Seems Like You're Ready: BWWM Romance

by Heather Rae

  “And your daughter’s father? You do not have a good relationship with him?”

  “No, we don’t. We are on different paths and this morning we had a bit of an argument so we’re not the best of friends.”

  “That’s a shame. I’m sorry you don’t have many people in your life, Nikkia, but you do have me now,” he grinned. “If nothing else, I’ll be your friend.”

  The waitress arrived with our platter of appetizers. I spun the plate so that we could share as I glanced up at him.

  “Thought you wanted me as your woman?”

  “I do, but I’ll settle for friendship…for now,” He smiled brightly.

  Over our meal, we talked. The conversation flowed nicely between Tavius and I. We talked of growing up, our parents, and how we both had gone off in different directions than we had planned.

  Tavius had been an all-star athlete, and awarded a full scholarship to the local university where he majored in business; however, he suffered an injury that ended his potential professional career. Also, at the time, his mother had taken ill, so he took control of his father’s business, a small little recording studio.

  Over the years, he was able to better market the company; now he had top rappers signed to his label, as well as a few up and coming R&B divas. Business was good, he boasted to me. He had opened one of the hottest clubs in town that kept him busy, as well as a cigar smoke shop.

  That evening I wondered just what the hell I had been thinking. It was obvious the man was a successful businessman and I was just a single mom trying to create a decent life for my child and myself. I had nothing to offer, nothing to bring to the table. Why was I even thinking about Tavius?

  “Hello,” I answered as the telephone rang, interrupting my thoughts.

  “Hi, Nikkia. I wanted to let you know I really enjoyed our lunch this afternoon,” Tavius spoke smoothly.

  “I did, too. Thank you.”

  “I’d like to take you to dinner next Saturday night. Are you free?”

  I didn’t want to seem too eager, so I waited a minute before I responded.

  “Yes, I’m not doing anything.”

  “Great. Would you prefer I pick you up or meet?”

  “You can pick me up.”

  “Great. I will call you Friday with the details then. I look forward to seeing you again.”

  And so it had begun.

  ~~7~~

  Before I knew what had happened, Tavius and I were spending more and more time together; lunch, dinner dates all over town, movies, a day spent at the museum with Kiandre. But the more time we were together, the more I thought he had no intention of being romantically involved. Countless times Tavius said he loved the time we shared with one another. As much as he spoke of more, he had yet to make any move. I had never known a man to move at the pace of a snail and I was beginning to think he was losing interest.

  As the temperature dropped, I was hesitant about attending the city’s Christmas parade. I hated for Kiandre to miss out on the fun and excitement, though. I continued to debate the issue as the first snow began to fall; besides, I was feeling down that I hadn’t heard from Tavius in two days.

  “Nikkia,” The male voice called my name and knocked on my door.

  Chain in place, I cracked the door and peeked out into the hall.

  “Yes?” I couldn’t see beyond the stack of gifts.

  “It’s Tavius. I’ve come bearing gifts.”

  I slid the chain free and opened the door as the beautifully wrapped boxes practically tumbled into the living room. I hadn’t seen such a sight in a very long time and needed a moment to recover.

  “Here, let me help.” I reached for a few boxes from his large, overfilled arms.

  “Thanks,” he grinned once his face was visible. “I’m sorry I haven’t called but I have been busy, as you can see.”

  “I see. Um, you know you didn’t have to do all of this,” I breathed as I arranged the gifts near the Christmas tree.

  “Please stop. I wanted to. Besides, I adore you and Kiandre.”

  I didn’t know what to say.

  “We have about fifteen minutes before the parade starts. I got us some heat packets, but you still need to bundle up.”

  “Tavius…”

  I strained my neck to look up at him. I wanted to object to everything, but his hands slid into my hair as his head tilted, his mouth hovered over mine.

  “Don’t argue,” he said just before his mouth covered mine.

  Oh yes, was my only thought as his tongue plowed beyond my lips; then my brain turned to mush.

