She was caught off guard when the woman leaned down and embraced her. “Hello.”
“Terrence had an emergency meeting this morning, so I volunteered to meet you. Believe me, he was not happy.” She laughed. “If you’ll follow me, we can board.”
“How did you recognize me?”
“Oh, I saw the picture of you and Terrence from the concert.”
Who else had seen the picture? And who was this woman? They went through a door, then boarded a plane much smaller than what she was used to. A flight attendant and pilot welcomed her. She took in the plush chairs and love seats that would comfortably seat about twenty people and an area in the back with a table and two chairs.
“Sit anywhere you like,” Audrey said. She spoke to the attendant before taking the seat across the aisle from Janae.
Janae nervously wrung her hands as they lifted off. She glanced out the window and prayed she had made the right decision in going to Los Angeles. She’d debated whether to tell anyone about the trip, but ended up telling Karen and Devin. Devin threatened to be on the next flight if he didn’t hear from her by six.
She and Audrey didn’t talk much during the flight, and soon, the pilot announced it was time to land. Taking a deep breath, she tried to shut her brain off. All these thoughts and speculating what would happen with Terrence were driving her crazy. She felt Audrey’s hand on her arm.
“Are you okay, Janae?”
“I’m fine,” she lied, hoping Audrey couldn’t tell. She could.
“Don’t worry. Everything will work out.”
They deplaned, exited the airport and got into a waiting car. She stared out at the passing scenery, noticing that things looked a lot like home with all the buildings and traffic. Although she had to confess that the traffic was a bit heavier here. The freeway was crowded, even though commuter hours had passed. The driver dropped them off, and Audrey escorted her to the elevator and up to the sixth floor.
“RC Productions is located on floors six through eight,” Audrey said. “The administrative offices are on six, Artist Development, Publicity, Promotions, Art on seven, and three recording studios on eight.”
They exited the elevators and started down a hall. Audrey stopped at a door marked Human Resources. “Here’s my stop. It was very nice meeting you, Janae. I’ll see you soon. Keep straight down this hall and make a right at the end. You’ll come to double doors—that’s Terrence’s office.”
“Okay. Thank you. It was nice to meet you, too, Audrey.” Janae continued down the hall and fell in step behind two women. She couldn’t help but hear their conversation.
“Girl, being in Monte’s office this week is finally paying off,” the first woman said excitedly.
“What happened?” the other woman asked.
“He told me we were going to have a two-hour lunch and asked me to transfer the phones to the receptionist’s desk.”
“So. That doesn’t mean anything.”
They stopped next to an office door. “Then he had me order lunch for two with flowers and everything. I’m on my way to the bathroom to get myself together. That’s why I wore this dress today. I knew it would get his attention.”
They both giggled, and Janae’s steps faltered. Was that why he wanted her to come here? To tell her it was over? He could have done that when he stopped by. She realized she was the biggest fool on earth, and decided this was not worth all the drama. She was about to turn around and leave when Donovan came out of the office where she still stood.
He stared after the women for a moment and chuckled, shook his head and mumbled something that sounded like, “That woman is out of her mind.” He’d obviously heard the last part of the conversation. He turned and noticed Janae. “Hey, Janae. Girl, I’m so glad to see you.”
“Hi, Donovan,” she said, trying to keep her emotions in check.
He frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t do this. Can you tell Terrence it’s over? I have to go.”
“What? Why? Are you talking about those two women?”
He must have read the answer in her face.
“Janae, trust me when I tell you the woman is delusional. Terrence is not planning anything with her.”
“I can’t play these games.” She pivoted on her heel and stormed off.
“Janae. Wait,” he called after her. “Don’t leave. Talk to him.”
She successfully made it to the elevator without crying and slapped the button. “Come on, come on,” she muttered.
It seemed like forever before the doors opened. She stepped on with the other people and prayed she’d make it out of the building before completely losing it.
* * *
Terrence glanced up as Donovan rushed through his door. “What’s wrong, D?”
“Janae is leaving. You need to go get her.”
“What are you talking about?” he asked with alarm.
“She overheard Trina telling another employee that this lunch date was with her.”
“How in the hell did she think that?” Terrence growled.
“I don’t know. But you’d better go get your woman. I’ll take care of Ms. Jackson.”
Terrence sprinted out of the office and down the hall. He bypassed the elevator and went for the stairs, taking them two at a time. He burst through the door and searched the lobby frantically, then spotted Janae walking rapidly toward the front door. His long strides ate up the distance, and he caught her just as she reached the door. It felt like déjà vu, but this time, he planned for a different outcome.
“Janae. Where are you going?”
She spoke without turning around. “I can’t play these games, Terrence.”
“I’m not playing any games with you. Please turn around.” He laid a hand on her arm, and she slowly turned. The tears standing in her eyes caused a pain deep in his soul.
“Baby, I promise I’m not playing games. I don’t know why Ms. Jackson thought I would be having lunch with her. Yes, I had her make the reservations, and yes, I told her to take a two-hour lunch. I didn’t want anyone in the office while you and I talked. The lunch is for us.”
