“The next block.” Regina turned her head. Their lips almost touched. Light from the street filtered through the back window and cascaded on her dreamy eyes and full lips. Simon caressed a round cheek. Regina’s lips parted. He slid the side of his thumb down her delicate jaw and leaned his head to one side, closing the distance between their lips.
The car jerked to a stop, breaking the trance. “You’re at your destination, sir.”
Regina turned to open the door. Simon huffed and shot the driver an irritated glance. “Thanks, man.”
Her soft giggle relaxed him. His body shivered at the rush of cold air swirling around him and filling the space left by her as she stepped outside.
She bent over and peeked inside. “You comin’, Young?”
He paid the driver and hopped onto the curb. Wind swirled around them, making the hems of their coats flutter against their legs. He put his hands in his coat pockets and leaned into the wind. They walked towards the tall brick building. Once in the elevator, Regina stood at the back. Simon braced his back against a side wall and looked at the floor numbers over the door. She pressed her body against his. Her cold hands on his cheeks didn’t extinguish the fire building inside him.
“Now,” She slanted her head and moved in closer until their lips barely met, “where were we?”
“Hold.” A loud voice shot into the elevator as the doors slowly closed. Regina hastily moved to the side. Simon extended his arm to stop the doors from completely closing.
A man hurried inside. “Thanks.” He held his hand to his chest and panted. “You know how long this thing takes to move. Almost as long as it takes for the doors to close.”
“No problem.” Simon forced a smile. The doors creaked to a close and the elevator proceeded to creep up the shaft at a snail’s pace.
The man smiled at Simon and lifted his hat to stare at the numbers over the door. During their slow ascent, Simon edged nearer to Regina. “Does it take this long all the time?”
“All the time, but you get used to it.”
Simon lifted her fingers and pressed them to his lips. “I plan to.” He leaned towards her smiling lips.
“Ahem.” They turned their heads towards the man, who peered at them with his dark brown lips upturned in a scowl. He scanned them from head to toe and back.
Regina pushed at Simon’s chest. His quest to finally taste the lips that’ve been teasing him for weeks was once again thwarted. What’s this dude’s deal? He’s never seen people kiss before? The man continued to look back at them during the rest of the ride. Not that he cared, but he noticed Regina rocking back and forth and staring at the floor.
The elevator came to a merciful halt. The man walked out, but not until he gave the couple the once over again. Before the doors creaked completely shut, he yelled “sellout” from the hall. Regina’s head popped up. Her lips formed a line, and her eyes flashed with anger.
Simon squinted. “What did he just say?”
“Nothing,” she spat between clenched teeth, “He didn’t say anything.” She jammed her hands in her coat pocket and sniffed while tears welled in her eyes.
Chapter 5
You Forgot Me
The grinding sound of the elevator doors churning open cut through the silence. Simon wiped the last tear from under Regina’s eyes when she pushed off the wall and bolted. Her handbag jostled at her side as she hurried down the corridor. Simon reached and kept pace with her. “Which one is yours?”
“The last one on the left.” She looked straight ahead—her eyes vacant and emotionless.
A familiar aching feeling crept over Simon. I know that look. He’d seen it on Marcus plenty of times while they were in college. Although he’d encountered his share of racist bull, some unimaginable stuff happened to his best friend. Professors were especially condescending and offered Marcus far less face time. Cops followed him around, and he was frisked in the street more than once because he “fit the description.” The world makes sure that people with darker skin do not have an easy time of it.
Like then, his gut twisted in knots and the back of his neck tightened. He walked by Regina’s side in complete silence, waiting for her to say something—she didn’t.
Regina’s hands shook as she fumbled her keys in front of the apartment door. Simon held out his. She looked at him. Her eyes now showed an intense mixture of pain and anger. He motioned towards his hands with his. Regina’s shoulders slumped before she dropped the keys in his palm.
