by Candace Shaw
“Yes and no. I don’t know.” She paused, shaking her head. “He wants to be, that’s for sure, but the thought scares me. I mean it’s been ten years, he’s back in my life and we just pick up where we left off? Is that possible? I know you and your honey had broken up and are now happily married, but it was only a year’s breakup. You practically talked to the man every other day and even had a few backslides. I haven’t spoken to Braxton in ages. What if he’s no longer the man I fell in love with? I mean, so far he’s the same just more mature and sure of himself. I just don’t want to rush anything. But at the same time, it still feels right like it always had. Like we’re perfect for each other. Like he’s still my soul mate, and my best friend.”
“Girl, I don’t think time matters. If you two still love each other, I believe that is the key. I know you never stopped loving him.” Ciara reached over and patted her hands wearing a warm, reassuring smile.
Sighing, Elle stared out the window as she processed her friend’s words. She still loved Braxton. There was no denying that. And while he was the same attentive and caring guy he always had been with her—and the extra sexy swag and commanding presence was a plus—a part of her feared he’d leave her again. However, he seemed more grounded and extra confident now. Ten years ago, they were young, fresh out of grad school and both had a lot of growing up to do. Even though that still didn’t justify his not showing for their big day. Now they were both successful in their careers and had led happy lives overall without the other. Though now she couldn’t see herself being with anyone but Braxton. Like him, she hadn’t married for the same reasons he’d hadn’t. Her heart belonged to him and even though she’d tried to love again, it wasn’t the same soul connection. He’d been her one true love and no matter how hard she fought her mixed emotions, her heart would win every time.
Chapter 10
Braxton strolled out to the beach in front of the house where Elle was waiting for him. He’d returned from the jazz fest earlier that evening, showered and napped with her in his arms. When he’d awakened, there was a note on her pillow that read she was outside on the beach. The full moon was huge and high in the sky that evening, shining a tranquil light on the water and on her. Perched on a blanket, she was on the phone arguing with someone. He could tell it was work related and decided to sit next to her and not go with his original plan of settling in behind her and laying a kiss on her neck. She blessed him with a beautiful smile when he approached, and held a finger signaling to give her a moment. He’d noticed a bottle of wine chilling in an ice bucket and wineglasses along with a tray of finger foods. Pouring them both a glass, he handed her one, and she leaned over and kissed his cheek while still ranting on the phone.
It had been long, hot day at the festival but he was elated to see Elle in the audience cheering him on as she had since his very first recital when he was six years old. During their time apart, he missed spotting her amongst the crowd. She’d always been supportive and encouraging even when he had doubted himself or missed a note. She’d say, “No one noticed but you, babe. You were absolutely perfect,” and then top it off with a huge, comforting hug or kiss.
Tossing her phone on the blanket, Elle sipped her wine and laid her head in his lap, gazing up at him with a sweet smile that touched his soul. Sometimes he couldn’t believe she was back in his life and that he’d been given a second chance to make her his once again. He bowed his head and placed a kiss to her succulent lips.
“Hi there, beautiful.” He held his hands tenderly on her face and kissed her again. But this time he delved deeper, mingling his tongue erotically with hers just so he could hear her soft purrs. She placed her hands over his, interweaving her fingers with his and pulling him deeper into her mouth. He felt her grip loosen slightly when some passersby walking their dog yelled, “Get a room.” She giggled, and he lifted his lips from hers. He really didn’t care who watched him kiss the woman he loved but it was a public beach and nowadays people took pictures and videos with their phones. He didn’t want either of them on the gossip blogs—especially not Elle.
She sat up and popped a strawberry into her mouth. “You finally got up.”
“You could’ve woken me up.”
“Nah...you were snoring so hard. You needed your rest. You’ve been functioning off adrenaline all day, babe,” she said, rubbing his back.
“I’m used to it and I don’t snore,” he said through gritted teeth.
