Anything For Your Love (5 page)

Although Jada thoroughly enjoyed Alex’s company, she knew nothing could ever come of it. She lived out west, he in the east. Her history dictated that relationships were not in her future. She would just have fun for the two weeks like Ami suggested and go home. So she hoped.

Alex realized the time had gotten away from him and figured it was time to take her back to her hotel. As reluctant as he was to leave her, he knew it was the right thing to do.

On the ride back to her hotel, Jada found herself smiling out the window. She really did have a good time with Alex. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had that much fun with a guy. He was a gentleman, and the thought that one still existed was refreshing. He was intelligent and humorous. It didn’t hurt that he was drop dead gorgeous. She stole a look at his profile as he drove and smiled. The guys where she was from felt they were entitled to a woman’s attention. Alex felt he needed to earn it.

At the hotel, he insisted on walking her to her door. Ami said she would be staying at her parents' house tonight. She attempted to protest, not sure what she should do once they reached the room door.

“Walking me to the door is not necessary, Alex, really.”

“My mother would have it no other way,” He countered. “I would never hear the end of it if she found out I did not walk my date to her door and see her in safely.”

The elevator ride was intense. Jada felt the air was becoming heavier with each passing floor. The elevator doors opened and he put his hand on the small of her back. She felt the jolt of heat consume her body. She stopped at her door and turned.

“Thanks again, Alex, for a wonderful evening. I really had a good time.” She looked up at him and his eyes were different. They were seductive, darker and hypnotic. She felt her knees weaken.

Alex had intended to simply walk her to her door and say goodnight. When he put his hand on her back, though, that changed. The air around him became charged and heated. She was unconsciously doing things to him and he was finding it hard to control himself. He watched her lips moving, saying something about ‘wonderful evening’ and ‘good time’, but sensibility left him and he leaned down and kissed her.

She seemed a little shocked at first, but quickly gave in to the passion surrounding them. He deepened the kiss as the hallway began to close in around him. Nothing and no one else mattered at that very moment. He pulled her closer as his tongue dance with hers. It was a perfect tango and she seemed to know the rhythm. She was a sweet combination of peppermint and chocolate. Her hands rested on his chest, but did not push him away, and it sent his senses into overdrive. After what seemed like an eternity and after his body hardened from the contact, he gently pulled away. He looked down at her and seemed drunk from the encounter. He knew he had to leave or he would take her right there in the hallway, on the wall.

“Jada,” He gently called her name. She looked up at him, lips still moist and slightly swollen from the kiss. She could not speak, just gazed up at him. The tightening below his belt was unmistakable.

“There is something very powerful happening between us. I can’t deny that. In two days, I’ve found my self-wanting you so bad, it borders on need. I will not take this any further if you don’t want to.” He had a questioning look in his eyes, She thought. He leaned to within inches of her lips. “But, come to lunch with me tomorrow. I need to see you again.” It was more a statement than a question.

Jada’s head was spinning from all that was happening. Her body had automatically responded to his, and joined to fit right in with his hills and valleys. She had felt the heat radiating from him. She had felt the hardness of him pressing against her body, willing her body to respond. Now, he was telling her he wanted this to go further, but seemed to be asking permission. No one had ever taken this much consideration for her feelings before.

“Jada, will you come with me tomorrow?” He asked again.
She blinked. “Sure, Alex. I’ll have lunch with you.”
The corners of Alex’s mouth turned up. “Good,” He said as he stepped back. “Think about what I said, Jada, I’m very serious.” He turned and walked down the hall toward the elevators.

Jada fiddled with the room key and finally got the door open. He had truly overwhelmed her. He had taken every emotion she had pushed aside after losing her family and brought them back to life
.
What is it about him
?
She thought. She touched her lips and could still feel the warmth left by their contact with each other. She could smell his cologne on her skin and knew whenever she smelled that scent she would think of him. For just a second, she thought about the possibility of a lasting relationship, and then she quickly shook it off. He just wanted to have a little fun, just like her. She was sticking to that.

Alex thought the elevator ride was tortuous. He had to consciously will his breathing back to normal. In a short period of time, he had become consumed with thoughts of Jada. He felt his body harden with thoughts of her. He didn’t like playing games, but thought the seduction of Jada Whitman might be fun. He smiled to himself as he exited the elevator and went to retrieve his car
.
Yes, these two weeks will indeed be interestin
g
.

Jada dropped her purse on the coffee table, smiling at the mere thought of Alex. She couldn’t help it. He was gorgeous, intelligent, and sexy. When they were together, he looked at her as if she were the only woman in the world. As she continued to float across the room toward her bedroom, Ami appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

“Had a good time?” Ami asked with a sly grin, leaning against the doorframe of her room.

