Simone, page 6
Jesus H Christ, how am I going to survive the night with my sanity intact while she’s looking like she’s ready to be devoured?
A heart-shaped balloon was tied to her wrist. She brushed the petals of a rose across her nose, the one I’d placed on the doormat. “This for me?”
Eyes roaming over her curves, I managed to nod.
She retrieved a large bottle of champagne from her oversized handbag. Gifting me with a wide grin, she said, “Well this is for you. Let’s get white boy wasted!”
I couldn’t get over how beautiful she looked. Wait, what did she just say? “White boy wasted?” A snicker hid behind my twisted smirk. Here I was, right smack dap in the middle of a panic attack, and she somehow made me laugh.
Simone giggled. “Ya’ gonna leave ya girl standing out here in the hallway, Florida boy?”
I blinked a few times and shook my head to clear the fogginess from my brain. “God no—sorry.” I shuffled aside and waved her way into my apartment. “Come into my lair, little blue riding hood.”
She breezed past me, smelling like all things beautiful in the world. Jesus… My mind spun. Should I hug her, should I kiss her? God, I’m dying to kiss her!
“Whoa, this is a nice place!”
“It’s a company apartment. Two bedrooms, spacious living area, and a perfect sized kitchen. Not too bad for my first place. They were a lot more generous than I thought they’d be when they said they’d take care of everything.”
“No doubt. They hooked you up, Dale. A spot like this doesn’t come cheap.”
“Believe me, I know. Here, let me get that for you,” I said as I took her cloak and handbag, along with the massive bottle of champagne. “Make yourself at home.”
“I plan to.”
I hung her cloak and bag on the coat rack then I tried to make a beeline for the kitchen.
She caught me by the hand then held her wrist out to me, offering me the cute balloon.
“Aw, thank you.” I carefully untied the string from around her delicate skin. Lifting her hand, I gently kissed her wrist, all for the sake of putting my lips on her.
Her mouth went lax and her eyes glimmered. Looked like she wanted to wow me with one of her sassy lines, but she didn’t. Instead, she moved in on me and looped her arms around my neck, pressing her body flush against mine.
I hugged her waist and buried my face in her hair.
She started to tremble, so I squeezed her tighter. “Simone, are—are you nervous?”
“C’mon now…” She pulled back and teased her hair with her fingers. “I’m always nervous around you. I’m just better at hiding it than you are.”
Nervous around ME? “Oh… seriously?”
She rolled her eyes then twirled around, giving me a three-sixty view of her backless dress, as well as a glimpse of the large peacock on her back. “You like?”
“I love,” I whispered. “You look amazing.”
“You don’t look too bad yourself, with your cute little apron on. I was thinking this was too much, ya know…” Her eyes danced and lips drew tight. She looked like a shy girl. “Not like we’re going out-out. We’re just chilling.”
“I consider this a full out date, whether we leave this apartment or not.” I lifted the bottle. “I’ll go get this chilled.” As I loaded the champagne into the freezer, I couldn’t help but watch her.
She meandered around my apartment, collecting the roses. The smile never left her face. “You’re a bit of a romantic, aren’t you, Dale?”
“I try to be.”
She stopped near my seventy-inch television and plucked the rose from the stand. “Think you got a big enough TV?”
“I’d prefer one big as the wall.”
“I bet,” she said, tossing a smirk back at me. “If you have VUDU, I can pin in my password.” She placed the roses on the island corner as she approached me. “I know the two perfect movies we can watch on this traditional day of love.”
Oh boy. Looked like it was about to be a romcom night.
“The Equalizer and John Wick.”
Holy shit! “Marry me now, woman.”
Her girlish laughter filled the room. For a second, she stood there looking at me, a knowing glint in her eyes. “You’re freaking out, aren’t you?”
“Of course, I’m freaking out! Nothing is ready!” I blurted on an exasperated sigh. “I should’ve gone with spaghetti, but I wanted the night to be perfect and fancy, so I went with steak and shrimp.”
“Nice. Perfect combo for surf and turf.”
