His Pleasures and Pain (Book II) (Allen Trilogy 2)

by Chevelle Allen

  As the evening wore on, friends said their good-byes, going home to spouses or significant others. He had nowhere to be, so he perched at the bar, ordered another bourbon and turned his attention to the business news channel overhead as the last friend said ”good night”.

  “Excuse me? Is this seat taken?”

  She was well-dressed and very easy on the eyes. A natural beauty with flawless complexion, he was immediately drawn to her almond-shaped, brown eyes, full lips and inviting smile. Her hair was an intricate braiding of highlighted sisterlocks. She wore tailored clothes accentuating her figure nicely.

  “No. Feel free.” Returning her smile, he resumed watching the screen even as the subtly of her perfume penetrated the thick cigar smoke.

  “That smells nice. What is it? A Padron ‘26?” she asked.

  Turning back to her he replied, “Close. Padron Reserve.”

  “Nice. I’ve never tried one of those.”

  “You smoke cigars?”

  “I am in a cigar bar.”

  “So you are,” he smiled. “What’s your favorite?”

  “I usually go for the Gurkha Beauty.”

  “That’s a nice mild smoke.”

  “Exactly.” She extended her hand to him introducing herself. “Narissa McCall.”

  “Michael Josey.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” Generally he hated small talk, but she was certainly worthy of his attention.

  “I’ve seen you here before.”

  “Really?”

  “Uh huh. But I think this is the first time I’ve seen you at the bar. Usually you’re sitting over there engrossed in a book.”

  Lately, he came to the bar after dinner to enjoy a cigar and read, not realizing he’d become regular enough to be noticed by anyone.

  “I apologize for not noticing you before. I won’t make that mistake again.”

  “I’m not offended. A man with that level of focus has a lot on his mind.”

  “Or just a good book in his hands.”

  “Same thing, isn’t it? So what are you reading these days?”

  He was pleasantly surprised by her question and said, “Lately I’ve been doing more thematic reading. Predictive works and journals about the next phase of civil rights legislation.”

  “That’s interesting, but I have a feeling it’ll stall. There’ll be a new round of challenges to those laws.”

  “So you follow legislative issues?”

  “I follow a lot of things—nature of the job. That’s why I generally keep my reading to best selling fiction.”

  “So I take it that means you’ve read King’s latest?”

  “Absolutely! It’s sheer brilliance.”

  He liked the way her face lit up describing the book and its characters. Narissa was engaging, clearly well-educated and analytical with a wry sense of humor. After nearly three hours chatting about everything from business to politics, they got around to what each did for a living. It was refreshing to chat with a woman not obsessed with knowing his line of work while simultaneously analyzing his income potential. Being a public relations executive with clients on The Hill and in the business sector, dealing with lawyers was commonplace for her. They shared another drink and he let her sample the last puffs of his cigar. He liked this woman and he hoped to see her again.

  “It’s late. I need to go, but it was great meeting you. Maybe we’ll run into each other again soon.”

  “Or we can be more deliberate about it.” He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a pen to write on the cocktail napkin. “Here’s my number.”

  “What? No business card?” She took the pen from his hand while keeping her eyes on his, tore the napkin in half and wrote her number on it.

  “That’s my personal number. Feel free to use it when the mood strikes you.”

  “I will. As long as you do the same.”

  “You can count on it.”

  She smiled broadly saying, “Good night.”

  “Can I walk you out or call you a cab?”

  “I valet parked, so…”

  “At least let me walk you to the door.”

  “That’s very chivalrous of you.”

  “Manners maketh man.”

  “And a few other things,” she chuckled. “I can’t believe you actually quoted a 16th century Englishman!” she chuckled. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

  ”You have no idea,” he grinned.

  “Oh really? That sounds intriguing. You’ll have to fill me in the next time I see you.”

  With her car brought around, she reached for his hand squeezing it, before getting in and driving off.

  He watched her pull away at the corner, before walking in the opposite direction towards home. Once inside his condo, he began undressing when his cell phone rang. It was after midnight and he couldn’t imagine who’d be calling him so late.

  “Yes?”

  He could hear the whizzing of cars and the rush of air through the phone. “So, the mood struck me.”

  She took him completely by surprise. He presumed he’d hear from her in a day or two if he didn’t reach out first.

  “I see,” he said pleasantly surprised.

  “I hope my call doesn’t put you off.”

  “Not at all. It’s unexpected, but I’m not put off. A woman who knows what she wants is refreshing.”

  “We’re both a little old for unnecessary dating rituals. Don’t you think?”

  “Agreed.”

  “Are you free for dinner tomorrow night? I know this great little spot in Georgetown.”

  ”Would you like me to meet you or are you going to pick me up?” he teased.

  “You can meet me there. Do you know Ferdinand’s?”

  “I know where it is, but I’ve never eaten there.”

  “Traditional Mediterranean food with a great atmosphere. I think you’ll like it.”

  “Then it’s a date. What time?”

  “Seven?”

  “Seven it is.”

  “Great. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Is there anything else you’d like while you’ve got me on the phone?”

