Owner of a Broken Heart

by Cheris Hodges

  “Clinton?”

  “I know that’s the friend you spent the night with. Alex couldn’t stop fussing about it this morning.” Sheldon rose to his feet and headed for the door. “He’s a good guy and I like him.”

  “Thanks, Daddy.” She flung her arms around Sheldon’s neck and kissed him on the cheek.

  “You’re welcome, baby.” Sheldon winked at Nina as he walked out the door. “See you two at seven.”

  Once she was alone again, Nina thought about the things Alexandria had said. She didn’t know Clinton, yet she’d shared something so passionate and tender with him. Heading for the bathroom, Nina decided that she’d let the chips fall where they may and ignore Alex and her cryptic words.

  * * *

  After Nina left, Clinton couldn’t get her off his mind. Her scent lingered and, when he closed his eyes, he felt her lips against his. As he cleaned the kitchen, he wondered what the future held for them. Was she truly over Lamar or had she used him as a substitute? Clinton wanted to call her and make sure that he was right. But before he could pick up the phone and dial the bed-and-breakfast, the phone rang.

  “Hello.”

  “Clinton Jefferson, it’s Randall Birmingham. How the hell are you?”

  “Mr. Birmingham, how can I help you?” Clinton asked, surprised and dismayed to hear from his former boss.

  “I must say that things have been different since you deserted us. Still, I believe you owe this company a great deal for your success.”

  “Okay, but what do you want from me since I don’t work for you anymore?”

  “I want what I’ve always wanted—Sheldon Richardson’s bed-and-breakfast. That classic little property is in the right spot and I want it. It would behoove you to help me get it.”

  Though he recognized the threat, Clinton was unmoved. “No.”

  “No? After all that we’ve done for you? You have the nerve to tell me no?”

  Clinton sighed. Randall Birmingham had given him his first job after he’d graduated college, and there were times when he hadn’t been able to help his father pay the household bills and purchase his medicine and Randall had helped.

  Still, Clinton didn’t believe that he owed Birmingham anything other than the years of service he’d given his company. When he was Birmingham’s employee, he worked damned hard for him.

  “I appreciate all that you’ve done for me, but there’s nothing I can do for you now. Mr. Richardson doesn’t want to sell his company.”

  “Actually, there is,” Birmingham said. “All I need is a little information. Since that USA Today article, everyone has been flocking to the Richardson Bed and Breakfast. Winter is hard enough for waterfront properties and you’re turning that B&B into the go-to spot. You suggested that story, didn’t you?”

  “That’s my job, something that you all didn’t allow me to do,” Clinton pointed out. “Remember all of the plans I suggested that you shot down to save money?”

  “My bad. But I won’t make the mistake of allowing this bed-and-breakfast to slip through my fingers. You have access to files, accounts that the property has. I need those things.”

  “What part of no don’t you understand? I have too much respect for Sheldon Richardson to betray him. Why not work on the properties you already have and leave the Richardson Bed and Breakfast alone? The boutique hotel market is booming. You can convert one of your current properties and—”

  “You have so much faith in this family and I know for a fact that his daughter, Alexandria, is looking for any excuse to fire you. With those people, you’ll always be an outsider, an employee. But with me, you’re like family. Just think about it. You’ve always wanted your own property; once we bankrupt the bed-and-breakfast, it will be yours. I’ll make you the general manager when my company buys it.”

  Clinton ended the call. He wouldn’t be seduced by promises of power and property.

  When his phone rang again, he started to ignore it, but he answered without looking at the screen, “You can go straight to hell. I don’t care what you think you’ve done for me in the past, I don’t owe you a damned thing.”

  “Wow, um,” Nina said. “All I want you to do is join my father and me for dinner.”

  “Sorry,” Clinton said, his cheeks growing hot from embarrassment. “I thought you were someone else.”

  “That was pretty obvious. Ex-girlfriend giving you problems?”

  “No. Just someone who doesn’t realize that no means no. What time are you and your father having dinner?” Clinton needed to stop Nina’s questions.

