The Lion (5 page)

Tauri smiled smugly. “All true.”

  “Humble too huh?”

She shrugged. “Hey, if you don't rep yourself, who will?”

Rion held her gaze. “Not humble, but undeniably beautiful.”

Tauri looked down at her plate. “I know what you're trying to do.”

He waited for her to continue.

  “You're trying to get into my panties.” She raised her eyes back to his and he smiled.

  “Actually I'm trying to get you out of your panties...” He looked her over. “And everything else.”

  Tauri sat her utensil down as she felt warmth in those same panties he was discussing. “My Granny says that once boys get into your panties they forget how to treat you.”

  Rion stood and walked around to her side of the table and squatted next to her. Gently he took her hand. “I would never mistreat a goddess that possesses such strength, beauty and intelligence.” He kissed her hand softly.

  She stared down at him and felt her heart continuing to melt. “You're too much sometimes Orion.”

  He smiled at her. “You're always too much Tauri.” Rion held on to her hand and helped her to her feet. Under the darkening sky, he led her over to another part of the roof where a high powered telescope was set up in a nearby corner.

  “This is your surprise. I want to show you a T-Tauri star.” He gave her a side look. “Since you didn't believe me.”

  “I never said that.”

  He laughed. “Believe me, the look on your face said it loud and clear.” She laughed with him before he moved to look through the large scope. When he had it positioned, he turned to her.

  “Now, come and look. It's a clear night so you can see it perfectly,” he told her.

  Tauri moved to place her face against the instrument. She squinted in one eye as she looked inside and her face spread into a wide smile as she looked into the heavens.

  “So the blinking ones are the T-Tauri,” Rion explained.

  “What are the others?” she asked excitedly still looking into the glass.

  “Some are other stars and some are other planets.”

She kept looking in awe. “This is amazing!”

  Rion smiled at her excitement. Who knew this would interest her? However, he was glad it did because he got to see another side of this very complicated woman.

  “There's also a full moon tonight,” Rion told her and she turned to him.

  “What does that mean?” she asked.

  “It's a time of receiving manifestations,” he explained. “A time to receive the things your mind and heart have desired and focused on.”

She studied him for a moment. “So you'll get your team?” she asked.

  “My team and my future,” he answered watching her.

  They stood underneath the night sky looking at each other, both were wondering what exactly was happening at this moment before Tauri looked away first.

  “Well thank you for dinner and the astronomy lesson,” she said quietly glancing up at the sky again.

  “It's not over.”

Tauri looked at him. “It's not?”

  Rion shook his head. “I thought we'd watch the moon cross the sky.” He pointed at the bright full moon. “It's going to start there and make its way all the way across.”

  “We're just going to stand out here?”

  “No, we can sit on the sofa and watch it.”

  Tauri glanced back at the bright circle against the darkened sky. Who sits and watches the moon, she pondered. Who wouldn't want to sit with Orion Shaw and watch the moon was a different question.

She turned back to him. “I'd like that.”

  Rion smiled and led her over to the sofa settling back against the cushions while she sat next to him making herself comfortable.

  “What do we do now?” she asked as he reached for a nearby blanket, which he unfolded and placed over both of their legs before placing his arm along the sofa behind her.

  “We can talk, we can kiss or we can get you out of those panties,” he suggested.

Tauri eyed him. “We can talk because these panties are staying on tonight.”

He laughed softly. “What do you want to talk about?”

  “Tell me why you stopped playing.”

  Rion shrugged. “It was time. I never intended to play baseball my entire life. I had a plan and a purpose.”

  “Do you miss it?” she asked.

  “Baseball is my true love. I've loved it for as long as I can remember, so yes on certain days I miss it a lot.”

  Tauri watched him. “It's amazing that you're trying to be the first black owner after so many years.”

  “Yeah, it’s funny because African-Americans really are the ones who made the game exciting in our own leagues then we integrated into the white leagues and lost all of our bargaining power.”

  “Did you ever experience any racism while playing?”

  Rion looked up at the night sky. “It doesn't matter how popular or rich a black man is Tauri, because at the end of the day that's all he is still...a black man who has to survive in a system created for his demise.”

  “My granddaddy has suffered a lot of racism in his time. He's not bitter about it but I can tell he still has scars,” she said quietly.

