Imani fiddled with the buttons on his shirt as she tilted her head to the side and stared into his eyes. She was battling with her conscience, unsure of what to do next. She knew she wanted him sexually. She just didn’t know how long she should hold out. Men like Daman only wanted one thing, and after they got it, they moved on to the next conquest. She could handle a “friends with benefits” relationship, but could she handle being in the spotlight for the next few months with the press in their personal business?
Giving him one last head-to-toe look, she made up her mind.
“Sexual uses, Daman. I could use a man like you to fulfill my sexual needs. That is, if you think you can handle me.”
Daman smiled, showing off his pearly white teeth. “I can handle you any way you like. Soft...rough...nasty...I’ve been known to show women a good time. The real question is do you think you can handle what I have to give?”
Imani sighed. She hadn’t had a lot of sexual partners in her life, but she’d had enough to know that it was all the same. She heard stories from women who boasted about sex like it was the greatest thing in the world, but she failed to see what all the fuss was about. She liked sex just as much as the next woman, but to her it was just another stress reliever. Looking at Daman, she knew he would be different, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing that.
“Everything is a competition with you. Sex is sex. What could you possibly give me that I haven’t already had?”
The determined look in Daman’s eyes caused her breath to catch. Without words, he was telling her to prepare herself for a sexual eruption unlike any she’d ever experienced. The next few seconds were all a blur. One minute she was standing, and the next minute she was sprawled on the floor with Daman positioned over her.
“I hope you don’t get upset with me when I say this, Imani, but as tense as you’ve been since I met you, I highly doubt that a man has thoroughly had sex with you recently, if ever. Otherwise, you’d know that even though sex is sex, the fun comes in all the ways you bring about that pleasure. All you need is the right partner.”
While he was talking, he was kissing her neck and shoulders.
“It’s about the chemistry being so strong that you don’t even have to touch the person to feel that intense sexual pull.”
He untied her negligee and gasped. Imani didn’t know whether it was a good or bad gasp until he grinned, and his hands started roaming underneath the silky material.
“It’s about admiring the beauty of one another’s bodies and linking in an unexplainable yet pleasurable way.”
She felt his head dip down and alternate licking her breasts. He gently sucked each nipple, and just when Imani thought he was finished, he started the process all over again. She was only vaguely aware of how exposed she was, but she did notice that he was still wearing all his clothes.
His tongue continued its downward exploration of her body, licking each crevice and dipping in and out her belly button. When he reached her thighs, she held her breath in anticipation. In previous relationships, the men she’d dated only teased one spot. She wondered if Daman would be the same way. He abruptly stopped and looked into her eyes.
“It’s about feeding your desire and sexing that person to the point that they can’t see straight. I’ve wanted to devour you since the first day we met, and now I get my chance.”
The minute his mouth covered her center, she knew Daman was not like other men. He kissed her lightly at first, as if preparing her body for his mouth’s attack. As his licks grew more aggressive, Imani couldn’t do anything but grab the rug she was lying on.
His tongue found her pink nub, and he gently sucked the sensitive area. When she felt like she would explode with satisfaction, he would stop and dip his tongue inside her center. She began clinching her vaginal muscles as his tongue quickened its in-and-out rotation between her core and her clitoris.
Imani’s lower body came off the floor as he lifted her hips so his tongue could go deeper.
“Oh...goodness. I can’t take it...it’s too much.”
Apparently, Daman didn’t care because he increased the pace of his tongue and squeezed her butt tighter so she couldn’t go anywhere. Between her moans, she heard him speaking.
“Do you really want me to stop?”
She didn’t know how she found the words, but she managed to give him a truthful answer. “No, don’t stop. Whatever you do, don’t stop.”
“Good, because you taste too good for me to stop.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really. You taste just like candy.”
“Ahhh...” Her moans grew more and more frantic.
“That’s it. Let it out, baby.”
Between his naughty words and the onslaught of his tongue, Imani was losing her mind. She didn’t know how he managed to talk and please her at the same time. There she was, stuck in midair between Daman’s mouth and his hands, and all she could do was hold on for dear life. She’d never experienced something so erotic. As her body broke into several convulsions, her moaning and screaming grew louder. She was so overcome with passion that she barely recognized Daman placing her back on the floor.
Instantly, her mind began racing with what would happen next. Everything had happened so fast. One minute they had been talking and the next she was moaning with gratification. She could barely think straight. No doubt he would want to have sex after that.
As if reading her thoughts, Daman answered her question. “Don’t worry, we aren’t having sex tonight.” He stood and helped her off the floor. She thought he was leaning in to kiss her, but instead, he retied her negligee. Imani was unsteady and couldn’t believe how weak her body felt. She couldn’t recall ever having an orgasm that strong. She leaned into Daman for support, wondering if she should be embarrassed of the state she was in.
Daman gently kissed her lips. “Please don’t be self-conscious. You have nothing to be ashamed about. Plus, I think I know how good I made you feel if your screams were any indication of that.”
