Justify My Love: An Interracial Romance (BWWM) (11 page)

Chapter Seventeen

Tonight had been no different from the other times Scott had visited. He made her laugh and he made her horny. He was often the last thing on her mind before she went to sleep and sometimes she’d have erotic dreams about him—ones with pleasurable endings. She’d imagined making love with him so many times that she thought she knew how it would feel.

She’d often caught herself studying the curve of his mouth and angle of his firm square chin with its dimple. His nose was okay and gave a pleasant symmetry to his face, but his eyes—now they were something else indeed! She could easily lose herself in those silver grey eyes of his, which were his most impressive feature. Her ordinary brown eyes appeared so lackluster compared to his. And how she longed to kiss his sensual lips that always beckoned to her.

Marnie would often catch herself staring and had to force her gaze from his face. She couldn’t remember ever looking at Jason in that manner though he, too, was quite attractive. Nor had she ever fantasized about him the way she did with Scott. It was almost as if she were young again and dating for the first time. She didn’t want him to think her forward, so she purposely tried to keep her feelings under wraps, which was becoming increasingly more difficult whenever they were together.

* * *

Scott drove home from Marnie’s apartment wishing he’d been less of a gentleman and not had the self-control to wait until he’d been seeing her for a while. When he made love to her, he wanted it to be the perfect time and place. The very fact that she had responded so eagerly to his kiss made him smile.

He’d waited so long to take her in his arms and when he finally had her there, he was the one to break the clinch. He kept telling himself that he was doing the right thing by holding back. Rushing into a relationship would only scare her off. And that was exactly the last thing he wanted to happen. But at the same time, he didn’t want her to think that he didn’t desire her. Though he doubted that thought would even enter her mind. After all, hadn’t he told her how much he enjoyed their being together? And why would he ask her out again, unless he was interested? No, as for how he felt, he’d sent all the right signals—unmistakably loud and clear. He had said it all in his kiss. And her response told him all he needed to know.

He certainly looked forward to Saturday. Perhaps if he were really lucky, he might see her before at the courthouse. What he thought he’d felt for Connie, the woman he’d been seeing steadily for a year before Marnie entered his life, was nothing compared to the feelings Marnie stirred in him. When he and Connie split, he’d sworn off all relationships. Playing the field seemed to be the safest approach when protecting one’s heart. Until he encountered Marnie. When she entered his life, he was a goner. Even after she treated him so harshly over the restaurant incident and he’d sworn he’d never give her another thought, he caught himself breaking the promise. What was it about Marnie that prevented him from walking away?

Sure she was beautiful—but so had been other women he’d dated, including Connie. But Marnie’s skin reminded him of milk chocolate and looked creamy enough to eat. Yes, she had a great body with legs that never seemed to end. However, he’d dated women with even more voluptuous bodies than hers. Marnie simply had something that made him act like a pimply teenager with raging hormones tripping over his own tongue saying and doing stupid things, making Connie half the woman Marnie was.

He’d broken off with Connie nearly a year before that confrontation with Marnie in the Laundromat. They’d been living together at his place. The breakup occurred right before he was about to ask her to marry him. He was ready to settle down and start a family. Only he came home early one day unexpectedly. He walked into their bedroom and found her in bed having sex with another man and woman. The next scene could have been in an X-rated movie—had he followed their intended script.

As Scott momentarily gaped in stunned silence, Connie said, “Oh, Scott, stop standing there looking like a silly goose and join us.”

Only all Scott saw in his mind’s eye was Daisy, the bitch who destroyed his relationship with his father, beckoning him into her bed—the bed she shared with any guy with a hard dick.

“Just take off your clothes first,” the other woman said, giggling. She was long-limbed with oversized tits that looked like ripe melons the male of the group was hungrily feasting on.

“Come on, Scott, stop gawking and get a move on it. My cunt’s getting cold,” Connie cooed at him before continuing to suck the man’s cock.

Scott’s initial shock had quickly turned to anger. Who was that trashy woman in that bed masquerading as Connie? Or was she the real Connie and he never really knew her?

“By the time I return, you all better be out of here,” Scott said, finally, before he stormed out of the bedroom and left the apartment. The slamming of the door reverberated throughout the hall.

He went to the nearest bar and got drunk. When he found his way home much later the condo was dark. And he hoped empty.

