by Posey Parks
“Is that what you wanted?”
“No. I’ve never flirted with a man.”
“You did a great job.”
“You probably never talked to a black woman before. I doubt you would have struck up a conversation with me.”
“I think it was good you got my attention. You are right, I wouldn’t have approached you. I think it’s apparent I really like you. Was your first boyfriend white?”
“No, he was black.”
Her eyes softened. “Jeff, you are attractive and I was attracted to you. I now understand how hard it is for guys to approach a woman. You don’t know if they are in a relationship, if she’s crazy, or even interested.”
“I’m thankful to the high heavens you took the leap because I’m definitely interested.” Pulling her lips into mine, I squeezed her waist.
Sierra pushed me back, eyes still closed, with a cute smile upon her lips.
“What are you afraid of Sierra?”
Her eyes slowly opened. “Everything, I…really like you.”
She slid back to her side of the booth.
Just as I was about to speak the waitress reappeared.
“I wanted to give you both some time. Are you ready to order?”
We opened our menus. “Can you give us a few minutes?” Sierra smiled.
“Sure.”
Silently, we scrolled the menus.
The waitress approached the table again this time taking our order.
Sierra turned her attention to me. “So, how was your day?”
“Shorter than yesterday. Today I checked behind the guys on their floor by floor inspection. Yesterday, my partner Kyle and I discussed a bid for a job we need. I’ve been on pins and needles waiting to hear back. I sent Kyle with some pretty good terms, I hope it will win us that bid.”
“I really hope your company wins the bid. I understand how stressful it can be waiting for a company to make their decision.”
“Thanks.”
I peeked over at her. “Kyle said he’s noticed I’ve been in good spirits lately and wondered did it have anything to do with the woman on my screensaver.”
Sierra’s eyes grew in size, slamming her fist into my arm.
“Jeff, why did you do that? I thought you were playing around.”
A wide grin spread across my lips. “I told you I was going to make it my screen saver. You’ll have to come to the job site. I would love to show you around.”
She smiled. “I’d love that too.”
The look in her eyes told me she was genuinely excited to see the work we’ve put in. I know I shouldn’t compare the women in my life, Lindsay never wanted to see what I was working on. I’ll never forget showing her my first job site. She said, “I’m proud of you. Finally, we will have some money. I’ve never been poor before. No disrespect, but I hate it!”
While we struggled to make a living, I mean I struggled to make a living, she was self-absorbed.
“I get a hard hat, right?” Her shoulders raised in a comforting way.
“Yes, you do.”
She slid next to me just as the servers brought our food. Lightly, she ran her fingers through my thick brown hair. A calming sensation came over me. One I hadn’t felt in a long time. I felt at peace. I hope she’s the one. Her eyes lit up as our meals were placed in front of us.
We dug into our dishes.
“Um that is good.”
“It is,” I stated.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
JEFF
I persuaded Sierra to let me drive us to Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. We walked along the waterfront.
The night air was perfect.
“I can’t remember if I told you Kyle remains out front for our business. I am more so the brains behind our operation. Kyle enjoys making deals and interacting with the media. Me on the other hand…”
I stopped walking, facing her.
“I don’t like the media. Under any circumstances will I ever go to a benefit, meet the mayor, or do a news interview.”
I ran my hand over my beard. “I know you were used to the lime light. The media followed you everywhere you went. Hypothetically, if we were ever to be in a relationship and we were invited to a benefit, I couldn’t attend with you.”
Sierra tugged on my lapels, gazing into my eyes. “What if we went and we didn’t take pictures or talk to the media?”
“Shit, for you I might.”
“Good, its settled. You will still go to benefits with me, but we will arrive in separate cars, and you can wear sunglasses all night.”
“Oh, is that so.”
“Yes, I love talking to you and even more I love spending time with you.”
“I love spending time with you too baby.”
Sierra leaned up, pressing her beautiful pink lips against mine.
She stepped back, continuing to stare into my brown eyes. “I’m going to be blunt. Your ex-wife may have never cared to know the real reason you can’t be in pictures that may appear in the newspaper, however, I do. Don’t lie to me and tell me you don’t like taking pictures. You’re hiding something Jeff. Please don’t force me to pull back the way I feel about you, because of your past. But if you take too long to tell me about Jersey I will have to walk away.”
Sierra began walking along the water front alone.
My eyebrows scrounged together. “Do you know something about me you’re not telling me?”
She turned on her heels. “What?”
I stepped closer to her. “You approached me in the grocery store. You picked up on my accent when no one else in all the years I’ve lived here has.”
Her head turned to the side as her eyes narrowed at me. “What the fuck?!”
She stepped back. “It’s over! I don’t want to get to know you! For you to insinuate I know who the fuck you really are. Mr. Secrets! I don’t want to get to know you!”
The tears streamed down her face. “Now I regret ever speaking to you in the grocery store.”
“Sierra, I apologize!”
“Don’t bother. I don’t want your shity apology.”
“Sierra! Sierra!”
Jogging to catch up with her, I grabbed her arm. “I’ll drive you back to your car.”
“No, I can Uber.”