Imani nudged Daman in his side, causing him to let out a fake cry. There was hunger in his eyes, and she could feel the heat radiating between them. She looked down at his pants and saw his engorged sex.
“Why did you tell me not to worry about sex tonight?”
Daman smiled down at her and kissed her forehead. Slowly, he turned and began walking toward the door. When he reached for the knob, he looked back at her and shook his head. “You’re one tempting woman, and trust me when I say I would love to take you right here. But now doesn’t seem like the right time, and we both know that brain of yours hasn’t finished processing what’s going on between us yet.” He gave her a kiss on her forehead. “Have a good night.”
She was still standing in the same position minutes after the door had closed.
That man is dangerous. But she wanted him. That much was obvious. The businesswoman in her was on high alert, and she had to remember the reason they were thrown together in the first place. Unfortunately, none of those thoughts were running through her mind at the moment. The only thought on her mind right now was how he’d managed to get her naked while he remained fully clothed.
Chapter 11
The rest of the week went by much smoother than Daman would have suspected. When he left Imani’s condo on Monday, he’d stayed up half the night because he couldn’t sleep. He knew he’d made the right decision by leaving, but it didn’t stop him from visualizing what could have happened. He surprised himself by maintaining his self-control.
Sitting on his stationary jet at the Aurora Municipal Airport, he tried convincing himself that he was more excited that it was Friday and almost the weekend than he was about seeing Imani. After talking with Vicky, Daman and Imani had decided to visit Atlanta again on the weekend. Wth the gala so close, planning was crucial, and it was easier to organize the event in person rather than conference calls.
Through the window of the jet, he saw Imani step out of a taxi. She h
ad agreed to ride with him in his jet as opposed to taking a commercial flight.
“Hi, Imani. It’s nice to see you again,” Daman said as she approached the jet entrance.
“Hello, Daman.” Imani gasped as they stepped inside.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, I’m just surprised. I didn’t know your private jet would be so large. I assumed it would be smaller, like other private jets I’ve been in.”
He laughed at the look of awe he saw in her eyes.
“As much as I would love to take full credit for this beauty, I can’t. It belongs to the company. When Barker Architecture went from two offices to ten offices in four years, two being international offices, my dad invested in a dream he’d always had for Barker Architecture. A private jet. Now with fifteen offices and four being international, I can’t imagine not having it.”
“Well, it’s gorgeous.”
“I appreciate that. Feel free to make yourself comfortable. My staff can get you anything you need to drink.”
Imani lifted her left eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest. “Your staff?”
Daman grinned at her stance. He knew she wouldn’t be standing like that if she knew the effect it was having on him, seeing her breasts pressed up against her shirt.
“By staff, I mean James. He worked with my father since before I could remember and insisted that he continue working for me. He’s more like family.”
James approached Imani and introduced himself before heading to the back of the jet.
Imani leaned into Daman so that James couldn’t overhear what she was saying. “I hope you don’t work him too hard.”
James laughed loudly, getting Daman and Imani’s attention.
“I’m fine, young lady. Daman puts up with this old goat, but I know he can find better. But don’t let this eighty-one-year-old body fool you. I know how to keep up.”
The surprised look on Imani’s face made Daman laugh.
“I’m sure you can, James. You remind me a lot of my grandfather.”
James stood a little taller. “Must be a dashing fellow.”
Imani and Daman laughed. They took their seats just as the copilot was coming toward them with a worried look on his face.
“There seems to be a problem, Mr. Barker.”
“What is it? Is everything okay?”
“Yes, but we were listening to the radio, and they said that there was a massive storm that just hit the States.”
“Can we still make it to Georgia before nightfall?”
“Yes, sir. But the storm seems to have hit a small town in Florida. All communication between the town and neighboring cities has been lost. Sir, it’s pretty close to where your mother lives.”
Daman felt the air rush out of his lungs. If anything happened to his mother, he’d be devastated. “How bad was the storm?”
“From what I can gather, most of the buildings are still standing. The winds were extremely powerful, and the citizens of Florida said they haven’t seen a storm this bad in years.”
Daman glanced at Imani before turning back to the pilot. “Change of plans. Get us as close to my mom’s town as possible.”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
James had made some calls and had a car waiting for them when the jet landed. He’d decided to wait with the jet in case someone needed to contact Daman.
Imani kept telling herself that Daman’s mother would be okay, but as they got closer to the town, she began to have doubts.
“Oh, my goodness.” She hadn’t meant for the words to escape her mouth, but it was hard to believe that a storm was capable of causing so much damage. The downtown area had a few shops that seemed to be holding up better than others. Ambulances and fire trucks filled some areas, but it was heartbreaking to see people scattered throughout the streets, frantically looking for more help. They stopped the car several times to pass out water bottles that James had stocked in the trunk.
Daman tried calling his mother several times, but the phone wouldn’t connect. “The cell towers must be down.”
It was harder to see the damage as they neared the countryside, since everything was spread so far apart.
“A lot of houses are still standing in the distance.”
