by Jaye McCloud
“Anything for my girl.” Antonio replies. It feels strange having a man in my kitchen, but it feels especially weird that it’s Antonio Bentini. He soon re-enters the living room with a giant bowl of popcorn and two bottles of apple juice. “So, which movie are we watching tonight?” He asks as he sets everything on the coffee table and sits back down next to me on the sofa. Looking over the DVD choices I ask, “Antonio, where did you get these DVDs? Have you really watched all these movies?” I ask looking into his watchful eyes. “Yes, I really have. I’m a movie-buff. But don’t tell anybody, it’s a secret.” He gives me a lazy, almost embarrassed smile. “You’re buff alright. I’ve never dated anyone your height or build before.” I say, shooting him an appreciative look. “And you have managed to surprise and impress me, again.”
Smiling into each other eyes, he asks, “So you think I’m hot?”
“Conceited much?” I laugh when his smile drops and he’s back to being embarrassed. “You’re tall, dark and handsome. And yes, you are definitely hot. But, Antonio, you are so much more than that. You could have just about any woman you want, yet you’ve chosen to be with me. You make me experience feelings I haven’t felt in a very long time. I don’t know if this thing between us will go anywhere, but for now you're my very own, Mr. Hot and Sexy… and I’m really into you.”
Flashing me a ginormous sparkling grin, Antonio demands, “So, am I your man?”
“Yes, Antonio Bentini. You are my man.” When our lips meet, I’m not just meekly accepting his kisses. I’m giving them right back, sucking the tip of his tongue into my mouth, moaning as I press closer to him. Groaning deep in his throat, he slants his head and licks my full bottom lip and then gently sucks on it. My entire body flushes with heat. No one makes me melt like this man…my man.
Antonio
I know that women find me attractive. However, they usually find my money and social status more attractive—and that’s generally the basis of our liaison. Tiressa, acknowledging that she sees me as more than just a handsome face and a walking credit card, affects me deeply. I love her for being the person that she is. And I will do whatever it takes to prove to her that she can trust me. That she can entrust her heart to me.
Chapter 10
“Good Morning Ms. Hawkins, you’re getting an early start.”
Smiling back at the lobby receptionist as he waves me through security, I happily reply. “Good Morning Terrance.” Yep, the early bird gets the worm, but in my case, I’m hoping to get out of here a little earlier than usual tonight.”
“I hear that. Well, have a good day.”
“Thanks Terrance, you too.” Thinking about all the things I need to do, I hurry to the elevators and up to my office. Unlocking the door, I quickly turn on the lights, gasp and immediately step back out to make sure I have the right room. I’m standing in the doorway trying to figure out what’s happening when a voice catches me by surprise.
“Do you like it?”
Turning around, I exclaim. “Damnit Antonio. You’ve got to stop sneaking up on me like that.”
“I assure you Ti, had you not been so consumed with what you’re looking at, you would have heard me approach.”
Although it’s only been a few days since we’ve seen each other, I can’t help staring at him as if I haven’t seen him in weeks.
“Do you like it?” Antonio asks again as we walk into my office and he closes the door.
Glancing around my newly decorated office, I finally respond. “Yes, of course I like it…as a matter of fact, I love it! Did you do this?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Antonio, you shouldn’t have. What will people think?”
Giving me a cheesy mischievous grin, he says, “They’ll think I’m a man who likes to pamper his lady.”
With a reproachful scowl, I get ready to blast him with angry words. Laughing he grabs me to him, pulling me close, making kissing motions. Turning my head away, I feel the warm caress of his lips on the side of my neck, sending shivers racing to my toes.
“I’m teasing you.” He explains as he trails kisses from the side of my neck to the top of my breasts.
“That’s not funny Antonio.” I snap pulling away from him.
“I know baby, I’m sorry—
“It’s just that, we talked about this. I don’t want anyone finding out about us, especially not your mother…you know, my boss. We agreed not to do anything that would cause speculation, and you do this…” I exclaim, glancing around my office again. “I love it, really I do, but…”
“I understand your wanting to keep our relationship on the low and I’m willing to go along with that for a short time…a very, very short time.” I roll my eyes at him because we have been through this several times before.
