by Amore
He was so in tuned with her it was unbelievable. Like, it was home for him. Where he was meant to be. Nothing had ever felt so right. He played her body like a well tuned instrument. He felt the tension in her legs and saw the death grip she had on one of the pillows. He went deeper. Seconds later, a climax hit her, the likes of which he had never witnessed.
Jada felt completely out of control. A feeling that both scared and amazed her at the same time. A wave of pleasure slammed into her body full force. The shiver started deep in her core and radiated throughout her entire being. She was shattering into a million pieces and Alex was responsible. The force of it was blinding and all consuming. She knew in that moment she would never be the same.
When he felt the shutters begin to subside, he lifted his head to look at her. Her eyes were closed. “Look at me,” He said to her in a voice so soft, yet, so commanding. So, she did. Jada saw the intense desire in his eyes. The need. The control.
He stood and she was unable to tear her gaze away from his. He leaned down and kissed her gently on the cheek. He then whispered in her ear, “When you are ready...good night, sweetheart.” Smiling, he turned and left her there on the couch. He went upstairs to one of the bedrooms and quietly closed the door.
Jada was stunned. She couldn’t believe what just happened, what she just allowed to happen, yet, she had a complete feeling of satisfaction and trust. Suddenly, she looked around as if she were expecting someone else to enter the room. She pulled herself together on still shaky legs and headed upstairs. She stopped at the door to where Alex would be sleeping and touched it tenderly. Her thoughts were all over the place. She heard him moving in the room and quickly removed her hand. She quietly made her way to the room he had given her to take a shower. A long one.
Alex paced the room like an agitated, caged panther. He knew he had done the right thing by walking away.She’s not ready, He thought. Although her reaction to him was so intense and her climax so powerful, he had nearly lost his own control, he had to make her see he was serious. Make her realize it wasn’t a game for him. He stopped pacing at the window and stared out at the dark ocean. He was thinking and thinking hard. The thoughts in his head were swirling so fast and furiously that he could feel the tension headache beginning behind his eyes. He put his hand in his pants pocket and realized her lace bikini panties were there.
Studying the beauty of the night sky, it occurred to him that he loved her. In the short time that he had known her, he loved her. Once when he was little, his Grandma told him he would find love and it would be at first sight. He was about thirteen and, of course, he didn’t believe her. Now, her words hit him with a full force and blanketed him in fear. He sat at the lounge chair near a small table in the room, the tension headache coming with greater force. He needed to talk and bounce his thoughts off another person. He picked up the phone and dialed.
The phone was answered on the second ring. “Hello?” “Ty, get up. I need to talk to you,” Alex said, feeling exhausted. “Alright,” Ty breathed heavily. “What’s up?” “It’s Jada.” Alex exhaled, letting his head fall back on the chair. “Is she alright?” Ty asked with concern lacing his voice. “She’s fine. It’s me.” Ty smiled into the phone. He and Ami knew they would be perfect together since that day at his condo. He didn’t think it would be so quick, but what the heck. “Ok, let’s hear it.” Alex groaned. “She’s different, man. I can’t put my finger on it, and it’s not just how gorgeous she is.” “She does look good. I agree with you on that fact.” “That not just it, though. She’s intelligent and independent. She’s a complete lady and then she’ll say something or do something to make me do a double take. She touches me on levels I can’t explain and it’s more than just infatuation. I can’t describe how she makes me feel. I think about her all day and all night. It’s rather distracting. When I’m with her, I can barely remember what I’m supposed to be doing.”
“Well, it sounds rather simple to me. You love her.”
“That thought had crossed my mind, but come on. I’ve only known her a couple of days. It can’t possibly be love.”
“Why not? Listen, in all these years, I’ve never heard you talk, correction, obsess, about a woman the way you do over her. You took her with you to Atlantic City and you never take women with you on business. You might meet up with one, but one never stays in your space. You know that has been a long standing rule for all of us. You have willingly allowed this woman to defy all the rules for you. Hell, you don’t even let us meet half the women you’ve dated in the past. Quite frankly, I’m happy for you. I like her, but you, my dear big bother, love her.”
