CHAPTER TWELVE

Cherish awoke to the sound of the ringing phone. She was having the most beautiful dream about Darius making love to her. But it wasn’t a dream. Darius had made love to her. He’d made mind-bending love to her. In her wildest dreams she would have never expected to feel so satisfied.

Darius moaned beside her and shifted his position, snuggling closer to her, as the phone rang again. She smiled and reached for the phone as Darius’s hands grazed her breasts and began to feel her up. She contemplated not answering the phone, but another ring made her respond. After mumbling hello, she recognized Vincent’s voice.

“Vincent! Oh, my gosh! What time is it?” Cherish looked at the window and daylight slapped her in the face. Her body felt as if she’d just gone to sleep.

“Cherish, calm down. It’s about eleven. The front desk told me you switched rooms last night. What gives? You didn’t like being next to me?”

“No, that wasn’t it.” Cherish hesitated. “A friend surprised me last night.” She glanced at said friend as his hands still continued to drive her out of her mind.

“Oh, that’s good.” Vincent’s voice dripped with innuendo. “Listen, why don’t you come about two? That will give you and your friend a little recovery time.” Vincent laughed as he ended the call.

Cherish laughed as she hung up the phone. “Darius Crawford! I know you are not asleep! So you just open those beautiful eyes.”

Darius opened his eyes, smiling at her. He kissed her softly, easily sliding his tongue inside her hot mouth as she returned his morning kiss. His hand gently stroked her naked thigh.

“Good morning, Cherish,” Darius said, kissing her on the neck, hugging her even tighter.

“Good morning, Darius.” Cherish straddled his body, reveling in their morning romp. “Last night was indescribable, Darius. I’ve never been loved like that before.” She kissed him again. “You made me feel very special last night.”

Darius rubbed her backside as she spoke. “Cherish, you just bring something out in me. When Darbi told me you were in Canada, I couldn’t think about anything except how to get to you. I didn’t want to lose you.”

“Why did you wait so long, Darius? I know I made my feelings for you quite clear, but you held back. Not that you weren’t totally worth the wait. Is it the fear of intimacy thing that I hear so many men claim?”

He continued stroking her butt, their bodies slowly grinding to the ease of the conversation. “No, all my adult life I’ve been career focused. Relationships seemed to always be on the back burner,” he answered.

Cherish, needing all her senses to understand what he was saying, slid off his body and snuggled next to him, not wanting to lose all the body contact. “I don’t understand.”

He took a deep breath. “It’s always been career first. Everything else second.”

Cherish nodded. “So you don’t want to be in any kind of relationship?”

“No. I want a relationship with you. Since my dad has taken ill, I see what living only for my career deprives me of. I want to share my successes with someone special. Someone like you.”

She inhaled, digesting the words. Darius Crawford had just rocked her world again. She needed space to think. She slid from the bed, reaching for her bathrobe.

“Where are you going?” He pulled her into his arms, kissing her neck, ears, cheek, and whatever else he came into contact with.

“I was going to take a shower,” she giggled.

His lips found hers. He kissed her. “What time do you have to be downstairs?”

Cherish laughed, not believing the range of their conversations. “I don’t have to be there until two.”

“That means we have three whole hours.” Darius reached for the box of condoms and shook them at her. He took one out and slipped it on his erection and eased himself on top of her. He leaned down and kissed her. Cherish moaned as he entered her, driving his passion into high gear. He caressed her breasts before kissing each one gently. His kisses slowly moved toward her mouth. “Easy, Cherish,” Darius whispered against her lips. Their moans of passion again filled the quiet room.

* * *

Later that evening Cherish finally returned to the room after helping Vincent; it was well after nine and she was exhausted. Vincent had had her busy from the minute she arrived until she left seven hours later. She’d declined his invitation to the after party. All she wanted was a hot bath and to relax in Darius’s arms.

As she opened the door to the luxury suite, she breathed a sigh of relief. There were no roses on the bed and it didn’t look as seductive as it had the night before. She hoped he was as tired as she was.

Darius walked out of the adjoining room as Cherish sat on the bed. “You look beat. Why don’t you relax?” Darius kissed her. “We don’t have to go out tonight. I was thinking maybe we could extend our stay until Monday. What do you think? We could do a little sightseeing, if you are through helping Vincent.”

“Sounds great. Yes, his assistant is better now. She’ll be able to take over tomorrow.” She stood. “I’m going to take a shower.”

When Cherish emerged from the shower clad in her nightgown and robe, she noticed the food. Darius, the most sensitive man in the world, had ordered room service. A round metal tray of sandwiches, salad, chips, and a pot of tea sat in the middle of the bed.

“Thank you, Darius.” She was relieved that he didn’t want a replay of the previous night. They finished their dinner and Cherish lay down on the bed as Darius cleaned up their mess. Cherish watched him as she fought sleep, but she lost the battle and closed her eyes.

After a good night’s sleep, they decided to take in some of the sights of Toronto on Sunday. As they walked throughout Market Square, a collection of small shops nestled between some international chain stores, a chord of devilment struck her as she saw a condom store. She dragged Darius inside.

