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  “It’s Welsh. He’s originally from Wales.”

  “Didn’t realize there were any black people in Wales.”

  “I’m sure there are, but Rhys is not. Jackie, do you think we can continue this conversation another time? He should be here shortly.”

  “A white man? Girl, you must have lost your damn mind. If you thought you had your hands full with Terrell, what do you think will happen with a white man? Once he gets what he wants from you, he’ll leave you.”

  Sadie’s patience was razor thin at this point and if she stayed on the phone any longer, she’d end up saying something she regretted. As strained as her relationship was with Jackie, she was still her mother. Family was important to Sadie and she didn’t want to say she hadn’t at least tried. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, Mother. And seeing as that you’re so concerned for me, I’m a little puzzled as to why you’d give my number to Terrell. Isn’t he the kind of man I should avoid?”

  “He’s married. He can’t hurt you now. Besides, what’s the harm in calling him and finding out what he wants? Maybe he wants to rekindle your relationship, but this time around you can get what you want out of him. Maybe you’ll even consider moving back home where you belong.”

  “Jackie, is this what all this is about? You want me to move back to D.C. to be close to you? For what? The dead-end job I left? To be Terrell’s side chick? Or back to being your lackey? I’m not moving back to D.C. and if you think by giving Terrell my number I’d be interested in getting back together with him, then you can forget it. I’ve moved on.”

  By her mother’s silence, Sadie knew she’d hit the nail on the head. It wasn’t the first time her mother had suggested she move back to D.C. ″where she belonged”. Sadie suspected her mother was lonely and she was the last daughter left who’d have anything to do with her. Sadie had bent over backward to try to please her mother but nothing ever seemed to, so she found it ironic that Jackie wanted her to come back. Not that much would change. Jackie would still be Jackie and Sadie would probably be expected to do drop everything in order to run and do her bidding.

  “That’s it, isn’t it?” Sadie persisted. She wasn’t going to let her mother off the hook so easily this time.

  Instead of giving her an answer to the question, Jackie practically snarled into the phone. “Listen here, girlie, you may be smelling yourself now but you’re not your sisters and you never will be. You may think I’m just being mean by telling you this but you should learn not to reach above yourself because you’ll only be hurt. And when this white boy gets tired of you and he will—”

  Tears stung the backs of her eyes again. She felt like she was in high school all over again, dateless and depressed while her sisters had more guys than they could handle. “Stop it, Jackie.”

  “And he will,” Jackie continued on as if Sadie hadn’t spoken. “Then maybe you’ll stop chasing after the impossible.” She paused with a sigh. “Look, baby, you’re a nice person and sometimes you try too hard. I bet you even cooked that white boy dinner tonight, didn’t you? Bet you were even thinking about giving it up? Just because you do a lot for a guy doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t leave you. Terrell did. Jordan did. By the way, I saw him the other day with a man. They looked might chummy. I always thought that boy was loose in the loafers. Remember that boy in high school you liked so much? Craig, I think his name was. You tutored him for a while and eventually just did his homework for him. You even baked him cookies. He took you out a few times, but the minute he passed math class, he ditched you for a cheerleader. Not much has changed since adolescence, Sadie. Men still want the cheerleaders, not the tutor. It’s time for you to stop this foolishness and come home.”

  The tears fell unheeded and Sadie didn’t much feel like having the romantic dinner she’d planned for Rhys. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Enjoy your dinner, dear. I’m sure whatever you cooked will be delicious. Bet you made that special lasagna, didn’t you? That was Terrell’s favorite. I’ll let you go now. Don’t wait too long to call me.” She hung up before Sadie had a chance to reply.

  Sometimes it felt like her mother actually hated her but she could never figure out why. It was her older sisters who had rebelled and left home and had nothing to do with her, yet Sadie was the one her mother constantly put down. Could her mother have been right? Was it true that she tried too hard? What would Rhys think of her efforts? Despite how well things were going between her and Rhys she still had misgivings about his motives for being with her and this talk with Jackie didn’t help matters.

