Anything For Your Love

by Amore

  Alex remembered he hadn’t told his brother what happened outside The House. He relayed the story to him, including Ami’s rant right before he came to the table. Ty had walked up right in the middle of his explanation.

  “Are you kidding me?” Ty said in amazement. “That chick is crazy. Does she really think you would want her back after all this time? After what she did?”

  “Apparently. I just hope she doesn’t come between me and Jada,” Alex said, staring at nothing in particular and thinking how he didn’t think he could handle it if she wasn’t in his life.

  Ty looked at Alex seriously. “I will be ashamed to call you a Love if you let Rhonda come between you and Jada. Have you told her you love her yet?”

  “No. I’m not sure how she will take it. I don’t know if I can handle it if she doesn’t love me,” Alex said truthfully, showing a rare glimpse into his vulnerability.

  “What? Are you blind? That woman loves you and it’s so obvious. You know, for you to be a hot shot lawyer and able to read the jury like a kiddie book, you sure can’t read Jada.” Ty chuckled. “You have loved her since day one and I would venture to say, she has loved you since then, too. So, stop acting silly and tell the woman you love her.”

  Alex looked thoughtfully at his brother for a long moment. “You know, for a guy who believes in playing the field, you sure have a handle on this love thing.”

  “What can I say? I’m the brother who has decided to truly live up to my name. Maybe I should get a talk show or something.” Ty smiled. “Now, call your barber to come to the house, I need a fresh cut for tonight.”

  Alex chuckled. “Little brother, what would I do without you?”

  Ty shuddered. “Let’s not even think something as horrible as that. You were born a Love...”

  “And, you’ll die with Love,” Alex finished with a smile. “Thanks, man.”

  “Always here to help.”

  Rhonda had just hung up the telephone from calling in a favor from someone she knew. Word on the street was a very important industry party was happening and she needed to be there. She knew that Ami was acting and since her and that Jada girl were apparently friends, she figured she would be there. It was her chance to get rid of that woman. Rhonda smiled. Alex would be hers, sooner or later.

  “Yes...alright...no problem.” Jada clicked off the line with one of the executive producers she worked with. “Ami, listen. Craig Kincaid just called and it looks like I’m going to need to be there early. They have already arranged a car for me. They will send one here for you, Alex, Ty, and Chris later. Please, let Alex know I’ll meet him there, I gotta get moving before the car gets here.”

  “That’s fine. I know these things can get a little crazy on your end. That’s why I love being the diva.” Ami chuckled. “Anyway, have you given any thought to what I said earlier about Alex?”

  Jada paused for a second, “Yeah, I have thought about it.” “And?” “And...you might as well pour a drink and sit down,” Jada said. Ami poured two glasses of white wine and brought them over to the sofa where Jada was sitting. “Alright, girlfriend. Tell me what’s up.” Jada drew a deep breath before she started. “Well, first off, I think I’m in love with Alex. This is all a little new to me, so I’m really not sure. I have no other way to explain the way he makes me feel. Secondly, it scares me to death. His presence overwhelms me, makes me nervous, yet, I can’t wait until the next time I’m near him.” “So, what’s the problem?” Ami asked before she sipped her drink. “The problem is that I don’t want any more drama in my life. I deal with it enough at work and I don’t want it at home. This Rhonda chick means drama. That, coupled with my own fears and insecurities, could make for a very bad situation. If I really give him my heart, it could be broken.”

  “Oh, Jada, at some point in your life, you are going to have to trust love. There are no guarantees, and I can’t promise my cousin won’t hurt you, but you have to believe and take a chance. As far as Rhonda, I’m sure Alex will handle the situation if he hasn’t already. He doesn’t like a lot of loose ends. She is ancient history. Besides, she’s not even as pretty as you.”

  Jada smiled. “Stop it.”

  “I know you have some things to work out,” Ami continued. “I know you will work them out, and then you’ll make the very best decision for you. Just know, I’m on your side and I’ll always be here for you no matter what decision you make. I know you’ll make the right one.” She smiled.

  “Thank you, Ami,” Jada said as she reached over to hug her.