  She chuckled and said, “Usually I seize the moment, but I’m going to leave that one alone for now.”

  He laughed heartily and said, “Good night, Narissa. Be careful getting home.”

  “I will. Good night, Michael.”

  Hanging up the phone, he couldn’t help but be intrigued by their exchange. From the moment she approached him, to their ensuing conversation, he found her stimulating. He looked forward to spending time with her again.

  CHAPTER 38

  Being a native of the city, he’d forgotten just how vibrant D.C.’s arts and culture scene was. He was rediscovering so much with Narissa. She was an avid fan of live theater and music. He’d learn it was a pastime she indulged every chance she got. Sometimes, they’d meet in small clubs listening to powerful Spoken Word and Hip Hop or classic R&B and Neo Soul artists from the area. Other times, they’d take in road productions of Broadway shows. They took in more productions in the few months they’d been dating than he’d seen in the past decade.

  He took her to the private galleries and museums. Not working far from each other, he’d call inviting her to lunch. Occasionally, they simply met for drinks at the cigar bar. Their evenings out were exhilarating and he found himself more attracted to her. Yet as much as they flirted and laced their conversations with innuendo, most evenings simply ended with gentle kissing, deep hugs and once in a while, longing looks. She seemed hesitant about going further, so he simply waited until she was ready. When she invited him to her home for a casual dinner, he was open to whatever she had in mind.

  Her townhouse was minimalist but full of art, sculptures and large tropical plants. Bookshelves were full of every genre imaginable. Handing him a cold beer, she led him out to the patio where she had a small grill loaded with foil-wrapped foods that smelled delicious. He�
��d never seen her like this. She’d cast off the tailored suits, freed her locks and was wearing faded jean shorts and a camisole that gave a clear impression of her ample breasts and nipples. Barefooted, she was alluring and naturally beautiful.

  “Can I help you with anything?” he asked.

  “Nope. Just sit back and relax.”

  “It smells good. What is it?”

  “Roasted vegetables, mushrooms and some pork loin in this great marinade I picked up. Oh shit!”

  “What?”

  “Please tell me you eat pork.”

  He chuckled, “I eat pork.”

  “I should’ve asked when I invited you over. I had a taste for it and didn’t even stop to think you might not eat it. I’m sorry about that.”

  “No problem. It smells delicious.”

  “Maybe not as great as the restaurants we’ve been to lately, but I can hold my own. Do you cook?”

  “Yes. I like experimenting with food.”

  “Then the next meal is at your place.”

  “It’s a date.”

  She sat next to him at the small patio table and popped open her beer. She tapped his bottleneck and asked, “So how was your week? We didn’t get a chance to talk much. It’s been a little insane for me. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. You mentioned it was going to be a packed week. I figured we’d catch up when we could.”

  “I really like that about you.”

  “What?”

  “You don’t seem pressed about things like that.”

  “Nothing to be pressed about. We both have very demanding jobs. I just assume there’ll be times when we can’t get together when we want.”

  “God, you’re breath of fresh air! Some men I’ve dated wanted me to treat them as if the moon and stars rose over them. Like I had nothing else going on in my life.”

  “That’s too bad.”

  “Men get possessive quick when you’re fuc…having sex.”

  “You can say fucking. I’m not offended. But the generalizing…” Raising his brow, he took a long sip on his beer watching her carefully. She didn’t seem flustered, but almost suspicious.

  “You’re right. That’s not fair. So how’d you become so enlightened?”

  “Just life…if you’re paying attention.”

  He watched as she guzzled the last of her beer and set the bottle on the table. She got up, removed the lid off the grill, turned the items and closed it back up. “Dinner should be ready soon. Can I get you another beer?”

  “Sure.”

  She returned shortly with two bottles and sat back down, this time with her foot perched on the chair as the other dangled. He could tell she was deep in thought as she sipped more slowly. Rather unexpectedly, she stood up and straddled him on the chair. He set his bottle down, placing his hands on her lower back as she draped her arms over his shoulders. She leaned in kissing him far deeper and longer than she ever had before. As the kiss waned, she stared at him as if she were trying to find her words.

  The silence between them was more telling than uncomfortable. He moved his hands to her upper back and pressed her towards him and kissed her just as deeply as she had him. Rather than let the kiss end there, he moved from her lips and nuzzled into middle of her throat. Running his tongue along her neck, he moved his hands lower to her ass and pulled her closer. Her breath was hot on the side of his face and ears and he could feel little pulsations in his penis that he was certain she felt too.

  He loosened his hold on her and whispered, “That was nice.”

  “You scare the shit out of me. You know that, right?”

  It was by far the most peculiar thing a woman had ever said to him and he wasn’t quite sure how to take it.

  “I don’t want to scare you.”

  “But you do. I look at you and I’ve got all kinds of questions.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like, how is this man not attached? God! You’re sexy…intelligent and it seems like you’ve got your shit together. And then I think you’ve got to be a player, or on the down low or have babies and women in every damn state or something. Something’s gotta be wrong with you.”

  Even though she giggled after making her statement, he could tell she was masking real doubt in her humor.

