His Loving Caress Read online

  Elle strode to the couch and plopped on it. Sitting next to her, Braxton grabbed her hand and was relieved when she didn’t pull away. Instead, she gripped it tight as her leg began to shake.

  “I guess we both weren’t being totally honest with each other. You could’ve told me about the fashion school, but I still take full responsibility. I never meant to hurt you, babe. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

  Turning toward him, she squeezed his hand again and answered softly as the tears welled in her eyes but didn’t fall. “I’m not a grudge holder. I forgave you a long time ago.”

  “Thank you, Elle. That means a lot to me.”

  Closing her eyes, she exhaled and rested her head on the back of the couch. “I saw you not showing up as an opportunity to chase after my own dream. I refused to sit around and sulk over you. Not saying I didn’t at all—that would be a lie. I cried more than I care to admit, but at the same time I needed a way to move on. Luckily, there was still space for me for the fall semester, so I hopped a plane to Paris, and I haven’t looked back. Humph, maybe it was a blessing in disguise. We both have what we wanted career-wise and honestly there’s a part of me that’s glad we didn’t get married. I don’t think I would be the woman I am today if we had.”

  “Well, you are a sought-after wedding dress designer. If we’d gotten married your path may have been different.”

  “Yes, but I wasn’t talking about my career. I was referring to being independent and relying on myself. I grew up real quick, Braxton. I think before all of that, I saw everything through rose-colored glasses. My life had been perfect and in my eyes was going to be even more perfect if I was Mrs. Braxton Chase. I wanted this fairy-tale romance with you. I wanted the house, with the white picket fence, two kids and a dog. But I had to learn to be on my own real quick because at one point, all my decisions were centered on us. I hated being without you, but I also enjoyed my new life without you. After fashion school, I moved to New York, started working for DaVinci Fashions and bought a house in Jersey. Just me, myself and I. I had a mortgage and bills. I was completely dependent on me and I loved it. Still do. I realized I didn’t need you, or any man for that matter, to take care of me. So thank you, Braxton.” She playfully punched him on the shoulder.

  “You’re welcome... I think.”

  “You know, sometimes, I chalk everything up to we simply weren’t meant to be. It was just puppy love.”

  His heart clenched at her comment. Puppy love? What they had was far from puppy love. “Is that what you believe? Because I don’t.”

  “No, but if you tell yourself something over and over you start to believe the lie. I loved you very much, Braxton. Have since the age of five.”

  “Do you think we can start over?”

  “I’m not ready for that, Brax, but I do miss my best friend. You literally know me better than anyone. I’ve told you things that only you know. Even now if I need to confide or vent to someone, I don’t. I have my girlfriends and I do date, but it’s not the same. So if we can perhaps work on being friends again that would be cool.”

  “So we’re friends again? That kiss from the other night wasn’t friendly.”

  “Don’t push it. One step at a time.”

  “I understand, but I’m not giving up.”

  Elle laughed out loud. “I know. I’m looking forward to the chase.”

  Chapter 6

  Elle sipped her coffee while perusing the samples from her design team as they all sat around the table in the conference area in her office at Elle Lauren Designs in the heart of New York City. They were in the process of creating a diffusion line for a popular upscale department store chain that wanted stylish clothes for the working woman at affordable prices. And while it was a big deal to her before she left for Atlanta, now she could barely concentrate on what her best friend and creative director, Ciara Matthews, was explaining.

  “Do you agree, Elle?” she asked, resting her attention on her best friend.

  After processing what Ciara had asked, Elle sipped her coffee once more before answering. “Yes, I think adding purses, shoes and shades would be a great idea. We already have evening clutches and bridal shoes so I don’t think it’s farfetched. Get a research team together to see what styles are hot right now for purses but remember this line is sophisticated and elegant. The tailored look. Nothing too trendy. Think classic and timeless.”

  She glanced around the table as everyone jotted down notes while she tried to get her head back in the game. However, her thoughts kept trekking back to Braxton. For the past week, they’d stayed on the phone until almost three in the morning every night, talking about absolutely nothing just like they used to do. Unfortunately, she wasn’t a teenager anymore and functioning off four hours of sleep was no longer tolerable. They were finding that their old groove mixed in with their present lives, and it was a wonderful combination. Luckily, he didn’t mention anything about getting back together, and she appreciated that he respected her wishes to take it one step at time. Even if they never were a couple again, she was elated he was back in her life because she had missed him tremendously. Though, there was still a part of her that longed to be all his again if she could find it in her heart to trust him.

  “Anything else?” she asked, roaming her eyes around the table at her staff shaking their heads and checking their cell phones. There were probably a million other things they needed to discuss but it was almost noon and the meeting had started at nine sharp. She may have been tired but Elle was a stickler for punctuality, even though she had wanted to cancel and lie in bed all day.

  After everyone left except for Ciara and Mya, Elle retreated to the sitting area and curled up on the end of the couch next to Mya, who was adding pictures from a recent photo shoot to all of their social media sites.

  “You sure are distracted today. Everything okay?” Ciara asked, strolling over and sitting on the opposite couch. “Perhaps you could use a vacation. I enjoyed every minute of mine.”