  “No, thank you. Now, let's get this party started. You have heads to turn and jaws to drop tonight.”

  Jada went to the small kitchen to put their wine glasses in the sink when her cell phone chimed. “Ami, can you grab that please?”

  Ami walked over and picked up the singing cell phone. “Jeez, it’s James. Don’t worry, I’ll handle this. Hello?”

  “Huh, hello?”

  “Hey, James. It’s Ami,” She said, using her most serious business voice.

  “Oh, hey, Ami. I didn’t recognize your voice. Is Jada available?” “Actually no, James. She’s getting ready for tonight.” “Oh, alright. Just let her know I’m here in Philadelphia and I will see her tonight. I know before you ladies left, I wasn’t sure if I could make it. My schedule cleared up.”

  “Oh great, I’m sure she’ll be thrilled,” She drawled with out emotion. “I’ll give her the message. See you tonight.”

  “Alright, bye, Ami.”

  “Bye, James.” Ami pressed the end button before she spoke again. Jada stood waiting with a smirk on her face. “My cousin is not going to like him.”

  “Oh please, Ami. He is just a work associate.” Jada waived her off.

  “Like I said before, in your eyes, a work associate. In my eyes, and I’m sure Alex will see it the same way, the boy wants to take you home for a little private screening.”

  “Ew, Ami. You’re gross.” Jada laughed.

  “I just call it like I see it. Let me know if you need to borrow the ‘Team’. They will be here any minute.”

  Jada continued to laugh. “Alright. Let me jump in the shower. I need Star to hook my hair up.”

  About seven thirty that evening, Alex, Ty, and Chris arrived at Ami’s hotel. They had the car parked and went up to Ami and Jada’s room. Ami's hair stylist opened the door.

  “Hey, Star, how are you?” Chris asked, leaning over and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “Fabulous as usual,” Star answered. She had worked for Ami for the past year.

  The three men entered the suite, but quickly moved out of the way. Ami’s “Team” was working hard to give Ami her Hollywood look. Ami had always been beautiful, and Ty could never figure out why she needed all those people.

  Alex looked around and didn’t see Jada. He knew when he entered the room she wasn’t there. “Ami, where’s Jada?” He called out, careful not to get run over by a guy with a make up brush.

  “She had to go early. Duty called,” Ami called out from one of the bedrooms. “She told me to give you the message. We’ll find her when we get there.”

  “Where are Maddy, Sean, and David?” Ty asked.

  “We sent a car for them to Maddy’s house. They’ll meet us there.”

  “Alright,” Ty responded, still standing back out of the way. He thought that it was the definition of organized chaos, although he guessed the same could be said about his kitchen on a Saturday night.

  Fifteen minutes later, Ami came out of the room where she had been getting ready for the evening. She was glowing and ready to face any camera that just happened to pop up. She flashed her cousins with the brilliant Love smile.

  “Damnit, Ami,” Ty said through gritted teeth. Alex and Chris chuckled. “I really don’t want to fight tonight. Do you have to wear that dress?”

  “Please, Ty,” Ami said dismissively. “Reed is here and he’s going to be with me tonight. So, take off your protective hat. Jeez, sometimes you are wor
se than David.” Reed Cooper had been Ami’s bodyguard for the past year. She sent him on vacation that week, but knew he would be back for the party. Reed was 6’4’’ and two hundred and seventy five pounds of pure muscle. He had caramel colored skin and dark brown eyes. He could move mountains, a gentle giant. If one wasn’t careful, one could fall in love with the dangerously handsome man, Ami thought.

  Ami knew Ty would react that way to her outfit. Her brothers and cousins were always a little overprotective of the women in the family. Ami wore a deep plum colored dress that stopped just above her knee. It was a completely backless dress with the back of the dress dipping so low that it fell just above the hump of her behind. The front was a loose fitting halter with a high neckline, and the skirt of the dress hugged her behind and hips. She wore three and a half inch stiletto pumps that perfectly matched the dress.

  “Come on, guys, the car is waiting,” Ami said. Minutes later, the five of them were off to the party.

