Brooklyn wrapped her legs around his back and rode his rhythm, matching him pump for pump. He was making love to her so good that her back arched, her toes curled downward and she thrashed her head back and forth on the verge of ecstasy.
“Are…you…coming?” he asked in between heated breaths.
“Yes…yes…YES!”
Landis clenched her left hand with his right hand, ensuring that the tinsel remained intact.
Brooklyn couldn’t hold back any longer. She let go on his latex-covered penis.
Landis followed suit and came hard into the condom. After a few seconds, he was the first to speak.
“That was beyond fantastic!”
“It was worth waiting all these years for,” she admitted with a huge smile plastered on her face.
“I didn’t really know you back in college, but I’m oh-so-glad I know you now,” he said, hugging her tightly with his free arm.
After making love, they were too exhausted to return to the party, and drifted peacefully to sleep.
The early-morning sun beaming through the slits of the miniblinds disturbed Brooklyn’s slumber. Normally, she wore an eye mask to bed so the sunrise wouldn’t ruin her sleep. She tried to turn away from the source of the light, but there was something preventing her from moving freely. Brooklyn blinked her lids open, and there was Landis resting soundly next to her. She glanced down at their hands, and their fingers were still bound together. He was so close that she could smell the faint scent of his cologne. She inhaled deeply. The fragrance was a reminder of their heated lovemaking and she began blushing.
Brooklyn lay there and wondered what the aftermath would be like. As she ran different scenarios through her mind—would he act indifferent as if she were just another conquest? Would he make an excuse and leave as fast as humanly possible?—he began to stir. Brooklyn’s breath caught in her throat. She looked over at him and watched his eyes open. He stared at her for a moment.
“I’m so glad it wasn’t a dream,” Landis said in a groggy voice.
A puzzled expression painted her face. “Excuse me?”
“I was afraid that last night was a dream, but looking at your beautiful face this morning, I know it was real.”
“Yes, it was real all right.” She blushed.
Landis leaned in and kissed Brooklyn good-morning. He caressed the back of her head with his right hand, finally breaking the tinsel.
Chapter 6
It was Christmas Eve, and Brooklyn and Pepper were strolling down crowded Fifth Avenue amongst the holiday shoppers.
“I love Manhattan during the holidays,” Brooklyn commented. She had left her bodyguard at Pepper’s place and was in disguise, wearing oversize dark shades and a down maxi coat with the hood flipped up around her face.
Store windows displayed various holiday scenes, from a winter wonderland of yesteryear, to a futuristic space scene with a robotic Santa and reindeer soaring through the solar system. The buildings lining the avenue were also decked out for the season. The exterior of Saks Fifth Avenue was wrapped in its traditional humongous red ribbon and gigantic bow. The smell of roasted chestnuts being sold by street vendors permeated the crisp air. Brooklyn and Pepper had just completed some last-minute shopping before they headed off to Bridgehampton to celebrate Christmas and prepare for the wedding.
“That’s not all you love,” Pepper said, cutting her eyes at her friend. She hadn’t had a chance to have a little girl talk during breakfast, since Landis and Michael were present.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m guessing you also loved being tied up in tinsel.”
Brooklyn began smiling from ear to ear. “When you introduced the game, I thought it was a lame idea, but was I ever wrong. If it wasn’t for your ingenuity, Landis and I would have never gotten so close so fast.”
“How close did you get?”
“Close enough for me to want more. I didn’t intend to skip out on the party. We went back to my room so that I could get your gifts and put them under the tree. Once we entered the room, Landis didn’t waste any time making a move.”
“Don’t worry about missing the party. I’m just glad you two finally hooked up.”
“So am I. It’s refreshing to meet a man who doesn’t have a hidden agenda. Some of the men I’ve met in the past were only interested in dating me so that I could help advance their music careers. Thankfully, Landis has a thriving business and doesn’t need any help from me.”
“Sounds like you’re falling hard for him.”
Brooklyn exhaled. “Actually, I fell for Landis the first day I laid eyes on him back in college. And now, after all of these years, we finally have a chance to bond. Landis is everything in a man that I’ve ever wanted. He’s smart, handsome, successful and great in bed!”
As they were talking, Pepper’s cell phone rang. She dug it out of her pocket and answered. “Hello?”
“Hey, babe, are you and Brooklyn still shopping?”
“No. We just finished up.”
“Good. Why don’t you guys meet me and Landis at Rockefeller Center?”
“Hold on a second.” Pepper took the phone away from her mouth and turned to Brooklyn. “Michael wants us to meet him and Landis at Rock Center. Do you want to go?”
Brooklyn smiled broadly. “Of course!”
“We’re on our way.”
Brooklyn and Pepper walked arm in arm up Fifth Avenue and over to Rockefeller Center. The popular landmark was abuzz with activity. Tourists were snapping pictures in front of the gilded statute of Prometheus. The colossal, seventy-six-foot-tall Christmas tree, decorated beautifully with a multitude of lights and ornaments, towered over the ice-skating rink, which was crowded with skaters.
