by Vera Roberts
Her body was incredible and he couldn’t take his mind off the different positions he wanted to put her in. He’d never worked out so hard in his life, trying to get his mind off her.
But the embarrassment in Tiana’s eyes told Kieran she was not interested in him in that manner.
She was drunk off her tail and her inhibitions were gone. She saw him as her employee and that was that.
If only he could get the thought out of his mind; of him kissing every part of her naked body, then nestling himself between her thighs as her tight heat welcomed him and…
“Kieran?” Tiana called his name again. “Did you want a soda? Water?”
Kieran’s thoughts snapped him back to the present. “Sure, I’ll have a soda. Thank you.”
Tiana poured soda in a couple of glasses for both Kieran and herself. “So,” she began, “you never did tell me about the personal drama in your past.”
Kieran clinked glasses with Tiana and took a sip. “Not much to tell. I was married once before; high-school sweetheart. Got married straight out of high school. We just eloped, went to Atlantic City, and came back to tell our parents.”
“How did your mom take it?” Tiana asked.
“Not well.” Kieran remembered how his mother started cursing in Italian while clutching her rosary and shouting at the ceiling, begging for God to forgive her son and his foolishness. At the time he was embarrassed. Looking back on it, he was rather amused at the dramatics his mother went through. “But she quickly got over it once she realized I didn’t get Jalara knocked up.”
“So you got married young but you’re not married now,” Tiana knew she was stepping into dangerous territory but she had to know. “What happened?”
“I did a tour and came back to a cleaned-out apartment and bank accounts.” Kieran shook his head. Jalara was the love of his life. After much soul-searching, he realized she was with him because he had money and not necessarily because of any love. “I was smart enough to not have her on my credit card accounts or she would’ve maxed out those cards as well. So yeah…”
Tiana instinctively reached out and grabbed Kieran’s hand. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”
Kieran squeezed Tiana’s hand. “Everything happens for a reason. Maybe things had to fall apart so better things can come together.”
A sensual air passed between them as their eyes locked on each other and neither dared to let go of the other’s hand. Once again, Tiana felt the same electricity zap through her body as before.
She was convinced it was from having her arm directly over the stove. “Lunch will be ready soon.”
SIX
“You know what I rather be doing?” Tiana asked.
“What would you rather be doing?” Her attorney, Marcus Russell, replied.
“Anything but this.”
Tiana and Marcus were in a mediator’s office waiting for Christopher and his counsel. A civil agreement between the exes flew out the window the moment Christopher decided to contest the iron-clad prenuptial agreement between him and Tiana. He claimed he was of unsound mind when he signed the document, despite evidence to the contrary.
Nevertheless, Tiana found herself embroiled in a fight over her fortune. She only wished Christopher had the same energy towards their son. Christopher used to wine and dine her; spoil her senseless with the shopping sprees and spontaneous trips somewhere. She had the bling, the Blahniks, and the baller.
She also had the bullshit, the heartache, and was the laughing stock amongst her friends and outsiders. Every industry party she attended, Christopher would flirt with another woman right in front of Tiana. There were plenty of rumors of side pieces in major metropolitan cities. And Tiana could never forget the paternity claim that was disproven.
No man was worth giving up her self-worth, ever again. While her soul wanted to be that 70’s flower child that she craved, her everyday appearance was definitely not that.
“Marcus, nice to see you here,” Christopher’s attorney, Sammy Lawford, entered the office with Christopher in tow.
“Pleasure to see you, Sam,” Marcus shook hands with him. “I hope we can be quick about this.”
“I believe we can,” Sammy sat down and Christopher sat next to him.
Christopher stared at his ex-wife who was working on a presentation for a new client she acquired over the past several weeks. Her hair was wrapped tight in a bun and her makeup was impeccable. She wore a grey suit with pearl jewelry. She looked everything like the goddess he met years ago at an industry function.
“Champagne Cris, my man!” A rapper, Young Thug, approached him and gave him a bro hug.
