He searched the cupboards and found a wooden bed-tray table. He arranged the food on a large china platter and placed it on the tray with two glasses of orange juice, two mugs of steaming hot coffee and a small container of cream.
He made his way up the back staircase and down the hallway, carefully holding the tray with both hands. When he reached their room, Landis eased open the door and slipped inside.
Brooklyn was curled up underneath the covers. Landis stood at the side of the bed and watched her sleep for a few moments. She looked angelic and peaceful.
You’re one lucky man, he thought.
She began to stir.
“Good morning,” he said, putting the tray next to her.
“Good morning. What’s all this?” she asked, sitting up against the headboard.
“Breakfast in bed for my beauty,” he said, sitting down.
“Oh, how sweet. I didn’t know you were a chef.”
“Far from it, but I can manage breakfast.” He picked up a forkful of eggs and fed them to her. “Here, take a bite before they get cold.”
“Hmm, these are good. What did you put in them?”
“White cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper, but the key is a little half-and-half.”
“Oh, listen to you sounding like a chef on the Food Network. I’m impressed.”
“Thank you, my beauty. Do you want me to make you a breakfast sandwich?”
“A breakfast sandwich?”
Landis put his eggs and bacon between the bagel slices. “See.” He took a bite. “It’s really good.”
“Looks delicious, but I’m watching my carbs.”
“You’re perfect just the way you are. You don’t need to lose a single pound, but I understand your need to stay fit, especially in your line of work. Here, try this grapefruit. It’s naturally sweet.” Landis took a section and held it to her lips.
Brooklyn took a bite. “Mmm…succulent.” She took another piece, and this time, instead of biting the grapefruit, she slid the piece of fruit between her lips, moving it in and out of her mouth until the skin broke and a stream of juice began flowing down her chin. She then popped the section in her mouth.
Landis watched as she played with the fruit as if it were a sex toy. Looking at the juice drip from her mouth was turning him on. “I like the way you eat grapefruit.”
“Oh, you do, do you?” She took another section, rubbed it across her lips and then reached over to Landis and put the fruit in his mouth.
“Juicy, isn’t it?” she asked.
He nodded his head. “Almost as juicy as you are.”
Brooklyn put her hand underneath the comforter. “Yes, I’m juicy all right. Wanna see?”
Landis removed the tray, put it on the nightstand and pulled the covers back. “I sure do.” He rubbed her sweet spot. “How did you get so wet so fast?”
“I was dreaming about making love to you before I woke up.”
“Oh, really? Were you on top?”
“Yes. I was riding you like you were a prized pony.”
“I’m a thoroughbred, baby.”
“That’s even better. I love a big, strong stallion.”
Landis rose, went over to his duffel bag, took out a condom, returned to Brooklyn, disrobed and said, “See how excited you’ve got me.” He tore open the foil wrapper, took out the rubber and slid it onto his firm penis. He then lay back on the bed. “Let me see your jockeying skills.”
Brooklyn didn’t waste any time stripping off her nightgown and mounting Landis. She took his stiff shaft, slid it inside her wanting canal and started pumping back and forth.
Landis held her knees and spread them open a bit more. He rotated his hips, all the while pushing himself farther inside her.
Brooklyn grabbed hold of the headboard and rode him harder and harder. “Damn, that feels so good!”
Landis reached around, took two handfuls of her ripe ass and flipped her over, reversing their position. He wedged himself in between her legs and went to work, pumping and grinding, until beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He could feel himself on the verge of coming, but held back. “I want you to come first.”
Brooklyn had her legs wrapped around his back and was matching him move for move. “O-okay…” she panted.
“Tell me when you’re coming.”
Landis ramped up the pace, working feverishly.
“I’m…I’m…coming,” she said, in between breaths.
Landis watched her mouth twist and her head whip back and forth as she reached the pinnacle. Now that she was satisfied, he allowed himself to let go and came hard into the condom.
“That was awesome!” Brooklyn said, resting back on the pillow.
Landis rolled over. “Yes, it was. Every time we make love, it gets better and better.”
“There’s no denying that we’re sexually compatible.”
Landis kissed her on the lips. “Yes, we are. You’re addicting.” He began rubbing her nipples.
“Don’t tell me you’re ready for round two?”
“I sure am. Just give me a few minutes.” He took off the used condom, wrapped it in a tissue.
“We’re going to have to wait until later. I have to go to rehearsal.”
Landis looked at her oddly. “Rehearsal for what?”
“I’m singing at Pepper and Michael’s wedding.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that. I thought you were one of the bridesmaids.”
“Actually, I’m the maid of honor and I’m also singing a solo. I’m meeting with the church pianist today.”
“So, this is a working vacation for you?”
“No, I wouldn’t say that. I’m not working, per se, just singing for a friend. Let me hop in the shower. I don’t want to be late.”
“Okay.”
While Brooklyn was in the bathroom, Landis leaned back on the headboard and pondered whether or not to broach the subject of his agency vying for her as a client. Since she’s going to a rehearsal and in a semiwork mode, she might be receptive to talking about the prospective deal.
