Season for Love Page 11

  The elevator arrived. He stepped on and pressed the button marked PHA. It didn’t take long for the elevator to arrive at her floor. Dash’s heart was pumping hard against his chest as he neared her penthouse. When he reached the door, it was ajar.

  “Hello?” He spoke loudly and peeked his head in the door.

  Dash didn’t see Lark. He stepped in, closed the door and glanced around. Her living room was expertly decorated with two armless white leather sofas facing each other, a chocolate-brown suede shag rug between them. A huge abstract oil painting hung above the fireplace, and a crystal vase, filled with red ginger lilies, sat atop a mahogany baby grand piano.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting. Please have a seat,” Lark said, coming into the room, still wearing her work clothes.

  Dash was too nervous to sit. He needed to speak his piece while he had the chance. “Lark, I think you saw my ex-girlfriend Heather in my office earlier today.”

  “I surely did.” Lark was now seated on one of the sofas with her arms folded tightly across her chest.

  “And I’m sure you saw her kiss me. I want you to know I did not return her kiss. Heather came to congratulate me on my new position, and she wanted to talk about getting back together.”

  Dash studied Lark’s face, waiting for a reaction, but she just stared straight ahead with a stern look on her face. “I told her that wasn’t going to happen because I’m in a relationship now.”

  “You said that?”

  “Yes, I did. I also told her I’m a lucky man to be with you. What we have is special, too special to be ruined by a misunderstanding.”

  Lark’s lips parted into a slight smile. He could see he was breaking through her resolve, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Dash crossed the room, sat next to Lark, took her in his arms and kissed her softly. Initially, she felt tense in his embrace, until he turned up the heat, intensifying the kiss by sucking her bottom lip. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and swirled it around hers, and he didn’t stop until she repeated the motions and their tongues were doing a sensuous duet.

  “Wait a minute,” Lark said, coming up for air. “Dash, maybe we should take a break. I’ve been lied to before, and I can’t take any more deceit.”

  “Lark, I promise you my relationship with Heather is long over. You’re the only woman I want.”

  “Dash, let’s be honest. What we shared in Florence was wonderful, but it’s over. Maybe you just wanted a fling with an older woman and I wanted one with a younger man. Now we’re back in New York, let’s concentrate on business. With the spring/summer shows quickly approaching, we can’t afford to be distracted.”

  He reached into his messenger bag, took out a piece of paper and handed it to Lark. “First of all, I’m not distracted. This is a copy of the fax that Marco sent to customs this evening.”

  “I thought he wasn’t going to be able to send it until tomorrow.”

  “After you spoke with Marco, I called again and had him expedite the paperwork so we can get the fabric as soon as possible.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate your diligence.”

  “There’s no need to thank me. Like I told you before, I want nothing more than for the new collection to be a success.” Dash took Lark’s hands in his. “And secondly, what we shared in Italy was definitely not a fling. I don’t care about our age difference. I’m falling hard, Lark, and I want to be in a committed relationship with you.”

  “I don’t know, Dash. Maybe we should slow things down.”

  “Why waste time? You can’t deny the chemistry between us and I’m not just talking sexually. We work really well together, don’t we?”

  “Yes, we do.”

  Dash studied her face and could see a twinge of doubt in her eyes. “I can tell you’re still unsure. Don’t listen to your head. Listen to your heart.”

  Lark took a deep breath. “You’re right. We do have great chemistry. If we are exclusive, that means your lips are reserved for only me...”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  He covered her mouth with his, kissing her passionately. Dash began unbuttoning her blouse. He found the front clasp of her bra and unhooked it, allowing her breasts to fall free. Dash dusted her nipples with the palm of his hand before taking a mound of her breast in his hand. He massaged the soft tissue until her nipples began firming. He then leaned down and engulfed her right nipple in his mouth and started sucking, alternating with her left nipple.

  While devouring her breasts, he eased his left hand down her leg and inched her skirt up so he could access her panties. When he felt the silky material, he slipped his fingers past the waistband and touched her smoothly shaven triangle. Dash found her clit and teased the tiny piece of flesh, which caused Lark to moan and squirm from his touch. He loved pleasing her and hearing her soft sounds of pleasure.

  “Does that feel good?”

  “Mmm...yes...it does.”

  Lark reached down and rubbed Dash’s hardness through his pants. “You’re getting excited.”

  “Yes, I am,” he said.

  Dash stopped, but only long enough to rise and retrieve the condoms he had brought. “Show me your bedroom,” he said, reaching for her hand.

  “Right this way.” Lark took hold of his hand and led the way through the dining room, down a short hallway and into the master suite. The room was beautifully decorated with a king-size bed, a five-foot-tall white leather−quilted headboard, mirrored nightstands and lead-glass lamps.

  Dash tossed the condoms on the nightstand and undressed down to his snug boxer briefs. He then watched as Lark slowly disrobed, giving him a strip show. After removing her blouse, she slipped off her bra. As he watched, he could feel his member getting firmer, until it was pressing hard against his underwear. She then unhooked her skirt and allowed it to fall to the floor. She stepped out of the garment and looked as if she was about to kick off her pumps.