  “They try to make us feel that our dark skin is a badge of shame when really it's sign of pride and honor. It's a source of our strength.”

  Tauri touched his face. “I love your dark skin. It's beautiful.” Slowly she leaned closer until her lips were touching his.

  “Now we can kiss...,” she breathed against his mouth.

  Rion pulled her closer while tasting the lips he'd fantasized about for the last two days. They were as soft and as sweet as he'd imagined and he just wanted to savor them. Tauri for her part was not nearly as patient. Orion had been setting her on fire from the jump and now she wanted him to give her a taste of what she was longing for.

  Tauri greedily slipped her tongue into his mouth as she wrapped her arms around his strong neck. When Rion joined her in the activity she moaned into his mouth. He began to suckle her lips and tongue until she could not breathe. She pulled back and her passion filled hazel eyes looked into his.

  Rion watched her closely still reeling from her initial assault. Damn, she was hot and sexy. The way she was looking at him now made him want to lie her down on this sofa and bury himself deep inside of her underneath the moonlight. Instead ,he kissed her again allowing himself to absorb all the fire she lavished upon him while tasting and touching her.

  When Tauri had reached her designated stopping point, she pulled back with her breathing heavy. They stared at one another as she calmed herself.

  “So, we talked and we kissed...the third option is still on the table.” Rion offered.

  “You're supposed to show me the moon crossing the sky,” she reminded.

Rion smiled. “Okay, so you can tell our kids this is what we did on our second date.”

Tauri looked at him. “Boy...stop.”

  Rion turned her to face the glittering sky and settled her back against his chest. He leaned and whispered in her ear.

  “Just so you know, you're not going to be able to tell them what we did on our fourth date...”

  Rion quietly watched as the sun began to rise while Tauri was snoring loudly against his chest. She had fallen asleep halfway through the moon show. Rion knew he should have awakened her hours ago but he'd been content just to hold her silently. She was warm and soft, yet solid and strong. During the night she had burrowed into him like a kitten wrapping herself around his body.

  Rion had no complaints and found that he liked this other side of her as well. He wasn't sure how often he would get to see this, so he savored the moment. When she awakened, he knew she'd have the gloves back on and the game would continue. He thought about what it would be like to wake up beside her every morning and see those beautiful hazel eyes staring back at him blissfully.

  Speaking of those beautiful hazel eyes, they were now staring up at him and it wasn't exactly bliss that he saw in them. Tauri pushed against his chest and sat up. She looked around as the day dawned above them.

  “Orion, why did you let me sleep all night?” she demanded.

  Rion sat up too and looked at her. “You seemed tired and comfortable so I just let you sleep,” he explained.

She jumped to her feet. “I didn't come here to spend the night with you!”

  “Well technically you just camped out.” He looked up at her.

Her eyes narrowed. “I can't with you right now...where is the bathroom?”

  He got to his feet and she grabbed her bag before he led her down into his apartment. He directed her to the guest bath and made his way to the master. In the guest bath, Tauri took a moment and admired the décor before releasing the steam from her ears.

  She'd slept all night lying against Orion's body, in his arms. He'd felt like the warmest, firmest pillow she'd ever laid her head on and he'd smelled like heaven. The last thing she'd remembered was inhaling his scent and it had lingered throughout her dreams.

  Tauri looked at herself in the mirror. Her hazel eyes looked bright and eager while her lips still held traces of being kissed on and off throughout the night before she'd eventually fallen asleep. She turned and relieved herself before moving to the sink and washing her hands. She opened her bag and removed her travel items she carried with her. She washed her face and brushed her teeth before applying a light dusting of mineral powder. 

  Looking in the mirror again, she warned herself that this was moving too fast. She'd known Orion for two days and she'd already spent the night with him. He was way too smooth and charismatic. At this rate, she should just take her panties off and hand them to him.

  “Get it together Tauri...”

  She exited the bathroom and saw Orion waiting outside the door for her. Tauri prepared to give him hell for letting her sleep the entire night at his apartment but before she could begin, he gently took her hand.

  “I didn't intend for you to stay the entire night Tauri. When you fell asleep, you really seemed like you needed the rest so I didn't wake you. I don't want to upset you and I won't let it happen again.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it gently while watching her closely.