“Only I can’t decide on how I want to cook the shrimp. And I think I burned the couscous. I’m not even sure what the hell couscous is!” I began to pace in a small circle. “Pearls, pasta pearls. That’s what they look like. So how I could overcook them when I’ve never overcooked pasta in my life? I wanted to make a salad, you know something fresh to go with dinner, but I don’t know what kind of dressing you like. French, Ranch, Italian—”
Clearing the space between us, she planted her hands on my chest and pushed me against the kitchen island. Next thing I knew, her luscious lips were pressed to mine.
Heaven had consumed the earth. Heat engulfed me. My thoughts scattered and my mind cleared. Only one thing lingered within the vast land of bliss.
I gotta have her this very second.
I enclosed her in my embrace and tried not to squeeze her too hard, even though I was desperate to hold onto her and never let her go.
Our kiss was tender and sweet, and just what I needed. But I wanted more. I was hungry for her.
Tilting my head, I sucked in her lower lip, getting just a taste of what hid beneath.
Moaning, she hugged my neck and clung to me. Her hand cupped my head as her fingers slid into my hair. “We gotta stop,” she mumbled, against my mouth. “We’ll never get to dinner if we keep this up.”
“Depends on what your idea of dinner is.” I swept my tongue across the seam of her lips, requesting entrance.
She opened up to me and I slipped inside.
Now, it was my time to moan.
The sweet dance and caress between our tongues sent a rush of pleasure surging through my veins. My scrotum tightened. A burst of ecstasy was making its way down to the tip of my manhood.
Ah, ya gotta be kiddin’ me!
Jerking off earlier did nothing to help my stamina. A kiss from her had me about to bust my load, yet again.
Suddenly, Simone shoved away from me and distanced herself many steps. “Damn baby, those lips are fiyah.”
I found myself reaching out and going after her.
Backing up, she put her hand out. “Dale, chill.” Chortles wavered in her voice.
“You can’t kiss me like that and then tell me to chill. It’s mentally, not to mention physically impossible.”
She continued to flee with a minxy smile on her face. “You’ve been spazzing all week, so I wanted to put your mind on something else.”
I continued to pursue. “Mission complete.”
She laughed. “You are too cute.”
“Cute? I have a better word to describe what I’m feeling at the moment.”
She stopped running and took my hand. “I’m being serious, Dale. I knew you would be stressing over nothing, so I came early to help.” She led me toward the kitchen. “Now don’t get me wrong; I didn’t put you on just to leave you hanging. I did it to let you know that this night is gonna be turnt up no matter what happens.”
A boyish chuckle found its way out of me. I loved it when she said ’turnt up’ in that sassy New York accent.
“But, before we go in on each other in the naughtiest way possible…” She nibbled on her lower lip and batted her eyelashes at me. “Ya gotta feed ya girl. So, let’s do this…” She moved the pot of overcooked couscous from the stove to the sink, then she peered into the fridge, where she retrieved the shrimp. “I’ll tackle the shrimp and the salad, and you take care of the steak. Deal?”
Aw man! Pursing my lips, I pouted.
That drew another giggle out of her. “C’mon now. Deal?” she reiterated, pinning me with a stern side eye.
My erection reached down my inner thigh, throbbing painfully. She had me so worked up. I needed release like my next breath. I needed her! I swallowed the primal scream swirling in my throat and let out a cracked, “Mh-hm, okay. Deal.”
“You got any cilantro, basil, garlic and pine nuts?”
“I have garlic and pine nuts, but basil and cilantro…” A thought came to me. “I can get my hands on some.”
“A’ight, you do that while I get comfortable.” She shuffled toward the frosted covered glass doors that led to my bedroom. “I get hot easily so some of these clothes gotta go. Is this the way to the bathroom?”
“Yep.” Oh why? Why did she have to tell me that? Now I couldn’t help but think of her in nothing but her glistening brown skin. “Feel free to get naked on my account.” Oh man, was that a pervy thing to say?