“Jeez, Ami!” Jada yelled as she spun around. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! I thought you were staying at your Mom and Dad's tonight anyway.”

Ami casually walked over to the sofa, sat, and pulled her legs underneath her, crossing them. “I went to visit them, but they had some other plans so I decided to come back. I see I made it back before you. Again, I ask, did you have a good time? And, don’t avoid the question.” She pointed a well-manicured finger at her friend.

Jada flopped down in a chair across from her closest friend, she was still grinning. “It was nice,” She finally said.

“Nice! Nice?” Ami leaned over to study Jada closer. “My cousin does better than ‘nice’. I’ve seen his game and it is much better than ‘nice’.”

Jada tried to hold her giggle, but it slipped out anyway. “Alright, it was much better than nice.”

“So, let’s hear it.”

“Short version. He picked me up, on time no less. We went to a beautiful restaurant on the Delaware River. You know, your city has a lot of rich history.”

“Quit stalling. I know all about the city where I was born! Get on with it!”

Chuckling again, Jada continued. “We ate, drank, and talked. We took a walk along Penn's Landing. He was a perfect gentleman.”

Ami raised her eyebrow at that last comment. “Really? Gentleman is what you call him?”

Jada sat up straight, “Wait a minute. Is your cousin a playa? Because I do not have the time...”

“Whoa, whoa! I was just kidding!” Ami laughed out loud. “You should have seen your face! Anyway, my Aunt Abbie would have his head if he were anything less.”

Jada exhaled and leaned back in the chair. “Anyway,” She smiled, “he walked me to the door, invited me to lunch tomorrow, and said goodnight.”

“Goodnight, huh?”
“Yes, goodnight. Was there supposed to be something else?”

“Oh, I don’t know, seems to me you have yet to feel the full force of the Love charm.” Ami stood and started to head back to her room with a dramatic sway to her hips. “Brace yourself.”

“Hey.” Jada shot up from her seat. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“You’ll see,” Ami yelled through the closed door. “Go to bed. You have a big day tomorrow.”

Jada could still hear Ami giggling through the door as she headed off to her room. She still couldn’t stop smiling herself. While she prepared for bed and finally snuggled under the fluffy covers, thoughts of Alex floated all around her mind. The last thing she saw before drifting off to sleep was the beautiful brightness of his smile directed toward her. Sleep would come easy that night.

Jada felt nervous about lunch. Dinner was nice, but Alex had kissed her again. The first time he had seemed just as shocked as she was. The second time, though, had been deliberately planned. Now, he had asked her to meet him at his office in Center City.

“Come on, girl, I’ll drop you off on my way over the bridge,” Ami called out to her.

“You know, you seem awfully happy about me going to lunch with Alex,” Jada teased.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,”Ami replied attempting innocence. “I just hate Center City traffic and I have to get over to Jersey to see my Aunt Abbie. You know, family rounds and what not. Come on!”

“Alright, but I’m keeping my eye on you,” Jada said shaking her finger at Ami..

As Ami navigated the series of one-way streets in Center City Philadelphia, Jada’s cell phone sang a familiar R&B song. She let out a long sigh knowing exactly who it was.

“Oooh, gurl! That’s my song!” Ami sang as she snapped her fingers along with the tune.

“You are so silly!” Jada chuckled as she checked the caller identification just to be sure. “It’s James. I better take this.”

Ami cut her eye at her friend. “Can that guy handle anything on his own? You are on vacation. Let me answer it.”

“Leave him alone. He has a good heart.”

“Whatever. His eyes are shifty. Don’t take to long on the call, we are almost there.”

“Alright , captain!” Jada chuckled again. “Hello?”
“Hey, Ms. Lady!” James answered excitedly. “How’s it going?” “Great, actually. Ami and I are having a good time.” Jada watched as Ami made faces mocking James. She couldn’t hide her amusement. “What’s up?”

“Remember the psychological thriller movie we met about almost three months ago?”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“Well, it just got the green light and some big names are interested. I want you on as one of the executive producers.”

“Oh, that’s great! Have the paper work and everything sent to my office. I’ll take a look when I get back.”

“You’ll be the prettiest executive on the project. I gotta go. Tell Ami I said hi.”

“I will. Thanks for thinking of me. Bye, James.”

“I’ll always think of you. See ya, Ms. Lady. We’ll do lunch when you come home. Bye.”

“Something is totally off about that guy, Jada,” Ami said as Jada disconnected the call. “I just can’t put my finger on it. I know that’s your buddy and all, but something just isn’t right.” She shook her head as she turned the corner. “Anyway, Alex’s building is just up the street.”

