He kissed her flat stomach, running his fingers across her belly until he finally cupped her mound. Her back arched off the couch, and her hands gripped his head as he bent to taste her just there. Her legs quivered, and he hesitated for a minute. Maybe it was too soon to go this way with her. “Do you want me to stop, baby?”
“No. I’ve never had…”
He blew on her swollen lips. “Relax and enjoy.”
He slid one finger in, enjoying the gasps and moans as she moved her hips to the motion. He found the noises she was making utterly intoxicating. She was tight, so he used his fingers to stretch, placing two fingers inside her slick heat, slowly licking circles around her clit until he could tell she was building an orgasm. Minutes later, her body erupted and shook so hard he placed a hand on her belly to restrain her while his tongue applied pressure to her sensitive areas, drawing out her pleasure.
Her hand went up and covered her eyes. “Weren’t we supposed to talk and not have sex?”
Logan laid his head on her stomach. He felt her heartbeat return to normal. We aren’t having sex. I just wanted to taste you. We can talk now if you want.”
She stroked his hair. “Shouldn’t we finish what we started first?”
“Baby, that was for you. I can wait until you’re sure you want to be with me. No pressure.”
Nikki tugged him by the shoulders until he was facing her. “Thank you, Logan. I know what I want, and it’s you. I hope you aren’t making a mistake by choosing me.”
“Have you ever heard the quote by Crystal Middlemas? Love is like a river; it will cut a new path whenever it meets an obstacle. That will be us, Nikki. We will overcome any obstacles put in our way.”
“I hope so because I like the feelings we’re having right now.”
“Me too, baby. I don’t want to move.”
“Then stay the night with me. We don’t have to do anything but hold each other, Logan.”
“We can do that, but I need a favor first.”
“Anything,” she murmured.
“The damn computer crashed again. Can we swing by there and fix it while I get some clean clothes?”
“Oh, no; you didn’t seduce me to get your computer fixed did you?” She asked him laughing.
“No, I didn’t. The seduction was to get you to see we belong together and it worked.”
“You sly dog,” she said narrowing her eyes at him.
“Yup, and if you don’t get up, I’m gonna start licking you again.”
Chapter Nineteen
Nikki made it to her office without running into Gayle. The cruise was nearing, and that might have her occupied. At last count, half her family members were going. She had made the right choice surrendering her ticket.
The argument with Gayle was as horrible as any argument could be. They were yelling and cursing and hearing Gayle admit she went to Logan and outright lied to him so Nikki would be with Jabari; was the most despicable thing she’d ever done. Nikki understood how much Gayle hated Petra, but Nikki didn’t have any problems with Petra. She had never done anything wrong to make her dislike her.
She turned on the computer. A smile came out of nowhere, and the sun brightened her office. For once, Nikki was happy. Logan made her feel alive and wanted. That was unfamiliar territory for her, but she was willing to work on herself. She would make herself available to Logan emotionally and physically.
“No nagging” was the first rule. He was a busy chef with responsibilities. She had responsibilities also. With Gayle dropping her end of the project, she was now in charge of completing and marketing the software designed to help children advance in math and science. The plan was to have an option for tutoring services that she would provide. But now that Logan was in her life, she’d scratch that option and ask for tutors to step up and help.
What were the odds she’d be happy? It was bad enough she’d gone against her normal behavior and done something crazy like sleeping with a virtual stranger—albeit a sexy one. But with someone like Logan? It really didn’t make any sense.
Without him in her life those few weeks, she was miserable. Jabari was great to hang out with but not the man for her, and she didn’t miss him. She was happy for him—happy his life was going the way he planned.
So it appeared the dream of spending holidays with someone special faded again. She’d been waiting a long time to have a husband or boyfriend surprise her with a Valentine’s Day or Christmas gift.
However, now there was a glimmer of hope. Logan was back, and she planned to keep him around. She had a lot to learn about feelings and sharing, and she was willing to learn. And with God’s help, she was in the running for happiness when he’d suggested again they go out of town. At first, she thought something was wrong with him when he’d asked her before she felt he was pitying her too. But, no—he actually cared about her. He wanted to be with her and had changed his mind about what he wanted in a woman. She had done that to him. What would Judith think about that?
“Hello, Nikki.”
A mellow voice came from the doorway. She turned her chair around, and Mimi was standing in her office. “Mom… I mean Mimi.” Her shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure what to call you anymore.”
Mimi smiled. “I’m still Mom or Mimi if you like. Are you busy?”
“The phone hasn’t started ringing off the hook yet. What brings you by this morning?” It was odd Mimi was there. It was too early for lunch, and Gayle’s cubicle was located on the other side of the floor. Also, she was smiling, so nothing was wrong at home.
“I had to pick up papers from the travel agent and thought I’d stop by to say hello. I haven’t seen or heard from you in weeks. I was worried.”
Nikki ran her hands down the front of her khaki pants. She wore the required uniform that the staff of IT wore this morning. She wasn’t required to wear the blue shirt and khaki pants since she was a department head, but the installation of new wiring was happening on the fortieth floor, and extra hands might be needed. She was a department head that didn’t mind getting dirty.