  “Seven and Alex won’t be joining us,” she said.

  Clinton laughed. “I can’t wait to see you again.”

  “Neither can I.” He could hear the smile in Nina’s voice. “And I think Dad is onto us.”

  “Then I better be on my best behavior.”

  “Good idea. Well, I have to get ready. See you soon.”

  After hanging up with Nina, Clinton decided to head into the city early. He figured a leisurely drive would allow him to process Birmingham’s bullshit. Did he really think that Clinton would sell out his boss? If Clinton had anything, it was integrity, and no amount of money was worth it.

  Even if he hadn’t been growing to care for Nina, he wouldn’t help Randall with his vendetta. He didn’t know how to tell Sheldon what Birmingham was trying to do without giving Alex the ammo she needed to kick him out of the company. She wouldn’t believe that Clinton wasn’t in on the scheme. And what would Nina think? He wouldn’t say anything right now because he could handle Randall himself.

  Since Clinton had no intention of giving Birmingham what he wanted, there would be no need to alarm anyone. He prayed that he was making the right decision.

  * * *

  Alex ignored Nina for most of the afternoon, which Nina didn’t mind at all. Getting ready for dinner without Alex’s scowling face was a blessing. She was excited about her dinner with Clinton and her dad. But she was concerned that her eyes would tell him what she and Clinton had done earlier.

  I wonder if Clinton has said something to my father about us? Nina thought as she walked into the bathroom to soak in the tub. Is there anything to tell? I hate to admit it, but Alex did have a point. I don’t know much about Clinton. But he makes me feel good and that’s all that matters right now.

  Nina pulled herself from the tub, dried off, and fingered some coconut oil through her hair.

  After dressing in a semiconservative red dress that showed enough cleavage and thigh to tease but was decent enough to wear out to dinner with her father, Nina headed down to the lobby hoping to greet Clinton before Sheldon or Alex did. As she reached the lobby, she saw Clinton walking in the door and he took her breath away. He reminded her of a chocolate-dipped Cary Grant, suave and debonair in his black slacks, white shirt, and black sport coat. Though he had a casual look about him, he oozed sensuality. Then again, every time Nina looked at him, she thought about their lovemaking and it made her hot all over.

  “Hi,” he said.

  “Hello.” Her breath caught in her chest as they stared at each other.

  “I thought black was your color, but you’re working that red.” He took Nina’s hand in his and spun her around as if they were in the middle of a dance floor.

  Nina blushed. “Thanks. I’m not sure where we’re going.”

  “We’re certainly going to be the best-dressed people at Emma’s tonight,” Sheldon said as he walked up behind the pair. He was uncharacteristically dressed in jeans and a white button-down shirt. Sheldon had a green sport coat draped over his arm. “Let’s go.”

  The trio headed out the door toward the Lincoln Town Car that was waiting for them. As they piled in the back seat, Nina’s leg brushed against Clinton’s knee and she shivered as if a current of electricity had flowed through her body. Nina turned her head and looked out the window, afraid that her father would see the lust in her eyes if she looked at Clinton too long.

  “What’s going on with you
two?” Sheldon smiled and leaned back in his seat.

  “Daddy!”

  “Nina, I’m not blind and I knew the first time that you two met there was an attraction there. Clinton, are you serious about my daughter?”

  Clinton faced his boss with a nervous smile. “I’m very serious about your daughter. Nina’s special and I really like her.”

  “Nina, are you serious about Clinton?”

  “Do we really have to talk about this?” Her cheeks were burning from embarrassment. “I mean—”

  “Listen,” Sheldon said. “I know how you young people fall in and out of love and lust. I want to make sure that whatever happens between the two of you doesn’t affect my business and I don’t want to see you hurt, Nina.”

  “Mr. Richardson—”

  “Sheldon,” he corrected.

  “Sheldon, I don’t have a crystal ball, but I know that I would never do anything to hurt Nina purposely.”

  God, let him mean what he’s saying, Nina thought as she stared at Clinton, admiring the way he handled her father.

  Sheldon nodded and turned to Nina. “Well.”

