Crystal Caress

by Zuri Day

  He stared at her. “Liar.” She didn’t respond. He raised her hand to his lips, licked and kissed her palm. His lips grazed her wrist and rested on a rapidly beating pulse point. She tried to pull away. He wouldn’t let her.

  “You’ve thought about me every single day.”

  She turned to face him completely, scooted to the edge of the chair. “I’ve thought about you. Often.”

  He gave her nose a playful flick and kissed it. “I know.” He kissed her cheeks and closed eyelids. His voice dropped an octave. “I know.”

  She raised her head to align their lips. The kiss was like a reunion of spirits, settling in for a long get-to-know. At once soft and commanding, Atka swiped his tongue across Teresa’s lips and forced them open. Her tongue met his—swirling, lapping, licking, sucking—exchanging love-infused breaths while their hands explored.

  There was a problem. Too much space between them.

  He pulled her into his arms and laid back on the bed. Crushing the taffeta. Wrinkling his shirt. All unnoticed. The only thing that mattered to both of them was the continuation of the kiss, the entwinement of souls, his hands massaging tight muscles in her neck and shoulders. The kissing continued. Hot. Wet.

  There was still a problem. Too much clothes between them.

  “Did I tell you that I love your dress?” he asked. “And how beautiful you look in it?”

  “No.”

  “You do. You were the most beautiful woman in the room. As soon as I help you out of it...you’ll be the most beautiful woman in this one.”

  “Atka, I’m the only one here.”

  “A detail that doesn’t alter the truth.”

  He unzipped her, kissed each inch of her skin as it became exposed. Under the dress she wore a strapless bra and thong panties. He intended to leave no part of her untouched.

  “Atka, let me...”

  “Later, my papoota princess. Ever since tasting you the last time, I’ve dreamed of it happening again. He swept the designer gown to the floor and placed Teresa in the middle of the bed. He spread her legs and beginning with her toes, kissed and licked his way to her heat, freshly waxed for the evening. Her pearl stood erect, hard and waiting. He sucked it into his mouth, blowing cool air on its heat as he took her in, lapping her hungrily with his tongue, pushing her legs wider so he could go deeper. His actions implied that he wanted to totally consume her. Her reactions suggested she wanted to be consumed. A French kiss there, and another, and Teresa’s world exploded.

  She shivered and shuddered. He stripped off his clothes, losing a button in the urgency of lying by her skin to skin. Before she could catch her breath, he was sheathed and inside her—thrusting, pumping, tattooing his tip in the depths of her insides, stamping her soul with the phrase, “you are mine.” She raised her legs in the air and placed her hand on his buttocks, encouraging him to go deeper, harder, faster, more.

  In time, a thin sheen of sweat covered the lovers. Still, they went on, trying to heal an ache increased by wanting, bodies communicating that which words could not say. Neither could explain the irresistible desire that existed between them. Yet they both knew that the energy created from their frenzied lovemaking was something that was special and rare and belonged only to them.

  He slowed down, taking the pace from a rock-steady motion to a sensual grind. His tongue mirrored his hip movements, lazy round circles around Teresa’s equally active tongue. His tongue left her warm cavern to lick sweaty, salty skin from her chin to her nipple. He pulled the dusky cinnamon nub into his mouth, teasing the other nipple with his thumb, giving it due attention before returning to her mouth, and then to her heat, where the journey began.

  Teresa experienced multiple orgasms, something that rarely happened. Only when Atka was certain there were no more inside her did he thrust himself into a hearty release. Then, both exhausted from thorough and exuberant rounds of lovemaking, the two fell asleep in each other’s arms. Each felt it was exactly where they were supposed to be.

  Chapter 11

  The next morning, a thoroughly satisfied Teresa reached over and grabbed her ringing phone. “Good morning, Tee.”

  “Mom’s looking for you.”

  Teresa sat up. “Did she say why?”

  “Do you really need to ask? She’s being nosy and trying to get in your business. She saw the, um, spat that happened between the two of you, watched Atka leave and noted that you were gone, too, for the rest of the night.”

  “I told you to cover for me.”

  “I did. Last night. Had no idea the plan was to include this morning, too. Are you with him now?”

  “Yes.” Teresa looked over at her peacefully sleeping lover, his face almost boyish in its calm repose. She eased out of bed and put on his shirt.

  “I figured as much.”

  “That’s a good thing, right?”

  “If you say so.”

  “At least now my never having had a one-night stand is once again true.”

  “If there’s a positive spin, Teresa Drake will find it.”

  “So—” she glanced over her shoulder again, went into the bathroom and closed the door “—what do you think?”

  “About what?”

  “Terrell. Quit playing.”

  “Oh, right. You can’t really talk, but you want my take on Atka.”

  “That is correct.”

  “You know, he was all right, I guess. We didn’t talk much. Niko seems to think highly of him, but like Mom, is dying to know the history between the two of you. That’s probably who you need to talk to, really, who’ll have the most information and best fully formed opinion of him. And speaking of his plans with our brother, I can’t help but think—”

  “Me, too, but that’s not what happened. It’s all coincidence.”

