Anything For Your Love

by Amore

  Jada stood outside the office building for a minute, thinking it was a mistake. “Screw it,” She whispered to herself, “I’m here now.” She entered the building with all the confidence she could gather.

  She noticed right away that the main lobby was very busy. There were several different offices in the semi high-rise building. She approached a security guard who directed her to the bank of elevators that would take her to the 10th floor. The elevator ride seemed endless. Minutes later, the doors opened to a well-lit, spacious hallway. She stepped out onto the carpet that was ultra plush and led to ten feet tall glass double doors. She walked down the hall. Beyond the glass doors, she could see a huge desk with an older woman sitting behind it. On the wall behind her readSinclair, Michaels, and Love. She smiled seeing Alex’s name on the wall. She proceeded through the doors and immediately noticed how busy it was. She hadn’t noticed the quiet of the hall until she was standing just beyond the doors. Telephones were ringing and people were moving about. From the hall, you couldn’t see the how massive office was.This has to be the entire 10th floor, she thought as she approached the desk.

  “Excuse me,” Jada spoke politely. “Yes, ma’am, how may I help you?” The older woman asked. “I’m here to see Alexander Love, please,” She responded. “And your name, please, ma’am?”

  “Jada Whitman.” “Just a moment, please.” The woman pressed a button that was connected to her headset.

  She was speaking with someone through the microphone. “Just down this hall, Ms. Whitman, and to the right at the end,”

  She spoke. “Have a good day.” “Thank you.”

  Alex was meeting with the team that would be handling a cooperate mishandling case soon. His intercom buzzed.

  “Yes, Karen?”

  “Mr. Love, a Ms. Whitman has just checked in at the front desk and is on her way back.”

  “Thank you, Karen. Please, send her in when she gets here.” “Certainly, Mr. Love.” “Ladies and gentlemen, we have to wrap this up.” A wide smile covered Alex’s face. He gave out the next set of assignments to his team members to cover all the bases for the upcoming trial. Just as they were walking out of the door, Jada was coming in. She smiled politely at the group of young attorneys leaving the office. They, in turn, eyed her with building curiosity.

  Jada thought to herself that his office was huge. Her apartment she had during college in New York City wasn’t nearly that big. Alex got up from his chair to greet her, and she immediately felt the intensity of his gaze.

  “Jada, I’m glad you found me all right,” He said, reaching for her hand, again kissing her palm.

  “Ami dropped me off out front, so it wasn’t hard. This office is fantastic and apparently, you are well known in the building. The security guard downstairs was very helpful.” She remarked as she turned to survey his office further.

  “Great, let’s get outta here,” He replied.

  Outside of his office, Alex told Karen he was not sure if he would be back that afternoon and to contact him on his cell if it was urgent. He told her he would be on his computer later that night, so she could place any messages in his electronic inbox.

  “How long do you expect this lunch to last?” Jada asked with amusement.

  “Oh, I don’t know, but I surely don’t want to rush anything,” He said, grabbing her hand and leading her away from the knowing eyes of his long time assistant.

  As they walked back down the hall of his office, Jada took in the fullness of Alex. He wore a dark tailored suit. It looked expensive with shoes that were a little more fashionable than what the average man would wear. He stood tall and walked with confidence. She noticed how other members of the office acknowledged him as he came through. He was easy with everyone as if each one was a close, personal friend. She found that she was just as much attracted to his character as his looks. She also noticed the mild look of shock on several of the faces of people as they passed by them hand in hand.

  “Where are we going for lunch?” She asked. Alex’s smile reached his eyes and a hint of mischievousness touched his grin. “My house,” He replied. Jada stopped walking pulling him abruptly to a stop. “Your house? Don’t you think that’s a little too, um, personal?” She asked. Alex turned and stepped closed to her and his smile never wavered. “Are you scared, Jada?” He asked with a devilish look. HECK YEAH!Jada’s mind screamed, but she would not let Alexander get the best of her. So, he wanted to challenge her.Alright, Alex, She thought. She had played this game in Los Angeles often.Let’s dance, She thought. “No, Alexander, I’m not scared, but maybe you should be.” She smirked. Jada picked up her stride and headed for the door, adding an extra sway to her hips since she knew he was watching.

