‘Can he get any sexier?’ she thought as she watched him pluck the guitar. Once the song finished, Gabriel approached the front of the stage. Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” began to play.
“I wonder if these snow bunnies know Black people did these songs first?” Jasmine yelled between her hip gyrations. Candy rolled her eyes and looked at the stage intensely, afraid to even blink. Gabriel began his electric guitar solo. The crowd clapped loudly as his fingers ran up and down the neck. She felt herself melt into each note he played. As he completed the song, the crowd jumped up and cheered.
Dallas leaned over to Candy. “He’s really good.”
“You don’t know the half of it,” Candy muttered.
“Huh?” Dallas asked again.
“Nothin’!” Candy burst into laughter as she stood up and applauded. The lights lowered, and the band began to play a soft tune as Gabriel spoke.
“Tonight we’re gonna play a song we’ve never performed before in public. I want to dedicate this song to a special woman, Candy.”
People in the audience began to clap. A few shouted, “Awww!” Dallas and Jasmine looked at Candy with wide eyes and smiled happily for her. Candy put her hands up to her face and blushed.
All of the sudden the soft music turned into Cameo’s song, “Candy.” The crowd clapped in appreciation. Dallas jumped up and applauded as she swayed to the beat. “Girl, he’s a keeper! That’s too adorable!”
Candy slowly stood up and waved to him, blowing him a kiss. He looked over at her and winked. George held the microphone and sang, “It's like candy!” singing the entire song while the crowd went wild chiming in and dancing. Gabriel blew Candy a kiss then stepped back into place. The audience applauded again. Candy shook her head in disbelief.
“Let’s try to peel that big-ass grin off her face!” Jasmine said as she laughed. “You’re so dick whipped, it ain’t even funny.” Candy rolled her eyes and laughed. The band played a few more songs before exiting the stage. Dallas, Jasmine, and Candy sat huddled together talking and chuckling.
“Hi, Ladies,” Gabriel said as he approached them from behind. Candy turned to face him. She took note of his shirt. The first four buttons were undone, exposing soft, dark chest hair as he tried to cool down. He held a beer in his right hand, wrapped his left around Candy’s waist and kissed her on the cheek. His friend George, the drummer, accompanied him.
“Hey, Gabriel, this is Jasmine and Dallas.” Each woman shook his hand.
“You’re really good,” Dallas said, her grin a mile wide. “Candy and I go way back. I’m really happy for you and her. You seem to treat her right, so you get my gold star.”
“Thank you,” Gabriel said as he took a sip of his beer.
Jasmine, now nursing her third gin and tonic, squinted and slightly slurred, “You pretty fuckin’ cute for a white man.” Gabriel and George looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“Ladies, this is my friend George.”
“Yeah, he did the singin’,” Jasmine waved. “You’re fat, but fuckable. You have a great voice.” Everyone burst out laughing again.
“George, I apologize for my friend. She’s been drinking too much this evening.” Candy’s eyes got wide, warning Jasmine to sit down and be quiet.
Gabriel leaned over and whispered in Candy’s ear, “It’s like having Allison here tonight! No filter!” They both burst out laughing.
George waved. “That’s OK. She’s being honest,” he smiled.
“The other guys are at the bar. They should be over shortly,” Gabriel said as he squeezed Candy closer to him.
Candy stood up and whispered in his ear, “You’re so sexy right now! I know you’re busy, but I’d love to take you home like Chinese carryout,” Candy joked as her second glass of wine started to loosen her tongue. Gabriel laughed, holding his stomach. He leaned in and kissed her on her neck, then sucked lightly.
“OK now!” Jasmine screamed, “Y’all need to get a room! Yes, I’m hatin’. If I ain’t gettin’ no love, no one does.” She turned back around and people-watched.
Gabriel smirked. “Well, it was nice meeting you. Candy, let me get a word with you for a second.” Dallas and Jasmine waved as George walked away and Gabriel took Candy by her hand, leading her to a quieter area of the bar.
“Hey, Sweetie,” he said as he held her close. “Did you like the music?”
