“I was told to mind my business.” He brought his mouth close to hers. “Now, let me taste some of that pie.”
***
“Yes, Corella. I’m feeling better, but I won’t be in the office for a few more days.” Sandwiched between a pickup and mac truck, Marcus’s black muscle car protested every time Simon stopped on the packed Belt Parkway instead of releasing the machine’s true speed potential. Despite wanting to hit the road as soon as the garage released his friend’s car, he’d decided to give his recuperating body some sleep before the four-hour trip to D.C. He also found his phone, but all his calls to Regina went straight to voicemail.
“Okay, Simon.” Corella’s voice rang through the car speakers. “I cleared your schedule for the rest of the week, but Rameez was looking for you this morning.”
“I noticed.” Simon gripped the steering wheel tighter and peered at the brake lights of the pickup with the gun rack and Conservative sticker. “I’ll call him back right away. Thanks, Corella.”
“You’re welcome, Simon. Bye.”
Maybe he wants me to assist him in court again. It took a few transfers, but eventually Rameez’s voice filled the car. “Simon, I’m glad to finally get a hold of you.”
Simon tilted his head from side to side. “I apologize for the delay, Rameez.”
“No need for apologies. I heard you were sick. I hope you’re feeling better.”
“I’m coming around.” The pickup truck’s bumper sticker got smaller as traffic loosened. The car’s huge engine roared.
“Glad to hear it. I’m putting together a team for a case that hit my desk, and I want you on it.”
“Absolutely, Rameez. Whatever you need.” Simon cut the wheel and shifted gears. He half smiled at the petite woman in the pickup truck with long blonde hair. The irony was not lost on him. He followed the sign for the bridge.
“That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, I need you to get ready to come with me to Singapore. There’ll be a lot of investigating and negotiations. Your acumen when it comes to international law will be an asset.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m flying out tomorrow night. I know it’s short notice, but things are moving quickly on this one. I can brief you on the plane.”
Already half-way across the bridge, Simon inhaled and bit his lip. “Is it possible for me to fly out on Friday? I’m having a personal emergency.” I’m trying to keep the woman I love from leaving me. That’s one hell of an emergency. He might have been ruining a major opportunity to advance himself, but Regina was more important.
“That’s acceptable, but I need you there no later than Sunday.”
“You got it, Rameez.”
“See you on Sunday.”
Chapter 26
D.C.
Regina massaged the base of her neck with her fingertips. She shifted and rested her elbows on the arms of the overstuffed hotel lounge chair, which was an improvement from the myriad of office seats she’d bounced in and out of all afternoon. It’d been a stressful day.
“You did great, Gina.” Elliott’s biceps strained against his designer dress shirt as he pulled down the edge of his vest. His forearms bulged from the rolled-up sleeves, something that was not lost on the waitress, who made sure to serve their drinks as close to him as possible.
The young woman bent directly in front of the blond hunk. “Here you are, sir.” Her masculine uniform didn’t give the server the chance to display her assets, but that didn’t stop her from trying to get Elliot’s attention.
“Thank you.” Elliot leaned back, pulling his black card from his wallet and dropping it on the disappointed waitress’ tray. “Now all that is left is to sign the contracts tomorrow.” Regina bit back a smile. Though many tried, there was no chance another woman was opening his nose. Bree Grey had him on lock.
The cobalt tie highlighted a pair of twinkling blue eyes that always made Regina feel like things would be okay. He really came through for her, and the way he sat straight like a peacock proved that he knew it.
“Thanks, Elliott, but I can’t help feeling like I could’ve avoided getting bounced around shuttles and cabs. Why did they need me here? It’s obvious they’d made their decision before I arrived.”
“They did, but some of them wanted to meet you. There’s some hard crushing on you in that company.” Elliott sat back and swirled the ice cubes in his drink. “Curiosity most likely played a role as well. Some of them probably wanted to make sure that they wouldn’t be working with the stereotypical head bobbing, finger snapping angry Black woman.” He sipped his drink and bared his teeth. “You know how we White Liberals can be.”