  She knew she was playing with fire and at the time, it was so much fun. Up until then, she had been reserved and polite. He saw the dare in her eyes. He was even more aware of the sway in her hips and he liked it.DOWN BOY, He commanded himself.IT’S NOT TIME YET. Alex smiled. Lunch was going to be fun. Alex and Jada walked the short distance to his home. It was warm outside and Center City was in full swing. He took off his suit jacket as they walked and explained to her that he lived close to the office. She had noticed his strong arms when he rolled up his shirt sleeves and loosened his tie. They would be perfect for protecting someone. She suddenly wondered what his legs looked like and felt the flash of heat travel through her body.

  Jada wore a loose fitting, linen crop pantsuit that was perfect for the warm day. She wore flat sandals that showed off her perfectly pedicured toes and he loved how pretty her feet were. As they walked, he pointed out a few of the city’s historical attractions that he often appreciated during his walks. Philadelphia, and Center City in particular, held rich history around every corner and African Americans were a large part of the undocumented history of the city.

  “Have you and your family always lived here?” She asked as they continued their leisurely stroll. “In the area, yes. My parents moved to New Jersey after Joi, my baby sister, went off to college. Mom said she was tired of city living and wanted something with a yard. So, they moved to the house where the party was held. They love it. It will be good for them when they both retire,” He answered with ease.

  “Will they retire soon?”

  “My dad, yes. My mom will probably teach until they kick her out.” He chuckled.

  “So, who are you more like? Your mom or dad?” She watched as a smile played across his lips before he answered.

  “My father. He’s much more reserved than my mother,” he said, pride shining in his eyes.

  “Let me know if I’m asking too many questions. Just tell me to mind my own business,” She stated casually.

  He stopped walking near a private garden, grabbed her hand, and gently rubbed his thumb across her palm. “I would tell you whatever you wanted to know, whenever you wanted to know it.”

  The intensity in his gaze was melting the frigid barrier around her heart. She stood for a moment, just taking in his raw maleness. He was dangerous. Feeling her hands begin to tremble, she fought to pull her wits under control. Finally, she was able to find her voice and her confidence. “Well, Alex, I guess I’ll have to find more challenging questions.”

  Alex laughed out loud, loving the way things felt so easy with her. So right. With every other woman, everything was work. She was different. Amazingly different, and he couldn’t have felt better at that very moment.

  Alex was glad his central air conditioner was on an automatic timer. Although the day was warm, the heat of walking next to Jada turned his internal temperature up a few notches. The cool air was very much welcomed.

  Jada walked into Alex’s home. “This is beautiful, Alex,” She said as she quickly scanned her surroundings. It was smartly decorated and she could tell it was done professionally.

  “Take a look around, I’m going to get out of this suit,” He told her.

  “Alright,” She absently replied, taken by the expensive artwork that hung in the livin
g room. She continued to wander around, stopping to admire family photos on a wall. It seemed like the entire family was represented along that wall.

  “There’s wine in the kitchen,” Alex yelled down to her. He was leaning over the loft wall from his bedroom.

  Jada looked around from where she stood in the dining room, admiring a large statue that sat in the corner. “Where are you?” She asked.

  “Up here.”

  Jada looked up. “Is that a loft?” She asked with excitement in her voice. She loved loft bedrooms. She had always imagined her place would have one. Her condo in Los Angeles did not have a second floor. “Can I come see it?”

  “Sure, come on up. Be careful, though, as you enter the lion’s den,” He said huskily.

