The Sweetest Encounter Page 9

  “Dallas, baby, I’m not taking sides!” she insisted, reaching for my hand. “Baby, I want you to be happy. I’ll leave you for now. Do you want me to bring you something to eat?”

  I nodded and turned to walk back to my room. My heart was heavy as I kicked off my sandals and crawled into the bed. I felt drained and knocked out when my head hit the pillow. I woke up to a ringing cell phone and reached over to pick it up. It was Franco, and I swiped the screen.

  “Hello, Franco,” I said, clearing my voice. I was still drowsy from the nap. I glanced at the clock and it was seven thirty. I’d slept for two hours, and my stomach was gripping. I had not eaten since one o’clock.

  “Dallas, baby, is everything okay?” he asked, sounding worried. “Are you coming down with something?”

  “No,” I said, trying to hold the tears in. Hearing his voice made me more emotional. “I was taking a nap.”

  “Okay,” he continued. “You don’t sound like my Dallas Cowboy, though. What’s wrong, baby?”

  Damn, he can pick up on my emotions already. I took a deep breath and blurted out, “My mama gave that slimy bastard my address.” The tears were coming down now like a broken dam.

  “Are you crying?” Franco said in shock. “Baby, please calm down. It will be okay. Do you hear me?”

  I nodded as if he could see me and tried to calm myself. “Okay,” I said, hiccupping like a baby. “Franco, I’m just so hurt that my own mama would do this to me.” I tried to catch my breath as tears streamed down my face. “And then my grandmother seemed to be on her side. I feel so lost right now.”

  “Baby, I am sorry,” he said, sounding upset. “I wish I could take the hurt away. I feel bad your mom would betray you like that. I am here for you, sweetheart. I love you, Dallas. I love you.”

  My mouth fell open in shock. Did he say he loves me? He loves me. Happiness spread through me; hearing those three words brought me out of my sadness. I know that I am falling in love with him too.

  “Damn, Dallas. I did not mean to say that. I mean, it is true that I love you. But I didn’t mean to shock you and you’re already upset,” he rambled on. “I wanted to tell you in person. But baby, I don’t want anyone upsetting you.”

  I finally found my voice. I have to get the man out of his misery. He is so sweet and defending my honor over the phone. Yeah, I think I’m in love. I smiled for the first time since Mama’s betrayal. “I am falling in love with you too,” I said, chuckling.

  “What?” he said in complete surprise. “Oh, baby, you just made me the happiest man alive. I wish you were here. I’m coming down there to get you.”

  “No, you’re not,” I said, laughing. “I’m cutting my trip short. I am coming home tomorrow. I want to see you before you go on duty.”

  “Sweetheart, I am eager to see your gorgeous face,” he said, sounding happy. “I’m picking you up at the airport. Are you flying in on the private plane?”

  “I don’t know.” I gnawed on my bottom lip. “If I can get a regular flight out tomorrow morning, then I don’t need to take it. I’ll get back to you.” A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. “Hold on, Yankee.” I put the phone on mute. “Yes,” I called out, looking towards the door.

  “It’s me, baby,” Mama Mabel announced. “I brought your supper. You were sleeping for a little while. I knew you might wake up hungry.”

  “Just a second,” I called out and unmuted the cell phone. “Yankee, my grandmother brought me supper. I will call you back after I eat, and we can talk some more. Is that all right?”

  “You bet, baby,” he said, sounding happy. “Get something in that stomach. I don’t want you passing out. I love you so much, Dallas. You are going to get tired of me saying it.”

  “Never.” My cheeks warmed from his words. I felt so good inside. “Yankee, I will never get tired of you telling me those three beautiful words. We’ll talk later.” I ended the conversation and felt giddy. My Yankee loves me. I had a big cheesy smile on my face and almost forgot that Mama Mabel was outside with my supper. “Come on in.”

  She walked in with a tray and put it on the table near the window. “You look like you’re in better spirits. I guess that nap did you well,” she said, scrutinizing my face.

  I wanted her to know how happy I was but decided against it. I didn’t want to reveal anything to her now since I feared that she would tell my mother. “Yes, I’m feeling better. Thanks for bringing me supper. By the way, I’m going back to New York first thing in the morning.”

