Imagined Love (31 page)

“Yep, that’s Ms. Willa. She’s always been beautiful to me,” Jade smiled, as she rubbed her hand across the picture. “But you know it’s bad when your own mama gets more play than you. She took me and Katrina to Indianapolis for the Classic one year and I swear those boys were all over her! She could barely enjoy the football game or the battle of the bands without some guy asking for her phone number. You don’t know embarrassing until a cute teenage boy approaches and you aren’t sure if he’s coming to talk to you or your mama!” Jade laughed. “She got a kick out of that junk. And she loves when people say she’s too young and hot to have a daughter as old as me.”

“Well, I would’ve come for you,” Pierce smiled.

They spent a few hours going through her albums and laughing at how crazy the fashion trends were back then. Once they were done Jade went to the kitchen to cut them both a slice of cake while Pierce chose a movie for them to watch.

“Umm, Jade? Are these unmarked tapes your private movies?”

“My private . . . ugh, Pierce, no! Those are from my cheerleading days. Oh, and I think there are a few of Triple Threat’s performances too. But I’m sure you’ve had enough of my trips down memory lane. We can watch a movie or . . .”

“Girl, please, I’ve got to see these,” he stated, putting one of the tapes into the VCR. “Ooh, thank you. This looks wonderful,” Pierce said, as he took his slice of cake and sat on the couch.

The first few seconds of the recording was blurry but it quickly cleared and Jade appeared in her black and gold cheerleading uniform. Pierce’s smile seemed as bright as the sun as he stared at the screen. Then all of a sudden a deep frown spread across his face. “Jade!”

“Yeah?” she asked, nervously.

“Girl, this cake is incredible! I swear it’s like Grandma’s. Shoot, I’m lying, this is better than Grandma’s!”

“Man, you scared me. I thought something was wrong. But thank you, I’m glad you like it. I’ll have to make it for you again sometime.”

“Definitely . . . oh, here we go,” Pierce said, as the sound of drums brought his attention back to the screen. He was rocking to the beat as he ate the last bite of his cake. The next thing Jade knew he was up on his feet clapping and cheering.

“What are you doing?” she giggled.

“I’m getting fired up like you said! Shoot, no wonder the crowd didn’t get hyped until you took over. You brought the fire, girl! Hooty who!” Pierce cheered then broke out with the running man.

After watching every second of Jade’s cheerleading tape, he put in the one of her dance performances. She went to get him another slice of cake and a glass of water but Pierce didn’t seem to notice when she returned. “Woooow,” he uttered, mesmerized by the way Jade moved. The fact that she wasn’t trying to be sexy like Katrina and Tawny obviously were only made her sexier to him. “Wooow!”

“Here you go, babe.”

Pierce flashed that gorgeous smile of his and her heart skipped a beat. “Thanks . . . babe,” he winked at her.

Jade’s cheeks flushed from embarrassment but before she could say anything, Pierce stood up and pulled her in for a kiss. It was a soft, passionate, incredible kiss that left Jade breathless!

“I’ve been dying to do that,” he smiled. “Thank you. I’ll take this,” Pierce said, grabbing the cake and water before she dropped it. “Now quit interrupting me. I’m trying to watch this smokin’ hot chick dance.”

He sat back on the couch and resumed eating and watching the tape as though nothing had happened. Jade, on the other hand, was struggling to restrain herself. She wanted to pounce on him for another kiss that could make her feel the way his had. Yet, Jade knew it was best to stop or she’d end up in bed with him and it was too soon for that. At least that’s what her mind kept saying. Her body had other ideas.

“You alright?” Pierce asked when she continued to stand.

“I’m not sure. I feel . . . crazy!”

“Oh, now that’s flattering. Kissing me makes you feel crazy?” he chuckled. “And all this time I thought I could kiss.”

“You can!” Jade said louder than she intended. “Maybe I can’t since you were able to go back to what you were doing completely unaffected by it.”

“Girl, if you knew what I was feeling and thinking right now then you’d know that I’m definitely affected! I just thought it was best to stop before I got in trouble. But don’t think for a second you don’t affect me. Everything about you gets to me,” Pierce confessed. “Those eyes, your laugh, that damn perfume . . . everything. More than anything I love being around you, Jade. There’s something

natural and easy with you and I feel completely free to be myself. I’ve been more transparent with you than anyone else in the world. But I’ve also been goofy and silly and able to laugh and have a good time. I feel at home with you, Jade, and I like that a lot. I like you a lot,” he smiled.

