by Amore
“Jada, are you hungry?” Alex turned from preparing something at the stove she couldn’t see.
“I don’t know,” She answered, her mind still wrapping itself around all the things he had said to her.
He noticed she had taken a seat again at the breakfast bar. He turned back to the salmon he was preparing and smiled. She hadn’t walked out, which meant she was considering all that he had laid out in front of her. He was going to make her love him.
Chapter 6
The next morning at her hotel, Jada didn’t get up right away. After returning from lunch with Alex, she was even more confused. Her head was telling her one thing, her heart another, and her history something completely different. She sighed as she stared up at the ceiling. Maybe it contained some magical answer. She hated being so confused and indecisive. It made her feel scattered.
Ami was busy moving about. “Girl, get out of the bed,” Ami called out from the bathroom. Jada pulled the covers over her head. When she didn’t respond, Ami came out and snatched the covers back. “Get up!” She demanded. “It’s a beautiful day!”
“Ami, please!!” Jada begged, reaching for the covers. Ami wouldn’t let up. “What’s going on with you?” “Nothing,” Jada said into her pillow. She couldn’t tell her best
friend that she might be falling in love with her cousin after just a few short days. Heck, she could still count the time in hours. Her restless nights had been filled with dreams of Alex. In her mind’s eye, his beautiful hands had caressed her body. His soft warm lips sought hers over and over. His rich, velvety voice had whispered all the words of love she wanted and needed to hear. Just thinking about it was making her palms sweaty and her core moist. She groaned in protest to her body’s reaction to him.
“I know what you need. Come on, we’re going to King of Prussia,” Ami sang. She knew how to get her friend up.
Jada opened one eye. “Are you serious?” She asked. “Girl, shopping will cure whatever is ailing you this morning.” Jada got up. As she got dressed, Ami planned to find out exactly what was going on with her friend. The two ladies hopped in the car and headed for the King of Prussia Mall, one of the greatest shopping destinations in the Northeast.
Jada was relatively quiet during the ride. Ami decided to give her that time to think. At the mall, Ami explained the layout. It was Jada’s first time, but Ami was a pro. The two ladies embarked on their journey, which was exactly what King of Prussia was.
“So, are you gonna spill it, or will I have to shop it out of you?” Ami asked.
“What?”
“Something or someone has gotten to you and you’ve been all weird,” Ami said as she stopped walking. “Was my cousin out of line with you?” She asked.
“Oh, no, Ami. He’s been a perfect gentleman. Maybe too perfect,” Jada said as she studied her shoes.
Ami picked up her stride next to Jada. “You’re more than welcome to tell me to mind my own business, but what’s going on?”
Jada looked at Ami for a minute, trying to decide whether to share information with the woman who had been the closest thing to a sister she ever had. She decided to talk.
“I know Alex is your cousin and you guys are close, but don’t say anything to him, alright?” Jada began. Ami frowned, but nodded her head in agreement as they continued to stroll along the corridor. “Since we’ve met, I found myself really attracted to him. He’s absolutely gorgeous.” Ami frowned, she never looked at Alex that way, although many of her girlfriends have told her that, and some even went so far as to befriend her to get to Alex, like Rhonda. “He’s intelligent and focused, and independent and gentle...”
Ami interrupted. “Is there a point? Because I thing I’m going to be ill.”
Jada smiled. “It’s just that...” She went into the whole story about dinner and lunch the next day. She left out parts about kissing. She did share, though it was a very much scaled down version, that Alex said he wanted to basically be with her. Ami smiled, she knew that he would.
“Ami, you know about me and my doomed relationships. I don’t think I could take another heartbreak in my entire life.”
