by Ancelli
“So once again you’re leaving me hot and bothered.” She stroked his arm suggestively.
“Sorry, babe.” He leaned down and tried to kiss away her frown. “I’m worth the wait.”
Connie moved out his reach, and opened the door for him. “Bye.”
***
José gently shut the door behind him, and strolled toward his bedroom. As he turned the knob, he heard soft moans coming from down the hallway.
Damn… He crept down to Jewel’s room and stopped at her door. He placed his ear against the barrier and listened to her soft murmurs.
“Mmm…ohhhh…yes…”
José’s jaw tightened. He rested his forehead against her door. Who the hell was she with, making her moan like that?
She screamed out, and he instantly went hard at the sounds of her cries of passion. He only wished it was him making her holler, and as fast as he got hard, he went soft.
He backtracked to the living room, turned on the TV as loud as he could, and marched straight into the kitchen. José flipped all the light switches on, and began removing food items from the cabinets. He didn’t know what he was cooking but he needed to get his mind off of his roommate and her guest.
Cooking was his therapy. Other people ran, read, hit the gym, but his form of relaxation was to create a melt-in-your-mouth, make-you-want-to-say-damn dish, and right now, he needed to calm down. Because what he really wanted to do was tear down her door, and fuck up whoever was touching her.
He slammed his fist on the kitchen counter.
“What’s wrong with you?” Jewel entered the kitchen wearing an oversized T-shirt.
José glared at her, but he couldn’t help watching the shadow of her figure through the cotton material.
“Nothing!” He spat.
“Why was the TV so loud?” She went over to the fridge and pulled it open, then just stood there, looking in. “You’re not deaf.”
“Are you going to move? I need to get something.”
Jewel bent down, revealing her black panties. Fuck, he really should’ve given in to Connie. She grabbed a bowl of cherries and straightened up, closing the refrigerator.
“Late-night snack?” She ate a cherry while staring at him.
He gazed at the way her lips wrapped around the cherry as she pulled off the stem.
“Is that for your guest?”
Jewel arched an eyebrow. “Huh?”
He opened the fridge and grabbed a stick of butter. “You don’t want to keep him waiting.”
José turned and she had a surprise look on her face, like she didn’t know what he was saying.
“What visitor are you talking about?”
“The one in your fucking room.”
She placed the bowl on the counter and raised her index finger. “Hold up!”
He smirked. She was getting fired up; Jewel usually never showed her fierce side.
“First off, why are you cussing at me? Why can’t you talk without cussing?” She placed her hand on her hip.
He lowered his voice. “I’m working on it.”
“And secondly, there’s no one in my room.” She frowned. “If you don’t believe me, go see yourself.”
“I thought I heard you talking to someone.” He stared at her, and she began to blush. It hit him she’d been masturbating, and instantly, his mood changed. He started chuckling.
“What’s so funny?” She ate another cherry.
“Nothing, muñeca,” he said, putting items back into the refrigerator. It was too late to cook anyways. “Thanks.”
She finished the fruit and placed the dish in the sink. “For?”
“Helping me get my GED.”
Jewel turned to look at José. “You did that all by yourself.”
“Whatever.” He strolled up to her, then circled his arms around her. “This wouldn’t have happened without you.” José kissed her temple and moved back. “Now on to my next chapter. I went to the community college after my test and registered.”
Her lips curled up at the corners. “See, you’re on the right path. If you need help, I’m here.”
“I know.”
Chapter Eleven
Jewel stared at her reflection in her full-length mirror. The dress was a perfect fit. She smoothed the fabric down over her stomach and hips. José had great taste. She angled her thigh through the slit, looking at her ankle-strap stilettos. Even she had to admit she looked good.
She combed her fingers through her freshly pressed hair. Jewel glanced at her reflection, feeling as though she were looking at a completely different person.
Her cell phone rang. She glanced around, finding her phone under the mess on her bed and swiped it up.
“You look beautiful!” Emma yelled into the phone. She must have received the photo Jewel had sent.
“Thanks.” Jewel chuckled, tiding up her bed.
“José did good.”
“Yes, he did.” She couldn’t help taking another glance in the mirror. “Are you coming to his surprise party tomorrow?”
“Yes, I’ll be there, but tell me again why are you throwing José a party.” Her voice sounded sarcastic.
“He has a accomplished a few things.”
“Like…”
“Emma, stop…you think it’s easy for him to go back to school after thirteen years? I’m proud of him, and his starting college, too.”
“I was being silly…” Emma went quiet. “Listen, I approve.”
“You approve of what?” Why am I even asking?
“You and José. I think he might actually be good for you. He might not be an executive, but he’s a hard worker.”
Jewel didn’t want to tell her friend that she’d thought about it for months, but she wanted him to want her. “Emma, José’s my friend. He’s seeing someone else.”
“If you say so. He could be seeing you. He has to have feelings for you. Maybe it’s just lust but what man takes time to get a woman the perfect dress for an event he’s not even going to, unless he’s gay?”
Jewel giggled. “Believe me, José’s not gay. He’s just a thoughtful man.”
“I wish my man was that thoughtful. Jewel, I can see the way he affects you. Make a move already!”