I pulled her by her arm, unlocked the passenger truck door, swooped her up, placing her inside.
She sat with her arms folded staring out into space.
Fuck! Why did I do that? I’m so afraid to let another woman in my life I fucking sabotaged us. I know I only want her in my life. Yeah, what I just did accusing her of knowing who I am wasn’t right.
We drove down the street in silence.
The second we pulled in front of the restaurant, she tried jumping out. I locked the door.
“I want to tell you who I am, but if I tell you I could loss you.”
Her arms remained folded. “You already lost me.”
“Sierra, hear me out it’s not that simple. I’m sorry for accusing you of knowing who I am. But I have been in hiding for years. I witnessed something years ago. To keep everyone safe I disappeared from my life. It’s safer that I remain hidden.”
Her once cold eyes, now worried ones turned to me. “Jeff, it sounds a little scary. Why are you telling me this?”
“Truthfully, I trust you. I accused you of knowing my secret because I was afraid. Afraid of falling in love again. After my wife cheated on me, I swore off women. I haven’t had sex in a year. When you spoke to me in the store, it felt like a second chance. You were the beautiful breath of fresh air I needed. I like you a lot. I don’t want to let you go. If it were up to me I’d spend all night with you just talking.”
I grabbed her hand, pulling her closer. Our lips met. “Do you still want me to leave you alone?”
My hand breezed around the side of her neck as my lips took hers again and again.
“Tell me you will let me take you out Saturday afternoon?”
She moaned against my
lips.
My lips slipped, kissing the side of her neck.
I glanced at her. “Baby, are you going to answer me?”
Her gorgeous grey eyes stared into mine.
“Yes.”
“Good. Sierra, I want to spend every free moment I have with you. I need to hear your voice before I go to sleep at night.”
“Jeff, that’s sweet.”
“Sierra, it’s true.”
My nose rubbed against hers. “You have no idea how fast I’m falling for you.”
Sierra sat back straight against the passenger seat.
“You know what, I will follow you. I just want to know you and the kids are in the house safe.”
“Jeff, you don’t have to.”
“I need to. It will make me feel better, knowing you are safe.”
“Ok.” She smiled.
Sierra slipped out my truck then into hers.
If I would have lost Sierra. I wouldn’t have stopped until I got her back in my life. I need her. For the first time in a long time, I feel admired and appreciated.
Once Sierra and her children were in the house, I waited in the driveway until she called me.
“I’m all set.”
“Did you walk around the house? I would do it for you, but we both know I can’t because of the kids. So, pacify me.”
“Ok, I’m walking.”
I watched the lights turn on then off from room to room.
The side door opened, Sierra appeared.
Hopping out of my truck, I walked toward her.
I stepped inside the door. “I can sleep good tonight knowing you all are safe.”
“Thanks, it felt good having you here. So many times, I would come into the dark house feeling uneasy, not knowing if someone could be in my home.”
“I have a solution. I’m going to have a few of my guys come over, set up security cameras and place your lights on timers. The security system can be accessed from an app on your cell. You will always be able to see every room of your house before even walking inside.”
She smiled. “I love it! How much do you think that will cost?”
“No, you don’t have to worry about the cost.”
She shook her head from side to side. “I can’t let you do that.”
“Sierra, it’s a gift.”
Sliding my hands around her waist, my lips pulled hers into mine. Her arms slipped around my neck. I felt her nipples protruding through her dress against my chest I wanted to fuck her bad. Slowly, I stepped back.
“Goodnight Sierra.”
I walked back to my truck, sat inside, waiting for her to close the door. I have a special day planned for Sierra Saturday.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
SIERRA
Emoni dressed me well for my date with Jeff. When I was married I had a style team, who picked out my wardrobe and styled me for events. The kids were excited to play Emoni’s new dance game.
Pulling up outside the restaurant, I didn’t expect to see Jeff waiting. I wasn’t late. Every day, I feel we get closer and closer. Not sure what drives me to run my fingers through his hair, but I can’t help myself. The dimly lit setting in the restaurant was romantic. Dinner was perfect. Still can’t believe the man I flirted with is in to me.
It was a nice touch walking along the waterfront. I felt at peace. Then he accused me of conspiring against him. What! All because I picked up on his Jersey accent. Shit, it’s not my fault no one else picked up on it. The handsome mysterious ones always have a secret. I was shocked and pissed all at once. How dare him. Getting far away from him is what I needed to do. I was embarrassed. I felt belittled. Taking that kind of leap to approach him in the grocery store was difficult. I’m a divorced woman now single mother with two kids, I don’t have time to spy on someone.
Jeff ran getting my attention placing me inside his truck. I didn’t want to argue anymore. I wanted to be far away from him. He hurt me.
Jeff admitting, he was scared to start over was a relief. I began to relax just a little until he told me he was hiding from his past. Shit, who the fuck did I get mixed up with. However, I don’t know how to leave him alone. The way he took my lips repeatedly made me wet. I wanted him badly. This man with a dark past is slowly letting me into his life, revealing things to me, he hasn’t even shared with his ex-wife.
