Anything For Your Love (4 page)

Flustered, she wet a paper towel with cool water, squeezed it, and pressed it against her forehead, then her neck. She couldn’t believe the affect he was having on her in such a short amount of time. “This is crazy,” She said quietly. “Snap out of it!” She demanded a little louder to the image in the mirror.

“Hey, guys,” Nick began again, not leaving the subject alone, “that woman with Ami is the truth. What’s her name again? Jada, that’s right,” He said, answering his own question. Alex cut his eye at Nick, but didn’t say anything.

“Dad told me she would be here with Ami for two weeks,” Nick continued. “I’m going to see if she wants to go have a drink with me this week. She is sexy as hell.”

“I don’t think that is a good idea, Nick,” Alex said with a little more possessiveness in his tone than he intended. Ty glanced over at him, hearing the tone in his voice.

“Why?” Nick asked, obviously not paying attention. It was something that seemed to be a part of his personality. His attention span was extremely short when it came to women.

Ty cut in because he could clearly see where things were going by the scowl on Alex’s face. Not wanting to give away anything unintended, Ty told Nick that Jada was there on business, that she was his sister’s friend, and he needed to be respectful.

True to form, Nick brushed the situation aside, agreeing that he was too busy to really impress her right. “Maybe next the next time she’s in town I’ll have more free time.”

Alex continued to glare at Nick. Ty leaned over to Alex so only he could hear. “He’s young, Alex, he’s your cousin, and cut him a break. He’ll learn soon enough.”

Alex turned his attention to Ty and saw the mischievous grin on his face. He felt the flash of anger dissipate and felt the raging waters in his system slowly return to a normal state of calm.

Ty again leaned over to Alex. “We’ll talk later, man. And, there is no way you’re getting out of it.”

Jada returned to the balcony with the women after taking another few moments to regain her composure. They were all laughing and joking about men, of course. The discussion then turned to the newest boutiques and places to shop around the city. Jada thought that she could really like the women. They truly spoke her language.

She tried to erase the thought of Alex’s kiss from her mind. No matter how she tried to push the thought away, she could still feel his lips on hers. She could still smell his scent. She could feel the heat of his body and it was making her warm all over. She could feel the flush rising up her neck and fought hard to suppress it.

“Are you alright, Jada?” Madison asked, sipping from her drink.

“Oh yeah, I’m fine,” Jada responded, reeled in from her wayward thoughts.

“You looked all day dreamy.” Joi chuckled.

Jada felt her cheeks getting warm. Ami decided to change the subject so that her friend could be spared embarrassment at the moment, but she intended to talk with her later. “Ladies, leave her alone. How is everything going at The House?”

“Going great,” Maddy began. “Did you know they are considering opening a second location?”

A few hours later, the party began to die down. Ami and Jada walked over to where Alex and Ty were standing near Ty’s new television. He was explaining to Alex some of the new high tech features.

The few times during the evening when Jada had taken the chance to glance at Alex, she found him openly staring. He would smile, and she would glance away and resume her conversation. She never shied away from people, but he was making her insides melt. She was in new territory with him and wasn’t quite sure which way to step.

Alex had openly watched Jada all evening, although he told himself he would do no such thing. His focus had been terrible during the poker game and conversations didn’t last long with him. She enthralled him. Her perfume carried across the room to him and attacked his senses. Her eyes sparkled and her skin glowed. He had spent most of the evening imagining how soft and how right she would feel beneath him.

She was standing close enough for him to reach out and touch her. Close enough to feel the heat radiating from her body and have it wrapped around him. He noticed she appeared a little nervous and he smiled, enjoying the affect he was having on her.

“Alright, cousins. We are leaving now,” Ami announced as she leaned in to hug both Alex and Ty. “Love you guys.”

“Love you, too, cousin,” Ty responded. “Stay out of trouble.” “Yeah, right,” Ami chuckled.
Jada stepped up and extended her hand to Ty. “Thanks for inviting me over. You have a beautiful home. I had a good time.” “Thanks and no problem,” Ty smiled easily, taking her hand.

“I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
She flashed him a pleased expression before turning to Alex.

“Good to see you again, Alex.” She continued to smile as she extended her hand, amazed at how calm her voice sounded.

Alex took her hand in his and looked deeply into those sparkling, dark eyes. Memories of her lips pressed to his and the way she responded flooded his brain. She demurely dropped her gaze and he knew she was thinking about it also. “You also, Jada.”

