His Loving Caress

Chapter 2

Elle studied her flushed face and glistening eyes in the mirror of the ladies’ room on the first floor. She wasn’t even sure how she’d managed to walk down there. She had been in a daze and the heaviness had returned to her legs and her heart. Braxton had played their song and it had taken everything she had in her not to turn on the tears. For years she refused to listen to the song. But after awhile, hearing “Adore” by Prince had gotten easier. Until now. Braxton played it with so much emotion and vigor as if it was only them in the room. Once he was done, he’d given her the most endearing look, one that elicited heat to her center and caused a rage-filled shudder to travel down her spine.

Upon reaching the ladies’ room she was flabbergasted to see the black wallpaper with orchids, solidifying the fact the flowers were definitely from him. In the plush ladies’ lounge area hung oversized portraits of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn, who were some of Elle’s favorite jazz and blues singers. Braxton had always been very detail oriented and even though Megan, who was an interior designer, had decorated the jazz club, it was his vision.

Exhaling to calm herself, Elle rustled through her purse to locate her keys so she could leave. The event was almost over, and she’d already given a sizable donation to the treasurer that would pay for at least two students to obtain their undergraduate degrees. She wasn’t sure if she could make it back up the stairs to say goodbye to Megan and Tiffani, but she knew they would understand when she called them later. Glancing in the mirror one last time, Elle exited out of the restroom and straight into the sight of Braxton who was casually leaning on the opposite wall with his arms crossed over his commanding chest, next to a portrait of his jazz quartet.

Elle sashayed straight up to him as his eyes widened. She was sure he wasn’t expecting her to do so. Her heels gave her a little height and confidence, because at five feet five inches, she’d always had to stand on her tippy-toes to reach him.

“What do you want?” she demanded through clenched teeth.

A sly grin reached his lips. “Is that a trick question? Never ask a man who finds you irresistible what he wants.”

“Your compliments no longer work on me. I know you’re not just standing here hanging out. You were obviously waiting for me. And how on earth did you know I was attending the brunch? Megan said you’re rarely here on a Saturday morning, and I know neither she nor Tiffani would’ve told you.”

“Syd sent me a text this morning. You know she always looks out for her big brother.”

“Good ol’ Syd,” she said sarcastically. Elle hadn’t had a chance to speak with Sydney, who, as a criminal profiler, was busy on an important case. But apparently she wasn’t too busy to rat out Elle’s whereabouts to Braxton. She wasn’t surprised Syd told her brother. She had always been the main person dropping hints that Braxton wasn’t over their relationship.

“She thought, perhaps, it was time for us to finally see each other. Finally face the music, and I agree.”

“I don’t need to face anything,” she said angrily. “I’m not the one who left.”

He nodded as if in agreement, with a solemn expression washing over his features. “I deserve that, and I know I messed up with you. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about just how much I effed up.”

“Yeah, you really did. I hope it was worth it, though. You got everything you wanted, right?” The question was laced with condescension as she stared straight into his eyes. “The platinum records, the awards, the accolades, the drop-dead gorgeous women and of course, the hottest jazz club in Atlanta. Am I missing anything?” Pursing her lips together, she folded her arms across her chest waiting for his reply.

“I don’t have everything I want. I realize now more than ever what is missing, and why I’ve never felt fulfilled or truly happy about my success. I’ve missed you, Elle.”

While he sounded sincere and she respected his honesty, he wasn’t going to knock down her brick wall. He couldn’t know that she felt the exact same way. She loved her career, but there was a piece of her that wasn’t truly happy because he wasn’t there to share in her success. However, she would never reveal that to him.

“Humph. It’s too late for that.”

Braxton closed the space between them and lowered his head to hers. “It’s never too late for something that’s meant to be. Did you enjoy the song?”

“What do you think?”

“Oh, I think you did. It was plastered all over your lovely face, Sunshine.”

Elle winced at the nickname he’d given her in high school. He’d said she brightened up his life. She used to love when he called her that, but now she simply loathed it.

She pointed her finger at his hard chest. “Don’t call me that. You lost those privileges.”

