You're All I Need

by Karen White-Owens

  Drawing back, he smiled at her. Unsure what to do next, she returned the smile and nervously placed her glass on the floor and reached for her plate.

  Chris turned those beautiful blue eyes on her and asked, “So you are pleased with my new home?”

  “Very pleased.”

  “Excellent!” Chris rested his hand on top of hers, stroking his thumb across the back of her hand. “I want you to feel as if this is your second home. Visit anytime.”

  Acutely aware of his touch, Tia’s pulse quickened. Touched by his kindness, she patted his hand. “Chris, with time, you’ll want to invite other friends to your new home. Don’t feel obligated to have me with you every time you have company.”

  He smiled at her as if she’d said something really silly. “You’ll always be welcome here whenever you like. Now, enough talk. Time to eat.”

  “That works.” Tia reached for her sandwich and bit into it. Swiss cheese oozed from the sides. She licked the creamy cheese from her hands. It was heavenly. “Oh! This is wonderful.”

  Chris watched her movements like an alcoholic waiting for his next drink. When she gave him a quizzing look, he shrugged and said, “Eat up. There’s plenty of food.”

  Although she maintained a composed, relaxed exterior, her insides felt like scrambled eggs. What was she doing here? Spending her free time with a man who would eventually leave her and return home? It was almost as if they were playing house, pretending to be friends when they knew they were much more. To hide her confusion, she took a bite out of her sandwich and slowly chewed.

  Maybe her mother had been right. Did she feel more for Chris than she was willing to admit? All she knew for sure was that she wanted more from him. Chris’s spicy scent filled her nostrils, and she craved the feel of his solid, strong chest against her. Or was she just replacing her feelings for Darnell for Chris? I don’t know, she thought. What she did know was that she wanted more of those sweet kisses and soft caresses.

  What did she plan to do? Should she pursue him? Did Chris have feelings beyond his friendship for her? There were dozens of reasons for them to stay away from the relationship thing and remain just friends, starting with the fact that he would be a temporary diversion, at best. Right now, all she could think about was the taste of his sweet kiss that made her crave another. She couldn’t think logically while in his orbit. Home. That’s where she needed to be. Once she got home, she’d go over everything and devise a plan of action.

  11

  Saturday evening, Tia pulled into the driveway of Chris’s house and turned off the engine. Remorsefully, she shook her head, wondering how she ended up in this situation. Somehow, before the end of the workday Friday, she’d agreed to accompany Chris to the Dirty Dog Jazz Café.

  Friday afternoon, Chris had sat on the edge of Tia’s desk, waiting for her to finish a report for him. Jazz streamed from her computer speakers as they waited for the pages to print. A commercial for the café caught their attention, tempting them both. Before Tia realized it, Chris had picked up the phone, made a reservation for Saturday, and enticed her to go with him. So here she sat in front of Chris’s house.

  To be certain that she arrived on time, Tia checked her watch before leaving the SUV. She didn’t want to get to his place too early, because she’d have to make small talk for a while. She climbed out of the vehicle and went up the steps. Standing on his cement porch, she glanced around her, noting the baskets of flowers hanging from the awnings and the iron lounger sitting on the porch. The exterior looked and felt like a home.

  Chris opened the door with a broad smile on his face. “Bonjour.” His happy mood reached out to her, and she found herself grinning back at him.

  “Hi, yourself. Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes.” He took a quick glance at his watch. “We have a few minutes before it’s time to go. Come in. Let me show you what I’ve done.”

  Tia entered the house, glancing around as she stepped into its interior. A small leather bench occupied a section of the foyer.

  Chris took her hand and led her into the living room. A chocolate-brown leather sectional filled the room, accented with a square, dark wooden coffee table and smaller matching end tables.

  “Very nice,” Tia said.

  “Thank you,” he answered. “It wouldn’t be possible without your help.”

  “Sure it would. You knew what you wanted. I just took you to the right stores.” She strolled around the room, checking out the décor, touching the baby-soft leather fabric. “But it does look great in here.”

