Craving Temptation Read online

  She blew a deep sigh. “Hello?”

  “Hello,” Troy said, a sigh of relief blowing into the receiver.

  “Who was that woman you were dancing with tonight?” The question was abrupt, her terse tone surprising them all.

  Troy laughed. “Which one?”

  “You danced with more than one?”

  “I danced with quite a few. I would have danced with you too if you hadn’t run away.”

  “I didn’t run away.”

  “It looked like you were running away to me.”

  There was a moment of pause before Amina spoke. “I suddenly feel like I’m fifteen and I caught my boyfriend kissing a cheerleader.”

  Troy laughed. “Now that I didn’t do. I didn’t kiss anyone.”

  “I don’t know that.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “How would I know that?”

  “Because you trust me and you know I would never do anything with any other woman to disrespect you. As long as I’m kissing you I will not be kissing any other women.”

  “Do I really?”

  “You should know it, Amina. You should know it and you should trust me,” Troy said matter-of-factly.

  Amina reflected on his words briefly. “I told my sister she was making something out of nothing. That girl really wasn’t that cute.”

  In the background Rasheeda giggled, clearly amused.

  Troy laughed again. “Oh, she was cute. But make no mistake, my girl puts her cute to shame. My girl is extraordinarily beautiful. The most beautiful woman I know.”

  Amina finally laughed with him. “I told Rasheeda that, too!”

  “What are you doing?” Troy asked.

  “I was headed to bed.”

  “Come back to the bakery.”

  Amina’s eyes widened. “It’s late. I can’t come back to the bakery.”

  “It’s not late. And you could come if you wanted to come.”

  “My father would have a fit.”

  “Don’t tell him. Just come.”

  She met the look her sister was giving her. Rasheeda had leaned forward in her seat, her eager expression moving Amina to smile.

  “And what are you going to do if I do come?”

  “I’m going to dance with you. And then I’m going to kiss you. It will be my only kiss tonight.”

  “You’re crazy, Troy Elliott!”

  “Crazy about you. So, are you coming?”

  Amina could feel her heartbeat racing. “I’m on my way,” she said, her voice dropping to a loud whisper.

  Thirty minutes later Amina stood outside the door of Just Desserts as Troy unlocked and opened it for her. As she stepped inside he leaned to kiss her cheek before locking the door back behind her. Amina met the intense stare he was giving her with her own, everything about the moment overwhelming.

  From someplace upstairs Amina could hear Quentin playing his saxophone. The sounds were sweet and teasing and sexier than she could have ever imagined. Troy said nothing as he entwined his fingers between hers and led her to the center of the newly renovated space. He eased an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, his body nestling easily against hers. Amina wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders as Troy dropped his cheek against hers. His skin was heated and she gasped as it sent a rush of current throughout every nerve ending. A shiver coursed up the length of her spine. As the music danced in the air around them they did an easy slow drag, their bodies gliding from side to side against each other.

  They danced until there was a sudden lull, the music ending abruptly. Troy continued to hold tight to her, the duo moving to a beat that only they could hear. And then he kissed her, his mouth dancing easily atop hers. It took her breath away and as his lips claimed hers, his tongue two-stepping with her tongue, Amina felt like the luckiest girl in the whole wide world.

  An hour later Amina crept back into the family home, easing her way back to the room she shared with her sister. Rasheeda was sleeping soundly as Amina locked herself in the bathroom, on the phone with Troy.

  Trying to make amends for her behavior earlier, Amina really felt bad about how she’d behaved. Contrition echoed in her voice as she told him so, whispering her apology so as not to wake her sister. Understanding why she’d reacted so emotionally had been a learning experience for them both. Her going to him without giving it a second thought had told them both something as well.

  For the first time Amina fully realized just how intense the depth of her emotions could be. Her connection to Troy was like a lifeline. It allowed her to breathe. It was necessary and nurturing and everything about it felt amazing. When Amina felt that lifeline threatened, something inside of her snapped. And for the first time she had to learn how to temper her sensitivities.

  Troy had been encouraging, everything out of his mouth meant to reassure her. His response had endeared him even more to her and if he asked again, no one and nothing could keep her from him.

  Mike Chamberlain tossed up his hands in frustration. “Where have you been?” he asked, clearly perturbed. “You missed the meeting with the finance team last night.”

  Contrition painted Troy’s expression. He gave his friend an apologetic nod. “Sorry about that. My last meeting ran over.”

  “What last meeting? I didn’t see any meeting on your calendar.”

  “It was a last-minute appointment,” Troy answered, the little white lie falling before he could catch it.

  Mike eyed him curiously. “You were with that woman, weren’t you?”

  A wide grin spread across Troy’s face. “What woman? I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

  “Oh, yes, you do. You know exactly who I’m talking about. That sexy little thing with the tent dresses and come-hither eyes. The one who looks like the flying nun by day and a supermodel by night.”

  Troy’s gaze narrowed ever so slightly. “Watch how you talk about my girl, please.”

  “Now that we’re on the same page, that girl.”