He then nestled his hand around her finger, and the feel of his skin on hers sent a wave of shivers through her body. She regretted being in his personal space yet she couldn’t move as he held her in a steady trance. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly while studying her carefully.

“You are still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”

Her lids fluttered shut as he kissed her hand once more and a long, relieved sigh released from her throat. Over the years, she’d dreamed of him placing tantalizing kisses on her body. They’d felt so real, as if he were actually there. But when she awoke, reality would sink in as she’d reach out to an empty pillow.

He rested his head on her forehead and took a deep breath. For a minute her pain was washed away and replaced with the strong bond they’d once shared. However, when his arms encircled her waist and drew her closer, her eyes shot open and she remembered this wasn’t a dream. He was there, in the flesh, and she wanted nothing to do with him.

Snatching her body away, she took a few steps back and leaned on the opposite wall to compose herself. Being in his arms again, though brief, reminded her of the heart and soul connection they’d once shared. It was still there, and she needed to get away from him as soon as possible before the waterworks turned on and she gave in to his request to talk.

They stared at each other for a moment. Even though the music from the mezzanine level reached the lobby area, Elle could hear her heart hammer rapidly against her chest over the upbeat song. Before her was the man she used to love and trust. She’d shared her deepest thoughts, fears and dreams with him. Now she hated him. Though a part of her was actually overjoyed he was there. At one point in time he’d been her best friend, and she’d missed that more than anything.

Sighing, she broke their uneasy silence. “I need to go.”

“I meant what I said earlier, Elle. I need to talk to you.”

“We just finished talking. You admitted you effed up, you miss me, and I really don’t care.”

“You know what I mean.”

“And I meant what I said earlier. We have nothing to discuss. You want to know how my life has been without you. Fabulous. Now I have to go check on a wedding gown for an auction. Goodbye, Braxton.” She turned on her heel and hoped he didn’t say anything else or follow her. She needed to jet to the car and fast before the tear in the corner of her eye rolled down her cheek.

“Oh, so you’re attending your sorority’s auction tonight, as well?” he asked in a pleasant, upbeat manner.

She cringed as she replayed his words. She really hoped he didn’t mean “as well” as in he would be there, too. Pivoting toward him, she laughed nervously. “You’re going?” she asked as calm as possible. Seeing Braxton twice in one day wasn’t on today’s schedule.

“Yep. I’m auctioning off an upright piano.” Approaching her, he swept a tendril of her hair from beside her eye and tucked it behind her ear before running a finger down the side of her neck. “So I guess I’ll see you tonight, Sunshine,” he stated in an endearing tone that was accompanied by an arrogant smirk.

The mere touch of his finger on her neck was enough to send a raw shudder through her body that she managed to suppress until she rushed out of the revolving door, down the sidewalk and somehow to the safety of her rented BMW. Crashing her head onto the steering wheel, she exhaled and let the tears flow. Seeing Braxton without warning caused overwhelming emotions to surface that she’d hidden over the years in order to move on with her life. She’d missed him dearly and every blue moon she’d find herself teary-eyed from the pain that still lingered. However, she was irritated for letting him unravel her that easily. Braxton knew exactly which buttons to push, or in this case, which spots on her body to touch that would make her instantly let down her guard. He’d been her first love and the first man she’d ever been intimate with. She hated to admit that after all these years her body and mind were still under his control as if he’d purposely programmed it that way. The few boyfriends she’d had since Braxton never knew what the hell they were doing, and she usually ended up sexually frustrated because she never felt fulfilled afterward. She’d never craved or longed for any of them the way she did for Braxton. They’d always been in perfect harmony and in sync while making love.

Once Elle entered her penthouse suite at the Pinnacle Boutique Hotel in midtown, she found her assistant, Mya Collins, steaming the wedding gown for the auction. Elle had forgotten she’d given her a key and at the present moment preferred to be alone with her thoughts and a glass of wine. Tossing her purse on the foyer table, she mustered up a smile.

