Demi jogged across the field and caught Sunny by the arm, “I think you need to hear him out.”
“Whom?”
“Oh now, you’ve got amnesia,” Demi remarked. “Jaden. I think you two should get back together.”
“Where did that come from?”
“He just seemed like a really good guy.”
“How would you know?”
“I talked to him once or twice.”
Sunny laughed, “Once or twice?”
“Okay, we talked a handful of times.
“Demi!” Sunny shouted and then glowered at her sister. “How could you talk to him behind my back?”
“Because you weren’t going to. And…I’m also dating his cousin, Fredrick.”
“Who isn’t Jaden related to?”
“The Clintons,” Demi teased.
They laughed, easing the tension between them, and Demi continued.
“Let’s go,” Sunny said as they reached her car.
“But that’s not the point.”
“Well what is your point?”
“The woman at his house that night was his publicist.”
“What a shocker,” Sunny interjected before sliding into the driver seat.
“No listen,” Demi said. “She had dropped by unexpectedly to go over press material. They had a couple of drinks and she wasted wine on her shirt. She was just getting cleaned up when you popped over,” Demi explained as she piled Sunny’s equipment into the back.
“And you believed that?”
“Granted, not at first,” Demi said sticking her head through the passenger window. “But I talked to her Sunny and she said the same thing.”
“Even if what you’re saying is true. It’s too late.”
“That’s fear talking, Sunny. Do you always want to play it safe and miss out on fun and adventure?”
“Every time I took a chance on something or someone it blew up in my face.”
“Because you’re looking at the glass half-full, and that’s not like you. Have you every considered the fact that you had to get fired from the pr agency so that you would go back to the newspaper? Or considered that maybe a traditional publisher may pick you up faster because you self-published or because you were a co-writer on a hit movie?”
“No,” Sunny answered quietly.
“And have you ever considered that the reason you and Ramone didn’t work out, or any other man for that matter, is because you were meant to be with Jaden?”
“No.”
“I remember mom used to say, ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”
“I remember,” Sunny agreed.
“Sunny you deserve someone special. And I think Jaden is your Mr. Right.”
“I have been thinking about him.”
“I know. I’ve seen the doodling of his name lying around on scratch pieces of paper.”
“Shut up,” Sunny giggled.
She cranked the engine and they headed home.
-THIRTEEN-
“YOU LOOK AMAZING.”
“Thanks,” Sunny replied, grinning like a kid in a candy store.
“Please come in,” Jaden said, his heart lifting with each step Sunny made into his home.
She was beautiful, there was no doubt about that, but today she was a goddess. The way she looked would be enough to make any man—even the pope, pay attention. When he had pulled himself together, he lifted his head again.
The sable-haired siren sitting across from him, wore a white jersey wrap dress. She sat on the sofa across from him with one shapely leg resting atop the other, bouncing it softly, and showing off a strappy crimson -heel, flashing toenails with a fresh pedicure
“I thought that we could have dinner outside on the balcony.”
He crossed the room and grasped her hand in his. She followed his lead to a small, round, bistro-styled breakfast table decorated with red rose petals a hurricane candle, and place settings for two. He helped seat her in her chair, and as she scooted it beneath the table, he popped a cork from a chilled champagne bottle.
Jaden’s long legs carried him into the kitchen and then back to the balcony before had sipped her drink. He pulled a small cart containing their dinner to the side of the table.
Sunny’s eyes rounded at the sight of food. She looked famish. Jaden was too, but not for their succulent meal. He set their first course on the table and then he sat across from her taking a cloth napkin in his hand.
“I hope that you like lobster bisque,” he asked.
Sunny’s lower jaw dropped slightly. When she recovered, she said, “Love it,” and flashed a smile.
Throughout the course of their evening, they shared their childhood dreams, and by dessert, he felt as if he’d known her for years.
“And that’s about it,” he said an hour into their conversation.
“That was the best home-cooked I’ve tasted in years,” Sunny said, while wiping her mouth with her napkin.
“I aim to please,” he replied. “By the way… Cineplay reconsidered our distribution deal.”
"That's good news," Sunny said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“All thanks to your friend Lauren. I don’t know what we would have done if she hadn’t come through for us.”
“Well she often hears a lot of gossip while she’s showing houses to the Dallas elite,” Sunny informed as she left her chair to sit in his lap.
“Is that so?” Jaden replied, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“For instance, supposedly the owner of Cineplay has had his own indiscretions, and just needed a friendly reminder about them.”
“That Lauren is something.”
“Yes she is.”
“We also received an option for the script from a studio. All the investors are still aboard and signed new agreements,” Jaden informed, trying hard not to buckle at Sunny’s sweet kisses on his neck. “Unfortunately, they aren’t willing to re-negotiate terms for our rewrite of the script, and instead will use one of their staff writers for the final draft.”
“I figured they’d do as much,” Sunny said between kisses.
“I hope that you’re not too disappointed?”
She giggled and then said, “Actually, I think everything worked out for the best. I was given back my old job at the Dallas Urban Journal.”
“Travel writing?”
