Dr. Tillman seemed satisfied as well. “Good. Then I’ll send your prescription over to your pharmacy for you to pick up later today.” He stood and shook both their hands. “Make an appointment for six weeks from now, and I’ll see you then.” With a smile and a wave, he was gone.
Imani gathered their things, so she could take her mother back home. “I hope you’ll be good about taking your medicine this time, Mom.”
Alma waved her off as she got to her feet. “Don’t lecture me, baby. I learned my lesson the last time.” She swept a hand over her short salt-and-pepper curls and gestured to the door. “Let’s go. I’ve got some pies to bake for the church bake sale.”
They left the hospital, and she drove her mother home. After Alma was safely inside, Imani said, “I’ve got to go, Mom, but I’ll swing by tomorrow and check on you.”
“You’re not staying?”
She shook her head. “You’ll be happy to know I’m going out with Xavier tonight.”
Seated on the aging pink sofa, her mother clapped her hands gleefully. “Finally! Be sure to give the man a fair chance. He’s done some good work in the community.”
She nodded. “I will, Mom. He’s sent me flowers at work every day for more than a week. How could I resist?”
Her mother beamed. “He’s the one, I just know it, and I’m glad you’re coming around.”
She chuckled. “Slow down, Mom. I didn’t say all that. We’re just going on a date.”
Alma shook her head. “I don’t know why you’ve been playing hard to get with him this long. He’s a good man.” Every time she’d visited or called while she was in college, her mother had regaled her with the latest news on Xavier’s volunteering and fund-raising for one cause or another. To hear Alma tell it, the man spent all his free time helping disadvantaged neighbors.
Imani cringed as her secret rose within her again. “Maybe too good,” she remarked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“What’s the matter, baby?” Alma’s expression filled with genuine concern. “You know you can tell me anything, Imani. We’ve always had an open, honest relationship.”
Drawing a deep breath, Imani fixed her face, not wanting her mother to worry. “It’s nothing, Mom. Just a little predate jitters, I guess. But like I said, no need to make wedding plans just yet.”
Alma’s expression conveyed that she thought differently, but she deferred to her daughter on the matter. “Whatever you say. Have a good time, baby.”
She felt her cheeks warm as she kissed her mother’s caramel-colored cheek and left with a wave.
* * *
Tonight is the night.
Xavier slipped his cell phone out of the pocket of his slacks and dialed Imani’s number. Knowing her, she would appreciate some hint about what she should wear tonight. He hummed to himself as he waited for her to answer.
“Hello?”
“Imani, it’s me.”
“I know.” A soft chuckle accompanied her statement. “What is it that couldn’t wait until we see each other in a few hours?”
Keeping his tone light, he answered, “I just wanted to let you know that I’m wearing something formal. I didn’t want to leave you in the dark about the dress code.”
“Let me guess. You’re still not going to tell me where we’re going tonight, right?”
“Right.” A smile touched his lips. “Our destination is still a surprise.”
Another giggle. “Okay. I’ll dress accordingly.”
“I can’t wait to see you. I know you’ll look gorgeous in whatever you choose.”
Her tone was flirtatious as she spoke. “You’re quite the sweet talker.”
“Just you wait, baby. This night is going to get way sweeter.”
The line fell silent for a moment before her soft response. “Let me go get ready. I’ll see you later, Xavier.”
“Until tonight, sweets.”
As he disconnected the call, he felt his smile broaden. She really had no idea what she was getting into with him, but all would soon be revealed.
Xavier straightened the gold bow tie that had come with his tuxedo rental and checked his reflection in the mirror. He ran a small amount of pomade over his close-cut hair, slipped into his jacket, and stepped into the black wing tips. He’d promised Imani he wouldn’t come on too strong, but that didn’t bar him from looking his very best. To his mind, this was what she deserved as the woman he loved.