“You’d be so lucky.” She disappeared behind the glass door. A second later, I heard her say, “Aww, another rose. You’re so sweet. Hol’up! That means you assumed I would make it to your bedroom.”
“I assumed nothing!” I shouted.
She laughed. Three more seconds past, then she gushed, “You even got one on the toilet.” Amusement laced her voice. “You’re just too much.”
Grinning, I took off my apron then darted out the door. I made my way four floors down to Miss Essie’s apartment. Tenants in the building called her the ‘herb lady’. Mainly because she grew marijuana.
“Of course, darling,” she said when I asked her for the desired herbs. She disappeared into her abode, leaving me standing at the door. Her voice carried through her apartment. “You caught me just in time. I was about to head out to have dinner with my grandson.” Minutes later, she returned with a small bag full of cilantro and basil. “I didn’t realize you were one of those guys who wore lipstick.”
Lipstick? I touched my lips. A purplish color was smudged along my fingertips, the same deep tone that shaded Simone’s delicious lips.
“Dark mauve isn’t really your color, doll. Try a brighter tone, like a pink. And don’t be afraid to put on a little dark eyeliner to bring out those pretty blue eyes.”
Folding my lips in, I tried not to blush. “Yes ma’am.”
“Have fun tonight,” she offered with a wink.
I bowed my thanks. “You too. Happy Valentine’s Day, Miss Essie.”
When I got back to my place, Simone was flitting around my kitchen swaying and singing along with the music. She’d removed her stockings and boots, which left her legs completely bare. “I peeled and deveined the shrimp.” She took a sip from her flute, which was full of a sparkling liquid. “I popped the bubbly too. Hope you don’t mind.” She placed a second glass of champagne on the counter. “Come drink with me. You gave me a great idea on how we can spin this dinner.”
For a moment, I was caught in a trance. I’d never seen her legs before since they were always covered, but now… They looked smooth and shiny, like she’d oiled them up just for me. “Jesus,” I whispered. I swear she only did that to drive me crazier than I already was. A striking tattoo climbing up her right thigh held my attention. A gecko, similar to the one she drew on my wrist. I wanted to touch it. Better yet, I wanted to… lick it.
“Ya’ gonna bring me that cilantro and basil or stand there all night staring at me?”
“That tattoo…” I placed the herbs on the counter as I drew in close to her. I reached down and dared to brush my fingers across the art. The second I did it, I yanked my hand back. “Sorry.”
“It covers his name.” She caught my wrist and returned my hand to her thigh, granting me permission to touch her. Her skin was warm and silky.
I swallowed hard. “Really?”
“Yeah, really. I was one of those dumbass broads who was so stupid in love that I got a man’s name tatted on my body. I’ve never regretted something so much.”
“Being in love doesn’t make you stupid,” I said softly, slipping behind her. “Just makes you human.” I continued to caress the art, allowing my nails to gently graze her skin. I kissed the ball of her shoulder and worked my way toward her neck. “I want you, Simone.”
And there it was. The thing I’ve wanted to say since I laid eyes on her.
Through the reflection in the microwave, I watched the rise and fall of her breasts quicken. Her lips quivered as she breathed out, “Dale…” She turned to face me, her eyes glazed. Biting her lower lip, she crooked a finger under my belt buckle and tugged on it. “You’re wearing my lipstick.”
“I know,” I crooned.
“You—you’re making it really hard for me to keep my cool.”
Fighting the urge to kiss her again, I brushed my cheek across hers and whispered, “Why on earth would you wanna do that?”
She giggled. “‘Cause I’m hungry.”
Brow quirked suggestively, I countered, “Mm, so am I.”
“Damn, boy,” she gushed. “I didn’t know you had this in you. This side of you is fuckin’ hot.”
“Good, this side of me will be in attendance for the rest of the evening.”
“Which means I’m in trouble.”
“I promise you’ll like this trouble.”
She bubbled up in more laughter. “You mentioned that you’ve got skills when it comes to cooking pasta, right?”
“I do.”
“Then let mama see you work.”
City Lights
Simone’s idea for dinner was nothing less than perfect.
