“Mmm...that sounds so sexy.”
“Trust me, it is. You should see how good my body looks in this negligee. My nipples are peeking through the lace.”
“Mmm...nice. I can just envision you lying there looking sexy as hell.”
“So tell me...what do you have on?”
“My chocolate birthday suit,” he said in a husky voice.
“I just love, love, love big, dark chocolate bars.”
“Oh, you do, do you? And tell me, what do you like to do with big...dark...chocolate bars?” he asked, speaking slowly.
Ayana deepened her voice into a come-hither tone. “I like to put them in my mouth and...lick them...and suck them.”
“And while you’re enjoying your chocolate bar, I’ll be softly and ever so gently munching on your pink sweet forbidden fruit like a scrumptious treat.”
“Hmm, I like the way that sounds.”
“Can you do me a favor?” he asked.
“Yes, anything for you, baby.”
“I want you to take off your thong.”
“Okay.” Ayana reached underneath the sheet and took off her white cotton panties.
“Are they off?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Now I want you to spread your legs and put your index finger near your clit but don’t touch it, just press firmly above the area.”
“Okay.” Ayana did what he said and waited for further instruction. This unexpected phone sex was making her hot as she anticipated his next command.
“Now close your eyes. Is your finger still near your clit?”
“Yes.”
“Are you pressing firmly?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I want you to keep it there while you put the phone on Speaker, then set it on the pillow next to you. You’re going to need both of your hands for the next move.”
Once again she followed his instructions. “The call is on Speaker. Now what do you want me to do?” she asked eagerly.
“Take your other hand, put your first two fingers in your mouth and get them nice and wet.” He waited a few seconds and then said, “Take the hand that’s near your clit and expose that delicious pink flesh. Now take your fingers and rub your clit until you get nice and wet.”
With her eyes closed, Ayana followed his instructions to perfection, rubbing herself, getting wetter by the second. She began moaning. She was in a zone, and it felt good.
“Listening to your moans is making me harder by the second. If I were there, I would taste your kitty cat.”
“And I would lick all over your chocolate bar.”
“I’m holding my big chocolate bar right now and thinking about you.”
“Good. Now I want you to stroke it up and down and pretend I’m there with you.”
“Okay. Are you still pleasuring yourself?”
“Yes, and it feels so good.”
They were each enjoying the moment, as evidenced by the panting and moaning coming through the speaker. Brandon had coached her to a climax and she was ready to squirt her juices.
Ayana panted heavily.
“Come with me, baby! Yes, yes!” she yelled.
Brandon let out a series of screeching grunts as he himself exploded. A few seconds later he said in a breathy tone, “Oh, that was good.”
“It sure was.”
“But I must apologize,” he said.
“For what?” She was puzzled.
“I’m sure you didn’t call me to get ambushed into phone sex. I barely let you get the word ‘hey’ out before I started in.”
“Baby, you have nothing to be sorry for. Trust me, I more than enjoyed your ambush. It’s just what I needed after this afternoon. However, I did call for a specific reason. Remember when we were in Jamaica and you mentioned that I should think about transitioning into acting?”
“Of course I remember. I think you’d be a great actress.”
“Thanks. I hope so. The only problem is that I don’t have an agent. My attorney brokered the deal with Divorced Divas. I remember you saying that you have an agent. Do you think I can call him or her?”
“Sure. I’ll give Mario a call in the morning and let him know to expect your call.” He gave her Mario’s number.
“Great. Thanks so much. I can’t wait to leave the show. I don’t know how much more of Saturday Knight I can take.”
Brandon wanted to tell her he agreed, but he didn’t want to offend her, so he kept quiet. “I’m sure he’ll take you on as a client. He’s well connected in the industry and will have no problem getting you auditions with some of the heavy hitters.”
“Brandon, you don’t know how much your vote of confidence means to me.” Ayana’s ex-husband had wanted a wife with no ambition. Shortly after they’d married, he’d insisted that she stop working.
