Leila closed her eyes as she wrapped her legs around Clayton’s waist. “I want you,” she whispered on a moan.
“Open your eyes,” Clayton demanded.
Her brown eyes snapped open and connected with Clayton’s desire-filled blue ones.
“You want me?” he asked, breathless.
“Yes...” She moaned, her body shivering.
“Say it again with my name,” Clayton uttered with a low growl.
“Clayton, I want you.”
“Again.” He thrust even deeper into her.
“Clayton,” Leila cried out as he pounded into her like a man who hadn’t had sex in years and was finding the ultimate pleasure with her.
Leila screamed loudly as her climax raked through her body. Clayton continued to move in and out of her before he shouted his release shooting his seed deep inside of her body.
Resting his sweaty body on top of her equally damp one, Clayton planted soft kisses on her face and mouth. “Are you okay?” he asked while his cock was still buried deep inside of her.
As she slowly came down off of her high, the reality of the situation started to set in for her. How long would Clayton be able to keep her around now since she wasn’t about to resist him? She loved working here. Why didn’t she think about the end result more before she got swept away by her emotions?
“Leila, are you okay?” Clayton asked again as he separated their bodies. He cupped her face between his hands and stared into her eyes. “Leila?”
She heard the concern in Clayton’s rough voice and it touched her. ”I’m fine, but this was a mistake. How can we keep a professional environment after this?” she asked, waving her hand at their naked bodies.
“Don’t worry about the future.” Clayton rolled off her and pulled her back against his chest.
Sure that was easy for him to say. He wouldn’t be the one looking for a new job.
“This can’t happen again.” She would make sure that she didn’t end up back in her boss’s bed again.
Sitting up next to her, Clayton stared at her. “I’m not about to agree to that. You must be out of your mind if you thought I would. We will make love again. I can wait for a couple of days for you to get used to our new relationship and that’s it...unless you’re honestly telling me that you didn’t love being in my bed.”
Damn him! Clayton was smart enough to know that she wasn’t about to deny that.
“Yes. I loved being in your bed and arms. You know that I did,” Leila admitted as she tried to get up from the bed, but Clayton tugged her back down on top of him.
“Not so fast, sweetheart,” he said. “If I won’t be able to touch or kiss you for a while I need to have you one more time to tie me over.”
Leila tried her best to think of something to get away from Clayton but her mind was blank as he brought her head down for kiss. He was right anyway. What would one more time hurt since they wouldn’t be doing it for a while anyway?
Chapter Twenty-Five
“God, I’m dying for some cigarettes,” Jeff complained raking his hands through his hair. “I’m going to die if I don’t get something to smoke.”
“I told you not to give your last one to that girl you met outside yesterday, but you didn’t listen to me.” Matt glared at his brother pacing back and forth across the room. “At least, you would have had one to smoke today instead of driving me crazy with your complaining.”
“Will you stop being such a know-it-all?” Jeff snapped, stopping in front of him. “How much money do we have left?”
“I think we have about eighty-five dollars left and we need forty-five of it to pay for this room. Why do you ask?” Matt hoped his brother wasn’t about to ask for cash to go and buy some cigarettes.
“Give me twenty bucks so I can go and buy some cigarettes at the grocery store a couple of blocks from here. I won’t be able to make it much longer if I don’t fix the craving. You know how I get when I need to take a smoke break.”
Matt wanted to argue with his brother, but he knew Jeff was right because he usually had a bad personality change when he didn’t get his cigarettes and Matt didn’t want to deal with his mood swings.
Reaching into his pocket, Matt pulled out a twenty dollar bill and handed it to his irrational brother. “Here you go and you better not get lost. It’ll be dark soon. I want you back here in this room with me. You can’t rob anyone else in the area or you’ll get caught. Just buy the cigarettes and come back here. Do you think you can do that?”
“Thanks man,” Jeff said as he shoved the money into the front pocket of his jeans. “I won’t do anything dumb this time. I’ll make sure I get back here as soon as I can.”
Matt watched as his brother snatched up his sunglasses and baseball cap off the bed and then left the hotel room. He really hoped that Jeff wouldn’t get into any trouble while he was gone, but he doubted that would happen. It seemed like trouble followed his brother no matter where he went or what he did.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Leila stood outside Clayton’s bedroom debating on whether or not she should tell him what Samantha had asked her. Ever since Samantha had come back from the visit with her grandparents, she had been asking her all kinds of questions. She wasn’t quite sure how to handle the situation, so she came up here instead to get his opinion.
Knocking on the door, Leila waited for Clayton to answer. She was a little nervous about being alone with him since she had done a good job of avoiding him since making love. He had been trying to get her by herself but she had found ways to get away from him. She couldn’t be around him because all her mind thought about was how extraordinary it felt to be in his arms.
Clayton’s sex appeal was so hard to deny when she was in his company. He was the type of man that would draw a woman’s attention any time he walked into the room. His dark blue eyes and thick dark blond hair would make any female weak in the knees.
“Who is it?” Clayton asked.
