“And I intend to keep him.” Her teasing smile faltered slightly when she realized how much she meant the words she had so easily spoken.
“I didn’t doubt that for a moment.” Angela’s smile turned to a frown. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Alesha blinked rapidly. She had been trying with all her might to appear carefree and happy, and had thought she was doing an admirable job until Angela’s question.
“Nothing’s wrong.” She sipped her drink. “Why would you think that?”
“Something’s bothering you.” She frowned. “What is it?”
“It’s…”
“Don’t you dare say ‘nothing’!” Angela touched her hand. “Tell me.”
She remained silent as she contemplated answering her friend’s question. The truth was, she needed to talk to someone and Angela was her confidante. She would keep her secret. Besides, she could use some wise advice right about now.
“Derrick and I went to a fundraiser last night.”
“And?”
“His ex-wife was there.”
Angela’s mouth dropped open in shock. “He was married before?”
“Briefly, two years ago.”
“Did you know?”
“Of course,” she said.
Angela frowned suspiciously. “What did she do to you?”
She sighed. “She introduced herself as Diana Chandler.”
Angela gawked. “No, that hussy didn’t!”
Alesha chuckled at her choice of words. “She did.”
“The nerve of her!”
Alesha sipped her drink. “Oh, she has plenty of that.”
“What did Derrick do?”
“He wasn’t around when we met.”
“Well, you don’t have anything to worry about.”
“I don’t?”
“Of course not. Anyone seeing you and Derrick together can see you’re meant to be.”
“We are?”
“Definitely. His ex is just jealous that you have what she couldn’t hold on to.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Alesha prayed she was right.
“You’re not worried about her, are you?”
“No.”
“No?”
She sighed. “Maybe a little bit.”
“Did you talk to Derrick?” After Alesha nodded, Angela said, “What did he say?”
She left out all the colorful language and shouting and succinctly responded, “That he’s not interested in her.”
“Of course he’s not. I rest my case.” She frowned at her friend. “You do believe him, don’t you?”
“Of course. It was just unnerving meeting her out of the blue.”
“I’m sure it was, but, girl, Derrick is so hung up on you he’s not going to let anyone come between you, especially not his ex-wife.” She paused. “And ex is the operative word.”
“I know.” She smiled. “You’re right.”
“Of course I’m right. Diana is just trying to stir up trouble where none exists. Don’t give her the satisfaction. You’re Mrs. Chandler now—not her.”
“Yes, I am,” she said, smilingly.
“And don’t you forget it,” Angela ordered.
“I won’t,” Alesha promised, and that was one promise she intended to keep.
Alesha returned home a little after 7:00 p.m. after making several appearances at different functions and giving a speech at a women’s club—all after her much-needed lunch with Angela. She was exhausted.
She kicked off her black high-heel pumps and walked into the living room. There, she threw her purse and keys onto the tabletop and limply fell onto the plush black-leather sofa, closing her eyes contentedly as she let out her breath on a deep, grateful sigh. Thankfully, Derrick wasn’t home—she didn’t have the strength to fight with him again.
They needed to talk about Diana, but she promised herself that when they did, they would do it civilly. She grimaced at the thought of the woman who had upset the tenuous balance of their world. What did Diana want? She silently reprimanded herself. It was obvious that she wanted Derrick. The question was, did he want her? A queasy feeling invaded her stomach as she considered the last question. He said he didn’t. He gave no indication that he did. She wanted to believe him, but should she?
“Rough day?”
She opened her eyes to stare into Derrick’s, not realizing she had briefly dozed off. He was smiling down at her with a bouquet of red roses and thankfully appeared to be in a better mood than he had been that morning. Frankly, so was she after her lunch with Angela. Maybe Cam had calmed him down. She hoped so.
She sat up and tucked her legs beneath her. “Are those for me?”
“Yes.” He handed her the flowers. “They’re a peace offering.
“Thank you.” She smiled. “Derrick, about last night and this morning…”
“Alesha.” He sat down on the coffee table in front of her. “I don’t want to argue with you again.”
“Neither do I.” She sighed in relief. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.” He paused before admitting, “I should have told you about Diana.”
She watched him closely. “Why didn’t you?”
“I honestly didn’t think I would see her again, or that you two would ever meet.”
“Why is she here, Derrick?”
“I don’t know and I don’t care, but it has nothing to do with me or us.”
She fingered a soft petal. “Doesn’t it?”
“Not as far as I’m concerned.” He touched her hand and serious eyes bore into hers. “I’m not interested in Diana. Do you believe me?”
She nodded slowly. “Yes, I do.”
He smiled in relief. “Good.” He kissed her briefly before standing and going to the bar.
“Does it really matter to you what I think?”
“Yes, it does.” He turned to stare at her. “For the record, I spent the night in my car, which is why I was in such a foul mood this morning.”
His words were like music to her ears. She had suffered last night and today, envisioning him with that witch, Diana.
