Imagined Love

by Diamond Drake

  “Ugh!” Jade shrieked then laughed hard.

  “There you go, baby. I just want you to laugh and enjoy yourself. Just relax, okay? You don’t have to worry about anything . . . like this being our first date. True, it’s the first time you and I have been away from the store together but we’ve been getting to know each other for months. I like what I’ve learned so far so you can’t blame me for wanting to know more, can you? Damn, this stuff smells good,” he said, kissing her neck again. “I’m normally an affectionate person who likes to kiss and hug but for some reason it’s different with you. It’s so much more intense, like I want to become a part of you. I wanna inhale and devour you,” Richard said then frowned. “Wait, that didn’t come out right. It makes me sound like some kind of psycho killer, huh? I’m definitely not trying to scare you, I just don’t know how else to describe these intense feelings I’m having for you, Jade. You get to me.” Richard leaned in to kiss her lips and made it even more difficult for her to resist him. “You can be free with me,” he said, after playfully rolling them to the floor. “I’m not gonna judge you, baby girl. And I’m not a kiss and tell type of guy. What happens between you and me stays between you and me. I won’t think less of you if you decide to go to bed with me on our first date. We’re both adults and if you wanna have me tonight, you can. It’s nobody’s business but ours.”

  “Are you sure you want me to stay?”

  “I’m positive, baby. I’ve wanted you from the first time I laid eyes on you.”

  Richard stood, pulled Jade up from the floor then led her to his bedroom. And there he showed her what it felt like to be made love to by a man! He was patient and thoughtful and definitely knew his way around a woman’s body. Richard made Jade feel things she never had before—everything but an orgasm. It wasn’t from lack of trying, though. He was very selfless in that he tried all the things he could think of to help Jade reach the Promised Land, as he called it. His frustration over not being able to make her climax was obvious and she hated the idea of him being upset. So for the first time, as was suggested repeatedly in Katrina’s books, Jade faked an orgasm! It seemed to put Richard at ease so she assumed she’d done it right. Afterwards he took a quick shower then ran a bubble bath for her.

  “What are you doing?” he laughed when Jade entered the bathroom with a sheet wrapped around her. “It’s a little late to be modest, don’t you think? I’ve already kissed every part of your body so . . .” Richard paused once he realized Jade was actually afraid to be naked in front of him. “Come here, baby girl,” he said, taking her face in both of his hands. “I wish you could see what I see when I look at you. You’re a beautiful, sensual, sexy woman who doesn’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed about any part of yourself. You hear me?” Richard kissed her softly then closed the bathroom door. He turned her towards the full-length mirror that was attached to the back of it. “Look at her. Is that not the sexiest woman you’ve ever seen in your life? She’s amazing and very capable of pleasing

  a man. A lot more than she let on, in fact,” he smiled at her reflection. He slowly untied the sheet until it fell to the floor. “Hmm,” Richard hummed, as he ran his hand across her stomach and planted kisses on the nape of her neck. “Look at you. You’re so beautiful.”

  At first Jade was apprehensive, but the more she stared at herself, the more comfortable she became. In nineteen years she had never really looked at her own body. And there was something about watching Richard’s hands rub all over her that turned Jade on. She felt erotic. She felt like a woman. When he guided Jade’s hands between her own legs, however, she felt weird and jumped a mile high!

  “Relax, baby, it’s just me and you,” Richard cooed, pulling her back to him. “Show me how you please yourself,” he whispered.

  “I don’t,” Jade admitted.

  “Why not? How can you teach someone else to please you if you don’t know what you like? It’s your body, baby girl, and you should know how to work it better than anyone. I bet you’ll like it too because I’m realizing you’re not as prudish as you pretend to be. A little shy, maybe, but definitely not a prude. You know what you’re doing, Ms. Jade, and I like it a lot. I can’t wait to see more. So show me what pleases you. I’ll do it too. Shoot, I’ll even race you,” he laughed loudly and so did Jade as she climbed into the warm bath. “You mystify me, little lady,” Richard said, as he lowered the lid on the toilet and took a seat.

  “Why is that?”

