Dangerously In Love Read online

  As I belted out the words, I saw a shadowy figure slide to the back of the café. He lingered there, his eyes penetrating mines as I sang.

  “ ’I’ve got those Monday blues,’ ” I belted out. “ ’Straight through Sunday blues . . .’ ”

  After my set, the elusive stranger clapped enthusiastically. That’s when I realized it was London. I ran to him immediately.

  “What are you doing here?” I squealed.

  “I wanted to come see my baby-girl.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because you wouldn’t have let me come.”

  “You’re right about that,” I agreed. “So, now that you’ve heard me, what do you think?”

  “I think you have the most beautiful, compassionate, soulful voice I’ve ever heard. I am so very proud of you.”

  “You’ve never heard a voice like mine before?” I asked.

  “Never. Your voice is much too unique.”

  “Not even in England?”

  “England?” he repeated, and within moments his face lit up. “That was you!”

  I giggled. “Yup. The one and only.”

  “Whatever happened that night? I’m surprised we didn’t hook up then,” he said, trying to put the pieces back together.

  “You were much too drunk that night.”

  “Yeah. I think I scared you off. Didn’t I? That’s right . . . I kissed you just as the new year came in.”

  “I almost caught a panic attack.”

  “I was right!” he boasted. “Didn’t I say that whomever you spend New Year’s Eve with is most likely the person you’ll spend the year with. Look at how fate intervened and brought you back into my life.”

  “So this is fate?”

  “I told you that you were my future.”

  “Thanks, London,” I said, and kissed him. It felt wonderful to be in a relationship with someone who cared about me. I didn’t realize I was missing companionship until now. I felt so complete.

  “Are you almost done here?” he asked, avoiding eye contact. I got a sense that something was troubling him.

  “Yes, I just need to see the owner quickly, and then I’m done. London, are you all right? You seem a little down. As if something is bothering you or on your mind.”

  “No, no. I’m fine. We need to celebrate tonight.”

  “Whoa, a celebration! I can’t wait. I’ll get my coat and I’m ready.”

  London

  At first I couldn’t look Jovie in her beautiful eyes. The guilt was killing me. One part of me wanted to share my future with Jovie—that’s why I’m taking her out to share in my celebration. The other part of me keeps reliving the wild sex I had with her twin sister, Jada. What’s a man to do when he has the best of both worlds at his fingertips?

  I took Jovie to the Chin Chin Café, a pricy Chinese restaurant on Third Avenue in Manhattan. I loved how appreciative she was at every little thing I did for her. Things that most women took for granted. She loved that I held doors open for her, helped her with her coat, pulled out her seat. Things that a chivalrous man should do. She even thanked me for the dinners and thanked me again when I cooked her dinner. She was always leaving me a cute note or poem when I would least expect it, either under my pillow, in my suit jacket pocket, my wallet. She was very creative, and almost overnight, I’d fallen for her. We haven’t made love again, so I know what this relationship is and is not about.

  When the waiter came around, I ordered the best champagne the house had in stock.

  “But you don’t drink,” Jovie admonished.

  “Neither do you. But for tonight, I’d like to make a toast to celebrate.”

  Once we ordered and the waiter poured our champagne, I leaned over and proposed a toast, “To the sale of my first screenplay and many, many more . . .”

  “Oh, London! You’ve done it! I knew you would!” she cheered. “I’m so proud of you!”

  She came around to my side of the table and planted a fat, wet kiss on my cheek and then whispered in my ear, “You are the most talented, amazing, strong-minded man I’ve ever met.”

  After dinner I took Jovie to a local billiards hall to play some pool. I wanted to show off my skills.

  “Do you play?” I asked.

  “Not since I was a little girl. Jada and I would play bumper pool at the local youth center. I’m sure this can’t be much more difficult.”

  “It is, but I’ll be easy on you.”

  “Don’t do me any favors,” she sassily replied, and I saw a glimpse of Jada’s personality. For a moment I wondered if they were playing the exact game I asked Jovie about weeks ago. The one where they’d switch places for a date.

