“I promptly scratched her eyes out,” Nia said, laughing. Both women went into a fit of giggles. “No, seriously, I ran off like a big doofus. I’m sure Damon was real impressed. Anyway, we talked and hashed things out in spite of Miss Thang and salvaged the rest of the weekend.”

  “You should have put that witch in her place,” Lexie said, munching on a slice of pizza. “You can’t let her walk all over you.”

  “I know and I told her as much when she showed up at my job.”

  “You mean to tell me that hoochie showed up at your job?” Lexie asked. “Nia, it’s time for the gloves to come off.” Lexie put her fists up as if ready to box.

  “Put your gloves down, Ali,” Nia said, joking. “I told that chick she had a fight on her hands. I have no idea where things are headed between Damon and me, but I won’t tolerate her continued interference.” As an afterthought, she should have threatened Kendall that she would tell Damon. It would have sent the rat scurrying back to whatever hole she had crawled out of. Instead, Nia prided herself on how she’d handled Kendall.

  She’d walked out of that restroom with her head held high.

  “Good for you,” Lexie said with a smile, “’Cause you know if you need some backup, I’d be there to help you give that chick a beat-down she’d never forget.”

  Nia threw a pillow at Lexie.

  “Did you know he was coming?” Nia inquired testily, standing over Aunt Livie. She’d driven forty-five minutes to the south side just to confront her aunt, who was sitting on the sofa in her living room. “Did you know he was going to show up at my front door?”

  “Yes, I did,” her aunt replied, “Though I warned Nathaniel that it was ill-advised. I thought he would take my advice and give you time to adjust.’’

  “Ya think?”

  “There’s no reason to be snippy, young lady. You don’t know the full story about what happened all those years ago.” She ran her fingers through her salt-and-pepper hair. “We were all so young and—”

  “Then why don’t you tell me, Auntie?”

  “Because it’s not my story to tell,” Olivia answered. “If you spoke with him, then perhaps Nathan would fill you in.”

  “I am tired of waiting around for whatever it is all of you are hiding from me,” Nia said, “I am going to continue living my life and leave the past where it is, best left buried. Please relay that to Mr. Alexander.”

  Her aunt touched her face. It was an uncharacteristic movement for her. “Nia.” She sighed when she saw the hard resolve in Nia’s eye.

  Nia saw the tears starting to fall down her aunt’s cheeks, but she didn’t want to be sucked into the past. Maybe she was afraid of what she might find there. Whatever the case, Nia knew she couldn’t and wouldn’t let Nathan Alexander walk into her life as if the last twenty-seven years had never happened. She patted her aunt’s hand. “I really have to go,” she said. “I have plans this evening.”

  “With that Damon fellow again?”

  “Yes, Auntie. I told you I’ve been seeing him.”

  “Is it serious?” her aunt asked. Judging from the smile spreading on Nia’s face, she had her answer. Olivia had never seen that twinkle in Nia’s eyes before.

  As a child, when something was wrong, she could instantly see it on Nia’s face. Then, Olivia could try to find a resolution. However, as Nia got older, it hadn’t been as easy to decipher her feelings, especially about the opposite sex. Recently Olivia tried setting Nia up on several blind dates—until she’d been set straight. Nia had told her and whoever was listening, i.e. her grandfather, that she would not tolerate her family’s interference in her personal life. She was a grown woman and could handle her own affairs or lack thereof.

  Her aunt had always hoped Nia would carve out a better life for herself, maybe meet a fine young man to settle down with and raise a couple of children. She didn’t want Nia to end up like her old and alone.

  “I’m happy for you, dear.”

  “Thank you,” Nia replied. “Who knows what will happen? We’ll just have to wait and see.” She held up her crossed fingers. “And whatever you do, please don’t tell Grandpa. I don’t want to put Damon through the Spanish Inquisition, though I’m sure he would jump at the chance.”

  “All right,” her aunt replied, crossing her heart. “But promise me you will bring your young man over for dinner so I can meet him.”