“Jada, you’re a beautiful woman who deserves happiness in her life. What happened to you was terrible. I could never imagine the pain and heartache you must have gone through. Everyone you love will not leave you or abandon you. Your grandparents still love you after all these years. You’ve never given yourself a chance to love someone, really love them. Forget your relationships of the past and take a chance not only on love, but life. I’m sure your parents and brother would have wanted that for you. I’ve seen you tackle situations and go full force with those clowns in Los Angeles and win! Use that same energy in your personal life. If you choose to do that with Alex or any other guy, it doesn’t matter to me, as long as you’re happy. Alex is my family, always will be. We are bounded together by blood. You and I chose each other to be friends, sisters, and nothing can change that. I’ll always be here for you.”
Jada felt her eyes welling with tears. “Don’t you do that, girl!” Ami shouted. “No tears!”
Jada turned her tender expression in Ami’s direction. She knew she had been sent an angel from God. Now, was God sending her someone else?
“Come on,” Ami smiled, looping her arm around Jada’s. “Tiffany’s is right around the corner.”
Alex had a miserable time concentrating at the office. Earlier, he had sent roses to the hotel for Jada, but she had not called. He didn’t want to call her cell because he wasn’t sure if Jada was thoroughly turned off by his conversation at his house. It was just the distraction he did not need. Alex cursed under his breath, wondering did he come on too strong. His intercom buzzed.
“Yes, Karen,” Alex said with a little too much irritation in his voice.
“Mr. Love, Mr. Love is on the line,” Karen said with a chuckle. Apparently, she found that quite amusing.
“Which Mr. Love, Karen?” He asked, enjoying the older woman’s humor.
“Tyreese, sir.” “Put him through. What’s up, Ty?” “Man, you got yourself all wrapped up in Jada, you leaving your
little brother out!” Alex laughed.
“Just kidding, can you come through The House tonight? I need to talk to you about some ideas for the new spot in Atlantic City.”
“Alright, what time?” “Come by when you get done at the office.” “Cool, I’ll see you later.” Alex thought his pending meeting with his brother would help
give him focus, but it didn’t. He was glad he had such a great team working with him to prepare for the upcoming trial. He knew he could count on them. He attempted to shake off his thoughts and continue with his day, hopefully.
Ami and Jada continued to walk in and out of stores, talking, laughing, and buying. It was an activity they both enjoyed. “So, what are you going to do about Alex?” Ami asked as she examined a bright yellow silk dress.
“I don’t know, girl, he scares me,” Jada replied.
“What? Did he do something you’re not telling me, because I can handle him?” Ami joked.
“No, No, No. It’s just that, like I said before, around him things come alive in me.”
“Alright, enough about that. Again, I think I’m going to be ill. How about we have dinner tonight at Ty and Chris’ place? You’ll love it. Ty is the best chef ever to walk the earth.” Ami raved.
“Sure, I could use a good meal.”
***
“Alex. Great to see you. You haven’t been over in a while,” Lisa, the hostess, said once he arrived at The House. She had been working for Ty and Chris since they opened. She knew the regulars by name and was always cheerful.
“Good to see you, too, Lisa. How’s the family?” Alex asked.
“Great. Thanks for asking. Chris is at the family table. Ty’s in the kitchen, as usual, I’ll tell him you’re here.”
“Thanks, Lisa.” He noticed the dinner crowd was beginning to pour in. He was proud of his brothers. Chris kept the b
usiness end running smoothly and Ty was a master at his craft. He noticed Chris was looking over a bunch of papers at the family table. There was a plate of smothered chicken in front of him, but it hadn’t been touched. Alex smiled. Chris loved his work.
“Hey, Chris,” Alex said as he took a seat. Chris looked up a little startled.
“Oh, hey, Alex.”
“What’s going on? Ty called and asked me to stop by.” Alex was a little concerned by the look on Chris’ face.
“Yeah, well you know Ty and I are trying to get the second restaurant underway in Atlantic City. We are working on this land deal and need you to look over a few things. We have a few developers that we are looking at, but we have to finalize this deal for the land before any of that other stuff.”
“Alright, let me see.” Alex pulled off his suit jacket and dropped it across a chair. He had disengaged his tie on the way over. He rolled up his shirt sleeves to expose beautiful, muscular forearms.
