The Chase I (Double XX Book 1)

by Xyla Turner

  “Well that’s good to hear,” he responded.

  I dare not tell him I had just met the man that night and let him touch me like that because I could not help it. Then, I thought it was probably for the best because even though Mr. Observant was good at observing, he was not good at possessing what he wanted. That was a negative for him and a positive for Mr. Aroma.

  I smiled again, “Right, well, do you want chicken or beef?”

  He must have caught my dismissal, “How about I get your number first?”

  See, he was asking me and not telling me. I guess I should be thrilled that he cared what I thought and was being respectful enough to give me an option. Or in the case of Mr. Aroma, stealing or buying it from someone. I am so screwed. Here this man, Mr. Observant, is doing it the right way. But because within the last 48 hours, I’ve been introduced to the wrong way, and definitely crazy way that I am weirdly attracted to, it seems this guy will not measure up to Mr. Aroma’s level of crazy. Well, maybe he needs to match my crazy. I give him my number and he tells me his name is Mark Garvin. He said he would give me a call and that was that. See, simple. Well, if we dated, this would be my first time dating a white guy. My preferences did not include race, my motto is if he can handle me, then more power to him.

  ****

  Once I arrived home, I climbed in the shower with steaming hot water and stayed there until it my fingers looked like prunes. My body was achy, to the point that it seemed like I was catching a summer cold. This was not good, so I ate something light and took some vitamins. After checking my calendar, reviewing notes from the staff, responding to emails, I set out my clothes for the week. Well, at least until Thursday because that was the last day of school. Teachers last day was on Friday, where they could clean their rooms and go home for vacation. The district was using the building over the summer for professional development and other sorts of events. We did not have summer school in house, but were using our online system as a pilot and a face-to-face check-in on Wednesday mornings. That would include the teacher that facilitated the online class and the students on an individual basis for 15-30 minutes. We had all sorts of success during the school year, but this was another program to include if I decided to go with the Angel Wings Foundation, I would want them to track its success and see if it really works. Then we could make more money, so we could provide all of our students with computers and Internet service at home in order to keep this initiative alive.

  That was part of my problem. I was always trying to solve another solution, but running myself ragged in the process. This fact did not make me feel guilty about splurging on my vacation to Italy. Two full weeks in Italy was exactly what I needed to recuperate. My friend Millan and I were going and planning to have a lot of fun. Millan was a colleague of mine that I met a few years ago at another school where we both worked together. We instantly clicked, even though she was happily married with two boys. She said she could only be free with me because I was her last single friend. When she was with her other friends, all they talked about were kids, husbands, schools, parenting, the latest toy or movie. Millan always told me that because I did not have any of those obligations, I could do what I want, when I wanted. The problem was, I never did. I was always working and doing things for others, that I did not have time for myself. So, we made a pact a year ago, to put money aside and go on vacation out of the country. Hence, Italy.

  The first few days, I planned to eat, then sleep and maybe we would have our adventure afterwards. My trip was scheduled one week from today. I would not return until August 9th. This was my third trip out of the country and I planned to go every other year. My last trip was to Peru when I graduated with my second master’s degree four years ago. I deserved that trip too, so now I was going to make a habit of being well-versed with the world outside of the States. It would also help me get a handle on my roller coaster love life that just turned on its head a few days ago.

  Reading the last of some self-help book about being a good time manager, I heard my phone chime. It was a FaceTime call with the 718 number. Oh boy. I should ignore it. Crap, I was supposed to call Xavier. I figured I could just act like I was sleep, which I was technically in bed, getting ready to sleep. Sounds good to me. The chiming stopped. Then I heard it chime again, almost immediately after it stopped. Oh man. I better answer this because the crazy man might come and kick my door down. I answer the call, then wait for his image to appear. Struggling to sit up in bed and trying to look semi-sleepy with the hopes that he might feel like he interrupted my sleep at 10:12 PM. If he really did a dossier on me, he would know that I am a night owl.