  “Dallas,” she said in protest. “You’ve only been here for two days. I thought you were staying until Monday?”

  “I need to be away from Mama. I don’t want Daddy and the boys to know that we aren’t speaking. Don’t you agree? We don’t want Daddy to find out about what Mama did.” I glanced over at her with a determined look on my face. When I got this way, there was no changing my mind. My daddy would be livid with Mama if he knew what she had been up to. I feared that there would be tension in their marriage, and so did Mama Mabel.

  She sighed, shoulders slumping. I didn’t want her to be unhappy, especially at her age. She was always healthy, but she looked like she lost some weight since the last time I saw her. She had always been a little plump and looked a lot thinner now. I didn’t want my beloved grandmother to be stressed out. But I couldn’t stay here when I was so angry with my mother. She glanced over at me, looking remorseful.

  “You’re right. If your daddy finds out, she’ll be in big trouble.” Mama Mabel walked over to sit on the edge of my bed and put her arms around me. “I love you so much, sweetheart. I don’t want you going back to New York thinking I’m not on your side. I know you like that boy up in there. You’re probably in love already. I can tell by that glow on your face.” I gasped and looked at her in shock. She knew me so well. I couldn’t hide anything from her. “Don’t look so surprised. I have known you all your life. I love you more than anyone in this world, Dallas. You’re my heart.” She kissed and hugged me as tears rolled down my cheeks.

  “I love you too, Mama Mabel,” I said, sniffing as I held on to her. “I apologize for being mad earlier. I know now that you only want peace between us. I need to be away from here to think and maybe, just maybe, I will hear her out. But not right now.”

  She nodded in understanding. “Do what you feel is best, sweetheart. We’ll see you next month.”

  “Yes,” I said, moving out of her arms. “I’m hoping my house will be done soon. It’s driving me insane. You know how I like to be organized.” My growling stomach interrupted me. I groaned, rubbing it. “Ugh. Let me get something to eat. I’m starving.”

  She chuckled when I jumped out of bed and darted across the room for my supper. I hoped that Daddy and the boys wouldn't pry too much about why I was leaving so soon. I did not want Mama to know anything about my budding relationship with Franco, especially now that we revealed our feelings. I smiled when I thought of my new life and love. I cannot wait to see him. Maybe I’ll give it up this weekend. I was aching for him to make love to me too.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Franco

  After hanging up the phone with Dallas, I felt on top of the fucking world. I finally told her that I loved her, but not the way I had intended. Shit, I cannot believe that I blurted it out like that. But she says she is falling in love with me too. I had it all planned on how I would profess my love for her. I planned on taking her to Vermont for a weekend getaway and maybe make love for the first time. I didn’t know if she would be ready, but damn, I wanted to taste her so freaking bad. If we didn’t go all the way, I still wanted to taste her. I ached for that woman and had been jerking off for months with thoughts of her.

  I hoped she would come back tomorrow, but for some reason, I had a bad feeling about it. I didn’t know why I felt this way, but it was how she talked about her daddy and that controlling mother of hers. My brows creased as I thought back to our conversation. How dare she hurt my princess like that? I cann
ot believe she gave that cheating motherfucker Dallas’s address. What was she thinking?

  It had pained me to hear Dallas crying, and I wanted to make it better. If I could take away all her pain, believe me, I would. That girl meant more to me than anyone besides my family of course. I loved her so much that I would protect her with my life. I cannot believe I feel this way. Now I understood how my dad felt about Mom. He always told us that he would die for her and us. I used to wonder if I would ever feel that way for a woman. Now I did.

  I found it hard to believe that Dallas’s mother would betray her after what the idiot did to her. I was very surprised that she would still want the loser with Dallas. She didn’t sound like her sister, Dez, who was one of the most loving and generous people I had ever met. I recalled when she and her children moved into our neighborhood over ten years ago. She was a single mother and a nurse who worked hard to provide for her kids. My mom and dad became great friends with her. Janique and Tyree would spend the night at our house sometimes when she had to work the night shift. Hell, I did not know that she had a twin sister who married a millionaire. You never know what goes on in families. Dez’s lifestyle seemed so far removed from Dallas’s wealthy family. Hell, if I were rich, my entire family would be right there with me.

