“And?” Vanessa urged her to continue.
“Enter Roman. He showed interest in me, which was flattering. Asked me to bid on him too. He agreed to cover the expense.”
“Fifty thousand dollars?”
“Well, you see—there was another woman bidding who didn’t appear to be standing down. I made a bold move. Roman was fine with it. He stroked the check no problem, but then he asked me to dance. And then the dance led to dinner at The Sun Dial. And dinner, well, dinner led to…” Shantel glanced at Vanessa. “You don’t need me to spell it out, do you?”
“Of course not, but was it good?” Vanessa asked with a sly smile.
Shantel lowered her head. A little girl talk was one thing, but how much should she share?
“C’mon, Shantel. Don’t leave me hanging.”
She lifted her gaze. “It was better than good. The best I’ve ever had. There, are you happy?”
Vanessa stared at her, bug-eyed. “I would think you’d be in better spirits after a night with Roman. What gives?”
“Would you be if he left in the morning without a word? Correction. He left me a note, Nessa. A note, for Christ’s sake! Was I so bad he couldn’t face me the next morning? I would have at least thought he’d extend me that much courtesy, but then again, I know nothing about one-night stands.”
Vanessa slid off the barstool she was perched on and came toward Shantel. She grabbed her hand and pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry, girlfriend. Sometimes these things happen. Sometimes men are only there for a good time and when the party is over, they’re on to the next one.”
Shantel shook her head in despair as they parted. “I never dreamed I’d be one of those women. I’ve always prided myself on not putting myself in these situations. I guess I’m no better than any other woman out there. All it takes is a handsome face and I drop my panties.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You took a chance and lived a little, which you so rarely do. It’s okay to make mistakes sometimes.”
“I suppose you’re right. I thought…” Her voice trailed off. The night had been magical, and in the moment, Shantel thought maybe, just maybe, they could have had more than the one night, but she was wishing for the impossible.
“You two were destined for each other?”
“Something like that—” Shantel offered a weak smile “—but I was wrong.”
“Now what? Please don’t tell me you’re going to hide behind your work again? If nothing else, this experience should have shown you you’re a woman with needs that are not being met.”
Shantel laughed. If Vanessa was talking about sexual needs, she was putting those on the shelf. For the foreseeable future.
Five
“So, what do you think, Julian?” Roman asked. “Will the injury Dustin sustained during the playoffs be healed enough for him to be back for the regular season?” Roman had come to his brother’s office on Monday afternoon to talk over the condition of some of the players with injuries the past season. He needed to understand if there was a path forward to another ring or if he was deluding himself.
“I don’t know, Rome,” Julian said. “He’s certainly doing his rehab and has the will to achieve it, but maybe Dad is right. Maybe we need to trade him.”
Roman rolled his eyes. “Not you too. Can’t I get some support from my little brother?”
Julian rose to his feet. “I’m giving you my professional opinion. Dustin has been playing professionally for nearly twenty years, not to mention his time in college and high school. His body has taken a lot of bumps and bruises. He’s got maybe one or two good years left in him, which he can ride out with another team.”
“He helped us get two championship rings.”
“That was five years ago,” Julian stated. “You know how Dad is. He’s never going to let up on you. We had a lot of losses last year.”
Roman folded his arms across his chest. “I know that.” He knew what he had to do, but he didn’t like it.
“Then I’m sure you’ll do the right thing,” Julian replied. “Speaking of that, I heard my girl Shantel saved you from a fate worse than death last weekend.”
“Excuse me?” Roman had been trying not to think of the beautiful woman he’d spent the night with.
“At the bachelor auction on Saturday night?” Julian offered at Roman’s blank expression. “I heard she bid fifty thousand dollars. I don’t suppose you had something to do with that?”
Roman gave a half grin. “Yeah, I asked her to bid on me however much it took, same as you. What happened to you anyway?”
“I had an unexpected delay with a songstress I’d met the night before.”
