Chapter 21
The hours flew by in the best way possible as if everything was finally falling into place. I couldn’t stop smiling, even when I was by myself. That’s just how Mark made me feel—like I had no reason to hide my happiness. But this time, it felt different. Deeper. More intense. It wasn’t just the physical chemistry that had always been there between us; it was something bigger. Something that made me feel like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
Our passion hadn’t fizzled out since he came back. In fact, it felt like it was getting stronger by the day. And maybe that’s why I started pushing all those heavy thoughts about the future to the back of my mind. I didn’t want to think about how little time we had left before he’d be back on active duty. Not yet. I just wanted to enjoy every moment we had together.
After dinner with Calaine and David, we pulled into the garage Friday night, still laughing at something David said about the tacos. They’d be heading to San Antonio tomorrow to bring in the new year. That’s when Mark looked over at me, catching my eye in the dim light of the streetlamp, and hit me with a question that caught me off guard.
“How about we get away for the weekend?” His voice was low and serious, making my heart skip a beat.
“Go where?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. How he looked at me, I could tell that this wasn’t just some casual suggestion. This was something that really mattered to him.
“Philadelphia,” he said, his eyes not leaving mine. “Nowhere far. I want some time alone with you before I leave.” The way he said it, with so much intensity behind his words, I couldn’t help but nod.
“Yes,” I said, my excitement bubbling up. “I’d love to. When do we leave?”
“As soon as I make all the arrangements.”
By the next afternoon, we were on our way to Philly. Mark had pulled out all the stops and booked us a suite in one of those hotels that is like a hidden gem, the kind of place where every room feels like a mini getaway. When we walked in, I couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh. It was that nice.
“Wow,” I said, looking around, taking it all in. “I could definitely get used to this.”
Mark smiled as he set down our bags, watching my reaction. “So could I,” he said, his voice softer and more thoughtful.
Something in the way Mark looked at me made my chest tighten just a little. Like maybe he wasn’t just talking about the room.
I wandered around, checking out the suite. A cute little kitchenette, a cozy living room, a king-sized bed, and a balcony gave us a perfect view of the city. It felt like we’d entered our little world, where everything outside didn’t matter.
I turned back to Mark, still smiling. “So, what do you want to do first?”
He didn’t hesitate. He pulled me close, his hands strong but gentle as he kissed me, and that kiss—it was the kind that made me forget everything. The city, the hotel, all of it melted away, and all that was left was him. When we finally pulled apart, he was grinning, his breath warm against my skin.
“If we stay in this room any longer,” he murmured, his voice low, “I’m going to end up ravishing you.” His grin widened. “Let’s make dinner reservations and see the city before we get too carried away.”
I laughed, my heart still racing. “Sounds perfect.”
We took a cab to Chestnut Street and hopped into a horse- drawn carriage to tour the area. I leaned into Mark, wrapped in a thick blanket, as the carriage rolled through the tree-lined streets. I’d lived in Pennsylvania most of my life but never really experienced Philly like this. The history, the lights—with Mark, it was like seeing it all for the first time, and it felt magical. Like we were in a movie, everything was playing out just how it was supposed to.
By the time we got back to the hotel, the room felt even more inviting than it had earlier. My eyes landed on the Jacuzzi tub, and for a second, I was tempted. But then I saw the look in Mark’s eyes, and I knew if we got in there, we wouldn’t make it out for dinner. So, I suggested a quick shower instead.
“Quick” turned into something else entirely. We stayed under that sprayer longer than we planned, laughing, kissing, and getting lost in each other like we always did.
While standing under the warm water, my body pressed against his, I couldn’t help but feel like this weekend was more than just a break from reality. It was a glimpse into something bigger, something I hadn’t even let myself fully hope for. And as much as I wanted to live in the moment and not think about what came next, I couldn’t shake the feeling that what we had was real.
I thought I was going to combust as Mark found several new ways to bring me pleasure. I was on the brink of exploding when he dragged my legs up around his hips and entered me slowly. After I collapsed in his arms, Mark carried me into the room, where he laid me gently across the bed and kissed the water from my skin.
“Mmmm, you’ve got to stop, or we’re never making it to dinner,” I teased, barely able to get the words out as Mark’s lips lingered on my neck, making it hard to think straight.
“When I’ve got you, food’s the last thing on my mind,” he murmured, his voice low and warm, sending a wave of heat straight through me.
