Though Troy had said the comment in a teasing manner, Damian couldn’t stop the guilt that arose. They had been friends since middle school, and Damian could always count on the two of them to have his back no matter what. “I’ll be ready.”
In his room, Damian changed into tailored slacks, a silk polo and loafers. Thinking he might not get back until late, he filled his oversize backpack with the clothes he’d need for tomorrow’s excursion and placed it on a chair. He pulled the duffel bag from the closet and searched for the condoms. He found them, tore off a few and put them in his wallet. Taking a quick look at his watch, he picked up the card key, slipped it into his pocket and left to pick up Karen.
When she opened the door, he could only stare.
“Hey, come on in. Let me grab my purse.” She walked a few steps, slipped her arms into a sheer cover-up, turned back and chuckled. “Damian, are you coming in?”
Shaking himself, he followed her. “Sorry. Every time I see you, you take my breath away.” She wore another sexy dress paired with matching sandals.
She smiled. “Thanks. You look pretty good yourself.” She slung a purse over her shoulder. “I’m ready.”
So was he.
* * *
In the elevator, Karen closed her eyes briefly and drew in a deep breath. The heat in Damian’s eyes threatened to incinerate her. The chemistry between them increased exponentially each time they were together, and she didn’t know how much longer they’d last before the intense desire overtook them. She glanced up to find his eyes fixed on hers. His gaze drifted to her mouth, and she subconsciously licked her lips, remembering the warm slide of his tongue against hers. Just as he reached for her, the ding of the elevator sounded.
Damian leaned close to her ear and murmured, “To be continued.” He wrapped a hand around her waist and steered her around the crowd waiting to board, down the hall toward the theater.
Karen tried to put some space between them, but he held firm to her, the warmth of his strong fingers penetrating the silky material of her top. Just like earlier, his touch did things to her insides and made her have visions of the two of them naked and writhing in a bed. She pushed the dangerous thoughts from her head and kept walking. They met Janae coming from another direction.
The two women embraced. “Hey, Karen,” Janae said. “Nice to see you again, Damian.”
“Same here. Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thanks. How was Jamaica?”
Karen smiled. “Good.”
“Very good,” Damian reiterated.
Janae divided a speculative glance between Karen and Damian, then threw a look at Karen that said she wanted details.
Ignoring the look, Karen said, “Dunn’s River Falls was great. You and Terrence will have to go when you come back.”
“Is that so?” she asked with a smile. “Maybe we will.”
They joined the line of people entering the theater. “Do you know where we’re sitting?”
“Donovan said he’d be waiting near the front.” As soon as they were seated, Janae leaned over and whispered, “What’s going on with you and Damian?”
She looked over to where Damian stood talking to Donovan, and then back to Janae. “We’re enjoying each other’s company, that’s all.”
“Hmph. Girl, the way he looked at you when I asked about Jamaica said he was enjoying more than that. I think he likes you.”
“I like him, too. He seems nice.”
“Nooo, I mean he really likes you.”
Karen waved a dismissive hand. “Please, we just met.”
Janae shook her head. “Okay, Miss In Denial. Mark my words, the man is interested in far more than just hanging out with you for this week.”
“He’s just... I don’t know.”
“Sounds a lot like the way I was feeling about Terrence when we first met.” She laughed. “You do remember what happened the first time we went to Terrence’s concert, don’t you?”
She stared, confused.
“One of us ended up married.”
“What does that have to do with me and Damian? You and Terrence are in love.”
“We didn’t start off that way. Remember when we used to talk about how sensual Monte’s music and lyrics were?”
“Yeah?”
“All I’m going to say is this new music is even more so. And the fireworks between you and Damian are enough to supply an entire Fourth of July celebration. Mark my words, there are going to be a lot of couples behind closed doors tonight, including y’all.” She gave Karen a knowing look when Damian took his seat, and then leaned back with a smug smile.