“What! I have been a stellar employee for this company since you hired me on. I’m helping to bring in the best tenants that will make you money, Sir! You should think about who we allow in this mall. Do we really want those business owners in here?”
“What the hell!” I go to leap forward, but my mother’s words stop me.
“What business owners is that, Tanya—ones who are making money; ones who are good people? I don’t know what you are meaning to insinuate.” She turned to Jamilya. “I do apologize for this. This is not at all how the Tillermans feel about you or any of our tenants.”
“Thank you, Ma’am.” Jamilya nodded.
This is the first time I’d seen my mother stepped in and say something on my behalf to this extent. She generally conceded to whatever my father had to say about things, but I could tell she was pissed. “You aren’t going to interfere in this family, anymore. You won’t speak poorly about the woman my son clearly loves—anymore.”
The word made me jerk. How in the world...what did she… but I didn’t stop her or correct her.
Do I love Jamilya?
My father tried to speak. “Diane—”
“Nope!” She put a hand to his chest. “I think you men have said enough over the years; it’s time for me to talk. Tanya, you have been a thorn in my son’s side since you were both in high school. I don’t care if you are the daughter of my husband's closest friend. You will pack your desk and find yourself new employment in the new year. You are done here. Anyone object?” She turned and looked at my father and me. We knew better than to say anything in this minute.
She offered us a big smile. “That is what I thought. Merry Christmas! Now, if you don’t mind, I’m gonna head back in. There is a fine Christmas party being held inside, and I'm cold. Meet me under the mistletoe, dear?” She leaned up and kissed her husband’s cheek. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Jamilya. I’m sorry it had to be this way. Maybe we can get a more formal introduction inside, Son.” She patted my cheek before she headed toward the mall entrance. My father nodded at Jamilya before clapping my back. He followed after my mother without another word.
“You aren’t really gonna fire me… Is this a fucking joke?” Tanya tried.
“You heard my mother—out by the new year, Tanya.”
I turned from her, offered Jamilya my arm and returned to the mall.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jamilya
When we re entered the mall, Janiya and Julian were standing near the entrance of Royal Gathering in what looked like a pretty romantic eye-lock, discussing something quietly. She was wrapped in his tux jacket and listening to him quite intently. I make a note to ask her how serious things were with Mr. Bower.
I feel Bryson lean into me and my body melts into him. “What do you think is going on with the two of them?”
I turn my head slightly and note that his face is close enough for me to kiss. So, I do. A quick peck that turns into something more heated as he takes over the kiss, his hand falling to my waist. When he breaks away, I see my want for him mirrored in his eyes. “I’m not sure what is going on with them, but I want to know what is happening with us…” I responded.
His moan radiates through my body, vibrating my already on full alert nipples through the sequined dress. Everything seems to come alive when I’m near him. As if he is fully aware of what’s on my mind, he snagged my hand again and pulled me along with him. “Come here. I want to show you something.”
He guided me inside the mall near a service entrance using his badge. The halls of the mall are quiet and still as we make our way toward my store.
“I’ve not been here when it was this quiet,” I said looking around. “Other than that night when you and I…” I look at him through hooded eyes
A slow grin creeps over his face. “The night we took full advantage of the Santa throne…”
“That was a great night.” I feel my face flush at thoughts of him buried between my thighs.
“And we will have more great nights, trust that, Mily boo. For now, I have something for you to see.” He took my hand and lead me to the middle of the downstairs hall, where the space opens up and you can see to the ceiling of the mall where a sky light shows the moon.
My mouth drops open as I look up at the three-story Christmas tree, complete with a train for the kids. Fake snow and ice-cycles decorate the space along with white, twinkling lights. I look around the space decked out for Christmas. “It has never looked like this before, Bryson; it’s beautiful!”
“I’m proud of the decorator we brought in to get all of this decorated in the last two weeks. The kids have really been enjoying it.”
“They did a great job,” I exclaimed as he lead me around the space.
“Right, I think it will really adds to the festivities. There is a carousel over here and they brought in a roller coaster, which is insane.”
“What? Oh my goodness,” I said, looking at at the tracks over head.
“We want to really bring in the people. It will be good for not only your store but for the others. I don’t want to kick any one out after the new year. I want these people who have been here since we were teens to thrive.”
“This will certainly help and the reopening of the Gathering hall—Bryson thank you for doing all of this.”
He turned, bringing me to him. “I’m…sorry for everything that has happened with Tanya and my parents and…I wanted to make it up to you. I wanted this Christmas to be different.” He shoved his hands in his pockets.
“How so?” I asked.
“I’ll do what it takes to make you happy. I want you to be mine, Jamilya.”
A smile spreads across my face. “I want what we both want.” I repeat his words from those years ago.
The growl that emanates from him is enough to vibrate us both. “Let’s leave…”
“What about the party?”
“It can take care of itself.”
“Wait…” I giggled. “I want to stay—let me enjoy my Snow Ball, this time. After we know how we faired on the fundraiser, then we can…have a private after party.”
“Hmm…” He thought about it. “Okay.” He turned, but I pulled him back.
