by Simone Evans
“Fuck,” he finally gasped as he pulled from me and rolled to the edge of the bed. “Trash?” he rasped.
I flung my hand toward the other side of the bed and he chuckled as he rose on unsteady feet and walked around the bed to toss something in the trash.
Afterward, he crawled back into my bed and wrapped me in his arms.
“I promise, I’ll make up for this next time,” he murmured into my hair.
“I’ll let you, but I’m feeling pretty damn good this time,” I giggled and Levan chuckled.
“Damn, I love your giggle,” he said just before he kissed me senseless.
Chapter Ten
Levan
I was jolted awake by the singing of men. They were in the room with us. Who the hell broke into someone’s house and sang? But then again this was the Big Apple and nothing should surprise me.
“Sweet Home Alabama. Where the skies are so blue. Sweet home Al–” The song went on.
Bang.
“Shut the hell up already!” Cherry groaned. “Ugh. I just want to sleep.” She rubbed her hand over my stomach and giggled.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, looking down at her. Her bedroom was pretty dark except for a little sliver of light shining through the blinds.
“Last night was amazing,” she sighed dreamy-like. I kissed the top of her head and smiled.
She was right. Last night had been amazing. The sex wasn’t long enough; however, the raw emotions made it ten times better than any sex I had ever had. Cherry’s body had responded to every touch my body gave to her. When she had slid down my cock and her pussy stretched to fit me, I nearly lost my mind. She was tight. No man had touched her in a while and she was mine at the moment. It only made the night more perfect.
“Say something,” she whispered. I kissed the top of her head again.
“Last night was heaven.” I rolled on my side and kissed her swiftly. “Want me to run and go grab you some breakfast before I head home to get ready for work?”
“You work on Saturdays?” she asked.
“Saturday? Today is Saturday?” She laughed instead of replying to my question. “I’ve been so wrapped up in work, finding the twins a daycare, and school, I hadn’t kept track of my days.”
Cherry rolled on her side and faced me.
“You’re going to school too?” I could tell by her tone that she was all smiles.
“Yes, ma’am,” I chuckled.
“You really are amazing, Levan,” she leaned down and kissed me. “What are you studying?”
“Engineering,” I whispered and waited for her to laugh her ass off at me.
“Really?” she asked excitedly.
“Yeah. I mean, it’s no big deal.” I twisted my goatee to distract myself from the sudden uncomfortable feeling I had. She probably thought I was some thug, who wasn’t educated and thought I was bullshitting her about going to college. I wouldn’t blame her. I mean, I was a single dad, who worked construction. Not exactly something to brag about.
“Stop doubting yourself, Levan,” Cherry whispered. “It really is impressive that you are working full-time, taking care of the twins, and going to school.”
“My gram-ma and Auntie help me out… a lot,” I admitted.
Those two women were my lifeline. They had helped me in so many ways. They had helped me when I brought the twins home for the first time. The twins were three months old and I didn’t have a clue what to do with them. It was my gram-ma and Auntie, who had taught me everything. They’ve been the backbone to the twins and my life.
“They sound like amazing women,” Cherry kissed my cheek.
“Maybe you can meet them one day.”
My heart dropped in my stomach and I felt like kicking myself in the ass. Why had I said that? It came out so naturally, but those weren’t words meant to be said after one day. Hell, she might not have wanted to see me again or maybe didn’t want to see me for anything but sex. I was assuming too much and making a huge ass of myself.
“I should probably get dressed and–” I whispered.
Cherry surprised me when she rolled me onto my back, straddled, my waist and turned on the lamp that was next to the bed. She was glaring down at me with her piercing green eyes.
“I thought we were trying to get past our insecurities?” she huffed. Her brown hair was loose and tousled. She looked cute. It was nice seeing her look so natural. Most women looked like swamp thing first thing in the morning, but not Cherry. She looked like a Goddess. “Why are you smiling, Mister?” She poked me in the chest.
“You’re cute when you’re mad,” I laughed. She glared but briefly because soon we were both laughing.
“You’re such a brat,” she sighed. “Seriously though. Why did you go shy mode on me?”
“I–” I took a deep breath and tried to gather my thoughts. I wasn’t sure where to begin. It was something simple but I was being a chicken shit.
“I…” Cherry prompted.
“I don’t want to come across as a clingy guy. I mean, you meeting my gram-ma and Auntie probably makes me sound like I’m moving at the speed of light,” I chuckled nervously. “I was just saying it as in if something were to develop… I mean, if we decided to… ugh… I am totally botching this up. Huh?”
“A little,” she giggled and then grabbed the sides of my face with both of her hands. She looked down at me and smiled. “Maybe we can start off by going out on a real date? Not that I mind having a date in my bed.”
“A real date?” I smiled when she nodded. “That sounds nice. I’m sure my gram-ma wouldn’t mind watching the twins so we could go out.”
“Perfect,” she smiled. “And, after a few dates, if things are going well, we can start bringing the twins with us.”
My eyes widened at her words. She actually wanted to include the twins in on our dates. Did that mean she was thinking this would work out between us? I couldn’t help the nervousness, excitement, and curiousness that rushed through me.
