This Time for Real

by Yahrah St. John

  “I want you so much, Peyton,” Malik whispered against her lips.

  “I want you too,” Peyton responded, “but I’m not sure I’m ready.”

  “Nothing has to happen tonight, Peyton.” When she looked down he tilted her chin upward so she could look at him. “There’s no pressure here. We will make love when you’re ready.” He sealed his comment with another mind-blowing kiss that left Peyton weak at the knees and wondering why she was holding back.

  Slowly, they made their way to the valet to pick up Malik’s car. On the drive to her apartment, Peyton was a nervous wreck. There was no mistaking the undisguised desire that flared in Malik’s eyes. And although she wanted him as much as he wanted her, Peyton was nervous about a night with Malik.

  If the way he kissed and caressed her was any indication, he had a lot of experience pleasing a woman. She’d only been with David. Their sex life had been mutually pleasurable, but David never set her afire the way Malik did. Just one touch or one look from him would send her mind reeling and her pulse spinning. She could only imagine what it would feel like when they made love for the first time.

  When the car stopped, Peyton swallowed hard. Here goes.

  “Is everything okay?” Malik asked when Peyton didn’t make a move to exit the vehicle. He could sense her nervousness on the drive home. Perhaps she was regretting her decision. He intended to take things slow and easy. He was aware that Peyton hadn’t been with another man since her husband’s death. He wanted to reassure her that there was nothing she could ever do that would make him not want her.

  “Yes, I’m fine.” Peyton squeezed her hands together tightly.

  “Trust me,” Malik said, before stepping out of the car and coming to open her door.

  Once he said those two words, Peyton knew that she did and that she had nothing to fear. Malik was a kind and giving man and he would be the same kind of lover. She took his proffered hand and together they climbed the stairs to her apartment.

  Once inside, Peyton turned on the hall light. They stared at each other for a long time before Malik lifted her off her feet and carried her to the bedroom. All they had was the moonlight streaming in from the window, and that was all they needed.

  Malik lowered her to the floor, and as he did, her breasts crushed against him and he felt the hardened peaks of her nipples graze his chest. Malik couldn’t resist driving his hands through her glossy black hair, and when he did, Peyton sighed as if he was already inside her. “I want you so much, Peyton,” Malik whispered huskily. “Do you want me?” He needed to hear the words.

  “I do,” Peyton replied, nodding. “I want you to make love to me.” Desire was throbbing deep inside her and she wanted to belong to Malik in every way. She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought his head towards hers. His lips covered hers hungrily as he both gave and sought pleasure. She returned his deep kiss and welcomed the sweeping thrusts of his tongue inside her mouth. She ran her fingers through his dreads, and held his head in place as a silent plea for him to continue.

  Malik groaned and pulled her closer until their bodies were aligned and she could feel him, hard and throbbing against her. Liquid heat pooled inside her belly and Peyton whimpered. “Malik, please.” Malik honored her request and released the tie on her wrap dress. She felt the warmth of his hands on her back and the coolness of the air as her dress slid down her body. Despite herself, Peyton trembled.

  As she stood in front of him, wearing only a lacy bra and matching thong, Malik groaned and his eyes raked her from head to toe. Peyton was so beautiful, and he was eager to see all of her.

  As he admired her, Peyton nervously reached behind her and unhooked her bra and let it drop to the floor. She watched as his gaze focused on her bare breasts, but she didn’t let nervousness stop her. She slid her panties down her legs, stepped out of them and kicked them to the side until she was standing completely naked in front of him. Peyton had never done that before, she’d always let David take the lead. But it was different with Malik. It felt right.

  “You’re absolutely gorgeous.” Malik let out a ragged breath at the sight of Peyton and reached out to cup her small but firm breasts. As he brushed the nipples with his forefingers, they grew hot and heavy in his hands.

