Never Again Once More (9 page)
Read Never Again Once More Online
Authors: Mary B. Morrison
“Don’t cum yet,” Jada commanded, squeezing his penis with her vaginal muscles. Changing positions, she tightened her hand around his shaft until his head became enlarged. Controlling the flow of his cum, she hungrily sucked the head. Bobbing repeatedly, she stroked the shaft. Bringing Lawrence to his peak, Jada pressed his thighs together and straddled her legs outside of his. With her hands braced on his knees, she rotated up and down until she got all Lawrence had to offer for round one.
They culminated the night at Lawrence’s house, where he had her silk and lace lingerie laid across a red-and-white picnic cloth in front of the burning fireplace. A bottle of bubbly was chilling next to the giant dark- and white-chocolate-covered strawberries. And the Jacuzzi water was pleasantly hot. That must have been the urgent phone call he needed to make before they left the restaurant. Their all-night foreplay exploded with passion that outlasted the sunrise.
Chapter 10
D
arius was officially a sixth grader because the last day of school was yesterday, but tomorrow the movers were coming for all of their things. His mom was serious about marrying Lawrence, and there wasn’t anything he could do to change her mind. Darius didn’t want his mother to stay single forever, just until he went off to college. Mom said the movers would pack and unpack their belongings. “They’d better not break my trophies,” Darius had said, admiring his recent MVP memento that stood four feet high. The National Junior Basketball League wasn’t as competitive as the AAU league, but he was. He wanted to win every game by a twenty point margin so his opponents were clear which baller dominated the courts.
arius was officially a sixth grader because the last day of school was yesterday, but tomorrow the movers were coming for all of their things. His mom was serious about marrying Lawrence, and there wasn’t anything he could do to change her mind. Darius didn’t want his mother to stay single forever, just until he went off to college. Mom said the movers would pack and unpack their belongings. “They’d better not break my trophies,” Darius had said, admiring his recent MVP memento that stood four feet high. The National Junior Basketball League wasn’t as competitive as the AAU league, but he was. He wanted to win every game by a twenty point margin so his opponents were clear which baller dominated the courts.
Bored, he double-checked to make certain his bedroom door was locked and dialed Ashlee from his home computer. “Can you believe I’m ten years old and Lawrence still massages my head like I’m a kid.” Darius spoke into the built-in microphone on his desktop.
“I’m sure my dad doesn’t mean it like that. He does that to me, too,” Ashlee said, blankly staring into the camera. Imitating her dad, she rubbed her head. “Ask him to stop.”
“I have. He just laughs and goes about his business. The next time he tries that, I’m going to grab his hand.” Darius raised his arm and grabbed his wrist in front of his camera so Ashlee could see how serious he was.
Shaking her head, Ashlee said, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. He does have really big muscles. He almost slapped my mom once, but my mom said he wasn’t serious. They were horseplaying or something. What do you like most about school?” Ashlee blew a huge pink bubble that blocked her lens until it popped, covering her nose and mouth.
Darius stuck his chest out. “If he ever hits my mom, I don’t care if he is playing, he’s going to have to deal with my dad and me.” Relaxing, he said, “I like girls and basketball of course. How about you?”
Two girls in his fifth grade class had real breasts, and he couldn’t wait to see them again when school started in September. One day they approached him on the playground and said, “Darius Jones. We’ve decided to be your Valentines. So you can either have your boring girlfriend
or
both of us. But if you choose us, you have to bring us the same gifts.” Darius had no idea what he was supposed to do with two girls; but two sounded better than one, and since they had volunteered, he spent his money on two large, pink heart-shaped boxes of assorted chocolates. Each box was decorated with white lace and a silk red rose with a green plastic stem.
or
both of us. But if you choose us, you have to bring us the same gifts.” Darius had no idea what he was supposed to do with two girls; but two sounded better than one, and since they had volunteered, he spent his money on two large, pink heart-shaped boxes of assorted chocolates. Each box was decorated with white lace and a silk red rose with a green plastic stem.
