This Time for Real (11 page)

“I don't know, Jude. I guess for the first time in a long time I'm finally enjoying life again. And it feels darn good.” After David died, she'd wanted to crawl up in a hole and die too. He had been her whole world.

“So what's this fella's name?”

“Malik Williams, not that you didn't already know.”

Jude grinned mischievously. “Tell me about him.”

“He's director of community centers for the Children's Aid Network, but his home base is in Harlem.”

“He sounds like just your type, philanthropic and completely altruistic.”

“Is there something wrong with that?” Peyton inquired.

“Of course not,” Jude replied. “He's just different from David.” His brother-in-law had been much more into himself than into helping others, but Peyton had adored him since she was a preteen. “But in a good way.”

Peyton breathed a huge sigh of relief. She wanted her family to like Malik. “We'll come to your opening and you can meet him and form your own opinion.”

“I would love that, sis.”

 

The brainstorming session was a free-for-all, with Malik and the center's business manager, Greg Burns,
holding court. In light of the impending contribution, the volunteer director, Denise Burke, the programs director, Brad Edwards, the school director, Mary Parton and Karen Morgan of health services were all vying for funds. Theresa had even contacted Andrew to sit in on the meeting and contribute his expertise.

Malik stood up. “Hold your horses, everyone.” He settled the troops down. “I know you all want a piece of the pie, but we have to prioritize. The center needs a makeover. That means new paint, carpet and new tile in the administrative offices, while the kitchen and the computer center will get brand-new equipment.”

“What about the clinic?” Karen asked. “We can use some up-to-date equipment. You know how important free health and dental care is to the community. Maybe even expand our services to include vision exams.”

“Get me a list of your top needs and we will address them,” Malik replied. “That includes the rest of you.” He pointed to the group.

“I will review your requests and come up with what I think is a reasonable number to present to the King Corporation. And since time is of the essence, please get it to me by the end of the week. Meeting adjourned.”

After the group had dispersed, Andrew came up to Malik and shook his hand. “I'm proud of you, Malik.”

Malik stepped back. “I'm surprised. You haven't been very much, these days.”

Andrew sighed. “That's not true. I'm always proud of you, Malik. Even more so because you put your personal animosity towards Richard King on the shelf and did what was best for HCC. It's why I recommended you as my replacement years ago.”

Malik smiled humbly. “Thank you, Andrew.”

“Malik, you have a call on line one,” Loretta announced, paging him over the intercom.

“If you'll excuse me, Andrew.” Malik walked away. Despite the congratulations, there was still some distance between him and Andrew. Malik didn't know how to get back to the way things were before Joe entered the picture.

“Hello?” he asked, picking up the phone.

“Hey, handsome,” Peyton said.

“What's up?”

“I'm calling to change our plans. My brother's show is opening on Friday and we've got to go.”

“Of course.” Malik loved a good Broadway show.

“Be ready tomorrow at nine, baby, because I'm picking you up,” Peyton replied saucily. After he'd gone out of his way to help Kendra, Peyton was starting to fall hard for Malik Williams.

“I look forward to it.”

“H
ey handsome.” Peyton winked when Malik opened the door of his brownstone. He looked scrumptious in a classic pink dress shirt and grey trousers. Add the shoulder-length dreads and sexy stubble and he was a walking advertisement for sex.

Peyton strolled in and looked around. This was the first time she'd been to his place. For some reason, they were always at her apartment. She loved the hardwood floors and brick fireplace. The black-red-and-green color motif and African statues and masks were a reflection of Malik's personal style.

“You look sexy as hell!” Malik exclaimed. Peyton's long hair was pinned up in a French roll with several tendrils dangling on either side of her face. And the dress was another story entirely. Silver-toned beads detailed the V-neckline of Peyton's graphite-colored silk dress with chiffon overlay. The V dipped surpris
ing low and allowed Malik a nice view of her cleavage. The design flattered her and made Malik want to rip it off. “Want a tour?” he asked—before he did just that. The least he could do was give her a tour of his abode so she could see another side to him, since he was so closed off on the subject of his past.

“Sure.” Peyton followed Malik down the hall. His kitchen was very modern and masculine, with dark cherry-wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Down the hall, his office housed a large maple desk and a hutch filled with books ranging from suspense and sci-fi to nonfiction, while the master bedroom's large four-poster bed, with a luxurious black-and-gold damask comforter and pillows, was simply luxurious.