Ami shot a look over to Ty when she noticed the polite handshake seemed to linger just a little longer than necessary. Ty shrugged his shoulders. Rolling her eyes at him, Ami gently cleared her throat. Alex released Jada’s hand, but not her gaze.

Hooking her arm through Jada’s, Ami smiled at her cousins. “Well, we will see you guys later.” With a gentle tug, the ladies walked out of the front door.

Alex was attempting to say goodnight to Ty, but he would not let him leave.

“Look, Ty, you know I’ve got to get to the office early tomorrow,” Alex challenged.

“I know, but I need to talk to you today,” Ty shot back. Alex and Ty went into his office.

“Alright,” Ty started, “let’s hear it.”
“Hear what?” Alex questioned.
“Man, please, you may be able to pull that stuff over on Chris,

Maddy, and Joi, but you know me better,” Ty said. “So, let’s hear it.” Alex knew Ty was right and trying to keep something from him was wasted energy. Maybe if he talked it out, he could think more clearly.
“Alright, I’ll level with you because I need another opinion anyway. Ever since I laid eyes on Jada, something has been happening to me. This kind of weird feeling deep inside,” he started, gesturing expressively with his hands.

“I know it sounds ridiculous because we just met yesterday,” He continued, “but she sends heat through my body, stirring things that haven’t moved in I don’t know how long.” Alex began to pace. He did that when he was frustrated or needed to think. “I know I sound crazy, but that’s what’s going on in my head.” He seemed to be talking to himself. “But, she and Ami are friends and I don’t want anything to happen to their relationship.”

Ty raised his hand to cut in, but decided to let Alex finish.

“She just does something to me though. Am I crazy, man?” Alex asked, exasperated.

“Listen, big brother,” Ty started, “that rule we had among ourselves when we were young is over. We are all adults now and can handle situations much better. Nothing will come between us as a family, you know that, so just get that out of your head. Jada seems like a really nice and beautiful woman. Ami likes her a lot, and you know she doesn’t like anyone. I love you, man, and I want to see you live life! Have fun! I think you and Jada could, let’s say, entertain each other.” He chuckled.

“I don’t know, Ty. I have so much on my plate already. Especially with the new partnership,” Alex protested.

“Look, if you don’t ask the woman out, I’m going to tell Nick to go for it.”

Alex felt heat rising at the thought of any other man being with Jada, let alone Nick.

“Alex, ask the woman out, see what happens. If nothing else, you have dinner, say nice things, and if there is no spark, you’ll take her home. No harm done.”

Oh, Alex knew harm would be done, but not the hurtful kind. He knew she could weave a spell around him in the blink of an eye, and he wasn’t sure he would be able to get out of it.

“You’re right, Ty. I need to get out there. Plus, she’s only here two weeks. Then, we both can move on,” Alex gave in, trying more to convince himself than his brother.

“Great. Now help me clean up.” Ty jumped up from his leaning position.

“Oh, heck no. Get that cleaning lady in here you rave about. I’m out. Love you, man, and thanks.” With that, Alex headed toward the door.

Ty yelled after him, “Start acting like a Love, big brother! We have a reputation to uphold.”

Alex smiled as he walked out of Ty’s front door to formulate a new plan of action.

At the hotel, Ami and Jada prepared to end the evening, moving about the spacious suite with their individual nighttime rituals.

“Jada, can I ask you something?” Ami started as she pulled a brush through her hair.

“Sure.”
“Why don’t you date seriously?”
Jada thought for a long minute. “You know, ever since my parents died, I really had a tough time trusting anyone to not leave me. Whenever I get too deep into a relationship, I kind of find a reason to leave if the guy doesn’t screw up first.” She chuckled. “Plus, I don’t know. I never really loved anyone, either. Finally, I just got to a point where it didn’t make a difference and threw everything into my work. I recognize my problem, and I guess I could work on it, but I don’t have any prospects right now.” An image of the fiercely handsome Alex flashed through her mind’s eye and she quickly dismissed the image.

“What about Alex?” Ami asked casually, continuing to brush her hair.

Jada started, “Alex? That’s your cousin, Ami. I have too many issues and I wouldn’t want the relationship you and I have, strained. You’re the very best friend I’ve had in years and I can admit that I need that.”

Tossing her brush aside, Ami walked over and grabbed Jada’s hands. “Listen, everyone deserves a chance at love. No matter who you go out with, you and I will always be friends. It’s time you got more out of life than work. Jada, you need and deserve that,” Ami said as she hugged Jada.