Stumbling his way into his bedroom, he found the bed and fell onto it. The last person he desired to see was Connie, but she was there in all her naked glory. The body that once stirred his juices now disgusted him. Seeing her with that man and woman had turned him right off. It wasn’t that he was a prude. What upset him was the fact she’d been cheating on him and it probably hadn’t been the first time. He could no longer trust her and trust was one of the most important ingredients that held a good marriage together.

She stirred and reached out to him, trying to kiss him.

Wrestling from her grasp, he spat, “Get the fuck out of my bed!”

“I live here…remember.”

“Not any more. This is still my condo and my name’s on the lease. I want you out by tomorrow.”

“But where will I go on such short notice?”

“Ask one of your playmates. Maybe you can make a trade.”

After saying his piece, he went into the living room and slept on the couch. It had taken a few days, but Connie eventually cleared out.

The same day that Scott had his run in with Marnie at the Laundromat, he’d bumped into Connie and a male friend at a restaurant. She even had the gall to stop at his table to introduce the guy. Merely seeing Connie again set him off like igniting the fuse on a stick of dynamite. And he’d taken it out on Marnie at the Laundromat.

Marnie was entirely different from Connie. In comparison he wondered what he ever saw in Connie. It wasn’t long before Marnie had become the object of his every fantasy. Wanting her, he nearly had her in his grasp, and then, he lost her. He wouldn’t let that happen again—certainly not without a fight.

Lying in bed, he found himself hard. Thinking about Marnie had that effect on him. He reached for his cock. As he slowly began to rub himself, he closed his eyes and visualized her face, imagining he was gently touching her delicate high cheekbones. She’d just closed her pretty almond-shaped eyes and parted her pillowed lips slightly. Now his lips were on her tantalizing mouth as he caressed her breasts. Her hand was sliding up and down his shaft, slowly tantalizing him, sending pleasure throughout his loins. His hands sensually roamed down her body to her mound. Slowly he parted the folds of her labia and placed his cock at the opening. With a slight push, he entered her. She was warm and wet—just for him. The pace of his strokes quickened and his pleasure intensified as he fantasized pumping in an out of her. His breath grew ragged as his entire body tightened a moment before he exploded into his running shorts. How he wished he didn’t have to fantasize.

Chapter Eighteen

Marnie had gotten out of bed on Saturday morning with a purpose. That evening she and Scott were finally going out on a real date. Not just any date, but a second shot at the dinner date that tanked their relationship before it even had a chance to start.

The day hadn’t dragged as she thought it might. Instead, it sped by quickly. She’d gotten all her chores done and even had some time to go over some work she’d brought home from the office. However, the biggest pleasure was taking the time to soak in a hot bath.

Stepping out of the tub and toweling dry, Marnie couldn’t help but notice the angry-red scars on her chest and abdomen. They always looked worse after a bath or shower when their color was inflamed by the heat. The surgeon told her that they would fade in time and cosmetic laser surgery could hide them further. They were definitely not pleasing to look at, not that she was about to show them off. Her thoughts slipped to Scott and what she’d been fantasizing about recently. How could she allow him to see those ugly scars? What a terrible turnoff. No. There was no way she’d allow him to see them…

* * *

Scott arrived on time holding a single long-stemmed rose. He looked like a model for
GQ
in his navy-blue pinstriped suit. The tasseled loafers he wore on his feet looked new. Marnie admired his fine taste in clothing. He always looked sharp, dressing better than half the men she knew.

“You look great!” he said, admiring her black silk dress as he handed her the rose.

“Come in a minute while I get a vase.”

A moment later, Marnie placed the rose in a vase and smiled at Scott.

“Ready?”

“Yes,” she said, grabbing her coat.

“Here, let me help you.”

Marnie smiled her thanks to him. The very touch of his arm loosely draped about her shoulders sent little jolts of excitement down her back as he led her towards his car.

“Nice car.” Marnie said, sliding into the passenger seat of a brand new silver BMW sedan.

“Just got it. My other car finally gave up the ghost. I’m leasing, so it wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be.”

“I was thinking of leasing, but having to get a new car scares me, no matter what.”

“Why do you feel that way?”

“Because most car salesmen think that women are airheads who can’t possibly make rational decisions without the help of a man.”

“No way you come off as an airhead.”

“Obviously I give off quite a different set of vibes in a car showroom. All they see is a woman and look to take advantage.”

“I’ll tell you what. When you’re ready to go looking for a car, I’ll go with you,” Scott offered.