  When her doorbell rang it didn’t register at first because she was still deep in thought. It was only when the ringing became more insistent did she spring into action. She wiped away her tears and hurried to the door.

  Rhys stood on the other end holding a bottle of wine in one hand and roses in another, looking like her every fantasy come true. He wore a black button down shirt that was slightly open to reveal a patch of dark chest hair and a pair of khaki pants. He took her breath away but as she looked at him those misgiving came back full force. What did he want from her?

  He must have noticed something was amiss because he frowned. “Sadie, what’s the matter?”

  She shook her head not trusting herself to speak. Instead, she opened the door wide enough to let him in.

  When he was inside, he placed the wine and flowers down on an end table and closed the door. “Something is wrong. Are you going to tell me or will I have to drag it out of you?”

  “It’s nothing really. Please, take a seat and I’ll bring plates out. Dinner should be ready in five minutes. In the meantime, I’ll bring out some glasses and you can pour the wine.” She pasted a smile on her face hoping he would be fooled by her fake cheerfulness.

  He was not. When she attempted to turn away Rhys grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. “We’re not going to proceed unless you tell me what’s going on. You’re obviously upset so how in the world can you expect me to enjoy the evening if you’re unhappy?”

  “Do you find me attractive?” Sadie blurted out. She had to know.

  “What?” He seemed taken aback by her question. “Of course I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

  “Prove it.”

  He moved closer, stopping until he was inches away from her. “That’s simple enough.” Rhys grasped her waist and pulled her against him until his pelvis ground into her and before she knew what was happening, his mouth swooped down to capture hers.

  Chapter Five

  This is what he’d been waiting for since the moment he’d laid eyes on her. These past few weeks they’d been dating had been a fulfilling yet frustrating experience. Slowly she was opening up to him, sharing little tidbits about her life. In their time together, Rhys felt validated in his decision about perusing her. Sadie was an absolute sweetheart. She was the kind of person who always had something nice to say about everyone, even when they didn’t deserve it—a true lady.

  He could tell by the way she interacted with others that she was genuine and actually cared about people. She listened. Some people made you think they were listening by simply keeping their mouths shut all while impatiently waiting for their turn to speak. Not Sadie. It was apparent she took an actual interest in what others said to her.

  He’d even witnessed her help an old lady across the street. Rhys didn’t realize there were still people like her in the world. She volunteered her time at a local shelter where she dragged him on their third date. Sadie dealt with the people at the shelter with compassion and allowed those who lived there to hold on to their dignity.

  It was apparent she was also very close to her sisters who she spoke highly of. Whenever they were together and they happened to run into someone she knew, it was obvious to him how well liked she was. Sadie was a true gem he had no intention of letting go anytime soon if ever.

  The frustration, however, came from her obvious low self-esteem. Sadie was a beauty who didn’t know it. He wasn’t
blind to her extra pounds, but he didn’t have a problem with them. Frankly, he wasn’t particularly fond of stick thin women. It was quite painful at times to be with someone whose bones jabbed into his flesh during intimate moments. Besides, she carried her weight well and it looked good on her. She had nice hips, thighs, and boobs. Dear god, he’d lost count of the many hours he’d fantasized over those luscious globes that looked as if they’d burst from her blouse at times. They had to be at least double D’s. He’d always been a breast man. And then there was her ass. Whoa. He never focused too much on a woman’s derrière before he met Sadie, but she certainly had a nice one. All her nice curves added up to a handful of irritating nights alone with his cock so hard it wouldn’t go back down for hours. He hadn’t jerked off so much since he’d hit puberty.

  And then there was her lovely face, her beautiful brown eyes, her smile, the beauty mark at the corner of her lips. Her lips were so full, he ached to taste them. Rhys wished he could show her how beautiful he thought she was, but he sensed a reserve about her—almost a pulling back as if she didn’t believe he’d be interested in her.

  He couldn’t think why she’d feel that way. There was nothing special about him in his opinion. If anything he was the one who was worried she’d wake up one day and realize she was too good for him.

