Between Love and Hate, page 3
Speechless, Biz could barely perform a nod. "Um, my office." She softly instructed, waving her hands in the general direction.
"So, why lingerie?" Cahlir was asking, once they were enjoying a hearty lunch on the floor of Biz's office.
She shrugged, dipping a baby carrot into a bowl of ranch dressing. "My favorite type of clothing," She explained, glancing up to fix him with a saucy look.
Cahlir laughed. "That all?"
"I don't know," she sighed, munching absently on the crunchy carrot stick, "maybe a little part of me wanted to stun my family."
"A little part?"
Biz tugged her bottom lip between her teeth to prevent her grin from growing too broad. "Alright, not so little. But I wanted something off the beaten path and I don't know many black-owned lingerie franchises."
Cahlir nodded, taking a monstrous bite of his three-tiered sandwich. "You must be doing something right. This is your third store."
Biz chuckled, her eyes narrowing at the adorable picture he made seated on the cluttered floor, happily munching away and talking through a mouthful of food.
"I um, I hope I wasn't overstepping out there-with lunch and all." He said, having caught her staring.
Biz frowned. She had no clue what he meant. Then, she recalled her staff. "They could kiss the ground I walk on now." She teased. "Thank you. That was a really sweet thing to do."
Cahlir set aside his sandwich. "So sweet, you'll accept an invitation to dinner tonight?" He asked, slowly bringing his striking gaze to her face.
Biz slowly inhaled, smiling demurely as she nodded. "I'd like that."
***
"So what's up with this big Kool-Aid grin you've been wearing for the past week?"
Cahlir almost choked on his orange juice when he heard his sister's question. "What?" He laughed.
"You heard me." Carla challenged, her sparkling dark eyes studying him closely. "You've been more at ease during this one week than the entire time you've been here."
Cahlir smiled out at the view of Carla's lush vegetable garden from the second floor balcony where they enjoyed breakfast. "I guess it could have somethin' to do with your girl."
"My girl?" Carla whispered, a devilish smile tugging at her mouth. "Not Biz?" She breathed, squealing when Cahlir shrugged. "Oh Baby, that's so great. Are there any...details I should know about?"
Cahlir chuckled. "No details other than the fact that I like spending time with her."
Carla reached for his hand and squeezed. "That sounds like a pretty good detail to me."
"Yeah, makes me dread thinking about going back." He admitted, his expression growing dim for the first time that morning.
Again, Carla squeezed her brother's hand. "How's that niece of mine?"
"According to Aria, she's fine, but I think she's lyin' to me." He muttered, referring to his former wife.
"Cahlir-"
"Please Carla, the woman never tells it straight where Liza is concerned."
"And what would you do if she did?" Carla challenged, leaning back to study him. "What? Would you fly back to Chicago over a little cough to play round-the-clock nursemaid?"
"You know it's always been more than a little cough, Carla." He snapped, banging the table with his fist.
"Baby, I know, but if you let this eat you alive, you won't be any good for Liza."
"I can't stand it when she keeps shit from me about her. Doesn't she think I'm capable of handling what's going on with my own child, Carla?"
"Honey have you ever thought maybe she handles it better by being alone?"
"I'm scared." He admitted, his voice growing raspier with emotion, while his long lashes fluttered against the pressure of tears. "What if Liza-"
"Hey, hey, shh..." Carla urged, shaking her head against the dark thought. "Baby don't do this, alright? Please? I know, let's talk about something else-like how you plan to keep on impressing one Miss Bizay Donneeter?" She teased, hoping to trigger a smile from her younger brother and giggling when it finally appeared.
***
Cahlir decided to bite the bullet after watching Biz trace invisible patterns in the tablecloth for at least five minutes.
"Wanna talk about it?" He asked.
"Hmm?" Biz responded, her brown eyes wide when they snapped to his face.
Cahlir's grin ignited his gorgeous dimples. "Well I know I'm not in the best mood, but you're down right grim over there."
