If I had a weak heart, I would be dead. I could die of fright and no one would know why, except for the tall, built, handsome, oh so sexy man standing in front of me.
While on our date, I didn't get the chance to appreciate how good-looking he truly was.He wore a Navy-blue T-shirt that hugged his strong, toned torso, his charcoal-coloured jeans pants covered his long-toned legs that could run a hundred marathons without buckling and caving in underneath him. His outfit was completed with sneakers that matched the colour of his jeans.I could see the ink that covered his right arm. It was from his wrist leading up to the length of his arm and disappearing under the sleeve of his shirt.I could make out some of the images. I saw a rose with a name scribbled on the stem, Jesus Christ with his hands clasped, and some teardrops flowing from his eyes. I never thought about tattoos being sexy, but looking at his, I got an uneasy feeling in my stomach.My eyes lingered on his arms, appreciating how muscular and toned they looked. His hands looked as if they could crush you if they wanted to. He was fit, and it showed. I then turned my attention to his face. He had a little stubble along his firm jaws, his lips were plump and pink. Those cobalt blue eyes raked up my body then stared into my soul, jolting me to realize what I was wearing.“Whoa, is everything alright Dionnah?” Jonathan asked while looking at the broken glass on the floor.“Yes, yes. It just slipped because my hand was wet,” I said while reaching for a paper towel to dry my hands, which were now feeling a little clammy. I stepped forward, trying to ignore the awkwardness, and held my hand out. “Hi, I'm Dionnah. It's nice to finally meet you,” I declared, feeling nervous.“Nice to meet you too, Dionnah, and please call me Mike,” he smirked while shaking my hand. There it goes again, that feeling that jolted my body and shook my core. It felt like I was being hit with a small lightning bolt in the most exquisite way. My heart rate increased, and I became hot. What the hell is this? I thought as I withdrew my hand from his. I hope he kept our first encounter to himself. I didn't want to explain anything to anyone, especially Dani. “So, what's the plan for this evening?” Michael asked, breaking my thoughts.“Well, nothing really," answered Dani.“We thought you would be tired, so we expected you to stay home and relax.”“That's considerate of you Danielle, but I got enough rest for the past couple of days.”Michael's teeth were glistening pearls when he smiled.“Oh, right,” spoke Jon. “I forgot about the whole decompression thing.”“What's that?” I inquired.“Whenever we come back from a long mission, they place us in isolation before coming back to the civilian population. It may be for a month, week, or a couple of days. I did it for a week,” Answered Mike while looking at me.There was just something about his eyes on me that made me uneasy. “Oh, OK. Well, I'm going to clean up this broken glass, then go wash up and get ready for dinner,” I stated.“We'll go and show Mike his room,” said Dani.After cleaning up the broken glass, I ran upstairs to change into something more comfortable. I donned a simple red top and black shorts. After getting dressed, I headed downstairs to get some food because my stomach was now growling.Everyone was already down and seated at the table. The food smelled wonderful. It was mashed potatoes, fried and barbecue chicken, corn, and all the other fixings. I took the seat beside my sister, while Jon sat beside Mike. I took a plate and started scooping some mashed potatoes on it.I didn't fancy barbecue, so I chose the fried chicken instead. The food was delicious. I realized Mike picked the barbecue chicken instead of fried.I didn't even realize we were facing each other until I felt his eyes on me.I cleared my throat nervously.“So, Michael, how was your ride here?” I asked, trying to avoid his eyes.“It was quite nice. I appreciated the scenery. This place has some fascinating buildings.”“Yeah, it does, ah.” I smiled.“I can't wait to start working with Jonathan here,” he let out, patting Jon on his back.“So you do architect work too?” I asked.“He does more than that, Dee. He owns the company.” Jon answered before Mike could.“Really? Dani told me you worked for a billion dollar company," I explained. I mean, Michael wore expensive clothes but not that expensive.“Yes. My big brother here is worth a little over ten billion dollars," Jon smiled, squeezing Mike now on the shoulders. “But he doesn't like to brag about it. Most people in our company knows my face, whenever Mike goes at any of the branches, he works along with the regular workers, without letting them know he is the boss."Michael seemed to be embarrassed as he kept his eyes on his plate while he chewed away at the food. “Is that so? That's quite the tale. I wonder what else there is to know about your brother Mike," I stated, biting into my food. Mike and my eyes met.