  “Keep your shoes on,” he said in a sexy voice.

  Lark struck a pose wearing just her purple lace thong and high heels. She put her hand on her hip. “You like what you see?”

  “I surely do.” Dash moved quickly in her direction. Within two steps, he was directly in front of her. He reached around and caressed her soft rear end, bringing her in closer. Dash kissed her neck as he rubbed his firmness against her. “You like what you feel?”

  “Yes indeed,” she said.

  They stood in the middle of the floor, hugging and kissing like two people in love. Dash was becoming more aroused by the second and was finding it harder and harder to hold back.

  “I want you in the worst way,” he whispered in her ear.

  “Not as bad as I want you,” she said.

  Dash took off his boxer briefs, reached for a condom, tore the wrapper and rolled the rubber onto his erectness. He then helped Lark out of her thong. “Turn around.”

  She turned, bent over and put her palms on the bed. Dash took her by the waist with one hand, gripped his member and smoothed it across her bare bottom. He was teasing her with each touch of his hardness.

  Lark looked over her shoulder at Dash. “You are driving me crazy with desire. Please make love to me.”

  Her words were music to his ears. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  He slowly entered her from the back. Her sugar walls gripped him and held the length of him in place as they made love on the side of the bed, rocking against each other feverishly until they were nearly out of breath.

  “You...you...feel...so good,” he panted.

  “Just don’t stop!” she demanded.

  Dash put one foot on the bed, pulled her in tighter and kicked up the pace. He was working the position to the best of his ability. Dash was pumping so hard he could feel a sheen of sweat on his back and down his chest. He kept going until their entire bodie
s were covered in perspiration. He reached down and licked the small of Lark’s back, tasting her salty sweat. He then took her by the hips, bringing her buttocks closer and closer. Lark’s hands were now clenching the white duvet cover.

  “Are you almost there yet?” he wanted to know.

  “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

  “Are you mine? Are you my lady?”

  “Yes! Yes! Yes!” she screamed, beating her fists on the bed.

  He pushed himself harder into her moistness, drilling her faster and faster, working like a human jackhammer. Dash felt himself coming and exploded into the condom.

  “You’re the best lover I’ve ever had,” he said after catching his breath.

  Lark fell onto the bed. “You’re not so bad yourself,” she teased.

  “Not bad? Baby, I’m the best!”

  After Dash disposed of the protection, he climbed into bed next to Lark and cradled her in his arms. Now that they were officially a couple, Dash didn’t plan to ever let her go. She was his lover, and he would make sure nothing or no one stood in the way of their happiness.

  Chapter 19

  “Man, you’ve been MIA. I haven’t seen or heard from you in weeks. What’s going on with you?” Vance asked.

  Dash was at Vance’s Midtown law practice to sign papers regarding his annual charitable contribution, as well as other legal documents. It was his twenty-fifth birthday, which marked another hefty installment of his trust fund.

  “Where should I start? I’ve been busy with work—I’ve been designing pieces to go in the collection for the upcoming show—and with my new lady.”

  “Wait a minute...new lady? The last time we had drinks, you were flying solo. Who is she?”

  “Her name is Lark Randolph, and...”

  “The COO of Randolph on the Runway?” Vance interrupted.

  Dash smiled broadly at the mention of her name. “Yep, that’s her.”

  “I’ve read about her in the press and have seen her picture. She’s a knockout, but isn’t she about ten years older than you?”

  “I don’t care how old she is. We’re the perfect match, both professionally and personally. Lark is a grown woman and she knows what she wants. And so do I.”

  “When did all of this happen?” Vance asked, looking totally surprised. “Details. I want details.”

  “We flew to the mill in Florence because we needed them to produce a run of custom silks, and while we were there, we indulged in great food and wine. We soaked up the culture together. And for the short time we were there I got a chance to see a completely different side of Lark. The next thing you know, we were...uh...”

  “In bed together?”

  “That, too, but it’s not just about the sex. We have a real connection, one I never had with Heather. Maybe Lark’s maturity level makes her more grounded than the women I’ve dated in the past. Whatever it is, I’m sold. I can definitely see us having a long, fruitful future together.”

  “Man, sounds like you’re ready to settle down.”

  “I am. Women like Lark don’t come around every day, and I feel fortunate to have found her.”

  “Does she know you’re a trust-fund baby who has enough money to buy a small country?”

  “I briefly mentioned my trust fund, but didn’t go into detail. Man, you know the money has never meant much to me. Don’t misunderstand—it’s nice to have a financial safety net in the event of an emergency. But my parents have always instilled in me that being a good, moral person and working hard count for more than multiple zeros in a bank account.”

  “It’s true that money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure buys nice, expensive toys. Since it’s your birthday, why don’t you buy yourself a spiffy sports car?”

  “I’ve already got one of those.”

  “Yeah, but it’s in Florence. You need a dope ride here so I can borrow it sometimes,” Vance said with a chuckle.

  “Now, you know you have more than enough money to buy your own car.”