“Apparently some of your groupies over the years have lied to you, Maestro, because you do when you’re exhausted. But seriously, you need to relax. It’s good to give your brain and body a break sometimes. I know that’s hard for you to do but now that the jazz fest is over, you and I are going to spend the next few days chillaxing and doing absolutely nothing.”
Braxton was stumped at her suggestion. Rest? Relax? Traveling out of town was a break for him despite the fact he still had meetings and the festival to attend.
“Um...does that include practicing?”
“For?” She sipped her wine and eyed him curiously over the glass.
“Nothing in particular. I have to play every day though, and I’m composing some new music that I need to work some kinks out of.”
“One hour.”
“One? I need three at least.”
“Two hours.” Climbing on top of him, she nibbled his ear and pressed her breasts hard against his chest. “And I promise to make the other twenty-two hours very special.”
“Mmm-mmm, I like the sound of that.”
“I’m sure you do.”
He cupped her bottom and followed it with a smack.
“You certainly have been popping my butt a lot lately. I don’t remember you doing that before.”
“Wasn’t that damn plump before.” He popped it again and pulled her closer to him so she could feel the beginning of his erection.
“Blame my personal trainer for that. Squats and leg lifts.”
“Tell your personal trainer I said thank you.”
“You’re so silly.”
Her phone cell beeped and she reached over to grab it. She read the message with a slight grimace and tossed the phone back on the blanket.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes. It was just the end of an argument I’ve been having with Kirk, my fashion show coordinator. We aren’t seeing eye to eye on the type of models I want. He sent me pictures earlier of girls who look like they haven’t eaten in weeks. And yes, I know that’s the norm for print ads and shows, but he also knows I cater to women of all sizes and heights. My collections range from petite to plus-size and I want all representations. He knows this. Everyone can’t be a perfect size two and who’s to say that’s even perfect? I don’t and he knows that. So now he’s saying he’s holding another model audition tomorrow and will send me pictures afterward so I can choose.”
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her on top of him to lie on the blanket. “Awww...so you’ll be working, too?”
“Well...no... I’ll be looking at pictures to approve. Not really work.” She wrinkled her nose and then rubbed it against his.
“Still work, my lady.”
“Fine. I’ll only look at the pictures during your two-hour practice period. By the way, when is that?”
“No set time. Just when we have some down time.”
“Okay.”
“It’s nice out here, isn’t it?” he asked after a few moments of silence when a cool breeze blew over them.
“It is. I love how the moon is full and shining in the sky, and we’re finally under it together...”
Her voice trailed off in a quiet manner as she sighed and sat all the way up on him, resting her palms on his chest as he held her by the hips. Her dress rose to her thighs, and he could see her lacy black panties that sat perfectly over his erection. It had begun w
hen she had nibbled his ear but now he was ready for more. However, he noted the solemn expression on her face. Knowing the reason behind it, he reached up and caressed her cheek and a melancholy smile appeared.
“Are you okay, babe?”
“Mmm-hmm.” She glanced away.
“I know you’re lying and I know what’s wrong. Let it out. That’s why I’m here.”
Kissing his palm, she gripped his hand. “I remember when we were both preparing for college and you had to go a week before me. We were sitting on my front porch before you got ready to leave. I was crying as if you’d died and I would never see you again. The moon was full and beautiful like it is tonight. You said whenever I miss you, just look up at the sky at the moon because we could both see it at the same time. Sometimes we’d talk on the phone and do so. But after we broke up, I still couldn’t help but look at the moon and think of you and wonder if you were looking at it, too? If you were even thinking about me?”
Her voice cracked and he sat up, drawing her hard to him. Wiping a few tears away from her cheeks, he kissed her softly. “Yes, every single time, babe. Every single damn time.” He rested his forehead on hers and held her tight as her body stiffened against him.
“I just still can’t believe you left me. Braxton you have to promise to never do that again if you’re truly serious about us.” She squeezed his shoulders hard. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to not be with the person you love? It hurts like hell, and I’ve hated every minute of it and sometimes, I hated you. So if you’re serious about getting me back, don’t eff up. If you do, I’ll never forgive you or myself for trusting you again.”