Peyton couldn't resist running her hands across the fabric; she couldn't wait to get under the sheets. “This is really nice.”

Malik chuckled. “You'll love the feel of it on your skin.” He was going to love having Peyton in his bed all night.

“I can't wait,” Peyton said, smiling. “And the master bath?”

“Through the dressing area.”

The large dressing area and walk-in closet led to a spectacular master bath. The same black granite countertops she'd seen in the kitchen were in the bathroom—a bathroom complete with above-the-counter sinks and wall-mounted faucets. The space screamed modern, with its travertine-tiled, separate shower stall and enormous sunken tub.

“You've created an oasis,” Peyton commented, whirling around.

“One I can't wait to share with you,” Malik replied.

Peyton visualized Malik's muscular body covered in
bubbles and she in the tub with him, and became heated just thinking about how much fun they'd have. “Are you ready to go?” she asked huskily, heading to the foyer. She'd hired a driver to take them to the show and to a late-night dinner afterwards.

“Indeed I am.” Malik grabbed his keys off the console in the hallway and followed her out the door.

A short drive later, they were stepping out of the town car. Jude's show was located at an older theater, but Peyton didn't care. She was proud of her baby brother. When they arrived backstage, they were ushered to Jude's dressing room, which he shared with several other actors.

“Hey, kiddo.” Jude beamed when Peyton handed him a bouquet of flowers. “What are these for?”

“For you, silly,” Peyton replied. “We,” she tucked her arm into Malik's, “wanted to say knock' em dead. Or break a leg. Or whatever I'm supposed to say.”

“So you're the mysterious man that has my sister so enraptured,” Jude commented.

“That would be correct.” Malik offered his hand. “Malik Williams.”

Jude shook his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.” Then Jude paused as he looked back and forth at Peyton and Malik. “You do realize your clothing matches? How annoyingly sweet, big sis.”

Peyton swatted him on the arm. “Don't make fun.”

“Don't shoot the messenger.” Jude laughed. “Now, go.” He pushed them towards the exit. “I have to get ready.”

“All right.” Peyton blew him a kiss. “We'll see you after the show.”

They made their way to the auditorium, which was slowly starting to fill up. “I like Jude,” Malik said, once they were seated. “He seems like a good kid.”

“Kid? My brother's twenty-five.”

“Yeah, but he has a real youthfulness about him. He's untouched by all the glamour that goes with the business,” Malik said. “He's not jaded, much like his sister.”

“What do you mean?”

Malik shrugged. “You're a very optimistic person, Peyton. You're always trying to change the world. That's what I love about you.” Malik reached across and tucked some wayward strands of hair behind her ear.

A tiny knot formed in Peyton's stomach when Malik leaned over and kissed her. When the lights began to dim, signaling patrons to take their seats, they separated. As Malik leaned back into his chair and faced forward, one thing was clear, he couldn't wait for the night to be over so he could have Peyton all to himself.

 

After the two-hour show ended, Peyton and Malik waited for Jude to take him out for a celebratory dinner.

“Wasn't he fantastic? I just wish our parents were here to see him on opening night.” Their mother had just had foot surgery a few weeks ago and was not permitted to travel. Peyton had tried unsuccessfully to convince them to make the drive, but her father had steadfastly refused. Either he flew or he didn't come. “Plus, I can't wait for them to meet you,” Peyton gushed and squeezed his arm.

Malik didn't share in Peyton's excitement. His attachments usually ended before he met the parents. He was definitely in foreign territory.

Peyton glanced at Malik and saw his troubled expression. “Don't worry. They'll love you.” Then she saw Jude and shrieked. She rushed towards him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Ohmigod, you were fantastic!”

“Was I?” Jude asked. “I was so nervous. I almost flubbed my lines in that one scene.”

“But you didn't. You were a hit.”

“Let's hope the critics think so,” Jude said. “I guess we'll know tomorrow.”

“Until then, let's celebrate,” Peyton said, grabbing Jude's hand. “Amber told me about this great place.”

Jude glanced back at the staff huddled in a group. “Can we do it another time, sis? The gang's all going out clubbing.”

“Oh,” Peyton said, frowning. “I just wanted to celebrate with you.” She was disappointed Jude wouldn't get to know Malik.

“And we will.” Jude kissed her cheek, “Just not tonight. Malik, it was a pleasure meeting you.” He shook Malik's hand. “And you—” he pointed to Peyton “—I'll call tomorrow. See ya.”