“I feel the same way,” she blushed.

Jade spent the next hour watching Pierce as he watched her on screen. He was so animated and vocal that it made her laugh.

“Wow, girl, you can really dance! I mean really dance! That was hot! Too bad the same can’t be said for those other two. No disrespect, but they . . . oh, what’s this?” Pierce asked when something else popped up on screen.

Both he and Jade thought the tape was finished but she realized it was her performance with the Sigma Steppers. That one was her absolute favorite and she was thrilled for Pierce to be able to see it. Jade thought it was on the other tape that had been lost when she moved. Pierce made it obvious from his loud enthusiasm that that performance was his favorite too.

“I know every boy, man, and even some of the girls wanted to get at you after that! You were hot! That tight little body all oiled up . . . ooh lord, let me stop before I get in trouble,” Pierce moaned. “It’s like you turn into a different, more aggressive person when you perform and it’s very arousing! And that little break dancing section at the end was all that. You the bomb!”

The two of them talked for a while then ended up slow dancing to “You Are My Starship”. As much as Jade loved being in Pierce’s arms, she was praying for the song to end. The feelings stirring within her were too overwhelming and she felt herself losing control. Apparently Pierce had similar feelings because he pushed her off him when the song ended. Jade burst out laughing like he hoped she would then they went back to sit on the couch, both horny beyond belief!

“After everything I’ve seen I have to say my dad was right. You really are the total package, aren’t you? Not only are you the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but you’re sweet, funny, successful, and amazing. More importantly, I’m happier when I’m around you. You’re wonderful, Jade, and I think you’re the one for me,” Pierce said, as he stared deep into her eyes. “But we all have shortcomings so I figured you must be a dud in bed!”

Jade laughed so hard she almost peed herself! Pierce doubled over on the couch laughing as well. Every time they looked at each other they laughed even more.

“So is that what you think?” Jade asked once she’d finally composed herself. “You think I’ll disappoint you?”

“Girl, please, I know better than that! The fact that you found it funny says a lot to me. Someone who was insecure would’ve gotten defensive but you laughed like, yeah I got your dud, you stupid fucker!” Again they both doubled over with

laughter. “Seriously, babe, I have full confidence you can handle yourself in the bedroom. I’ve seen the way you control your body when you dance so I have no worries . . . none whatsoever.”

“Why do people always say that as if one thing has to do with the other?”

“You don’t think so?”

“I know it doesn’t. If it did then I would’ve had at least one orgasm by now!”

Pierce began coughing as he stared at her in shock! “Are you serious? You’ve never had an orgasm before?”

“Nope . . . not one. Well not a real one anyway.”

“Well, I’d just like to state for the record that I’ll be more than happy to sign up for the job,” Pierce said. Then he held his hands as if he were being sworn into court. “I promise to put in whatever amount of work required to make sure a fine young woman like yourself is no longer deprived of her legal right to get a nut! I feel it’s my duty as an American citizen and a man in good standing with the law to put an end to this orgasm tragedy which has befallen you.” They both laughed hysterically, although Pierce hoped Jade knew he was dead serious about helping her have the experience she desired. He wanted to make it so she never had to fake pleasure again.

It was a little after midnight when Jade walked Pierce to the front door. She thanked him for an incredible evening and was about to kiss him goodnight when she noticed how jittery he seemed.

“What’s the matter? And why are you bucking your knees like that?” she giggled.

“I’m nervous, girl! I have something I need to ask you but I don’t know how you’ll feel about it.”

Jade grew a little nervous too. “What is it?”

“I’ve been invited to this Halloween party and I was wondering if you would go with me.”

“Are you serious? That’s what you were nervous about asking me? Of course I’ll go with you. It should be fun.”

“Umm, well, it’s a couple’s party. Everybody that’s going is either married or dating and will be dressed in costumes that go together. So if I went, I would need to be part of a couple.”

“Ohhhh, I see,” Jade smiled.

“And I would want the woman I took to know I wasn’t asking to be a couple just for Halloween.”

Jade knew what Pierce was saying but she liked seeing him squirm. She just stood in front of him with a huge smile on her face.

“Aw, man, you’re gonna make me say the words, huh? Okay, okay, Ms. Jade Caldwell, will you please be in a one guy, one girl relationship with me?”

To Pierce’s surprise she kissed him. “I would love to be your one girl. I’m just a little nervous about . . .”

