Shana Mine Read online

  “And tore us apart, Jasmin! Why? Are you in love with him too?”

  “No. I liked him…hell, I still like him a lot, but it hasn’t escalated to love.”

  “Damn Jasmin! If you were in love with him too, I could understand your behavior. But you forced me to choose between you and him for no real reason. I’ve lost the man I love because you couldn’t accept the fact that he preferred me to you.”

  She bit her lip, shaking her head. “I have no excuse for what I did. I don’t know why I did it, but I am so sorry. Forgive me?”

  I shook my head. “Right now I think we need some space and I need to evaluate our friendship.”

  “Shana—”

  “No, Jasmin. I need to get to a place again where I don’t feel as if my feelings are so inconsequential to you that you’d find doing something like that acceptable.”

  “Oh, girl, please. I’m so sorry.”

  I took a deep breath and looked away from her tears. “Just give me a few weeks to deal with everything and then we’ll talk again.”

  “I got a little crazy because he’s so good in bed, but—”

  “I really don’t want to hear how good you think he is in bed, Jasmin. I don’t want to hear anything about either one of you. He’s out of my life for good and I want you out of it for the next few weeks.

  “Just leave me alone to deal with things and we’ll talk in a few weeks and figure out how to get our friendship back on track.”

  She nodded and left in tears. Alone, I got in bed and spent most of the night crying for the ache for Taylor that seemed to grow more intense with each passing day and for the damage my friendship with Jasmin had suffered. If I’d had any real hope that Taylor might one day fall in love with me, I would gladly have tossed my pride aside and rushed back to Philadelphia and into his arms.

  I spent the next two weeks writing and managed to finish my first full-length romance. To celebrate, I had dinner with my kids and went to a swinger’s weekend retreat with Jasmin. We solidified our friendship and each had two one-night stands.

  Both the men I slept with were adequate in bed and kept me occupied and sexed up for the weekend. But I returned home more in love with Taylor than ever.

  I spent a few days in the office. During slow periods of the day, I managed to find a freelance editor with the experience to edit my book. After a little haggling, we agreed on a price and I sent my book to her to for editing. When she finished the edits, I planned to self-publish it.

  Feeling restless and lonely, I started on a sequel to the book I’d finished. However, I couldn’t concentrate on writing fictional love scenes when I longed to create real ones with Taylor.

  Chapter Seven

  Five weeks after I’d last seen Shana and had spent two separate weekends trying to fuck her out of my system with various women, I was finally ready to admit that was not going to happen. What I felt for her was real. And it was time to do something about it.

  I had a major project I needed to handle first that would require me to be onsite to supervise for several weeks. I discussed the possibility of withdrawing my bid with Kristopher.

  “Don’t do that,” he said. “You don’t want to develop a reputation as a contractor who takes on more than he can handle.”

  “I know, but I don’t think I want to leave her hanging much longer. I can call her but since I was a dumbass and told her I wouldn’t make any exceptions for her, I need to get my ass in gear and go see her in person.”

  “Fine, but don’t withdraw your bid yet. Let me talk to Jayvyn to see what we can come up with. But it’s time you train someone you can trust to oversee such projects so you don’t find yourself in this position again.”

  Having him point out the obvious made me feel as if he were taking me to task as he’d done when I was young and dumb. But I couldn’t take issue with the truth so I held my tongue.

  An hour later, Jayvyn called and told me he’d oversee the project for me until I returned from San Francisco.

  “Thanks,” I said, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

  “Go take care of business and leave the job to me.”

  “How do you want to handle your fee?” I asked.

  “I didn’t ask for a fee.”

  “Thanks, Jayvyn, but I’d have to pay anyone else.”

  “I’m not anyone else. I’m the man who spent more than two years mentoring you. I have a vested interest in your continued success. I don’t need or want a fee. You can thank me by bringing her to meet us when you’ve sealed the deal and by mentoring in your turn.”

