The Family Secret

by Daniele Botti

  Jose waved over the hostess. He ordered a Chocolate Cherry for Paula. For himself, he ordered The Godfather.

  “I’ll be right back with your drinks,” the hostess said.

  “What’s in The Godfather?” Paula asked as the hostess left.

  “The Godfather has scotch whisky or bourbon mixed with Amaretto.”

  “Sounds like it’d set fire to your chest.”

  “It does,” Jose chuckled.

  “If I’m correct, Amaretto is an Italian word, right?” Paula questioned, to which Jose nodded affirmatively. Continuing her train of thought, she added, “What does Amaretto mean in English?”

  “It means ‘a little bitter.’ The irony, however, is that the drink has a sweet taste,” Jose explained as he studied Paula’s face. Caressing the ball of her shoulder, his eyes raved over her breasts, then recaptured her pretty face.

  “What?” she asked, smiling.

  “Thank you for joining me tonight.”

  “It’s my pleasure, really.”

  It was the first time he’d asked her out on a date, and he already knew it wasn’t going to be the last. “It’s my pleasure to be here with you. The next time, I’ll take you somewhere much nicer.”

  “This is nice, Jose. In fact, it’s perfect. It’s cool and secluded, no paparazzi taking shots in here.”

  Before Jose could respond, the waitress lowered their drinks on the table. “Thank you,” Jose said to the waitress. Paula thanked her, too.

  “Doctor, what’s your biggest fear?”

  Jose was slightly taken aback by the unexpected question but without thinking for long, he answered, “Being alone. I’ve dated a lot of women and I still felt alone.”

  “Maybe you weren’t dating the right women.”

  “Maybe that’s because I hadn’t found her until now.” An uncomfortable expression washed over Paula’s face. Jose lifted his drink in the air. “I’d like to make a toast.”

  Paula lifted her drink in response. “Let’s toast to putting the past behind us and embarking on new relations.”

  Their glasses clinked.

  Seemingly enjoying herself, Paula curled her lip around the glass and sipped. When a slow song came on, Jose escorted Paula to the dance floor, with her permission. As he draped his arms around her waist, she twined her arms around his neck. Swaying from side to side, her breasts grazed his chest. Gazing up at him, the dim light shone down on her face. He saw a look of sorrow in her eyes and wondered if she was thinking about her late parents. Palming the back of her head, he motioned her head to his chest and held her there.

  Rocking Paula side to side, Jose’s heart stirred. Her body pressed against his felt good. He’d never felt like this about a woman before. Could she be the one? Considering he had no plans on getting married until he was well in his forties, he seriously doubted it. The two slow danced sensually as different thoughts went through his mind. His fingertips caressed her spine. The tender touch was causing her senses to intensify. Her body burned all over like wildfire.

  No man had ever held her like this. Like she was human, like she was a normal girl. Many of the men she had dated had been intimidated by her wealth and power, making them act too nice around her, pretending to dote on her like she was a Barbie doll. She didn’t know how good it felt to be in the strong arms of a gentleman, a true one who didn’t pretend around her. She had no clue that she needed to be held like this.

  Gratitude for Jose filled Paula’s heart. With her head snuggled against his chest, a single tear streamed down her cheek. In this moment she never wanted to let him go. She dreaded the song ending as it slowly faded out.

  Jose clenched her chin and tilted her head back. “You’re a good dancer,” he proclaimed.

  Paula smiled, “So are you.”

  “Are those tears I see?”

  She nodded, “Yeah.”

  “You’re thinking about you’re your parents, aren’t you?”

  “No. These are tears of joy. I didn’t know how much I needed this date. Thanks for making me feel like a woman again.”

  Jose lowered his mouth to hers. “I have something that’ll make you feel even better. Can I show you?”

  Paula’s heartbeat hastened and she swallowed hard. “Yes, please show me.”

  Jose pressed his firm lips against hers, slipped his tongue inside her mouth, and kissed her passionately. Groaning, he cupped her face. Sated desire filled her whole body as his kiss sang through her veins.