  Despite the cold and snow, the effects of Tavius’ kiss were long-lasting. As we found a spot on the sidewalk as his arm was protectively wrapped around my shoulders. His cold lips pressed to my temple as Santa made his way down the street. Afterwards, the three of us stopped off at the Waffle House for mugs of hot chocolate. Warm and toasty, we strolled home, his gloved hand holding mine.

  On the end table I found an envelope with my name scrolled across it in Tavius’ heavy script. After tucking Kiandre into bed for the night, I lay across my bed as I withdrew the heavy cardstock stationary. It was a personal invitation to attend a New Year’s Eve Celebration at TJ’s.

  ~Nikkia…your presence is requested. I cannot bring in the New Year without you by my side. I have taken some liberties and ordered you a dress. It should be delivered in the coming days. I cannot wait to share this night with you…Tavius~

  I set the invite on my nightstand. Tonight when I fell asleep, it was with a smile on my face.

  I stood in front of the full length mirror that hung on the back of my bedroom door, surveying my reflection. My usually tight springy curls framed my face and fell to my shoulders in a soft wave. It had taken me hours to accomplish but it was so worth the trouble. My make-up was applied carefully. The heels on my feet were five inches of sparkly gold, which wrapped around my slim ankles. They were beautiful, and had cost more than three weeks’ pay I was sure. The emerald green dress was absolutely amazing. The soft clingy fabric clung to every single curve of my body. The plunging neckline exposed much more of my ample breasts than I would have liked. It made me feel sexy, something I hadn’t felt in a long time.

  “Just go with it, Nikkia,” I muttered as the telephone interrupted my thoughts. “Hello and Happy New Year.”

  “Nikkia, put your coat on and go outside; your ride is waiting.”

  Before I could answer, only the dial tone sounded in my ear. I draped the fur wrap around my shoulders that had been sent along with the dress and shoes. I rubbed the side of my face into the softness and locked the door as I left out. Dropping my key into the small gold clutch, I stepped out into the frigid air.

  The stretch limousine sat outside the building. A huge ebony man dressed in a dark suit, opened the door and smiled.

  “Happy New Year, Miss Miles. My name is Cam.”

  “Happy New Year, Cam. I’m sorry you are working when you should be celebrating.” I returned his smile and slid inside the toasty warm interior.

  “Help yourself to something to drink, Miss Miles. I should have you to TJ’s in about twenty minutes or so.” He shut the door firmly.

  I need a bit of liquid courage, I thought. I had never been to Tavius’ club before. I knew that it was the place to go to but when you had a child, going out and kicking up your heels wasn’t something you did on a regular basis. I was sure to be out of my element. I reached for the bottle of cognac and poured myself two fingers, as I settled back into the soft leather seat and enjoyed the ride. That cognac will definitely do the job, I thought to myself.

  The parking lot was full and despite the cold climate, a line of people stood patiently waiting to enter the club. Cam held opened the door, helping me out as he gestured to the red velvet ropes.

  “Go ahead on through, Miss Miles. Someone will direct you to Mr. Jones once you are inside the doors.”

  “Thank you, Cam.”

  Two big, beefy men opened the
frosted glass doors that led to the inside of the club. A woman dressed in a gold party dress grinned, as I looked around confused.

  “Miss Miles. Happy New Year! I am Janae. Let me take your coat and then I will show you to Mr. Jones.”

  “Oh, um, okay.”

  I slid the fur wrap and handed it over to the young woman. She disappeared for a moment into the coatroom then returned after a minute. She tilted her head for me to follow behind her as she led the way into the busy club. The deejay was shouting at the crowd, encouraging folks to the dance floor. The speakers, massive in size, blared and thumped the most current hits. People were everywhere, with glitter party hats and tiaras atop their heads. Everyone was dancing, drinking, celebrating and having fun. Balloons and bubbles floated about the club while noise makers randomly competed with the music. It was amazing to me, and a bit overwhelming.

  ‘Nikkia! Darlin, you look absolutely stunning!” Tavius hugged me tightly.

