A Tempting Proposal (Kimani Romance)

by Sherelle Green

  “For the length of your stay, Mr. and Mrs. Walsh ask that you both make yourselves comfortable in their guest beach house. Everything you need can be found inside. There’s also a list of important phone numbers located next to every phone.”

  Usually Imani would have asked for a separate accommodation to have her privacy, but lately, she realized that no matter where she stayed, Daman was always close by.

  “Thank you for the warm hospitality.”

  “Yes, your hospitality is appreciated,” Daman stated after Imani.

  “You’re both welcome. I will have someone bring over your luggage. Here are the keys.” The butler handed them each a pair and walked back to the main house.

  Imani opened the door, and Daman followed her inside. The two-level beach house was inviting and cozy. It was decorated with Caribbean-style art pieces and furniture. There was a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and living room. There was also one bedroom on each level, with its own bathroom. Even though they were technically stationed in a backyard, the beach house made her feel extremely secluded.

  Imani glanced out the front window and noticed that she couldn’t even see Walsh Manor from the beach house. The only views from the front windows were of the garden and ocean. Daman hugged her from behind as he glanced out that same window. It felt natural for her to rest her head on his shoulder and lean into his hug. She knew if she wasn’t careful, she could fall for this man.

  Imani turned around to face Daman and slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. For what seemed like the hundredth time since they’d first been introduced, she wondered why her body reacted to his touch, even when he was barely touching her. It was as if her body knew the exact moment he would touch her and was prepared for the electric sparks she felt every time.

  Daman smiled, only this was a smile she’d never seen before. It was rugged and sexy in that untamed-man-of-the-jungle sort of way.

  “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

  She was too wrapped up in their embrace to fully register his question. “Far from it,” she replied, as she tilted her head and parted her lips as an invitation for him to sample her again.

  Daman took the hint, and in one swift move, his lips were on hers, exploring her mouth with the same urgency that she felt. Instantly, her stomach did flip-flops as she felt his tongue slide in and out of her mouth. He kissed her as if they’d kissed thousands of times before, and the thought that she felt so connected to him made her sigh into his mouth.

  Daman managed to reach a part of her that she often kept closed to the opposite sex. He was beginning to break down all of her barriers, and instead of being afraid of the fact that they were getting so close so fast, she was excited. Until the gala was over, she would allow herself to enjoy Daman’s company and the emotions he awakened inside her. If only for a short while, she would know what it felt like to give in to her desires.

  Neither heard the constant knocking at the door until the person decided to ask if anyone was inside. Daman groaned as he went to answer the door to quickly gather their luggage.

  Imani’s stomach growled, and she knew she should eat something, but she didn’t want to mess up the mood by stuffing her face. They’d spent the majority of the day traveling and touring the mansion and garden, without taking time to eat. Unfortunately, the growling didn’t let up, and soon she realized that Daman’s stomach was growling, as well.

  “Maybe we should eat something,” Imani suggested reluctantly.

  “That sounds like a plan. The cabinets and fridge are stocked with food. I’m sure we can whip something up quickly. Besides, we’ll both need the energy.”

  She shivered as she turned to follow Daman into the kitchen. Looking through the cabinets, they decided to make a quick southern dish. They moved easily in the kitchen as if they’d cooked together all their lives. They were able to finish dinner in record time.

  “Your family relies on you a lot.”

  Imani looked up from her plate. “Yes, I know.”

  Daman hesitated for a while as if he wanted to ask more, and she felt his watchful eyes analyzing her. It was crazy how the same eyes that often drove her insane with passion were also ones that sometimes drove her insane with anxiety.

  “Do you ever think it’s unfair that your family turns to you for everything, even though other people are capable of doing what you do?”

  Imani drew in a soft breath, wondering why Daman would bring up something so random. There were very few people who knew the responsibility she felt when it came to her family. Strangely, she wanted to be honest with Daman, knowing that if she lied, he would probably know, anyway.

  “Gamine was more than the matriarch of our family. She was our heart and soul. I’ve always been family oriented and wanted what was best for everyone. It didn’t matter to me that being so involved with family was a large responsibility. I know that we don’t live forever, but it never occurred to me that she wouldn’t be here. I still don’t think I’ve found a balance between being my own person and trying to embody some of Gamine’s character, but I’m working on it.”

  Daman tilted his head and leaned toward Imani, who was sitting opposite him at the table. “How long have you been trying to find a happy balance?”

  “Ever since Gamine passed away. My grandfather always says that individuals are born into certain roles and must accept their place in the family. When Gamine passed away, I had no choice but to be strong for my family. I’d never seen my mother so lost, and even though my father remained strong, the loss was unbearable for him at times, too. My sister, who is usually my main source of comfort, didn’t even know what to do with herself, and that went for the rest of the family, as well. When everything in your life seems to be going well, you never imagine being in a situation where no one can help because everyone is at such a loss. So I decided not to let that happen. I decided to be the rock for my family...like Gamine would have been.”

