There are no empty tables, so I do a quick glance around to see if I spot Marcia. She is seated with Francisco and two other colleagues; Cooper follows me to their table. Marcia welcomes us with a cheesy smile and introduces me to Francisco, Peter and Matt. Cooper sits by Peter and Marcia insists that I sit beside her. The conversations are extremely boring. The group is discussing work and their clients. Meanwhile I am wishing that I could wear this napkin as a bib to guarantee that none of the marina sauce drips on my dress. Marcia asks if I am okay, I want to say, no you left me all night with this douchebag, but of course I do not say that.
Sarcastically I reply, “I am having the best time.” Now Marcia knows that I am pissed. Of course every time I catch Cooper looking in my direction he is frowning. Now I have had enough; shit I could be at home in bed. I politely excuse myself.
This evening has been a complete waste. I’m ready for it to be over. To think I may have gotten lucky is a joke. Maybe I should tell Marcia that I am leaving. No, fuck that, not after her disappearing act. I quickly locate the steps leading to the deck and take each one with careful stride. Soon I am back in the beautiful atmosphere of this home. I take brisk, but somewhat fast steps to make my way out front.
Before, I exit the door, which is being held so kindly by the butler. I hear a soft, yet masculine voice. “Carmen, Carmen are you leaving?” I turn to see a jogging Cooper. You have to be kidding me. Why is he acting like he cares with that fake look of concern?
“Yes,” I snap.
“They are about to serve dessert, thought we might have some.”
This guy is a real piece of work. “Dessert? Why? It is perfectly clear you do not enjoy being in my presence.” Once again he is frowning. “There’s that frown again, shows how much I disgust you.”
“What?” Cooper looks confused.
“Is that what you think?” I roll my eyes.
“It isn’t a look of disgust, Carmen. You are the most stunning woman I have ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on. All night I have imagined what you would feel like in my arms. Disgust? No beautiful, it is me fighting to restrain myself from kissing you.”
I am speechless. Did this sexy man call me beautiful and say he wants to kiss me? I nervously lick my lips. Cooper seductively smiles; not too wide, just enough to allow his gorgeous white teeth to show. That’s when I see clearly that this man wants me. He is moving closer, I can only stand there dumbfounded. He is the predator and I am his helpless prey. Oh Cooper take me, take me now. What is wrong with me?
Then Cooper whispers in my ear, “You don’t believe me?”
Before I can say or do anything Cooper’s wonderful mouth is pressed against mine. His lips are moist and full, and I taste a hint of the Cabernet he was drinking earlier. Our kiss is perfect, filled with passion and lust. I have never been kissed like this. I am excited, extremely turned on and yes, wet.
Things have gone from frustrating to intense. “How are you getting home?”
My brain is fried. I know I should answer but can’t. He is waiting patiently for my answer. “Um, I need to call a cab.”
Cooper pulls out his blackberry and says, “James, please bring the car around. Carmen I will be taking you home.”
This wasn’t a request it was a command and all I could say was, “Okay.” Cooper softly kisses me on my cheek and it is disappointing because our lips are meant to be connected.
Moments later a sleek black Signature Series Lincoln Town Car pulls up to the curb. James steps out of the car with his chauffeur hat that matches his all black suit.
“James, this is Carmen Williams. We will be taking her home this evening.” James smiles.
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” he says in a friendly manner.
Cooper assists me into the car. I climb in and sit lady-like. This is a difficult task because all I want to do is straddle him.
Staring at Cooper, I just realized he was speaking to me.
“What did you say?” I ask.
Cooper gently touches my leg, and his thumb traces the inside of my upper thigh, now my panties are completely soaked. He gives me an all knowing look. “I am thinking the same thing, but I asked where do you live?”
How does he know what I am thinking? I am so embarrassed and to make things worse my cheeks are on fire.
“My address is 1881 N. Nash Street.” Cooper asks James if he got it then he hits a button causing a black window to appear giving us privacy.
My pulse is racing and there are millions of thoughts going through my mind. Wondering how the evening is going to end. “Carmen, I would love to take you out tomorrow evening. Are you free?”