Brooklyn glanced over the throng of people and spotted Landis and Michael cutting through the crowd. The sight of her handsome lover brought a smile to her face. Landis wore jeans, black biker boots, a black wool beret and a navy peacoat with a burgundy knit scarf tied around his neck. The closer he came, the faster her heart began to beat.
“You disappeared on me after breakfast,” Landis said after kissing Brooklyn on the cheek.
The four friends had had a leisurely breakfast at the penthouse the morning after the party, with eggs Benedict, fresh fruit and mimosas. As they sat across the table from each other, Landis and Brooklyn stole glances at each other and played footsie underneath the table, secretly flirting.
“Pepper wanted me to do a little last-minute shopping with her.”
Landis stepped a bit closer and whispered, “I was hoping to get in some last-minute lovemaking before you left.”
“You didn’t get enough last night?”
“Nope, did you?”
Brooklyn quickly flashed back to the night before. Landis’s sculpted body had left an indelible impression on her, and the thought of him wedged between her thighs made Brooklyn want him all over again. “Not really.”
“Hey, do you guys want to go ice-skating?” Pepper asked.
“I’m not much of a skater. I’m too clumsy,” Brooklyn replied.
“Falling down is half the fun. Come on. It’ll be a blast!” Pepper said.
“I’m game, if you guys are,” Michael chimed in.
“Me, too,” Landis said.
Brooklyn cut her gaze to Landis and said, “I can think of better things to do, but since it’s your weekend, Pepper, how can I say no?”
“Oh, goodie!” Pepper clapped her hands.
The four friends marched inside the building to check their belongings and rent skates. As they waited in line, Landis stood close behind Brooklyn and began whispering in her ear.
“Last night was magical.”
Brooklyn turned her head slightly and whispered, “Yes, it was an unexpected surprise.”
“I hope I wasn’t too forward.”
“No, not at all. I truly enjoyed every minute.”
“What did you like most?” he asked.
His baritone voice reverberating in her ear sent an erotic chill up her spine. Landis had taken her out of her comfort zone, and she was reveling in her sexual liberation. Brooklyn found herself getting aroused as she replayed their maiden night together. “I loved the way you felt inside of me,” she said brazenly.
“Did I fill you up?”
“You sure did.” Brooklyn backed up into him so that their bodies were touching. “And now I want more.”
“Your request is my pleasure.”
As they were talking, Landis’s cell phone rang. He dug the device out of his pocket and read the caller ID. It was the associate marketing director of his company. Landis unlocked the phone and answered.
“Hey, Robert, what’s up?”
“You didn’t get back to me on the Brooklyn deal. Did you speak to her manager about trying to close the deal before the end of the year?”
Landis glanced at Brooklyn as he spoke. “Yes, I talked to him. Unfortunately, closing that particular project isn’t going to happen in the next week,” he said, trying to sound vague.
The line began moving, and Brooklyn stepped ahead.
“Too bad. We really need Brooklyn’s star power to get the agency to the next level.”
“Yeah, I know. Look, Robert, I’ve gotta run. I’ll be in touch if there are any changes in the next few days.”
“Okay. Have a good Christmas.”
“Thanks. You, too.” Landis disconnected the call and moved closer to Brooklyn.
“Work?” she asked.
“Yes. The wheels of progress keep moving even during the holidays.” He chuckled.
“I love your phone. I’ve been wanting the latest smartphone but keep forgetting to have my assistant order one.”
Landis looked down at the phone still in his hand. “Thanks. I love it, too. This phone does everything a tablet does and more.”
“After the holidays, I’ll call my assistant and have her order one.”
The line moved quickly as they were talking, and soon they were lacing up their skates. Michael and Pepper were the first to hit the ice. Brooklyn watched Michael hold Pepper’s arm as they made their way around the crowded rink.
“I don’t think I can do this,” Brooklyn confided.
“Sure you can. Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side the entire time. I promise I won’t let you fall.”
Listening to Landis’s words gave Brooklyn an assurance that she hadn’t felt from a man in a long time. Although they were not officially a couple, she was 90 percent certain that they would have a future together.
As they were ready to enter the rink, some of the skaters had skated over to the side and stopped. At first Brooklyn thought that she had been spotted and the crowd was eagerly awaiting her appearance. She tucked her head into her chin, trying to further hide her face, and then she heard Landis say, “Hey, look! That guy is down on one knee. I think he’s about to propose.”
Brooklyn surveyed the ice, and sure enough, a couple was front and center. The man had produced an aqua-blue box out of his jacket, opened the lid and was holding a diamond ring. Brooklyn couldn’t hear them, but she could see pure joy on the woman’s face. Once the man put the ring on her finger, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Obviously he had proposed and she had said yes.
Brooklyn peered over at Landis and couldn’t help thinking that one day she would be the recipient of a proposal. Touring around the country performing had indeed been a dream come true. She was now ready to figure out what the future held for her and Landis.
Chapter 7
Snow was coming down fast and furious, creating a blizzard effect, blanketing the city and surrounding areas with mounds and mounds of fluffy snow for a white Christmas. Pepper and Michael had rented a vintage railcar to transport their guests to their home in Bridgehampton—one of the quaint towns outside of New York City located on Long Island—where they were celebrating the holiday together before their wedding. Though a replica of an antique train, the railcar was modernized for convenience; nonetheless, it was complete with wood paneling, lace curtains and quaint private quarters.