“Really, I’m not throwing myself on any one.” Jewel looked up to the ceiling.
“You won’t be making the first move, because he has already taken the first step.” Emma sighed.
“What if what I feel and think he feels isn’t real?” Jewel closed her eyes. “Why ruin what we have?”
“Jewel, everything in life is a risk.”
“I know…but I’m just not willing to risk my friendship with him.” Jewel stared at her door, thinking of the man in the next room.
“I think José is willing to risk it, and he’s waiting for you to make the next move. Connie has nothing on you.”
“She’s Jazmine’s friend.” Jewel stared at her manicured nails.
“You already know how I feel about Connie. She’s not your friend, and you told me she treats him like shit. She forgets where she came from. Someone needs to remind her. She’s a snobby bitch.”
“Emma! Let’s just change the subject.”
“Okay…” Emma sighed. “I wish I could be there tonight, but the doctor put me on bed rest for a couple of days.”
“Your health comes first.” Jewel leaned against the footboard. “You better call me if you go into labor.”
“She wont be coming tonight.” Emma laughed, and then she got serious. “I’m proud of you.”
“Aww, thanks.”
“I’ll let you finish getting dressed. Send me pictures.”
“I will.”
“Bye.”
Rising off the bed, Jewel placed her phone in her clutch, and felt a little lonely. She didn’t even have a date for one of the best nights of her career. She should’ve called Chris. He’d flown in three days earlier.
Jewel heard a noise coming from the hallway, and glanced at the door, thinki
ng about what Emma had told her. Was she right? Did José feel something for her? She turned, opening her jewelry box on her dresser.
A knock on her bedroom door startled her, making her twist around.
“Come in.” She grabbed a lavender necklace out of the fancy, ceramic jewelry box.
The door opened, and José strolled into her room. Her jaw dropped as she gawked at him; damn, he was gorgeous. José was standing at her door in a black, tailored tux and black dress shirt. He looked sexy as hell. His brown hair was in a fringe fop style. He’d even shaved his five o’clock shadow. He looked like one of those models she’d seen at a fashion show she’d attended with Emma last year. Oh God, his cologne was woodsy-aromatic, a powerful fragrance, making her want to jump him right where he was.
He just stood there, ogling her.
***
José’s dick jerked as soon as his gaze met Jewel’s. Her lips curled into a smile.
“How do I look?” She slowly turned around, sashaying her ass.
José moved forward, placing his hands on her waist to pull her closer to him. “Muñeca, you look stunning.” She was more than beautiful. Her hair was styled differently. He couldn’t help it, he brushed his finger through her silky tresses.
Jewel gazed at him. “Thanks.” She stepped out of his embrace. “You look gorgeous.” She blushed at her own comment, touching his lavender tie.
“Thanks. I can clean up when I want to.” He couldn’t help staring at her. Even her toes were sexy, painted in a pale purple color. The slit on her dress showed her thigh, making his imagination go wild with things he could do to her.
“Connie is a very lucky lady.” She turned, looking in the mirror, lifting her necklace to her throat. “Where are you guys going tonight? If you don’t mind me asking.”
He ambled up behind her and took the jewelry out of her hands, then gently placed the chain around her neck, locking it in place. He grazed her bare skin with his knuckles. Jewel shivered, getting goose bumps.
“I’m not sure about Connie, but I will be attending the teacher of the year gala.” José pressed his lips against her shoulder, and her scent of cherry blossom and warm vanilla was alluring, making him want to turn her around and devour her mouth. José’s feelings were getting stronger, and he prayed she wouldn’t mind him going with her. He wanted to share this special night with her, to show her how he treated a woman. “With you.”
Jewel eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t know if it was due to the kiss, or simply his words.
She turned around to stare at him. “What?” she softly asked.
José touched her arm. “If it’s not too late, I’d like to be your date tonight.”
She rubbed her hands together. “My date?” She sounded nervous. “What about Connie?”
“She cancelled. Honestly, even if I had gone out with her, I would’ve been thinking of you all night.” He caressed her left cheek. “Please don’t tell me you have a date already.”
“No…” Jewel’s eyes shone. “I would love it if you’d join me tonight.” She grabbed his tie, and loosened it. “Be yourself.” She slipped the silk tie from around his neck. “You don’t need this.” She undid two of his buttons, and smoothed out his shirt.
He couldn’t help but smile. She must have noticed he was uncomfortable. José wondered why men wore that shit. But with Jewel, he could always be himself.
“Why are you doing this?” Her words came out in the tiniest whisper.
“Doing what?” He arched his brow.
“The dress, tonight, everything?”
He smiled. “Because you, my dear, deserve the very best. I want to treat you like the queen I think you are.”
Jewel was at a loss for words, shifting nervously from toe to toe.
“Even if it’s just for tonight, I want you to see how I treat a woman. Muñeca, you’re special to me. Let me show you…”
“Okay…” she whispered.
“Tonight is all about you.” He took her left hand in his, and twirled her around. “Wow…” He stepped back and gazed at her from head to toe. “You are stunning.”
