His Loving Caress Page 12

  Jolting all the way up, she jerked her head to his side of the bed only to find it empty. Squinting her eyes as the vast picture window on the left side of the room filled her vision with sunlight, she swung her stiff legs out of the bed. She then headed toward the bathroom while stretching her arms all the way above her head. Upon entering, she noticed Braxton’s hair clippers on the counter. His cologne mixed with fresh soap filled the room. After a refreshing shower, she trudged to the closet and perused her outfits but she didn’t feel like getting dressed quite yet. She ran her fingers along his clothes and decided to snatch one of his dress shirts from the hanger. The smell of food touched her nose and she scampered out of the bedroom and into the kitchen to find Braxton in jeans and a fraternity T-shirt.

  “Good morning, Chef Maestro.” Wrapping her arms around his waist, she nuzzled her head in his shoulder and peaked over to see what he was cooking. Bacon was frying in one pan and scrambled eggs with cheese, already done, sat on the back burner. A plate of raisin toast was on the counter with mouthwatering melted butter. He knew her well.

  “Good afternoon, Sunshine.”

  “Afternoon?” she asked, puzzled, turning her head toward the microwave clock.

  “Yep, it’s a little after twelve.”

  “How long have you been up?”

  “About four hours. I’ve practiced, spoken with my business manager, answered emails and updated my social media accounts.”

  “Well you’ve had a productive morning but why didn’t you wake me? I hate sleeping past eight.”

  “Because you needed your rest. I wore you out last night.” He turned his head slightly to her and kissed her cheek. “Remember?” he reminded her with a pompous smirk.

  “Whatever.” She playfully pinched his arm and proceeded to the coffeemaker where an oversized mug sat along with sugar and hazelnut cream. “So no burnt bologna sandwiches and your version of sunny-side up, i.e., completely raw eggs?” she joked, pouring her coffee and then leaning against the counter while he made their plates.

  “Hey, I was a fantastic chef at age ten,” he said as he carried their plates to the kitchen table. “You ate it, didn’t you?”

  “I just didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” She winked and slid into the chair. “This looks great. You know I love more cheese than eggs. Glad you remembered.”

  “I remember everything about you, my love. And I was impressed by the new things I learned last night.”

  Blushing, she lowered her head and took a bite of the eggs that were perfect. “So what time do you have to leave for the festival?”

  “In about an hour. What time are your girls coming to pick you up?” he inquired, referring to Ciara and Mya.

  “Around two.” She glanced at him as he typed on his laptop before closing the lid. “So you update your own social media accounts?”

  “Most of the time. I like to personally answer as many of my fans’ comments as possible. My assistant takes care of the club and the band accounts, though. I’m assuming you don’t.”

  “No. Not really. I check on them, but Mya and another assistant handle that. Plus, I’m not really into social media on a personal level, but it’s great for business.” She shrugged and took a bite of her raisin toast.

  “Sooooo you don’t have just a social media account that’s not associated with your company?”

  “I did, still do I suppose. But work got hectic so Mya handles that one, as well. I check it out and post sometimes.” She sipped her coffee and peered at him over the mug. “Why?”

  An arrogant smile dashed across his face and fear crept in as her pulsed race. She had a notion as to why he was asking. She’d been caught.

  Biting into a piece of bacon, he leaned back in his chair. After dabbing his mouth with a napkin, he took a sip of his orange juice. The prolonging of his answer agitated her.

  “A few years ago I’d received a notification that Elle Lauren liked one of my pictures and then just as quick as it was liked, the notification was gone. Was that you or Mya?”