I laughed softly, reluctantly pulling back from his hold. “I wish I could say the same, but I haven’t eaten since lunch, and this girl is starving.”
He groaned, clearly not happy about letting me go. “Alright, Ms. Monroe. If food is what you want, then food you shall get. But don’t think for a second that I’m done with you. We’re picking this up right where we left off.”
I smiled, knowing we both wanted the same thing—to stretch this night out for as long as we could. I changed into black dress slacks and a gray turtleneck sweater, something simple but sleek. At the same time, Mark came out of the room in navy slacks and a royal blue sweater that made him look almost too good to be real. My heart did a little flip when I saw him dressed like that.
“You look so handsome,” I said, giving him an appreciative once-over.
“And you’re looking good yourself,” he replied, his slow smile weakening my knees. He took my hand, kissed me lightly, just enough to keep me wanting more, then led me out the door and down to the hotel lobby, his grip warm and steady in mine.
We had reservations at this steakhouse in the hotel, where the atmosphere was fancy but comfortable. The smells hit me as soon as we walked in—sizzling steaks, seafood, and that mouth-watering scent of freshly baked bread. I could already tell we were in for a treat.
We started with a shrimp cocktail, and when that prime rib came out, perfectly cooked, paired with a baked potato and steamed vegetables, I was in heaven. But that cheesecake we had for dessert? Oh, that was everything. Melt-in-your-mouth good. I swear, I could’ve stayed at that table all night.
After dinner, we wandered to the hotel lounge, and things got good. Mark led me onto the dance floor as a slow ballad played, his hands fitting perfectly at my waist, guiding me like we’d been doing this forever. I had forgotten how much I loved to dance. It felt so good to move, let go, and feel the music and his body next to mine.
“I haven’t danced this much since I was seventeen,” I said, laughing as he spun me around. “I forgot how much I loved it.”
“A shame,” he said, his grin making my heart flutter. “You’re a natural.”
He was right. I picked up every move like it was second nature, following his lead, laughing as we twirled around the floor. The way he moved—so smooth and confident— made me feel like we were the only two people in the room. And for most of the night, we were. A few couples joined us now and then, but it was like the lounge belonged to us. I noticed a few women at the bar eyeing him too long, and I had to resist the urge to make it crystal clear. This man is mine.
“Getting tired?” he asked after what felt like our tenth dance.
“A little,” I admitted, though I didn’t want the night to end. “But I’m having such a good time. Besides, we haven’t even done a line dance yet.”
He chuckled, his eyes gleaming. “I doubt the DJ’s got the cha-cha slide, but I’ll ask. You want something to drink while I check?”
I nodded, feeling that warm buzz inside me as he led me back to our table. He signaled the bartender for two drinks before heading over to chat with the DJ. A few minutes later, he returned with that boyish grin that always makes me smile.
“We’re out of luck on the line dancing,” he said, shrugging, “but the DJ has a slow jam he thinks we’ll like.”
I smiled, taking his hand as the opening notes of Muni Long’s “Make Me Forget” filled the room. Mark pulled me close, holding me tight against his chest as we swayed to the music. I rested my head against his shoulder, letting myself get lost in the moment, in how his arms wrapped around me like I belonged there. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heart were everything.
I didn’t want it to end. I wished we could stay like that, wrapped up in each other forever. Nothing else mattered. But when the song ended, I felt a sudden rush of longing, this deep need to be alone with him again. I looked up at him, and from how he looked at me, I could tell he felt it, too.
Without a word, we left the lounge, making our way back to the hotel room, ready to pick up exactly where we’d left off.
We quickly removed our clothes when we closed the hotel room door. Mark suited up, swept me into his arms, and carried me to the bed.
“I’ve been waiting for this,” he whispered. Kneeling between my legs, he lifted my hips and licked. I almost came off the bed. “You’re wet. Hot and wet. God, I could eat you up.”
“No foreplay. I want you inside of me. Now ! Hurry.”
“I’m here to please.” Mark covered my body with his and plunged deeply.
“Wrap your arms around me, Essence. Now move with me.”
“Mark...” I moaned.
He thrust even deeper inside me. “Tell me you want me,” he demanded.
I locked my legs around his waist and whispered, “I want you more than I can say.”
Mark was more than ready. Seized by our bodies’ rhythm, we drowned in rapture. Mark chanted my name, then heard my cries mingle with his.
His forehead dropped to my shoulder, and I could feel his chest rising and falling, his breath uneven like he was holding something in, something heavy. He clung to me like he was drowning like I was the only thing keeping him afloat. His heart was pounding so hard I could feel it against my skin, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had him so shaken.