Guilt would show in her eyes if she looked at Mimi. “Given the circumstances, it was best for me to stay away. It has nothing to do with you, Mom. I thought it’d be weird for me to call with Gayle and me not speaking.”
“Sweetheart, I’m not a part of that. Gayle is my daughter, and I have expressed my anger for what she did to you. I don’t know what is wrong with her these days.”
“She is bossy, and I’m to blame for letting her get away with it.”
Mimi laughed. “She is bossy and controlling, but that does not give her the right to interfere in other people's relationships. Jabari was on the verge of asking Petra to marry him before she butted in. Gayle had no evidence Petra had cheated on him.”
That information was news to her. Even during the argument Gayle never confessed that. “Oh, I wasn’t aware of that, Mom. Is everything okay between them?”
Mimi nodded. “Yes. He was able to repair their relationship, and they will be getting married in November. I hope you’ll be at the wedding since you urged him to get back with her.”
“We’ll see,” she replied.
“Okay, too soon to push that idea,” Mimi said with a chuckle. “How are you doing, Nikki?”
“Great—never better.” That was an actual true statement.
“Don’t be evasive, Nikki; tell me what has you glowing.”
She was bursting at the seams to tell. But other than Gayle, she wasn’t close friends with any other females at the office. On the other hand, Mimi would tell Gayle, which would piss her that she’d confided in her mother.
“Mom, I’ve met a man.” The sentence flowed with feeling from her mouth. “He likes me so much he wants to be exclusive.”
Mimi crossed her legs and shook her head. “You should not be surprised, Nikki. He sees in you what everyone but you can see.”
“That I’m a reclusive nut that secretly hates the world? Other than that, I do no
t put out vibes that read come and get me.”
“Girl, you are a mess. You are a beautiful woman dealt a bad hand. The cards have turned in your favor, Nikki. Baby girl, if you are into this man, then go full steam ahead with him. Have some fun and explore love.”
“How will I know if love hits me? I’ve never been in love or know what it feels like.”
“That’s the advantage you have above everyone else. You’re like a virgin.” Mimi raised her brow. “Are you a virgin? Do you need to ask any questions?”
Nikki’s cheeks burned from the blush. “I’m not a virgin, but I do have questions.”
They both laughed, and it felt good to have that light-hearted interaction with Mimi who didn’t judge her. Mimi wiped her eyes. “I needed that laugh. Seriously, honey; you’ll know when the love bug bites. It will be a feeling you’ve never experienced in your life.”
“I’m excited and scared but willing to see it through. Logan is special, and I get so warm and mushy when he’s around.” Her cell phone vibrated on the desk. It would be rude to pick it up with Mimi sitting there, but it could be work related.
“Well, let me go. I’ve taken up enough of your time, and you are trying to work.”
Nikki stood up and rounded her desk to hug Mimi. “Thank you for the talk. I feel so much better now.”
“I’m so happy for you, and I love you, Nikki. Call me if you need anything.”
Nikki watched Mimi until she reached the exit doors and then scrambled to her desk to get her phone. Swiping it open, she saw that it was a text from Logan.
3302225577: Meet me at my place tonight at nine. Pack an overnight bag.
She smiled at the three heart emojis that followed the message. It was teenager-like, but cute since they were both exploring a new adventure together.
She replied. NGraham: I will see you then.
*****
Nerves caused Nikki to stand outside Logan’s door. She was so nervous about tonight going right. From here on, every move and sound and what she said would mean more than before. She was in an adult relationship. Logan wasn’t a seventeen-year-old high school boy or Chris, who was more introverted than she. Logan was a man with sexual and emotional needs. She had to learn how to satisfy those needs to prevent him from turning to another woman—the type of woman he initially wanted.
Her legs found strength, and she pressed the buzzer. Through the thickness of the door, she heard Logan’s footsteps on the stairs. She inhaled a deep breath; there was no turning back now.
He opened the door and smiled, melting her heart on contact. “Hey, baby. I was getting worried you’d changed your mind,” he said reaching for her overnight bag.
“Sorry, I had to double-check and make sure everything I needed was packed.” He ushered her ahead of him. Walking up the stairs, they seemed endless. The nerves were silly; they’d spent the night together. He had stayed over a few days ago. That was her space. This was the first time she had stayed at his place. She had never been in his bedroom. The living area and kitchen are as far as she’d ventured in the loft.
She walked inside the loft and froze. Candles illuminated a path of red rose petals that led to the couch. Soft music played in the background. It was low, but she recognized the artist as Luther Vandross. How did he know he was one of her favorite artists? The only useful lesson Judith taught her was music. She didn’t care for rap music and preferred soulful R&B.
“I’ll put your bag in the bedroom,” he said in her ear.
When he returned, she was still standing in the same spot. He took her elbow, leading her further into the room. The wood centerpiece had been replaced by a large vase of long-stemmed red roses surrounded by two tall, slender candles. Two crystal champagne flutes with a large strawberry placed in each one soaked up the flavor of the champagne covering them. A gold platter with chocolate dipped strawberries and grapes had her aching to eat them.