Peyton watched Jude rush over and join the rest of the actors from the show and head towards the door.

“Well, I guess it's just the two of us,” Malik observed, staring at Peyton. He pulled her closer to him. Although he knew Peyton wanted to celebrate Jude's debut, Malik was happy that they'd be alone for the duration of the evening.

Peyton looked up at Malik and found his eyes on her. They were smoldering with passion. “Yes, it is. I guess we'll have to find a way to while away the time.”

“Hmm, I can think of a few things,” Malik said, smiling broadly. “But why don't we get a bite to eat first, I'm starved.” Food wasn't the only thing he was starving for, but it would suffice for the moment.

They ate at a fine dining establishment on Restaurant Row and enjoyed a wonderful Southern dinner, along with wine and conversation; but when the waitress asked if they wanted dessert, Malik and Peyton both glanced at each other. They wanted dessert, but of a different kind.

“No, thank you,” Malik replied. He quickly settled the bill and they both could hardly contain their excitement as they waited for the driver outside the restaurant.

Once inside the car, Malik opened his arms. “Come here,” he ordered.

Peyton's eyes melted into his and she quickly closed the distance between them, pressing her body against his. Malik eagerly brushed his lips back and forth over hers. His tongue was warm and moist and flirted with the corners of her mouth until her lips parted of their own volition. His tongue thrust deeply into her mouth in one long, arduous movement. He completely claimed her, as his tongue penetrated the innermost hollows of her mouth. They were so close, she could hear his heartbeat echoing her own.

“You have a very provocative mouth,” Malik whispered in the stillness.

“So do you,” Peyton said, nipping at his bottom lip. “And one that gives me immense pleasure.” Peyton couldn't believe those words escaped her lips. She'd never been so blatantly wanton before. She just couldn't help herself with him.

“Does it?” Malik's eyes captured hers just as his fingertips rested against the top swell of her breasts. He was happy that Peyton felt comfortable speaking her mind and sharing how much she enjoyed him. They were making progress.

“Yes,” Peyton whimpered against his ardent mouth as his tongue continued to plunge inside her mouth, while his hands shaped, molded and massaged her breasts.

When the car came to an abrupt stop, they both sat up startled. “I guess it's time we take this to the bedroom,” Malik said, straightening both of their clothes.

“Oh yeah,” Peyton said. When the driver came
around and opened her car door, she exited and followed Malik up the steps of his brownstone.

Once inside, Malik enfolded her in his arms. His breath was hot and quick as he said, “Let's go to bed.”

Without turning on the lights, Peyton followed him, in a trancelike state, to his bedroom. They slowly removed each other's clothes, like they were peeling the layers of an onion, threw back the covers and joined each other in his four-poster bed.

Peyton's arms opened wide to receive Malik and accept his weight against her. She wanted to breathe him and absorb him until she was a part of him. With unhurried leisure, Malik kissed her. His lips warmly moved over hers again and again, his tongue probing the recesses of her mouth. Peyton's whole body came alive under the onslaught of his kisses, and she couldn't resist releasing a purr deep inside her.

Malik raised himself up on his shins and let his eyes feast on Peyton. They hungrily toured every inch of her body. When he finally dropped to the bed, he spread his hands over her derriere and drew Peyton's lower half to him. He kissed that silky nest with gentle fervency. A soft moan tore from Peyton's lips as his tongue and hands took liberties. Peyton enjoyed their quest, as he found and stroked that throbbing, intimate part of her that ached for a fulfillment that only he could provide.

He showered her face and temples with kisses. Peyton allowed her fingers to caress the rippled muscles of his chest, arms and back, and well-defined legs. Although he was lean, there was an inherent strength in Malik that totally turned her on. “You're so beautiful,” Peyton murmured.

“So are you,” Malik returned, laying atop her and parting her legs. When he guided himself into her center
and pressed himself between the petals of her femininity, Peyton moaned his name and curled her arms around his neck to bring him closer.

As Peyton milked him, inviting him further and further into her body, Malik murmured, “Peyton, my love, slow down.”

Peyton couldn't stop the tempo, her body writhed and undulated underneath him as Malik's face twisted with sublime pleasure. And when Peyton's body quickened uncontrollably, Malik finally let go of the reins and crested, as a bliss he'd never known took over him.