Embracing Forever Page 9

  “Hey. There she is.” A smile lit Chris’s handsome dark face.

  She shook her head. “Hey, Chris. How’s the back today?”

  “Not bad. I think my flexibility is getting better.” He laid down on the mat and started doing his stretches. “I think I can handle a couple more strengthening exercises.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “You think I’ll be ready for next season?”

  “Only your doctor can answer that, but I’ll do everything I can to help.”

  While going through his strengthening routine, Chris said, “I’m glad you got rid of the dude we met at the restaurant.” He made a face. “He was way too uptight and not your type.”

  Raven folded her arms. “Who said I got rid of him and how do you know my type?”

  “Come on, girl. His face was all pinched when we were introduced. He couldn’t even take a joke and looked like he’d been sucking on lemons. He acted like Bernard and I were going to run off with you.”

  “You got all that from a one-minute introduction?” He was dead on, but she had no intention of saying so.

  “Absolutely. And he wasn’t looking at you right.”

  She let out a short bark of laughter. “What?”

  “Anybody who saw you together would think it was all business.” Chris sat up. Now, the brother you had dinner with at Lawry’s on Saturday…that’s how you’re supposed to look at your woman.”

  Her mouth fell open. “So, you’re following me around on weekends now?”

  He laughed. “Not on purpose. Hey, don’t I get credit for not interrupting, though?”

  Raven thought about the differences between Bryson and Darren. Bryson wouldn’t have cared one bit about Chris coming to the table to speak because he was confident enough to know that Raven wouldn’t flirt with or see another man while they were together. “You’re supposed to be counting.”

  “I know this routine by heart. I don’t have to count. You dating the new guy?”

  “Why are you in my business, Chris? I don’t get in yours.”

  “That’s because everything I do is already out in the public.” He lowered his voice. “But I do have a new lady and I think she might be the one.”

  “Congratulations.”

  He slowly came to his feet. “Thanks. And congratulations to you, too.” He sauntered off to the leg press.

  Raven stood there in disbelief for a second, and then shook herself. Chris had seen too much. Thank goodness her life wasn’t under a microscope like his. If she felt uncomfortable with Chris asking her questions about Bryson, she couldn’t imagine what it would be like for him with the media constantly in his business.

  On his way out later, Chris said, “I know I was messing with you earlier, but I am serious about the new guy. You looked happy and so did he. But then again, I’d be happy too seeing you in that dress.”

  She couldn’t help smiling at his crazy humor. “Bye, Chris. And try not to follow me this weekend.”

  He tossed her a bold wink and a megawatt smile then strolled out.

  She went back to the office to finish the charting from the morning before eating lunch. One of the receptionists had gone out for food and brought Raven a chicken salad back and Raven took it down to the break room to eat. There were a couple other people eating and reading. She chose a table to herself, not really feeling like making small talk.

  Raven had finally remembered to bring her earphones today and put them in, selected a playlist and opened her salad. While eating she checked her emails and messages. Her brother had sent a message saying they needed to talk. She rolled her eyes and didn’t respond. The next one was from Bryson. She read: Hey, beautiful. Just checking to see how your day is going and to let you know I’m thinking about you. See you tonight.

  She put her fork down. How was she supposed to resist this man? Her thumb hovered over the reply button and before she could chicken out, she hit it and typed back: Thinking about you, too. And she had been. All. Day. Long. Bryson did make her happy and she was going to do her best to hold on to that happiness for as long as it lasted.

  They were supposed to hang out with Jerome and Kendrick tonight and Bryson had insisted on picking her up this time. Though neither man had said anything last time, Raven had been able to cover up her feelings for Bryson. She didn’t think it would happen tonight.

  * * *

  Late Friday, Bryson and Jerome loaded the last program on the new laptops and locked them in the cabinet.

  “I have one more thing to do, then I’ll be ready to head over to the restaurant,” Jerome said.

