Feel the Heat Read online

  “Wow,” he said. The startled couple turned around and gave him a guilty look.

  “Umm, I have to go,” MJ said as she brushed past Brent.

  “What are you doing here?” Jamal asked when MJ slammed her car door. “I thought you were going to see your father.”

  “I did. That’s why I’m here. But the bigger question is what’s up with you and MJ?”

  Jamal grinned. “You know I never kiss and tell.”

  “Since when, King of TMI?”

  “MJ is special. I haven’t met a woman like her ever,” Jamal said. Brent would’ve laughed and pointed out to his friend that MJ was the kind of woman he usually ran from, but he just listened to him.

  “She’s driven and wants to be her own woman, not just the wife of or some reality star vixen.”

  “That’s rare to find these days,” Brent said. His mind immediately flipped to Mimi. She was a woman like no other and he was falling hard and fast for her.

  “Did you see your father?”

  “I did. We actually came to an understanding.”

  Jamal took a step back. “Wow. That’s great.”

  “He’s changed. I imagine prison does that to a man.”

  “Not only that, but he knows he doesn’t have much time left. I’m sure he wants to make these last moments in his life count. Brent, I know you had a different relationship with your father, but he wanted to be a better man for Daveon.”

  “I know. He’s made sure Daveon will be taken care of for the rest of his life. He’s the beneficiary of our father’s life insurance policy. I just drew up his final will. Your mother’s love changed my father and I’m glad I got a chance to see it. Doesn’t make my past with him any better, but it’s good to know he learned some lessons.”

  “You don’t resent his relationship with my brother?” Jamal asked. “I mean, I could understand if you did...”

  “Daveon didn’t do anything wrong and neither did your mother. My issues with my father don’t include them, or you for that matter. I’m going to take a page from my mother’s book and move on.”

  “And what are you going to do about Mimi?”

  As if on cue, Brent’s cell phone rang. He looked down at the screen and saw it was Fast Love’s attorney calling.

  “I have to take this,” he said. “This is Brent.”

  “Brent, Judith here. I have some news for you and Miss Collins. We’re going to withdraw the complaint against the website.”

  Brent pumped his fist, glad Judith couldn’t see his excitement. “That’s a very good decision on your part. I will inform Miss Collins of your decision.

  “I’m sure you will. We actually found that there was a problem in the marketing of the event and we’ve acknowledged the mistake in a statement on Fast Love’s website. Tell Miss Collins that we apologize for the inconvenience and we hope that we can work together in the future,” Judith said.

  “Sure thing,” Brent said, then disconnected the call. He turned to Jamal with a smile on his face. “I have to go.”

  “Good news for Miss Collins, I assume.”

  “And me, too,” Brent said, then dashed to his car.

  * * *

  Mimi ignored the rantings of her editor. Fresh content, more page views on the blog. They’d just had this conversation less than eight hours ago. “Mimi,” Kita said, “you’re making it hard for the marketing department to push the book. The numbers have to come up on your blog. These little puff pieces aren’t cutting it.”

  “I’m trying to...” Mimi’s phone buzzed indicating that she had a text message. “Kita, that’s my lawyer. I need to call you back.” Brent’s text was a welcome distraction from her editor’s pressure. Yes, the numbers had dropped because Mimi had rerun some of her more popular pieces, and she had written another travel piece about New York. Hell, when she posted that one she’d known it was cliché as hell. Everybody has been to New York.

  Fast Love gave up. We need to celebrate. And, I quit.

  Mimi rolled her eyes. Celebrate? Was he serious? He may have worked his legal magic to get the case tossed aside, but she wasn’t going to be his booty call. Mimi sighed with relief and frustration. Now that this thing was over, she could write what she wanted to again. Maybe she would post her blog about Brent. Kita would be happy, the numbers would go up, and her book deal would be saved.

  Looking at her phone, she sent Brent the text reply she hated most.

  K

  Brent replied immediately. Are you busy or something? Expected a lot more enthusiasm. Chocolate or sushi?

  Mimi wasn’t going to turn down free food, and maybe confronting him over sushi would make things easier.

  Sushi is great, and sake.

  No sake.

  Plenty of sake!

  How about plenty of kisses?

  Mimi dropped her phone. No matter how much she drank, she wasn’t going to kiss him. She wasn’t going to fall for his slick talk and sexy eyes. Turning back to her laptop, Mimi decided to write about the end of her suit with Fast Love. Just as she was about to publish her blog, the phone rang.

