Taylor woke to Donald’s sweet kiss on her throat. “Mmm, I could get used to this,” she whispered. “No running, please.”
He chuckled. “Did you sleep well?”
“Wonderful,” she stretched.
“So that was you snoring,” he teased. Her outraged expression had him roaring with laughter. “Come on. I’m hungry. Let’s make breakfast together.”
“One of us can’t cook,” she reminded him with a grin.
“Then one of us should get moving. You want to shower first?”
Taylor and Donald enjoyed a leisurely meal of pancakes, eggs and slices of turkey bacon. They shared the Sunday editions of the papers. Donald was scowling so at one section that she asked, “What is it?” She had been reading the book section of the New York Times.
He handed over the society section of the Chicago Sun Times. Taylor was shocked to find a photo of the two of them seated at dinner last night. Her head was thrown back as she laughed at something he said. His hand covering hers where it rested on the table. They clearly had eyes only for each other. The caption beneath the piece said, ‘Williams evidently has a new lady love. Who is she?”
When her eyes met his, he said, “Sorry, sweetheart. I know you’re not used to being exposed to the media. Unfortunately when you’re with me it’s unavoidable.”
“There is no need for you to apologize. You didn’t take the picture. How have you managed to take it in stride? I was ready to scream at those people last night who kept interrupting us.”
“Believe me, so was I. But, seriously, it takes years of practice. Gradually, I’ve actually gotten used to it. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m grateful when they don’t say anything too damning. It’s part of the territory.”
Taylor viewed it as a terrible invasion of privacy but decided to keep the thought to herself. Changing the topic, she asked, “How do you feel? Are you nervous about the game?”
He laughed. “I’m ready. Actually, I’m looking forward to coming up against Patrick Ewing. This is our last game of the season. We’re going to kick some butt this afternoon. The Knicks are going home hurting.” As a fierce competitor he was clearly in his element.
Taylor giggled, giving him a soft kiss. “I love to watch you play.” She also hated it because she couldn’t help worry about him on the court. They played to win, not concerned with their own physical wellbeing.
When they left for the United Center, where the games were held, Taylor was extremely quiet, lost in thought. Donald appreciated the quiet, using it to mentally prep for the game, refusing to let unwelcome thoughts of their inevitable separation intrude.
They ran into several of his teammates and their wives and sweethearts. Donald made the introductions before he gave her a quick kiss and left her with Joy Ransom, wife of his long time friend and team forward Eddie Ransom.
The ladies had barely walked out of earshot when one of the security guards in front of the team’s locker room called his name.
“One of your lady friends left this for you.” He smirked as he handed over the pink, sealed envelope.
“Who?”
The other man shrugged. “I can’t keep up with you guys.”
“Thanks, John,” Donald said absently.
“Keep your mind on the game, man. We need this win,” the guard said, whistling as he walked away.
“Hey, I like your lady, man,” Eddie said slapping him on the back. “She seems like good people.” At six-eleven the light-brown-skinned man was one of the few who made Donald seem short. His ready smile and easy manner were only a few of the things Donald liked about him. His quiet strength and fierce determination was something they shared.
Donald kept his voice low when he said, “Yeah, she is. She’s not only gorgeous but she’s also down-to-earth.”
“She the one from the big ‘D’?” he asked quietly, so they wouldn’t be overheard.
“Yeah. She seems to care about me, not the dollar signs.”
“Your Mama didn’t raise no fool. Hang on to that one, my man.”
“I plan to.”
“Hey, you serious?”
“It happened to you, didn’t it?”
“Sure, but there is only one Joy.”
“All I need is one. I been telling you that for some time.
“So you have. “What’s it say?” Eddie asked curiously indicating the envelope.
His name was typed on the outside. Donald quickly broke the seal. Inside was a note asking if he was available tonight and a telephone number.
“Well?” Eddie asked.
Donald crumpled the note. “I have no idea who she is. I don’t have time for this nonsense.”
“Goes with the territory, my man.”
“Yeah. Come on. Let’s get a move on. We’ve got butt to kick.”
Family and friends enjoyed the game from the owner’s box. No expense had been spared. It was clearly a celebration of the end of a very successful season.
“I don’t have to ask if you enjoyed yourself,” Joy laughed, remembering how uneasy she felt the first time she watched her man play with the other wives. It was unnerving, not knowing anyone. Joy hadn’t even known the rules of the game.
“I don’t think I’ve screamed so loudly in my entire life. It was a great game,” Taylor said with a smile. Everyone had been very friendly. She was Donald’s friend and that was all that seemed to matter.
Watching him here on his home court was so exciting. She found herself reacting emotionally when he scored or when he was bumped or fell. She was only able to relax when he rested on the bench or during time-outs and halftime. The Bulls beat the Knicks and Donald had a sensational game.
“The guys will be along in a while. I remember how excited I was at my first game. Eddie and I were newlyweds.”