  “I’m fine. Really. I just have a lot on my plate. Besides, fashion week will be here before you know it and we need all hands on deck. It’s crunch time and I’m still waiting on Kirk to handpick the models.”

  “He said it would be done by the end of next week.”

  “I hope so because the photo shoot has to be done soon. Just make sure he lands Leeza and Sophie. They’re the top two supermodels, and I want them. Especially Leeza, since we’re the reason she is where she is today.”

  Elle caught Ciara eyeing her with a peculiar expression and she had a feeling she knew what was really wrong. They’d been best friends since meeting and becoming roommates at the fashion college. They’d hit it off instantly. She’d confided in her new friend about Braxton not showing up for the wedding and Ciara had been there through the occasional crying spells, the ranting and the orchid deliveries. She hadn’t had a chance to tell Ciara what had happened with Braxton in Atlanta because Ciara had just returned from a two-week vacation to an off-the-grid resort. However, Elle had been itching to tell her everything, but she needed to do one other thing first.

  “Mya, to your office and research some venues for a wedding dress pop-up store. I was checking the catalog and there are a few dresses on clearance that are discontinued. They’re hogging space in the warehouse. About one hundred or so. We’ll slash them lower because I want them gone before fashion week. Set up some appointments so we can visit some spaces. It needs to be big enough to accommodate a dressing room and sitting area. I think two weeks before fashion week will be fine. But it needs to be secured soon so we will have enough time to advertise.”

  “Yes, Ms. Lauren.”

  After Mya left with her instructions, Elle stretched her legs out on the couch. “Is it too early for wine?”

  Ciara laughed. “It’s almost lunchtime here but it’s almost five i
n London.” She stood, smoothed out her purple shift dress and walked toward the bar area. “You want white or red?”

  “White in a red wineglass...practically filled to the rim.”

  Ciara’s forehead dented as a frown emerged. “Okay, now I’m really starting to worry what the heck is wrong with you. Let me hurry up and pour so you can tell me what’s eating at you. You barely said a word today and that’s not like you.”

  “I saw him in Atlanta.”

  Ciara set the wineglasses on the table between the two couches and blinked her purple-colored eyelids several times. “Girl, I know you aren’t talking about the name we never say. That piano guy?” She ran her fingers through her pixie cut and plopped on the couch staring at Elle in disbelief. “You went to your sorority’s brunch at his club after you said you weren’t going, didn’t you? Dang it. I had an inkling he would be there despite Megan telling you otherwise. After all, she is his sister. She probably wants you two to make up and run through a meadow full of flowers barefoot. She’s so darn bubbly on her television show I’m sure that’s exactly what she wants.”

  “It wasn’t her. It was the other sister, Syd.”

  “Told you one of them would.”

  “I know. I wanted to call you back, but I knew you wouldn’t have any reception once you landed in the rain forest. But I decided to be a woman and face whatever came my way. Plus, Mya convinced me at the last minute to go.”

  “Fire her,” Ciara joked, sipping on her wine. “I swear that girl needs to stay in her place.”

  “Ci Ci, you’re crazy. But yes, he was at the brunch and the auction that night. We talked. We danced. We...” She couldn’t get the word “kiss” out. She knew Ciara would have a fit.

  “Well, did you at least curse him out for leaving you?”

  “I did and it felt good to finally let it all out. I needed the closure that I’ve been avoiding and he did as well. He was truly sorry.”

  Ciara eyed her carefully with a glare. “And you believed him?”

  “I do but I don’t know if I can ever trust him again.”

  “Well, you don’t have to. It’s not like you’re getting back together.”

  Elle took a sip of her wine. She didn’t think she could utter the words that it was a possibility. “No, but we have decided to be friends again. Now that he’s back in my life, I can’t picture him not in it. We’ve been friends since kindergarten.”

  “Friends? After all that, you want to be friends? Girl, that man left you on your wedding day. He barely deserves your forgiveness, much less a friendship.”

  “Relax. He’s in Atlanta and I’m here. It’s not like I’ll have to deal with him on a daily basis. I think it was more of a cordial no-hard-feelings kind of thing. It’s not like I’m going to talk to him every day.”

  “Really?” Ciara kicked her shoes off and curled her feet under her. “And have you spoken to him since you’ve been back?”

  “Um...a few times.” She decided to leave off almost three times a day along with texting for the past week.

  “And what about today? Your eyes were distracted by your cell phone during the meeting.”

  Elle shrugged and took another sip of her zinfandel. “He sent a text. That’s all.”

  “He’s trying to get you back, you know that, right?

  “I know,” she replied quietly taking a sip of her wine.

  “And you want him back.”

  “A part of me does and the other part is terrified.”

