Evidence of Desire Read online

  “I’m not trying to sweet talk you, or run a game on you. I care deeply about you, and it blows my mind that we’re here, together, making love.”

  “Harper, that’s crazy. You’re a smart, successful attorney who can have any woman he wants, and I’m just a magazine reporter, who, according to my mom, needs a better body.”

  Harper cupped her chin and forced her gaze to meet his. “Azure, you’re beautiful. Period. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a designer dress, a business suit or those tiny workout shorts I love so much.” He winked, then leaned in and softly kissed her lips. “Baby, every time I see you, you leave me breathless. Every. Single. Time.”

  He kissed her again, and again, and again. They kissed and teased, fooled around like a pair of inebriated college kids making out on their parents’ couch. Harper dipped a finger into his mug, scooped up some whipped cream and rubbed it over Azure’s nipple. Then he covered her breast with his mouth—licking and slurping and sucking the sweet cream. His touch triggered an avalanche of pleasure in her body. Her breathing accelerated, the tips of her ears tingled and she trembled from head to toe. Harper carried kisses down the length of her body, then positioned himself between her legs.

  “Harper, are you sure about this? This is all new to me.”

  “We’ll go slow, and if you want me to stop, just say the word.”

  “Just say the word?” she repeated, a sly smile tickling her lips. “Is there a code word in Sex for Dummies that I need to know about or something?”

  “You’re such a smart-ass.”

  “I know, and you love it!”

  “You’re right, baby. I do.” Harper cupped her butt. “And I love this, too.”

  Harper slid his hands down her hips, drew them across every curve and slope. He licked around her belly button, kissed it, caressed it, poked his tongue inside it. Every time Azure thought he was going to replace his fingers with his mouth, he’d find another part of her body to tease, to torment, to infect with desire. The anticipation was killing her. It was too much. Enough to make her lose her mind, and the last bit of pride she had left. Begging was beneath her, something only male R&B singers did, but if Harper didn’t put her out of her misery soon, that’s exactly what she was going to do.

  Harper blew a warm, light breath between her legs.

  Once, twice, three mind-numbing times.

  He parted her lips with his tongue, and when he slid the tip inside her, Azure shivered. Moaning her pleasure, she closed her eyes and hiked her leg up on the side of the couch. Wanting to be in control, she clutched his head to keep his talented tongue in place, and slid closer. He nursed on her core, slurped and sucked her juices as if he were drinking from the wellspring of life. Her body went haywire, quaking, trembling and vibrating. Harper’s tongue rode her clitoris, and each urgent, tantalizing stroke brought Azure one step closer to ecstasy.

  “You’re without a doubt the sexiest, most erotic woman I’ve ever been with,” he said, reaching up and roughly cupping her breasts. “I could never get enough of this, baby, could never get enough of tasting your sweet, juicy lips.”

  Talking dirty always drove Azure over the edge, and the raunchy, explicit things Harper was saying triggered the most explosive orgasm ever. That, and how eagerly he was lapping his tongue against her clitoris.

  An earthquake erupted between Azure’s legs.

  She couldn’t stop shaking, couldn’t control the tremors that rocked her body.

  Azure felt Harper on top of her, kissing her lips, stroking her hair, whispering soft, sweet words in her ears. Closing her eyes, she basked in the indescribable beauty of the moment. This was happiness, joy. Being with Harper—experiencing the full extent of his love—was the greatest feeling in the world. And for the first time ever she felt whole, worthy. Azure wanted to curl up in Harper’s arms and go to sleep, but the desire to please him was overpowering.

  “Baby, what are you doing?”

  “Returning the favor,” she purred, caressing his face while stroking his erection to life with the other hand. “Ready for another round?”

  “Yeah, but take it easy on me this time. I’m playing basketball with the guys at noon, and if I show up limping Jake will kill me on the boards—”

  “You’re not going anywhere.”

  “I’m not?”

  A slow, easy smirk claimed her lips. “Nope. You’re sick.”

  “I am?”

