“Oh.” Melanie grabbed the note from Keke’s hand, but instead of being happy she crumpled into tears and ran into one of the bedrooms. Tash took this as a good excuse to open and start guzzling the champagne.
“I’ll check on her,” Keke said grabbing her carryon.
“I’m going to get changed.” Cherilyn took her overnight case with her to the other bedroom.
“I’m gonna have more champagne.” Tash plopped onto the couch.
After a quick shower Cherry’s excitement grew with the thought of a night out on the town in Las Vegas. Dinner, drinks, gambling, maybe a show? She applied her make-up and dashed on perfume. Her dress was sparkly, sleeveless, to the knee with a daring bit of cleavage that ran almost to the naval, but hey, wasn’t this Vegas, Baby?
“Look at you, gorgeous,” Keke said when Cherry stepped out into the living room. Cherilyn gave her a quick twirl then went to the table, poured herself a glass of champagne and sipped it.
Keke nodded toward the couch. “I’m afraid Tash is down for the count.”
Cherry smiled observing her friend sprawled out; “Oh well.” She positioned a pillow under Tash’s head. “Can’t say I’m surprised,” then placed a blanket over her.
Melanie walked out in sweatpants with a handful of tissues, sniffling, “I just can’t go out. I won’t be any fun anyway. I’m going to call my hubby-wubby.” She turned and went back into the bedroom.
“I give both of us major points for not laughing during the hubby-wubby part.” Cherry said. “Well, looks like it’s just you and me - let’s go eat and then find some guys.”
“Yeah, um about the guys -” Keke patted the sofa next to her. Cherry sat down curious and now noticing Keke was not dressed to go out either.
Keke rubbed her palms together. “Listen this isn’t easy for me,” and gave a nervous laugh. “There’s something I need to tell you. I don’t want to go on faking it anyone, I just can’t.” She started crying, “I’ve met someone and she’s so wonderful, I’ve been wanting to tell you all and I’d like to have everyone meet her.”
She? Her? Cherilyn tried not to show her shock as Keke continued explaining how she had known she was gay for a long time but didn’t know how her friends would take it. Now having fallen in love felt she didn’t want to hide who she was any longer. Tears streaming down her face Keke waited expectantly for Cherry’s response.
All Cherilyn could think was she’d had no idea but embraced her friend, and said, “Honey, I love you, nothing is going to change that.”
“Oh, I’m so glad. You don’t know how nervous I was. I’m going to call Robyn and tell her. I miss her so much, already.” Keke picked up her cell, scrolled her contacts list and hit the number. She gave Cherry a pleading look. “I don’t really want to go out. Is that okay?”
“Sure, no problem.” Cherilyn stood for a moment finishing her champagne, contemplating what to do. She was hungry and the mini bar just wouldn’t cut it. After the day she’d had and all she’d been put through just to get here she figured she’d earned the right to go out. Gesturing to the door and she mouthed ‘I’m gonna go’ to Keke.
Keke nodded giving her an animated smile and wave. Once in the hallway Cherilyn leaned against the door and let out a long exhale. What a weird night. This evening was had not turned out anything like she’d hoped. Here she was in Las Vegas and it was only nine o’clock at night and she was all dressed up, but had nowhere to go.
Cherilyn decided at least to find something to eat. Entering the elevator and hitting the button for the lobby, she smiled wondering what room Marcus Black was staying in and had she consumed enough champagne to make her brave enough to approach him? Laughing at herself, despite her fantasies, sadly, she wasn’t that daring.
The hotel restaurant looked lovely and under different circumstances would have been enjoyable. The hostess told her there would be a twenty minute wait. Cherilyn debated just going for fast food, but then felt with all she had put up with tonight she had at least deserved a nice meal.
“The bar is straight through there if you wish to wait,” the hostess said.