“You make it sound so simple.” “Because it is. It is as simple as strawberry shortcake.” Alex chuckled. “Leave it to you to compare it to dessert.” He paused for a second, considering the real feeling in his heart. “I do love her.”
“I knew you did. Are you going to tell her?”
“I don’t think she’s ready to hear that yet. It might scare her. Hell, it’s scaring me.”
“Don’t wait too long. You never know who or what is waiting around the corner.”
“I know. I won’t. Love you, man.”
“Yeah, yeah. Love you, too. What time is it?” Ty paused, and then said wickedly, “I gotta go. I gotta swing past Stacey’s house.” Alex laughed. “Yeah, I should have known that. See you.”
Chapter 9
It was early in the day as Alex and Jada made their way through the lobby to retrieve his car. Jada thought she would have been nervous or maybe even embarrassed seeing him the next day, but he made her feel as if every thing was the way it was supposed to be. Like it was natural to push her over ecstasy’s cliff, catch her at the bottom, and move on with every day life. He held her hand as they moved toward the front desk.
“I’m sorry you couldn’t stay longer, Mr. Love,” Tony said, rounding the front desk.
“I’ll be back soon, don’t worry,” Alex responded. “Give your parents my love.” “Of course,” he said as he signed a form the front desk clerk handed him. Jada couldn’t tell what it was, but whatever the paper was made Tony’s smile even broader.
“It was very nice to meet you, Ms. Whitman. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Tony,” Jada said as she glanced over at Alex. Exiting the lobby of the building, he helped her into the car and they were off, back on the road to Philly.
***
The lunch crowd had just started to pour in to The Love House as Ty turned up the heat on his staff in the kitchen. He was truly going to have a difficult time leaving to train the Atlantic City staff when the time came. Not because the staff was incapable, but because he loved it there. He peeped out the door to see that Chris was at the family table going over paperwork and pending plans for the new restaurant. He thought that his little brother really needed to get out more. He glanced over toward the door to see the object of his big brother’s discord coming in. He smiled as he ducked back into his realm.
“Ladies! How are you this afternoon?” Lisa asked as Ami and Jada stepped through the door. She leaned in and gave them both kisses on the cheek. Alex had dropped Jada off at her hotel and headed to his office. They had plans to meet later for dinner.
“We are just great, Lisa,” Ami claimed, holding Jada’s arm. They were giggling like two school girls who were sharing the biggest secret on the planet.
“Hi, Lisa,” Jada said. “Good to see you again.”
“You, too, Ms. Jada, I’ll take you ladies over to your table.” Lisa led the way back to where Chris was sitting. On her way back to the front, Lisa stuck her head in the kitchen and yelled, “Ty, Ami and Jada are here. They are sitting with Chris. I thought you might like to know.”
Ty looked up from the catfish he was preparing, already knowing that bit of information, “Thanks, Lisa.” He thought about the conversation he had with his older brother the previous night and smiled. Jada was going to be good for Alex.
Afte
r a while, Ty made his way to the table with Ami, Jada, and Chris. All three were enjoying the catfish he had prepared earlier. He needed a quick break from the organized chaos of the kitchen. After greeting both ladies with a kiss, he sat at the table, rested his chin in his hands, and smiled.
“Ty, this is great,” Jada said. “You truly are gifted.”
“Why thank you, Jada,” Ty said, giving a dramatic bow with his head. “I do aim to please.” They all laughed as Ty leaned back and stretched his long, muscular legs.
Chris always sat in a position to see everything that was happening in the restaurant’s main dining area and the front door. He was the worrier in the family. Something or someone at the front door caught his attention. Ty noticed immediately as the two women continued to talk and laugh. Ty turned around to see what it was that Chris was staring at. “Damnit!” Ty said low enough that only Chris could hear.
