by Belvin, Love
“Okay.” I picked up the fork and knife and cut a piece of the steak. It was absolutely delicious!
“Mmmmmm!” I sighed. After that, I went for the lobster and dipped it into the small cup of melted butter. It was tender yet meaty.
“Pretty good! I’m hugely impressed,” I said with a mouthful.
“Ah…I see,” he hummed in my ear not having a clue of what he was causing to stir inside of me. “Well, maybe we have to hire him. I’m trusting you on this,” he growled.
“Oh, wow! The pressure. I’m no culinary connoisseur, Mr. Jacobs. Maybe you should get a second opinion.” I was partially serious.
“Nah, yours will do. I meant what I said in the card.”
My panties began to puddle. This man had me going.
“I don’t want to keep you,” I said as I continued indulging.
“No. Wait. I want to talk to you about something.”
“Okay…”
“Yeah…ummmm. I have an event coming up that I’d like to invite you to. It’s a charity that I contribute to regularly…ummmm…a mentoring organization.” Azmir stammering in his words? My heart melted a little. I was intrigued. “I don’t typically go to things like this. You know…award functions for organizations I give to but this year I’m trying something new. Would you mind coming with me?” he continued sounding bashful.
“Sure. I wouldn’t mind going. Thanks for asking,” I murmured trying to hide my excitement. The truth of the matter was I felt like he was asking me out…making this peculiar place we were in make less abstruse. We’d slept together and were obviously interested in and attracted to one another. Is this where he’s trying to make the next move toward officially dating? I wasn’t trying to kid myself and put my feelings out there. If he wanted me, he’d have to make it known.
After agreeing to go, Azmir said he had to go. He always has to go. I sat in my office and nearly swallowed every morsel on my plate. It truly was just as scrumptious as it was thoughtful. Fighting my sedative mood, I went into my next client with a belly full of food and my head flooded with images and hopeful thoughts of Azmir Jacobs.
By four p.m., I received an e-mail from Azmir’s personal assistant, Brett, detailing the event of the charity Azmir invited me to earlier. I wasn’t overly familiar with the organization but could tell by the name of the venue that it was going to be formal. Anxiety blanketed me as I read the e-mail. I felt out of my league with the culture of the charity. I’d been to a couple of Smith, Katz & Adams’ charities but they were all in the context of work, I knew the people throwing the party.
It wasn’t until I got to the end where I noticed Brett threw in a name and contact information for a stylist that would be fully expensed by Mr. Jacobs himself. Relief settled in even though I was uneasy about him paying for me to attend a function with him. I had a few weeks to consider it and had no desire to tell this man who I was now crushing on more than ever that I wouldn’t go out with him.
That night I went to dance class and started new choreography. Jimmie was hell on wheels with a few of the dancers’ lack of ability to remember the first few counts. I succeeded at staying beneath his radar the entire rehearsal. When I arrived home and went about settling in for the night, I felt a twinge of disappointment while lying in bed. I had not heard from Azmir. I fought with every fiber of my being to suppress my discontentment and to fall asleep, which I did eventually.
The following morning went off without a hitch, literally. I had a heavy flow of appointments that forced me to eat lunch at my desk to complete much needed, and slightly delayed, administrative work because my afternoon flow mirrored the morning’s. After work, I took on the dreaded task of doing my laundry. I had to chug several bags of dirty clothes to a local Laundromat since I didn’t have my own washer and dryer yet. While waiting for my loads to finish, I checked my phone for the hundredth time since awakening that morning in case I missed a text or call from Azmir. Impossible! More hopeful, I went into my e-mail, those didn’t alert me when they hit my inbox, but no correspondences from that of A.D. Jacobs. I was beyond sick with disappointment and had even started to doubt my sexual skills feeling he may not have felt the spark that I did the night of his birthday. Was I too passive? Did I start off too aggressive?
