Claudia’s tongue slid in his mouth and sautéed with his tongue. The wet and warmth of their salsa felt like a free fall. It was only when a camera man stood between their personal space that Jaden pulled back. His hand shot out, and his brows knocked together in a frown as he shoved the disrespectful photographer back. The man stumbled and fell to the ground. With swiftness, Jaden stepped back, covering Claudia until she’d made it safely inside her Toyota.
Jaden shut the door and strolled back to the driver side of his Lamborghini sliding into the heated leather seats. He closed the door and dialed Claudia. She answered turning to look at him through her window.
“I apologize for the paparazzi,” he said. “Lock your doors and drive straight home. Call me when you get there.”
“Okay,” was all she said before ending the call. Still breathless from such an explosive kiss, Claudia made an effort to gain her bearings. She put the car in drive and pulled away from the curve. Driving through the winding streets of downtown Chicago, her mind remained with him. Claudia could still taste the tang of his tongue and the suction of his lips. She closed her eyes briefly still trying to steady her fast-paced heart.
“Lord have mercy,” she said out loud. This thing between them was undeniable, and Claudia wondered how she would ever let him go when the time came.
Opening the door to her mid-century modern home, Claudia glided through the entrance and hung her purse on the doorknob. The house was dark, and all was silent with the exception of a TV that quietly ran in a back room. Trying to shake off thoughts of Jaden, Claudia traipsed down the hallway, past the kitchen and living area to her mother’s room. Sitting slumped on the couch, Adeline Stevens light snores whispered from her nose, and her glasses sat crooked on top of it.
In front of Adeline on the table was a half a glass of water and a single pill. Claudia exhaled a deep sigh. Her mother hadn’t taken her blood pressure pill even after Claudia set the alarm to go off at 6:30 p.m., for Adeline. It seemed her mother was doing a lot of that these days. If Claudia weren’t personally around to feed Adeline the pills, they’d never get taken, which frustrated Claudia more than anything.
The TV was stationed on the news channel, and the weatherman was talking about sunny skies tomorrow afternoon. Claudia went to her mother and rubbed a hand down her shoulder and back speaking gently.
“Mom.”
Adeline stirred but didn’t rise. Claudia shook her with a heavy hand.
“Mom.”
“Humph, what is it?” Adeline responded with her eyes still closed.
“You didn’t take your medicine.”
Adeline’s aging eyes crinkled then fluttered opened; the gray in her tendrils mashed to the side of her face. “Girl, you didn’t wake me up about no medicine, did you, because that’s just rude.”
Claudia considered her for a moment. “It’s rude not to take your medicine when that’s what it’s here for. You don’t want to give your favorite child a heart attack if something happens to you because you failed to take it, do you?”
Adeline sighed and sat up straight, stretching her short arms as she yawned. “Chile, gone with the dramatics will you. Ain’t nothing about to happen to me that God didn’t plan. So whatever He wants, His will be done.”
Claudia sat down slowly next to her mom. “Don’t blame your stubbornness on God. These pills are here to help you, and deciding not to take them is taking the life God gave you for granted.”
Claudia was good with turning the tables on her mom. Adeline always had a reference about God, but she only used them when they benefited her the most. Adeline waved her off. “You think you’re cute with that little comment don’t cha?”
Claudia grinned. “Come on, let me help you get into bed, and watch your step.”
Adeline looked over her child. “I’m old, not senile.”
“Of course, mama.”
Adeline got to her feet with Claudia’s help, and moseyed over to the queen size bed flanked with a Serta mattress that Adeline was adamant about getting; dubbing it the best sleeping mattress in the world.
After helping Adeline get comfortable, Claudia went back for the pill and the glass of water. “Take your medicine.”
Adeline waved her off. “I don’t need that. I’m going to sleep now, leave me alone.”
“Mama, take your medicine.” Claudia’s voice rose, and Adeline peered at her.
“Who you raising your voice to, chile?”
Claudia slumped, defeated. “I didn’t mean to raise my voice, mom. I just need you to please, take your medicine.”
Adeline pursed her lips and sat up taking the glass of water and pill from Claudia’s hand. Claudia watched carefully to make sure she swallowed before replacing her frown with a smile.
“Thank you, mama.” She kissed Adeline on the cheek. “I love you.”
“Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome. How was your date?”
Thoughts of Jaden resurfaced, and Claudia’s face glowed. “It went well.”
“Does he have a job?”
“Yes, he has a job, mom.”
“Does he have his own car?”
Claudia dropped her head in the palm of her hand and chuckled.
“What?” Adeline asked.
“Nothing, yes, he has a car and a house of his own. Anymore questions?”
Adeline’s eyes rose in surprise. Finally, her daughter had managed to entertain a man who had some business about himself. Unless…
“Is he single?”
Claudia’s mouth dropped. “Mama, what kind of home wrecker do you take me for?”
“I didn’t call you that, you did. Just because he may be married doesn’t mean you had to know about it. I’m just asking.”
Claudia was shaking her head now. “There’s no way I would tolerate a man that is married.”