  Lost in my thoughts, I came back to the present when a text came through on my cell. I glanced at my phone and saw a text from Derrick. Shit. I looked at the time and it was almost eight thirty. I have to get out of here. I was meeting up with him and the rest of the boys at a bowling alley in Times Square. The place had a nightclub and bar too. I wished Dallas were here to enjoy it with me, though. I chuckled. It was hard picturing my Texan spitfire doing something like bowling, but she was full of surprises.

  Hell, I laughed at Nat when she told me that Dallas was a good cook. She proved me wrong when she made me dinner for me at her place a month ago. That woman could throw down in the kitchen. I hated to admit it, but she might be a better cook than Mom. Nat was still trying to get me to admit to that. I glanced at my watch. Let me get out of here or the fellas will think I am not coming. Grabbing my car keys off the table, I walked over to the coat rack to get my jacket. I rushed out the door to enjoy the rest of the night. I was on cloud nine right now.

  ∞∞∞

  Monday afternoon, I was on duty and Dallas wasn’t back as yet. Talk about disappointment. I called it, though. She could not get away because her dad surprised the family with a trip to the Bahamas. She would be flying back to New York on Wednesday. She tried to convince me to come along, but it was too last minute, and I had a regular job. I was already scheduled to work four days straight this week because of the holiday. Besides, I was not ready to meet Dallas’s father and her meddling mother. I had to prepare myself for all the questions that I was sure they were going to pile on me. Rich people usually played that sort of game. What do you do for a living? Yada, yada.

  I was hanging in the break room with my firefighter friends, Josh and Karim, when a text came through. I glanced at my phone and a grin stretched across my face.

  Dallas: Hey Yankee, how are you? Are you back at work?

  Me: Yes. I won’t see you until Thursday evening, though. I’m on duty most of the week.

  Dallas: ☹. I won’t see you when I get back? I was looking forward to seeing you. I miss you, Yankee.

  Me: Miss you too, baby. I love you. I hope you aren’t having too much fun without me.

  Dallas: Never. I wish you were on our yacht right now. We’re at the pier. We are about to sail from Nassau to Paradise Island.

  Me:☺. Nice. Are you on a freaking yacht? Whose?

  Dallas: Ours. We sailed from Miami on it. We’re coming back to the States tomorrow night.

  Me: Whoa. How big is this yacht?

  Dallas: I’m sending you some photos now. Look out for it.

  A few minutes later, a photo of Dallas popped up. Damn, my cock hardened at the sight of her in a skimpy white two-piece. Fuck me. She is so freaking hot. My tongue was salivating at the sight of her in that skimpy bikini. My mouth hung open as photo after photo came through with my delectable woman on the biggest private boat I’d ever seen. Shit. How rich is Dallas? The more involved I got with her, the more dumbfounded I became of her opulent lifestyle.

  “Yo dude, are you okay?” Karim looked at me with a frown.

  Closing my mouth, I glanced over at him. “Just looking at some photos of my girl; she’s on vacation with her family in the Bahamas.”

  “Damn, can I see?” Karim asked, stretching his neck to look at the screen.

  “Hell, no,” I said, moving the cell phone out of his view. “You’re not seeing any pictures of Dallas. You must think I’m fucking crazy to show you horny motherfuckers’ private photos of my woman.”

  “Come on, man,” he said, glancing at me. “It’s harmless. I showed you pictures of lots of women in the past. You did it before too.”

  “That was different.” My brows were creased as I glanced over at him. “They weren’t my woman. Dallas is the woman that I love. Get it? Hell. No.”

  “Okay dude, I hear you,” he said, holding up his hands. “Guess your ass is on lockdown now. This girl must me something else in bed. She got you all twisted.”

  I glanced over at that envious motherfucker. I had no words for him. Hell, I would be envious too if he had a woman who looked like Dallas and wasn’t dating anyone serious. I was happy to be on lockdown. Damn. I would be a goner when we finally had sex. Ignoring him, I went back to texting her before they pulled out of the port.

  Me: Damn, baby. You look so hot in that white bikini. You’re killing me right now.

  Dallas: Good☺. That should hold you over until I see you. We’re about to leave the pier, Yankee. I’ll text you when we get to Paradise Island. Smooches.☺.

  Me: Can’t wait to kiss those luscious lips. Thanks for the photos.

  Dallas: TTYL☺.