  “I promise,” Nia said. “Anyway, I have to get out of here. I’ll give you a call later this week.” Nia kissed her aunt on the cheek and hopped in her car to drive to her apartment. It was odd that lately her aunt had become less reserved. For once, she actually looked happy.

  A woman of her word, Nia brought Damon to Sunday dinner at her aunt’s house the following week. It was a crisp afternoon when they arrived. The snow that fell the night before was slowly starting to melt from the afternoon sun. Nia appreciated that her aunt hadn’t tattled about her new relationship to her grandfather and it was just the three of them.

  “How do I look?” Damon asked, once they were out of the car and walking toward the house. He turned in a circle and Nia gave him a sideways glance. Damon looked marvelous, wearing a casual blazer, long sleeved t-shirt that fit his well-defined chest, and khaki trousers that hung from his lean hips. Damon was the picture of masculinity and sexuality all rolled into one great package. With his glistening bald head and raw charm, her aunt would be toast.

  “You look great as always,” Nia said, brushing some imaginary lint off his jacket. She loved the feel of his strong shoulders. She may not be a small woman, but his arms had no problem holding her. “C’mon. My aunt is a softie.”

  Nia fished in her purse for her house keys and opened the front door.

  “Mmm, what smells so good?” Damon asked, stepping inside. If he wasn’t mistaken, it was some good down-home soul food. The aroma of fresh collard greens and smothered chicken wafted through the air. His mother only cooked soul food on the holidays or if he or Jordan specifically requested it. Otherwise, she cooked healthy gourmet food. Whatever Ms. Taylor was cooking sure smelled delicious and he had come with a hearty appetite.

  “Is that you, sweetie?” her aunt asked, walking into the hallway. She wiped her hands on her stained checkered apron.

  Damon was surprised that Olivia Taylor was a petite woman. From what he’d gathered from his conversations with Nia, he had imagined a more domineering figure. Both women were short, although Nia was more curvaceous, and Nia’s aunt had her same engaging smile, which she treated him to as she inspected him. He hoped he passed. Damon intended to make a good impression on the sole woman responsible for who Nia was today. Nia might still be in mourning for her biological mother, but Ms. Taylor was the one who’d been there when Nia needed someone.

  “Welcome, Damon.” Her aunt enveloped him in a hug which he returned.

  “Thank you for having me, Ms. Taylor. I brought these for you.” He pulled a bouquet of roses from behind his back and presented them to her.

  “They’re lovely.” Her aunt smiled, inhaling the fragrant blooms. “Thank you. Nia, go put these in some water while Damon and I have a talk.” She handed Nia the flowers.

  Nia looked back and forth between the two of them and figured that Damon would be fine alone with her aunt. She was relatively harmless, except when pushed.

  “It’s all right, girl,” her aunt said. “We’ll be fine.” Damon inclined his head in agreement and Nia left the room.

  Her aunt led him to the couch in the living room and patted the seat beside her. Damon obliged and sat down beside her.

  “So, tell me a little bit about yourself,” Olivia started. She was eager to learn more about the man who had finally stolen Nia’s heart. Damon Bradley must be a strong man with an iron will to break through the defenses Nia had put up over the years.

  “Well, Ms. Taylor, I would have to say I’m a family man, first and foremost, and a business man second. I’m very close with my parents and younger sister.”

  “Family is very important,” her aunt agreed. “I’ve tried to instill those values in Nia. And please call me Olivia.”

  “Of course, Olivia,” Damon smiled. “Nia has talked of you and her grandparents often.”

  “Well, it’s good to know Nia doesn’t think of us too harshly. You see, her childhood wasn’t that much fun.”

  “I’m aware of that, but what is important is right now.”

  “So tell me, Damon, what do you do for a living?” Olivia asked, offering him a plate of hors d’oeuvres that were sitting on the coffee table. Damon took a fried mushroom off the plate.

  “I work for my father at Bradley Savings & Loan. I’m a vice president there.”

