Minutes passed, and she realized Antonio was truly gone and not coming back to bed. She decided to get dressed and call her friend.
“Janet?” Emily sighed in the phone.
“What’s wrong, chica?” Her voice was filled with compassion.
“Do you think women in our line of work can be taken seriously or a man can truly love us and want only us, not the fantasy they want to fulfill?”
“Oh my God! You told him, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“And what? He got a phone call right after he said he loved me too and then said he had to go,” Emily huffed.
“That’s it?”
“That’s what I’m saying! He says he loves me but is he willing to bring me around his family? I have two strikes against me. I’m black and…” She took a deep breath and let it out. “The business.”
“That’s why you are acting so melodramatic? Do you think I give a rat’s ass about what my family has to say? My dad hates black people, but it won’t stop me from loving Ryan. Plus you know how the black girls are. They swear he only wants me because white girls are easy. Screw them. They’d rather you be miserable than in love and happy. Girl, quit tripping. He said he loves you too. It will be okay, boo.”
“Is love enough?” She made her way downstairs and to the den.
“It is if you want it to be. If not, you know how we do. You’re Batman and I’m Robin. We can do a ride by and bust out his windshield or slash his tires.”
Emily burst out laughing. “Shut up, fool.”
“Seriously, it’ll be okay. I have to go because my man who knows I love him is calling.”
Emily could feel Janet’s elation through the phone. She was glad her best friend found happiness. “Later.” She hung up.
What Janet said did make sense, but she didn’t have anyone to compare a relationship to. Her mother and father were never married and had long since broken up before she was old enough to remember. Emily’s older brother professed his love to his wife all the time but still got another woman pregnant during the course of the marriage. Even her own son’s father said he loved her, and as soon as she hit the second trimester, she was left high and dry. She knew what love meant to her but was scared to find out Antonio’s definition.
Before she had time to ponder any further, she heard the front door open, and Antonio returned. His eyes made contact with hers, and she saw love in them. Antonio pulled her into his chest with his muscular arms. His dog tags clinked against her ears as she accepted his embrace. He tilted her head up, giving her an intimate kiss, and her negative thoughts slipped away.
Antonio’s phone rang again, interrupting their moment. He gave her a sheepish grin and answered. He walked into the kitchen. She watched his movement. He had a way with people. It’s what drew her to him at their first meeting. Whether she believed in it or not, she was a victim of love at first sight. She was willing to trust him with her heart.
Glancing in her direction, he smiled, showing his dimples, and held up a finger, letting her know it will be just a moment. He licked his soft lips when he paused before responding to the person on the other line. His muscles flexed in his chest and arms when he crossed them. Her mouth watered when she landed on the jeans that were handpicked for him. What was between his legs would make a grown woman cuss out her own mama if she tried to stop her from getting it. Emily couldn’t wait until he put that darn phone down because looking at him was making her hot.
As if reading her mind, he hung up the phone. Antonio walked over to where she sat on the couch and gazed into her deep brown eyes before kissing her gently. She tasted the peach mango juice he’d sipped on while on the line. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she returned the kiss. Antonio then moved his mouth to the nape of her neck, causing her to shiver.
“I have to go handle a few things. I’ll be back,” he whispered.
“You what?” She pulled away from him and crossed her arms.
“I love you, and I have to go.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and stood.
Staying put on the couch, Emily waited until she heard the front door shut and his truck pull off. For some reason, she thought he would come back in, saying he was only kidding, but it didn’t happen. Antonio had left her hot and bothered.
Chapter Twelve
Emily pushed thoughts of making love to Antonio again to the background. She had a list of things to do. In less than an hour, she made her way to Starbucks and was sitting with a potential model.
“Olivia, I looked over your resume and it says you’re a Human Resources Manager?” Emily questioned the lady sitting at the table with her. Emily had reviewed several applications and had not been impressed over the last few weeks. That is, until she ran across one in particular. The woman living in town was a plus. Travel expenses weren’t necessary. “You know you didn’t have to submit a resume. Just a little background history and why you were interested in working for The Playhouse would’ve been just fine.”