Why was Clayton talking at her through the closed bedroom door? What was going on in there?
“It’s Leila. I need to speak with you.”
The bedroom door slowly opened, but Leila didn’t see Clayton on the other side so she walked on inside. “Clayton, where are you?” she called out and jumped when the door slammed closed behind her.
Spinning around Leila’s eyes raked over Clayton’s half naked body in a pair of snug blue jeans that would make the Marlboro man jealous. Her pulse rate shot up another notch as his amazing eyes looked over her seductively before he came across the room and pulled her into his arms.
“Hi, gorgeous,” Clayton whispered and then kissed her on the mouth.
“Hi,” Leila answered when Clayton moved away from her. “I have to talk to you about something.”
“Do I get something better than that? Haven’t you missed me? I know that you’ve been avoiding me lately and I don’t like it at all. How about we do something tonight? We can take Sam to her favorite pizza place. I know that she’d love for us to go out together.”
Despite the fact they both lived under the same roof, she had missed Clayton more than he probably even knew. However, she couldn’t let Clayton sweep her off her feet anymore than he already had.
“Of course, I’ve missed you...”
“Good, that’s all I wanted to hear,” Clayton said before he gave her another kiss. “Now, are you ready to tell me what brought you up to my bedroom? I know that it isn’t the reason I’m hoping for.”
“Samantha asked me something this morning while I was helping her pick out a new outfit to wear and I thought you should know about it.” Leila couldn’t wait to see what Clayton’s reaction was going to be.
“What did she ask you?”
“Samantha said that she overheard her grandparents talking about us and they wondered if the only reason you hired me was because you were having a case of jungle fever. I...”
Leila stopped talking when Clayton’s deep, rich warm laughter cut her off. She
couldn’t believe how when he laughed it made him look ten years younger.
“You find that funny?” Leila asked, frowning.
“Yeah, I think it’s hilarious. I didn’t think that Donna’s parents even knew what the term jungle fever even meant at their age. You know that isn’t the reason I hired you right? Because I did give you the job before I even knew you were black.”
“You’re right. You did give me the job before you ever laid eyes on me, but Samantha’s question did throw me off. I had an answer for her, but I thought it would be better if you talked to her about it.”
Moving away from her, Clayton picked up a checkered shirt off the bed and slid his arms through it. Leila hated that he was covering up that gorgeous body, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
“Do you want to help me finish getting dressed?” Clayton asked as he came back over to her and placed her hands on his chest. “I love how your touch makes my body hot.”
“Are you serious?” she asked, surprised again by the unpredictable man standing in front of her.
“I wouldn’t have suggested it if I wasn’t,” he flirted.
Taking a deep breath, Leila calmed down her racing pulse and shaking hands. Slowly, she snapped Clayton’s shirt closed only leaving two unbuttoned at the top to give her a glimpse of his perfect chest.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Clayton touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “I’ll talk to Samantha about the jungle fever comment, but I can’t do it until after I come back from town. I need to pick up a few personal items and then make a visit to the hardware store. Do you need me to get you anything while I’m gone?”
“No, I don’t need anything, but Samantha was telling me that she wanted some markers for her coloring book. I was going to get them tomorrow for her, but since you’re going to town will you get them?”
“Sure. I’ll make that my last stop,” Clayton said as he moved away from her. “How about you walk downstairs with me? Samantha’s birthday is coming up soon and I want to get your suggestions about party ideas.”
“Oh, I know the perfect theme for her.” Leila followed him out the door.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Clayton got out of the truck slamming the door closed behind him. He wanted to stay at home and spend more time with Leila. Anytime he got to spend around her made him feel so good, she was such a bright light to his life. However, he couldn’t do it because he needed more building supplies for the ranch and other items for inside the house.
Clayton was glad that he’d decided at the last minute to stop at the hardware store first. Now he was making his way towards the grocery store to buy some items for dinner tonight. He wasn’t in the mood for a big meal so he told the chef to take the night off and he was going to fix Sloppy Joes. He knew they were Sam’s favorite meal and she hadn’t had them in such a long time.
Inside the store, Clayton picked up a basket and then made his way over to the canned goods aisle. It had been such a long time since he’d been out grocery shopping that it felt weird doing it. He remembered clearly the last time he’d been inside this store.
It was two weeks before Donna had gotten sick and died. She had sweet talked him into going with her. Back then all she had to do was flash her gorgeous smile and he would turn into mush. Leila was slowly beginning to have that same power over him and she was too blind to see it. He was falling so hard for her...she almost held his heart in the palm of her hand. He had never fallen this quickly or hard for a woman in his life.
Her innocence was so refreshing and special. He liked how she got all nervous earlier when he asked her to finish dressing him. It was such a nice change from the women who were usually trying to strip him out of his clothes. He hoped that he wouldn’t have to run into anymore of those women again.
“Clayton, why are you here shopping instead of one of your employees?” a female asked behind him.
I know this isn’t who I think it is.