I tried having an honest moment with myself and asked if what I missed about Azmir was his remarkable sex or something more substantial. I also had to be real and consider that I was two days away from my period, one of the times during my monthly cycle where I am the most aroused hence my strong desire for intimacy with Azmir. Every time I thought about him lapping up juices from between my legs that night heat coursed through my veins. He was so aggressive and attentive to my body. It was as though he was studying as he was gratifying my body. He made me come vaginally—several times!
All sorts of sensations undulated through my body there in the public Laundromat, I felt exposed. Whenever I got into a concupiscent mode like this and there was a prospect that I could call to help I never had a problem initiating sex. But this thing with Azmir was different. I understood he was a very busy man who traveled regularly and probably had women lined up in every town he jetted off to. I didn’t want to come off as desperate; I refused to. I finished my laundry and even folded it there, not wanting to return home too soon before turning in for bed and further torturing myself with lascivious memoirs of Azmir.
I cooked a warm meal that paled in comparison to what Azmir had arranged for me the previous day. My culinary skills, though something I loved to do, lacked inspiration when I had no one to feed but myself. After eating, I took a very hot shower, more blistering than usual to soothe my bones. It further tormented me when I laid my overly-sensitized skin between my freshly laundered sheets. My nipples hardened and my thighs squeezed together to find relief from the nearly painful throbbing between them. In the flash of a nanosecond I thought of Azmir and decided to go for my phone. Once it was in my hands, my fingers started to tremble. What in the hell is wrong with me? It was useless for me to reach out to him seeing that he was probably still out of town anyway. I rocked myself to sleep that night and dreamed dreams of six feet four inches and two hundred twenty pounds of chocolate blanketing me with comfort and carnal release.
The following morning I slowly rose from the bed. After laying out my clothes, I mounted the treadmill for only thirty minutes, which was half of my usual time on there. I sulked while dressing for the day and even passed on a sit down bowl of cereal, taking a banana and a granola bar with me instead as I headed out the door.
On my ride into work, my phone rang. I knew it was Michelle calling to ask why she hadn’t heard from me the evening before and probably having a little gossip for me after that scolding. I so wasn’t in the mood. I felt like I’d made a huge mistake by sleeping with Azmir. Maybe the nostalgia had worn off sometime after arranging the lunch in my office. Maybe he was onto his next conquest and would even retract his invitation to the charity.
After the fourth ring, I tapped my blue-tooth without looking at the caller’s I.D. As I tried to concentrate on merging onto the highway, I answered in a long reluctant sigh, “Hellooooo, dear,” I sang dryly awaiting the thrashing.
“Wow. An even better reception than I’d dreamt of.” His voice was velvety and mesmerizing. My heart started to flutter before I could fully process his name. My breasts swelled and my breath hitched.
“Azmir?” I was all breath and fleeting composure.
I could hear his breathing caught and then he slowly let it out, something I was sure he was unaware of. What does that mean?
“Yes, it is. Were you expecting someone else at this hour?”
What? “No.” I exhaled. It was then that I realized I was holding my breath. “I just…I am surprised to be hearing from you.” It’s been so long!
“Oh? Why is that?” The silkiness his vocal chords produced flowed through my earpiece, if only I can take some time to gather myself. I felt like I was slipping into a pool of sedu
ction.
“Well, I haven’t heard from you in a couple of days is all.” There. I said it!
“I could say the same about you, Ms. Brimm. I haven’t heard from you and I woke up this morning purposed to do something about it.” There was a brief pause and I’d wondered if he could hear the pulse from my carotid artery because scorching blood was rushing through my now extremely delicate body. Then he spoke slowly and resolutely, “Do you trust me?” His voice deepened and had become desperate even.
Do I trust him? What kind of question was that? I trusted him to tempt me but I wasn’t sure of anything more, yet and still I answered, “Y-yes.”
“I just arrived in Phoenix and will be checking out in the morning to go to New York for a couple of days. I would really like to see you and prefer not to wait until my return home. Would you mind having dinner with me tonight? I promise to have you back at work tomorrow morning at your appointed time.”
My breathing accelerated pushing ferociously through my nostrils like steam blowing out of a train. Without thought I answered, “Sure, I’ll trust you.”