  “I’ll meet you guys there. I’m going to pick up Raven first.”

  “Aw, that’s so sweet.”

  “Go to hell, Rome.” Bryson strode out of the room with Jerome’s laughter following. In his office, he packed up his laptop and folders containing information he wanted to review over the weekend and locked the door. “I’m gone,” he called out as he passed Jerome’s office. Tonya had already left for the day. On the way home he called Raven.

  “Hey, Bryse.”

  “Hey. I should probably make it to your house around six thirty. I’m going home to change first.”

  “That’s fine. It’ll give me time to change, too.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to have another one of those dresses like the one you had on Saturday, would you?”

  “Even if I did, I wouldn’t wear it.”

  Bryson laughed. “Just thought I’d ask.”

  “Bye.” Raven hung up.

  He didn’t mind her not wearing a dress because he planned to see much more than her legs tonight.

  Because of traffic, he was ten minutes later than the time he’d told Raven. Instead of parking in a space, he pulled up behind her car, left the car running and knocked on her door.

  Raven opened the door and stepped out. “I’m ready.”

  His jaw went slack. His gaze made a slow tour down her body and back up. She had on a dark blue halter dress that hugged every curve and stopped mid-thigh, with a pair of low-heeled sandals. “You are trying to kill me.” She smiled and walked past him with a switch in her hips he’d never seen.

  “Don’t say I’ve never done anything for you.”

  Bryson caught up with her and opened the car door. When she got in, her dress inched up higher and an involuntary groan slipped from his throat. As he went around to his side, he wondered how mad Jerome and Kendrick would be if he and Raven didn’t show up. Pushing the thought aside, he got in, let his gaze roam over her once more and drove off. That extended kissing session last night had taken his arousal to a level that he’d never experienced, but he had plans for them tonight. “I never knew you were such a tease.”

  She gave him a sidelong glance. “I’m not. But being with you has me doing things I wouldn’t typically do.”

  Her words made him smile. “Is that good or bad?”

  “I don’t know. What do you think?”

  “As your best friend, I think you can be and do anything you want and only you can decide what that will be. As a man who is falling for you by the minute, I think it’s very good.” He reached for her hand. “You are a beautiful and sexy woman, Raven, and it’s okay to let that part of you out sometimes. You’ve never done this with any of your other boyfriends?”

  “No.” She paused for a moment. “They never seemed interested. Aside from the last two jerks, the others were more enamored by where I worked and what they thought I could give them, like tickets to sports games.”

  No wonder she was so reluctant to start up with him. He’d probably be the same way if all the women he had dated treated him that way. “Well, you won’t have to worry about that with me.”

  “I never have,” she said softly, turning toward the window.

  They completed the rest of the drive in companionable silence. Bryson spotted Jerome and Kendrick as soon as he stepped through the door of the restaurant. “I need to warn you about something,” he said to Raven.
>
  Raven glanced up at him with concern. “What?”

  “I will be holding your hand, touching you, putting my arm around you, and maybe even sneaking in a kiss or two while we’re here. So, get ready.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I thought something happened.”

  “Something did.” He entwined their fingers and started toward the guys, humming You Put A Move On My Heart by Tamia. When they reached the table, Bryson said, “Sorry we’re late. Traffic.” Their eyes were riveted to Raven.

  “Damn,” Jerome whispered in awe. “Raven, girl, you look amazing.”

  “Thanks. Ken, stop staring like you’ve never seen a woman in a dress.”

  Kendrick finally found his voice. “Uh…sorry. It’s just that you never… Wow!”

  She reached up and closed his mouth. “Sit down. It’s just a dress. I don’t act all crazy when you put on a suit.”

  Bryson and Jerome laughed.

  Kendrick kissed her cheek. “You’re right. But you’re still cute. You clean up well, girl.”

  Bryson pulled out Raven’s chair then took the one next to her. “Did you guys order yet?”

