Angela came back out and Isaiah knew he had to look enthralled. His cheeks hurt he smiled so hard and he was even forcing himself to hold back. This was his problem; he jumped headfirst into things. The way Angela made him feel had him more than willing to skip the getting-to-know-you phase.
“Ready?” she asked.
“More than ready.”
Nate grinned at them. “Stay out as late as you want. Cory and I are going to make it to the end of the new Call of Duty game.”
“I’m going to lead the team,” Cory said, not looking up from his phone.
They said their goodbyes and Isaiah led Angela out to his car. “So...what’s up with Nate?”
She threw him a questioning glance. “What do you mean?”
“Okay, I’m going to be real. I don’t know many guys who’re willing to babysit.”
She chuckled. “Don’t worry. He has free time and I pay him to play video games and make sure Cory doesn’t burn down the place. He also has a girlfriend that I adore.”
He opened the passenger-side door. “Cool.”
She rolled her eyes and grinned. “Glad you approve,” her voice was teasing. She slid into the seat.
Isaiah nodded and closed the door. She paid Nate and he had a girlfriend. That was good. He really was a babysitter and not just trying to make himself invaluable in her life.
“Where are we going?” she asked after he got in the driver’s seat.
“I’m going to show you the city like you’ve never seen it before.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I grew up here, so there aren’t many ways I haven’t seen the city.”
“Say that again at the end of the night.”
Chapter 15
“Oh, my God! That was incredible!” Angela said after she and Isaiah got off the helicopter and were back in his car.
He hadn’t lied. He’d shown her the city in a way she hadn’t seen before. Via helicopter they’d toured everything from the river to the sea, and even caught a glimpse of a gorgeous sunset before returning to the helicopter pad.
He glanced away from the road and smiled at her. “I’m glad you liked it. But we’re not through.”
“What’s next?” She could barely hide her excitement—not that she wanted to.
“I hope you’re hungry.”
He took her to a seafood restaurant that overlooked the ocean. They had a private balcony all to themselves. The soft sounds of jazz drifted out from the inside of the restaurant while their conversation flowed easily, covering his childhood and time playing basketball in college. Hearing about his love for his family made her yearn for the family she’d lost.
“I remember what that feels like,” she said, staring into the candle on the table.
“What’s that?”
“Being surrounded by the love of your family.”
Concern filled his dark gaze. “It’s just a memory?”
“My parents died in a car crash when I was thirteen. That’s why my aunt took in me and my brother.”
Isaiah dropped his hand over hers, a warm and comforting gesture that soothed some of her pain of the memory. “That must’ve been hard, losing both of them like that.”
She took a shaky breath, remembering the sadness, fear and concern of starting a new life in her aunt’s home. “We didn’t know my aunt that well. I appreciate what she did by taking us in, but she never let us forget that we owed her for doing so. If we talked too loud, asked for seconds at dinner, or needed school supplies, she’d remind us she could easily drop us off at the child welfare office and never look back. She viewed us as a burden and made sure we knew it.”
Isaiah’s body went rigid, his hand on hers tightening slightly. “Why did she agree to be your guardian only to take it out on you and your brother?”
“Simple—money. She took everything our parents left for us.” The pain of her aunt’s betrayal was a blow she hadn’t expected to recover from.
“Could she do that?” Anger filled Isaiah’s voice.
“That’s what we wondered. I went to a lawyer at the time. It would’ve taken money I didn’t have to sue her in the hopes of getting anything back.”
“I know a lawyer who can help.”
Angela shook her head. She’d survived and thrived. She wanted nothing more to do with her aunt. “No, that was years ago. Finding out my college fund was gone is one of the reasons I became a bartender. The tips helped pay my way through college.”
“You’re out of college now.” His tone implied she didn’t need to work the bar anymore.
“I’m out of undergrad. I’ve worked with the child advocacy office for four years. When I asked my boss what would it take to become a manager, she mentioned the position requires a master’s degree. I’ve got one more semester and then I’m done.”
His eyes brightened with admiration. “That’s pretty big.”
“I know. A part of me can’t wait. The other part of me won’t know what to do with myself. I would have been done sooner, but I opted out of summer school because of Cory.”
He leaned forward on the table and threaded his fingers through hers. The little claim made her feel giddy. The candlelight danced in the dark pools of his eyes. His tailored jacket perfectly fit his strong arms. She wanted those arms around her again.
“Do you mind telling me what happened with your brother?”
She sighed and reached for the champagne flute with her other hand. “I decided to work hard to make the money I needed. His chosen method was to steal it. He worked for the water department, skimmed funds off the top of bills.”
Isaiah’s eyes widened. “That was your brother? I remember seeing that on the news a few months back.”
“Yep, my brother. Shortly after he went to jail, Cory’s mom decided she wasn’t giving up her dream to be a stage star. She left Cory with me and ran to New York.”
“She didn’t have family that could’ve taken him?”