“There's plenty to know," he smirked, while we did a little stare off.“Like what?" I pressed and my pussy trembled as I saw him effectively licking his fork.“Like how my brother is an all-rounder." Jon's words saved me from drooling. “When he was in college, he did business management and building designs. He started the company from the ground up his first year in college with money he borrowed from the bank. He worked day and night for a year from our garage. By the 2nd year the company was worth 10 million, so Mike decided he wanted expand Mulroney's Constructions, so he opened another in Wistcoston. But I was shocked when he enlisted in the Navy days after graduating from college,” Jon finished.“Jon, I told you it was something I had to do,” Mike countered.“I know, I know,” Jon gave out. “I'm just glad you did and figured out what you wanted.”“Yeah,” Mike smiled.“I'm just glad we finally met, and you get to take part in our wedding,” Dani beamed, causing me to smile. My sister was truly happy, and that made me happy.“I'm thrilled to be home,” Mike added.“So we can start getting everything done because two months after the wedding, we have a huge fashion show,” Dani mentioned.“Yea, and we need to go pick out a Tux,” said Jon.Since Mike was the best man, that meant we both would walk together since I was the maid of honour. My mind strayed and started to imagine Mike in a Tux. He would look so suave and debonair. I smiled at the imaginary sight.“What's so funny?” Mike asked, while looking at me.“Nothing,” I answered, feeling flushed. Mike looked at me with a puzzled glare.“Dee, remember we have auditions for the models on Monday,” Dani reminded me.“I think it's about twenty girls and seven guys, but we'll only need fifteen girls and five guys for the show.”“Yes, Amelia will assist us, so I'll be fun,” I stated, looking at Mike to see how he would react to the mention of Amelia's name. He didn't react at all.In fact, he kept eating his chicken without a care in the world.As he took a bite out of his chicken, a little sauce dripped from the side of his lip. I swallowed hard at how mesmerizing the sight was.I stuck my tongue out as if the sauce were on my lip. What was I doing?Dani noticed. “Mike, you have a little sauce on here,” Dani said, indicating to his lip.I thought he would use a napkin to wipe the sauce away, but he shocked the hell out of me when he stuck his tongue out and licked his lip clean, all the while staring through my soul. My body jolted as the act sent another small volt of electricity through my core that settled in my stomach… Why am I feeling butterflies? I thought.The rest of the dinner was casual. We chit-chatted about details of the wedding and the fashion show. Jonathan question Mike about his experience as a Navy SEAL and if he was going to miss it. Mike said he was going to miss some aspects of it, but not all. He didn't explain further, and Jon didn't push him.After dinner was over, I volunteered to clean up. “I'll tidy up guys. You can go and shower.”“I'll help you,” Michael insisted.“No, no need, I'll be fine and besides, you are our guest,” I said with a smile.“I'm not a guest. I practically will be living here until I settle the deal on a property nearby. Might as well get used to it,” he smirked.“What?" I looked to Dani.“We were gonna tell you, but there was never a right time," Dani sighed. “Mike will be here for maybe 3 months until he close the deal on the mansion over by Derby Lane."That was the most expensive neighbourhood in town. I was in love with a house that sat on an enormous property. There was a stable and a small guest house in the back yard with purple shutters that would be great for a studio, if I had a hundred million dollars, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Then there was an old vineyard in the far back of the land. It was just a beautiful property. “Really, which property is that?"“It's the one with the old vineyard in the back," Mike declared and I almost blew a fuse. Our eyes connected again. “I am a wine collector, one of my many hobbies. But I figured I would want to try my hand at a winery before I die," he chuckled.“How ambitious," I said dryly. “It's a beautiful property."“Dee loves that place, she would stop by now and again and fantasize about living in the house with lots of kids playing in the yard while her husband work in the vineyard and she works on her fashion designs in the guest house." Dani blew my secret. “Plus it's right across from our house, so you can stop by and admire it anytime. I'm sure Mike won't mind showing you around there sometime."I love my sister, but sometimes she blurts things out without thinking. I couldn't wait for their house to finish building so they can leave mine and I can have my place to myself for once. Dani and I bought this place a few years ago, so now I'm paying her for her half so I will be the sole owner and she can go live with her husband in their place. “Dani, hush it," I warned.