Roman rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I just bet you did. Shantel was a lifesaver.”
“That’s Shantel. She’s been there for me on many occasions even when I didn’t deserve it. She’s loyal, you know? It’s not every day you meet a woman like her.”
Roman frowned. He didn’t appreciate hearing his brother wax poetic about the woman who’d shared his bed, which made him curious. “So why have you never made a play for her?”
“Shantel?” Julian’s voice rose. “First off, Shantel has always been like a sister to me. It’s why I kept the Morehouse men from messing with such a good girl, because if any one of those players stepped to her and broke her heart, I would have beat them to a bloody pulp. Second, she’s the kind of woman you marry, not the kind you fool around with, if you get my drift. Third, Shantel would never put up with a player like me. She values herself too much for that. I hope she meets a man worthy of her one day, because she deserves the best.”
Yes, she did. Which made Roman feel like a jerk for having used her for one night of pleasure. But oh, what a night it was! “All right, then.” He leaned towards his brother for a one-armed hug. “Thanks for the info on Dustin. I appreciate it, and your advice won’t fall on deaf ears.”
Julian grinned. “That’s what brothers are for.”
Roman left Julian’s office as quickly as he could. It appeared that Shantel hadn’t revealed their encounter to Julian, and if she hadn’t revealed their tryst so far, Roman was going to presume she wouldn’t because Shantel didn’t strike him as the vindictive type. Roman was thankful. If his brother ever found out what went down between them, he was afraid of the rift it might cause.
*
“Are you ready to close up shop?” Martin Hicks, her colleague, asked Shantel when Friday afternoon rolled around.
“Almost. I’m dictating my notes for my assistant to type up for Monday,” Shantel replied. She’d been working hard with her client Alma Stevens, who’d suffered four miscarriages in the last five years. Each one had taken a piece of her client’s heart and she was struggling.
“Is that the client you told me about?” Martin asked. “Is she getting any better?”
“Hard to tell,” Shantel said. “I’ve tried to get her to bring in her spouse. They both need counseling.” Therapy was a way to let go of the hurt and the pain. She only wished her mother had done the same before she took her own life.
“At the end of the day you have to remember you’ve done all you can,” Martin replied. “You can’t take it home with you.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
“Okay, well don’t work too late.”
“I won’t. See you Monday.” Once Martin had gone, Shantel stared at the closed door. Something about Alma’s desire to be a mother spoke to Shantel. It wasn’t as though she was eager to become one herself. Quite frankly, it was the opposite. If her own mother was a manic depressive, what would happen to her child? Although Shantel had no mental health issues, it didn’t mean her offspring wouldn’t. Sometimes bad genes skipped a generation.
Yet Alma’s desperation to give her husband a child was so raw. It was sometimes hard for Shantel to regroup after their sessions. That was why she’d changed Alma’s appointment to be her last for the day. There was no way she could switch on and off between clients when one
of them took so much out of her emotionally.
The week had dragged on and on for Shantel. And she knew why. Some deep-down part of her had hoped Roman would see the error of his ways and call or text her, but that day never came. And so with each passing day, her ire went up. She needed an escape, which was why she’d agreed to attend an art gallery opening with Julian. The younger Lockett was always a lot of fun and would help pull her out of her funk. Julian’s personality was so far removed from his older brother’s, Shantel could easily put his relationship with Roman to the side.
After going home for a quick shower and change of clothes, she was ready at 7:00 p.m. when Julian rang the doorbell.
“Well, damn!” he said when she swung open the door.
Confidence boost. Check.
Shantel had chosen to wear a midi dress with a black ruched see-through overlay. It was a trick of the eye because you might think she was naked, but she wasn’t because there was a nude dress underneath. She couldn’t wear much lingerie because it would show panty lines; she’d opted for a thong and no bra.
“You look hot!” Julian said, kissing her on the cheek. “I’m going to have to beat the men off with a stick tonight.”
