The Sweetest Thing (17 page)

They kissed for an eternity before Quentin pulled himself from her. Harper gasped for air, completely lost in the heat that seared her skin. “We really need to talk,” she panted. “There’s something I need to . . .”

Quentin shook his head. “We can talk later,” he whispered, kissing her again and again until she was quivering with want in her high heels. “Come here,” Quentin muttered as he took her hands, his gaze moving from the hint of curl atop her head down to the pointed toe of her leather shoes. He guided her to the bed and sat down against the mattress. “You looked absolutely gorgeous,” he said as he gently pulled her into his lap.

Harper wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers twisting through the thick waves along the back of his head. Butterflies danced in the pit of her stomach. She clasped her fingers against the back of his neck and pulled him gently to her as she leaned in and kissed him hard.

His lips were plush pillows and he tasted like citrus and berries. When his tongue entered her mouth, softly twisting against hers, her lips locked tight to his. It was intense and heated and then his hand slid up the length of her leg caressing her gently. Quentin could feel the heat from her crotch against his leg, the moistness of her treasure box warming his leg. Harper gave him one last quick kiss then stood up. The look she gave him was teasing.

As he sat at the edge of the bed, Harper pushed his legs open, moving him to stretch them out easily. Turning an about-face she bent her knees as if to sit back down against his lap and then she bent over, straightening her legs as she leaned forward to give him a peek at her goodies. She was wearing no panties and his eyes widened, a slow smile pulling at his mouth. Harper stood up straight and turned back to face him. She straddled his leg and gently rubbed herself against him. His smile blossomed full and bright.

Standing back on her feet Harper stepped back just out of his reach. She ran her hands across the line of her slender waist, up to the curve of her breasts and back down to her stomach. She began to slowly unbutton each of the pearl buttons that enclosed her blouse and when it was undone she eased it off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. Beneath it she wore a lace camisole and in one sexy step pulled it up over her head. She twirled it slowly around her finger before flinging it easily in his direction. His eyes were still held hostage by hers.

Taking a step forward Harper rested her left hand against his upper thigh as she bent her head forward into his lap. As she lifted her right leg to kick off her shoe, he stopped her. “No, leave them on,” he said, his voice deep in his chest.

With a subtle nod of her head, Harper eased back between his legs, reaching for his hand. Lifting his fingers, she sucked one past her lips. Still standing above him she lifted her skirt and guided his dampened finger down between her legs. She leaned in and kissed his neck as she guided his hand and finger over her damp folds, moving him to linger over the button of pleasure that was swelling full beneath his touch.

Harper leaned against his ear, warm breath blowing across his face. “Take my skirt off,” she commanded, her stomach trembling with anticipation. She released the grip she had on his hand and he pulled his fingers to his own lips to taste her before he reached around her to unzip her skirt, pushing it down around her ankles. “Stand up,” Harper said as she stepped out of her garment and kicked it across the room. Standing naked in her high heels she drew her hand across her body.

Quentin moved to his feet. He was completely lost in the emotion that seeped past her lashes. Harper pulled at the belt around his waist and then the zipper. She pushed his pants and shorts past his hips. The extended length of his erection protruded eagerly from his body, Harper having charmed him to glorious proportions. As he kicked them from his feet, his shoes and socks dropping as well, Harper pushed his silk T-shirt up and over his head and pushed him back to sit on the bed.

Quentin reached for her breasts with both hands, slowly rolling her nipples between his fingers until both were hardened buds of rock candy. An easy moan escaped past her lips. She leaned to kiss his neck, her tongue following the line of his ear. Goose bumps prickled the length of his arm and he felt a chill roll down the length of his back.

Quentin slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her down onto his lap, straddling her legs around his waist. As she wrapped her arms around his neck he ran his fingertips over her elbow, down past her shoulder to the contour of her breast, his arms settling around her torso, his hands clutching her buttocks. He pulled her body hard against his as his mouth captured her lips and his tongue searched out hers. Falling back against the mattress they melted down onto the bed, their bodies intertwined as hands caressed hair and flesh, the touch moving their temperatures to rise. Both were panting heavily, sharing the air between them.

Still straddled above him Harper grabbed the back of his head and pressed his face to her breast. His teeth gently teased her erect nipple, biting at the lush tissue as he took it between his lips and sucked it in earnest. With her hands still twisted in his hair she guided him to where she wanted him to go. As his tongue circled, tasting her skin, she pulled him to her breasts, her body shifting as his mouth worked its way down her stomach, pausing to lap at her belly button. Harper eased her body farther up his torso until her thighs hovered above his head. She guided his mouth to her inner thighs and she gasped when he left a trail of kisses down one and up the other.

