Page 14 of Cherry's Jubilee

“You can look, but don’t touch,” she says before stepping back.

“Yet,” I add. “Don’t touchyet.”

“For a man who’s left me hanging for almost a week, you’re very presumptuous, Mr. Jubilee.” She puts the flute down and slowly approaches me. The urge to put my hands on her hips, pull her into my body, and never let her go stirs inside of me.

I don’t know what’s happening, but if I didn’t know any better, I’d think she was some witch who cast a spell on me. She’s all I’ve thought about, and even though I had to be present for my family this past week, especially my dad, she was never out of my thoughts. Hell, I called her about a million times and texted too, but they all went unanswered.

“Do you have something to say, Ms. Cross?” I ask. I lower my voice and head to ensure my breath brushes her ear.

She shudders before she gets on her toes and whispers close to my ear, “You don’t touch anything unless I say so.”

I take her hands in mine. They feel warm. I reluctantly drop one and run the back of my hand along her soft cheek. The air leaves the room as I gaze into her dark eyes. I see so much there, and in this moment, I’m certain that she’s meant to be here. I’ve thought of it all week. Between unanswered calls, I convinced myself that what I experienced last week was a mirage and a consequence of one too many drinks, but I know now that’s not true.

“Tell me not to,” I whisper while I continue touching her cheek. When she remains quiet, I say, “You can’t. You have no control over this. Just like me.”

“Did you have any control of your phone, sir?” she asks. She yanks my hand down, walks away, and picks up her champagne. She downs it and holds the flute up. I refill it.

“I should ask you that same question. Do youeveranswer your damn phone or answer texts?”

“Not if I don’t know who’s calling.” She tosses those words at me as if I’m an idiot for not knowing that.

“I told you who I was in the dozens of texts I sent,” I hiss.

“Don’t get snippy with me, Jubilee. You were supposed to see me last Sunday. You’re lucky I don’t leave right now. If this champagne wasn’t hitting the spot, I would.” She looks away from me.

“My grandmother died. She was my dad’s mom, and they were very close. My family is ridiculously close, and I had to be there for my father. She wanted to be cremated and left instructions for us to spread her ashes in five different places. In the past week, I’ve been in three different time zones. I took the red eye from L.A. yesterday and napped before seeing you today. You would have known all of this if you had answered your phone or read your texts,” I say. “And I’ll get snippy when I need to.”

Chapter 8

Cherry

Now I feel like an ass. Not answering my personal phone is a habit of mine. I’ve never been one of those people attached to their phone, but I started ignoring it after telling my mother I’d be taking a break from her for a while. She called nonstop, and I would leave my phone in another room.

Solange and Ginger both yelled at me about that. I’ve gotten better at answering their calls, but I won't pick up if it’s a number I don’t know because Mom has called from strange numbers before.

“My condolences,” I say, softening my voice. “I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you’re okay.” I take his hands and squeeze them. They’re supple but strong.

“I am now,” he whispers locking eyes with me again.

I look away. Whatever this is, it’s too much. It’s too strong, and I don’t know if I’m ready. He drops one of my hands and clasps my chin. He gently tilts my head up so I can look into his deep brown eyes.

“Don’t look away.”

I couldn’t now even if I wanted to. I’m too mesmerized by his eyes. And his scent.

He slowly starts to lean down, and I remain frozen. Frozen in time and frozen in the moment. I’m too afraid of what comes next and so eager for it at the same time. He stops above my lips as if he’s waiting for me to permit him. I nod slightly.

His soft lips land on mine. I don’t move. Hell, I don’t breathe. Soft pressure is applied to my lips, and I remember I’m a woman being kissed by a very handsome and charismatic man. I’m also a woman who hasn’t been kissed in a long time. He finally drops my chin, and his long arms wrap around me. Being pressed against his hard body is like a jolt of electricity that shocks my system. I wrap my arms around him and kiss him back with all the passion I have.

I open my mouth to breathe, and he takes it as an invitation to come inside. He tastes of mint and champagne, and I never want to let him go or stop kissing him. His hands travel down my sides, and one rests on my ass. He presses me into him, and I feel his desire.

Fearing this is going too fast, I reluctantly break the kiss and take a step away. I give him my back while I try to get my breathing under control, but he gives me no time for a reprieve.

Those big, strong hands land on my hips, and he pulls my back flush into his chest. He wraps his arms around me, and I know there’s no way I can get out.

“I’ve wanted to do that for damn near a week, and I’m going to kiss you again before the night is over. But first, let me see your phone.”

He drops his arms, and I miss their safety. He turns me to face him, and he turns his palm up. “Your phone, please, Ms. Cross.”

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