“The twins?” I asked calmly. She frowned at me.
“Yes. You know those two little angels, who like to fight over hotdog vendors and steal their teacher away from her coffee,” she grinned.
“Ah. Yes. I think I know those two,” I laughed. “I don’t know if I’d call them angels though.”
Cherry poked the tip of my nose softly.
“They’re angels if I say they are,” she said, sticking her tongue out at me. “So, deal with it.”
This woman really was amazing. She wasn’t just beautiful on the outside. She was beautiful on the inside with a huge heart. I found it hard to believe that her ex had left her. She was perfect. So, what if she couldn’t have children? He shouldn’t have faulted her for that; besides, by the sounds of it, he wasn’t exactly hitting the right spots.
Idiot.
“Does going on a date sound good?” Cherry asked, moving her finger from my nose. I smiled and nodded. “An ‘outside the bedroom’ date?” Her eyebrow rose.
“Yes,” I laughed. “An ‘outside the bedroom’ date.”
“But we still get bedroom dates too… right?”
“Hmm?” I tapped my chin and pretended to think. Cherry glared mischievously at me.
“Just hmm?” she asked.
“Yeah. Not too sure,” I teased.
“We’ll see about that,” she grinned and then slid back down towards my toes. Her ass pressed against my cock. She smiled vixen-like.
“Fuck,” I moaned and grabbed hold of her hips. “Yes. Bedroom dates. Any room dates. Movie dates. Dinner dates. Any kind of date you want, beautiful.”
“But we can have a bedroom date right now. Right?”
“Definitely,” I reached between us and rubbed her clit briefly. “All mine.”
“Yours.”
Cherry bit her bottom lip. She pinched her nipples and leaned forward to where her pussy was now against my cock. She began moving her hips. Her pussy was wet. My cock was already hard, but with her working her hips and
coating my cock with her pussy juices, it ached to be inside her. But that’d have to wait because right now I wanted her to sit on my face and drown me with her juices.
Chapter Eleven
Cherry
A few weeks had passed since the night of the huge storm. Every free moment I had I was either spending time with Levan or him and the twins. We made sure to tell the twins that I was spending time with them as a friend since I was new to town. The precocious three-year-olds loved introducing me to things I’d never seen or had.
We’d finally made it to the other hotdog cart, then they laughed as I made faces while eating my first falafel, and of course, they loved walking me all over the streets of New York showing me their favorite places and things.
The few times, Levan and I had been able to catch a few moments alone, we’d done things together – dinner, bowling, a film with subtitles, and once he took me to an art show a friend of his was having for their paintings. Unfortunately, we hadn’t made it back into a bedroom and I was strung so tight I wanted to cry. But I had understood the reasons. Levan had finals for his classes and had to spend most of his alone time studying.
Several times, I’d talked him into allowing me to spend the evening reading a book while we sat across the table from each other at the Big Apple Cafe. It was better than being home by myself and I began to learn little things about the man. Levan was extremely organized when it came to his schooling. All of his notes were color-coded on index cards and the corresponding information in the books was highlighted in the same color. He’d even written the page number on the card so he could go and re-read any information that wasn’t staying with him.
He was also extremely generous and quick to help anyone who needed it. One date we had was cut short when a friend needed him to come by. Levan had explained to me later that the man was struggling with some past demons and Levan was his helpline when he felt like falling back into the same stupid behavior.
Then, there were also his little quirks like twisting his goatee when he became nervous or was in deep thought. The way his eyes lit up with joy anytime the twins were around or came up in conversation. The affection and respect he had for his grandmother and aunt. And, the little things that showed his Jamaican ancestry. He said it was all from being raised by his grandma when I’d mentioned it.
Our last date had actually been dinner with his family. He’d informed me that his grandma insisted on meeting me and it would be less painful if food was involved because she was an amazing cook. He, of course, hadn't been exaggerating. His grandmother was amazing as a person and a cook. And, Mrs. Irie Clarke had become a friend for life when she’d told me stories of a little Levan.
However, tonight was just going to be Levan and me.
I’d invited him over for dinner at my place to celebrate the fact he’d finished his classes. He wouldn’t know his grades for a few more days but he needed to celebrate the hard work as much as the grades.
Looking at the small cake I’d picked up at the bakery, I hoped Levan didn’t mind the mini celebration. Nerves filled me as I thought about some of the things that had gone through my mind while I cooked.
It might be time to discuss with Levan about where he thought our relationship was heading. I needed to know how he felt because if there was no future for us, then it was time to cut ties. The twins were becoming attached to me and me to them.
But the biggest issue was the fact I wasn’t sure how to categorize what we had together. Was he my boyfriend or just a friend with some extra benefits? We’d agreed to date but had never spoken about what the next steps would be or how we would know when it would be time.
Levan had to work Saturday which was why we had set up tonight with his grandmother. She would take care of the twins and getting them to the church tomorrow morning. Over the past couple of days, an idea had begun to take shape and I just hoped my question wouldn’t scare him away.
The doorbell jerked me out of my thoughts and I quickly rushed to look through the peephole. Levan stood in the hallway fidgeting with his shirt as he waited on me to answer.
