One Magic Moment, page 17
When they were seated at her round pedestal table and Nia had brought butter and sour cream from the fridge, she finally let all her secrets hang out. “Girlfriend, it was everything I ever imagined and then some.” She watched as Lexie’s eyes widened, eager for more details.
“Do tell, do tell! You’ve got me salivating in anticipation.’’ Lexie rubbed her hands in anticipation.
“The things this man can do with his tongue and fingers would blow your mind.” Nia giggled. “Girl he blew my mind. I had orgasm after orgasm.”
Lexie spit out some of her wine. She wiped the spilled liquid with the back of her hand. “It was that good, huh?” Was Lexie really ready for all the juicy tidbits?
“It was better than good. It was great,” Nia replied, smiling. “I never knew what I was missing. I never knew sex could be so great and so ...” she paused, searching for the right word, “... intoxicating. Being wrapped up in another person, your minds and bodies as one—it’s really quite incredible.”
Nia looked up to find Lexie staring at her strangely. “What’s wrong?” She added a dollop of butter and sour cream to her potato.
“Sounds more like love to me.”
“What?” Nia said, her voice rising slightly. “Lexie, that’s crazy. You’ve said a lot of wild stuff before, but this takes the cake.” Nia wasn’t ready to admit to anyone that she was in love with Damon. She thought it might somehow jinx it. She had decided it was better that she kept her feelings to herself and, when it was safe, would say the words out loud and risk her heart. “Love? No, this isn’t love. It’s just lust.”
Lexie raised her brow. She wasn’t buying it. She’d known Nia a long time and she would never give herself so completely to a man, body and soul, if love were not a part of the equation.
“I do care a great deal about Damon. I just don’t think I’m there yet,” Nia put her head down; afraid that Lexie would see she was lying.
“If you say so,” Lexie murmured. “Of course, me-thinks the lady doth protest too much. But I’ll let it rest for now. I’m just happy you’ve found someone that makes you happy. Because I’ve never seen you look like this.” She reached across the table to pat Nia’s hand.
“Thanks, Lexie.” Nia leaned over to give her a big fat hug.
“So, how was New Orleans?” Lexie cut into the juicy steak and took a bite. It tasted delicious and she was famished. She and Nia were devouring the steaks and potatoes like they were the last food on earth.
“Oh, it was great New Orleans has so much character and history. And the Cajun and Creole food was to die for.” Nia said, taking a forkful of baked potato that she’d added butter and sour cream to.
“Did you guys visit any voodoo priestesses? Go to Anne Rice’s house?” Lexie asked excitedly.
Nia felt bad; she knew how much Lexie would have loved going to New Orleans. Every year the two of them always took a trip to someplace new. They’d gone on a cruise to the Bahamas, white-water rafting in Tennessee, and last year they had managed the ultimate trip: Europe. Two jam-packed weeks in London, Paris and Amsterdam and it had been well worth it. They’d discussed going to New Orleans someday, but Damon had beaten them to the punch.
“It was everything I thought it would be. The room was luxurious with a huge four-poster bed and the bathroom was decked all in marble. Damon spared no expense.” Nia cut a slice of steak and paused. “We visited a winery and a plantation, though I have to say I wasn’t that thrilled with the latter experience.”
“I can imagine. What else? Don’t leave anything out.”
“Damon and I went on one of those paddle-wheel riverboats for dinner and jazz. And do not let me forget the infamous Bourbon Street, a place that never seems to sleep. Girl, you would love this place. The bars are open till all hours and you can walk down the street with liquor in your hand. It’s like a whole ‘nother universe. And women flash their boobies all the time.” She laughed at the memory.
“It sounds fabulous, and don’t you dare feel bad for getting treated to a romantic rendezvous,” Lexie chastised her. She could tell Nia was trying to downplay her trip. She had known Miss Thang for a long time and knew when she wasn’t being forthright, even about a certain subject called love. “Lord knows, I’ve had my share of romances and then some. I’ve probably had enough for the both of us. It’s high time you had some good loving.” Lexie gave Nia a huge grin. “Matter of feet,” she exclaimed, “I hate to eat and run, but I have to go.” She wiped her mouth with a nearby napkin.
