Chapter Five
James half-expected Noelle to be gone by the time he’d finished in the gym but there she was in the lobby with her hands folded in her lap. When she spotted him walking towards her, her full lips curved into a shy smile. The more he looked at her he could see she was more than passably pretty. She was actually quite lovely. Noelle’s was a subtle beauty that didn’t hit you all at once, but snuck up on you and slowly stole your breath away.
She stood up and smoothed her clothing down. “I didn’t bring a change of clothing. But I didn’t really do much working out after my tumble so I hope what I’m wearing is okay.”
He took in the baggy sweats and smirked. His women usually dressed to the nines in the latest brand name designs. Megan wouldn’t have been caught dead in an outfit like Noelle’s but he liked how she wasn’t trying to impress him. “You look just fine. We’re just going to a deli unless you had something else in mind.”
“Oh no, the deli is fine.”
“Good.” He held the front door open for her. “Shall we?”
He noticed her plump backside as she walked by him. What he found most intriguing about her outfit was imagining what was underneath it. Noelle didn’t strike him as the type to reveal her secrets so easily but he’d learned from an early age, everything had a price. As did everyone.
“The deli is a few blocks away. We can take a walk or I can drive us. You decide.”
“It’s a nice night. I think I’d like to walk,” she answered without making eye contact.
“Walking it is. Mind waiting here a sec while I put my gym bag in my car?”
“No. Go ahead.” This time she did look up at him but just as quickly, she turned away. He’d definitely address that when he returned. James took his time walking to his car as he still tried to sort out his attraction for Noelle. A little voice told him she wasn’t the type to accept the kind of relationship he was willing to offer but then again he hadn’t gotten to where he was by taking no for an answer.
Noelle was propped against the building humming a soft tune to herself when he returned. “All ready?” he asked.
“Yes.” As they started toward their destination she whispered, “thank you.”
“What are you thanking me for exactly?”
“Thank you for asking me out. Simone says I should get out more but I’m not really good at this dating thing.”
“An attractive woman like yourself? I find that hard to believe.”
She smoothed the flyaway hairs that escaped her short ponytail in a self conscious gesture. “You’re teasing me.”
“I don’t tease…outside of the bedroom.”
Her step faltered. “The bedroom?” Either she had little experience with men or she was a hell of an actress. Everything pointed to the former which told him he should tread lightly with her.
“What I meant,” he hurried to cover his faux pas, “is I don’t lie about things like that. Flattery has its uses of course but it’s often mired in deceit. I promise I will never be anything but honest with you.”
She stopped walking for a moment to give him a searching look. A long awkward silence fell between them before that sweet smile touched her lips again. “You’re a nice guy.”’ They started walking again.
He chuckled with a shake of his head. “I don’t think anyone has ever called me that before.”
“You didn’t yell at me for bumping into you. Speaking as someone who’s taken many spills in her lifetime, sometimes into other people, your reaction was on the tamer side.”
“I’ll admit you did look like you hurt yourself when you tripped and fell on your face.”
She winced. “You saw that? That was pretty embarrassing. My shoelace came undone and I tripped over it. The next thing I know, I’m eating the floor. I’m just thankful no one laughed at me.”
“You could have been seriously injured. There was nothing funny about it.”
“Well, not everyone is nice.”
“You don’t have to sell me on that one.”
She raised a brow. “I doubt anyone has been mean to you but you say that like they might have.”
She’d probably cringe if he told her just how unkind people could be. But he had no plans to open up on that matter especially when he wasn’t sure they’d see each other after tonight. “Don’t we all have our stories to tell?”
“So what’s yours?”
Talking about himself was James’ least favorite subject, so he deflected. “My story isn’t a new one. I’m more interested in hearing yours.”
She shrugged. “There’s not much to tell.”
“Let’s start with vital statistics then.”
“Well, I just turned twenty-three a few months ago. I live with Simone, who you’ve met. I’m from a small southern town no one has heard of outside of it. Er…what else did you want to know?”