“So how did you pull this off…who knows that you did this for me?”
“Tiressa, you forget that I’m in charge of security for this building.” I suddenly recall who I’m looking at. Antonio is the Chief Security Officer for not only this office; he also oversees security for all B&S businesses. However, he wasn’t content to have a well-paying high position within the family business, he started his own independent firm, providing security for both big and small businesses. That’s pretty impressive.
“I have a friend who’s an interior designer. I called her up and explained what I wanted. Once I approved her décor scheme, she and her crew met me here on Saturday and we set up your office. Men from my personal security team were on duty, but don’t worry about them, my men are loyal and they don’t engage in idle gossip.”
“I’m sure they don’t.” I retort, giving him a hard look.
“What? What’s that look for? My men are—”
“Is she a former girlfriend or just a friend?” I tried, but I can’t keep the accusation out of my tone.
“Oooh.” He chuckles as he pulls me close again. “My girl is the jealous type.”
I am the jealous type, but I’ll never admit it. “No, I’m not jealous, I just like knowing exactly where I stand with you.”
“Ti, you know exactly where you stand with me. You are the only woman that matters”, he says as he lowers his mouth, gently touching mine. “And for the record, she isn’t a former lover.” He assures me just before lowering his head again. “In fact, the only lover I’m interested in is you.”
I feel silly, but I can’t help feeling insecure where this guy is concerned. “Thank you for my lovely office Antonio, I really appreciate your going out of your way to give me such a nice gift.”
Hugging me close and pressing me against his hard chest, he declares. “Sweetheart, I want to do so much for you and with you. This is only the beginning.” He says as he caresses the side of my face while kissing the side of my neck, making his way to my lips.
Suddenly my office door opens without any warning and Kathy bursts in, coming to a stunned halt. I reflexively jerk out of Antonio’s arms, immediately putting space between us.
Kathy throws her hand up to cover her mouth as if to stop a little scream from escaping into the air. “Oh my gawd!” Her eyes dart frantically from my scared contrite eyes to Antonio’s calm gaze. Looking at me with blank intensity Kathy says, “I just wanted to let you know that I decided to come in early too.” She quickly turns and leave, closing the door quietly behind her.
“Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.” Legs trembling, I plop down on the gorgeous new loveseat with my face in my hands. Crouching down in front of me, Antonio takes my hands in his. “Tiressa, it’s going to be alright. Why are you so upset, it was just Katherine?”
“What do you mean, just Katherine. She knows about us!”
“Calm down baby. I’ll talk to her. She’s not going to expose us…not that I give a damn.” Seeing my annoyed expression, he stands up and heads to the door.
“No, Antonio, let me talk to her. She’s my friend and I don’t want you intimidating her.” I insist as I stand up and walk towards him.
“Are you trying to insult me? T
hat’s not something I would do to Kathy…if it can be avoided.” Judging by the amused look on his face, it’s apparent that he is totally unconcerned about this situation.
“Look who has jokes.” I toss at him as I open my office door.
Before I can open the door all the way, Antonio steps behind me, wraps one strong arm around my waist and pulls me up against his hard body, closing the door back. His heat completely surrounds me as he leans into me, bending his head to my neck. “Can you feel how hard you make me?” He asks gruffly.
There is absolutely no doubt that he’s turned on, not with the feel his rod jabbing me in the back. “Antonio— ”
“Have dinner with me tonight.” He asks as he turns me in his arms, continuing to hold me against the door. “At my place.”
“Well now, Mr. Bentini, my mama taught me that when a lady goes to a man’s place, she better know what she’s getting herself into.” Looking up into his ruggedly handsome face, I raise a questioning eyebrow. “If what’s poking me is any indication of what you have on the menu, I don’t think I’m quite prepared for that meal.”
Exhaling a frustrated sign, he loosens his hold but keeps me in the circle of his arms. “Then dinner at your place?”
