Chapter Seventeen
Nosy Travis
Elizabeth
Maya slapped the hangers on the rack to the side and whined, “I can’t find anything to wear tonight.”
“Where exactly are you going again?” I asked from my place at the next rack over, searching through cocktail dresses. We were in Macy’s looking for an outfit for Maya’s big date tonight.
“Some fancy dinner party,” she mumbled and continued abusing the hangers.
“You know those hangers are completely innocent. They’ve never done anything to you.” I teased her and picked up a black semi-backless number that had just the right amount of sequins on it. It would definitely flatter Maya’s figure.
“Don’t be such a bitch,” she teased back. I looked over and saw her biting her lip nervously. She only did that when something was really stressing her.
“What’s wrong, honey?” I asked while closing the distance between us. “Are you nervous about tonight?”
I still had no idea where she was really going or with whom. Maya chose to play the ‘I want to wait and see how things go first’ card. I had to give her that one. Sometimes we needed to keep things to ourselves for a while and enjoy the magic before outside forces were allowed to sully it. I was learning that the hard way with Grant.
She nodded her head and continued biting her lip. “I really want to make a good first impression on my date’s boss. It’s his house we are going to. It’s just… what if I’m not as bright as these people or as interesting as them? What if I make a total fool out of myself? I really want things to work out with this guy. He is smart, funny, amazing, sexy and a stud in bed. He’s the total package. I’m terrified I’m going to screw it up.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and my heart broke for her. No matter how self-assured a person was, insecurities could always get the better of us. It didn’t matter who you were.
“Honey.” I ran my hands down her arms to console her. “You’re all those things too. Well, I can’t speak for your bedroom prowess, but I can the rest. Anyways, my point is, he’d be a fool not to see that. Putting all this pressure on yourself isn’t helping. Maybe we should go get massages. Splurge a little.”
“You think?” Maya looked unsure and continued biting her lip. I’d never seen her this worked up over a man before. It was sweet really. Self-destructive, but sweet.
“I do. Now go try this one on.” I pressed the dress I had found into her hands and pushed her towards the fitting room. “I think it’s the one.”
She smiled and gave me a quick hug before scampering off. When she came out in the dress, my breath caught. That was, in fact, the one. She looked gorgeous. Her body was accentuated perfectly. It wasn’t too audacious, but wasn’t an old lady style either. It had a high neckline and came to just above her knees. The back was mostly open, which balanced the neckline. The sleeves were long and tight, and the bodice had sequins running over it.
“You like?”
“I love!” I exclaimed. “And I have the perfect shoes to go with that dress. They are champagne-colored snake skin. A splurge after a Christmas bonus last year.”
“Fabulous! I’m going to change.” She sauntered back towards the fitting rooms, and I checked my watch to make sure we had time for massages.
“So how are things going with Grant?” Maya asked through the door to the fitting room. Now that she had her dress selected, her voice seemed lighter.
“Good. Really good actually.” I sat on the bench and crossed my legs. “I can’t get enough of him, M. I’m like completely addicted to him. I never thought it was possible, but we have sex like twice a day most days. It’s heaven. And he is just so sweet with me. You’d never expect him to be the way he is. I feel special.” I gushed like a teenager.
“Aw, E. That’s adorable. I have to admit I was concerned with the whole Valentine’s Day fiasco. You were crushed when people were saying that stuff and clients were being dumb.”
“I know.” I sighed and leaned back against the wall. “I was concerned too. He blamed himself and a small part of me blamed him too. What a bad girlfriend I am for feeling that way. He’s let the press depict him that way for years. It’s not like he could have known what kind of effects that would have on me now. There’s a small part of me that wishes I could change his past. I know it’s unreasonable and I shouldn’t care what other people think. It’s just that I wish everyone knew what kind of man he really is so that they don’t think that I’m making this huge mistake.”
“I can see that, but it doesn’t matter what other people say. There are only two people in a relationship. You two have to be happy and know how to make it work. Outside influences will always try to drive you apart. Case in point, that bitch Corinne.”
I groaned at the mention of her name. “Tell me about it,” I muttered.
Maya flung open the curtain and stepped out with a light in her eyes and a smile on her face. “Let’s get going. I really do want that massage.”