  “You wanna put a little wager on that? Don’t hurt yourself. You know I just increased my bank account a few digits,” I bragged.

  “If I win you’ll have to promise to spend Christmas with me,” she said, and lowered her eyes.

  “That’s not a real bet. I was going to do that anyway. Let’s make it hard. If you win we’ll spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve together. And if I win, you’re going to have to forgive me for at least one mistake I may have made or may make.”

  “What are you talking about? What do I need to forgive you for?” She seemed to be panicking.

  “Nothing yet. But you never know. And you know how women are. I may forget your birthday or something. With this, I have security.” I smiled.

  “All right, then it’s a bet. I take my bets seriously,” she warned.

  “And so do I!” I agreed.

  “What year were Bonnie and Clyde murdered?” she asked.

  “Uh, here we go. I’d have to say 1960.”

  “Wrong!” she said as she smashed the white ball into the triangle-shaped setup. “1934.”

  As the game got intense, I knew immediately I had been hustled. Jovie slammed each ball in each pocket she called. She skillfully emptied the table, leaving only my odd balls swaying.

  “Double or nothing?” I asked.

  “You ain’t said nothing but a word!”

  I played my heart out but was no match for my talented Jovie. She whipped on me mercilessly and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was hoping to win, so I’d be able to use my exemption. But she probably wouldn’t have honored it anyway, considering what I wanted her to forgive. And her winning wasn’t so bad. Spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve with her should be great. I’m actually looking forward to it.

  Jovie

  “One thousand one, one thousand two . . .” I counted the drops of water leaking from the faucet in my bathroom to calm my nerves. If I hadn’t, there was no telling what I would have done to myself by now. I’d been in the bathroom for six hours. I was waiting for London to call but he hadn’t. Why do men never call when they say they will? Could he be seeing someone else? I never should have forced the holiday on him. Jada said men hate that.

  I realized I couldn’t stay in there another moment. I needed to go to London’s apartment and see if he was seeing someone else. I needed to know. I got dressed quickly and headed over to his place. I’d make it there just before he should be arriving from work. I put on a pair of Nike air trainers, blue jeans, a GAP sweatshirt and trench coat because I could see that it was about to rain.

  I arrived at London’s brownstone in fifteen minutes and rang the doorbell to make sure he wasn’t there. No answer. Then I waited across the street and just watched. Two hours later I was still waiting. As the heavy rain fell on my weakening shoulders and my eyes were blinded from the downpour, I saw a familiar figure standing under a large, stylish umbrella having a chat with a beautiful woman. My pace was hesitant as I walked across the street and startled my unsuspecting boyfriend.

  “London?” I whispered.

  “Je-sus, Jovie, you startled me. What are you doing here?”

  I didn’t answer him. I couldn’t. The woman got the message.

  “Okay, London, thanks for letting me share your umbrella. I’ll talk to you soon,” sh
e said.

  “Give Michael my best,” London replied, and then turned to me.

  “What was that about?” he accused.

  “I thought . . . ,” I stammered.

  “How long have you been out here? You’re soaked. Come on, let’s go in,” he said, and ushered me into his place. “Look, in the future if I’m not here, I keep a spare key underneath my rug. Feel free to come inside and wait for me.”

  Once inside, he stripped me naked and gave me some warm pajamas to put on and put me in his bed. Then he made me a cup of hot tea with honey and lemon. I was still shivering when London crawled in the bed and gently brushed my hair and massaged my temples.

  “You can trust me, Jovie. I won’t hurt you,” he said soothingly. “There is no one else.”

  I just shook my head and snuggled up closer to his chest. He smelled so good. I felt foolish for not being more trustful and I wanted to make it up to him. When I gently ran my hand over his six-pack stomach, I knew I wanted to take this farther. We started kissing playfully at first. Then the kisses became more passionate and softer.

  “I want you to make love to me,” I murmured as I reached for his boxers. But he pushed my hand away.