“Talking… then we jump his bones,” I instructed my libido as I moved to unlatch the locks.
“Cherry,” Levan greeted as he pulled his arm from behind him and offered me a small bunch of flowers. A huge smile filled his features and I stared at him dumbfounded. I’d never get used to the impact of his smile. “May I come in?” he chuckled.
“Oh…” I stepped out of his way and opened the door wider as I motioned with my hand. Once he was through, I relocked the locks and turned to find him standing uncomfortably with the flowers clutched by both of his hands in front of him.
“You look gorgeous,” he rasped as my eyes lifted to his face.
Levan was moving his eyes over me as he took in the dress I’d chosen to wear. It was stretchy and comfortable but styled to be dressy enough for a dinner date. It made my breasts look amazing and came down over my overly large biceps with three-quarter sleeves. The skirt flared out from the waist and stopped just at the top of my knees. The green and blue swirls made me think of warm days on a beach by the ocean. Not to mention making my eyes pop.
“You look gorgeous,” Levan repeated and I giggled.
“Thank you. So, do you,” I assured him as I noted the black slacks and white button-down shirt.
“Um…” Levan appeared uncomfortable and I let out a slow exhale before I reached for the flowers in his hand.
“Let me put these in some water.” I headed for the kitchen and felt Levan follow me. “Dinner is ready, I just need to serve it up,” I murmured as I rummaged for a vase.
“Cherry…” Levan’s voice was deep and rolled over and through me like a physical thing. “Can we talk?”
“Always,” I replied and threw a smile over my shoulder as I finally found the vase.
Concentrating on the tasks at hand I was able to keep my body from taking over control. Being near Levan was like being zapped by electricity. His cologne filled my lungs and warmed me up from the inside out while feeling his eyes on me as I moved around the kitchen had me almost twitchy with need. My thighs were already soaked and I knew it wouldn’t take much for me to do anything the man asked me to do.
Once our food was on the plates I turned and came face to face to a very sexy man leaning in the doorway. I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed heavily.
“So, fucking gorgeous,” he groaned.
It would be so easy to set the plates on the counter and say to heck with eating and talking, but my earlier admonishment of myself came back to me – talk then fuck. I shivered at the use of the curse word. Something was changing inside of me and I was pretty sure I liked it.
Plastering a huge smile on my face, I motioned slightly with my hands and looked at him pointedly. “I have the table set up for us.”
“Oh… yes,” Levan shook his head and moved out of the doorway. Then he shook his head again and looked at me. “I’m being rude. Let me help you,” he offered as he reached for the plates.
“I got them” – I smiled and motioned again – “Just have a seat, Levan.”
We both headed to the small breakfast table which I had covered with a cloth and set with glasses and silverware earlier. A lighter was sitting next to the candle and Levan picked up the lighter and flicked the flame to life.
The candlelight reminded me of the night of the storm. Of our first time together.
Chapter Twelve
Levan
Cherry and I hadn’t been alone in forever. Between spending time with the twins and my finals, I had been dying for some alone time with her. It wasn’t that spending time with her at the cafe or spending time with her with the twins wasn’t good enough. It was just I wanted some quality… intimate time with her.
“What are you thinking about?” Cherry asked, looking across the table at me.
“Just happy to have some alone time,” I admitted with a smile.
“It has been a whil
e since we’ve been alone,” she said bashfully.
“Did you miss me?” I grinned. She rolled her eyes and then laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Of course, I missed my sexy, amazing, sweet boyfriend,” she smiled brightly and giggled as she added, “That I saw just this morning.”
Boyfriend. We had never discussed putting a name on what we had – my fears had kept things casual for the twins – but hearing her say it as easily as she had. All I knew was that I would never get tired of hearing Cherry call me her boyfriend. Knowing that Cherry and I were exclusive made me a proud man. Any time we spent together filled a void inside of me and I was all smiles, and in that one word, Cherry confirmed that she felt the same.
“You’re off in la-la land again, Levan,” she sighed.
“Just thinking about us again,” I shrugged to play it off.
“What about us? Something I should be worried about?” She finished her words in a soft, unsure tone.
“Nothing but good stuff. Promise.”
Cherry didn’t reply. She just kept staring at me as though she was waiting for me to explain in more detail. I wasn’t exactly sure how to explain my thoughts and happiness without sounding like a sappy idiot or sounding like a creep since we hadn’t been dating for that long.
“Levan,” Cherry finally said softly. “You’re scaring me. Is something wrong?”
“You’re the best thing to happen to me in a long time,” I admitted in a whisper. “I’m trying to not scare you off or creep you out. It’s just how I feel. I’m sorry if it’s too mu–”
“You’re the best thing to happen to me in a long time, as well.”
I looked across the table to find her smiling bashfully. I loved the way her cheeks reddened when she was shy or embarrassed. Or how she fidgeted with whatever was closest to her, which right now was her napkin.
“I’m glad you aren’t running for the hills,” I chuckled.
“No. Definitely not running for the hills.”
“Good, cause I’m a fast runner.” When I winked at her, she burst into laughter. She laughed until she had tears in her eyes. When she finally stopped laughing, she wiped away the tears.