  I owed both him and Kristopher a lot. After I’d graduated from trade school, I’d spent five years working for Jayvyn before he and Kristopher had financed the start of my own company. “I will,” I promised.

  After I hung up, I went on line to check flights to San Francisco and then called my father and my sons’ mother, Lisa. Although I was nervous at the step I was about to take, I was also excited at the thought of seeing Shana again and telling her how I felt.

  * * *

  Six weeks after leaving Philadelphia, I woke one morning and knew I was going to be miserable until I at least saw Taylor once more and tried to start a real relationship with him.

  I talked to my kids and made a reservation to fly to Philly on Friday. With my decision made, I experienced a certain level of relief. Although I had no idea what kind of reception I could expect from Taylor, I felt better knowing I was finally going to try to win back his interest.

  With three days left before I’d see him again stretching before me, I couldn’t sleep. I wanted to call him, but was afraid of his reaction. I hoped that seeing me in person would make it harder for him to walk away from me again. My fully edited book had been collecting dust on my hard drive because I was afraid of bad reviews.

  Since I was taking the plunge with Taylor, I decided it was time to go all the way in every aspect of my life. I formatted my book, said a prayer, and submitted it to several online sites. And waited and waited for someone—anyone to buy my book.

  Two days later, I’d only sold a few copies. Clearly, I would not be quitting my day job anytime soon.

  On Wednesday night, after a hard day at work, during which nothing went right, I drove to the airport to meet Jasmin who was returning from a trip to Chicago. A flight from Philadelphia was announced and I sighed as my thoughts turned towards Taylor. What I wouldn’t give to be there to meet him.

  Get a grip, Taylor. You’ll see him in two days. Tearing my thoughts away from him, I waited impatiently, my thoughts on a few drinks, a long soak, and hopefully a night of undisturbed sleep.

  “Hey, girl.”

  I looked up in surprise as Jasmin walked towards me from the direction of airport entrance. “Where’s your luggage?” I asked, rising and wondering why and when she’d walked passed me without my seeing her.

  She sighed. “I have a confession.”

  “What?” I asked, walking towards the entrance. “Where’s your luggage?”

  “You’re not here to meet me, Shana.”

  “What?” I stared at her, annoyed. “I’ve had a lousy day and I am not in the mood for any shit from you, Jasmin. Why am I here?”

  “Hopefully to welcome us to San Francisco.”

  The deep, warm voice sent a thrill of delight through me. My heart raced as I swung around.

  Taylor stood behind me.

  “Oh, my God. Taylor!” I rushed to him.

  He engulfed me in a warm embrace.

  Within the circle of his arms, I felt his warm lips against my ear. He whispered something in his native tongue. Of course, I didn’t understand a word, but the passion and intensity I heard in his voice filled me with hope. I clung to him. Then I frowned. “Us?”

  “Us.” He kissed my neck. “My father and the guys are with me.”

  I pulled away from him.

  He put an arm around my shoulders and turned me around.

  For the first time I no
ticed three males standing to one side watching us. I recognized all three of them. The oldest was obviously Taylor’s father. The two younger males were his sons.

  My eyes filled with tears and I bit my lip in an effort to control the emotions raging through me. His bringing his sons sealed the deal for me. There was no way he would introduce them to me unless he was as seriously interested in me as I was in him.

  He walked me over to them. “Dad, this is Shana Morgan. Shana, this is my father, Taylor Raymond.”

  He took my hand between both of his and smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Morgan.”

  What a thrill to have an idea of how handsome and sexy Taylor would still be in twenty-five years. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Raymond.”

  Taylor motioned to his sons. The tallest one, who appeared to be an inch or two taller the other three males, stepped forward with his hand extended.

  “Shana, this is Taylor Raymond Donovan. We call him, J.R. J.R this is Shana, Morgan.”

  “Hi,” he said in a voice almost as deep as his father’s.

