Can't Say No Read online

  “Did I enjoy pleasuring you with my mouth? Do I want to do it again?” he asked, as he kissed the upper swells of her breasts.

  Although embarrassed, she nodded, wanting to know the answer to both questions.

  “Absolutely. You taste honey sweet…wonderful.” He chuckled, deep in his throat, as he watched her blush.

  Before Vanessa could collect her thoughts, he licked the sensitive peak of her right breast. When she gasped, he laved her until her ebony nipple stood at attention, as if eager for more of the same.

  “You are so beautiful,” he said, into her ear. Then he dropped his head to kiss the other tip. She was both amazed and touched by his generosity. His focus had been on her pleasure, not his own. She called out his name, and his response was to increase her enjoyment by sucking the aching peak.

  Once more she was lost in a maze of exquisite pleasure. Vanessa could only moan when he returned to her other breast. He gave it the same keen attention and didn’t stop until she called out his name. She shook her head even though desire pulsed persistently, and she instinctively tightened her empty passage. She pushed at his shoulders until he lay back.

  “It’s my turn to pleasure you,” she insisted. Her hands moved over his chest and flat stomach. Unsure of herself, she hesitated at touching his shaft.

  Ralph said close to her ear, “It’s okay, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want.”

  Her eyes met his. “I want…to do it right.”

  “There is no wrong way for you to touch me,” he replied, his voice heavy with need.

  “Show me, please.”

  He took her hands, showing her how to stroke him, from the thick base to the broad crest of his hard sex.

  “Mmm.” He surprised her when he caught her hands. “It feels so good, but I want to be inside you.”

  She nodded, “Yes, please…now.”

  Vanessa didn’t have to ask twice. He grabbed a pillow from the sofa, dropped it on the rug, and positioned it under her head. He reached into his jeans, pulled out a condom from a pocket, and quickly sheathed his pulsating shaft.

  Her breathing was uneven as she waited expectantly with her eyes closed. When she felt him caressing her inner thighs as he covered her mouth with his, Vanessa whimpered, opening her body for him. He pressed forward, caressed her moist opening, then thrust inside.

  “Oh…yes…” Vanessa cried out, as Ralph filled the emptiness.

  He stopped, giving her time to adjust. Pressing his mouth against the place where her shoulder and neck joined, he inhaled her scent, kissing her tender flesh. When he gently scraped her soft skin with his teeth, she trembled, turning her head until she could kiss his forehead, his lean cheek. He groaned when she worried the corner of his mouth with her tongue. He growled, giving her full access to his mouth.

  As she tightened around his aching shaft, it was even sweeter. He groaned his pleasure, deepening the kiss. Suddenly, he quickened his thrust, giving her the deep, hard strokes she longed for. Vanessa lifted her legs, wrapping them around his hips and rubbing her breasts against his chest as she clung to him.

  As the pleasure spiraled, she lost her grip on reality. She called his name as she climaxed. Her orgasm caused him to quicken his pace even more, and soon he shook from the force of his own. He cried out. Her face rested against the base of his neck, her arms tight around his waist.

  As her breathing gradually slowed, she closed her eyes, her entire body relaxed and sated. Ralph smoothed her hair away from her face, caressing her cheek. His kisses were slow and intoxicatingly sweet. Vanessa sighed at the tenderness of the moment. She wondered if she’d ever felt so cared about or cherished. She stiffened as the worries she’d pushed aside began to fill her thoughts, reminding her that nothing had really changed.

  Ralph asked, “Are you okay, beautiful?”

  “I’m fine. How about you?”

  His laugh was deep and raspy. “I couldn’t be better.” When she shifted, he moved to her side, rubbing her soft hip. “I’m sorry. I should have carried you up to my bedroom. I couldn’t wait that long,” he confessed.

  Suddenly embarrassed as she mentally pictured him struggling to lift her, she quickly changed the subject. “I’m sorry, but I can’t stay long.” When his brow creased into a frown, she hastily added, “Please don’t be angry. I don’t feel right leaving the kids alone at night. Lana is only seventeen.”

