Page 26 of Enough

Chapter Nine

Pulling up in front of a massive iron gate, Claudia’s Toyota hummed to a stop. She cursed. If her car broke down in front of Jaden’s home, she would be mortified. Rolling her window down Claudia reached for the buzzer, but the gate opened before her hand landed on the button. As she waited for the doors to completely open, she said a silent prayer for her Toyota to live until she had the decency to make her getaway.

Claudia hit the pedal, and the Toyota drove into the circular driveway. Not without a sputter or two.

“Come on, Betsy. Please don’t fail me now,” she whispered to the vehicle.

Claudia cut the engine, and the car shook as it shut down. She closed her eyes briefly and exhaled. This was not the time for her car to start acting up. With everything she was trying to do with the benefit and continuing to grow her business, she couldn’t afford to buy a new car. Claudia climbed out and strutted up the four steps to the tall white doors. They opened, and Jaden stood before her with an apron around his muscular waist and a thin white sleeveless t-shirt. Claudia’s eyes didn’t hide the satisfactory perusal as her vision traveled over his toned arms and what she knew to be a chiseled chest underneath.

The rise of her eyes took in his strong neck and solid jawline, succulent lips, and black lashes, thick and curled upward to perfection. His gaze tormented Claudia, and she was barely able to pull her eyes away. Jaden’s layer of chocolate brown skin gave Claudia the impression that he’d been created with thoughts of a candy factory in mind.

“Welcome,” he said, his mouth widening into a extensive grin.

Claudia hadn’t come over here to have sex with Jaden in the middle of the day. As a matter of fact, her mind was nowhere near that arena when she made the decision to come over. But this man had managed to rid her of the anxiety she experienced minutes before. Hell, maybe he was exactly what she needed in the middle of the day. With the lurid thoughts rambling around her head, Jaden reached out to her, clasping her hand in his.

“Come in, chérie.”

She didn’t respond, only did what he asked. Jaden led her down an extended hallway past several rooms before they traipsed into a large kitchen. Norma, the family’s housekeeper stood in front of the counter with her hands covered in a batch of what seemed to be white flour.

“You remember, Norma, right?”

Claudia found her voice. “I do, from the dinner earlier this year.”

During the time Samiyah and Jonas were dating, they were both invited over to Christopher Lee Rose’s house for dinner where Claudia and Samiyah met Norma, the family’s long-time housekeeper.

“Hello again, Ms. Stevens.”

“Hello, how are you?” Claudia spoke.

“I’m fine, thanks for asking. I would shake your hand or even give you a hug, but this one over here has me covered in batter.”

“I see,” Claudia glanced to Jaden then back to Norma. “What is it that you’re making?”

“Well,” Norma said, “We’re baking fresh cinnamon rolls, pastry muffins, and chocolate chip cookies for the kids at the Boys and Girls Club.”

Claudia’s eyebrow rose. “Is that right? Smells so good in here. How did this come about?”

“Jonas is a mentor at the club. Has been for years,” Jaden said, “But while he’s away on his honeymoon, I’ve stepped in for him. I think the boys like me best anyway.” A sexy smile strutted across his lips.

Claudia returned his smile. “I’m sure they do, with you bringing those baked sweets and all.”

Norma and Jaden chuckled.

“That’s not the only reason.”

“You don’t have to defend yourself to me. I can see how it’s easy to become smitten by you.”

Jaden’s eyes never left Claudia as she spoke. He still held her hand in his. Jaden moved to stand before her, blocking Claudia’s line of sight to Norma.

“Why is that, Claudia? Are you smitten with me?” Jaden bit down on his lip, and his dark lashes lowered, piercing her with a savage glower.

Claudia’s voice came out sultry when she spoke. “Maybe. That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

A dazzling smile curved up her lips. Jaden’s gaze dropped down to them. He’d lain awake every night since their trip from Puerto Rico thinking about the lush, soft, fullness of them. Last night’s kiss was even hotter than before, and Jaden wanted to know if the next would be just as scorching.

He could get used to sucking her wet mouth in his and Jaden was willing to take every opportunity he had to feel them. It was ironic that he would make a silent vow, not to sexually have her again until the time was right. Jaden had given her the wrong impression, and he would surely rectify that.

Standing in front of her now, even with Norma behind them, didn’t keep Jaden from closing the small gap and getting right in her face. Claudia held her breath, and her hands slid up his chest.

---