Love UnCharted (Love's Improbable Possibility) (14 page)

When I wasn’t able to make her dancing event, her moodiness didn’t let up. Shit, I knew it wasn’t that time of the month for her, I know her cycle well enough to know that she wasn’t menstruating. She finally let up last night when I called to check in and she answered. Our conversation was short, but I’d at least heard from her on first my attempt. This shit is driving me crazy.

I checked the time. One thirty-nine a.m. I looked at the time stamp on the message. She left this an hour ago. I signaled my partner before stepping out of the hotel’s conference room. 

Answer the phone, Brimm...answer.

She deeply inhaled, “Hello?” She was sleeping.

“It’s early.”

“Is it? I fell asleep looking over quarterly reports. What time is it?” I assumed she was turning to look at the clock. “Wow...it
is
early. I must be tired...or bored.”

Damn. Suddenly, I feel that it’s my fault.

“How was your day?”

“I’ve been up since five this morning, training with Ty. Then work. Church. Nothing much to speak of.”

“So we’re shortening his name now?” I scolded her about my personal trainer, Tyler, that I’d contracted for her a few weeks ago, per her request—or expressed interest, Rayna never asked for anything from me.

Rayna said there were parts of her magnificent body that needed perfecting—something I didn’t agree with. Her body was sculpted perfectly, made just for me. However, it was my responsibility to give her the world and if that meant a couple of hours with my efficient trainer, it was nothing to expend. Tyler took her on. She was content. End of story.

“Oh, Mr. Jacobs, please. He is not interested in me. He has enough eligible women swooning over him. Besides, I’ve got it bad for a man who works around the clock…and the world. When I’m training, I’m building my stamina for you,” she advised convincingly.

Damn!

I dipped my head backwards before pressing my forehead against a nearby wall. With eyes clenched, I vowed, “I got your video message. I’ll be home soon.”

“I know...I know you’re busy, Azmir,” she murmured on an exhale. “I’m not trying to change who you are. I don’t expect you to end your career now that we’re...now that I’m living here.”

She didn’t know how to label our relationship. Neither did I. I knew what I wanted it to be, but didn’t want to scare her away. I knew I had to handle Rayna with delicate hands.

“What are you wearing?” I whispered, though I could give a fuck if I could be heard by passing patrons.
 

She giggled softly. “You know what I’m wearing. I thought you got my message. I’m wearing you...and your favorite panties.”

“Cheekies?” I quizzed.

“In black...lace.”

Fuck.

I swallowed hard and in despair, murmured on an exasperated breath, “I’ll be home sooner than scheduled.”  I was panicking inwardly. I had to fix this shit. I felt her slipping away. “Let’s go away in a week or so. Just me and you.” This was something I’d been thinking about since our return from New York. Now felt like the appropriate time to broach the subject.

“I’d like that,” she sighed. “Just get here. I want to be where ever you are. Home just isn’t the same.”

I take her words in. They torture me as much as pleasure me. I wasn’t used to that type of connection with a woman—
hell…
a person. I had to make this right.

“I’m gonna do better, Brimm. I’m working on it. Be patient with me,” I pleaded through clenched teeth, suddenly feeling angry with myself. Attempting a relationship for anyone is difficult, but trying to walk a fine line considering my increasingly growing feelings for Rayna made the task that much more daunting.

There’s a pause. A long pause. I wasn’t surprised by it; verbally expressing herself wasn't Rayna’s strong suit. 

“I better go. Hopefully, they’re wrapping the meeting up as we speak.”

Abruptly, she called out, “Azmir?”

“Yeah,” I quickly responded, previously resolved to ending the conversation.

“I love you.”

What the hell did she just say?

Another pause, but this one was brief.