“Oh, I loved it. You’re a man of many talents!” Candy grinned. I had no idea you knew songs like that. You’re full of surprises.”
“Great, I’m glad.” Gabriel paused, deliberating over his next words. “Um, everyone will be at the holiday party tomorrow. I see Jasmine is a bit of a drinker. Do you think that maybe it’s not a good idea for her to attend?” Candy grimaced. She put her hand on her hip as her lip poked out.
“Now wait! I can see you’re getting mad already. I’m saying that because she could accidentally let it slip out that we’re seeing each other, not because I don’t want her there.”
Candy’s facial expression softened. “Jasmine isn’t a drunk. She’s depressed and has been drinking too much lately because of a recent breakup. I’ll ask her to only have one drink tomorrow night and explain why. I’m sure she’ll be alright with that.”
“OK, that’s good.” Gabriel kissed her lips quickly. “I have to go, Babe. You want to come by the house tonight? I should be home around 2:00.” Gabriel took a spare house key out of his pocket. “Here.”
“What’s this?” Candy asked as she looked at the key lying in the middle of her palm.
“It’s your house key, to my home. It’s yours, you own it. I’ll text you the security code when I have another break. I have to go, Baby. Wait up for me.” He kissed her once more and ran off back to the stage.
* * *
“I told you to wait up,” Gabriel whispered as he slid his naked body under the crisp, white sheets and thick black comforter. The top of Candy’s shoulder peeped slightly over the fabric, creating a beautiful contrast. She grumbled as she fell back to sleep. Her arm dangled over the side of the bed. Gabriel spooned her closely, rubbing his fingers along hers, holding her tightly. “You’re everything to me,” he whispered in her ear softly. “You’re what I need.”
* * *
CHAPTER 15
“Jingle balls, jingle balls, jingle all the way!” Jasmine sung as she waved her glass of champagne in the air. Dallas darted her eyes from right to left, harshly tugging on Jasmine’s sleeve and pulling her closer.
“Don’t make a scene!” Dallas warned.
“I’m not – just singing with the band. Damn!” Jasmine snatched herself away and kept dancing.
The room dazzled under the silver and golden chandelier. The centerpiece of the room was a large, white tree with blue and white lights. Around it were round tables, each decorated with crystal bowls of holly berries and mistletoe. Evergreen branches hung around the perimeter of the room. The company logo hung above a colossal, crackling fireplace. In the far left corner of the room was the band, playing holiday favorites and light jazz music. Employees from all across the country walked about, drinking and laughing as they congregated and spoke to one another. Everyone kept entertained with introductions of family and friends, prize drawings, and dance contests.
“This next drawing is for the plasma television!” Mandy announced. Everyone cheered as they pulled their red ticket stubs out, desperately waiting to see if their number was called. “The winner is ticket 7 – 8 – 2, again, 7 – 8 – 2!”
“That’s me!” a booming voice yelled out from the crowd. People cheered as a short, robust woman with thick, reddish-brown hair made her way to the front.
“Congratulations, Amy! We’ll have the television sent to your home,” Mandy said as she gave her a hug. The festivities continued. Candy stood in a corner right outside the banquet hall door speaking to the party planner.
“And that’s how it is!” she laughed.
“Well, you did an excellent job,” Cand
y complimented. “We’ll definitely keep you in mind next year.”
“You’re welcome, and I appreciate it,” the planner said with a gracious smile. Candy watched as she walked away. She looked down into her cup of cocoa, ready to take a sip. Suddenly she dropped it. Hot liquid spewed in all directions across the floor. “You scared the hell outta me!” she screamed as Quentin caressed her arm.
“I’m sorry, Baby. I didn’t mean to alarm you. It’s nice to see you,” he said as he looked deep into her eyes before grabbing several napkins from a nearby table and kneeling.
“Well, I can’t say the feeling’s mutual,” Candy grinned as she patted her arm dry with a green napkin.
“Oh, wow. That was cold. I deserve it though. I really missed you,” Quentin said as he stood up, holding onto the soaked napkins.
“Yes,” Candy said as she looked away. “You’ve told me that. Look, I told you already nothing’s gonna happen between us ever again. We’re done. I don’t have any hard feelings. I wish you the best, I really do, but I really must get going.”
