Page 4 of Without You
He turned his back to his friend. “Yeah, but his ass can wait.”
Charisse laughed. “You better go. I’m sure you want to do some more networking, and it’s time formeto go to bed like Grandma Esther.”
His mind skated away from the thought of her in bed wearing a thin nightshirt or one of those skimpy nighties that barely covered her bottom and showed off her full breasts to perfection. Some days he couldn’t escape the memories. Some days he wanted inside her so bad, his dick hurt.
Though he missed the pre-Grammy events, Terrence was going to the NARAS post-awards party to catch up with friends and do some networking. If he could have his way, he’d head home to Charisse, or she’d come out to the club with him. Back in the day, they used to hit the clubs and stay until the wee hours of the morning. She loved to dance and didn’t mind getting raunchy, grinding her ass against him and slow-dancing to an up-tempo beat, in their own world and simply enjoying each other.
Later, if they managed to control themselves until they arrived at the hotel, they’d screw until exhausted. Though there were times they never made it that far and suffered through the discomfort of a backseat hook up, her dress pushed up and his hands gripping her hips. He’d lick the sweat that made her dark skin glimmer and force her to hold his gaze as she rode him into ecstasy. Those days were long gone.
“All right, I’ll let you go, old woman.” He made sure to keep a teasing tone and eliminate the disappointment from his voice. He’d talk to her all night if she let him.
“Hey, I’m not as young as I used to be, and I don’t have your energy. Cut me some slack.” She giggled and then her voice sobered. “Song of the Year. Now you have two Grammys. How many people can say that? I’m so proud of you, Terrence.”
His chest tightened. This woman really knew how to get to him.
“Thanks. Once NARAS sends the official award to management with my name on it, I’ll bring it by next time I come over so you and the kids can see it.”
“Why bother? You seen one Grammy, you’ve seen them all,” Charisse said airily.
Terrence laughed. “I’m bringing it anyway, and you’re gonna love it.”
He glanced back at Bo, who stood with his arms crossed, legs spread apart. He raised his eyebrows at Terrence.
“I better go. Bo looks like he wants to fire me even though I’m his boss.”
“Isn’t that the way it’s always been? He has to keep you in line. Have fun and stay out of trouble. Good night, T-Murder,” she said softly.
Terrence closed his eyes and absorbed the sweetness of her voice. He firmed his lips as regret soured in his chest. If only he could turn back the clock, he’d do so many things differently.
“Good night, sweetheart.” He disconnected the call and stared at the blank screen for several seconds. Then he took a deep breath and trudged toward his friend with extra swagger in his walk. He stepped over to where one of the women—amber-skinned with curly blonde locks and gray eyes that looked seductively into his—stood waiting. He recognized her as one of the performers’ backup dancers. She looked about twenty-four, the same age Charisse had been when he married her.
“Never seen one of those. Can I touch it?” the woman asked.
“I don’t even know your name,” he said.
She blushed shyly. “Kimberly, but I go by Kim.”
“Well Kim, you can touch it—if you give me a kiss on the cheek first.”
She blushed again but obliged, pressing soft lips against his jaw. She smelled good, and his male brain shifted gears and paid closer attention. She was perfect. She looked nothing like Charisse, who had dark skin, dark eyes, and thick coily hair she ran to the hairdresser to straighten every two to three months.
Maybe he’d take Kim home tonight. Maybe not. He’d see how the evening unfolded.
He handed her the award and her eyes widened. “It’s heavier than I expected. Is it real gold?”
“Gold plated,” Terrence replied.
“Can we go now?” Bo asked.
“Go ahead, man, you lead the way.”
“That’s what I’m talking ’bout.”
Bo took off with the other woman and Terrence flung an arm around Kim’s shoulders and pulled up the rear.
“What are you doing after the party?” he asked.
She glanced up at him with a coquettish smile. “Whatever you’re doing.” Not so shy after all.
