“Yes. Go ahead.”
“Are you aware that Chris was incarcerated?” I leaned back in my chair.
“I had no idea.”
“He has an extensive rap sheet for running Ponzi Schemes.”
There was a gasp on the line. “I’m such an old fool.”
“Your age can be debatable, but, Dolores, I’ve known you for years and you are far from a fool.” I lost my serious tone and smiled to lighten the mood.
“I’m so glad I have you on my side.”
I clicked off the file. “I’m just doing my job.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I ended the call and then dialed the number of my other client who left a message. The voicemail picked up. “Hello, Karen Norman. This is Jennifer Ross returning your call. You can reach me on the office phone or by email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing back from you.” I hung up and looked at the pink slip of paper for the number to the next person.
After pulling up my new client file and scanning what Kathy prefilled in, I dialed the number.
“Cynthia speaking,” a woman answered.
“Hello, Cynthia. This is Jennifer Ross, and I’m returning your phone call regarding your inquiry about investment strategies.” I leaned back in my seat, getting into full business mode. The name rang a bell. Facebook. Yes. Now I know why I had the friend request. I would be sure to add her soon.
“Yes, that’s correct. I’ve recently come into a lump sum of money and want to be smart about it.”
I nodded. “Then you’ve contacted the right person. My assistant, Kathy, already asked you some basic questions. The next step is for a meeting for me to review your finances and look into the investments you’re thinking about.”
“Okay.”
I could tell from the tone of her voice she was ready to get started. “What time of the day works best for you?”
“Late evening.”
Scanning my Microsoft calendar, I saw I didn’t have an opening until two weeks. “How does the twenty-fifth sound? It will give you time to get your paperwork together.”
“Sounds great.” Her voice was perky.
An alert popped up as a reminder of my rescheduled counseling session. I’d forgotten about the switch. “Okay. I’ll mark you down, and Kathy will send you a confirmation email along with a list of the items you’ll need to bring. I look forward to seeing you.”
“I’m looking forward to it as well. Bye now.”
I ended the call and grabbed my purse. Thankfully, my alerts were always an hour early. I had enough time to drive to the counselor’s office and find a parking spot.
“Kathy, I have to leave early and will be out the rest of the day,” I said, passing her.
“I saw the appointment and was confused by you coming in at all. I’ll hold down the fort. See you tomorrow.” She held the phone to her chest as she spoke.
Making a mental note to remind her to use the mute button, I continued out the door. An hour and fifteen minutes later, I sat next to my husband on a couch being asked personal questions.
Dr. Patrick’s blue eyes looked over the rim of her glasses at me. “How are the date nights going?”
“Great,” I said.
She raised her eyebrows at me.
Heat rose to my cheeks. “Yes, we are having sex, Dr. Patrick. Not the boring sex we used to have but hot passionate sex.”
Daniel looped his fingers through mine. “I agree. It’s far from boring.”
A smile spread across her face. “I’m glad you’re making progress. Now, are you also being spontaneous?”
Was me showing up at my husband’s office and giving him a blow job spontaneous enough for you?
“Yes, we are.” I’d leave the details of it for me and my husband. Doctor or not, I was not about to let another woman know the down and dirty of our sex life. I didn’t want them getting any ideas. She wasn’t married, and Daniel was handsome, and mine.
“Good. Have you utilized the sexual position book I suggested?”
I was embarrassed the first time she said it and more embarrassed now because yes, I’d secretly been reading it. The temperature in the room seemed to elevate.
Both she and Daniel looked at me. A huge grin spread across his face. He now knew where the new positions had come from. I hadn’t told him I’d bought the book.
“From both of your reactions, I’d take that as a yes.”
The timer went off.
“That completes today’s session.” We stood up to leave. “Sheila will set your appointment for two weeks from now. See you then.”
Daniel held out his hand for me to walk in front of him. He closed Dr. Patrick’s office door and grabbed me by the arm, pulling me to him. His eyes were filled with lust. “You little minx.”
I gave him a sly grin right before his lips covered mine. My hand wrapped around the back of his head, and I pulled him in closer as his tongue danced in my mouth.
“Unt um,” Sheila cleared her throat.
We pulled apart. I felt like a teenager again and couldn’t hold my head up to meet hers.
“Go straight home and be ready for me,” Daniel said. “I’ll finish up here.”
I left him, sped home, and prepared. Removing my clothes, I waited on him by the door. He came home and wasted no time joining me.
Chapter Seven
I took a deep breath and smoothed down my dress as I walked with Daniel into the Hyatt. Though Harrah’s was in North Carolina, they did their annual party where their main office was located—in Atlanta.
Not only was I the only black wife affiliated with the organization, I was the youngest. The usual supermodel wannabes mingled about. They were girlfriends, mistresses, or trying to fit in either category to be on the arms of Atlanta’s elite. These were the women closer to my age. I didn’t fit in at all.
“Are you okay?” Daniel asked as he grabbed two cocktails off a tray one of the many servers carried.
I nodded and took a sip from the glass he handed me.
“You’re beauty outshines all the women in this room.” He leaned in, giving me a peck on the lips.