“Ayana, I only want the best for you.”
His kind words nearly brought tears to her eyes. “Brandon, I’m so glad you know the real me. I really hate being a diva on the set. I should have never let Ed talk me into portraying such a malicious villain.”
“At the time, you didn’t have a choice. Don’t worry—you’ll be out of there soon enough.”
Brandon’s reassuring words made Ayana feel much better. She now had a solid exit strategy. It was just a matter of time before she could tell Ed and the show au revoir.
Chapter 22
Ed was back and in full form. He flounced throughout the penthouse as if he had springy coils in his orange, high-heeled sneakers. His multicolored chiffon scarf floated in the air as he moved about. Ed appeared to be so happy to be out of the hospital and back at work that he could barely contain himself. All morning, he had been talking to the cast and crew, gesturing at a rapid pace, as if trying to make up for lost time. Divorced Divas was losing market share and Ed had devised a plan that would surely get the show back on track.
“I want you ladies sitting on the sofa with Moses Michaels in the middle,” Ed ordered the cast, pointing his manicured finger at the custom-made two-piece white couch.
Saturday and her cast mates were all dressed fabulously in black. Saturday had on a one-shoulder dress, Petra wore a halter dress, Brooke wore a sleeveless dress and Trista had on a peplum-style dress. Ed had informed the stylist that he wanted the ladies in black to make a dramatic contrast against the white sofa. They were also in full hair and makeup. Ed wanted them camera ready.
“Why we all dress up? I thought we no tape show, just rehearse,” Petra said with a puzzled expression on her face.
“Mr. Michaels only has today available. He’s flying to L.A. tonight and won’t be back until next week. I don’t want to wait until then. We’ve lost too much time as it is.”
“But how we know who to talk about?” Petra asked.
“You mean ‘what’ to talk about,” Saturday said, correcting her as usual.
“I not talking to you,” Petra countered.
“Ladies, let’s save the bickering for the camera. Now, Saturday, I want you in the center, sitting next to the moderator. Brooke, you’re on the other side of the moderator. Petra, you’re next to Brooke, and, Trista, you’re sitting next to Saturday,” Ed instructed.
“Why I no sit in middle?” Petra whined.
Saturday took her seat, spread her arms across the back of the sofa and said, “Because I’m the star of the show. Therefore, I’m front and center. You’re just a sidekick.”
“What is sidekick?”
Before Saturday could come back with an insulting remark, Brandon, who had been sitting on the side in his director’s chair watching the entire exchange, interrupted. “Petra, why do you always let Saturday get under your skin? Just ignore her.”
Saturday shot Brandon a look. She wanted to blurt out, Why are you taking Petra’s side? His remark had taken her totally by surprise, rendering her momentarily speechless.
“You right. I ignore.” Petra took her seat without looking in Saturday’s direction.
Once the ladies had taken thei
r places, Ed stood in front of them and said, “While we’re waiting for Mr. Michaels to arrive, I want to go over a few key points. Remember this is a reunion-type show, so you guys will be discussing what has happened over the past few episodes. Talk about how you felt about your dates, which men really turned you on and which ones you can’t wait to see again. The audience loves to hear about romance. I want you to really spice up the conversation. Any questions?”
“Should we mention your heart attack?” Trista asked.
“OH, ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Ed shouted. “This show isn’t about me and my health issues. It’s about you ladies and your dating issues. Got it?”
Trista looked sheepish and appeared instantly sorry for asking the question. “Uh...okay.”
“And one more thing. I have a surprise planned,” Ed announced.
“I detest surprises,” Saturday told him.
“Well, I hate to disappoint you, love, but there will definitely be a surprise or two during taping, so be ready for anything.”