The night he had planned for her would surprise and delight her—or at least he hoped so. He’d done a great deal of planning that week to make sure the evening would go exactly as he wanted. The many floral arrangements he’d sent to her office were just the beginning. Imani Vivian Grant had captured his heart years ago, and the passage of time hadn’t changed that. Now he was going to capture hers. Humming to himself, he grabbed his keys and wallet and headed out to his car.
As he drove from his house in Oakwood to hers in Cameron Village, he wondered about what she would wear tonight. He hadn’t had the privilege of seeing her formally dressed since Tyrone’s wedding. She’d been a vision of beauty in her bridesmaid’s attire, and his memories of that day increased his anticipation for seeing her.
He parked his car in a spot beneath her second-story unit and got out of the car. The evening was crisp and clear, and the complex was quiet except for the distant sound of music from someone’s stereo. He fired off a quick text message to let her know he was outside. As he glanced up, he could see movement in her front window. A lamp clicked off, dousing the window in darkness. Moments later, he heard her door open and close. He waited at the foot of the stairs for her to make an appearance.
When she finally did, his breath caught in his throat. She was wearing an ankle-grazing blue dress. The fabric clung to her ample breasts and shapely hips like a second skin as she descended the steps. He could hear the click of her pumps echoing on the concrete in the silence. Around her neck was a string of pearls that matched the studs in her ears. Her hair cascaded down around her shoulders. Her brown eyes held a smile that was just for him, and he could feel his manhood stiffening as she came near. “Evening, Xavier,” she said easily.
Doing his best not to stammer, he returned her greeting. “Good evening, sweets.” She was a vision of feminine beauty, and he was having a hard time keeping his composure.
She pulled a printed blue wrap from her purse and swept it around her shoulders gracefully. “I hope you like it,” she remarked as she went around to the passenger side of his car.
Following her and opening her door, he assured her, “You look sensational, and I’m honored to escort you tonight.”
She sank into the seat, and he closed the door behind her. A chilly breeze blew through the lot, nipping at him. Grateful, he let the breeze cool the heat building within him. He didn’t want to embarrass her with the very obvious proof of just how desirable he found her. A few moments passed, and when he’d willed his body to cooperate, he got into the car and drove them away from the apartment.
He focused on his driving as best he could while he guided the vehicle to their destination: the Staff and Cape Inn. The old, upscale hotel, just a few steps from the campus of North Carolina State University, had a wonderful menu in its dining room. There was also another reason he wanted to take her there, though.
As they pulled into the brick-paved driveway, she said, “I remember this place. This is where we came after prom.”
He smiled. “Your memory is just as good as mine, sweets.”
He parked and helped her out of the car. As they crossed to the entrance, she said, “I wonder if it’s still the same.”
With a shrug, he said, “I don’t know. I do know it’s changed hands since the last time we were here.”
Inside, he led her by the hand to the Marquis, the lounge in the hotel’s lobby. The host seated them near a window looking o
ut onto Hillsborough Street, then departed.
The sound of classical piano music filled the well-decorated room. Taking in the floral drapes, the napkins folded into swans, and the fine crystal and china set on the tables, he realized the place hadn’t changed much since the late nineties. That was a good thing, as he appreciated the subdued atmosphere. It would give him and Imani the peace and privacy they needed.
Imani perused the menu silently, then remarked, “It’s pretty quiet in here.”
“It was the only place I could think of that wouldn’t be too crowded on a Friday night.” He sipped from his glass of ice water, his eyes never leaving her face. Her glossy lips, softly moving as she read the menu in silence, beckoned for his kiss. Her lips had always twitched like that when she read, but tonight, it was driving him crazy with desire.
She looked up, eyes questioning and innocent beneath the fan of dark, lush lashes. “What is it?”
He remembered his vow not to come on too strong, so shook his head, letting his gaze drop to his own menu.
A short, brown-skinned waiter, wearing a starched white shirt and black trousers, approached. Once he’d taken their orders and their menus, he disappeared into the kitchen, leaving them alone again.