  I smiled, giving him my hand. “I’m so happy to meet you.”

  “And this is Raymond Taylor Donovan,” Taylor said of his other son who was an inch or two shorter than his father. “Ray, this is Shana Morgan.”

  Taylor’s youngest son smiled. “She’s pretty, Dad.”

  Taylor looked at me and smiled. “Yes she is.”

  “Thank you, Ray.” I looked up at Taylor, blinking rapidly to keep my gaze tear-free. “Where are you heading?”

  “To see you. My father and the guys are getting back on a plane and heading to Florida where the guys are vacationing with their mother, stepfather, and little sisters. Dad came with them so they could all meet you.” He looked at Jasmin. “Thanks for getting her here.”

  Jasmin flashed him a quick smile before she leaned close to kiss my cheek. “Don’t let him get away this time,” she said, winked at me, and walked away.

  He looked at me.

  Meeting his gaze, I felt a thrill of anticipation at the thought of spending the night in his arms again. I forced my thoughts away from sex. “What do we have time for?”

  “We have three hours before they’re flying back out. We want to spend it with you.”

  We sat in the airport lounge talking until it was time for the others to board their plane. At least they talked and I spent most of my time trying not to stare at Taylor and keep my hands off him.

  Watching Taylor’s father embrace him and kiss his cheek and seeing him repeat the show of affection with his sons, drove home how close all four must be.

  “They are so handsome,” I said when we were in my car driving away from the airport.

  “They take after my father,” he said.

  I cast a quick glance at him. “So do you. When do I get to meet your mother?” I asked nervously.

  “My mother died three years ago.”

  “Oh. I’m so sorry.”

  “Thanks. We all still miss her. And when do I get to meet your parents?”

  My parents had retired to Georgia when the kids started college. I had a feeling Mom would think Taylor was handsome but Dad would not be pleased that he wasn’t black. “Whenever you feel like winging your way to Atlanta.”

  “We’ll have to make arrangements.”

  And I’d have to warn Mom so she could work on Dad who would otherwise give Taylor a very chilly reception. “Okay. Is your father dating?”

  “Not yet but I think he’s finally ready to entertain the idea.”

  “I’m sure the women will be beating a path to his door when he is.”

  “No doubt about that, but I’m not particularly interested in discussing anyone’s love life but my own.”

  “Okay, Mr. It’s-all-about-me.”

  He laughed.

  Lord I loved the sound of his laughter. “Where are you staying?”

  “With you. Where else?”

  “How long do I have you?”

  “A week. Then my father and I will fly down to Florida to get the guys. We’re going to spend a week camping.”

  I glanced at him. “So I have a week to make you mine?”

  He shook his head. “I’ve been yours the moment we met. Nothing’s happened in the last seven weeks to change that.”

  His wording reminded me of how I’d spent the last week—with other men trying to forget him. Something in his tone told me he’d probably done the same thing. But I didn’t care because at that point I was convinced his heart was mine for the taking.

  We made a stop at my favorite Chinese restaurant for takeout, bought a bottle of wine, and went to my apartment.

  The moment we closed the entrance door of my apartment, he dropped his bags, and leaned back against the door to smile at me.

  My heart racing, I put the wine and the food on the hall table. Then, moistening my lips, I kicked off my heels, peeled off my hose, and then slowly removed my dress. Placing it over the chair at the right side of the small table there, I stood facing him in my bra and thong.

  He stared at me in silence as he removed his clothes. Deliciously naked, he leaned back against the door, his erect shaft protruding in front of his big, buff body. He offered me a condom.

  “I want to taste you.”

  He smiled. “So who’s stopping you, sweet?”

  I took the condom and dropped to my knees in front of him. Allowing the small package to slip from my fingers, I gripped his hips and leaned forward to twirl my tongue around the tip of his cock. Encountering the pre-cum seeping from it, I lapped it up with my tongue, and slid my mouth forward.

