Just to Be with You

by Sheryl Lister

  Terrence rose to his feet. “Thanks, Erica and Gary. I don’t know what I’d do without you two.”

  Gary clapped him on the back. “No problem, boss. You make it easy.”

  On the heels of their departure, two members of Kaleidoscope approached. Mark, the bassist, spoke first. “Hey, Monte. Looking good, man.”

  Terrence brought him in for a one-arm hug. “So are you. Ready to bring down the house?”

  “You’d better believe it, man,” Roger, the keyboardist, answered. “What’s up, Big D?” he asked as Donovan joined them.

  “It’s all good, Roger. Hey, Mark. I’m ready for some great music. I listened to the finished product, and I think this CD is going to fly off the shelves. Everything ready to go?”

  “Pretty much. We’re waiting for them to hook up the microphones,” Mark said.

  They discussed the setup for a few minutes, and then the two band members left to tune their instruments and warm up.

  “Did Erica and Gary get everything straightened out?” Donovan asked.

  Terrence nodded. “The printer should be delivering the cards in a few minutes, and because it was their screwup, he’s knocking off half the cost.”

  “Good. Greg is manning the door. There’re already a number of people standing around in the hallway. I sent the videographer over to talk with Gary, and the folks from the media were interviewing some of the fans when I came in.”

  “What about the photographer?”

  “I haven’t seen her yet. What time is Janae coming down?”

  “I told her to come down around seven forty-five, before we open the doors to the public.”

  Donovan checked his watch. “She should be here in a few minutes, then. You’ve never had a date for a publicity function. How are you going to handle this?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Media, cameras...you know, everyone’ll be curious about her. You’re not going to keep her at arm’s length, are you?”

  He glared. “No.” Taking a deep breath, he continued in a calmer voice. “No, but she doesn’t like a lot of attention, so I plan to do everything I can to protect her.”

  “You really care about her, don’t you?”

  An employee beckoned Terrence and interrupted whatever he had planned to say. Turning on his heel, he walked away with Donovan’s laughter following.

  * * *

  After their departure, Janae admired the bracelet a few moments more, then went to get dressed. She pinned her hair up in a loose twist, lined her eyes and applied lipstick. Other than the bracelet and watch, her only jewelry was a diamond pendant and matching studs, gifts from her brother Erik.

  Moving back to the bedroom, she stepped into the dress. Sitting on the padded bench at the foot of the bed, she slid her feet into the gunmetal-gray slingback sandals adorned with crystals across the toe strap. Walking over to the full-length mirror, she surveyed the overall effect. As much as she hated to admit it, Karen had picked out a winning combination. The shoes and matching evening bag were a perfect complement to the little black dress. She took one more glance at her watch, inhaled deeply, stuffed the key card in her purse and left the suite.

  Downstairs, she approached the large man standing outside the closed ballroom door observing the people milling around the hallway. “Excuse me.”

  “May I help you?”

  “Hello. My name is Janae Simms, and I’m with RC Productions. I was told you would have my name so I could enter.”

  He folded his arms across his massive chest and chuckled mirthlessly. “You and about twenty other women who’ve already tried that tonight, honey. So stand in line.”

  She stared at the huge hulk of a man and tried to keep her voice steady. “I have no idea what any other woman has tried, but I’m telling the truth.”

  “Who told you this?”

  “Ter...Monte,” she corrected. “He’s a friend of mine, and he said it would be no problem.”

  “Now I know you’re lying. Monte definitely wouldn’t have told you that.”

  She silently counted to ten. Striving for patience, she said through clenched teeth, “Sir, I don’t lie.”

  “Like I said, take a number and stand in line.” He turned away.

  Instead of arguing, she took out her cell phone to call Terrence.

  “Janae? Is that you?” It was Donovan’s voice behind her. She turned to find his jaw unhinged. “Damn, girl!”

  She turned and gave him a small smile. “It’s me,” she said, replacing her phone.

  “You know her, Donovan?” the bouncer asked. “She said Monte invited her,” he added skeptically.

  “Yep, he did.”

  His eyes widened. “I don’t believe it. I’m really sorry, miss.”

  “It’s all right. I understand.”

  She followed Donovan into the ballroom and immediately heard the music. The band was only practicing, but she could feel herself being drawn in already. Tables had been set around the stage, leaving room for dancing near the front. Several people rushed around taking care of what she assumed to be last-minute tasks.

  Janae searched the room for Terrence, spotting him on the far side talking with a small group next to the stage. As if sensing her presence, he turned. She gave him a tiny wave.

  * * *

  Terrence lost track of everything around him when he saw Janae. If he’d thought her beautiful before, he had no words to describe what she looked like now. He became instantly aroused and didn’t realize he was holding his breath until he felt the pressure in his chest.

  “Who is that?” Jason, Kaleidoscope’s saxophonist, asked.

  “Is she a new RC employee?” Gary asked.

  Chris, the band’s drummer, stepped off the stage. “I think I’ll go introduce myself.”

