by Zuri Day
“Oh, yeah?” Avery positioned herself on Cayden’s lap, and kissed him. “What about how one loves?”
Cayden lifted his hips in a circular motion, grazing her heat with his dick. “I think I need to do a bit more research before answering that question.”
“Will you need any assistance?”
He grabbed her buttocks. “I’ll need all of this ass-istance.”
They laughed as he lifted her into his arms and walked to the bedroom where they could more thoroughly help each other—all night long.
Twenty-Four
Cayden followed the GPS instructions and pulled into a visitor parking space at Avery’s condo complex. Considering the level of intimacy they’d experienced it felt strange he hadn’t been there before. In so many ways his life felt foreign, like it belonged to somebody else. Who was this man working as an executive at a leading financial services company, who’d invented software that would change that whole game, who had an eight-figure payment wired to his bank account a week ago and was a member of one of the most exclusive organizations in the world?
Cayden glanced in the rearview mirror at his reflection. “It’s you, dude.”
He reached for the ridiculously large bouquet of flowers on the seat beside him, then exited the car and followed the sidewalk to Avery’s address and rang the doorbell. He felt the beat of his heart increase. In many ways, this felt like a first date. The door opened. He played it cool on the outside, but inside, his heart skipped a beat. He got a premonition that he was looking into his future.
“Hello.” He emphasized the second syllable, his eyes conducting an appreciative head-to-toe.
“Hey, Cayden.”
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
He glimpsed an unreadable emotion in her eyes before they shifted to the flowers. “Wow! That bouquet is stunning and...huge!”
“It’s my first time visiting your home. Plus, it’s the holiday season. Seemed to fit the moment.”
“I’ve got the perfect vase,” she said with a shyness in her voice that was as sexy as hell. “Come on in.”
He stepped inside and managed a quick kiss and half hug around the bouquet.
A few steps into her living room, she whirled around. “I’ve got to admit something. I’m nervous. I know it’s crazy but—”
“No, it’s not.” Cayden let out a relieved chuckle. She smiled. “Walking up to your door felt like a first date.”
“We are doing the very common dinner and a movie.”
“Which we’ve never done before.”
“I know, right? On local dates we’ve mostly hung out at your house.”
“Same with choosing the flowers. Seemed fitting.”
“Let’s put them over here. I’ll get a vase.”
Cayden watched the moon rise in the form of her swaying ass as she placed the flowers on the dining room table and then continued down the hall. Once he was able to pull his eyes away, he took in what he could see from the partially open layout. The home felt very much like Avery—classy, soothing, understated. He liked that her home wasn’t pretentious and appreciated the neutral palette with just enough splash of color to make the rooms interesting.
She returned holding a sizable vase. “This will be perfect.” She removed a uniquely tied silk ribbon from the bouquet before placing it into the urn-like porcelain.
“You’re right. It’s just the right size.”
“It’s my first time using it.” After arranging the flowers, Avery stepped back. A warm, sweet smile spread across her face.
“What are you thinking?”
“It’s the first time I’ve used the vase to actually hold flowers. A regular bouquet gets swallowed up.”
Cayden took a step closer. His hands itched to be around her waist. His lips craved the feel of hers.
“It’s beautiful.”
Avery turned to him. “It belonged to my mother.” Her eyes dropped to his lips, then back to his eyes as her head leaned toward his. “Thank you.”
The kiss was feathery light, but with enough electricity to power metro LA. Cayden pulled Avery into his embrace, his tongue silently demanding to deepen the exchange. He felt her nipples pebble against him and caressed each one with his thumbs. Avery groaned into his mouth, her hands rubbing his back and down his ass. He pressed his rapidly hardening shaft against her leg. She abruptly ended the kiss, taking a breath as she stepped back.
“I have a feeling that...if we don’t stop now...”
“We might not make that dinner and a movie?”
“Exactly.”
“I’m fine with takeout and Movie Reel on the Net.” Cayden reached for her hand. “But you’ve gotten all dressed up and look so amazing, it would be a shame not to share a bit of this hot vision with Chicago on such a cold night.”
“All right now, my multicultural brother. You’d better bottle it up and sell that swag!”
“I’m serious!”
Laughing, she gave him another quick hug. “Let me grab my purse.”
Once in Cayden’s car and on the way, Avery asked, “Where are you taking me?”
“That new place over on Near South Side.”
“No way! We’re going to Sol to Sol?” Cayden nodded, happy to see her reaction. “I was just online with them last week. Reservations are six months out.”
“Unless you know somebody who knows somebody...”
“Is it that SOMA power? I’m impressed.”
The New Age–themed restaurant with a prix fixe menu had the perfect atmosphere for love. There were only twelve tables, separated by half-walls and luscious plants to afford guests at least partial privacy. The host seated them by a window that offered a view of the holiday lights from buildings across downtown, with Lake Michigan an inky expanse beyond it. Not long after, a sommelier appeared with the night’s sparkling wine, a top-shelf, vintage brut, selected to complement the meat and fish entrées.
