When I’m With You (Indigo)

by LaConnie Taylor-Jones

“Where do you want us to go?”

  “To the physical. I want us to have sex.”

  Marcel caressed her cheek. “Sorry, but that won’t happen, cat eyes.”

  “I see.” She turned her face away to try and hide her disappointment at the impact of his words. For weeks, she’d hoped he’d break his ironclad control. She’d even told him she loved him and meant every word. What was this man trying to do to her?

  With his index finger, he turned her face back to his. “We won’t ever have sex, kitten.” His lips brushed across hers. “We’ll make love. There’s a big difference.”

  “Marcel?”

  “Yeah, baby?”

  “I’m ready to make love.”

  Pulling back slightly, he looked into her eyes. “So am I, kitten. And you’re ready to accept everything that goes along with that? Meaning, this isn’t temporary, and you can’t wake up one day and decide it’s over between us. You’re my woman, and from this night forward, what we share is for keeps. I told you before, I keep what’s mine.”

  Staring back into his smoldering gaze, she nodded. “You are the man that I love, the man I trust, the man I want to make love with.”

  They’d shared kisses before, but this one was different. It was hot and deep. His tongue swept hers, tenderly at first, then moments later her tongue matched the strokes he made, and before either could pull away, tongues dueled, teeth clashed, and lips formed a seal so tight not even air could escape.

  “I’m getting a little warm.” Caitlyn stood, slowing loosening the sash on the robe.

  “That can be fixed.”

  Walking backward to the door until she could go no farther, she purred, “Perhaps a nice long bath would help cool things off.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t believe so.” He reached to rid her of the robe.

  The silk material glided down her body and pooled at her feet. “Perhaps if I took this off, that would help.” She reached up to release the front of her bra. “Or this.” Her matching thong quickly followed.

  Standing before him completely nude, she wrapped her arms around his neck, seductively moving against him. When he captured a taut nipple, then circled it with his tongue, desire raced through her with such force, nerve endings short-circuited.

  He nuzzled his lips along her neck as his hand palmed her damp center. “All mine?”

  “All yours.”

  She followed him with her eyes when he dropped to his knees, his tongue trailing a wet path along her navel, down her hip, ending with a kiss against her curly patch. Moisture pooled at her center and threatened to spill forth, and her nails left their imprint on his shoulders.

  Marcel stood, scooped her into his arms, and once in his bedroom, lowered her onto the bed. He watched her gaze follow him as he quickly undressed, never taking his eyes from hers. Nude, he proudly stood before her so she could see exactly the state he was in whenever she was near. “I want our first time to be better than good, and we’ll go slow.”

  He placed one knee on the bed, committing her beauty to memory. Every exquisite detail of her body was exposed without inhibition. Firm breasts, chocolate-tipped nipples, a narrow waist that connected to slender hips, and even the tiny gold ring that pierced her navel were imprinted forever in his mind. Crawling on all fours, he lifted her petite feet to his mouth and kissed his way up, searing her silky skin with the warmth of his breath and branding her with such pleasure she writhed against the sheets. He crouched over her, his palms flat against the mattress. “I don’t want you to ever be afraid of making love with me. I want nothing between us—no fear, no doubt, no shame. One day soon, I want to come inside of you. I want the love we make to fill you with my bébé. I want this house to become our home.”

  God, he hadn’t meant to propose to her in the heat of passion. His declaration of commitment was supposed to be on bended knee after a candlelight dinner. But the moment he stared into her eyes that reflected her complete trust in him, the words burst forth like a volcanic eruption.

  He reached to retrieve a condom from the nightstand, but the hand on his arm halted his efforts.

  “In a minute.” She nipped at the tiny buds hidden by the triangle of hair on his chest, and her hands roamed the smooth, hot length of his arousal.

  His arms strained and trembled from his weight, yet he closed his eyes and surrendered to the magic of her touch. Feeling the first moisture drop squeeze through, Marcel knew things could end before they began.

  “Kitten, hurry…baby, please.” Whatever words he’d thought to add gave way to the sensation of her nails raking lightly over his moisture-beaded head.