Turning around, Clayton looked down and found Annie standing behind him wearing a yellow sundress that brought out her deep tan. There would have been a time he might have been drawn to that, but that ship had sailed. Because his time and energy were entirely focused on one woman and that was Leila.
“Annie, I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t think you knew how to find the grocery store.” He knew how she enjoyed having her low fat and low calorie dinners specially prepared for her and then delivered to her house.
“I was running low on soy milk and reduced fat peanut butter, so I made a stop in here after work. I’m glad that I did or I would’ve missed seeing your handsome face. Do you want to go and get a drink somewhere?” she asked flipping her hair over her shoulder.
Did Annie have a memory problem? He had already given her answer. Why was she bringing it up again?
“No. I have to get back home; Sam is waiting for me.”
Annie took a deep breath and plastered a fake smile on her face. “I thought that’s why you hired a new nanny. Isn’t she capable of watching Samantha while you go out for a couple of hours? You aren’t usually the type of person to hire someone so incompetent.”
Grabbing two cans of Sloppy Joe off the shelf, Clayton tossed them into his basket praying that he didn’t lose his cool with Annie inside the store. He had tried being nice with her and that didn’t work. So, he went for the direct approach and she still didn’t get it. Now, he was going to be just plain mean.
“Annie, I’m not going to let Leila watch Samantha because I’ve no interest in going out on a date with you. What we tried to do was a long time ago and it’s over. For God’s sake get on with your life and stay out of mine. I’m tired of dealing with you. This is the last time I’m having this conversation with you. If you bother me one more time, I’ll make sure you won’t get a chance to do it again.”
“You don’t mean that,” Annie huffed. “I know you care about me. We were together for a while. I know you were planning on asking me to marry you.”
“Marry you!?” Clayton shouted, shocked that Annie had ever let that ridiculous thought enter her mind. “If, and I mean if, I ever thought about getting married again it wouldn’t be to you. Do you understand me? You’ve no redeeming qualities that a man would want in a wife. Go on with your life and stop focusing on me.” Brushing past her, Clayton went all the way to end of the aisle and turned left towards the bread.
****
Stepping back quickly, Jeff hid behind a display of cookies just in time to avoid getting knocked down by a pissed off Clayton Moore. He had overheard two people arguing and came over to check it out. He couldn’t believe his good luck. Standing not twenty feet from him was that bastard Clayton arguing with that chick who had been staring at him and Matt out at the hotel.
Unlike his brother, he never forgot a face or a name. It was a trait that came in very handy when an individual tried to double cross him. He always found a way to track the person down and get him back.
He knew he’d promised Matt that he would wait for his plan but he might not get this fortunate again. Clayton was right in his sights. He wasn’t about to let that bastard get away from him. He was going to show this rancher what happened when he tried to embarrass Jeff Hobbs in public.
Forgetting all about the reason he came to the store in the first place, Jeff followed Clayton until he left. He followed him all the way to his parked black truck at the side of the building.
Jeff had a very hard time to keep from jumping with joy when he noticed how deserted the parking lot was. It was like his ultimate wish was coming true. He was going to get his revenge.
He knew that he had promised Matt to stay out of trouble, but he wasn’t going to get a chance like this again. Clayton was right in front of him and he wasn’t about to miss his opportunity. All he needed now was the perfect weapon to give Clayton what he deserved.
Looking around, Jeff noticed a thin pipe holding open a delivery door. He eased over to the tube and snatched it away from the door.
Placing his hand behind his back, he followed after Clayton hoping that he would get a chance to strike before Clayton got inside of his car and drove off.
Despite the fact he might get caught, Jeff’s blood pumped through his veins at the thought of getting payback. Taking a deep breath, he rushed up behind Clayton and brought the pipe down on his head.
Clayton let out a groan as his big body crumbled and fell to the ground in front of Jeff. The grocery bags Moore had been carrying dropped near the steel toed boots that Matt had given him as a birthday present.
I hope that you lay there and bleed to death!
“You aren’t so bad now are you,” Jeff taunted as he kicked Clayton a couple of times in the ribs, back and head. “This is what you get for thinking that you’re better than me!” Jeff gave Clayton one more hard kick in the ribs. Bending down, he searched through Clayton’s pocket and took out his wallet. He took all of the money out of it and then tossed it back down next to him.
“Bastard!” Jeff yelled and then spat on Clayton before he ran back to his truck, got in and sped off.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Have you seen my Daddy?”
Leila stopped brushing Samantha’s hair and glanced at the little girl in the vanity mirror that Clayton had bought for her a couple of days ago as an early birthday present. She remembered how much Samantha had talked about it when they were out shopping.
“I talked to your daddy earlier before he went into town, but I haven’t seen him since then. I’m sure that he’ll be home pretty soon. How about we find something to do until he gets back? I think he would like another picture from you to place on the refrigerator. Don’t you?”
“I could color one of Dora for him,” Samantha suggested as she spun around in the chair and looked at her. “I think he’ll like that.”
“Are you finished with your homework for the day?” Leila asked. She didn’t want Samantha coloring a picture when she had homework to do instead.
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