Cayden held up his glass.
Avery followed suit. “What are we toasting to this time?”
“I performed the toast on the plane, remember? Tonight, it’s your turn.” Cayden knew the raspiness in his voice signaled how much he desired Avery right now and he did not give one damn. By the way she squirmed, it appeared she received the message.
“Let’s toast to...this. Tonight. Us. Whatever it means and whatever it brings. And,” she hurried on before he could take a sip. “Once again to your amazing year. Launching AI Interface. Becoming a member of SOMA. Achieving just one of those goals would have been ginormous. These achievements are bigger than that and couldn’t happen to a more deserving individual. A man of integrity and grace. I love you.”
“Wow, babe. Thank you.” Cayden leaned over for a kiss. Avery happily obliged.
The appetizers arrived—roasted Brussels sprouts and Vidalia onions in a maple bacon glaze. For the next ninety minutes, Cayden and Avery were treated to the remarkable culinary skills of a young, creative, talented chef. During and in between courses, they touched on subjects and people meaningful to both of them. The Point Country Club and their “special” town. Lisa’s “all-clear” checkup. Tami, Cayden’s adopted family, the Eddingtons, and Avery’s next freelance client, an engagement party next month.
“I thought you weren’t going to book anymore until after the new year.”
“This was a referral. It fell in my lap. The party is relatively small, her wishes are manageable and her budget is major. A perfect way to get my name out there and add to my résumé. I couldn’t pass it up.”
“Experience for when you have your own agency?”
“It’ll probably be years before that can happen, but yeah, maybe someday.”
After ending the evening with a flourish—a hot fudge sundae for two topped with fresh fruit, Venezuelan Chuao chocolate, s
weet Grand Passion caviar and gold-coated almonds—the couple joined hands as they headed outside. Night had fallen and the temperatures along with it. Cayden wrapped his arms around Avery and pulled her back against him.
“I need to ask the chef where he got that chocolate syrup.”
“It was delicious.”
“Yeah, but not half as tasty as it would be if I were licking it off you.”
The valet arrived with their car. They hurried to get inside its warmth. Cayden took off, slowly cruising as they took in the surrounding holiday decorations. He reached an intersection with an on-ramp to the freeway. Instead of taking it, however, he continued straight before turning at the next light.
“Where are we going now?”
“I want to show you something.”
“Is it something that I can see from the car? It feels like below zero out there.”
“Yeah.” He glanced over, his grin slight and cocky. “You’re going to have to get out.”
“You might have to snap a picture. Let me see it on your phone.”
They reached the parking lot of a tall corner building that was once a hotel. The bottom floors had been converted into commercial properties. Lights flickered from decorated windows and trees. The night was quiet. Cayden pulled into the parking lot and a reserved space.
“We’re going in here?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure, Cayden? It didn’t look like any of those places were open.”
“I’ve got the hookup.”
“Hookup for what?” she asked as he opened her door.
“For whatever I want you to see. Come on, woman!”
“It’s frickin’ freezing!”
“Don’t worry. I’ll warm that fine ass up in a minute. Now, come on.”
Cayden pulled out a key as they neared the back entrance.
“I was right. Everything’s closed.”
“Which is why I told you that I had the hookup.”
Avery tried to huff softly, but he heard her.
“Are you mad?”
“I’m cold.”
The annoyance amused him. He opened the door. A blast of warm air greeted them.
“Better?”
She nodded. “Much.”
He placed a hand at her elbow. “It’s this way.”
They walked down a hall with brick walls, exposed pipes and dark hardwood floors. Avery ran her hand across an office door with beveled glass. “How’d you find this place?”
“Buddy of mine manages the building. We came through the employee entrance for these flexible work spaces and the shops up front.”
“I love the unfinished aesthetic. Clearly it’s been renovated and updated but the original character of the building is still here.”
“I thought you’d like it.” They turned down another hall and through a door that led to the front shops. He unlocked the door to the first business, a corner property, then guided Avery into the darkened room.
“Wait here while I find the light switch. Don’t move. Things may have been rearranged since the last time I was here.”
“Okay.”
Cayden took a few steps along the wall and felt for the plate near the corner. After finding it he flicked on the light, turned to her and said, “Open your eyes.”
The feeling was indescribable as he watched Avery’s eyes take in the contemporary furniture in the reception area before traveling up to a sign on the wall:
Events On Point
by Avery Gray
Her eyes widened as she stared at the sign. For several seconds she didn’t move. Cayden wondered if she was breathing. She slowly turned to look at him, her face a ball of confusion.
“How did...? What...?” She looked at the sign. “That’s my company’s name!”
Cayden walked to stand beside her. He placed an arm around her waist and observed the sign, too.