Xavier reached across the table to capture her hand in his. As he caressed the silky skin, he said, “Thank you.”
“For what?” Her soft-spoken words barely broke the silence.
“For giving me a second chance.”
She smiled, and the sight melted his heart. “I just decided to see where this thing goes.”
Nodding, he drew her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Anything you want, sweets.” The lingering scent of her perfume teased his nostrils with its sensual notes of flowers and fruit.
Before the words died on his lips, he heard a brusque voice behind him demand, “Where is the host?”
As the host rushed over to the stand in the doorway, Xavier turned toward the voice. As soon as he saw its owner, he cursed under his breath.
“What’s the matter?” Imani’s voice cut into his thoughts.
He turned back to face her. “That’s my opponent in the city council election, Aaron Givens.” He found looking at her very much preferable to looking at the old blowhard now making his way into the lounge. Irritation caused a painful twinge in the muscles running along the back of his neck. Of all the times to run into Givens in public, he’d have preferred anything to this. Knowing the councilman would approach, he waited but kept his focus on Imani.
As predicted, Givens sidled up to the table, his doting wife clinging to his arm. “Good evening, Mr. Whitted. How nice to see you.”
Doing his best to relax the tightness in his jaw, he extended his hand. “Good evening, Councilman. Mrs. Givens.”
The two men shook hands, and Givens’s eyes swung to Imani. “And you are?”
Xavier immediately didn’t care for the way Givens looked at her. The old man’s gaze was hard, almost hostile. Mrs. Givens also looked decidedly displeased with her husband’s demeanor.
Choosing to class it up instead of knocking the man down, he replied, “This is my companion, Imani Grant. Imani, this is Councilman Aaron Givens.”
Givens offered a stiff “hello, ma’am” in response.
It was only then that Xavier noticed that Imani was staring, wide-eyed, at Givens, as if they’d had some previous unpleasant contact. Her hand trembled as she drew away from Givens.
“We don’t wish to delay your meal,” Xavier announced. “Do enjoy it.”
With a terse nod of parting, Givens escorted his wife away.
Xavier turned back to Imani, who still looked somewhat stricken. “What’s wrong? Do you know Givens?”
The question seemed to take her by surprise. “Uh…no,” she murmured, taking a sip from her water glass. The ice clattered and clanked as she set the glass down, a side effect of her still shaking hand.
He watched her intently for a moment, but she said nothing else. He let the issue drop, but in the back of his mind, he wondered what had just happened between Imani and Givens.
* * *
Imani willed her hands to stop shaking with everything in her. She couldn’t believe they’d run into Aaron Givens here. Her short encounter with his wife had been difficult enough to get through, but seeing him was almost impossible to take. And sitting there with Xavier, the timing was the worst it could possibly have been. Knowing Xavier had been watching while Givens gawked at her with those greedy, lascivious eyes—it was something she never wanted to experience again.
She hated lying to him, but it was better if she kept the information to herself, in the interest of his campaign. She didn’t want to tarnish his reputation or jeopardize his chances of winning in any way.
She looked up from her water glass and found Xavier watching her. His face was etched with concern. To ease his mind, she said, “I’m all right. I just can’t believe the man was so rude to me.”
Nodding his understanding, he chuckled. “Me either. Here’s hoping Mrs. Givens boxes his ears when they get home.”
The silly joke drew a laugh from her—a laugh she dearly needed. It helped her put the unpleasant memories of her former life and the secret she sheltered out of her head for the time being.
In a short while, the food arrived. The savory garlic shrimp and Alfredo-drenched pasta she ordered made her taste buds do a two-step. “Mmm,” she groaned around a mouthful. Swallowing, she added, “The food here is excellent.”
“It is,” he agreed, cutting into his chicken breast. “We should have eaten here on prom night.”
