by Jaye McCloud
Antonio steps closer to me. “You okay?” He asks, giving a little tug on the front of my shirt, causing me to react immediately by taking a quick step back. The others who are avidly watching the scene play out. He surprises me by introducing the man at his side. “Tiressa, I’d like you to meet my best friend and chief security officer, Vitto Rossi. Vitto, this is my la—Tiressa Hawkins, my mother’s newest PA.”
“Ms. Hawkins, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Rossi.”
“Oh, no, please call me Vitto.”
“Nice to meet you Vitto.” I reply, smiling into his friendly eyes.
“Down boy, she’s taken.” Antonio growls as he gazes at me for a few heated seconds before turning back to his friend, shooting me a roguish grin that clearly declares checkmate. Winking at his younger brothers and Kathy, he and Vitto Rossi follow Mr. Brooks to his office.
Once the party planner and his crew show up, the club becomes a giant glittering beehive of organized chaos.
***
Leaving the finishing touches to the event planner, Kathy and I drive to Bentini Mansion, to take care of some last minute errands for Mrs. Bentini, before going back to our own apartments to dress for the party.
“Would you like to come in?” I offer.
“No thanks. We only have a few hours before we have to return to the club and I’m going to need every minute.”
“Me too. Okay, thanks for the ride, see ya at the club.” I wave her off. I can’t wait to get inside and see my pups…it’s been a long day and I’ve missed them terribly.
Entering my apartment, the first thing I see is my babies cuddled up together asleep on their blanket next to their playpen. I left the television on, hoping they would be entertained watching the shows on the animal channel. I don’t want to wake them up, but I can’t resist laying on the floor next to them and gently rousing them from their nestled slumber. I hold them and coo to them and cuddle them and speak baby talk to them until they are wide away, moving around and yapping. Before long, the pups are chasing and playing with each other all over the living room and kitchen as three-month-old pups tend to do.
Now that I’ve spent some bonding time with my babies, I turn my attention to cleaning up their little poop messes. I’m so lucky that the pups are already familiar with puppy pads and use them willingly. After finishing that delightful duty, I focus on getting myself ready for Jason and Adam’s birthday party. This will be my first opportunity to really glam up for Antonio. I don’t know what his former lovers looked like, but I’m sure they were very pretty, if not beautiful. I’m a little nervous about dressing up for him. For the first time in years, I really want to impress a man.
First things first, a leisure bath with lots and lots of scented bubbles. After drying, I head to my walk-in closet to find something that is sexy, yet demure. I choose and then discard several dresses, until I come across the perfect party dress that I haven’t had a chance to wear yet.
Before doing my hair and makeup, I pack clothes, shoes, personal items and whatever else me and the pups may need while we’re staying over at Antonio’s. We’ll come back for this stuff later tonight, after the birthday party.
Checking the time to make sure I’m keeping on schedule, I finally get dressed –hair, makeup, heels, perfume, and of course the star attraction…my ‘little black dress’. As the saying goes: A girl can never go wrong with a sexy little black dress.
***
“Why the hell do you keep staring at me?” Antonio asks Adam with obvious annoyance. The Bentini siblings gather in the family room awaiting their parents for a private family birthday celebration before heading to the club to party.
Facing Antonio and Robert, Adam grimaces, standing a little straighter, then replies. “I want to know if it’s true.”
“If what is true?” Antonio ask, not really giving Adam his full attention.
“Are you and Ti having an affair?”
“What the fuck?!” Robert’s sharp stare slams into Antonio.
“Tony! How could you?!” Gabby gasp in dismay from across the room. All eyes are on Antonio waiting for him to confirm or deny the accusation. Into the charged silence, Alison Donavan’s voice rings out. “Who is Tiressa?”
William and Antonio immediately look at each other, recalling previous conversations about the women they love in secret.
“What the hell are you thinking Antonio? You know Tiressa’s off limit.” Robert’s voice lashes out filling the room with reprimand.
