Dangerous Ground

by Smith, Stephanie Jean

  Xavier lifted Loretta’s hand and kissed it. “If it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t be here tonight. Being the coach for the King Center has brought new meaning to my life.”

  The unexpected compliment through Loretta for a loop. “It is I who should thank you. For without you, the King Center’s basketball team never would have made it to the state championships. Children need to be involved in activities that build confidence. Parents are so busy providing for the everyday needs of their children that the emotional needs are often forgotten.”

  “I didn’t realize that until I came to the King Center. When I was growing up my siblings, and I always had positive role models within our home. I always talked to my father and Jo about whatever I had on my mind. Even when I was making their life a living hell, I expected their support. When you see children who are lacking the mere essentials of growing up in a loving environment it hurts.”

  “I know what you mean Xavier, but as long as there are places like the King Center, children will always have a refuge.”

  “How did you get involved with the King Center?”

  As Loretta looked around the ballroom, she noticed that most of the honorees were socializing or dancing. She and Xavier were too involved with each other to participate in the networking. “It’s a long story. Are you sure you have enough time?”

  “I’ve got all night.”

  “When I was eleven my father and mother were going through some tough times. So, instead of hanging around the house I used to go to the King Center.”

  “They must have worked things out didn’t you say that they died together in a plane crash.”

  “My mother was a fool for love, and I know that my father cheated on her several times. She always took him back I used to feel so sorry for her. My mother should have divorced my father and went on with her life. Instead, she wasted her life on a man who never loved her.”

  “Being an only child, that must have been a terrible time for you.”

  “Not quite, I hardly ever spent any time at home. Cookie’s mother and father welcomed me into their family. I saw as little as possible of my parents, and they seemed to like it that way.”

  “Sounds like a very lonely childhood.”

  “It wasn’t that awful, when I was seventeen I became a volunteer for the King Center. I loved being around children. I would read to the younger children, and I helped the older kids with their home work. Those were some of the best years of my life.”

  “I’m surprised you didn’t have any children of your own.”

  “Alan wanted children, but he wanted them for the wrong reasons. I think that producing children should mean more than just a biological urge.”

  “So, he wanted children, and you didn’t.”

  “We talked about children and agreed that we would wait a couple of years before we would begin a family.”

  Xavier looked around the room and noticed that they were the only ones in the ballroom. “Would you like to have a drink with me in the lounge?”

  Loretta didn’t want the night to end. “I would love to.”

  They sat down in an intimate booth as far away from everyone else as possible. Xavier ordered a beer and Loretta ordered a rum and Coke. “Loretta can I ask you a personal question.”

  “I’m capable of answering questions, but if I think the answer is none of you business, I probably won’t answer.”

  Xavier took a sip of his beer as he studied the woman sitting across from him. “How come you haven‘t gotten married again; why isn’t there a man in your life? You’re an extremely attractive young woman, with so much to offer.”

  “Well, I could say the same thing about you? As I told you in the ballroom, being married isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. My marriage only lasted six months, and it was the worst time in my life.”

  “If you met the right man, would you get married again?”

  “I don’t know Xavier. I don’t think I would make any man a good wife.” Loretta had Xavier’s full attention after that statement.

  “I know a lot of men who would be happy to call you their woman.”

  “Isn’t that funny how you just changed terms? You said a lot of men would be happy to call me their woman, but not their wife. Is it more beneficial to be a man’s woman than it is to be his wife?”

  Xavier rubbed his chin as he smiled at Loretta. “If a man is lucky, his woman is his wife.”

  “Are you going to explain that statement?”

  “No, I’m not because you’re not ready to hear the answer.”

  “I think that means that you just don’t have an answer.”

  “What went wrong with your marriage?”

  Loretta was taken back by the question. “Why are you so focused on the intimate details of my marriage to Alan? We tried to make it work, but we just weren’t compatible.”

  “Are you afraid to answer the question?”

  “No, I’m not afraid to answer the question I just don’t think that the answer is any of your business.”

  Xavier took a sip of his beer and cleared his throat before he continued. “When I first met you, I was surprised to find out that you weren’t married, or at least in a serious relationship. I spent the evening at the United Way fund raiser finding out about the beautiful woman with the sherry-colored eyes.”

  “And what did you find out.” Loretta rested her elbows on the table.

  “I found out that this beautiful woman was abused by her former husband and that she refuses to allow any man into her life.”

  For some reason, Loretta was disappointed in Xavier’s response. “Some women don’t believe in repeating mistakes.”

  Xavier couldn’t stop himself from tracing Loretta’s face with his fingertips. “Just because one man let you down, doesn’t mean that the next man will. Did Alan beat you because you refused to get pregnant?”

  Suddenly Xavier’s face was blurred as Loretta’ mind traveled back five years ago. “I gave a birthday party for one of the kids from the center. Alan had been spoiling for a fight that whole day. Finally, after the party Alan demanded to talk to me. We rode home in silence, I didn’t notice anything unusual. I followed him into the house, and the next thing I know he punched me in the face. I remember him trying to rip my clothes off, but I don’t remember much else.” Loretta had tears in her eyes as she told the story.