“Yeah, I start Monday.”
“How did you go from writing a book, to writing a script and now back to travel? Other than writing I don’t see the connection?”
“I’m still writing books. However, now I’ll be writing about something I’m truly passionate about,” Sunny answered. “My column is called ‘Texas Treasures’, and I’ll write about my travels.”
“I think it’s a great idea.”
“You know another a great idea?” Sunny asked, as she stood.
“Do tell.”
“Picking up where we left off the other night.”
“I like the sound of that,” he replied, and pulled her into his arms.
“Jaden, I wanted to say thanks for being patient. Most men would not have been.”
“Women are the most valuable people on this earth besides children. Any man who doesn’t see your worth, and isn’t willing to try to break through a wall or two, isn’t worth your time. Now, some walls are just too tall, wide, and deep, and I can’t blame a man for moving on. But most women just need a little tenderness.”
“Speaking of tenderness,” Sunny said. “Yes Ms. Carlisle,” he chuckled.
“So now we’re back to formalities, Mr. Wright?”
“Not at all,” Jaden replied, and then cupped her chin in his hand, kissing her passionately.
He led her into the living room giving playful gropes, nibbles, and caresses along the way. When she sat on the sofa, his eyes continued their slow perusal over the perfect curve of her knees, to voluptuous hips, thighs, and a tiny waist. The white dress was stimulating contrast to her long dark hair and ch
ocolate skin. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled behind thick lashes.
Sunny tilted her head slightly, allowing her hair to drape gracefully across her shoulders. She arched her back displaying the soft mounds of her ample bosom.
Jaden felt his member become rigid. He rubbed his neck to loosen the tension and hen strode to the bar. He then poured a few ounces of the amber liquid into a glass. He was very much aware it was more than his usual nightcap, but he needed something to settle him.
Sunny set her glossy lips in a sensuous pout, and then leaned an elbow on the arm of the sofa. If he didn’t know any better he would swear that she was here to seduce him and not the other way around.
He stared at the brandy swirling in his glass and composed himself.
“Sunny, I’m trying to be a gentleman, and you’re not making that easy.”
Sunny smiled, rose from the sofa, and walked around the coffee table to stand before him. Jaden watched her, his eyes, narrow brown slits, oozing seduction. She slowly lifted her right leg and slid it between his legs, like MC had done the first time she’d met him in his office. Jaden instantly knew what time it was. His eyes opened wider, challenging her to keep going.
She met his challenge.
The fruity scent of her body wafted around him and Jaden’s senses churned in response. He caught the reflection of himself and Sunny in a mirror across the room. Her body toyed with his, writhing against him, scorching every inch of his skin. Her hair swayed in loose curls and her skin seemed to blend into the shadows of the dimly lit room. Unable to withstand her touch any longer, his hands caressed, rubbed and groped her thighs, and soon found her breasts.
Sunny’s lips puckered in anticipation. His tongue flicked and darted between them before he pressed his lips against hers to claim her mouth in another deep kiss.
He tore away from her, trying hard not to make love to her right then, and there. “No,” he said, holding her at arm’s length.
***
Deflated, Sunny pulled away. She thought that this is what he wanted. She sure as hell did. She hadn’t felt the comfort of a man in months. Now that she’d had a taste of what true comfort felt like, she really hadn’t felt it at all. This was her moment to cast away all her cares, to dive into the deep end with no regrets and finally do something passionate and adventurous but he didn’t seem to want to continue. Maybe he was playing games.
How embarrassing.
As she spun on her heel, ready to leave, Jaden took her hand in his.
“Not here.”
He put her hand in his and guided her to the bedroom, where she sat on the bed as he removed his shirt in one swift move. He crawled into bed with her. Sunny found herself fascinated by the depth of his tranquil brown pools. She skimmed the width of his shoulders and chest as he loomed over her, melding his body with hers. What glorious shoulders they were, slanting from his neck and leading her eye across muscular arms that held her tightly.
She parted her lips and arched her back, thrusting her eager breasts at him. His right hand cupped her left breast and while his thumb softly grazed her nipple, his other hand wandered the length of her spine, playing her like cello cradled between his legs. Sunny moaned. She didn’t think a man had ever touched her the way Jaden did. They filled the room with their erratic irregular raspy breathing – full of passion. If this wasn't right, why on Earth did it feel so good?
Sunny’s hands traced his sculpted arms to his neck.
No sooner had she discovered that he was a patient lover, his hands groped hungrily, revealing all her secret places.
She clung to him, her body responding to his in ways it never had with anyone before. Jaden stretched on top of her, kissing her mouth until her lips were swollen.
Biting her lip a little harder, Sunny rocked her head from side to side. She lifted her head to meet Jaden’s gaze. The fire in his eyes stroked her passion.
“Your lips intoxicate me Sunny,” he said breathlessly.
Her name passing through his lips sent her soul flying. “You’re playing with me,” she said out of breath.
“I’m just having a little fun.” His answer seared her skin.
Was the man trying to drive her mad? He threaded his arm under her soft derriere and captured a fistful of her hair. Her legs wrapped his torso. Her mind yearned for more. Her body reveled in his touch. The corners of his mouth pulled into a devilish smirk.