“What? I'm sorry, I'm just trying to – you know what just let Mike help you," She rolled her eyes.“OK, fine. Grab a rubbish bag from that drawer,” I said to Mike, while I pointed to the cabinet.“Dee, we'll be upstairs. I'm in dire need of a shower,” declared Dani.“OK, and Dani, I might go out in an hour with Amelia. She invited me to a club,” I told Dani.“Really? Maybe you should take Mike with you and show him a good time.”“I'm sure Mike would rather stay home and watch a movie or something,” I rolled my eyes.“On the contrary, the club sounds fun. I'd love to go, unless your boyfriend would have a problem with you going to the club with another guy,” he remarked. Real smooth, I scoffed.“Dee doesn't have a boyfriend,” Dani said before exiting.“Really, I did not know that," he kept his eyes on me.“Mike, please play nice," Jon smirked at his brother before he went upstairs as well.I remained quiet as Mike and I continued cleaning. I loaded the dishwasher, standing beside it with my innards trembling at the close proximity of me and this man. He was just staring at me with his intense blue eyes, mischief dancing behind them.I sucked in a breath, my eyes trailed down from his face to his crotch. I almost fainted when I saw the bulge in his pants, so I said an internal prayer, Lord please protect me from temptation, and give me the strength and power to resist this sinful man that I was now picturing eating me out on the table that we just dined.Amen!His eyes were like two laser beams burning into my soul. I couldn't take it anymore. “What?” I inquired. He just stood there still, assessing me, scanning me with those damn eyes of his and then he spoke. “Why did you run out on our date?” He asked.“Why didn't you tell them we've met before?” I countered.“Would you rather I did?”“Actually, no,” I blurted. “It was my first blind date, and I wasn't expecting someone like you.”“Someone like me?” He asked with eyebrows raised.“You know, Amelia didn't tell me you were white, and that threw me off. I mean, I've never dated a white guy before. I, much rather prefer men of the same colour as me,” I said, hoping I didn't sound like a bitch.“Oh, now I see. Are you prejudiced?”“Of course not. My sister's fiancé is white, and he's remarkable. It's just not my preference.”“OK I get it,” He smiled.“So, have you ever been with a black girl? – I mean, dated a black girl,” I corrected.“I date all different types of women of all shades, colo
The rest of the weekend flew by quickly. I stayed in my room mostly, so I could finish up some documents on my computer. The fashion show was only a few months away, and I needed to be on track with everything.When I woke up Monday, I felt refreshed. I got up to take a shower when I heard movements in the hallway. I placed my ear on the door and I listened. My heart jumped when I heard a small knock on the door. I bit my bottom lip in order for me not to scream, and then I waited and heard feet shuffling away. I took a deep breath before I opened the door. My eyes landed on the trinkets down below and my breath caught in my chest. There was a light-brown teddy bear wearing a red bow. It was almost as tall as me. A box of chocolates lay perfectly in a heart-shaped box next to a well-put-together bouquet of Lilacs. There was a huge white box with a red bow. I looked up and down the hallway to see if I saw anybody, but I didn't.I hurriedly moved the items inside. I flung the bear on my
MICHAEL'S POV Fifty-six hours, twenty-two minutes, and twelve seconds. That's how much time had passed since Dionnah and I shared the most exhilarating kiss. 13, 14, 15. I kept counting the second hand on the clock that was sitting on the nightstand. Fifty-six hours, twenty-two minutes, and eighteen seconds. That's how long since I've seen Dionnah. Was she avoiding me? Did she enjoy the kiss? Now I felt guilty because over the years I've kissed many women and ghosted them after. Maybe this was my retribution. I went up to her room door a couple of times contemplating whether or not I should knock, but I was told by Dani that Dionnah was engrossed in her fashion show project. My heart stung with heaviness as I longed to see her face. Was this really how a woman felt after a man hit it and quit it? If so, then I feel awful because I'd done this to so many women. I didn't have all the time in the world to make a tally of how many hearts I left in shambles. It was Sunday night, and the
