“Yes. I want that too. So bad, baby.”
I slipped and plunged in harder and faster than I planned when her softly spoken ‘baby’ washed over me. This woman never failed to completely undo me.
When she began to tighten around me and her sounds became more desperate, I sped up my movements. I thrust into her as hard as I could, using the arm of her couch for leverage. I could feel my spine beginning to tingle, and my balls were hard and tight. I ached all over for release.
Elizabeth’s eyes rolled in the back of her head, and she screamed out when her orgasm hit her. I continued to move in her while her muscles squeezed me tightly and began to milk my orgasm from me. And when I came, a growl from deep within me vibrated throughout my body.
Later that evening, we laid in her bed, and I brushed my fingers through the long, silky strands of her golden hair.
Ever since I had dinner with her mother, I had been trying to figure out a way to help Elizabeth out. Her mother, Gail, was worried about how hard Elizabeth worked to support her. She opened up to me about her recent housing issues and how she barely heard from her daughter anymore now that she had taken on more client’s to make up for the added expenses and medical bills.
This situation with her losing clients was the perfect opportunity for me to take care of her. To unload some of her burden.
“Elizabeth, I have a proposition for you and I’d like for you to hear me out before you jump in and argue.”
“I don’t argue,” she argued with me.
“Anything you say,” I replied with a chuckle.
“Fine. Go ahead. I’ll keep my trap shut until you tell me it’s okay to speak.”
“I want to pay off your mother’s mortgage and medical bills. I have copies of all of them and can have them taken care of tomorrow.”
Of course I wasn’t going to tell her that I had copies of all her bills as well. Her credit cards weren’t maxed, but they were costing her a hefty chunk of her salary nonetheless. And her student loans were through the roof with the small amount of money she put down on them each month.
“You can speak now,” I said when I realized she wasn’t talking.
“Thank you, but no.” She sat up and looked me in the eyes. “I could never accept that from you or anyone. This is my responsibility and mine alone. And how the hell did you even know about that?”
I weighed my answer carefully, afraid she would think I was scheming with her mother behind her back. I needn’t worry though, because my smart girl figured it out on her own.
“Oh my God! It was my mother! How dare she!” She tried to get out of bed, but I held her to me.
“She’s only worried about you. She thinks you’re working too hard to take care of her. And I have to agree, Elizabeth. You need to take care of you. She’s a grown woman who is capable of living her own life. You don’t have to take care of everyone. I want to help you.”
“No,” she shook her head in jerky movements. Her back was ramrod straight in my arms. Her defiance was in full force. “I will never take charity. Please stop offering. I know you’re coming from a good place but this is my burden to carry and I’ll make it work. I always do. I’ll find new clients to replace the ones that left. It’s just going to take longer to crawl out of debt than I wanted.”
“Don’t you see that as long as we are together, my job is to take away your burdens? I want to be the one you lean on. You can’t always do it alone. Sometimes you need someone to rely on. Let me be that someone. Let me take care of you.”
She relaxed at my declaration. I watched as her face softens when she cupped my cheek and brushed her lips against mine. “Thank you. My answer remains the same. Maybe one day that will be possible. I’ve been standing on my own for what feels like a long time now. I need to do this my way.”
Knowing I wasn’t going to get anywhere, I decided to table the conversation. I’d bring it up again, and hopefully I would wear her down.
“If that’s what you need, okay. Now, it’s still early. I think we should see how many orgasms I can give you before you pass out from sheer exhaustion.” I pulled her to me and pushed her down on the bed before covering her with my body.
“Okay,” she whispered and just like that I was instantly hard and ready to please my woman. And please her I did. She might have lost count of her orgasms, but I didn’t. I bested my previous record with nine before I finally allowed myself to come and Elizabeth to pass out wrapped in my arms.
Chapter Seventeen
Nosy Travis
Elizabeth
Maya slapped the hangers on the rack to the side and whined, “I can’t find anything to wear tonight.”
“Where exactly are you going again?” I asked from my place at the next rack over, searching through cocktail dresses. We were in Macy’s looking for an outfit for Maya’s big date tonight.
“Some fancy dinner party,” she mumbled and continued abusing the hangers.
“You know those hangers are completely innocent. They’ve never done anything to you.” I teased her and picked up a black semi-backless number that had just the right amount of sequins on it. It would definitely flatter Maya’s figure.
“Don’t be such a bitch,” she teased back. I looked over and saw her biting her lip nervously. She only did that when something was really stressing her.
“What’s wrong, honey?” I asked while closing the distance between us. “Are you nervous about tonight?”
I still had no idea where she was really going or with whom. Maya chose to play the ‘I want to wait and see how things go first’ card. I had to give her that one. Sometimes we needed to keep things to ourselves for a while and enjoy the magic before outside forces were allowed to sully it. I was learning that the hard way with Grant.
She nodded her head and continued biting her lip. “I really want to make a good first impression on my date’s boss. It’s his house we are going to. It’s just… what if I’m not as bright as these people or as interesting as them? What if I make a total fool out of myself? I really want things to work out with this guy. He is smart, funny, amazing, sexy and a stud in bed. He’s the total package. I’m terrified I’m going to screw it up.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and my heart broke for her. No matter how self-assured a person was, insecurities could always get the better of us. It didn’t matter who you were.