  “Imani, people need to grieve. You can’t take on the weight of the world or hold back your feelings because in the end, no one loses but you.”

  “I know that, and although I tell myself that all the time, it’s hard to break a habit.”

  Daman got up from the table and sat beside Imani.

  “Maybe you never really allowed yourself to grieve.”

  “Maybe I didn’t. I used to think I’d have all the answers when I became an adult. In reality, I never have all the answers.”

  Daman was quiet as he gathered his thoughts. “Being adults doesn’t mean we need to have all the answers. When my father passed away, I learned that you can’t control everything, and unexpected tragedies are bound to happen. I haven’t figured it all out, either, and I spend the majority of my life glossing over my accomplishments, always pushing for something greater. My dad was so amazing, and I always knew I had to live up to my potential. He left a legacy, and I want to leave one, too.”

  Imani slowly stroked Daman’s hand to offer him the same comfort he was offering her. The entire time he spoke, her heart was beating so fast that she was sure he could feel it. His words touched her, and she didn’t like the fact that he was so hard on himself.

  “You have to take the time to enjoy the little accomplishments. Otherwise, you’re always striving to do better and never congratulating yourself. You can’t be anything but yourself.”

  Daman smiled at her, and she instantly realized how contradictory that sounded.

  “Funny you say that, considering you don’t take your own advice.”

  “Yeah, I know. Guess we have a lot of work to do on ourselves.”

  “Guess so.”

  Intertwining her fingers with his, she felt like he still had something on his mind.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  “I was thinking about how carefree and happy you’ve been lately. Today, I got a chance to experience that side of you. At your grandfather’s house I saw it, too, and I was hoping you would show me that side one day.�
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  She dropped her head before meeting his gaze again. “Please don’t take this personally, Daman, but sometimes with you, I purposely hold back because I don’t trust you.”

  He tensed immediately, not liking her response.

  “What I mean is that I admire your work ethic. I trust you as a partner. I trust you as a friend with benefits. But I don’t trust you enough to show you all the sides of me. It’s not just you. I’m like that with men in general...unless we’re only friends.”

  “I think I deserve to know why you would trust me with your body but not all sides of your character.”

  His question seemed so simple, yet Imani knew the answer would sound complicated if she tried to explain. “Why does it even matter?”

  “I don’t know...it just does.” He was disappointed, and she didn’t like knowing she was the cause.

  “Let’s switch roles for a minute,” she said, crossing one leg over the other. “There are many different sides to you, too. There’s the man you want people to see and the man you really are on the inside. Do you trust me enough, Daman? Enough to show me the true you inside and out?”

  At his silence, she continued.

  “Did you ever think that maybe our paths were supposed to cross to allow us to believe in happily ever after? To help us realize that we can open our hearts up to that one special person fate picked out for us? If we can get this close with guarded hearts, imagine how close we could get if we opened up completely.”

  Daman raised an eyebrow at her statement.

  “Not to each other of course, but to someone else. Maybe we met to prep each other for the real thing.”

  She could tell he was trying to process what she was saying. “What makes you think we couldn’t have the real thing?”

  She sighed. “You told me yourself that you aren’t the marrying kind. And I’m not one of those women who believe they can change a man. Plus, I’m still trying my best to dig within myself to regain all those dreams I had as a girl. Yes, we lust after each other. But do us both a favor and try not to confuse this for something more than it is.”

  How could she tell him that he was the one man she wished she could fall for, and who she hoped would reciprocate her feelings? How could she help him understand her fear that once she opened her heart up to him, he would never fully open up to her? She knew his type, and she knew that he had commitment issues. Guarded or not, she wasn’t willing to take the chance and be hurt by any man. She knew what she had to do. She would enjoy their affair for as long as it lasted.

  “Can we please have this one moment without expecting anything more than what it is?” she asked in a hopeful voice.

  Chapter 16

  There weren’t many times when Daman didn’t know what to say, but right now, he was at a loss for words. He wanted to tell Imani that he didn’t think he would ever tire of wanting to taste her. He wanted to tell her that she affected him unlike any other woman in his past, and he knew he didn’t deserve her. He wanted to tell her that even though she tried to act like an affair was all she wanted, he knew she wanted love, but like him, she kept her heart guarded...away from the possibility of breaking.

  He couldn’t say any of that, though. His fears for loving someone and losing the one he loved most in the world ran too deep. He also couldn’t agree to something he knew was a lie. If his suspicions were true, then fulfilling his hunger one time would definitely not be enough—far from it. Instead, he would silently give in to her request, knowing he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be with her in the most intimate way possible.

  The hand that had been resting on her leg grew increasingly bolder, as it slowly made its way up her inner thigh. With every stroke that brought his hand higher on her thigh, he felt her breath quicken. He hated that her jogging pants were in the way of his hands, gently rubbing the one fixation that kept him up at night. He wanted to savor the moment and take it slow with her. The fire in her eyes was enough to almost push him over the edge. Knowing that her desire matched his was making it harder for him to maintain his composure. He helped her up and made his way to the nearest bedroom, tugging her gently behind him.