“What up, baby?” Christopher hugged the man back. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing, nothing!” The young man let out a heavy sigh. His first single was burning up the charts and his debut album was just certified platinum, thanks to Christopher’s heavy-hitting production. They were celebrating the album’s success at a party just for Young Thug. “I owe all this to you, man! Without you, I couldn’t have done any of this.”
“Well, you know…I had the beats but you were the one with the talent,” Christopher smiled. “I was just doing my job, man. That’s all.”
“I hear that, I hear that. Well, listen, let me go mingle with some people and I’ll holler back at you. Later, dude!” He threw up the peace sign and walked off.
Christopher nodded with his cup full of Hennessey. He was proud to see up and coming young artists receive their due. He had been applauded by the industry for his eclectic producing style, often switching it up depending on who he worked with. He produced rock acts, country artists, and was the mastermind behind several hip-hop classic records. Champagne Cris was the man.
Christopher Schmidt was a lonely person.
He started creating beats when he was a child, as young as ten. He would beat-box into the microphone and play it back for his friends who would rap against the beat. As he grew older he spent much time in clubs, DJ-ing during the weekends and some weekday nights. His mother implored him to finish high school, but Christopher knew college wasn’t in his future. He wanted to be a producer. He wanted to make classic records and beats like his idol, Dr. Dre.
He bought the latest equipment, sometimes spending a whole paycheck and forgoing groceries for the month. He would spend hours cultivating his craft, going over a stanza until it was perfect to his ears. He created mix-tapes and gave them away to anyone who cared. He didn’t care about the money; he knew it was going to come. He just wanted to be known.
Several years later, Christopher finally got his big break. He was signed to a major label and created beats for their powerhouse artists. His overnight success actually took several years but it was all worth it once he got his first big check. He entertained the groupies and often slept with struggling female artists who couldn’t afford his services but wanted to repay him in some way.
But at the end of the night, he was alone. He woke up alone, he ate alone, and he slept alone.
“I’m tired of this shit,” Christopher muttered to himself.
“Tired of what? We just got here.” Christopher’s brother and manager, Dean, stood beside him.
“Nah, not the party, man.” Christopher shook his head. “I’m tired of being alone.”
“Being alone?” Dean was incredulous. “Didn’t I just see you with three different women last week?”
“No, I’m not talking about those chickenheads I mess with. I’m talking about a woman. A real woman. Someone who can season a chicken and not roll a blunt. She probably wouldn’t know what a blunt is.” Christopher fantasized. “I’m talking about someone who can be my freak in the sheets and a lady in the streets.”
“Yeah, those chicks don’t exist, bro,” Dean said apologetically. “I have yet to meet one.”
Christopher looked up and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. She was lithe and wearing a dress so tight, it appeared to be painted on her body. She had long fl
owing hair—it looked real and her own, not a weave. Her lips sparkled with a nude lipstick and her eyes danced whenever someone greeted her.
Christopher was already in love and determined to have her. “Nah, they exist,” Christopher determined. “I’m sure of it. Excuse me for a minute, bro.” Christopher walked up to Tiana and introduced himself. “Hello, there.”
“Hello,” Tiana smiled back.
“How are you doing tonight? I noticed you were alone.” Christopher asked.
Tiana looked back at the man before her. He was White, thick around the waist, and his mouth boasted of shiny grills. She would later find out the grills were platinum. He had his brown hair cropped close to his head and a light beard and goatee. He had inquisitive brown eyes and a seductive tone.
He wore a long platinum chain and was a walking advertisement for several stores, based on all of the name brands he was sporting. Despite his interesting looks, the man was attractive. “I’m doing just fine and I’m just here temporarily to say hi to Steven and then I’ll be on my way.”
“Steven?” Christopher asked.
Tiana shook her head. “I’m sorry. Young Thug.” She corrected. “I was his financial advisor and he invited me to his platinum sales party, so I’m just here to let him know I came, and then I’ll be on my way.”