I cooked the steak and linguine noodles, while she prepared the shrimp and pesto. Afterward, she sautéed the shrimp in a garlic butter sauce she made. She then mixed the shrimp and linguine in her special pesto sauce and sundried tomatoes. Paired with my juicy steak, the dish was the embodiment of food porn. We prepared the salad together, topping it off with Italian dressing—her favorite and mine as well. As we did, we shared sweet kisses, touches, chuckles and longing gazes.
I couldn’t get enough. Despite the painful pulsation traveling through my manhood, I never wanted this night to end. I wanted to be like this with her forever.
“This fifteenth-floor view is insane!” Simone swayed in front of the large window, dancing to the music cascading through the apartment. From a distance, the star-like city lights haloed her statuesque frame.
For as long as I live, I will never forget this image.
She spun around and beamed at me. “Dale, that tiramisu was everything. I can’t believe you made that from scratch.”
I loaded the last dish into the washer, grabbed the champagne bottle and approached her. “It’s one of the first things my Grammy taught me how to make.”
“I love how you say Grammy. It’s so cute.” Her voice had gone up an octave and that dazzling smile hadn’t left her face. She was tipsy, and I loved every minute of it.
Eyes locked on hers, I refilled her flute for the third time. “I have to thank you for introducing me to your special recipe for pesto. It was heaven in my mouth. It made everything taste so much better. And that shrimp…mmm…”
“Glad you liked it.” A lusty flare returned to her gaze.
I placed the bottle on the cocktail table then slipped my arm around her waist. “I’d like to cook breakfast for you.”
“Oo, that sounds great. How ‘bout tomorrow morning?”
That meant I’d have to call into work. For her, it’s worth it. “I can do tomorrow. What time can I expect you?”
Lips pursed and brow cocked, she cut a side eye at me. “Who said I’m going anywhere?”
“No one.” Not wasting another moment, I pressed her against the window using my body, then I kissed her deeply, yet tenderly. Our tongues mated, our hands explored. She felt good, and tasted even better.
I abruptly pulled back. My lips tingled, my cock raged.
She caught me by the hand.
I had to pace myself. I was too worked up, which meant I might be subjected to an easy, embarrassing nut. Shit! “Be right back.”
She squeezed my hand, preventing me from moving further away. Her breathing was unsteady. The desire in her chocolate eyes reflected the yearning in my heart.
“I promise not to make you wait long.” Reluctantly, I released her hand and I tried not to rush as I made my way to the bedroom.
As soon as I shut the door, I hurried into the bathroom. I lifted my shirt, caught the hem between my teeth and took out my cock. It was so fucking stiff, the veins looked like they were on the outside of my skin. Geez… I could hardly touch it without pulling air sharply through my teeth. I wrapped my hand around it and stood over the toilet. Many pulls later, my scrotum tightened, my ass cheeks clenched, and cream shot from my cockhead.
A grunt surged out of me. With one hand, I leaned against the wall. With the other hand, I squeezed out every last bit of my creamed essence. My vision momentarily blurred and my legs went weak. Still, my cock was in the ready position.
Dammit, it’s most likely going to stay this way until I have her. I took a few deep breaths, cleaned myself up, then put my shaft away. After I gained composure, I washed my hands and face.
Most guys wouldn’t bother to clean the pipes before sexual activity that may or may not occur, but I was self-conscious about my ability to fully please my partner. Simone affected me like no other woman and it made me anxious. I didn’t want to be known as the thirty-second dude.
I came out of the bathroom and froze. The sight before me almost seemed unreal.
The curtains had been pulled open. The lights were off, but the candles were left ablaze. The music had been changed to a soulful downtempo groove to match the sexy ambiance.
The glow of the nighttime city flooded my bedroom and highlighted Simone’s body as she stretched across my bed in nothing but a blue lace bra and panties. Her dress was on the floor by the door.
“I don’t know what happened,” she drawled. “My clothes just fell off.”
For a second, I couldn’t move or speak. Then suddenly, I roared in laughter, mainly because I was a little buzzed and highly turned on.