  As though she’d just realized they were kissing in public, she abruptly broke their heated kiss. She glanced around the club to find everyone staring at them. Thank God she didn’t know any of these people. She prayed that the paparazzi or a reporter wasn’t in the room. If their kiss made the headline news, it would likely be very bad for her public image and his too.

  Oh no, what had she done? She should’ve never agreed to this date. This wasn’t the fairy tale her life was set out to be.

  Suddenly, a fast song came on. Snapping his fingers, Jose’s feet shuffled. “I like this song.” He grabbed her hand and spun her around. Holding her body to his, he dipped her toward the floor.

  Paula giggled, “Whoa.” Determined to forget her problems for the moment, she started dancing. Snapping her fingers while moving side to side, she threw her arms up in the air repeatedly.

  His eyes lowered to her breasts, then to her waist, then back to her face. “You got some good moves.”

  For once, Paula felt alive and living, “You, too. It’s been so long since I danced.”

  “I can’t tell. You move around with the grace and flair of a teenager.”

  Back at their table, Paula finished drink number two and ordered another one. Normally, she’d only have one drink, max two, but tonight, she was determined to have a good time and forget all about her troubles. Luckily for her, she had her therapist around and she trusted he would put a stop to her drinking once it started to get out of hand.

  Sitting at the table drinking, her head swooned. She became dizzy. She got a fit of the giggles; she covered her mouth as it progressed.

  “Glad to see you’re enjoying yourself.”

  She felt drunk. “I’m having a blast! What about you?” she laughed.

  Jose chortled. “I’m having the time of my life. You’re not a drinker, I see.”

  “Order me that drink you had.” She snapped her fingers, “What’s it called? The Godfather! Get me one of those!”

  Jose couldn’t resist laughing, “Megan will strangle me if I bring you home drunk.”

  “I’m grown. She doesn’t scare me.”

  “Oh, she terrifies me though,” Jose replied with mock sincerity on his face.

  Paula laughed harder, “It’s my time to toast.” She raised her glass in the air at the same time as Jose, “Let’s toast to fuck the world!”

  “Fuck the world.” Cracking up laughing, Jose clinked his glass against Paula’s.

  Jose stood, “Let’s go.”

  “But I haven’t had The Godfather drink yet.”

  “You’ve had plenty to drink.”

  When Paula stood, she stumbled. Jose caught her before she hit the floor. Slouched in his arms, she glanced up at him and smiled. Jose looked like he had two heads circling around each other. “You want to fuck me, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, I kinda do,” Jose replied, thinking this was probably the most fucked up thing he would ever do in his life.

  “I knew it! Take me to your place!” she pointed towards the door.

  • • •

  Paula was lit! She was drunk as hell. Holding her hand, Jose walked outside taking her to the car.

  “Oops,” Paula laughed as she stumbled.

  Jose had no clue Paula couldn’t hold her liquor and he was beginning to regret bringing her to the club. He scooped her up in his
arms, crossed the parking lot, and placed her inside the car. He leaned over her and buckled her seatbelt.

  Paula looked up at him and asked, “So, are we having sex tonight or what?”

  “I’m not sure about that,” Jose replied, his common sense getting the best of him.

  Paula pointed at her face, “I am. Don’t I look sure?”

  Not really, he wanted to say, instead, he shut the door.

  Jose started the car engine. Blown away by Paula’s behavior, he contemplated whether or not to take her home or back to his place. Jose considered what Megan would do if he dropped her off in the state she was in. In all the scenarios that ran through his head, none of it ended on a favorable note for him. Jose made the smart decision; he’ll take her to his place for the night.

  Just as he put the car in reverse, Paula grabbed his cock and squeezed. Instantly, he got hard. His shaft throbbed against her groping hand.

  Smiling, she nodded, “I saw it, and it’s big!” She shook his manhood.

  Aroused, he sped out of the parking lot. He couldn’t get to his apartment fast enough.

  Fifteen minutes later, with Paula by his side, Jose swiped unlocked the door and entered his apartment. Playful giggles escaped Paula’s lips. She ran into his bedroom as he chased after her. Standing at the foot of the bed, she grabbed her shirt at the hem, she rolled it over her head and tossed it to the floor. Desire twinkled in her eyes as she removed her jeans.