“I told you before that he is harmless,” Jada said, feeling a little nervous because the building was in sight. She rubbed her damp palms over her thighs.

“Whatever. Now relax. Alex is a lamb,” Ami replied as she pulled over in front of his office building. “Alright, girl, see you later. It’s just through those doors, on the 10
th
floor. Just ask for him at the front desk.” She waived to Jada as she pulled off.

Jada stood outside the office building for a minute, thinking it was a mistake. “Screw it,” She whispered to herself, “I’m here now.” She entered the building with all the confidence she could gather.

She noticed right away that the main lobby was very busy. There were several different offices in the semi high-rise building. She approached a security guard who directed her to the bank of elevators that would take her to the 10
th
floor. The elevator ride seemed endless. Minutes later, the doors opened to a well-lit, spacious hallway. She stepped out onto the carpet that was ultra plush and led to ten feet tall glass double doors. She walked down the hall. Beyond the glass doors, she could see a huge desk with an older woman sitting behind it. On the wall behind her rea
d
Sinclair, Michaels, and Lov
e
. She smiled seeing Alex’s name on the wall. She proceeded through the doors and immediately noticed how busy it was. She hadn’t noticed the quiet of the hall until she was standing just beyond the doors. Telephones were ringing and people were moving about. From the hall, you couldn’t see the how massive office was
.
This has to be the entire 10
th
floo
r
, she thought as she approached the desk.

“Excuse me,” Jada spoke politely.
“Yes, ma’am, how may I help you?” The older woman asked. “I’m here to see Alexander Love, please,” She responded. “And your name, please, ma’am?” 

“Jada Whitman.”
“Just a moment, please.”
The woman pressed a button that was connected to her headset.

She was speaking with someone through the microphone.
“Just down this hall, Ms. Whitman, and to the right at the end,”

She spoke. “Have a good day.” “Thank you.”

Alex was meeting with the team that would be handling a cooperate mishandling case soon. His intercom buzzed.

“Yes, Karen?”

“Mr. Love, a Ms. Whitman has just checked in at the front desk and is on her way back.”

“Thank you, Karen. Please, send her in when she gets here.” “Certainly, Mr. Love.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have to wrap this up.” A wide smile covered Alex’s face. He gave out the next set of assignments to his team members to cover all the bases for the upcoming trial. Just as they were walking out of the door, Jada was coming in. She smiled politely at the group of young attorneys leaving the office. They, in turn, eyed her with building curiosity.

Jada thought to herself that his office was huge. Her apartment she had during college in New York City wasn’t nearly that big. Alex got up from his chair to greet her, and she immediately felt the intensity of his gaze.

“Jada, I’m glad you found me all right,” He said, reaching for her hand, again kissing her palm.

“Ami dropped me off out front, so it wasn’t hard. This office is fantastic and apparently, you are well known in the building. The security guard downstairs was very helpful.” She remarked as she turned to survey his office further.

“Great, let’s get outta here,” He replied.

Outside of his office, Alex told Karen he was not sure if he would be back that afternoon and to contact him on his cell if it was urgent. He told her he would be on his computer later that night, so she could place any messages in his electronic inbox.

“How long do you expect this lunch to last?” Jada asked with amusement.

“Oh, I don’t know, but I surely don’t want to rush anything,” He said, grabbing her hand and leading her away from the knowing eyes of his long time assistant.

As they walked back down the hall of his office, Jada took in the fullness of Alex. He wore a dark tailored suit. It looked expensive with shoes that were a little more fashionable than what the average man would wear. He stood tall and walked with confidence. She noticed how other members of the office acknowledged him as he came through. He was easy with everyone as if each one was a close, personal friend. She found that she was just as much attracted to his character as his looks. She also noticed the mild look of shock on several of the faces of people as they passed by them hand in hand.

“Where are we going for lunch?” She asked.
Alex’s smile reached his eyes and a hint of mischievousness touched his grin. “My house,” He replied.
Jada stopped walking pulling him abruptly to a stop. “Your house? Don’t you think that’s a little too, um, personal?” She asked. Alex turned and stepped closed to her and his smile never wavered. “Are you scared, Jada?” He asked with a devilish look.


HECK YEAH
!
Jada’s mind screamed, but she would not let Alexander get the best of her. So, he wanted to challenge her
.
Alright, Ale
x
, She thought. She had played this game in Los Angeles often
.
Let’s danc
e
, She thought. “No, Alexander, I’m not scared, but maybe you should be.” She smirked. Jada picked up her stride and headed for the door, adding an extra sway to her hips since she knew he was watching.

