Anything For Your Love (8 page)

In the box were two swim suits. Both were two piece suits that were gorgeous. She knew she was headed for the pool in one of those. She began to get excited again as she reached for the second box.

In the box was a black designer dress with stunning black heels. The box also included everything she would need for a weekend stay. He’d thought of everything a woman might possibly need for an over night stay. “Oh my goodness,” She breathed. The dress and shoes were fabulous. She suddenly found herself nervous about opening the third box, the future box.

The third box was considerably smaller than the other two. She reached for it. Opening the box, she found a smaller, distinctive turquoise box with a perfectly tied white bow. Jada pulled one end of the ribbon and the entire bow fell away. She opened the box and found a platinum necklace with a diamond open heart charm gently floating on it. Her hands began to shake. She softly placed the necklace back in the box and put it on the table. She needed to sit. That was not a gift you gave to a casual friend. Sitting wasn’t working. She grabbed her cell phone and dialed Ami’s number.

“Hey, girl. What’s up?” Ami answered in a cheery voice. “How’s Atlantic City so far?”

“Can you talk for a minute?” came Jada’s soft reply.

Ami’s voice turned urgent instantly, “What’s wrong? Do you need me to come down there? I know Alex is in that meeting. I can call security...”

“No, no, no. I’m fine, really,” Jada said, cutting her off. “I just need an ear and an opinion.”

“Oh. Girl, you know better than to get me all excited like that. I’ve been over here talking to my cousin Joi about this loser she was dating and it’s got my adrenaline pumping overtime.”

Jada giggled. “No, this is something entirely different. It’s good, but scary as hell.”

“What’s up?”

Jada told Ami they were staying at the family condo, which Ami already knew. Then, she told her about the gift boxes she found in one of the rooms with her name on it. Boy, Ami loved the Love men’s style. Damn, it was going to be hard for her. Anyway, she dismissed the thought.

“What should I do?” Jada asked, interrupting Ami’s thoughts.

“What do you mean, ‘What should I do?’” Ami asked incredulously. “Girl, put on a swim suit, hit the pool, and then later, knock his flippin' socks off in that dress. If I know my big cousin the way I think I do, the dress is fierce, but the shoes are killer! You better work!”

Jada couldn’t help laughing out loud. She loved that girl. “I can’t do that.”

“Why? Because no other man has stepped up to treat you like you deserve to be treated? Please. You said you wanted to go with the flow and have a little fun. So, do it! Life’s way too short to hesitate. Gotta go. Love you.” Ami hung up the phone.

As she sat, she considered the possibilities. She needed to think. Her heart was telling her to go full steam ahead with Alex, but her mind had serious reservations. It had been a while since she was involved with a man for anything long term, and long term for her was about three months. Then again, she had never met a man quite like Alex and that was the part that was unnerving. She decided she would go for that swim. She dressed in one of the new swim suits, found a towel and a robe, and headed for the pool.

Alex was glad the meeting ended early with such positive results. He had finalized the land deal for the new restaurant and everything would be moving along as scheduled. A messenger would be delivering the paper work to The House for signatures. He had even met with a potential architect for the project named Tami Jones, who happened to be in town consulting on another project. She worked for a well know builder whom his uncle, Anthony, and other members of his family had done business with in the past. He would have to set up a meeting with his brothers and Ms. Jones to see what kind of ideas she could come up with. Not today, though. He had other things on his mind.

Alex pulled up to the valet. “Good evening, Mr. Love,” The valet attendant said.

“Hi, Mike. How’s your family?” Alex asked

“Oh, very well, Mr. Love, thanks for asking. And yours, especially your Mother?” Mike asked.

“Oh, she’s good. I’ll tell her you asked about her.”
“Please do.” Mike smiled.
Alex shook his head and smiled. Mike had to be around Chris’ age, yet he loved to see Abigail coming. “She’s old enough to be your mother, Mike. Is Paul around?”

“I know, but she sure is pretty to look at. Paul should be in the front office.”

“Thanks,” Alex said with a chuckle.

Paul Winters was the head of security at the hotel/casino. As Alex approached the front desk, the front desk hostess immediately greeted him.

“Hello, Mr. Love. How may I help you?” The friendly young woman said. Alex was sure Tony briefed everyone that he was there because he did not recognize the new face. He probably had pictures of all the VIP residents and made them study each and every one. Tony was very big on customer service, which was one of the reasons he liked him so much.

“Hello. Is Paul Winters available?” He asked.
“Just a moment, sir.” The young woman picked up the phone. Alex absently looked around the lobby. There had been some improvements since the last time he was there. It looked good. He’d have to come back for an extended stay and soon as he could. Of course, Jada would have to come with him. The high pitched female voice brought him back from his musings.