“You two are still newlyweds,” one of the other wives teased, joining them.
Joy blushed. “It will be a year next month.”
“When it’s seven years, then we can talk,” another wife laughed, joining them.
An elaborate buffet was being set up while uniformed waiters were circulating drinks and refreshments among the growing crowd. It wasn’t long before the men joined them.
“Miss me?” Donald said from behind her, close to her car.
Taylor had no idea that her face lit up at the sight of him. He was sporting a bandage over his right eye. “Yes. You were wonderful on the court. Are you all right?” Her hand automatically going up to his temple.
“I’m fine. It’s just a cut. Having fun?”
She nodded. “Are you sure you’re okay? You came down really hard a few times.”
“His head is too hard to break,” one of his teammates added, joining them. “I want an introduction.”
Donald laughed heartily before making the introductions. He, like everyone else, was holding a glass of champagne. Taylor couldn’t take her eyes off him. It was like she finally realized the scope of his world was phenomenal.
“Come on, I want you to meet all the guys.”
When he said all he meant all including the players, the coaches and the owner, everyone connected with the team. It was not long before Taylor lost track of all the names. Donald made sure her plate was full and that she was enjoying herself. Nevertheless, she was not disappointed when he asked if she were ready to go.
She looked up at him, her eyes lingering on his generous mouth. “Yes.”
He forgot what he had been about to say. “Don’t look at me like that, sweetness. I’m liable to embarrass us both.” All he could think about was how badly he wanted to be alone with her. He wanted to celebrate the game with her in a very private way.
She blushed, then whispered, “Should I apologize for wanting to be alone with you?”
“Never,” he said taking her hand and starting to weave their way to the door. He didn’t talk until he had her in the car and on their way to his place. “Did you have a good time?”
“Wonderful. You have some great friends.”
“Yeah,” he brooded, as he thought of the envelope in his pocket. What if the witch who had stalked him a few years back was at it again? He would have to contact his lawyer. He was not about to put up with it again.
She called his name, but he seemed miles away. When she placed her hand on his thigh, his eyes met hers. “Is something wrong? You’re not hurt, are you?”
He blinked in surprise. “I am fine. I didn’t take on any more than a few new bruises. Why are you worrying?”
“You were frowning.”
“Sorry,” he smiled at her, momentarily stroking his hand over hers. He was not about to let anyone spoil the short time he had with Taylor. When she began to move her hand away from his leg, he held it in place.
Taylor didn’t object. She was counting the hours before she would board the plane for home. Her eyes went wide when, while they were paused at a traffic light, Donald moved her hand until she was stroking the length of his thickening shaft. Her eyes immediately went to his. She felt the heat of his gaze as she caressed him.
“Don’t stop,” he whispered throatily, his voice husky with desire. “I’ve been wanting to feel your hands on me since I joined you in the box. I need you, sweetness.”
When the light changed and a horn blasted from behind them, he had no choice but to remove her hand. He was not reckless enough to chance losing control behind the wheel. In fact, he didn’t so much as kiss her until they were inside the condo with the door locked. He wanted her too badly. He was shaking from the wanting and could not stop himself from holding her close against his long frame. His mouth moved hungrily over hers.
“Please...” she moaned, pressing herself even closer to him. Her soft full breasts provided a provocative caress against his chest, her hard little nipples enflaming his senses to the point of near madness.
“Now…I need you now.” It wasn’t a question; it was a statement of fact. He was functioning on pure male hunger.
They had only made it as far as the wide leather sofa in the living room. Taylor was left panting with desire as he paused only long enough to strip away his own clothes. Her hands went to the hem of her top but she was trembling so badly she could barely coordinate her efforts. She was only down to panties and bra when he said her name.
His hands replaced hers as he helped her undress. “Tell me you’re mine,” he whispered, kissing her.
“Yes…oh yes.” Taylor offered no resistance because she had none.
When it came to Donald she had lost the ability to offer even a token protest. She wanted him too much…needed to be one with him.
There was no hesitation in their lovemaking. They came together; neither held anything back from the other. Taylor willingly accepted his weight, her softness open to only Donald’s brand of lovemaking. He paused long enough to assure himself that she was ready for him. Her welcoming moist heat was answer enough. He stroked her intimately and deeply before his last tiny thread of control snapped. He nearly tore the condom in his haste to have her. His groan of pleasure was unmistakable as he slowly gave her what they both craved. She cried out causing him to stop.
Gritting his teeth, he practically growled, “Did I hurt you, baby?”
“No…please, honey, don’t stop. I need you so badly.”
As her sweet heat welcomed him, he plunged to his full length. Only then did he hesitate, allowing her body time to adjust to his, while giving himself time to catch his breath. He held her close to his heart. This was what he had been hungering for. This was where he needed to be. No other woman even came close to giving him such sheer pleasure. Taylor…only she could make him feel so deeply, so strongly. She cradled him deep inside, her body perfectly suited to his.
