Peyton couldn’t resist running her hands across the fabric; she couldn’t wait to get under the sheets. “This is really nice.”
Malik chuckled. “You’ll love the feel of it on your skin.” He was going to love having Peyton in his bed all night.
“I can’t wait,” Peyton said, smiling. “And the master bath?”
“Through the dressing area.”
The large dressing area and walk-in closet led to a spectacular master bath. The same black granite countertops she’d seen in the kitchen were in the bathroom—a bathroom complete with above-the-counter sinks and wall-mounted faucets. The space screamed modern, with its travertine-tiled, separate shower stall and enormous sunken tub.
“You’ve created an oasis,” Peyton commented, whirling around.
“One I can’t wait to share with you,” Malik replied.
Peyton visualized Malik’s muscular body covered in bubbles and she in the tub with him, and became heated just thinking about how much fun they’d have. “Are you ready to go?” she asked huskily, heading to the foyer. She’d hired a driver to take them to the show and to a late-night dinner afterwards.
“Indeed I am.” Malik grabbed his keys off the console in the hallway and followed her out the door.
A short drive later, they were stepping out of the town car. Jude’s show was located at an older theater, but Peyton didn’t care. She was proud of her baby brother. When they arrived backstage, they were ushered to Jude’s dressing room, which he shared with several other actors.
“Hey, kiddo.” Jude beamed when Peyton handed him a bouquet of flowers. “What are these for?”
“For you, silly,” Peyton replied. “We,” she tucked her arm into Malik’s, “wanted to say knock’ em dead. Or break a leg. Or whatever I’m supposed to say.”
“So you’re the mysterious man that has my sister so enraptured,” Jude commented.
“That would be correct.” Malik offered his hand. “Malik Williams.”
Jude shook his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.” Then Jude paused as he looked back and forth at Peyton and Malik. “You do realize your clothing matches? How annoyingly sweet, big sis.”
Peyton swatted him on the arm. “Don’t make fun.”
“Don’t shoot the messenger.” Jude laughed. “Now, go.” He pushed them towards the exit. “I have to get ready.”
“All right.” Peyton blew him a kiss. “We’ll see you after the show.”
They made their way to the auditorium, which was slowly starting to fill up. “I like Jude,” Malik said, once they were seated. “He seems like a good kid.”
“Kid? My brother’s twenty-five.”
“Yeah, but he has a real youthfulness about him. He’s untouched by all the glamour that goes with the business,” Malik said. “He’s not jaded, much like his sister.”
“What do you mean?”
Malik shrugged. “You’re a very optimistic person, Peyton. You’re always trying to change the world. That’s what I love about you.” Malik reached across and tucked some wayward strands of hair behind her ear.
A tiny knot formed in Peyton’s stomach when Malik leaned over and kissed her. When the lights began to dim, signaling patrons to take their seats, they separated. As Malik leaned back into his chair and faced forward, one thing was clear, he couldn’t wait for the night to be over so he could have Peyton all to himself.
After the two-hour show ended, Peyton and Malik waited for Jude to take him out for a celebratory dinner.
“Wasn’t he fantastic? I just wish our parents were here to see him on opening night.” Their mother had just had foot surgery a few weeks ago and was not permitted to travel. Peyton had tried unsuccessfully to convince them to make the drive, but her father had steadfastly refused. Either he flew or he didn’t come. “Plus, I can’t wait for them to meet you,” Peyton gushed and squeezed his arm.
Malik didn’t share in Peyton’s excitement. His attachments usually ended before he met the parents. He was definitely in foreign territory.
Peyton glanced at Malik and saw his troubled expression. “Don’t worry. They’ll love you.” Then she saw Jude and shrieked. She rushed towards him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Ohmigod, you were fantastic!”
“Was I?” Jude asked. “I was so nervous. I almost flubbed my lines in that one scene.”
“But you didn’t. You were a hit.”
“Let’s hope the critics think so,” Jude said. “I guess we’ll know tomorrow.”
“Until then, let’s celebrate,” Peyton said, grabbing Jude’s hand. “Amber told me about this great place.”
Jude glanced back at the staff huddled in a group. “Can we do it another time, sis? The gang’s all going out clubbing.”
“Oh,” Peyton said, frowning. “I just wanted to celebrate with you.” She was disappointed Jude wouldn’t get to know Malik.
“And we will.” Jude kissed her cheek, “Just not tonight. Malik, it was a pleasure meeting you.” He shook Malik’s hand. “And you—” he pointed to Peyton “—I’ll call tomorrow. See ya.”
Peyton watched Jude rush over and join the rest of the actors from the show and head towards the door.
“Well, I guess it’s just the two of us,” Malik observed, staring at Peyton. He pulled her closer to him. Although he knew Peyton wanted to celebrate Jude’s debut, Malik was happy that they’d be alone for the duration of the evening.
Peyton looked up at Malik and found his eyes on her. They were smoldering with passion. “Yes, it is. I guess we’ll have to find a way to while away the time.”
“Hmm, I can think of a few things,” Malik said, smiling broadly. “But why don’t we get a bite to eat first, I’m starved.” Food wasn’t the only thing he was starving for, but it would suffice for the moment.