“Why did you do that?”
He smiled sheepishly. “To teach you a lesson.”
She laughed. “I think I got the better end of the stick—I slept in our nice, comfy bed.”
His eyes darkened. “I’ll join you tonight.”
She blushed before changing the subject. “Um, I saw Angela today.”
“How is she?” He noisily dropped a few pieces of ice in a glass.
“She’s Angela.” She chuckled and he joined her.
“Can I get you something?”
“No, thanks.” All she wanted to do was to stay where she was and continue their polite conversation.
“We’ll have to invite her to dinner soon.”
“That would be nice. Maybe we can invite Cam, too.”
“Matchmaking?” He sipped his drink and walked back toward her. A whimsical smile tilted the corners of his mouth.
“No, not really.”
“No?”
“Well, maybe a little,” she confessed.
He sat down beside her on the sofa, placed his drink on the side table and pulled her legs across his lap, forcing her to lean back, and softly began massaging her weary feet and legs. She started to protest, but what he was doing felt so wonderful. She sank into the cushions and watched him through half-closed eyes.
“Oh!” She moaned gratefully, instantly forgetting what they had been talking about. “That feels wonderful.”
He smiled at her and continued in silence. His strong fingers kneaded her tired flesh until it
was putty in his hands. His fingers slid up and down the soles of her aching feet before moving to her ankles, making soothing little circles on her silky skin.
“How was your day?” She fully opened her eyes to stare at his handsome profile.
“Very profitable.”
He glanced at her shortly before returning his eyes to her legs. His magical fingers continued massaging her calves.
“Perhaps you’re in the wrong line of business.” She sighed dreamily.
He frowned at that and turned to stare at her. “Why do you say that?”
“You should be a masseur.”
He laughed out loud, a pleasing sound she never tired of hearing. “You think so?” He ran his hands forcefully up and down her tingling calves.
“Oh, yes.” She nearly purred the words.
His hands moved up to her thighs underneath the wool skirt she wore, suddenly causing a different kind of sensation—a familiar pain began growing in the pit of her stomach. His warm, strong hands caressed her inner thighs.
She stared longingly into the darkening intensity of his eyes and knew he was thinking the same thing she was. She realized how this encounter was going to end, and she welcomed it. She silently admitted she had been secretly waiting for this moment all day long.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door followed by the entrance of their housekeeper. “Excuse me, sir, ma’am. There’s a call for you, Mr. Chandler.” She handed Derrick the phone before soundlessly leaving.
Derrick absently continued to rub her legs, and she watched him unobtrusively. She bet he could charm a snake out of its skin without even trying. She half listened to his conversation and realized that he was talking to Cam. She prayed they would not have to go out for the evening—she just didn’t have the strength.
“Yes, Cam, everything is fine.” He smiled at her. “Thanks, but we’re looking forward to an evening alone.”
She could have kissed him for refusing Cam’s invitation.
“Alesha’s had a rough day and I’m tired, too,” he explained and then drily laughed. “Yes, Cameron.”
He hung up and stared at her. His hands reached out and grabbed hers, pulling her until she was sitting upright. Her legs were still draped over his thighs. Her face was inches away from his. They stared at each other intensely. Whenever he was near, she completely forgot everything, except for the wonderful way he made her feel. She held her breath, waiting and longing for him to kiss her. Just the slightest movement on her part and their lips would touch. However, neither of them moved to initiate it.
“Cam says hello.” He traced her cheek with his thumb, setting off little eruptions within her.
“Oh.”
“Hmm.” His fingers moved to her burgundy lips, taking extreme care to outline every curve. “What do you want to do tonight?”
“Let’s stay in.”
“And do what?”
Enigmatic eyes stared into her aroused ones. His voice was low and sexy. It touched her in all the right places.
“Let’s make some popcorn and watch a good movie,” she said.
He smiled. “That sounds like a good start.”
“Yes.”
He stood, took her hand and pulled her up with him. “But after the movie, I get to decide what we do next.”
Her pupils dilated and she leaned toward him. “Deal.”
They smiled at each other, both glad the unpleasantness of last night was behind them. He placed a quick kiss on her lips before leading her out into the hallway.
Chapter 11
They sat side by side on a soft black-leather sofa, watching a horror movie. The lights were off and the atmosphere in the room was both eerie and romantic. At a particularly scary part, Alesha screamed and automatically sought out the comfort of Derrick’s chest, hiding her face there. He laughed at her, but his arm went around her shoulders as he pulled her closer.
“It’s all right.”
She felt him smile against her hair. Suddenly realizing the intimacy of their positions, she prepared to move away. His arm, however, tightened around her shoulders, pulling her closer.
“Don’t move.”
She didn’t want to move from his comforting presence. So she did as he indicated and stayed right where she was. Tucking her legs underneath her, she turned her head until her cheek was resting on his warm chest and she continued to watch the movie.