  I enjoyed the feel and taste of his flesh on my lips and against my tongue. I sucked him slowly.

  He inhaled sharply. “Oh…sweet.”

  As before, he allowed me to set the pace.

  I sucked him with a slow, steady pressure while reaching a hand down to cup and massage his balls. They were round and heavy and I longed to feel their contents spill into my mouth and on my lips as he came.

  He cupped his hands over my head, inching his hips forward. “Shit! I’m about to come…unless you want a mouthful, now’s the time to pull out.”

  I released his balls and gripped his ass cheeks. Digging my fingers in, I sucked him harder and deeper.

  He groaned, curled his fingers in my hair, and exploded inside my mouth.

  I drew back slowly until the tip of his cock rested against my mouth. I licked my lips and rose to kiss him.

  He engulfed me in his arms, with his lips against my ear. “Shana, oh my beautiful Shana, I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you…the nights I spent dreaming about holding you like this again.”

  I burrowed closer into his arms. “Jasmin called you?”

  “Yes, but I was coming any way.”

  “When? When it was too late because I’d found someone else?”

  He stepped back and stared down at me. “Don’t kid yourself. Your chances of finding a man capable of making you forget me were no better than mine of finding a woman to take your place in my arms, bed, or heart.”

  “But you tried?”

  He nodded. “That’s how I knew there was no getting over you.”

  I sighed, sliding my hands over his bare chest. “I found that out too—after I tried.”

  “And now we know we belong together. Yes?”

  I nodded. “Yes. Oh yes, Taylor.”

  “Good. Now we’ve got that out of the way, I’m starving.”

  I stared at him. “What?”

  He took my hand in his. “Let’s eat.”

  “In case you haven’t noticed we’re both naked.”

  He locked his gaze briefly on my breasts and pussy before smiling at me. “Oh believe me, I’ve noticed. But I’m still starving. If you expect me to spend the night fucking the hell out of you, you’re going to have to feed me first.”

  I experienced a jolt of need at his words. “Then why are we standing around talking? The food is getting cold.
” I picked up the bottle of wine and take-out and walked into the living room.

  “I’ll get glasses and some plates,” I said, nodding towards the loveseat. “You keep that warm.”

  He sat with his legs parted, his semi-erect shaft lying along one of his muscular thighs. “I’ll be waiting,” he said.

  When I returned, we turned down the lights, and ate by candlelight. “Why did you let me go, Taylor?”

  He kissed my shoulder. “I didn’t want to but you were right. We needed some time apart. We had it. We had other lovers and we still want each other to the exclusion of everyone else. Yes?”

  I nodded. “Oh yes, and yes again.”

  “Good. Now. When do I get to meet your kids?”

  I bit my lip. “Strangely enough, both of them are in Florida at the moment.”

  He trailed s finger down my neck to my breasts. “For how long?”

  “For another ten days or so.”

  He pinched my right nipple. “Can you fly down with me when I go pick up my guys so you can introduce us?”

  “Well…yes.”

  Still pinching my nipple, he turned my face to his with his other hand. “But? Are you trying to tell me you don’t want us to meet?”

  “No. It’s not that…” I sighed. “You’ll have to grow on them.”

  “Why? What did you tell them about me?”

  “I was in tears when I returned home. My son surprised me by meeting me at the airport. He called his sister and they put me in a cocoon of affection for several weeks. I never said anything bad about you but my kids are very protective of me and not overly fond of anyone who makes me cry.”

  He sighed. “I see. Well I can hardly fault them for being upset with anyone who drives you to tears. I still want to meet them.”

  “Okay.”

  He kissed my neck and massaged my breasts. “And now I need some pussy. You have any idea where I can get some?”

  “Nope. Sorry.” I pushed his arm and hand away and stood up. Before I could take a step away, he slapped my ass cheeks and pulled me back on the loveseat and into his embrace.