Life as Siri knew it changed in a matter of moments. A two minute conversation began a string of lies that turned her world upside down. Today she was going to reclaim her life. The past was no longer going to control her. Glancing into the mirror, the questions and doubts still swirled through her mind.
“Don’t you dare!”
Siri turned to the one person that knew the turmoil of the last year. Gracefully placing her hands on her hips, she asked, “What?”
“Don’t what me. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” Her baby sister TeKaya Kendrick scowled at her. “I can see your pathetic little mind over there working. You are not backing out of tonight. I have VIP tickets, a limo filled with champagne and a date with, Silk Davies, crooner extraordinaire. The man that can make your panties wet with one song. There is no way I’m going to miss this concert. Let’s go.”
Before she could mumble a word, Siri was snatched by the arm, dragged down the stairs, out the front door, and thrown into the waiting limo.
An hour later, as a crew cleared the opening act’s equipment from the stage TeKaya suggested they go to the bar. A drink was the last thing Siri needed or wanted. On the other hand, hanging out with her baby sister, TeKaya, whom everyone called TK, a drink might be exactly what she needed. Why she ever agreed to this outing, she would never know. Friday’s At Sunset was one of the best outdoor concert series Richmond, Virginia had to offer. The artists that appeared ranged from old school funk to jazz and all points in between. It was August and this was the last concert for the season. The evening was a delightful seventy degrees with a nice cool breeze trickling through the crowd of close to thirty five hundred concert-goers.
As the official photographer, TK had VIP tickets to the event and immediately deemed it as her opportunity to entice “Mr. Romance” himself, Silk Davies. Siri smiled at the thought—she would probably get a handshake and picture, then be sent on her way.
“What are you smiling about?” TK asked turning to her sister.
For a brief second, Siri thought she should be honest and tell her that fairytales and dreams only end up as nightmares over time—but, that would be cruel. Although life had thrown her a few curves, she certainly did not want to rain on TK’s fairytale. So instead, Siri replied, “Just enjoying some of the sights out here tonight.”
“I know what you mean. Did you see the sister with the blue-blonde hair? What could she have been thinking when she stepped out of the house?”
Leave it to TK to be blunt. “You should stop. Someone could be saying the same thing about you.” Siri knew before the thought was finished it was not true. TK was a fashion photographer that looked like she should be on the other side of the camera. Everything that touched her body was the latest fashion from a variety of up and coming designers. Tonight she was wearing an original design by her friend, Chanin Rachel, out of Atlanta. The outfit was simple, but on TK, with that perfect size six body, any man would stop and stare.
TK turned and posed. “That may be, but I looked in the mirror before leaving the house. She struck another pose, “And I look fabulous.” She retrieved her drink from the bartender and began walking back to their seats. “Speaking of outfits, you are definitely wearing that two-piece skirt set, showing off your navel. I don’t understand why you always wear old maid clothes. If I had your flat stomach and big booty, you wouldn’t be able to handle my strut.”
Siri smiled brightly at her little sister, “I’m not sure I can handle your strut now. But thank you for the compliment and the outfit.”
Happy to see her sister smile, TK took her seat. “Are you having fun?” She did not know the reason for her sister’s failed marriage, but she did know it left a dispassionate view of life. When they were growing up Siri had a zest for life unmatched by anyone else she knew. Living each day to its fullest had been her motto and she had followed it vigorously. Then she married Carl Austin. Not only did he snuff the life out of her, it seemed he also took a part of her soul. Tonight it took TK three hours to coerce Siri into coming with her. After a year of seeing a shell of her sister, she wanted to see a genuine smile on her face.
That’s it. Something had to give. Siri did not like the look from her sister. It was one thing to hear strangers question her sadness, but quite another to hear your little sister pitying you. She was going to enjoy herself tonight, even if it killed her. Taking the glass of wine out of TK’s hand, she took a sip and sat back in the lounge chair. She returned the glass, removed the pins that held her hair up, allowing the breeze to blow through it as it fell down her back. She leaned over and returned the glass to TK, “I’m having a wonderful time. Thank you for inviting me.”
The look of relief on TK’s face was priceless. The sun was about to set and the main act was about to take the stage.
“I hope your camera is ready. I want a lot of pictures of this man.”
Picking up her camera TK adjusted the lens. “You realize sometime during the performance I will have to leave you. But it shouldn’t be for too long.”
“Do you girl, I can take care of myself.”