Jada looked at Ami and gave a sad grin. “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I’m saying.” Ami smirked.

Jada, smiling, gathered her purse and shoes to head to her room when her cell phone rang. Ami sighed loudly, knowing it was work. As Jada picked up the phone to answer, Ami mouthed
,
You are on vacatio
n
. Jada waived Ami off and answered the call. “Hello?”

“Hey, Ms. Lady,” James’ voice rang through the line.

“Hey, James. It’s kind of late here, what’s up?” Jada responded casually. She smiled as she watched Ami roll her eyes and throw her hands up.

“Sorry about the late call. I just wanted you to know I dropped those projects off at your office. They will be there when you come home.”

“Great. I will definitely get on that when I get back.”
“By the way, when are you coming back?”
“Two weeks, why?”
“Just wondering. I’ll let you go. Have a good night, Ms. Lady.” “You too, James. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Jada hung up the phone as Ami called from across the living room, “Didn’t you tell him you were going on vacation?”

“Yes,” Jada answered. “He is harmless. He is just excited about these projects.”

“Whatever. I think he is still interested in you.”

“No way! We straightened that out last year. He knows we will never be more than friends.”

“I think you know. He, on the other hand, is confused.” Ami giggled. “Good night.”

“Good night, Ami,” Jada said with a smile and a shake of her head.

At his desk, Alex found it challenging to work. His thoughts drifted to Jada and the conversation he had with his brother. He had made up his mind on his way home from Ty’s house that he would ask Jada out, right after he spoke to Ami. The possibility that his pursuing her may cause a rift between his and Ami’s relationship still bothered him. That issue needed to be resolved before he took things any further. He picked up his private line.

“Hi, Ami, it’s Alex.”
“Hey, cousin, what’s up?”
“I know Jada is your girl, but would you mind if I took her to dinner tonight?”
Ami had trouble hiding her excitement “Thank God! Oh, sure. I don’t mind, I wanted to spend some time with Mom and Dad anyway, and she would be bored. Let me give you her cell number.”

“Thanks, cousin.” Alex smiled.
“No, thank you.”
Alex found himself nervous about making the call to Jada. He couldn’t ever recall being that nervous about anything in his life
.
This is ridiculous
,
he thought
,
just call her!

He again picked up the telephone and dialed her number. “Hello?”

“Hello, who’s this?” Jada answered in a voice that covered him like silk.

His grip tightened on the telephone. “Jada, this is Alex, how are you?”

Jada felt her hear skip a beat. “Great, Alex, how are you?”

“I’m good. Listen, I have some free time this evening. Would you like to go out to dinner with me?” He held his breath while he waited for her answer.

Jada was stunned. Her mind was saying no, it’s not a good idea, but her body said absolutely. She decided to throw caution to the wind. Especially since at that point her body was far outweighing what her brain was saying.

“Jada?”
“Sorry, Alex.” She snapped back to attention. “Sure, I’ll go.”

“Great, I’ll pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 this evening.” “What should I wear?” Jada asked.
“Surprise me.”
Having that hurdle out of the way, the rest of his day was a breeze.
Alex pulled up in front of Jada’s hotel at 7:20 pm. He found himself excited to see her as he engaged in a pleasant conversation with the valet attendant. At precisely 7:30, Jada stepped off the elevator, rounded the corner, and stepped confidently toward the lobby doors.

She was breath taking, Alex thought as he watched her approach. She wore a pure white halter dress. It had a deep neckline that threatened to let her breasts spill over the top. Her hair was pulled up loosely atop her head. Her walk made the flowing skirt of the dress play music in his head. And, when he saw them, the sexiest strappy sandals he had ever laid eyes on, he was sure his heart stopped. Dinner was going to be tough. He thought she looked simply amazing.

Jada saw Alex through the glass doors as she approached. She had taken special care getting prepared for the evening. She had debated over the outfit she would wear and further fussed over her shoes. She even frustrated herself because her hair would not cooperate and her brow pencil broke. Finally, Ami had to push her out of the door, reassuring her that she looked fabulous.

He stood talking in a pair of expensive black dress slacks and a silver tailored button down shirt. Just the mere presence of him commanded attention. The shirt hugged his chest and muscles. Even in all the heat, he looked sexy and cool. Jada stopped walking to compose herself. She unconsciously twisted a part of her skirt and took a deep breath
.
Snap out of it
!
she thought. She picked up her stride thinking
,
I hope I make it through dinner.