  The image was dark, prohibiting any sort of image of anything. Then my phone vibrated, when he said, “Good girl, you must have learned your lesson about taunting me.”

  I roll my eyes. “Why do you keep referring to yourself in an animalistic way? Caged lion, beast, animal, biting… Is there something you need to tell me?”

  “I already told you,” was his only reply.

  Guh.

  Impossible man.

  “I was actually in bed,” I said sarcastically.

  “I know, that’s why I called now, so you would be relaxed and getting ready to have sweet dreams about me.”

  I still could not see him because it was pitch black.

  “So, that’s how this works, you can see me, but I can’t see you?” I asked.

  He chuckled.

  “You miss me, baby girl?”

  “Not really, but I figured if we are going to FaceTime, then we could see each other. Guess not,” I replied and turned my light off so my image went dark.

  He chuckled again.

  “Always the rebel, huh?” he quipped.

  Then he added, “I guess you haven’t learned your lesson, like I thought.”

  I felt the tingle on my butt because I knew he meant he would spank my ass if I did not correct my error. That turned me on, so I kept the lights off and moaned in the phone.

  He growled, “I thought you were my good girl.”

  I slipped my hand between my legs and said, “Tonight, I’m going to be a naughty girl.”

  Grabbing my vibrator from the side of my nightstand, I turned it on and placed my phone near my pillow so he could hear me. I rubbed the bullet over my clit, until it hit the spot and moaned out loud, “Yes, right there.”

  I thought I heard him groaning or telling me to stop, but between my moans and the vibrator’s hum – I could not hear him clearly. The bullet hit the spot, so my moaning was constant.

  “My nipples are so hard for you,” I cried.

  My breath hitched. “Right there, don’t stop. Ahhh, I’m about to come,” I whined.

  “Xavviieerrr. Yes, right there. Ahhhh.” I screamed out.

  I came and immediately shut the vibrator off. Falling back on the bed, I heard him trying to catch his breath. The phone was illuminated so he must have turned the lights on. Once I picked up the phone, his face was all I could see and he did not look happy. The man was gorgeous, but judging by the frown on his face, this was not the time to gush. His breathing was heavy, but I am not sure if that was because he got himself off, or mad because I just did.

  “Wish you could taste that, huh?” I asked.

  My phone buzzed and I looked at the screen. It was Kevin:

  #I can still taste you.

  I smiled, that was so ironic.

  “Who is that?” he glared.

  “What?” I asked, feigning ignorance.

  “You heard me!” he was seething.

  At that, I used that as an opportunity to say, “Now you have sweet dreams” and ended the session.

  I turned my phone and iPad off and had sweet dreams of him spanking my ass, which was what exactly he was going to do, judging by the look on his face.

  ****

  Monday morning was like any other morning. I arrived to work at 7:00 AM and started working on my long to-do list. My door remained closed because I did not want to be dist
urbed and I had a 3:00 PM board meeting that I needed to add some final touches. My secretary, Janice, brought me breakfast from the cafeteria; we had our food catered to us by local businesses. Today was my favorite, French toast and Canadian bacon. As noon rolled around, she realized that I was working through lunch, so she brought me lunch. Deli sandwich with a side salad and light Italian dressing. I continued working in solitude, holding all calls because I needed to focus on closing the school year out properly and more importantly, shutting down all thoughts of Mr. Aroma. I could not think about how he invaded my thoughts and my mind. It was 2PM and he had not reached out to connect in his domineering way. A little disappointed, but figured he was probably as busy as I was. I refused to look at my phone since it was in my Janice’s desk, just so I would not be tempted is what I told myself.

  Dismissal time came and went, but I was still holed in my office. Getting more done in one day than I have in a month by not having distractions was encouraging. I really needed to focus and delegate more things, so I would not be so overwhelmed. This will be a priority, right after my vacation. It was around 5:00 PM, when Janice popped her head in to tell me that she was leaving, but would stay if I needed anything else. She also told me to keep an ear out for the door because she ordered dinner for me. That was so thoughtful. She really was a good pick and I was lucky to have her. I wish I could duplicate her work ethic. Janice was a forward thinker and did not need to be micromanaged. This was perfect for me and my management style.