“I understand. Is it going to be a problem? I just…” Olivia looked down. “I have no experience in this type of thing at all. As matter of fact, this is so not like me at all. The truth is, I just got a divorce from my husband, and I want a fresh start. He would have never agreed to anything like this.”
“Have you ever talked dirty to a man?”
“You mean like phone sex?” She blushed.
“That’s close to what it’s like. Have you ever told a man what you wanted him to do to him, or what you want him to do to you?”
“A little.”
Emily lowered her voice mindful of the other patrons. She picked a spot close to the club and was beginning to regret it. She had no idea she’d have to go in detail about what the job entailed. Most applicants knew. “Come on now. You’ve never told someone you were with that you couldn’t wait for them to stick their dick inside you? You want them to fuck you? Or to make you come?”
She empathically shook her head. “No. I wanted to, but I always let my ex-husband take charge.”
Emily gave her a sly grin. “Well, honey, at The Playhouse, you’ll have plenty of opportunity. I tell you what. I’ll take a serious look into giving you a chance. In the meantime, you need to brush up on your skills. Read some books about turning your man on and how to seduce him. As a matter of fact, go to a strip club and get a lap dance.”
“A lap dance? I’m not gay?” Olivia’s face scrunched up.
“Girl, please, you don’t have to be gay or bisexual to get a lap dance. It’ll help you learn your own body. Believe me, I had to come out my shell too when I first got in this line of business,” Emily reassured her.
“If you say so.” She gave a half smile.
“I’ll call you in a few days, okay? I expect you to tell me what you learned.” Emily was going to hire her, but she wanted her to loosen up just a touch first. She knew there was a freaky side to the woman, and she was the one to help her bring it out and enjoy life. Those eyes behind the glasses and boring suit she wore were ready to break free.
“Thank you so much.” Olivia stood, straightened out her skirt, and adjusted her glasses before heading out the door.
Looking at her watch, Emily realized she was cutting her time close. She needed to get to the club to meet her deliveries. She hopped on her bike and took the back streets. She made it to the back door of her club just as the truck was pulling up.
“You can park right here if you want,” she said to the driver. You would’ve thought she was moving in slow motion with the wind blowing as she took off her helmet and shook out her hair the way he stared at her. Emily got off the bike and walked toward him.
“Oh, yeah, here is fine, ma’am. I’m looking for the owner. Is he here?” He fumbled over his words.
Her helmet hung in one hand and the over on her hip. “My name is Emily, and I’m the owner.”
“Oh, um, sorry. Well, I’m Jason, and I have a delivery for you,” he recovered.<
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He unloaded the supplies. Emily guided him into the building. Jason remained quiet as he brought the items inside and put them by the storage closet.
She signed the inventory sheet and sent him on his way. Emily scanned the club. Some of her male employees were stocking the bar and putting the alcohol away. Everything was coming together nicely. Niko, another hire from Antonio, came from the back. He would be on security but also an assistant manager.
The alcohol had arrived on schedule, the bar tables and stools were all in place, the black leather seats had been installed along the walls closest to the dance floor, and her two red round couches were in place on the other side. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow. If she wasn’t so excited, she would’ve allowed the disappointment of Kenny not answering his phone and Antonio having gone to see a client to upset her. Emily gave the club a final once over before turning off the lights and heading home.
Her phone rang as she pulled up to a light. The earpiece picked up.
“Speak fast. I’m on the bike,” she answered.
“Are you almost home?” Antonio asked.
“Yes.”
“Pack up for an overnight stay and look sexy.” He hung up.
He had some nerve. Emily cleared the last few blocks to her house in no time. When she pulled in the garage Keisha was heading out with Sean.
“Where’re you going?”
“Don’t worry about us. Worry about that man who’s coming to get you at seven. Kiss your mom by.”