“Where do you work or are you in school?”
“I’ve been in art school for the past couple of years. But I’m thinking about taking a break from it. Before I went to school I worked with Simone at the boutique she manages”
“Why are you thinking of taking a break? Art is a very specialized subject so I imagine you’d need talent to even get into that type of program.”
“I’ve discovered I may not be as great as I thought.” He could hear the sadness in her voice and he had this sudden need to reach out and comfort her. It caught him off guard at how easily Noelle had gotten under his skin in such a short period.
James shoved his hands in his pocket to fight the urge to throw an arm around her. “I’m sure you’ll find something else to your liking. You’re still young.”
“I guess.”
“You don’t sound enthusiastic, Noelle.”
“What’s to get excited about? The one thing I believed I was good at I wasn’t. I think people should have a passion for what they do so going forward whatever I settle for would just be a job. No more.”
“In my opinion, you could have the talent of Van Gogh but if you lack the drive and, as you put it, the passion to make it a success, then you’ll fail. I’m sure you’re talented but just because you’re good at something it doesn’t necessarily mean you should pursue it. I used to play baseball in school and I wasn’t bad. I was all-city actually, but I couldn’t see myself becoming a professional ball player. I liked it, but I didn’t live and breathe it the way some guys do.”
“I never thought of it that way. Now I’m worried if I’ll ever find the thing that’ll give me that spark.”
“Give it some time. When you least expect it, a switch will flip on.”
“Thanks, James. I’m sure a guy like you has always known what they wanted in life.”
He balled his fists and shoved them deeper into his pockets. She had no idea. “You could say that,” he said not wanting to give more away than he already had.
“How about you, James? Do you enjoy what you do?”
“Let’s just say it’s enabled me to accomplish a lot of my goals.”
“Very evasive answer,” she noted.
He was saved from responding as they came upon the deli. “Here we are.”
The place was small and was rarely packed which is what he liked about it. Most people got their orders to go as did he but tonight they would dine in.
“Order whatever you like. The wraps are excellent and they have great salads. The club sandwiches are a favorite of mine.”
She glanced at the menu before turning to him, “Everything looks really good, but I’ll go for a chicken caesar wrap.”
“Great choice. I think I’ll get one of those as well.”
James ordered for them while Noelle found them a table. She settled on a booth by the entrance. Noelle took the seat facing the counter enabling her to observe James unobtrusively. The man exuded masculinity from every single pore of his body. He made her nervous but oddly she found it easy to talk to him without tripping over her tongue as she did with most attractive men. He aroused things within her she never dreamed of experiencing. The tingling between her legs and the hardening of her nipples were sensations she had only ever experienced reading naughty books. The feelings she experienced in his presence excited and scared her at the same time.
Noelle’s only boyfriend had been a church deacon her aunt had set her up with. Looking back, there had really been no formal discussion of their relationship status. It was just assumed by everyone they were together because he was always where she was. There had been no excitement with Walter. He was twenty-five years older than Noelle and a widower with kids older than her. Aunt Frieda had been the one to promote the relationship, telling Noelle she was lucky someone was interested in her.
Besides being older with grown-up children who still lived in his home, Walter expected her to wait on him hand and foot. He took it for granted they would marry and she would basically be an unpaid housemaid, spitting out more children for him. He always found a reason to touch her though she never gave him any indication that kind of attention from him was welcome. Had Simone not intervened, Noelle would probably be married to him with a couple of babies. Just thinking about her ex made Noelle shudder with mild disgust, and thank her lucky stars she’d gotten out of that mess before it was too late.
As she studied James, she wondered what his angle was. Why was he being so nice to her? She noticed his evasiveness when she asked certain questions. Noelle could put it down to him being a private person but she sensed there was more to it. She could tell he was a man of many layers.
She wondered what it would be like if he kissed her. The very thought made the blood rush to her face. Thankfully she wasn’t afforded the luxury of dwelling on that line of thought for long because James returned with their food. She smiled at him and took the tray he held out for her. “Looks good.”