  As the car pulled away from the hotel, Alex asked, “Ami, why couldn’t Jada just wait for us?”

  Ami exhaled. “Alex. These so called ‘parties’ are work for me, but especially for Jada. As a producer, she needs to play a sort of political game with other Hollywood executives to get the projects that she wants. Trust me, people are tripping over themselves for a chance to work with her. Just about everything that she touches is a hit. She’s a shining star in a male dominated industry. So, needless to say, a lot of people will be vying for her attention tonight. Can you handle that?” She smiled that sly Love smile at her cousin.

  The corners of Alex’s mouth turned up slightly as he responded, “You know me better than that.”

  “Yeah, I do. That’s why I’m asking.” The entire car erupted into laughter at Ami’s comment.

  When they arrived, a short red carpet was set up outside. “It is show time, fellas, please, remember to smile. These pictures are going to show up somewhere,” Ami announced, checking her lips in a compact mirror she pulled from her clutch purse that held next to nothing.

  There was a huge crowd gathered outside. Reed exited the car first and extended his hand to Ami to help her out. Ami smiled up at him and stepped out onto the red carpet. Cameras immediately started to click and flashes popped. Reed was immediately on guard, taking his job at protecting the beautiful Ami Love very seriously.

  Alex, Ty, and Chris also stepped out of the car and amongst the craziness of the crowd. Ami grabbed Ty’s arm and they proceeded to walk the red carpet. “This would work my last nerve,” Chris said to Alex as they walked. “It’s a little much.”

  “Ami loves it and it’s just her style,” Alex said as they casually strolled toward the party’s entrance.

  They stopped to talk to an interviewer just outside the door and Alex felt himself becoming anxious. He knew Jada was somewhere in the building. It had felt like forever since he’d seen her last and it was killing him to be near her again. Ami sensed his agitation and cut the interview a little short.

  She leaned over to him. “Jeez, Alex, calm down. She’s in here some where.” Alex attempted to smile through his frustration.

  Chapter 14

  The grand ballroom was resplendent. There were at least five champagne fountains, seven bars, and several crudités and desert tables. There were random clusters of tables, a dance floor, and a roped off VIP section. Regular people were always allowed to purchase a select number of tickets and some were released for promotional purposes, so the VIP section really worked well for the A list stars that were in the house. Ami preferred to sit amongst her fans as much as possible. The music was jumping and it was obvious it was not a dinner party. Several of Hollywood’s power house people were in attendance and circulating.

  “Now, this is a party!” Ty said to Chris, who shook his head in agreement. “Let’s get a drink. Do you guys want something?” He asked Ami and Alex.

  “No, thanks,” Alex said.

  “Me either,” Ami replied. “The night’s too young and I may need to find a date tonight.”

  Ty rolled his eyes. “Come on, Chris. Let’s check this place out.” “Bet,” Chris said. Moments later, Maddy, Sean, and David approached them.

  “Hey, girl!” Maddy said to Ami as they exchanged light cheek kisses. “Your dress is fierce!”

  Ami gave a feminine turn. “Thank you, thank you. Girl, and that suit on you is perfect!”

  Maddy wore a cream colored tailored pantsuit with black, patent leather, and open toe high heeled sandals. She wore a black sequined bustier top and looked like a supermodel with that gorgeous hair flowing around her shoulders.

  “Did Dad see you in that top?” Alex asked his sister with a smile.

  “Please, Daddy would faint and I’m wearing a jacket. Anyway, Alex, I’m here to have a good time, and going to a party with Ami means dressing the part,” Maddy countered.

  “That’s right, girl!” Ami chimed in as they slapped a high five and giggled.

  Alex leaned over to Reed. “Keep an eye on both of them tonight, please?”

  “You got it, Alex.” Reed smiled.

  A waiter came by with a tray of champagne glasses. They each took one, except Reed who never drank while working with Ami. They all were laughing and talking to each other as Alex began to scan the room for Jada. The room was dark, but he was sure he would find her. Then, he did and his libido kicked up more than a few notches. He thought to himself that he had to remember to breathe.