  “Well, everything about you oozes sensuality. Your eyes, the way you walk, absolutely the way you smell, and even the soft lull in your voice says sex. Take for example when I showed you the cake I made. You said thank you, but what I heard was, oooh, Richard, how can I ever thank you,” he purred in a deep, breathless voice, as he rubbed his nipples.

  “Oh, stop it, I do not sound like that,” Jade laughed loudly.

  “Trust me, you do. Everything about you is erotic and I assumed you’d be this wild, insatiable little thing who would send an old man like me to a nursing home. But this shy, innocent woman appeared and I found it surprising but very endearing. So then I expected you to be timid and insecure between the sheets but a little bit of a vixen showed up and almost did me in!” he chuckled. “I believe you’ll be a monster once you trust enough to let yourself go completely. And you can feel free to practice on me anytime you like. As a matter of fact,” Richard said then climbed in to the tub with her, “we can start now.”

  Jade leaned back and took a few minutes to tell him her whole sexual history including the fact that she’d only had sex four times. That number included their rendezvous as well. Richard was still stuck on Jade saying her first time had been forced and asked what that meant. So she told him the whole story about Alonzo, Katrina, and their family. That’s when he learned Landon wasn’t really her brother.

  Richard tried to hide it, but that bit of information got under his skin and he was immediately suspicious of their relationship. Jade reassured him there was absolutely nothing going on with her and Landon and that there never had been. He was her big brother, end of discussion.

  Richard was surprised by his reaction. He’d never been a jealous person and didn’t know why he was responding that way over a girl he barely knew. It was weird and he wanted to forget about it so he apologized and asked about Damien. He was curious as to why they’d only slept together twice since he was supposed to be her boyfriend.

  “This is kind of strange, don’t you think? We just made love but we’re in here talking about me sleeping with other people. I’m surprised you’d even be interested. Most guys aren’t.”

  “I’m not most guys. And I’m not asking for the reasons you may think. I don’t like the idea of another dude being with you. To be honest, it was really pissing me off to hear it. But it does help me understand why you are the way you are. If someone had done to me what Alonzo did to you, I’d be closed off and distrustful too. How could you not be after being betrayed that way? Poor Damien didn’t have a chance. But I’ve got you now,” he said, wrapping his arms and legs around her as water splashed all over the floor. “And I’ll do whatever I can to knock down those walls you’ve built around your heart. You’re a really sweet girl, Jade, and I don’t wanna see you keeping yourself guarded because of what people did to hurt you. Just be free. And I don’t only mean sexually, even though I’m looking forward to seeing how loose you can get. Okay, okay,” Richard shouted, after he tried to guide Jade’s hands between her legs again and she snatched away from him. “Next time,” he said, wrapping his arms back around her. “Just don’t be afraid to go for what you want, whatever that might be.”

  Jade told him about her dreams of owning a business but didn’t get the impression he took it seriously. Richard sounded like he was humoring her more than he was being encouraging. When she said as much he squeezed her tighter and whispered that she could do whatever she wanted to do. Though, it was quite clear his mind was somewhere else. Richard kissed and caressed Jade and t
hey made love again. Afterwards he carried her to his bed and oiled and massaged her body until she nearly fell asleep. The fact that she was starving kept her from conking out completely. Even though it was nearly three o’clock in the morning, Richard made Jade a pancake breakfast with bacon, eggs, and fresh squeezed orange juice. It was delicious and just what she needed to finally fall asleep.

  “Oh, so I guess he didn’t have a phone, huh?” Landon snapped when Jade came strolling in at noon. “I was worried sick about you, idiot! Why wouldn’t you call and let me know you weren’t coming home?”

  “Sorry, warden. I didn’t mean to keep the prisoner out past curfew,” Richard retorted, annoyed by Landon’s attitude. “I told you I’d take good care of her. And I did . . . repeatedly,” he smirked.

  “What the . . .? Who you think you talking to?”

  “Alrighty then,” Jade said, pushing Richard out the door. She didn’t understand what was happening between him and Landon but she didn’t like it. “Do you wanna go back and give him all the dirty details? Apparently that whole, ‘it’s nobody’s business but ours’ got kicked to the curb,” she snapped once they were back at Richard’s truck. “What the hell was that about?”