With that said, TK stood and began doing just what she loved, capturing moments of a lifetime.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer began as the lights on the stage dimmed. “The moment has arrived. If you came with a special someone, now is the time to pull them close. If you came alone, grab your neighbor. If you are still alone, I have the number to an escort service. No one is going to want to leave alone, tonight. The man referred to as, ‘the baby maker, the guaranteed panty dropper and Mr. Get Her Wet,’ The man with the voice so smooth, they had to change his name. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the incomparable, Silk… Davies.”
The crowd stood on their feet and enthusiastically greeted the Grammy award-winning artist to the stage. As if on cue, the band merged with the rhythm of the applause from the audience. Just as the sun set, magically, Silk Davies appeared center stage dressed in white pants and a long sleeve linen shirt that stopped at his thighs. The band stopped. The applause settled and the man’s voice was all that could be heard. There were no instruments playing, not a sound from the crowd, just a man with his eyes closed and a microphone at the moment soothing all the ills of the world. If anyone ever wondered if Silk Davies could sing, the answer was loud and clear. The sound of his voice was mesmerizing.
At the conclusion of the first song, he opened his eyes and smiled at the crowd. Then in the smoothest voice, Siri had ever heard he said. “Good evening. I am Silk Davies. Welcome to a night of seduction.” Now she understood exactly what the announcer meant about panties getting wet. Instinctively she crossed her legs and gripped the arms of the lounge chair as her eyes followed the man across the stage to the white baby grand piano. Meticulously he began exactly what he indicated, seducing every female in attendance.
Siri sat and listened. It was uncanny how the selection of songs seemed to follow a journey through a relationship. From the uncertainty and excitement in the first stages, to the hurt and sorrow at the end. Tears slowly slid down her cheeks as he sang through the hurt of a dream being shattered. After the first set of songs, the band continued to play as Silk left the stage. Upon his return, he sat center stage on a stool, dressed in a pair of jeans and a white tee shirt that hugged his body displaying his muscle bound arms. He wasn’t a big man, Siri thought, but lord, what he had was well defined. He picked up his guitar and smiled. “I’m an incurable romantic who could never leave you hopeless. After every cold, harsh, winter, there comes a fresh, new, spring. Let’s continue the journey.”
An indescribable urge, to hear what this man was about to say, consumed her. Siri sat forward anticipating the next note. It seemed, for a moment, he searched for something or someone in the crowd. His eyes scanned over her, but then quickly returned. The intensity of his stare caused her to turn around in her seat to see who he was looking for. Turning back, she found his eyes directly on her. Certain it was her imagination, she settled back and listened. This time when he began to sing, it felt as if no one else was there but him and her. Every note, to each song, touched her heart. The tears dissipated and the doubts she felt about her life began to dissolve. By the time he reached the last note, Siri’s outlook on life had changed. The man on the stage had given her hope again. It was foolish of her to think he was singing only to her, but what the hell, that’s the way she felt. One day she had to find a way to thank him.
“Did he put on a show or what?” TK exclaimed as she rejoined Siri.
Standing and folding the lounge chair, Siri stopped, looked towards the stage nodding and agreed with her sister. “If I had the nerve I would take off my wet panties and give them to him.”
Shocked at her words, TK stopped and stared with her mouth open at Siri. Then she laughed, “Well I’ll be damned. Look out world, the real Siri is re-emerging. Come on,” she said while gathering her things. “I have to get a few shots of the after party at the hotel.”
♪
Making their way through the crowd, the privileged few, including TK and Siri, climbed the steps from the park area into the breezeway leading to the lobby of the hotel. Showing press passes, TK and Siri entered the elevator leading to the penthouse suite of the hotel. Upon entering the reception area, they joined a small entourage of people that traveled with Silk. “Wow. I’ve lived in Richmond all my life, but I never knew this was here.” TK marveled at the room. Before Siri could respond, a man with a determined swagger approached TK. “Ms. Kendrick?” he extended his hand. “Good evening. I am Jason Davies. I understand you are one of the photographers for this event.”
“Yes I am,” TK replied smiling. The air between the two was electric as she took his hand. They faced each other staring. As if suddenly remembering, she turned to Siri and introduced her. “Um, this is my sister Siri.”
Extending his hand Jason smiled, “It’s nice to meet you. Would you mind terribly if I steal her away for a moment? I promise it won’t be long.”
“No, not at all,” Siri replied as she released his hand. Jason turned to call someone over, while TK raised her eyebrows at Siri and mouthed, “He is so fine.” Siri nodded her head in agreement.