After she bought her dress, we ate lunch, and then we went and got massages. When I left Maya at her apartment, freshly showered and ready to take on the world, I crossed my fingers and said a silent prayer that her dreams would come true.
?????
“Lizzie, hon. Is that you?” I heard the sexy voice call out. I looked up from putting groceries away in the refrigerator and smiled.
“Hey Travis,” I replied when I heard his shoes hit the tile in his kitchen. He walked right to me and swept me up in a big hug and twirled me around in a circle.
I hadn’t seen Travis since his New Year’s Eve party. I looked him over in his navy blue suit and striped blue and white shirt. His collar was unbuttoned at the top. He was sexy and sophisticated, a deadly combination for women. Well, all women but me that was.
I giggled when he set me down on my feet, and I smoothed down his bunched up coat with my hands.
“To what do I owe that boisterous greeting?” I tilted my head and studied him. His smile was wide and infectious. His face looked younger and more carefree than the last time I saw him.
Strange.
“Just in a good mood, Lizzie Boo.” He flicked the end of my nose with his finger. “I haven’t seen you in what? Almost three months? That’s far too long.”
“I agree. So, how is everything?” I turned back to the fridge and continued stocking his shelves and organizing the items.
“Excellent. I have no cause for complaints right now.” I heard a shuffle and figured he was sitting on the countertop like I knew he often did.
“Last time I heard this much enthusiasm in your voice, you were getting laid on the regular. Is that the case again?”
“Possibly.” He gave me a wicked grin and winked. Even though I didn’t want Travis, I could still feel a quiver in my nether region at the sight.
“Who is she? Anyone I know? Is it serious?” I went in for the third-degree. I couldn’t think of a person who deserved happiness more than Travis. He might come from money, but he was down to earth, caring and always tried to help other people.
“Ask all you want, but you know a gentleman never kisses and tells. Now that we are on the subject though, I think we need to talk about your relationship with Grant.”
I rolled my eyes at his tone and stopped myself just shy of crossing my arms and stomping my feet.
Things had settled down since the fiasco a few weeks back with that horrific media storm regarding our relationship. Thankfully, when Grant made Corinne call that detestable reporter, she backed off. Her retraction was of course a small paragraph hidden within the pages of the magazine, but at least it was there.
Other than the four clients that had issues, all the others seemed supportive. Really, what else could they be? It wasn’t any of my business who they sleep with and vice versa.
Seems that storm had passed, at least.
Now I had to worry about overprotective friends. Like Maya, who was all for how happy Grant made me, but leery of how things were going to play out. And Travis, who was friends with Grant and probably thought he was the playboy that he let everyone believe he was. Didn’t men always let other men think they were macho studs, regardless of the truth? Like who could piss farther or who could f*ck more women?
“What about it?” I asked warily.
“I’ve known Grant for a long time. We went to boarding school together and have been friends ever since. I know how shit his life has been. I’m just asking you to be careful.”
“Careful of what exactly?” I asked with a bit of an attitude.
“Careful with your heart. I know what a soft and fragile one you have, Lizzie. I know that if you are having a relationship with him, that it means something to you. I’ve watched you push guys away for years. I know you don’t put your heart on the line. If you’ve done so with Grant, I’m asking you to tread lightly. He might not intentionally do it, but he will most likely hurt you. It’s how he is conditioned.”
I looked down at my feet and thought about what he was saying. It was true that I had given him my heart. How could I not? We clicked together like puzzle pieces would.
Grant had already warned me that he didn’t know what he was doing, but that he wanted to try. That was all I could ask of him because it wasn’t as if I knew what I was doing either. I hadn’t had an adult relationship in years. And that’s if you can count my longish-termed boyfriend in college. Everyone else has just flitted into my world and then out of it again. Mostly, by choice.
I knew I was allowing myself to be vulnerable by taking a chance on Grant. But wasn’t he doing the same thing with me? And if I bailed because I was scared, I would ultimately be telling Grant he wasn’t worth the risk. When in fact, he was more than worth it. And given the way his family had treated him growing up, he deserved to have someone feel that way about him.