Did he just ask me out? “My schedule is open,” I say.
“Then it’s settled I will pick up you up at 6. We will go to The Melting Pot and dancing afterwards,” he states.
Shocked, I reply, “You weren’t talkative all night and now you are being very demanding.”
Cooper leans close to my face. I can feel his warm breath against my skin. This man is going to drive me crazy. I close my eyes, hoping his lips are going to invade mine. He seductively says, “You need someone to take charge and I will provide pleasure for your enjoyment.”
I never got a chance to respond. Using the intercom, James informs us that we have arrived at my building. Cooper opens the door and grabs my hand. He leads me to the entrance as Frank, the doorman, greets us. I’m not sure if I should invite Cooper into my home. He is so gorgeous.
“Until tomorrow.” He bends down and greedily kisses me, our tongues intertwining.
Chapter Four
I step out of the elevator and reach my apartment on the 18th floor. Still trying to catch my breath, I’m certain Marcia has not beaten me here as she knows what’s to come for her behavior this evening. I’m sure she’ll wait until she thinks I am fast asleep to avoid dealing with my semi-partial attitude. Although, I’m rethinking now if I should even have one seeing how the night ended. No, fuck that, she is still going to feel the wrath! Retrieving my keys from my silver clutch, I step inside our apartment. It still smells “Incredible” compliments of my fragrance choice tonight. All I want to do now is shower and get in my cozy bed, in hopes of dreaming about Cooper and his delicious lips. There goes my vagina—I mean nerves again, in anticipation of our date tomorrow. I make my way to the shower, which connects to my bedroom.
This is my resting place which is decorated well with my bedroom suit that’s made of creamed colored oak. In the corner there is a desk for my many business tasks, and my vanity, which is by far one of my favorite things. It is home to all my MAC makeup, from my primer to my mascara, all the wonders to make a girl her happiest. The mirror hung above it, resembles those of the movie stars, red in color, square in shape, with four light bulbs going down each side. The makers wanted you to experience the glamorous life because they included the word Hollywood on the bottom right corner. I pass my walk-in closet to reach the bathroom, the floors are tiled a light champagne color with flecks of gold. This makes me feel like I live as a millionaire. The shower is a stand up stall with a bench strategically located inside for us ladies so we can sit down to shave our legs. I’m sure it would come in handy too for male visitors, even though I haven’t used it for that purpose, not yet anyway.
Ahhh, I turn on the hot water and step inside, the mosaic tiling makes the floor very comforting to the feet. I forgot my shower cap so I have to step out, grab it and put it in on. Coming back into the stream of warm water, I lather my loofa. As soon as it graces my skin, I’m envisioning the touches being those of Cooper instead. I run the brush up my thigh, and my hand soon follows until my finger reaches the pulsing throb in my vagina. With expertise movement of my middle finger, I gently rub my clit, and I am nothing shy of a leg shaking orgasm within two minutes or less.
Being single has really allowed me to become more in tune with myself and my deepest desires. I can only hope that I haven’t ruined it for the next man that I am intimate with. Finger
s crossed it will be Mr. Jackson. The suds are flowing all down the course of my body. Putting the loofa down, I place my focus where it’s needed the most. I rub anxiously at my clit circling and circling, wishing it was Cooper. I can already imagine the feel of his hands on my most sensitive spots. I can see us in this very shower, him picking me up, using the wall to steady himself, while my legs have the tightest grip around his waist. He adjusts them so my vagina is perfectly aligned with the crown of his penis. All this thinking and visualizing makes my strokes more intense, demanding my climax.
As I continue to rub up and down, stroking between the lips allowing my fingers to absorb the wetness, I bite my lower lip. My other hand is trying to grope the whole breast but instead settles for taking the nipple between two fingers twisting and pulling till it’s at the hardest peak. My body is convulsing, I’m dripping wet, and I find the magic spot and feel like an explosion has occurred internally. That was long overdue. I balance myself, re-wash, and exit the glass door. The wall mirror is completely steamed. As I stand there naked and waiting for it to de-fog, I reach for my moisturizer to put on my face. A girl can never start too early in her attempts to prevent wrinkles, at least that’s what my mom always says. As my body comes into focus, I stand there admiring my voluptuous curves, my flawless caramel skin and loving the mole that rests on my left shoulder. I’ve carried these 34D’s around since the age of sixteen.