  Since their argument, she realized, she’d changed. His feelings mattered to her. What alarmed her was how much they mattered.

  He smiled sheepishly. “I understand.” He tightened his arms around her in a fierce hug, whispering, “You’re right, beautiful. You have to go although I won’t lie. I can’t help feeling a bit selfish and wishing I could fall asleep with you in my arms…”

  Fifteen

  Vanessa smiled, secretly wishing the same thing, but decided to keep her thoughts to herself. She wasn’t ready for these new, tender feelings. They frightened her, caused her to feel vulnerable to him, something she didn’t welcome. She certainly wasn’t prepared to share her emotions with Ralph. Nor was she ready to examine them closely herself.

  After placing a playful kiss on the tip of his nose, she began hunting for her clothes. Ralph lay with his hands behind his head, a huge smile on his face. She turned and caught him watching her.

  Hands on her hips, she said, “What are you doing?”

  “Enjoying the view,” he teased.

  “A little too much.” She couldn’t help noting the way his sex was hardening, then blushed.

  “Little?” He lifted a brow.

  “I didn’t mean!” she hastily said, then covered her face with her hands. It was difficult enough dressing with him watching her, but to discuss his impressive proportions!

  Laughing, Ralph rose to his full height.

  “It’s not that funny!” she said from over her shoulder as she fumbled with her bra clasp.

  He pushed her hand away and did it for her. When he finished, he swept her hair away from her nape and kissed it. Rather than turning toward him, she picked up her dress. She stepped into it, smoothing it down her hips and thighs. With her panties wadded in her hand and her purse under her arm, she turned toward him. She was surprised to see he was also dressing.

  “Be right back.” Before she could rush off, he cupped her shoulders. “There are fresh towels and soap in the vanity. Toss the towels in the hamper when you are done.” At her look of shock, he shrugged. “My aunt. She explained that even a bachelor should have certain things in his powder room for his female guests.”

  “Powder room?” she teased, and smiled at his embarrassment.

  Vanessa decided she would choose to be grateful to his aunt rather than jealous of the other females he’d entertained. In his wine-colored half bath, she found everything she needed, a stack of cream hand towels, minisoaps, and some things she didn’t need, small tubes of toothpaste, toothbrushes, tampons, condoms, and a small first-aid kit. She recalled how well stocked his dressing rooms in the pool area had been. But this was different. Or maybe she was different because she cared.

  When she returned, he was completely dressed, including sandals, and was standing in the foyer, where he picked up a set of keys. Her curiosity got the better of her.

  “Going out?”

  “Yeah.” He smiled. “I’m going to follow you home. Want to make sure my lady gets home safely. You did make sure your alarm was on when you left the house?”

  “Of course.” She lifted her chin.

  “Ready?”

  She nodded. He ushered her outside. After locking the door behind him, he walked her to her car and held the door for her.

  Before he could close it, she said, “You really don’t have to go through so much trouble. I’m fine…really.”

  He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on her lips. “I plan to make sure that you stay fine, beautiful.” He closed the door, and then jogged to his Jaguar, parked a few yards away.

  As she w
aited for him, she couldn’t help grinning. She understood as never before why women found him so downright irresistible. The brother was not only smooth, but an incredible and unselfish lover. His priority had been to pleasure her to the utmost degree. Evidently, he could write a how-to book on making a woman feel cherished since he had done that and then some.

  Was it any wonder women chased him down? Despite her inexperience, there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he knew his way around a woman’s body. He’d actually made her toes curl.

  She was humming as she drove home, aware of the way her body still purred from the sweet loving he’d given her.

  Vanessa wasn’t surprised when Ralph got out of his car and linked hands to walk her up to the front door, where she had left the porch light on.

  Holding her close, Ralph asked, “What are we, Nessa? Friends or lovers?”

  Smiling, she said, “Both.”

  Ralph grinned. His kiss wasn’t long but was indeed sweet.

  Close to her ear, he reminded her that he was flying out of town on business and wouldn’t be back until Monday. Then he said, “I’m going to miss you. Would you and the kids have dinner with me Monday evening?”