Quentin inhaled deeply and savored the scent of her sex teasing his nostrils. He grabbed both her ass cheeks and pulled her to him, his lips kissing her folds as she straddled his face. As his mouth latched onto her core Harper fell forward on her arms to balance herself. He stuck out his tongue, finally tasting her sweet juices as he probed her inner lining. Harper opened her legs wider and lifted her body upward as she began to hump her body against his mouth. Her head was tilted back and she caressed her own breasts, pinching her nipples. Her moans became louder as he licked and sucked her, massaging her swollen clit with his tongue. His hands still circled her bottom, clenching and kneading her curves and then he pressed his fingers between her cheeks, a digit pressing at her back entrance. The penetration was swift and deep and Harper’s eyes widened as she inhaled swiftly. She clenched her muscles hard and as she did her orgasm suddenly erupted with a vengeance. She rode one wave and then another, his lips still locked around her throbbing clit as his two fingers jutted in and out of her backside, her anus tightening around his fingers as her juices overflowed. Quentin slowly pulled his fingers from her ass and held her tight. He continued to suck the last drop of nectar from her and then he flipped her onto her back, his head still lost between her legs, her high heels waving in the air.

Harper grabbed his head and pulled him up her body by his hair. She kissed him, sticking her tongue into his mouth to taste herself, licking his lips and sucking on his tongue. It was passionate and raunchy and hardened every muscle in Quentin’s body as he kissed her back. He lifted himself up and grabbed her legs, opening her wide as he pressed himself against her. Harper wrapped her legs around his hips and back, locking her leather heels against his buttocks. She lifted her hips against him and then he plunged his body hard into hers. In perfect sync their hips moved together as his hardness was swallowed whole in the soft lining of her center. Harper’s eyes were closed, her mouth partially open as she moaned his name over and over again. The scent of their lovemaking filled the room as every one of his nerve endings throbbed. He could feel his orgasm building, his whole body on the verge of climax. He pumped harder and harder and she met him stroke for stroke, clinging to him as if her life depended on it.

Harper suddenly exploded a second time, her body quaking in ecstasy. She screamed and as she convulsed around his hardness, his own sensitivities sent him over the edge. Surge after surge of pleasure wracked his body as Quentin convulsed with her. As the tremors finally eased he rolled against the mattress beside her. Both were hot and sweaty, the smell of great sex heavy in the room.

Harper leaned to gently kiss his forehead. He brushed away a line of perspiration that trailed down her neck and kissed her cheek. Harper rolled her body against his and cradled her head against his chest, tossing one leg over his waist.

Outside it had begun to rain and the patter of water hitting the roof resounded through the home. As they lay side by side, sleep eased itself between them. Quentin’s easy snores filled her ears. Harper smiled, everything about the moment as perfect as anything could ever be. She snuggled closer against him, his arms tightening around her. He’d told her he loved her and although she hadn’t said the words back to him, she knew that in her heart all she felt for Quentin Elliott was love.

Dwayne was already showered and dressed when Rachel opened her eyes. He was standing in front of the full-length mirror adjusting his necktie when she rolled across the mattress looking for him. Finding the bed empty she sat upright and looked around the room. Dwayne turned to meet her nervous stare.

“Good morning,” he chimed, his tone cheerier than normal.

“Good morning. What time is it?”

Dwayne glanced down to his wristwatch. “It’s almost eight o’clock.”

“What time did you get home?” she questioned.

He shrugged. “Shortly after midnight. You were asleep so I didn’t bother you. I slept in the guest bed.”

Rachel’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh,” she said softly, just slightly confused by his calm demeanor. Dwayne was a hard read sometimes and she wasn’t quite sure which Dwayne she was now getting. He turned to stare at the woman. Rachel was naked. The white sheets were twisted around her legs and waist. Her bare breasts were exposed, the small nipples a deep pink color against her porcelain-white complexion. Her vibrant red hair hung in a wild mess down past her shoulders, the deep waves thick and lush. As she sat staring at him with that come-hither look a tinge of heat coursed through his loins. Any other time if he were watching her chew on her bottom lip like she was doing it would have had his dick hard and wanting. But he had another woman on his mind this morning.

“I have to run,” he said. “Let yourself out.” He moved to the side of the bed and leaned to plant a damp kiss against her cheek.

Rachel moved onto her knees, drawing her hands across the front of his suit jacket. She pulled herself against him, nuzzling her face into the crotch of his pants. Dwayne could feel her breath blowing hot through the fabric of his linen pants and the length of his manhood hardened. He closed his eyes for a brief second, took a deep breath, then pushed her from him. The gesture was gentle, his touch easy and nothing about it felt right to her.

“What’s wrong?” Rachel asked, her feelings hurt. “You always like when I . . .”