She exhaled deeply before saying, “I went to a counseling session with Pastor Edmondson tonight…interesting session.” She let a small wry chuckle escape. “Remember your question to me in Vegas a few days ago, about being in love?” I thought a minute, immediately recalling our exchange about how does one know they’re in love. She didn’t wait for me to answer before she continued, “I know I told you I was in love with you in The Bahamas. And that was true. But now I know that I
love
you...not just the way you make me feel, but who you are—your generous heart, your gentleness, your patience, your tenacity, your independence, your mind, even your solitude,” she informed, as her voice began to sound strained.

This was all hard for her to share—that I did know. But I’d be damned if my body wasn’t reacting to the context of her message. She went on. “I love that you want to be with me...in my brokenness. I love you outside of what you do, and are able to do for me materialistically. I love you for more than what you can make my body do.” She snorted at that and my dick twitched in response. “I’m in love with you and...
man, I love you
.” She exhaled long and deep.

I was speechless.

Suddenly, she ended with, “I need you to know this. There’s a difference between the two. I’ll love you even if this doesn’t work out...because who you are is who you are and...I love who you are. The true essence of Azmir Divine Jacobs.”

Another pregnant pause.

I was shocked beyond words. Perhaps this counseling shit was working after all. I couldn’t believe what my mind was attempting to process. I almost thought I was dreaming…or deep in another Rayna Brimm fantasy.
Did she just say that she loved me and was in love with me?
Rayna was the most frustrating and complex woman I’ve ever encountered. I’d had the most challenging days trying crack the treasure code, desperately trying to decipher her encryption. And in a matter of words—mere seconds, she exposed her treasure. Her heart. Suddenly, all things concerning our future was made clear. There was no need for further delay. I knew she was mine from our first date, but starting today, I will initiate plans to make her mine officially. Heart, body, mind, and fucking soul. She was mine.

“Goodnight,” she sounded winded.

A wide smile eclipsed my face. “That just exhausted you?”

“In your infamous word:
Indeed
,” I snickered silently, split face, full on smile. “But it sure is liberating.”

Rayna was forthcoming, but I could swear there was something more behind her decrees. I wouldn’t ruin the moment to ask what it was. I just wanted to revel in her candor.

“Aye...” I called sternly, trying to command her attention. “I’ll be home—soon,” I declared.

“Okay,” she murmured softly, with emotion behind her word.
 

After my conversation with Rayna, I immediately called my assistant, Brett.

“Yes, Mr. Jacobs, sir,” he answered somnolently.

“Brett, I know it’s late, but I need a flight out of here as soon as possible tomorrow. I don’t care the expense. Hell—if you must charter a plane, do it. I need to be home in eighteen hours. Understood?”

“Yes, sir. Uploading flight schedules now. I will forward you the arrangements as soon as they're made,” Brett, who is as efficient as they come, assures.

“Another thing, I need an appointment with a jeweler when my schedule permits next week, but before Friday. See if Schwartz...Lorraine is available.”
 

“Anything in particular, sir...so that I can explain the time you’ll need,” Brett inquired.

I smiled to myself, suddenly caught in a moment of clarity. “Engagement ring. I’m in the market for an engagement ring.” I couldn’t believe those words left my mouth. I felt proud.

“
Shit!
—excuse my French. I mean...congratulations, sir!” Brett bade, unsuccessfully masking his surprise.

“Thanks, Brett.” Taking a break from my authoritative role to absorb what this all meant, I smiled to myself. He had every right to be caught off guard. “Lastly, I need a vacation scheduled within the next two weeks. Somewhere where there’s lots of a water and privacy...an island. Sharon from Smith, Katz & Adams Sports Medicine Center can send you dates of availability for Ms. Brimm that should be matched against mine. Feel free to initiate the communication for her schedule.”

“Yes, sir. How long are you thinking...the duration of this vacation?” he asked.

“Minimally three days, but as long as our schedules can handle. That’ll be all, Brett. But eighteen hours—tops. I need to get home,” I urged.

“Of course, sir!” he asserted, sounding far more spirited than he did when he answered. That ended our call.