“Tony. Do you want her to get fired?...Because that’s exactly what’s going to happen when Mom finds out.
“Please don’t say you’re dating the help…how droll.” Alison says in her customary snobby high-pitch voice. William leans close so that only she can hear him. “Shut up Alison!” He snarls in a furious whisper. Suddenly, Christopher—who’s down from University for the weekend to attend the birthday celebration—leaps to defend his favorite brother. “Lay off Antonio! It’s not right for the family to be against them because they have fallen in love… regardless of how Mom or anyone else may feel about it. I thought we had a responsibility as family to support one another.”
Everyone looks to Christopher in varying degrees of surprise; it’s not like him to be so vocal about someone else’s love life. Antonio walks over to his youngest brother and gives him an appreciative thump on the back. Antonio and Christopher share a secret of their own. Christopher has confided in his brother that he’s dating a black-girl at college and their relationship is becoming serious.
“Who the hell said anything about them being in love?” Robert demands. Antonio glances around the room, his gaze touching on each member of the family. “Yes. Ti and I are dating. Our relationship isn’t some fly-by-night affair, we care for one another, deeply.” He vividly recalls confronting both Derrick Matthews and Allen Langston, warning them to stay away from Tiressa. “We are committed to each another and I’d appreciate your allowing us to tell Mom, and everyone else, in our own time, in our own way. This is Adam and Jason’s night; let’s table this discussion until another more appropriate time.”
Before anyone can respond, Mr. Bentini breezes into the room with Mrs. Bentini on his arm, all smiles and happiness at seeing all of their children back together in the nest.
Chapter 19
I really hope that Antonio thinks I’m beautiful and sexy and dazzling and all those other words that basically mean I turn him on in a major way. I used to scoff at women who dressed for the sole purpose of pleasing a man. But that’s exactly what I’ve done. I want my man to find me the most desirable woman he has ever had.
When the doorbell rings, I waste no time opening it, revealing the absolutely devastatingly handsome man standing on the other side. He’s dressed with casual elegance, wearing a dark gray and black patterned shirt, with a black leather jacket, dark gray pants and nice pair of expensive looking black shoes. Indeed all of him looks expensive. I’m not into fashion and I never have been. I don’t know the name of his footwear or who designed his clothes or the name of his cologne or even what type of watch he’s wearing. I don’t know and I don’t care. What I do know is that Antonio Bentini is a sight to behold as he effortlessly assaults all my senses without moving a muscle. My heart began beating erratically the moment I opened the door. He’s fabulously brilliant, strong, and confident and it shows. I can’t help thinking, “What the hell am I doing with him and what the hell is he doing with me?”
“Tiressa, my gawd, you look absolutely stunning.” I stare long and hard, taking in all of her. She’s always beautiful to me, but seeing her like this…shoulders glowing, in a V-neck sleeveless, velvet and lace black dress, cinched at the waist and falling to just below her knees with a ten-inch slit up one thigh, hugging every curve as it’s outlining her firm thighs, thick ass and hourglass figure. She can’t know what seeing her like this is doing to me. My body is heating up and my damn shaft is starting to throb in t
ime with my accelerating heartbeat –and I haven’t even put my hands on her yet.
“Come on in Antonio.” I’m not even attempting to restrain my delighted smile. This is the response I was hoping for. “You look great Antonio.” I eye him up and down, loving the way his black curly hair rests on the collar of his leather jacket. “You’re the sexiest man alive.” I whisper up to him as he slowly walks towards me like a panther stalking his prey.
“Tiressa.” His voice is low and smooth. “You are absolutely beautiful.” He breathes just as his mouth gently descends on mine. I’m instantly hot for him…from the moment I opened the door. “Tiressa. Do you know that I’m a sucker for naked caramel shoulders and sexy calves in black silk pantyhose?” Our lips gently clash and the only thing keeping me from falling to the floor is the wall at my back. Breathless, I whisper, “They aren’t pantyhose. They’re black silk stockings held up by thin black straps attached to a lacy black garter belt.” Antonio groans deep in his throat as he drives his fingers through my hair cradling my head as he ravishes my mouth. My man smells of wealth and tastes of power. And for this small moment in time, I hold his power in the palm of my hands. “Oh gawd.” He sighs, running his hands over my plump ass before suddenly lifting me up against his pulsating, prodding rod.