The rattling in the lock crackled through the air. “You know,” he said trying to make sure his voice was just the right tone, “I wanna listen if you wanna talk.” The line always worked whenever he or Marcus needed to get something off their chest.
“I don’t.” He paused. Her tone shut him down and out. He searched her face. The angry expression softened and her eyes shifted from side to side. She touched his chest. “I’m sorry. I just can’t.”
“I get it. I’m not totally clueless, though.”
She smiled. “I know. I just don’t want to give it any more energy.”
Simon opened the door. “Enough said.” Light from the hall fell on the tile floor of the apartment entryway. He braced an arm on the wall, looking at the blackness inside and then Regina.
“Thanks for understanding.” She turned just at the door and grabbed her keys. “Goodnight.” Tight-lipped, she cast her gaze downward and closed it.
Simon flattened his back against the wall and glared at the ceiling. “I don’t believe this,” he grunted to the air. “The whole evening ruined by one jerk.” He strode down the hallway. His thoughts quickened with the vein thumping at the side of his neck. I understand why she’s angry. She should be. The guy was a complete douche, but why shut me out?
He pushed the elevator button and groaned when he heard the churning sound. He looked around for the stairs, but then slumped his shoulders and paced. Staring down the hall towards Regina’s apartment door, his heartbeat steadied. They had such a good time at dinner, and the chemistry between them was potent. If it wasn’t for the idiot on the elevator, he would be holding her in his arms, something he waited so long to do. “No. This isn’t ending like this.” He took a deep breath and hiked his backpack higher on his shoulder. Undeterred by the nervous sensation creeping through his spine, he strode back to Regina’s door and knocked. He placed his outstretched hand on the door jamb, closed his eyes and breathed deeply with his head down.
She appeared in her bare feet, skirt and tank top. “Simon?”
He cleared his throat. “Hi.” She stepped a little closer and his pulse pounded so hard that he felt it through his entire body.
She looked down the hall. “Is everything okay?”
Simon stepped until his shoes met her painted toes. “Yes. You just forgot something.”
Her eyes darted in their sockets as she searched his face. “What?”
Simon held the back of her neck between his hands. He grazed her lips. The light touch sent charges of desire through his body. “Me.”
Regina’s eyes became alit with passion. He felt the rush of her breath tickle his top lip. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and smashed her lips against his. They parted, and his tongue explored the sweet warmth of her mouth. Regina backed into the apartment, pulling him with her. The sound of the elevator door churning open drifted into the apartment just before the door closed.
“Let me hang your coat,” she ordered breathlessly. Simon complied and followed her to the coat rack hanging on the entryway wall. He kicked off his shoes next to hers and shrugged off his suit jacket, standing behind her to hang it. Every nerve in his body was on fire. He slid his hand up her arms and kissed her neck. Regina gasped and turned to face him. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked loosening his tie and unbuttoning the top of his shirt.
He smiled at her scrambling fingers. She was excited too. He pulled the shirt out of his pants and started to undo the buttons at the bottom. Their hands met at the
middle. “No.” He pulled the shirt off and hung it, never breaking their passion-filled stare. “I only want you.” He tore off his white tank. His chest and ab muscles heaved and skin tingled under her touch as she made a trail down the front of his body. Her hand stopped just above his belt buckle.
“I didn’t’ know you had all of this hidden under that shirt.”
Simon took her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. “There’s more.”
Letting out a nervous laugh, she took his hand and walked him to the bedroom. They stopped at the side of the bed. Fluffy pillows flew into the air and disappeared on the other side. She tore back the comforter. He pulled her against his body when she stood. “Let me take off your clothes,” he whispered in her ear. It was both a command and supplication. He stroked just beneath her breast. “I’ve been dying to touch you.”
He nibbled her ear before pulling her top over her head. He fulfilled his long-sought desire and explored his new treasure. Slipping his fingertips down her neck and across her shoulders. “You feel like silk.” He cupped each breast and circled each nipple until he felt them pebble through the bra. Her shutters and moans drove him to distraction. No one was going to keep him from having her now.