  “Ah, I wouldn’t do that if I were you, my brother,” Donovan said, grabbing Chris’s arm.

  Terrence stepped away from the group without commenting and slowly walked across the room to where she stood waiting. “You look absolutely breathtaking.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek, being careful not to touch her. It wouldn’t take much for him to toss her over his shoulder and go back to their room.

  “Thank you,” she replied through lowered lashes. “This is very nice.”

  “Come on. Let me introduce you to the band.”

  As they approached, Terrence noticed the stunned looks on everyone’s faces except Donovan’s. He made the introductions, and anger surged through him when a couple of the band members held on to Janae’s hand longer than politeness dictated.

  Janae extricated her hand from Chris’s and ignored his flirtatious comments. Terrence then introduced her to a few of the record company’s employees.

  “Why is everyone staring at me?” she asked as they walked away.

  “I guess they’re all surprised because I’ve never invited a date to any function before.”

  Her steps slowed. “Why me?”

  “I like you.” He placed his hand on her back to urge her forward and froze when he came in contact with bare skin. He glanced back at the smooth caramel skin and groaned.

  “What’s wrong?”

  After they were seated, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, “You’re killing me with this dress, baby girl. All I want to do is strip it from you slowly and make love to you all...night...long.” He eased back, letting her see the unmistakable desire in his eyes.

  Her gaze drifted to his mouth, and she leaned forward.

  “Don’t do it, sweetheart,” he said huskily, interpreting her thoughts. “I’m barely hanging on here.” He kissed the back of her hand and stood. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to get us something to drink. What would you like?”

  “Ginger ale, please.”

 
Terrence went to the bar and seriously contemplated getting a shot of something strong. How in the world was he going to make it through the next few hours? From the moment he’d spotted her, the only thing on his mind had been making love to her. He’d never wanted a woman as much as he wanted her—ever.

  “Man, Janae is looking really good.” Donovan clapped him on the back. “You’re going to have a lot of competition tonight.”

  The look Terrence gave him would have made another person back down, but Donovan merely laughed. “Did you need something?” he asked testily.

  “Nah. It’s good to know that heart of yours isn’t made of the stone you thought it was.”

  “My heart has nothing to do with this.” He accepted their drinks from the bartender and stormed off.

  “You are so in love with that girl, you can’t see straight,” Donovan called after him.

  So maybe that was the truth. But he was determined to keep those feelings on lockdown. The lights went down, and the MC stepped onto the stage as he took his seat.

  “Thanks.” Janae took a sip from the glass he handed her.

  He sat back and observed Janae. She swayed to the beat and watched people dance. They laughed at one particular woman who seemed to be enjoying herself immensely, dancing all around the room.

  After two songs, Erica went onstage to make some announcements and do some giveaways. The music started up as soon as she exited.

  “They’re really good,” Janae told Terrence.

  “I agree. Dance with me?” He stood and extended his hand.

  She took his hand and followed him out onto the floor.

  Initially, he heard whispering and saw fingers pointed at “Monte.” He knew this would give people plenty to talk about. Finally, everyone went back to dancing.

  “You dance pretty well, for a guy over thirty,” she teased.

  He laughed and winked. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, baby.” He wanted to tell her she danced pretty well, too. The sensual way she moved to the music threatened his sanity.

  Finally the music changed to a slow, jazzy ballad. Pulling her in his arms, he continued dancing, making sure to keep a respectable distance between them. A minute into the song, he realized being this close to her wasn’t such a great idea, either.

  He suffered through each agonizing second feeling her soft body pressed against his. Beads of perspiration popped out on his forehead. When the song was over, he led her back to the table. After what seemed like hours, the last stragglers were ushered out, leaving the staff to clean up.

  “What do you need me to help with?” Janae asked.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “The cleanup. What can I do to help?”

  He regarded her intently. “We’re not helping with the cleanup. Give me a minute to speak to some folks.”

  “Take your time.” She gathered up the gift basket she’d won containing a CD, T-shirt, tickets and backstage passes to Kaleidoscope’s L.A. summer concert.

  “Ready?” he asked when he returned.

  “Yes. Are you sure you don’t need to stay down here? If you do, I don’t mind. I know this is part of your job.”

  “The only person I need to attend to right now is you.”

  After saying their goodbyes, he escorted her back to their suite. He moved aside to let her enter first. He’d waited all night to have her to himself, and he planned to savor every moment.

  Chapter 15

  Janae set her basket on an end table, went into the master bedroom and tossed her purse onto the padded bench. Terrence came up behind her and placed a soft kiss on her bare shoulder. She inhaled sharply.

  “Do you know how beautiful you are?” he murmured as his hands continued their journey over the exposed flesh of her shoulders, back and arms. Lowering his head, he traced a path with his tongue along her neck and upper back. “The only thing I’ve wanted to do all night was touch and kiss every part of your soft, smooth, caramel skin. I’m going to start at the top of your head and work my way down to the tender, inviting curves of your oh-so-lovely backside...down to the adventurous slopes of your legs...up to your sweet, sugar-filled...”