Cherry agreed and left her name. A drink will suit her just fine. The room she entered was quiet and practically empty. The bar was elegant and made of dark, expensive looking wood. Cherry sat on a stool and placed her purse on the bar. She ran her hand along the glossy surface when she heard a velvety smooth voice.
“Miss Johnson.”
She turned and nearly fell off her seat. The absolutely drop dead gorgeous Marcus Black stood next to her smiling in amusement. “Mr. Black.”
“Call me Marcus.”
She nodded, “Cherry.” He was so handsome and so close. Flawlessly dressed, as always, but tonight instead of his usual business suit, he wore dark slacks and a charcoal grey turtleneck made of soft looking material. She resisted the urge to reach out and touch it.
“Cherry?”
“Nickname for Cherilyn.” He wore a scent she didn’t recognize but instantly wanted more of.
“Ah, I see,” Marcus cast an appreciative glance down her body. “Provocative outfit Miss, sorry, Cherry.”
His tone irritated her. Hadn’t she been through enough today without being judged while on vacation? “Well, it is Vegas and I am off duty. What I do on my own time is my own business.”
“Whoa, I wasn’t complaining.” He put his hands up in a mock defense. “Could I get you a drink?”
His smile was disarming and calmed her mood. A drink alone with Marcus Black? Cherry couldn’t think of anything more exciting or more dangerous, she nodded. “What are you doing here?”
Marcus placed an order with the bartender, then faced her, curiosity covered his face, “The conference, isn’t that why you’re here?”
Cherry laughed, “No, I’m here with three of my girlfriends, one of them is getting married in two weeks.”
“I seem to remember you saying: I have a plane to catch, it’s vitally important?” His eyes held a teasing gleam.
Cherilyn’s face was hot having been caught not exactly in a lie, but she was definitely guilty of being overly dramatic.
“So, a wild, single ladies weekend?” He looked around, “Why are you alone then?”
“It’s hard to explain, but let’s just say none of them are in the partying mood.”
“That’s very lucky for me.”
“You sound very sure of yourself.”
Marcus Black made her more than a bit nervous but his rich brown eyes dancing in amusement entranced her. “I just know what I want and I’m willing to go after it.” His voice, his eyes, his presence had a spellbinding effect.
Cherilyn sipped her drink. “Are there any other employees here?”
“No, not that I know of, but when I saw you I thought you were here for the conference and that maybe you were looking for a promotion or might even be after my job.” He gave her a sidelong glance.
Cherilyn was flattered that he thought she was capable. “No, I’m not.”
He seemed to be considering something. “Have you eaten?”
“Not yet, I put in for a table.”
Marcus sipped his drink. “Eating alone?”
“Yes.”
“How about I join you then?”
She hesitated, her heart pounding, yet so very tempted, “Mr. Black, I don’t think it’s the smartest career move for me to have dinner with my boss at a hotel in Vegas.”
Marcus signaled the bartender for another round of drinks. Then he leaned in to Cherry and lowered his voice, “Even smart people do stupid things sometimes. And for the rest of the weekend it’s Marcus. I’m nobody’s boss here.”
Cherry tried to keep her voice playful, “So, Marcus, do you think what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?”
He looked up sharply and blinked, obviously taken back for a moment, but when he regained composure, he smiled, “I think those are excellent words to live by, don’t you?”
His intense gaze made her feel she could do no
thing but agree, even when she knew it was reckless to do so.
CHAPTER THREE
Three hours of foolish decisions on her part had led to Cherilyn being half naked in Marcus Black’s arms in his room well after midnight. The first decision was drinks and dinner. Then more drinks and dancing. Somehow with virtually no convincing she had gone back to his room. She never slept with anyone on a first date and hell this wasn’t even technically a date so what was she doing in his room at this hour of the night? She knew sleeping with someone she worked with was a terrible mistake and sleeping with her boss? Just plain crazy.