Taylor could not tolerate the delay. She wanted him and she wanted him now. She rotated her hips, tightening her softness thus giving him a deeply erotic caress along his entire hard length. He shuddered in response, then gave her the unrelenting strokes they both longed for. The loving went on and on until they shared an exhilarating, mindless climax as one.
They collapsed in each other’s arms. It was some time before either one of them recovered their breathing. Neither was interested in moving a single muscle. But Donald was forced to move first because he was afraid of crushing her. When he rose to his feet, she protested.
“Where are you going?”
“You’re cold. I’ll be right back.” He returned in no time with a comforter and pillows.
She smiled as they cuddled together, her head on his shoulder. One sweet kiss led to another and another.
His stroking hand caressed her down her soft frame, whispering how much pleasure she had given him. He lingered over the soft outline of her mouth.
He said gruffly, “Talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong?” He had heard her heavy sigh, felt her tremor.
Her full dark lashes fluttered up, then she looked away. “How could anything be wrong?” she hedged. She couldn’t take her eyes away from the clock on the mantel.
“Tell me,” he insisted.
“I’m going to miss you,” was all she was willing to admit.
She was feeling so vulnerable when it came to what they shared. How could she put her faith in what they had? How could she believe it was enough when he faced temptation day after day as a matter of course?
Women made an art form of throwing themselves at professional black men, especially highly paid athletes. They were willing to do almost anything to gain their attention. There were no limits. None of the men were immune because they were all human.
Donald was a man, not a demigod. He had weaknesses. He spent so much time on the road. He was not only physically attractive, but he was extremely successful. On top of all that, they didn’t even live in the same city. How long would it be before some tempting beauty turned his head? Was it realistically only a matter of time?
Taylor had touched on the very last thing Donald wanted to think about…being apart yet again. And she was telling him only part of what he needed to hear. He longed to hear her say she cared about him. He wanted more from her than what they had. He wanted a commitment, but he knew the time was not right.
She had not totally moved past her resentment of him. Not once during the entire weekend had she mentioned her brother or his future now that his name had been entered in the draft. Unfortunately, it was still there between them. He cautioned himself not to push her, not to pressure her. What he wanted could so easily turn into an ultimatum. Something he didn’t believe ever worked. She had to want him as much as he wanted her in order for them to make a go of their relationship.
“We still have several hours before I have to put you on that plane. Kiss me, Taylor. Give me your sweet mouth, girl.”
She lifted her face to his, pleased to be able to satisfy him, while wishing for what could never be. Even though she knew that, in all likelihood, she was wrong for him, that she did not fit into his life anymore than he fit into hers, she opened her mouth for his forging tongue. She relished in the feel of him along the entire length of her body. The hard lines and angles of his masculine strength were more potent than any aphrodisiac…utterly irresistible.
His long fingered caresses were her undoing, she moaned his name, opening herself to him. Donald hesitated only long enough to protect her from unwanted pregnancy before he came inside of her. She was his woman, his heart. There could be no others. He would do whatever it took to hold her.
Taylor’s breathing was quick and uneven when he rolled to the back of the sofa and eased her on top of him. “What?”
“Relax.” His voice was as uneven as hers. He cupped her hips, guiding her movements. “That’s it,” he crooned, as she took more and more of him. He gasped her name when she accepted all of him. He fought his need in his effort to satisfy her first, thankful that he did not have long to wait for her release brought on his. His hoarse shout came as he tightened his muscular arms around her. She could barely breathe but she didn’t complain as he convulsed in her arms. His hold on her did not ease until he collapsed, exhausted.
“You’re wonderful,” he murmured groggily, his caressing hand moving absently over her back.
She smiled, her face buried between his shoulder and neck, her lids too heavy to lift. In spite of their best efforts to stay awake, they both slept.
The telephone woke them near dawn. It was his pilot; the plane was ready. They were quiet on the drive to the airport. Taylor brooded over having to say goodbye yet again, while Donald worried that, they were parting with no firm commitment between them. It seemed they had done little else than say goodbye during the few short, weeks they’d known each other.
Even at this early hour the expressway was busy. When they reached the private hangar where his plane was waiting, Donald stopped her before she could take a single step away from the car or him. He had handed over her luggage to his pilot.
He said close to her ear, “I’m going to miss you, sweetness. When are you coming back?”
She blinked in surprise. “When are you coming to Detroit?”
“It depends on how the playoffs go. If we go all the way, I won’t have any free time. And we are going all the way,” he said confidently before burying his face against, her neck. He whispered throatily, “Will you come to me, if I can’t get away?”
“Yes,” she pressed her lips against his cheek and then the fullness of his lips. They kissed each other thoroughly, oblivious to the waiting pilot.
“Take care,” he said gruffly, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“You too. And good luck,” she called, forcing herself to smile when she really wanted to cry. She hurried inside the plane before he could see her tears.