children and Leah.
The event was also held at the hotel. Ms. Jones and Mr. Rizzo were the classiest looking power couple. All eyes were on them, even though the party was filled with a bunch of A-list celebrities and industry couples. Rachel was owning the room, taking advantage of her networking opportunities. Mike enjoyed watching her and even though they agreed not to be intimate, she was turning him on.
She made a few connections with athletes and entertainers and returned to their designated table for dinner. The entertainment featured a live jazz band. After enjoying their entrees, Mike and Rachel joined the other couples on the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gazed into his eyes as they grooved to the soft jazz melodies as if no one else was on the floor but them.
Oh no, this can’t be happening so soon. I can’t be falling in love with him already. She moved closer to him. As if he were reading her mind, he whispered in her ear, “Don’t be afraid, I’m not them. I won’t hurt you.” They enjoyed the rest of the event, ended with dessert, and retired to their comfortable suite.
“Oh my goodness! How did you have time to do all of this?” Rachel was in awe over all the rose petals sprinkled throughout the suite. Warm vanilla candles were burning and soft music whispered throughout the room. She followed the rose petal trail into the bathroom to find the garden tub filled with a bubble bath and roses. Candles were lit and a red sexy night gown with a matching robe, hung on the door.
“Baby, I just want to show you how special you are to me.” He whispered in her ear and gently kissed her on the neck. “You’ve had a long week, so I want you to relax your mind and your body and let me cater to you.”
Rachel felt a tear crawl down her cheek. “Thank you, baby.”
He wiped the tear from her eye. “You don’t have to thank me, I’m just doing what I’m supposed to be doing; honoring my queen.”
Rachel peeled off her dress and stepped into the warm bath. She motioned for him to join her. “No, this is your relaxation time. I’ll use the shower. Before I go, let me do something for you.” He grabbed the sponge, applied body wash to it, and gently washed her back.
She sat back in the tub, allowing her mocha skin to soak. She thought about Margaret Belmont, the fake P.I., how her kids were doing, and the missing loot and then she decided not to think about anything negative. She reassured herself that the kids were fine. I’ll deal with everything else when I return home .
She got out of the tub, dried off, and slipped into her night gown. The satin felt good on her body. She returned into the bedroom and found a bottle of lotion in her luggage. “Let me do that for you, baby.” Mike insisted on pampering his lady friend. He laid her body down on the king size bed and gently massaged the cream into her skin.
“Rachel?” He kept a low tone. She didn’t respond, instead, she answered him with her eyes, with a look that said you-have-all-of-my attention . “I know it’s only been six months and sometimes you can’t put a restriction on what your heart feels. Everything about you is perfect to me. You’re beautiful, intelligent, caring, and unique; you enjoy helping others. Even though I haven’t been blessed with the opportunity of meeting your children, I know you’re an excellent mother.”
He got up and walked over to the closet and fetched a light blue bag from Tiffany & Company. Rachel sat up in the bed observing his every move. He walked back over to her, pulled out a small box from the bag, and got on one knee. Rachel’s heart
C. J. Cherryh
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