Hot Christmas Nights (19 page)

Chapter 9

“M
erry Christmas, everyone!” Pepper said, standing at the head of the table with Michael by her side.

“We want to thank each and every one of you for spending the holidays with us and for sharing our joy on our impending nuptials.” Michael raised his champagne flute. “Cheers.”

Crystal flutes were filled with chilled Veuve Clicquot and the group of eight held their glasses high and toasted. They were seated on opposite sides of an oblong table, which was filled with a Christmas feast, featuring a rib roast with winter vegetables, a golden roasted turkey and chestnut stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and a whole roasted salmon over a bed of sautéed spinach.

During dinner, Brooklyn stole glances at Landis. She was still marveling at his surprise Christmas gift. His thoughtfulness was amazing. Landis had logged in to his memory bank that Brooklyn wanted a smartphone and had taken the initiative and bought her one, as if he were her man.

“This food is delicious,” Landis leaned over and said to Brooklyn.

“I can’t wait for dessert,” she replied.

“What’s on the menu?”

Brooklyn whispered into his ear, “You.”

“Mmm, sounds delicious. I can hardly wait, either.”

Brooklyn and Landis were in their own world, having a naughty exchange as if they were the only ones at the table.

“You were amazing upstairs,” she whispered.

“And you were wonderful on the train.”

Brooklyn reached underneath the table and rested her hand on top of his mound of manhood. She gently began massaging his crotch.

“You better stop or I won’t be able to stand up without being embarrassed.”

Brooklyn giggled. “I guess you have a point. It would be out of place at Christmas dinner to say the least.” She removed her hand and continued eating.

After dinner, the chef presented dessert, which was a perfectly sculpted yule log cake adorned with green leaves of icing.

“Let’s go into the den for after-dinner drinks,” Michael announced once everyone had finished.

The den was large, yet cozy, with polished wood paneling, ivory tufted-leather furniture and hardwood flooring covered with a huge bearskin rug. A hewed stone fireplace framed a roaring fire. Michael stood at the bar and poured hefty portions of port and cognac. Once everyone had their drink of choice, the men lit cigars and were talking in a group. Some of the women were smoking petite cigars and sipping port. Pepper excused herself from the women and went over to Brooklyn, who had just returned from the restroom.

“Look at you. You’re glowing.”

Brooklyn wiped her forehead. “I’m just hot. The fire is blazing.”

“Oh…I don’t think it’s the fire. I think it’s Landis that has you burning up.”

Brooklyn peered over Pepper’s shoulder at the group of women to make sure they were out of earshot. She was a private person and didn’t want to expose her private business to people she hadn’t seen in years. Since everyone in the room was enjoying their own conversations, Brooklyn felt comfortable sharing an intimate conversation with her friend.

“You’re right. Landis has ignited a need in me that I haven’t felt in a long time. We can’t keep our hands off of each other,” she whispered.

“Do I need to call the minister and tell him we’re going to have a double wedding?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. Do you think he’s into me now that I’m a world-renowned singer?” Brooklyn asked with a sudden twinge of doubt.

“Of course not. Landis isn’t shallow or starstruck. I’ve grown to know him better over the years and have seen him work diligently to build his agency. And now that he’s a successful businessman, I’m sure he’s looking to settle down and get married.”

Brooklyn digested Pepper’s words and hoped that her friend was right. She had experienced a man trying to use her to advance his career, and she didn’t want to go through that unpleasant experience ever again. “I guess I’m just a little paranoid.”

“I can understand your position. If I thought Landis was trying to use you, I’d be the first one to speak up.” Pepper put her arm around Brooklyn. “You’re my girl after all, and I’ve got your back.”

“Thanks. I appreciate your friendship.”

“I value yours, too. And I’m truly grateful that you’re singing at the wedding. Oh, and don’t forget, your rehearsal at the church is tomorrow.”

“Okay, great.”

“Hey, what are you two gabbing about over here?” Landis asked, approaching them.

“You,” Pepper spouted.

Landis pointed his finger at his chest.
“Moi?”

“Yep. I’m putting you on notice right here and now. If you hurt my girl, you’ll have me to answer to,” Pepper said, placing her hand on her hip.