  “No. They seated us a minute before you got here.” Jerome passed them menus. By the time the server came, they were ready to place both their food and drink orders. They made small talk for a few minutes and Bryson and Jerome caught Kendrick up on information he’d missed for the summer program. The conversation stopped when the server came back with their drinks. They thanked the woman and she departed with a smile.

  “I’ll be ready to start next week,” Kendrick said, picking up where they left off. He leaned forward and clasped his hands on the table. “So, what’s up with you two?”

  Bryson and Raven shared a look. Bryson said, “We’re dating.”

  Jerome lifted his glass in mock salute. “I’m happy for you guys.” He turned to Raven. “He’s lucky I’m letting him have a chance with you first. But if he acts up, I got you.”

  Raven laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Maybe you should’ve made your move before now,” Bryson said without cracking a smile, “because she won’t ever be available again.” They all went silent.

  Raven choked on her tea.

  “Well, damn,” Kendrick said.

  Jerome shook his head in wonder. “Ditto.”

  Bryson took a long swig of his beer. He hadn’t meant to say those words just yet, and definitely not without saying them to Raven first. But the moment they left his mouth, in his heart, he knew they were true. He was in this for the long haul and intended to show Raven just what that entailed.

  Jerome raised his glass. “To Bryson and Raven. I get to be the best man at the wedding.”

  Bryson hazarded a glance Raven’s way. She appeared to still be in shock. He placed his arm around her and gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Everything is okay, sweetheart,” he whispered against her ear and kissed her temple. Bryson and Raven endured more teasing over dinner. Raven finally relaxed and reverted back to her old self. When it came time to leave, Kendrick and Jerome hugged Raven and warned Bryson to take good care of her.

  Bryson waved them off. “Yeah, yeah. Go home. I’ll see you guys on Monday.” Once in the car, he asked Raven, “Are you okay?”

  She nodded. “Yep.”

  Though she said she was okay, Raven sat quietly during the drive. He sincerely hoped he hadn’t messed up.

  “We’re going to your house?” Raven asked when he pulled into his garage.

  “I thought we could spend some quiet time together, if that’s okay. We can go somewhere else, if you like.”

  “Yes, it’s okay. And here is fine.”

  He smiled and caressed her cheek.

  As soon as they got into the house, she removed her shoes and dropped down on the sofa. “If I had known we were coming back here, I would’ve brought a change of clothes. I don’t want to have to wear this dress all night.”

  It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her she wouldn’t have the dress on long. If he got his way, she’d be out of it in the next ten minutes. “You want something?”

  “No way. I’m full. Those crab cakes were really good.” She patted the space next to her.

  Bryson sat and draped his arm around her.

  “What did you mean tonight?”

  He released a deep breath. “Exactly what I said. I’m in this for the duration, Raven. And before you say anything, I had planned to say it to you first, but not so soon, because I didn’t want to overwhelm you. You’re still adjusting to us and, although this thing with us seems to be moving at the speed of light, my feelings are true.”

  “Thank you for being honest with me, Bryse.”

  “Always, sweetheart.”

  “You’re right. It does scare me, but I can’t stop what I’m beginning to feel for you.”

  “Then we’re going down this road together. You don’t have to be afraid. All you have to do is embrace what I want to give you.”

  Raven sat up. “And what is that?”

  Holding her gaze, he said, “Me. I want to give you me.” Bryson covered his mouth with hers and let his kiss communicate everything he wanted to say.

  She broke off the kiss. “Bryson,” she whispered.

  He stood, swept her up in his arms and carried her upstairs to his bedroom. He placed her on her feet, turned her around, released the clasp on her dress and slid the zipper down. He squatted so she could step out and laid it carefully on the back of a chair. The lamp on his nightstand provided enough light for him to see the alluring picture she made standing in the middle of his room wearing nothing but a black lace bra and matching bikini panties. Bryson stroked a finger along the top of her breasts visible above the bra. “I like this.” He dropped his head and replaced his finger with his tongue. He moved back to her mouth.