  The red satin bra and matching panties she had on looked sexy on her and complimented her beautiful complexion. Anxious to lick her pussy, Jose groaned. His cock was knotted tight, and he felt like he was about to ejaculate any moment now.

  His eyes moved up and down her body with more than mild interest, “You’re so beautiful.”

  “You, too!” Paula ran and jumped into Jose’s arms. Gripping his shoulders, she pecked kisses all over his face. “Fuck me, Jose. Please. Right now.”

  Jose lowered Paula to the mattress. Spreading her legs on the linen, she arched her neck. Looking like a sex goddess, her dark hair hung behind her shoulders. Breathing excitedly, Paula’s breasts heaved.

  God, he couldn’t wait to taste her nipples. He lowered the zipper on his pants, climbed on top of her, and paused. “I can’t do this.” He got to his feet.

  Paula pouted, “Why not?” She folded her arms across her breasts.

  “Because now is not the right time. You’re drunk.”

  She held a finger up in the air, “Yep. Sure am.” She shrugged, “but I hear drunk sex is the best sex. It’s definitely better than no sex at all.”

  Jose pulled back the covers. “Lie down and go to sleep Paula.”

  “Ahh. And you’ve been such fun all night. Don’t get boring on me now.” She burped loudly, “Excuuusssse me.” Sliding beneath the covers, she looked up at him and yawned.

  Jose pulled the covers over her chest, kissed her cheek, and walked to the doorway. He flicked off the light. “Goodnight, Paula.”

  “Goodnight, Doctor Big Dick!”

  Jose laughed and then headed to his guest bedroom, where he slept all by himself plagued with an erection the entire night.

  9.

  Love Blossoms

  The early morning sun shone down on Paula’s face as she lay in bed asleep. Feeling her face warming, she stirred. She opened her eyes. Rolling onto her side, she looked out the window and saw an apartment building; very strange. Paula bolted upright in bed. Staring at a picture of Jose ahead of her, she immediately realized she was in his apartment, in his bed. The space beside her was empty. Where was Jose, and why was she in his bed? Oh God, did she sleep with him? How could she let this happen? Why? Why? Why?

  Memories of her date with Jose slammed into her mind. She’d been so upset about the freedom she doesn’t get to enjoy that she’d gotten drunk and made a fool of herself. Noticing she was in her bra and panties, she felt between her legs. Her crotch was moist. One of her hands flew to her mouth. Oh God, they did it, and she couldn’t even remember. “Was it good? Was it bad? Had Jose satisfied her? What about her? Had she satisfied his sexual appetite? This was terrible. Just horrible.” Ashamed, she felt like running out of the apartment.

  The scents of bacon wafted through the air. Suddenly, Jose appeared beneath the arch in the doorway. He smiled. He entered the bedroom and walked over to her.

  “Good morning. How’d you rest?”

  She pulled the crisp sheets over her body to cover herself. “Good, I guess.”

  “You were pretty drunk last night,” he swiped a piece of hair behind her ear.

  “I know,” she covered her face at the thought of what he might be thinking of her. “Jose, did we…did we have sex?”

  “No, Paula. I’d never take advantage of you, especially when you were drunk.”

  “Thanks for being considerate. I’m so embarrassed. I don’t drink often. All I wanted to do was have a good time. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you,” Paula said, her cheeks flushed pink.

  “You didn’t embarrass me. I thoroughly enjoyed you last night. I’ve cooked a nice breakfast. After you freshen up, I’d love for you to join me.”

  Turning her legs sideways, Paula stood. “I have to check in with my Aunt Megan, she’ll probably be worried I didn’t tell her I’d be staying out.”

  “I understand. You should call her.” He traipsed over to the amour, grabbed a purple shirt, and handed it to her. “Here’s a clean shirt,” Jose smiled, showing off his perfect white teeth. “Feel free to leave your jeans off.”