“I know it may seem a bit soon since this is only our second date, but I know what I feel for you and it’s not like anything I’ve ever felt in my life. I believe I have a future with you, Jade, and I’d like to go ahead and get that started if you wouldn’t mind.”

“I feel the same way about you, babe. I’m just nervous about how Dane will feel. What if he doesn’t like me?”

“Jade, please, that boy will love you. Trust me. He may be a little shy at first but the more time you spend with him the more he’ll show you what a great little guy he is. So don’t worry, okay? I wouldn’t bring the two of you into each other’s life if I didn’t believe it was right.”

“Okay,” Jade smiled. “So about this party . . . I have the perfect idea for our costumes.

“Bruce Leroy and Laura,” they said together.

“I guess great minds think alike,” Pierce said then kissed Jade goodnight.

They were falling hard for each other and it was an incredible feeling. Jade just hoped it would last.

Friday evening Jade went to Pierce’s place to have dinner with him and Dane. She was still nervous and stood outside the front door fidgeting after she rang the doorbell.

“Hey,” Pierce smiled.

“Hey,” she said, suddenly concerned that her ripped jeans, t-shirt, and pumps was inappropriate.

“You look great,” he said before hugging her tightly. “You look really great. And you’re still wearing this perfume, huh?”

“It’s a different one, I swear. I just like musk oils.”

“Umm huh, you’re just trying to torture me. I’ll get you for that later but for now let me get my little man.”

A few seconds later Dane came bouncing out of his room with a huge smile that lit up his whole face. Jade thought he was even more adorable in person than he’d been in the pictures Pierce had shown her. What stood out the most, however, was how much Dane looked like he could’ve been her son! He definitely had his father’s eyes, but his skin tone and the color and texture of his hair was like Jade’s. Pierce seemed to notice it too as he stared at them in disbelief.

“Dane, say hi to Jade.”

“Hi,” he said in the sweetest little voice.

“Hi, Dane,” she said, kneeling in front of him. “It’s really nice to meet you.” The urge to hug him was too strong so Jade pulled him into her arms. “You are so cute,” she cooed.

“You’re pretty,” Dane smiled then looked up at Pierce. “She’s really pretty, Daddy.”

“Yeah, I know. I told you that but I guess you didn’t believe me, huh?” he said, surprised by how open his son was being. Dane was normally really shy until he felt more comfortable with a person. He obviously was already at that point with Jade.

Pierce explained that they liked having spaghetti and meatball night and thought it would be fun if the three of them cooked it together. However, he didn’t want Jade to feel like she had to do it so he offered to go out for dinner if she preferred.

“I’d love to make dinner with you guys,” she said then had Dane lead her to the bathroom so they could wash their hands.

Pierce was thrilled by how quickly his son had taken to his girlfriend and it was pretty obvious the feeling was mutual. They had a love at first sight thing going and he couldn’t have been happier—a little jealous perhaps, but happy

nonetheless. Jade hadn’t stopped hugging and kissing Dane since she’d arrived. And she must have said he was the sweetest, cutest, most adorable little boy a hundred times. Everything he did, from getting ingredients from the refrigerator to cracking jokes on his dad, earned him more affection from her.

“Now see, that’s just wrong, Jade. All this dude has to do is carry some junk to the counter and he gets kisses while I’m over here risking my life chopping onions and I get nothing! Nah, see I don’t like this. I never would’ve introduced y’all if I knew you were gonna betray me like this! And you, boy . . . keep on and you getting a whooping,” Pierce said to Jade’s and Dane’s amusement. “You’re on thin ice, chicka. One more infraction like that and you’re out of here!” He winked and gave her that magical smile of his. All of a sudden Pierce slipped and grabbed the counter to break his fall.

“Whoa, you okay over there? Do I need to get you a helmet to finish cooking dinner in?” Jade teased.

“A helmet,” Dane repeated and laughed.

Pierce threw his head back laughing loud and hard. “That was a good one, Ms. Jade. You got me.”

“She’s funny, Daddy.”

“Yeah, I know. She likes joaning on your old man.”

“Joaning, huh?” Jade asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Do you know I’ve been saying that mess ever since you told me what it was. It’s like I can’t stop myself,” Pierce chuckled.

After dinner the three of them played a few board games, ran around playing tag and hide and seek, and ate some of the chocolate cake they’d baked for dessert. Dane tried to convince his dad to let him stay up a little later but Pierce insisted it was bed time. More than anything he wanted some time alone with Jade and that just wasn’t going to happen as long as the world’s sweetest, cutest, most adorable little boy was still awake.