  “Yup, you have a twenty-four-hour bug, and it’s pretty nasty,” she told him, her tone matter-of-fact, “but don’t worry. Your sexy wife is going to nurse you back to health.”

  “You are, huh?”

  “I sure am, and once I’m finished with you, you’ll feel as good as new.”

  Harper sat back with a flourish and clasped his fingers behind his head as if he were sunbathing on the beach. And the more he posed and profiled, the harder Azure laughed.

  “Well, what are we waiting for, Nurse Does-A-Body-Good?” he joked, winking lasciviously at her. “Go ahead and do me!”

  Chapter 16

  Five more minutes and then we’re out of here, Azure decided, sneaking a look at her silver wristwatch bracelet. Her braised lamb sat on her plate, untouched, and her glass was full of a tasty mango drink, but she was itching to go home. I’ve had about all I can stand of Eden, and if we don’t leave soon, I’m going to blow.

  Dressed in Chanel from head to toe, Eden had breezed into the Schmooze Lounge smiling and waving at the patrons who gazed adoringly at her. After a quick hug to Azure, and kisses on Harper’s cheeks, she’d sat down with a flourish and begun yapping about her crazy-busy modeling schedule.

  “I can’t believe you’ve never been to Cabo San Lucas, Alice.” Making her hazel, oval-shaped eyes great big and wide, she gracefully ran a hand through her black, ridiculously long hair. “The island is to die for, and always crawling with A-list stars. You absolutely must stay at the Sea of Cortez Resort. It’s breathtaking!”

  Azure rolled her eyes. What was with the accent? Eden had been raised in Philly—like her—and the fake, haughty tone she’d adopted made her sound like a snob. At least to her. Harper seemed to be completely smitten with Eden, and the two of them had been laughing and joking all night. They were having such a good time Azure had started to wonder if Harper even remembered she was there.

  “I was thinking of taking Azure to Cabo for the Christmas holidays,” Harper said, putting his fork down on his empty plate. “Maybe you and your husband can join us. The more the merrier, right, Cupcake?”

  A frown marred Eden’s fine, delicate features. “I’ll have to check with Renault and get back to you. Leonardo DiCaprio and his girlfriend are very close friends of ours, and they’ve invited us to go sailing in the Greek isles, which is absolutely one of my favorite things to do.”

  “Good for you,” Azure grumbled, wishing she could cram a piece of garlic bread into her sister’s big, boastful mouth.

  “I’m hoping to make some headway with Leonardo, and on the blue, breathtaking seas is the perfect place to do it.”

  “Azure never mentioned you were an actress, as well.” Harper picked up his glass and took a swig of his drink. “Is Leonardo helping you break into the business?”

  “You could say that,” she said coyly, batting her fake eyelashes at Harper. “My husband and I have an open marriage, and Leonardo is on the top of my sexual wish list!”

  Harper choked on his martini. “Open, as in you date other people?”

  “Among other things.” Giggling, Eden flapped her thin, graceful hands in the air. “Don’t look so stunned, you two. All the stars are doing it. Will and Jada, Sting and Trudy, Larry King and all of his ex-wives!”

  Azure was too stunned to speak. And obviously Harper was, too. He was guzzling his drink as if it were holy water, and glanc
ing over his shoulder as if he was scared Jesus himself was going to appear and strike them all dead.

  “Who knows?” she uttered, coiling a lock of hair around her index finger. “Maybe one day you and my sister will be swingers, too.”

  “Hell no!”

  Startled by the harsh bite in Harper’s tone, Azure swung her head in his direction. His eyes were narrowed, it looked as if his jaw were wired shut and a scowl was clinging to his lips. He was breathing heavy, the way he did after they finished a vigorous round of lovemaking, and his face looked tense. Harper leaned over and draped an arm around her shoulders. Azure snuggled against him. Finally, he was showing her some affection, some attention, too.

  Azure could stay in Harper’s arms forever. His touch was addictive, and every moment of every day she found herself counting down the seconds until she’d see him again. It had been like that for the past three days, since the night he’d asked her to leave and all hell broke loose. Thinking about their first time—and their sumptuous morning after—made her body tingle. Azure had never been loved so fully, so deeply. No one had ever worshipped her with their lips, or given her one mind-blowing orgasm after another. Harper had taken the time to discover every single one of her hot spots and triggers and eagerly stroked every pleasure-filled zone.