“Honey.” I ran my hands down her arms to console her. “You’re all those things too. Well, I can’t speak for your bedroom prowess, but I can the rest. Anyways, my point is, he’d be a fool not to see that. Putting all this pressure on yourself isn’t helping. Maybe we should go get massages. Splurge a little.”
“You think?” Maya looked unsure and continued biting her lip. I’d never seen her this worked up over a man before. It was sweet really. Self-destructive, but sweet.
“I do. Now go try this one on.” I pressed the dress I had found into her hands and pushed her towards the fitting room. “I think it’s the one.”
She smiled and gave me a quick hug before scampering off. When she came out in the dress, my breath caught. That was, in fact, the one. She looked gorgeous. Her body was accentuated perfectly. It wasn’t too audacious, but wasn’t an old lady style either. It had a high neckline and came to just above her knees. The back was mostly open, which balanced the neckline. The sleeves were long and tight, and the bodice had sequins running over it.
“You like?”
“I love!” I exclaimed. “And I have the perfect shoes to go with that dress. They are champagne-colored snake skin. A splurge after a Christmas bonus last year.”
“Fabulous! I’m going to change.” She sauntered back towards the fitting rooms, and I checked my watch to make sure we had time for massages.
“So how are things going with Grant?” Maya asked through the door to the fitting room. Now that she had her dress selected, her voice seemed lighter.
“Good. Really good actually.” I sat on the bench and crossed my legs. “I c
an’t get enough of him, M. I’m like completely addicted to him. I never thought it was possible, but we have sex like twice a day most days. It’s heaven. And he is just so sweet with me. You’d never expect him to be the way he is. I feel special.” I gushed like a teenager.
“Aw, E. That’s adorable. I have to admit I was concerned with the whole Valentine’s Day fiasco. You were crushed when people were saying that stuff and clients were being dumb.”
“I know.” I sighed and leaned back against the wall. “I was concerned too. He blamed himself and a small part of me blamed him too. What a bad girlfriend I am for feeling that way. He’s let the press depict him that way for years. It’s not like he could have known what kind of effects that would have on me now. There’s a small part of me that wishes I could change his past. I know it’s unreasonable and I shouldn’t care what other people think. It’s just that I wish everyone knew what kind of man he really is so that they don’t think that I’m making this huge mistake.”
“I can see that, but it doesn’t matter what other people say. There are only two people in a relationship. You two have to be happy and know how to make it work. Outside influences will always try to drive you apart. Case in point, that bitch Corinne.”
I groaned at the mention of her name. “Tell me about it,” I muttered.
Maya flung open the curtain and stepped out with a light in her eyes and a smile on her face. “Let’s get going. I really do want that massage.”
After she bought her dress, we ate lunch, and then we went and got massages. When I left Maya at her apartment, freshly showered and ready to take on the world, I crossed my fingers and said a silent prayer that her dreams would come true.
♥♥♥♥♥
“Lizzie, hon. Is that you?” I heard the sexy voice call out. I looked up from putting groceries away in the refrigerator and smiled.
“Hey Travis,” I replied when I heard his shoes hit the tile in his kitchen. He walked right to me and swept me up in a big hug and twirled me around in a circle.
I hadn’t seen Travis since his New Year’s Eve party. I looked him over in his navy blue suit and striped blue and white shirt. His collar was unbuttoned at the top. He was sexy and sophisticated, a deadly combination for women. Well, all women but me that was.
I giggled when he set me down on my feet, and I smoothed down his bunched up coat with my hands.
“To what do I owe that boisterous greeting?” I tilted my head and studied him. His smile was wide and infectious. His face looked younger and more carefree than the last time I saw him.
Strange.
“Just in a good mood, Lizzie Boo.” He flicked the end of my nose with his finger. “I haven’t seen you in what? Almost three months? That’s far too long.”
“I agree. So, how is everything?” I turned back to the fridge and continued stocking his shelves and organizing the items.
“Excellent. I have no cause for complaints right now.” I heard a shuffle and figured he was sitting on the countertop like I knew he often did.
“Last time I heard this much enthusiasm in your voice, you were getting laid on the regular. Is that the case again?”
“Possibly.” He gave me a wicked grin and winked. Even though I didn’t want Travis, I could still feel a quiver in my nether region at the sight.
“Who is she? Anyone I know? Is it serious?” I went in for the third-degree. I couldn’t think of a person who deserved happiness more than Travis. He might come from money, but he was down to earth, caring and always tried to help other people.
“Ask all you want, but you know a gentleman never kisses and tells. Now that we are on the subject though, I think we need to talk about your relationship with Grant.”
I rolled my eyes at his tone and stopped myself just shy of crossing my arms and stomping my feet.
Things had settled down since the fiasco a few weeks back with that horrific media storm regarding our relationship. Thankfully, when Grant made Corinne call that detestable reporter, she backed off. Her retraction was of course a small paragraph hidden within the pages of the magazine, but at least it was there.