“I love you.” My nerves calmed a little.
The décor was reminiscent of the Rolling Twenties. Hired entertainers were dressed as flapper girls or dressed in vintage tuxedos with top hats. A black grand piano set next to the stage with a man playing a tune for the singer to belt out a jazz song.
I smiled as Mr. Whitman saw us and headed in our direction. If not for his no show, I wouldn’t have met my husband.
“How’s my favorite girl doing?” He took my hand in his and kissed it. His gray whiskers tickled my skin.
“I’m good.”
He gave Daniel a pat on the back and a nod. “Keep your wife happy, and you’ll always be happy. Enjoy the evening. I have to make my rounds.”
I watched him walk away before asking Daniel, “Are you happy?”
“Every time I lay eyes on you.” He smiled and gathered me in his arms. “You want another drink?”
I nodded, and he went in search of more libations. My senses tuned in to the woman walking on stage. Her dark skin, short curly mane, and flower in her hair managed to make her look like Billie Holiday.
“She has an amazing voice.”
“She does…” My gaze fixed on the woman speaking to me, and my heart rate increased. Black hair and green eyes brought me face to face with Daniel and my indiscretion in Vegas. The blood drained from my face. “What…are you doing here?”
She laughed. “I was invited. My husband is co-owner of Ohio Live, and we just relocated here.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. Of course you were invited. Forgive me but I’m just surprised to see you.” Embarrassment washed over me. I resisted the urge to fan myself.
“Looks like you need a drink.” She handed me a glass with a mixed reddish-pink beverage in it. “Don’t worry. I haven’t taken a drink of i
t yet. It’s a pomengrantini.”
Grateful for the gesture, I took a big gulp.
“Better now?” she asked.
“Yes, thank you.”
She leaned in closer. “No worries. I’m not here to advertise our little secret. But I must say you look ravishing in that dress.”
Heat rose to my cheeks, and I squirmed. Her eyes slowly traveled my body, and I felt naked. I glanced past her and saw Daniel making his way back to me. He smiled and held up the drinks as he walked. When he reached us, I said, “You remember…” Crap, I didn’t know her name. I looked at her and smiled.
“Nicole.” She extended her hand to him.
Daniel took her hand but tilted his head to the side and gave me a questioning look. I gulped down my drink and then accepted the one from Daniel.
“Nice to meet you, Nicole,” he said.
“She’s here with her husband who owns casino in Ohio.”
She shook her head. “Oh, Mark had a prior engagement and couldn’t make it. I came along anyway. If you’ll excuse me, I see some other people I know.”
Nicole cast me glance and walked off. There was something behind the look but I wasn’t sure what.
“Well, that was interesting,” Daniel said.
“Is that the best you can come up with?” I laughed. “I’d call it awkward.”
He pulled me back into his arms. “Are you okay with it?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I took another swallow of my drink.
The closeness of his body warmed me. He held me and planted a light kiss on my neck. Every inch of my body responded to him. I wanted him like I’d never wanted him before. I turned and seized his mouth in mine.
He slowed my kiss. “Wow. What’s gotten into you?”
His lips inches away from mine, I said, “I want you.” I eased my hand down and grazed his crotch. He hardened. “Now.”
“Let’s get out of here.”
I shook my head. “Room…let’s get…a room.” My words were slowing. Those drinks were much stronger than I thought and had a profound effect.
A devilish grin spread across his face, and he grabbed my hand. Daniel led me to the exit. My vision blurred as we passed the waves of people enjoying their evening. His hand against my skin sent tingles through my body. I was on fire.
Daniel checked us into a room and navigated us to the elevator.
“Going somewhere?”
I looked over my shoulder to see Nicole behind us. The beads on her dress called out to me. I had to touch them.
The elevator dinged, and we all stepped on.
*****
I sat up with a start and grabbed my head. My head was pounding, and the realization that I had a hangover sat in. Having a hangover after two drinks perplexed me since I rarely suffered from one.
Daniel lay next to me, snoring but in a peaceful slumber. I gave him a kiss and slid out the bed in search of water for my scratchy throat. Daniel’s dress shirt and pants, my dress and pink thong were strewn about the room. I blinked several times. My thongs weren’t pink. They were black.
My breath caught in my throat as faint memories resurfaced. I searched the suite and found no traces of her. Nicole had joined us. My stomach quivered. I rushed to the bathroom and vomited. What the hell was wrong with me?
“Honey, are you okay?”
I couldn’t bring my head up to look at Daniel. My stomach churned again, and I dry heaved.
“Let it out, baby.” He rubbed my back. “Are you sure you only had two and a half drinks? I’ve never seen you this way.”
I nodded and heaved again. A few more deep breaths and I got it all out. “Water.”
He stepped away and returned with a bottle. After twisting the top off, he handed it to me. “Take it slow.”
I resisted the urge to guzzle it down and did as advised. My body thanked me. A little bit of life returned within me.
“Here’s some Aspirin.” He handed me the powder form I kept in my purse.
A half smile crossed my face. Forever the thoughtful person. I shook the chalky substance in my mouth and followed it up with a big swallow of water. “What happened?”