Her voice was hopeful, but Daman only gave her a small smirk. He’d already lost one parent, and it was evident that his mom was his number-one priority since his father’s death. It took them two hours to get to his mother’s house, but it seemed that the town only had a little damage. Daman pulled the car up in front of a two-story house. Even in the nasty weather, Imani could tell the house was beautiful.
Daman hopped out the car so fast Imani hadn’t even realized it had come to a complete stop.
“Mom...Mom...are you here!”
Imani took off after Daman, not caring that mud and debris from the storm were ruining her clothes. His mother swung open the front door at the same time Daman made it onto the porch.
“Daman! Oh, baby, I’m so happy to see you! One minute I was listening to the news and the next, the power was out. But police officers and firemen visited the houses to tell us that our town was not greatly affected and that there was no reason to evacuate. The worst is over.”
They embraced in a big hug before Daman stepped back to examine his mother. “I’m so glad you’re okay. Your town does look fine, but I was worried after what we saw driving down here in other towns.”
“We, baby?”
Imani chose this time to step out from around the upturned lawn chair she’d been leaning against. Watching the exchange between Daman and his mother had been heartwarming.
“Hello, Mrs. Barker. My name is Imani Rayne. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Imani was reaching out to shake hands, but instead, Patricia pulled her into a tight hug. Imani hugged her back, assuming she was still flustered from the storm. However, when she glanced into the woman’s eyes, she noticed she was tearing up.
“Mrs. Barker, is everything okay?”
Mrs. Barker quickly wiped away the tears that had fallen before responding.
“I’m so happy I’m okay, that I’m overcome with emotion. I apologize for squeezing you so tightly, Imani, and might I add that Imani is a beautiful name.”
She looked into the woman’s face and felt a familiarity that she couldn’t quite explain. They only met minutes ago, but something about her was comforting. She instantly felt at ease with Mrs. Barker.
“That’s okay. I needed the hug, anyway.”
Mrs. Barker placed her hand over her chest and laughed.
“How did you and Daman meet? Are you dating?”
Imani looked at Daman for him to answer. “No, Mom. We aren’t dating. I told you about Imani over the phone. We’re hosting the gala together.”
“Oh, that’s right. You never told me her name...or how beautiful she was. Imani, are you married? I don’t see a ring.”
Imani caught Daman rolling his eyes. It was clear that Mrs. Barker was anxious for her son to settle down.
“No, ma’am. I’m not married.”
“Oh. Well, in that case, why don’t the two of you come in, and I can whip us up something to eat.”
As they walked into the house, Imani was amazed that everything was still in place.
“Daman, can you go and start the generator?”
“Sure, Mom,” Daman said and minutes later, they had power.
“Thanks, baby,” Mrs. Barker said when he returned.
Imani walked around the living room and admired the mahogany wood. There were four tables that all matched and were very similar to a set that she acquired after Gamine passed away. Knowing Daman’s eyes were on her, she turned to smile at him.
“Your table set is beautiful, Mrs. Barker. My grandmother left me a similar set. I love mahogany wood.”
“Thank you. I went to a lot of vintage stores to find them.”
Daman glanced from the tables to Imani and snapped his fingers in r
ecognition. “I knew your table set looked familiar. It reminded me of my mom’s.”
Imani giggled at his sudden burst of acknowledgment. Neither noticed that Mrs. Barker was intently watching their interaction.
“There’s nothing going on between you two?”
Imani gulped hard and pretended to attentively study some art displayed on the wall. Like mother, like son...straight to the point.
“Mom, drop it.”
“Don’t Mom me. You two aren’t fooling anybody. I can see it with my own eyes.” She was relentless.
“You remind me a little of my grandmother. She always got straight to the point,” Imani said. “Not that there is a point to be made in this situation.”
Mrs. Barker grinned before her eyes grew sad. “I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother, Imani.”
She looked at Mrs. Barker and wondered what Daman had told her about her Gamine’s passing. Daman gave his mom a questionable look.
“Imani said that her grandmother left her a similar table set, and I keep up with the news, son. I know who Imani is, and I know she’s a Burrstone.” She glanced at Imani. “And I must say that you are a very remarkable woman. I’m sure your family is very proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Barker.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. I hope you both are staying the night.”
Daman stole a glance in Imani’s direction. She pretended not to notice until she heard him speak.
“Imani, are you okay with that?” Daman asked.
She instantly felt two pairs of eyes on her.
“Well, Imani?” The question came from Mrs. Barker. Imani looked back and forth between the two before settling her eyes on Mrs. Barker.
“Sure, Mrs. Barker. I don’t see any reason why we can’t stay. I wish we could contact Vicky and let her know we won’t arrive until tomorrow.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Daman explained. “I sent her a quick email before we landed just in case we didn’t make it to Georgia tonight.”
Imani nodded her head in acknowledgment. She tried to tear her gaze away from him, but he was a mystery she couldn’t quite solve. He commanded her attention at the strangest times. They were strictly partners for the gala, nothing more, and she knew she would be better off if she reminded herself of that fact.
A Tempting Proposal (Kimani Romance) Page 7