“He’ll be right out, Mr. Love,” The young woman announced.

“Thank you,” Alex offered with a warm smile, which made the young woman blush. A few moments later, a well built man just as tall as Alex with much wider shoulders approached him. Paul Winters looked like a formidable linebacker for a NFL team. His normally milky white skin had a rich bronze tan, and his curly blonde hair had been cut close.

“Alex! Tony said you were here!” Paul shook Alex’s hand. Paul and the Love boys took Atlantic City by storm when ever they were around.

“Good to see you, Paul. How are you keeping busy these days?” Alex asked.

“Oh you know, a little of this and a little of that.” The two men laughed. “What can I do for you?”

“Can you tell me where someone is in the hotel?” Alex asked.

“Of course. Come on.” The two men headed toward the security office.

“Is someone giving you a problem?” Paul asked.

“Oh no, nothing like that,” Alex answered. “You know full well you would be watching me on camera, not standing here talking to me, if I was having a problem.”

“Yeah, that is about right. Cool, are we heading out tonight?” Paul asked as he punched in an access code on the security office outer door.

“Sorry, man, I have a much bigger fish to fry this evening.” Alex smiled.

The two men reached the inner security office where the surveillance room was located. Paul sat at one of the monitors. “Alright, who are we looking for?” He asked as he started punching keys, entering his security code to log on.

“Start on my floor. I know you can’t see inside the apartment, but I’m looking to see if a particular woman took me up on one of my offers.”
“Alright.” Paul punched up hall to the 25
th
floor. Nothing. The hall was long and quiet.
“Go to the pool,” Alex said. Paul punched a few more keys, and there she was.
“Wow! Who is that?” Paul asked.
“That, my friend, is my latest obsession!” Alex said rubbing his hands together.
“Nice,” Paul said, his water blue eyes glistening with appreciation.
“I need you to look out for her whenever I can’t. Nothing happens to her in your city, Paul.” Alex’s tone was serious. “She’s one of us.”

Alex took the elevator to the 25
th
floor, preparing himself for his first ever, in the flesh sight of Jada in a swim suit. One he got for her. He took the short walk to the pool and stepped inside the door. Damn.

Jada was the only one in the pool room. She was taking long, freestyle strokes across the pool. She was graceful and fascinating as she leisurely cut the water with little splash. Her legs were long and he could easily imagine them wrapped around his waist. He walked further into the pool area, took a seat near the pool’s edge, and waited.

Jada took a turn at the end of the pool. Growing up near the shore in California, she had been a swimmer all of her life. In the middle of the turn, her stomach clinched. She had begun to recognize that feeling as her body making her aware that Alex was near. She never broke her stride. She swam to the other side of the pool, stopping right where he was sitting. Coming partially out of the water, she leaned over the edge to look up at him. Her water soaked hair was pushed back off her face and moist droplets casually fell from her long dark eyelashes.

“Beautiful form,” Alex said as she watched him over the side of the pool. He felt the heat rising in his lower body and struggled to control the anticipation he felt knowing she would get fully out of the water soon.

“Life guard, all through high school and college,” She responded, feeling a little nervous all of a sudden and running a hand down her face.

“Good to know you could save me should I suddenly become unable to breathe,” He said huskily. “Are you hungry?”

“Starved,” She responded.

“Let’s get out of here.” Alex extended his hand to her. He lifted her out of the water and wished he hadn’t. She was perfect he thought. Curvy, toned, radiant, and wet. She tossed a handful of wet hair aside as she picked up a towel and began to pat herself in various places.

“Good choice on the swim suit. It fits perfectly,” She said as she rubbed the towel down her hair.

“I see,” He responded as his gaze traveled the length of her. He helped her into her robe, figuring that was the best thing for both of them right now. The lightheadedness he felt was starting to consume him.

She could feel his energy, but decided to ignore not only his energy, but her own as well. They left the pool area and headed toward the condo, each lost in their own thoughts about what lay ahead for them.

“So, what are we getting into tonight?” She decided to ask as they approached the door from the hallway. From the look in his eye, she decided to clarify the question. Clearing her throat, She stuttered, “I mean, um, are we going out?”

“Dinner. The chefs here are great, but don’t tell Ty I said that,” He smiled as he placed his hand at the small of her back.

She laughed. “Don’t worry. By the way, thank you for the gifts. They were beautiful.”

“I’m glad to see you are getting good use out of one of them. That suit looks great on you,” He complimented. He opened the door for her and asked, “Is forty five minutes good for you, for dinner?”

