The Sweetest Thing Read online

  “Good morning,” he chimed, his tone cheerier than normal.

  “Good morning. What time is it?”

  Dwayne glanced down to his wristwatch. “It’s almost eight o’clock.”

  “What time did you get home?” she questioned.

  He shrugged. “Shortly after midnight. You were asleep so I didn’t bother you. I slept in the guest bed.”

  Rachel’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh,” she said softly, just slightly confused by his calm demeanor. Dwayne was a hard read sometimes and she wasn’t quite sure which Dwayne she was now getting. He turned to stare at the woman. Rachel was naked. The white sheets were twisted around her legs and waist. Her bare breasts were exposed, the small nipples a deep pink color against her porcelain-white complexion. Her vibrant red hair hung in a wild mess down past her shoulders, the deep waves thick and lush. As she sat staring at him with that come-hither look a tinge of heat coursed through his loins. Any other time if he were watching her chew on her bottom lip like she was doing it would have had his dick hard and wanting. But he had another woman on his mind this morning.

  “I have to run,” he said. “Let yourself out.” He moved to the side of the bed and leaned to plant a damp kiss against her cheek.

  Rachel moved onto her knees, drawing her hands across the front of his suit jacket. She pulled herself against him, nuzzling her face into the crotch of his pants. Dwayne could feel her breath blowing hot through the fabric of his linen pants and the length of his manhood hardened. He closed his eyes for a brief second, took a deep breath, then pushed her from him. The gesture was gentle, his touch easy and nothing about it felt right to her.

  “What’s wrong?” Rachel asked, her feelings hurt. “You always like when I . . .”

  He cut her off midsentence. “I said I have to go. I don’t have time for your games right now.”

  “What games, Dwayne? I was just trying to . . .”

  He rolled his eyes. “Your whining, Rachel. It’s not very attractive.”

  “Why do you always have to be ugly to me?”

  “I was trying to be nice and then you started. I’m still trying to be nice and you want to push my buttons.” He moved toward the door.

  “How did your dinner go with Harper?”

  “She’s decided not to sell.”

  Rachel’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry. I really tried to . . .” She hesitated, her gaze darting back and forth as she tried to make sense of it all. “What do you plan to do?” she finally asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “But how . . . you . . . I don’t . . .”

  Dwayne shook his head, holding up his hand to stop her from speaking. “I’ve got to run. I’ll call you later.”

  “What time do you plan to be back?” Rachel asked, stalling him yet again.

  He paused in the doorway. “Go home, Rachel. When I want you, I’ll call you.”

  She persisted. “But why do I . . . ?”

  Dwayne took a deep breath and sighed. “I’ve got some business to take care of. I plan to be out of town for a few days. Go home or don’t go home but get the hell out of my house. And if I’m in the mood I will call you when I get back.” This time his annoyance was evident, his rude tone just shy of harsh before he turned and disappeared out the door.

  Rachel threw her body back against the pillows and pulled the sheets back over her body. She wished she had the words to describe her relationship with Dwayne. Truth be told it baffled her as much as it baffled those who ever happened to observe the dysfunctional exchanges between them. She blew a deep sigh.

  She’d known Dwayne forever, their two families socializing when they’d been kids. Her father and his had both been in the investment business, the two working for the same bank. Rachel’s mother had been one of the most prominent real estate brokers in Memphis. His mother had been a stay-at-home alcoholic.

  Rachel had been nine, maybe ten years old the first time she and Dwayne had met. From day one he’d been mean-spirited and manipulating. His treatment of her had been abusive with periodic moments of kindness and generosity. And from day one she had tolerated and even condoned his bad behavior toward her. But no matter how many times Dwayne had knocked her down she had always let him lure her back to do it all again. It had gotten so bad that she’d gone looking for him, following him about like a lost puppy.