Ty walked over. “I’m glad to see my two brothers that are all about business, are taking care of the business.” He chuckled. “That frees me up to take care of other things. Like the ladies.”
“Sit down, lover boy. You need to look this over, too,” Alex said not bothering to look up at him.
Ty sat down as the three of them looked over the details of the land deal. It was a huge venture for them, and Alex was one of the investors as well as their attorney. None of them noticed Ami and Jada walk in the door.
“Ami, this place is great. I can’t believe how busy it is,” Jada said in amazement. “It’s the middle of the week.”
“Oh, it’s always like this at this time of the day,” Ami said, totally unfazed by the business of the restaurant. The Love House was growing in popularity everyday.
“Hi, Ms. Ami,” Lisa said, coming over to them. She gave Ami a warm hug. “It’s great to see you. I hear you landed a great new role.”
“Hey, Lisa. Great to see you, too. Yeah, we start shooting in a few months. I’m very excited. This is my friend, Jada Whitman, we work together.”
“Nice to meet you, Lisa,” Jada said as she extended her hand.
“You, too, Jada,” Lisa replied as she shook her hand. “Your cousins are at the family table if you want to go back, or do you want to sit among the people? I’m sure I can find you a table.”
“Oh, no, Lisa, these are paying customers. We’ll go to the family table,” Ami said with a smile as she headed toward the back of the main dining room.
“The boys must be talking business,” Ami said to Jada as they approached the table.
Alex felt a sudden change in the air around him. It became charged and electrified. He had been totally absorbed in the paperwork he was reviewing, but knew that Jada had entered the room. Even among all the cooking and other people in the room, her scent reached him above anything else. He grinned, but never looked up.
“Gentlemen,” Ami started, “What’s going on?”
Again, Jada felt the energy that still lingered between her and Alex. She instantly remembered the feel of his lips on hers, and her knees slowly started to turn to jelly. She casually held onto the nearest chair because she was suddenly aware that her knees may not hold her up.
“Oh, hey, Ami, hey, Jada,” Chris said, standing to greet the ladies. “You ladies come for dinner?” He walked around to kiss both ladies on the cheek.
“Yep! I told Jada, there was no way she could return to the west coast without Ty’s cooking. Ty, are you cooking tonight or what?” Ami replied with a bright smile.
Ty had been watching Alex and noticed the look of sheer pleasure on his face. Also standing, He cheerfully replied, “Of course I’ll cook for my family, and that includes you, too, Jada.”
Alex glanced up at Ty, trying to hide a grin.
“Ladies,” Alex said as he stood for them, finally acknowledging their presence.
“Alex, please with all the formalities, just move over,” Ami said.
The ladies took a seat as Ty turned to head to the kitchen. “Can I cook whatever I want?” he asked.
“Sure, Ty, surprise us,” Ami answered.
“Listen, guys, a jazz band is coming in about thirty minutes. I’ve got to run to the office, put this stuff away, and I’ll be right back,” Chris said, gathering the paperwork that had been spread across the table.
“And, I’ve got to run to the ladies room,” Ami announced, already snatching her clutch purse from the chair.
Within seconds, Alex and Jada were alone at the table. He was staring at her, smiling again. “Jada, how are you today?” He asked in a voice dripping in sensuality.
“I’m good, Alex,” She said, absently playing with her bracelet. His smile was making her heart race and heat flood to the sensitive area between her legs. She could vividly imagine his hands caressing her there and worshiping her entire body. She took a sip from a random glass of water sitting on the table to attempt to cool her raging thoughts.
“Have you and Ami been good girls today?” He said, moving a little closer, allowing the warmth from his body to reach out and touch her.
“Oh, we’ve just been out to the King of Prussia Mall all day. We just got back. We haven’t even been to the hotel yet. We came straight here.”
