“I guess you got a lot of flack for it, huh?”
“Not as much flack as I did for her leaving me for the pediatrician.”
The thud of the bottle against the granite tabletop made LaToya chuckle. He was still sensitive about that evidently. She moved on for now.
“I missed a client tonight. So, I’m charging you double,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone.
“It’s worth it. I’ll pay triple.” He didn’t smile, but he gave her a wicked gaze. His green eyes raced her body in one suggestive sweep.
“Fine. I’ll invoice you.” She didn’t smile but her eyes did. She took a sip of the wine and held the glass under her chin.
***
After dinner, Zach lazily made his way up to his room after giving LaToya a hug and thanking her for a delicious meal. They were all stuffed and ready to retire, including LaToya, who hadn’t planned to stay so long. Just like Mitch to keep me here another night with something, she thought to herself.
Grabbing her cleaning baskets and backpack, she walked to the door with Mitch trailing closely behind her.
He watched her as she walked. Her sway was confident and seductive. Her hips were curvaceously full and led to a plump middle and long back. Her dark skin gave contrast to the pink t-shirt she was wearing. He looked at the nape of her neck and the curly hair that trailed from her braids pulled in a tight, perfect bun. Everything about her was delicate. Her almond shaped eyes, her careful chin, her high cheek bones, her perfectly unblemished, dark chocolate skin – it all made her face unique. The small diamonds sparkling in her ears brought more attention to the startling whites of her eyes, the perfect white teeth hidden behind full lips and the fine, conservative taste of a self-made woman.
As she got to the door, he reached for the knob but didn’t open it. Looking down at her, into her warm, big brown eyes, he suddenly couldn’t breathe. She was different. Everything about her was different from what he had known. She was so strong, so sure of herself, until it made him feel safe. Wasn’t he the man? Wasn’t he supposed to have that type of effect on her?
“Mitch, the door,” she reminded, looking at his hand.
“Thanks again for tonight,” he said in a low whisper, searching for the right words to say.
“You’ve said that about one hundred times. You are welcome.” She smiled. It was becoming hard to even be short with him.
He opened the door slightly, then closed it and leaned against the entry so that she could not pass.
“If I attempt to kiss you, will you kick my ass?” he asked with a playful grin. His accent was thick now.
“Probably,” she said sighing. “These baskets are sort of heavy. Just let me go home, Mitch. I’m tired. I told you what you’re feeling is just the rebound...”
“Oh shut up with that, woman,” he said quickly.
Leaning into her, he grabbed her arms quickly before she could protest and pulled her into him. Firmly, he held her warm body close to his and met her lips with a curious kiss, searching her warm, sweet, full mouth with his own. She tasted delicious, like a sweet, expensive delicacy. She tried to fight, tried to pry away, but she finally gave in. His cologne, his lips, his touch, it all released into her. She went limp, dropping the baskets on the floor beside them.
Mitch thought that she might try to hit him, but instead, she wrapped her strong hands around him. He could feel her nails trailing in his curly hair. She moaned. It was a frail cry of sensual pleasure that spoke to the deepest of his sexual desires.
The small recognition of her touch made him hard. He pressed against her, kissing her deeper, tasting more of her. Feeling her thick, full bosom against him, he lost himself in her mouth, in the fleshy feel of her minty tongue.
Sucking it, savoring it, he kissed her until he had made his point. When he released her, her beautiful eyes were still closed shut, covered by long lashes that curled over each other.
He swallowed hard and prepared to be slapped. However, when her eyes finally flitted open, she only licked her lips and took a deep breath.
LaToya thought of that great book, Waiting to Exhale. She thought of Terry McMillan when she opened her eyes. She felt like she was floating, like the sun had re-emerged in the middle of the night. His lips were still wet, still ready. She licked her own and felt a silky warmness between her hot thighs that caused her knees to shake.
“I’m certain that this is not a rebound thing. I...I just had to make that point clear. Now, can I carry your things to your car for you since they are heavier tonight than usual?” he asked, realizing there was little more than he could say decently. He visibly panted, fought not to pursue her.