  “Not yet.” She gently squeezed him until he moaned, his hips rocking in mid-air.

  “Baby, now,” he hoarsely pleaded.

  “Fair exchange.” She relented and rolled the condom in place.

  He dropped his weight and gathered her close. He lovingly punished her mouth with his for the delay, then moved to a nipple, drew it in and sucked hard.

  “Marcel, please.”

  “I will, baby…just stay with me.” Tonight, his only mission was to brand her as his. Not one part of her was to be left unclaimed. Finally, he lifted her hips and started his entry. The brief flinch that flashed over her face stilled him. “It’s okay, kitten. I’d never hurt you. Relax and open for me.”

  With trust in her eyes, she did.

  Inch by tantalizing inch, he filled her, stretched her until he’d settled in. “Aaah, kitten, Je t’aime.” A hard, deep moan rumbled from his chest when she clamped herself tightly around him. Marcel savored the feeling of finally being united. Pulling Caitlyn’s arms overhead, he laced their fingers together to start an expression of love designed exclusively for them.

  “I love you, too.” She wrapped her legs around his waist and tightened her hold on his fingers. “Marcel…”

  He eased back, then slowly pushed forward, establishing a leisurely rhythm. His strokes deepened, and he knew if he died right then and there, he’d enter the pearly gates with a smile.

  When he set out to seduce her, he’d never imagined he’d end up seduced. Nor did he ever imagine he’d come to her a virgin. But that was exactly what he was. Before, he’d had sex. But for the first time in his life, he made love. And it was the most soul-stirring, intoxicating lovemaking imaginable. It simply didn’t get any better than that.

  He never took his eyes off her and before long, heard her soft whimper. Listening to the small catch in her voice, he knew her release was moments away. He increased their rhythm, their bodies pumping frantically, wildly, and he didn’t stop until he felt her shudder beneath him, softly whispering again and again, “Je t’aime.” Hearing that, his control snapped and he surrendered to the rapture of their love.

  They stayed connected, neither wanting the inevitable separation to take place. He was a large man, and as tiny as she was, he needed to be certain he hadn’t hurt her. He planted a gentle kiss at her temple. “You okay?”

  She palmed his face and nodded. “Oui.”

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “This is usually the point where a brother becomes concerned.”

  “Why?”

  “He wants to make sure his woman was satisfied.”

  She smiled. “All right, I’ll scream a little louder next time.”

  “And before your mind goes there, I’m not on a macho trip here.” Resting on his left elbow, he trailed his finger along her cheek. “I just need to be sure I didn’t mess things up, and that it was good for you.”

  She ran her hand up and down his back. “Was it good for you?”

  He smiled. “Maybe I need to roar a lot louder next time.”

  She palmed his face and the love she felt for this man brought tears to her eyes. “Marcel?”

  “Yeah, baby.”

  She glanced at the tiny, car-shaped gold charm dangling from the chain around his neck. A tear slipped down her cheek at the thought of how an old, raggedy car had brought her so much happiness. She whisp
ered softly, “Merci.”

  * * *

  Exhaustion finally laid claim just before dawn, after Marcel misinterpreted Caitlyn’s early morning request to go riding. They’d often driven around late at night, with him serving as her personal tour guide. He quickly discovered his error. Straddling him, Caitlyn took him on the ride of his life. She rode him hard. She rode him long. She rode him with so much passion his white-knuckled grip loosened the fitted sheet from the mattress. His release hit him with such intensity he roared her name in English, made up another name for her in French, and invented an entirely different language, which he went to sleep trying to figure out.

  When morning came, he stared down at the woman lying next to him, and a smile touched the corners of his lips. He was just about to pick up where they’d left off a few hours earlier when he heard the ringing of his private line.

  Frustrated by the disturbance, he answered on the first ring. “What?”

  “Marcel, it’s Moni. Have you seen Caitlyn? I’ve been trying to reach her all morning.”

  Marcel felt Caitlyn snuggle closer. Talking to his sister was the last thing he wanted to do. “Yes, Moni, I’ve seen her.”

