“How long have you been together?”
“A couple of months. Let me rephrase that. We didn’t become serious until a couple of months ago.” He rubbed his head. “I don’t know, maybe I was wrong about her.”
“Don’t give up on her. Could be, she just needs more time.”
He rubbed his head again. “Here’s the thing, I’m not sure if she’s playing me or…”
“Did something happen to her?”
“Not that I know of.”
“You need to ask her.” He sipped his drink. “Is she a virgin? Maybe that’s it.”
“I don’t think so, and if it is, I don’t want any part of that.”
She smiled. “Why not?”
He shuddered. “Too much responsibility.” She laughed. “I’m serious. I don’t need her getting attached…” Then it hit him. That’s exactly what he needed. He needed her to be so in love with him, that she would do anything for him. “You’re right. I should be more sensitive.”
“Or, she might not like sex.”
He looked shocked at her statement. “What did you say?”
“She may not like sex. I know it sounds strange. However, we get a lot of clients in here whose partners don’t like sex. Or, who just want to watch.”
A big flag went up when she said partners. That word confirmed those other rooms weren’t empty. Second, that meant there were probably male versions of Jasmine in the employ of La Porte Noir. It kind of excited him to know that.
His thoughts returned to Olivia. His new plan would include sensitivity, and making it known he had no intention of making love to her until she was ready. And even then, it would be on her terms.
He finished his drink, stretched his arms over his head and let out a deep sigh. His demeanor had changed. He felt invigorated, empowered. “Come here.” She walked over and stood between his legs. “Take your robe off.” She did as he directed and let the black silk robe fall to the floor. He looked her up and down. She was nothing like Olivia. Jasmine had thick, smooth mocha thighs and full curvy hips. He liked watching her move when she was naked. He reached up and grabbed her breasts. She had more than a handful. Another area where she and Olivia differed. He loved the way Jasmine moved and the sounds she made when he touched her.
Jasmine knew what Eric liked. They had been at this song and dance for almost two years. But tonight was the first time he came in here stressed and frustrated. She sensed their arrangement might be coming to an end. She tried to remain professional, but knew there was something about this woman that had attached herself to Eric. Of all her clients, Eric was her favorite. She enjoyed her time with him. He wasn’t like some of the other clients. He seemed to genuinely respect her, in spite of their arrangement. He never asked her to do anything disgusting.
Sometimes they would spend an hour just talking. On those nights, she knew once he finished he would be very animated. She didn’t know what he did for a living. That wasn’t something the “therapists” were required to know. All they needed to know was the code name and how long the session would last. Once the door closed, the therapist was required to give the service the client requested. Eric was sort of like the kind of guy she’d like to meet and settle down with.
She looked at her watch. “Darling, I hate to bring this up, but if you want to book additional time…”
He removed his hands and nodded. She walked over to the panel on the wall next to the door and texted his request. He scanned her body as she placed his request. “Dance for me.” She pressed a button and magically music filled the room.
Chapter 10
Olivia felt she was savvy when it came to men. Sure, she didn’t date a lot in college, but she’d seen enough of her girlfriends go out with jerks to know one when she encountered him. Eric was definitely nothing like the guys she dated in college, and he was different from the type of man she normally dated. Most of the men she dated were after something, and it wasn’t her body, but her connections.
Olivia was very well-connected with the elite of New York because of her family. Her father, David Bennett, owned a chain of grocery stores. He and his wife, Virginia, bought a small chain of grocery stores over thirty years ago, and turned it into one of the largest grocery chains on the east coast.
Her father made it a point to remind her that most men would see her as a way to further their own agendas. That statement did wonders for her self-esteem. Her guard was constantly up when it came to men. She was now in her late thirties, and still hadn’t selected a husband. She could have been married. In fact, since Olivia started dating at age sixteen, she had been proposed to twelve times. She actually accepted two of the proposals. But, due to things that were beyond her control, the engagements were called off.
Her first fiancé turned out to be gay. He failed to disclose he needed a beard to fool his grandmother. Seems a rather large inheritance was at stake, but only for he and his wife, per his deceased grandfather’s will. His grandmother saw through the charade and gave him the money sans a wife. He in turn, dumped Olivia, took his inheritance and moved to San Francisco with his boyfriend…husband.
Her second fiancé needed of a lot of damage control. Seems Walter Thomas Cole, III, had a problem with his hands. He couldn’t keep them, or his penis, to himself. His family had hopes of his running for Congress with Olivia by his side. He would have made an excellent Congressman, maybe even a president. He was a kind, compassionate, and generous man. His three baby mamas testified to that fact. Olivia wanted no part of that mess, and broke off the engagement.
Ever since her failed engagements, she’s been on the defensive when it comes to men. Her theory,...if he looks too good and is over attentive, he wants something.
Usually a
bout this time in Olivia’s past relationships, her boyfriend or companion would start to show his true colors or motives for being with her. Eric wasn’t like that. He never asked about her family, or how she was able to afford her lifestyle. All he wanted to do was spend time with her. She liked that.
In the past, most of her companions made it a point to take her places frequented by those in her social circle, with the intention of making profitable connections. When they asked her where she wanted to go, she would tell them and end the statement with, “Use my name.” Her name opened doors, got tables in restaurants, seats on the front row of fashion shows, and access to hard to get into events. Dating Olivia Bennett was the platinum key to a door only a few could enter.