“Can I read you a story before you go to sleep?”

Dane nodded excitedly. Then he whispered something in his father’s ear. Whatever he said obviously shocked Pierce and his mouth dropped open.

“I’ll ask her later, okay? Right now you need to take a bath. So let’s go,” he said, hoisting Dane over his shoulder. “We’ll be back shortly, pretty lady. Help yourself to anything you’d like.”

Jade thanked him then grabbed a sheet of Dane’s drawing paper. She wanted to write him a story about their day together so both he and Pierce would know how special it was to her. It was hard for Jade to concentrate, though, because she kept laughing at the sound of Dane’s giggles coming from the bathroom. Whatever Pierce was doing tickled him to no end and she thought it was the sweetest sound in the world. The love between them was endearing and Jade found it reassuring as

well that Pierce was capable of loving so unconditionally. Perhaps he’d grow to love her that way too.

Once bath time was over Pierce called Jade to Dane’s room where she snuggled up beside him on the bed.

“I wrote a story for you, Dane.”

“You did?” he and Pierce asked, both surprised.

“Yes, I did. I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed meeting you today and how wonderful I think you are. You wanna hear it?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Dane clapped, enthusiastically.

Jade was just as enthused and animated when she read. Watching Dane’s little face light up and hearing him laugh at the appropriate times was all the reassurance she needed to know he liked it.

“I love that story! Will you write me stories forever? Can I keep it? Will you read it again?” he asked, excitedly.

It was no question Dane liked it but Pierce just stared at her with the oddest look on his face. The truth was he hadn’t really expected much when Jade said she’d written a story. However, he was shocked and genuinely impressed by what he thought sounded like a professionally written nursery rhyme! If it wasn’t all about their night together he probably wouldn’t have believed she wrote it. It was just that good.

“Woman, is there anything you can’t do?”

“Sing,” Jade replied. “I always wished I could, though.”

“My dad can sing,” Dane volunteered.

“Is that so? And do other people think you can or just your sweet, adoring son here?” she asked, running her fingers through Dane’s wild curls as he lay in her arms.

“Aw, that’s cold,” Pierce laughed. “I can carry a tune. I’m no Teddy Pendergrass but I do alright.”

“Well, I guess it’s easy enough to prove.”

“What, you want me to sing right now?”

“There’s no time like the present.”

“Go, Daddy,” Dane cheered.

“Okay, here goes,” Pierce sighed then belted out the most ridiculous sounding song she’d ever heard in her life! He had his eyes closed and snapped his fingers like he was really performing well.

Jade looked down at Dane who was looking up at her giggling. “You tricked me little boy,” she said then tickled him mercilessly.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry . . . please,” he pled, laughing the whole time. “I won’t do it again. I promise.”

Jade let him up then turned her attention to Pierce. “Y’all had me in here looking crazy. I was really expecting you to be able to sing! No wonder you were laughing at me,” she said then tickled Dane again. “You set me up, little boy!”

Once she was done tickling him, Dane gave Jade a big hug then he planted kisses all over her face. She laughed and screamed like a little girl when Pierce joined in on the kissing. When they finally stopped, Jade’s hair was a mess and a few tears had run down her face from giggling so hard.

“Alright, little man, that’s enough entertainment for tonight. It’s time for bed. Say goodnight to Jade.”

Dane gave her a big hug and thanked her for the story and for spending the day with him. She thought it would take a while for him to drift off to sleep but a few minutes after his head hit the pillow, Dane was out like a light.

Pierce and Jade snuggled on the couch talking about how much they enjoyed the evening. It didn’t feel at all like the first time the three of them had been together. They seemed like a family just hanging out at home.

“You know, at one point I started noticing things like your purse on the couch or your shoes by the door next to ours and it just felt like you belonged here with us. Dane obviously feels the same way which is why he asked for you to join us for guy time. And that might not sound like a big deal but let me tell you, Jade, that boy never wants anybody to come along for our special time together. So for Dane to want you to be there too means he feels something really strong for you.”

“Wow,” Jade uttered, as tears sprang to her eyes. Dane must have really felt close to her to include her in something he considered so sacred. She felt honored and readily accepted the invitation. “So has Dane met any of your other girlfriends?”