Still, he was so damn hot was all that whirled around her brain. They lay entangled on his bed, kissing, his shirt unbuttoned, and her dress down around her waist. She wanted him, wanted to be with him, but worried giving in to desire might cost her everything she’d worked toward. But it was hard to think straight he was such a good kisser. Marcus took his shirt off, his abs were perfect, he obviously worked out. She moved her hands over his biceps loving the feel of his muscles. He ran a hand up her thigh and excitement covered her in waves.
“Mmmm,” Marcus kissed her shoulder then trailed scalding hot kisses down her body that left her breathless. As he inched off her dress, he smiled at her, “You have an incredible body.” His hands roaming everywhere creating a sizzling sensation wherever they touched.
At this point giving in to desire was her only option, there was no way she’d be able to stop now. Her need was so strong. Cherry let her hands glide along his back as he kissed her neck. She wanted him bad, wanted to feel him inside her.
He stopped for a moment studying her face, his eyes gazing deep into hers, held a thousand mysteries. He seemed to be holding back though, waiting for something, but she couldn’t tell what. Cherry wanted to ask him so many questions, wanted to know everything there was to know about him, but now was not the time for talking.
“Marcus, I want you.”
It seemed to be exactly what he needed to hear. Marcus quickly removed the rest of his clothing. The sight of him fully naked was like something from the most erotic dream she’d ever had. He removed her bra and when he touched her, his hands on her breasts felt amazing. She arched her back as he stripped off her panties, and he laughed when he saw her belly button piercing, “I never would have expected that, wow, very hot.” Before she could say anything his lips came down on hers again with a kiss that made her want to beg for more and the way he used his fingers, stroking her, this man had a way of creating desire in her like she had never experienced before.
She rolled over to be on top, to take control, grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him He caressed her breasts and bottom, then with renewed urgency, he rolled over to be on top again. The two of them fell off the bed, tangled up in the sheets.
Cherry lying on the floor with Marcus on top of her, couldn’t stop giggling. But despite their laughing, his need quickly became apparent. And her desire matched his in every way.
Marcus’ eyes never left hers as he entered her. Cherry took in a deep breath enjoying the exquisite feeling and then wrapped her legs tight around him pulling him in deeper within her. She moved her hips rhythmically, to match his, the sounds she couldn’t contain urging him on. His continued fast movements creating a scorching hot frenzy within her. Cherry’s breathing became more rapid and she could feel Marcus’ heartbeat pounding through his chest. His movements in and out of her driving her crazy with desire. Marcus continued at a frantic pace, almost out of control, causing an overwhelming intensity to build up inside her, pushing her to the edge and ending in an explosion of pleasure.
CHAPTER FOUR
Marcus was having a morning full of couldn’ts. He couldn’t believe he woke up and Cherry was gone. He couldn’t believe he gotten that lucky in the first place, how a phenomenal woman such as that ended up in his bed couldn’t be believed. He used his glucometer to check his blood sugar, 214, not great but not a surprise given the alcohol last night. He ordered a healthy breakfast through room service then took a syringe from his carryon, drew up his insulin and gave himself a quick injection into his side.
Marcus hit the shower, the hot water felt good. One night with Cherilyn complicated everything. He wondered if she had seen his syringes and wracked his brain trying to remember if after a few drinks he told her he was a diabetic.
It was nothing to be ashamed of but he preferred to keep it quiet. He never wanted his condition to keep anyone at Daycroft Industries from believing he was not capable of doing his job. This thing with Cherry - it had to be just a one night stand. Relationships in the workplace were a bad idea in general, but more so at Daycroft. Given the recent problems at work they had a zero tolerance policy where romance was concerned. What if she spoke about it at work? He knew he should be more careful, especially with a beautiful, accomplished woman who might be wanting a promotion.
The class he came to Vegas for was beginning in twenty minutes, yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her face, her lips, her body, she was amazingly hot. He laughed remembering her belly button was pierced, that was a surprise and suggested a wild side, he found the thought of it terribly erotic.
His mind was consumed with thoughts of how he was going to get her back into his bed.