His disappointed look is adorable. “Yes, dinner at my place. Now, I really need to go talk to Kathy.”
“Alright, you go talk to her and I’ll go find a bucket of ice to take this swelling down.”
Shaking my head at him, I leave my office and hurry over to Kathy’s. After knocking on the door, I hear a faint “Enter.” As I’m walking into her office, Antonio leaves mine, winks at me, and strides down the corridor. After quickly closing the door behind me, I approach Kathy and sit in my favorite chair in front of her desk. “Kathy, I’m sorry. I feel just awful about…about…” I just can’t get the words out.
“Tiressa. I’ll tell you what you told me. You don’t have to tell me what’s going on between you and Antonio. But if you decide that you want to talk about it or need an understanding shoulder to lean on, I’m here for you. No judgment. And it stays between you and me.”
Searching Kathy’s sympathetic hazel eyes, I can clearly see that she means every word, and that means a great deal to me. “Thanks Kathy…and one day soon I’ll take you up on that. Right now, I’m on an emotional roller coaster and it’s all new and confusing…”
Kathy calmly interrupts my ramble to give me a warning. “I know. I’ve been there. I won’t tell you what to do, and I promise to keep your secret. But I feel the need to warn you…as a friend…be careful. The Bentini men have a way of luring a woman in and making her believe she’s the most important person in their world. Unfortunately, all those loving feelings are shoved in a corner when it comes down to the hardest part…getting their mother’s approval.”
***
“You know, I could let myself in if I had a key.” Smiling and stepping back, I make room for Antonio to enter my apartment. “I’m not sure that we’re ready to swop keys just yet.” Instead of walking into the living room, Antonio steps in front of me leaving no space between our bodies. “You may not be ready, but I assure you Tiressa, I’ve been ready for a while.” With his fingers under my chin, he slowly tilts my head back as he slants his. Bringing his face to mine, our lips touch…once… twice…and then we take turns gently sucking on each other’s lips before engaging in the most carnal kiss I’ve ever had. “Umm…” I’m not sure who moaned first…him or me. Breaking the kiss, he asks, “Would you like a key to my place, Ti?” As he’s saying the words, soft puffs of deliciously minty breath fall across my face like the gentle brush of butterfly wings. The timbre of his voice sends kernels of desire streaking through my body. “Antonio …I told you, I’m not ready for…” He cuts me off. “Not ready for what, my house key or my sex?” Looking into his eyes, I say with absolute certainty, “Both.”
Chuckling like a cocky rooster, he struts into the living room, saying over his shoulder, “I’m not a patient man Tiressa Hawkins. But I’ll try to be…for you.” He seems to have no trouble making himself comfortable in my apartment. Sitting down next to him on the sofa, my eyes roam around my bare apartment. I can’t help wondering what he must think about my meager furnishings and inexpensive decor. I feel a little dejected at the thought of him viewing my place as shabby. I live—lived—on a teacher’s salary. With rent, car payments, and student loans to repay, the last thing on my mind was beautifying my home.
Well, if he wants me, he’ll have to take my apartment too! Before I can get myself all worked up, Antonio says, “I’m starving, have you started dinner yet?”
“No not yet, because I’m not cooking. I was waiting for you so we can decided what to order.”
“What do you mean, you’re not cooking? I thought you were going to make me a home-cooked meal?”
“Tony, you are one sexy fine man, but you’re not fine enough to make me want to go in the kitchen and rustle up dinner after a long hard day at work.”
Smiling his big wolfish grin, he asks teasingly, “So, I’ve moved up from hot to sexy fine?”
“Yes. You’re hot, sexy and fine.” I lean into him, kissing his strong neck, licking and nibbling my way to his collarbone before saying, “Now that you’ve had your ego stroked, how bout we order something to eat.”
Breathing unevenly, Antonio clutches me to him. “Are you seriously going to tease me like that and then nonchalantly talk about food?”
“I didn’t mean to tease you; I just wanted you to know that you turn me on.”
“Hell baby, you turn me on too. Can I have some more?”