  Malik couldn’t resist dipping down for a taste. He took the tight bud in his mouth and her unique scent filled his senses. He flicked and teased it with his tongue until her pelvis began to undulate against him. He grabbed ahold of her buttocks and held her firmly against his painful erection and suckled her relentlessly. When she moaned for more, all thought and reason left Malik and he swiftly threw off his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt.

  Peyton heard the snap of his pants seconds before they, along with his shirt and underwear, hit the floor in quick succession. She ran her fingertips down his chiseled chest and firm abs. “You’re simply magnificent,” she said and bent down to flick her tongue across his nipple. When Malik groaned, Peyton smiled and moved over to tease the other nipple with equal ardor.

  Malik grabbed for her and they tumbled onto the bed in a mass of limbs. When Peyton wrapped her legs around him, Malik knew he had to slow down the pace, otherwise it would be over too fast, and he wanted their first encounter to be special, not quick and hurried.

  “Easy, baby,” Malik whispered in her ear.

  Peyton blushed. “I’m sorry…I’m not usually…so…” “Wanton” was the word she was looking for, but she couldn’t think of it. The tempest of desire swirling inside her was undeniable. She’d seen his swollen, throbbing member and she was ready for him.

  He cupped her chin in his hand and tilted her head to look at him. “It’s okay. I’m glad to see you’re as eager as I am.”

  Malik brought his lips down gently upon hers, tasting her and drinking her in. Her lips were soft, warm and moist as they opened to his searching tongue. She tasted like heaven, and Malik knew he wanted more, much more. He caressed her narrow waist and showered it with kisses.

  His hands continued their journey, sliding first to caress the softness of her thighs before moving higher to cup her intimately. He slowly stroked her feminine nub with his thumb, lazily circling it. Then he eased a finger slowly inside. She was hot and wet around him and it turned him on immensely.

  “Oh, Malik.” Peyton sighed. Malik loved that she called his name out while in the throes of an orgasm, so he continued slipping his finger in and out while his thumb teased her already sensitive core.

  Peyton’s body bucked upward from the bed and Malik understood. It was time to taste her sweet nectar. Before Peyton could realize his intent, he’d inserted his tongue where his long, narrow fingers had been and began teasing and stroking her with swift flicks. Peyton moaned uncontrollably and it didn’t take long for tremors to engulf her entire body.

  And yet he still wanted more. As Malik looked down at Peyton in the moonlight, he was amazed at how beautiful she was and that they were finally together. Tonight had been a culmination of intense longing that began the moment he’d met her, and now he would have his heart’s desire.

  Malik went for a condom out of his pants pocket, but Peyton beat him to it by pulling one out of her nightstand drawer and handing it to him. Malik smiled.

  Malik rolled a condom over the length of him and then eased Peyton onto her back and gently parted her legs. His erection, hot and heavy, glided into her silken heat. Her eyelids fluttered shut and her entire body quivered as Malik entered her.

  She was warm and tight, and Malik had to remind himself to take it slow, even though his body wanted a quick release. It had been a long time since Peyton had been intimate, so he needed to pace himself, but that was hard to do because Peyton was already moving beneath him.

  When Malik grasped her hands and intertwined them with his above her head, their bodies ground together in perfect unison as though they were one. Peyton realized she had never felt this fulfilled, this complete. Ever. She wrapped her legs around Malik’s waist and matched his every t
hrust by undulating her hips. With every thrusting motion, she moaned and Malik became ignited. He pushed against her one last time, and when the crescendo came they both fell over the edge together.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, rolling to his side and glancing at Peyton. He wasn’t so sure he was. The aftershocks were still rippling through his body.

  “Why? Do I not seem fine?” Peyton inquired, even though her breathing was rapid and she was flushed.

  “No, it was just that…” Malik was at a loss.

  “It was incredible for me too,” Peyton said, stroking his stubbly jaw. “I hope I satisfied you.”

  Malik laughed. “Are you kidding? Couldn’t you tell? You satisfied me in every way imaginable, Peyton. You were wonderful.” And he was ready for round two. But as he cuddled closer, Peyton’s heavy-lidded eyes closed shut. There’s always tomorrow, Malik thought.