“I see the dress arrived.” Elle walked over and eyed the princess gown carefully. She was a perfectionist and every intricate detail had to be on point. She ran her fingers along the crystals and pearls on the bodice that had been hand sewn in a basket weave design.

“Yes, Ms. Lauren. The delivery service dropped it off about an hour ago. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you. It’s one of my favorites. Did the other dresses arrive as well?” Elle asked referring to a couple of evening gowns from her spring collection, one of which she would wear tonight.

“Yes, I steamed them and they’re hanging in the closet. I love the black one with the side thigh slit. Very sexy. I know you had your heart set on wearing the pink ball gown, but I bet the black one would look hot on you. You have the perfect toned legs for it.”

Elle tapped her chin. At first she wasn’t even sure she wanted to go to the auction. Now that she knew Braxton was going to be in attendance she’d contemplated sending Mya. But she’d promised the president of her sorority earlier at the brunch she’d be there. However, that was before learning that what’s-his-face would be present. Besides, the auction was just downstairs in the ballroom, which was why she’d chosen this particular hotel. She could make a quick appearance and jet back upstairs to avoid Braxton or she could stay for a while, completely ignore him, and agitate the hell out of him while wearing a sultry dress. And considering he’d always loved roaming his hands and tongue on her thighs, seeing what he hadn’t had in a decade would drive him crazy.

“Mya, when you’re done, help me try on the black dress to see what alterations I need to make. I think I want it cinched in more around the waist and stomach.”

“You’re going to turn heads in that dress. Maybe even find you a man.”

Ever since Elle had ended her relationship for good with the investment banker she’d dated off and on for two years, her best friend and Mya had been relentlessly suggesting she find a man.

“Not exactly.” Plopping down on the couch, she unbuckled her shoes and tossed them in front of her. “Just want to remind someone of what he could have had.”

Mya turned the steamer off and joined her boss on the couch. “Wait a minute...you aren’t talking about what’s-his-name? The piano guy?” she inquired. “He was there after all?”

Elle laughed even though this situation was far from being funny. “Yep, you were right. He showed up.”

“I told you he would be. He owns the place. Either someone apparently tipped him off that you’d be at the brunch or it’s fate, and it’s simply meant to be.”

“Not fate. His sister Syd told him. I didn’t have a chance to tell her not to do otherwise, even though I had hoped she wouldn’t. He’ll be at the auction tonight as well so I guess I would’ve run into him anyway. I haven’t spoken to the man since our rehearsal dinner years ago, and now I’ll have the pleasure of seeing him twice in one day,” she said sarcastically, running her hand through her thick tresses. “Lucky me.”

“You know your hair would look wonderful in a swept up, tousled style along with your diamond choker and diamond hoops from Harry Winston. Showcase your regal neck.”

“Mmm...that’s a great idea. Just make sure the makeup artist you set up has makeup to cover up this.” Elle lifted her hair up and turned her back to Mya. “Look at the fine print directly below my hairline.” She ran her finger along the back of her neck.

“BC? You had his initials tattooed? That seems so out of character for you. Don’t take this the wrong way Ms. Lauren, but you’re so conservative and reserved.”

“I was a freshman in college.”

“Aww, you were in love,” Mya said in a sing-song voice.

“No. I was young, immature and head over heels in puppy love. That’s all.”

“And yet you still have it. You know you can have it lasered off, right?” Mya teased.

“Well, not before tonight. Just call her and also the hair stylist with the change of hairstyles. I’d told him I wanted it straight down my back.”

“No problem. I’ll call them now.” Mya swiped her cell phone and iPad from the coffee table and retreated toward the bedroom door. However, she halted and turned around with an inquisitive expression. “Does he have one with your initials?”

“He had my first name intertwined with a treble clef over his heart. We got them together during spring break.”

“I wonder if he still has it.”

“I’m certainly not going to find out.” Even though now she was slightly curious. However, he had numerous girlfriends over the years including one that seemed quite serious according to the tabloids. There was no way he’d kept it with all those women chasing after him. The only reason her boyfriends hadn’t asked for the removal of hers was because she lied and said the initials meant “bold and confident.”