  Chuckling, she went up the stairs. There was a hall and at least four doors. She couldn’t believe how big the place was. From the outside, it seemed so small. She took a left and entered his bedroom. His shirt and pants were on a chair, but she didn’t see him. The bedroom, like the first floor, was expertly done. The warm, earthy tones of the room engulfed her. One wall held a wide window covered by sheers and drapes. The California king sized mahogany bed had chocolate leather adorning the headboard and trimming the footboard. She noticed there was no television, but instead, a small sitting area near the window. The two nightstands, tall dresser, and long dresser all had the same wood and leather trim as the bed. Her shoes sank into the plush, rust colored carpet, making her want to remove her shoes. She exhaled, thinking how much she liked the room. It was made perfectly for sleeping and relaxing. She stood looking out of the opening of the loft, enjoying the way it made her feel.

  Alex stood in the doorway of his connecting bathroom leaning against the frame, watching her. She was so sexy. He observed her taking in her surroundings. He had never really thought about it, but was glad he’d hired an interior decorator. He wanted her to like his personal space. He shook his head because never before had it mattered what a woman thought of his space. No woman, besides his family, had ever made it past the first floor. He had readily invited her upstairs, even if it was just to take a look.

  As she turned to gaze at the view from the second floor, he caught her profile and the way the sun highlighted her face through the window. It made her skin glow. Her beauty made his breath stall, and he wanted to touch her to be sure she was real.

  Jada was startled when she turned around. She had not heard him as he stood in the doorway, watching her intensely. He stood in a pair of loose fitting jeans that hung low on his hips and a close fitting tank top.

  His feet were bare and he looked comfortable in his element, yet, sexy as hell.

  “Oh, Alex! I didn’t hear you come in. I’ll let you finish dressing,” She said, attempting to leave the room.

  “Don’t leave.” He caught her arm. Electricity moved through her and passed directly into him. He had no idea what he was about to do next. He watched as her breathing became uneven. He still had her arm loosely in his grip as he witnessed the change in her, and it fueled his own fire. He turned her to face him and leaned into her. She could see want and desire in his eyes and the sheer heat of him was causing her insides to melt. She felt her knees weaken because the realization came that he would be kissing her again and she was actually looking forward to it.

  Need began to overpower Alex. He was inches from her lips and she looked so ready to be kissed. Her eyes were uncertain, yet, he felt her body betray her. He was holding her up and steadying her. If he remained that close without doing something, someone would need to hold him up. He pressed his lips to hers and found unbridled passion waiting there. He deepened the kiss and felt himself losing control and slipping into an abyss. She responded to his assault as if it were the most natural thing that he was kissing her and it drove his need. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he felt intoxicated. His hands began moving of their own accord. They were in her hair, down her back, and caressing her behind before he’d known they had moved. He’d never been so moved by a woman.

  Jada felt like she was drowning. Yet, she wasn’t panicky. Alex’s mouth was sweet, heated, and passionate. He was claiming her with his kiss and spoiling her against any other man. She couldn’t get enough. His tongue reached every space possible in her mouth. His hands were first in her hair, then down her back, and finally resting on her behind. The air left her lungs and she found the will to pull back.

  “Alex, we need to talk,” She said breathless. She had a serious look in her eyes that were trimmed with passion.

  Alex smiled a seductively warm smile. “Talking won’t happen in this room. We should go downstairs.”

  Jada realized they were still standing in his bedroom. “That’s a good idea,” She agreed with her face flushed.

  She found her way to the kitchen, which seemed like a safe place, and took a seat at a bar chair at the counter. Alex followed her. The kitchen looked like the set from a cooking show. All of the appliances were stainless steel and black. A pot rack hung over the island, displaying an array of cooking supplies. On one side of the island was a counter top/breakfast bar where she was sitting, and other side was the two-section sink with counter space on either side. Next to the refrigerator and nestled under another counter was a small wine cooler. The last thing she noticed before he started moving around was the intricate detail in the beveled glass on the back door. As he began pulling things out of the refrigerator, she decided to lay it all out there.

  “Listen, Alex, I can’t deny we have this ‘thing’ between us.” He again liked her boldness. She continued. “And, I can’t deny that when we kiss, something unfamiliar happens to me. I just wanted to let you know, I’m not into casual sex.”