She felt and heard the strong thudding of his heart. That wonderfully woodsy-smelling cologne he wore drifted up to tickle her nose, almost tempting her to unbutton his shirt and bury her face in his muscular chest until she was absorbed by his intoxicating smell.
His hand absently massaged her shoulder before moving to lightly play with her hair. Early in their relationship, she had realized that he liked to do that, just as much as she liked for him to. She inhaled deeply, again assaulting her senses with his scent. Suddenly, even though she was enjoying the film, the last thing she wanted was to finish watching it. Before she gave in to an irrepressible urge to pull his mouth down to hers, she abruptly stood, taking them both by surprise.
“I’m going to get some more tea.” She answered his questioning gaze.
He grabbed her hand as he, too, stood. He noted the slight flush to her face and the pulse beating erratically at her neck. He longed to place his lips on that spot. He instinctively knew that she wanted him to do that, too—that and much more.
“No, you don’t want any tea.” His arms pulled her close.
His lips found and enclosed hers. She didn’t even pretend to resist, sighing in pleasure against his mouth. Her hands drifted upward to rest on his chest. She felt herself sinking to the floor and her hands trailed up to his sturdy shoulders as they continued to engage in a thoroughly enjoyable embrace.
Against her will, he removed his lips from hers and firmly responded, “You want this—you want me.”
She was unable to respond as his sizzling mouth covered hers again. He had to be the most fabulous kisser in the world, she thought. She felt herself leaving her body. His touch inflamed her soul, making her feel as if she were the most important person in his life. As her arms encircled his neck, she silently prayed that assumption was correct. Her eyes closed against the blazing heat emanating from his gaze.
“Yes, I do want you,” she unashamedly admitted. “I want you very much.”
They both lay close together on the softly carpeted floor. His lips fused against hers, their tongues engaged in a heated dance of rising passion. Her mouth caressed his. Once again she felt consumed by him and longed to feel only as he could make her feel. They savored the tastes and textures of each other’s mouths.
His hands moved down her back to her softly rounded bottom, to the back of her thigh, intimately draping one of her legs over his, pressing her firmly against his solid length, making her fully aware of the hardening bulge in his groin. His body telegraphed a wild need for hers, a need that matched hers for him.
His roving hands moved to unbutton the front of her blouse with expert ease, slipping beneath to explore her breasts. His lips placed tender kisses down her cheek to her neck before his teeth bit into a pebble-hard nipple through the sheer lacy fabric of her bra. She closed her eyes tighter as mounting pleasure built unbearably within her tingling body.
Her fingers flexed on his shoulders before moving under his T-shirt to caress his chest before exploring his muscular back, her nails raking across his taut skin as her hunger for him surged. His hot mouth teased her flesh until she thought she would explode.
She moaned aloud, clinging to him, begging him with her body to make love to her. In response, his mouth blazed a trail of fire up her trembling body to capture her lips once again, plundering her. One of his legs eased intimately between hers and he r
olled until he was half lying on top of her, crushing her body into the floor as he ravaged her mouth. She wanted him so much that it physically hurt and it was a heady feeling knowing that he wanted her just as much.
Her body molded against his perfectly. She clung to him, moaning. His caresses grew more ardent, more insistent. His hands slid down to her hips and then moved to the front of her jeans, slipping under the waistband to stroke the smooth flesh he found there.
His mouth bruised hers, but she didn’t care. All she wanted was him—always him and only him. She sighed as her naked chest and abdomen moved against his. She longed to feel his naked body imprinting itself on hers. Her hands moved to his firm bottom, pressing closer to his rock-hard length, silently pleading with him to give them both what they so desperately wanted and needed.
She felt him smile slightly at her actions and she didn’t care if he knew how much she wanted him. Nothing mattered except the completeness she felt every time his body claimed hers.
Neither of them heard the doorbell ring, or the door open and close, because they were so engrossed with each other. Neither of them saw the man who entered and stood staring down at them in total shock. Neither of them heard his swiftly indrawn breath. Not until he spoke did they realize they were no longer alone.
“Excuse me!”
Simultaneously they turned passion-glazed eyes to stare reluctantly at Robert. He glanced away, but not until he encountered their intimately entwined limbs and his sister’s unbuttoned blouse. Her arms were holding the man who had blackmailed her into marriage and his were around her.
It was Derrick who spoke first, the expression on his face turning from passionate to annoyed, and then to amused. He sat up and faced Alesha’s brother. This was going to be interesting.
“Robert, what are you doing here?” He almost laughed at the look of distaste on the other man’s face.
Alesha was mortified! She sat up and shakily rebuttoned her blouse, grateful that Derrick was sitting in front of her, shielding her from her brother’s gaze. Her head was lowered and she smoothed her hair, which had seconds before been disarrayed by Derrick’s fingers. She couldn’t bring herself to look at either man. Derrick grasped her hands once she had finished buttoning her blouse, and they both stood to face her brother.
These Arms of Mine Page 15