“We don’t have to go right this minute, Mr. Tillerman. We have all night.” I turn and look over my shoulder. “Care to join me in my shop for a little bit?”
He raised a brow, looking over the red gown, knowing how he feels about me in red.
“After you, Miss Hawkins.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bryson
I usher her inside her shop and lock the door.
“Is the Santa throne still—”
“No Santa throne this time,” I say, taking her back to the store room, knowing if we stay out here, we are visible from the front hall, since Tanya's voyeuristic ways tarnished our time before.
In the back room I shut the door door, and I turn to her. “Take it off, Jamilya.”
She visibly gulps, watching me loosen my tie “What?” she asked, looking around the room for maybe a means of escape.
“No, more hiding or shying away from me, please. I can’t…it’s been a rough two weeks without you. I don’t want you upset with me or thinking I don’t trust you, and I want you to trust me.” I came to her and kissed her jaw. “Let me show you.”
I cup her breast through the dress and run my hand up over her shoulder, knowing just how this dress comes apart, since I bought it with this in mind.
“I needed this…from the first minute I had that taste—I knew I’d need you on my taste buds again…” I back her against the desk. “Tell me if you don’t feel the same?”
“No...I do too, Bryson.”
I need no other invitation. I slide that red dress down away from her body. She sighed as my mouth claimed her freed breast, and I moved against her—my tux-clad crotch doing nothing to hide my need. I’m rock hard for her, and I know she feels every inch as her head lulls to the side giving me access.
I'm right in there, sucking; she cries out, holding on as I find the pulse of her neck, kissing and nipping. “So, fucking good, Mily boo,” I croon in her ear.
She sighs, hiking up that skirt for me. I use my hand to guide it farther still, up her chocolate thighs. “Yes, baby, do you want to show me that Christmas gift?”
She dips a hand beneath the elevated hem of her dress and runs two manicured fingers over her soaked panties where I know that clit is waiting for me. I moan as she whimpers, “Yes, it’s yours.”
Fuck me.
Animal instinct hits me like a wave force, and I swipe the contents of her desk to the floor and she gasps. “Get up there,” I order as I watch her bright eyes cloud as she backs against the freshly cleaned desk. “Take the panties off and spread those thighs.”
“Bryson…”
“No, Jamilya don’t ask...do, okay?”
“Yes, okay,” she complied, removing her panties and laying back, spreading her treasure for me; the red sequin dress fell around her thighs like Broadway drapery for the stage, and I was here for opening night. “Yes, that pussy is ready for me—show me.” Her fingers slide down the slick channel of her opening, revealing her wetness for me. “Yes, play in it, baby, get it ready for me.” I watch her manicured fingers spread between her folds as she moaned, watching me remove articles of my clothing that keep me from what I want. “Tell me, Jamilya, what do you want for Christmas?” I ask, palming my rigid cock in front of her.
“You, Bryson,” she called out, unashamedly finally, unabashed.
“Yes, say it again,” I grunt
“Bryson, you—you, please!”
I line my dick up to her entrance as she strokes her clit for me. “I'm gonna give you what we both want.” I slide home into her warmth, and she cried out that co sign.
“Yes, fuck, Bryson!”
It’s all I need to hear. I drive in and out of her. I strain into that wet tightness. “God, Mily boo. God damn. You feel that...you are so fucking tight, baby.”
But, I press forward, and she arched her back off that desk, and I accept that invitation over and over. “So good, so good…” I lean over her, pressing my chest into her breasts and my dick to the hilt inside her.
“Bryson, fuck…you’re so big.” She clawed at my shoulders, and I sink into her over and over, her gripping me like no ones business—not my parents or Tanya or Clara or her sister or anyone in this Goddamn mall. This was our business, her and me, and what I've wanted since we were both eighteen-years-old. I bury myself deep in her and release a guttural groan after a few moments, and she cried out already there with me.
I help her with her clothing, her body shudders from my touch. “Hey,” I whisper in the quiet space of her store, both our breaths ragged, still yet falling from our orgasm.
“Hmm?” she asks as I kiss her shoulders, before she pulls the strap of he gown back in place, and I help her zip up.
“I remember you—remember us,” I assured her, running a hand over her shoulder. “I’ve wanted this with you—just never thought you’d want me the same.”
“I thought the same.” She laughed nervously and shook her head as she patted at her hair style, now a mess, but she still looks so fucking beautiful with it
“Well it wasn’t the case Mil...Jamilya.” I self correct because this woman wants to dash and run because of my actions in the past, and I want to make this right. I won’t let this woman slip through my fingers again.
“Look, let’s get back to party for now, and we will talk more about us later at that after party. Do you want to eat?” I reach for my clothes, wanting to make sure I make it all right for her. But, she reaches for my hand stopping me.
“What can I do, Baby? I ask, looking at her hand on mine.”
“Bryson. It’s about time you stop asking what others want—your parents, Clara, this mall...me, but what is it you want for Christmas?”
I pause, and she is right, I can’t even deny it.