  Ciara smiled sympathetically. “I know. I shouldn’t criticize you. I’m not in your stilettos. I just remember when I first met you, you were so sad and distraught. I felt sorry for you. You lost the man that you thought was the love of your life, but you bounced back and look at you now. You’re one of the most sought-after wedding dress designers, and you’ve had a fabulous life without him. However, I’ve known you for ten years. Sure, you’re happy career-wise. You’ve dated. You’ve had a few somewhat serious boyfriends that I know you cared about, but I don’t remember you crying or giving a damn about any of them after the breakup. However, I’ve never seen your face light up the way it did when you mentioned Braxton a few moments ago. I know you still love him, and I know he hurt you. I’m not saying you should get back with him, but if being friends again helps you, then I’m all for it. Just take it one step at a time. Get to know him again. Both of you have grown and matured over the years. I’ve experienced your maturity firsthand because you were a naive thing who thought the world was all roses and orchids when we met. I think losing Braxton the way you did grew you up real fast. You’re not naive and innocent anymore. You’re a grown woman now. You know what your gut tells you. You’ll know if Braxton is being sincere or honest. Just take it one day at a time, doll.”

  “Thank you for the advice, Ciara. I appreciate it. That’s all I could think about during the meeting. Did I make the right decision by letting him back in my life? I feel as if I did and now I’m kind of excited to see how this next chapter will be. We’ve both matured, become successful in our chosen career paths, and we’ve admitted we still care for one another.”

  Standing, Ciara slid her feet back into her shoes and reached down for her wineglass. “I think you know what you’re doing. You’ve always had great insight.” She checked her watch. “I have a lunch meeting with Kirk to discuss the plans for the upcoming photo shoot but if you need me, you know I’m here. I’ll always have your back.”

  “Thanks, girl. I know you do.”

  After Ciara left, Elle retreated to her desk and called Mya to run to the deli across the street to pick up lunch. In the meantime, she decided to work on the christening gown patterns for Megan’s twins. Her cell phone ringing distracted her, but she was elated to see Braxton’s handsome face on her screen.

  “Hey,” she answered in an upbeat manner.

  “Hi there. Just wanted to check on you. I kept you up all night and not in the way I would’ve liked.”

  His deep voice in her ear sent a warm shiver through her body at the thought of spending all night with him in the way he wanted. But she had to be strong. They were taking it slow.

  “I swear your mind stays in the gutter. I’m fine. A little sleepy, but after two cups of coffee I’m wired and running off adrenaline. And you? Did you get some rest?”

  “I did. I slept well. I guess talking to you put me into a deep sleep, and again not in the manner I would’ve liked.”

  “Boy, quit. We’re working on our friendship,” she reminded, even though she needed the reminder as well. Yesterday at lunch a guy had asked her out, and she’d immediately answered that she had a boyfriend. She would’ve said no regardless because the man was way too old for her, but she shocked herself when she’d said with a confident and truthful tone that she had a boyfriend.

  “I know. I know. So remember the jazz club I was telling you about in New York? My team and I are meeting with the owner of the building. If everything goes well, it will be mine.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful. So you’re coming to New York?” Her pulse ramped up to one hundred in less than six seconds as she waited for his answer. She hated to admit that she wanted to see him, but she had begun to have withdrawals. Talking to him on the phone, FaceTiming and texting were cool, but she’d rather lace her hands with his and gaze into his enticing eyes while they talked or simply stared at each other.

  “Yep. In a few days. My band and I are playing for the Fourth of July Jazz Festival at the Hamptons. In fact, I’m crashing at Megan and Steven’s rental cottage. Would love for you to stay with me. Have you made plans for the Fourth of July?”

  Stay with him? Running her hand through her hair, she stood and began to pace back and forth. “Oh...I see. Wow...um, no I don’t have any plans, but I have so much work to prepare for an upcoming photo shoot and I’m overseeing some...
”

  “Making excuses? Scared you won’t be able to keep your hands off me when you see me in my swim trunks?”

  Probably, she thought. “Puleeze, dude. I can handle being around you. Even if you were in Speedos with a monster erection, it wouldn’t bother me at all. So yeah I’ll go to the Hamptons with you. No. Big. Deal.” She plummeted on the couch, grabbed her wineglass and took a deep sip at the thought of his glorious, chocolate chest and his “monster erection.” Why the hell did I say that?

  “First of all, you’ll never catch me in Speedos and second of all... I see you still remember what I have to offer,” he said in a low, seductive tone.

  “Don’t flatter yourself. Besides, it will be you salivating over me in my bikini.”

  “You always did look hot in a two-piece.”

  “I still do, Maestro.” But now I’m going to do some extra stomach crunches and squats at the gym later today and lay off the carbs to be sure.

  He released a hearty laugh. “I bet you do. I gotta run. Rehearsing for the mayor’s ball tonight but I’ll call you later with the details.”

  “Sounds good.”

  After Elle hung up with Braxton, Mya entered with bags from the deli. Her nose wrinkled when she saw Elle sipping wine but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she began opening the bags and setting the containers on the coffee table in front of Elle.

  “I got your favorite chicken salad on a croissant and a small Caesar salad. Oh, and there’s a yogurt with granola, as well. I brought you peach tea but it seems you already have something to drink...” Mya glanced at the wineglass.

  “Okay, so I normally don’t drink alcohol in the middle of the workday, but Ciara and I needed to have a conversation and wine just went well with it.”