  I smiled as I finished texting Dallas and then heard the fire alarm blaring. Damn, there goes my down time.

  “Let’s go, man,” Josh and Karim called out, running towards the pole. I was right behind them as we got ready to head out onto the truck. Adrenaline pumped through my system as I picked up my gear, ready to put out some fires. Being a firefighter could be stressful, but I loved saving lives.

  ∞∞∞

  Thursday afternoon couldn’t come fast enough for me. Dallas was back in town after being away for a week. It seemed like an eternity. I get to see my woman. She was still not back at work and wouldn’t be in until Monday. I felt euphoric that she was back in town, and planned to spend the entire day with her tomorrow.

  My heart was beating fast in anticipation of holding her luscious curves in my arms and kissing those succulent lips. Christ, I have it bad for her. I glanced at my watch. It was almost two thirty. I sent her a quick text.

  Me: I’m on my way, sweetheart.

  Dallas: ☺ Drive safely.

  Me: You know it, baby. See you in a bit.

  Pushing the cell phone into my pocket, I grabbed my duffle bag and walked out of the locker room. An hour later, I was riding in the elevator up to her penthouse. My heart was pumping fast in my chest as the elevator door opened into the foyer. I stepped out and glanced up to see her sashaying towards me in a long, flowing yellow dress. Damn, she looks incredible. Her skin was bronze from being out in the sun, and her blonde highlights looked more striking.

  “Franco!” she squealed, racing over to jump into my arms.

  I embraced her and came in contact with naked skin. Damn, the dress is backless. Holding her tightly, I inhaled her vanilla scent. I grew harder when she pressed her luscious curves into me. I hungered for her. God, this is heaven. I found heaven in her arms.

  I pulled back and gazed into her intoxicating amber eyes. “Hello, gorgeous.” I smiled, cupping her face, and then reached down to capture her juicy lips. She groaned and opened her mouth as I devoured her lips. “I missed you so much,” I murmured between
kisses. She tastes so sweet. I could not get enough of her. My cock was so hard that it was pressing into her stomach. The kiss was frantic and out of control. It took almost everything for me to drag my lips away from her juicy ones. I knew I had to stop or would end up taking her here in the hallway.

  “Baby, we have to stop,” I said, breathing hard looking in her flushed face. “I missed you so damn much. Let’s go inside.” She nodded, lacing our fingers together. I stroked her soft hand as we walked further into the penthouse. I glanced around and noticed that the walls were painted in bold colors but were bare. The place looked spacious without furniture.

  “Franco, you don’t know how hard this is for me too,” she said, peeking over at me. “I feel like I haven’t been with you in forever. The last time I saw you, the boys were here. It’s good to finally be alone with you.”

  “I know, baby,” I said, my voice echoing in the empty room. “I want to be with you all day and night. But I want you to know that I’m not rushing you into anything.” I glanced at her. “I want our first time to be special. I just want to hold and kiss you for now.”

  She nodded and pulled me towards the kitchen. We walked over to the breakfast bar and sat down.

  “Sorry, Yankee,” she said, gazing into my eyes. “This is the only place besides my bedroom that has furniture. I wanted to give you something to eat first. Are you hungry?”

  I nodded with an impish smile. Yeah, I am ravenous for her. I want Dallas to be my meal.

  “Yankee, I know what you’re thinking,” she drawled. “You are so naughty.”

  I laughed when she smacked me on the arm. Then she swished over towards the refrigerator. “Come back, gorgeous. I’m not done with you.”

  “I will feed you some food first,” she said, opening up the fridge. “I made lunch: fried chicken and biscuits. Want some?” She glanced over at me.

  “Hell yeah,” I said, rubbing my empty stomach. My mouth was salivating. For her. But I would settle for her cooking right now. I wanted to be with her and did not care how we spent our time together. One thing was for sure: I had to put in for vacation time real soon. I would take her away for a long weekend. As I watched her prepare our lunch, I could picture her doing this for the rest of our lives. Having Dallas in my life fulfilled me. It was new to me and there was no turning back. I hoped my heart was not crushed when I finally met her entire family. I feared that the difference in our lifestyles would eventually clash, but I would not worry about it right now. I had to believe that our love would be strong enough to survive whatever obstacles may arise.