  Troy shrugged, changing the subject. “How’d the finance meeting go?”

  Mike hesitated, the two men staring each other down. “All’s good,” he finally answered. “Donations are at an all-time high. People are really throwing their support behind you.”

  “That’s good, right?”

  “Which brings me back to that woman.”

  Troy rolled his eyes. “Don’t start, Mike.”

  His friend held up his hands. “I’m not starting anything. I’m saying what I have to say and then I’m not going to say anything else about it.”

  Troy took a deep breath, then gestured for Mike to continue.

  “You’re the most honest man I know, Troy. Even as kids you never lied about anything. Ever! Now I see you sneaking around, avoiding the truth, trying to be with this woman and keep it secret and it worries me. And not just because of the election. Troy Elliott hiding how he feels and sneaking around to be with a woman he clearly cares about isn’t you, brother. If Quentin had done it or I was doing it, you’d have something to say. You’d be the voice of reason. So that’s what I’m trying to do. This can’t continue and go well. It can’t. And if it blows up on you I’m afraid that it’s going to hurt you and Amina more than it will ever hurt your election chances.”

  Troy heaved a deep sigh as he and his friend locked gazes. He nodded his head slowly. “So what do you suggest I do?” Troy questioned. “This is an unusual situation and these are unusual circumstances.”

  Mike nodded. “I told you when you first came to me about running that you were going to face some challenges. You knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”

  Troy took a deep breath. “And you also told me that no matter where this election took me that I needed to always stand by my convictions and do what I knew was right.”

  “Exactly! Be the man I know you to be.”

  “So where does that leave me and Amina? Because I’m not going to give her up.”

  “No one says you have to give her up.”
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  The two men talked for a few more minutes before Mike went his way, leaving Troy to his own thoughts. He loved Amina. Even after witnessing Quentin’s relationship with Harper bloom, he hadn’t imagined himself loving any woman as intensely. But he loved Amina that much, and more, everything about the woman making him feel whole. The essence of his spirit was connected to Amina and he had no doubts that connection was eternal, no one and nothing able to change that. He wanted nothing but the best for her. He needed to protect and care for her. He trusted that she had his best interest at heart the way he had hers. They would grow old together and every aspect of their lives would be connected until death parted them.

  Mike had been right. Under normal circumstances Troy knew he would never have hidden his love for Amina from anyone, wanting to shout his intentions to the world. And although their circumstances were anything but normal, he knew it didn’t make what they were doing right.

  Harper and Quentin were upstairs in their living quarters when Troy poked his head in to say hello. The couple were snuggled close together on the living room sofa, the television playing quietly in the background.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Troy chimed as he knocked loudly, announcing his arrival.

  “Not much,” Quentin answered as he waved his brother into the room.

  “What are you up to?” Harper asked. “Is Amina coming?”

  Troy shook his head. “No. I had some work to do. I needed to catch up on the supply orders before you ran out of flour and sugar.”

  Harper laughed. “He ran out last week. I already did the order.”

  “Did you really run out?”

  Quentin shook his head. “No. We came close though. We know how busy you’ve been so Harper figured she would give you a hand and just take care of it.”

  Harper tossed him a wink of her eye and smiled brightly.

  Troy blew a deep sigh as he sank into the oversize chair. “Thank you. I really appreciate the help.”

  “You need to focus on your campaign, not the bakery,” Harper said. “Quentin and I can cover things here while you handle your business.”

  “I know,” Troy said with a heavy nod, “but the bakery keeps me sane. Sometimes when things get hard, coming home just feels right.”

  Quentin tossed his wife a look. He shifted forward in his seat. “So, what’s bothering you?”

  Troy shrugged again, suddenly feeling like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He didn’t speak, unable to find the words to explain all he was feeling. He lifted his gaze to see his brother and sister-in-law staring at him. His mouth lifted in an easy smile.

  Quentin leaned and gave his wife a quick kiss on the cheek. Harper tossed her legs off the sofa and stood up. “I need to call my grandmother to check up on her. I’ll give you two some space.” She kissed her husband one more time and pressed a quick kiss to Troy’s cheek as she passed by him.

  Troy grabbed her hand. “Thanks again, Harper, and tell Mama Pearl I said hello.”

  As Harper disappeared toward the back bedroom the two brothers met each other’s stare. Quentin asked his brother again. “What’s wrong?”

  Troy dropped his head into his hands, his elbows resting on his thighs. “I love Amina,” he finally answered as he looked back at the man.

  Quentin laughed. “Please! I thought you had a real problem. Harper and I know you love Amina.”

  For a split second Troy was surprised. Then just like that, he wasn’t. “So what do I do now?”

  Quentin smiled. “I’ll tell you like you told me, Big Brother. I have my own issues to deal with. And I really don’t have the time or the energy to be worried about yours.”

  Troy chuckled softly. “I did say that to you once, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you did. But just like you, I am worried about you anyway. I don’t want to see you get hurt, Troy, and I definitely don’t want to see Amina hurt. That wouldn’t be cool.”