Another scorching kiss to her set Sunny on fire and she raked hand over his head.
“I want you so bad Sunny.”
“I want you too,” she whispered. “Take me.”
Without another word, Jaden’s mouth covered Sunny’s again. It was a kiss of hope and a promise of something more.
OTHER BOOKS NOW AVAILABLE
BY KANDIE DELLEY
Romantic Comedy Paranormal Suspense
PRAISE FOR EBOOKS BY KANDIE DELLEY
“Tempestuous Tales is a delightful mix of suspense, thriller, and romance. I wished it never finished.”
~Su Halfwerk, author of Intricate Entanglement
“You will enjoy these three separate, but connected paranormal suspense tales (Tempestuous Tales) from the very first page to the breath-taking cliff-hanger ending.” ~Carol Marrs Phipps, Co-author of ELF KILLERS
"Countdown to a Kiss is a wonderful story about love, longing and lasting. The characters are easy to feel and even easier to like." ~K. Hillery, B-Sure Book "Club, Dallas, Texas
"Countdown to a Kiss was a testament of true love I truly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading more by this author." ~Amazon.com verified reviewer.
***
Author’s Note:
I know that “Rescuing Mr. Wright” isn’t the traditional “damsel in distress” plot. But if you look deeper, you’ll see that Sunny was a damsel (a feisty one at that) and she was in distress (losing financial independence while suffering a broken heart, can make a person do some crazy things). In fact, when a person suffers betrayal and rejection, it may take a long time to process their grief, especially if they don’t learn to forgive.
An important part of forgiving someone is not only just bestowing that grace on the offender, but it’s also about forgiving yourself. So many people have forgiven nearly everyone who has let them down, except for themselves. Think about it. Who allowed the offending party access to your heart? Who allowed the offending party to STAY in your life? And who allowed the offending party to return to the scene of the crime, time and time again? That’s where blame comes into the game.
I tell you from experience, absorbing blame, regardless of whose fault it is, is a long battle my friend. It’s one of the favorite tools of the enemy because he will use it to keep you recycling negativity in your life. So what if you messed up. Acknowledge it or apologize if you're convicted to do so. Do what ever you have to, to process it and move on. Whatever you do, do not linger in blame, depression, and discouragement. No matter what a person says or does to you, you are more than a conqueror in Christ.
***
Keep reading for an excerpt, of “Countdown to a Kiss”
“TRAVELING!” JACK YELLED from behind Genny as she leapt into the air.
Hooking her arm around her head, she shot the basketball. Jack met her in the air and slapped the ball away from the net.
“Take that!” he shouted while in flight.
When Genny landed on the floor, she turned around and watched the ball bounce out of bounds. She swiped her bare arm across her brow, and jogged to baseline.
“Are you two going to keep passing the ball back and forth to each other and talking smack, or play ball?" Porsha asked. “I mean, I know I don’t know much about basketball, but I know there’s more to it than that.”
Genny shot a look at friend and Porsha returned a nervous, half-smile, slowly backing away. Genny then scooped the ball into her arms and shot Jack an eyeful of daggers.
A smug grin stretched across his lips as she passed the ball to him. He caught it pas
sed it to a teammate. He then flexed his arms, chest heaving like mighty lion.
“Genny, where's your head at?” Carlos Harrison, one of Genny’s exes and teammate, said from backcourt.
“I got this,” she yelled.
“If she could ever stop, TRAVELING!” Jack bellowed, this time up close and inches from her ear.
“I’m not deaf!” Genny shouted back, shoving him away.
“Between the traveling, personal fouls and air balls, I just had to be sure that you still remembered the rules,” he said, and then beamed his annoying piano-key smile.
Genny stood in front of him, very much tempted to knock off the grin plastered across his face. “Don’t hate my skills Jack.”
“You ain’t got no skills, woman.”
“Check,” Charles, a member of Jack’s team said at the key, while he passed the ball to Carlos.
Once the ball was in motion, Genny blocked a pass and dug the tips of her fingers into the ball as she pivoted. Jack towered over her, blocking her ability to pass. When she tried to pass back to Carlos, Jack caught it, turned his back to her, and dribbled it in place with one hand. He motioned to one of his teammates with his free hand.
“Are you in the game or what?” Carlos shrieked at Genny.
“Leave me alone, Carlos,” she answered, her eyes still trained on the ball.
They were playing an indoor game at the Desoto Recreation Center. Genny didn’t know what possessed her to climb out of warm bed, to play a game on one of the coldest days of the year. What was worse, her game today had been horrible.
She could blame her poor performance on the lack of sleep due to late night design sessions or crashing random house parties with Jack. However, it was her conversation with Aaron that had her all keyed up.
With every bounce of the ball, she imagined that it was Aaron’s head. What was his problem? They had been dating for seven months, and had known each other for nine. What was there to think about? Last night she had finally asked the question and, he had fouled all over her heart.
Rescuing Mr. Wright (Texas Treasures) Page 9