  Sighing, she remembered the incident well. Megan and Syd had both liked the picture in question. Since she was friends with them, the picture had showed up on Elle’s timeline feed as she was scrolling through absently one night. It was a very smooth and sexy photo of him sitting behind a baby grand on the stage at his jazz club. In the moment, she hadn’t been mad at him. She had been proud of him because the caption stated the club was opening its doors the next day. She’d traveled a finger along his handsome face and somehow made the mistake of clicking Like. The tears clouding her vision may have had something to do with the mistake, as well. When she’d realized it, she quickly clicked Unlike and said a little prayer that Braxton wasn’t alerted because it happened so fast. After that, she gave Mya permission to take over her personal account to avoid any more mishaps.

  Reaching for her mug, she cleared her throat and took a sip. “This sure is some good coffee. Did you grind the beans yourself? It’s very fresh.” She took another sip. “Mmm, so much better than instant.”

  “Elle?”

  “Okay, fine. I can admit that it was me, but don’t act like you haven’t checked out my social media accounts either, Mr. Braxton Chase. Mya charged into my office like a mad woman with her laptop to show me you’d liked several of my pictures from an interview I did with Modern Bride last spring.” She remembered that day well and had simply shrugged it off in front of Mya. However, inside Elle was a wreck and couldn’t focus for the rest of the day.

  “I didn’t take mine back, either. I wanted you to know I liked them...no, loved them. You were sexy as hell in that blue dress, woman. I was like damn, she’s fine, and you were wearing my favorite color.” He scooted back from the table, grabbed his dishes and then set them on the counter next to the sink. “I was thinking you wore it for me.”

  “You’re crazy.” She tossed her fork on her empty plate. “Don’t you need to get ready for the jazz fest?”

  “Rushing me?”

  “No, but you hate being late.” She came to stand in front of him and encircled his neck with her arms, standing up on her toes to kiss him. “Breakfast was delish. Thanks, babe. I’ll clean the kitchen.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. Just not ready to leave you.” Squeezing her bottom, he drew her closer and lowered his lips to hers in a deep, slow kiss. “I don’t know how to keep my hands and lips off you. And you have the audacity to look adorable in my shirt,” he said as he unbuttoned it to reveal that she wasn’t wearing anything under it. Picking her up, he carried her to the couch in the great room and laid her down as he slid his body over hers. “Just one quickie for the road?”

  “You have to go to work.”

  Catching a nipple with his lips, he teased it until it hardened. She held on to his head as a pleasure groan emerged from her. The man knew all of her turn-ons and intended to drive her insane with his knowledge.

  “You don’t know what a quickie is, Maestro.”

  “You’re right. I love to savor you,” he groaned, sinking his mouth over her breast once more.

  Laughing out loud at his comment, she couldn’t refuse him or his tongue.

  * * *

  After Braxton left for the jazz fest, Elle grabbed her laptop and cell phone and decided to go over her schedule for the next month. With her new line releasing soon she had a million and one things to do. But her minivacation to the Hamptons with Braxton was a much needed break from her hectic life. The ringing of her cell broke her concentration of browsing pictures of purses the research team had sent that morning to get feedback on. It may have been a holiday but she still had work to do. Glancing at the phone, she saw a picture of her mom and answered happily. Then she quickly remembered she hadn’t told her parents about Braxton being back in her life.

  “Hey, Mom!”

  “Hello, m
y dear. Is this a bad time?”

  “No, just going over some things. Is everything okay?”

  “Oh, yeah. We’re headed to Pensacola Beach to see the Blue Angels perform. Your dad is driving so we just wanted to check on you. Haven’t heard from you in a few days.”

  Elle sighed. Because she was an only child, she tried to check on them at least every other day. They were in their early sixties and still quite active. She wanted to make sure they were fine considering they lived so far away from her. She’d tried convincing them to move to the Hamptons on a few occasions and even told them that she’d pay for it. But they’d insisted on Destin because it had been their favorite spot to vacation when she was growing up and they preferred the beautiful snow-white sand and the Gulf of Mexico.

  “I’m well, Mom. Just preparing for the new line.”

  “Oh, yes. I’m so excited that you’re finally doing clothes for the everyday woman now.”