  As she talked, Chris’s gaze took a leisurely skip down her body, pausing for a moment to admire her breasts, which fitted snuggly against silk fabric. The expression in his eyes made every inch of her skin burn.

  Tonight Tia had chosen an outfit that would make her sister drool with envy. Lemon and hot scarlet splashed the black background of her silk off-the-shoulder top. Black silk trousers cupped her rear, and black leather sandals completed her outfit. The intensity of Chris’s gaze made Tia’s nipples harden in response. Great, she thought. Now what do I do? She folded her arms across her chest.

  His smile broadened. “You look beautiful!”

  The warmth of his gaze made her feel more attractive and desirable than she’d ever felt during her years with Darnell. She smiled to herself. It still amazed her that she’d spent years with a man who did nothing for her self-esteem or emotional state.

  “You’re looking pretty good tonight yourself. I’m going to have to watch you. Some cute honey is going to steal you away before the night is over.”

  “Never!” he declared with a passionate toss of his head.

  Dressed in a cream V-necked cashmere sweater and tan trousers, Chris looked incredibly handsome. Tan leather loafers replaced his cowboy boots.

  “Are you ready to go?” Tia asked.

  Always the gentleman, Chris cupped her elbow and led her back to the front of the house. They stood in the hallway while he grabbed his keys and set the alarm. “Let’s go.”

  Tia headed for her car and opened the driver’s side door. She glanced up and found Chris strolling purposefully toward the garage. Where is he going? she wondered. “Chris?”

  Turning to face her, he muttered, “Hmm?”

  “Where are you going? The car is here.”

  “Oh!” At the garage, he punched in a code and the door rattled as it slowly rose. “I thought we’d take my bike tonight.”

  She closed her car door and moved toward him. “Bike? Are you sure?”

  “Yes. Oui.”

  “What about a helmet? Michigan law states that I must wear a helmet.”

  “Taken care of,” he announced, walking toward the bike.

  Tia followed his movements with her gaze. Chris strolled up to the bike and patted the top of two helmets.

  “Voilà! You told me that you’d never ridden before. Tonight is the night. You’re getting your premiere ride.”

  She backed away, shaking her head. “I don’t know.”

  “There’s nothing for you to consider. We’re going on the bike.” He removed a pink helmet from the seat and stepped in front of her. On the side of the helmet, she noted three silver glittery letters. On closer inspection, Tia realized that Chris had had her initials painted on the side of the helmet. “Why did you do this? It’s not cheap.”

  Ignoring her question, Chris said, “Lean down.” She did so and he popped the helmet over her head.

  “Chris!” she exclaimed, opening her purse. “I’m serious. I’ll pay for it. I can’t accept this.”

  “Stop!” He placed his hand over hers. “I decide how I spend my money.” He tapped her nose with his finger. “Not you.”

  “But, Chris,” Tia began.

  “No. Listen to me.” His hands closed around the tender flesh of her upper arms as he forced her to look at him. “My home is paid for by Gautier. I have no bills. I can afford to purchase a helmet for the lady I spend much of my time with.” He pulled Tia’s s
trap tight. “Besides, I expect we’ll be doing this again someday soon.”

  Tia opened her mouth to protest, but shut it instantly. What could she say? Chris could do what he wanted with his money. She had no right to tell him how to spend it. Sighing, she relented. “Okay. Let’s go.”

  “Merveilleux. Très bien,” Chris responded as he secured his helmet in place and climbed onto the bike. “Come here.” The raspy quality of his voice sent shivers coursing through her body. He patted the spot behind him.

  “Thank goodness I decided on pants tonight.” She swung her leg over the seat and settled behind Chris.

  “Hold on to me.” He wrapped her arms around his middle. “Now lean into my back.” Tia did what Chris asked of her. She locked her fingers together around his lean, muscular tummy. He squeezed her hand. “Perfect. Let’s go.”

  “Do you know where you’re going?”

  “Absolutely. I drove by the café a few nights ago.”