  “Pretty big coincidence, if you ask me.”

  “I didn’t ask you. And it’s no bigger than the coincidence that my article includes a story on the Sinclair Salmon Company when I had no idea that was the company he owns.”

  “Wow! That is pretty crazy.”

  “This whole situation is certifiably insane.”

  “Still, I’m telling you now he’s got a few tests to pass before I let down my guard with him. And I’d advise you to go slow, as well. He could just be using you to get a leg up with Niko or the other competitors.”

  He had quite the leg, all right, and staying up was no problemo! A thought she astutely thought not to share with her brother. “Listen, tell Mom you talked to me and I’m fine, out running errands or whatever and, um, I will see you guys later.”

  “You might as well tell her, Tee. She’ll find out anyway. One casual comment from the club that you kept one of the cars overnight and your cover will be busted. Plus, I can’t guarantee that she didn’t check your room after I fell asleep. Better to play offense than defense.”

  “Maybe I’ll invite him to Sunday brunch.”

  “Sounds like a plan. The interrogation will happen whenever the fam meets him. Might as well get it over with.”

  She took advantage of the items in Atka’s toiletry bag and freshened up. When she came out of the bathroom, he had awakened.

  “Good morning.” She returned to bed and cuddled against him.

  “It’s an amazing morning. A fantastic morning!” He kissed her temple. “I’ve been lying here trying to figure out what’s going on. What did you do to me?”

  “I could ask the same question. I’ve always liked sex, but somehow with you, I can’t get enough.” She perched on her elbow. “Do you think that’s all this is, a physical attraction that will dim over time?”

  He turned to face her, looking at her lovingly as he placed errant strands of hair behind her ear. “I believe this is an attraction that will only get hotter and burn brighter.” He flo
pped onto his back. “But then again, I’m not exactly an expert in these types of things. Would it surprise you to know that you’re only the fourth woman I’ve ever been with, and by far the best?”

  “Four women? Yes, given the men I know and the circles I travel, I’d be very surprised—shocked even.”

  “My emaaq instilled in me the sacredness of coming together with another. She taught abstinence.” His look was part sheepish, part devilish as he added, “I haven’t always been the best student.”

  “Perhaps not, but you are very skilled.”

  “I appreciate that. But in listening to other men, I don’t always feel that way. Do you think I’m weird or something?”

  “No.” She rubbed a hand across his chest and down the hairline that flowed into his manhood. “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-eight.”

  “How is it that you’ve only been with four women, me included?”

  He reached over, pulled her into his arms. “I was shy and introverted as a child, pretty scrawny until I was almost eighteen.”

  “I love your body. It’s muscular, even though anyone looking casually might misjudge your physique. And your eyes. And mouth. I can’t imagine you not having females coming at you from every direction.”

  “Not until I started college in Seattle. At heart I’m a nerd, a cool distinction in the place where the computer explosion began. That’s when I started to realize that women found me attractive, though to this day, sometimes I still wonder why.”

  “What happened with your girlfriends?”

  “I dated my first love all through college, but when I decided to continue for my master’s, she didn’t want to wait. She’s from a well-to-do family in Texas and wanted to return home.”

  “You never thought of transferring and finishing graduate school there?”

  He gave her a look. “Can you see me in Texas?”

  “I think you’d look hot in a cowboy hat.”

  “Oh, I own a couple of those. I’m talking about the stifling heat.”

  “Oh.”

  “After graduate school, I went back to Alaska and took over the business. I had a brief relationship with a fisherman’s daughter, before becoming engaged to a childhood friend.”

  “Why didn’t you marry?”

  “She died.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me, too.”

  “How, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “Breast cancer. By the time it was discovered, she was already in stage four. Nothing could be done.”

  Teresa gingerly cupped his strong jawbone. “I hope you truly believe that, because I detect a bit of guilt in your eyes.”

  “On most days I believe it.” His lopsided smile melted her heart. “She has a son who I’ve sworn to take care of, help him make his way in the world. He’s seventeen and still taking his mother’s death pretty hard. He’d already lost his father.”

  “My goodness! So much sadness.” Teresa rested her head against the pillow. “If he’s seventeen, she must have had him quite young.”

  “Yes, and she was several years older than me.” He laid back, as well. They both stared at the ceiling. “Since her death three years ago, I’ve been married to my work.”

  “With such a conservative background, are you sure you don’t regret seducing me within hours of our meeting?”

  “Ha! Oh, so that’s how you’re choosing to remember that night.”

  “I may have made the first move, but believe it or not, your seduction began at the brewhouse in Anchorage.”

  His look was one of genuine surprise. “How so?”

  “Your indifference, for one. Interesting conversation, for another. And when you slipped out and paid for my meal? Totally classy. Of course, I thought I’d never see you again. I felt a little sad about that.”

  “I may have acted indifferent, but not from lack of interest. I didn’t think someone like you would be interested in someone like me. You had that well-kept look. I thought you were married.”