Braxton listened to her and he knew she meant what she’d said. He’d been given a second chance with her, and he wasn’t going to blow it.
“I’m sorry that I put you through all of that, but I promise you, I’m not going anywhere, beautiful.”
She didn’t answer but instead slid off him and lay down on her back gazing up at the sky in silence. Lying next to her, he grabbed her hand and kissed it gently before placing it over his heart. He held it snug and turned to watch her as she continued to stare. She didn’t look at him but she squeezed his hand and whispered. “I’m okay. Just give me a minute.”
About thirty minutes later they retired to the house and back to almost the same position they were in on the beach but this time in the bed. She’d been quiet for the most part except about who was carrying what inside. After awhile she finally turned toward him and intertwined her legs with his. Settling her head on his shoulder, she whispered, “Are you asleep?”
“Nope. Gazing at you, Sunshine.”
“Oh. It’s so dark in here. I can’t see your eyes.”
“Shall I light a candle?”
“No. Are you sleepy?”
“A little. Why?”
“Nothing. I just want you to rest, Braxton. You’ve had a long day.”
“I’m fine. Trust me, I’ve had longer. Besides, you’re in my arms and I can’t think of any other way to sleep.”
“Good night, Maestro.”
“Sweet dreams, Elle.”
* * *
The next evening after returning from an all-day Jet Ski and parasailing adventure, or rather nightmare according to Elle, they ate dinner prepared by Chef Jackson. Then continued the night with a cuddle session on the couch watching the movie Brown Sugar.
“I can’t believe you’re crying,” Braxton said as the movie ended. He strolled to the DVD player to eject the disc, placing it back in its case.
“It’s such a sweet love story. I cry every time. They’ve known each other and were best friends since they were children like us. It kind of reminds me of you, except they never dated. But still, at the end, they realized they were meant to be.” It was on the tip of her tongue to add “like us” but she didn’t because she still wasn’t sure where they were headed. “It’s one of my favorite movies. Plus, Taye Diggs is such a hottie. Over the years I kind of thought of you whenever I saw him. Probably because of the bald head and your delectable chocolate skin.”
“So I’m a hottie?” he asked, trying to give a sexy smile and pose. “Think I could walk the runway in your next fashion show? I look fine in an Elle Lauren tux, you know. I’m the right height and build.” Walking, he did his best impersonation of a model strolling down the runway while she laughed uncontrollably. He stroked his goatee that was beginning to grow in and slid his hands in his pocket while pivoting. He finished off with a kneel pose while make-believing he’d flung a jacket over his shoulder. Slamming on the couch next to her, he grabbed his beer from the table.
“Can you dig it, baby?” he asked in his The Mack voice.
She placed a loud smooch on his cheek. “Yes, babe. You did a great job...if you were auditioning for a role to play a pimp from a movie set in the seventies.”
He tossed a pillow at her and she caught it and hit him with it. Pulling her on his lap, he tickled her until she laughed so hard her side hurt.
“Aww, you got jokes, huh?” He stopped and she slid to the floor to finish laughing.
“Nah, that’s how you were walking. Stick to your day job and let Tyson Beckford keep his.” She stopped as her cell phone beeped. Snatching it from the table she saw that she had a text from Kirk asking if she was ready for their conference call to go over the model auditions from that day.
“This is Kirk, babe. I gotta go through these pictures with him.”
“No problem. I’ll get some practice in. Will that disturb you?”
“No. I usually have music on in the background when working and live music is even better, especially when you’re playing.” Leaning over, she kissed him on the forehead. “I’m going to the bedroom. See you in about two hours.”
An hour and a half later, Elle was pleased with her decision on the variety of models for her upcoming show for the department store line, Classic Elle. She’d had some time to kill and Braxton was still practicing so she decided to shower and slip on a blue lacy nightgown. Mya had snuck it into the suitcase along with a few other essentials that Ciara probably told her to place in there, too.