  Troy sighed. “I would never hurt Amina.”

  “I know that. And I know you two have some things you need to get past. But I know that you’ll get past them easier with Amina by your side, than without her. You love her and that, Big Brother, is a very good thing. We can all see that Amina makes you feel alive and that you’re doing the same thing for her. All your life, Troy, you’ve taken the right path. Done everything on the up and up. Didn’t make waves. Now, if you want to make some noise, make some noise. If you want to make that jump, then jump. Life’s too damn short for you to be playing it safe now.”

  Troy laughed, his brother’s advice spinning in his head. “It’s good to know that you’ve been paying attention all these years.”

  “I learned from the best.”

  11

  Amina had agreed to meet Troy at his Oak Ridge home for lunch. On the drive there she’d questioned the decision more than once but the last time they’d snuck off to share a cup of coffee, holding hands beneath the table, a constituent had rushed him at the counter. The elderly man had been anxious to share his vision for the city with Troy and as he did, she saw their few minutes of alone time dwindle substantially.

  It wasn’t often that they both had a two-hour window of opportunity, so they were eager to take advantage of it. Troy’s home had been the most likely place for them to see each other without having their time compromised. And Troy had insisted, making it clear that he wasn’t interested in their hiding.

  The spacious home was located in a secluded neighborhood. Situated on a four-acre tract of land it was serene and private with amazing natural living spaces. An open floor plan with lots of natural light through large palladium windows complemented hardwood floors, a stacked stone fireplace, and vaulted ceilings. The décor was sparse with little to no feminine touches. Amina was instantly in lust with the gourmet kitchen that boasted cherry cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a double oven.

  The house tour had barely been completed when Troy spun her into his arms, cupped her head in his hands, and planted his lips atop hers. He caught her off guard but as soon as his tongue pushed past her lips and began to wrestle inside her mouth, his hands ruffling through her curls, she knew that coming to Troy had been the right decision.

  As Troy eased her down atop his king-size bed she could only think about the feel of him against her, his touch consuming. He suddenly rolled onto his back, rolling her with him. His hands gripped the sides of her face as he kissed her intently, his lips like silk against her lips. Amina wrapped her arms around his neck, her hands roving across his neck and head as he licked the curve of her profile, his tongue tasting her skin. She hovered above him, slowly grinding her pelvis against the muscle hardening between his thick legs. His body heat was consuming, pushing her temperature to combustible levels and Amina marveled at the intensity of the sensations.

  Troy was nestled deep in the valley between her legs as she pressed her body down against his. He was rock hard, his erection a solid rod of steel grinding beneath her. Amina found herself pushing back against him, meeting his urgent thrusts with her own. Heat raged from the center of her feminine core. The intensity was like nothing she’d ever known. Amina strained against him as she continued to hump his body against hers. He felt fuller and harder and all she wanted was more.

  Troy suddenly grabbed the cheeks of her behind and rolled her back over. He reclaimed her mouth and kissed her over and over again. Amina pulled her arms over her head as she gave in to the sensations. Troy’s hands danced over her breasts, across her abdomen and back, his pelvis continuing to grind with a vengeance against hers.

  He tasted sweet and his mouth was perfection against her mouth. She slid her hands beneath his T-shirt, her fingers burning a heated trail across his skin. She was suddenly pushing her hips upward, her buttocks lifting off the bed as he continued to stroke her through her clothes, his body sending her to the edge of ecstasy.

  Her orgasm was explosive, the intensity of it moving her to scream out Troy’s name. It rolled off her to
ngue over and over again as his grinding against her brought her to climax. Troy suddenly cried out with her, his own explosion shooting beneath the fabric of his khaki slacks. Moisture seeped slowly down his leg, dampening the fabric.

  He slowly pulled himself from her, his breathing heavy as he gasped for air. He pressed another kiss to her lips before rolling onto his side. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern seeping from his eyes.

  Amina nodded, tears of sheer joy clouding her gaze. She smiled, pressing a palm to his chest. “I’m perfect,” she said.

  “Yes, you are!” Troy pressed another quick kiss to her lips. “I didn’t expect us to do that.”

  “I know,” Amina said, understanding the emotion they were sharing.

  “It just felt so good to be close to you like that, Amina.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you regret it?”

  She shook her head. “No. Not at all.”

  Troy smiled and kissed her again, his lips lingering sweetly. “I think I need to change my pants,” he said as he moved toward the master bathroom.

  Amina was still trying to catch her breath as she heard him turn on the water in the other room. She slowly lifted her body upward, completely overwhelmed by what had just happened between them. With everything she’d been taught she should have been upset and embarrassed but she wasn’t. Not at all. The only thing that could have made the moment more perfect was if she’d allowed herself to completely let go. If she had given herself to him completely. She could only begin to imagine what might have been if they had been naked, Troy’s body lost deep inside of hers. Another spasm rippled through her body at the thought.

  Troy moved back into the room. He reached for her, pulling her back into his arms as he kissed her again. In that very moment Amina knew that no other man could ever make her feel the way Troy did.