He cut her off midsentence. “I said I have to go. I don’t have time for your games right now.”

“What games, Dwayne? I was just trying to . . .”

He rolled his eyes. “Your whining, Rachel. It’s not very attractive.”

“Why do you always have to be ugly to me?”

“I was trying to be nice and then you started. I’m still trying to be nice and you want to push my buttons.” He moved toward the door.

“How did your dinner go with Harper?”

“She’s decided not to sell.”

Rachel’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry. I really tried to . . .” She hesitated, her gaze darting back and forth as she tried to make sense of it all. “What do you plan to do?” she finally asked.

“Nothing.”

“But how . . . you . . . I don’t . . .”

Dwayne shook his head, holding up his hand to stop her from speaking. “I’ve got to run. I’ll call you later.”

“What time do you plan to be back?” Rachel asked, stalling him yet again.

He paused in the doorway. “Go home, Rachel. When I want you, I’ll call you.”

She persisted. “But why do I . . . ?”

Dwayne took a deep breath and sighed. “I’ve got some business to take care of. I plan to be out of town for a few days. Go home or don’t go home but get the hell out of my house. And if I’m in the mood I will call you when I get back.” This time his annoyance was evident, his rude tone just shy of harsh before he turned and disappeared out the door.

Rachel threw her body back against the pillows and pulled the sheets back over her body. She wished she had the words to describe her relationship with Dwayne. Truth be told it baffled her as much as it baffled those who ever happened to observe the dysfunctional exchanges between them. She blew a deep sigh.

She’d known Dwayne forever, their two families socializing when they’d been kids. Her father and his had both been in the investment business, the two working for the same bank. Rachel’s mother had been one of the most prominent real estate brokers in Memphis. His mother had been a stay-at-home alcoholic.

Rachel had been nine, maybe ten years old the first time she and Dwayne had met. From day one he’d been mean-spirited and manipulating. His treatment of her had been abusive with periodic moments of kindness and generosity. And from day one she had tolerated and even condoned his bad behavior toward her. But no matter how many times Dwayne had knocked her down she had always let him lure her back to do it all again. It had gotten so bad that she’d gone looking for him, following him about like a lost puppy.

She’d been fourteen the first time he brought her to orgasm. It had been her parents’ holiday soirée, the event to be at that particular year. Dwayne had waved a sprig of mistletoe above her head and had pulled her into her mother’s walk-in closet to give her a kiss. Her first kiss and it had been magical. Then Dwayne had eased his hand beneath her red-velvet skirt, sneaking his fingers into her cotton panties and had fingered her between her legs. His touch had been heated, the sensations like nothing she’d known. When they’d heard her mother and his father on the other side of the closet door Dwayne had clamped his free hand over her mouth, cutting off her oxygen. He’d pushed her hard against her mother’s silk suits, while his other hand continued to do a two-step across her virginal clit. When she’d struggled he’d tightened his grip, the look he’d given her promising a wealth of hurt if she didn’t give in. And in that moment all she had wanted from him was more of the pleasure and the pain. The moment her teenage body had erupted in pleasure Dwayne had relaxed his grip, removing his hand so she could breathe, his mouth and his tongue dancing between her lips. On the other side of that closet door Dwayne’s father had been playing his own games with her mother.

It had been a night of many firsts for her: her first kiss, her first orgasm, her first heartbreak, because an hour later when she was wanting more of Dwayne he was in another closet with his hands dancing in Cindy James’s pants.

Dwayne had become her drug of choice after that. She craved him, her need for what he gave her almost insatiable. He knew better than anyone how to bring her to pleasure. And how to hurt her just enough for her to want more. But with his touch came the games and Dwayne would only play by his own rules.

Friendship with Quentin had come by default. Rachel had learned early on that the surest way to keep Dwayne’s attention was to give hers to someone else. Dating Quentin had kept Dwayne on his toes where she was concerned and their engagement had sent him right over the edge. No matter how much more of him she wanted, though, Dwayne was determined to dole out his affection for her in dribbles. He was becoming distant again and she could feel it. But this time she was determined not to be an afterthought he only considered when it was convenient for him.

“He kissed you?” Quentin’s voice was raised ten octaves.

“Don’t shout at me,” Harper said, her tone indifferent. “And I didn’t kiss him back so I don’t know what you’re pitching a fit about.”

“How could you not know that anything involving you and Dwayne would be an issue for me?”

“Because just like you say I should have known that you wanted me to not sell the business, you should know that I am not romantically interested in Dwayne Porter.”

“That’s different.”

“No, it’s not,” Harper said as a smile pulled at her lips. She shook her head. “So, now you know.”

“I don’t want you to see him again.”

Harper laughed.