“Science, math, and drama. But drama is extracurricular.” Ashlee made a serious, silly, and cute face.
“I thought about drama. My mom wanted me to enroll, but basketball consumes most of my time.” He alternated between the number four and five: forward and center. Forward was his preferred position.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Ashlee stood on her hands and walked across her bedroom and back.
“Hell, I’m already grown. I’m going to the NBA. I’m going to be a combination of Shag, Jordan, Kobe, Iverson, and Wilt the Stilt Chamberlain mixed together.” Wilt was a certified player. After doing the math, Darius calculated he’d have to have sex with a different woman every day for over twenty-seven years to break Wilt’s record. He’d have to get started soon because old people like his mom and dad probably didn’t do it anymore. The girls he gave chocolates to on Valentine’s Day had kissed him on opposite cheeks, so maybe he’d had sex twice already.
“I believe in you, Darius. You can do anything you set your mind to. You coming to visit me this summer in Madrid?” Ashlee sketched on her pad with long strokes.
“Yep. You the only friend I have. And you’re going to be my half sister. So I guess that’ll make you my sisterfriend. My mom said she has to renew my passport. What are you drawing?” He envied how Ashlee could do so many things in a short period of time.
“Yeah. But let’s leave out the half stuff. I’m your sister and you’re my brother. Make sure your mom hurries up because I’m not going to Spain without you. It’s a surprise. I’ll show you when I’m done.”
Darius needed Ashlee’s opinion on what had bothered him for quite some time. “Honestly, I don’t want my mom to marry your dad.”
“You, too. I wanted my parents to get back together, but my mom keeps saying I’m dreaming. I hate living in Texas. It’s so far away from my dad. And it’s too hot.”
“We can dream if we want to.” Darius spread his arms wide. “But if our peeps do get married, at least we’ll have each other. When you come back to L.A., we’re going to all the theme parks.”
“Okay.” Ashlee’s pink lips curved up. Her top teeth were perfect, but the bottom row was a little crooked. She was so nice and sweet it didn’t matter. And her hair had grown longer, too.
“I’ve got a plan,” Darius said, moving closer to the camera. “We can run away from home.”
“Yeah, and divorce our parents,” Ashlee agreed. “Maybe then they’ll take us serious.”
Darius spoke firm. “Make sure you pack a toothbrush, and lots of clean underwear and socks.”
“Is that all?” Ashlee asked. “What about food?”
“I don’t know. My mom always says, ‘Darius, you got your toothbrush? And extra underwear and socks?’ so I guess that stuff must be pretty important. She never mentions food because we always have money, I guess.”
“Okay. Let’s run away right before the wedding,” Ashlee suggested.
“Great idea! I’ve got to go. My mom is calling me.”
“Yeah, and we know what happens if she has to call you twice. Hey, here’s your surprise.”
Darius laughed. Ashlee had drawn a caricature of him with a basketball head. “Bye, Sisterfriend.”
Chapter 11
D
ecember 31 Jada stood behind the doors of the First African Methodist Episcopal church, waiting to walk down the aisle. Mama had told her, “Honey, you have to shit or get off the pot. This man has patiently waited for you. If you’re not going to set a date, let him go.” Why couldn’t they stay happily engaged forever? Marriage ruined a lot of good relationships. But Mama was right. Lawrence was tired of her procrastination and had handed her an ultimatum, so Jada had chosen the last month of the year. For the first time, at forty-four, Jada Diamond would carry the title Mrs. while her last name remained Tanner.
ecember 31 Jada stood behind the doors of the First African Methodist Episcopal church, waiting to walk down the aisle. Mama had told her, “Honey, you have to shit or get off the pot. This man has patiently waited for you. If you’re not going to set a date, let him go.” Why couldn’t they stay happily engaged forever? Marriage ruined a lot of good relationships. But Mama was right. Lawrence was tired of her procrastination and had handed her an ultimatum, so Jada had chosen the last month of the year. For the first time, at forty-four, Jada Diamond would carry the title Mrs. while her last name remained Tanner.