Biz found his admission interesting. "Well what's wrong with your mood?"
"I asked you first."
"It's really nothing." Biz smiled in spite of herself. "I don't even know why I'm thinking about it now."
"I'd still like to know what it is." Cahlir folded his arms across the front of the fitted navy shirt he wore. "Biz?" He persisted.
She rolled her eyes out over the crowd of diners filling the bar and grill. "I just never thought I'd see you again after the outrageous way I behaved the first night we met."
"Outrageous?" Cahlir repeated, completely confused. The pointed look she sent his way quickly enlightened him. "Oh...you figured I wouldn't call since we didn't have sex?"
"It's usually the way things work."
"Not necessarily," a mischievous grin accentuated his argument, "I could've gotten the panties and still not called. It works that way too, right?"
Cahlir's attempt at being clueless produced the desired effect. Biz burst into giggles, her dampened spirits quickly evaporating.
Cahlir leaned forward, trapping her with the intensity of his steel-toned gaze. "Don't mistake me, Biz. I want you in my bed, or out of it. I want you wherever and whenever you'll let me have you. Am I only pretending to be interested until I get what I want? I guess you'll have to answer that one yourself. But as badly as I want you, I want to know you just as much."
"Oh." Biz could only manage as his blatant explanation robbed her of more words.
"We better head out of here, it's late." He was saying while dropping a slew of bills to the table. "See you tomorrow?"
"For lunch?" She proposed, watching him shrug.
"I'll pick you up from your store if you're free."
She smiled. "I can't wait."
CHAPTER THREE
"I thought we were going to have lunch?" Biz asked Cahlir, when he escorted her to his hotel room the following afternoon.
"We'll eat later." He unlocked the door and held it open for her.
"So why aren't you staying with Carla? I know she has plenty of room." Biz asked when she stepped into the luxurious suite.
Cahlir shrugged and tossed his olive green suit coat across the back of an armchair. "I work in the city a lot on business, so it's more convenient. Besides, I like my privacy."
"I see."
"Do you?"
Biz cleared her throat softly, unconscious of the fact that she was backing away from Cahlir as he advanced. "Why did you bring me here?" She finally found the nerve to ask.
Cahlir stopped, slipping one hand inside his trouser pockets and massaging his neck with the other. "I've been thinking about having you here since the first night I met you."
"I'm flattered."
"I'm serious."
"Surely it's not that difficult for you to find someone to warm your bed?" Biz airily inquired, hoping to dispel the intensity of the mood.
"Oh, that's easy enough," he resumed his journey towards her, "finding someone interesting enough...that's a bit tougher."
Biz turned away, feeling her resistance draining like water. "Interesting enough? Is that important?"
"To me. Yes."
"We practically just met."
"I know."
Biz bowed her head. "Cahlir, don't do this."
He stopped right behind her. "So things have changed since that night?"
"No." She whirled around to face him. More words deserted her, when she met his gaze.
"Then what?" He whispered, leaning close.
Biz could feel her heart beating double time in response to the intense stare he sent her way. In that moment, her desire reigned supreme and released her arguments. Cahlir pulled her against him, his hand practically smothered her slender neck as it curled around the elegant column. He propped her chin on his thumb. His sensuous mouth lowered to hers and Biz gasped at the force of the kiss. Cahlir lowered both hands to her back and his fingers began to tease her through the delicate fabric of the light blue chiffon blouse she wore.
Done with her thoughts of resistance, Biz chose to indulge in what he offered. She pushed Cahlir into a nearby chair and began to disrobe.
Cahlir relaxed in the comfortable chair and studied the incredible beauty before him. His eyes narrowed, as he watched her slip out of the chic blouse and chemise, before her fingers curled around the straps of her white lace bra and eased it off. She drew the short, matching light blue skirt past her hips and thighs until it pooled around her feet. Cahlir felt the familiar tightening below his waist; His eyes travelled up the long dark length of her legs, stopping briefly at the silky panties and further up...