I hesitate to answer because I still wanted to make sure she was taken care of first and foremost. She pushes me back toward her desk and stands between my legs. As I fixate on her, she puts two hands to my face.
“What do you want, Bryson?” she asked the question again, searching my face, before laying butterfly kisses to my lips.”
“I want you in my life—my woman, be my everything.” I wrap an arm around her, holding her close. “I want you, baby.”
“Then you have me.” She settled in my lap, and I didn’t waste the opportunity, kissing her lips, already plump from my attention.
“Spend Christmas with me…” I say as she shimmies from my lap.
“What about our families?” she laughed.
“We'll see them...eventually.”
I grab her hand and lead her from the store—we run, laughing through the mall like we are eighteen again, back to the Snow Ball.
Epilogue
Jamilya
Two days later, on Christmas morning, I awoke in the one place I never thought I would be… Bryson’s bed, in his arms. I turned my head slightly to the right and see he still lay asleep. I lifted gentle fingers to outline his lips, which had journeyed over my entire body the last two nights, exploring every dip and valley of my curves. I smile as thoughts of his naughty and talented tongue had taken me over the edge for more than one round.
As if reading my mind, his tongue darts out, licking my finger, and he sucked the digit in between his lips. Brown, warm eyes crashed with mine as I yelped.
“You’re awake…”
“So are you. Watching me while I sleep are we?”
“You weren’t actually asleep,” I point out.”
“Technicality.” I smile at his humor and he grins at me. “I love to see you smile, beautiful. Merry Christmas, by the way.”
“Same to you.” I lean in for a quick peck on the cheek. “I’m gonna go freshen up. Are you headed to your parents?” I asked, fully expecting to be apart from him for the remainder of the day at our respective family functions. But, he hadn’t mentioned anything about today’s activities or what his plans were. I roll from him and look at my cell on the nightstand, noting a text message from my sister.
Merry Christmas, Sissy! Has that man let you up for air yet?
I laugh at my sister’s comment because I can hear her saying it, and he really hasn’t since the night of the Snow Ball Fundraiser. He’d pleased me throughly until we we were both physically exhausted. I shoot back a text.
Merry Christmas and see you later over Mom and Dad’s.
Turning back to Bryson, I noted he hadn’t answered me yet. Instead, he is holding a box with a red bow on it. Again, it’s one of those boxes that clearly holds jewelry. This one is smaller though… like maybe the jewelry is a…ring.
“Bryson, what is this?” I asked, shocked.
“Why not open it and find out.” He winked, holding the box out farther still.
I took it but didn’t take my eyes off of him. I didn’t know what I would find nestled inside. I didn’t think we were near engagement, and I didn’t know exactly how it made me feel if that is what this was.
My fingers were shaking, and I didn’t realize until he reached back out and took the box from me, stilling my trembling.
“Babe, there is no need to be scared or…whatever this is your feeling, okay?” he said quietly.
I nod and watch as he opened the box for me and held it up for my inspection. Inside, was indeed a ring—a delicate design filigree-cut from a substantial sterling silver band. Pairs of lovebirds, the turtle doves, perched around the simple band, separated by a graceful vine and a flower blossom.
“Turtle doves are the emblem of the Goddess of trust and good faith. Because they form such strong pair bonds, turtle doves have continued to be the sign of devoted love in many cultures.” He pulled the ring from the black sheath of the jewelry box and indicated he wanted my right hand.
Okay, it wasn’t an engagement ring…whew—I think. Did I act
ually want him to purpose?
My thoughts were cut short as he continued to speak.
“This gift is for two reasons. One, it is our second day of Christmas together.”
“On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...two turtle doves…” I smile at him.
“Yes, and it is a symbol of my devotion for you, Jamilya, for my trust in us and what we could have together. I want this to grow. This is my promise to you to work on it every day.” He slipped the silver ring on my right ring finger.
“It’s a promise ring,” I say holding it up and looking at the intricate details and scroll work of the birds in vines and flowers.
“My Christmas promise.” He leaned in and laid a kiss on my lips.
“That is so sweet, Bryson. I love it. Thank you.”
“Good, I’m glad. To answer your question, I'm not going to my parents.”
I look from the ring to him. “What do you mean? What are you doing for Christmas?”
“You mean who I’m doing?” he said his voice, menacing.
My phone buzzed, and I turned to see my sister's response.
I’m coming there, sissy. See you soon!
“Bryson, what did you do?”
“I asked the families, and some of our friends, to come here, instead…”
“The families?” I ask.
“Ours—yours and mine. I told my parents I’d formally introduce you. I think I'd meet yours too.” He shrugged like it was so matter-of-fact.
“My my mom and dad...are coming here?” I look down at my naked body, covered with nothing but his Egyptian cotton sheets and a weighted blanket.
Oh my God!
My phone buzzed again.
Hey, Daughter, we are here ! Merry Christmas! My mom’s text read.
“Your mom and dad, my mom and dad, your sister, your cousin Tionne, Clara and her husband, Julian, Marshall and Steve...are all coming.”
All I Want for Christmas Page 13