Quentin shook his index finger at her. “I’m serious. Dwayne is a snake and he can’t be trusted.”

“That may be true but I’m not a snake and you should trust me.”

Shaking his head Quentin moved from the counter to the ovens and pulled a tray of fresh-baked croissants from inside. The aroma of hot pastry filled the room, moving Harper to lick her lips.

“How could I ever sell and give this up?” she said. “But we still have to figure out what’s next for us, Quentin. You and I have a lot of decisions that we need to make.”

“Yes, you do,” Troy commented, moving into the room. “Good morning, family!”

Harper gave him an easy wave of her hand. “Good morning!”

Quentin nodded as he maneuvered the baked goods to the cooling racks. “What’s up?” he questioned.

Troy dropped his briefcase to the floor. “I thought you should both know that I have filed the necessary paperwork to throw my hat into the mayoral race next year. I know that I will have your full support and Harper you need to do whatever it is you need to do to vote in the state of Tennessee.”

Harper clapped her hands excitedly. “Mayor Elliott! I would love to work on your campaign. Maybe organize a few fundraisers, that kind of thing.”

“You’re hired,” Troy noted. He turned to look at Quentin. “What do you think?”

“I was thinking that Pop would be very proud of you, big brother.” He nodded his head.

Troy grinned and changed the subject. “So, I take it you two done kissed and made up?”

“Done kissed me and everyone else,” Quentin said, tossing her a look.

Harper laughed.

Troy looked from one to the other. “Well, I didn’t get kissed so I don’t know about her kissing everyone else.”

“Trust me,” Quentin added. “She did.”

Harper rolled her eyes. She looked to the clock on the wall. “You’re going to be late, Quentin,” she said.

His eyes followed hers and he nodded. “Oh, hell!” “Where are you off to this morning?” Troy questioned.

Quentin rinsed his hands in the kitchen’s sink, swiping them against a paper towel. He turned and pulled off his apron, hanging it on a hook in the hallway. “I’m teaching a course on the art of petit fours over at the university this morning. I’m the guest instructor.”

“That’s pretty slick! What made you want to do some teaching?” Troy questioned.

Quentin gestured with his head, pointing at Harper who answered for him.

“We have a customer who works in the registrar’s office there and she was telling me that they bring in guest instructors to maximize the curriculum. I thought it would be perfect for your brother to stay on top of his skills and give the bakery some free exposure. I introduced the two of them and the rest is history.”

“It will be if I don’t get a move on it,” Quentin said.

“Anything we need to be concerned about?” Troy asked.

“No, it’s all under control. Duncan and Amberlyn will take care of the kitchen and I’ll be back later this afternoon,” Quentin responded as he headed for the door. He stopped to kiss Harper’s cheek. His eyes were wide, his gaze teasing. “I would kiss you but I know where your lips have been,” he said.

Harper laughed. “If I recall correctly, my lips were last on you, in case you need to be reminded.”

Quentin laughed with her and kissed her one last time. “Make sure you keep it that way,” he said as he disappeared out the door.

“I miss something?” Troy questioned.

Harper shook her head. “Just that I told Dwayne I’m not interested in selling the business right now. And if I do decide to sell it would be because you and Quentin don’t want it.”

Troy nodded. “Does that mean you’re staying in Memphis?”

She shrugged. “It means your brother and I still have a lot we need to talk about,” she answered.

The jingle of the door opening and closing sounded from the storefront and loud voices rang cheerily in the air.

“That’s my signal,” Harper said. “Let me go be busy.”

“I’ve got some things to do too before I head to the office,” Troy said. He called after her as she headed out of the room.

“Yes?”

“I’m happy for you, Harper. For you and my brother.”

Harper smiled. “Thank you!”

As she moved into the front of the bakery she was surprised to find Dwayne standing there in conversation with Linda and Kitty. Both women were grinning from ear to ear and Dwayne was flirting shamelessly.

“Just the woman I want to see,” Dwayne said. “Good morning, beautiful!” He leaned to kiss her cheek.

Harper cut an eye at him, the moment feeling awkward. “Dwayne, hey! What are you doing here?”

“I know you weren’t expecting me, but I was hoping to steal you away for a few hours. I had planned a surprise for you earlier in the week hoping we’d have something to celebrate. And even though you’ve decided not to sell me the bakery I thought my surprise was too good to cancel. So, if you’ll indulge me, I thought it would be fun for you to celebrate your staying in Memphis.”

She lifted her eyebrows. “I appreciate the offer, Dwayne, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Please, I assure you I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”

Harper chuckled ever so softly. “I really wasn’t concerned. It’s like I told you last night, I’m very committed to Quentin. I would like you and me to be friends but I won’t do anything to disrespect him or our relationship.”