her lips on his and the sexy moans streaming from her mouth had kept him up daydreaming about going even further.

  “Wait...what? Did y’all... Did you have the Preston Chase date pack? You know, the one with the Magnums, the getting-busy playlist with Al B. Sure and Brian McKnight, and the warming massage oil?”

  “Nah, she pretty much kicked me out, but she did agree to dinner, which like I said, went well. I think the next time we meet it will be to discuss what happened. I’m ready. Nervous, but ready to face the music. She needs to know how truly sorry I am. I’m just glad she’s at least speaking to me. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect when I first saw her after all this time. I thought she’d curse me out or slap me at the brunch, but she didn’t.”

  “Elle needs closure. And I know women. If she let you kiss her she definitely still has feelings for you. They may be mixed at the moment...you know...like a love/hate situation but you two have a lot of history. It’s not like she was just some girl you dated for a few years and then decided to marry. You were best friends since elementary school before hooking up. You two were inseparable and everyone knew it was just a matter of time before you dated. I remember our dads took us fishing for the weekend a few weeks before our junior year. I think you’d just returned from music camp You told me that Elle had been avoiding you all of a sudden. That she wouldn’t look at you and when she did, she’d blush. I was like ‘dude, she likes you’ and you were like ‘nah, man. That’s my home girl.’ The next thing I know she was in the stands at the football games wearing your letterman jacket and rooting you on like you were the star quarterback, not the drum major for the marching band. I think you have a shot.”

  “Yeah, the mixed emotions were definitely present tonight. One minute she’s all hot and bothered and looking at me like she wanted to rip my clothes off. The next minute, she pretty much told me I’ll never get the goods ever again.”

  “Yeah, I’ve had women tell me that. One big fat lie. Heck, they’re the main ones calli
ng me at midnight talking all ‘I’m horny. Whatcha going to do about it?’ Sometimes I go. Sometimes I don’t.”

  “Yeah. I’ve been there, too, but I don’t see Elle doing anything like that.”

  “Well, when you have the talk, man up, and take full blame because, well...you did leave the girl and ruin her life. Just beg like Keith Sweat and Babyface combined.”

  Braxton pressed Send on the schedule to his general manager and closed the lid of his laptop. “Man, you’re a mess. Let’s go. Your dinner should be ready soon and there was a table of honeys in the dining area you may want to check out.”

  “I’ve been taking mental notes while talking to you. Looks like they’re going to be in perfect view.” Preston displayed a wide grin as they exited the office.

  “Yeah, those are the ones. I think Elle got a little jealous when they waved at me.”

  Preston rubbed his goatee. “Mmm...interesting. You know after everything you’ve told me you may have a shot at getting her back.”

  “That’s the plan, and this time I’m not letting her get away.”

  “Well, let the chasing begin.”

  Chapter 5

  Elle leaned over the huge circular baby crib draped with a white-sheered canopy top and kissed the cheeks of the two little darlings inside who cooed and giggled as she continued gazing at them. “Oh, Megan, your daughters are absolutely breathtaking.”

  Megan beamed and picked one of them up and handed her to Elle. “Thank you. This is Layla.”

  “How can you tell them apart?” Elle asked, sitting down in one of the rocking chairs and cradling the two-month-old baby in her arms.

  “Oh, a mother knows. However, one way to tell them apart is to look at their eyes. Layla’s are more almond shaped like mine, and Madelyn’s are more rounded and wide like her Auntie Sydney.” Megan picked up the other baby and sat in the rocking chair opposite Elle’s. “I’m so glad you were able to squeeze us in today. I absolutely adore the sketches Mya dropped off yesterday, and I love the idea of the dresses being different to suit their personalities.”