  “Maybe we should talk about something else. I didn’t want to upset you by asking about your ex-husband.”

  Loretta kept talking as if Xavier hadn’t said a word. “No child should be brought into a relationship like that. I vaguely remember hitting Alan in the head with a baseball bat. I drove to Cookie and John’s house as if all the demons from hell were chasing me.”

  “Loretta that was more than five years ago you need to put it behind you.”

  “I’m trying Xavier; believe me, I’m trying really hard.”

  Xavier signaled for the waiter. He paid the check and stood up holding out his hand to Loretta. “Come on baby, I think we should call it a night.” Xavier escorted Loretta upstairs to her hotel room. He grabbed her keys an unlocked the door. “Goodnight Loretta.”

  Loretta wanted to say so many things to Xavier that she didn’t know where to begin. Xavier bent his head and gently kissed her on the cheek before he went to his own room.

  Loretta pressed against the door several moments before she locked it. She took off her dress and hung it in the closet. For some reason, her stomach was queasy. Loretta went to the bathroom to wash her face and brushed her teeth before going to bed. Loretta put on her night gown and turned out the lights before laying down on the massive king size bed. Loretta laid there peering into the darkness; she had a tough decision to make: either she would take a chance on a relationship with Xavier, or she would have to stop seeing him. Xavier was an all or nothing kind of man, and suddenly Loretta felt as if she just ran out of time.

  ***

  Saturday was a day for adventure for Loretta and
Xavier. They spent the day sightseeing, shopping and eating. After lunch, they decide to head back to the hotel for an afternoon nap. Xavier saw Loretta to her door, and he winked at her. “Don’t forget to wear something sexy. I can’t wait to show you off at the club tonight.”

  Loretta didn’t take a nap right away she went to a salon in the Country Club Plaza and got a manicure. When she got back to her hotel room, it was three thirty. She didn’t have time to take a nap and get prepared for her date with Xavier. Loretta ran some water for her bath and took a leisurely soak as she thought about seducing Xavier.

  Loretta loved to wear sexy lingerie; when she got through with her bath she took out a lacy black bra and panty set. She took her time rubbing body lotion over her feet and legs before putting on a soothing pair off black, silk stockings. Loretta loved the way the silk felt on her legs, and she was never going back to nylons. She was in a mood for love tonight, and she was pulling out all the stops. Loretta dabbed her favorite perfume, Fifth Avenue, all over her body. She put a dab of it behind her knees, as well as on her wrists, and behind her ears.

  Loretta decided to wear her hair down tonight she took out her curling iron and went to work. It took her about twenty minutes to get her hair exactly the way she wanted it. Loretta figured that it would take her less than ten minutes to put on her makeup.

  She chose the two piece black silk and lace dress that Cookie picked out for her. The dress could be worn with or without the see through jacket. Usually, Loretta would not have gotten a dress that left her shoulders and back exposed. However, that jacket made her feel less like an exhibitionist.

  Loretta added some finishing touches to her hair and makeup, and she was ready to go. She was putting lipstick and a few tissues in her purse when she thought about what Cookie said while they went shopping. Loretta opened the box of condoms that she bought and put a couple of them in her purse.

  As Loretta put the box away, she heard the knock on her door. She opened the door and held her breath. Xavier looked good as usual, he had on a tailor made black suit with a white shirt and a red silk tie decorated with black diamond shapes. To top it off, he smelled good. There was nothing sexier than a handsome man who smelled good too.

  “Hello Loretta, are you ready to go” Xavier said as he quickly kissed her on the mouth.

  Loretta smiled up at him. “I just need to get my jacket and purse.”

  “Well I’m glad a jacket comes with this dress. I don’t like the thought of any other man seeing you this way. Matter of fact, I think it would be a good idea if we stayed in tonight.”

  Loretta put her jacket on and grabbed her purse. “Xavier I didn’t know you were such a prude. I spent too much time getting ready for tonight, we’re going out.”

  “As long as you keep your jacket on, my prudish behavior will remain in control. I just don’t want other men to see what they’ve been missing. Now, let’s go to dinner and have a good time.” Xavier said as he kissed Loretta again.

  They arrived at Armand’s Italian restaurant around seven thirty. Xavier was attentive, considerate, and made Loretta feel as if she’s the most influential woman in his world. She loved every minute of it and didn’t want the night to end. Loretta ignored the reservations she had about starting a relationship with Xavier and decided to put her focus on the man instead.

  Xavier ordered dinner for both of them; Loretta was willing to leave the situation in his hands. She had a lot of things on her mind, and ordering dinner was not one of them. Loretta wanted to ask Xavier to spend the night with her, but she didn’t know how. She wondered how far would Xavier push her tonight; would he ask her to spend the night? If he did, how would she tell him yes without sounded too eager?

  Xavier was doing his best to ease Loretta’s mind. She looked like a lamb on its way to the slaughterhouse. Could Loretta actually be that afraid of him? She already drank two glasses of wine. At this rate, Loretta would be out like a light before dinner was over.