“Stan, would you keep Siri company for a moment?” Jason patted the young man on his shoulders and turned back to Siri. “Here,” he gave her the glass of wine he was holding. “Thank you,” Jason said as he placed his hand on the small of TK’s back and guided her away. Siri took the glass and watched as the two strolled away. They made a stunning couple. She smiled as a pleasant thought crossed her mind. This was not going to be the last time she saw the two together.
“Is that smile for me?” Stan asked with a wide grin and what appeared to be drool coming out of his mouth.
This is going to be a long night, Siri inwardly sighed and then took a sip of wine. Certain wines always had an adverse effect on her and she usually stayed away from alcoholic beverages for that very reason. However, trying to keep Stan in check would cause anyone to drink. His hands seemed to continuously touch her in places they shouldn’t. To make matters worse his conversation was limited to, “You sure are fine,” or “You know I’m with the band” or “I got a room a few floors down.” Doing the best she could to be civil, she scanned the room. She noticed Jason and TK on the balcony engaged in what appeared to be a very enjoyable conversation, for they were both displaying smiles bright enough for a Crest toothpaste commercial. The last thing she wanted to do was interrupt that, but she needed a reason to escape Stan. The third glass of wine was affecting her system and she would never forgive herself if, in the morning, she awakened with Stan next to her in bed.
Reaching deep into the recesses of her mind, she found the one thing that always got rid of a man. She downed the remaining portion of her third glass of wine and cleared her throat, “Stan would you excuse me? I need to find the ladies room. It’s—you know—that time of the month.” The deflated expression on his face was exactly what she wanted. Walking away, she smiled triumphantly. That’s right buddy you will not be getting any tonight.
In search of a quiet place to wait, Siri ventured down the hallway until she reached a set of double doors. She tentatively knocked. Receiving no response, she tried the door handle. It was unlocked. Stepping inside she called out, “Hello. Is anyone here?” Receiving no response, she closed the door behind her. It was amazing how the noise from the party evaporated once the door closed. “Finally, a quiet place,” she exhaled. She reached into her purse, pulled out her cell phone, and pushed a button. Looking around she noticed the room was a bedroom suite and a very elegant one at that. She sat on the sofa near the door while waiting for TK to pick up. “Hey. I could see you are in the midst of a deep getting-to-know-you conversation and did not want to interrupt. I’m taking a cab home. Enjoy the rest of your night.” She teased.
“Did you drink that glass of wine?” TK asked with a giggle.
“Yes, that one and more, Mother. You apparently have never been in the company of Stan, the man with the hands. It took everything in me not to slap him and cause a scene,” Siri replied with a bit of a slur.
“I’m coming to get you. Where are you?”
“Girl, please. I’m a twenty-nine year old woman. I can take care of myself. You stay put and take care of that fine man you are with.”
“Are you sure?” TK asked concerned.
“Yes, I’m sure. I’ll talk to you when you get home.” Siri disconnected the call and laid her head back. The wine had affected her more than she thought. She decided to lie down on the sofa for a minute, to get herself together. Then she would have the clerk in the lobby call her a cab to take her home. She stretched out on the sofa and before she knew it, she was sound asleep.
Refreshed from a long relaxing shower, Eric wrapped a towel around his waist and grabbed another for his head of dread locs that hung to his shoulder, then walked into the bedroom of the luxurious hotel suite. He sat on the side of the bed and laid back. As with every performance, the day was long. The stage check was at ten, but Eric was up by six that morning. With every performance, there was an uncertainty and nervous energy that always hit him early in the morning. With the addition of interviews with the local television and radio stations, there was no time for relaxation. Thankfully the regular meeting with the crew after the performance was cut short. Apparently, his brother, Jason had other plans for the evening.
Running through the performance in his mind, he thought things went rather well. Tonight he felt the crowd was with him every step of the way, especially that one woman on the front row. As always, he attempted to find one person to connect with in the audience. At first sight, he was drawn to her. After a song or two he would normally move on, but tonight, this woman held his attention. Several times, he walked around the stage, but found himself drawn back to her. There was something so longing in her eyes that he could not pull away. Suddenly words to a song came to mind. He sprang up from the bed to search for his laptop—he had to get the words that popped into his mind down.