  She’d been fourteen the first time he brought her to orgasm. It had been her parents’ holiday soirée, the event to be at that particular year. Dwayne had waved a sprig of mistletoe above her head and had pulled her into her mother’s walk-in closet to give her a kiss. Her first kiss and it had been magical. Then Dwayne had eased his hand beneath her red-velvet skirt, sneaking his fingers into her cotton panties and had fingered her between her legs. His touch had been heated, the sensations like nothing she’d known. When they’d heard her mother and his father on the other side of the closet door Dwayne had clamped his free hand over her mouth, cutting off her oxygen. He’d pushed her hard against her mother’s silk suits, while his other hand continued to do a two-step across her virginal clit. When she’d struggled he’d tightened his grip, the look he’d given her promising a wealth of hurt if she didn’t give in. And in that moment all she had wanted from him was more of the pleasure and the pain. The moment her teenage body had erupted in pleasure Dwayne had relaxed his grip, removing his hand so she could breathe, his mouth and his tongue dancing between her lips. On the other side of that closet door Dwayne’s father had been playing his own games with her mother.

  It had been a night of many firsts for her: her first kiss, her first orgasm, her first heartbreak, because an hour later when she was wanting more of Dwayne he was in another closet with his hands dancing in Cindy James’s pants.

  Dwayne had become her drug of choice after that. She craved him, her need for what he gave her almost insatiable. He knew better than anyone how to bring her to pleasure. And how to hurt her just enough for her to want more. But with his touch came the games and Dwayne would only play by his own rules.

  Friendship with Quentin had come by default. Rachel had learned early on that the surest way to keep Dwayne’s attention was to give hers to someone else. Dating Quentin had kept Dwayne on his toes where she was concerned and their engagement had sent him right over the edge. No matter how much more of him she wanted, though, Dwayne was determined to dole out his affection for her in dribbles. He was becoming distant again and she could feel it. But this time she was determined not to be an afterthought he only considered when it was convenient for him.

  “He kissed you?” Quentin’s voice was raised ten octaves.

  “Don’t shout at me,” Harper said, her tone indifferent. “And I didn’t kiss him back so I don’t know what you’re pitching a fit about.”

  “How could you not know that anything involving you and Dwayne would be an issue for me?”

  “Because just like you say I should have known that you wanted me to not sell the business, you should know that I am not romantically interested in Dwayne Porter.”

  “That’s different.”

  “No, it’s not,” Harper said as a smile pulled at her lips. She shook her head. “So, now you know.”

  “I don’t want you to see him again.”

  Harper laughed.

  Quentin shook his index finger at her. “I’m serious. Dwayne is a snake and he can’t be trusted.”

  “That may be true but I’m not a snake and you should trust me.”

  Shaking his head Quentin moved from the counter to the ovens and pulled a tray of fresh-baked croissants from inside. The aroma of hot pastry filled the room, moving Harper to lick her lips.

  “How could I ever sell and give this up?” she said. “But we still have to figure out what’s next for us, Quentin. You and I have a lot of decisions that we need to make.”

  “Yes, you do,” Troy commented, moving into the room. “Good morning, family!”

  Harper gave him an easy wave of her hand. “Good morning!�
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  Quentin nodded as he maneuvered the baked goods to the cooling racks. “What’s up?” he questioned.

  Troy dropped his briefcase to the floor. “I thought you should both know that I have filed the necessary paperwork to throw my hat into the mayoral race next year. I know that I will have your full support and Harper you need to do whatever it is you need to do to vote in the state of Tennessee.”

  Harper clapped her hands excitedly. “Mayor Elliott! I would love to work on your campaign. Maybe organize a few fundraisers, that kind of thing.”

  “You’re hired,” Troy noted. He turned to look at Quentin. “What do you think?”

  “I was thinking that Pop would be very proud of you, big brother.” He nodded his head.

  Troy grinned and changed the subject. “So, I take it you two done kissed and made up?”

  “Done kissed me and everyone else,” Quentin said, tossing her a look.

  Harper laughed.

  Troy looked from one to the other. “Well, I didn’t get kissed so I don’t know about her kissing everyone else.”

  “Trust me,” Quentin added. “She did.”