“Lexie, you just got here.” Nia put her hands on her hips. “Weren’t you the one telling me we haven’t spent enough time together?”
“I was,” Lexie replied unashamedly. “But I have a date.” She rose from the dining room table and headed to the living room to find her coat. “And you don’t fool me one bit, missy. I know you’re dying to call Mr. you-know-who as soon as I leave.”
Nia smiled knowingly as she followed Lexie into the hallway. Lexie was already putting on her coat. The thought had crossed Nia’s mind, but she was content to spend time with her best girlfriend.
“I’ll call you soon, sweetheart.” Lexie gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving.
After closing the door, Nia rushed over to pick up her cordless phone to call Damon. She knew he was having dinner with his sister and didn’t want to interrupt their quality bonding time. The phone rang several times before Damon picked up, sounding breathless.
“Hello?”
“You’re home,” Nia replied, happy to hear his voice on the line.
“Hey, baby,” he crooned in her ear. She loved it when he called her his baby.
“When did you get in?”
“I just walked in after dinner with my little sister.” Damon shrugged out of his coat. “I was turning the key in the lock when I heard the phone.”
Dinner with Jordan consisted of her interrogating him about the mystery woman he’d been dating for months that the family had yet to meet. He’d left promising to introduce Nia to the Bradley’s, and he had just the night in mind. His family was going to the opera in a couple of weeks and his father always held a skybox which easily could seat five people. It would be the perfect occasion for him to show off which his lady.
“How was dinner?” Nia asked, interrupting his thoughts.
“It was great,” he commented. Should he broach the subject of meeting his parents? He had the distinct impression that Nia wasn’t all that eager to meet them, though he couldn’t much blame her. He often spoke of his father as a force to be reckoned with. Who wouldn’t be afraid of meeting them? “Honey,” he started, ‘Jordan and I were talking—” He paused.
“And?”
“And I think it’s time you met my folks—you know, the whole family.” His comment was met with dead silence. “So, what do you think?”
“I, uh...” Nia hesitated. She was at a complete loss for words. She wasn’t m any hurry to meet the Bradley’s. For some reason, her female intuition cautioned her against meeting them, but she knew how important Damon’s family was to him. They can’t be that bad, she thought. Famous last words, an inner voice warned her. I think that would be great so when is this meeting going to take place?” Please God, let him say a month from now! Maybe even a year!
“How about in a couple of weeks?” Damon suggested. “We have a box at the opera.”
“The opera?” Nia asked. “Now I’m really in for it.”
“Yes, the opera.” He heard her sniff in the background. “Hey, you might love it, honey, you never know. I think you can bear it for one night.”
“All right,” she conceded. “I can. I guess I’ll have to find something appropriate to wear to dazzle your family.
“Don’t worry about my family,” Damon assured her, “The only person you need to dazzle is me, and if you’ll allow me, I’d like to buy something for you.”
“Damon, you don’t have to do that. I am capable of buying something for myself.” Sometimes he was too much. Nia appreciated his generosity, but she wanted him to understand that she was a strong, independent woman capable of taking care of herself. I can find something appropriate that won’t embarrass you.”
“I’m not worried about you embarrassing me, Nia,” he said, exasperated. “Please let me do this for you.”
“Fine, but nothing too crazy, okay?” She sighed. “Do you need my size?”
“Honey, I know all your measurements intimately,” he whispered. He knew every inch of her luscious body. Matter of fact, he wished she was there with him right now and he could let his hands roam all over every delicious curve.
“Yes, you do,” Nia murmured. “What do you say to coming over right now and getting reacquainted with them?”
Was she reading her mind? “I’ll be there in twenty.”