  Raven unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. “I like this, too.”

  She trailed her tongue over his chest and abdomen, the heat of her mouth scorching him from the inside out. He finished undressing them and donned a condom. He took a moment to turn the covers back and kissed her down onto the bed. He left her mouth and placed soft, butterfly kisses along her jaw, throat and her breasts. He circled his tongue around the nipple before pulling it into his mouth. Bryson shifted his body, used his knee to spread her legs and pushed at her entrance. “Look at me, Raven.”

  She moaned and lifted her eyes to his.

  “This is not sex. I’m making love to my woman.” Not taking his eyes off her, he slid into her warmth until he was sheathed completely. He withdrew and thrust deeply, setting a sensual rhythm that made them both shudder. He ground his body into hers, gyrating in slow, insistent circles.

  Raven clung to him, whispering his name over and over. “Don’t stop.”

  “I don’t plan to.” Covering her mouth with his own, he moved his tongue in and out of her mouth, imitating the movements of his lower body.

  She arched up to meet his measured strokes, while her hands moved up and down his back. Her cries of pleasure filled the room. “Yessssss!”

  “That’s right. Give yourself to me,” Bryson murmured, keeping up the unhurried pace. He felt her body start to tremble around him and lifted her higher, stroking her harder, wanting to be as deep as possible when she came. Raven let out a scream that sent chills down his spine. He pulled out to the tip and surged back in. His orgasm exploded through him with a force that rocked his soul. He buried his head in the hollow of her neck. “Raven, you’re mine, baby.” And at that moment he knew he was in love with his best friend.

  Chapter Nine

  Raven woke up Saturday morning in bed next to Bryson, thinking about what he’d told her about being in the relationship for the long haul. She wanted to believe in them because, even though it had been less than a month, she had fallen in love with him. But would it last? She carefully shifted and watched him sleep. She couldn’t think of a time since she had known him that he hadn’t been ther
e for her. Raven fell back against the pillow and closed her eyes. Why was this so hard? Because you don’t want your heart to get broken again, an inner voice chimed.

  “I’m not sure how I feel about waking up and seeing a frown on your face after such a beautiful night. Was it that bad?”

  She couldn’t hide her smile. She punched him playfully on the shoulder. “You know it wasn’t.” He’d given her more orgasms in one night than she’d had with all the other guys she’d been with, combined. She’d lost count after that third round.

  “Then what’s on your mind?”

  “Just thinking about everything you said last night.”

  Bryson propped himself up on his elbow. “And?”

  Quinn’s words rang in her ears. Don’t let your fears stop you from being happy because I believe he could be the one for you. “And I’m in this for the duration, too.”

  “I love you, Raven.”

  She gasped.

  “I know you’re not there yet and we’ll still go as slow as you need, but whenever you get here, I’ll be waiting.”

  If she didn’t love him already, that would have pushed her over the edge. “I’m there, Bryse. I want to embrace all that you’re offering. I want you.” He looked at her with such tenderness and love it brought tears to her eyes.

  He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his heart. “You have me, baby.”

  Raven closed her eyes and smiled, feeling a sense of contentment she had never experienced. Her stomach growled. She heard the deep rumble of Bryson’s laughter against her ear.

  “Somebody needs to eat. I’ll fix us some breakfast.”

  “I don’t have anything to wear or a toothbrush.”

  “I washed your bra and panties while you were asleep and there’s a new travel kit in the bathroom.”

  She eyed him.

  “Yep, I planned for you to spend the night.” Bryson sat up. “Do you want to go first? Or we could shower together.”

  “You can go first,” she said quickly.

  Chuckling, he flipped the covers back and went into the bathroom.

  She watched him until he disappeared around the corner. A smile curved her lips. Mac was right. Raven should have jumped his sexy ass a long time ago.