  Once in the bedroom, he turned off the light and drew her back into his arms, only to have her greet him with a soft peck before leaving his lips to plant kisses around his face, finally settling at his ears. Slowly, Imani wrapped her arms around his neck and suckled on his earlobe in the same rotation she used when they shared their first kiss. She knew the effect she had on him when she kissed his earlobes so erotically. He barely felt her lead him to the edge of the bed, until she plopped him down and straddled his body, leaving his ears to plant soft kisses along his neck.

  The need to be inside her was slowly driving him mad. When Imani slightly lifted her head back toward his left ear, he took the opportunity to flip her over on her back, giving him the power to control the foreplay. The only sounds in the beach house were their moans of pleasure intertwined with the soft waves crashing against rocks.

  “If I let you keep licking my neck and ears, this night won’t last much longer.”

  “I can’t help that I like the way your body reacts when I lick your neck and ears. It makes me even wetter.”

  Daman watched her in admiration as she pushed him off her and threw off her clothes, leaving nothing on but a lacey black panty and bra set. That classy demeanor she often maintained was gone, replaced by an uninhibited vixen. He sat in awe of every move she made, finally able to fully appreciate every curve of her delectable body.

  She kneeled on the bed, seemingly overcome by the passionate aura they had created in the room. Her hair was falling freely across her shoulders, while her catlike moves were leaving him speechless. He figured he had two options: be a bystander or be a participant.

  Slowly he began to pull off her bra with his teeth, only briefly acknowledging that he was still dressed. Once her breasts were free of the material, he guided a nipple into his mouth so fast that he heard her gasp in surprise.

  “Daman, please take off your clothes.”

  Her voice was low and breathless. He stood and threw off his clothes in record time, not wanting to be away from her for too long. But her glazed-over eyes kept his feet stationed as he let her admire his naked body.

  “You’re one tempting woman, Ms. Rayne.”

  The slight smile she gave him was soft and inviting. “And you’re one sexy man, Mr. Barker. Now...are you going to keep me waiting?”

  He had every intention of continuing his foreplay with her, but neither of their bodies seemed to be getting the message. Slowly, he lowered himself on top of her, gently taking her lips again. She met him halfway, slightly opening her mouth to invite him in. He’d barely kissed her, but he could feel the intense knots form throughout his entire body, brought on by their erotic intimacy. His groin was aching, and his hardness was already anticipating diving into her wet center. He placed a finger down there to see if she was ready. As soon as he reached her middle, she arched her back off the bed, not once allowing her mouth to leave his.

  “Woman, you are so damn responsive! I can barely hold on any longer,” Daman said between kisses.

  She seductively dipped her tongue in and out of his mouth before moving to lick his ear.

  “Then forget the foreplay, and bury yourself deep inside me,” she whispered.

  “You have such a naughty way with words. Who knew...?”

  Imani giggled at his comment and released him. Within seconds, he located the condoms he’d brought, sheathed his member and lowered himself onto her again.

  He opened her legs, wondering if he’d ever seen a pair of thighs that fascinated him the way Imani’s did. Slowly, he eased into her center, allowing her to get used to his length. She was tight, and he knew it had been a while since she’d made love. She adjusted her body to accommodate his size, and with one final thrust, he was completely inside of her.

  “You feel so good...way too good,” he told her between breaths. H
is encouraging words caused Imani to pick up her pace, meeting him stroke for stroke. She began clenching her inner muscles in a milking effect as if she were trying to suck him in even deeper than he already was.

  “What the hell is going on with you tonight?” Daman asked, more breathless than he wanted to be.

  Once again, she giggled in his ear and increased her pace even more. Daman wanted this night to last for as long as it could, but the way she was moving her hips caused him to slightly lose control. Never had he felt so connected to a lover before. Her moans and soft whimpers were unnerving his body in ways he couldn’t explain. He tensed up, not wanting to allow himself to feel the emotions slowly surfacing in the forefront of his mind. The concerned look on Imani’s face let him know she could sense his anxiety.

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

  Daman said the first thing he could think of. “I have a cramp in my right leg. It’s not a big deal. I just need to straighten my leg out a little bit.”

  “Oh, okay. I can fix that.”

  Daman let her up, assuming she was allowing him to take a quick break. Instead, she straddled him, pinned him down on the bed and lowered herself back onto the length of him. He gasped out of surprise and pleasure. He’d felt how tight she was, so he knew getting used to his size wasn’t an easy task. But she’d lowered herself onto him like they’d made love a thousand times.

  Imani began to rotate her hips in a circular motion, moving up and down in a rhythm that made Daman groan with pleasure. He quickly realized he couldn’t control the situation. With Imani in the driver’s seat, he had no choice but to let go and enjoy himself, only briefly acknowledging that he was headed in a direction he’d never gone before.