  “Well, I was trying to see if she wanted to go shopping with me. Besides, we missed each other yesterday to discuss the tutoring schedule.”

  Marcel opened his mouth to speak, but Moni interrupted him. “That’s okay. I’ll try her at home again. Bye.”

  A few seconds later, the phone rang again. Caitlyn had remote forwarded her phone to Marcel’s. “What is it, Moni?”

  “Marcel, where’s Caitlyn? What’s going on over there?”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose and rolled his eyes. “Look, Moni, that’s more information than you need to know.”

  “But why are you answering her phone at this hour of the morning?”

  Marcel spoke with forced patience. “I didn’t answer her phone. I answered mine.”

  “Well, how…”

  “Listen, Moni, I’ll let you figure that out for yourself. I’ll give Caitlyn your message.”

  Chapter 12

  “Brie, I need your help,” Marcel said.

  “All right. Shoot.”

  Marcel explained that Caitlyn’s birthday was two days away. Even though he’d spent weeks planning for it, he felt he’d missed something. He wanted her day to have a personal touch—his touch. Everything had to be perfect because he intended for this birthday to be one she’d never forget.

  “Oh, petit frère, I’ve got the perfect plan.”

  Marcel listened intently, and even he became excited. “You really think so?”

  “I know so. Just leave everything to me.”

  “Brie, have I told you lately that I love you?”

  “Nope. Been too damn busy seducing your woman.” She released a hearty chuckle. “But I forgive you. She’s worth it.”

  “Thanks, Sis.”

  “Love you, too.”

  * * *

  Morning sunlight crept through the bedroom window and awakened Caitlyn from a short, but peaceful slumber. She stretched as a slow, sexy smile crept over her face.

  She’d tried in vain all week to find out what Marcel’s plans were to celebrate her birthday. He’d steadfastly refused to divulge any information, saying she needed to trust him.

  And she did.

  The ringing of the phone brought Caitlyn back to reality. Before she met Marcel, only Vic would phone at six in the morning.

  “Good morning, beautiful.”

  Caitlyn rolled to her back and spoke in a low, sultry voice. “Good morning.”

  “Did I wake you, baby?”

  “No.”

  “I miss you.”

  She chuckled. “How can you miss me when you saw me less than six hours ago?”

  “It could only be six seconds ago, and I’d still miss you.”

  “I’m looking forward to tonight.” She propped her pillows against the headboard and rested her back against them. “Can’t you give me a teeny-weeny little hint?”

  “Uh-uh.”

  “Well, how do I know what to bring or what to wear?”

  “Do you trust me, kitten?”

  “You know I do.”

  “Good. Just remember to be ready by ten, okay?”

  “All right.”

  “By the way, what do you have on?”

  “What?” Her giggle was soft and sultry.

  “I mean right now, what are you wearing?”

  “Your earrings and my bracelet.” She’d finally gathered enough courage to allow Brie to pierce her ears as a birthday present to herself. Marcel had rewarded her courage with a pair of two-carat pink diamond studs.

  “Anything else?”

  “Nope.”

  “I better let you go,” he hurriedly responded.

  “Marcel, is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, baby. Everything’s okay.”

  After a long pause, she whispered, “I love you.”

  “Love you, too. Make love with me later?”

  “Count on it.”

  * * *

  At ten o’clock sharp, Caitlyn answered the intercom. “Ms. Thompson, your car awaits you.” The voice belonged to the chauffer Marcel had hired to pick Caitlyn up.

  Fifteen minutes later, the immaculately dressed chauffeur arrived in front of Taste of Heaven, Brie’s beauty salon. He assisted her out, and Brie greeted her at the door.

  “Brie, what’s going on here?” When she didn’t get a response, Caitlyn said again, “Brie—”

  Brie tossed a quick wink. “Just relax and enjoy.”

  After a continental breakfast of croissants, juice and herbal tea, Caitlyn undressed, slipped on a white satin robe and received a facial and neck massage.

  None of the staff uttered a word. They smiled, catering to her every whim, and extended the most exquisite care of her life.

