by Nicki Night
His hands found their way to her breasts. Gently, he massaged her ample mounds. Another moan rose in her throat. His body responded with a swift jerk in his groin. The temperature around them rose sharply. Time disappeared. They grasped at each other as if one of them were in danger of slipping away. She unbuttoned his shirt. They stopped kissing again, but just long enough to catch their breath.
Chris looked up at the ceiling. He had to stop now before things went too far. It was hard for him to contain his desire for her. He’d never been so close to the edge of his own resolve. Feeling his heart thump against his chest, he inhaled deeply to steady his erratic breathing. Serenity had taken to his chest, randomly planting delicious kisses—each one sending flashes of electric currents through his torso.
“Serenity.” It came out as a breathless whisper. She didn’t respond. “Serenity,” he said again, but it was only a bit louder. He panted another moment. “Serenity.”
She’d heard him this time. Her head snapped up. With a sated smile and half-cocked lids, she looked intoxicated. He knew she was just as drunk with need as he was. Immediately, he felt pressure in his groin. He wanted her bad.
“We should stop,” he said between breaths. “I could go.” He didn’t want to rush her.
“Don’t go,” she pleaded but took her hands off him. Erratic breaths floated her chest up and down.
They stared into each other’s eyes for a moment. Serenity turned away and smiled, seeming bashful. She wiped moisture from her upper lip. An awkward silence hung between them.
“Are you okay?” He wanted her to be.
“I’m fine.” She pushed back a sprig of hair that had fallen over her eye. “What about you?”
Chris grinned and shook his head. “Never been better. We need to check the pie.”
“Yes.” This time her smile expressed a level of comfort. “We should.”
Serenity scampered to her feet. Chris helped her. She walked the few feet to the stove, pulled the door down and looked in. He peered over her shoulder.
“It’s fine,” he assured her. “I’m going to run to the bathroom.”
Chris looked at his reflection in the vanity mirror. His body was finally calming down. He thought about the best way to tell Serenity about his identity. There was no need to maintain discretion any longer. There was still part of him that was concerned about how she would respond, but he believed that once he explained why he’d done it that way, she’d understand. He had to tell her now, before things landed on a new level.
He came out of the bathroom and went straight to the oven and checked the pie. “Just a few more minutes.” His phone rang. It was Kent. He hit Decline.
“Great,” she said. “Now for your surprise.”
He furrowed his brow. She took his hand and led him to her den. Dim lighting cast a mellow glow through the quaint room. In the center, a small table was set for two with flowers, candles and covered dishes. She directed him to one of the chairs and disappeared for a moment. He heard the music from the kitchen turn off, and she returned with a saxophone. She tapped icons on her cell phone and transferred the sound to the Bluetooth speaker she had in the den. His phone rang again. It was Kent once more. Silencing the phone, he turned his attention back to her.
“I don’t have friends like you who can get me front-row tickets to shows at the last minute or prepare dinners in amazing settings during off-hours, but I’m capable of cooking up a mean meal and providing pretty decent dinner music.” She curtsied and began to play a soft melody.
He placed his elbow on the arm of the chair and rested his chin on his fist. Was he blushing? He wasn’t sure because no one had ever made him blush before. He was certain about feeling grateful and quite lucky. He allowed himself to be taken up by the rhythm. Not only could she sing well, but she was also a great sax player.
Chris watched the way Serenity licked the reed, moistening it with her tongue. That simple, common gesture now set something in his core ablaze. Focusing on her mouth, he surveyed her closely, paying special attention to the way her lips wrapped around the instrument. Warmth passed through him and settled between his legs. His manhood awakened and a flash of urgency shot through him.
He stood and slowly carried himself toward her as if he were driven by a force he was unable to resist. At first he swayed with her as she played a sweet jazzy riff. They held one another in a gaze that sizzled with sensual electricity. For several moments they floated together with the melody she created.
Serenity stopped playing. Their eyes locked. Before she could bring the sax back to her mouth, Chris swooped in and covered her lips with his, kissing her breath away again. He couldn’t help himself. His need of her was so strong in that moment. He took the sax, placed it on the nearby chair and wrapped his arms around her. She followed suit and embraced him back.
The fire they created crackled, passing from one to the other as their mouths connected. She held him tighter. He pressed his rising erection against her belly. Serenity pressed against him, ridding all space between their bodies. The atmosphere grew even warmer. Serenity’s caresses became hungry grasps. She groped for his neck and chest, and roamed his taut back and backside as far as she could reach.
They pried themselves apart to breathe. She closed her eyes, let her head fall back and moaned. His fiery tongue flickered against her exposed neck. She was a delicious combination of heat and sweetness. He wanted more. Immediately.
Chris lifted Serenity in his strong arms. In the next beat, her legs were wrapped around his waist. He carried her to the chaise and laid her down without disconnecting from their steamy kiss. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, seeking permission to proceed. Approval came in another greedy kiss. Serenity reached down and tugged at his belt. He helped her, releasing the restraint in one skillful yank.