Remembering his bag was in the sitting area, he purposely walked into the room. Reaching for the bag on the desk, he stopped midway and looked towards the sofa. He could not believe what he was seeing. He closed his eyes, thinking he must be seeing things. Slowly reopening his eyes he could not believe the woman from the audience was actually there, on the sofa. He looked around the room to see if Jason was lurking somewhere waiting to jump out and yell, “Punked!” It didn’t happen. Taking a step forward he took a closer look. Standing less than ten feet away from her, he could see she was asleep. Had she been waiting for him to come out of the shower? Disappointment spread through him, as he realized, Jason, his brother and manager must have sent her. Since the beginning of this tour four months ago, Jason had been on him to get a woman to help him release his pent up stress. Jason’s way of getting him to relax was sending him a woman. That was probably why she had front row seats. Damn, he thought, I must be losing my grip. I was about to write a song for a call girl.
Disappointed or not, the woman did have an effect on him. The provocative position she held on the sofa exposed her entire body, and what a body it was. Her arm was over her forehead, with her other hand resting on her stomach. Viewing her profile from head to toe, her curves were a feast for his eyes. From the v-shape of her spaghetti strap top, he could tell her breasts were more than a hand full and firm. The skin beneath the hand resting on her flat stomach seemed so smooth he was tempted to touch it. The skirt covered her thighs, but the portion of her legs that were not covered revealed the same even toned cocoa brown skin as her face. She had the daintiest feet, he had ever seen in a pair of open toed sandals. He loved a woman with pretty feet. If a woman took care of her feet, she took care of her body just as well. His lips curved into a cryptic smile. He wanted to taste her toes—run his tongue over her navel—taste her lips. Damn, am I that horny? He thought for a minute, when was the last time I had a woman. Well over a year, he remembered. Nodding his head, okay that makes sense. That’s why his reaction was so strong towards this woman.
Returning to the bedroom, he retrieved a blanket out of the closet, unfolded it, then walked back into the sitting room to place it over her. He gently removed her shoes and placed them beside the sofa. Looking into her face as he covered her, he wondered. How someone that looked so much like an angel could be a call girl? Kneeling next to her he stared intently at her. She just did not fit the profile. But who knows, circumstances could have forced her in that direction. With his finger, he removed a single curl from her face. He smiled at the way her lashes rested against her cheeks and the way her lips were shaped. Surprisingly, there was no makeup on her face, not even lipstick. Frowning he wondered what kind of call girl did not wear makeup? Rethinking his first assumption, he examined her hand. No ring. For some strange reason, that revelation pleased him. The sudden movement of her head startled him, but her whispering his name in her sleep amazed him. Well, it wasn’t exactly his name—it was his stage name, but it was still him. Is she dreaming about me, he wondered. Unable to resist he leaned over and whispered in her ear. “I’m here.”
Her lips curved into a sensuous smile. He grinned in response.
“Thank you,” she whispered so sincerely it sobered him a little.
Why was she thanking him? Whatever it was, there was certainly no reason to be rude. “You are welcome,” he replied. The expression on her face softened and that touched him deeply. His entire body began to spring to life. A man could spend a lifetime looking into that face. Other than moving the single curl from her face, he had not touched her. The urge to do so became overwhelming. He stood and braced his arm against the wall above the sofa to keep from touching any other part of her body, then he slowly touched his lips to hers. The first kiss was a soft, barely touching the center of her lips, and then he feather kissed the left side of her mouth. When he reached the right side, he saw her lashes flutter open. That was his undoing. The longing he saw there during the concert was reflecting back at him now, through the most beautiful black eyes he had ever seen.
Am I dreaming? Siri thought as she gazed into warm hazel eyes. His breath against her skin felt so real and his lips so tender. Unable to stop the action, she swallowed as the intensity of their stare continued. If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me. I want to enjoy every minute. Afraid the dream would end, she closed her eyes and continued the kiss. The pressure increased and she instinctively parted her lips.
Not one to miss an opportunity, Eric eased his tongue inside her parted lips. Their tongues began to move in a slow enticing rhythm, producing a sweet moan from her. Encouraged, he eased his hand around her waist pulling her body closer to his. The kiss deepened as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Not sure if the second moan came from her or him, he returned to his knees while removing the blanket from between them. As their bodies made contact, he could feel her nipples harden against his bare chest. Leaving her lips, he placed a trail of kisses along her neck and down her shoulders. His previous thoughts were right. Her skin was smooth as silk. Easing the strap to her top down, he immediately captured the tempting peak of her nipple between his lips. His tongue roamed the erect bud as he felt her cradle his head with her hands to hold him securely in place. She began to place kisses on top of his head and the side of his ear. Her breath was so tantalizing against his ear, it caused him to return to her lips. She greeted him with the desire of a woman demanding more to quench her thirst. Giving what was demanded he slid his hand down her flat stomach and inched his way beneath her skirt. His hand encountered silk lace material that was wet with her desire. He eased his fingers to the soft mound and gently stroked. She tightened the hold around his neck merging their bodies closer. As he eased a finger inside her, he heard her slight intake of breath and felt a shudder. The reaction brought him inexplicable joy. He slid another finger in and began to stroke her. Her body moved feverishly against his hand as her head fell backwards, breaking the kiss. There was a strong need for him to see the expression on her face, he opened his eyes. He watched as her expression changed from anticipation, to need for fulfillment, to astonishment as her body exploded.