  Alrighty, then, she thought, snuggling against the firm, round curve of his derriere. I’ll leave the driving to you, my friend.

  Chris hit the garage door remote after he roared out of the garage, interrupting the calmness of his quiet neighborhood. “You all right?”

  “Good! I’m good!” Tia yelled back.

  Arms wrapped tightly around his middle, Tia rested her cheek against his back, inhaling the subtle fragrance of his cologne and absorbing the warmth of his body. He cruised expertly and smoothly through the neighborhood to Kercheval. The ride exhilarated her. Being so close to Chris made her feel as if she were teetering between heaven and hell. The warmth of his body seeped into her every pore. She inhaled Chris’s tangy scent, enjoying this precious time with him.

  The ride ended all too soon. Chris pulled into the parking lot next to the café and halted the bike, allowing it to idle as he waited for the valet at the podium.

  A young man hurried from the shack. “Good evening, sir.”

  Chris cut the engine and removed his helmet, tucking the gear under his arm. “Can you take it from here?”

  “Yes, sir,” the young man responded as he exchanged his ticket for Chris’s keys.

  Chris swung his right leg over the front of the bike and stood. He turned to Tia and offered her a hand. Gingerly, she took it and allowed him to help her from the bike. For a second, her legs wobbled. Chris’s supportive hand at her elbow held her close and upright, giving her time to regain her bearings.

  His hand caressed the skin of her bare arm. “Let’s see what the Dirty Dog Jazz Café has to offer.”

  Nodding, she took his hand and they started for the door.

  A hostess escorted them to a circular booth and placed menus in front of them. “Merci,” Chris stated, making the hostess giggle like a teenager high from hours of text messaging.

  “Oh! You’re welcome,” she answered, and did a little dip before leaving the table.

  Chris turned his amused gaze to Tia. She laughed. “That French accent captivated her.”

  “I guess that’s good.”

  “Very.” Tia took a look around the room. Highly polished hardwood floors and multicolored walls decorated the main room. Tables, booths, and the bar surrounded a small, intimate stage. “I think this is an interesting place.”

  “Ah, oui,” he agreed. “What would you like to drink? I assume you will have more than a glass of lemonade this evening.”

  “Yes, I will.”

  “Par excellence.”

  When their server arrived, Chris ordered wine and an appetizer of mixed vegetarian specials and shrimp cocktail. A combination of soft romantic jazz and blues surrounded them through the café’s music system. They swayed to the beat, enjoying their treats as they waited for the live performance to begin.

  Their anticipation increased when the lights lowered. Kimmie Horne filled the room with her sultry voice. A three-piece band played a selection of blues, classic, and contemporary jazz. Tia and Chris settled in and enjoyed the show. Chris’s arm found its way around Tia’s shoulders, pulling her against his side. For a moment, she held back, but then decided to relax.

  Kimmie Horne concluded her set with a lively rendition of “Love Changes Everything.” The lights came up and the band took a break. Tia did a little people watching as the waitstaff hurried from table to table to take food and drink orders.

  Tia’s gaze settled on a couple across the room hugged up together and kissing. She stared at the pair for a moment while her brain hurried to process what her eyes were seeing. She gasped. Instantly, Chris turned to her with a question in his eyes. “You okay?”

  The foul taste of betrayal coated Tia’s tongue. “No, I’m not,” she answered in a shaken voice.

  Chris scooted closer to her side, cocooned her within his embrace, and whispered, “What is it?”

  Tia nodded toward the couple across the room. “That.”

  Frowning, Chris’s gaze followed her movement and focused on the couple. “Who are they?”

  “Darnell.”

  Chris’s eyebrows lifted into his blond hairline. “Your ex-boyfriend?”

  “Yes.”

  “Who is the woman?”