  Harper rolled her eyes. She looked to the clock on the wall. “You’re going to be late, Quentin,” she said.

  His eyes followed hers and he nodded. “Oh, hell!” “Where are you off to this morning?” Troy questioned.

  Quentin rinsed his hands in the kitchen’s sink, swiping them against a paper towel. He turned and pulled off his apron, hanging it on a hook in the hallway. “I’m teaching a course on the art of petit fours over at the university this morning. I’m the guest instructor.”

  “That’s pretty slick! What made you want to do some teaching?” Troy questioned.

  Quentin gestured with his head, pointing at Harper who answered for him.

  “We have a customer who works in the registrar’s office there and she was telling me that they bring in guest instructors to maximize the curriculum. I thought it would be perfect for your brother to stay on top of his skills and give the bakery some free exposure. I introduced the two of them and the rest is history.”

  “It will be if I don’t get a move on it,” Quentin said.

  “Anything we need to be concerned about?” Troy asked.

  “No, it’s all under control. Duncan and Amberlyn will take care of the kitchen and I’ll be back later this afternoon,” Quentin responded as he headed for the door. He stopped to kiss Harper’s cheek. His eyes were wide, his gaze teasing. “I would kiss you but I know where your lips have been,” he said.

  Harper laughed. “If I recall correctly, my lips were last on you, in case you need to be reminded.”

  Quentin laughed with her and kissed her one last time. “Make sure you keep it that way,” he said as he disappeared out the door.

  “I miss something?” Troy questioned.

  Harper shook her head. “Just that I told Dwayne I’m not interested in selling the business right now. And if I do decide to sell it would be because you and Quentin don’t want it.”

  Troy nodded. “Does that mean you’re staying in Memphis?”

  She shrugged. “It means your brother and I still have a lot we need to talk about,” she answered.

  The jingle of the door opening and closing sounded from the storefront and loud voices rang cheerily in the air.

  “That’s my signal,” Harper said. “Let me go be busy.”

  “I’ve got some things to do too before I head to the office,” Troy said. He called after her as she headed out of the room.

  “Yes?”

  “I’m happy for you, Harper. For you and my brother.”

  Harper smiled. “Thank you!”

  As she moved into the front of the bakery she was surprised to find Dwayne standing there in conversation with Linda and Kitty. Both women were grinning from ear to ear and Dwayne was flirting shamelessly.

  “Just the woman I want to see,” Dwayne said. “Good morning, beautiful!” He leaned to kiss her cheek.

  Harper cut an eye at him, the moment feeling awkward. “Dwayne, hey! What are you doing here?”

  “I know you weren’t expecting me, but I was hoping to steal you away for a few hours. I had planned a surprise for you earlier in the week hoping we’d have something to celebrate. And even though you’ve decided not to sell me the bakery I thought my surprise was too good to cancel. So, if you’ll indulge me, I thought it would be fun for you to celebrate your staying in Memphis.”

  She lifted her eyebrows. “I appreciate the offer, Dwayne, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Please, I assure you I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”

  Harper chuckled ever so softly. “I really wasn’t concerned. It’s like I told you last night, I’m very committed to Quentin. I would like you and me to be friends but I won’t do anything to disrespect him or our relationship.”

  Dwayne smiled. “And I respect that. In fact, I would love for Quentin to join us.”

  “Dwayne, hello!” Troy chimed, suddenly moving into the space. He looked from Harper to Dwayne and back. “What brings you here at this time of the morning?”

  “I was just telling Harper that I had planned a celebratory surprise for her. That’s when I was certain she was going to sell me the business but since she’s not, I didn’t want my gift to go to waste. I thought she and Quentin might be willing to enjoy my little surprise together.”

  Troy cut an eye at her and she shrugged her shoulders in response. “Well, Quentin’s not here,” he said, “but I’m sure he and Harper will talk it over when he gets back.”

  Dwayne shook his head. “Shoot! We would need to do it this morning. Why don’t you come instead? I’m sure Quentin would be okay with that, right?”