  “I was supposed to be. This time last year I was all set to plan a wedding. I found out that while he tried to make it appear it was me he wanted to marry, he was more in love with my family name, and the prestige and wealth he believed came with it.”

  “Sad to say, but I know that story all too well.” He turned to her, raised up on an elbow and cupped his face in his hand. “How do you separate the real from the phony, and make sure the person doesn’t want your money, or the status, but you?”

  Teresa rolled over, got on top of Atka, pressed her pelvis against his. “I guess you look for someone who’s just as rich, successful and amazing as you.”

  Atka’s eyes twinkled. “Do you think it’s possible to find someone so wonderful?”

  “I don’t know. But as I feel something wonderful hardening between my legs right now, I’d say my chances are improving.”

  Chapter 12

  The next day, Atka joined Teresa at the Drake estate. She’d warned him that the questions would come quickly and continuously. Her family did not disappoint.

  “Atka...tell us a bit about your family?”

  The question had been asked casually, accompanied by Jennifer’s warm and sincere smile. But Atka knew a hot seat when he was sitting in it. And dining at the Drake estate, surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the area, his seat was on fire.

  He reached for his napkin, wiped his mouth and hands. “Ours are simple people, really, of the Yupik nation, a native Alaskan tribe. My ancestors are from Siberia and Romania. A couple, my great-great-great grandparents traveled to Alaska in the late 1800s, about twenty years before the gold rush. A few other family members followed and they settled in Aleknagik, Alaska, where much of my family, including my great-grandmother, still lives.”

  “She’s in her late nineties,” Teresa offered. “What he shared with me about his great-grandmother reminds me of Papa Dee. His dad is African-American,” she continued, turning to Atka. “Where is he from?”

  “Omaha, Nebraska.”

  Ike Sr. peered over the reading glasses that had become an accessory last year. “When did you get into town?” he asked Atka.

  “I’d wanted to be here for the lake dedication, but business in San Francisco took more time than expected. I arrived here yesterday evening.”

  “That’s what I thought.” He took off the glasses, placed them on the table beside his plate. “So just when did all this sharing take place?”

  “Dad, what are you implying?” Teresa spoke with all the indignation of a virgin.

  “I’m not implying anything. I’m asking straight out.”

  “Ike,” Jennifer warned, though only halfheartedly. Teresa knew her mother was equally curious as to what happened between Friday night and this morning, when she’d arrived at the house wearing new clothing, with Atka by her side.

  Niko spoke up. “They went out for a late-night snack, Dad. I would have joined them, but, you know, it had been a long day.”

  She knew her own interrogation would come later, but Teresa was so thankful for Niko just now that she wanted to jump up and kiss him.

  Ike Jr. steered the conversation back to safer waters. “I’m interested in hearing about the salmon business. About the only thing I know about it is that it’s my favorite fish.”

  For the next two hours, Atka endured the relentless Drake microscope. He did so with a smile and asked his share of questions in the process. Finally, he left with Niko and Warren for “male bonding time.” Neither Julian nor Terrell had joined them, and Reginald and his family had returned to New Orleans. Her secrets were safe.

  While the men did their thing, Jennifer and Teresa decided to go for a walk.

  “I like him, Teresa,” her mother said after they’d
walked a ways in silence. “He’s not the type of man you normally date. He’s different, his own man, very comfortable in his skin. In a way, he reminds me of your father at that age. Very driven, determined, sure of himself and his life’s direction. Do you think this could get serious?”

  “That’s probably the most frightening aspect of this whole situation. I barely even know the guy but already feel it’s very serious. You’re right. He’s different from any guy I’ve ever dated. There’s something about him. I can’t explain it. But I’m getting a feeling about him...like...he might be the one. Do you think this is a rebound reaction, that I’m transferring to Atka how I felt about George?”

  “Is that what you believe?”

  “No, but I don’t believe in love at first sight, either. I just know that since I’ve met him, there’s not many times I’ve had a thought with him not in it.”

  “He’s that good, huh?”

  “Mom!”

  Jennifer chuckled. “Girl, don’t be embarrassed. It would be nearly impossible for me and Ike to produce a child who is asexual, given how much we enjoy loving each other. You’re clearly, at the very least, infatuated. Your face is glowing the way a woman’s often does after she’s been well taken care of sexually. As for the way he looks at you, well, let’s just say he likes what he sees.”

  * * *

  That night, Atka and Teresa opted out of meeting. A new week was beginning and both wanted to get an early start. Teresa did, arriving at work before 8 a.m., floating on a coital cloud.

  “Good morning, Gloria!”

  Gloria looked up in surprise. She looked at her watch. “Teresa?”

  “I know, wonders never cease. But I wanted to tweak the Bristol Bay fishing article and flesh out an outline for the third story in the Alaska series—a focus on the land.”

  “Glad you brought that up. Come on in a minute. Have a seat.” She did. “Your work has continued to make an impression on the Campbells. That bodes very well for your future with the paper.”

  “I’m glad they like the articles.”

  “More than like them. They love them. Benny says he mentioned to you that Paul would like you to do some freelancing for him as a correspondent. Do you mind if I give him your number?”