  Tia shook her head, taking another look at the woman. She now sat contentedly at the table, viewing the goings-on of the café. Her long locks of amber hair feathered around her back and shoulders. She resembled the type of woman Darnell always wanted Tia to be. The woman’s clothes flattered her ample frame, although Tia doubted Darnell’s date had much room to breathe. Most of her cleavage hung outside her top instead of inside it. “I don’t know. Probably the woman he’s been seeing.”

  “What woman?”

  I’ve told Chris this much, she thought. I might as well admit the rest. “My twin, Nia, bumped into Darnell and a date at a club. That’s how I found out about what he was up to.”

  Chris took her hand and squeezed reassuringly. His voice was caring and soothing. “You can’t allow him to control your life. He’s the past. Don’t give him more power than that.”

  “I know,” she muttered softly. “This is the first time I’ve seen him since we split.”

  Chris smiled down at her and pulled her more firmly against his frame. “It’s Darnell’s loss. He should have treasured what he had.”

  She smiled gently at him and caressed his cheek. “I’m learning that you Frenchmen know how to make a lady feel good. Thank you.”

  Chris wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. She felt so cared for. His tone dropped to a husky rasp. “No thanks needed. You are a beautiful, desirable woman who deserves to be appreciated and loved. Darnell had no idea what he had. It’s his loss and not your concern.”

  Suddenly a shadow appeared over their table. Tia gazed up to find her ex-boyfriend standing in front of them.

  “I thought I saw you.” Darnell’s gaze shifted away, and then he blew a kiss at the woman occupying his table. “What are you doing here?”

  “Listening to music,” Tia shot back. “What are you doing here?”

  “Same.” He gave Chris a quick, dismissive once-over before focusing on Tia. “I’m surprised to see you out and about. You tend to stay close to home.”

  “Unlike you,” Tia replied, pointedly glancing across the room at Darnell’s date.

  “Hey, you were the one who said we were done,” he accused.

  “You were the one skipping around town with other women.”

  “What did you expect? I’m not sitting at home watching television while my life passes me by. Not for you. Not for anybody. You were always busy with your job.” He spit the word job out of his mouth like it had a bad taste.

  “Enough!” Chris declared, getting to his feet and easing out of the booth.

  “Who’s this?” Darnell jabbed his thumb at the Frenchman.

  “Chris Jensen,” Chris responded, studying the other man and dismissing him quickly.

  Darnell blinked repeatedly as if he were working out a particularly difficult puzzle, and then a
knowing light entered his eyes. He stared at Chris. “You work at Gautier, don’t you?”

  “Oui.”

  Nodding, Darnell planted his feet apart and folded his arms across his chest. “Ohh! I know you.”

  “Oh?” Chris’s voice conveyed how little he cared. “Should I know you?”

  “Yeah. You’re the one who kept my Tia too busy to be with me.”

  “‘Your Tia’?” Chris chuckled unpleasantly. “I don’t think so.”

  “Pfff!” Darnell scoffed. “You don’t know anything about me.”

  “Actually, I know more than I care to.”

  “Like what?” Darnell challenged.

  “Like the fact that you didn’t appreciate a beautiful woman like Tia.” Chris nodded toward Darnell’s table and his date. “You prefer someone with a little more flash and less brain power.”

  “You don’t know a damn thing about me.” Darnell raised his voice a notch. “Who the hell are you to talk about me?”

  “Just an observer of life.” Chris turned his back on Darnell and slipped into the booth beside Tia. He slid an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. The lights slowly lowered. “It looks as if the show is going to continue. You need to return to your table.”

  Dismissed, Darnell stood at the table like a child uncertain of what to do next. His arms flapped up and down like a bird whose wings were too heavy to get him off the ground. After a minute, he turned and, with a parting shot, crossed the café’s floor. “Frigid bitch.”

  Chris stood. His hands balled into fists as he readied himself to confront the other man. Tia pulled on his arm, frantically begging, “Don’t. Don’t. Remember, he’s not worth it.”

  “What an idiot!” Chris watched the other man head to his table and then turned to Tia. “Okay. I’ll let it go this time. Your Darnell is not worth my time. Let’s enjoy the show.”