“Perfect, I’ll be ready,” She answered.

“You can use the master suite to dress. I’ll be down the hall,” He said. “Let me know if you need anything that you don’t see.”

“Alright, see you in forty five,” She said as she backed away slowly and seductively, almost afraid to turn her back on him.

Thoughts of Jada played on Alex’s mind while he dressed for the evening. Since he laid eyes on her, all thoughts and memories of any other woman vanished. She was beginning to occupy his mind both day and night. In his dreams, her scent haunted him. During the day, images of her disturbed his concentration. He needed to feel her in his arms and beneath his body like he needed his next breath. The vibration of his cell phone interrupted his musings.

“Hey, Mom.” He greeted warmly.

“Hey, baby,” Abigail answered, feeling the love in his voice. “How did the meeting go?”

“Well. Ty and Chris will be happy with the deal once it’s finalized.”

“I heard you have Ami’s friend, Jada, with you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” There was no need to deny it. Word traveled fast in the family.

“I like her, baby. She’s not like the others I’ve seen you with.”

“I like her, too, Mom and you’re right. She’s nothing like the others.”

“When are you coming home?” She asked hopefully. “Tomorrow. Do you need something?” 

“So soon? You should stay a while. Relax,” She suggested.
Alex chuckled. “Mom, you’re pushing. I have a plan.”
“Well then, we will see how this works out. Let me know if you need me to make any arrangements.” She smiled.
“I think I can handle it, Mom, but thanks. Tell Dad I said hey. I gotta go,” He said as he shook his head and smiled at his mother. She was counting the days until she would become a grandma.

“Alright, baby. I’ll tell him. Love you.”

“Love you, too, Mom.” Alex closed his cell phone and headed downstairs.

Forty five minutes after leaving the most bewitching woman he ever encountered at the front door, he stood in the living room gazing out of the wide window that looked out over the Atlantic Ocean. The night was clear and warm with a million stars dotting the sky. The last forty five minutes had been pure torture for him. He wanted to go to her, take her, and devour her. Jada had been the only woman to really get under his skin and close to his heart in a matter of hours. Damn, all he had done was kiss this woman and already she had become his drug. His body responded to her, betraying him in ways he had never imagined. She had come silently down the stairs and he knew it. He felt her presence and caught her scent as it wrapped around him. He turned and silently prepared himself for what he knew would be a dazzling sight.

Jada stood on the very last step and suddenly felt nervous. Alex was standing at the window staring out at the night sky. He was wearing dark tailored dress pants that gently hugged his perfect behind. His shirt must have only been made for him. It made his back look strong and athletic. She thought he could probably toss her over one shoulder effortlessly and it made her shiver with need. Simply, he was beautiful. His manly scent filled the air and clouded her mind. He turned those eyes on her and the room became fuzzy. She gripped the railing to steady herself. After what seemed like forever, she pulled herself together and stepped down. “Alexander,” she said in a sultry voice, and wondered where that came from.

Alex realized he had not been breathing until she said his name. She was stunning wearing the black dress and matching heels he had left for her. Her hair was pulled up in a loose bun on her head. Her make-up was very light, and her scent was intoxicating. He willed his feet to move toward her. He went to stand directly in front of her, wondering if they could make it out of the front door. “Jada,” He said in a voice dripping with desire. “You are breath taking.”

Jada felt her high cheeks turn red. “Thank you, Alex.”

He reached for her hand and the slow sizzle that had started at the window had now turned into a small fire. At that moment, every thing became crystal clear in his mind. He decided that the simple seduction of Jada Whitman was not what he wanted. He wanted and needed total possession.

Jada accepted Alex’s hand and prayed that they could make it through dinner, let alone back to Philly. She knew they were staying the night and she had decided long ago that she trusted him to be a perfect gentleman, but she was not sure that was what she wanted. The way he made the blood rush through her system, she needed anything but for him to be a gentleman. Thoughts of him between her thighs and his lips caressing places that only he would experience on her body dominated her mind making it difficult to focus on what was actually happening around her. She raised her hand to her throat to gently pat herself. She felt like she would soon hyperventilate.

Silently, they walked toward the door, neither able to say even one word. They continued to walk down the hall toward the elevators without speaking. Each was lost in their thoughts and fighting for their own control.

On the elevator, he turned to her. There was intensity in his eyes. “You are beautiful,” He said with his voice filled with awe.