  “Come here,” he said, and pulled me in closer to snuggle underneath his strong arm. “I don’t want it to be this way with you. I really want to wait and make it special. I have something in mind . . . just let me be a man, so I can truly please you the way you deserve.”

  “But I’m ready now,” I pleaded.

  “Soon . . . soon enough we’ll be together.”

  London

  Christmas Eve 2005

  I’m feeling really good about how my life is progressing. Tomorrow I’m spending the day with Jovie, my new lady, and I’m elated. So far her sister hasn’t gone through with her threat to tell Jovie that we had sex. I guess she realizes Jovie could easily accept that on my part it was a mistake. But what about Jada? How did she just slip and fall on my dick?

  I’d gone out earlier in the week and purchased Jovie a designer pocketbook from Coach. I usually see a lot of men buying these bags for their ladies at the holidays. Su wouldn’t have been caught dead with a Coach pocketbook. Not that Jovie deserves less than Su did, but with Jovie I know she likes me for who I am. Not for the guy I’m about to become.

  “Hey, Jovie,” I called her at home. “How’s it going, baby-girl?”

  “Wonderful. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I’m going to bake you gingerbread cookies,” she squealed.

  “Baby, I don’t eat gingerbread cookies.” I laughed.

  “Neither do I. But I wanted to show you that I can bake.”

  “Jovie, when we get married, I’m going to hire a cook so you won’t have to,” I joked, only she took it seriously.

  “What did you say?”

  “What?”

  “You just mentioned marriage.”

  “It was a joke, Jovie. That’s all, so don’t go putting any crazy ideas in your head. I’m not popping the question on Christmas.” I laughed.

  “You better not because I would be turning you down on Christmas!” she retorted.

  “You wouldn’t dare . . .”

  “Wanna bet?”

  “I’ve had enough of your bets.” I chuckled. “Listen, I’m going out in a couple of hours with my brother and a few of my friends to a local bar to watch them get drunk and talk smack. What time are you coming over tomorrow?”

  “Around noon,” she said, and blew a kiss through the phone. “Have fun tonight.” She was so adorable. She does the simplest thing like blow a kiss through the phone, and I get absolutely weak in my knees.

  It was still early when I got off the phone with Jovie. Since I had a few hours before I had to meet my brother, I decided to take a nap. I was sleeping peacefully when I heard a firm knock at my door. I assumed it was Lawrence and ran and opened the door. Only it wasn’t my brother. It was Jada. I could tell it was her and not Jovie from the scowl in her eyes.

  How the hell does she know where I live? I thought.

  “What do you want, Jada? And I know it’s you from the broom you just climbed off,” I said, blocking her from entering my apartment. As she stood there I couldn’t help but smell her mesmerizing perfume. It was driving me crazy. She had this wild look in her eyes. That, coupled with the fact that she’d casually let her coat open to reveal Cosabella lingerie, and I knew I’d wake up tomorrow with regrets.

  “You don’t have to invite me in.”

  “Good, because that’s out of the question.”

  “Get your coat,” she commanded.

  “What?”

  “Go and get your coat. I’m taking you someplace tonight you’ll never forget. It’s your Christmas present.”

  “I’m not going to entertain this.” But I hesitated.

  “Yes you will. Now, I don’t have all day. In fact, I only have about two minutes before my patience runs out.”

  Just as I was told, I grabbed my coat and followed Jada outside to the street. Briefly, I wondered if she were trying to set me up so Jovie could catch us. But we weren’t doing anything, yet. I was just about to share a cab with her twin sister, I reasoned.

  Once in the cab, Jada started whispering.

  “What’s your most intimate, unfulfilled fantasy?”

  “I’ve already had sex in a taxicab, Jada,” I said matter-of-factly.

  “My, my, aren’t you presumptuous.” She glared. “Fucking in a taxicab was hardly what I had in mind.”

  “Well, please don’t let me drag it out of you.”