Do I want to know more? Sounds like he witnessed something dangerous. I hope it isn’t something that would put me and my children in danger. I don’t want to stop seeing him. I only want to be with him. If only he could have fucked me up against the wall, he could have ended my year-long sex draught. After only knowing me for a week, he’s already ensuring my safety. I’m giddy with hopefulness with this man. Lying here in my bed, staring up at the ceiling, I wonder what it would be like waking up to Jeff every day. Gosh, I’m moving too fast, I need to slow down.
My cell phone buzzed.
Glancing at the screen, brought a smile to my face.
Jeff sent me a text message.
Good night Sierra. Talk to you tomorrow beautiful.
I could just picture him saying beautiful with his thick New Jersey accent.
Shit, he’s sexy!
∞
Thursday was a busy day. Jeff and I talked on my way to work. Then again on my way to pick up the kids from the afterschool program.
Getting the kids bathed, packed and ready for their trip to their fathers Friday, is what I worked on that evening. The kids and I played their favorite board game, ‘Sorry’ before bed. I was exhausted. I woke up on the couch around 1 a.m. My bed was calling my name. I wished I could sleep in until 10 a.m. However, I was up at 8 a.m. saying my goodbyes to my favorite little people.
Shana gripped my neck tight. “Mommy loves you.”
Jason kissed my cheek. “Mommy, come too!”
I held them tighter in my arms as I kneeled next to the Suburban.
Holding back the tears, I smiled.
“You guys are going to have the best time with your daddy!”
“Be sure to call me this weekend.”
“Ok mommy!” they chimed as they climbed into the truck.
I stood in the driveway watching as the chauffeur drove down the street headed toward Seattle. The wind blew through my hair as the sun shined in the sky, yet it was nippy out this morning. I scurried back into the house, climbing into the shower, so I could head to work. I was more exhausted than usual, probably because I never go out with friends or on dates during the week, since I have to be at work early in the morning.
After cleaning four buildings today, I needed a drink. Sitting on my drafty screened in back porch, I drank two glasses of wine while Jeff’s guys installed a state of the art security system. Jeff insisted on sending them over after I got off work. A smile crept upon my lips. All I think about is him. I want to feel his lips kiss more than mine. I want to feel them all over my body.
Damn, am I horny or what? Maybe it’s just Jeff. That day in the grocery store, I fantasized about his lips taking mine. You can imagine to my surprise that small fantasy coming true, what else could come true.
“Mrs. Crawford. Mrs. Crawford.”
I snapped back to reality.
“Yes.” I turned smiling.
“We are done installing the security system.”
I wonder if I look flush. Here I am fantasizing about their boss.
I stood to my feet. “Great!”
“Our boss should be here in about twenty minutes. He will show you how it works.”
I followed him to the side door.
“Our team cleaned up. You have a nice afternoon Mrs. Crawford.”
“Thanks, again.”
I closed the door, falling against it, recollecting what he just said. Jeff is coming here.
“Shit!” My hand flew over my mouth then slid down over my breast.
I told Jeff my kids would be gone for the weekend. I know I keep day dreaming about him, but I don’t want anything to happen between us yet. I’m
going to take a quick shower. I don’t want to smell like cleaning supplies when he arrives.
After my quick shower, I moisturized my body quickly. My phone wrung. I hit the speaker button. “Hello.”
“Hey Sierra. I’m running a little behind. I had to pick up my kids from school and drop them off at their grandparents. I am going to grab us a bite to eat. I should be there in thirty minutes.”
“Sounds good. See you soon.”
I disconnected the call. Didn’t make sense to tell Jeff he didn’t have to pick up dinner because he is going to do what he wants. I took a deep breath. Standing in the mirror naked, curling my hair, my eyes scanned my body landing on my stretch marks. Laser treatments helped some, however they are still noticeable. I wonder what Jeff will think about them. Whenever we have sex, I’ll turn the lights off.
Finally, I’m done. Jeans and an off the shoulder baby blue t-shirt is all I’m dressed in. I figured I’d down play my look. I wouldn’t want Jeff to think I dressed extra special for him. My long hair brimmed down my back. Once in the kitchen I lit a vanilla candle.
The doorbell rang. I rushed across the floor in my pink furry socks. I need a pedicure. Something I haven’t had in a year. There is no way I’m letting this man see my feet.
The second I opened the door, his warm smile greeted me. My heart beat a thousand times a second. My hands became clammy. There is something about this man in his construction gear.
Jeff opened the screen door, stepping inside.
“Hello beautiful.” Jeff closed the door behind him.
Even though I’m tall, I appeared a little shorter than before minus my stilettos. Jeff pulled me against his chest. He smelled delicious. I didn’t want to let him go. However, I knew it would appear odd me clinging to him for dear life.
I stepped back. “Follow me.”
Jeff placed the large bag on the kitchen counter. My pussy lips felt slippery wet. Being in Jeff’s presence in this large house alone, oh the things we could do.
“Do you mind if I walk around? I want to check the guys’ work.”
“No, go right ahead. I’ll unload the bag. I’m curious to see what you bought us for dinner.” I smiled.