Two
She hoped her outfit screamed dirty hoodrat.
Aaliyah chose low-slung jeans and a yellow halter-top that showcased her sleeve. She put her long hair up into a messy bun and painted her face so unrecognizable, she was honestly wondered if she was looking at the same person in the mirror.
She paired her look with Gucci flats. Her first choice was the standard and typical high heels but she wasn’t entirely sure where Ocean was taking her and how far she had to walk. It was better to be practical and comfortable.
She spritzed some perfume and gave a sweep glance at herself over. Her tattoos were tasteful, but her right arm was covered in them with some on her left. There were more tattoos that were hidden.
Her light skin shined with jojoba and almond oil and chose daring mauves, purples, and pinks for her makeup. She did not look like a senator’s girlfriend. Hell, she didn’t even look like a senator’swifefor that matter.
Aaliyah did, however, looked like the last girlfriend a senator dated before he moved onto his political career and cleaned up his act. She looked like a college frat boy mistake. The type of a girl a guy would reminisce with his buddies over a few beers aboutthat black chick he bangedbut that was the extent of it.
Ocean was wasting her time and his. At least she would get a good meal out of it.
The feelings of longing and want didn’t dissipate over the years. Dared Aaliyah thought, they’d grown stronger. When Ocean finally did make his appearance, the emotions were at the tipping point and ready to boil over.
When he pulled off the towel and studied her naked body, Aaliyah didn’t fight back. She should’ve. He was a stranger to her. He hurt her very much and she let him in her home, and worst yet, in her heart again.
As he loved on her naked body, the sexual tension between them crackled at a fever pitch. He kept his arms to the side and stood behind her as he focused on her eyes. She knew Ocean too well. She felt his rapid heartbeat pounding against his chest, yet his outward appearance was calm and collected.
She remembered how he took ownership of her lips back at the shop. He demanded her attention and love again, whether she liked it.
It was either going to be a happy ending or a disastrous one. “Here goes nothing.” Aaliyah grabbed her Chanel clutch and walked downstairs to an awaiting Ocean, who simply smiled back at her.
“Stunning.” His voice was low. His blue eyes smiled along with his mouth. “I waiting for my princess to come to the ball and she did not disappoint.”
Ocean had a way of words that borderlined on corny and heartwarming. It’s what made him popular with female voters. It’s also what made him get inside Aaliyah’s panties. “Where are we going, Doctor Facillier?”
Ocean’s blue eyes crinkled as Aaliyah referred to him as the villain fromThe Princess and the Frog. It was her favorite Disney movie only second toThe Lion King.His heart stumbled as he thought about why he remembered something so trivial about her. “Something you might like, Princess Tiana.” He held out his arm. “Shall we?”
~~~~~~
“This…” Aaliyah walked over to the balcony and stared out the Atlanta skyline. “…this is spectacular.”
Ocean appeared behind Aaliyah’s with his hands inside his pockets. He rented out a restaurant in nearby Buckhead and had it closed specifically so he and Aaliyah would have privacy without the prying eyes of other elite diners.
Ocean always had exquisite taste in everything – food, clothing, and music. It only made sense Ocean took Aaliyah to one of the finest restaurants Atlanta had to offer. The restaurant was so exclusive, Aaliyah was determined to go there when her finances were just right and it was a special occasion.
Ocean granted her wish before she even vocalized it. “Just beautiful.”
“You like?” He asked.
“I love.” Aaliyah had made a nice chunk of change but she didn’t consider herself rich. She was middle-class comfortable she liked to tell herself.
“I’m glad you love it,” he leaned against her, “only the best for you.”
There went those nervous butterfly feelings coupled with uncertainty. The last time Aaliyah felt that way about Ocean, she went wedding gown hunting with Brittany. It took her a solid two years to step back into another one and that was only because Brittany was about to get married soon.
She wondered if Ocean was simply humoring her. “I see.”
“Do you want to eat inside or out here? The view is magnificent either way.” He kissed her earlobe. “I’ll have the best view all night.”
“Okay,” Aaliyah moved aside and held her hands up. “Enough of this.”
Just when Ocean felt they were making strides in getting everything settled, the finished line was moved farther. Ocean simply blinked. “Okay.”
Aaliyah stepped a small distance and blew out a harsh breath. She’d dated forgettable men within the last couple of years and only a few of them she humored to take the edge off.