“Oh, stop!” She couldn’t help enjoying the attention. “Anyway, thanks for the invite. I’m sure you have better things to do than spend your time with me.”
Julian snorted. “It’s no chore, Shantel. You know I love ya and I’m free tonight, so you’re in luck. C’mon.”
After locking up her cottage, Shantel eased herself into Julian’s Bugatti Veyron. The man loved fast cars and fast women. On the drive, they caught each other up about their weeks, and soon they were pulling up outside the gallery.
“The artist is a friend of mine from Morehouse,” Julian said, handing the valet his car keys and leading her inside. “He dropped out because college wasn’t for him, but I always knew he would be great someday, so I’m here to support him.”
Shantel touched Julian’s arm. “You’re a good friend.” Suddenly the hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention. She spun on her strappy sandaled heel but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary in the foyer. So why does it feel as if I am being watched?
“C’mon.” Julian linked arms with Shantel. “I’ll introduce you to my friends.”
Shantel glanced around one more time but merely saw several people milling about, looking at the art on display. She was being overly dramatic. It wasn’t like she knew anyone else here.
*
Why?
That’s the question Roman asked himself as he stood beside Keke Wyatt, the hot new model on Instagram. They’d met at a football industry party some months ago, and she’d indicated she was in town for the weekend. He’d been desperate to escape the endless movie reel loop he’d felt like he’d been on the last week. He hadn’t been able to escape seeing Shantel come apart in his arms. He could still hear her soft moans and pants when he’d been buried deep inside her. He remembered the way her legs clutched his hips as she’d taken him someplace no woman ever had.
Nirvana.
So when Keke suggested a low-key night out at an art gallery opening she’d heard about from some friends, he’d agreed. They would have a few drinks and see where the evening led.
He hadn’t expected Julian to bring Shantel to the opening. They didn’t travel in the same social circles. Roman could count on one hand the number of times he’d run into her over the last decade she’d been friends with his brother.
And now?
Two weekends in a row? What are the odds I’d run into my one-night stand a week after unceremoniously leaving her a note on the nightstand? It was beyond inconceivable.
So here he was with Keke, hiding out on the other side of the gallery, staring at Shantel like some hopeless dope. She looked like a million bucks in some sheer number that showed off her killer legs and clung to all her curves. Curves he’d gotten to know very well the weekend prior.
Damn.
He couldn’t think of a way out without her seeing him. He would have to bluff his way through it.
“What do you think of this one?” Keke pointed to an abstract piece of art that for the life of him Roman couldn’t figure out. With a myriad of colors from black to pink to gold to turquoise, it looked like a wave, but he could make out a face, as well. “It’s interesting, right?”
“Yeah.” Roman circled his arm around her waist and turned her so they weren’t facing Shantel. “What do you say we get out of here?”
“Roman?” Julian bellowed to him from across the room. He couldn’t very well ignore his brother, so Roman spun around and came face-to-face with Julian and Shantel.
Shantel glanced at him and then at Keke and then back to him. A hurt look crossed her beautiful face, but then, just as quickly, she was stone-faced, and he couldn’t tell what she was thinking. The night they’d spent together, he’d been able to tell exactly what she was feeling, but she gave nothing away tonight.
Julian walked toward them. “Hey, Rome. What are you doing here? Didn’t think you were an art connoisseur.”
“He’s not,” Keke said. “I suggested it.”
“Julian. This is Keke Wyatt. Keke, this is my brother, Julian Lockett,” Roman said, making the introductions.
Julian grinned as he sidled next to Keke. “I knew it. Rome wouldn’t know a Van Gogh from a Picasso.”
Roman glared at his younger brother, who for some reason couldn’t take his eyes off his date while Roman couldn’t stop staring at Shantel. “Thanks a lot, Julian.”
“Oh, no problem,” Julian said distractedly. “How would you feel about me showing you some of my friend’s work upstairs?” he asked Keke directly. “He has some great pieces.”