“You already said that.” Her eyes twinkled, as she chuckled. “You too…”
“And I’ll keep saying it all night long.” José picked the black clutch off her bed and handed it to her. “You ready?”
“Yes.” She grabbed it and they both walked out of her bedroom, through the halls, and out the front door in silence. Without a backward glance, Jewel walked down the driveway toward his car.
“Jewel, where are you going?”
“Your car.” She continued on.
“Hell, no.” He walked over to her vehicle.
“José, what’s wrong with your car?” She spun on her heel and placed her hand on her hip, not moving.
“Jewel, I don’t want your colleagues talking behind your back.” He used the spare key he had to her car to click it open.
She strolled up next to him. “Do you think I care what people say or think about me?” She watched him closely.
“I know you don’t.” he opened the passenger-side door. “Just humor me. I want tonight to be special.”
Jewel strolled up to him and kissed his cheek, making his manhood throb. “It’s already special.” She moved into the car, and he gently closed her door.
José rushed over to the driver’s side, got in, and looked over at her. How had he gotten so lucky?
***
Everyone stopped and stared as José and Jewel strolled into the ballroom, hand in hand. The room was beautifully decorated in black and gold. Black ribbons wrapped around the gold-covered chairs. Ceramic centerpieces filled with pale cream roses had been placed on each huge, round table. White and yellow flowers hung around the entryways. The podium was to the right of the room, with a mic rising from the middle of the pedestal. There were five wooden plaques and a clear glass plaque on the side table.
Jewel was on cloud nine as she looked around. She was so humbled even to be nominated.
José squeezed her hand. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m amazed that I’m here.” She choked up.
“I’m not.” He leaned down toward her ear. “You are amazing, and now everybody gets to see it.” He kissed her cheek, making her tingle all over. Oh God, José was making her feel like she was the most beautiful woman in the room. He never once looked at any of other women in the ballroom, and there were some beautiful ladies moving about.
A waiter passed by with a tray of filled champagne flutes and José grabbed two, handing one to her.
“Cheers,” he said, clicking their glasses together. “To you, muñeca.”
Jewel took a sip, and José gazed into her eyes. He was keeping his word, making her feel special. Was he finally seeing her as a woman and not just as his sister-in-law?
“Thanks. I didn’t think I would be so anxious.” Her hands were a little shaky.
“It’s okay to be nervous.” He caressed her bare arm. “I think you got this.”
“Well hello, Jewel.”
Her happiness was interrupted when she heard the familiar voice. She forced herself to face the source of the sound. “Good evening, Phil.” She stared at her ex-husband in his dark gray suit and wondered what the hell had she been thinking to marry a man like him, a controlling and possessive man. He’d let his hair grow, and now he wore a fade, but kept his goatee, looking like Blair Underwood.
“That’s the hello I get,” he said, standing beside his new girlfriend. She was a dark beauty, a little taller than she was. “Toya, this is my…” Either he couldn’t or didn’t want to say the word. “Jewel.”
José stared at him and then at Jewel. She could see the surprise in his eyes.
“Sorry. Where are my manners?” She placed her flute down on the high table next to them, and turned to her date. “José, this is my ex-husband Phil Thompson. Phil, this is—”
“I’m her boyfriend.” He extended his hand, and Phil shook it. José possessively
circled his arm around her waist. Jewel’s heart had done a flip when José said he was her man. She knew it was for show, but she couldn’t help but smile. “Nice to meet you,” said José as he released his hand.
“I would say the same, but I didn’t know my wife was dating anyone,” Phil said, peering a Jewel.
“Your wife?” José’s jaw tightened. “Last time I checked, you two were divorced years ago.” He glared at her ex.
Toya shot daggers at Phil.
“I’m so used to calling her that. Sorry, baby.” He grabbed his date’s hand. “Jewel, I’ve been trying to reach you for some time now and you haven’t returned my calls.”
“We don’t have anything to discuss,” Jewel said sternly.
“I beg to differ. We have a lot to talk about, starting with the house.” Phil placed his hand on his date’s back.
José interrupted them. “Phil, I don’t think this is the place nor the time to discuss this.”
“This has nothing to do with you,” Phil snapped.
“It does when it involves Jewel, so if you’ll excuse us.” José took Jewel’s hands and walked her toward their assigned seats.
She was so grateful José was with her, because she had a feeling things would have gotten ugly had she been alone. Jewel was not going to give in to Phil. He wanted her house, or half of what it was worth, but it was her house.
José pulled her chair out, and waited until Jewel sat, then took the seat beside her. He moved his chair close, placed his arm around her shoulder, and leaned in. “What was that about?”
“He wants my house,” she said, keeping her voice to a whisper.
“Huh?”
“The court awarded me the house, unless I sell it. If I do, I have to give him half of my profit.”
“I thought you wanted to sell it.”
“I was just having a moment. I don’t think I can ever sell that house. It’s like my award, the first thing I bought on my own.” She took a sip of water. “Phil’s harmless.”
“Sure he is.” José turned to watch Phil. “Sorry for the boyfriend slip, but I wanted him to know that you’re not alone.”
“I am alone.” Jewel glanced at Phil and Toya. “I’m a force to be reckoned with.”