Christopher was already in love. Tiana wasn’t like any woman he had ever met. “You’re a financial advisor, huh?”
“Yes. I have my own business.” Tiana met eyes with Young Thug and waved at him. “Excuse me for a minute, I need to go say hello. It was a pleasure talking to you…”
“Christopher. My name is Christopher.”
“Pleasure talking to you, Christopher.” Tiana shook hands with him. “I hope to talk to you again, soon.”
“I don’t know your name,” Christopher pleaded.
“Tiana,” she smiled, then left.
Christopher watched Tiana give Young Thug a hug as he introduced her to other people in his entourage. Christopher was determined that by the end of the night, Tiana was going to leave with him.
“I’m sorry I have to run, Steven, I have an early morning tomorrow. But I wanted to stop in and say hello and congratulate you on your success.” Tiana grinned.
“Hey, if it wasn’t for you, I would be broke already like these other no-name rappers out here,”
Young Thug laughed. “Thanks for keeping me focused.”
“Not a problem, Steven.” Tiana kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
Tiana walked away from Steven and out of the party. It was almost ten p.m. and the night was still young but, as the president and CEO of Morris Financial, she had no choice but to turn in early. No one was going to run her business for her, despite how much she wanted a clone. Tiana had to remind herself, however, that there was no rest for the wicked. Good things come to those who wait, but she also knew those who work for it got better results and more satisfaction.
She gave the valet her ticket and waited for her car. It was starting to get a little chilly in the autumn air and she covered her arms with her wrap. “So you have any plans for tonight?”
Christopher walked up beside her.
Tiana turned towards him and grinned. “Yes, I’m going home.”
“The night is still young,” he glanced down at his watch, “it’s only 9:30.”
“I have a really early morning tomorrow. I have to be in my office by five a.m.” Tiana yawned,
“I shouldn’t even be here right now. It’s way past my bedtime.”
“Oh well, I was hoping to convince you to go to a little jazz club down the street from here if you’re not really into hip-hop music.”
“I’m into the old stuff, not so much the new.” Tiana confessed. “I can’t name one new rapper.”
“The old stuff is always better,” Christopher licked his lips. “Anyway, I’m not going to keep you but here’s my card if you’re interested.” He handed Tiana a business card.
Tiana studied Christopher’s card. “Champagne Cris, huh?”
“Yeah, you might have heard of me?” He winked.
“Yeah, I have.” Tiana’s Prius pulled up to the sidewalk.
“What do you think?”
“You were right,” Tiana yelled out to him before she entered her car, “the old stuff is always better.”
Christopher jumped back into the present. He should’ve known that night what a bitch his ex-wife would’ve become. “Let’s proceed, shall we?”
****
“This is nice, huh?” Kieran asked Tyson. “Just nature and us bros, huh?”
Kieran took Tyson to a nearby park for a picnic date. He laid out a blanket and had a picnic basket full of healthy food for them both: pureed pears and peas for Tyson, and a bagged lunch for himself. The October air was warm with a slight breeze; it was officially fall and leaves from the trees were already on the ground.
Kieran particularly liked the fall season; it always reminded him of his birthday. Ever since he was little, his mother always made a big deal about birthdays. He could remember seeing all of his friends and family gathering around the table as he made a wish and blew out candles. It was always a big celebration with plenty of food, music, and laughter to last for days. There was never enough money for gifts but Kieran didn’t care. All he ever wanted was waiting for him in Staten Island.
It just occurred to Kieran his birthday was coming up in a few weeks. He was going to ask Tiana if he could possibly take a few days off so he could go back to Staten Island and celebrate with his family. As he fed Tyson, Kieran thought of a better idea. He was going to ask Tiana if she wanted to join him. She could bring Tyson and all three of them could stay at his mother’s home.