  In a candlelit room, Brie provided a ninety-minute massage that lulled Caitlyn into a peaceful slumber. It was well after two in the afternoon before she woke to a late lunch of smoked salmon, fruit, cheese and crackers. Afterward, she received a manicure and pedicure that left her fingernails and toenails a shiny candy-apple red.

  Her final stop was the stylist’s chair. Jennifer, one of the salon’s stylists, shampooed, blow-dried and arranged her hair in an upsweep coiffure and Candace, the esthetician, applied her makeup to perfection.

  Brie answered a knock at the salon door and moments later returned with a long garment bag slung over one arm and a smaller one in her hand.

  “Come on, lady. Time to get you dressed.” She handed the smaller bag to Caitlyn. “Here. Use the changing room in the back to put these on.” She gave Caitlyn’s shoulder a gentle push. “Go on, now. We’re running on a tight schedule.”

  Caitlyn came back a few minutes later clutching the robe tightly in front. “Brie, you didn’t give me a bra.”

  The only two items in the bag were a pair of black, lace boy panties that barely covered her cheeks and an ultrasheer pair of black, thigh-high stockings with a back seam.

  “Honey, you won’t need one with this.” Brie unzipped the larger bag and pulled out a black silk corset-style strapless evening gown with a sheer mesh bodice to showcase the tiny gold ring in her navel.

  “Oh, my God, Brie…” Caitlyn’s eyes began to fill with tears.

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” Brie quickly grabbed a tissue and dabbed softly at her eyes. “You can’t be messing up our hard work.”

  “Brie…”

  Brie smiled. “Go on now and get dressed.”

  Caitlyn returned a few moments later and stood in front of Brie. “You look absolutely beautiful.” Brie was about to walk away but stopped. “Oh, Lord, I almost forgot.” With a quick snap of her fingers, Candace and Jennifer took their place on each side of Caitlyn while Brie stooped to slip a pair of jeweled T-strap heels on Caitlyn’s feet. “Now you can look.”

  Caitlyn couldn’t believe she was the woman reflected in the
mirror. She felt beautiful. She felt happy. She felt loved. “Oh, my God, I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything.”

  A second later, there was a knock. “Ms. Thompson, are you ready?” asked the same chauffeur who’d driven her over earlier.

  * * *

  The limousine pulled into the circular driveway of Marcel’s estate, and the chauffeur assisted her out and to the open front door.

  “Happy birthday, kitten.” Marcel stood in the doorway, handsomely dressed in a white dinner jacket, mandarin collar shirt and black trousers. “Did you enjoy your day?”

  Overcome with happiness, tears spilled down her cheeks. Not trusting herself to speak, Caitlyn simply wrapped her arms tightly around Marcel’s waist and nodded. Once she had recovered, she obeyed his instructions to close her eyes as he led her by the hand to the garage. When she opened her eyes, she found the red BMW convertible she had given back to him wrapped with a huge red bow, and her tears flowed once again.

  Her total submission to his plan got her thoroughly kissed.

  Later that night, it got her thoroughly loved.

  Chapter 13

  Caitlyn and Vic’s conflicting schedules interrupted the time they spent together on Sundays. So, after attending service at Vic’s church, they returned to Caitlyn’s apartment for lunch.

  With mischief twinkling in her eyes, Vic walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. “Glad you could come up for air and share some time with a friend.”

  “I know. Except for the days you’re at the center, we really haven’t had a chance to hang out together. I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry for what? Sweetie, I don’t have to see you for the next decade as long as you keep that glow on your face.”

  Flashing the smile of a woman in love, Caitlyn turned to her best friend. “I’m happy, Vic.”

  “That’s all that matters.”

  Caitlyn stood at the kitchen counter. “Listen, thanks again for helping out at the youth center. You know I appreciate it.” Caitlyn stopped preparing the tossed salad and looked over her shoulder. “What in the world were you and A.J. fighting about yesterday?” Picking up the salad bowl, she placed it on the dining room table. “I thought you two were getting along.”