Tauri felt the air blowing out of her sails. How could you argue about something after that?

She lowered her head. “It's too fast Orion.”

Rion came closer and lifted her face. “Okay, I'll fall back a little but you can't pull away. Agreed?”

  Tauri nodded slowly and he lowered his mouth to hers kissing her gently. She hesitantly wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer.

  “I know it's only been a few days Tauri, but I know that you are here to help me fulfill my purpose. I'm not going anywhere beautiful and I'm going to show you how a young god wins the heart of a fearless goddess.”

Tauri held on to him tightly. “What are you saying Orion?” she whispered.

  Rion looked into her eyes. “I'm about to make you one helluva foundation.” He captured her mouth kissing her softly and holding her close. Rion held her for a few minutes while she tried to comprehend all that he'd said to her.

  “Can I make you breakfast?” he asked.

Tauri shook her head. “No, I need to go home and prepare for the office.”

  Rion nodded and went in search of his keys that were still on the roof deck. While he was gone, Tauri glanced around his apartment. It was a beautiful space with gleaming hardwood floors, large windows and an incredible view. She reminded herself that Orion was a very rich man and could live wherever he chose. When she was with him, it was easy to forget that fact. She couldn't let her heart get involved because she still wasn't sure he was staying.

  Rion returned and smiled at her. “Ready?”

  She nodded and he led her down to his car in the garage. When they were on the road, he glanced over and saw the pensive look on her face.

  “You're thinking...and that's not good,” he commented.

Tauri turned to him. “You don't want me to think?” she questioned raising an eyebrow.

Rion frowned. “Not about anything that makes your face look like that!”

She turned to look out the window.

Rion sighed. “Talk to me Tauri. Tell me what the problem is.”

  She was silent for a moment before she turned to him. “The problem Orion is that I don't know you. I don't know who you are or what you will do.”

He nodded. “What exactly is your concern?”

  “For all I know you could have another life out there.”

  Orion rubbed his chin. “Okay Tauri, I've never been married. I don't have any children out there or crazy ass exes. I'm not attached to any other woman. My life is here now.”

She watched him quietly. “Anything else?” he asked.

Tauri shook her head and turned back to the window.

  “What about you?” he asked.

She turned back. “What about me?”

  “Do you have any kids or crazy ass exes?”

  Tauri smiled. “No Orion. I don't have children or crazy ex-boyfriends. I only have my grandparents.”

Rion smiled. “Your granny who warned you about letting me get into your panties?”

She laughed. “Yes, and my granddaddy who loves baseball.”

  “Oh yeah, I'm supposed to meet him right?”

  “You do not want to meet my granddaddy.” She turned back to the window and Rion took her hand calling her name.

When she looked back at him he said, “I very much want to meet your grandparents.”

  “You don't have to do that Orion.”

  “How about tonight?” he asked.

Tauri frowned. “Are you even listening to me?”

  “Should I bring something?” he continued glancing over at her.

  “Orion Shaw, stop this foolishness right now...” she said angrily.

  Rion pulled up to Tauri's car still parked in the parking lot from yesterday. She went to get out of the vehicle and Rion stopped her.

  “No pulling back, remember?” he reminded her.

  “Since it was less than an hour ago, how could I forget?” she snapped.

Rion touched her face gently. “So I can meet your grandparents tonight?”

  “I still don't know why you want to do that.”

He smiled. “They'll be our kids' great grandparents so I want to meet them as soon as possible.”

  Tauri's face became inflamed and she pointed a finger at him. “I swear...you're going to stop with that!”

  She threw open the door then exited the car slamming the expensive car door shut with all her might. Rion let the window down as she walked to her car.

  “Tauri?” Rion called her name and she stopped turning back to him.

  “I never knew goddesses snored so loud.”

Her eyes narrowed and she gave him the finger before getting into her car and taking off.

Rion smiled. “Damn, I'm going to fall so deep in love with that girl...”

  Rion drove back to his apartment then showered and dressed before heading to have breakfast at Lance's restaurant. When he entered the establishment he spotted Khalil's twin, Khayla at the counter with Lance smiling in her face. Shaking his head, he walked over to them.

  “Hey girl!” he said hugging her gently.

  Khayla returned his embrace. “Rion, I was wondering when I was going to see you. Kyros went on and on about his day with Uncle Rion.”