“It is good. Enjoy.”
“Thank you for the meal.”
“My pleasure.” His smile was disarming. Noelle lowered her lashes, unable to withstand the potency of his stare. Something was happening she couldn’t explain. To prevent herself from saying something stupid, she grabbed her wrap and stuffed it in her mouth, barely tasting it. She was sure it was as delicious as he said but it was difficult to concentrate on her food with him sitting in front of her. She ate the entire wrap so she wouldn’t appear rude.
It wasn’t until she was finished with the entire thing that she realized a word hadn’t been exchanged. Instead of embarrassing herself by saying something awkward, she did it by stuffing her face. He probably thought she was a pig.
“I can’t believe I just shoveled all that in my mouth.” She groaned.
“Don’t apologize for enjoying your meal. If truth be told, it’s a nice change of pace to have a dinner companion who enjoys her food rather than picking at it or pretending to eat. Look, I’m done too.”
James put her at ease as he asked general questions about herself. During the course of the conversation they found they both enjoyed movies, classic rock, and old school R&B. It was only when the worker behind the deli counter shouted they’d be closing up soon did they notice the time. It was nearly eleven and she figured James probably needed to get to work in the morning though he never told her what he did for a living. Noelle assumed it was something where he held a high ranking position on the sheer strength of his personality alone.
James eased himself out of the booth and helped Noelle to her feet. “So how did you and your cousin get to the gym?”
“We took the subway. We only live a few stops away.”
“Then allow me to take you home.”
“It’s okay. I don’t want you to go out of your way.”
“Noelle, I won’t argue with you about this. It’s late, you’re by yourself and I’m taking you home. End of discussion.” His voice was laced with steel brokering no further argument.
Any retort Noelle may have had, died instantly. It dawned on her that James was the kind of man who was used to getting his way. “Uh, thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Not a problem.” They walked in silence to his car. James stopped on the passenger side of a slick black sports car. After unlocking the door, he held it open for her. She was impressed by his chivalry because no one had ever held a car door open for her before.
Noelle slid inside, practically melting against the soft leather material. She tentatively ran her fingers across the dash before quickly folding her hands in her lap.
James climbed in next to her and started the engine. Besides Noelle giving him directions to her apartment no other conversation was exchanged. When he pulled his car to stop, Noelle hesitated for a moment not sure what to expect. She wasn’t sure if this qualified as a date or not.
“Well, thanks for dinner. It was nice meeting you tonight, James.”
James faced forward, his jaw clenched tightly and his grip tight on the steering wheel. From his silence, Noelle could only discern he didn’t want to see her again after tonight. Maybe he found the way she ate repulsive or perhaps he thought she wasn’t pretty enough to take out. Whatever the reason for his silence she wasn’t surprised he had second thoughts about her.
“Um, well, goodnight.” With a slight wave she reached for the door handle to let herself out.
“Noelle, wait.” His tone was soft but when she turned to look at him he was still faced forward, holding on to the steering wheel with a tight grip.
“James?” Noelle tentatively reached over and placed her hand on his arm.
“Before I let you go for the night, there’s something I need to know.”
“What—“The words weren’t out of her mouth before he turned and gripped her by the forearms and pulled her against him. The intensity of his gray gaze sent her heart racing. Instinctively, she didn’t believe he’d hurt her but something else was going on here she didn’t quite understand. Noelle swiped her tongue across her bottom lip in a nervous gesture as he held her captive.
James let out a low moan and lowered his head, crushing her lips beneath his. She stiffened, shocked by his touch but only momentarily. As his kiss became more demanding, hungrier, Noelle found herself melting against the hard wall of his body.
He gripped her ponytail, tilting her head back. James took advantage of her slightly parted lips by pushing his tongue in her mouth. The taste of mint, and spices from their meal and something uniquely James, exploded on her taste buds. Noelle was drowning in his kiss as a heat slowly ebbed its way through her entire body. She’d been kissed before but Walter’s wet, sloppy technique had never stirred her.