Kieran wiped Tyson’s mouth and began to burp the infant. The more he thought about the idea, the better it sounded. He was a bit curious on the sleeping arrangements. He and Tiana were not a couple, at least not yet. His mother’s home had four bedrooms and one of his brothers still lived at home. He could probably sleep in one room and kick Tony out of his room so Tiana and Tyson could sleep there. Or maybe they could get a hotel room with two beds and a crib.
The thought made Kieran uncomfortable. He would be damned if he was going to get a hotel room with a woman he was in love with and not sleep with her. In love? No, he wasn’t in love.
He was in heavy infatuation. It sounded better. It was more than lust but not quite being in love.
Heavy infatuation. It sounded like a fancy dinner. Oh, I’ll have the heavy infatuation, please?
Now if he believed it, it would be true.
****
“You look like you could use a drink,” Allison appeared at the doorway to her boss’s office.
Tiana took off her blazer and threw it onto another chair. The divorce proceedings were long and Christopher and his attorney fought pretty much every single point Tiana and her attorney brought up. That didn’t make her heated, though. What really made Tiana almost stand on top of the conference table and wind her leg back so she could get a good, swift kick to Christopher’s jaw was the fact he didn’t want anything to do with Tyson. Still, Christopher was smart enough to stop short of signing off his rights. He knew if Tiana suddenly died, Tyson would become one very rich boy. He eventually signed off on the papers and in a few months, Tiana would be a free woman.
“I’m never getting married again,” Tiana sighed. “Never.”
“Never say never,” Allison was a hopeless romantic.
“Never, never, never, never, ever, ever, ever,” Tiana retorted. “Ever.”
Allison laughed. “You say that now but once you meet The One…”
“I thought I met The One and look how that turned out?” The mediation ended over two hours prior to Tiana going to work, however, it took her just as long to calm down. “I’m done with marriage. I’m done with dating. Done, done, done.”
Allison held up her hands in defense. “Okay, no need to convince me,” she handed Tiana her mail.
“You have a few things in the mail today, including the invitation to the charity auction.”
“Shoot!” Tiana huffed. “I totally forgot about that. I guess I need to figure out what I’m going to wear.”
“And don’t you need to figure out who’s your date?” Allison smiled.
Tiana wasn’t amused by her assistant. “I think you have some work to do.”
****
“How was your day?” Kieran greeted Tiana with a hug.
“Hectic and dramatic,” Tiana smiled. It was nice coming home to Kieran. He seemed to relieve any problems she had whenever she saw him. “I’m really glad I live a boring life.”
“You keep saying you have a boring life and I just don’t see it,” Kieran offered Tyson to her.
“Because it is boring,” Tiana bounced Tyson on her hip. “I work all day and come home to my son. I also deal with the occasional B.S. from my ex but that’s to be expected.”
Kieran hesitated on his next thought. He wanted to ask Tiana how that morning’s divorce proceedings went. He knew if they went well, he might be out of a job soon. With shared custody of Tyson, there would be no reason for Tiana to keep Kieran. His feelings were a reason why he always sent his employees out to do assignments. He didn’t want to become attached to the families. If only he could wear his emotions on his sleeve like his brothers.
“But don’t worry about us,” Tiana seemingly read Kieran’s mind, “you’ll be around for a long while. And that’s a fact.”
Kieran breathed a small sigh of relief. He felt the constricting grip loosen around his heart. It was then he knew there was more to just him wanting to stay and watch over Tyson. He wanted to watch over Tiana as well. “I’m always here to help,” was his only response.
“This weekend, I have a dinner I’m going to. It’s a boring, high-society affair. Black-tie type of thing,” Tiana began.
“Sounds like a good time,” Kieran gave a warm smile.
“Meh. You’ve been to one; you’ve been to them all. Anyway, I was wondering if you want to come with me?” She asked. “I don’t like attending these things alone. I can always ask one of my friends to watch Tyson. It wouldn’t be any trouble at all.” Tiana felt her mouth was going at the same speed of her pounding heart.