  Dinner arriving was an interruption both of them needed. The two glasses of wine Loretta drank went straight to her head. If she didn’t get some food into her system fast, her tipsy state of mind would make her say something she would regret.

  Xavier barely tasted his food his attention was totally focused on Loretta. He just wanted to hold her, and let her know that he was the man for her. The dress she was wearing fit her like a glove. Xavier had been in a semi-aroused state since he picked Loretta up from her room. After they got married, this dress would unquestionably have to go.

  He refused to have her walking around half-dressed in front of other men. Xavier smiled to himself, they had only been dating seriously for the last week, and here he was thinking about marriage. Xavier knew he had it bad, he promised that he’d never marry again.

  Loretta saw the smile on Xavier’s face. She wondered what he was thinking about. Her thoughts alone would set the building on fire. Xavier chose that moment to look at Loretta. They gazed at each other for what seemed like an eternity before Loretta broke eye contact. Loretta felt as if Xavier had read her thoughts. She excused herself and practically ran to the ladies’ room.

  Xavier watched her go with a slight smile on his face; he knew she was embarrassed because he had caught her checking him out. Loretta wanted him. There was no doubt about it. He saw it on her face. Xavier motioned for the waiter, he would pay for dinner, and wait for Loretta at the front entrance.

  Loretta stood there in front of the mirror feeling like a fool. She had made a total ass out of herself just now. Xavier had read her face like a book. He knew she wanted him, so why should she be embarrassed? There is nothing wrong with finding your man sexually attractive. Loretta knew what was wrong, if she did get Xavier into bed she probably wouldn’t know what to do with him.

  Xavier was surprised to see Loretta come out of the restroom so soon. He just knew he was going to have to pay someone to go look for her. Loretta looked composed and ready to ignore what happened at dinner. Well, Xavier decided not to let her off the hook.

  “Are you ready to go,” Xavier said as he held out his hand to Loretta.

  “I’m ready when you are,” Loretta said as she grabbed his hand and followed him out the door.

  Xavier took Loretta to a dance club he partially owned called ‘The Club.’ It catered to the over thirty crowd, which was fine by Xavier. The last thing he wanted was to share a dance floor with a bunch of teenagers. The dance club was crowded as usual, which was exceptionally good for business. Xavier and his friend Huey James bought ‘The Club’ two years ago. At the time, he was looking for a sure-fire investment. His consulting business was making good money, but he did not want all his eggs in one basket.

  Huey came straight to Xavier and hugged him. “Where have you been hiding man? I haven’t seen you in months,” Huey exclaimed.

  “You know me, I’m always busy. Let me introduce you to my lady,” Xavier said with immense satisfaction. “Loretta Brown, this is Huey James a good friend of mind.”

  Loretta didn’t mind Xavier introducing her as his lady. She shook the hand Huey held out to her, and he held onto her hand a little longer than necessary and raised it to his lips. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Xavier didn’t tell me how beautiful you are.”

  “Believe me the pleasure is mine,” Loretta said. “I didn’t know Xavier had any friends, so I know you must be a very special friend.”

  Huey faced Xavier and smiled slightly. “Oh, me and Xavier go way back. Let me get you two a table.”

  Huey found them a table in record speed. “Loretta you have a good evening.” He winked at Xavier, and whispered something to Xavier before he took off in another direction.

  “You and your friend are as different as night and day,” Loretta said as Xavier motioned for a waiter.

  “Are differences makes us good friends, what would you like to drink a Coke.”

  “Add some rum to it and you got a deal,” Loretta said.

  “Do you honestly think you
should be drinking alcohol? You already polished off a half bottle of wine,” Xavier replied.

  “I’m sure I can handle it,” Loretta said as she placed her order with the waiter. “By the way, why did Huey say that he was finally glad to meet me?

  “I’ve talked about you often enough, Huey probably felt as if he already knew you.”

  They sat there and listen to the live band as they waited for their drinks. Loretta found the dance club to be relaxing. She was glad Xavier brought her here. She did not like to go to nightclubs, but this one was different. It was incredibly posh, and there was something about the decor that reminded her of Xavier. “Do you own this club?”

  “What makes you think I own this club?”

  Loretta looked around the club. “This club reminds me of your house. The decor and the shades are similar.”

  Xavier gave Loretta a brief smile he replied. “As a matter of fact, Huey and I are the owners of the club. A successful business man needs a lot of pots to keep his hands in. As much as I love the work I do, I own stock in at least three other companies. I don’t see myself in the entertainment industry that’s why Huey runs the club himself. I think it’s intriguing that you picked up on the similarities between the club and my house. Most people wouldn’t have noticed.”

  “Oh, I don’t know, I’ve noticed a lot of interesting things about you.”

  “Would you like to dance?” Xavier asked Loretta as he stood up.

  “Yes,” Loretta said in a husky whisper. When they got on the dance floor, the band started playing a slow love song.

  Loretta went into Xavier arms as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Xavier was holding her as if he’d never let her go. She could feel the hardness of his body as they swayed to the music.

  They barely made it to the end of the song before Xavier pulled her away from the dance floor back to their table. He took out his wallet and left some money on the table. He put his hand around Loretta waist and ushered her right out the front door.