  “The bank on 87th Street? Oh, I bank there,” Olivia nibbled on a chicken finger. “I have for years. How long have you worked for your father?”

  “Hmmm, I don’t know how long I’ve been working for the old man.” He rubbed his chin. “Probably since some time in my early teens, I would come in with my father to watch him in action.”

  “I’m sure your father must be very proud of you. He probably can’t wait for you to follow in his footsteps.”

  That’s true,” Damon answered. “He’s grooming me to take over the business one day.”

  “So there’s no reason for me to worry about your employment stability?’’

  “Not at all, ma’am.”

  “I can tell by looking at you that my Nia is in safe hands.”

  “Thank you, I appreciate that,” Damon said and reached for Olivia’s hand. “And I promise to never destroy the trust and faith you have in me.”

  “She patted him on the back, “You’re a good boy.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Taylor.” Damon wiped his brow. “Whew! That was some interrogation. But I’m starved. Is it time to eat yet?”

  Olivia smiled. She was so happy Nia had found a good man like Damon. “Yes, it is,” she replied, standing up. “Let’s go dig in.”

  Chapter 11

  The next couple of months went by in a blur for Nia. She and Damon spent a lot of time together, talking and getting to know each other. Nia loved the fact that they could converse on any given subject or just sit together quietly. Nia didn’t feel like she had to keep her guard up all the time.

  They had gone to several plays, which was just fine with Nia. The winter was prime theater season in Chicago and Nia looked forward to it every year. Just last week, Nia surprised Damon with tickets to the Chicago Bulls game courtesy of Dean, Martin & Whitmore. The more she got to know Damon, the harder she fell for him. It wasn’t merely a physical attraction anymore. Their relationship had transcended that.

  Tonight, Damon was playing chef. He’d professed great culinary talents, so Nia was eager to see if he was up to the task. She was sitting in Damon’s living room on his black leather couch, sipping an excellent vintage white wine while Damon cooked up a delectable feast for her palate. She could smell the scents as they wafted to the living room.

  Nia contented herself with exploring the rest of his condominium while he was in the kitchen. Damon had told her his mother decorated the place and she had outdone herself. His condo was situated on the lakefront of Lake Michigan, giving him a great view. Damon loved his place, even though he had to travel almost an hour to Chicago’s south side to go to work.

  The living room was completely decorated in black. Several logs had been put in the built-in fireplace to give the place a cozy feeling. A sleek, supple leather couch with thick padding and plump seat cushions were the main focus, along with an oval glass coffee table in the center of the room. Nia’s personal favorite was a chaise lounge where someone could sprawl out after a hard day’s work.

  Damon’s mother used warm colors in the dining room, rich browns and mauves, and kept the artwork to a minimum. Several small pieces of African art were placed strategically throughout the condo. One in particular captured Nia’s interest— it was of a mother holding her baby to her chest. The painting depicted a mother’s love for her child. It was a very powerful statement.

  “You like that one?” Damon asked, wiping his hands on the apron wrapped around his middle. He was standing in the kitchen doorway, staring back at her.

  “Yes, it’s very interesting,” Nia said.

  “It’s one of my favorites, too,” he said, “Mom has a great eye.” He walked toward Nia. “Would you like a refill?” He nodded to her half-empty wineglass.

  “Yes, thank you.” He grasped her goblets and returned several moments later with goblets he’d refreshed it at the minibar. “Are you ready for dinner?” He handed her a glass.

  “Hmm, yes,” She patted her stomach. “I’m starved. What did you cook?”

  Damon took her hand and brought her over to the dining room. “I’ve cooked a masterpiece of perfection.” He held out a chair and she sat down. Leaning over her, he lit the two candlesticks on the table with a fire starter. “Wait right here and I’ll bring everything out.”

  Nia couldn’t wait. She was famished. Since she started going out with Damon, she’d eaten decidedly less—she’d already lost ten pounds. The last thing she needed was to gain weight; she’d probably scare the poor man away.

  She turned when she heard him behind her. “Can I help?” she asked, standing when she saw he was balancing a platter of food in each hand.