“No comment.” The friends laughed. Elliot’s dimples lightened the stress from Regina’s neck. It was really good to see him.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to usher you out of there once the contracts are signed tomorrow, so you can hang out with Bree and me this weekend.” Elliott’s eyes flashed. “Then you can get back to New York and your other new venture.”
Regina stared at the round art deco lighting fixture shining down on them. “I was waiting for you to bring that up.”
“Yeah, it was a given. How serious is it with Simon anyway?”
“I don’t know.” She met Elliott’s skeptical gaze. “Really, everything is all convoluted. When it’s just the two of us, it’s all good. We talk and laugh, but then the rest of the world gets involved, and it’s a mess.”
Elliott grinned. “That sounds about right. I read some of the comments under the pictures of you two. Pretty harsh.”
“Yeah, if people aren’t calling me a traitor for being with an Asian man, they’re questioning why a handsome eligible Asian attorney would want to be with a kinky-haired Black woman.”
“I hear ya. Everyone and their mother think they can have an opinion on whether or not an interracial couple should be together.”
“Including his mother. The woman can’t stand me.” Regina squeezed the lime into her bubbling glass of mineral water and told Elliott about being tossed out on her butt.
“Simon just let her throw you out?”
“Please, would I be talkin’ about him now if he did? He was passed out in the bedroom sick at the time. I haven’t spoken to him since because I was hot tailing it down here. Normally, what she thinks wouldn’t matter but—”
“You’re in love with her son?” Elliott hiked in the chair on his elbows.
Regina crossed her legs and adjusted the folds of her skirt while trying to bite back a smile. She really couldn’t hide much from him. They’ve had entire conversations through facial expressions, so it wasn’t surprising he could see right through her. “Is it that obvious?”
“You haven’t stopped beaming since I mentioned his name. I get it though.”
“Well, nobody else does, and I’m certain his mother sure as hell doesn’t. She’s definitely not crushing on me. I already told him that I didn’t want to come between them.”
“That was stupid, and you couldn’t.”
“Come on, Elliott. Look at the relationship with your family since you married Bree.”
Elliott knitted his eyebrows. “You got it backwards, Gina. Bree never came between me and my family.” He smoothed his pant leg. “I wouldn’t allow my family to get me to toss the woman I loved aside. She never demanded I stay away from them, but they sure as hell commanded me to leave her. If anything, that’s what would probably happen. His mother might become hell-bent on getting you out of his life.” He squeezed her hand. “Bree is everything to me. I wake up happy knowing I get to spend another day with her. The thought of losing her is unbearable. My family doesn’t understand that, which is their problem. I’m not letting go of the most important person to me because of their hang-ups.”
“But I’ve noticed how much you miss them.”
“Maybe,” Elliot shrugged, “but I would miss Bree and the life we’ve built even more. Trust me, if Simon feels for you even half of what I feel for her, then
he won’t allow anyone to interfere with the two of you being together—not even his mother.” The sides of Elliott’s eye’s wrinkled. “Considering how he looked at you in those photos, I strongly suspect that he does.”
Regina smiled so wide that her cheeks hurt. The idea that Simon would fight for them filled her heart with hope. He was going to be the first person she saw when she got back to New York. “It’d be great if you were right, Elliott.”
“I think I am. The ice in Elliott’s glass rattled as he pointed to her. “Don’t be surprised to find out that he’s been looking for you when you get home.”
An icy chill shot down Regina’s spine. She squeezed the cold glass as her jaw dropped. It couldn’t be real. She gawked at Simon, standing a few feet away, legs spread and arms crossed with an icy stare that bored into her. He strode closer, fists closed and nostrils flared.
Simon stood directly over Elliott. “Gina.” He didn’t acknowledge her companion’s existence. She sat on the edge of her seat. Why is he so angry? I’m the one that got put out like a call girl.