  “I’m sorry, baby. I don’t know what came over me but I actually felt like fighting that guy!”

  “What?”

  “I know, I know, it doesn’t make a bit of sense. You got me acting crazy, girl. What am I gonna do with you?” Richard asked, as he pulled her close to him. “I’m sorry, though, Jade. Landon was just worried about you and I shouldn’t have made the situation worse. I’m sorry, okay?”

  Jade gave Richard a quick hug and kiss and watched him drive off before going back inside to deal with Landon. He and Gabrielle were arguing about the way he’d spoken to Jade. She thought he was rude and had embarrassed the woman by treating her like a child. Jade agreed but Landon didn’t see it that way. He thought she was selfish and inconsiderate for not bothering to call to let him know she was staying with Richard. Tired of arguing, Jade apologized and promised not to let it happen again.

  After talking with Gabrielle for a while, Jade and Landon got in a few hours of practice before the step contest later that night. It was obvious he was still upset so Jade suggested they take a break and gave Landon the opportunity to tell her what was bothering him. To her surprise, he confessed being jealous. He felt excluded from Jade’s talk with Gabrielle about the date and his feelings were hurt.

  “You big ole punk,” Jade laughed then hugged him.

  They warmed up Landon’s leftover Chinese food, got comfortable on the couch, and then she told him everything about her adventures with Richard.

  “Bow chicka bow bow,” Landon hummed. “Sounds like old boy turned you out. Well, almost, huh? His weak ass couldn’t make you cum! But you wrong for faking it, Jade. I don’t know why y’all women do that mess and have men thinking they really doing something. You better cut it out or he’ll never please you. I bet if you refuse to fake it next time he’ll break his back trying to get you to the ‘promised land’! Watch what I tell you.”

  “So you don’t think a woman’s ever faked with you?”

  “Hell, no! After I put all this on her,” he laughed loudly, pulling his pants up high on his waist. “I’m just playing. All of y’all devious heifers probably fake it!”

  Landon chuckled. “Just be careful with this guy, baby girl. Okay? I don’t wanna see you get hurt,” he said then kissed her forehead. “Enjoy him, but don’t start thinking he’s the one because I promise you he’s not. Trust me. Just have fun with him,” he said and was about to head to his bedroom.

  “Let me ask you something, Landon. Do you think I’m a tease? Richard said I ooze sensuality and he had all these ideas of what I would be like and was surprised that I wasn’t.”

  “Well, I know you’re not a tease but I can see why men think it. Everything about you screams sex, little Willa. You are definitely your mother’s daughter. The only difference is that she uses her sexuality to her advantage and you don’t. Willa will flirt and flatter a big, nasty, bloated thing just to get him to do what she wants whereas you’ll only flirt if you’re interested in the guy. But yeah, I get what Richard was saying. Even when you’re in your ratty pajamas and got that nasty bandana wrapped around your head you still look alluring. Speaking of which, when are you gonna wash that filthy thing?”

  “Shut up, stupid,” she laughed. When Landon went to his room Jade thought about what he’d said and hoped he was wrong about Richard.

  16

  Chapter Sixteen

  A few hours later Jade and Landon met Tamara at the stepper’s show. And as was normally the case when women met him, she went nuts. Apparently Tamara had forgotten about the talk she and Jade had concerning Gabrielle.

  “Man, I bet you taste good,” Tamara said, licking her lips as she shook Landon’s hand. “Milk chocolate is my favorite flavor.”

  “I’ll meet you inside, Jade,” he frowned, pulling his hand away. The disgust Landon felt was obvious from the expression on his face.

  “I guess he don’t like big girls, huh?”

  Jade reminded Tamara that he had a girlfriend. Yet, even if he didn’t, Landon wouldn’t have responded well to her. He liked all different types of women—Black, White, big, or small—but he didn’t go for the brazen, tactless type. A girl with a filthy mouth, outside of the bedroom that is, was a huge turn off to him. Jade always thought it had to do with Cicely and the way she used to talk to him, but he disagreed. Landon didn’t seem to notice how quickly he did away with anything or anyone who was even remotely similar to his mother. He hated Cicely and wanted nothing like her around him. So Tamara wouldn’t have stood a chance.