As I returned to the room, Robert exclaimed, “Perfect timing, Jacobs. We have come to an agreement that I think you’ll be amenable to.”

As Robert ran down the details, I saw one of our Canadian associates squirming in his seat, extremely uncomfortable. I read their expressions and processed Robert’s information, synchronically. 

“Smile, Gagnon,” I pestered. He’s the one that pissed me the fuck off the most out of the two partners. I was eager to gloat at his dismay. “You’re $4 million richer…and happier, aye!” He rolled his eyes and sucked his teeth, all to my delight.
Goddamn prick.

After the video conference was done, I turned to Robert. “Rob, I need to get home. The old lady is at her wits’ end and I need to go placate back into her good graces.”

“Shit, Jacobs! Am I that much of an ass that I haven’t had the balls to say the same? We’ve been going so hard at full speed ahead that I may not have a home to go back to,” he chuckled and I joined him. “All right. Let’s take the next few days to rest and re-strategize Alco, Inc.” He paused, suddenly hit with a revelatory thought. “Shit, if we fuck them good, we’ll have the rest of those bitches licking our asses. But we must be smart! Simeon & Dundst are sweeping up the solar wind industry. Those pussies won’t know what hit them. Trust me,  Jacobs!” he vowed.

Robert’s analogies always made me uncomfortable. I mean, really...what man references fucking other men or having them lick his ass?

“Work on those damn analogies and we can get our hustle on,” I gently scolded as I grabbed him by the shoulders while we’re making our way to exit the room. He laughed heartily. I’ve been advising this since I’ve known him.

“What time do you plan on leaving tomorrow? Don’t forget about our morning conference call. Gintz, Co. is antsy,” he reminded.

“Oh, that’s a done deal. I’ll meet you back down here at nine to seal the deal,” I confirmed. I stopped in my tracks and looked at my partner, square in the eyes. “You’ve done me very proud, Rob. Your mentoring and incredible partnership has changed my direction, man.” 

Rob’s eyes lit up in amazement. “Azmir, you’ve given me a second chance. Seeing you achieve the American dream has inspired me anew. You’re not the only one with a heart of gratitude, my brother! We’re ebony and ivory!” he beamed infectiously, with the broadest smile canvassed across his face, referring to his Scottish heritage versus my African American lineage.

As we walk out the conference room door, he patted my shoulder endearingly. It was a good moment.

The next morning, I was awakened by the blaring sounds of my cell. I reached over to the night stand to check the number. It was Brett. He was very much awake and refreshed compared to the last time we spoke.

“Peace...peace,” I greeted.

“Mr. Jacobs. Your flight leaves today
 at two fifteen. I had to charter an aircraft, as all other commercial ones were booked or had layovers. Your itinerary has been e-mailed to you. I should be in touch with you soon about the other things you requested. Good morning, sir,” Brett greeted, ending our call.

“Thanks, Brett. Please have a bouquet of pink tulips delivered to Ms. Brimm this morning, if possible.” He paused a moment, presumably to check her schedule.

“Mr. Jacobs, according to Ms. Brimm’s weekly schedule, she’s at her practice’s conference in San Diego today.”

She didn’t mention that last night.
But, then again, she spoke about far more important things during our conversation.

Hmmmmmmmm
... “Well then, that changes a lot, doesn’t it?” I spoke introspectively. “I need a flight from here to San Diego and a suite at the hotel she’s staying at.”

“Already looking into flights,” Brett informed, as I heard him typing away with great speed. “Looks like that’ll be a lot easier than LAX. I’ll contact you with updated flight information shortly. Bouquet delivered there, sir?" Brett asked.
 

“Nah.” I figured I’d surprise her.

“Good morning, sir,” Brett bade, ending our call. It was seven nineteen a.m. Time for me to get up and hit the gym with Tyler. I had to be back downstairs in the conference room by nine a.m.

~~~~~~~~~~

That night, at ten sixteen p.m. Pacific Standard Time, I sent Rayna a text, asking her what she was up to.