“What’s that?”
“If you don’t have time to pursue a relationship, what are you doing with Janae?”
Yeah. What was he doing? He had no answer for Donovan...because he didn’t have one for himself.
* * *
Janae filled and closed another container, then placed it on the floor next to the others. School had ended yesterday, so she had to spend the second half of the week cleaning and packing up her classroom. Since there were no students on campus, the music from her iPod kept her company. She bobbed in time with the beat and sang while removing things from the walls.
The song changed to one by Monte, and she reflected on his many facets. Monte the musician—outgoing, a consummate performer and supremely confident. And Terrence the man—no less confident, but reserved and thoughtful, almost shy, intelligent and witty. A perfect gentleman. Despite the tragedies in his life, he had worked hard and come out on top. This was who she had fallen in love with.
Hearing the song made her wonder if he’d made it home yet. Since Terrence told her he would be home late Tuesday or sometime today, she assumed he was at least on his way. She was more than a little nervous. Janae had never spent the entire night with a man—Carter and Lawrence had always left before morning—and definitely hadn’t taken a flight to be with one. What would happen with the two of them staying under the same roof again? The chemistry between them was off the charts.
Her mind went back to the incident on her couch. Closing her eyes, she remembered the way his mouth moved so sensuously over hers, how his hands caressed her body and how his hard body felt pressed against hers. Heat flooded her, her breathing became erratic and her legs trembled. She braced herself against the desk and tried to get control. These types of feelings had never happened to her with any other man. Why now? And why with the one man who could never give his heart? She was destined to have a broken heart because she couldn’t stop herself from falling in love with him. But he would never know.
Shaking herself mentally, Janae went back to packing. She wanted to get as much done today as possible so she’d only need to spend a couple of hours here tomorrow. She filled container after container, and by the time she came up for air, another hour had passed.
Rounding the desk, she dropped tiredly into her chair and took a long drink of water. Leaning back, she ran her eyes over her dusty clothes, glad she’d chosen to wear an old T-shirt and shorts. Rising again, she went to the sink to wash her hands. She quickly dried her hands to catch her ringing cell phone.
“Hello?”
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Her heart flipped with the soft endearment. “Hey, yourself. Did you make it back home yet?”
“We got back late last night.”
“I’m glad you guys made it back safe. Hopefully, you got a little rest in between working. Did the concerts and interviews go well?”
“Everything went well, but left little time for resting, so I slept in. I’m hanging out at the house today.”
“Good for you. How are your grandparents? I know they’re happy you’re home.”
“They’re fine, and yes, they’re definitely happy to see me. My grandmother fixed all my favorites for breakfast and sat across the table to make sure I ate every bite.”
Janae laughed. “I bet you didn’t have any problems eating her cooking.”
“No. None at all.” They fell silent for a moment. “I have your itinerary and confirmation for your flight. Do you want me to give it to you over the phone or forward it to your email?”
“You can send it to my email.”
“Okay. Is there anything special you want to do while you’re here?”
“Not that I can think of. Whatever you plan will be fine. I’ve never been to a CD release party.”
“Then I’ll make sure you enjoy yourself. I thought school ended. What are you doing?”
“Taking down my classroom. There’s no guarantee teachers will have the same classroom next year, so we have to take everything home.”
“That’s a shame. I remember my teachers having the same classroom for years when I was in school. How long have you been cleaning?”
“Since about nine, and I still have some things to do. I’ll probably finish tomorrow.”
“Janae, it’s almost three. Is there anyone helping you?”
“I’m doing it alone, and I’m leaving soon.”
“I wish I was there to help you,” he murmured.
“Terrence? What’re you thinking?”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t try to play me. I know there’s something going on in your mind.” Then it dawned on her. “I know you aren’t thinking of flying up here. If you are, strike it from your mind right now.”
“How did you know I was thinking that?”
“Doesn’t matter how I know, just that I do. You’d better not show up here, or I will hurt you.”
“Dang, baby. You don’t have to get violent.”
She chuckled. “I won’t if you keep yourself in L.A. Besides, you need to rest. I’m sure you have plenty to catch up on.”
“I hear you, and I promise to stay here. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
“Me, too.”
“Well, I’d better let you go. I don’t want you to stay too late.”
“I won’t. I’ll probably leave in less than half an hour. I only plan to spend a couple of hours here tomorrow morning.”
“How are you getting all your stuff home?”
“Devin has a truck. He’ll be by during his lunchtime tomorrow to take everything home for me.”
“Good. I’d hate to break my promise about not coming to help you.”
“I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you.”
“I have a few suggestions,” he said in that deep, sexy voice. “Would you like to hear them?”
“Um...I don’t think so,” she answered breathlessly. “I should get off this phone.”