The wedding party was in the dining car being served a hearty breakfast of blueberry pancakes, uncured bacon, applewood-smoked chicken sausage, fresh-squeezed orange juice and gourmet coffee.
Landis was seated next to Brooklyn at a small, white-linen-covered table, enjoying the meal as well as her company. He couldn’t believe how well they gelled. Being with Brooklyn was effortless, unlike his past relationship with a young woman with whom he argued all the time. Although Landis was a tiger at work who rarely took no for an answer, in his personal life he was just the opposite—kind and gentle. Landis had grown up watching his father dote on his mother. His parents had a loving relationship and never argued in front of their two children. Landis had adapted his father’s gentlemanly ways and as a result was nonconfrontational and didn’t like being at odds with his partner. Though his ex-girlfriend was beautiful on the outside, she was mean-spirited. After two months of walking around on eggshells, he couldn’t take her outbursts anymore and called it quits. Landis glanced over at Brooklyn and couldn’t help but smile. She was the complete package— beautiful, easygoing and smart.
Maybe now is a good time to bring up my conversation with her manager, before we arrive in the Hamptons and get wrapped up in Christmas and the wedding, Landis thought. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted.
“Why aren’t we moving?” Brooklyn asked, looking out the window.
The train had slowed to a complete stop.
Landis peered past her for a look. The snow was now coming down so hard that all he could see outside was a white blur.
“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen,” the train attendant said, coming into the car. “The conductor has stopped the train due to the weather. This unexpected snowstorm has caused a complete whiteout, and visibility is zero. For safety’s sake, we’ll be sitting idle until the snow lets up. I’ll keep you posted. And thanks for your patience.”
“Oh, bummer! I wanted to have Christmas dinner before sundown,” Pepper said.
“I know you did, but better safe than sorry, honey,” Michael said, putting his arm around her shoulder.
The rest of the wedding party grumbled slightly and then settled back for what was sure to be a long wait.
“How about mimosas for everyone?” Michael asked. He then ordered champagne for the group.
“I should have brought a book with me,” Brooklyn commented.
“Why is that?” Landis asked.
“To occupy my time. I get antsy if I’m sitting too long.”
He leaned across the table and whispered. “I can think of a few things to keep you busy.”
“Oh, yeah? Like what?”
Landis looked over his shoulder before continuing, and lowered his voice even more. “Like a repeat of the other night, minus the tinsel.”
“Sounds interesting…but where? We are on a train.”
“I noticed a few empty private staterooms in the next car. Are you game?” he asked with a wicked grin on his face.
“I sure am. Why don’t you leave first and I’ll follow in a few minutes. That way we won’t look obvious,” Brooklyn suggested.
“Okay.” Landis took a white linen napkin off the table. “I’ll put this in the doorway so you’ll know which room I’m in.”
He causally stood up and walked out of the dining car. Excitement gripped Landis as he waited for Brooklyn. His appetite for her was insatiable, and he wanted her more with each passing second. He still couldn’t believe that Brooke Lynn from school was now Brooklyn the
international singing sensation. However, his desire for her had nothing to do with the fact that she was now a celebrity. Their chemistry was magnetic, and he would have been attracted to Brooklyn no matter what she did for a living. Landis hadn’t felt this way about a woman in years, and the experience was refreshing.
“What took you so long?” Landis asked, pulling her into the room and closing the door once she arrived.
“It hasn’t even been five minutes.”
“Even a minute away from you is too long.” He took her face in both of his hands and kissed her soft lips. Landis then wrapped his arms around Brooklyn’s waist, bringing her closer until their groins met. He began grinding into her, pressing his manhood firmly against her pelvic region.
“You are a naughty boy, Mr. Keates.” She giggled.
He kissed the side of her neck. “I just can’t help myself around you.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t be doing this with everyone in the next car,” Brooklyn said, stepping back a bit.
Landis stepped forward, closing the space between them. “Don’t be silly. We’re old pros at making love with people in the next room. I can be quiet, if you can.”
“I can be as quiet as a church mouse moonwalking on cotton.”
They both laughed.
“And you have a sense of humor. I love it! You can sing, tell jokes. What else can you do?”
“Let me show you.” Brooklyn unbuckled his belt and unzipped his jeans, allowing them to fall to the floor. She rubbed her index finger around the waistband of his black boxer briefs before slipping her hand into his underwear. She fondled his package until she felt him firm to her touch. “Somebody’s getting excited.”
“We sure are. Don’t stop! That feels good.”
Brooklyn increased the pace, kneading him until he had a full-blown erection. She then knelt down and put the tip of his penis in her mouth. She kissed the head several times, then licked the side of his shaft like a luscious lollipop before taking the full length of him in her mouth. She sucked and sucked, applying pleasurable pressure to his manhood.
Landis put his hands on the top of her crown of auburn tresses to steady himself. “Damn, girl, where did you learn those skills?”
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