“Cherish, we shouldn’t be in here,” Darius protested as he looked around.

“Darius, it’s just a condom store. No one is looking at you.” Probably too much spontaneity for him, she thought, easily imagining him having a panic attack. “Okay, Darius.” She led him out of the brightly colored store.

They walked a few feet and he stopped cold. “Hey, there’s a used record store.” He pointed across the square at the small shop.

Cherish rolled her eyes toward the sky. “Darius, why don’t we eat first, then go to the record store?” She knew once he got in the record store, she would never get him out of there. Darius looked at her with those dark brown eyes and led her into the store, immediately heading to the jazz section.

Two hours later, they finally left the record store. Darius wore a grin of satisfaction of his face. He’d found some rare recordings of jazz great Charlie Parker and he arranged for them to be shipped to Texas. They headed to a nearby restaurant.

After their order was taken, they decided how to spend their last night in Canada. “How about let’s stay in?” Cherish sipped her wine. “We could chat or something.”

“I’m all for the ‘or something.’ ” Darius stared at Cherish as she giggled. “I guess that makes it unanimous,” he joked.

Food became less important to them as time went by. They barely finished their meal before running back to their hotel for their last night in Canada.

* * *

Monday afternoon, on their flight back to Texas, Cherish and Darius discussed the monumental step they had just taken in their relationship.

“This is new territory for me,” Darius admitted. “I usually don’t date much.” He looked at her as she pretended to flip through the in-flight magazine. Seeing her hands shake a little, he smiled. She was as nervous as he was. “I really like you, Cherish. I think you are smart and beautiful. I want us to remain honest with each other. For instance, Dad will take precedent over anything if he becomes sick. You need to know that up front. I also know that you and Darbi are close and I’ll try not to intrude on your relationship with her. I know I’m overprotective of her. I just want her to have some happiness in her life.”

“Darius, I understand. This is kind of new for me, too. Vince was my last boyfriend and that was over five years ago. How do you feel about Curry dating your sister?”

Darius gently caressed her face. “At first, I thought he was just trying to sleep with her. But even if he won’t admit it, I can tell he’s feeling more than friendship for her. I don’t know what she’s feeling for him. I think her previous marriage with Amos is clouding her feelings right now. I’ll just have to wait and see where it’s going and be there for both of them if the need arises. Sometimes I feel like I’m walking a tightrope between her and Curry.”

“How?”

“Curry and I always talk about dating and other matters. He talked me into coming here. I’m really glad that he did. He’s always been there to give me that little push I sometimes need. Like going to group session. Curry’s idea. But I think he’s a little hesitant to tell me things about Darbi because she’s my sister and I’m so protective of her.”

“Darius, how do you feel?”

“Ambivalent, I guess. I know their relationship is going to cost me something, I just don’t know what. But if it makes the two people I care a lot about happy, then the price won’t be too high.” He hoped he wouldn’t have to pick between his sister’s happiness and the job he’d fought so hard to get.

Cherish caressed his hand and kissed it. “This weekend was delectable. I would never have thought it would have turned out like this. But I’m glad it did.” She leaned against his chest and sighed.

Darius stroked her hair as he remembered the last few days. He’d done something completely out of character for him. He was glad he’d followed his friend’s advice; he hoped Curry had taken his. “How about dinner tonight?” Darius kissed her cheek.

“I can’t tonight. How about tomorrow?”

“Okay, I’ll pick you up at seven.” Darius kissed her forehead. Perfect. For once in his life, he was where he should be. Perfect.

After he got home and checked on his father, Darius went to his own bedroom to take a much-needed nap.

A while later a timid knock woke him. “Come in.” Darius sat up as Darbi walked into his bedroom. He liked the relaxed look on his sister’s face.

“Hi, Darius. How did everything go?” She smiled as she said it. “Aren’t you glad you acted spontaneously for once?”

“Yes, Darbi. Everything is fine. How are your exams going?” He hoped Curry had respected the fact that Darbi had finals and let her study.

Darbi sat on the edge of his bed. “Fine, I had my last one today. I came by to check on Dad and noticed your bags downstairs.”

Apprehensively, Darius watched as she almost bit a hole in her lip. “What is it, Darbi?” He knew something was bothering her.

“I’m not sure what to get Curry or Cherish for Christmas. Any ideas or suggestions?”

Darius laughed. Perhaps his sister did feel something for his friend after all. “I’m sure whatever you get will be fine. You’re very creative. As long as it’s from your heart, it will be fine.” He noticed a sad look on her face. Just one day, he would like to see her happy and not concerned about the past. “Darbi, you can talk to me about your past. I won’t judge you. I know something is haunting you about Amos. If you feel you can’t tell me, please talk to someone or it will keep you from being happy.” He’d been toying with the idea of suggesting she get some counseling, but didn’t know how to broach the subject without hurting her feelings.

“I know. I’m trying to let go. Some days are harder than others. Thanks.” She rose from the bed and left her brother’s room.

A few days later, Darius had a great idea for Christmas. First, he had to clear it with his father. After Otis gave him the green light, he needed to ask Cherish. He felt he could help both Cherish and Darbi with their closure.