DIONNAH'S POV I was just sitting there, gritting my teeth and staring daggers at the three people making fun of my blind date fiasco the other night. So, what if I ran away because the man was white? I just didn't date them and that was that. “Haha haha!” Dani threw her head back, giggling like a lunatic after she recited something funny at my expense, again. Her luscious lips, which were similar to mine, trembled as she belted out the most unladylike laugh I had ever heard her give. I was angry at her for outing me and letting everyone know I don't normally dress like this. I watched through squinted eyes as Jon wiped his soon-to-be wife's mouth. She laughed so hard that she began to drool. “And then I said, Dee, Don't knock it till you've tried it," Jonny added, sending Dani into another fit of laughter. She threw herself into Jonny's arms. Both of them held each other as they laughed their asses off. Those two, Dani and Jonny, were like two peas in a pod. A part of my insid
M.I.K.E.“Good afternoon, Mrs. Miller, this is Dionnah Delaney from Delaney Designs. I am calling to confirm our meeting next Tuesday. Looking forward to doing business with you." Dionnah sat at her desk making business calls, trying to get that hot piece of work out of her head. She couldn't stand their heated encounters but yet, she secretly desired them. The adrenaline rush and the heat he emitted when he got deeply agitated made Dionnah more turned on than ever. Maybe she was a little crazy, she thought. This behaviour was a little toxic. “Hmm," she hummed attentively while she listened to her potential client on the other end of the receiver. M.I.K.E.Y.“Yes, Mrs. Miller, we do offer top-notch service and I guarantee satisfaction, if not, you get 50 percent of your money back." M.I.C.H.A.E.L.“I hope so, too. Thank you for considering Delaney Designs. Have a lovely day," Dionnah chimed in her best customer service voice as she ended the call. She wanted to ensure she gave nothi
“How dare he! How dare he!" Dionnah fumed, throwing her pen across her office. Michael had built up her heart with excitement and the possibility that she could love again, only to shred it by accusing her of cheating. After what dirty Derick did to her, she not only promised herself not to date anyone white, but she also made a vow that if she managed to get into another relationship, she would never cheat or give her partner any doubts about her fidelity. “Oh, shit!” She whined to herself. “This man is driving me crazy."She paced around the room, ignoring her office phone that kept on ringing non-stop. “What am I thinking? How can I cheat on someone I'm not even in a relationship with? Why am I so bothered by this?" The phone kept on ringing. “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" She grabbed her purse and slapped the phone over and over with it until it fell off her desk. “Oh, My God! I think it's dead." Amelia entered the office just in time to see Dionnah murdering the office phone. “
Dionnah was flustered and out of breath, feeling awkward standing there gawking at the Mountain of sexiness in front of her. He was just standing there glaring at nothing in particular. His hands leisurely tucked into the pockets of his grey sweatpants that hugged his bow legs appreciatively. His dark silk muscle shirt was sleeveless, baring his biceps to Dionnah. Her tummy somersaulted as she marvelled at the handsome man before her. His arm tattoos hit that sweet spot between her thighs every time. It was like each moment her eyes met him; they tricked her brain into thinking it was the first time they were seeing him, causing her to forget how to breathe. But she pushed through her uneasiness and spoke. "Michael, I'm here." She chomped down on her bottom lip, trying hard not to run and tackle him to the ground and kiss him until both their mouths wither and turned into dust. She lingered for him to reply. She noticed his shoulders tensed at the sound of her voice, like he didn't e
~Ambivalence refers to having mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone. It can involve indecision or uncertainty due to having both positive and negative emotions or attitudes about a person, object, or situation. For example, a person might feel ambivalence about a job offer if they are excited about the salary but not about the job responsibilities. In Dionnah's case, her ambivalence is with how she feels about entering into another relationship after what she endured with Derick.~******DIONNAH'S POVI am ready, I was sure I was. This was what I wanted, plus I'd never been this attracted to any man before. Ever!Michael seemed to be caught off guard, but the grin on his face told me he'd been wanting to do this since the moment we met. His eyes showed his longing need for me and it was driving my nether region wild. I liked being wanted by Michael, it made me feel sexy like I was a Goddess of some sort. Michael accepted my lips with his. We moaned loudly as our