“Let me guess.” Elliot’s voice pierced between them. “He’s right behind me?” The tall blond rose. “Simon Young?” Elliott shot out his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Elliot Grey, Gina’s friend from college. She’s told me a lot about you.”
Simon sized up Elliott with a steely gaze. He shook hands but remained silent.
“Please, join us.”
Regina swallowed hard. She wanted to fly in his arms, but the way Simon glared at her as he approached kept her pinned in her seat. He straddled the chair with his arms and leaned over her. “Hi, Simon.” The kiss that kept her from speaking further filled her body with a glorious sensation. He pressed harder; the intensity caused her to sink backward. She laced her free fingers in his hair, not allowing the shock of his unexpected appearance or any onlookers to keep her from reveling in the joy bursting through her.
Simon tore his lips away. The anger had somewhat faded, but it lingered behind the passion in his eyes. “Hello.” He walked around and took the seat next to her. A large warm hand replaced the cold glass she was holding and fingertips boldly caressed the back of her quaking knee.
What the hell am I supposed to do now? Regina turned her pounding head to Elliot, who sat back with an ankle on a knee, watching the two of them through half-lowered eyelids. Their gazes met, and Elliott jutted his eyebrows up before his smirk vanished behind his drink. She scowled and turned back to Simon. There would be plenty of time later to make sure he paid for his smugness.
“Simon, what are you doing here?” She couldn’t help but grin when he smoothed his lips on the back of her hand.
“I’m here for you.”
“I told you,” Elliott murmured between sips.
Regina shot him a menacing glance.
“Marcus said you came down her for a job interview,” Simon resumed, squeezing her knee. “I wanted us to talk before you made any decisions.”
Elliott chuckled. “Oh, he’s got it bad.”
Regina twisted her body away from Simon. “Are you done?”
“I think I am.” Elliott drained his glass and stood with a grunt. He adjusted his vest and pushed his shirt sleeves over his elbows. “You two lovebirds need time alone, and I need to get to my wife and son.”
Regina walked into her friend’s arms. “I’ll be strangling you when I get a chance,” she whispered in his ear.
“I’m not scared. Besides, it looks like Mr. Young will have you busy for some time.” Elliott stepped back. “I’ll see you tomorrow to sign the contracts. You’re still spending the weekend with us?”
“Definitely.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Simon.” Elliot strutted down the sunlight-bathed lounge.
Regina shivered at Simon’s touch on her arm. She stroked his cheek. “You look better than the last time I saw you.”
“Yeah, I had a good nurse.” The toughness vanished. Simon blinked slowly and grinned. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“You’re welcome.” Strong arms surrounded her waist and made space between them nonexistent.
“When I woke up and found you weren’t there, my heart sank.” He stroked the small of her back. “I thought I dreamt you for a moment, but the reality was worse. I’m so sorry, babe. My mother had no right to—”
“Shh. I don’t want to talk about her.” She pulled the hairs at the back of his head. “I can’t believe you’re here.” She tried not to giggle like an infatuated high schooler, but it couldn’t be helped. “Am I dreaming?”
Simon graced her lips with a gentler but equally passionate kiss. “No. I drove down here to beg you not to leave New York—to stay with me. I know it’s selfish, but I can’t imagine my life without you.”
She moved her head back. “Leaving? I’m not leaving New York. I’m only down here because the company is based here in D.C., and they wanted a face-to-face interview. I’ll be home by Monday.”
A hearty laugh boomed from his throat. “I would’ve come anyway. I couldn’t wait that long to be near you. I just want to be where you are.” He glanced over her shoulder. “Is there somewhere we can be alone?”
“I’d like that. Do you have a room here?”
“No. I didn’t think I would need one.” He pecked the tip of her nose.
“Oh really.” She didn’t know whether to hug him or punch him for making assumptions about her bed. “What if I decide to send you out into the cold, cruel world?”
“Now, would you really do that to me, Gina?” His playful grin made her heart sing. There was no denying him or herself of what they obviously both wanted.