Later in life is when I realized most guys only saw them, and not me. This is one reason why I have chosen to remain single all this time. I reach for the lotion to lubricate my body. I start from the top of my shoulders and work my way down the arms. Working out non-stop has helped keep them firm, no flab in sight. My stomach is an example of my desperate tries of obtaining a six-pack, and over my hips, I think they are one of my greatest assets. As well as my legs, which are long, full of muscle, not to mention the color, which really makes the females jealous. I do not have to lay in the blistering sun for hours, nor that of a tanning bed as this stays with me year-round, no sun damage required. Removing my shower cap, I allow my jet black hair to fall gracefully to the middle of my back, brushing it to eliminate any morning tangles.
Reaching my bedroom, I remove my towel, and pull out my pajamas from the lingerie chest. A simple white tank and red shorts. The bed is calling my name; I pull down the covers, and slide inside. At first the silk sheets are cold, but once my body starts to adjust and get warm, I fall fast asleep.
Chapter Five
“Good morning sunshine,” Marcia enters my room carrying a silver tray. Smiling she says, “Breakfast in bed for my best friend. I know you are angry with me, but I thought you and Cooper would make a great couple.” It is obvious that Marcia feels bad.
Overjoyed at the sight of my Cracker Barrel, I can’t focus on how she is feeling. Since we have known each other for years, she knows exactly what to get me, and she even remembers the extra syrup. I sit up and pull the covers back, to avoid the possibility of making a mess. Picking up my plastic fork, I shove pancakes into my mouth and tell Marcia, “We have a date tonight.” A huge grin forms on Marcia’s face and then she playfully hits my shoulder.
“How did that happen? I want details.”
Slowly I explain how the entire evening played out. Marcia interrupts a few times with sighing and she insists that I repeat our first kiss. I find it almost difficult to put into words, being that I still haven’t come to full terms with it myself. AH-MAZING is all I can say, when she continues to press for more information.
She then asks, “What will you wear tonight? Flats or Heels?” The shoe height is not an issue since Cooper will tower over me regardless. Her question leaves me pondering about all the possible choices, and my walk-in closet has plenty of options in store for me. After filling our stomachs, Marcia and I look forward to catching up on some episodes of our favorite show, TrueBlood. Work has been demanding for us both lately so we’re about three weeks behind from the rest of the world. After some intense vampire action, and lots of hot scenes featuring the one and only Eric Northman, we drift off to sleep.
When I wake up and look at the clock, I see it’s already 4:30 pm. I wake Marcia and inform her it’s time to continue making up for last night by helping me get ready. She willingly accepts. I stand for what seems like hours looking into my closest, waiting for the perfect outfit to jump out at me. I try to avoid trying multiple things on, but to no avail. Everything gets tossed on my bed instead of being hung back up. Finally, the decision is made. A silk halter top that contains the colors red, gray, and black, it is matched perfectly with a dressy pair of black shorts that fall about 4 inches above the knee. Heels are something I can’t get enough of; I pick one of my favorite pairs for this special occasion. They’re red patent leather peep toes, with a stiletto heel about 3.5 inches high, made by Gianni Bini, yet comfortable enough for the club venture.
Sitting at my vanity, sporting a simple pony tail, I start applying my makeup. I’m lucky to have a natural clear complexion that does not require me to cake the make-up on as some females do. I create a smoky eye, not forgetting the mascara and eyeliner, which do wonders for my hazel eyes, and I complete the look with my crimson red lipstick. I blot for perfection and start to get nervous as the clock closes in on the 7 o’clock hour. At exactly 7pm, the intercom comes to life with the voice of Frank.
“Ms. Williams, Mr. Jackson is here.”
Smiling to myself, I hit the send button and say, “Tell him I’ll be right down.”
“Yes ma’am,” Frank replies.