“You said that already.” She smiled at him. “A lot.”
“I know, but I can’t help it.” He smiled back.
“Well, I must say, Mr. Love, you are looking every bit th
e
G
Q
cover tonight.”
“Why thank you, Ms. Whitman,” Alex responded.
The elevator doors opened and he placed his hand at the small of her back. They stepped out and were immediately greeted by Tony.
“Mr. Love. Ms. Whitman. We have the perfect table set for you. Right this way,” Tony said. Jada had been to quite a few fancy places in Los Angeles, but there with Alex, she felt she was being treated like royalty.
Tony led them to an open terrace and a secluded table. “Thank you, Tony. As usual, you have out done yourself,” Alex complimented. “Always a pleasure, Mr. Love. Have a good evening, Ms.

Whitman.” Tony gave a slight bow and exited.
“Alex, this is beautiful. Thank you,” Jada finally said after they settled in their seats.
“I find myself wanting to do the very best for you,” He smiled.

“You make it so easy.”
They took their time and enjoyed dinner and conversation. Alex had hoped his libido would have calmed, but it didn’t. He found that he thoroughly enjoyed the melody of her voice when she spoke. The way her jaw and lips moved when she ate. The way her eyes danced when she talked about her work. She was fascinating and he knew he was in very big trouble.

“Alex, I can’t thank you enough. Your place here is a dream. Everyone here has been great, and the company has been...phenomenal,” Jada said, cutting into Alex’s thoughts as he gazed at her.

“It has certainly been my pleasure, sweetheart. Now, I think we’ve spent enough time lingering at this table. Let’s head back upstairs for the evening. Neither of us are in any rush back to Philly,” He suggested. “We can just stay here and enjoy our time together.”

“Um, alright,” She said, again feeling a little anxious, almost like the night wasn’t truly over as he had just hinted. “Alex, I’ve been curious about something all evening. Who plays the piano?”

“Actually, we all do. Although we were all trained to play, it’s Ty’s baby. He thinks better when he is doing something with his hands. I would imagine that’s why he’s always in the kitchen. All of my other cousins play some sort of instrument. It was a family requirement growing up,” He replied.

“I guess that skill could come in handy,” She said.
“You have no idea,” He responded.
Alex took her hand, leaving a generous tip on the table, and they left their dining experience. They laughed and joked all the way back to the condo. Jada felt slightly light headed because of the champagne she had at dinner and could feel her body floating next to Alex.

In the condo, Jada noticed flowers had been delivered, music was playing, and strawberries and champagne were chilling on a small table near the picturesque window. She listened closer to what was playing
.
Supersta
r
by Luther Vandross. She loved that song and it was all incredibly romantic. She smiled as she looked over to where Alex was standing. His expression was serious, yet gentle. She wasn’t quite sure what she saw in the depths of those mysterious light brown eyes, but desire hung on the edge.

“Alex...” She started on a gentle sigh.

“Jada, listen...” He interrupted, “I clearly remember what you said at my house in Philly. I intend to respect your wishes, until, like I said, you ask me to do otherwise. Tonight though, Ms. Whitman...” He took a step closer to her, “I intend to show you, that when the time is right, I fully intend to stand behind my family name.”

He was moving toward her so slowly, so purposefully, that she was completely unable to move. He was captivating. Intoxicating. Sexy as hell. and, she didn’t know how she was still standing on buttered knees.

“Tell me you want me to stop and I will, Jada,” He said so close to her lips she could feel the puff of air he released. He tenderly touched her shoulders with both hands before allowing his hands to caress her back and rest at her hips. She thought she could definitely use the support because surely she was going to fall over. The heat from his touch was scorching her exposed skin. “Tell me what you want.”

“Kiss me, Alex,” She finally said breathlessly after a long, torturous moment.

He did without a moment’s hesitation. Long, deep, and hard. As Luther sang in the background, Jada melted against him. His kiss was exquisite. Again, he was becoming familiar with her mouth. She kissed him back and heard the deep, guttural groan that escaped his throat. It heightened her senses and made her feel powerful.

Moments later, she realized her feet were no longer on the floor. Alex was carrying her to the living room. Gently breaking the kiss, he placed her on the couch, removed his blazer, and tossed it aside. He loosened a few buttons on his shirt and rolled up his sleeves as if he were about to begin some intensive work. She couldn’t take her eyes off him, wondering what it was he was planning to do. He knelt down in front of her and gave her that smile that never failed to melt her insides.

“Alex...” She breathed.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I just need to be near you tonight. Remember you like this, always.” He slowly ran his hand up her thigh and heard her sharp intake of breath. “I love these shoes on you,” He said as he leaned in and kissed her ankle. “And I love the shape of your legs,” He said as he trailed kisses from her ankle up to her thigh. The feel of her skin against his palm was making him dizzy.