“Bring all of the evening gowns and shoe choices out when you’re done.”

“Will do.”

Resting her head on the back of the couch, Elle closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. Yes, she was fully aware she could have had the tattoo lasered off and had gone in twice to have it done. The first time she chickened out because she was told it would hurt and would take a couple of sessions for it to be fully removed. The second time, she was in one of her melancholy moods over Braxton and simply couldn’t go through with it. It was one of the few reminders of him she had left, along with a CD he’d given her in college. Everything else was packed up in a chest at her parents’ home, including her engagement ring that he’d refused to take back.

She rarely thought about covering the tattoo because she usually wore her hair down and very few people were aware she had it. If Braxton wasn’t going to be in attendance at the auction, covering it with makeup wouldn’t have crossed her mind because the diamond choker was more than likely wide enough. However, she didn’t want to take any chances that Braxton would see it and assume she’d kept it because she still had feelings for him. But deep down she knew her reasons, even if she hated to admit them to herself. She’d never stopping loving him no matter how hard she’d tried, but she had been able to move on with her life without him. He rarely crossed her mind except the times when the orchids would arrive, and she’d withdraw for a day. But she’d bounce back every time and keep living. Now seeing him again had rustled up buried feelings. While she was curious as to what he needed to say, Elle feared the longings she had for him over the years would resurface, and she’d cave in to her desires just to feel his loving caress again.

* * *

Entering the ballroom, Braxton unbuttoned his Elle Lauren tuxedo coat and spotted his twin sisters waving to him from a table in the front of the room. He waved back and proceeded to search for Elle but there was no sign of her. The wedding dress she’d mentioned was on a mannequin on the stage along with his piano and other items for the auction. The cocktail hour had begun and there weren’t many guests in attendance yet. He nodded and spoke to a few people he knew and then headed to the bar where he spotted his cousin Preston Chase wearing a wide grin as he typed something rapidly on his cell phone. Knowing him, it was one of his many female friends. Preston was one of Atlanta’s most sought-after bachelors having made his millions from developing popular video games for cell phones, tablets and computers.

“What’s up, man?” Braxton greeted. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

Preston tore his eyes away from the screen. “Hadn’t planned on it. Tiffani asked me to donate something at the last minute. She’s the chairperson over the scholarship fundraiser and has an astronomical goal in mind.”

Nodding, Braxton read over the list of drinks that were being offered on a small easel on the bar. “You know your baby sister wants whatever event she is associated with to be a success.”

“Of course. She’s a Chase. We all have Grandmamma Chase’s perfectionist trait in us.”

The gentlemen ordered their drinks and strolled over to the stage to peruse the items for the auction. Braxton sipped his brandy while every now and then glancing back at the entrance to see if and when Elle would arrive. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her since she’d reentered his life. During their years apart, when she crossed his mind, he could find something to do in order to distract himself. Now that he’d seen her beautiful face again in person, no matter what he tried, it was a waste of effort.

Braxton’s eyes landed once more on the wedding gown. It was exquisite. He hated that he never saw Elle glide down the aisle in the gown she’d created and sewn herself for their wedding. He remembered her being thrilled and exhausted when she’d finally finished it along with five bridesmaids’ dresses a week before their big day was supposed to happen. She’d been bubbly and overanxious for him to see her masterpiece because she’d designed it with him in mind.

He’d followed her career once she returned to the United States and began working for a famous fashion house in New York City until she took a chance and created her own line. She’d stated in a bridal magazine article that she loved designing wedding gowns because she wanted to be a part of a bride’s happily-ever-after ever since her ex had been a no-show on her wedding day. Reading that part of the interview made him feel like a jerk. However, it had boosted her sales because every woman wanted a dress designed by the jilted designer.

The men continued browsing the items and Braxton came across a few things he considered bidding on. “So what did you donate?” He hadn’t noticed Preston’s name on any of the items.

A sly smile emerged across Preston’s face. “A date with me.” He stroked his goatee. “I figure they can start the bidding at around five. Heck, maybe even ten.”