“Thanks. I’ll keep it in mind. With you by my side, they won’t even notice I’m there. They’ll be trying to sell the car to you.”

“Oh, they’ll notice you there, Marnie,” he replied. “Trust me.”

When they pulled in front of the restaurant, a valet approached quickly, ready to park the car. Pocketing the ticket, Scott led Marnie into the restaurant. The Maitre d’ checked his ledger for Scott’s reservation and smiled. “Please follow me.”

He led them to a small corner table and pulled out Marnie’s chair for her. After they were both seated, he handed them menus and bade them an enjoyable meal. A moment later, a waiter appeared as if by magic, and placed a large platter of assorted hors d’oeuvres on the table.

“Thank you,” Marnie and Scott said in unison.

“Would either of you care for something to drink?”

“Wine would be fine,” Marnie answered.

“What type would the lady care for tonight?”

“A white Zinfandel, please.”

“And the gentleman?”

“I’ll have the same. Please bring us a bottle of your best.”

“Very well, sir.”

Less than five minutes later, the waiter returned and poured each of them a glass, leaving the bottle on the table.

“Enjoy,” the waiter said. “I’ll return shortly to take your order.”

“The service seems to be quick around here. We’d better decide what we’d like before he returns,” Scott said.

They perused the menus and ended up selecting nearly the same things.

“I’ve been told that great minds think alike,” Scott said.

“Perhaps. Hmm, this is a good wine.”

“I really don’t know one white wine from the other.”

“Why didn’t you order something you really liked?” she asked.

“I’m always willing to broaden my horizons and try new things. Besides, I was betting on the fact you knew what was good.”

“So you’re a gambler as well as a flatterer.”

“Guilty as charged,” he admitted as the waiter reappeared and took their orders. “And while I’m confessing, this is the first time I’ve been to this restaurant. Frank suggested I take you here.”

“That figures.” She took another sip of wine.

“Why do you say that?”

“Because this is one of his favorite restaurants. Aside from loving the steak dishes, he often brings clients here to impress them.”

“Oh, by the way, I bumped into an old acquaintance of yours yesterday, a PD named Jane Golden. She sends her regards.”

“I’m not too sure she does,” Marnie said taking another sip of her wine.

“Why do you say that? She did speak well of you.”

“It wouldn’t be like Jane to do less. She’s not that type of person. Unfortunately, I’m afraid I hurt her feelings the last time we spoke.”

“Perhaps she’s gotten over it,” he suggested.

“I doubt it.”

“Forgive my curiosity, but what
did
you say to the woman?”

Marnie told him about their meeting at the courthouse.

“Hey, I would have said the same thing.”

“I don’t know…I just feel badly about it,” she said.

“Perhaps, you’re blowing it out of proportion. Let it go.” Changing the subject, Scott said, “And there’s something else you should know.”

Marnie noticed the wicked little twinkle that had crept into Scott’s eyes. “What?”

“You’re going to appreciate this,” Scott added tantalizing her.

“Are you going to tell me or must I beat it out of you with my spoon?”

“Whoa! This is a violence-free zone table, ma’am, and because I’m such a prince, I’ll tell you. Charming Mr. Kalb fired his lawyer.”

“Wow! On what grounds?” Marie asked.

Scott couldn’t miss her amused grin. “Kalb felt that Greene hadn’t put his heart and soul into winning the case.”

“The man was caught with a smoking gun in his hand. What did he expect, miracles?”

“Nothing less. He’s also sorry that he didn’t kill you. Your deposition upset him so much that he had to be physically removed from the courtroom.”

“Ah, that poor, poor man. Too bad
he’s
alive and Marishka isn’t,” Marnie said, angrily.

“The judge isn’t going to allow him to delay the proceedings by firing every lawyer he gets.”

“I’d like to be there for the verdict.” Marnie said adamantly.

“I’ll keep you in the loop.”

The waiter returned at that point and took their order. They talked a few minutes more about work and then went on to other topics. As they talked, Marnie suddenly had the urge to kick off her heels and slowly run her stockinged foot up Scott’s thigh. Taken aback at her thoughts, she wondered who the woman was who had co-opted her body!

They continued to talk and laugh through their salads, Cajun Shrimp entrées and dessert. The night was still young so they went to a small lounge a few blocks away.

“How did you find this place, Scott?” Marnie asked as they stood in front of a sign reading: “Hole In The Wall Lounge” over a set of steps leading into a basement.