  Paula’s mouth parted. Feeling shy, she blushed. She stood there speechless as she watched Jose exit the room. I hope he doesn’t think I’m having sex with him today, because I’m not, Paula told herself.

  Spotting her purse on the chaise lounge, she reached inside and retrieved her phone. Her Aunt answered on the first ring. “Hi Paula,” Megan’s voice sounded gloomy.

  “Good morning, Aunt Meg. How are you?”

  “I’m doing well. I guess I don’t have to ask how your date went.”

  “Trust me, it’s not what you think. I made a fool of myself.”

  “How so?”

  “It’s nothing much. The night was fun and a bit wild,” Paula responded, leaving out the messy details.

  “Okay, darling. I know I can’t tell you where to go or what to do. Not to sound like a killjoy but at least you should have informed me you wouldn’t be coming home,” Megan moaned.

  Paula smacked her face as she answered, “I’m sorry, Meg. I just got caught in the moment and it slipped my mind.”

  “It’s fine, dear. I’m only looking out for you.”

  “I know. Thank you.”

  “Alright. Enjoy your day.”

  “And you too,” Paula ended the call.

  Paula slipped the cell phone into her purse. She glanced around Jose’s masculine bedroom. She definitely didn’t have any business being there in his apartment. A day ago, he was just her therapist, a smoking hot and sexy one. Today, she was in his bed. “How unpredictable the world could be,” she thought.

  After showering, she threw on Jose’s shirt and put on the same jeans she wore last night. Somewhat uncomfortable, she walked barefoot into the kitchen. Dressed in a white collared shirt and a pair of jeans, Jose was sitting by the window, gazing out at the city.

  Admiring his handsome face from the side, Paula didn’t move. She just stared at him. He’s gorgeous, fine, and so charming. It’d be very dangerous to fall in love with a man like him.

  Jose turned his head and caught her gawking at him. He waved her over, “You look refreshed.”

  She sat across from him. “I feel refreshed.” He made her so nervous.

  “I hope you’re hungry because I have whipped up a big brunch for us.”

  “I normally don’t eat a big breakfast or lunch. Eating heavy make
s me sleepy.”

  “In that case, I hope you eat a lot. I’d love for you to get sleepy and go back to bed. With me,” he tacked on.

  He’d left her speechless again.

  Jose stood up and went about serving the meal. Afterward, he lowered a silver platter in front of Paula, “It’s my pleasure to cook brunch for you, ma’am. I hope you enjoy your meal.”

  “I will, my kind Sir,” Paula replied, courteously bowing her head. She lifted the lid from the silver platter. On the plate was spinach quiche, bacon, sausage, a piece of grilled chicken, and fresh fruit. “This is a lot of food!” she exclaimed.

  “Maybe for you, but not for me.” He forked a piece of sausage into his mouth.

  She drizzled syrup on her pancake, sliced it into small pieces, and started to feast on the sweet and buttery morsels.

  The peace and quiet were calming. Paula breathed in heavily and sighed slowly, “It’s so relaxing out here.”

  “Yes, it is. I love it.”

  “Do you plan on buying a house?”

  “If I ever got married and had children, I would.”

  “You don’t seem like the marrying type.”

  “I’m not. But from what my brothers Zeke and Richmond tell me, I just haven’t found the right woman yet. Or maybe I have and just don’t know it.”

  Was he talking about her? Paula wondered, sipping at the Hazelnut coffee.

  “In case you haven’t noticed…I’m very smitten with you, Paula.”

  “Jose…I don’t know what to say to that.”

  “I wasn’t expecting a response,” Jose responded as he leaned against the table, staring into her eyes. Looking from one of her eyeballs to the other, his jaw dropped slightly as he observed the beautiful lady that sat before him. It was like seeing her for the first time. It always felt like that with her. Suddenly, he straightened his pose as if something had just come to his mind. “There’s somewhere I want to take you.”

  “Where?” Paula asked, puzzled.

  “It’s a surprise. Let’s go.”

  Just as the pair stepped out the front door and into the hallway, a red-headed lady walked by. She eyed Paula mischievously, as her mouth dropped wide open. “Good afternoon, Mr. Sanchez.”