  Gasping, Janae spun in his arms, pulled his head down and covered his mouth with hers to halt his erotic confession. His words were so hot, she almost melted on the spot—although the wicked things his mouth was doing to hers produced the same results. Only his strong grip kept her from sliding to the floor.

  Fire surged through her veins. Gripping his shoulders, she tore her mouth away to take a much-needed breath. His breathing was as uneven as hers.

  He rested his forehead against hers. “Janae, can I make love to you, baby?” he asked in a need-laden voice.

  “Yes,” she answered in one that was barely audible.

  “Thank you,” he whispered, placing light kisses on her forehead, eyelids, nose and cheeks, before taking her mouth in another heated kiss. Turning her around again, he continued his taste quest.

  He slowly lowered her zipper, kissing and licking each portion of newly bared skin.

  She moaned loudly as his tongue scorched every part of her body it touched. “Terrence?”

  “Hmm.”

  “Um... I don’t... I haven’t... My experience with this is...”

  “It doesn’t matter,” he murmured, still kissing his way down her body. Dropping to his knees, he held the dress so she could step out of it, tossed it on the bench, then caressed her legs. He turned her around, and she shuddered as his heated gaze raked over her. She stood there wearing nothing but a black lace strapless bra, matching bikini panties and her shoes.

  “You are absolutely perfect,” he whispered reverently. “And these shoes are so damn sexy on your feet.” He removed them and kissed his way back up the front of her body.

  “Do I get to undress you?” she asked breathlessly.

  “You can do anything you like.”

  Reaching up, she pushed his jacket off his shoulders and tossed it on the bench with her dress. He held himself still as she pulled his shirt out of his pants and over his head, treating him to the same caresses. After discarding his shirt, she rose on her toes to kiss and lick the tattoo over his heart. His sharp intake of breath emboldened her. But when it came time for his pants, her bravado faded.

  Her hands trembled as she tried to undo his belt. He must have sensed her hesitation, because he gently pushed her hands aside and completed the task. His pants joined the growing pile of their clothing.

  Standing before her wearing nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs, he exuded masculinity in waves. She thought his upper body impressive, but seeing him nearly naked was beyond comprehension. He was fully aroused and huge, making her wonder how they would fit together. But she didn’t have time to dwell on that thought as he picked her up and placed her in the center of the bed. She ceased to think at all when his hands and mouth started their magic again.

  “I can’t get enough of kissing you. Your scent...it’s driving me crazy.” He reached behind her, unfastened her bra and tossed it to the side. Cupping her breasts in his hands, he kneaded and massaged them before bending to take one nipple in his mouth. She moaned loudly. He released one breast and kissed the other while his hand traveled down her flat belly to the softness between her thighs.

  She cried out and arched off the bed at the exquisite pleasure. Janae moved her hands purposely over his chest and arms, finally able to touch him like she wanted, the hard muscles under his smooth skin contracting and flexing beneath her touch. Moving lower, she cupped him through his briefs and heard him moan.

  Kissing her back down onto the bed, he shifted his body to remove her panties. He stood to shed his briefs and don a condom. Coming back to the bed, he moved over her and kissed her once more. Spreading her legs with his knees, he pushed into her
slowly, stopping several times because she was so tight. Once fully sheathed, he remained still, allowing her to adjust to his size.

  “Are you okay, sweetheart?” he asked, moving in and out slowly.

  “Mmm.” The slight pain from his initial entry was quickly replaced by something far more wonderful. She lifted her hips to meet each thrust, keeping pace with the rhythm he’d set. Soon, the pace increased, his thrusts deepened and her body trembled. “Terrence!” Never had making love to a man felt this good...this right.

  “Yeah, sweetheart. I feel it, too,” he murmured, even as he kept up the rhythm. “Open your eyes.” She looked up. “Come for me, baby.”

  His words, coupled with a deep thrust, pushed her over the edge, and her body splintered into a million pieces. She screamed out his name again.

  Lifting her legs higher, he thrust faster and she cried out again. He called out her name right after she screamed his. Before he could recover, a second orgasm overtook him. His body shuddered above hers, and it seemed as if their climax went on forever. Soon, the only sound in the room was their ragged breathing.

  Shifting his weight slightly, he withdrew, lowered his head and kissed her tenderly.

  Several minutes passed before their breathing returned to normal. Then she felt him growing hard against her thigh. Her gaze flew to his.

  He grinned wickedly.

  * * *

  Rolling onto his back, he donned another condom, then pulled her on top of him. “Let’s go for a little ride.”

  Terrence brought her down, inch by exquisite inch, until he was buried to the hilt and moaned deep in his throat at the pleasure of her tight walls squeezing him. He lifted her and guided her back down slowly, repeating the process several times and going deeper each time.

  Her body shook. “Terrence.”

  “What, baby?”

  “What are you doing to me?”

  He thrust again, watching through heavy-lidded eyes as his shaft disappeared inside of her, arousing him further. “I’m making love to you.” He didn’t stop to contemplate his words, just kept up the deliberate strokes.