Regina turned her head towards his. He captured her lips while his hand stole up her back. Releasing the bra clasps with ease, he slipped it off and let it drop to the floor. He turned his lover around and gently laid her on the bed. Round breasts floated in the light. “Magnificent,” he panted before circling one tight nipple with his tongue and gently tugging the other between his thumb and finger. He wanted to taste all of her but wasn’t sure he had the patience to wait. He was already so hard to the point of splendid pain. He couldn’t remember wanting a woman so much.
Regina arched her back and ran her fingers through his hair. “Mmm, Simon,” she moaned. She robbed him of her delectable breast by rolling over. She then re-embarked on the journey down his body. He shook under the kisses down his neck and across his chest. This time, Regina’s hand didn’t stop at his belt buckle. She popped it open and undid his pants. His cock jumped out and jerked at the touch of her fingertips sliding up and down its shaft.
“Regina,” he groaned. “You don’t know what you’re doing to me.”
She brought her mouth to his ear. “Yes.” She squeezed him hard. “I do.”
His body ached with hunger. He couldn’t keep it at bay. He filled his hand with her lush coils and gently yanked her head back to expose her neck. He bit her soft flesh. “I’m going to lose it.”
“What are you waiting for?”
Her body bounced as Simon jumped off the bed. He pulled a small blue packet from his pocket, removed the rest of their clothes and ripped it opened with his teeth. He settled between her thick, warm thighs, rubbing his tip against her hot folds. Assured that she was ready, he plunged inside of her.
His body stiffened at the sound of his lover’s gasp and whimper. His heart thumped wildly; every inch of him shuddered, protesting the sudden stillness. He yearned to continue-—to take them both to release, but a feeling of dread crept into him and stirred with intense passion her body triggered until his head ached. “I’m hurting you?”
“Just a little. It’s okay.” She drew his mouth to hers and shot her soft tongue inside. He melted into the kiss. She tasted so sweet. “Don’t,” she panted, propelling her hips forward. “Don’t stop, Simon.”
He happily submitted. Soft creaks from the bed permeated the room, becoming more frequent and louder with his increasing thrusts. The headboard joined the erotic symphony of creaks, grunts and ragged breathing. When Regina slid her hand down his sweaty back and dug her nails into his flexing rear muscles, Simon almost gave into the sensations. He tried running case law through his mind to slow down the building urge, but to no avail. The feel and smell of Regina along with her hot moans in his ear overtook his senses. This—feels—too—good.
Just before his battle was lost, Regina wrapped her legs around his waist, threw her head back and let out a primal scream. He stopped to enjoy her insides pulsating around him then slammed in and out of her deep, hard and fast until his body locked in an explosion. Regaining control of his muscles, Simon pulled out of his new lover and laid next to her.
“Come here.” He brought her against his body and laid a series of light kisses on her mouth. She placed her head on his chest and entwined one leg with his. The room became quieter as their breathing eased. “I’m sorry I hurt you.” Simon broke the silence. “Was this your first time?" he asked stroking her arm with one finger, trying to appear causal while his stomach tightened in anticipation of her answer.
“No.” Regina wriggled and stretched her arm across his chest. Her hair tickled his chin. “Don’t worry, Simon. You didn’t deflower me,” she giggled. “It’s just been a while.”
That’s a relief. At least I don’t have to worry about explaining to Marcus how I took his sister’s virginity. Simon stopped his finger. “How long?”
She lifted her head. “How long has it been for you?”
“I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that—”
“Mmm-hmm.” She placed her head back on his chest.
He squeezed her closer. “I’m sorry. That was intrusive. It’s none of my business.”
She pressed her lips to his. “No, it’s not, but I forgive you. After your performance tonight, I’m willing to overlook a small sexual faux pas.”