“Mark,” I whispered, my voice soft, trying to break through whatever storm he was caught up in. “Are you okay?”
He didn’t say anything for a long moment; he held tight as I might slip away. Then, finally, his voice broke through the silence, low and raw.
“No, I’m not okay,” he admitted, his words heavy with a truth I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear. “But if you marry me, I will be.”
I pulled back just enough to see his face, look into his eyes, and search for anything that would tell me what he was feeling. His eyes met mine, and there was something there—something vulnerable that felt like hope and fear tangled together. And in that moment, I knew. I couldn’t keep holding back, couldn’t keep pretending I didn’t already have my answer.
I nodded, my voice steady even though my heart was racing. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
I wanted this, wanted him. But deep down, I knew I needed more.
I needed his love.
***
It was close to midnight when Diamere pulled up in front of the building, engine still running, headlights cutting through the dark. He glanced up at the second-floor window, his jaw tightening.
"Damn," he muttered under his breath. He knew Kelly was home.
For days, he'd been trying to reach her. Since that night, he'd left her apartment, hot and frustrated, with more questions than answers. He'd called her house, reached out to her parents, and even tried the cell number she gave him. No answer. Kelly was straight-up avoiding him. And honestly, he couldn’t blame her.
He'd messed up. Big time.
Sitting in his car, he shook his head, wondering how he let it get this far. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was her—those soft, full lips and that innocent, questioning expression that made him feel like the biggest idiot alive. But it wasn’t just that. No, it was how his chest tightened whenever he thought about her. This wasn't supposed to happen. Kelly—Mark’s little sister—was off-limits. Always had been. She deserved better than a guy like him.
But that kiss? Man, that kiss had flipped everything upside down. He could still taste it. No woman had ever made him feel like that before, and it scared the hell out of him. He didn’t like losing control, especially not over someone he wasn’t supposed to be thinking about in that way.
But here he was, sitting outside her building, knowing he had to make things right. He couldn’t leave Delaware without trying to fix this mess.
"Maybe you should just let it go," he muttered, hand hovering over the keys. But then he killed the engine and grabbed his phone one last time. He hit redial, waited for Kelly’s voicemail to pick up, then hung up before he could leave another message she’d ignore.
Enough was enough!
Diamere climbed out of the car and slammed the door shut. He wasn’t playing these games anymore. He jogged up the steps, his heart pounding harder than expected, and knocked on her door. Faint music played from inside.
"Who is it?" Kelly’s voice, sharp and clipped, came from behind the door.
"It’s Diamere," he said, his tone a little softer than intended.
"What do you want?" she snapped back, not bothering to hide the irritation in her voice.
“I need to talk to you," he said, leaning against the doorframe. There was a long pause. When she didn’t respond, he played his last card. “Kel, if you don’t let me in, I’m gonna tell your brother everything.”
The door swung open a crack, and Kelly’s face appeared, eyes narrowed. “No, you won’t.”
Diamere couldn’t help but smirk, even though he knew this wasn’t a game. “And why wouldn’t I?”
“Please,” she scoffed. “With the reputation you got, Mark would kick your ass."
He chuckled. She wasn’t wrong. Mark would kill him if he knew what went down that night. But right now, the only thing on Diamere’s mind was Kelly—how much he wanted to see her, talk to her, and maybe... kiss her again.
“You’re right, he probably would,” he admitted, grinning despite himself. But he didn’t move. He just stood there, staring at her through the narrow slit of the door, waiting.
Kelly rolled her eyes and pushed the door wide open. She stood leaning against the frame in a long-sleeved yellow shirt that hugged her curves and flannel boxers that showed off her toned legs. Her bare feet and how she casually leaned against the door had him all kinds of twisted inside. He swallowed hard, trying not to let his gaze linger too long.
“You just gonna stand there, or you coming in so we can talk?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Diamere knew better. Staying in the hallway was safer, but after hearing a door down the hall creak open, he decided it was better to handle their business inside. As he passed, he stepped into the apartment, catching a whiff of her sweet fragrance. His heart was racing now, and he had no clue what to say, but he didn’t sit down. He waited for her to close the door and turn to him.
“I came to apologize,” he started, running a hand over his face. “For the other night.”
Kelly crossed her arms, shifting her weight as she glanced at the floor. “There’s no need. We’re both grown. You didn’t do anything I didn’t want to happen.”