Rion smiled. “That's my little dude.” He turned to Lance. “What's up brother?”

Lance gave Rion a handshake and pat on the back. “What up doe?”

  Rion had caught the look Lance had been giving Khayla when he'd walked in and knew that despite his protests, Lance had it bad for her. Khayla was a caramel beauty with enough curves to shut down traffic completely.

  “I'm here for breakfast but since this cutie is here, I think I'll buy hers too.” Rion winked at Khayla.

Lance frowned. “She's already had breakfast.”

  Khayla smiled at Lance and took Rion's arm. “I'll just keep you company. I haven't seen you in a while.”

  Rion and Khayla found a table while Lance shot daggers at them. He finally turned and walked into the back when the two were seated.

Rion laughed and looked at Khayla. “Why don't you put my boy out of his misery?”

Khayla smiled. “What misery?”

Rion shook his head. “I swear, y'all women be playing these head games...”

  “No, y'all be playing games. Lance wants to be a mack and chase all these women, then he can go right ahead. When he rises to my level, then we can talk.”

  “Damn girl, what do they give the women here? Is it in the water?”

  Khayla laughed. “I'm a beautiful black woman Rion. I will give a black man my unconditional love, support and devotion. Why should I ever expect less than all he has to give?”

  Rion put his hands in the air. “Hey, I'm not disagreeing with you goddess. In fact I plan to give a woman exactly that.”

  “Tauri Patterson?” she asked smiling.

  Rion looked shocked. “Does everybody in the damn city know my business? I've only known her three days.”

  Khayla shrugged.  “Everybody's surprised because she usually puts brothers on their faces then steps on their backs as she walks away,” she explained.

Rion laughed. “Yeah, that sounds like her.”

Khayla smiled. “But it seems she's no match for the young god.”

Rion rubbed his chin. “We'll see about that.” He looked up as Lance joined them at the table.

Khayla stood and glanced at Lance before turning to Rion. “I'll bring some breakfast out to you.”

  Rion smiled. “Thanks.” She winked at him and walked away with Lance watching her every step.

  “Somebody's going to wife her if you keep playing,” Rion told him and Lance turned back to him.

  “Who?”

Rion shook his head. “Abigail. Who the hell do you think I'm talking about Lance?”

Lance looked confused. “What?”

  Rion tilted his head toward his friend. “Let me make it plain. While your ass is playing, some brother is going to come along, put a ring on Khayla's hand and give her a whole bunch of pretty ass little babies.” He pinned Lance with a look. “Do you understand that?”

Lance laughed. “Katydids ain't having nobody's babies.”

  Rion sighed and stared at Lance. These women really had his head messed up. He'd eventually realize that a woman like Khayla was one of a kind and if she did find someone, Rion wasn't sure just how Lance would handle it.

  “Okay brother. I'm just trying to help you out,” Rion said sitting back against the booth cushions.

  “Just because Tauri Patterson has you all twisted, don't try to put that on me,” Lance told him smiling.

  “Sometimes I wonder why I came home.”

Lance smiled some more. “Because you love us and this city.”

  “I love this city.”

Lance laughed. “And you came back trying to still hit home runs. Tauri Patterson?”

  “You all need to not worry about me and Tauri Patterson. If you have forgotten, somebody is still threatening to kill me,” Rion reminded him.

  Lance smirked. “Man, Mac and Brandon have security so tight on you, they probably know the last time you took a dump and what it smelled like.”

Rion frowned. “Thanks.”

  “I'm just saying...you straight. Nothing is going to happen to you. We got this.”

  “I've got some additional help coming in to gather the evidence that Tauri needs,” Rion told him.

Lance grinned slyly. “I'm sure you're trying to fulfill all of Tauri's needs.”

  “At least she knows that I'm the man who can,” Rion countered.

  Khayla arrived with Rion's breakfast and sat it on the table in front of him. He smiled up at her and took her hand. “Thank you cutie, I swear you get more beautiful every time I see you girl. You're going to make Khalil kill somebody for real.” He shot Lance a look.

Khayla smiled and kissed his cheek. “I'm glad you're home Rion.” She turned to Lance.

  “I'm taking off now. Everything looks good and all the orders are in.”