  Ignoring my sarcasm, she continued, “I’ve just paid for us to participate in a swinging session over at this loft on Sixty-first Street at Third Avenue. It’s quite exclusive.”

  “What’s a swinging session?” I had to ask.

  “You and I are posing as a newly married couple. We will meet another newly married couple and have sex. Probably the best sex you’ll ever experience.”

  “You’re taking me to have an orgy?”

  “Not some low-class, acid-tripping, banging session. These people are clean and professional. The woman is a lawyer and her husband is the president of a Fortune Five Hundred company. You are a screenwriter and I’m a pediatrician. We’ve been married under a year—”

  “Why are you so sure that I’ll be down with this?”

  “Intrigue breaks down all barriers,” she reasoned.

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “I do it because I like to fuck. And so do you.”

  “Why are you trying to break up Jovie and me?”

  “This isn’t about Jovie. It’s about you. I like fucking you. If I wanted to break up you and Jovie, I would have done it already. You know how weak she is. Shove her too roughly, and she’ll fall apart like a jigsaw puzzle.”

  “Don’t talk about Jovie like that. She’s stronger than you think,” I stated.

  Ignoring my words, she began to talk about the session again. “They’re going to want to know if we do full swoop. That means switch partners, and I’m down if you are.”

  “I’m not sleeping with a man, Jada.”

  She burst into laughter. “Not him . . . unless you really want to. I’m talking about her. If she’s attractive, if you like the way she kisses, you can have her.”

  I always thought swinging was a myth. Professional and celebrity-types, married individuals loaning out their partners to perfect strangers to heighten their sexual experiences. I had to admit I was intrigued with the possibilities.

  I glanced over at Jada, looking scrumptious in her lingerie. I leaned down inside the cab, pulled her panties to one side and began to taste her. She didn’t resist. I sucked on her clitoris until she moaned softly. But I wanted more of a reaction from her. So I aggressively began to nibble, suck, and bite on her clit. Then I stuck my index finger in her pussy and twirled it around. Hot juices seeped out onto my finger, and I got excited. My ego wanted to please Jada. I positioned my finger inside her pussy to hit
her G-spot while simultaneously licking her clit. This sent Jada into a frenzy. She moaned and groaned loudly but the cabdriver didn’t say a word. I wasn’t even embarrassed. The best part of eating her pussy was when she grabbed the back of my head, smashed my face even deeper into her pussy and started grinding her sexy hips.

  “That’s the way I like it,” I murmured. “Fuck me.”

  Soon she climaxed while banging on the cab’s window. Slowly, I came up for air just as we pulled up to our destination.

  “Next time get a fucking hotel,” the disgruntled cabdriver spat. I tipped him a hundred dollars.

  We arrived at the loft just past 8:00 P.M. and were led in by the host. He was a flighty individual with shifty eyes. He immediately made me feel uneasy. I looked around at my surroundings and noticed that there were eight closed-room doors. Jada presented the host with two tickets, and he then led us to door number 2. Inside there was a young couple sitting down in front of a fireplace enjoying cocktails. The room was spacious and had a large, king-size bed with four high posts. The bed had large throw pillows and a thick crushed-velvet comforter.

  The woman had on a mask with peacock feathers. She had a great body, cocoa-colored skin and a massive amount of jet black hair. Her husband was light skinned, stood six-one with a chiseled, athletic body, a square jawbone and a head full of curly hair. There was something familiar about this lady, only I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Jada took control as soon as she entered the room.

  “This is my husband, London. My name’s Jada.”

  “It’s a pleasure meeting you two. My name’s Gregory and this is my lovely wife, Su.”

  As soon as he said this, Su took off her mask and my heart sank.

  As we sat around drinking champagne to loosen up, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Su. She looked even better than when we were together. She never let on that we were once in love or even knew each other. One part of me wanted her so badly, while the other part didn’t know if I could stomach entering her again.

  After the small talk and preliminaries were over, it was time to get down to business. Gregory, who couldn’t take his eyes off Jada, asked, “So, we were hoping that you two did a full swoop.”