“Come on.” She lifted her bag off the carpet and pulled him by the hand down the wood floors leading to the lobby. It felt like she was floating. The past two weeks were filled with longing to be near the man trailing behind her. I finally have a chance to block out the whole rotten world and just be with him. Just be.
Simon stopped their progress at the lobby’s revolving doors. “You know what? Since I’m here, let me run and get my bag out of the car first. What’s our room number?”
“701. You can’t get it later?” Every body part was protesting any potential delay in feeling Simon. Just holding hands caused tingling between her thighs. The bag could wait. She could not.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be quick.”
Regina sighed. “Okay, here,” She scrounged through her bag and retrieved a plastic card from a small envelope, “take the second key.”
“Be right up.” He kissed her cheek and dashed out the revolving door.
***
Regina’s full lips creased and spread under the makeup wipe she smeared over them until she was sure that every bit of burgundy lipstick was gone. “He just showed up, Toni. I couldn’t believe it.” She peeled off her top and brought the phone out of the bathroom with her. “He went to get his bag from the car.”
“We knew that’s where he was heading when he left the apartment.” Toni’s voice sprang from the phone’s speaker. “When he found out about your interview, he flew like a bat out of hell.”
Regina’s breast bounced out of the bra. “Why did you let him think that I was taking a job down here?” She tossed the bra in the suitcase on the hotel stand. Her partially-taut nipples shook as she searched through the contents. An evening of seduction was not in the game plan for this trip, so she’d have to work with the limited options available.
“I wanted to make sure he was properly motivated. He already was on the hunt, but a long drive down I-95 requires a certain amount of urgency.”
Back in front of the bathroom mirror, Regina slipped the open-back cream tank top over her body. The sides swished at her hips. Her white panties peaked under the front. No, not white. “Well, he looked urgent and angry. He was not pleased to see me talking with Elliott. He stormed up to us like a jealous boyfriend.”
“Well, it sounds like that’s exactly what he was, with every intent of
claiming the woman he loves.”
Regina stretched orchid lace panties over her hips and assessed the sexy level of her outfit. “He never said he loved me.”
“Are you kidding? Does he really need to? The man barreled down the interstate while recovering from an infection.” Toni’s laugh echoed off the bright walls. “Don’t be one those desperate women who has to the hear the words to know the feeling exists. Have more confidence. Besides, if he hasn’t said it yet, it won’t be long.”
“You’re right, Toni.”
“You know, Gina, it wouldn’t hurt for you to tell him.”
Regina released her afro puff, fluffed her hair and shook her head. Lips bare, hair out, scarcely dressed, just the way he likes it. “That’s exactly what I plan on doing, girl. Simon Young is not leaving this hotel room without knowing exactly how I feel.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t stand a chance.”
They laughed “Girl, you need to stop.” Regina gasped at the door knob click. “He’s here. Bye.” She pressed the phone screen and stared out of the bathroom doorway holding her knotted stomach. “Here we go.”
“Gina?” Simon rushed by.
She gripped either side of the door jamb and crossed her ankles. “I’m here, Simon.” He spun; the bag fell from his shoulder. Breathing through his gaped mouth, he repeatedly ran his gaze over her body. Regina felt an explosion of goosebumps covering her.
He shook his tilted head and raced towards her. Breath rushed from her when he took her in his embrace. Everything she wanted to tell him remained caught in her dry throat, held back by a torrent of emotions. How much she loved him, wanted him, needed him. She pulled his shoulders and pressed her mouth to his. He groaned and swung them around.
The closet’s cold glass against her back and buttocks did nothing to cool the heat surging through her. Simon kissed at her neck. Regina yanked his belt open. She wanted him inside her, now. To hell with everyone trying to keep them apart. He was hers.
He raised his head and pinned her gaze. “I love you, Gina. You’re the most precious thing in my life.” He hungrily rained kisses on her lips and jaw, running them down her neck, shoulder and heaving body. “I feel actual pain when I think I can’t be near you. You’ve been in my mind since I first saw you and my heart from our first kiss.”
My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1) Page 19