  “That’s true, but I like investing my hard-earned cash instead so I can retire early. So what are you doing for the big two-five?”

  “No plans. Maybe I’ll take Lark to dinner. I haven’t told her it’s my birthday.” Dash had never been one to make a big fuss over his birthday. Unlike most people, he preferred to treat the day like any other.

  “Well, you have plans now. I’m going to call a few friends and invite them out tonight. I refuse to let another one of your milestone birthdays pass without a celebration.”

  “What’s the use in trying to say no? Vance, I know when you get an idea in your head, there’s no stopping you. So where are we going?”

  “The 40/40 Club. I have a connection there and should be able to reserve one of their private rooms at the last minute. Hold on—let me make a call.”

  Vance picked up his office phone and dialed the private number to the club. “Hey, man, it’s Vance...I’m good. Listen, I was wondering if there are any suites available for tonight?...Okay, great. Thanks.” He disconnected the line. “We’re in. Let’s meet at eight.”

  “Okay, sounds good. Now back to business.”

  Vance handed Dash a few documents that were flagged for his signature. After Dash signed the paperwork, he stood and said, “See you tonight, and thanks for making the arrangements for my party.”

  “No problem.”

  On his way back home, Dash started warming up to the idea of having a celebration. It would give him an opportunity to introduce Lark to some of his friends. He took out his cell phone and called her.

  “Hey, babe, how are you?”

  “I’m good. I was just thinking about you.”

  “Naughty thoughts, I hope.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I can read your mind?”

  “I knew you were a gifted designer, but I had no idea you were clairvoyant.”

  “Babe, I have many talents,” he said with a chuckle. “Wait a minute... I’m getting a vibe that you don’t have plans for tonight.”

  “Wrong. I was thinking about ordering a pizza and watching an old black-and-white movie. You want to come over so we can act out my naughty thoughts?”

  “We’ll do that after the party tonight,” he said, full of excitement.

  “Whose party are we going to?”

  “Mine. Today is my birthday and my friend Vance is organizing a small get-together at the 40/40 Club.”

  “Happy birthday, honey! Why didn’t you mention this before? I would have planned a special evening for us.”

  “I usually don’t make a big deal about my birthday, but today is my twenty-fifth, so Vance thought I should celebrate.”

  “He’s absolutely right! You’re only twenty-five once. What time should I meet you there?”

  “I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty.”

  “Okay, see you then.”

  After hanging up, he called his driver and arranged a pickup. He then stopped in an exclusive grooming boutique that catered to men for some facial products before heading home.

  Before long, day had wound down to evening and Dash was showered, shaved, dressed and ready to pick up his lover. He took one last look in the floor-length mirror in his bathroom, approving of his black Burberry shirt and tapered black slacks. Dash slapped his face with aftershave, turned off the light and left.

  Downstairs, his car and driver, which he rarely used, was waiting curbside in front of his condo building. Dash instructed the driver on where to go. The car cut through traffic, snaked up Riverside Drive and stopped in front of Lark’s building.

  Dash took out his phone and called Lark. “Hey, babe, I’m downstairs.”

  “I’ll be right down.”

  Moments later, Lark strutted out of the building. Dash immedia
tely stepped out and opened the door for her. He did a slow whistle as he took in her appearance. She wore a snug black dress with a flared peplum at the waist and a pair of black rhinestone stilettos that clicked along the pavement as she made her way to the car. Her hair was pinned back, showcasing her princess-cut diamond studs. And her makeup was flawless.

  “I guess it’s Code Black tonight. You look stunning,” he said, greeting her with a kiss on the lips.

  “Thank you, and you look handsome yourself.” Lark gave him a kiss on the lips. “Happy birthday, baby.”

  Once they settled in the backseat, Dash retrieved a bottle of champagne from a mini cooler. He popped the cork, poured them each a glass and suggested a toast.

  “Here’s to spending this birthday and every day hereafter together.”

  “I’ll drink to that.” Lark smiled broadly. “Had you told me earlier that it was your birthday, I would have gotten you a gift. I’m just going to have to think of some other way to celebrate with you.” She moved closer and whispered, “Is there a window to separate us from the driver so we can have a little privacy?” she asked, resting her hand on his thigh.

  “There sure is.” Dash pressed a button, and instantaneously a thick plate of glass sprang up in front of them, sealing off the driver.

  “Now, that’s better.” Lark moved her hand up Dash’s leg and began seductively kneading his private area. His mound of flesh was lax until she increased the pressure, giving him a firm yet gentle rubdown. She unbuckled his belt, then unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. “I see somebody’s getting excited.”

  “See what you do to me?”

  “I’m going to do more than that. Just you wait.”

  Lark found the opening to his black boxer briefs and reached her hand in. She took her left hand and held his shaft as she kissed the head. Lark then engulfed the full length of him in her mouth, alternating between sucking and licking. She peered up at Dash. His head was laid back on the seat and his eyes were closed. Lark stopped suddenly and waited.

  “Why...why’d you stop?” he asked, seemingly in a daze.