  But now, here was his opportunity to prove to her just how much he wanted her. He didn’t know who had upset her but he’d deal with that later. He wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity he’d been dying for since they’d met.

  Dear God, she tasted of ambrosia. Her lips beneath his felt more than right. It was like this was meant to happen to them all along. The feel of her soft breasts crushed against his had his dick so damn hard he wanted to throw her on the floor and take her right then and there. He ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, sampling her sweetness. Rhys wanted inside, needed it.

  “Open your mouth for me, love.”

  Sadie opened her eyes and gave him a hesitant stare. Their gazes locked for several seconds before finally she parted her lips with a sigh. She circled her arms around his neck and molded herself against him.

  He pushed his tongue forward and explored the sweet recesses of her mouth. She tasted of chocolate, mint and a hint of wine. A man could get drunk on her kisses. How this woman had remained single before they’d met was a mystery to him because after holding her he didn’t want the kiss to end. He cupped her face between his palms, deepening the kiss. He doubted he would get enough of her.

  His cock strained against his pants and the need to see her body grew too strong to resist. Breaking the kiss, he bent down and scooped her into his arms.

  “Ack! Rhys put me down. I’m too heavy,” she giggled but clung to him as if her life depended on it.

  “No, you’re not. You’re just perfect. He carried her the short distance to the couch and gently placed her down before returning to her embrace. Their mouths merged again but this time Sadie shyly pressed her tongue against his. She pulled it back and then slipped it forward as if she was unable to make up her mind about what she wanted to do. When her tongue retreated and came back, he sucked it into his mouth taking the decision out of her hands.

  She groaned as her hands moved up and down his back. The kiss was out of this world but he wanted to taste more of her. He unbuttoned her blouse with the same urgency he felt churning within his being. Rhys nearly wept with joy when he saw her bra had a front clasp. Good, the less fumbling the sooner he could get to the lovelies. He took a second to look at the welcoming slopes of her breasts hidden behind a black lacey bra.

  Sadie moved to cross her arms over her chest but he stopped her.

  “Don’t. Let me look.” Rhys unclasped her bra and gasped. They were even bigger than he thought and they were driving him insane. Damn. He wanted to bury his face in them and get lost. They were round and surprisingly high for the sheer size of them. Her mounds were capped with huge aureoles so dark it almost appeared black, nipples the size of Hershey kisses, just waiting to be sucked and fondled.

  “Why…why are you staring at me like that? Are you…do you like what you see?”

  He could hear the nerves in her voice and he leaned forward to brush her lips against his. “I’m staring because you’re so beautiful. I’ve dreamt of being with you like this for goodness knows how long and now that we’re here like this, I want to take my time showing you exactly how in to you I am. And I’ll start off by doing this.” With trembling hands, he cupped her breasts, testing their weight in his palms. He rubbed her nipples with his thumbs and the little nubbins sprang to life.

  Sadie gasped, arching her back and pushing them closer to her mouth. “Oh, Rhys.”

  “They’re beautiful, Sadie. Do you know what I’m going to do with these big beautiful breasts?”

  She shook her head wordlessly.

  “I’m going to suck on them. That’s what they were made for. You have a body made for sinning, my lovely.” Maintaining eye contact as he lowered his head, he circled one chocolate tip with his tongue loving the feel of her warm skin beneath his tongue. Her little gasp of delight turned him on even more. Rhys liked how responsive she was. He took his time flicking the tight little bud with his tongue, licking and laving it before fully sucking it into his mouth.

  She dug her fingers into his hair holding his head against her chest. “Oh God, Rhys, that feels so good.”

  He let go of her nipple. “I intend to make you feel even better, baby.” He lowered his head again and sucked on her other nipple, giving it the same treatment as he had the other, taking his time. The way she wiggled against his body told him she’d be hot and ready for him.