A tingling sensation seared her core and her nipples tightened. This was the feeling she’d often read about, never believing one day she’d actually experience it for herself. She gripped his arms, clinging to him, wanting more. Though Noelle was inexperienced in the art of seduction, she worked on instinct, shyly pushing her tongue forward to meet his.
“So sweet,” He murmured into her mouth before taking her tongue and sucking it between his lips. While one hand still firmly gripped her hair he used his other hand to explore her body starting with her face and trailing down her neck until he reached her breast.
Noelle whimpered in surprise as she quickly fell under his sexual spell. He rubbed the heel of his palm against her breast plucking and pulling at it. She was so hypnotized by his touch that it took her several moments to realize his hand was now beneath her sweatshirt and his fingers were inching their way inside her sports bra.
She twisted her head away from his still seeking lips, fighting for air. “James,” Noelle moaned his name, excited beyond comprehension.
He pressed sultry kisses on her throat, grazing his teeth against her sensitive skin as he found his way beneath her bra, twisting one taut nipple with the ease of a skilled lover.
All Noelle could do was grip his shoulders and hold on tight on this passionate ride of lust. “James, James, James,” she moaned his name over and over as each mindless sensation coursed through her being.
“I like how responsive you are, Noelle. But how wet are you for me? Shall we see?” He nuzzled her neck with his nose.
It didn’t register what he meant at first until his hand left her breast and slowly eased inside the waistband of her pants. She caught his hand in a moment of sanity. She’d just met this man yet he took all kinds of liberties—liberties she allowed. She could hear Aunt Frieda’s voice in her head calling her shameless.
James brushed his lips against hers. “Let me, sweet Noelle.” He wasn’t asking, it was a quiet command. Underneath that slate gaze she was powerless. Noelle released his hand, giving him access to the most intimate part of her body. As he slid his fingers inside her panties, she blocked out every misgiving and willed herself to enjoy his erotic ministrations without guilt. When his thumb grazed over her slick little button, Noelle let out a cry. “Oh!” She squirmed against his fingers as one of them found its way past her labia and into her sheath.
“Damn baby, is this all for me?” he whispered leaning forward to nip her earlobe. He pushed his finger deeper inside of her with one hard thrust eliciting a moan from Noelle. With careful precision, he pulled his finger to the point where it was nearly out of her body and then pushed it back in. James repeated this motion for several more strokes, adding another finger as he went.
Noelle was slowly coming apart with each caress. Liquid heat surged through her body, forming in the pit of her belly and licking its way through every single nerve ending. She trembled with her need for more. She didn’t know what was happening to her but she didn’t want it to ever end.
“That’s it baby, move with it,” he commanded softly as he continued to drive her to the edge of an explosive climax.
Noelle gyrated her pelvis against his hand, unable to keep still. Each passing second, her temperature rose until an orgasm ripped through her body like an electric current. She screamed until her throat was raw. Nothing could have ever prepared her for this moment—books, movies and Walter paled in comparison to this very real passion.
She leaned forward, pressing her forehead against his to catch her breath. Her racing pulse slowly returned to normal after several seconds. James eased his fingers from her wetness. Noelle found herself in the crosshairs of his gaze as he brought those damp fingers to his lips and proceeded to lick them clean, his eyes never leaving hers. “Delicious.”
An involuntary shiver shook her shoulders.
“You’re a very passionate woman, Noelle. Did you know that?” He caressed the side of her face with the back of his hand.
Unable to form the words, she shook her head.
“Maybe you didn’t, but I did. I live on something called instinct, Noelle, and it rarely fails me. When I saw you, I knew you were a woman of hidden depths. I can help you discover all those hidden passions.” His voice never rose above a whisper but there was an undercurrent to his words, something she couldn’t quite put her fingers on.
“How?” Her voice came out in hoarse croak.
“I have a proposition for you.”