  I closed my eyes for a moment and breathed in the scent of him. He stepped back and grinned as his eyes drank me in greedily, as I did the same. The man wore the HELL out of a three piece suit! The Italian cut framed his body nicely, and had almost matched the color of my dress. The Cole Haan wingtips on his feet and the gold cufflinks just set off his entire look.

  “You look great, Tavius, and I can’t thank you enough for the gown, shoes and fur. You sure know how to make a woman feel beautiful,” I smiled.

  “Not a hard task to accomplish when you are already beautiful. Come, let’s get some champagne.”

  The VIP section was roped off as one large bouncer stood like a sentry at the entrance. He nodded as we passed through. It contained a booth large enough to seat fifteen and its very own private bar. The tabletop was covered with finger foods, snacks and a variety of dips and two bottles of champagne sat on ice. Tavius popped the cork off of one and poured the two flutes full of the bubbly.

  “A toast to the most beautiful woman in my life.”

  “Thank you,” I smiled and tipped my glass to his, feeling my cheeks turn pink.

  “Here’s to a new year filled with promise. Happy New Year, Nikkia.”

  “Happy New Year, Tavius.”

  As the traditional song played, we counted off the seconds. Streamers and glitter was thrown in the air in celebration as to all that was to come as I was pulled into the embrace of a man I was falling helplessly in love with. His mouth awakened a passion buried deep inside of me. I felt alive again.

  I was not intoxicated that night when I had decided to go home with him. I was fully aware of the choice I was making. At first, Tavius had attempted to talk me out of the idea, but I could be hardheaded when I felt like it.

  “You don’t want me?” I smacked my lips at him as we rode in the back of the limo.

  “I did not say that, Nikkia. I just don’t want you to think…”

  “I am my own woman, Tavius, but I understand…”

  I should have just gone on home, but didn’t want the evening to end. A part of me still believed in fairy tales at that time; so I used persuasion, and made him feel bad, guilting him into taking me home with him.

  His condo was beautiful and had the most amazing view of the city. He lit a fire and a dozen candles as I stood at the tall windows and took in the skyline.

  “You want a drink, darlin?”

  “I’m good, thanks. I just want your company and maybe, to be held in your arms.” I glanced over my shoulder at him and smiled.

  “Then maybe you should come over here by the fire, closer to me.” He cocked his brow at me and flashed a bright smile.

  I crossed the room and sank down on to the plush couch. He sat down next to me then reached for my ankle. He unfastened the strap of my heel, slid it off and massaged my foot then repeated the process. His hands worked their way up my legs as he draped them across his lap.

  “You’re gorgeous, and I can’t believe you’re all mine,” he murmured as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

  “Me either.”

  His mouth devoured mine hungrily as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks. His hands were gentle, sure, and unrushed. He took his time as his hands became familiar with my body. By the time we were both naked, I was writhing with need. Maybe it was because he was older, more experienced; maybe it was his technique. I gave up analyzing and gave in to his skilled love making.

  I woke to the sun filling the room, the softest pillow under my head and a strong arm wrapped possessively around my body. I shifted slightly and his lips pressed to my shoulder blade.

  “I was wondering if you’d ever wake up.”

  I felt his mouth turn into a smile along my skin.

  “Mmm…good morning.”

  “You hungry, beautiful?”

  “Starving.” I rolled towards him, mouth already salivating for his chocolate self.

  Tavius and I spent practically every other day together, and the same went for the nights. He showered me with gifts, tiny little trinkets, and daily text messages to my cell phone to let me know he was thinking of me. Within two months, he was asking me and Kiandre to move in with him. As much as the idea held appeal, I did not want to give up my independence.

  I was happy maintaining my own home; after all, I had worked so hard. Tavius said he understood. Then he decided to take another route; he tried to convince me to allow him to assist me financially. His selling point, he claimed, was the need to provide and protect for what was his. I wouldn’t give in, even when I told him I was pregnant.