I was shocked to hear Azmir’s sharp intake of breath. Was he nervous? Am I nervous?
“Indeed. I’ll have Brett forward you the flight and car service itinerary.”
“Okay,” I breathed but with a little more stability in my voice than before. What did I just agree to? Traveling to another state for a few hours with him? But he wanted to see me and made it clear.
“Ms. Brimm…” I was snatched from my trance.
“Yes?”
“Thank you. I look forward to seeing you this evening.” His words were filled with promise. I wasn’t sure of the details of them but was receptive to whatever they were.
“Okay. Same here.” I felt my response was dorky but was proud of myself for not giving away my excitement.
~~~~~~~~~~
On the ride to the hotel, I took in the scenery and energy of Phoenix. It was my first time in the state capital of Arizona. I observed the hustle and bustle of the residents in the downtown area trying to get home ending their days and believed my heart marched along with their rapid paced feet. I was extremely nervous and beside myself in anticipation. It was just after 6PM and I was grateful that my hour and twenty minute or so flight had no delays. I didn’t have luggage and therefore had no need to wait to retrieve any at claims once I had landed. I was determined to get to Azmir and be in his all-consuming presence once again.
It tickled and impressed me how I wasn’t in my office for 20 minutes that morning before Brett called over to ask what time was I scheduled to see my last patient. He explained Mr. Jacobs requested that I’d be on the first plane after work. Upon consulting with Sharon I learned my last appointment was at 2PM this particular day because I was supposed to start my quarterly reports, something I opted to do during my travel to Azmir. By 2:45PM I was on my way to the airport all eager and antsy to see this man. I called Michelle to give her the details of my day all to have her nearly blow out my eardrum screaming into the phone with pure gusto. I don’t know who was more excited, me or my best friend.
Once let out of the car by the ever-professional driver who refused my tip, I entered into the hotel lobby to experience opulence beyond comparison. The lighting was strategic and illuminated the delicate details in every decorative piece. I knew right away this was a 5-star facility. Everything from the woodwork to the carpeting was of grand elegance. I made my way to the front desk, per the instructions of Brett, and asked for the room of Azmir Jacobs.
“Ms. Brimm, we’re so delighted to have you with us this evening!” A picturesque Caucasian woman with bright auburn hair and welcoming eyes moved over to a file compartment case, looked through a few cards and said, “Mr. Jacobs has not yet returned to his suite but asked that you take a key and go right up. His suite is located in the penthouse, the presidential suite.” A brunette with a pleasing smile directed me to the elevator.
On my ride up I was able to gather myself knowing that Azmir wouldn’t be there waiting for me. I wondered how long he’d be. When I pushed down the lever of the door to step inside, magnificence hit again when motion lights appeared at every step I took inside the suite. The place was quiet but the ambiance was breathtaking as the sun had started to set and illuminated the orange rays of the sky. The living room was huge, the furnishings very traditional and rich in taste. I didn’t want to travel too far in and risk being caught snooping so I stopped at the contemporary kitchen that hailed mahogany cabinetry and stainless steel appliances with a bar table that fit six. Who would entertain in a hotel? Is this extent of elegance even practical?
I found my way to the powder room to relieve myself and take the time that was luckily bestowed in his delay to freshen up my soft-handed make-up. I assessed my eyes for sleepiness and saw none. Well, of course! You’re too damn excited!
All of my anticipation concerned me. I had never put so much headwork into a man since my high school sweetheart. When I walked back into the living room, I noticed the bar in the far corner and went over to browse the selections. They were fine liquors that I couldn’t pronounce. All of this ambiance with no Mr. Jacobs. Hmmmmmm…where are you?
It was just then that I heard vague clacking from the opposite end of the room. I looked to find Azmir’s tall frame sauntering through the door, pulling the key card from the lock device and depositing it into his suit jacket pocket. His head was low and he was on the phone. My heart rate accelerated and my legs started quaking in my pumps.
