I drop my bags, remove and hang my coat, and move forward. Dario tugs me into him and plants a hot kiss on my lips. I lift on my toes, trying to get closer to him.
“I missed you,” I breathe when he breaks the kiss.
“Not as much as I missed you,” he says as he massages my ass. “Go on and freshen up. I’m finishing dinner now.”
“You cooked for me?”
He grasps my face and turns it up so he can nip at my lips. “Yes, and I plan to have you for dessert. I’ve wanted to see this sexy brown body covered in coconut oil for far too long. Tonight I’m living out my fantasies and more.”
I grin and reach to palm the bulge in his pants. I bite my lip and squeeze. He returns his hands to my ass and tightens his hold this time as he pulls me flush to him. His voice comes out husky with his next words.
“Go freshen up before I toss all that shit off the table and fuck you on top. I’ll make your sexy ass my four-course meal.”
“I wouldn’t mind,” I breathe.
He chuckles. “We have all night for that. Let’s have our first date. I need something normal in my life.”
“Everything okay?”
“It will be.” He swats my ass. “Get moving. You’re about to make me burn the sauce for dinner.”
I pout and turn for my bags before heading to his bedroom. Somehow, I’ve moved into his room and so have most of my things. I’m not complaining. I’ve loved waking in his arms.
I hum to myself as I strip from my clothes and head for the shower. I’m glad I listened to Toni and picked up something special. The dress I purchased is a knit illusion dress that makes it look like I’m not wearing anything beneath it, as the knit fabric creates a pattern to reveal what looks to be skin.
It has a handkerchief hem that stops midcalf, showcasing my long, toned legs. It’s perfect to cover the bra and crotchless panty set I bought with thoughts of later tonight. I grin as I think of how this night is sure to end.
I shave and scrub down with some of the scented scrub I purchased. When I step out of the shower, I smell like a strawberry-mango treat. I lotion up in the same scent and dress in the lingerie.
The girls and I stopped for a quick wash and wrap. As quick as you’re going to get in the Dominican hair salon. As I run a comb through my hair it bounces around my face and shoulders like fine silk. A little lip gloss and mascara and I’m ready to get dressed.
Slipping on a pair of heels, I turn in front of the mirror and grin. I put on the dress next and spray on some perfume, making the strawberry-mango scent a triple threat. The grin on my face comes from inside.
This is me. The real Carleen. I feel sexy and confident. I hadn’t realized that was missing. Now, standing here, I get the sense I allowed myself to fall into a slump.
“Welcome back, Car.” I wink at my reflection before I turn and head out to join Dario.
Dario
I smell her before I see her and I’m instantly semihard. There’s not another woman in this world who can do this to me. When I turn to face Carleen, I’m frozen in place.
She’s more beautiful than I’ve ever seen. I didn’t think that was possible. Over the years, she’s become more stunning with each day, every change, every phase. I remember them all and how I’ve fallen in love with her with each one.
Her braids in college. The ponytail and scrubs during her residency. The bob and hair clips when she first started culinary school. The long ponytail and chef’s coat as we opened our own place five years ago.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asks as she comes over and wraps her arms around my waist.
As if having a mind of its own, my hand finds the seat of her ass. I palm it and pull her into my growing erection.
“I’ve been an idiot all my life. I truly thought I could live without you being mine.”
She furrows her brows. “But why did you feel you had to?”
I’m saved by the ringing of my phone. I wanted to cut it off tonight, but I know I don’t have that luxury. I answer and Apollo’s voice comes through.
“Five.”
I know he wants me to move to my burner for the week in five minutes. My frustration level shoots through the roof. This night was meant to be special. I wanted to end it with my face between Carleen’s legs. However, I get the feeling in my bones this call is about to change my night or my mood at the very least.