  “You are my woman, Nikkia, and having my baby! I can’t allow you to work for that cleaning company!” he shouted.

  “Allow me?” I stared at him in disbelief. “I am not some piece of property you control, Tavius.”

  “Think of how it looks, baby. After all, a woman is a reflection of a man.”

  “Really?” I nodded my head at him. “Well the last time I checked, you met me as I was cleaning offices. I was good enough to pursue then!”

  “Baby…” he softened.

  “Don’t gimme that shit, Tavius. That is my job and I won’t give it up until I have things squared away with my plans for the salon.”

  “All I’m saying is I can help you.”

  “That’s not what you are saying. I won’t be a kept woman!”

  “Ok, darlin’. Let’s just forget this for the time being.”

  That disagreement should have been a warning sign for me. But in the days that followed, Tavius went to extremes in order to apologize and make things right. And I, because I was in love with him, forgave him and dismissed the conversation.

  As the pregnancy progressed, Tavius urged me again to quit working. I refused and would not hear of it. He changed tactics, pushing for me to work on a plan for my salon. This pregnancy was taking its toll on me, however. I began to have problems with my blood pressure, and was ordered strict bed rest during my last trimester.

  I had no choice but to move in with Tavius, which pleased him greatly. Later in the fall, Tavius Jones, Jr., TJ for short, was born at approximately 4 am. He tipped the scales at 9 pounds 8 ounces and was adorable. Tavius was thrilled to have a son; so much so that he felt the need to gift me something very special. I was given a unit for my very own salon.

  Contractors and a design team were hired. We’d sit for hours at a time going over building codes, paint schemes, and overall layout. Whatever I signed off on and requested, Tavius would come behind me making changes. His excuse was always “you should have the absolute best, Nikkia. No need to be cheap or mediocre.”

  Tavius was not an overbearing man, nor was he mean. He strived for perfection because he wanted the best. He also wanted things done his way. That was the way I had seen things, at first, until I began to question him.

  I had expected him home much earlier, not long after three pm. It was nearly 10:00 at night. I had been dozing on the sofa when he walked in, looking irritated. I, myself, was feeling some type of way since he had never bothered to call and let me know
he’d be late.

  “Tavius, I really think you are sinking too much money into the salon. What if it doesn’t do well?” I had asked while he ate his reheated dinner.

  “Nonsense!” He would reply with his dazzling smile. “It will do just fine, Nikkia. Why are you worried?”

  “You’re spending a lot of money, Tavius. It has me concerned.”

  “Don’t fucking be,” he cursed, pushing away his plate, as he scraped his chair across the tiled floor. “I need a shower. Toss this shit away.”

  Yeah, trouble in paradise and it only got worse.

  I wasn’t the nagging type, I just had questions. Mr. Tavius…well, he thought I was intent on being difficult and sticking my nose where it didn’t belong. Our verbal altercations began to happen regularly, and I started to clearly see similarities that I chose to ignore before. His late nights became more frequent, he was angry and irritable over the least little thing and he became more controlling. I threatened to pack up the kids and leave, to return to my normal quiet and boring life. In doing so, I was rewarded with a weekend family getaway, a day of pampering at a spa and a new handbag. I guess Tavius thought that would smooth things over. What it did was make me even more suspicious and cautious.

  I had had such a long and miserable day. Dre had been at his mother’s house that morning when I dropped KD off. He had gotten slick with me about how I had looked. Other women would have probably enjoyed his words of appreciation, or had been flattered to say the very least. I was none of the above; if anything, Dre had put me into a foul mood.

  Traffic had been ridiculous in town. There had been an overturned truck that caused delays for hours; thankfully nobody had been injured. The weather had been gloomy and raining since I had left the house. I just wanted to put my feet up and enjoy a hot cup of tea. I was curled up on the couch, hidden from view when Tavius walked in.

  “That dude owes me how much again? Twenty G’s, that’s right. So why are you even questioning me? Break that muthafuckas legs, ya heard?! Business is business.”