  “What, Daddy?” Nina’s cheeks were on fire as she watched Clinton and her father stare at her. “It’s just what Clinton said.”

  “I think a lot of Clinton and I wouldn’t want you to hurt him, either,” Sheldon said.

  “I won’t.” She smiled at Clinton and squeezed her thighs tightly. Was it wrong to have these wanton thoughts about Clinton with her father sitting inches away from them?

  Sheldon nodded. “Good, now that it’s all cleared up let’s all enjoy dinner.”

  They rode to Emma’s Soul Food restaurant in a comfortable silence, with Clinton and Nina stealing glances at each other. At dinner, the trio shared laughs and at the end of the night, Sheldon suggested that Nina and Clinton stick around Charleston Harbor and watch the stars, since it was a warm night. “I’ll send the car back for you after I get dropped off,” he said before kissing Nina’s cheek. “Clinton, don’t let her fall in the water.”

  “I won’t.”

  After Sheldon left, Clinton turned to Nina. “You don’t think your father’s playing matchmaker, do you?”

  “I’ve never seen him like this. I’m sorry if he embarrassed you.”

  Clinton chuckled. “It seems that you were the one blushing in the car.”

  Nina shook her head. “It wasn’t because of what Daddy was saying. I was fighting the urge to lean over and have my way with you in the back seat. Daddy might have gotten upset.” Nina linked arms with Clinton and they began walking down the boardwalk.

  “At least he approves and I won’t have a pink slip Monday morning. Because you know some fathers never think anyone is good enough for their little girls, even if she is all grown up.”

  “I know what we told my dad. But are we going too fast? Long-distance relationships don’t work.” Nina knew her trust issues would send her mind racing to dark places with one missed call. She also knew that she couldn’t judge him by her past, but it was going to be hard.

  Stroking her hair, Clinton sighed. “We’re going to make it work, Nina. You’re the only woman I want. I’m ready for this journey because I know you’re taking it with me. If you’re ready.”

  She eyed him thoughtfully. “I’m ready, but I’m going to be honest, that whole keeping your phone downstairs at night is going to have to change. I know my head will create all kinds of bad scenarios if I can’t reach you.”

  He tapped his watch. “I’m always going be there for you.”

  She blushed. “Are you ready for all of this?”

  “I am, because I care for you, Nina and I want to grow something real with you. Is it going to be easy? No. But I’m willing to work for it. For you.”

  She leaned her head against his chest. “So am I.” Looking up at him, Nina smiled. “There is one thing that I want right now, though.”

  “Name it.”

  “I like that baby blue Mustang of yours and I’ve been dying to drive it since I saw it parked in your driveway. May I?” She batted her eyelashes.

  Clinton placed his hand underneath his chin and pondered her request. “Do you think you can handle it?”

  “There isn’t much I can’t handle when it comes to the pony car,” she said confidently. “Let’s ride.”

  “You’re going to have to be careful, my car has real power, not all that digital stuff like you have now. Blue is a real pony,” he said.

  Nina winked at him. “I can handle it. Let’s ride.”

  They took the car that Sheldon had arranged for them to the B&B, where his Mustang was parked. After Clinton tipped the driver, he handed his car keys to Nina.

  “Be gentle,” he said as they slid into the car.

  Nina started up the engine and listened to the roar of the motor. “This sounds amazing.”

  “Wait until you see how she handles,” Clinton said.

  Nina backed out of the parking lot. “Why do men always refer to their cars as she?”

  Clinton shrugged. “Because, other than a woman, what’s more unpredictable than a car? What else will a man happily spend money on than a woman and a car?”

  Nina giggled as she pressed the clutch down and shifted gears. “Never thought of it like that.”

  As they came up on a sharp curve, Clinton gripped the door handle. He glanced over at the speedometer and Nina was going about sixty-five miles an hour. “Think you want to slow down a bit?”

  She downshifted and glanced at Clinton. “You’re not afraid, are you?”

  “Just a little.”

  She slowed down just a little. “Now that scene in Bullitt makes so much sense! I need a classic Mustang in my life.”