He needed to ask Darbi as well. He knew Darbi was out with Curry, since it was a Friday night. In keeping with Darbi’s rules of dating, she went out with Curry each Friday and Saturday night.

Darius smiled as he thought of his sister and his best friend. He couldn’t believe Curry had gone along with the Friday and Saturday night only business. Another sign that his friend was in love, whether Curry liked it or not.

Cherish arrived for dinner at eight. Otis let her into the house. She thought he looked great dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt. When she first met him, Darbi had had to drag him out of his bedroom to get him to interact with people, but now he was answering the door and offering Cherish some wine while she waited for Darius. She couldn’t contain her surprise any longer.

“You look terrific, Otis. I’m very happy for you.”

Otis grinned at Cherish. “I blame Darbi and the nurse, always making me walk. Darbi makes me read,” he whispered to Cherish. “Don’t tell them I like it.”

Cherish nodded and sipped her wine.

“Darius should be down in a minute. He’s getting dressed. You’ll be okay until he comes down?”

“Yes, Otis, I’ll be fine.”

Otis nodded. “I’ll say goodnight, then.” He stood, walking toward the door. “Maybe I’ll see you at breakfast.” He winked at her and started down the hall to his room.

Hours later, Cherish snuggled against Darius’s chest. She yawned and stretched. They had just finished making love for the second time. “Are you sure your dad can’t hear us?”

“Yes, he’s downstairs, in another wing of the house. What are you doing for Christmas?” His hands lingered around her waist.

“I don’t know. My aunt is going to my cousins’ in Denver. I had thought about joining them, why?” Cherish closed her eyes, attempting to shut out the past.

“Why don’t you come over here? You could spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with us. I want all the future holidays to be special for Dad.”

“Christmas sounds great. Maybe it’ll help me too. My aunt has been great since Mama died, but I want to move on with my life.”

“I was hoping maybe between the two of us, Darbi would talk about her past.”

“I would like to help her, too. So yes, I’ll come.”

Darius kissed Cherish and turned out the light. “Good, I think I’ll ask Curry, too.” He kissed her again.

* * *

As Darbi unlocked the front door to Darius’s house, she instantly knew something was different. It was just a little after eight on a Saturday morning and the house was quiet. Her father was usually up by now arguing with the nurse about what he wanted to eat.

She made coffee while she waited for someone to get up. She sat at the kitchen table sipping her coffee, thinking of her previous night’s date with Curry. He had taken her to see the musical version of A Christmas Carol. She smiled as she drank her coffee. She heard someone walking into the kitchen. Finally, she thought, someone in the house is up!

“Good morning, Cherish!” Darbi said with a sly smile. She enjoyed the sight of her friend in her brother’s bathrobe.

Cherish giggled. “Good morning, Darbi. What are you doing here so early?” Cherish sat at the table and poured some coffee in a cup.

“I’m taking Dad Christmas shopping. It seems no one is awake at this hour. I’m glad to see you here.” She smiled broadly at her friend. She hoped she would one day feel the love for Curry that Cherish and Darius had for each other.

Cherish nodded. “Me, too. You know, I thought this would be awkward between us, but it isn’t. Darius and I had dinner last night. How was your date with Curry?”

“We went to a musical. He was very romantic last night. He was almost like a relaxed Darius. We’re supposed to go to a Christmas musical at the college tonight, The Nutcracker Suite.”

“Wow, Curry, seems to be slowing down. Your idea?”

Darbi shook her head. “No, I thought maybe Darius had said something to him. I miss the old, fun Curry. You know, the putt-putt golf, the hockey games, that kind of stuff. Any ideas of what to get him for Christmas?” Darbi sipped her coffee.

Darbi looked wistful and was agonizing over what to get Curry. “Think with your heart, Darbi. The right gift will jump out at you.”

Mrs. Collins interrupted their conversation. “I’m sorry, Ms. Crawford, Ms. Murray, I guess I overslept.” She tied the apron around her waist over her usual uniform of a blouse and slacks. “I can’t believe your father didn’t buzz my room. I think he’s excited about going shopping.” She began fixing breakfast.

Cherish rose from the table and headed back upstairs. Darbi chatted with Mrs. Collins until the phone rang.

“Hey, what are you doing there?” Curry asked. “I tried your place and when you didn’t answer figured you were at Dare’s.”

Darbi smiled. Was he checking up on her? “I told you last night that I was taking Dad shopping today.”

“Oh, I remember. I thought we could have lunch today, but I guess not, huh?”

“No, I’m afraid not.” Darbi saw her brother walk into the kitchen. “I’ll talk to you, later.” She hung up the phone, wanting to tease. “Good morning, Darius,” Darbi crooned, like a first grader to the teacher.

He smiled at his sister. “Stop smiling so smugly!” Darius was so happy at that moment even his sister couldn’t ruin his mood.

“I’m just glad to see you…um…relaxing,” Darbi said honestly.

“Thanks, me too. Are you coming over Christmas Eve? You can spend the night.”

“Yes. I’m helping Dad wrap his gifts.”