His laugh shook their bodies. “I appreciate that.” He rose and walked to the bedroom door. “Which way is the bathroom?”
“To your left.”
“I’ll be right back.”
After disposing of the condom, Simon returned to the bedroom to find the light on and Regina braiding her hair in front of the mirror, wearing a tank top and pajama shorts with the words S*L*E*E*P across the back. He certainly didn’t want to. She glanced at him through the reflection. “My hair is trashed, Young.” She took a silk scarf out of the top drawer. “Lucky for you, I’m workin’ from home tomorrow.” He celebrated how everything sprang into a delightful bounce as she tied down her tendrils.
He strode naked across the room and kissed her neck. “I could make it messier, if you’d like.
“That’s quite alright.”
He watched her backside jiggle as she walked to the bed and put back pillows and blankets. “Are you sure?” He rounded the bed and stood akimbo opposite her, presenting his stiff eagerness. “I would be more than happy to accommodate.”
Regina rubbed the side of her neck with her fingers and cast her eyes to one side. She dashed under the covers. “You’ll need to get up early to make it downtown. That is if you’re staying.”
He eyed the empty space in the bed. Normally, he would have had his pants on as soon as the condom hit the bottom of the trash can. Sleepovers were not something he did. They made things too complicated and sent a message that he was into a woman more than he was. By now, he would have formulated a dozen excuses in his mind to head out the door. Instead, train numbers and routes that would get him to work on time in the morning ran through it. He couldn’t make his way to the door or form the words for any lame excuses. It petrified him, but he wanted nothing more than to wake up next to Regina.
He flashed a full grin. “Try to stop me.” He dove into the bed and pulled Regina into the crook of his body.
“You’re going to sleep naked?”
“I’ve got you to keep me warm.”
***
“Uh.” Simon reached over Regina’s soft body nestled against his towards the strange nightstand, fruitlessly searching for his cell phone to end the offending screech emanating from it. Man. Nothing but cool wood and the realization that the noise was coming from his slacks laying on the floor halfway across the room. He caressed her bare shoulder and gingerly slid his arm from underneath her head. “I’m sorry.” He padded across the room in his bare feet. “It’s set for me to get up for work.” Which I’ll probably be late for. He
held the pants in front of his groin. His stomach tensed. It was going to be a mad dash downtown. Fortunately, he always kept fresh clothes in the small closet at his office.
“It’s okay.” Regina let out a soft sigh as she arched her back and stretched. One of her long brown legs escaped the confines of the white sheet. “I understand.”
Simon ached to climb back into the bed with her but couldn’t risk being too late. He hadn’t been at the firm that long, and making a good impression was still very important. The partners were watching, and there was plenty of competition that would jump at the chance to make him look bad.
“I’m going have to head out. Do you mind if I use your shower?”
“Be my guest.”
“Care to join me?” He couldn’t help offering the invitation. His mind raced with excuses for his tardiness if she accepted.
She let out a soft laugh. “Then you would never make it into work.” She slid off the bed and walked towards him. A mischievous glint danced in her dark brown eyes. Having her so close unraveled his sensibilities. He drew her closer, cupped the back of her scarfed head and kissed hungrily at her inviting lips. Morning breath be damned. There was no way he was leaving without having her again.
The ring and vibration saved him from losing all abandon and returning to bed to execute the ideas he had about what to do to Regina’s sensual body. He let out a groan while reading the name on the screen—Corella. It’s like she can read my mind. “Hi, Corella.” Simon tried to sound as calm as possible despite Regina nuzzling his neck.
“Hello, Simon.” Clicking sounds from her keyboard drifted through the phone. “I just wanted to let you know that Mrs. Blakeside called. She needed to reschedule and push her meeting with you ahead to 11:15.”
“Shoot. Thanks, Corella. I’ll be there. Can you—”
“The files are already on your desk, and I’ve rearranged your calendar to accommodate her.”
My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1) Page 4