“I can’t believe those racist bastards tried that shit right after I left,” Azmir snorted slightly affronted. “Damn. It hasn’t even been twenty minutes since we were all at the table…Yeah…yeah. It’s all good. This isn’t the first and won’t be the last. Do what needs to be done to seal the deal. Slick ass bastards.”
He walked out of the foyer and into the living room when his eyes landed on me. He squinted softly. I then saw a hint of a smile break out on his face. Were you not expecting me? Am I dressed pleasingly? I’ve always prided myself on knowing how to dress and selecting fashions that fit my body shape, but I always felt inadequate and less than secure around Azmir. I didn’t exactly dress with him in mind today and therefore hoped that he liked what he saw.
“Yeah, Rich. You go ahead and enjoy.” A deeper smile appeared on his face as he listened into the phone. “No, I’ll be preoccupied this evening so you’ll have to roll dolo. DND. Indeed.”
He ended the call with his deep mesmerizing gaze stapled to me. He didn’t say anything, I took the opportunity to drink him in. He donned a black suit tailored to his glorious frame. His tie was electric blue and his oxfords matched his overall ensemble: urbane and elegant. I had to break the energy in the room that would have led me into one direction—the bedroom. He only asked for dinner.
“DND?” I asked.
“Do not disturb,” he said as he pulled his Blackberry out of his pocket and powered it off.
I softly snorted. Wow!
With brows knitted, he tilted his head to the side pulling his tongue to the back of his mouth trying to mask his smile. The sexiest smile I’ve ever encountered. I blushed inside and out. “What’s so funny?”
Oh, I’m not going there. “Man talk?” I chose to placate his curiosity.
“I guess.” He raised his eyebrows simultaneously letting out a long sigh. I could tell it wasn’t that deep to him. Then Azmir ambled over to me without the smile, his luscious scent preceded him sending me into a carnal zone as he wrapped his long arms around me in a warm embrace.
“Hey there, Ms. Brimm,” he growled and when his arms motioned up and down my back it sent tingles up and down my spine.
“Mr. Jacobs,” I breathed trying not to moan. I felt so safe and nestled against his hard chest. A girl can get used to this shield.
“I’m sure your day was long. Thanks for coming to see me.” I felt the vibrations of his throat against my head as he spoke each syllable. “You’re a sight for sor
e eyes, you know that?”
“Thanks for the invitation. I’m sure you can say the same about your day,” I said regrettably breaking our embrace not wanting him to do it first.
He exhaled as he brushed over his face with his hands. I took note of his long fingers. I could lick them one by one.
“Yeah. Long doesn’t begin to describe it,” he muttered into the distance almost caught in a trance. Snapping himself out of it he continued, “I’m really pleased you’re here.” His narrowed peer settled into my eyes searing me. I couldn’t fool myself into believing it was insincere, but I couldn’t help but to wonder if he’d missed me so much why hadn’t he called for two days.
“It’s nice to feel so welcomed, Azmir.” I supplied a soft nod.
“I know you must be hungry. I took the liberty of ordering for you. I presume you eat duck?” He was walking off to the iPod docking station and punched a few things into his iPhone before porting it. In no time, I heard Jill Scott streaming throughout the room from surround sound speakers.
“Ummm…I have, with Michelle a year or so ago. Tasted like chicken to me.”
“That’s what they say. The house chef makes an excellent hazelnut-crusted duck in a sun-dried cherry sauce. It’s to die for,” he appraised while continuing that deep gaze.
I couldn’t help but blush. “Can’t wait.”
He cracked a smile. “Dinner should be up any minute now.” He checked his pocket watch before removing his jacket. “You don’t mind staying in, do you? It’s just that it’s been a busy day. I’d really like to unwind.”
Ooooh…unwind! “That’s fine.”
I felt like an angelic perpetrator with the way I kept my hands interlaced in front of me as I stood awkwardly trying to follow his lead.
Azmir walked over to the bar. “Noir?”
“One of my favorites.” I nodded in accord.
“…this and Riesling,” he said as he removed the cork from the bottle and poured me a glass.