  “You inspired it, Mom, since you said you can’t wear my evening gowns everywhere. You can wear this line of clothing to church, your book club meetings or wherever. I’ll send you all the pieces before the line hits the stores. There’s also purses and shoes so you’ll be set for the fall and winter, too, since it doesn’t get that cold in Destin.”

  “Thanks, love...huh...oh, wait. Your dad is asking what about him. He can’t wear his tuxedos all the time even though he’s very handsome in them, which you know. I have to pinch myself sometimes.”

  Elle laughed. Her dad always asked that. “Kiss him for me and tell him I have cologne in the works.”

  “Perfect. So what are you doing for the Fourth of July? You’re not all alone in that big house in New Jersey are you?” Her mother asked with concern. “You could’ve hopped on a private plane and come to Destin.”

  Elle sighed. Her parents still worried about her living alone as if she were a teenager and not in her thirties and the CEO of her own company. They even suggested she inquire about a roommate when she first purchased the mansion a few years ago. “No, actually I’m in the Hamptons for the next few days.”

  “Oh, with Ciara and her hubby?” Her mom asked in an upbeat manner. She thought of Ciara and even Mya as her other daughters.

  “Um...no, not exactly. Ciara is in town, though. She’ll be here in about an hour to pick me up for the jazz festival. Mya, too.”

  “Oh, so Mya’s with you? Tell her I said hello.”

  “No... I’m with a friend.” Dang it. I should’ve just lied because now here comes the twenty questions that I don’t want to answer.

  “A friend? Male friend? Connor perhaps?”

  “No, Mother. Connor and I are never ever getting back together.” Her parents had liked Connor way more than she ever had.

  Elle pondered whether or not to tell her mother it was Braxton. Even though her parents had remained friends with the Chases, they still weren’t exactly fond of Braxton.

  “Oh, so someone new?” Her mother’s voice went up an octave. Lately she’d been talking about grandchildren and puppies for some reason. But Elle kept reminding her mom she needed a man first for children, and as far as puppies were concerned, she was allergic.

  “Not exactly. It’s Braxton Chase.” She held her breath as she heard nothing but silence for a few moments.

  “Braxton? The Braxton that left my baby and doesn’t deserve her. That Braxton Chase?”

  “Do we know another one?”

  “Don’t get smart, young lady,” she snapped. “Why are you seeing him again?”

  “I’m not... We just kinda ran into each other in Atlanta when I went to meet with a celebrity client. Megan invited me to a sorority brunch and it was at his jazz club. But I’m fine, Mom. I was finally able to talk with him after all this time and it felt good to get it all out.” Her mind traveled back to last night and the hour before. She definitely got it all out, but decided not to share that tidbit of information with her mother. “Say something, Mom.”

  “I’m just shocked and so is your dad.”

  Now she regretted telling her mom because she wasn’t sure where her and Braxton’s relationship was headed. “I’m not back with Brax.”

  “Your Dad is pissed and so am I. That man just up and left you and he almost cost me my friendship with my best friend.”

  “I know, but you don’t have to worry. I’m fine. We’re just... I don’t know. Getting to know each other again. That’s all.” On all levels.

  “Baby girl, be careful. I know you loved him, you’ve been crazy about him since you were a little girl. I know he feels horrible for hurting you but that doesn’t mean you have to get back with him.” Her mother paused. “Do you still love him?”

  “I never stopped, but I don’t know if that’s enough to be with him. He’s sincerely sorry and he still loves me but I’m not going to jump in with my eyes half-closed. I promise, you and Dad don’t have to worry about me even though I know you will.”

  “Of course we are. You’re our baby. You may be one of the top wedding dress designers running a half-billion-dollar company, but to us, you’re still our baby. We love you, and I just hope you know what you’re doing with Braxton, but then again you’ve always made the best decisions.”

  “Thank you, Mom. I gotta run and get ready. Ciara will be here soon.”

  “Oh, yes. For the jazz festival. I’m assuming Braxton is performing?”