  Alex regarded Jada for moment. “Neither am I, Jada,” He finally said.

  “So, what is happening here, Alex?” She asked.

  He thought for a long moment. “I don’t know, Jada,” He said honestly. “What I do know is my body responds to you. I enjoy your company, and I don’t want to stop seeing you. I don’t know if I could stop seeing you right now, anyway.” He crossed the room to stand right in front of her. He continued. “I want to kiss you and touch you every minute of the day.” He leaned in closer to her face, focusing on her lips. “Thoughts of you invade my mind constantly and I can’t shake them.”

  He gently placed his lips on hers. His kiss was conveying everything he has just said to her. He felt urgency take over and he fought for control. He knew she had to want this just as much as he did, and he was determined to wait for her.

  Jada quickly fell into the rhythm Alex established. He expertly kissed her, like it was what he was born to do. She liked it. A little too much was the thought that occurred to her. She broke the kiss and immediately brought her hand up to her mouth. She looked into Alex’s eyes and saw the desire, the intensity, and something else.No way!She thought.

  “Listen, Alex...” She began, her voice still heavy from his kiss, “like I said, I’m not into casual sex and a relationship will never work between us.” She got up and took a step back as conflicting feelings ran rampant through her brain.

  Alex looked at her for a long moment. The corners of his seductive mouth began to lift and she was confused. Usually, when she said something like that, the guy would ask her to leave. Most guys thought she was just a tease and would use an opportunity like that to get rid of her. That had been her experience. That she could deal with, but he was smiling.

  “Didn’t you hear what I said, Alexander? This willneverwork,” She said with a little more force, trying to will him to understand something she currently had no clue about. “I think I like when you call me, Alexander,” He replied, desire dripping from every word. “Alexander! I, um, Alex! You are not listening!” She protested.

  She went to stand on the other side of the kitchen island to put space between them.

  “Alright, Jada, I’m listening. Why do you think this is such a bad idea? And, just so we are clear on the subject matter, I m
ean us.” Alex had turned on his courtroom voice and it shook her. His voice was so powerful, commanding, and sexy. He turned to the miniature wine refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of Riesling. He poured two glasses while he waited patiently for her answer.

  “Well, Alex...” Jada began, “for one, I live on the west coast.”

  “Minor issue. In today’s time, travel means nothing and either one of our jobs could be mobile.” He smiled, took a sip of wine, and extended a glass to her. “Try again.”

  Jada looked back at him in surprise absently taking the glass. “I don’t want to get involved right now, I have a lot on my plate,” She countered.

  “I’m sure with well thought out planning, and probably a good assistant, your schedule could be reworked,” He replied. “I could get you one if you want.”

  “One, what?” “An assistant.” Why is he so darn confident and arrogant?She thought.What is it with this man?She wondered as she stared at him. “Listen, Jada,” He began, “I understand you have a lot of reservations and I appreciate your cautiousness. The fact of the matter is, I enjoy being around you and we are attracted to each other, whether your want to admit it or not.” Jada continued to stare at him. “So,” He continued as he took a step closer to her, “I’ll give you time to get to know me better, trust me, believe in what I’m saying to you. Then finally, when the time is right...” He stood very close to her, “you’ll ask me to claim what I already think is mine.”

  A rush of emotions ran through her. Desire, passion, fear, and finally anger. “Alexander Love, what exactly are you talking about?” She all but shouted.

  “I thought I made it clear we are talking about us,” He said as he stepped toward the refrigerator. “Are you hungry?”

  She had moved past angry and was fuming. How dare he assume she would ask him to make love to her, if that was what he was talking about. He really was arrogant. Her eyes narrowed and she had every intention on walking out, but she couldn’t move. Some of what he said had been right. She was attracted to him. She was well aware of the electricity between them. He had stamped his kiss into her mind, to never be replaced by any other. She suddenly felt the need to sit.