“Wait, Candace.” Quentin gently grabbed her wrist. “I love you. I’m not giving up. I messed up by letting you go. I don’t care what you say. I know you still love me.” He looked down at her, his eyes unreadable.
Candy tilted her head to the left and frowned as she placed one hand on her hip. “Let me tell you something, Mr. Evans, I don’t love you anymore. Now stop this. You’re starting to piss me off. Besides, I’m seeing someone else. Going back to you would be like leaving a gorgeous ocean for a dirty rain puddle.”
Quentin laughed. “You always had a way with words. You just wanna hurt me like I hurt you. I get it. I’ll let this go for now, but you haven’t heard the last from me, and we both know you don’t want to. When I want something or someone, I get it. Nothing will change that.” He blew her a kiss and walked away. Candy chewed her bottom lip and crossed her arms over her chest. Her heart was beating a mile a minute as her body heat increased by the second. Feelings of hatred began to manifest deep within her soul.
“Why are you looking so angry? There’s beer and wine here, how could you be?” Candy turned around and saw Gabriel standing there with his coat over his arm. Candy immediately cooled down as she looked into his handsome hazel eyes. His dark eyebrows arched upward. “What?” he asked with a smile.
“It’s nothing. Just a little tired, I guess. The party’s going well, don’t you think?”
“Yes, it is. Sorry I’m a little late. Allison wasn’t ready. You know how you women are,” he laughed. “Now she’s inside fixing herself a plate. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet,” Candy answered. “I was just making sure everyone else was taken care of first.”
“I knew it. In typical Candace Benet fashion, you’re taking care of everyone but yourself. Let me get you a little something.” Gabriel winked at her. He waved then walked inside the banquet hall, the large wooden doors closing behind him. Candy immediately heard applause and people greeting him. She crossed her arms and looked down at her high-heeled shoes and smiled. Dallas came through the doors holding a piece of cheese in her hand.
“Candy I’ve been looking all over for you! There’s a good song playin’!” she exclaimed, popping the morsel into her mouth. She grabbed Candy by the arm and pulled her inside the hall. Candy grinned as she heard the band leader playing Run DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis.”
Candy, Jasmine, Dallas, and several other people started to dance, encouraging others to join them. They moved about in unison, Electric Sliding to the lyrics and grooves. Candy laughed as she spun around and dipped low, not noticing the smile spread across Gabriel’s face as he watched her. Allison bounced over to him.
“Dad,” she whispered as she took a big gulp of her sparkling punch. “Didn’t you say Ms. Candy set up this party? She did great.”
“Yes, she did,” Gabriel responded. “She seems to be having fun.” He held the plate he had fixed for her as he continued to watch.
Allison looked at her father, slightly tilting her head and smiling. “Dude, you’ve got it bad,” she whispered again. Gabriel laughed and took a sip of his Heineken.
The song ended. Candy spun around towards the band and waved. “Thanks for playing that! That was great!” She laughed as she approached the punch table. Gabriel handed her the plate, winked, then walked away. She watched him take long, slow strides, his dark-green shirt getting smaller and smaller as he disappeared into a sea of people vying for his attention. Allison tapped her on her shoulder as she continued to daydream and stare.
Candy twirled around. “Oh, hello, Allison! Nice to see you,” Candy responded, slightly startled.
“Sorry again for how I acted, you know…” Allison looked away at her father as she whispered.
“It’s OK.” Candy reassured.
“I know we aren’t supposed to talk about anything here, you know, raise suspicions since Dad hasn’t said anything yet, but I just wanna let you know that I think you’re super cool. He really seems happy, and that’s all that matters to me. You’re good for him. My mom’s even happy for him. Now that he’s got a girlfriend, it makes him easier for her to deal with. He’s more laid back,” Allison laughed.
Candy grinned. “That’s good. Look, maybe one day you and I can go out together for dinner or a movie?”