  “No, you may not,” he instructed, “Just have a seat and let me serve you.”

  Put in her place, Nia sat back down and watched him put the steaming platters on the table. Damon had taken special care with everything, from the serving dish arrangement to placement of the candles and centerpiece. He went back to the minibar and brought another wine bottle to the table.

  Damon wanted everything to be perfect. He had something very important to ask Nia and he was hoping she would agree. He leaned over to cut the main entree.

  “It smells delicious. What is it?”

  “It’s veal loin with a peach glaze, parsley potatoes and asparagus.” Nia clapped her hands in praise and Damon took a bow. He took Nia’s plate and placed a generous portion of meat, potatoes and vegetables on it. Nia accepted it happily. Was he telling her she needed to eat more? Or perhaps it was a test to make sure she didn’t eat it all. She resolved to make sure she left some on the plate.

  Damon smiled. He followed her train of thought. He’d noticed that her hearty appetite had decreased and he was hoping it wasn’t due to him. Didn’t she know he wanted her to be herself?

  Nia took a forkful of the succulent meat and sighed. “This is wonderful, Damon.” She reached for a roll from the basket, lightly buttering it.

  “Thanks. I’m glad you like it,” Damon said, taking a bite as well. He pondered over whether to ask the question in the back of his mind. Should he ask now or later? Later won out.

  They enjoyed the rest of the meal and managed to polish off the entire bottle of white wine. They rinsed off the dishes, placing them in the dishwasher before retiring to the living room for coffee and dessert. Damon had whipped up a couple of espressos to go along with a decadent apple pastry tart. He popped a disk into the DVD player and Nia snuggled into his warm, masculine arms. The movie was inconsequential because they probably wouldn’t watch it anyway. Every time they were together, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other and tonight was no different. Nia wanted to feel Damon’s arms wrapped around her in a sensual embrace.

  Now that they were settled, Damon felt he could broach the subject of sex and ask the question that was on his mind all evening. Over the past few months, he and Nia had spent a great deal of time together and he wanted, no, make that needed, to be with her. He hoped Nia was ready to take that next step in their relationship. He knew he was. His whole body ached every time he was with her. The slightest touch of her hand caused his whole body to go into overload.

  He stroked her soft brown hair. She turned slightly to look up at him questioningly. “Nia,” he began. He took her petite hands in his. “You know I enjoy spending time with you, right?”

  She nodded in agreement, encouraging him to continue.

  “You know how much I care for you?” He turned her completely around to face him. He needed to see the look in her eyes to know for sure that this was what she wanted, too. “Do you know how much I want you?” he asked.

  Nia’s big brown eyes widened just as Damon cupped her face in his palms before crushing her lips beneath his in a mind-blowing kiss. She shifted slightly and felt his arousal against her belly. When his lips left hers, Nia was still hungry for more.

  “Nia, I can’t wait any longer,” Damon groaned huskily. He ran his hands through her hair, pulling her close to him. “Please tell me I can have you?” He caressed the curve of her hips and tops of her thighs.

  “Now?” she managed to croak out. She couldn’t think with him touching her, stroking her hair, caressing her hot, fevered flesh. Now was not the right time. Hell, she didn’t even have on her sexy underwear.

  “No,” Damon smiled. “Not now.” He trailed moist kisses down her neck and then licked her earlobe teasingly.

  “When then?” Nia moaned in pleasure.

  “What would you say to me planning a romantic getaway for the two of us?” His hands cupped her generous bottom and gave a gentle squeeze.

  “Damon,” she sighed, “that would be wonderful.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a big kiss on his lips.

  “All right,” he said, gently extricating himself from Nia’s arms. He didn’t know if he could withstand just fooling around right now.

  “Where are you going? I thought we were comfy.” She smiled, curving her lips seductively with outstretched arms.

  He couldn’t suppress thoughts of taking her naked body in his arms. He was ready to have his cake and eat it, too. “I’ll set things up for next weekend. Do you think you can take Friday off?”

 

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