Nikki had seen this done on television but never expected it to happen to her. On Valentine’s Day, she would hide at work. The female secretaries and other staff members like Gayle would receive flowers or fruit arrangements from admirers while she got nothing.
“Wow, this is so beautiful.” Her brow wrinkled in confusion. “You did this for me?”
He came up behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. “Yes. It is all for you. Come, enjoy it with me.”
She rushed toward him, and he caught her in his arms, a bundle of soft curves and warm skin. He held her close, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, face pressed against her hair. Nothing had ever felt so good, so right. “All day I’ve missed you. I know that is ridiculous since this is new, but it’s true.” He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Nikki assumed he was inhaling her new fragrance.
Tilting away so she could smile at him, she reached up and touched his cheek. “Yeah, I kind of felt the same way all morning. I kept watching the clock, and the phone worried you’d have to cancel because of an emergency at the restaurant.”
“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away from you tonight.” He turned his head, pressing his lips against her warm palm.
“Oh, I feel special,” Nikki said, both her hands cupped his face, making him look her in the eyes. “You make me feel so special that sometimes I wonder if I deserve it.”
“You’re amazing, and deserve this and whatever else I can do for you.” Dipping his head, he kissed her, her lush lips clinging to his as if never wanting to let go.
He pulled her closer, his burgeoning cock pressing against her lower body, and she smiled against his lips. “You’re rather amazing yourself.” If she had her way, no other woman would ever arouse him as easily as she did.
“I want to feed you.” He grinned, nudging her with his pelvis, and her eyes widened with cloudy desire.
“I love chocolate and strawberries.”
He sat on the couch, bringing her down on his lap. “I made them myself.” Grabbing a strawberry, he inserted it in her mouth.
“Mm, delicious.” The sweet chocolate and tart strawberry exploded in her mouth, marrying the flavors. She took the strawberry from him and placed it up to his mouth. “Your turn.”
He opened his mouth and took a big bite. With a raised brow, he said, “I’ve made these hundreds of times, but they have never tasted as good as they do now.”
He kissed her, his tongue parting her lips, sweeping within her mouth. Nikki tasted the sweetness of the chocolate. She moaned, her mouth opening wider to accept his invading tongue.
Logan broke off the kiss and reached for the champagne glasses, handing one to her. “To us and new beginnings. I see myself falling deeply in love with you, Nikki Graham. Salute,” he said clinking his glass against hers.
She felt a warmth spread over her like a blanket. It didn’t scare her but embraced every muscle in her body. If it was love, Lord help her. “Salute,” she replied.
Nikki drank the champagne. It had a hint of strawberry flavor. So delicious, just like the man serving it to her.
His hair was raked back from his forehead, so dark it glistened under the dim candlelight.
Breathing deeply, she allowed her hand to travel down his shirt. The buttons on the front of his shirt actually strained; he was so broad. Nikki wondered what he’d do if she ripped it open. Her mouth literally watered at the thought. This was not normal for her, especially since she did not know him a month ago.
A force guided her to lean back on his chest and kiss his neck. A spicy, purely masculine scent wafted from him, and she breathed deeply, unsure if she’d be able to survive the night smelling him. Intoxicating is what he was. Intoxicating to look at, intoxicating to smell, and intoxicating when he made love to her.
“I think we’ve had enough treats for now. Let’s move this to the back room. I have another surprise.”
Nikki put her arms around his neck. “My poor heart can’t take any more surprises, Logan. This is like Valentine’s Day in July.”
“I’m a romantic, Nikki.
I haven’t had a woman to spoil in a long time.” He led her into the master bathroom and opened the door.
Nikki’s knees buckled at the sight of the large soaker tub surrounded by candles. The same music streamed into the bathroom. She turned and looked at him. “Pinch me! This can’t be real; this is not my life.”
She didn’t resist as he started to remove her clothes. “Believe it. My promise is to make you smile. It’s impossible for me to do it every day but I will try my best to have you smiling more than frowning.”
Chapter Twenty
After making love, Nikki watched as Logan relaxed beside her. She knew they had no plans for tonight and wondered if Logan was going downstairs to the restaurant. She had been at his apartment for a few days now, and he hardly stayed at the restaurant until ten. She expected to finish her software while he was at work but that wasn’t the case.
Rolling onto her side, she slid her leg over his, running her hands over his bare chest.
She watched as his eyes heated. “Nikki?”
“Shhh.” She put her fingers over his mouth and then ran her lips and tongue over his chest, enjoying rolling her tongue over his flat nipples until they peaked, much like he’d have hers. She nibbled on them with her teeth, and his hands went into her hair, trying to hold her still.
She moved lower down his stomach, enjoying the play of muscles that ran down across each rib and over his muscular stomach. She loved his sexy six-pack and couldn’t stop playing her fingers over the definition of his abs.
“Are you staying home tonight?” She traced the line down the middle of his chest.
“Mmm, yup,” he moaned. “We hired another chef last week.”
“You did. I’m surprised you can tear yourself away and give up control.”
“Ron and I work hard and need time away from the rat race. He has a marriage to keep together, and I want to keep you happy.”
Text 'Yes' if You Love Me Page 15