  For the past three days, they’d been playing and frolicking in bed, making love as if it were the first time for them both. And if not for Eden being in town, they’d be home, in bed, probably eating dessert off each other. Azure couldn’t get enough of Harper, couldn’t stand to be away from him, and when it came to Harper her body seemed to have a mind of its own. One kiss was all it took to make her wet. Two drenched her La Perla panties. Three turned her into a freak between the sheets who commanded the reins in the bedroom. Or the kitchen, or the staircase or wherever they were when the mood struck.

  “Azure is the only woman I need.”

  Hearing Harper’s sweet, heartfelt words, made Azure melt. Sighing inwardly, she nuzzled her face against his chin and wrapped an arm around his lean waist. When we get home, I’m going to put it on him for real!

  “Oh, come on, Harper, everyone has a celebrity crush,” Eden insisted. “There must be someone in the entertainment industry you’d like to spend the night with.”

  “You’re right, there is,” he conceded, wearing a rueful smile. “I’d love to have dinner with Judge Judy Sheindlin, but I just want to pick her brain, not see what’s under her robe!”

  Eden erupted in laughter, snorted so loud she attracted the attention of the other patrons dining in the lounge. Azure cracked up when she saw the stunned expressions on the faces of the reality TV stars seated nearby. It felt good being out, and although Azure had fun at all the social events Harper had taken her to over the past weeks, it was nice not having to pose for the cameras or play nicey-nice with all the stuck-up rich people in attendance.

  “I’m sorry, ladies, but I’ve got to get going.” Harper slipped on his leather jacket. “Drink and eat as much as you want. I’ll settle the bill on my way out.”

  “Do you want me to come with you?” Azure asked, reaching for her purse. Two hours of Eden running her mouth was two hours too many, and when her sister wasn’t flirting with Harper, she was yakking about her various modeling gigs or playing with her cell phone. Like right now. Her sister was so busy texting she didn’t hear Harper say goodbye. “It’s getting late, and after flying all day, I’m sure Eden’s exhausted.”

  “Great idea, baby! I know my mom would love to see you....”

  Yeah, dead, Azure thought, settling back into her seat. Her kid sister was obnoxious, but at least she wasn’t plotting her demise. It was a case of the lesser of two evils, and Azure knew staying at the Schmooze Lounge with her sister was the safer, wiser choice. Azure hadn’t seen Mrs. Hamilton since the wedding and had become a master at avoiding her angry, cynical mother-in-law. “On second thought, I think I’ll stay. I don’t know when I’ll see Eden again, and we still have a lot of catching up to do.”

  “No problem.” Standing, he grabbed the leather billet. “Call me when you’re finished up here, and I’ll come back and pick you up.”

  “Go on, Harper. I’ll be fine.”

  Harper bent down and stole a kiss from her lips. Azure enjoyed the unexpected surprise, the flutter of excitement his touch caused, and hoped he did it again. And again.

  “There are a bunch of thug wannabes in here tonight, and I don’t want anyone hassling you while you’re waiting outside at the cab stand. It’s not safe, Azure. Anything can happen.”

  “Baby, I can handle myself.” Smirking, she patted the front of her oversize designer purse. “I have pepper spray.”

  Harper didn’t laugh, didn’t even crack a smile. “I’m serious, Azure.”

  “So am I. If anyone gets too close, or starts any mess, I’m sprayin’ their ass!” Azure cracked up, but when she saw Harper’s face cloud with anger, her giggles dried up. Then she remembered. Remembered how Harper’s ex had hooked up with a rapper at a trendy, upscale bar like this. Was that what Harper was worried about? That someone else would catch her eye and she’d go willingly to his bed? The thought was ludicrous, so outrageous Azure had to stop herself from laughing out loud. Harper was the only man for her, the only man she wanted to spend her days and nights with, and she would never do anything to break his trust. And later, when they were in bed, she was going to tell him just that. “I’ll be home by ten,” she promised, hoping to put him at ease, “and not a second later—”

  “Just call.”