“Her family is a lot like my aunt. I know what it feels like to be unwanted. I won’t let Cory feel that way. I don’t want any kid to feel that way. It’s why I love my job. Why I really hope what happened the other day doesn’t come back and screw me over.”
“That Jerry guy.” Isaiah’s voice hardened on her coworker’s name. “You know him?”
“He works in my office. I had a feeling he’d go back and tell the director about my job, but he didn’t. Which means he’s hoping to spring it at the worst time.”
“Would that be a major problem?”
His thumb ran back and forth over her fingers, sending flutters over her body. “The director is very conservative. My direct supervisor knows I tend bar at Sweethearts and she’s willing to ignore that. If the director found out, he may not be as understanding.”
“But you don’t dance.” He said that as if it was a saving grace. Did he have a problem with her working there?
“Doesn’t matter. He wants all the advocates to be pillars of morality. Working at a strip club won’t exactly meet that requirement.”
Isaiah considered her words. He sat up straight but didn’t let go of her hand. “What would make you quit? If staying there threatens your job with the agency?”
“Winning the lottery.” She teased, then laughed. “I need the money to pay for graduate school. I have no student loan debt so far. I want to keep it that way.”
She couldn’t tell if that answer pleased or bothered him. “What are you going to do about Jerry?”
“Jerry probably didn’t say anything because he doesn’t want to admit being there. I’m going to my boss about what happened instead of waiting to see if he’ll drop the bomb.” The idea of the upcoming confrontation made her stomach ache. Tonight wasn’t the night for worries. “I don’t want to talk about work anymore.”
“Fine with me. This is a date.” Isaiah stood and held out his hand. “Dance with me.”
“Are you serious?”
“I want to hold you again.” He said it so seriously her heart constricted.
She put her hand in his. He pulled her up and wrapped her in his strong embrace. One hand ran up and down her back, the fingers of his other hand entwined with hers. With the slightest hint of pressure, he brought her closer. The contact brought back memories of the way he’d held her against the door. The deep strokes that had stolen her breath. He lowered his head to the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply.
She wanted to hold him, too. Her hand slid up and cupped the back of his neck. Turning her head, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. Isaiah straightened and brought their joined hands to rest on his chest.
“I also want to make love to you again.” The low growl in his voice was seduction incarnate.
Her stomach tightened. Desire spread its enticing warmth through her every cell. She wanted to strip him naked and jump him again. “Is that what you’re calling what happened?” She tried to tease, but sounded breathless. How did he make her ability to control herself fly away as if on a breeze? “Some guys would call it something else.”
“If I wanted to call what happened between us anything else, I would have. I want to make love to you again.” He lowered his head and his lips brushed her ears. “Your bed or mine?”
His lips closed lightly over the tip of her ear. A tremble shot up and through her. His heart pounded beneath their joined hands, working just as hard as hers. Mingled in with his bold words and gaze was a hint of nervousness. He felt just as blown away by this as she did, a realization that calmed her own nerves and smashed any hesitation she may have felt.
“Yours.”
Chapter 16
The last time Isaiah had been this nervous was when the first recruiter came to one of his basketball games. His heart pumped as if it was the last game in the finals and anticipation coursed through him in waves. The other night at the club had been spontaneous and completely out of character for him, but he didn’t regret it at all. The wild feelings Angela stirred in him were scary. He wasn’t one to back away from fear, but he’d never been good at suave and seductive. The awkward teenager he once was hovered right under the surface as they walked into his place.
“Would you like a drink?” he asked.
Angela toyed with the loose twist of her hair, then dropped her hand to play with the circular charm resting right above her cleavage. She met his gaze through thick lashes and her smile turned his blood to lava. “I’m not thirsty.” Her voice was soft and flirty.
His semihard cock tightened even more. He regulated his breathing instead of panting like he wanted to. Hell, he wanted to grab her, throw her over his shoulder and run to his bedroom. But that would be a bit too eager.
He held out a hand and she slipped hers in his. He took a deep breath. He was a grown man. He definitely wasn’t a virgin. He just had to calm down and take things slow.
He pulled her forward and kissed her softly. She pressed closer until her full breasts cushioned his chest. Her lips clung to his. She tasted like wine and the fruity flavor of her lip gloss. He could sip from her forever. Instead he eased back before he lifted her up and took her against the front door.
“Would you like to go to my room?” Good. He sounded calm and in control. Because his body was wound tight with need.
She nodded and licked her full lips. “Yes,” she said in a breathless tone.
Isaiah squeezed her hand slightly and led her upstairs. While she took in his bedroom, he slipped out his cell phone. He pulled up a love-songs playlist and music flowed from the Bluetooth speakers in his ceiling.
Angela looked up, then back at him with a smile. “Smooth. I love this song.”
He nodded appreciatively before putting the phone on his dresser. Otherwise she’d see the full-on relief in his face. He’d worried she’d find the move cheesy.