They ate at a fine dining establishment on Restaurant Row and enjoyed a wonderful Southern dinner, along with wine and conversation; but when the waitress asked if they wanted dessert, Malik and Peyton both glanced at each other. They wanted dessert, but of a different kind.
“No, thank you,” Malik replied. He quickly settled the bill and they both could hardly contain their excitement as they waited for the driver outside the restaurant.
Once inside the car, Malik opened his arms. “Come here,” he ordered.
Peyton’s eyes melted into his and she quickly closed the distance between them, pressing her body against his. Malik eagerly brushed his lips back and forth over hers. His tongue was warm and moist and flirted with the corners of her mouth until her lips parted of their own volition. His tongue thrust deeply into her mouth in one long, arduous movement. He completely claimed her, as his tongue penetrated the innermost hollows of her mouth. They were so close, she could hear his heartbeat echoing her own.
“You have a very provocative mouth,” Malik whispered in the stillness.
“So do you,” Peyton said, nipping at his bottom lip. “And one that gives me immense pleasure.” Peyton couldn’t believe those words escaped her lips. She’d never been so blatantly wanton before. She just couldn’t help herself with him.
“Does it?” Malik’s eyes captured hers just as his fingertips rested against the top swell of her breasts. He was happy that Peyton felt comfortable speaking her mind and sharing how much she enjoyed him. They were making progress.
“Yes,” Peyton whimpered against his ardent mouth as his tongue continued to plunge inside her mouth, while his hands shaped, molded and massaged her breasts.
When the car came to an abrupt stop, they both sat up startled. “I guess it’s time we take this to the bedroom,” Malik said, straightening both of their clothes.
“Oh yeah,” Peyton said. When the driver came around and opened her car door, she exited and followed Malik up the steps of his brownstone.
Once inside, Malik enfolded her in his arms. His breath was hot and quick as he said, “Let’s go to bed.”
Without turning on the lights, Peyton followed him, in a trancelike state, to his
bedroom. They slowly removed each other’s clothes, like they were peeling the layers of an onion, threw back the covers and joined each other in his four-poster bed.
Peyton’s arms opened wide to receive Malik and accept his weight against her. She wanted to breathe him and absorb him until she was a part of him. With unhurried leisure, Malik kissed her. His lips warmly moved over hers again and again, his tongue probing the recesses of her mouth. Peyton’s whole body came alive under the onslaught of his kisses, and she couldn’t resist releasing a purr deep inside her.
Malik raised himself up on his shins and let his eyes feast on Peyton. They hungrily toured every inch of her body. When he finally dropped to the bed, he spread his hands over her derriere and drew Peyton’s lower half to him. He kissed that silky nest with gentle fervency. A soft moan tore from Peyton’s lips as his tongue and hands took liberties. Peyton enjoyed their quest, as he found and stroked that throbbing, intimate part of her that ached for a fulfillment that only he could provide.
He showered her face and temples with kisses. Peyton allowed her fingers to caress the rippled muscles of his chest, arms and back, and well-defined legs. Although he was lean, there was an inherent strength in Malik that totally turned her on. “You’re so beautiful,” Peyton murmured.
“So are you,” Malik returned, laying atop her and parting her legs. When he guided himself into her center and pressed himself between the petals of her femininity, Peyton moaned his name and curled her arms around his neck to bring him closer.
As Peyton milked him, inviting him further and further into her body, Malik murmured, “Peyton, my love, slow down.”
Peyton couldn’t stop the tempo, her body writhed and undulated underneath him as Malik’s face twisted with sublime pleasure. And when Peyton’s body quickened uncontrollably, Malik finally let go of the reins and crested, as a bliss he’d never known took over him.
Chapter 10
“Malik.” Richard shook his hand when he arrived at the center on Monday to go over the details of his contribution.
“Richard.” Malik shook his hand. He was surprised to find that King had come alone, without any of his advisers. “Let’s talk in my office.” Malik led the way. “Please have a seat.” Malik nodded to the small conference table.
“I have to admit I was surprised when Avery told me that you’d reconsidered,” Richard said as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down.
“Quite frankly, Richard, I realized what a disservice I would be doing to the center by turning down your offer. I can’t make this personal. I have to do what’s best for HCC.”
“Well said.” Richard was ready to let bygones be bygones if Malik was willing to move forward. “What do you have for me?”
Malik opened a manila folder and handed Richard a list. “My staff and I have compiled a list of the more pressing items that we would like to attend to first, and I’ve prepared a budget of the costs.” Malik hoped Richard didn’t get sticker shock at the final total.
“Updating the administrative offices is at the top of the list, I see,” Richard commented, “and much needed.” Richard glanced around at the peeling paint and worn carpet in Malik’s office.
“I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve wanted this for a long time, which is why I already have schematic drawings.” Malik pulled out the pages and handed them to Richard.
“You do?”
Richard sounded surprised that Malik was on top of things. “Yes, we hired an architect several months back when I proposed this idea to the CAN board, but we didn’t get the green light. It’s mostly painting and flooring. The main renovation is expanding the kitchen, which would require knocking down some walls and adding some cabinetry.”