Saturday didn’t like being blindsided. She certainly hoped that Ed wasn’t bringing back any of her former dates. It was bad enough that she had to sit next to Moses Michaels. Even though she hadn’t slept with the famous moderator, they still had a brief history. Now that she and Brandon were an item, she didn’t want to bring her past into her present. Before he came aboard as the director, she had cozied up to several men via Ed’s instruction. The thought of Brandon hearing about her exploits made her sick to her stomach, but there was nothing she could do about it now. As Saturday was sitting quietly pondering what Ed’s surprise could be, in walked the moderator.
Moses Michaels was known around the reality circuit as the host that brought drama to an already dramatic setting. He was the ultimate pot stirrer, asking probing questions that got members of the cast in one heated debate after another. Moses’s shrewdness had him in high demand, commanding top dollar to moderate a litany of reality shows.
Saturday watched Moses greet Ed and couldn’t help but admire him. Moses stood less than six feet, but he was well built. He was an immaculate dresser. He wore a black Gucci suit, black shirt, black tie and black Gucci loafers—obviously he had gotten the same dress-code suggestion from Ed. He was clean shaven, making his café-au-lait skin look as smooth as silk. Saturday and Moses had made a striking pair, and she could understand why the tabloids had spread rumors that she had broken up his relationship.
“Hey, Ed, how are you?” Moses asked in his signature baritone voice.
“Couldn’t be better,” Ed replied, shaking Moses’s hand. “Thanks for doing this show at the last minute.”
“No problem.” Moses smiled, exposing his perfect white teeth and deep dimples.
“Did you get my email with the list of talking points?”
“Yes, I did.”
That man is still fine, Saturday thought as she watched him. She hadn’t seen Moses since their last date months ago. She turned her eyes away before Brandon caught her staring at the handsome moderator.
“Moses, let me introduce you to our new director,” Ed said, leading the way to where Brandon sat in his director’s chair.
“Brandon, this is Moses Michaels, the best moderator in the business,” Ed gushed.
Moses and Brandon shook hands. “Nice to meet you,” Moses said.
Saturday watched them exchange pleasantries and felt a bit nervous. She hadn’t told Brandon about dating Moses. Really there was nothing to tell because she and Moses had dated only a few times. They had kissed, as she had told Reese, but it was nothing serious.
“Are you guys ready to get started?” Ed asked.
“Ready as ever,” Moses said, heading toward the sofa. He sat down in his designated seat between Saturday and Brooke. Moses leaned over toward Saturday and whispered, “Hey there, lovely. You sure are looking good. I’ve missed those sweet lips of yours.” Moses moved his body a bit closer to her as he spoke.
“Hi, Moses,” Saturday said, staring straight ahead, ignoring his comment.
“I’m going to Los Angles tonight. When I come back next week, let’s do dinner and dessert,” he said, licking his lips. Moses was a serial dater and had a reputation in the business of sleeping with the beautiful reality stars he interviewed. His once faithful girlfriend had had enough and had left the handsome moderator to his own devices.
“I don’t think so.”
Saturday glanced over and saw Brandon watching her and Moses. Brandon had an unpleasant look on his face.
“Ready as ever,” Moses said.
“Take one. Action!” Brandon announced.
“Hey, everybody. Moses Michaels here on the set of Divorced Divas,” he began, peering into the camera. “I’m here with these lovely ladies for a special divulge-all reunion.” He looked at the cast to his right and then to his left. “Okay, ladies, let’s get down to business. You know I don’t like wasting time.”
Here we go, Saturday thought, bracing herself for Moses’s direct line of questioning. He was known to go right for the jugular. Her heart began beating faster with anticipation.
“So, Saturday, I will start with you. Last season, you made a love connection with one of your dates, didn’t you?”
“I make a connection with all my dates,” she said flippantly, determined not to be ambushed.
“Well, this particular connection had a special meaning. Why don’t we roll tape and refresh your memory?”