Cherilyn let herself into the room tip-toeing silently praying none of her friends were awake to see her walk of shame. Luckily, no one was in the living room. Tash must have gone to bed sometime during the night because that’s where Cherilyn found her sprawled on one of the two beds in their room. Cherry showered and dressed in the bathroom, when she walked back into the bedroom Tash sat up looking like she had been run over by a train.
“I’m hoping you don’t feel as bad as you look,” Cherilyn said, with a great deal of sympathy for her friend.
“Ha, ha. What’d I miss?”
Cherilyn’s pulse raced and she tried hard not to look guilty. “Nothing much.”
“Did you all go out?” Tash put a hand to her head.
“No, we didn’t.”
“How come?”
Cherilyn told her of Melanie’s reluctance to go out and tried gently to explain Keke’s announcement.
Tashida sat there looking confused. “Huh.”
Cherry found some pain relievers in her pocketbook ad handed them to Tash with a bottle of water.
“Thanks, you’d make a good nurse.”
“No, not me. It’s a good thing I went into finance. I’m not good with sickness.” She shivered as the memory of her Mom’s passing flashed quickly through her brain. She had only been nineteen when her mother collapsed on the kitchen floor with a sudden, unexpected seizure. And even after calling 911, she had felt so helpless, unable to save her. Cherry tried to push the memory from her mind and focused on her friend who luckily today only suffered from a hangover. She smiled at Tash, “Maybe you’ll feel better after you shower.”
Stepping into the living room, the awkwardness and tension could have been cut with a knife. Melanie was walking back and forth in front of the windows on the phone with David. Keke sat on the couch with her arms wrapped around her, a miserable look on her face, like she regretted opening up. Cherry came up behind her, leaned over putting her arms around her and kissed her cheek.
Breakfast was delivered to the room. Large platters of fruit, eggs, hash browns and a big pitcher of mimosa should have improved their spirits, but didn’t seem to work. Cherilyn tried hard to pick up the mood of the group, but wasn’t able to. In a way she was glad the women were so preoccupied with their own problems because no one asked where she was last night.
Once they finished eating the women headed downstairs for a spa day. Walking through the lobby Cherilyn was unaware Marcus was waiting for her until he grabbed her arm and pulled her to one side. The other three women didn’t notice and continued on walking towards the entrance to the spa.
Marcus had a look of urgency about him. “Come to my room,” he whispered.
“Now?” Cherry was st
unned to see him and even more surprised by his request.
“Right now.”
She heard the desperate desire in his voice. “What about your conference?”
“The hell with the conference.”
“I can’t.” Cherry shook her head. “I’m doing a spa day with my friends.”
Marcus moved in close, the look on his face was compelling, to be wanted so much felt intoxicating. He ran a hand up and down her arm causing shivers of excitement. “Make an excuse - meet me in my room.” After a long, meaningful look Marcus left her standing alone.
With the erotic feelings he created in her it took only about thirty seconds for Cherry to sum up the situation and make up her mind. Tashida was so hung over she’d probably snore through her massage. Melanie, annoyingly, was still sniffling and missing her soon to be hubby-wubby. And Keke was so uncomfortable with her announcement that she now was refusing any massage or sauna and was planning on reading in the lounge area.
So Cherry’s choice would be to spend the day with the sleepy and nauseated, lovesick and aloof or spend the day in the arms of the hottest man she’d ever laid eyes on who miraculously wanted her too.
Cherilyn caught up with her girlfriends as they were signing in at the Spa. “I have to go.”
“What? Why?” Melanie turned to her.
“Not now,” Tash said obviously disappointed.
Keke eyed her. “Don’t you feel well?”
Cherry jumped on that excuse. “That’s it. I don’t feel well.”
“Why don’t you go back to the room and lie down?” Keke gave her a look of concern.
“I should lie down,” Cherry agreed. “I should lie down for the whole day.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” Keke asked.
Fifty Shades Of Black: An Erotic Romance Page 2