Brooklyn stood there and shifted her eyes from Pepper to Landis; she couldn’t believe that Pepper was totally speaking her mind. She felt a little embarrassed, but also relieved that Pepper had said what she herself had been thinking.

“I have no intention of hurting Brooklyn,” he said, hugging Brooklyn close to his side and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Good.” With that said, Pepper crossed the room to where the other women were standing and joined in their conversation.

“Wow, what did I just walk into?” Landis asked.

“Pepper is being overprotective. We were talking and I mentioned how this one guy I dated only wanted to use me to advance his career. I thought he had genuine feelings for me, but I was mistaken.”

“Oh…I’m sorry you had to go through that experience. Trust me. My feelings for you are real.”

Brooklyn exhaled slightly, letting out a sigh of relief. Hearing Pepper voice her opinion was one thing, but listening to the words come out of Landis’s mouth was the reassurance she needed to quiet the doubt lingering in the back of her mind.

Chapter 10

L
andis was downstairs in the expansive gourmet kitchen preparing breakfast for his newfound love. He had risen with the sun, bathed, quietly dressed and crept out of the room while Brooklyn was still fast asleep. He wanted to shower Brooklyn with not only great sex, but genuine kindness.

He busied himself at the stove making scrambled eggs and bacon for two. Landis wasn’t much of a cook and had a limited repertoire of dishes that he could prepare without burning, and scrambled eggs and bacon was one of them. There were bagels in the bread basket. He toasted two of them and smeared them with butter and cream cheese. Landis even sliced and sectioned a large pink grapefruit.

He searched the cupboards and found a wooden bed-tray table. He arranged the food on a large china platter and placed it on the tray with two glasses of orange juice, two mugs of steaming hot coffee and a small container of cream.

He made his way up the back staircase and down the hallway, carefully holding the tray with both hands. When he reached their room, Landis eased open the door and slipped inside.

Brooklyn was curled up underneath the covers. Landis stood at the side of the bed and watched her sleep for a few moments. She looked angelic and peaceful.

You’re one lucky man,
he thought.

She began to stir.

“Good morning,” he said, putting the tray next to her.

“Good morning. What’s all this?” she asked, sitting up against the headboard.

“Breakfast in bed for my beauty,” he said, sitting down.

“Oh, how sweet. I didn’t know you were a chef.”

“Far from it, but I can manage breakfast.” He picked up a forkful of eggs and fed them to her. “Here, take a bite before they get cold.”

“Hmm, these are good. What did you put in them?”

“White cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper, but the key is a little half-and-half.”

“Oh, listen to you sounding like a chef on the Food Network. I’m impressed.”

“Thank you, my beauty. Do you want me to make you a breakfast sandwich?”

“A breakfast sandwich?”

Landis put his eggs and bacon between the bagel slices. “See.” He took a bite. “It’s really good.”

“Looks delicious, but I’m watching my carbs.”

“You’re perfect just the way you are. You don’t need to lose a single pound, but I understand your need to stay fit, especially in your line of work. Here, try this grapefruit. It’s naturally sweet.” Landis took a section and held it to her lips.

Brooklyn took a bite. “Mmm…succulent.” She took another piece, and this time, instead of biting the grapefruit, she slid the piece of fruit between her lips, moving it in and out of her mouth until the skin broke and a stream of juice began flowing down her chin. She then popped the section in her mouth.

Landis watched as she played with the fruit as if it were a sex toy. Looking at the juice drip from her mouth was turning him on. “I like the way you eat grapefruit.”

“Oh, you do, do you?” She took another section, rubbed it across her lips and then reached over to Landis and put the fruit in his mouth.

“Juicy, isn’t it?” she asked.

He nodded his head. “Almost as juicy as you are.”

Brooklyn put her hand underneath the comforter. “Yes, I’m juicy all right. Wanna see?”

Landis removed the tray, put it on the nightstand and pulled the covers back. “I sure do.” He rubbed her sweet spot. “How did you get so wet so fast?”

“I was dreaming about making love to you before I woke up.”

“Oh, really? Were you on top?”

“Yes. I was riding you like you were a prized pony.”

“I’m a thoroughbred, baby.”

“That’s even better. I love a big, strong stallion.”