“Merely by chance. I had reservations for a restaurant on the next block and ended up parking in front of this sign.”

“No one would come here unless they’d heard about it. It appears to be a real hideaway.”

“That’s for sure. It’s literally a hole in the wall—or should I say basement. Watch your step.”

Slowly they descended down a narrow flight of stairs. Marnie’s heels clacked on the stone steps. After having only a few single bulbs light the way, Marnie wasn’t prepared for the impact of the neon glare framing the opening into the place.

“It’s something else, isn’t it?” Scott said, grinning.

“Yes. That it is.”

“Wait until you hear the music. Give me your hand. It’s dark down here.”

Marnie extended her hand. Scott noticed how small and delicate her hand looked in his much larger hand and suddenly gave in to the urge to kiss its palm. Marnie’s breath hissed at the feel of his lips on her palm. He led her into a large room. It took several minutes for her eyes to get accustomed to the dim lighting and see that they were heading toward an empty table on the side. A three-piece band was playing a wistful jazz rendition of the Beatles song, “And I Love Her.”

A waitress appeared a minute or so after they sat down and they each ordered a glass of wine.

“Would you like to dance?” Scott asked.

“All right,” she replied, and he took her hand in his, guiding her onto the small dance floor where they joined several other couples.

He held her close as they danced. There was no way he could hide the desire he felt for her, for he’d grown hard in seconds. He’d wanted to hold her in his arms again to see if it was as good as he remembered. Oh, man. It was better. His hand slid lower to pull her closer. Then remembering her recent gunshot wounds, Scott feared he might be holding her too tightly. “Am I hurting you?”

“Not in the least,” Marnie said dreamily.

In fact, Scott’s closeness had quite the opposite effect. She’d felt his erection pressing into her and wanted to feel it elsewhere. Just that thought alone caused her to pool in her panties. She couldn’t continue to dance so close to him very much longer without wanting to jump his bones. And yet, though she wanted him more than she’d ever wanted Jason back when their relation was new and wonderful, she was afraid. She was terrified that the scars on her chest would turn Scott off. After all, a handsome man like Scott could snap his fingers and get nearly any woman to respond. Why would he want a woman with ugly scars on her body? Though it happened months ago, the scene between the two ADA’s in the bathroom was still fresh in her mind. No, she didn’t want to scare him off. It would be best to take things nice and easy. If only he’d be content with just holding and kissing her for now.

The song ended. Scott realized if they remained together on the dance floor, his cock was going to become quite an embarrassment. “Let’s sit the next one out and enjoy our drinks.”

Marnie smiled. He appeared to be just as uncomfortable as she. Perhaps after the drinks they would go.
And then what?

“How’s the DA treating you, Scott?” Marnie asked, trying to cool down things.

“I think he likes me. Or the extra hours I put in.”

“Does anyone else in your department work as hard?”

“Of course.”

Marnie raised a shapely eyebrow.

He rolled his lips. “Almost as hard.”

“Beware of the backstabbers. You may have earned the good cases thrown your way. However, there will be people who only see that you’re getting all the plumb cases and hate you for it. The very fact you’ve worked your ass off for them won’t ever enter their minds,” Marnie cautioned.

“You’re right. There were folks who thought my getting the Kalb case was wrong. I guess people will always be jealous and self-serving.”

“Truer words were never spoken. Another drink?”

“No. It might put me to sleep,” she said.

Scott glanced at his watch. “It is late, maybe I should take you home.”

A half hour later she was home. When they reached her door, he gently pulled her towards him and kissed her.

“Thank you for a great evening, Marnie,” he said, but didn’t release her right away.

Still feeling the heat of his kiss on her lips, she replied, “I had a wonderful time too.”

The reflection of the light danced in her eyes, as Scott fought the desire to crush her to him. Instead, he fought his hedonistic impulses and asked, “A movie and dinner next week?”

“That sounds good. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to a movie.”

“Until next week, then,” he said as she opened her door.

Scott bent to kiss Marnie goodnight, but her arms instinctively went around his neck and her fingers burrowed through the back of his hair. That triggered a heated response from him and he began to plunder her mouth with his lips and tongue. Marnie’s response held just as much passion. His kisses sent shockwaves throughout her entire body.

This time his urges got the better of him.

“Oh, Jesus,” Scott muttered as he pushed Marnie inside the apartment, kicked the door closed and pushed her up against the wall. Her mind could hardly register what was happening—not that she would stop it.