The moment he said “roll tape,” a huge HD screen dropped down behind them. The screen showed her with Erick Kastell, a high-powered investment banker. Erick was strikingly handsome with thick blond hair and blue eyes. They had had an instant attraction to each other and had gone out on several successful dates. Their last date, a romantic dinner at Jean Georges, had ended with a carriage ride through Central Park.
Saturday watched the screen as they rode with their arms around each other in the back of the small carriage. A tiny video camera attached inside the carriage had captured their every move—her hand resting comfortably on his knee, his arm draped around her shoulders, nearly touching her breast. She was shocked to see this footage because that episode had never aired. Erick had immigration issues and had had to fly back to Switzerland to straighten them out. At the time, Ed didn’t know if Erick was ever going to return to the States, so he decided not to air their last date. She had all but forgotten about Erick until now, as she watched him on-screen.
“You are so beautiful,” Erick said, leaning in and kissing her on the lips.
Oh, shit! Saturday thought, watching the scene unfold. She kissed him back.
“I know we haven’t known each other for long, but I feel a deep connection to you and I know you feel it too.”
“Yes, I do.” Saturday had been instructed by Ed to play up the romance, so she had.
“Life is short, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes, I would agree.”
“When the producers approached me to be on the show, I was hesitant until they showed me your picture. From the moment I saw you, I was smitten. I’ve begun to fall for you over these past few weeks, and every time we are together, I fall deeper and deeper in love.”
“Ohhh, that’s so sweet.”
“It’s not sweet—it’s the truth.” He reached into his pocket and produced an aqua-blue Tiffany’s box. He opened the lid, and inside was a five-carat diamond engagement ring.
The camera showed a shocked expression registering on Saturday’s face before dramatically shutting off.
Moses turned his head to Saturday and said, “Is your memory refreshed now?”
“What do you think? I’m not blind. I can see my date on the screen, just like everybody else,” she replied with attitude in her voice.
“Now, now, let’s not get testy. You made a love connection with Erick, and that’s great. Isn’t finding love what Divorced Divas is all about?”
Saturday didn’t say anything. She was still reeling from seeing that old footage and embarr
assed that Brandon had seen it as well.
“You guys at home are probably wondering why you’ve never seen this footage. It’s because this is our first time airing it. Erick had some issues he had to deal with back in his homeland of Switzerland, but he’s back now.... Erick, come on out,” Moses announced.
The debonair Swiss banker came strolling onto the set.
Saturday was stunned, alarmed and shocked all at the same time and it showed in her expression. Ed had said there would be a surprise or two during taping, but she’d had no idea he’d bring Erick back.
Erick went directly up to Saturday, knelt down in front of her and took the same aqua-blue box that he had had on-screen out of his jacket pocket. “Saturday, will you marry me?”
Saturday gasped and wanted to walk off the set. She couldn’t believe that Ed had blindsided her. She’d known he wanted to breathe new life into the show, but she hadn’t known it was going to come at her expense. She wanted to rush over to Brandon and explain, but the cameras were rolling. She glanced in his direction and noticed the pissed expression on his face. No doubt he was upset, and she couldn’t blame him. She had to do something and quick. Saturday started coughing uncontrollably and patting her chest as if she couldn’t catch her breath.
“Cut!” Brandon yelled. “Let’s take five,” he said.
Saturday immediately walked off set, made a beeline to her dressing room and slammed the door. A few seconds later, there was a knock. She looked at the door before opening it. She didn’t know who was on the other side. She didn’t want to see Erick, Ed or Moses. She crossed the room and turned the knob.
Chapter 23
Trepidation took hold of Ayana and wouldn’t let go as she slowly turned the doorknob. She held her breath and eased the door open.
“Are you all right?”
Ayana exhaled. “Yes, Gabby, I’m fine. I just need a couple of aspirins and a bottle of water,” she said to the production assistant. The drama that had just played out on the set had given her a massive headache.
Blissfully Yours (Mills & Boon Kimani) Page 12