“Jada, you look beautiful tonight.” Alex smiled as he reached for her hand and placed a kiss to her palm. He noticed several gentleman standing near them take notice of her and he was glad that she was leaving with him.

“Thank you, Alex.” She smiled. “You're not so bad yourself.” His smile was dazzling and his lips were soft and warm on her hand, just like she remembered. She was determined to hold it together. His lips to her hand sent sparks down her spine and heat flooding between her legs.

Alex helped her into the car and gently closed the door before rounding the front of the vehicle. He was reluctant to take his eyes off of her. He slid into the driver’s seat and could not stop himself from smiling at her like the village idiot. He thought to himself that he must really look silly, but at the moment, didn’t care.

They engaged in a gratifying conversation, getting to know each other, as they made their way to Delaware Ave. for dinner at a Waterfront Restaurant. He had reserved a beautiful table overlooking the Delaware River. The summer in Philadelphia along the river had the bridge leading to New Jersey and several buildings and boats lit with a plethora of lights.

“Thank you, Alex, for bringing me to dinner.”
“You haven’t even eaten yet,” He said then smiled.


Jeez, his lips are sex
y
, Jada thought. “Just in case my manners fail me and I forget later, I wanted to tell you now.” She had to break from his gaze and turned towards the window.

A waiter approached the table to take their drink orders. Alex was annoyed at the fact the waiter stood a little too close to Jada looking down at her. He found the gesture extremely rude and would not tolerate anyone even remotely disrespecting him or Jada.

After they gave their orders, he politely excused himself from the table. She saw him talking to their waiter and noticed the waiter looked a little nervous. Alex's voice was never raised in anger, nor did he seem the least bit agitated. She wondered what was going on. He returned to the table with a satisfied expression.

“Now, where were we?” He beamed at her. “Tell me more about Ms. Jada.” He leaned in, giving her his full attention.

“What do you want to know?” She asked.
“Everything...” He crooned.
She began telling him about growing up in Southern California, talking about how much she loved the sunshine and the beach. She found it easy to talk to him, almost like she had known him all of her life. Almost the same way she felt when she talked to Ami. She talked about living with her grandparents at fourteen, but did not explain why.

Alex saw the flash of pain when she got to the part about living with her grandparents and knew there was a story behind that part of her life. He was curious, so he asked, “Why did you go to live with your grandparents?” with genuine concern etched on his face.

Jada took a deep breath. Normally, she would not discuss that part of her life with a virtual stranger, but there was something very different about Alexander Love. She briefly closed her eyes in quiet contemplation before she began. She wanted him to know what made her who she was today.

“My parents and brother were killed in a car accident when I was fourteen. I wasn’t with them.” She studied the napkin in her lap. She closed her eyes again briefly as she thought back to that day. “It was the most horrific moment in my life,” She stated simply as she stared out of the window. “It was a clear, warm day on the West Coast. Just like any other day...”

**18 years ago...

“Gabrielle, stop messing around!” fourteen year old Jada whispered across the science lab table to her best friend. “Mr. Kemp will keep us after class.”

“So what!” Gabrielle whispered back. “He’s cute!” The girls giggled as Mr. Kemp went about the week’s science lesson.

“I’m not foolin’ around with you today. My parents are picking me up early so we can go see my grandparents upstate. If I have detention, my mom will kill me!”

“Fine! I’ll behave. Sike!” Gabrielle giggled.

There was a knock at the classroom door and the school nurse, Mrs. Tater, walked in with the most serious face ever. She strolled briskly over to Mr. Kemp, spoke in his ear, and they both turned to look at Jada. Her heart sank.

“Ms. Whitman, you are needed in the office. Please, take all of your things,” Mr. Kemp spoke evenly.

“What’s going on?” Gabrielle asked.

“I don’t know. My parents aren’t coming until later. I’ll call you,” Jada replied, feeling a tightness in her chest.

“All right, see you.”

Jada gathered her belongings and headed toward the door where Mrs. Tater was waiting. “Hi, Nurse Tater.”

“Hi, Jada,” She spoke sweetly, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Is everything alright?” Jada asked, now feeling nervous.
“I just need you to come with me, sweetheart.”
“Alright.”
Mrs. Tater led her down the hall to the office. It felt like the death row march. Although the sun was shining, she felt like dark rain clouds were closing in all around her. She knew whatever was waiting for her was not good.