“Yeah, probably. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay.” Janae disconnected and tossed the phone on the desk. Rubbing her temples, she muttered, “A fantasy, a onetime excursion—that’s all this was supposed to be. This has gotten so out of control. Why can’t I resist this man?” His softly spoken words had been filled with so much heat, she could feel it through the phone.
She sat there a few minutes more, then worked awhile longer. After stacking everything in one area, she shut down her computer and collected some papers from the printer. She picked up a small box containing a few personal items and her purse, then locked up for the day.
Janae met Karen as she walked to the office.
“Hey, girl. You leaving?”
Karen blew out a long breath. “Yes. I am so tired. I think some stuff multiplied throughout the year, because I know I didn’t buy all that.”
“I hear you. I have to come back tomorrow for a couple of hours and then I’m done.”
“I may be here a little longer, but hopefully not much more. Have you talked to Terrence yet?”
“Yeah. He got back last night and called with my itinerary for the weekend.”
“When are you leaving?”
“Sometime Saturday morning. He emailed it to me a little while ago, and I haven’t looked at the information yet.”
“Ooh. Let’s see,” Karen said excitedly. She peered over Janae’s shoulder as she took out her phone and scanned the email. “Oh, my goodness. He has you booked in first class.”
Janae put her phone away quickly.
“What are you guys going to do during the day? The party doesn’t start until eight, which leaves lots of time for fun.”
“I have no idea. I told him whatever he planned would be fine.” Janae stopped next to her car, unlocked it an
d placed her box on the backseat. “You know, I’m still a little uncomfortable with this whole thing. I should have told Terrence I couldn’t come.”
“Why? The two of you seem to enjoy each other’s company, and you said he’s a nice guy.”
Because I love him, and he’ll never love me back. “I just don’t do this sort of thing, that’s all.”
“Well, go and enjoy yourself. I’ll be expecting details.”
“I’m sure you will,” Janae said wryly. “Maybe you should go in my place.”
“I would, but I don’t think my face is the one Terrence will be looking for at the airport. Girl, the way he looks at you makes me warm.” Karen fanned herself.
“Whatever. You are such a nut. I’m going home to paint.”
“See, that’s why you don’t have any fun—you’re always in the studio. Although I have to admit, those paintings are beyond amazing. If I don’t see you before you leave, have a great time.”
“I will.”
Later, Janae lay in bed staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. How had she allowed herself to fall in love again, especially after what she had gone through the past two times? In reality, she’d never stood a chance resisting Terrence’s charm. The man had a way about him that made the most determined woman surrender her soul. Now, if she could only get through the weekend without him knowing her feelings...
Chapter 13
Terrence checked his watch for the umpteenth time. “What’s taking so long?” he mumbled under his breath. Janae’s plane had landed twenty minutes ago. He surveyed the area near the escalator again, but still didn’t see her. He had never met anyone like her. No other woman talked to him as if he were a regular guy. She didn’t seem to care about his status, something else he could add to the list of reasons why he was so attracted to her.
He started pacing again, drawing the attention of some passersby. Two women stared at him curiously. Terrence turned away and pulled the baseball cap further down over his eyes. He had worn a pair of eyeglasses to help shield his identity. Today he had no desire to interact with his fans. The only woman he wanted to see stepped into view as he turned back toward the escalator.
His breath caught, and his feet rooted him to the spot. She seemed more beautiful each time he saw her. Terrence watched her scan the terminal as she stepped off the escalator. She had dressed for the warmer weather, wearing an orange tank top, white cropped pants and sandals. Her smooth, flawless caramel skin had him contemplating skipping the party and taking her to his room where he could leisurely explore each and every inch of her soft skin, then make love to her until they both passed out.
He started toward her, and the corners of his mouth curved in a slow grin when she caught his gaze and stared at him in puzzlement.
“Hey, baby,” he said, stopping in front of her.
“Terrence?”
He chuckled. “Yeah.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Janae smiled. “Hey. I didn’t recognize you. What’s with the glasses and hat?”
He arched an eyebrow.
“Oh, yeah. I keep forgetting you’re this megastar.” Leaning closer, she added, “We wouldn’t want to cause a minor stampede of screaming women.”
Shaking his head, he eased the bags from her hands. “Do you have anything else?”
“Nope. That’s it.”
“How was the flight?”
“It was great. I’ve never flown first class before. They treated me like a queen, so thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He led her to his SUV and seated her before depositing her bags in the back.
“What are we doing today?” she asked as he got in and started the engine.
“I thought we’d drop your stuff off at the hotel and head over to the beach for a little while.”
“Sounds good. I haven’t been to the beach in a long time.”
“We can eat when we get there.”
Once they reached the hotel, Terrence accepted the valet ticket and assisted Janae down. He retrieved her bags from the trunk and escorted her inside the hotel.