Landis rose, went over to his duffel bag, took out a condom, returned to Brooklyn, disrobed and said, “See how excited you’ve got me.” He tore open the foil wrapper, took out the rubber and slid it onto his firm penis. He then lay back on the bed. “Let me see your jockeying skills.”

Brooklyn didn’t waste any time stripping off her nightgown and mounting Landis. She took his stiff shaft, slid it inside her wanting canal and started pumping back and forth.

Landis held her knees and spread them open a bit more. He rotated his hips, all the while pushing himself farther inside her.

Brooklyn grabbed hold of the headboard and rode him harder and harder. “Damn, that feels so good!”

Landis reached around, took two handfuls of her ripe ass and flipped her over, reversing their position. He wedged himself in between her legs and went to work, pumping and grinding, until beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He could feel himself on the verge of coming, but held back. “I want you to come first.”

Brooklyn had her legs wrapped around his back and was matching him move for move. “O-okay…” she panted.

“Tell me when you’re coming.”

Landis ramped up the pace, working feverishly.

“I’m…I’m…coming,” she said, in between breaths.

Landis watched her mouth twist and her head whip back and forth as she reached the pinnacle. Now that she was satisfied, he allowed himself to let go and came hard into the condom.

“That was awesome!” Brooklyn said, resting back on the pillow.

Landis rolled over. “Yes, it was. Every time we make love, it gets better and better.”

“There’s no denying that we’re sexually compatible.”

Landis kissed her on the lips. “Yes, we are. You’re addicting.” He began rubbing her nipples.

“Don’t tell me you’re ready for round two?”

“I sure am. Just give me a few minutes.” He took off the used condom, wrapped it in a tissue.

“We’re going to have to wait until later. I have to go to rehearsal.”

Landis looked at her oddly. “Rehearsal for what?”

“I’m singing at Pepper and Michael’s wedding.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that. I thought you were one of the bridesmaids.”

“Actually, I’m the maid of honor and I’m also singing a solo. I’m meeting with the church pianist today.”

“So, this is a working vacation for you?”

“No, I wouldn’t say that. I’m not working, per se, just singing for a friend. Let me hop in the shower. I don’t want to be late.”

“Okay.”

While Brooklyn was in the bathroom, Landis leaned back on the headboard and pondered whether or not to broach the subject of his agency vying for her as a client.
Since she’s going to a rehearsal and in a semiwork mode, she might be receptive to talking about the prospective deal.

As he was thinking, Brooklyn came out of the bathroom wearing a pair of cream-colored leggings, a cream cashmere sweater and a pair of thigh-high ivory boots. “Wow, you look like a vision in winter white.”

“Thanks. What are you doing today?”

“I don’t know yet. I have to check with Michael and find out what he has planned for the groomsmen.”

Brooklyn gave Landis a peck on the lips and picked up her new phone, which was right next to Landis’s on the nightstand. “Okay, I’ll see you later.”

She rushed out before he had a chance to say anything. He then remembered that her manager hadn’t told Brooklyn about the deal yet, so even if Landis had brought up the subject, she wouldn’t know what he was talking about.

Landis began to feel as if he was being deceitful by not disclosing the fact that he was in talks with her manager.

“She needs to know the truth, so there won’t be any mix-ups,” he muttered.

Landis reached for his cell phone. He dialed her manger’s number, but got his voice mail. Landis hung up and decided to send a text message instead.

Malcolm, we need to talk about the deal with Brooklyn. There’s been a new development. Call me ASAP. It’s extremely important!

He waited a few minutes, but received no return text. Landis began to feel uneasy. He couldn’t have possibly known a few days ago that the client he was trying hard to land would land in his bed. Brooklyn had been burned before by an ex-boyfriend, and Landis wanted to be clear that he had no intentions of using their newfound relationship to advance his career.

Chapter 11

B
rooklyn’s rehearsal went well. The church pianist had years of experience under his belt and was extremely professional. He didn’t make an issue of Brooklyn being an international star. He treated her like just another choir member, which she appreciated. Although she was an award-winning singer, Brooklyn didn’t like being fussed over. She was singing “Ave Maria” in Italian for the ceremony and wanted to ensure that she and her accompanist were completely in sync. After only an hour of rehearsing, they had the song perfected. She thanked him and left.