“This is excellent,” Richard said as he perused the layout. “I’d like to fast-track this. I took the liberty of contacting a contractor whom I’ve used in the past, and I was going to suggest an architect—but I see you’ve already done your homework. My contractor may be able to get an early start permit while the drawings are being approved.”
“How long do you think that’ll take?”
“A couple of weeks.”
“That quickly?”
“I know a few people. So everything should go smoothly, provided the drawings meet current building codes.”
Malik grinned from ear to ear. “That’s great.”
“I’ll set up a meeting with you and the contractor and you can discuss a schedule.”
“You’d like to be a part of this?” Malik raised a brow. “I just assumed that you would pass this off to one of your subordinates.”
“I came here alone, didn’t I?” Richard asked. “You underestimate me, Malik. I gave my word to Avery, so I’m one-hundred-percent committed to this project.” Richard popped open his suitcase and handed Malik an envelope.
“What’s this?” Malik inquired.
“It’s a check. It’s small for now, but it’ll allow you to get started right away ordering the necessary furniture, computer equipment and supplies, or whatever else you need. Once I review your budget, I’ll deliver another check.”
Malik was stunned and stared into Richard’s green-eyed depths. It was then that Malik realized that maybe he’d been wrong about King. “Thank you.” Malik shook his hand.
Richard rose and shook his head. “As long as you stay within this budget, you don’t need to contact me about each penny you spend, Malik. Let’s just plan on sitting down every couple of weeks and going over the numbers. If there’s a problem, we’ll tackle it then. Sound good?”
“Yes, that’s fair.” Malik was amazed at how reasonable Richard was being.
“I really must be going. I have another meeting to attend to.” Richard buttoned his jacket.
“Thank you for personally stopping by.”
“You’re welcome,” Richard replied, and left the room, leaving a stunned Malik in his wake.
Theresa walked in shortly afterwards and found Malik with a befuddled expression on his face.
Theresa glanced around the room. “It looks like the office is still intact,” she teased. “So? What did Mr. King say about the budget?”
Malik shrugged. “Nothing.” He couldn’t understand it. “He basically gave me carte blanche to spend his money.”
“I’m sure our budget is chump change in comparison to the deals he makes everyday.”
“So true, so true.” Malik jumped out of his seat and flew over to grab the older woman off her feet and swing her around. “We did it, Theresa! We did it!”
“Put me down,” Theresa yelled and patted his hand. “Otherwise you’re going to break your back.”
“Oh, please.” Malik set her to floor. “You’re as light as a feather.” Malik kissed her on the cheek. “And you know it.”
Theresa blushed. “I haven’t seen you this happy, this content, in a long time.”
Malik turned and stared back at Theresa. She was right. He couldn’t recall when he’d been this happy. Everything was going right in his life. His career was flourishing. He had a beautiful woman like Peyton Sawyer on his arm. Everything was right with the world.
“How’s the situation with Kendra?” Amber asked Peyton after her last class.
“Not good.”
“Why? What happened?”
“Well, I went over to her apartment to find out why she missed class and found her boyfriend had struck her. I was encouraging her to leave when he came home.”
“Tell me you’re joking?” Amber asked. “Peyton, I warned you that you were entering dangerous territory with this girl. And now look.”
“Nothing happened.”
“Nothing?” Amber asked, staring at Peyton. She was sure there was more to the story.
“Nothing.” Peyton stated this more firmly, so her friend would believe her. “Her boyfriend told me to stay out of his affairs, but I can’t do that, Amber. The girl needs help, which is why I convinced Malik to talk to her and give her some information.”
�
��Do you think that helped?” Amber asked. She’d had a similar incident happen herself, in one of her women’s studies classes. She’d see the girl come to class with a black eye, which her makeup had failed to disguise, or wearing a turtleneck in the middle of summer. When she tried to approach her, the girl had gotten angry and told her to mind her own business. Since then, Amber had resolved to stay out of students’ affairs.
Peyton shook her head. “Can’t say. I just hope that Kendra takes his advice.”
“Did something else happen?” Amber wondered what Peyton wasn’t saying.
“Yeah, sort of,” Peyton replied. “Malik hinted that he would know about the sort of thing that Kendra’s going through.”
“Do you think there’s something that Malik isn’t telling you?”
“Maybe. He hasn’t talked a lot about his past.” Their conversation always touched upon her or their shared interests, but she knew nothing about where he came from. He’d only briefly mentioned that his mother had been a single mother before something bad happened. All she really knew was that the center had been like a second home for him and his friends. She just assumed that he’d meant as an afterschool hangout. But now she wondered if there wasn’t more to the story.
“Don’t make more of it than it really is. Sometimes it’s hard for men to open up, and, you know, show vulnerability.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Peyton’s brow furrowed. “Maybe there’s nothing to it.” She resolved to bring up the subject with Malik again and this time she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
“Sage, sweetheart, where have you been?” Malik asked when she walked in with briefcase in tow to Dante’s after work. He and Peyton were taking the night off so he could spend some quality time with his family. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in ages.”
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