  An hour later, the doorbell rang. I heard Paul, the janitor, greet the delivery guy. Janice usually ordered the food from Seamless, so the tab and tip was already paid for. A knock came on the door, then Paul peeked his head in my office, “Ms. Fuller, a man is here with your food and is demanding a tip.”

  “Janice usually tips them on Seamless.”

  Another male voice said, “Not that kind of tip.”

  Oh shit.

  I knew that erotic, baritone voice from anywhere, with a hint of that sexy Brooklyn accent.

  God.

  “It’s alright Paul, I know him,” I tried to smile for Paul’s sake since he looked a little uncomfortable.

  Paul nods and exits, so Mr. Aroma can enter with my food. His face was blank, so I assumed he was still mad. Yummy. He put my food down on the coffee table and went outside my office, closed and locked the door and then closed and locked my office door. Oh boy. He had another bag in his hand, which he sat next to the sofa that was in the corner. He lifted his pants legs, sat down, pulled his feet apart and patted the seat next to him, silently commanding that I sit right there.

  I looked down at my work, which was nearly done, but think twice about challenging him since he came all this way. I saved my work and stood up. I slipped my high heels on because I wanted him to see my shapely calves. Walking slowly to him, I put a little sway in my hips and gingerly sat down next to him. He lifted my legs, pulled them across his lap, took my shoes off and ran his hands up my legs. The shoes did serve their purpose. He rested his hand on my knee and unbuttoned my suit jacket, so he could wiggle it off me, leaving me in my blouse and skirt. He looks at me like a man on the prowl. My God. His face was filled with heat and his eyes were blazing, setting my whole body on fire. The ache between my legs intensified tremendously.

  Xavier unpackaged the food, with the containers on my legs, he twirled the fork around the noodles, put it to my mouth and motioned for me to open up. Slowly, I parted my lips to accept the food and chewed as seductively as I could. Not even sure what I was eating, but it tasted good. I also was not sure whether Janice ordered it or he did. He watched me chew the food, while his eyes became more heated, if that was even possible. Continuing to feed me like I was his prized possession or that it satisfied him that he was the one feeding me. He still had not said anything, besides the ‘not that kind of tip’ when Paul was here.

  When all of the food was gone, he wiped my mouth, gave me some water and started to unbutton my blouse. He did not take off the blouse, but pulled down my demi bra and leaned down to suck on my erect nipples. He sucked on my left nipple and twisted my right one. Then he switched back and forth. I writhed under him, as he was making me hornier than when I heard his voice. Patiently, I waited for him to do more, but he kept worshipping my breast, by squeezing them, biting them and pinching my sensitive nipples. No words were spoken, causing me to be on the brink, so I begged, “Please Xavier.”

  “Please what,” he cooed.

  “Please,” I repeated.

  “Tell me what you want,” he replied.

  “I want you to take me,” I said, eyes half-masked.

  “Hmm,” he muttered.

  His lips returned to my nipples, as he continued to bite my breast and pushing me further to the edge. One touch of his hand on my clit and I would explode. He was driving me crazy on purpose. This must be the pay back. I was not appreciating this, not one bit. He put his hand under my butt, to lift me higher, so I was stretched out on the sofa while he was standing over me. I waited for him to lift my skirt and get on with it, Anticipation was thick in the air, as I wanted this. I wanted him, badly. This was about to escape from, but he stood all the way up, grabbed his bag and headed towards the door.

  What the hell?

  I turned around on the sofa and asked, “Where are you going?”

  He turned, “I’m going home and you have the night to think about your punishment.”

  WHAT!

  I know I growled.

  “WHAT!” I snapped.

  “You heard me,” he replied still moving towards the door.