Nia sure didn’t need to ask him twice. She rushed into her bedroom to find something sexy to wear. Lotioning her body, Nia slid into a lacy chemise, another purchase from a recent visit to Victoria’s Secret. She was fast becoming one of Vicki’s newest converts, now that she had Damon. She wanted to make sure she kept the home fires burning, and burn they would all night long. Nia spritzed on some of her favorite perfume to drive Damon wild.
Damon had a voracious appetite and she was anxious to match it this evening. She would tell him later about her phone call from her errant father.
Soon her intercom was buzzing and Nia rushed over to let him in. She slipped on a matching robe before opening the door with a flourish.
“Baby,” he murmured, sweeping her up into his arms and closing the door behind him. His mouth came down on hers as he made his way to her bedroom. She barely had time to take a breath from the onslaught of his dizzying kisses before he laid her down on the bed.
“Mmm, now that was a hello.” She moaned.
“Yes, it was,” Damon said, looking down at her. He fingered her new negligee. “Is this for me?” She nodded. “I like it, but right now you have much too much clothing on.” He removed her robe and gown from her warm, waiting body in what seemed liked seconds.
“So do you.” She smiled. “Here, let me help you with that.” She unbuckled his pants and they dropped to the floor. Damon stepped out his briefs and re-joined her on the bed. His shirt soon followed the same path until he was as naked as she was. They met each other on the bed.
“I missed you,” Damon said, outlining the curve of her face with his forefinger.
“I missed you, too.”
“How much?”
“Let me show you.” Nia pulled his face toward hers in a searing kiss and they tumbled down onto the bed together.
Their lovemaking that night was slow and sensuous, but every bit as fulfilling as the previous times. Later, when she was wrapped up in his arms, she told him about the phone call from her father.
“What do you think about me meeting him?” she asked. She knew he had an opinion, but he was keeping it to himself. Lately he was very closemouthed on the subject.
“Is that what you want?”
“Don’t answer a question with a question!” she admonished, turning on her side to glare at him. “I want to know what you think.”
“Nia.” He sighed and rolled over so he could face her. “I want whatever is going to make you happy. And if you feel you have some unresolved issues with this man, then, yes, I think you should meet with him and talk about them.”
She punched him in the arm. “See, I knew you had an opinion.”
“Yes, I did, but mine isn’t what counts. Yours is. And I will support you in whatever you decide.”
“Have I told you lately just how incredible you are?”
“No, but you can show me again.” Damon pulled her to him and Nia showed him exactly how much she adored him.
Chapter 14
“Where have you been?” Nia’s aunt inquired the following weekend. They were standing at the kitchen counter, rolling dough to make pies. Her aunt made the best crusts. Tender and flaky, her pies were always a success at the church bazaars. “I tried to reach you last weekend and this week.”
Nia turned red. She and Damon had spent all their free time together since coming back from New Orleans. One of them was always staying the night at the other’s house. It was like they couldn’t get enough of each other. She loved making love with Damon, but she felt so wanton.
“Well, what ever you’ve been doing?” Olivia asked. “You sure do have a glow about yourself these days and I’m happy to see it,” She leaned over to give Nia’s shoulders a gentle squeeze.
Nia poured more flour over her rolling pin, not answering at first. “Auntie, you know Damon and I have been spending a great deal of time together,” she started. She pulled the thin crust from the counter and placed it in several pie pans. How did one put into words that they were screwing each other’s brains out? No, she couldn’t tell her aunt that.
“Are things getting serious?”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Nia answered. “But they are progressing nicely. Damon even wants me to meet his parents. Though I’m not all that sure about it.”
“Why not?” her aunt asked, pouring apple and peach filling into two separate pans. Nia covered each pie with strips of crust and placed them aside for baking.
“Honestly, Aunt Livie, I’m a little bit intimidated,” Nia admitted, leaning against the counter. “Damon’s family is very well off and I’m just a poor girl from the south side.”