  “Then why didn’t you ask me?”

  “Because I’m not sure I want to know the answers. I just enjoy being with you.”

  As intriguing as the moment was, he could smell her food charring on the grill. “Check your food.”

  “What?”

  “The food?”

  “Oh, damn! I invite you dinner and burn up the food. That wouldn’t be cool at all.” She jumped up removing items from the grill and placing them on the side cart. “One more minute and this would’ve been ruined. Thank you!”

  “No problem.”

  “Are you hungry?” she asked turning back to him.

  “Not really.” He extended his hand to her. “Come here.”

  She walked the short distance and sat in her chair, taking his hand across the table.

  “That’s not quite what I had in mind,” he said giving her a coy smile and a slight tug.

  She got up and sat across his lap.

  “Ask your questions. I’ll be honest with you.”

  “Are there other women in your life?”

  “No.”

  “Are you bisexual?”

  “No.”

  “STD’s?”

  “Never.”

  “Do you have kids?”

  “No.”

  “No, or none that you’re aware of?”

  Thoroughly enchanted, he could only laugh and say, “I don’t have any children. I’m very selective about the women I sleep with and always take responsibility for our mutual protection.”

  “So why haven’t you gotten married?”

  “Why haven’t you?”

  “Not something I want. But I asked first.”

  He was a little taken aback by her response and simply said, “If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen.”

  “That only leaves one question.”

  “Okay.”

  “Are you a serial killer or psychopath?”

  He burst into laughter, as did she. “No, Baby.”

  “But we all have a darker side.”

  His laughter gave way to intrigue. “That’s true. The key is learning to embrace it. It has its purpose.”

  “Really?”

  “Really.”

  “Well, I’m still trying to figure mine out.”

  “And what have you figured out so far?” He was genuinely curious how she’d answer the question. In his time with her, there were occasions when she was somewhat enigmatic.

  Her mood shifted a bit and she said, “What others consider dark is just unconventional not necessarily harmful.”

  She quickly dropped the subject and he chose not to push further. Moving on to other topics before preparing their plates for dinner, she was back to her gregarious self.

  Such a simple meal proved beyond delectable. They ate on the patio and watched the sun set as their conversation continued. He queried her as she had him, but her answers proved far more nuanced. This woman was full of contradictions, and yet she was among the most transparent people he’d ever met. She spoke freely about a strict religious upbringing that left her angry, guilt-ridden and confused in her youth. As she matured, she confessed to becoming a pragmatic agnostic leaning towards humanism. But she admitted there were still times when her upbringing crept into her psyche.

  He listened carefully as she claimed to be an ardent feminist. She rightfully believed she was free to chart every element of her life, from the career she chose, to the clothes she wore to the partners she sexed. And yet she revealed feeling tremendous guilt when her ambitions or credo clashed or caused pain to those for whom she cared deeply. He listened intently as additional layers of this stunning woman were uncovered.

  Clearing the dishes, he helped
her bring the scant remaining items into the house. She filled the sink and he offered to wash the dishes while she dried and put them away. Few words were shared while they completed their task. But he watched her finding himself more drawn to her. Wanting her.

  Leaning against the counter, he handed her the last of the utensils. She dried them and placed them in the drawer behind her. He watched as she folded the dishtowel with her back to him before hanging it on the adjacent rack. He moved behind her gently placing his hands on her shoulders letting them move slowly down her arms as he kissed the back of her neck. She leaned into him letting out a deep sigh before reaching up with one hand to touch the back of his head.

  He moved his hands around to her belly before one made its way to her breasts and the other slid into her shorts. She reached down placing her hand on top of his guiding him as he began gently fingering her increasingly moist vagina. Taking hold of his hand, she brought it to her mouth licking his fingers. Her licking turned to sucking and then she ran her teeth across his them.

  He turned her around, lifted her onto the counter and began kissing her again. Wrapping her legs around him, she drew him closer as their kisses grew deeper and more fevered. She ran her hands under his shirt before lifting it up and removing it. He slid the thin straps of her camisole off her shoulders pulling the garment off her breasts. Leaning in, he lightly licked her nipples as she arched giving him greater access. With her head resting on his, his tongue swirled over her breasts. Then unexpectedly she bit him hard on the shoulder. It hurt like hell, feeling as if she’d broken the skin. The intensity of what she’d done was coursing through him when she bit him again.

  Grabbing her hair, he whispered, “Be very careful. You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

  “Show me,” she whispered back.

  Trying to gauge just how far she was willing to go, he ran his tongue along her neck and cheek before biting her lip though not nearly as hard as she had him. Releasing her hair, he took firm hold of her throat. She grinned seductively placing her hands on his chest before digging her nails into it. The searing pain of the deep scratches caused his penis to twitch even more. Taking her off the counter, he wrestled her shorts off, spun her around and smacked her hard on the ass. She let out a loud gasp, looking back at him with a wickedly enticing smile. Turning quickly, she pushed against him creating distance between them. Her eyes transfixed on his, she slowly backed away proving herself both predator and prey.