She knew she was playing with fire and at the time, it was so much fun. Up until then, she had been reserved and polite. He saw the dare in her eyes. He was even more aware of the sway in her hips and he liked it
.
DOWN BO
Y
, He commanded himself
.
IT’S NOT TIME YE
T
. Alex smiled. Lunch was going to be fun.
Alex and Jada walked the short distance to his home. It was warm outside and Center City was in full swing. He took off his suit jacket as they walked and explained to her that he lived close to the office. She had noticed his strong arms when he rolled up his shirt sleeves and loosened his tie. They would be perfect for protecting someone. She suddenly wondered what his legs looked like and felt the flash of heat travel through her body.

Jada wore a loose fitting, linen crop pantsuit that was perfect for the warm day. She wore flat sandals that showed off her perfectly pedicured toes and he loved how pretty her feet were. As they walked, he pointed out a few of the city’s historical attractions that he often appreciated during his walks. Philadelphia, and Center City in particular, held rich history around every corner and African Americans were a large part of the undocumented history of the city.

“Have you and your family always lived here?” She asked as they continued their leisurely stroll.
“In the area, yes. My parents moved to New Jersey after Joi, my baby sister, went off to college. Mom said she was tired of city living and wanted something with a yard. So, they moved to the house where the party was held. They love it. It will be good for them when they both retire,” He answered with ease.

“Will they retire soon?”

“My dad, yes. My mom will probably teach until they kick her out.” He chuckled.

“So, who are you more like? Your mom or dad?” She watched as a smile played across his lips before he answered.

“My father. He’s much more reserved than my mother,” he said, pride shining in his eyes.

“Let me know if I’m asking too many questions. Just tell me to mind my own business,” She stated casually.

He stopped walking near a private garden, grabbed her hand, and gently rubbed his thumb across her palm. “I would tell you whatever you wanted to know, whenever you wanted to know it.”

The intensity in his gaze was melting the frigid barrier around her heart. She stood for a moment, just taking in his raw maleness. He was dangerous. Feeling her hands begin to tremble, she fought to pull her wits under control. Finally, she was able to find her voice and her confidence. “Well, Alex, I guess I’ll have to find more challenging questions.”

Alex laughed out loud, loving the way things felt so easy with her. So right. With every other woman, everything was work. She was different. Amazingly different, and he couldn’t have felt better at that very moment.

Alex was glad his central air conditioner was on an automatic timer. Although the day was warm, the heat of walking next to Jada turned his internal temperature up a few notches. The cool air was very much welcomed.

Jada walked into Alex’s home. “This is beautiful, Alex,” She said as she quickly scanned her surroundings. It was smartly decorated and she could tell it was done professionally.

“Take a look around, I’m going to get out of this suit,” He told her.

“Alright,” She absently replied, taken by the expensive artwork that hung in the living room. She continued to wander around, stopping to admire family photos on a wall. It seemed like the entire family was represented along that wall.

“There’s wine in the kitchen,” Alex yelled down to her. He was leaning over the loft wall from his bedroom.

Jada looked around from where she stood in the dining room, admiring a large statue that sat in the corner. “Where are you?” She asked.

“Up here.”

Jada looked up. “Is that a loft?” She asked with excitement in her voice. She loved loft bedrooms. She had always imagined her place would have one. Her condo in Los Angeles did not have a second floor. “Can I come see it?”

“Sure, come on up. Be careful, though, as you enter the lion’s den,” He said huskily.

Chuckling, she went up the stairs. There was a hall and at least four doors. She couldn’t believe how big the place was. From the outside, it seemed so small. She took a left and entered his bedroom. His shirt and pants were on a chair, but she didn’t see him. The bedroom, like the first floor, was expertly done. The warm, earthy tones of the room engulfed her. One wall held a wide window covered by sheers and drapes. The California king sized mahogany bed had chocolate leather adorning the headboard and trimming the footboard. She noticed there was no television, but instead, a small sitting area near the window. The two nightstands, tall dresser, and long dresser all had the same wood and leather trim as the bed. Her shoes sank into the plush, rust colored carpet, making her want to remove her shoes. She exhaled, thinking how much she liked the room. It was made perfectly for sleeping and relaxing. She stood looking out of the opening of the loft, enjoying the way it made her feel.

Alex stood in the doorway of his connecting bathroom leaning against the frame, watching her. She was so sexy. He observed her taking in her surroundings. He had never really thought about it, but was glad he’d hired an interior decorator. He wanted her to like his personal space. He shook his head because never before had it mattered what a woman thought of his space. No woman, besides his family, had ever made it past the first floor. He had readily invited her upstairs, even if it was just to take a look.