FIFTEEN

Tonight I'll see Aliyah again. Despite the fact that I've been out with her several times, I'm not sure how she'll react. Our relationship has changed since she confronted me in the park. No woman has ever had the audacity to confront me with such candor as she has. Something about her bravery and lack of fear around me fascinates me.

I wait impatiently in the lobby for Aliyah, and when the elevator finally arrives at the bottom, I'm surprised to see her. She's dressed in a form-fitting crimson gown with sparkly high heels, revealing curves I hadn't noticed before. Her hair cascades over her shoulders in a waterfall of curls, and her eyes are rimmed with black liner, bringing out her deep blues.

"I'm sorry for being late. Andrew has a slight fever, and I wanted to make sure he was comfortable before I left for the evening."

"No need to apologize," I say with a frown, remembering the small boy's illness as I take away his caregiver.

She grins and tucks a stray curl behind her ear. Her love for the little boy is visible on her face, making her even more stunning.

"Andrew is a lucky little boy to have such a wonderful woman like you caring for him." "And you look absolutely stunning," I add. "You're always doing it."

She smiles, and I smile back as I watch her blush. I'm not sure what it is about this lady. She makes me feel things I've never felt before, despite the fact that I only recently met her. My lips are on hers before I can stop myself as I wrap my arms around her petite frame. Her lips are soft and smooth, and I wish I could spend the entire night tasting her sweetness.

She leans back and smiles again, reaching up to gently swipe the pad of her thumb across my lips.

"Stop it before you're wearing more lipstick than me," she jokes.

I lean in again and kiss her, unconcerned about the smudge. "I would gladly pay that price."

I take her hand in mine and lead her to the waiting car.

The partition is already up, and I briefly consider taking advantage of the temporary privacy, but I decide against it, being careful not to rush things. I don't want to overstep my boundaries, especially since I'm trying to win her back. I'm not sure what this is yet, and I don't want to ruin something that could grow into something.

She leans over, her head resting on my shoulder, as soon as I sit down.

"I'm hoping you enjoy surprises," I say.

"It depends on the surprise, but I'd like to think I'm a pretty good sport, so whatever you have up your sleeve, I'm sure I'll enjoy."

A grin spreads across my face at her candor as we enjoy the quiet ride to the restaurant, occasionally looking at each other for longer than necessary. When we arrive, I'm almost disappointed because I don't want the moment to end. I like having Aliyah close to me and feeling her warmth against my skin.

Eric unlocks the door, and I lead her inside Chateau's, a charming seafood restaurant by the sea. As we're led to a private candlelit table near the beach, I notice her smile widen.

"This is incredible," she exclaims just above a whisper. "I enjoy the smell of the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing."

I assist her to her seat before taking my own, pleased with her reaction. I used to think she was a sight to behold, but the way the candles dance against her skin transforms her into an angel. What is it about this woman that piques my interest so much?

"I'm glad you enjoy it," I said. "I have so much more in store to make you smile."

She blushes slightly, but instead of looking away, she maintains her gaze on me, making me feel naked and exposed. My dick immediately hardens and presses against my pants.

How am I going to get through this dinner if she keeps looking at me like that?

I wiggle around in my seat, trying to find a more comfortable position. Our drinks are delivered to the table, as if Aliyah can read my mind. My entire body tingles as she wraps her lips around the cherry she fished out of her glass with the straw. I think she's doing it on purpose to make me squirm.

When Aliyah shifts the conversation to Andrew and her concerns about his temperature, I finally feel some relief.

"Would you like to call and check on him?"

" I inquire. "It might make you feel better."

Aliyah shakes her head and massages her temples. "No, it's my night off, and he's at home with his mother." I don't want her to think I'm questioning her ability to care for her own son, but I'm not sure Romina knows where his medicine is, or that he prefers his stuffed tiger over his elephant when he's sick."

She takes her napkin from the table and begins folding and unfolding it several times. "Shit," she exclaims. "I can't imagine having children if I'm already this stressed out, and I'm just the nanny."

I extend my hand across the table and place it on top of hers. "One of the qualities I admire in you is your nurturing spirit." That, and your don't-give-a-damn attitude. I'm confident you'll be the ideal mother one day. Never let go of what you're feeling for Andrew right now."

Her cheeks flush, and her eyes water slightly. "Thank you very much, Jordan. That is very kind of you to say. "I'm just going to quickly check my phone to see if I have any missed calls or messages." She grabs her phone and quickly scrolls through it.

I can't stop the smirk from spreading across my face. As I check my phone several times during a date, I'm usually the one who apologizes. When I'm with Aliyah, I turn off my phone and forget about it. For a few hours, all thoughts of business, meetings, and contracts float away, and I'm completely consumed by her, a freedom I've never felt before. She's the only distraction I'm looking for right now.

She taps the phone a few more times before slipping it into her purse.

"I apologize," she says.