“Nia Marie Taylor, don’t you dare stand there and tell me you don’t think you’re good enough for the likes of them.” Her aunt grabbed her shoulders. “You are just as good, if not better than them and it what’s here that counts.” She pointed at Nia’s heart. “Anyway, why wouldn’t they love you?”
Nia didn’t answer and sat down at the kitchen table. It was great to be able to confide in her aunt about her fears. Why couldn’t she have been more like this all those years ago? Her aunt had softened recently; she was a lot more affectionate and open these days. Nia wondered what or who caused the change in her. Not that it was any of her business; her aunt certainly was entitled to a life of her own.
She shrugged. “Well, Auntie, there’s this ex-girlfriend in the picture that his parents approved of.”
“But obviously their relationship didn’t work out or he wouldn’t be with you.” Her aunt put her hands on her hips. “You have to remember that he chose you. His parents are just going to have to live with it.”
“I know that.” Nia groaned miserably. “But it would be nice if they actually liked me and thought I was the best woman for Damon.”
“They will, Nia, Give it time.” Her aunt sat down at the table beside her. “You’ll see. Time has a funny way of healing all things.”
“Is that a hint, Auntie?” Nia wondered if her Aunt Olivia was referring to her father. Being with her aunt stirred up the pot, making her wonder what he had done with his life after leaving her mother pregnant and alone. Had he ever given a second thought to the child he’d abandoned?
“Of course not, honey,” her aunt murmured. “I know where you stand on the subject.’’
Nia thought otherwise, but let it drop. She remained silent on the ride to the Bradley’s. She was extremely nervous at the prospect of meeting Damon’s parents for the first time. What would they think of her? What if they thought she wasn’t good enough for him? True, she hadn’t been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she was intelligent and pretty enough. She fought down the terror that sought to invade her over the upcoming evening. She couldn’t let her past insecurities resurface.
To make matters worse, Damon had insisted on buying her a dress, right when she needed to look her best He chose a long silk slip dress made with a floral pattern. It had a square neck and curved out to show off her hips. Damon bought it because he wanted to see Nia in clothes that showed off her curvaceous figure rather than downplay it. The finishing touch was a matching scarf she casually draped around her shoulders. The material of the dress hadn’t allowed for much underwear, except minimal bikini panties. Damon would be thinking about her braless breasts all evening and imagining what he would like to be doing to them.
The hairdresser had stylishly coiffed her hair earlier that morning and she’d added a pearl necklace and matching earrings that had belonged to her mother. Damon told Nia she looked fabulous and incredibly sexy when he picked her up later that evening.
“Nia,” Damon said, grasping her hand as he drove her to his parents. “Everything is going to be fine. You’ll see. They’ll love you.”
The Bradley home was more than Nia could have imagined. It stood out from the others in the small community of Country Club Hills due to the sheer simplicity of the brick architecture and the manicured lawn outside. Damon stopped his BMW in front of the three-car garage and stepped out to open Nia’s door for her. She pulled down the mirror to check herself one final time before exiting the vehicle. Smoothing her dress, she took Damon’s outstretched hand.
“How do I look?”
“Stunning.” He smiled at her and took her hands. Noticing that they were ice cold, he gave them a gentle squeeze. Pulling his keys from his breast pocket, he opened the front door. Nia joined him inside the foyer and looked around at her surroundings. A huge bouquet of flowers sat on a side table. Nia had no doubt it was an antique, along with an enormous print on the wall and an Oriental throw rug strategically placed in the center of the foyer to match the beautiful chestnut cabinetry.
Damon helped her out of her trench coat and gave it to a uniformed butler who appeared out of nowhere. Mrs. Bradley picked that exact moment to make her entrance. She glided down the staircase before finally stopping on the last step.
“You must be Nia,” she exclaimed, coming in to give Nia a quick peck on either cheek, Mrs. Bradley stood back to give Nia a thorough appraisal. Seeing the look on her face, Nia didn’t appear to make a great first impression.