Sean ran over and gave her a big hug. “I love you, Mommy! See you in the morning.”
“I love you too.” She helped him into the car. Emily turned to her sister. “So, you’re not going to tell me?”
“Mums the word.” She smiled. “You’ll enjoy. Make sure you pack a nighty.” Keisha got in the driver side and pulled off.
Emily headed into the house and took a shower. She’d worked up a sweat on the bike. When she finished, she packed her bag, including a teddy, and got dressed. She did a twirl in front of her full-length mirror in her hallway, making sure she looked sexy in her little black dress, diamond circle of life necklace, and matching earrings. Her mother always said every woman needed a sexy black dress in their wardrobe, because with the right jewelry, it would be appropriate for any occasion.
Looking at her watch for the hundredth time, she had a laugh at her own nervousness. “It’s just for Antonio for goodness sake, calm down.” The secrecy was getting to her.
The doorbell rang twenty minutes before he was supposed to arrive, and she jumped.
“I got it,” she hollered to the security. Her heart rate sped up as she made her way to the door. She unlocked and opened it.
“Going somewhere, bitch?” Heather hissed, stepping a little too close for Emily’s comfort.
“I don’t have time for your crap today. What are you doing here?”
Heather opened her mouth to speak, closed it, and instead slapped Emily across her right cheek.
The blow stung. Emily had no doubt her caramel skin was bright red. Caught off guard, Emily threw a punch back, hitting Heather smack dead in her eye. Thankful she hadn’t put on her heels yet, she stepped to the side, dodging a return blow from Heather. Heather lunged closer, and Emily grabbed her head, ramming it into the door.
Arms reached around her, stopping her from finishing Heather off. Paul had a hold on her, but she refused to let go of Heather’s hair. She was determined to snatch out every strand of her fake blond hair.
“Calm down, boss lady. I have her,” Paul pleaded.
He had Heather in a headlock. The more she struggled, the more her fake breasts fell out of her shirt.
“Please, this bitch had the nerve to come to my house and attack me! She’ll look like a cancer patient by the time I’m finished with her.” Emily ripped out a chunk of hair.
Heather yelped from the pain. Defeated, she slumped to the ground, crying.
“She’s dead,” she said in between sobs.
“Dead?” Emily let go of the next patch of hair she was getting ready to yank out. “Who?”
“My sister, they killed her. They claim it was an accidental overdose, but how could she have gotten extra pills? Melanie would never try to kill herself. She was so happy the last time I saw her.” Heather resembled a discarded rag doll as she lay there.
“I’m so sorry.” Emily bent to give her a comforting hug, but as her adrenaline receded, the burning in her cheek resurfaced, a reminder of the drive-by slapping. Melanie’s death was a shock, and Emily felt bad for Heather, but right now, she needed to get her crazy ass off of her property before Emily started wailing on her again. She motioned to Paul.
“I can’t believe she is really gone,” Heather said.
Paul helped her up to her feet and steadied her. With his hand in a firm grip on her elbow, he ushered her back outside and shut the door.
“Um, boss.” Paul’s eyes went to her dress. It was up giving him a full view of her thongs.
“Crap!” She took off to her room. Embarrassed, she pulled her dress down as she ran. Paul seeing her skimpy underwear caused Emily’s entire face to turn beat red. Showing her body for pay was one thing, to her employee was another.
By the time Antonio had arrived, Emily had performed a miracle. Light powder foundation covered up her bruised cheek. Emily had no clue how, but her hair was a mess even though Heather didn’t get close to it. She put her freshly done ringlets up with bobby pins, making a sleekly runway style. Other than her dress being pulled up over her waist, it was fine, no rips or tares.
“See, that’s why I love you. You look stunning and smell even better.” Antonio smiled as he walked into her room. “Black is quickly becoming my favorite color.”
“Why, thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a passionate kiss.
He pulled away from her. “Keep it up, and we won’t get to where we’re going.”