“Antonio we can’t! Put me down.” I pant breathlessly.
“Not yet.” He moans into the side of my neck.
“Tony stop! You’re ruining all my work.” He finally stops and sets me back on the floor –I’m surprised to find that my heels are still on my feet. “Baby.” He whispers as he places little kisses all over my face. “I love you.”
Never do three small words cause me so such panic. “It’s okay.” His eyes smolder with banked passion. “You don’t have to say it back to me. I know you love me. Even if you’re not ready to say it yet. I’m not a patient man, but you’re worth the wait.” He whispers as our lips entwine once more. Feeling tears on my cheek, I break the kiss. “Tony, I’m a mess.”
“Never.” He declares, cradling my face as he wipes my tears away, then leans down and takes my lips in a brief hard kiss.
“Let me go repair the damage and then we can be on our way.” I practically run to my bedroom.
In less than ten minutes, I’m back –hair and face repaired, with my little black purse in hand, ready to go. “Let me check on my babies and then we can leave.” They have followed me back into the living room and I waste no time scooping them up into my arms and loving on them for a minute before setting them back on the floor to rump and play with each other. After turning the television on to the animal channel, I walk towards Antonio near the entryway. He takes me in his arms. “Have I told you how absolutely beautiful you are Ms. Hawkins?”
“Yes, you have Mr. Bentini.” I reply, prepared to box his ears if he makes one move towards my face and hair. “Well, it’s true and nothing can match your beauty.”
“Ahhh. Where I come from a man can get cut for saying such cheesy words to his lady.” He actually blushes, I can’t resist reaching up on tiptoes and planting a big kiss right on those delicious lips. “But don’t worry, you’re my man and I like and appreciate your cheesy words.” I give him another quick peck and move to the door. “Come on babe, we’re going to be late.” He hugs me from behind with one arm. “That’s the first time you’ve ever called me by an endearment.” He says, playfully kissing the side of my neck. “Come on Tony, we have to go.” I sigh, reluctant to leave the heat of his hard body.
“Okay, Baby. But one more thing.” He says, bringing his other arm in front of me. “What’s this Antonio?” I ask, eyeing the expensive looking wrapping paper. “It’s not going to bite you Tiressa. Here take it. It’s a special gift for my special lady.” I don’t know why I hesitate, but this feels different than getting flowers and puppies. “Open it, Tiressa.”
I’m not one of those people who shreds wrapping paper and rips open boxes. I happen to love, love, love the simplest things about gifts…like really nice bows and gift wrapping paper, the feel of fine tissue paper as it crinkles when you touch it, and most importantly gift boxes, bags and baskets. Turning around, I walk back to the sofa, drop my purse on the coffee table and put the beautifully wrapped gift on my lap. Looking up, I see that Antonio is watching me with a bemused expression. Men… they just don’t get it. I carefully loosen the beautiful bow, and unwrap the paper …and softly gasp. The box is absolutely beautiful. It has an intricate design in glossy cherry red and some type of dark burgundy velvet. I’ve never seen anything quite like it before.
“Damnit Tiressa. The box isn’t the present. Open it.” Antonio insists with an impatient arch of his brow. “I know, but it’s such a beautiful box. I told you how much I love boxes and you remembered…I only mentioned it once and you remembered. Just like you remembered when I told you how much I love West Highland Terriers.” I look at him with misty eyes. “Damnit Ti, don’t you dare start crying again.” Typical man.