  Troy tossed her another look. “Sorry but I have court this afternoon.”

  “Can you just tell me what it is?” Harper asked, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m not big on surprises anyway.”

  “I understand,” Dwayne said, the hint of a pout pulling at his full lips. “It really isn’t a problem, I just hate wasting the money but I’ll just cancel.”

  Troy shrugged. “Why don’t you go?” he said. “You can call Quentin or I can call him for you.”

  “I can call him,” Harper said, “but I’m not sure this is a good idea.”

  Dwayne tossed her one of his infamous smiles. “Trust me. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

  Harper took a deep breath and sighed, blowing warm breath past her lips. “A few hours?”

  “I’ll get you back in time for dinner,” he said. “In fact, I’ll treat you and Quentin to wherever you want to go. And I won’t go with you!” he said with a soft laugh.

  “Can I think about it for a second?” Harper asked.

  Dwayne nodded. “Of course. Take two,” he said, still smiling.

  Harper excused herself and disappeared back into the office. She dialed Quentin’s number on her cell phone. When he didn’t answer she left a message for him to please call her back when he got her message.

  As she was about to exit the room, Troy met her in the doorway.

  “Your brother isn’t going to like this,” Harper said.

  Troy nodded. “Probably not but you can’t pick your friends based on whether Quentin is going to approve. And he’s never going to like your being friends with any other man. Not even me. But he is going to have to trust you if your relationship is going to work. Besides, I think Dwayne is harmless. He’s more smoke and mirrors than anything else. A cheap con artist at best. I don’t see you falling for his lame lines.”

  “Rachel fell for them,” Harper commented.

  “Rachel is an outstanding attorney. If she wasn’t she wouldn’t be my law partner. But where Rachel is wholeheartedly secure in the courtroom, she has some serious insecurities when it comes to men. Besides, she and Dwayne have some serious history together. Everyone told Quentin from the get-go that he and Rachel weren’t meant to be together. He just chose not to
listen. By the time he did, he had already gotten his feelings hurt.”

  Harper blew a deep sigh. “I don’t want to hurt his feelings, Troy.”

  The man smiled. “Quentin loves you and I think you love him, too. Dwayne can’t touch that.”

  She nodded. “No, he definitely can’t do that.” She paused in reflection for a quick moment. “All right. I guess I’ll be back soon. I left Quentin a message to call me.”

  Troy gave her two thumbs up. “I’ll catch up with both of you later,” he said.

  Dwayne’s enthusiasm had him acting like a little boy in a toy store who’d been told he could have anything he wanted. And with no warning, it wasn’t hard to see that what he wanted was Harper. She was both flattered and unnerved by it.

  It was a quick limousine ride to the General De Witt Spain Airport off North 2nd Street. As they pulled in front of the general aviation terminal Harper’s stomach did a major flip, her nerves kicking into high gear. “Why are we here?” she questioned, eyeing the private planes that sat in the terminal’s hangar.

  Dwayne grinned as he extended his hand to help her out of the limo. “I arranged a quick day-trip for us,” he said, tossing her an easy wink of his eye. He took note of her anxiety. “Relax, please. I promise you’re going to have a great day!”

  Harper shook her head. “I didn’t know we were flying someplace. I wasn’t prepared to leave Memphis,” she said. She glanced down to the denim jeans, casual T-shirt, and Jimmy Choo heels she was wearing. “Dwayne, I’m sorry but I don’t know if I’m comfortable with this.”

  He nodded. “I understand, but I’m going to ask you to trust me. Harper, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you and just like I assured Troy that I would return you safe and sound this afternoon, I will keep that promise. The only thing that will stop me is if you don’t want to come back,” he said. He sounded wholeheartedly sincere.

  Harper took a deep breath, meeting the look he was giving her. There was something in his eyes that she found endearing and despite her reservations she didn’t believe Dwayne’s actions held any malicious intent toward her. She nodded her head slowly as she took the hand he extended, allowing him to wrap his fingers around hers.