Lawrence was the perfect fiancé. No matter what he was doing, he stopped precisely at eight o’clock every night and called her. And each weekend they would set aside thirty minutes to candidly discuss their likes and dislikes about each other and their relationship. Sex on a regular basis with a man who knew how to hit all the right spots without being coached didn’t hurt either. They agreed never to say no, except during illness. Always satisfying her man, Jada didn’t understand why women withheld sex, because the supply well exceeded the demand.
Their wedding plans started out plain and simple. By the time Lawrence’s friends and family—immediate and extended—got wind of the wedding, the list grew from seventy-five to three hundred. Lawrence argued and won because his parents were paying for everything, including their honeymoon.
Being an only child and the offspring of parents who also had no siblings, Jada’s family consisted of Darius, Robert, and her mother. Her girlfriends Jazzmyne and Candice were there today along with her staff. Terrell still hadn’t married Candice, but Candice hung in there with him.
“You know I’ll marry you. Please don’t do this.”
Jada heard Wellington’s voice echoing in her ear.
Jada heard Wellington’s voice echoing in her ear.
Lifting her gown, Jada twisted halfway around in slow motion. A cool breeze swept across her face. Jada still heard Wellington’s voice.
“What?” She whispered.
As soon as the doors of the church opened, Jada turned back and scanned the room for Wellington. Maybe marrying Lawrence wasn’t a good idea. Was she supposed to think about another man on her special day? Was it normal? Perhaps everyone had second thoughts but kept them private. Although Jada found herself searching for Wellington, thankfully he wasn’t there. Wellington was the only person who could speak, not hold his peace, and she would change her mind. Maybe secretly she wanted him to talk her out of marrying Lawrence.
Simulated snowflakes trickled from the ceiling. Jada, Lawrence, Darius, and Ashlee usually spent the Christmas holidays in New York City. Snowball fights, snow angels, warm cocoa, and lots of joyful moments taking in Broadway plays and watching the ball drop in Times Square were shared amongst all.
Guests seated in the pews covered in white specks did a one-eighty and stared at her. They weren’t the only ones spellbound, so were the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and Lawrence. The pianist stopped playing. Jada suddenly realized it was too quiet. White rose petals were scattered along the white floor runner. The flower girl stood near the altar, holding an empty basket. The coordinator, Denise, stepped in front of Jada and closed the doors. As soon as they were shut, people started mumbling.
“It’s okay, darling, lots of brides get cold feet. I want you to take a deep breath. Inhale.” Denise held her hand against Jada’s stomach. “Good girl. Now release.” Denise pressed Jada’s abdomen in slightly. “One more time,” Denise instructed. “Now, this time when the music starts, I want you to start, too.”
Jada looked at Denise and said, “What are you talking about?” Jada pointed toward the church doors. “I’m waiting for him to play ‘Here Comes the Bride.’ ” The song wasn’t her preference. Lawrence’s mother was old-fashioned and requested the traditional tune. Jada’s selection was an instrumental version of “Ribbon In the Sky” by Stevie Wonder, but that was another battle not worth fighting.
“Honey, it’s already played from start to finish. Twice. You didn’t move a step. Let me get some water and touch up your makeup. Don’t move.”
“But I don’t want any water,” Jada responded. “I’m fine. Just tell them to start.” Jada refused to say start again, because she couldn’t believe she stood in the doorway so long. That part of the video would be clipped and destroyed along with any incriminating photos.
Returning with a paper cup in her hand, Denise said, “First of all, the water isn’t for you. It’s for me. You can’t mess up your lipstick. Secondly, we will not start again until I’m convinced you’re ready to walk down that aisle.” Denise took a sip of water and handed the floral-printed cup to the usher.