  Azure didn’t know if it was the sharpness of his tone or the intensity of his gaze that made her girly parts tingle, but she wanted Harper right then and there. She imagined them going at it, shocking diners by getting down and dirty on their glass table.

  At the thought, her conscience pelted her with guilt. She combed a hand through her hair and fanned her face with the other. Azure wondered if there was a patch or a gum or a support group—something, anything—that would stop her yearning, her desperate longing for Harper. Her desire for him was insatiable, spiraling out of control, and Azure feared if she didn’t get a grip soon she was going to mess up the good thing they had going. “Okay, Harper, I’ll call you in a couple hours. Happy now?”

  “Immensely, but I’ll show you my gratitude later. In the bedroom.”

  Azure bit her fingernail, thought about all the wicked things she was going to do to him in his plush, king-size bed. “I can hardly wait.”

  Another quick kiss—one that kindled her body’s fire—and Harper was gone, stalking through the restaurant lounge with purpose, intent, as if he owned the joint. Azure watched him stroll through the waiting area and noticed all the hungry stares on the faces of the female patrons. That’s right, chicks, he’s mine all mine and I’ve got the wedding ring to prove it!

  “Harper and Alice sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g,” Eden sang, hopping around in her seat like the Energizer Bunny. “Girl, you’re so hot for that man I bet your panties are soaked!”

  Azure crossed her legs. She wished she could deny it, but it was true. She desired Harper, craved him, longed to be back in the comfort of his strong arms. His kiss ignited a firestorm within her, one that made her weak in the knees and hot all over, and it was hard remaining in her seat when everything in her wanted to chase him down.

  “When Mom told me you got married, I thought she was kidding, but now that I’ve met Harper I understand your haste to jump the broom.” Grunting, Eden licked her lips. “I’m not even attracted to black men, but Harper Hamilton has it seriously going on. If you weren’t my sister, I’d be all over that man!”

  “Thanks, I think.”

  “I want to know all the details, so dish. Where did you guys meet? How did he propose? And most importantly, when are you going to make me an auntie?”

  Azure giggle
d. Pretending she didn’t hear the last question, she briefly answered the first two. “Harper and I went to school together, and when I interviewed his family last month—”

  “Hold that thought,” Eden said, raising a finger in the air. She scooped her cell phone up off the table, tilted her head to the side and cooed a high-pitched greeting. “Renault, darling, did you finally seal the Victoria’s Secret deal?”

  Azure allowed her gaze to wander, and when it landed on a familiar face—a slim, brown-eyed guy with a serious, take-no-prisoners demeanor—she racked her brain to remember his name. Griffin…Griffin…Griffin Jackson! The soft-spoken attorney worked at the Hamilton family law firm, and although they’d only met once, Azure liked him. She wondered why he was sitting at the bar, alone, on a Friday night, but before she could even think of going over to greet him, Eden started wailing.

  “What do you mean they changed their mind!” she yelled, gripping her cell phone. “This is not my fault! I did everything you asked me to. I lost weight, I had electrolysis treatments…”

  Azure shivered. That sounded painful.

  “Get me in that show, Renault! You’re my manager. It’s your job!” Her accent fell away. Her tone grew harsh, gruff. She was talking loud, spitting her words out faster than a rapper rocking the stage on 106 and Park. “Well, maybe if you spent more time booking me gigs, instead of boozing it up at the casino, my career wouldn’t be going down the drain!”

  Eden clicked off the phone and hurled it into her purse. Slumping back in her seat, as if she was trying to disappear in her leather, padded chair, she stared out into space.

  “Is, um, everything okay?” Azure wanted to kick herself for asking such a dumb question, but she didn’t know what else to say. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Victoria’s Secret doesn’t want me,” she croaked, her bottom lip trembling. “They dropped me from their Christmas fashion show.”

  “Don’t worry, Eden. There will be lots of other jobs.”