I nodded. “It’s still too early to tell, but so far everything is going great.” Ben set to work adjusting my legs, my arms, my chin how he needed, picking up his camera now and then to see how it looked through the lens.
“He must be very special. Does he have a name?”
“Samuel,” I breathed.
“Hold still,” Ben chastised gently, readjusting my chin. I hadn’t even realized I’d turned my head. I really did become distracted whenever I thought of him.
‘Sorry,” I whispered, making sure not to move again.
“Don’t be. It’s good to see you so happy. Just don’t let that one ruin it for you,” he warned, hooking a thumb over his shoulder in Korey’s direction.
“I won’t,” I promised. And I wouldn’t. I’d been with enough guys to know that Samuel was someone really special. Spending time with him was too important to me to let anything get in the way.
We finished the session a few hours later and Korey drove me home after. He was mostly silent the whole way, other than to remind me of my early photo shoot Monday morning. I watched him as he pulled away from the curb. Hopefully a few days apart would help him get over whatever snit he was in.
The next day was spent catching up on all the mundane chores I hadn’t had time to do during the week. Grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning my apartment took up most of the day and before I knew it, it was time to get ready for the party.
I took a shower and brushed my teeth, then grabbed the bags that were lying on the bed and began pulling items out of them. I’d made a quick stop to my favorite boutique while I’d been out running errands and bought myself a new pair of black jeans and a black top that fell off one shoulder. My favorite part though was the silver threads that ran throughout the material, making it shimmer in the light.
I finished getting ready and then checked myself in the mirror. Fortunately, my hair had behaved, and I was able to get it to stay in a perfect upsweep over my forehead. The draping neckline of my blouse accentuated the slender length of my neck and I smiled to myself, hoping it would drive Samuel crazy. A set of silver dangly earrings and pair of black stilettos completed the look and with a satisfied grin, I headed out the door.
Traffic took forever so the party was in full swing by the time I got there. People were spread out throughout the house, but a large crowd had gathered in the living room. I stood along the back wall, thankful for my heels so I could see better as I looked around for Samuel. I found him standing near an impressive baby grand piano.
He hadn’t seen me yet, so I took the opportunity to admire his toned body and his thick black hair with that smattering of gray that made him seem so distinguished. He lifted his glass to his lips and I licked mine, remembering the feel of those lips pressed to my own. I noticed the slight scruff along his jawline and I shivered as I pictured it rubbing against my cheek, my neck, on the sensitive skin of my inner thigh.
He looked in my direction just then and our eyes locked together. A smile grew on his face and his eyes lit up like he was so happy to see me. I’d never had anyone react that way just from seeing me and it made me feel all warm and mushy.Oh Lord, I’ve got it bad.
Samuel excused himself and made his way through the crowd, over to me. When he finally reached me, we both stood there, smiling as if we weren’t sure what to do, but then he leaned in and gave me a hug. To anyone else we may have just been old friends who were happy to see each other, but I felt the way he held me a little too long and wrapped his arms around me just a little too tight…pure perfection. And my God, the way he smelled. I wanted nothing more than to stay wrapped in his arms all night.
We were interrupted though when the host announced that it was time to pass the bowl of keys around. Samuel tensed beside me as the bowl came closer and I was sure he was worried about how to excuse himself from participating without offending anyone. Our hands were down at our sides, out of sight from wandering eyes so I took his hand in mine and gently pressed my keys into his palm. He looked at me out of the corner of his eye and I gave him a wink. His fist closed around my car keys, holding them tight.
A moment later, the host stopped in front of us and held the bowl out, rattling it around playfully. Samuel hid the set of keys as he reached inside the bowl and pretended to swirl his hand around. Seconds later, he pulled out his hand and held my keys up with a victorious smile. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at his show. The host thrust the bowl in my face next, but I was ready for it. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and held a finger up in the air, giving the man an apologetic look.
“I’m so sorry. I have to take this call. I’ll only be a sec, but you go ahead, and I’ll choose later,” I told him.
“Okay, don’t forget. I’d love for you to get mine,” he responded.
I felt Samuel bristle at my side as the man gave me a flirtatious wink. As he moved on to the next person, I heard Samuel mutter something about tossing the guys keys into the ocean and I couldn’t hold back my smile.
Soon, everyone was pairing up and heading off in different directions. Samuel looked over the crowd to where Gayle was smiling and talking with another man. Satisfied that she was alright, we headed for the front door.
“I’m sorry about that. I just feel more comfortable knowing she’s okay. Regardless of our marriage being over, she’ll always be my friend,” he said as we walked down the driveway.
“It’s okay, really. I think I’d be a little worried if you didn’t care so much about her,” I told him, and it was the truth. I believed him when he told me that things were over between them and I respected the fact that they were able to stay friends. In the long run, their getting along would be the best thing for their daughter, for them, for everyone.
I reached out and took his hand. He looked down at where we were connected and then back up at me with a small smile, threading our fingers together. I led him over to my car, but he made no move to get in. My breath caught as he placed his hands on my hips and slowly backed me up against the side of the car. I could still see the bright blue of his eyes in the moonlight and when they swept over me, from head to toe. It felt like a caress.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he whispered.
I wasn’t sure which one of us leaned in first, but our lips met in a perfect kiss that started out sweet but grew progressively more heated until we were clinging to each other, each of us rock hard and gasping for air. I could’ve happily stayed like that forever, but I had other things I wanted to do as well.
“Come on, it’s my turn to buy you dinner,” I told him. He grabbed my wrist as I started to pull away.
“I believe these are yours.” He was wearing a smirk as he held my keys up in the air. I reached for them, but he pulled his arm back, stealing another kiss from me instead. I was sure I was smiling like a loon when he pulled away, but I couldn’t help it. I just felt happier when I was around him.
I drove us to a nearby steak place. It was just late enough that the restaurant wasn’t crowded, and we were able to get seated at a small corner table. The lights were low, and a single candle was lit in the center of the table, giving off a romantic vibe. We talked over dinner, each of us enjoying a delicious meal. After the bill had been paid, we walked back out to my car.
“Do you need to get home right away?” I asked.