That explained her not mentioning the flowers. She would see them later. He wondered if she would call. He contemplated if she would like them. He’d sent flowers before to beautiful women, but he really wanted to her to like them.
Jada studied Alex for a while. Again, she thought he was most beautiful man she had ever seen. Far outweighing those Hollywood actors she came in contact with all the time. He had an air of confidence surrounding him that made him not appear arrogant although his arrogance could clearly shine through when he willed it so. His honesty was evident in his eyes, and she appreciated that. When she was near him, he made her feel special, almost like she was the most important thing in his life. She realized it was too soon into what ever it was they were doing with each other for thoughts like that, but that was the feeling he evoked in her.
As he freely allowed her presence to get under his skin, he decided to try his luck. “Tomorrow I have to go to Atlantic City for a meeting on this land deal for my brothers, would you like to go? It will be an overnight trip,” He asked.
“Yes.” The word left Jada’s mouth in a breathless whisper before she had a chance to think about it.
His smile was brilliant. “Good. You don’t need to bring anything. All need is you and I’ll handle the rest, sweetheart.”
Ami and Chris returned to the table at the same time. Soon after, the restaurant was in full swing with the seating filling up quickly. The jazz band was playing, people were talking and laughing, and Ty had prepared the best country fried chicken on the planet.
Jada loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. It had an elegant, easy going feel. The décor had a subtle hint of grandma’s kitchen mixed with upscale eatery. It made you want to stay and eat a while.
“Jada, come dance with me,” Alex said as he extended his hand to her out of the blue. She took it without hesitation.
Ami, Ty, and Chris went on with the conversation about the second restaurant as if it were the most natural thing for Alex and Jada to leave the table for a dance. She glanced back at them thoughtfully. They were acting as if she and Alex were a long time couple and it was a regular occurrence.
The song was slow and mellow. Alex held her close on the small dance floor area. A few other couples were dancing also, each totally unaware of the next. He leaned into her ear and whispered, “You look beautiful today.” She closed her eyes, taking in the words he had just spoken and allowing them to wash over her.
“Thank you, Alex,” She finally managed to get out after finding her voice. His scent was intoxicating and she doubted any other man on earth could smell like that. The suit pants he wore hung perfectly off his lean, athletic hips and the sleeves of his dress shirt, rolled up, made her mouth water. They continued
to dance, enjoying the feeling of each other.
He knew it was not the time to push her and that she was still considering what he had said to her the previous day. He had every intention of having this woman completely. The thought amused him because he could not recall having these feelings toward another woman in a very long time. The song ended and he continued to hold her for a long minute, not wanting to let the moment end. She didn’t pull away. Finally, he led her back to the table to where the others were debating on a dessert choice. Knowing his control was slipping, he decided to call it a night and prepare himself for the following day's adventures.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I think it is time for me to go.” He leaned down and kissed Ami’s cheek. “Ty, Chris, I’ll let you guys know how it goes. I don’t anticipate any complications. Jada, one thirty, tomorrow afternoon.” He picked up his suit jacket and briefcase, placed a lingering kiss on her heated cheek, and headed toward the door. Ami looked at Jada. She knew Alex was going to Atlantic City tomorrow for
Ty and Chris to handle some restaurant business. Jada shrugged her shoulders and Ami smiled. Ami knew how her brothers and cousins operated when they decided to pursue a woman. She chose not to share that information with Jada. It would be more fun that way.
Chapter 7
At the hotel, Ami and Jada entered their room to be greeted by the most beautiful roses ever.
“Oh, they are beautiful, Ami! Who sent them to you?” Jada asked, crossing the room to smell them up close.
“No one knows I’m here except family, and I doubt Mom and Dad sent me roses.” Ami chuckled. “Read the card.”
Jada picked the card out of the flowers, which read:
Give love and life a chance. Alexander
Jada quickly turned to Ami, who had gone on about her daily routine to prepare for bed. “They’re from Alex.” She said. “They’re gorgeous.” She sighed.