She stared up at him wordlessly.
“Please come back with me so we can talk. If you still want to leave after I’ve had my say, I’ll take you right back to the airport.”
It took her a few moments, but she agreed. “Fine.”
“Thank you.” He really wanted to seal their agreement with a kiss, but held back. “Was your flight okay? I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.”
“It was good. I’ve never flown on a private plane before, and Audrey is very nice.”
“She’s the only woman I trusted to bring you here. I’ve known her since my sophomore year in college, and she’s been like a big sister to me.”
“I’m glad you had someone.”
Once they reached his floor, he escorted her into his office, closed the door and gestured her to the couch, where he joined her. Now that they were alone, he had no idea where to start. This would make or break their relationship.
“I don’t know where to begin. I feel like I’m on my first date.”
Janae sat with her arms folded across her chest, her expression still guarded. Finally, her features softened and she said, “Tell me what’s in here.”
She placed her hand on his heart, and the pace quickened. He covered her hand with his, then lifted it to his lips. “For so long, I’ve lived my life thinking that if I didn’t fall in love or commit to a woman, then she couldn’t walk out on me. I let my mother’s selfishness dictate how I viewed relationships, and in doing so, messed up the most beautiful thing in my life—being with you.” He lifted her chin and held her gaze. “I love you, Janae.”
“You love me?”
“Yes, more than anything.”
; “What about your music? You told me music was your only passion, your only love.”
He smiled faintly. “For a long time, that was true. Now I’ve found a greater passion, a greater love—you. I want to be with you, Janae. Do you want to be with me?”
A tear slid down her cheek, and she nodded. “Yes. I love you, too.”
Hearing her words filled his heart.
“I tried not to,” she confessed. “But I couldn’t help it.”
“I’m glad. I think I fell in love with you the first time I held your hand at the concert. There was something about you.” He leaned close enough for their breaths to mingle. “May I?” When she nodded, he touched his lips gently to hers, teasing, nibbling, until her lips parted. His tongue charged into her mouth and swept every area, eliciting a soft moan from her. He pulled her closer and brought his hands up to frame her face. “I missed kissing this sweet mouth,” he whispered against her lips, before kissing her again.
Janae eased back, breathing harshly. “How are we going to do this, living in different cities?”
“I’m working on that.” She arched an eyebrow and he smiled. He reached for her hand. Taking the bracelet from his pocket, he fastened it around her wrist. “Now it’s back where it belongs.”
She glanced down at her arm, then back up at him with a smile.
“Are you ready to eat? Our lunch should be delivered in a few minutes.”
“What are you up to, Terrence?” she asked, angling her head to one side.
“Nothing. Do you have anything planned this weekend?”
“No.”
“Will you stay here and let me take you home on Sunday?”
“I didn’t bring anything with me.”
“We can go shopping for whatever you need. And you can shop wherever you want,” he added when she started to protest. “Think about it. I’m going to call about our food.”
* * *
Janae thought about his offer while wandering around the large office space viewing the various gold and platinum records hanging on the walls. She couldn’t believe he loved her and wanted to be with her. She wanted the same thing, but didn’t see how it could work logistically. First, they lived on opposite ends of the state, and second, he was famous and in the spotlight and she would rather fly under the radar. One of them would have to relocate.
She loved her job and knew he felt the same about his. Not to mention his record company and grandparents were here. Did he expect her to give up her job and move? Maybe she was making things more complicated than they really were, and Terrence didn’t seem to be bothered by it. She wished she could talk this out with someone, preferably somebody other than him. As far as staying the weekend, she had no problem with it...as long as he stayed in control when they went shopping. She stopped in front of the painting she’d given him.
“It looks good on my wall, doesn’t it?” he asked, coming up behind her and circling his arms around her waist.
“It does.”
“I’ve gotten many compliments on it. Everyone wants to know who the artist is and if there are more paintings like this one.”
She turned in his arms and stared up at him. “What did you tell them?”
“I told them it was an exclusive. After lunch, I’ll show you around. Then I want to take you to meet my grandparents.”
She agreed, but apprehension gripped her again. What kind of woman would they expect him to bring home?
* * *
Terrence drove up to a property and pressed a button, and the gate opened. He parked in a three-car garage next to an SUV, hopped out, then came around to assist her.
“This is beautiful,” she said of the two-story stone-and-stucco structure.
They entered the front door, and Janae’s hand flew to her mouth. She could feel the warmth surrounding the place. “Now, this is a home.”
He chuckled. “I’ll give you a tour later. Let’s go meet my grandparents.”
“Where are they?” She followed him through a large kitchen. “Nice kitchen. Looks like you spend a lot of time in here.”
“I do. I had a cottage built for them, and it connects through this breezeway.”
“That’s really cool. You both can have privacy, but still be close.”
“Exactly. Although I’ve never needed privacy...until now. Grandpa! Grandma! Where are you?” he called.
“We’re in the kitchen, baby,” his grandmother called back.
“I have someone I want you guys to meet.”