Desire made his motions urgent. He moved as if they he needed to outrun time. She unbuttoned his shirt. He pulled hers over her head. She unzipped his pants. He unhooked her bra. Perfect mounds bounced free. He took them by the handful. Taking turns, he toyed with each nipple between his teeth. She groaned. He sucked harder.
Chris kissed her lips, traveled along her neck and recaptured her mounds. Next he moved to her navel and explored her body like a treasure map.
“Can I taste you?” His inquiry held more breath than voice. He needed her approval.
“Please.” Yearning stretched her response into a breathy whisper.
Chris smiled, delighted that he’d been given a pass. He wanted to satisfy her well and quench his insatiable desire. More than anything, he wanted to take good care of her, have her sing his name in that beautiful voice of hers. He had never felt more compelled to please a woman. If he didn’t hurry, he thought he might explode.
Chris continued his kisses past her navel, slid her lace panties down her smooth legs and dipped his tongue into the smoldering folds between her thighs. Serenity’s breath caught. At the same time, her back arched with a paralyzing rigidity. She hissed a second later, and her body relaxed. He lapped at her bud with an increasing tempo until his rhythm became feverish. She squealed as juices gushed like the falls.
While Serenity’s climax rippled through her, clenching her muscles in spasms, Chris quickly retrieved a condom from the wallet in his fallen jeans. Sheathing himself with a skillful quickness, he carefully entered her still-quivering body. She gripped him with her walls. The intense pleasure temporarily rendered him motionless.
Her release, still tumbling through, caused her to suction him over and over again. Chris closed his eyes and held on to keep from being overtaken by the pleasure that threatened to coax an early climax to the surface. Slowly at first, he moved through the cushioning until she could relax. They fell in sync. He picked up the pace, gradually increasing his tempo. Together they reached new levels of intensity, calling each other’s names, bucking
against one another. She cried out first. He grunted with each buck, creating a staccato song until one long war cry escaped. He collapsed on top of her. Both bodies fell limp.
Chris held her tight. Serenity held him back. And they were done. It was as delectable and intense as it was quick. But they couldn’t take it back now. Nor did he want to.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She sighed, closed her eyes and smiled. “I’m fine.”
He kept watching her, hoping not to see any signs of regret. There didn’t seem to be any. Her well-being in this was important.
“I knew what I was getting myself into, and I wanted it.”
He felt relieved but then thought about what he had to tell her. Taking a deep breath, he held her against him, skin to skin, her breast against his chest. She nestled against him, and he pondered how to say what he had to say. He’d tell her as soon as they got dressed. Right now, he wanted to stay there with her in his arms.
Chris’s phone rang. Kent was calling again. He sent the call to voice mail, and it rang again immediately after.
“Maybe you should answer that.”
“It’s just my friend. I can speak to him later.”
“If you insist.” Serenity swiped at her own phone and the music changed. “Okay, Mr. Mullins.”
Her words, that name, came down on him like bricks. Chris huffed. He had to tell her now. His phone rang again.
“You really should answer that.” She seemed genuinely concerned. “Something could be wrong.”
“I’m sorry.” He answered the call. He’d get Kent off the phone fast and focus on telling Serenity what he’d been keeping from her.
“Chris, we have a problem.” Kent’s troubled tone made him stand straight.
“What’s wrong?” Concern filled her expression. She gently placed her hand on his arm.
“There’s been a fire at the bar. The fire department is here now. It’s bad.”
“I’m on my way.” Chris huffed. “I’m sorry, Serenity. There’s an emergency.” He snatched his shirt off the floor and shot his hands through the arms.
“Is there anything I can do?” Serenity walked behind him, trying to keep pace.
“No, but thanks!” He stuffed his legs into his pants one by one and then kissed her lips. For a quick moment, he stared into her worried eyes.
“Do you need me to come with you?”
Chris smiled. “I’ll be fine.” He headed for the door, stopped and turned back for one more kiss. Serenity melted in his arms.
“Call me, okay? If not I’ll worry.”
“I will. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you, okay?”
“No need.”
“When I get back, there’s something that I want talk to you about.”
“What is it?” Serenity looked puzzled.
A peck on her lips was his only answer. Chris wasn’t prepared to say much more without getting too far into it. “I’ll be back tonight.”
Chapter 15
The week ended, but that didn’t mean that work was done for Serenity. She and Elisa handled bridal shower plans and picked out favors. Serenity submitted the grant application for Heartstrings, led music lessons and squeezed in a conference call with the board to go over updates on the gala.
Between her schedule and Chris having to deal with the fire, they hadn’t laid eyes on each other all week. The late-night chats were diminished by fatigue from long, full days. Several times Serenity came home, fell into bed and didn’t wake until her alarm clock invaded her sleep the next morning. Saturday proved to be just as busy as the weekdays had been for both of them. Chris insisted on coming over to spend the entire day with her on Sunday. She couldn’t wait to enjoy his company. It didn’t take long for his absence to feel like a void. Each time he told her they needed to “talk,” she wondered why he refused to give any hints about what was on his mind. He told her that their discussion had to happen face-to-face. She had no idea what it was about but was intrigued nonetheless.