“I truly appreciate this gesture, Travis. More than you will ever know. I know what I’m doing, though. Well, not really. I know I care deeply about him. And I believe he feels the same way about me. We are just two people trying our best to make this work. That isn’t to say it’s been a smooth road and I know the future will be just as bumpy. Imagine what it will be like in the end, knowing everything we were able to overcome. I think that’s what makes all the hardships worth it. And I want that with Grant.”
I smiled huge at that realization. “Holy cow! I’ve finally found someone I want all that with!” I exclaimed and jumped up and down briefly. My heart started to race, and I wanted to scream from the top of my lungs to anyone who would listen that I was in love.
“Oh, Lizzie Boo. You are in deep.” Travis reached out and gave me another hug. “I just hope he knows what a prize he’s getting. And if he doesn’t, I’ll always be here for you. Regardless of my friendship with him, I’ll always take care of you however you need it.”
He kissed the top of my head, and I looked up at him. “Thanks, Travis. I really appreciate how much you care.”
I stepped out of his embrace and went to the grocery bag I had sitting on the opposite counter. With my back to Travis I said, “So now tell me about your special lady.” I bit my lip when he groaned and walked out.
Men.
I was going to find out who this chick was, whether he wanted me to or not.
?????
Grant arrived at home to his apartment while I was making meatloaf and baked potatoes for dinner. I was in the mood for comfort food seeing as how I had my period and it was one of my typical cravings.
I was thrilled when I got my period on time, which meant no baby for me. Surprisingly enough with everything that had been happening since we got back together, I hadn’t even given it that much thought.
I was pressing the meat concoction into the pan on the stove when my hair was shifted off my neck and tucked over my other shoulder. His lips lightly grazed my now exposed skin, and his tongue traced the outer shell of my ear. Shivers ran down my spine, and I leaned into his hard body pressed behind mine.
“I’m dying to be inside you, Elizabeth. These past few days have been torture,” he whispered against my neck.
“Me too,” I groaned before turning in his arms that were now holding me securely to him. “Tomorrow, I promise.”
I kissed his jaw and then his cheek, finishing with a thorough exploration of his mouth with my tongue.
“I have to go take a shower. I stopped at the gym on my way home.”
“Yes, you do. You stink!” I made a show of sniffing him and wrinkling my nose in disgust. Truth be told, he smelled good enough to eat. Sweat did wonders for this man. Not that he needed it.
He swatted my ass and gave me a heated and raw look. It made my insides heat instantly, and I locked my knees to stay upright. “You better be ready to be energetic tomorrow. We have a lot of time to make up for.”
“Okay,” I breathed, completely turned on by that promise.
He chuckled before placing a kiss on the tip of my nose and sauntering off towards his bedroom. I swayed a little with the lack of his body to hold me up. Once I shook the Grant fog from myself, I slid the meatloaf and potatoes in the oven, washed my hands and then headed off in search of my man.
I jumped on the bed and gave a little bounce as he lifted his t-shirt over his head. His arm muscles were defined with the movement as were his six-pack abs when they rippled every time he moved. My tongue ached to trace each and every bump and crevice.
Next his fingers hooked in his black track pants with the white stripes up the side. They pushed and down went his pants and his briefs, leaving him in his naked glory in front of me.
Yum.
“Want a taste, love?” He stalked towards the bed like a predator. I briefly cursed Mother Nature for not allowing me to have his thick, long, beautiful cock inside me right now. I wanted it so bad. I could feel him between my legs, pounding into me relentlessly. Driving me crazy with need and pushing me over the edge into the most mind-blowing orgasm I would ever experience in my life. All my orgasms with Grant felt that way.
His cock stood tall and proud, bobbing with each sensuous move he made in my direction. I swallowed hard as the drool pooled in my mouth. I needed to taste him.
I nodded my head in answer to his question and looked up into his hooded eyes. Then I looked down in wonder as he fisted his cock and began stroking his length. His fist tightened around the head, which was red and swollen.
I reached out and wrapped my hand around his, scooting to the edge of the bed on my knees for easier access.
“Grant,” I whispered before placing a kiss on his nipple. “I want to suck you. Can I, baby?”
His pupils dilated further, and his hand increased speed. He liked it when I asked permission. It was something I was quickly learning being with him. Grant liked control in the bedroom. That was for sure. And honestly, I felt it was liberating to not have to think. I didn’t regret shedding my inhibitions and allowing him to command my body. He delivered on his promise to give me pleasure each and every time.