“I’m not.” I say blinking my eyes to keep the moisture at bay as I take the lid off the box …and this time I can’t hold back a loud gasp. “Oh my gawd, Antonio! It’s breathtaking! I love it!” I move the now empty gift box to the coffee table and place the beautiful chest carefully on my lap. Reading the information card, I learn that it was hand crafted in Peru, in traditional Peruvian style. It’s approximately twelve inches long; ten inches wide and maybe about ten inches deep, with three stacked compartments. It’s an intricately designed, tooled leather jewelry chest made of mohena wood—which is similar to the color of mahogany wood—and etched in a colonial art style with ornate bronze handles on each side. “Oh, Antonio, I absolutely love this jewelry box. I’ll treasure it always.” I beam at him.
“You, my caramel delight, can be so exasperating.” He says sitting down next to me, kissing my bare shoulder. “Baby, turn the key and open the box.” Doing what he asks, I turn the key, lift the lid and… immediately bring my trembling hand to my chest. “Oohh, Tony no…I can’t…” I try to close the lid, but he stops me. “Yes, Tiressa, you can.” Taking my chin in his hand, he lifts my face up to his. “Please Baby, this means so much to me. I chose each piece personally. For you.” Inside the box, lying on gray velvet are several pieces of jewelry. I don’t know jewelry, like I don’t know high-end fashion, so to me the jewelry just looks beautiful…and expensive. There is a black pearl necklace on a thin silver chain, a thin diamond necklace, a diamond bracelet, two pairs of diamond earrings, and two diamond rings. The pieces are more beautiful because they are simple—not flashy or gaudy—not that I would expect that of a man like Antonio.
“I don’t want to hurt your feelings. And it’s not that I don’t appreciate your generosity because you know that I do. I care about you, not what you can give me. They’re beautiful Antonio, really they are, but I can’t accept them if you’ve paid some ridiculously outrageous amount.”
“Then we don’t have anything to worry about because although they aren’t cubic zirconia, they didn’t cost an arm and a leg.” He lies without blinking an eye knowing that each piece cost a small fortune, but equally certain she is worth every penny and more. “So, you see, you can accept them. Now, which do you want to wear tonight?” I bring his head down for a kiss, and then choose the black diamond earrings, the thin black diamond bracelet, and the black pearl necklace that goes perfectly with my black lace and velvet dress.
Wow! Looking at myself in the wall mirror in the entryway, I’m speechless. I’ve never in my life owned real diamond jewelry, and it’s now easy to see why people get giddy over them, they enhance anyone’s appearance and makes them shine. “Thank you Tony, they make me shine.”
“No Baby, you shine, with or without diamonds. You’re beautiful.” He says, coming up behind me with my purse in his hand. “Come on, we’re running late.” He reminds me, quickly kissing the tip of my nose and then my lips.
On our way to the club, Antonio and I enjoy talking and teasing each other. Just before we
pull into the club’s parking lot, he looks over at me and says, “I love the way you wear your makeup, it all looks so natural.” He smiles. “And I like that you don’t have spider eyes.” When I smirk and ask him what that is, he explains. “You know, when you ladies put on those long fake eyelashes that damn near sweep the sky.” I laugh and tell him that I’ve never worn fake eye lashes, so he doesn’t have to worry about me ever having spider eyes. I hear him mumble a heart-felt, “Thank gawd” before he says, “I’m sorry for messing your hair up, but you know I find your hair irresistible when you wear it down on your shoulders.”
I really appreciate the compliment. It’s rather surprising how turned on Antonio is by my black-girl hair. “Thank you Antonio, I’m glad that my hair pleases you.”
“All of you pleases me.” He glances over at me. “What’s so amusing?” He asks when he notices the twist of my lips. “I’m not so sure you would find this luxurious hair so irresistible if you saw what it looks like in its natural state. You have no idea what my much appreciated hairdresser goes through to make it look this good.” I chuckle then grimace because anyone who has hair like mine knows how much work it is. Glancing at me, he quips, “If it’s as bad as all that, then your hair dresser must be very talented. I hope you’re paying her well because she deserves every penny.”
Staring at his handsome profile, one thought keeps running through my mind… Damn, how I want him!