They entered the office and the room fell silent. All eyes were on her as she walked past the secretary’s desk accompanied by the nurse. They were headed to the principal’s office, and she wrecked her brain to remember if she had committed some infraction. She was coming up blank. Mrs. Tater knocked on Principal Flock’s door, then gently turned the doorknob.

Jada walked in to find Principal Flock sitting at a conference table with her grandparents who she was supposed to go visit that weekend. She was thoroughly confused.
“Grandma, Grandpa. What are you guys doing here? We’re supposed to come and see you,” She said, walking further in to the room. Principal Flock and Mrs. Tater quietly left the room.
Grandma Whitman stood and walked over to where Jada was standing. Her eyes were red and swollen. She clutched a crumpled white handkerchief that she had given her for Mother’s Day some time ago. Grandpa Whitman was having a difficult time looking at her, and that was beginning to scare her.

“What’s wrong, Grandma? You are scaring me,” Jada said softly.

Grandma Whitman forced a smile. “Come sit with me, baby girl. We have something to tell you.”

She led Jada to a seat and sat very close to her. She leaned in to her because she wasn’t sure if the words would actually come out. “Baby girl,” She started, “I have something very sad and very difficult to tell you.”

Jada could feel the dread creeping in the room like smoke. “Alright,” She replied bravely.

Grandma Whitman drew a deep breath. “This morning, your mom and dad picked Malcolm up to take him for a check up before this weekend’s trip. You all were going to leave earlier than planned. On the way from the doctor’s office, a truck ran a red light and hit your family’s car. The doctors did everything they could, but God decided He wanted the three of them home.”

Jada felt numb as her grandmother relayed the details of the day. Why in the world was she saying all those horrible things? The shaking started in her hands and quickly spread throughout her body. Grandma Whitman watched as shock and grief consumed Jada’s body. She quickly engulfed her in a hug that only a grandma could give as she let out a gut wrenching wail.

“Baby girl, I’m so sorry,” Grandma Whitman whispered. She could feel Jada’s tears soaking through her shirt. “We will take care of you, sweetheart. No worries.” She pulled back to look at her, to reassure her, but couldn’t stop her own tears from falling.

Jada looked over to her Grandpa, who was her biggest hero next to her dad, and saw the tears falling silently from his big brown eyes. She knew it was true at that point. She fell into her grandmother’s out stretched arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

“I had a very difficult time and my grandparents did their very best. I was very angry. People you love just shouldn’t go away like that,”

Jada said, although she seemed to be talking to the window. Alex sat quietly. She turned back to him and caught the intensity in his eyes. “When I turned fifteen, my grandparents gave me a video camera to try to get me out of my depression. That’s how I made my way to film school in New York City.” She smiled at the memory.

Alex was delighted at her strength. He paused before he asked, “Are you dating anyone at home?” He wasn't sure if he wanted the answer.

“No. I haven’t had many serious relationships. They just don’t work out for me,” She replied. “I have, how do they say in Hollywood, issues.” She chuckled.

Alex realized he had been holding his breath. He exhaled. “You never know when real love will walk into your life, Jada, stay positive. And, trust me, everyone has issues.”

Was he telling her something
?
No wa
y
, She thought.
“Enough about me, tell me about the amazing Mr. Love.”
Alex sat back and smiled. He started with his family, telling of the many escapades of the Love boys growing up. He told her about his bond with Ami. She had been seriously ill as a child and Alex, being the oldest of all the children, felt it was his responsibility to look after her. They've remained very close since. He told her about college and law school. His parents made it easy for him. Finally, he talked about his job at Sinclair, Michaels, and Love. It still sounded weird to hear his name as a partner.

Jada loved the smoothness of his voice. She could easily see how a jury could become captivated by it. It was musical and soothing.

Jada and Alex continued to talk and laugh all through dinner. Afterwards, they shared after dinner cordials and continued their conversation. With each passing moment, he found himself more intrigued by her. He did not want his time with her to end, so he suggested they take a walk along Penn's Landing.

Alex held her hand as they strolled along the walk. She held him captive. She smiled as they stopped to listen to a street performer play jazzy tunes on a guitar near a railing. He thought about how intelligent and brave she was. It could not have been easy for her growing up, yet, she turned into this wonderful, successful, and sexy woman. The women he had dealt with could barely hold his attention, and he couldn’t pull his away from her. He anticipated hearing her voice when she spoke and found himself enjoying it a little too much.