As he was thinking, Brooklyn came out of the bathroom wearing a pair of cream-colored leggings, a cream cashmere sweater and a pair of thigh-high ivory boots. “Wow, you look like a vision in winter white.”
“Thanks. What are you doing today?”
“I don’t know yet. I have to check with Michael and find out what he has planned for the groomsmen.”
Brooklyn gave Landis a peck on the lips and picked up her new phone, which was right next to Landis’s on the nightstand. “Okay, I’ll see you later.”
She rushed out before he had a chance to say anything. He then remembered that her manager hadn’t told Brooklyn about the deal yet, so even if Landis had brought up the subject, she wouldn’t know what he was talking about.
Landis began to feel as if he was being deceitful by not disclosing the fact that he was in talks with her manager.
“She needs to know the truth, so there won’t be any mix-ups,” he muttered.
Landis reached for his cell phone. He dialed her manger’s number, but got his voice mail. Landis hung up and decided to send a text message instead.
Malcolm, we need to talk about the deal with Brooklyn. There’s been a new development. Call me ASAP. It’s extremely important!
He waited a few minutes, but received no return text. Landis began to feel uneasy. He couldn’t have possibly known a few days ago that the client he was trying hard to land would land in his bed. Brooklyn had been burned before by an ex-boyfriend, and Landis wanted to be clear that he had no intentions of using their newfound relationship to advance his career.
Chapter 11
Brooklyn’s rehearsal went well. The church pianist had years of experien
ce under his belt and was extremely professional. He didn’t make an issue of Brooklyn being an international star. He treated her like just another choir member, which she appreciated. Although she was an award-winning singer, Brooklyn didn’t like being fussed over. She was singing “Ave Maria” in Italian for the ceremony and wanted to ensure that she and her accompanist were completely in sync. After only an hour of rehearsing, they had the song perfected. She thanked him and left.
Brooklyn was meeting Pepper at the bridal shop for a fitting. The rest of the bridesmaids already had their dresses. Due to Brooklyn’s rigorous touring schedule, she couldn’t make the previous fittings. Instead, she had texted Pepper her measurements so that the seamstress could start on her maid-of-honor dress.
The bridal shop, Wedding Bliss, was located on Main Street in Bridgehampton. Brooklyn’s bodyguard chauffeured her through the quaint town, which was decorated with a huge menorah as well as a Christmas tree. The lampposts were wrapped with garland, and old- fashioned colored Christmas bulbs were strung high over the main thoroughfare.
The limo pulled in front of the shop, and Brooklyn stepped out, wearing a pair of dark Prada shades and her ankle-length brown sable coat over her winter-white outfit.
“Hey, how did rehearsal go?” Pepper asked once Brooklyn walked into the shop’s private room.
Brooklyn took off her coat and sunglasses. “Great. Mr. Vance is awesome! He knew exactly what key to play for my pitch.”
“Isn’t he a lovely older gentleman? He’s been with the church ever since I was a little girl. I knew you would like him.”
“Excuse me, Ms. Daniels, would you and your guest like a glass of champagne?” the saleswoman asked, peeking her head in the door.
“That sounds great. And can you also bring in her dress?” Pepper asked.
“Sure thing.”
“So are you getting nervous?” Brooklyn asked.
“Not at all. I knew I was going to marry Michael the first time I saw him during freshman registration. Even though he was a little dorky back then, with his wire-frame glasses and starched khakis, I knew he was the man for me. Sort of like you and Landis.”
“Not really. I admired Landis, but no way did I ever think he would give me the time of day, let alone propose marriage.”
“Look at the two of you now. You guys are inseparable, and you make the perfect couple.”
Brooklyn’s face lit up. “You think so?”
“No doubt! You’re gorgeous and he’s so handsome. Not only are you guys beautiful on the outside, but you both have kind hearts.”
As they were talking, two saleswomen came into the room. One was carrying the dress and the other woman had a bucket filled with ice and a bottle of Moët & Chandon. She poured two glasses of bubbly and the other woman hung the dress on the fitting-room door.
“Here’s to you and Michael—may you guys have a long, healthy, happy marriage,” Brooklyn said, raising her glass once the saleswomen left the room.
“And here’s to you and Landis. May you two grow closer with each passing day.”
The BFFs toasted and sipped.
“Go try on the dress. I’m excited to see how it looks on you,” Pepper said.
“Yes, ma’am.” Brooklyn rose, took the dress off the door and went into the fitting room. A few minutes later, she emerged wearing a one-shoulder lavender silk shantung dress that stopped just above the knee.
“Wow! It fits perfectly!” Pepper squealed. “I’m so relieved, especially since there’s little time for alternations. Do you like it?”
Brooklyn turned in the floor-length mirror to look at herself. “Yes, it’s elegant, no crazy ruffles or huge flowers. I’ll definitely wear this dress again.”
“I’m glad you like it. Even though I had emailed you a picture of the dress, there’s nothing like seeing it in person.”
Brooklyn’s phone rang as they were talking. She crossed the room, dug the device out of her tote bag and looked at the caller ID. It was Malcolm, her manager, calling. Brooklyn hit the ignore button. She was enjoying the moment with her best friend and didn’t want to interrupt their time together discussing business. Whatever he had to say could wait.
“Nice phone,” Pepper commented.
Brooklyn blushed and rubbed the front of the phone. “Thank you.”
“Is it new?”
“Yep! It’s my Christmas present from Landis.”
“Christmas present?” Pepper asked, wrinkling her nose.
“That day at Rockefeller Center, I admired his phone and mentioned that I needed a new smartphone. The next thing I know, the phone was wrapped up in a box and sitting on the bed Christmas evening.”
“That’s so sweet!”
“Isn’t it? He’s a keeper for sure.”
Brooklyn was beaming as if she were the bride-to-be. She couldn’t have been happier. She had finally met her match. Landis didn’t have any hidden agenda. He had let his intentions be known the first night they met. Brooklyn remembered Pepper’s words about Landis wanting to settle down and hoped that her friend was right.
“Maybe Landis and I will be next at the altar.”
Pepper picked up her flute and touched it to Brooklyn’s. “I’ll toast to that.”
Chapter 12
“Oh, it’s so cold out here!”
“Walk faster and you won’t feel it.”
Brooklyn and Landis were out on the private deck that was right outside their bedroom. The early-evening temperature had dipped down into the low thirties, but that didn’t prevent them from venturing out onto the deck in white terry-cloth robes, boots and nothing else. Landis had the bright idea to relax in the hot tub before the rehearsal and dinner.
“Why did I agree to coming out here in the freezing cold? This is ludicrous!” Brooklyn whined.
“Oh, come on. Stop being a baby.” Landis had made his way to the hot tub; he took off his biker boots and dipped his toe in the water. He had gone out earlier and turned on the hot tub. “The water is perfect.” He disrobed, revealing his sculpted body, and eased himself into the bubbling water.
Brooklyn stopped in her tracks momentarily to stare at his nakedness before he submerged himself up to his neck. Landis still had a toned athlete’s body. His thighs were firm, his chest was well defined without being too muscular and his biceps appeared strong and powerful. Admiring his body had motivated her, and she picked up her pace, nearly running. When she reached the hot tub, she tore off her robe, kicked off her boots and quickly stepped in.
“Ahh, that’s better,” she said, settling into the tub.
“Now you can’t even feel the cold. Can you?” Landis asked, with a fog of condensation emanating from his mouth as he spoke.
“No, you can’t, but it’s still frigid out here.” Brooklyn glanced around at the mounds of snow in the corners of the deck and couldn’t believe that she was sitting in a hot tub in this frosty climate.
“It might be cold out there, but it’s warm and toasty in here.”
“I know, but my mind can’t get over the fact that I’m outside, naked in the winter. The last time I was in a hot tub, it was in sunny California on an eighty-degree day and I had on a bathing suit.”
Landis moved closer to her. “Close your eyes.”
“What?”
“Close your eyes for a few seconds.”
Brooklyn did as instructed. She could hear the gurgling of the bubbles and nothing else. The night was still and quiet. She inhaled the crisp air and exhaled. Suddenly, she felt Landis’s lips on hers. With her eyes still closed, Brooklyn returned his kiss. She slipped her tongue into his mouth and French-kissed him with abandon. Brooklyn was no longer cold, but was heating up with pheromones. She moved closer, threw one leg over his body and straddled him, all the while keeping her eyes closed.
Landis gently palmed her breasts and began massaging the mounds of soft flesh. He played with her nipples, softly squeezing them between his fingers. “I love your tits. They’re not hard like artificial boobs.”
“No, baby, I’m all natural,” she said, opening her lids.
They stared longingly into each other’s eyes, momentarily silent. Their passion was speaking loud and clear.
Brooklyn reached underneath the water and began stroking his manhood, bringing it to attention. She wanted to feel him inside her. She was becoming addicted to making love with Landis. She just couldn’t get enough.
“Wait one minute,” Landis said. He moved Brooklyn’s leg to the side, then reached over the edge of the tub for his robe and fished out a condom from the pocket. He stood up in the middle of the water, rolled on the prophylactic and sat back down. “Okay, where were we?”
“I was getting ready to feel you inside me.”
“Oh, I like the sound of that. Come here.” Landis held Brooklyn’s arm as she resumed her position.
Brooklyn sat on his mound of flesh and started suggestively rotating her hips until she felt him growing beneath her. She opened her legs wider, scooted closer to his groin area and continued grinding.
Landis took hold of his stiff rod and inserted the tip into her sweet spot.
Brooklyn bounced up and down, and up and down, inching his hardness farther into her ready canal.
He held her by the waist, lightly lifting her with each bounce, until they were moving so fiercely that water sloshed around them.
The steam from the hot tub and their lovemaking caused beads of perspiration to sprout up on Brooklyn’s forehead. She felt free and liberated, making love underneath the stars in the crisp winter air. She didn’t hold back. She gave him all she had.
“I…I…love you…Landis!” Brooklyn shouted out as she came.
Landis held her tightly around the waist. “I love you, too, Brooklyn.”
After giving in to their yearnings, they relaxed in each other’s arms, staring up at the onyx sky. The moon was full and seemed to hang above them like an exquisite oil painting.
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