There at the hostess stand stood Rhonda Jenkins. Rhonda was about 5’7”, a deep coffee color, slender, and breath-taking. Her eyes were the darkest shade of brown and she wore a stylish short hair cut. She was impeccably dressed in a caramel pantsuit with brown beaded jewelry that matched perfectly. Although she was smiling, she looked determined. It was not going to be a pleasure visit. As she talked with Lisa, she looked up and immediately saw Ty and Chris watching her. She excused herself from Lisa and headed toward them.
“Love family!” Rhonda exclaimed as she approached the table. “It’s so good to see you all.” Ami, Ty, and Chris were momentarily stunned and just stared up at her. No one made a move to greet her in the slightest way.
Ami finally broke the silence. “Rhonda, um, good to see you. When did you get back?” She asked.
“Oh, just the other day. There’s some unfinished business that brings me back to the city. Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t think we’ve met...” Rhonda said, turning to Jada. “I’m Rhonda Jenkins, friend of the Love’s, very good friend of Alexander’s.” She extended her hand.
“Damnit!” Ty said, putting his hand to his forehead.
Jada shook Rhonda’s hand, but an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. She didn’t like Rhonda. “Jada,” She said, deciding to only give her first name and no other info. The way she mentioned Alex’s name sent a feeling of anger and jealously through her. She knew it was irrational, but it was there just the same. She wanted to get up and smack the smug look clear off her face. She smiled warmly at her, amused by her own thoughts.
“Anyway...” Rhonda continued, turning back to the others, “is Alex around? I need to speak with him.”
“No!” Ami, Ty, and Chris said in unison.
“He, um, is very busy at work.” Ami decided to try for diplomacy. She had no doubt the scene could quickly turn ugly. Jada may have looked quiet and innocent, but she knew better. Her girlfriend could throw down with the best of them when provoked.
“Oh, alright,” Rhonda said, looking a little taken aback by their response, but she quickly recovered. She knew the Love family may hold a little animosity toward her because of what she did to Alex a few years back, but she didn’t care. Alex was big time now, and she intended to be in his life whether they liked it or not. “Well...” She continued, “I’m sure we’ll get together soon. We have some time to make up for and some unfinished business to account for. I’ll see you wonderful people later!” Rhonda said as she turned to leave. They all watched her sashay out of the restaurant.
“Who was that?” Jada asked Ami as she continued to look toward the door.
“No one of importance. Just some girl we went to high school with,” Ami responded. “Anyway, what were we talking about?” She said, changing the subject.
Jada knew something was very wrong with Rhonda Jenkins and she didn’t like her one bit. There was something sinister in the way she stood. Her eyes were shifty and they unsuccessfully tried to cover a lifetime of lies and deceit. The others' reaction to her was not lost, either. Apparently, they did not care for her and did not want her anywhere near Alex. It was also clear that Alex had a history with this woman and she could just imagine what it could be. Although she was beautiful, she did not seem like his type. Jeez, she did not need any drama in her life.
“Excuse me, guys. I’ll be right back,” Ty said, getting up. He gave Chris a knowing look, to which Chris nodded and headed down a back hall to his office. Closing the door, he picked up the line on his desk and dialed. His brother was not going to be happy about this one bit. Especially given his newfound feelings for Jada.
Alex was deeply engrossed in trial preparations when his intercom buzzed. “Yes, Karen.”
“Mr. Love, Mr. Love is on the line.” She giggled.
Alex wondered if she would ever get tired of that. “Which Mr. Love?” He engaged her.
“Tyreese, sir.” “Put him through. What’s up?” He said with a smile. “Alex, we may have a problem...” Ty cut to the chase. “Are you
sitting down?” Ty spent the next ten minutes warning Alex that Rhonda was back and looking for him. He told him that Jada was there with Ami, and Rhonda hinted that the two of them either intended to get back together or were involved in some kind of way. His last warning to his brother was, “Man, and she looks good.”
“Damn!” Alex said as he ended the call. In his mind, things with Rhonda had been over for years. He had no idea about his heart. He had truly loved Rhonda deeply and she tore a hole deep in his heart when she left him. He knew she was coming to him. His mind shifted to his newly realized love for Jada. “Damn!” He said again. He knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. Rhonda could be a mean witch. He sat back in his chair and tossed his ink pen across the desk. He certainly did not need this right now.