  She smiled at him and nodded. Then she playfully bit his bottom lip before she licked the hurt tenderly and kissed him again. At his husky groan, she smiled and whispered bye. Hurrying inside, she locked the door behind her.

  As she leaned back against it, she let out a weary sigh. It was very late, and she was tired. But that wasn’t what caused her to sigh. She was new to this game they were playing, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going in blindfolded. They agreed to be both friends and lovers. She assured herself that as long as she was careful and didn’t yearn for more, she would be fine. The danger came from being greedy…wanting it all. Love had no place in their agreement. Nope! It was the sure way of getting a huge dose of heartache.

  She hadn’t realized until now, but Ralph had been the perfect choice for her. He was no more interested in that four-letter word than she was. Vanessa fell asleep with a smile.

  Saturday mornings were often lazy, with no need to rush anywhere. The twins liked to curl up on the living-room rug in front of the television and watch cartoons. Lana liked to sleep late, and no one bothered her until eleven. Vanessa also liked to stay in bed only with her sketch pad, working on new ideas.

  Although she’d slept well, Vanessa had dreamed…dreamed of a fabulous wedding…her wedding. Her entire family had been there. Rather than focus on the fact that Ralph was her groom, she concentrated on creating the spectacular wedding gown.

  It was beautiful in its simplicity. The gown had to be made in raw silk that would ripple when she moved. It had clean, straight lines with an off-the-shoulder design. An inch-wide trim of seed pearls and tiny cream silk-ribbon-embroidered rose buds saved the bodice from looking too plain. The long, tight sleeves were sheer, but the cuffs were also covered in seed pearls. Her hair had been pinned up in an elaborate French twist, and the sheer veil was anchored by a row of cream roses.

  As Vanessa stared at the drawing, she decided she’d never seen anything more beautiful. This gown, to do it justice, had to be embroidered by hand. It was a shame she’d never have a reason to make it.

  For years, Vanessa had dreamed of wedding gowns but never one for herself. Rather than examine her emotions, she flipped the page and began designing a deep green silk, one she envisioned her sister would wear to her prom.

  Knocking briefly on the open door, “Hi,” Lana said, around a yawn. “Busy?”

  “Nope, did you sleep well?” She smiled.

  “Mmm-hmm, “Lana stretched as she crossed the room to sit on the end of the bed. Leaning her back against the footboard, Lana said, “What happened? Did you and Ralph make up?”

  Vanessa didn’t look up from the pad. “Yes, not that it’s any of your business, Miss Nosy.”

  Lana laughed. “Good. Are we going over there to swim later? Because if it’s okay with Ralph, I’d like to invite Marisa to join us.”

  “Not today. Ralph has gone away on business. He won’t be back until Monday. We’re on our own this weekend.” She tapped her chin as if in thought. “I bet I can come up with lots of things that need to be done. You and the twins can clean your rooms. There’s laundry to do, the kitchen and bathrooms are in need of cleaning. Take your pick.”

  Just then, the twins ran in and jumped into bed on either side of her.

  “Nessa!” Lana complained. “I’d hoped to visit with Marisa this weekend.”

  “That’s fine. If everyone pitches in, we should be done with the house by four. Why don’t you call and invite her to dinner? If her folks say it’s okay, she can stay over and go to church with us.”

  Lana jumped up and hugged her. “Thanks, sis. I’ll go call. Can we make our own pizzas?”

  Vanessa smiled. “Sure.”

  Lana called, “Thanks,” while racing for the stairs.

  “Can I have pineapple-and-ham pizza?” Curtis asked. Evidently the only part of conversation that interested him was the food.

  “Anyone with toys and clothes on the floor or unmade beds can’t want pizza. That also goes for anyone still in their pajamas,” she said with a straight face.

  “That’s not fair!” Courtney insisted.

  “Sure, it is. I want pizza for dinner, so I’d better get moving.” Vanessa pushed back the cotton blanket.

  “Me too!” Curtis yelled, jumping up and running for the stairs. Courtney looked at her sister for a moment, then took off after her twin.