Her words hung in the air, and it took everything in him not to reach for her. She looked up at him, and he had to force his gaze away from her mouth. “Still,” he said, voice tight. “I was wrong. We’ve been friends too long for me to cross that line. I don’t want to mess that up.”
Kelly studied his face. The tension between them felt even thicker. Her voice was soft when she finally asked, “Then why’d you kiss me?”
Diamere blinked. “Why wouldn’t I?” he said, laughing lowly. “You’re fine as hell. If I’d known you were gonna look this good, I would’ve taken your crush more seriously back in the day.”
She straightened up, folding her arms tighter, trying to play it cool. “Well, I got over you years ago.”
“Are you sure about that?” He leaned in just a little, watching her body stiffen.
“Positive,” she said, but he could see right through her. Her palms shook, and he could tell her heart was racing like his.
Diamere sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “I’m leaving for Colorado in the morning.”
He saw her expression falter just for a second. Knowing she still had feelings for him? It pleased him more than it should.
“I hope it all works out for you out there,” she said, her voice a little tight.
“Do you really mean that?” he asked, stepping closer.
She gave a stiff nod. “Yeah. I want you to be happy.”
“Good.” Diamere’s lips curved into a slow smile. “Then you should understand why I need to kiss you again.”
Kelly’s eyes widened, and she stepped back, but he was already there, hands on her shoulders, pulling her close. She whispered, “Don’t,” but no real force was behind it. He knew she didn’t mean it.
Lowering his head, Diamere brushed his lips against hers, and it was like the whole world faded away. He kissed her with a hunger that surprised even him. And the way she kissed him back? It was like they’d been waiting for this moment all along. Her arms were around his neck, silently encouraging him. Kelly’s firm breasts were pressed to his chest. In passionate gratitude, he felt her meet the thrust of his tongue, matching each stroke with skilled moves of her own. Kelly wanted him as badly as he wanted her.
Diamere buried his hands in her hair, his lips sweeping the curve of her cheekbones. As he did so, the fragrance of her skin filled his nostrils. He then unbuttoned her shirt and pushed it off one shoulder, kissing her collarbone and the gentle hollow of her throat. Then he found her breasts bouncing before him, his heart thudding against his ribcage. Diamere cupped its weight, the softness warm beneath his fingertips. He teased her nipples. Kelly moaned his name, her palms splayed against his chest, her fingers caressing his arms. He kissed her breasts, then sucked a nipple between his lips. She arched her back, drawing nearer, and cried out. The sound had his body humming with need, knowing there was nowhere on earth he would rather be than in her bed.
Only this was all wrong.
Diamere knew it. As much as he wanted her, he couldn’t shake the guilt gnawing at him. They could never be, not when he had someone else waiting for him back in Colorado. He wasn’t that kind of man—he cared too much for Kelly. And he wasn’t going to take advantage of her, no matter how badly his body craved hers.
Reluctantly, he pulled away, his chest rising and falling with the effort it took to stop himself from going further. When he opened his eyes, Kelly’s expression changed. Her face was stern and guarded, like she was already putting up resistance.
“Damn, Kel,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “That definitely got outta control.”
Her eyes flickered with something, maybe frustration, maybe disappointment—it was hard to tell. “Why can’t you just admit you’re attracted to me?” Her voice was calm, but there was a challenge in her words.
Diamere hesitated, the silence stretching between them. His heart was still racing, his thoughts tangled. He finally exhaled and said, “Alright. I’m attracted to you.”
Kelly smirked, clearly pleased with his confession. There was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes like she’d known all along but just needed to hear him say it. “Good. Well, now that that’s settled, get out of here. Go rest up for your trip tomorrow.”
Diamere raised an eyebrow, surprised by her sudden change. “Why can’t I sleep here?”
Kelly frowned, crossing her arms like she was prepared to shut down the idea. “Because, like you just said, things got out of control.”
He sighed, knowing she was right. That kiss had been more than just a spark—it had been a fire. But if he stayed, they’d both end up making a decision they couldn’t take back.
She cleared her throat. “But answer one question… if things were different…”
“If things were different, I would be all over you.”
“Cool.” She grinned and looked pleased by his answer. “Come on, I’ll make us some hot chocolate before you leave.”
She reached down for her shirt, breasts bouncing, and slipped her arms inside the sleeves, then padded toward the kitchen. Diamere followed the sway of her enticing hips, shaking his head.
Damn!
He wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight.