Only You (23 page)

Read Only You Online

Authors: Francis Ray

Tags: #Romance, #Erotica, #African American, #Contemporary, #Fiction

BOOK: Only You
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“That about sums it up,” she said.
He threw back his head and laughed, then grabbed Sierra, picking her up. “You are undoubtedly the eighth wonder of the real estate world.”
Her hands on his shoulders, she grinned back at him, then tried to look contrite again for all of two seconds before the grin returned. “It was wonderful. I didn’t want to overstep.”
He cocked a brow. “Really?”
“But I figured you’d get over it.”
He chuckled, still holding her aloft. “You are amazing.”
“So are you,” she said, her voice a bit breathless, her eyes on his lips. Her fingertips followed.
“If I give you the kiss we both want, you’re not leaving this room for a long, long time,” he said, his voice husky and full of promise.
Her hands on his shoulders clenched. “Having a strong work ethic does have its disadvantages. If you’ll put me down, I’ll get back to work.”
He let her slowly slide down the hard length of his body, his gaze watching her. “Seven sharp.”
Nodding, she went to the door and opened it. “I might even be early.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
 
 
A
s days went by, Blade and Sierra quickly fell into a routine. They’d have dinner together at his penthouse, then watch a movie or just enjoy being with each other before going to her place to spend the night.
She’d wear one of those incredibly sexy nightgowns for all of two minutes; then it would end up on the floor. They’d make love, go to sleep, and then in the morning make love again before he’d go to his place to shower and dress and wait for her to have breakfast with him. On weekends, they’d go horseback riding or visit with Dominique and Trent.
Blade was content to stay in but realized the time was coming when they’d have to go out. It came ten days after they returned.
“Mrs. Street and her daughter called today. They want us to attend Eloise’s wedding Saturday afternoon.” Sierra was curled up against him on the sofa at her place as they watched the movie
Ray
. “She apologized for the lateness of the invitation, but hoped we’d understand.”
“What did you tell them?” he asked mildly, his hand stroking her back.
“I thanked them, and said I’d ask you,” she answered.
“You want to go?” He already knew the answer.
“They both have properties here,” she said unnecessarily. Her fingers played with the buttons of his shirt. “Eloise and her future husband might purchase another Navarone property as well. More important, I like them and her parents. I’m honored that they asked. I think it would be rude on my part not to attend. But since you’ve never met them, I understand why you’re hesitant.”
“You could go without me.”
“Yes, I could.”
“Are you going?” His hand paused.
“Yes.”
Blade heard the disappointment in her voice. It wasn’t often he offered explanations, but he was finding with Sierra it was occurring more and more. “Because I don’t attend many functions, the ones that I do often turn into a media frenzy. I don’t think the bride or her parents would appreciate that.”
Sierra pushed up and stared down at him. “A lot of important people will attend, but I understand if you’re reluctant. You didn’t attend Faith and Brandon’s wedding, either. How about the reception? It will be at the Streets’ home in the garden.”
“I’ll think about it,” he said.
She lay back down, but not before he’d seen the regret in her face. He half-expected her to be cool that night when they made love. Instead she’d burned in his arms like a living flame, holding nothing back, matching him thrust for thrust, caress for caress. Afterwards she murmured his name, then went to sleep in his arms, her head pillowed on his chest as she had done since the first night they’d become lovers.
His arms tightened around her soft body. Nothing had changed between them. He planned to keep it that way.
The next morning she didn’t bring up the wedding invitation again. Nor did she mention it the rest of the week.
Saturday morning they had breakfast as usual, then she left for an appointment. At ten minutes after eleven the phone rang in his office.
Blade hit the speaker. “Yes.”
“Sierra just left her place,” Shane said.
“And?” Blade studied the architect’s proposals and designs for what might be his next project in the South Pacific. He’d have to make a decision soon. He knew he was hesitating because initial projects always called for a lot of twelve-to-fourteen-hour days. Time he’d spend away from Sierra.
“She changed into one of those fancy suits that cost more than some people make in a month,” Shane answered. “She told Rio she wouldn’t need him anymore today.”
“She said you knew she was going out, but I wanted to check,” Rio explained.
Blade muttered an expletive. “Did she ask for the car?”
“No,” Shane answered. “I guess someone is picking her up.”
“Have her held at the lobby. I’m on my way,” Blade ordered, reaching to disconnect.
“Might I suggest we ask her to wait?” Shane suggested dryly.
Blade muttered another expletive. Sierra reacted adversely to being told what to do. “Rio, you’re on.”
“Gee, thanks.”
Blade disconnected the phone, his mind on Sierra as he dismissed Rio’s sarcastic tone. He should have known she’d go.
So what’s the big deal?
he asked himself as he stepped into the elevator. She’d go and then come back to him. She wasn’t the cheating type.
The big deal was that she’d asked him for only two things: to smile and to go to a wedding. So simple yet so complicated.
 
 
B
lade asked you to wait until he gets here,” Rio said, his wide-shouldered body directly in front of Sierra as she stepped off the elevator.
So Shane had seen her on the security monitor and called Blade. “I think not.” She stepped around him.
Rio fell into step beside her. “We’re going to run into a problem if you try to leave before he gets here.”
It was a statement of fact. “Ask my four brothers, each one of whom can probably match you, how I react to a threat.”
Rio’s long arm shot out in front of her to grasp the brass door handle. “We both know I’d have to tangle with Blade if I touched one little hair on your head.”
Her delicate hand settled beside his large calloused one. “I fight my own battles.”
His gaze went from her head to her toes. “That outfit might put you at a disadvantage.”
Sierra wore the snug-fitting pink and brown Escada knit suit with a straight skirt she’d purchased in Mexico. She’d been able to find shoes and the cutest little hat to match. “Why don’t we find out?” She pressed down on the handle to push open the door.
“Sierra!”
She turned to see Blade quickly coming toward her, then looked at Rio. “Good-bye, Rio,” she said, and pushed open the door.
 
B
lade caught up with Sierra a few feet from the gleaming black sports car parked at the curb. He waved to Dominique in the driver’s seat. She smiled and waved back. Rio gave Blade a look that said he was on his own and retreated inside the building.
“Please wait,” Blade called as Sierra was about to step off the sidewalk.
Sierra paused, faced him, then glanced at her watch. “Blade, it’s very rude to arrive late at a wedding.”
Shane was right. She was stunning, and this time she didn’t bother to hide her annoyance with him. “Maybe we can go out next week,” he offered.
“Maybe.” She went to the passenger side of the Porsche and opened the door. “If you change your mind, I’m sure Shane can find Mrs. Street’s address. Your name is on the guest list. There’ll be dancing at the reception. I’ll save the first one for you.” Opening the door, she got inside. Dominique pulled off, leaving Blade standing on the sidewalk, staring after them.
 
 
T
he bride glowed in a Vera Wang gown. The groom couldn’t take his eyes off her. Imported flowers filled the sanctuary of the two-story church. The mothers of the bride and of the groom both cried as their only children were united in holy matrimony.
After the touching and beautiful ceremony, those invited to the reception went to the bride’s parents’ two-acre palatial estate. The Streets had waited to put the Tudor mansion on the market because they’d wanted to have the reception in the first and only home their only daughter ever had known. Sierra appreciated the sentiment and fondly recalled her mother’s happiness and pride at the weddings of her brothers.
“This brings back memories,” Dominique said as she meandered over the immaculate grounds with Sierra. Their destination was the reception in the large white tent on the lush lawn. “I think I’ll jump Trent the moment he comes home from work tonight.”
“Good for you.” Sierra might do her own jumping. She’d known it was a long shot for Blade to attend, but somehow she had the suspicion there was more to his being reclusive than just wanting to stay out of the public eye. He needed a nudge and she was just the person to give it to him.
“Thanks for inviting me.” Dominique sipped her sparkling cider.
“Thank you for coming. Mrs. Street said I could invite guests,” Sierra said as they strolled past the terrace where a harp waited. “Since we haven’t been seated yet and the musician isn’t playing, Blade might make it for the first dance.”
“You really care about him, don’t you?” Dominique paused by the stone steps below the terrace.
“More than I ever imagined I would,” Sierra confessed.
Dominique’s lips curved. “Your mother and mine finally missed one.”
Sadness touched Sierra’s face as she shook her head. “Blade is a long way from making any kind of commitment. His not being here proves it.”
“Give him time.” Dominique sipped her drink. “From the delay, I agree he might make it yet.”
“I wonder what the problem is?” Sierra asked. “There’s Mrs. Street. She’s coming over here and she doesn’t look happy.”
“Sierra. I need your help.” The mother of the bride, dressed in an elegant ankle-length pink suit, looked frantic.
“Is it the caterer?” Sierra asked.
“The musician for before-dinner music is stuck in traffic and won’t be here for another hour. Her instrument is here because we wanted everything in place when the guests arrived. At Eloise’s shower, you mentioned that you play a harp.”
Sierra could see where the conversation was going and didn’t like it one bit. “Not professionally, and only occasionally to appease my mother. Why don’t you have the dj you hired play?”
“He’s stuck in the same traffic tie-up. The intercom speaker’s volume won’t reach the tent,” Mrs. Street said; her lower lips trembled, then firmed. “I’ve asked, quietly of course, and none of my friends play the harp. Eloise is beside herself.”
Sierra glanced down at the fitted skirt that reached four inches above her knees. “I can’t. Not with this skirt.”
“I have a cashmere shawl,” Mrs. Street offered hopefully.
Sierra studied the concerned woman. Mrs. Street hadn’t mentioned that her family had purchased over $6 million in property from Sierra. If Mrs. Street’s new son-in-law followed through with his intent to purchase beach property at Navarone Riviera Maya, that number would increase another 5 million. She had asked as a mother wanting the best for her daughter and the man she loved.
There was only one answer Sierra could give: “Please send for the shawl.”
 
 
B
lade stood mesmerized as did the other people standing around Sierra as her slim fingers gently plucked the strings of the harp. Her eyes were slightly closed as if she was lost in the music, music that drew him, tugged at the heart.
Just as Sierra did.
“Please move to the reception,” an attractive elderly woman in a stylish pink suit requested those listening on the terrace. Those who didn’t move, all men, she gently urged by putting her hand on their arms. An elderly man in a tailored tux was doing the same thing.
His warm smile in place, The man finally reached Blade and froze. His eyes widened in recognition. “Blade Navarone.”
“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll wait for Sierra.”
“Of course, Mr. Navarone.”
Blade extended his hand. “Blade, please.”
“Jerry Street, father of the bride.” The handshake was brief but firm.
“Congratulations,” Blade said.
“Thank you. Please join us when you can.” Jerry Street ushered the other stragglers toward the reception.
Blade moved closer. There were so many facets to Sierra and all of them unique and compelling. He’d never met anyone like her. He didn’t think he ever would again.
Her slender fingers stilled. The last notes hauntingly hung in the air. Slowly her eyes opened as she lowered her delicate hands. As if she’d known he was there, she turned, a blissful smile on her face. Pulling the shawl from her lap, she draped it over a nearby chair on her way to him.
Knowing he shouldn’t in such a public place didn’t keep him from gathering her to him. “You play as beautifully as you look.”
“I’m glad you came.”
At the moment so was he. “You didn’t give away my dance, did you?”
“No way.” She hooked her arm through his and started back to Dominique, who stood quietly to one side of the terrace. “Let’s go eat. I’m starved.”
 
 
S
ierra enjoyed the scrumptious meal, but she was one of the first ones up when the bride and groom asked their guests to join them on the dance floor. “That’s our cue.”
“I haven’t danced in years,” Blade said, slowly coming to his feet.
“You never forget how to dance. Just ask Faith sometimes.” Sierra tugged him to the crowded dance floor. “It’s slow, so all you have to do is hold me and move your feet.”
He recalled the other time she had told him that. This time there would be no nibbling kisses, however. A pity. “I think I can handle that.”
She grinned at him and went into his arms, laying her head on his shoulder, humming along with the singer. Sierra was as happy as the bride. Blade had come. Slowly she was gaining a little piece of his heart.
The song ended much too soon and another one began, this one with a fast tempo. Blade surprised her by swinging her out, keeping perfect beat with the music. “You’ve been holding out on me,” she teased.
“You can’t know all my secrets,” he said, jesting.
Sadness washed across her face. “If you ever want to talk about them, I’m a good listener.”
He pulled her to him so she couldn’t see the regret on his face. His secrets were too horrible to share. This time when the song ended they went to their table.
Once seated, Blade quickly learned Sierra was as outgoing as he was reclusive. She introduced herself and Dominique, and she introduced Blade as Rhone, the last part of his name. He should have known she’d remember he wanted to keep a low profile. Watching her charm men and women, young and old, was an unexpected pleasure.
They didn’t leave until it was almost dark. Recalling the lonely stretch of road on the way to Dominique’s house, he insisted on seeing her home and found she was as stubborn as her cousin. He walked her to her car, then simply followed her in the Maserati.
Sierra smiled when he continued on the freeway behind Dominique instead of taking the exit off the freeway to Navarone Place. “You remind me of Luke.”
“In a good or bad way?” he questioned, stopping to pay the toll.
“Definitely good.” She tossed him a smile as he pulled off. “You try reasoning, but when that doesn’t work you follow your own conscience. You’re both good men.”
The unexpected compliment touched him. “I bet you were a handful growing up. Dominique, too. I take my hat off to Luke and Daniel.”
“They taught us to be independent and resourceful. My guess is that Dominique knows you’re following her. She likes you or else she’d lose you.”
“That would take some driving on this crowded freeway,” he said. “Is she another speed demon?”
“No comment,” Sierra said.
Blade chuckled. “Why am I not surprised?”
“Because you’re a smart man.” Sierra turned in her seat toward him as Dominique turned into the long driveway of her house. “There’s something to be said about speed demons.” She slipped the top button of her jacket free, revealing the soft swell of her breasts. “How fast do you think we could get back?”
His blood heated, pumped through his veins, pooled below his waist. Instead of stopping as he’d planned, he waved at Trent, who was waiting at the edge of the walk for Dominique. “Let’s find out.” Blade put the car in a sharp spin and sped off.
They made it back in record time, and without a ticket. Blade parked in the underground garage himself, then grabbed Sierra’s hand, practically racing to the elevator. If they were in his private elevator he would have slipped the rest of the buttons free on her jacket. He kept it together by not looking at her. If he saw the burning desire in her eyes, the same desire he was sure was mirrored in his, he might have lost control.
They sprinted down the hall. Thankfully, his unsteady hand inserted the key in the lock the first try. As soon as they were inside her place, he pulled her into his arms. The kiss was hot and torrid. Picking her up, he hurried to her bedroom. They quickly undressed each other; then they were on the bed. In a heated rush he brought them together. The tempo was fast, taking her to the height of satisfaction and beyond. He was relentless. Hunger and need consumed them. They moved in harmony, giving, sharing, loving. They shattered together.
It was a long time before their ragged breathing slowed. Turning to his side, he kissed her lips. She nuzzled his neck, then leaned up on one elbow. Her hand splayed on his chest, her hair flowing wantonly over one bare shoulder. “I hope you’re not sleepy. I’m not finished with you.”
“Good, because I’m not finished with you, either.” He lifted himself, fastened his mouth on hers, and showed her.
 
 
M
uch later, she yawned and snuggled against his muscle warmth. She felt bonelessly delicious. “Thank you for coming.”
He realized before deciding to join her that he’d kept her isolated because of his fears connected to Mary. He couldn’t do that to Sierra. “You like going out.”
“I enjoy people, new experiences.” Her foot swept down his long leg. “With the right person, of course.”
He couldn’t keep her to himself even if he wanted. Sierra had proven she’d go without him. “Would you like to go out to dinner tomorrow night or to the Ghostbar?”
Her head came up. Her eyes were bright. “There are a couple of restaurants Dominique suggested we try.”
The excitement in Sierra’s voice was all the answer he needed. “We’ll go wherever you want,” he said, and hoped neither of them would regret his decision.
 
 
S
ierra should have been bubbling with happiness as she pulled into NorthPark Center. Navarone Place was 92 percent sold, and in the two weeks since the wedding, she and Blade had grown closer.
They both worked hard but managed to spend their mornings and evenings together. At least twice a week they went out to dinner, the theater, or the museum. They’d even managed to go horseback riding and go-cart racing again.
There was only one thing marring her happiness: the grand opening was scheduled for ten days from now. She’d have to move out, and the way sales were going, every estate would be sold by then.
She’d have no reason to stay in Dallas.

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