“You don’t remember?”
I shook my head, walked out the bathroom, and slumped down on the bed. “Vaguely. We got on the elevator and Nicole hopped on. Did we…did I?” I hung my head in shame.
“What’s wrong? You did nothing wrong.” He sat next to me on the bed and rubbed my thigh.
“I don’t want you to think I’m gay. I don’t want a woman.” Tears threatened to spill over.
“Nothing happened between you two.”
I shot him a dirty look. “You better not have slept with her.”
He laughed. “No. She sat in the chair and watched.”
I let out a sigh of relief but was far from happy. “I don’t want her around us anymore. Vegas was Vegas. I allowed what happened there because I thought it was needed to save our marriage. This is taking it too far.”
“Darling. I love you. You don’t have to be with another woman for me I’m happy with you.” He pulled me in his arms and held me tight. “Now go brush your teeth because you smell awful.”
I let out a giggle and went back into the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, I had brushed my teeth, gargled, and showered. The door opened. Daniel’s member rose to greet me. With a slight tug of his hand, my towel fell to the floor. His eyes twinkled while scanning my body as if seeing it for the first time.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said.
“I love what I see as well.”
He picked me up, carried me to the sink area, and hosted me onto the counter. My lips sought Daniel’s, and our tongues danced before his found their way to my neck. I panted as he broke free.
My fingers threaded his hair. Daniel kneeled before me, captivating me with his hungry gaze. He went from my neck to landing soft kisses on my breast while the other slid down across my stomach. I sucked in a breath, his touch sending tingles down my spine.
He grazed a finger across my moist heat. My back arched when he drew me in his mouth, sucking the nipple until it hardened. His hand continued to stroke between my legs. I opened, allowing him to insert a finger.
“Oh, Daniel.” I clutched his shoulder. My nails scraped against his flesh.
His breathing labored matching mine. He realized I was close. Grabbing fistfuls of hair, I forced him to my other breast. He sucked and squeezed the nipple between his tongue and roof of his mouth.
My stomach muscles tightened when he lowered his head, replacing his fingers with his tongue. He encased the clit, making small loops. Passion exploded from me.
“Oh. Oh!” My body quivered.
I let the wave pass and pushed him back against the sink. His cheeks rested against it as I maneuvered between his legs. A simmering desire filled me, and I gave him a devilish grin. I lapped at his chest, making my way south. My hands grazed his thighs as my breasts dangled above his arousal.
Without breaking my gaze, I flicked my tongue out. I gave him slight breath of warm air as a warning before taking him in my mouth. My wet lips slid down his cock. He stiffened from the sensation.
“Baby.” He squirmed.
I continued, non-relenting. My tongue swirled around his tip.
“Jen,” he growled.
I had him on the edge. My attention went to his sack. I flicked my assault weapon against it. He couldn’t take it anymore and yanked me up. I reached down and guided him inside my wet mound. Daniel pushed against me, exploring my inner depths.
“Mmm,” I cried out.
“You feel so good,” he whispered against my ear.
I caught our reflection in the mirror. Our bodies entwined into one. I rocked on top of him. He moved against my thrusting, matching my rhythm.
In one swift motion, he pushed deep within me and carried me to the bed. He lay me on my side, switching our position. I gasped from the force behind his thrust.
His voice went ragged. “
This…feels…so…good.”
I opened my legs farther, allowing him more depth. My moans came from deep within my throat as he pushed us to the edge.
I grabbed his balls, gripping and tugging. He moved harder and faster. My body shook with each thrust until he tensed. My insides throbbed around him while we both reached our climax.
Spent, we both collapsed in each other’s arms. We stayed that way until check out time.
Chapter Eight
I yawned and stretched in my chair. My slow roasted coffee cup sat empty on my desk. “You’re no help.”
“I don’t think it’s going to respond back,” Katherine said from the doorway.
“You think?” I laughed, and another yawn escaped me.
“I finished up the reports for the Blakely account. Late night?”
“Good. That leaves me plenty of time to review it before our meeting. It seems my husband can’t get enough of me.”
“That’s a very good problem to have. Erik and I broke up again. It seems he can’t get enough of other women.” Her eyes lowered.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” I pushed my chair back and made my way over to her, giving her a big hug.
She sniffed. “It’s okay. I knew he was a jerk but thought he’d do better. What I wouldn’t give to have a great guy like yours, Jennifer. Your husband adores you. You’ve never had to worry about him going astray.”
“I have one of the good ones. That means there’s another guy just like him out there waiting on you. Do you need some time off?” I sympathized with her. Before Daniel, my boyfriends were hardly anything to sing praises about.
“And give the loser the satisfaction?” She shook her head. “No, I have bills to pay.” Katherine dabbed her eyes with a tissue she grabbed from my desk.
“With the raise I gave you, surely you can afford to take time off.” For an assistant, I paid her well over the median salary.
She laughed. “Tell that to my expensive purse habit.”
My office phone rang, interrupting my next question regarding the new one sitting on her desk.
“I’ll get back to my area,” she whispered and pointed.
Vegas Surrender Page 4