"Don't worry," I say. "So, what inspired you to become a nanny?" ”

"I wouldn't say I aspired to be a nanny." It just happened by chance as a result of a need I had and being in the right place at the right time. "If you told me six months ago that I'd be changing diapers every day, I'd have thought you were crazy," she says.

I pay close attention as she transports me back in time to tell me her story. I hang on every word she says as she delves deeper into her post-grad life and how things are going for her now. Our dishes come and go, but I'm not leaving until Aliyah is ready. These are the kinds of conversations I've been longing for. There will be no mention of celebrities or attempting to sneak into the next party in order to rub shoulders with the elite.

The glee in Aliyah's eyes piques my interest in learning more about her. One thing is certain: she knows how to tell a good story. Her enthusiasm piques my interest, and I find myself smiling as she moves from one story to the next. Her joy over the smallest of things is truly contagious, and I'm convinced that's what I've been missing in my life. We sit there for hours, getting to know each other much better. I don't want to leave, but there's a chill in the air tonight, especially since we're so close to the water.

I notice Aliyah rubbing her hands up and down her arms in an attempt to keep warm.

"Let's go," I say, taking her hand in mine. "I don't want you to catch a cold because I didn't want the night to end."

We climb into the Rolls-Royce and begin to warm up quickly. Fortunately, the stories continue to flow as we ride back through the city. The ride home feels like it lasts only a few seconds.

"How about you come up to my place upstairs?"

" I inquire. Our previous dates had all ended in her lobby, and she had never invited me up, which is understandable given that this is not her home.

Aliyah checks her watch and returns my gaze. "Sure," she says. It is not too late. In addition, I'm curious to see how things appear from your vantage point. I'm sure you have a better vantage point."

As we exit the car and make our way up to my penthouse, I smile and take her hand in mine. "Remember, this isn't my full-time residence, so don't be surprised by how empty it is."

She laughs and takes my arm in hers. "I've seen a bachelor pad," she says. "I'm fully prepared for dirty dishes in the sink and gym shorts on the bathroom floor."

I playfully nudge her, and she squeals a little. "Stop, I'm ticklish," she says, laughing.

"Well, Ms. Delos Reyes, you'll be relieved to know there's nothing on the floor or in the sink," I say as I slip my key into the before holding the door open for her.

She enters slowly and takes her time looking around. "Wow," she exclaims. "It's a little sparse here, but it's nice."

I toss my keys into a bowl near the front door and approach Aliyah, wrapping my arms around her. "Very vague, but I'm only here for a short time, so I just brought over a few necessities to get by." We'll go to my house one day when we both have some free time. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself out there."

She wraps her arms around my shoulders and we stand in the middle of the living room for a few moments.

"I had a lot of fun tonight," she says.

I kiss her neck and then spread kisses all the way down to her collarbone. "I did, too," I admit, "but any time I spend with you is a good time." "You're fantastic company."

I reluctantly let her go and make my way to the couch. "How about you take a seat and I'll get you something to drink?"

She saunters over to the couch, her hips swaying from side to side as she walks. She sits down and crosses her legs, exposing more of her thigh. "Actually, all I need is water." The wine at the restaurant was sufficient."

I make our drinks and join her on the sofa, setting the glasses on the table as I lean in for a kiss.

"I've wanted to kiss you all night," I confess.

Aliyah leans against the couch arm, her dress dangerously creeping up her thighs.

"So, what got in your way?

" she inquires. I watch as she slowly twirls a curl around her finger.

"I didn't want to go too fast, and kissing you just makes me want you more."

She reaches out and pulls me close. "I'll let you know if it's too fast or too far," she says as she presses her lips against mine.

Her tongue gently taps my lips, and I part the way so that our tongues can mingle. I explore her mouth, and she explores mine, with each kiss becoming deeper and more passionate than the last. This time, I'm the one who takes a step back. My dick is so tough that it's a wonder it doesn't snap in half under pressure. Given how much blood has just rushed south, I'm feeling a little dizzy. My length throbs in time with my heartbeat, like a drum.

"Stay," I tell you. "Come spend the night with me. "Please do not leave."

She sighs and closes her eyes. "I really want to, but I just can't." I need to get back to Andrew as soon as possible."

"Just return in the morning." "I'll walk you over there myself," I say, pleading my case.

She bursts out laughing and shakes her head. "And do the shame walk in front of the boss lady?" "No, thank you."

I bowed my head, feigning defeat. "Well, if you're going to leave me here in this state," I say, motioning to my very visible erection, "then give me one last kiss before I take a cold shower."

Aliyah gently strokes up and down the bulge with her hand. "I'm sorry, but believe me when I say you're not the only one who needs a cold shower." I think I can squeeze in one more kiss. That's only fair given that I won't be able to spend the night with you and help you with your problem."

The mere touch of her hand, even through the fabric of my pants, is enough to harden me. With her doing that, it's difficult for me to keep a clear mind, and my thoughts have turned into a misty haze. If all she has to offer is a kiss, I'm going to make the last kiss of the evening count.