8. Dream
T he sun had already dipped behind the city skyline by the time I dragged myself into Damier’s penthouse. The soft glow of the city lights spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows did little to distract me from how exhausted I felt. I kicked off my Louboutin heels by the door, letting my work bag fall to the side as I inhaled the familiar scent of lavender and vanilla from the diffusers scattered around the house.
It had been almost two weeks since I’d seen Damier. Two weeks of silence, not knowing when he’d walk back through the door. I missed him more than I wanted to admit, but I kept myself busy, pouring my energy into my work at the office. Still, coming home to this empty penthouse every night was starting to wear on me.
Tonight, I planned to keep it simple. My takeout Thai food was calling my name, along with the lavender bath I was about to run. All I wanted was to eat, soak, and let New Edition serenade me to sleep. The soft croons of “One More Day” filled the penthouse from the surround sound system as I stripped out of my pin skirt and blouse and slipped into my favorite light pink silk nightgown. It clung to my curves, the high slits on the sides letting me feel a little sexy as I padded barefoot around the house on the overly cleaned marble floors.
The bathroom filled with steam as I bent over to test the water. My fingers swirled in the warmth, the scent of lavender bubble bath rising with the mist. I sang along to the song, swaying slightly, letting myself get lost in the melody.
Then, I felt it—a firm, deliberate grip on my ass.
I froze, my heart stopping for a second before I spun around, ready to swing. My breath hitched when I saw him.
“Damier,” I breathed, my voice caught between disbelief and relief.
He stood there, his dark brown eyes locking onto mine, his tired face softened by the sly smirk pulling at his lips. His hoodie was over his head, and the rawness in his expression hit me like a wave. He looked overwhelmed like he’d been carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders for days.
I didn’t even think. I threw myself into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist as he caught me with ease. His arms tightened around me, and I kissed him like my life depended on it.
“Missed you so much,” I murmured between kisses as I slid his hoodie off his head.
“I missed you, too,” he said, his voice low and rough.
He carried me out of the bathroom, setting me down gently on the couch but keeping me close on his lap. I studied his face, taking in the slight shadows under his eyes and the tension in his jaw.
“You look tired,” I softly said. “We don’t have to talk about anything if you don’t want to.”
“I don’t,” he admitted, brushing his fingers over my cheek. “I just want to focus on us tonight. I’ll figure everything else out tomorrow.”
I walked him back to the bathroom, holding his hand like I was afraid he might vanish again. When we reached the tub, I gestured toward it with a playful smile. “Get in with me. You need to relax.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You know I’m not a bath type of nigga.”
“Tonight, you are,” I said, grinning. “Come on. For me.”
He sighed but nodded. “A’ight. But let me shower first. Pour me a glass of cognac while I rinse off.”
“Deal.”
As he stepped into the shower, I grabbed a glass of wine for myself and poured his drink, setting both glasses on the edge of the tub. When I came back, I slipped out of my nightgown and slid into the warm water. The bubbles kissed my skin, and I leaned back, letting the tension from the day melt away.
A few minutes later, Damier joined me. He grabbed his glass and leaned back against the bathtub pillow with a deep exhale. His muscles visibly relaxed as he took a sip of the cognac, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Let me take care of you,” I said, grabbing the charcoal mask I’d brought into the bathroom for myself.
He didn’t protest, letting me apply the mask with careful strokes. As it dried, I sat on his lap and massaged his temples, neck, and shoulders, kneading out the knots and tension. He closed his eyes, a low hum of contentment escaping his lips.
“I’m taking you to Turks and Caicos,” he suddenly said, his voice quiet but firm. “You deserve to see every luxury island in the world.”
My heart swelled, and I couldn’t stop the grin spreading across my face. “I can’t wait.”
In that moment, nothing else mattered. I leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his lips, and let my hands drift lower, wanting him to feel good, to forget the weight he was carrying—if only for a little while.
“Sit at the edge of the tub, baby. I want to taste you,” I cooed as I stroked his manhood until he was hard.
He chuckled and did as he was told.
I started sucking him slowly, taking my time as I moved him in and out of my mouth. He moaned low and sexy, causing me to get turned on. As I started giving him sloppy head, he rubbed my nipples. He went from rubbing my nipples to gripping my bun. He had me gagging and spitting like I was his personal porn star. I guess I was pleasing him too good because he gripped the side of the tub as his legs moved under the water.
“Mmm, I'm about to bust,” he uttered seductively.
I looked up, and he had his eyes closed while he bit his bottom lip. Before I knew it, I was swallowing his babies like a pro. I had never let a man cum in my mouth; that was how I knew this man was special. He had me extra submissive.
“Damn, woman, you fire.” He let out a laugh as he slid back into the warm water.
I giggled. “Only for you.”
Minutes later, we climbed out of the tub, the air between us warm and quiet. After I brushed and rinsed my mouth, I wiped the charcoal mask off his face while he dried off, chuckling when he grabbed the almond oil and told me to let him handle it.
His hands explored my body, rubbing the oil into my skin with slow, deliberate strokes. I returned the favor, letting my fingers linger on his chest and shoulders.
When we were both dressed—him in gray Nike Tech sweats and me back in my nightgown, no panties, at his request—we made our way to the kitchen.
The smell of my Thai food was still strong, and my stomach growled as we sat down to eat. I offered him some, and he wasted no time eating with me. Between bites, he brought up the baby that was left at my job.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice low. “I’m sorry you got pulled into this. I know it’s not fair, and I hate that the baby was brought to your job. I am going to figure it all out.”
I reached across the table, taking his hand. “I’m not mad, and I’m not worried. I’m here for you, Damier. We’ll figure it out together.”
He nodded, squeezing my hand before leaning over to kiss me.
$$$$$$
The next morning, I woke up with Damier’s arm draped over my waist. It felt good—right—to wake up next to him again.
“I’m happy to be back,” he murmured as I stirred.
“I’m happy you’re back, too,” I said, turning to kiss his cheek.
He stretched, sitting up in bed. “I’ll take you to work today and get you breakfast like I was doing before.”
“Okay, but you don’t have to get me breakfast. I have some meal preps,” I said, smiling.
We both got ready for the day, and I grabbed my breakfast and lunch.
When we pulled up to my office, Damier leaned over, kissing me passionately. “You won’t have to worry about me leaving suddenly again,” he said. “I’m focusing on the legit side of things now. My clubs, my businesses. I’m done with all the other stuff.”
I smiled, my heart full. “Don’t do it for me, Damier. Do it because you want to.”
“I do,” he simply said. “I’ll pick you up. Just text me thirty minutes before you’re ready to leave. We a do something tonight. I wanna hit the scene.”
We kissed again, and I stepped out of the car, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. The day ahead didn’t feel so daunting, knowing I’d see him again tonight. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like everything might just work out.