  The next morning, Peyton awoke to sunlight streaming through her window. She glanced over to her side, but the bed was empty. Rising, she slipped on her lavender satin robe and glanced down the hallway. She found the apartment empty and no sign of Malik. Where has he gone? she asked herself, just as he came through the door carrying two Starbucks cups and a bag. Still wearing his tailored trousers and dress shirt, Malik looked sexy as hell. Peyton was sure every woman he’d encountered was wondering whose bed he’d come out of and wishing she’d been the recipient.

  “Whatcha got there?” Peyton asked, walking towards him.

  “I remembered you liked lattes, so I took the liberty of getting one for you.” Malik handed her a cup and headed to the kitchen, adding, “Along with picking up some bagels and cream cheese.”

  “Thank you,” Peyton smiled at his thoughtfulness as she followed behind him.

  Malik wasn’t surprised to find Peyton’s kitchen in meticulous condition, as the lady herself liked everything in its proper place. He opened the cabinets and searched for some plates.

  “Second cabinet to your left,” Peyton said, taking a seat at the breakfast bar.

  Malik busied himself by taking out bagels for himself and Peyton. He felt somewhat awkward in the morning light. Usually after his relationships took the next logical step, Malik didn’t stick around. For the first time, he wasn’t in a hurry to leave; he actually wanted to stay.

  “So, what do you have planned for today?” Malik inquired.

  “Research, research and research,” Peyton answered, tearing open a bagel. As she lathered the cream cheese on, she knew that wasn’t what he meant. “Did you have something else in mind?” Peyton bit into the bagel.

  Malik grinned mischievously. “I do, but after breakfast.”

  Chapter 6

  Peyton stared out of the window in her office. Her mind kept replaying the images of her and Malik in bed together all weekend long. The way he’d touched her, the way he’d made her feel. She hadn’t even recognized the sexual creature she’d become with him.

  “Ahem.” A cough came from behind her. Peyton turned around and found Amber smiling at her. “Looks like someone was in another world.”

  “I was,” Peyton admitted.

  “Anyplace special?”

  “What do you mean?”

  When Amber looked Peyton straight in the eye, Peyton couldn’t resist smiling broadly. “Peyton, you are glowing like a kid on Christmas morning. Did you and Malik take your relationship to the next level?”

  “Okay, you caught me. I’m busted.” Peyton couldn’t lie. “We did. And it was fantastic!” Peyton sighed dramatically.

  “See, I told you there was nothing to worry about,” Amber replied. “It was just like riding a bike.”

  Peyton thought back to a moment when she was on top of Malik and was riding him until they both came, shattering in a million tiny pieces. “I wouldn’t describe it as riding a bike, but it did all come back to me.” Peyton grinned. “And I’m looking forward to another spin.”

  “I bet. It’s just really good to see you like this, Peyton. When you said you were moving here, Jude and I were concerned. But it looks like our fears were unfounded. You’re thriving, girlfriend.”

  “I think New York was just what I needed,” Peyton said. She felt as if she’d come out of a dense fog. She hadn’t felt this way in years, and it felt amazing. “Malik is a wonderful man.”

  “Well, don’t fall too quickly,” Amber warned. “This is your first real relationship since David died. You need to shop around the block first. You know, see what’s out there.”

  “I’ve seen what’s out there, Amber, and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. What’s your problem? I thought you liked Malik.”

  “I do,” Amber replied. “But sometimes the first man you meet isn’t always the right one. Sometimes he’s the catalyst to propel you into your next relationship.”

  “I don’t know. Malik is pretty close to perfection,” Peyton joked.

  “All right.” Amber knew when to let a matter drop.

  “Care to give me some more advice on how I can get through to one of my students?”

  “Are we talking about the single mother?”

  Peyton nodded. “I met with her and her boyfriend to explain our program and how volunteering would benefit her, but it didn’t go over very well. And to make matters worse, Kendra didn’t show up for class today.”