His grandparents turned with stunned gazes, and the teacup his grandmother held slipped unnoticed from her hands. The crashing sound brought them around.
Janae rushed over to his grandmother. “Oh, my goodness. Are you all right?”
“I... Yes, dear.”
Janae stooped down to pick up the pieces. “Terrence, don’t just stand there. Get some paper towels and help me clean this up.”
He smiled and shared a look with his grandparents. Grabbing some paper towels, he squatted next to Janae and helped clean up the mess. Standing, he took her hand. “Grandpa, Grandma, I want you to meet Janae Simms. Janae, these are the two most special people in my life, Ray and Eleanor Campbell.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Janae said. “Terrence has told me lots of good things about you.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Janae,” his grandfather said, reaching out to shake her hand.
“I’m very happy to meet you, Janae,” his grandmother echoed, and brought her in for a warm embrace. “Terrence hasn’t told me one thing about you, so we’ll have to get to know one another. How did you two meet?”
“We met at his concert in San Francisco.”
A smile bloomed on her face. “So you’re the one who gave Terrence the paintings. They’re magnificent. Are you a full-time artist?”
“No. I teach a fourth-and fifth-grade special education class. I paint for relaxation.”
“It takes a special person to be a teacher. You’re going to make a wonderful granddaughter, isn’t she, Ray?”
“Most definitely, Ellie,” he answered enthusiastically.
Janae’s eyes widened. “I... We....”
Terrence cut in. “Uh, I’m gonna give her a tour of the house. We’ll see you guys later.” He hustled Janae out of the cottage before his grandparents could say another word.
* * *
While putting on her pajamas, Janae reminisced on the whirlwind day. She and Terrence had shopped, then shared dinner with his grandparents. They were wonderful, and she could feel the love between them and their grandson.
Shaking her head, she recalled the text she’d received from Devin saying he was five minutes away from getting on a flight. Honestly, she had forgotten to call, but assured him everything was fine. It wasn’t until Terrence talked to him that he backed off. She had also called Karen and told her about the many dilemmas she faced. Karen told her to stop worrying and reminded Janae that she could find a teaching position anywhere, especially with her background.
Walking out of the bedroom and down the stairs, she went to find Terrence. Not finding him in the kitchen or family room, she meandered through the house, peeking into rooms again, and then she heard the music. She followed the sound until she came to his studio at the back of the house. Janae pushed the partially closed door open and found him tinkering on the piano.
His head came up, and he smiled. “Hey.”
“Are you busy? I don’t want to disturb you.”
“Nah. I’m just fooling around. Come on in.”
She closed the door and strolled over to where he sat. “Play something for me.”
He played one of his songs, segued into a jazz number, then launched into the blues. Her mouth dropped when he played a piece by Chopin. He held her
spellbound as his fingers flew over the keys like a classically trained pianist.
“That was absolutely amazing. Was classical music your concentration in college?”
“No. I only took a couple of classes.”
“Like I said, you’re a certified genius.” She laughed at the embarrassed expression that crossed his face. “So, are you working on songs for your new album?”
“Actually, I haven’t been able to concentrate since things got messed up with us.”
“Well, now that we’re straightened out, your creative juices should start to flow again. I don’t want to stand in the way of getting my advance copy,” she added with a giggle. “Sooo, whatcha got?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
He stood and went over to a complicated-looking system. “This is the last song I wrote. It’s only the music for now—the words haven’t come to me yet. Tell me what you think.” Terrence pressed a few buttons, and the music filled the room.
Janae closed her eyes, leaned her head back and listened. Soon, the slow, deep bass pulsed through her body. “It’s very sensual...almost erotic,” she breathed.
* * *
Her words instantly aroused Terrence. He came up behind her and trailed kisses over the exposed column of her neck. His hands came around, searched beneath her top and massaged her breasts. Her low moans fueled his need, and he spun her around, his head descending and crushing her mouth in a passionate kiss. He tore his mouth away and whipped her shirt over her head, then bent low and sucked hard on a nipple. He dropped to his knees, stripped away her shorts and latched on to her core.
She cried out sharply. “Terrence! Please.”
She tried to back away, but he tightened his grasp on her thighs. “Not until I get my fill.” He stroked her deeper, twirling and sliding his tongue throughout her wetness. “You taste so sweet, baby,” he murmured.
The pleasurable sounds coming from her mouth were like the melody to his favorite song. He slid two fingers into her heat, and she climaxed. He clamped his mouth down on her and didn’t let up until the last spasm left her body.
He stood and kissed her hungrily while holding her trembling body. Terrence released her, turned her to face the piano and placed her hands on top. He removed a condom from his wallet, then rid himself of his pants and underwear. Tearing open the packet, he rolled it over his erection, came up behind her and kissed his way down her back while caressing the firm flesh of her butt. He angled her hips, bent his knees and gritted his teeth as he eased into her. The feel of her tightness surrounding him heightened his arousal. He planted his feet and set a strong rhythm, pumping in and out of her with deep, measured strokes.
Just to Be with You Page 19