A small smile spread across Adeline’s face. She reached out and patted Claudia’s arm and laid back down. Claudia knew her mother thought of her the same way her sister, Desiree did, reckless. But she was set to prove them both wrong. She just didn’t know how to go about it. Adeline turned to face the wall, getting comfortable under her covers.
Standing to her feet, Claudia strolled out the room. “I want to meet him,” Adeline spoke up. Claudia’s footsteps paused. She wanted to meet him? Jaden. Claudia closed her eyes and sighed. She would love for Jaden to meet her mother but he wasn’t a boyfriend or even a possibility. They were just having fun, getting to know one another and building a friendship. But those are the makings of a beautiful relationship. No. Claudia shook her head. She couldn’t. The disappointment she would most surely find in her mother’s eyes after Jaden no longer came around would hurt more than finding pleasure in showing him off now.
Claudia proceeded to her bedroom when her phone chimed.
You didn’t call me when you made it home. Am I to assume you are safe?
Claudia smiled and stuck her tongue between her teeth for a slight suck. She sent a text back;
I’m sorry, you’re absolutely right. In my defense, I was caught up talking to my mom about you. She sent a smiley emoji.
Oh yeah, all good I hope.
Claudia typed back; Absolutely, but I’m keeping it a secret.
A few moments passed without a response. Claudia shed her shoes, clothes and headed for her master bathroom when a particular song rang out. Taking quick steps back to the smartphone, she scooped the phone up and answered.
“How can I help you, Mr. Rose?” Claudia sauntered back to the bathroom and paused leaning into the doorway.
“Sir,” he said.
“Excuse me?”
“If you are going to be formal with me,” his voice thundered. “It’s how can I help you, sir.”
A tiny smile formed on Claudia’s face. “Okay, how can I help you… sir?”
Jaden’s grin spread like a Cheshire cat. “That’s my girl.”
Claudia was experiencing all kinds of vibes right now. Her pulse had elevated, and her chocola
te brown skin warmed. A simmering path of nerves settled amid her thighs and she squeezed them together.
“Now what were you saying about the conversation with your mother?”
“It’s really not a big deal.” Claudia meant to say it normally, but it came out throaty. Her body was in constant need of him ever since their rendezvous in Puerto Rico. And she was about ready to throw caution to the wind. After all, Claudia hadn’t been very deterred up till this point. Why start now?
“Where are you?” She asked.
“Sitting in my car.”
“Going someplace?”
He went silent for a moment. “I’m returning something to a friend.”
That answer was vague and Claudia didn’t like it. But why should she care?
“So what are you doing on the phone with me?”
“I wanted to hear your voice, chérie.”
“Liar.”
A deep sexy rumble escaped him. “A liar I am not, I also wanted to know about this correspondence between you and your mother that you are set on keeping a secret.
“You want to know that badly, huh?”
“I do.”
Claudia’s mind swirled with thoughts of I do. Again her eyes closed and she massaged her temples. How could she build a friendship with him if she couldn’t keep thoughts of a romantic relationship from assailing her mind.
“She wants to meet you.”
“Is that right?”
“Don’t worry, I don’t plan to drag you over here. I’ll come up with something.”
“Why, I would love to meet her.”
Claudia’s brow raised. “I don’t think you understand. She’s going to feel you out and question you to death like you’re my high school prom date.”
A dark rumble of laughter boomed from Jaden. “I think I can handle it.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think I can.”
They chuckled. “You’ll be fine. When would she like to meet me?”
“Next year. By then you’ll have found someone to marry, and she can stop wondering about the guy I never brought home.”
Their conversation went silent. Claudia glanced at the phone to see if he was still there. The timer ticking down indicated that he was.
“You know something I don’t?” Jaden asked.
“I’m just,” she sighed and mumbled, “speaking too fast again.”
“We’ll have to do something about that.”
The indiscreet warning made her squirm, and Claudia’s thoughts fled straight to the gutter.
“I need to call you back, chérie.”
“I’m heading for a shower then climbing into bed. If you call and I don’t answer, I’m already fast asleep.”
Jaden imagined the dark chocolate glow of her legs, thighs and swollen breasts under the shower’s waterfall. Keeping his hands to himself had proven difficult and staying out of her bed would present an even bigger challenge.
“How about I just give you a call tomorrow.”
“That’s fine.”
“Good night, chérie.”
“Good night.”
Jaden sat his phone in the middle console of his Lamborghini. Now outside of Cassie’s house, he reached for her studio key and left the car.
Chapter Eight
The door swung open revealing a pair of bare pearl legs. The thin nighty fell over Cassie’s shoulders, but opened; exposing her bare stomach and see through lingerie bra and panties set.
Jaden had done exactly what she wanted, come to the lair. His eyes roved down to her bare pedicured feet, back up to her small pointy breasts. He tossed her key up, and she caught it as it neared.
“Sorry for the interruption,” he said. “I would’ve been here sooner, but I had to take care of something first.”
Cassie shrugged. “No need for the apology. I’m grateful you came all this way to return my key.”
Jaden rubbed his jaw. “Yeah, about that.” He placed his hands in his pocket. “You can be truthful with me Cassie, did you leave your key on purpose?”