She blushed as she turned in the mirror to check her gown. A smile instinctively framed her mouth when she thought about Chris. She wished he could join her at the gala she was preparing to attend, but he’d already told her he had an engagement, so she hadn’t bothered to ask. Besides, she’d received her invite the day before, when a friend’s boyfriend had to back out due to a last-minute work trip. That friend had encouraged her to accompany her to the gala because of the impressive guest list—several key contacts who could all be instrumental in helping Heartstrings grow.
Serenity dug in her closet and slipped on a pair of blue sandals that were the same hue as her dress. They would raise her to an average height. She took one last look in the mirror. Her upswept hair was easy but elegant. Teardrop pearls hung gracefully from her ears, and a single strand of pearls lay tastefully across her neck. She grabbed a shawl to protect her bare shoulders against the chill in the evening air, picked up her ivory satin purse and headed for the car.
Serenity turned the ignition, then heard buzzing and dug for her vibrating phone. She pulled it from the purse and answered through the car’s Bluetooth system.
“Hey, you.” An instinctive smile spread across her lips.
“All is well now that I’m hearing your voice.”
The blushing began. “How sweet!”
“I just have a moment, but I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow. Don’t prepare anything. It will be my turn to prepare a meal for you.”
“If you insist.”
“Okay. I got to run. See you tomorrow, pretty lady.”
Serenity’s cheeks burned red. “See you tomorrow, Mr. Mullins.”
Ending the call, Serenity checked her mirror and pulled out of her parking spot. The catering hall was only fifteen minutes away. Setting her satellite radio to her favorite jazz station, she bobbed her head to the rhythm as she drove, instinctively identifying notes and instruments in her head.
Minutes later, she pulled into the circular drive of the establishment, stepped out and gave the valet her keys. When she walked inside, a tall gentleman with wispy blond hair raised a brow with an approving smile. She smiled back and headed to the bar for a glass of wine, then searched for her colleague.
“Serenity!”
She turned, trying to gauge the direction of the voice.
“Over here.”
A fellow teacher and savvy socialite waved. Serenity lifted her glass, acknowledging her, and headed that way.
“Stephanie.” Serenity leaned forward and gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek.
“You look absolutely stunning!” Stephanie stood back and twirled her finger. “Turn around.”
Serenity twirled.
Stephanie shook her head in disbelief. “You’re truly my inspiration. How much weight did you lose?”
“Forty pounds.”
“I wish I had the discipline.”
“The weight is one thing. That whole moderation issue...” Serenity rolled her eyes. “That’s my daily struggle. I’m a real foodie, and sometimes the things that taste best are the worst. Getting your mind to accept the new you is another situation. I still pick up clothes in my old size, if I’m not paying attention.”
“Pfft! I wish I had that problem.” Stephanie twisted her lips. “Come.” She grabbed Serenity’s hand. “Let me introduce you to a few people.”
Serenity followed her to a beautiful woman with warm, brown eyes, who was in a striking silver gown.
“Jade! I’d like you to meet my friend Serenity. She runs an amazing nonprofit organization called Heartstrings. They do incredible work for underserved youth in the areas of music and the arts.” Stephanie turned to Serenity. “Jade Chandler is the executive director of the Chandler Foundation.”
“It’s a pleasur
e to meet you, Serenity. I love your name.”
“And I love your dress. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Jade.”
Someone called Jade’s name. The way she whipped her head toward the beckon reminded Serenity of a shampoo commercial.
Jade nodded and turned back toward Serenity and Stephanie. “I’m sorry. I’m being summoned.” She pulled a card from her purse and handed it to Serenity. “I’d love to hear more about your organization.”
“I’d be happy to tell you more.” Serenity handed Jade a card, as well.
“Great!” Her smile was sweet. “And, Stephanie, I’ll see you this weekend, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Jade trotted off. Stephanie leaned toward Serenity’s ear. “She’s loaded. The foundation is the nonprofit arm of Chandler Food Corp.”
“She’s a Chandler? As in Chandler Food Corp? As in Mary Kate’s pies?” Serenity’s eyes widened. “Their pecan pies are the best.”
“Yep.”
“I submitted a grant proposal to them this past week. I sure hope I get it.”
“Well, you better use the contact information on that card soon. You know this world is all about who you know, and the rich give money to people they like.”
A spark of excitement shot up Serenity’s spine. If she didn’t meet anyone else tonight, she’d go home happy. Carefully, she tucked Jade’s card into her purse and made a mental note to reach out to her and suggest they meet for lunch. She’d love an opportunity to give her more insight about the organization.
Stephanie waved at someone across the room. “Come on. Let’s go meet Henry. That old guy has so much money, he can wipe with it and never miss a dollar. His family is in the banking industry, and they run the Hagerman Foundation.”
“How do you know all of these people?” Serenity whispered.