“Hmm. That is the name I came up with, huh?”
“Yes! Another Chicago company already has it? Damn. I loved that name, remember?”
“Come to think of it, I do remember.” He managed not to smile but his eyes were gleaming.
Avery left where they were standing and walked farther into the space. It contained a large central area, a break/meeting room and two small offices. Pendant lighting hung from the tall ceiling where recessed fixtures had been installed, as well. The large front and side bay windows were great for dressing and would let in tons of natural daylight.
She came back to where Cayden stood watching her, a smile threatening to erupt from both sides of his mouth.
Avery’s eyes narrowed. “What’s going on?”
“What do you mean?”
“Uh-uh. Don’t give me that innocent look. You’ve got to know something. You brought me here! Aside from that furniture—” she nodded toward the reception area “—and the conference table, the place is empty. And on top of that, my name, along with the one you thought up for the company that’s not even been created yet, is on the wall.”
She crossed her arm. “Okay. I get it. You’ve got jokes.”
“Me?”
“Your friend manages the building. You obviously had the sign printed and got him to put it up. Thanks, babe. I didn’t need the motivation but seeing that sign is pretty cool. Kinda makes it real. Like it really is possible.”
She continued, examining the room once again, “I mean, this space would be perfect. The offices. That meeting room would be great for presentations. This space—” she spread her arms to take in the area “—would be a small yet quiet and efficient showroom. Is this place available for rent? Is that why you brought me here?”
“Wow, you love it that much?”
“Like I said, it’s perfect. Not that it matters. I’m a long way from being able to open my own business.”
She walked over, put her arms around his neck and kissed him. “But thanks, though. Thanks for believing in my dream and setting this up. That was very thoughtful. In fact—” she stepped back and pulled out her phone “—I’m going to take a picture of that sign, have it framed and put it on the wall in my home office. That single picture will be my vision board.”
He watched her take several pictures of the sign and the space. Unable to keep up the ruse any longer, he reached into his other pocket before sidling up behind her. “I’ve got a better idea,” he murmured in her ear.
She turned in his arms, holding him close once again. “What’s that?”
“This.” He held up a heart-shaped key chain that held several keys. Avery stared at the keys, dumbfounded and speechless.
“The keys to your business,” he explained.
Avery took a stunned step away from him. Her mouth opened but no words came out.
“That’s if you’re sure this space will work.”
Finally, Avery’s mind and mouth got on the same wavelength. She spoke while circling the room, ending back up in front of him. “I think this space would be amazing, Cayden, but even with your friend managing the building, and even with a discount, I couldn’t afford the rent here. This is one of the most desired areas for up-and-coming businesses in the entire metropolitan area! I’m surprised the space is empty. I could never afford it.”
“Don’t worry.” Cayden pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “I’m sure you can work something out with the owner.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You didn’t buy this building.”
“I thought it would be a great investment. The entire structure has tons of potential. But this space is my gift to you, rent-free. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry...” Tears began to shimmer in Avery’s eyes as she stared at him, the reality of what he’d done sinking in. “You’re saying I can use this space to set up my business?”
“Yes. Set it up and run it...for
as long as you want.”
“Oh, my gosh! Are you serious? I can’t believe this. Thank you,” she said, placing her arms around his neck and kisses all over his face. “It’s the most amazing gift anyone has ever given me.”
She released him to check out the other spaces. He followed her, listening as she began decorating the rooms in her mind. They reached the smaller of the two offices, tucked away from the large front windows. Cayden pulled Avery to him and began easing off her coat.
“You know what we’ve got to do, right?”
“What?”
He turned her so that he could unzip her dress. “The space isn’t really yours until it’s been christened.”
“What are you doing?” Avery asked, even as she slid out of her heels.
“I’m undressing you. And I think you know why.”
“You’re such a naughty boy.”
“Baby girl, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” He removed his slacks. The evidence of his desire strained the front of his boxers.
“I love you, Avery Gray.”
She ran her hand along his length, reached inside and brushed her fingers across the sensitive skin. He hissed. She smiled.
“I love you, too.”
The lovemaking was uninhibited and inventive. Much later, when getting dressed, they laughed and joked with the carefreeness of those kids back in high school when Cayden was the basketballer, shot caller, and Avery held a secret crush.
“I’ll never forget this,” she said as they stepped out of the warm hallway into the chilly winter Chicago night.
Cayden thought about the set of rings being designed by Audra Lee Covington, the famous jeweler to the stars, and smiled as he opened her door.
“I’m sure there will be other memorable moments,” he said, starting the car and rubbing cold hands together.
Like in the not-too-distant future when I ask you to become my wife.
He’d planned a Valentine getaway to their favorite Southern California winery, where he’d pop the question. Everything about the year had been amazing. Next year would be even better. Dream job. Dream new product. Dream woman. Dream life. For sure, Cayden’s life was on point.