“This is very nice,” Janae commented as she glanced around the lobby. When they passed the front desk, she asked, “Don’t we need to check in first?”
“I’m already checked in, so we can go up.” He turned at the sound of someone calling his name.
“Hey, T. Where’ve you been? I need to talk to you about a couple of things for tonight.” Donovan quickened his strides to catch up to them. “Janae,” he said with surprise. “I didn’t know you were coming to the party. It’s good to see you again.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek, then turned his questioning gaze to Terrence.
“Hi, Donovan. It’s good to see you, too,” she said.
“Will it take long?” Terrence asked, stepping into the elevator. “Janae and I are going back out as soon as we take her things to the room.”
“No more than ten minutes.”
“We can talk in the room.”
When they reached it, Terrence slid the key card into the lock, opened the door and stepped back for Janae to precede him.
Terrence placed Janae’s bags on the bed in the master bedroom of the two-bedroom suite. “Is this okay?”
“It’s amazing. I know you have to talk with Donovan. Go ahead. I’ll just unpack and settle in.” She waved him out.
* * *
Janae stepped into the opulent space and tried not to gape at the exquisite furnishings and the two sitting areas—one facing the television and the other facing a fireplace. The living room had a work area and dining room table with seating for eight. The bedroom was no less grand.
After he walked out, she ventured into the bathroom and gasped. The bathroom had luxury marble and mosaic tile with a generous tub, steam shower, dual sinks and ample closet space. She returned to the bedroom and ran her hand over the king-size bed with its sumptuous bedding. Another sitting area with a chaise lounge and fireplace sat across the room. She lingered over the elegance a moment longer, then unpacked.
Sitting on the side of the bed, Janae went back over what might take place this weekend. She’d tossed and turned all night, and the butterflies still danced in her stomach. It didn’t help that Terrence looked every bit the chocolate fantasy who’d been starring in her dreams every night. Even the pullover silk T, shorts and leather sandals couldn’t disguise his magnificent build.
* * *
“All right, man. What’s up with you and Janae?” Donovan asked as soon as Terrence returned. “You have never, and I mean never, brought a date to any function.”
Terrence shrugged. “I told you before, she’s cool. It’s nothing serious.” If only that were the truth. “So what did you need to talk about?”
Donovan folded his arms and grinned. “Uh-huh, whatever you say.” Silence. “Yeah, you’ve got it bad.” He shook his head and laughed.
Terrence glared. His feelings for Janae grew daily, and he had no idea how to make it stop. For a man who swore never to risk his heart, it was humbling.
“Anyway, Gary and Erica want to talk to you about some publicity matters and the giveaways. I told them you could meet around seven, but that was before I knew you had a date.” Gary and Erica were in charge of the PR department.
“I’ll be down. Janae can either come with me, or she can come closer to eight, when everything starts.”
“Fine. Have fun and I’ll see you tonight.”
Terrence waited until he left, then called the front desk to make sure the picnic basket he’d ordered was ready. He found Janae out on the bedroom’s balcony.
“Are you ready?” he asked, coming to stand behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him.
“Ready when you are.” She tilted her head back.
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Unable to resist, he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his. The kiss was sweet and gentle, and when she slid her tongue in his mouth, it made him groan deep in his throat. When he ended the kiss, her passion-filled eyes tempted him to forget about the beach and the picnic. It took everything within him to maintain control.
“Let’s go.”
They had taken only a few steps off the elevator when a small group of women recognized him.
“Oh, my goodness. It’s Monte,” one woman gushed.
“I love you, Monte,” another one said. She latched on to his arm and tried to pull him down for a kiss.
They quickly surrounded him, trying to get pictures and autographs. Janae walked over to one of the lobby’s plush chairs to sit. He saw her laugh and shake her head. After several minutes, he managed to make his way to the desk and collect the basket. She stood when he approached.
“What’s that?”
He held up the basket. “Our lunch. I thought we’d have a picnic on the beach.”
“It seems like you thought of everything.”
“I hope so.”
They found a partially shaded spot on the beach, and Terrence spread out the blanket he’d brought. “Do you want to eat first?”
“Yes. I’m hungry. What’s in here?” She opened the basket and pulled out an assortment of sandwiches, chips, fruit and bottles of sparkling water.
“What do you think?” he asked, removing plates, silverware and napkins.
“Everything looks good.”
They fixed their plates and ate in silence for a few minutes.
“This is really nice. I haven’t been to the beach since last year. It must be awesome having several beaches in your backyard.”
“I haven’t been to the beach in a long time.”
“Why not?”
He shrugged. “Working, I guess.”
“What do you do for fun?”
He thought for a moment, trying to remember the last time he’d done anything remotely related to fun. “I don’t know.”
“That’s pitiful. You need some fun in your life.”
He regarded her thoughtfully. “You think so?”
Just to Be with You Page 13