At last, their clothing lay heaped on the floor, Cahlir held Biz in his arms and carried her to his bedroom. As soon as he closed the door, he let her slide down his body before pressing her against the cool wood. He dropped possessive, wet kisses to her neck and chest. His cupped her breasts, his lips feasting on the dark, chocolate mounds. Biz toyed in his hair, relishing the erotic sensations coursing through her body.
In a surprising move, Cahlir bent and flung Biz across his shoulder. He took her to the huge bed in the center of the room. There, he lowered her to the middle of the bed and caged her beautiful, silken form beneath his hard, muscular one.
Cahlir's incredible touch worked magic over Biz's heated skin. He kissed her from head to toe and she expressed no hesitation in doing the same. They fought against the strong demands of their bodies, until the need to become one, overruled. With protection in place, Biz gasped as Cahlir filled her completely his broad frame nudging her thighs wide. He was still for a moment, allowing her to become used to his length and size. Then, slowly, he began to move, stretching her intimately with a ruthless claiming. The silky smooth thrusts gradually became more commanding more branding. In seconds, Biz was crying out her approval.
Cahlir tried to muffle his groans, by burying his face in the soft crook of her neck. Biz could hear every word he uttered.
"I want you like this every night, B. Every night...
***
Cahlir Decker was true to his word. The next few days were like something right out of a dream. Though Bizay spent quite a bit of time at her new store and Cahlir had business meetings to attend, they still made arrangements to be together.
Cahlir took the role of tour guide quite seriously. He treated Biz to several popular stage shows, romantic dinners and club visits. Biz thought he was more captivating than any man she had ever known.
***
"Ah Kelly, I can't wait to get these on the floor!" Biz told one of her sales associates. The new store had received the final shipments of lingerie before the opening.
"What do you want me to start on first?" Kelly asked, holding a gray satin teddy across her chest, as she stood before a mirror.
"You, Tammy and Lisa get started on the negligees. I'll let Michelle and Sarah handle the teddies and two pieces this afternoon." Biz instructed. As usual, she selected a few pieces to try on and disappeared inside her office.
~~~
When Cahlir arrived at Donneeter Delicates that afternoon, the sales associates were all too happy to help him when he asked for their boss. When he located her office and peeked inside the room, he froze. Biz was trying on lingerie. The pieces were all revealing and blatantly erotic. Cahlir, so affected by the sight of her, could only lean against the doorjamb for support.
Biz stepped over to the floor length mirror on the door leading to the private washroom. She twisted and turned to get the best view, loving what she saw. Cahlir realized he was holding the door open and pushed it shut behind him.
"That for me?" He asked when Biz whirled around.
"Maybe," She propped her hands on her hips.
"Do I get a private show?" He took a seat on a long, leather sofa in the corner of the office.
Biz smiled and disappeared into the washroom. When she returned, she had changed into a wicked red, lace bra and panties. Matching garter, hose and strappy red spiked heels completed the ensemble.
Cahlir stifled a groan and ran one hand across his handsome face. "That better be for me." He warned.
"What will you do if it is?" She sauntered across the room to stand before him.
Cahlir reached out and trailed on finger along her flat stomach. His intense stare followed the path of the caress and he smiled when she shivered in response. The lone index finger continued its downward trail, stopping at the junction of her thighs. Cahlir brought his extraordinary gaze to her face, as his fingers delved past the crotch-less lace panties. He watched her eyes close, as she whimpered in appreciation of the deep thrusts. A disappointed moan escaped her, when he withdrew from her moist heat. Hands closing over her hips, he pulled her closer.
"Cahlir," she breathed, when his fingers caressed her navel. She grasped his shoulders; when he tightened the hold on her hips and pulled her down to straddle his lap. She went to work undoing Cahlir's trousers, freeing him of the crisp, gray linen boxers he wore and fondled the rigid length of his erection.