“You don’t mind, do you, Roman?” She batted her eyelashes at him. Roman didn’t care because he’d be left alone with Shantel. She was upset and wouldn’t even look at him. She was staring beyond his shoulder as if he didn’t exist.
“No, of course not,” Roman said and watched as Keke and Julian climbed up the stairs. He turned to Shantel, but she was making a beeline for the exit.
“Wait! Shantel, wait!” Roman’s voiced pitched up an octave, which caused her to halt her steps, but she didn’t turn around.
“Let me go, Roman,” Shantel said, her back to him.
“I can’t do that. Not until we talk.”
She spun around so quickly, Roman wasn’t prepared for the glower on her face. “The time for that was after we slept together,” she hissed in a whisper only he could hear. “If you’ll excuse me.” She reached for the door handle, but Roman grabbed her arm.
“Please don’t leave like this.”
“Don’t touch me!” Tension emanated from Shantel and he noted her face was pinched.
He deserved that and then some. “I’m sorry, Shantel. Is that what you want to hear?”
She shook her head, frustration etched across her beautiful caramel features. Her pink-tinted lips pursed into a frown. “The only reason you’re sorry is that you’ve been forced to face me when you’d rather sneak out like some thief in the night. But I can take a hint. So why don’t you take this one—I don’t wish to see you again.”
Roman didn’t believe that for a second. If she didn’t care, she wouldn’t be so upset. He clasped her arm and walked with her to a nearby alcove where there were no patrons.
“You have no right to manhandle me.” Shantel’s eyes were blazing fury.
And damn it, it turned Roman on. He’d seen the shy, sweet side of Shantel, but he hadn’t yet encountered this fiery persona. He liked both with equal measure. Is something wrong with me? Why does this woman affect me like no other? He’d tried to convince himself he’d imagined the chemistry that had simmered between them that night. All week he’d been tied up in knots, punishing himself by working late or with grueling workouts at the gym in an attempt to relieve his frustration, but his body knew better. His body knew there was only one way to assuage the carn
al hunger she’d ignited within him.
Often over the last week, he’d fantasized about kissing her again because her mouth promised heaven. On the other hand, he’d worried about Julian and how he might react. But his brother could care less about absconding with Roman’s date! And then, of course, there were the feelings Shantel evoked in him, feelings he’d tried to avoid. But it was useless; his body ached for her. And now if he didn’t kiss her again he would die.
“Shantel, I’m sorry if I manhandled you. That wasn’t my intent. Tell me you want this as much as I do,” he growled.
She nodded, so Roman covered her lips with his, sending his world up in flames.
*
Why had Shantel not sensed the change in Roman sooner? She only became aware of the thick sexual tension when her own heart began thudding hard and fast in her chest. She was furious he could just turn it on and off. One week he was with her and the next with a sexy model. Shantel was livid, but that didn’t stop desire from shooting through her veins at the touch of his lips.
Her nipples turned into turgid peaks and her thong was wet with molten heat. She was aware of Roman’s muscled strength as he wrapped his arm around her and decimated any vestiges of control she thought she had erected against him. Instead he laid claim to her mouth and gave a low growl when her lips parted of their own volition to allow his tongue access to her. He kissed her with utter abandon as if they weren’t in an art gallery where anyone could see them making out. And she let him.
When he eased back to look at her, there was a fierce glimmer in his eyes. “Come home with me so I can make love to you properly.”
His words were like being doused in cold water.
She’d done it again! Gotten caught in the haze of sexual excitement. It was as if she was spellbound by the myriad of sensations Roman induced with his kisses. What must he think of me? She was disgusted with her undignified behavior and pushed at his chest hard until he let her go.
She was a fool.
She would never mean anything to Roman other than an easy lay. But she’d never been that for any man before and he was no exception. “I’m not going anywhere except home.”
Consequences of Passion--A sensual pregnancy romance Page 4