Cassie gasped and covered her chest. “Why Jaden, are you asking if I set you up so I could get you over here and seduce you?”
Jaden thought better of her. “Never mind, forget I asked. Have a good night.” He inclined his head and turned to take his leave.
“Wait!”
Jaden paused and looked back over his shoulder.
“Why don’t you come in for a minute?”
Slowly turning full circle, Jaden kept his hands in his pockets as he spoke. “Now, why would I do that?” His voice was smoothed and unbothered.
“We’re friends, right? It’s been a long time. Let’s catch up.”
Jaden was starting to rethink taking back the ill intent thoughts before. He flipped his wrist and glanced at his watch. “It’s late. I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Why is that? You have someone to go home to?”
No, he didn’t, but he was working on it. After that thought crossed his mind, Jaden frowned. When exactly had he decided he was working on it?
“Let’s be honest, Cassie. Nothing can come of us catching up, except for…”
A smile lingered at the corner of Cassie’s pink lips; a gleam in her eye.
“Listen,” Jaden spoke, “I appreciate you for opening your studio tonight. I owe you one. Have a good night.”
He turned to walk away, and Cassie watched him go. If it was the chase Jaden wanted, it was what he’d get she surmised.
The next day Claudia walked into the doors of Morgan’s on Fulton. A Caucasian male dressed down in a button-down shirt, black slacks and tie approached her.
“Can I help you with something?”
Claudia took a quick eye over the place. She’d scoured the internet for the perfect venue, and this seemed to be what she was searching for.
“I’m looking to rent your establishment for a fundraising benefit and would like to get a personal tour of the place.”
“Tell me more about your event.”
“I’ve started a nonprofit Caregivers Organization. The mission is to give back and be a light house, so to speak, for families who have full time or part time caregivers in the home. Caregivers Organization will be a resource for families, offering support groups, individual living assessments, training on medications and more. But I’m just starting up, so for now, I need a venue to help me get the ball rolling.
“I completely understand, and that sounds like a great nonprofit. How did you come up with the idea?”
“I happen to be a full-time caregiver myself, and in the beginning, I felt alone trying to find the resources I needed. Now I want to make sure no one within my reach feels the same way.”
The man smiled. “Excellent, just excellent. Follow me, let me show you around.”
They strolled through three large rooms; some with a lounge area holding sofa’s, a bar, and floor to ceiling windows. Claudia’s phone vibrated as they reached the last room and she frowned at the unknown number on her screen.
“Excuse me for a moment, please.”
“No problem.”
She stepped to the side and answered. “Hello?”
“Good morning, how are you?”
It was her sister, Desiree.
Claudia braced herself for a fight. It never failed with Desiree. She’d start out pleasant then turn into a tyrant.
“I’m fine, how about yourself?”
“I’m good. How’s mom?” Desiree asked.
“Also, fine.”
“I’m coming to see her this weekend.”
Creases ran across Claudia’s forehead. “Okay, will that be Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?”
“It will be Friday, and I’ll be leaving out on Sunday.”
“Staying for a full weekend this time, nice.”
“If you have something to say, just say it. I don’t want to fight with you in front of mom.”
“Hey, I’m not looking for a fight at all.”
“You kn
ow I can hardly get time off at work.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have implied otherwise,” Claudia said.
There was silence on the other end of the phone.
“I’m in the middle of something so if there isn’t anything else,” Claudia stated.
“Too busy to talk to your big sis for a change?”
This time Claudia folded her arms. “What would you like to discuss?”
“Has mom been taking her pills?”
“That’s what you want to talk about?”
“It’s just a question.”
Claudia had the feeling that Desiree had something on her mind but wasn’t in a rush to spit it out.
“Whenever I’m there to shove them down her throat. On the other hand, no.”
“Well, when aren’t you there?”
“Hmmm,” Claudia put a finger to her lip. “How about when I’m at work, or at the grocery store or doing something else adults do.”
“Or busy out on a date,” Desiree stated matter of fact.
Claudia closed her eyes and sighed, here we go, she thought. “What exactly are you implying, Desiree? Just come on and get it out of your system because we both know this isn’t a friendly call.”
“I’m just merely saying. I called the house last night and mom told me you were on a date.”
“So what, I don’t get to date?”
“If you want to be frivolous, you should hire someone to take care of mom while you’re doing, whatever it is that you do.”
Claudia was on boil. “You have some nerve.” Claudia glanced at the man standing patiently waiting for her. She pulled the phone from her ear and silently apologized.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, “I need to take this phone call, so I’ll have to come back another time.” Claudia pulled a business card from her wallet and handed it to the man. “If you could send me a quote for the dates we spoke about via email that would be great.”
“No problem, I’ll be in touch, Mrs. Stevens.”
Claudia didn’t bother to correct him on his salutation, opting to leave the building before the man decided not to rent her anything once her conversation with Desiree got out of control. Stepping through the double doors to the sidewalk Claudia slid the phone back to her ear.
Enough (Falling For A Rose Book 2) Page 5