Before leaving, Marcia hugs me, telling me how fabulous I look, and wishes me luck.
“Don’t forget to invite him up once he brings you home,” Marcia says. “Remember I will be at Francisco’s late this evening to catch up on a work project that is due first thing next week. Don’t worry though I’ll be home before you wake up tomorrow. Hell you may even owe me breakfast depending on how the date ends.”
I roll my eyes, partially laughing and exit the door. My hands are shaky as I press the call button for the elevator. The anticipation is killing me, and a thought of our lips reuniting is enough to cause my panties to become slightly wet.
Chapter Six
I am walking at a light, yet confident pace, making my way to where Cooper awaits. His facial expression lets me know my appearance is pleasing. I remind myself to breathe and remember that I have been on dates before. He is wearing a black button down shirt and silver cufflinks with a scripted “C” are used to close the sleeves. His pants are light tan, perfectly pressed, with no wrinkles in sight. Dressy black loafers complete his assemble.
When I approach him, he lifts my right hand to his mouth and kisses it gently, “Good evening Carmen, you look ravishing.”
Blushing, I reply (hoping the words come out right and clear, my throat appears to have gone dry), “Thank you. You look amazing.”
He smirks at me, then places my left arm in his; guiding me to where his 2011 Black Mercedes E-350 Coupe awaits.
Surprised to see the car, I ask, “Where is James?”
“I only use James for special events,” Cooper replies. “Sorry you are stuck with just me,” Grinning, he says.
“There is no one else I would rather be stuck with.”
He touches me lightly on the cheek. Sharp is the only word that comes to mind as he opens the door for me to be seated. The inside of the car is dark gray leather with red interior lights. The covering to the moon roof is open so the stars look down on us. As my seat belt clicks into position, Cooper slides into the driver’s seat.
“Shall we go?” he asks.
“Most definitely,” I reply.
Before pulling off, he leans over and kisses me softly and just enough passion to know I haven’t been the only one looking forward to this. This man really knows how to make my body respond, even with the slightest touches.
Putting the car in drive, we head north towards Lee Street. Cooper glances at me before resting his hand on my
left leg, exactly where my shorts end. The sound of Michael Bublé is interrupted when the GPS advises after turning on Lee Street; we need to merge onto I-66W and take the Glebe Road exit in order to reach our destination. The heat from his hand, is starting to warm my whole body.
As soon as I think it may be too much, we arrive at The Melting Pot. Cooper has valet take care of the parking. He tips the gentlemen generously. He comes around and opens the door for me, extending his hand to assist me out. Cooper places his hand on the small of my back leading me into restaurant.
The hostess greets us in a high pitched voice, “Welcome to the Melting Pot.”
She seems to be in her late teens and it is irritating how she is openly lusting after Cooper. Me being a true expert in hiding my emotions, something I learned from my father the attorney, Cooper will be none the wiser in noticing my rage.
“We have dinner reservations under the name Jackson,” Cooper says.
“Jackson? Party of two…yes, I see. Please follow me right this way,” says the teeny bopper as she switches her hips in front of us.
We are seated in a dimly lit area where the booth is only big enough for us. I set my sequined black Nine West clutch behind me due to the tightness of the area. The wall sconces are responsible for the glow on Cooper’s face; I bet he would look perfect in any kind of lighting.
He looks to me and asks, “What would you like to drink? I thought about ordering a bottle of champagne. To celebrate new beginnings.”
I give him a sensual look as heat radiates from my lady parts and in my sexiest voice I say, “To new beginnings.” He smiles.
A few minutes later, Cooper orders our champagne and tells me to trust him in ordering our dinner. As we wait, I learn that Cooper is executive adviser at A.Werts. He was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and at the age of 10 he and his father moved to Blacksburg, Virginia. Cooper never mentions his mother, so I did not pry. It is refreshing to see how relaxed and open he is. I tell him about my family and how we are originally from Newark, New Jersey. He seems impressed that I own a daycare center. I tell him my father gave me 90% of the money, and informed me that I needed to know what a struggle is. Cooper laughs at that and our dinner arrives.
Made to Love: Carmen and Cooper's Story Page 2