Holding the powder puff in one hand and a handkerchief under Jada’s chin to make certain the foundation didn’t stain her Vera Wang original, Denise patted gently. White. Halter. Low back. Long train. The beauty of Jada’s black-velvet skin radiated a wonderful contrast to her gown. Lots of exposed cleavage was hidden behind her veil for Lawrence’s view only. Fresh white roses were added to the lower half of her gown to match the flower girl’s petals.
Something old: the pearl necklace her father had given her before dying. Something new: a diamond anklet Mama and Darius bought. Something borrowed: Jazzmyne’s silver hair clips. Something blue: her spirit. Conspicuously absent.
Denise fluffed Jada’s hair and asked, “Ready?”
“Yes, I’m ready,” Jada whispered.
“Great. You’ll be fine this time. Just take small steps.” Denise gently placed the veil over Jada’s face.
Jada flashed a fake grin. This time she didn’t hesitate. Resembling an outdoor wedding, hundreds of gardenias graced each pew, the altar, and the podium; Denise had definitely outdone herself and would be compensated accordingly. From the corners of her eyes, Jada watched the faces of too many strangers. Candice and Jazzmyne smiled as they stood with her wedding party. Jada stepped on cue until she arrived at her fiancé’s side.
Darius gave her away. Lawrence’s nephew acted as ring bearer, and Lawrence’s childhood friend, Doug, was the best man. The one thing Jada wouldn’t compromise on was her minister performing their ceremony.
“Do you take this woman . . .” Pastor Tellings’s lips moved slowly.
Ashlee made a beautiful junior bridesmaid. Her complexion resembled her mother’s, almost milky white. Except for her beautiful big brown eyes, Ashlee scarcely resembled Lawrence. Jada glimpsed at Darius and wondered if she and Ashlee’s mother harbored the same secret.
“I do,” Lawrence said, gazing deep into Jada’s eyes.
Jada glanced over her left shoulder at her mother seated in the front row. Mama nodded and swirled her finger in tiny circles, so Jada turned and faced the pastor. Darius was thrilled, and Jada knew exactly why. Mama was spending the week with him while they honeymooned in London. Knowing her mother wouldn’t establish a list of rules for him to follow, Darius was certain to find a new limit.
“Do you take this man . . .” Pastor Tellings hadn’t changed much. His hair still resembled Don King’s, except now it was all silver. The train on Jada’s gown lay twelve feet behind her. The wedding vows she had written for Wellington were now in her safety-deposit box. Had he kept his? Lawrence didn’t want to exchange any sacred messages, and that suited Jada just fine.
Taking a deep breath, Jada replied, “I do,” as she exhaled. She was still uncertain but now committed. Lawrence looked handsome and smelled great. His tailor-made black tuxedo was flawless.
Pastor Tellings cleared his throat and said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Their wedding was more beautiful than Jada had envisioned. She had wanted to be a bride ever since she was a little girl pretending to match and marry her dolls. The next day flights to their honeymoon destination from Los Angeles to New York and then into London’s Heathrow airport was tiresome. After they checked into their hotel, Lawrence swept Jada off her feet and carried her from the lobby, to their room, then across the threshold.
“I want to make love to you like never before. Like there’s no tomorrow.” Lawrence had reserved the finest suite at their hotel near Buckingham Palace. Not permitting Jada to go farther than the living area, he said, “But before I do, I want to blindfold you.”
Memories of when Melanie blindfolded Wellington resurfaced. Sexually sharing her man with another woman had seemed innocent and fun at the time. That was until Melanie had announced she was pregnant with Wellington’s baby. And being a gentleman with morals, values, and principals, Wellington had married Melanie. In contrast to Wellington, Lawrence was all hers, and Jada wasn’t making the mistake of sharing him with anyone, ever.
Eyeing the black satin mask and silk scarf, Jada said, “Okay.” She closed her eyes and patiently waited. “Are you planning to use both of those?”
Lawrence kissed from her shoulder up to her ear as he undressed them both. “Trust me. You’re my wife now.”