He spun his chair around to stare out the window. He loved the look of the city through this window, and it helped him relax when he was tense. He closed his eyes and thought back to the night that changed him forever.
16 years ago... “He shoots!!! He scores!!” The announcer yelled in the over packed stadium of the Philadelphia Civic Center. “Alexander Love has just scored the winning shot to secure
Pennsylvania Prep, the Boy’s State Basketball Championship!” He continued to shout.
The noise in the stadium was deafening. Students, teachers, parents, and friends were all screaming and yelling for the undefeated team’s victory. It was the first undefeated season in the school’s history. The center was filled with fans, all trying to get close enough to congratulate the victors.
The band continued its victory song as the local news casters vied for the opportunity to interview the night’s lead players. High school basketball was big news in the city. That year’s team was expected to turn out the next generation of NBA all stars.
Coach Winston grabbed Alex and two other players to lead them over to where the news casters were waiting. The sooner he got it over with, the sooner he could get his players together in the locker room. It was going to be an emotional night.
Rhonda jumped and screamed along with the other cheerleaders from Penn Prep. Unlike Alex, she attended the school on a scholarship because her mother worked in the office as a receptionist. She didn’t care, though, because she was leaving high school with a future husband, destine to make her rich, famous, and fabulous.
She pushed her way through the crowd and over to where Coach Winston was prepping the boys for the short television interview. She pulled on Alex’s arm and he gave her that dazzling smile. She stood on tip toe and spoke in his ear to meet her at the skating rink for the victory party. He nodded in agreement. Satisfied, she walked off to ready herself for the night’s partying.
There were about ten college scouts in the audience that evening. Coach Winston glanced over to see the scouts gathered with the parents of his lead players. “Vultures,” He said under his breath. He only allowed the two interviewers two minutes each with the three players. The assistant coaches were busy ushering the other players into the locker rooms to help disperse the crowd. There were
sure to be parties all over the city. With Penn Prep being a private school, its students came from all over.
As the interviews began to wind down and the crowd began to disperse, Coach Winston ushered his players into the professional locker room. There was one large central area where he’d asked his assistants to gather the young men he had coached and mentored over the years.
He stood in front of them, standing only five feet, eight inches tall. All of his players towered over him, but gave him the utmost respect. All eyes were on him. He pulled his already loose tie completely off and tossed it to the side. He shoved both hands in the pockets of his pants and cleared his throat.
“Gentlemen...” He started quietly, “you have achieved the perfect season.” The team roared to life cheering each other. Smiling, he raised his hand to get control of the room. He continued, “Alex, Tommy, and Jesse have been outstanding players and leaders. Thank you, gentlemen.” He tipped his imaginary hat to them. “All of you have given your hearts and souls to this team, and I thank each and every one of you. The three of you will be leaving us this year and this was your last game.” He paused, feeling the emotions he was trying desperately to keep in check.
Again, he cleared his throat. “I feel like I’m losing sons.” Coach Winston glanced down at the floor for a moment before returning his attention to the team. That time, he wore a bright smile. “We kicked ass!” He yelled, and the team cheered with him. Again, he sobered, “And, even without Alex, Tommy, and Jess...” He paused for dramatic affect, “God help the team to come against the Penn Prep Panthers next season!”
Everyone in the room erupted into yelling, screaming, and cheering. The locker room was crazy. Coach loved seeing his boys happy. It was the most successful season of his career, and he loved these kids as if each one were his own.
“Ok, ok, guys...” He again reeled them in, “I know there will be a lot of partying tonight. I don’t blame you, for I’ll be celebrating with the wife at home.” He smiled at the groans that rumbled through the room. He continued with a smile. “You know the rules. No drinking, no smoking, stay safe. I find out you broke the rules, and you will not play for me next season.” He looked each one of his fifteen players in the eye. “Now, get showered and dressed, and go have some fun!”