  “Yes...yes he is.”

  “Okay, have fun.”

  “Thank you and you two have fun watching the Blue Angels.”

  Elle plopped her head on the table. She hadn’t intended to tell her parents yet, but at least they weren’t as upset as she thought they’d be. That was one hurdle out of the way. Now if she could fully trust that Braxton would never leave her again, she would consider being his again. This time forever.

  * * *

  “Hey, diva!” Ciara greeted as Elle slid into the back of the Escalade next to her. “Love your dress. Did you steal that sample from the warehouse?” she asked teasingly, running her eyes over it.

  Elle chuckled as the driver closed her door. “Um...no. I can’t steal what I own. Besides, this is the irregular one,” she pointed out, smoothing the pleats of the yellow knee-length dress, two of which had been sewn crooked. “The sample is still hanging with the others.” She tossed her tote bag on the floor next to Ciara’s bag and noticed her MacBook Air sticking out.

  Elle’s face scrunched with concern as she buckled her seat belt. “I know you didn’t bring your laptop to the festival. We’re supposed to be eating food that our trainer is going to make us pay for next week and drinking strawberry margaritas.”

  Mya turned around from the passenger seat in the front with a condescending smirk. “Yep. We’ve been working since the ride over on the Hampton Jitney,” she said in a flippant manner. “Everyone else was having a grand time and Ciara wanted to go over the graphic ideas for the new labels.”

  Ciara mumbled “fire her” under her breath to Elle. “I will do it for you.”

  “Fine, but not during Braxton’s set.” Elle pulled out her cell phone to send him a text message that she was on her way. She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger when he returned the text with a selfie of him wearing a delicious smile. Instantly reminding her of their time on the couch, then in the shower before he’d left for the festival. She snapped a selfie of herself blowing a kiss and sent it back.

  “Mmm... I see why you asked me to bring a floppy hat.” Twisting her lips to the side, Ciara reached back to the third row and grabbed the hat.

  Elle knew her best friend wanted answers as she eyed her carefully over her shades and tapped her sandal-clad foot.

  Pressing the button for the soundproof partition between the front seats so the driver and Mya wouldn’t hear, Elle placed the hat over her lion’s mane,
as Braxton had called it while she was blow-drying her hair after their shower. Afterward she’d brushed it in a low side ponytail to hide the right side of her neck that had become Braxton’s favorite spot to nibble on last night, which had resulted in a few red marks.

  “Wasn’t your hair perfectly and professionally laid yesterday in elegant cascading curls? Maryza would curse you out in Spanish if she saw the travesty on your head. Please tell me you didn’t go swimming and if so, did you at least put a conditioner in your hair for protection? You have a relaxer.”

  “I didn’t go swimming...” Elle tried to compress a smile but a huge, mischievous one appeared anyway.

  Ciara slid her shades down and peaked over them. “Uh-huh. Well according to the love bite I see peeking out from the side of your neck where you so strategically tried to place your hair, it seems you’ve been a naughty girl.” She waved a finger at her. “And I’m happy for you, girlfriend.”

  “I wouldn’t say naughty...okay, maybe so. It just happened. I wasn’t planning it that way. My goal for the weekend was to catch up on our lives and spend some time getting to know each other again. Braxton had Chef Jackson prepare a wonderful seafood dinner that we ate by candlelight on the veranda with sensual jazz playing in the background. Everything was the opposite of what I had planned in my head.”

  “Humph, seems like ol’ Braxton had a romantic evening planned for his Sunshine and he succeeded.”

  “We were playing Truth or Dare and the next thing I know...well, you can see the rest.” Elle pointed to the red mark and a silly high school girl giggle followed.

  “Yes, Truth or Dare can lead to that and you did more than catch up. You made up for lost time.”

  “Girl, I’ll say. I’m sore all over, but it was well worth it.”

  “You’re glowing. So are you two back together?”