Her eyes flew open as she stared, stunned at her reaction. “I’m not dreaming am I?” she asked wistfully.
“If we are don’t wake me now.”
Placing her head on his shoulder she tenderly kissed his neck. “Thank you.” She said again.
He had no idea why she was thanking him, but he would gladly take her gratitude. He captured her lips again as she rubbed her hands over his chest. When her hand caressed his nipple, he moaned. The fire was building so fast within him he couldn’t control what was happening. He quickly lifted her from the sofa onto the floor as she clung to him. Holding her against his chest, he pulled her top over her head. She held her arms up to allow the top to fall, and then returned to the assault of kisses against his chest. Unzipping her skirt from behind, he lifted her and pulled the skirt away. Not wanting to place her almost naked body on the floor, he carried her to the bed. Standing above her looking down he could not believe how beautiful she was with the rich cocoa brown skin, the long lashes covering her cheeks, the pint size nose, and her sensuous lips. Nothing about her read call girl to him, as she shyly laid there. “What’s your name?” he asked.
She opened her eyes and he could see the realization that he was half naked appear there. Then the look changed to appreciation—she liked what she saw. He raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want to look at me that way?” he hungrily asked.
She sat up and came to the edge of the bed on her knees. The man was perfection with muscles in all the right places. He wasn’t as tall as her ex-husband, but he had to be at least six feet tall. Curiously, removing the towel from his waist, she inhaled as the evidence of his need was revealed. She reached out and encircled her hand around him. Reactively he closed his eyes and moaned, “Hmm. What’s your name?” he was barely audible.
“Siri,” she replied in a whisper.
She slowly began stroking his already engorged member. “Are you sure you want to be here?” he asked reaching out threading his fingers through her hair.
Moving closer, she kissed his chest, then ran a single finger down his abdomen counting the muscle ridges. She stopped at four before answering, “Yes.”
Not wasting a minute, he reached into his wallet that was on the nightstand and pulled out several foils packages. He dropped them on the bed and pulled one apart. She grabbed his hand, “May I?” Taking the condom from his hand, she tenderly covered him, then laid back across the bed. “Thank you for protecting us.”
If she thanked him one more time, he was going to lose it. He reached down and slid her lace panties down her legs. Smiling he joined her on the bed and wondered, What kind of call girl wore panties and not thongs? Mesmerized by the shear essence of her body, he leisurely ran a finger down the inside of her breast down to her thigh. He journeyed up the inside of her thigh until he reached her center. He placed his full palm against her and began to massage. He placed his head in the crook of her neck. The feel and smell of her was intoxicating. She moved and straddled him. Her hands braced against his chest as she closed her eyes and eased down on him.
There were no words to describe the way he felt embedded inside of her. They both laid there immobile adjusting to the overwhelming feeling that flowed with their joining. Eric closed his eyes, basking in the moment. His hands traveled up her thighs and gently massaged the muscles. Feeling the pressure of her hands against his abs, his eyes opened just as she eased up, then back down on him. His eyes rolled back and closed again as she continued the movement slowly over and over and over. When the momentum reached the point of no return, he flipped her onto her back. She wrapped her legs around his waist tight, drawing him in deeper. Suddenly, time disappeared. There were no sounds in the room, only the overwhelming melody that began playing in his head. As his tempo increased, so did the rhythm in his mind. Holding her waist, he continued the sweet torment until he and the melody reached the crescendo. Every vessel in his body exploded as he desperately tried to control all of the melody flowing through his mind. He lay on top of her as she embraced him. She gently rubbed the back of his head as he relaxed in the crook of her neck. He kissed her neck and whispered, “Thank you, Siri.” He rolled to her side and pulled her into his arms. Exhausted, Eric surrendered to the melodies playing in his mind while thinking; when I wake up I definitely want to take that journey again.