“No . . . well, he met this woman named Joyce a few years ago but I didn’t consider her as a girlfriend. And I hadn’t intended for them to meet. We ran into her while Dane and I were out for our guy time.”

“So what happened with Joyce?”

“Nothing much. We had a few dates but I didn’t feel the same way for her that she felt for me. I tried to feel more because we had so much in common but it just wasn’t happening. Joyce was a really nice woman and I liked her, but she wasn’t the one.”

“I know what you mean. It’s like one of those people who sound good on paper. They have all the qualities you’re looking for and you really want to like them but something just doesn’t work. They might be successful and hardworking with no sense of humor. Or you might laugh all the time but lack the attraction to that person. Then,” Jade said, as she squeezed Pierce’s hand, “one day you walk into Quik Stop and meet the one who has it all.” Pierce’s eyes watered as a huge smile spread across his face. “Are you blushing?”

“Blushing? Girl, I’m a grown man!” he said, trying to look tough. “Grown men don’t blush. My cheeks are just naturally rosy.” They both laughed before he planted a sweet kiss on Jade’s lips. “Thank you for saying that. You just don’t know how much it means to me.”

Their kissing got a bit intense so they had to put a little distance between them before clothing started being removed.

“Oh, I was wondering if you were free next Friday night,” Jade said, trying desperately to regain her composure. “There’s this new play at the Paramount I really wanna see and I thought it would be fun if you went with me. But that’s probably not enough notice, huh? I’m sorry. I imagine you have to plan things out way in advance with your work schedule and Dane’s schedule and everything. Duh. That’s probably why you asked about the Halloween party so early. Don’t worry about it. I’ll give you more of a head’s up next time, okay?”

“Wow, do you always have conversations by yourself?” Pierce laughed. “True, I do have to be fairly organized with my schedule, but I’m not rigid about it. I can be spontaneous sometimes. And I would love to go to the play with you but my boys will be coming over for our monthly poker night. It’s my turn to host so they’ll be here. I wanted to invite you because the fellas are dying to meet you, but there wouldn’t be much for you to do after the introductions were over. I’m always the big winner so I play the entire night.”

“Oh yeah?” Jade asked, as she reached for her purse. “Well, I’ve got fifty bones that say you aren’t as good as you think you are.”

Pierce looked over his shoulder then back at her. “Who you talking to?” he chuckled. “I know you don’t call yourself challenging me, do you? Girl please, I don’t wanna take your little money.”

“You won’t,” she snorted. “I hope your ego ain’t delicate because I will smoke you at a poker table. You better ask somebody,” Jade said then slapped fifty dollars down beside him.

“You ain’t said nothing but a word,” Pierce stated before he hopped up from the couch. “Put your money on the table and I’ll be right back . . . telling me I better ask somebody. Girl, you don’t know who you messing with,” he mumbled.

A few minutes later Pierce returned with his personalized poker case and a smug look on his face.

“So I guess having your little name engraved on this case is supposed to intimidate me, right? Well, it doesn’t, just so you know.” Jade teased. “You might as well slide those chips over here because that’s exactly where they’ll be in a few minutes. You can save yourself the embarrassment and just give me your money if you want. I won’t hold it against you.”

“Umm huh, I hear you talking a lot of smack but I’m about to put an end to all that right now.”

They had only been playing an hour when to Pierce’s complete and utter shock, Jade had all of his chips! Somehow she was able to read him like a book and knew when he was bluffing and when he really had a hand. She had him completely dominated the whole time. Pierce tried to act angry about it but all he wanted to do was kiss her. So he did.

A little while later, Pierce walked Jade to the front door.

“I had a really good time tonight. Thank you so much,” she said, trying to stuff her feet back into her pumps after walking around barefoot all night. “I look forward to doing it again. I’ll call you when I get home, okay? Goodnight,” Jade smiled then opened the door.

All Pierce wanted to do was close it and ask her to stay the night with him. “Goodnight,” he said instead and watched her walk to her car and drive away.

Once she had changed clothes and gotten comfortable, Jade called Pierce and they stayed on the phone for hours going from one subject to the next. He admitted wanting to ask her to stay with him but didn’t want to make her feel like that’s all he was after. Jade let him know she wanted to stay but didn’t want to make the same mistake she’d made in the past by having sex before really getting to know the person with whom she was in bed.

“But you think of me like that, though? Is that the reason you were all up on me?” Pierce laughed.

“Not really. It was that Hugo Boss you had on that drove me a little crazy but that’s it,” she laughed loudly.