Laughing I get up from the sofa and head to the kitchen where I keep the take out menus. “No. I’m hungry and so are you. I’m going to place an order from the Chinese restaurant a couple of blocks away.”
“Since I can’t have you, then I guess I’ll have to settle for the Chinese. Do they deliver or will we have to go and pick it up?” He says that as if he’s a regular guy going out with his working-class girlfriend to pick up some regular takeout. As I look him over, I don’t see anything regular about him. I’m his black girlfriend who lives on the other side of town—far from affluent, gated communities with big-ass mansions on big-ass plots of land. The type of communities he was born and raised in. He’s rich and socially connected and everything about him and being with him, is so surreal.
~~~~
Four hours later after eating dinner, watching one of Tony’s DVDs, and spending time cuddling on the sofa with a lot of heavy petting and panting, I’m seeing Antonio to the door. “I want to stay the night, but I’ll wait for an invitation.” I’m so relieved that he isn’t pressing me for sex or trying to seduce me. If he did either one, I’d fold like a cheap tent and we’d be in my bedroom or on the floor in less than a minute. “I have an important security installation job scheduled that I’m handling personally. I’ll be out of town for a few days. But I’ll make it back in time for the company picnic.” For a minute, I don’t have a clue as to what he’s talking about. Then I remember that Saturday is the company picnic.
“Okay, I guess I’ll see you there.” I don’t want to see him go, but I know what will happen if he stays. He smiles at me a little sadly and says, “Thanks for dinner, the Chinese food was terrific. I’ll call you every night.”
“I know how busy you’ll be. Please don’t feel obligated to call me.”
“I said I’ll call. Not because I feel I have to. But because I want to Tiressa. Now give me one more taste of those delicious lips.” Our tongues tangle, once more, in steamy sensual harmony. “Good night my sweet lady. Miss me. I’m sure as hell gonna miss you.” After that declaration, he leans down again, but this time gives me a hard demanding kiss before walking out of my apartment saying, “I’ll call you.”
Chapter 11
The rest of the week is wonderfully busy. So much so, that I only think about Antonio a hundred times a day. True to his word, he’s called me every night that he’s been away. I
’m not really a phone person, but I love talking to him on the phone. Without having his physical presence to look at and remind me of who and what he is, I can easily pretend that I’m talking to a regular guy. A man more in my league, both socially and financially. When I do that, I find that I’m not so afraid of being in a relationship with Antonio. When I do that, I begin to believe in true love, with the man on the other end of the line.
***
After a long afternoon with Mrs. Bentini and the wedding anniversary plans, Kathy invites me to dinner and drinks at her place. Although I’ve been to Kathy’s place a few times, I’m still kinda surprised that she lives on my side of town. She actually doesn’t live that far from me. As soon as we get into Kathy’s apartment, we wash-up before heading to the kitchen to prepare the simplest of meals—a salad. Now granted, I love a good meal, but I also like a really good salad a couple of times a week. I’m enjoying myself—sitting on a stool at the high-top counter, across from Kathy, chatting. She starts placing ingredients we’ll need on the countertop between us. We work together and before long, we have an awesome salad to feast on. “Tiressa, let’s eat in the living room where we can be more comfortable. I’ll bring the salad and cutlery and you grab the bowls and salad dressing, okay?”
“That sounds like a great idea”, I say then gather up the beautiful, large glass salad bowls and napkins and salad dressing. Kathy asks, “What do you want to drink? I have wine, wine coolers, iced tea with or without lemon, and bottled water.” I hardly ever drink alcoholic beverages; I chose ice tea with lemon. We get set-up in the living room with our salads and drinks on one of those portable foldout snack trays. “Kathy, this barbeque ranch chicken salad is damn delicious.”
“Thanks, girl. I’m glad you liked it, it’s my mother’s recipe.”
“No girl, thank you for feeding me…our next in-house meal is on me, at my place.” We giggle like teenagers at a sleep over. Kathy’s laughter suddenly stops, and she burst into tears. I quickly move my tray out of the way, go over to her, and put my arms around her shoulders. “You know you can tell me anything.”