Other than the four clients that had issues, all the others seemed supportive. Really, what else could they be? It wasn’t any of my business who they sleep with and vice versa.
Seems that storm had passed, at least.
Now I had to worry about overprotective friends. Like Maya, who was all for how happy Grant made me, but leery of how things were going to play out. And Travis, who was friends with Grant and probably thought he was the playboy that he let everyone believe he was. Didn’t men always let other men think they were macho studs, regardless of the truth? Like who could piss farther or who could fuck more women?
“What about it?” I asked warily.
“I’ve known Grant for a long time. We went to boarding school together and have been friends ever since. I know how shit his life has been. I’m just asking you to be careful.”
“Careful of what exactly?” I asked with a bit of an attitude.
“Careful with your heart. I know what a soft and fragile one you have, Lizzie. I know that if you are having a relationship with him, that it means something to you. I’ve watched you push guys away for years. I know you don’t put your heart on the line. If you’ve done so with Grant, I’m asking you to tread lightly. He might not intentionally do it, but he will most likely hurt you. It’s how he is conditioned.”
I looked down at my feet and thought about what he was saying. It was true that I had given him my heart. How could I not? We clicked together like puzzle pieces would.
Grant had already warned me that he didn’t know what he was doing, but that he wanted to try. That was all I could ask of him because it wasn’t as if I knew what I was doing either. I hadn’t had an adult relationship in years. And that’s if you can count my longish-termed boyfriend in college. Everyone else has just flitted into my world and then out of it again. Mostly, by choice.
I knew I was allowing myself to be vulnerable by taking a chance on Grant. But wasn’t he doing the same thing with me? And if I bailed because I was scared, I would ultimately be telling Grant he wasn’t worth the risk. When in fact, he was more than worth it. And given the way his family had treated him growing up, he deserved to have someone feel that way about him.
“I truly appreciate this gesture, Travis. More than you will ever know. I know what I’m doing, though. Well, not really. I know I care deeply about him. And I believe he feels the same way about me. We are just two people trying our best to make this work. That isn’t to say it’s been a smooth road and I know the future will be just as bumpy. Imagine what it will be like in the end, knowing everything we were able to overcome. I think that’s what makes all the hardships worth it. And I want that with Grant.”
I smiled huge at that realization. “Holy cow! I’ve finally found someone I want all that with!” I exclaimed and jumped up and down briefly. My heart started to race, and I wanted to scream from the top of my lungs to anyone who would listen that I was in love.
“Oh, Lizzie Boo. You are in deep.” Travis reached out and gave me another hug. “I just hope he knows what a prize he’s getting. And if he doesn’t, I’ll always be here for you. Regardless of my friendship with him, I’ll always take care of you however you need it.”
He kissed the top of my head, and I looked up at him. “Thanks, Travis. I really appreciate how much you care.”
I stepped out of his embrace and went to the grocery bag I had sitting on the opposite counter. With my back to Travis I said, “So now tell me about your special lady.” I bit my lip when he groaned and walked out.
Men.
I was going to find out who this chick was, whether he wanted me to or not.
♥♥♥♥♥
Grant arrived at home to his apartment while I was making meatloaf and baked potatoes for dinner. I was in the mood for comfort food seeing as how I had my period and it was one of my typical cravings.
&n
bsp; I was thrilled when I got my period on time, which meant no baby for me. Surprisingly enough with everything that had been happening since we got back together, I hadn’t even given it that much thought.
I was pressing the meat concoction into the pan on the stove when my hair was shifted off my neck and tucked over my other shoulder. His lips lightly grazed my now exposed skin, and his tongue traced the outer shell of my ear. Shivers ran down my spine, and I leaned into his hard body pressed behind mine.
“I’m dying to be inside you, Elizabeth. These past few days have been torture,” he whispered against my neck.
“Me too,” I groaned before turning in his arms that were now holding me securely to him. “Tomorrow, I promise.”
I kissed his jaw and then his cheek, finishing with a thorough exploration of his mouth with my tongue.
“I have to go take a shower. I stopped at the gym on my way home.”
“Yes, you do. You stink!” I made a show of sniffing him and wrinkling my nose in disgust. Truth be told, he smelled good enough to eat. Sweat did wonders for this man. Not that he needed it.
He swatted my ass and gave me a heated and raw look. It made my insides heat instantly, and I locked my knees to stay upright. “You better be ready to be energetic tomorrow. We have a lot of time to make up for.”
“Okay,” I breathed, completely turned on by that promise.
He chuckled before placing a kiss on the tip of my nose and sauntering off towards his bedroom. I swayed a little with the lack of his body to hold me up. Once I shook the Grant fog from myself, I slid the meatloaf and potatoes in the oven, washed my hands and then headed off in search of my man.
I jumped on the bed and gave a little bounce as he lifted his t-shirt over his head. His arm muscles were defined with the movement as were his six-pack abs when they rippled every time he moved. My tongue ached to trace each and every bump and crevice.
Next his fingers hooked in his black track pants with the white stripes up the side. They pushed and down went his pants and his briefs, leaving him in his naked glory in front of me.
Love, Your Concierge Page 19