“I guess that means we better be on our way then.” Not wanting to miss out on her surprise, she grabbed her purse, and they headed out.
When they arrived, Emily was in heaven. The Fondue restaurant was made for lovers. It was very intimate—from the high walls surrounding the booths so you couldn’t see the other guests to the candle lit lighting. The architect seemed to have romance in mind when he built the building in a hidden area. It was on a busy street subtly placed between two larger buildings and didn’t stand out.
A vase full of a dozen roses and a card with a poem greeted them when they were seated at their booth. Antonio admitted to dropping them off before he picked Emily up. The waiter brought out her favorite drink without her saying a word. She beamed.
“What’s this all about?” She couldn’t contain her excitement.
“The big day’s tomorrow. I wanted to help you celebrate.”
Tears formed in her eyes. For the past few years, men seemed to disappear whenever money was involved. She’d been lucky if they took her to the movies. When the date ended, she normally went out and treated herself along with her girls.
Emily was so stuffed from the lobster tails, shrimp, chicken breast, and teriyaki steak that she thought she would burst if she ate the desert of strawberries, chocolate, and cheesecake placed in front of her. Nonetheless, it looked too delicious not to at least have a taste. She read somewhere about good chocolate being just as good as sex. If that was the case, then the strawberry dipped in chocolate she enjoyed had to be close to a screaming orgasm.
Emily sat back in the booth, relaxed. The incident with Heather became a fading memory. She scooted closer to Antonio, giving him a kiss of appreciation.
There was lust in his eyes. “It’s time for our next stop.”
“There’s more?”
He nodded. After paying the tab, he held out his arm for Emily as they walked back to his truck.
“You need to put this on.” He handed Emily a black scarf to place over her eyes.
�
�I know you aren’t serious?” She looked at him like a deranged psycho.
“Come on.” He grinned. “It’s part of the romance.”
She pulled out her phone. “Let me make a call first.”
He returned her questioning gaze.
Janet answered on the first ring.
“Look, I just want you to know that I’m with Antonio right now. He wants me to put on a blindfold. If I come up missing, he did it.”
“Shut up and enjoy it.”
“You’re in on it too?”
“Enjoy your man.” Janet hung up on her.
“Really?” He gave her the side eye. “If I didn’t want you so bad right now, I’d leave you on the street corner.”
She ran her fingers up and down the length of his thigh. “I promise I’ll do whatever you say for the rest of the evening.”
“That’s more like it. Now will you please put on the blindfold?”
Emily tied the scarf around her head. She remained quiet the rest of the ride. The vehicle stopped, and Antonio guided her out. Emily was in pure bliss when he removed the scarf from her eyes. He had brought her to a fantasy hotel suite. Emily explored the room, rubbing and touching everything. The room had a king size bed with pure white bedding covered in rose petals. Directly over the bed were several mirrors. Across from the bed sat a beautiful fireplace with a flat screen TV on the wall above it. Exactly like the commercial advertisements, there was a nice size pool with a water fountain on the other side of a glass wall. The room had everything Emily could’ve dreamed of, even a huge, fully loaded Jacuzzi on the edge of the pool.
Turning to Antonio, she kissed him. “Thank you. I’ve always wanted to come here, but never had someone I wanted to be with.”
“Thank me after I run this water in the Jacuzzi and feed my love some cheese, grapes, and wine. You’re my princess, and that’s exactly how I want to treat you. Il mio cuore è tuo. My heart is yours.” His voice was deep and full of love.
Emily’s heart fluttered. She knew he meant every word and so much more. He removed her dress and handed her a glass of wine. Taking a sip, she resisted the urged to gag. The red wine was a little too bitter for Emily’s taste. Not wanting to ruin the mood, she swallowed the half glass he had given her in one big gulp. She waved him off on refilling her glass, pointing to the cheese and grape tray he had prepared instead.
Fire and Desire (BWWM Romance) Page 11