He didn’t rush. He took his time and built it. And if it didn’t come easy – which was few and far between – he never gave up. I swear he could spend hours with his head between my legs. He enjoyed his work down there, and he made sure I was always satisfied.
I got on my knees in front of him. He released his grip on his cock and placed his hands on either side of my head. He held me in place while his hips moved and guided his cock to my mouth. I opened wide as he fed himself into my mouth.
“That’s it. Take all of me.”
Holding eye contact while he fed me his length, I gagged when he was mostly down my throat. I saw the satisfaction on his face that he was too large for me to take without it. He slowly began to f*ck my mouth while I watched his face contort with pleasure. His eyes were hooded and dark. They blazed with the lust he was feeling in that moment.
I sucked hard with each thrust. Grant pumped faster, grunting with each pass.
“So f*cking good. Your mouth is heaven, Elizabeth.”
I could feel myself getting wet. Giving him a blow job was the equivalent of a long session of foreplay. I wanted him inside me desperately. I had to clench my thighs together to alleviate the ache building between them. I reached down and rubbed my sweet spot through my pants needing the friction to push me over.
“F*ck,” he whispered hoarsely. His muscles tensed, and I felt his cock start to spurt in my mouth and down my throat. That was enough to tip me over the edge of my own climax. He tasted salty and delicious as I swallowed and milked him dry.
He pulled back and fell from my mouth. I reached up and wiped around my mouth. “You better get in the shower.” I giggled at how languid he looked standing in front of me with his back bowed slightly, and his head tipped down.
Grant looked up and gifted me with a boyish grin before kissing me tenderly. “Thank you, love. That was beyond perfection. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
I watched him strut into the bathroom, the backside of him just as inspiring as the front view.
I laid in bed staring at the ceiling waiting for him to come out of the bathroom. What I wouldn’t give to join him in the water and cover every inch of his body in soap suds.
When the door finally opened, he stood with a towel around his waist, leaning against the door jamb. His one hand rested on the knot in the towel, and his leg was cocked. Even in a towel his presence was powerful and commanding. I had no doubt he could win in a courtroom dressed like that. Although the men and women would have a hard time not staring at him, so that probably wouldn’t be fair.
“How was your day today?” He asked with a lazy grin. I loved sated Grant. It was sexy.
“Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Bratty kids, demanding parents, bitchy socialites and arrogant men.” I winked at him and blew on my nails before rubbing them on my shirt. “All in a day’s work. Hey, do you know who Travis is banging?”
Grant’s face went from being filled with mirth to being blank at my question. He just looked at me like he was waiting for me to continue. “Well, do you?” I prompted.
“Elizabeth, I don’t care who Travis is banging.” He shook his head at me like I was crazy.
“You don’t?” I asked, not quite following along.
“No. I’m a man. And men do not gossip like little girls about our lives.”
Huh. Well, that was disappointing. So much for the myth about locker room talk between men.
“So like in the locker room, you guys don’t snap towels at each other, compare size and talk about your conquests?”
He threw his head back and laughed at me. The sound was like an aphrodisiac. God, I couldn’t wait to get laid.
“No. We don’t. I think you watch too many movies.”
“Whatever,” I muttered and hopped off the bed to go check on dinner. His laugh followed me as I walked out of the room. A smile played on my lips as I did so. I loved being able to make him laugh like that.
“Elizabeth,” he shouted and I stopped and turned back to him. “Friday is my mother’s birthday and I’ve been summoned for a family dinner. I’d like you to come with me.”
Oh boy. I was unsure about this. I was a bit hesitant to walk into what I pictured was the lion’s den. I mentally squared my shoulders and decided I could do this for him. He’d need the reinforcements if his family was as horrible as I imagined them to be.
“Okay.” I walked towards him and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I want to be there to support you. Just don’t leave me alone with them.”
I winked at him and kissed his chin.
“You’re something else. Thank you. I truly wanted you to attend with me. It wouldn’t be right without you there.”
“You’re welcome. I have to go check on dinner.”
I walked out of the room, but I had a dread in the pit of my stomach at the thought of breaking bread with real life vultures. Fingers crossed I’d make it out in one piece.