Sauntering out into the great room, she found him performing an unfamiliar song that she found quite alluring and was the perfect song for the seduction she was about to bestow on him. Approaching him, she slid her hands on his shoulders and planted a tender kiss on his neck. He stopped playing and grabbed her to him, causing her to laugh out loud. Straddling his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs encircled his waist.
“Hey, handsome.”
“I knew you were there.”
She titled her head. “How? I tiptoed in here, plus you were playing and humming. You were in your own musical world.”
“Your scent. It’s an aphrodisiac for me but you’re early. I still have about thirty minutes left to play.” His eyes perused over her ensemble as he ran his tongue over his bottom lip. “Not that I’m complaining about you stopping me. Damn, you’re sexy.”
Taking his hands from her butt, she placed them back on the keys. “Then play while I play.”
Before Braxton could protest, she crashed her lips on his, twirling her tongue hard and slow as a guttural moan unleashed from his throat.
“You were saying, Maestro?” she asked through hazy eyes as his were practically closed.
“What do you want to hear?” He kissed her deep, dragging his tongue along her mouth and gently tugging her lips as his hand went the entire length of the piano.
“Whatever you feel,” she replied in a sultry tone. “You’re master of the keys.”
He proceeded to play an unfamiliar, yet sensual, seductive tune as Elle lowered her lips back to his. The touch was gentle at first, as she relished in his warmth, sliding her tongue inside his mouth to find his eagerly responding. He returned the kis
s with the same unhurried, invigorating cadence that matched what he played. Her eyes fluttered shut as she moved her hands to his face, pulling him deeper into her as their kisses and the melody he played intensified. She broke her lips away from his and placed them on his neck, teasing and taunting him as he stumbled a few times on the keys. He released a few curse words especially when she began to gyrate on the erection she could feel throbbing through the material that was in the way. Moving a hand down, she unzipped his pants and put her fingers inside the opening of his boxer shorts. Stroking her hand strongly up and down the hard length of him, she settled her lips over his but didn’t kiss him as they gazed at each other intently. His amorous moans and facial expressions were causing her to tremble against him but her goal was to seduce and please him tonight.
“Damn, girl. Best idea you’ve ever had.”
“Thank you, Maestro. Love the song.”
“It’s a little something I just put together,” he growled as she glided her tongue back on his neck.
“I meant you.”
She began to unbutton his shirt, placing kisses along his chest and scooting her body down at the same time as Braxton let out a knowing sigh of where she was headed.
* * *
Braxton had been definitely thrown off-key when Elle had entered the room. Her alluring scent had touched his nose signaling him of her presence. He had a feeling he was about to be seduced and welcomed every moment that was about to transpire. Her lacy blue nightgown with the matching cover-up did nothing to hide her exquisite body and he couldn’t wait to toss both to the floor.
He grasped her tresses with one of his hands while he tried hard to continue to play with the other. However, he was losing focus as her heat-filled gaze looked up at him and her hands glided up and down his rod as his breathing became unhinged and her lips parted slightly.
“Use both hands to play, Maestro,” she whispered, kneeling to the floor between his legs and returning his hand back to the piano.
Resting her hands on the bottom of his erection, she licked the tip in a circle and then all the way down. Braxton skipped a note or five and stared down at the sexy vision before him as she swallowed him into her hot wet mouth one inch at a time as far as she could. Her luscious lips surrounded him as she continued to glide up and down at a sensual tempo. At times taking as much as possible, other times just the top before sinking harder and faster each time. The purrs resonating from her were of pure raw pleasure, and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold on as her mouth became tighter around him, the deeper she went. She squeezed his thighs firmly as he reached the back of her throat and then was drawn all the way out. She took a few short breaths before diving down once more. He intertwined both hands in her hair to guide her up and down, not that she needed it, but he needed his hands on her. He was enjoying the music that elicited from her so much more at the moment than the baby grand.