  As she showered and dressed, Vanessa was proud of the fact she hadn’t wasted time reviewing the previous night or worrying about what was said afterwards. What was the point? They decided what was best for them. No one else’s opinion mattered. Vanessa was not fooling herself. More than likely, Ralph would be the first to look elsewhere. And it had nothing to do with her. It was simply his way, which would be fine with her.

  This way there would be no surprises. She knew what she was up against. She knew her man. That was how her mother made her first mistake. She’d underestimated Greg Cummingham. Her second mistake, Leah had fallen deeply in love with him. Those two blunders had cost her everything. She gave him her power and left her heart open to hurt and devastation. Unfortunately, her mother never recovered from Cummingham’s callousness.

  Vanessa was confident that wouldn’t happen to her. She had her eyes wide open. Ralph was not her weakness. For now, he brought her pleasure. And that was enough. She wasn’t deceiving herself by trying to make “for now” last. She wasn’t looking for “forever.”

  That didn’t mean she wasn’t looking forward to seeing him on Monday evening. In fact, she was sorry that she had not suggested they go out alone. So what if she was feeling selfish and wanted to keep him to herself. It was ridiculous, considering her family always came first with her. Oh, well, she shrugged.

  However long Ralph’s infatuation lasted, it would be enough. When it ended, she wasn’t going to self-destruct. They’d go back to being just friends, with no regrets for either of them.

  Although her workday had been no more hectic than usual, Vanessa rushed in the door somewhat breathlessly. She had less than an hour to get ready for the evening ahead.

  “Where is everyone?” Vanessa called.

  “In the kitchen,” Lana called back. “We’ve had our showers, so the coast is clear.”

  Vanessa smiled. She hoped that meant there would still be some hot water. “No more than a snack. I don’t want you all to spoil your dinner,” she said as she walked into the kitchen.

  The twins rushed to give her a welcoming hug. To save time, she’d laid out their things before she had left for work. She wanted things to run smoothly.

  “There’s a letter for you from an attorney’s office.” Lana sent her a questioning glance when she entered the kitchen.

  “I left it in your room.”

  Not having a clue to what it might be about, Vanessa nodded
. “Okay thanks.” She hurried into her room, undressed, and put her hair in hot rollers. In her robe, she rushed into the bathroom.

  She showered, did her makeup, styled her hair, then dressed in white jeans and the off-the-shoulder top she’d worn while they were in Atlanta. She’d picked it because of the wonderful memories associated with the trip.

  It wasn’t until she lotioned her hands that she remembered the letter. Vanessa recognized the prominent law firm. A glance at the bedside clock assured her, she had ten minutes before Ralph was due. She could spare a few moments before she had to check on the kids.

  Opening the envelope, she was more curious than alarmed when she began reading the legal papers. Her hands were shaking and her eyes filled with tears by the time she reached the bottom of the document.

  “Nessa! Ralph is here!” Curtis yelled.

  “Coming.” She dried the tears, did a last-minute touch-up, then put the letter into the envelope and hid it in the bottom of her lingerie drawer.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said with a forced smile.

  Ralph’s eyes momentarily locked with hers. “No problem.” He met her in the center of the living room and after kissing her cheek, he unknowingly gave her what she needed most, a hug. If he was surprised that she clung for a moment too long, he didn’t show it. “You look nice.”

  “Thanks. Everyone ready?” Vanessa give each child a once-over, then finger combed Courtney’s bangs, straightened Curtis’s collar, and smoothed the back of Lana’s blouse.

  “Where are we going?” Curtis and Courtney asked eagerly.

  Ralph smiled, “That’s up to your beautiful sisters.”

  “Why?” Curtis demanded.

  Ralph chuckled, “When they are happy, we’re happy. Vanessa? Lana? Courtney?”

  The ladies looked at each other, then said at once, “The Olive Garden.”

  Ralph whispered to Curtis. He nodded and hurried over to the screen door and held it open for the ladies. The last to leave, Vanessa handed Ralph her door key as she passed. After locking up, Ralph ushered them down the walk.