ROMANCE: Billion Dollar Question (BWWM Billionaire Bad Boy Romance) (African American Alpha Mail Order Bride New Adult) (3 page)

Jada opened her apartment door and greeted Dallas. She introduced him to her mother who seemed taken by his appearance. Jada agreed he was handsome in a traditional sense. He reminded her of Clark Gable from Gone with the Wind, minus the mustache. His dark slicked back hair, captivating smile and the twinkle in his eye were very attractive.

But she was determined to keep a clear head tonight. Big decisions needed to be made – life decisions. She suddenly wondered if her little black dress was too revealing. She didn’t want to give him the wrong idea.

“You look stunning,” Dallas said.

Jada looked down and smiled. “Thank you.”

Dallas walked Jada to the limousine. He opened the door and Jada slid onto the luxurious leather seats. She tried not to be impressed. She believed money was the root of all evil, and she refused to let herself get caught up in the clutches of greed or envy.

Jada gave the driver directions to The Blue Nile, a quaint, Ethiopian restaurant. She’d only been there once before, but she loved it and always wanted to return.

When they arrived, Dallas offered his hand to help Jada out of the vehicle. He did have nice manners.

“You have amazing taste,” Dallas said as he looked around the Blue Nile Restaurant with décor straight from the horn of eastern Africa with lots of color in its murals and mosaic art on the walls, and a homey atmosphere in the dining area with bright cushions. There was even live music featuring an acoustic piano.

“Thank you. The style here is to serve the meal on one plate and we share. We also eat Ethiopian style using the Biddeena, bread, instead of silverware.”

Dallas raised his eyebrows. “I’ll follow your lead.”

Jada smiled. She was surprised at his willingness to follow her lead. She assumed his wealth made him domineering.

They ordered the Gosa Gosa sampler for the appetizer and the Hoolaa Akaawii (lamb with spices) for the entrée.

“I hope you like spicy food,” Jada said.

Dallas looked at her and raised a corner of his mouth. “I do.”

There was that darn twinkle again! She was hoping he wouldn’t be so charming so she could keep her guard up. But as the night continued, Dallas kept her laughing and she sincerely enjoyed her time with him.

After the meal was over, and they ran through the surface chit chat, they sat in silence and watched and listened to the pianist play.

Jada closed her eyes. “Mm, I love this song.”

“You know it?”

“Oh yes. It’s Lena Horne’s classic, ‘Stormy Weather’.” Now, that woman could sing the blues like no other.” Jada started humming along with the melody.

“You are a singer, too?” Dallas asked.

“Oh, I love to sing. It has always been a fantasy of mine to be a professional singer.” Jada snickered at the thought.

Dallas placed his hand on Jada’s and said, “I’ll be right back.” He slipped out of the booth and walked over to the pianist. Jada watched him whisper to the pianist and put a wad of cash in his glass jar. The pianist nodded and Dallas motioned for Jada to join him by the piano.

Oh no, what did this man do?
She reluctantly joined him.

The pianist made an announcement to the diners. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Jada Foster singing ‘Stormy Weather.’”

Jada felt slightly embarrassed when people looked her way, but once the piano played the smooth jazz intro, she was in a different world. Jada sang from her heart and soul like the song had touched her so many times.

At the end of her performance, the crowd clapped. Jada laughed a little, took a small bow and thanked the pianist. Then she and Dallas went back to their seats.

Dallas looked at her with glassy eyes. “You have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard, Jada.”

Jada’s heart warmed.

“I hope our daughter gets your gift of music.”

Jada was jolted out of her musical trance. “Our daughter?”

“I was just guessing. Do you know if you are having a boy or girl?”

“Yes,” Jada softened. “I’m…we’re… having a girl.”

She was moved to see Dallas’ eyes filled with tears.

“Thank you for including me,” Dallas said.

“Well, like you said, it wasn’t what I had planned. But I am a firm believer that God is in control. So though it wasn’t my plan, I believe it was God’s plan, and who am I to argue with that?”

Dallas smiled. “Excellent point.”

Jada feared Dallas was going to push the custody issue again, but he didn’t. He kept his focus on her the entire night. She felt special and important. She couldn’t help but be swept away by his attention.

At the end of the evening, Dallas guided Jada to the limo with his hand on her back. His touch gave her chills. She sat close to him in the seat. He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him.

He whispered in her ear. “I don’t want this evening to end. Would you like to come home with me?”

“I don’t know, Dallas. I’m really not that kind of girl.”

“I don’t expect anything but more conversation. I’d be happy to talk with you all night.”

Jada’s heart was fluttering. She relaxed in his arms and nodded.

Dallas directed the driver to go home.

Chapter 6

Getting To Know

Jada followed Dallas through the front door of the most luxurious mansion she had ever seen. She walked in and looked around at the marble floors, winding staircase, intricately designed walls… It was breathtaking.

“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s even more beautiful than mansions you see on TV,” Jaida said. “How many acres do you have here?”

“I have twelve acres with three sides surrounded by the lake. It’s more impressive in the daylight.” Dallas led her into the parlor. “Would you like a drink?”

“Yes, but I really can’t,” Jada answered.