“That would be great. Well, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to say hello and tell you that.” Allison waved goodbye as she sauntered off to the dessert table. Candy watched as everyone enjoyed themselves, taking pride in the decorations as she looked around the room, admiring every detail once more. Slowly, as the night went on, the room began to thin out. Secret Santa was done, the large sheet cake cut, and the wine and beer almost gone. Jasmine, who was only slightly tipsy, and Dallas made their way in her direction with their coats draped over their shoulders.
“Girl, we had a blast!” Jasmine screamed. “This was really nice. See, rich companies can throw shit like this – not my cheap ass office!” she laughed.
“Thanks for invitin’ us. My friend Roberta is here. I had no idea her father is one of your accountants. It sure is a small world. Well, we were gonna get goin’ if you don’t need help cleanin’ up,” Dallas stated as she looked around at the piled up trashcans.
“Oh, no. We hired someone to take care of that for us. Thanks for offering though,” Candy smiled.
“No problem,” Dallas said.
“Good night and drive safely. Happy holidays!” Candy said as they left. She repeated herself as other people left the hall as well, some with their arms full of leftover sugar cookies and glittery party favors. Just then she heard her cell phone vibrating in her purse. She saw that she had received a text from Gabriel. It read “Come to my house after you leave.” Butterflies filled her stomach. She sped up her rounds, ensuring everything was taken care of before she departed.
Excited, she gripped her steering wheel tighter as she approached his house. The double gates opened as soon as she pulled up. He greeted her at the doorway, just as he had done before. A feeling of exhilaration crept through her body knowing he was just as anxious to see her as she was him. She knew his plans as she saw that all of the lights were off except one, the one to his bedroom.
“Come here,” she heard Gabriel whisper low. She got out of her car and parked, racing towards him. He met her halfway, hugging her tightly before she could reach the front door.
“I was hoping to spend some time with you tonight,” she beamed. Gabriel embraced her closer, his minty breath tickling her ear.
“Allison’s inside asleep already. I just had to hold you tonight,” he said.
“Seems as if Allison had a good time. It was nice seeing her,” Candy said as she looked up at him.
“She did. Are you spending Christmas with me? We’ve both been so busy, I forgot to ask.” Gabriel ushered Candy inside the house.
“Of course!” Candy exclaimed as she kissed him back. “What did you have planned?”
&
nbsp; “A nice dinner of course, a couple of presents for my Love, and a little slumber party on Christmas Eve,” he grinned deviously.
“Sounds great. I picked you up a present already. It’s a surprise. I hope you like it.” Candy batted her eyelashes.
Gabriel laughed. “If it’s you naked, with a big red bow wrapped around you, I’ll love it,” he smiled. Candy playfully smacked his arm.
“No, it’s not, but I can give that to you later that night,” she giggled.
“Deal!” Gabriel brought her closer to him, placing his lips firmly upon hers. He breathed deeply as he kissed her over and over. She felt her legs giving way.
“You always make me weak at the knees. I don’t know what it is. Before I even looked at you this way, I never thought twice about it. I mean, I thought you were attractive, but my mind never went there. Now that we’re together, I feel like I can’t get enough of you. Did you put a spell on me?” Candy asked as she regained her balance.
Gabriel put his hands on his hips and smirked. “It’s the charm,” he teased. “You know, we’ve known each other all of these years, and neither of us thought about getting together. It seems kind of strange, doesn’t it? Sometimes this doesn’t even seem real. I can’t believe that I finally have you. Sometimes things just line up, just at the right time in a person’s life. We weren’t ready to be attracted to one another before. When we realized we were, it was ‘Eureka.’ As I told you, I always found you attractive, but I never thought of doing anything like this. Never in a million years would I have thought we’d end up like this after the day you were hired. It’s fate.” He leaned in and kissed her again, drawing her up in his arms. “We belong together. You belong to me.” His eyes narrowed, fixed on hers. She felt limp in his arms as he scooped her up and pushed her gently against the foyer wall. She closed her eyes as she felt his tongue circle her ear then the side of her neck. The room seemed to fade away as she disappeared in his warm embrace. They were so entrenched in his hold on her soul that neither of them noticed the headlights of the car which slowly pulled away from the house.
I Want Candy Page 30