She shook her head. “We’d already eaten at the Barn, and besides, we didn’t come here for food.” She couldn’t finish her sentence. The memories dredged up by the words she’d just uttered captured her mind all at once.
He seemed affected by her words, too. With heat-filled eyes, he finished the thought for her. “We came here for a room.”
The warmth rising inside her affected her so much, she could feel beads of perspiration forming on the back of her neck. She sipped from her water glass, hoping to cool the fires he was stoking, but his gaze was just as hot as the August sun over Jordan Lake.
“You were so beautiful,” he breathed, his hand capturing hers. “So sweet.” He stood and came around to her side of the table.
The trembling set in again, this time worse than before. He drew her to stand and, before she knew it, pulled her into the circle of his arms. His lips brushed against the shell of her ear, and a sigh slipped from her throat.
“Xavier, remember your promise,” she whispered, even as she melted under the fiery touch of his lips.
“I remember,” he whispered back. “Tell me you don’t want this and I’ll take you home right now.”
His deep voice reverberated in her ears. Turning her face up to look into his eyes, she saw sincerity there. Deep down, she knew her body could no longer stand being denied the touch of the only man who’d ever brought her to the heights of pleasure, who had ever captured her heart. “I want to stay,” she admitted with much more boldness than she felt.
He didn’t even wait for the check. Extracting a hundred-dollar bill from his wallet, he dropped it on the tabletop. Leading her by the hand, he escorted her to the front desk.
A petite blond woman wearing red-framed glasses and a burgundy uniform looked up from the computer. “May I help you?”
She heard him ask, “Is room 1201 available?”
She felt her body tingle at the mere mention of the room.
The woman, typing and peering at the computer monitor, said, “Yes, sir, it looks like it is. How many nights would you like to stay with us?”
In a voice edged with confidence, he replied, “One night is enough.”
It was all she could do to stay on her feet. Leaning against the steadying strength of his
shoulder, she drew a deep breath.
Once the transaction was completed, he led her through the back door of the lobby, into the inn’s courtyard. It was a beautiful night, with stars twinkling like fireflies in the clear, dark sky above. The five-story brick building beyond the main building, with its wrought-iron scrollwork, was a familiar sight. Trying her best to be calm, she followed him until they reached the room. Sliding the card key into the lock, he swung the door open and stepped back so she could enter ahead of him.
Stepping into the room was like going back to the past. The wallpaper and bedding had been updated, but other than those small changes, the room remained the same. He hit a switch near the door, and two glass sconce lamps on either side of the bed illuminated the room. Her eyes fell on the bed. It was a king-size four-poster and so intricate she assumed it must have been carved by hand. The cream floral bedspread draped over the hulking piece of furniture added a touch of softness to the dark wood.
She heard the door close, and then a heartbeat later, he was behind her. He fit his muscular frame against hers, and she felt the trembling begin anew as his strong arms encircled her waist.
His breath was warm on her neck as he said, “You won’t regret this, sweets.”
The soft-spoken promise moved her so much, and she knew he was right. Fighting him had been so difficult, making this even sweeter. She turned in his arms and raised her chin for his kiss.
His lips crashed down on hers, and they fed on each other with all the urgency and pent-up passion inside. She ran her hands up and down his arms, and he drew away for a moment to strip out of his jacket and shirt. As their lips joined again, she relished the feel of his hard, muscular arms and chest beneath her caressing hands. He was a gorgeously made man, and she wanted to savor every moment.
He broke the seal of their lips again, this time to lead her farther into the room, toward the bed. She sat on the edge and waited for him to join her.
Instead, he knelt on the floor in front of her.
She shivered. He’d knelt before her in just the same fashion on that night so many years ago. The heat glittering in his dark eyes as he pushed her dress up around her thighs filled her with a sweet anticipation. It was obvious Xavier intended to skip the sightseeing and go right to the main attraction.
Back to Your Love Page 16