  “Hopefully, you will drive it a little slower than you do now. You need to enjoy the ride, let the engine sing to you,” he said. “Pull over up here.”

  “Aw, do I have to?” Nina pretended to pout.

  “It’s going to be worth it.”

  She pulled over and discovered that Clinton had directed her to a secluded park. Trees surrounded the small park with a reflecting pool. They exited the car and walked over to the benches that surrounded the silver pond. “You were right,” she said. “This was well worth the stop.”

  Clinton drew her into his arms. “It certainly was.” He sought out Nina’s lips with his, planting a soft kiss on her tender mouth. She returned his kiss, only with a little more fire. Clinton parted his lips, allowing Nina to take control with her tongue. She probed his mouth, reveling in his sweetness. He pulled her against his body, pressing her against his desire and showing her just what she’d done to him. Taking a cue from his erection, Nina took his hand and slid it between her thighs, also to show him what he’d done to her.

  They broke the kiss and looked deeply into each other’s eyes. “Thank God for global warming,” he whispered. “Because if it were a regular fall night, I wouldn’t dream of doing this.” He unzipped the back of her dress, then slid it off her shoulders.

  “And I wouldn’t be able to do this,” she said as she unbuttoned his shirt. Nina pressed the palms of her hands against his chest.

  Clinton leaned in and kissed Nina’s neck, causing her to melt against him. They fell back on the wooden bench and he completely undressed Nina. For a moment, he took a look at her reflection in the pool. The way the moonlight bounced off her made her look ethereal. Maybe Nina was an angel who had fallen into his life.

  After a beat, she stroked his cheek. “What’s wrong?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing’s wrong. Everything seems so right,” he whispered as he ran his finger down the valley of her breasts.

  Nina reached up and unbuckled his belt. “I really hope no one sees us out here,” she whispered as she unzipped his pants and pushed them down to his ankles. Clinton kicked out of his slacks and boxers in one swift motion. A slight breeze blew across them and caused the trees to sway. A few blue jays sang overhead as Clinton kissed her breasts until her nip
ples perked up. Moaning, she stroked the back of his head, urging him to continue. His erection pressed against her thighs and heat radiated from every pore in her body. “I want you,” she moaned.

  “You got me and you can have me any way you want,” he said as he parted her legs. Clinton could feel how wet and ready she was even before he removed her lace panties. He slipped an index finger inside her, touching her sensitive bud. Nina arched her back, crying out in pleasure as Clinton replaced his finger with his tongue.

  With his face buried between her thighs, Clinton lapped her womanly nectar as if she was the juiciest piece of fruit. She pressed her body against his lips as if to say, More. Clinton answered her silent plea, deepening his kiss and lashing her throbbing bud with his tongue.

  Nina felt as if her pleasure was more important to Clinton than his own. That made her body tremble even more.

  Clinton reversed the direction of his kiss, ending up at her lips. Nina gyrated her hips, wanting to feel his thick erection deep inside her wetness. He gave her what she wanted and plunged into her awaiting body. She called out his name as he dove deeper and deeper. He lifted her from the bench and onto his lap. Nina wrapped her arms around his neck and rocked back and forth as if she was riding a prized steed in the Kentucky Derby.

  Clinton toyed with her nipples as she arched her back, jutting her ripe breasts upward. “Oh, Clinton,” she called out as the waves of an orgasm washed over her.

  Wrapping their arms around each other, Clinton buried his face in Nina’s hair. “So, was it worth it?” he asked.

  “Absolutely,” she replied breathlessly. Nina ran her hand over her cropped hair. “This is something more than a physical thing, isn’t it?”

  “Of course,” he said. “Look, I’m too old to play games and you deserve a lot more than just sex. You’re worth more than that.” Clinton tugged at her chin. “Besides, I don’t just let anyone drive my car.”

  Nina smiled. “So, are you going to let me finish driving to your place?”

  “That would be a no,” he said as he quickly snatched the keys from the ground. “You need to slow down. Ever think of driving in the Coca-Cola Six Hundred?”