  “So what are you going to do?” Amber asked, leaning against the desk.

  “I thought I’d call and check on her. You know? Make sure everything’s all right.” Peyton had a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Amber replied. “Students miss class, Peyton. This isn’t high school.”

  “I know,” Peyton said. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t care.” Many times she’d seen her mother, Lydia Allen, make a home visit if she suspected a student was in trouble. Peyton had always admired that about her and she was following her example.

  “Okay,” Amber said. “Do as you please, but if you want my advice, I say steer clear. I’ve got to get going. I have a six o’clock I need to prepare for.” And with that, Amber was out the door.

  Peyton disagreed, and once Amber had gone, she immediately dialed Kendra, who picked up after several rings. “Hello.”

  “Kendra, this is Professor Sawyer. You weren’t in class today. I thought I’d call.”

  “Well…uh…” Kendra stammered. She hadn’t expected a personal phone call from her professor at home. “Tamara was sick and I had to stay home and take care of her.”

  Peyton didn’t believe that for a moment. She suspected Omar was the reason she’d missed class. “Kendra, what’s going on?”

  “I told you, the baby was sick.”

  “All right, so you’ll be in class on Wednesday?”

  “Yes, I’ll be there.” Kendra quickly hung up the phone.

  Peyton was worried. Something was definitely going on and she intended to find out what.

  “How are things between you and the professor?” Dante asked when Malik strolled into his restaurant for lunch.

  “Things couldn’t be better, Dante,” Malik replied, grinning. Now that he and Peyton had finally become lovers, everything was as it should be. “Peyton and I are finally on track.”

  “So when’s the wedding?” Dante joked as he dried off several glasses.

  “Slow down,” Malik said. “You should be asking Q that question, not me.” Q and Avery were inseparable these days, as evidenced by the fact that they’d even ambushed him together. “Peyton and I are in the ‘getting to know each other’ stage. We are nowhere near marriage. I doubt she’d be ready to take that step anyway.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “She was married before and her husband died in a car accident.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “Yeah,” Malik said, nodding. “So she won’t be ready to jump the broom anytime soon.”

  “Which is music to your ears,” Dante replied. Malik didn’t f
ool him for a moment. Say the word “commitment” and he went scurrying in the other direction.

  “You know my opinion on the subject of marriage.”

  “You came in walking on air. You mark my words, Malik, you’ll be eating those words,” Dante predicted. “And I for one am going to laugh my butt off.”

  Peyton took a taxi over to Kendra’s residence in the Bronx later that afternoon. She didn’t know what she was going to do when she got there; Peyton just knew she had to try something.

  When she arrived at Kendra’s address, the taxi driver looked back at her. “Are you sure you want me to drop you off here?” he asked, looking around. This sure didn’t look like the place a classy lady such as Peyton should be.

  She glanced around the lower-income neighborhood. “Yes, but can you do me a favor? Stay for fifteen? I won’t be long.” As an added incentive, Peyton handed him a twenty.

  The taxi driver thought about it for a moment. He’d hate to see her stranded, so he nodded. “Fifteen minutes is all you got. After that, I’m gone.”

  “Thanks.” Peyton hopped out of the car. She walked up to the buzzer and was about to press it when a resident came out, so Peyton slipped inside. The apartment building was old and rundown, but Peyton didn’t let that deter her. She climbed the squeaky stairs to the third floor. When she found apartment 203, Peyton knocked on the door.

  When Kendra opened the door, she was shocked to find Peyton on the other side. “Professor Sawyer, what are you doing here?” she blurted out.

  Peyton stared back at her student and her heart went out to her. One of Kendra’s eyes was black and blue, even though she had tried to cover it with makeup. Had Omar struck her?

  “When you didn’t come to class, I decided to come see for myself—and I’m glad I did.” Peyton pushed herself inside the apartment. She found Kendra’s six-month-old daughter cooing in a nearby bassinet. The baby looked perfectly healthy. Peyton spun around and faced Kendra. “So you lied.”