Brooklyn was meeting Pepper at the bridal shop for a fitting. The rest of the bridesmaids already had their dresses. Due to Brooklyn’s rigorous touring schedule, she couldn’t make the previous fittings. Instead, she had texted Pepper her measurements so that the seamstress could start on her maid-of-honor dress.

The bridal shop, Wedding Bliss, was located on Main Street in Bridgehampton. Brooklyn’s bodyguard chauffeured her through the quaint town, which was decorated with a huge menorah as well as a Christmas tree. The lampposts were wrapped with garland, and old- fashioned colored Christmas bulbs were strung high over the main thoroughfare.

The limo pulled in front of the shop, and Brooklyn stepped out, wearing a pair of dark Prada shades and her ankle-length brown sable coat over her winter-white outfit.

“Hey, how did rehearsal go?” Pepper asked once Brooklyn walked into the shop’s private room.

Brooklyn took off her coat and sunglasses. “Great. Mr. Vance is awesome! He knew exactly what key to play for my pitch.”

“Isn’t he a lovely older gentleman? He’s been with the church ever since I was a little girl. I knew you would like him.”

“Excuse me, Ms. Daniels, would you and your guest like a glass of champagne?” the saleswoman asked, peeking her head in the door.

“That sounds great. And can you also bring in her dress?” Pepper asked.

“Sure thing.”

“So are you getting nervous?” Brooklyn asked.

“Not at all. I knew I was going to marry Michael the first time I saw him during freshman registration. Even though he was a little dorky back then, with his wire-frame glasses and starched khakis, I knew he was the man for me. Sort of like you and Landis.”

“Not really. I admired Landis, but no way did I ever think he would give me the time of day, let alone propose marriage.”

“Look at the two of you now. You guys are inseparable, and you make the perfect couple.”

Brooklyn’s face lit up. “You think so?”

“No doubt! You’re gorgeous and he’s so handsome. Not only are you guys beautiful on the outside, but you both have kind hearts.”

As they were talking, two saleswomen came into the room. One was carrying the dress and the other woman had a bucket filled with ice and a bottle of Moët & Chandon. She poured two glasses of bubbly and the other woman hung the dress on the fitting-room door.

“Here’s to you and Michael—may you guys have a long, healthy, happy marriage,” Brooklyn said, raising her glass once the saleswomen left the room.

“And here’s to you and Landis. May you two grow closer with each passing day.”

The BFFs toasted and sipped.

“Go try on the dress. I’m excited to see how it looks on you,” Pepper said.

“Yes, ma’am.” Brooklyn rose, took the dress off the door and went into the fitting room. A few minutes later, she emerged wearing a one-shoulder lavender silk shantung dress that stopped just above the knee.

“Wow! It fits perfectly!” Pepper squealed. “I’m so relieved, especially since there’s little time for alternations. Do you like it?”

Brooklyn turned in the floor-length mirror to look at herself. “Yes, it’s elegant, no crazy ruffles or huge flowers. I’ll definitely wear this dress again.”

“I’m glad you like it. Even though I had emailed you a picture of the dress, there’s nothing like seeing it in person.”

Brooklyn’s phone rang as they were talking. She crossed the room, dug the device out of her tote bag and looked at the caller ID. It was Malcolm, her manager, calling. Brooklyn hit the ignore button. She was enjoying the moment with her best friend and didn’t want to interrupt their time together discussing business. Whatever he had to say could wait.

“Nice phone,” Pepper commented.

Brooklyn blushed and rubbed the front of the phone. “Thank you.”

“Is it new?”

“Yep! It’s my Christmas present from Landis.”

“Christmas present?” Pepper asked, wrinkling her nose.

“That day at Rockefeller Center, I admired his phone and mentioned that I needed a new smartphone. The next thing I know, the phone was wrapped up in a box and sitting on the bed Christmas evening.”

“That’s so sweet!”

“Isn’t it? He’s a keeper for sure.”

Brooklyn was beaming as if she were the bride-to-be. She couldn’t have been happier. She had finally met her match. Landis didn’t have any hidden agenda. He had let his intentions be known the first night they met. Brooklyn remembered Pepper’s words about Landis wanting to settle down and hoped that her friend was right.

“Maybe Landis and I will be next at the altar.”

Pepper picked up her flute and touched it to Brooklyn’s. “I’ll toast to that.”