  He slid his hand between their bodies not stopping until he reached her core. Even through the material of her slacks, he could feel the incredible heat emanating from her pussy. He had to see for himself just hot how she was, how badly she needed him. He wondered if she ached as much as he did because his cock was stiff to the point of pain. With his mouth never leaving her breast he fumbled with the button on her pants and eased down the zipper. He worked his hands between her panties and bypassed a light patch of hair.

  “Oh, baby yeah,” he groaned. “You’re so hot. You want it don’t you, baby?”

  “Yes. Oh, Rhys. Touch me. Touch my body.”

  A grin tugged the corners of his lips. “With pleasure, my beauty.” He pushed his fingers inside her slick folds. Dear Lord, she was practically dripping she was so wet. So warm and welcoming.

  “Rhys…”

  “Do you like that, love?”

  “Yes. Please don’t stop.”

  He loved the way Sadie arched her body against his touch exposing her neck to him and pushing out her breasts. What a lovely picture she made and he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be with her here like this.

  Slipping his finger in and out of her wetness, his cock throbbed with need watching her writhe and wiggle. At times it seemed as if she was almost surprised at her own responses. What kind of selfish clods had she been with before him?

  Wanting desperately to taste her, he eased his fingers out of her pussy and inserted them into his mouth. God, she was sweet. He had to have her now!

  Rhys rolled off her and stood up.

  Sadie frowned, confusion swimming in her passion-glazed eyes. “Rhys? What…”

  Not giving her a chance to finish, she lifted her into his arms. “Bedroom,” he growled.

  “Upstairs. First door on the right. Put me down, Rhys. You’re going to hurt yourself.”

  “Not a chance, love.” He hurried through her house and took the stairs two at a time.

  Sadie clung to him as if he’d drop her. Not that he would. She was far too precious to him to be so careless. When they made it to her bedroom, he laid her gently in the center before divesting them of the remainder of their clothing.

  Sadie crossed her arms over her nudity. Rhys slid next to her and moved her arms away. “Don’t. You’re beautiful.”

>   “I feel so self-conscious.”

  “You have no reason to be. You’re quite enchanting.”

  “You’re a sweet guy for saying so but I know I’ve got a lot of extra pounds.”

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing. What’s that quaint colloquialism that the men say in America? More cushion to the pushin’. Sadie, I don’t know why you have such a low opinion of yourself but by the end of the night, I hope that will change. Let me show you, love.” With that, he began to plant kisses over every single inch of her, her breasts, belly thighs, legs, and feet—worshiping her with his lips. Then he turned her on her stomach and kissed her spine, back, ass and spread her pussy lips and kissed her there as well.

  “Rhys!” she screamed.

  “That’s it, love. Let go.”

  He dove into her hot sex and licked and tasted her, shoving his tongue deep inside her channel, fucking her with quick thrusts. She pushed her pussy against his face, gyrating her hips and smearing her juices over his mouth. Rhys loved every second on it, but he needed to be inside of her.

  Pulling away, he flipped Sadie on her back. “Condom?”

  She shook her head. “I…I don’t have any.”

  Thankfully he carried one in his wallet an old habit from his college days he’d never broken. “Give me a second.” With lightning speed, he dug through his discarded pants and found what he sought. He ripped the tightly sealed rubber from its packet and donned it over his rigid shaft in a hurry before returning to a trembling Sadie. Moving between her thighs, he positioned his cock at her heated entrance. “Are you sure this is what you want?” Please say yes. Please say yes, he chanted in his head.

  “Yes.”

  The word was barely out of her mouth before he thrust into her. Sweet. Heavenly Father Above she was tight! “Holy Shit!”

  “Oh, Rhys.”

  He waited for her to get comfortable, to adjust to his size. Without conceit, he knew he was a well-endowed man. When she raised her hips sending him deeper inside of her, it was all the encouragement he needed to continue. Being inside of Sadie felt so right. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d ever been this damn horny for a woman. His balls tightened and he realized to his chagrin that he wouldn’t last long. Shit. Trying to hold back he slowed down, but Sadie wouldn’t let him, bucking against him with wild abandon.