“How ‘bout a Sprite with lemon?”

Jada smiled. “Okay, thank you.”

“Thank
you
, for taking such good care of our little girl,” Dallas said as he brought her the drink.

“I guess we better talk about what we’re going to do.” Jada rubbed her belly.

“Alright.” Dallas sat down on the couch and patted the place next to him for her to join him. “What do you want, Jada?”

Jada was pleasantly surprised by the change in Dallas’ attitude since the first time they met.

She took a deep breath in and out and sat down. “I think we could share custody. I’d like to be the primary caregiver, but I am not opposed to scheduled times with you.”

“Alright, that is a start,” Dallas said. “I have some concerns about your current living situation.”

Jada stiffened.

Dallas continued. “Come on, Jada, you have to admit, your apartment complex is crowded and noisy. I live here in this thirty-six thousand square foot mansion with a full time staff to take care of it. You could have your own wing here.”

Jada clenched her teeth. “I’m not interested in that. I want my baby to around family, not house staff. This was a bad idea. I knew you were going to try and control me. I won’t stand for it.” Jada stood up and started to leave.

Dallas grabbed her hand. “Whoa, now. I’m not against you, Jada, and I wouldn’t dream of trying to control you. You have made it perfectly clear that you do not stand for that. No need to get defensive, okay? We’re just talking.”

Jada sat back down and tried to relax. “You’re right. I got defensive. I just have a fear that you are going to use your money to take our baby and give her the best of everything. I think there is value in learning to work for your money. And I’m not ashamed to have my daughter see me work hard for everything we have. I don’t think handing her everything will teach her good values.”

“I hear you. And I admire that. Most women I meet try to use me for my money. You’re the first person I’ve known who dislikes me because of it.”

Jada laughed. “I don’t dislike you. I just have my guard up.”

Dallas sat closer to Jada on the couch. “There’s something you should know about me. I didn’t grow up wealthy.”

“You didn’t?”

“No. I got lucky. I was a video game nerd, and a creative person. When I was eighteen, I created a game that took off and made a lot of money. By the time I was twenty, I had a million dollars. I hired a great business investment coach and turned my millions into billions over the last ten years. I’ll admit, I enjoy the high life, but I also respect you and every other American out there working their butt off in factories and plants. And to be honest, Jada, your work ethic and your commitment to your values is inspiring, and something I didn’t count on, but am now so grateful that our daughter will learn from you.”

Jada was flattered and stunned. This man just kept surprising her.

Dallas looked at Jada’s face and stroked her face gently. “You are so beautiful, Jada, you take my breath away.” He leaned in and kissed her.

Jada kissed him back. He slid his tongue into her mouth. She felt her heart pound harder. His passion was overwhelming her.

Jada quickly pulled away from him. “Wait. We haven’t decided anything yet.”

Dallas gently stroked her neck with his fingers. “We don’t have to decide everything tonight, Jada. Let’s make tonight just about us.”

He kissed her again. Jada tensed up at first, feeling a little worried about giving in to her desires.

Dallas whispered in her ear, “Relax. Let me love you.”

His hot breath in her ear aroused her. His words relaxed her.

He kissed her neck and moved down to her chest. His hands wandered to her breasts. He cupped her left breast and lifted it to his mouth. He kissed and licked it.

Jada moaned. His touch was stimulating. She felt her vagina pulsing. She wanted him.

“This dress has been driving me crazy all night,” Dallas said. “Your cleavage tantalized me in the most delightful way.” He kissed her mouth and slid his hand up her thigh and under her dress. He spread her legs apart.

Jada felt her breathing get heavier. His fingers teased her as they slid up her inner thigh to the ridge of her underwear.

“I wanna taste you all over, Jada.”

Jada was completely lost in the moment. Her body was crying out for him now.

“Feast on me, Dallas.”

Dallas lowered her underwear and lifted her skirt. She lifted her knees and spread her legs. He slipped his face between them. He devoured her pussy until she screamed in pleasure.

Jada opened her eyes after her climax and saw Dallas’ moist lips.

“That was amazing,” Jada said.

“Mm, I could feast on you every night,” Dallas said. He licked his lips.

Jada sat up and fixed her dress. She was exhausted and completely satisfied. No man had ever satisfied her the way Dallas just did.

Dallas looked down. “I hope I didn’t get too carried away. I didn’t plan on this, believe me. I just wanted to spend more time with you.”

Jada looked at her watch. “My mother is probably wondering about me by now.”

Dallas smiled. “Can you call her? Will you spend the night?”

“I can’t, Dallas. Not yet. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have let it…”

“No, no. Don’t apologize. I loved every minute of tonight. And you already know I’m not very good at being patient. But, you are worth waiting for, Jada. I’ll take you home.” He kissed her on the cheek.

On the way home, Dallas held Jada’s hand. She never imagined he would be such a romantic, and so sweet. When they arrived at her complex, they heard a car playing hip hop music extremely loud.

Jada winced. “I guess you’re right about it being noisy.”

Dallas walked her to her apartment door and kissed her goodnight.

“I’ll call you,” he promised.

“Okay,” Jada agreed.