Cahlir lost what patience he had and pulled Biz onto his throbbing arousal. He cupped her bottom and directed the movements of her body.
Biz's thick, wavy locks tossed over her head, as she followed his lead. She tried not to alert the entire building to her activities. It was almost impossible, considering all she wanted to do was to scream at the top of her lungs.
Cahlir rooted his mouth against her breast and suckled the stiff nipple through the delicate material of the bra. His breathing grew ragged and deep, as the enjoyment of Bizay's body brought him to complete release.
~~~
"Have dinner with me tonight?"
Biz smiled and snuggled deeper into Cahlir's strong embrace. "You know I will."
"I have tickets to a show in town. We can see that before we eat."
"Whatever you want."
Cahlir tweaked her nose. "You're so easy."
"Only for you."
"Keep it that way." Cahlir ordered, as he pushed himself off the sofa.
"Cahlir?" Biz called, watching him straighten his clothes.
"Mmm hmm?"
"How long is this going to last?"
"What?"
"This. Us. This...affair?"
"I honestly don't know, B." Cahlir admitted, a thoughtful expression coming to his gorgeous, honey-complexioned face. "I guess we'll need to talk about it before our business is done here."
Biz nodded. "Well, I know my timeframe. What does yours look like?"
Cahlir's silver stare slid to her face and he held her brown eyes captive. "I plan on being here a while, but I don't plan on letting you get away."
The raspy certainty in his words brought a smile to Biz's lips. She curled up on the sofa and watched him brush non-existent wrinkles from the silver blue suit tailor-made for his frame. Before Cahlir walked out of the door, he knelt beside Biz.
"Pick you up at six-thirty." He dropped a deep kiss to her mouth. Then, he was gone.
***
"How'd you like it?"
"How'd I like what?" Biz asked, once they were seated in the back seat of a rented Bentley.
Cahlir grinned. "The play," he clarified.
They shared a laugh over the private joke and spent the next ten minutes talking about the acclaimed production. In no time, they were arriving at the restaurant for dinner.
Cahlir's choice for the evening had a Vintage appeal and seemed very charming. The three story Victorian style home had been restored and converted to the popular, elegant establishment.
Cahlir pressed his hand against Bizay's back, as they followed the waiter up the carpeted stairway. Their table was located in a room with only a few other tables. A huge fire crackled in the stone hearth which sat just a few feet away.
"Cahlir, this is gorgeous." Biz whispered, awed by the cozy, candlelit interior of the breathtaking room.
"Mmm..." He agreed, but his attention was more focused on Biz. Her gown was ankle length, but just as revealing. The copper-colored material of the dress held a slight shimmer that complimented her flawless dark complexion.
"If you two would like, I’d be happy to take your drink orders." The waiter announced, as he handed out menus. His eyes were focused on Biz, trailing her face and flattering upswept hairstyle.
Biz cleared her throat and scanned the wine list. "I'll have a glass of Merlot. Whatever’s most popular."
"Very good, Miss." The waiter replied, with a lingering smile. "And for you, Sir?"
"Vodka Rocks."
The waiter gave Cahlir a curt nod, before favoring Biz with another adoring smile.
"Had him wrapped around your finger, didn't you?"
Biz looked up from her menu and sent Cahlir a confused look. "Who?"
"The waiter," He replied, with a soft chuckle.
Bizay shrugged and shook her head. "I didn't notice." She fibbed with an innocent face.
Cahlir knew better, recalling all the interested male glances she had received that evening. "It must make you feel good to affect us poor fools that way?"
Biz turned her eyes toward the ceiling, watching the firelight's frenzied dance. "It feels better when a man affects me that way."
Cahlir propped the side of his face in his hand. "You mean that's never happened before?"
"Once."
"When?"
"Now." Biz admitted, watching him with a steady gaze.
"You mean that?" His expression was solemn and mesmerizing.
At first, Biz could only nod. "I mean that and it's not just physical, Cahlir." She watched his expression turn guarded as his gaze faltered.