“Yeah, five bucks sounds about right,” Braxton joked, patting his cousin on the back and then tilting his head toward some of the women who were around his mother’s age. “I’m sure some of the golden-ager sorors would love to have a young cub.”

“You’re not funny, cuz, and I meant five thousand dollars.”

“Well, good luck with that. What about Rhonda?”

Preston’s face wrinkled with puzzlement. “Who?”

“The young lady you brought by the club last week who sat in your lap, fed you and nibbled on your ear all night.”

“Nah, man. She’s just one of my honeys in rotation. Nothing serious. Once I leave here, I’m jetting over to this chick’s place for a late-night skinny dip in her pool. It was over eighty degrees today.”

“Well, it is the middle of June in Hot Atlanta. It’s only going to get hotter.”

“I’m still beating you on the golf course this summer no matter what.” Preston glanced at his watch. “I need this shindig to start so I can go.” He downed his scotch and licked his tongue across his lips, slamming the empty glass on a nearby highboy. “Damn, on second thought, I may need to stay awhile longer. The honey dip that just strutted in is fine, and she’s looking this way. I should just give her twenty-five thousand right now so she can bid on me. Oh, it’s definitely going to be a hot summer.” Rubbing his hands together, Preston tilted his head in her direction.

Braxton turned around to see who his cousin’s next conquest was going to be only to discover Elle saunter into the room. And she was indeed fine as Preston had stated. The straight black dress encased her body as if it was created for only her to wear—which it probably was. Her windswept updo brought out her mesmerizing eyes, her swan-like neck and the diamond choker that was a reminder of how refined and classy she’d become. His gaze jerked to the slit that stopped midthigh that showcased her smooth, honey-coated legs. His thoughts travelled to the times when her legs were wrapped around his waist or entangled with his while they made love. Her legs, especially her thighs, had always been one of his favorite places to explore. Did she purposely wear that dress? Her eyes lingered on him for a second before turning to the hostess with a pleased smile as if she knew he was tempted. Oh, yeah, she wore it for me. And it worked as a strain against his pants emerged.

Preston tapped his chin. “You know she looks familiar. Do we know her?”

“That’s Elle.”

“Your ex? The one that you left at the altar, and we all thought you were crazy and just plain foolish?”

“Gee, thanks,” Braxton said sarcastically as they headed to their table.

“Well, dang. She’s definitely all grown up now. I don’t remember her being so...um...curvy and alluring. She’s mighty fierce in that dress. I’m surprised someone hasn’t wifed her up yet.”

“Well, it won’t be you so stop salivating over her.” Even though Braxton was joking with his cousin, a tinge of jealously soared through his bones. The thought of her with someone else didn’t sit well with him. However, he was surprised she wasn’t married yet.

“Uh-huh. Don’t worry, man. We’re family. I remember Tiffani saying Elle may still have feelings for you. So what are you going to do about it?” Preston asked seriously. “There’s some other men checking her out.” He nodded toward a few of their colleagues who were eyeing Elle.

Braxton cracked a confident smile in her direction as he caught her eyes roam over him momentarily before diverting away as if she’d been caught. “I’m a Chase man. What do you think?”

Chapter 3

“Are you sure there’s nowhere else for me to sit?” Elle asked the hostess for the fifth time. “It doesn’t bother me to sit at one of the tables in the back.”

“Nonsense, Ms. Lauren,” the young lady answered, linking her arm with Elle’s and escorting her toward the table where the Chase family was seated. “You’re a VIP guest and you’re auctioning off that beautiful gown. You have to sit up front.”

Elle inwardly groaned but displayed a smile as she saw a camera flash her way. She could handle being in the same room with Braxton, but when she’d learned she’d be at the same table, it took everything in her not to bolt back to her suite. However, he’d spotted her as soon as she’d entered the ballroom so she couldn’t escape. She had to remain composed and unbothered by his presence at least on the outside. On the inside her heart couldn’t stop doing backward flips like an Olympic gymnast. He was devastatingly mouthwatering in his tuxedo and the way his gaze had raked over her like she was a succulent steak, was an indication that it would be a long evening.