True. After signing her marriage certificate, she felt closer and more dedicated to Lawrence than before. Jada took baby steps on the plush carpet, erased everything from her mind, and totally submitted. The nakedness of Lawrence’s body pressed behind hers made her nipples harden.
The man standing behind her was her husband in both her eyesight and God’s. No more fornication. Romance. Love. Sex. Jada didn’t want one without the other. Lawrence’s pubic hairs grazed the small of her back as the tip of his head momentarily lay between her firm cheeks. Jada paced her steps so theirs became one. Lawrence held her hands and continued to lead her.
“Where are we going?” The suspense emitted sexual hormones that made her heart rate quicken.
“Sssh.” Lawrence traced her inner earlobe with his tongue as though it were a maze. He paused, then lightly blew into her ear and whispered, “Tonight, no questions.” His moist lips pressed softly against her nape and lingered.
“Oooooh.” Jada trembled in his arms. Her knees weakened. Whenever Lawrence told her no questions, there was an unforgettable adventure ahead.
“Don’t stop. We’re only a few steps away. Trust me to lead you. Today. Tomorrow. Always.”
Jada’s voice trembled, “I will,” and her body followed in motion. Surrendering her heart and soul to the man she loved felt heavenly. She did love Lawrence. Otherwise, she would have let someone else marry him.
“Now step up,” Lawrence instructed. “Again. Once more. Stop. Now step down and slowly sit. “
Bubbles galore floating on warm water surrounded her. Lawrence removed the blindfolds. Covering her mouth with both palms, Jada gasped. The black marbled Jacuzzi with gold fixtures was lined with red, yellow, white, pink, peach, and lilac roses. The jet stream created so many suds they overflowed onto the black granite floor. The flower bundles were connected with clusters of gardenias. Aromatherapy candles burned in every corner of the unbelievably spacious bathroom. Although no stars were outside the windows, so many fireworks exploded inside her heart they could have celebrated Independence Day.
“Oh, my gosh! This is too much.” Jada looked around the room. The familiar sound of John Coltrane’s
For Lovers
CD filled the air.
For Lovers
CD filled the air.
“Don’t speak. I want every sense in our bodies to express our love without words. That’s how I want to remember our wedding night.” Lawrence motioned for a toast. Their quietness heightened her other senses as she internalized the essence of feeling versus speaking. Jada focused on the sounds of water and music. His touch made her hot. His scent made her hotter. His smell made her even hotter. His taste made her famished and hungry to feast on his love. This sight of her husband, naked and vulnerable inside and out, made Jada appreciate Lawrence.
Handing Jada a chilled glass, he removed the champagne bottle from the gold metal ice bucket and filled it halfway. After pouring his own, he held his crystal in the air. Jada mimicked his movement. Her energy twirled inside and escaped through tiny bumps of excitement.
Picking up a soft, white sponge, he stroked her feet. As he cleaned, he massaged every crevice between her toes. Ankles. Calves. Knees. He delicately washed inside her thighs. Butt. Back. Waist. Breasts. Nipples. Neck. Spreading her lips, he fondled her, stimulated her clit, and inserted his finger into her vagina while using his thumb and pinky to tease her clitoris and her anus until Jada released herself. Then Lawrence lathered her hair, widened her legs, and slid his penis deep inside of her, making her cum again. Jada lifted her body, took a deep breath, held it, and sank under the water. When she came up, she unequivocally returned his passion with the same persistence.
Afterward, Lawrence carried her to the bedroom. She felt as if drifting on air. Lawrence’s pole was solid and stood north. As he braced her back in one arm and her legs in his other, Jada felt his erection touching her ass. Love. Peace. Happiness. Different words were sewn on so many pillowcases she hardly saw the white linen sheets. Red rose petals accented the bed and the floor.
Laying her across the cushions, he positioned his lean body next to hers. Holding her in his arms, her husband kissed her lips for at least an hour. Slowly, Lawrence moved down to her breasts and teased with his fingers, tongue, hands, and lips. By the time he finished loving every inch, Jada was a burning inferno.
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