  Jada stood talking to another film producer who was telling her about an upcoming project. She wore a red satin bustier top with a sweet heart neck line. The back dipped low and exposed a perfect caramel colored well toned back. The front was detailed with sequins that caught the light as she breathed. Her skirt was a matching red satin, pencil skirt that snuggly hugged her hips and behind. It continued to be form fitting until it stopped just below her knee and showcased a dangerous split up the back. Her shoes were red satin, point toe, very high heeled sling backs that seemed to have the exact pattern as her top. Her hair was pulled high atop her head in a severe bun. Not one hair was out of place and her make up was perfection. Her body seemed to have a slight sparkle that caught the attention of quite a few men in the building. She looked every bit the part of the Hollywood executive.

  Jada felt eyes on her back. She was used to men looking at her at those types of events, but something was very different about the feeling that washed over her.Alex, She thought with a grin. She gave a slight turn in the direction of her suspicions, caught his eye, and slightly nodded in acknowledgment of him. She smiled a slow, seductive smile and slightly shifted her weight.

  My God!Alex thought when Jada turned to look at him. He couldn’t breathe and felt the tightening in his chest. She was talking to two men, one of which seemed a little too familiar and he didn’t like it one bit. He had placed his hand briefly at her waist and Alex felt a pang of jealously. It was definitely a foreign emotion for him. He had become possessive over her and couldn’t imagine anyone else’s hands where his alone should be. He excused himself from his family and made his way toward her.

  Jada knew he was coming, although her back was still toward him. Alex walked with purpose and confidence. He wore an expensive tailored black suit with a matching black dress shirt and tie. His black dress shoes were extravagant, yet, not flashy, with alligator trimming. He was a quiet force, but a force to be reckoned with, nonetheless. His hair was freshly cut and he was impeccable. She picked up his scent as if he were the only male in the room. She felt the now familiar tremors in her stomach as he approached.

  “Jada,” Alex said low and husky, almost as a seduction in her ear.

  “Alex,” She whispered just before she turned. Her smile made his heart jump and his libido kick into overdrive. He leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek as he gently and possessively pulled her body into his. He soaked in her scent and everything woman about her.

  “James. Cord. This is Alexander Love, a good frie
nd of mine. Ami Love’s cousin,” Jada introduced. Alex shook each man’s hand.

  “Nice to meet you,” Alex said to James, yet, something in James’ smile didn’t reach his eyes. He was the one whose touch Alex didn’t like. Alex slipped his hand around Jada’s waist. “Jada, come dance with me,” He said, clearly focused on her and wanting to get her away from the hungry look in this man’s eyes.

  She smiled. “Excuse me, gentlemen. It seems my dance card has received its first request.” Jada and Alex left the small group to head toward the dance floor. James was not happy at all. He had rearranged his entire schedule to get next to her in Philadelphia.

  Alex led Jada to the dance floor to whereThe Closer I Get To Youby Roberta Flack was playing through hidden speakers around the room. He was unable to keep his eyes off of her and her scent was making him lose both focus and balance. He wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her close before he started his gentle sway to the music.

  Jada melted into Alex’s embrace. She loved not only the feel of him, but how safe she felt in his arms. She smiled at the fact that she could scarcely wrap her hand around his upper arm. She fell in step with his lead and everyone else in the room faded to black. That moment, right there, was perfect.

  “You are breathtaking this evening, Jada,” He whispered, his velvet voice covering her like a blanket. “When can we leave?”

  Jada’s head snapped up and she saw the amusement in his eyes. “I’m working here, sir. This is my business. You know, how I support myself.” She giggled.

  “Yeah? James over there looks to be a little more interested in you than business.”

  Jada glanced over to see James watching her dance with Alex. Intensity and determination shown unconsciously in his eyes. He suddenly seemed to realize she was looking at him. He smiled politely, turned, and resumed his conversation with Cord and a pretty young blonde. “James is just someone I work with. He is an excellent director, you know.”

  Alex turned Jada in his dance to remove her from James’ line of vision. “Mmmm, hmmm. James needs to keep it professional then,” He said casually.