When he turned back and met her gaze, Angela’s chest rose with a deep breath. She pulled her thick lower lip between her teeth and watched him, her expression awash with coy desire. She was beautiful, sexy and all his. Angela, in his bedroom, in his life; this was right. His heart hammered. He was falling hard for her. He didn’t want his eagerness to make her run, but he’d made the right decision. He wanted Angela in his life permanently.
He took his time walking back to her. The urge to run back and lift her against him a physical throb. Her breathing increased as he got closer, the pulse in her neck a fast beat. Threading their fingers together, he brought her into his arms and moved to the rhythm of “It Won’t Stop” by Sevyn Streeter coming through the speakers.
“Last time things were rushed.” He brought their entangled hands to his chest. The other slid from her shoulders down the curve of her back to rest right above her round behind. “I don’t want to rush tonight.”
Angela’s eyes warmed to dark pools he wanted to drown in. Her hand gripped the back of his shirt and she nodded quickly. They danced slowly, their bodies swaying to the beat. Her tantalizing breasts brushed against his chest. Thighs that he’d barely gotten to appreciate previously bumped into his. The tension of his arousal grew until Isaiah thought his body, one part in particular, might explode.
His fingers found the zipper to her dress and eased it down. Angela’s breath hitched and she met his eyes. He rested his hands on her shoulders, then pushed the dress down. With a slight shimmy, the material fell to the floor.
Angela kicked the dress aside, then brought all her luscious curves back to his arms. He ran his hands up and down her sides, committing the lines of her body and smooth skin to memory. She tugged on the bow tie. The pressure of the accessory released, and she tossed it aside. Then, slowly, she unbuttoned and removed his shirt. Soft lips kissed his chest, light as a feather but causing a rumble strong enough to weaken his knees. He gripped her hips, forced her closer. Slow. He was going slow. The tip of Angela’s tongue flicked his nipple. He gasped. To hell with going slow. Every touch of her tongue was answered with a pulse of his dick.
He unhooked her bra. Were his fingers trembling? He didn’t care. The bra was gone and he held the weight of her breasts in his hands, ran his thumbs over the hard tips, relished in her low moan and the way her back arched. He had to taste her. A tug on his waistband, then Angela had his pants unfastened. Her hand slipped into his boxers and wrapped around him.
He sucked in air through clenched teeth. Her lips were back on his chest while her hands brought him to every level of heaven imaginable. If she didn’t stop, he’d embarrass himself.
Lowering to his knees, Isaiah slipped her panties down at the same time. Her cute little belly button called to him. The scent of her arousal made his mouth water. His erection harder. He kissed her stomach and ran his fingers through the slick heat of her sex. Angela cried out softly. Her hand clutched his shoulder. He couldn’t hold back, leaned in, and tasted her sweetness. Angela gripped the back of his head and moaned softly. The taste and feel of her as something he’d never forget.
He kissed her intimately until her legs trembled, and her breath became short gasps. Isaiah stood, lifted her nearly limp body, and placed her gently on his bed. He grabbed protection from the nightstand, covered himself, then covered her beautiful body with his. As he slid into her, his entire body shuddered from the pleasure. He could stay there all night, forever. Like an explorer who’d discovered a hidden treasure, excitement, satisfaction and intense happiness flowed through him. Keeping pace with the love songs playing in the room, he made love to her slowly. Rhythmically. Her moans—so soft and feminine—were driving him wild. Deeper, harder, more. The words pounded with his pulse. His control was slipping. Sliding a hand between them, he teased her pearl. Angela’s head pressed into the mattress, her body squeezing him ti
ght. The shudder of her orgasm was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen and pushed him over the edge.
He wanted to collapse on top of her after, but rolled over onto his back. Angela snuggled up against his side and he held her close. He must have dozed because he jerked awake minutes later. Angela lifted her head and her lips curled in a small smile.
“It’s getting late. I should go home.” She sounded as disappointed as he felt.
“Give me a second and I’ll take you.” He dragged himself out of the bed and into the bathroom to clean up. When he returned, she was still in the bed. Isaiah slipped between the sheets and Angela moved on top of him.
He ran his hands over her thighs and grinned at her. “Damn, you’re sexy as hell.”
“So are you.” She ran her fingers over his chest.
Something tightened in his chest. His smile drifted as everything he was feeling overwhelmed him. “I’m going to want you here every night.”
Surprise flashed in her eyes. Isaiah wished he could take the words back. Not cool to reveal he was so addicted to her already.
Her grin turned wicked. “Then let me give you something to remember on the nights I’m not here.”
Before he could be thankful she hadn’t explored his admission, Angela ducked between the covers. Her warm lips closed over him. Isaiah gripped the sheets. Remember her only at night? He was going to remember her every moment of every day.
Chapter 17
Angela and Vicki sipped coffee in the mall food court that Saturday afternoon. Cory had wanted to meet Denise at the mall, and since she wasn’t quite ready to drop him off and leave him alone despite him insisting that she could, Angela had woken up Vicki and asked her to meet her there. She wanted the company, but what she really needed was to talk to someone about what happened with Isaiah.
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