  “If you don’t come back here, we will have problems,” I said.

  “We already have problems, baby,” he replied.

  “Xavier, don’t walk out of that door,” I warned.

  He unlocked the door and opened it.

  “Then don’t bother coming back,” I snapped.

  “You don’t run this, I do. I will be back and you better be waiting,” he responded with a low growl as he made his exit.

  What in the actual fuck?

  That son of a bitch. He must not know about me, but he just crossed a line. I locked the door, fixed my clothes, finished my work and went home. My body was so hot and bother, I figured I would watch the rest of Rookie Blue to ease my fury, but Sam and Andy got into a fight, thus causing me to get mad all over again. My phone and iPad were both off, just in case he was enlightened on his way home. That son of a bitch just waged war and he would soon find out, I know about the art of war.

  Leaving me like that. What the hell was he thinking? I do not play those games. They must have forgotten to tell him, I will cut a brother off, quickly. He played a dangerous game and that sting of rejection, just settled in my soul. I was done with him. He made a fool of me and that was a no-no. Well, fuck him.

  My house phone rang. Oh damn, I forgot to turn that off. I checked the caller ID and it was a 347 number, but it said M. Gavin. Ah, look how that worked out. I did not give him my house number. Weird. I picked up the receiver, “Xena, is this you?”

  “Yes, this is she.”

  “This is Mark Gavin, we met at the Community Center”

  “I know, but how did you get this number?”

  “Oh, I tried to call your cell, but it kept going straight to voicemail, so I kind of hacked into the Community Center’s database and found your home number. I really wanted to talk to you.”

  No apology, no excuse, just facts. Though, I do not think this number was in the Community Center’s database.

  Hmm.

  “Well, here I am.”

  “What are you doing right now, am I interrupting?”

  “No, I was just watching TV.”

  “Anything good?”

  “Depends if you like cop shows, I am watching Rookie Blue.”

  “That comes on Thursday nights, are you watching your DVR?”

  “Yes, I am. Rookie Blue fan I take it.”

  “Oh yes, Gail is my girl. F
eisty and fierce like a fox.”

  Hmm.

  “Yes, I like her too. So, you like feisty women, huh?”

  “The better to tame them is my motto.”

  WHAT?

  “Is that so?”

  “Oh yes,” his voice deepened, “I like to tame wild things.”

  “Well, good luck to you in that feat.”

  “Xena, are you issuing me a challenge because I’m quite the sportsman?”

  “Nope, just saying I wish you the best of luck with conquering your latest challenge.”

  “So you wish me luck with taming that warrior within you, that I know you will show me when the time is right?”

  “Hmm, confident are you? Be careful what you hunt, you just might become the hunted.”

  “Baby, I’ll have you tied up so fast, you won’t know what hit you.”

  I burst out laughing. This man just threatened to tie me up. Now, that was a new one for me, but I was game.

  “What do you know about knots?” I inquired.

  “Wouldn’t you like to find out?”

  I moan in the phone.

  He moans back, “Baby, please don’t moan like that. I want to get to know you, take you out to dinner, date you and then tie you up and have my way with you.”

  “Good Lord.”

  “Yes, He is good”

  We both laugh.

  “Mark, I think I need to get off this phone and shouldn’t talk late at night, if that’s the route you want to go.”

  “That’s fine with me; because that is the route I want to go. You are worth that.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me.”

  “Have sweet dreams, beautiful.”

  “Will do, Mark.”

  And, I am moving on. No more Mr. Aroma, on to Mr. Observant. And Kevin, until something becomes official.

  10 THE CAT IS THE LION

  Tuesday was another uneventful day. I was riding on cloud nine because all in a day, one man walked out of my life and another walked in my life. Another one who was considerate, had a little bad side to him and who moved heaven and earth to get to me. My type of man. A real man. Funny, how my whole ‘potential’ man situation turned around within a few days. For years, just fuck buddies and now the last 5 days, two men showing serious interest.