  The DJ introduced Landon and Jade as Lyndon and Jane from Gary, Indiana and the crowd wasn’t very receptive. He winked at Jade and told her to stay focused on him and no one else. Landon spun her out and they went for it. Pretty soon the crowd was clapping and cheering and the two of them danced their hearts out. There were nine other couples that performed so it took a long time before they got the results. Landon and Jade were ecstatic when they were announced as the second place winners.

  “After you, Jane,” Landon laughed, as they stepped their way up to the judges’ table for the trophy and four hundred dollar prize! That night they decided to enter as many contests as they could and save the money in order to start a new business together. The next one was on the following Saturday in Emeryville so Landon and Jade knew they needed to start rehearsing immediately.

  Monday morning Jade was excited to see Richard pull into the parking lot at Quik Stop. She didn’t know until that very moment that she was worried he wouldn’t come anymore. The two of them spoke briefly when she got home from the stepper’s contest and he congratulated her on the win. However, Richard never called on Sunday to say yes or no to her lunch invitation.

  “Hey,” Jade smiled at him. “How was work?”

  Richard leaned over the counter, gently took her face into his hands, and kissed her passionately. “Bump that newspaper. This is what I really wanted to come in here for. Good morning,” he said before kissing her again.

  Jade fanned herself with a brown paper bag trying to cool her rising temperature. She was completely aroused and tempted to lock the doors and take Richard to the storage room. The fact that Mr. Phillips was back there finishing inventory nixed that idea.

  “You know, the other night was my first time doing it in the bathtub like that and I really liked the way you . . .”

  “Sh,” Jade warned, wide-eyed.

  “Oh . . . uh, good morning, sir. How are you today?”

  “I’m fine, young man, and you?”

  “Good, good,” he smiled, hoping Mr. Phillips hadn’t overheard what he’d said. Richard didn’t care for himself, but he knew Jade thought of her boss as a father and would’ve been embarrassed for him to know about her sex life.

  She officially introduced Richard and Mr. Phillips
and they shook hands and made idle chit chat for a few minutes until Mrs. Phillips called to let her husband know breakfast was ready.

  “Alright, baby girl, I need to get some sleep. But I was hoping you could come by for lunch today. And perhaps a little treat,” he winked. “You game?”

  “Of course. I’ll see you at one,” she said then kissed Richard goodbye.

  Nearly six hours later Tamara walked into Quik Stop for her usual chili dogs and conversation but Jade had to cut it short so she could meet Richard. Ever since he left the store all she could think was being with him again. She really did like him and was anxious to see where their relationship could lead.

  Jade was excited to see the little picnic Richard had set up on his living room floor. He made the best grilled ham and cheese hoagie she’d ever tasted! It was even better than the Bunny Girls she used to eat from Lincoln’s back in Gary. Jade barely spoke as she wolfed it down along with the barbecue chips and pickle spear. Once she was done, Richard handed her a wrapped present. Jade blushed after she opened it and found a red thong and bra set and a yellow silk teddy from Fredrick’s of Hollywood.

  “I thought you could add it to your collection. Just promise you’ll think of me whenever you wear it.”

  “Well, this will actually be starting a collection since I’ve never worn a piece of lingerie in my life!”

  “Jade? Are you kidding me?”

  “No, I’m not kidding. I told you my relationships haven’t exactly been the lingerie wearing type. And I would’ve been too embarrassed to put it on anyway.”

  “Trust me, baby girl. You don’t have anything to be embarrassed about. Besides, I’ve heard women say it’s not really for us men anyway. They wear pretty, silky things to make themselves feel beautiful and sensual. So get yourself some sexy drawls, girl!”

  Richard fed Jade a bowl of strawberry ice cream and they made love before she had to go back to work. The next day he came into the store for his morning kiss and asked to spend Friday night with her. He promised it would be a platonic date so she didn’t think he was only interested in taking her to bed. And although that should have been comforting, it made Jade feel insecure. She wondered if it meant Richard was no longer attracted to her. So she reread “The Art of Seduction” chapter of one of Katrina’s books to get some ideas for Friday night.