  “It’s about time you returned a call, MJ,” Mimi said when she answered.

  “I’m in trouble.”

  “What? Where are you? What’s going on?” Mimi turned away from her laptop.

  “I think I’m falling for Jamal.”

  “Girl!” Mimi sucked her teeth. “I was ready to get Vaseline ready and head... Wait, are you insane?”

  “Spending time with Jamal has been so refreshing and he’s different.”

  “He’s a player just like his friend. At least he’s honest about it.”

  “Are you talking about Brent? He actually caught us today.”

  Mimi rolled her eyes even though her friend couldn’t see her. “You guys aren’t the only ones who got busted today.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Brent obviously has a woman out in the burbs somewhere. I heard him on the phone when I was going for a run.”

  “You’re always jumping to conclusions. He went to see his father today. Jamal was nervous and we talked about it this afternoon.”

  Mimi felt like a real jackass. “Oh, my God.”

  “Yeah. According to Jamal this was a big step for him, given his relationship with his father.”

  Mimi groaned. “I’m such an asshole.”

  “I don’t disagree with you there,” MJ said. “What’s the deal with you guys?”

  “Well, he got the Fast Love matter solved and he said he wanted to celebrate.”

  “He doesn’t work for you anymore, so now you can...”

  “I’ve got to go, MJ,” Mimi said as she looked down at her tank top and boxer shorts.

  “But wait! I need you to talk me off the ledge. I can’t fall for Jamal.”

  “Can I write about it on my blog?”

  “No!”

  “Then we can talk about it later.”

  “You know this is all your fault with your ‘rebounding is okay’ mess,” MJ said. “Let’s do lunch tomorrow.”

  “Sure, and don’t put this on me, because you said you didn’t read my blog.”

  “Okay,” MJ said. After Mimi hung up, she dashed to the bathroom for a shower.

  * * *

  Brent pulled his phone from his pocket and waited for Mimi to text him back. He’d wanted her lips pressed against his for a long time. His hunger for her had been nearly overwhelming. That’s why there would be no sake tonight. He wanted to get drunk on Mimi. He started to text her again, but since he knew where she lived, he’d just knock on her door with the sushi and roses. He just had to find flowers that matched Mimi: red, yellow and orange. Fiery and beautiful. As he crossed the street heading toward the florist shop, his cell pho
ne rang.

  “This is Brent,” he said when he answered the call.

  “Mr. Daniels,” a woman’s voice said.

  “Who am I speaking with?”

  “Nasheka Samuels from the Department of Corrections.”

  “Is this about my father?” A cold feeling of dread settled in the pit of his stomach.

  “Yes, he has been taken to the hospital. We think he had a stroke and he’s going to need to be tested by doctors other than our prison doctors.”

  “What do I need to do?” he asked, feeling helpless. This wasn’t supposed to happen today.

  “At this time,” she began, “we think your father may not make it. If you have family members who want to see him, you should get with them now.”

  “What hospital will he be going to?” Brent knew he had to go and see his father for the last time. And though he wanted to meet Daveon—he’d hoped it would be under better circumstances—he had to tell him and his mother to come to the hospital. Nasheka gave him the directions to the hospital, then Brent sent Jamal a text.

  Speeding to the hospital, Brent prayed that he wasn’t too late to say goodbye.

  Chapter 16

  Mimi was not a patient woman. Waiting for Brent was driving her crazy. She started to call him, but she didn’t want to come off as being overly anxious. But damn it, she was hungry. Checking her phone, it had been two hours since Brent’s text about kisses. Maybe he’d gotten a better offer. Or maybe something happened with his family. Why do I keep looking for something bad to happen? Mimi tossed back and forth in her living room, ignoring the doubts in her mind. Brent was going to show up and they would have a talk. She’d apologize and get her kisses—and maybe something else.

  She looked up at the clock above her TV and sighed. He obviously wasn’t going to celebrate with her tonight. Mimi crossed over to her laptop and reread the blog she’d written about her kiss with Brent. Reading it for a third time, she decided to post it. After she posted it, Mimi stripped off her lacy black gown and put on a pair of Atlanta Falcons sweatpants and a cropped tank top with her blog logo on it.

  Mimi wiped her eyes with her fingers and then headed into the kitchen to pour herself a bowl of cereal. As soon as she dipped her spoon in the bowl, there was a knock at her door. Part of her wanted to ignore the knock. She knew Brent was on the other side of the door, and he’d kept her waiting. Wanting. Needing his lips, his touch. Anger be damned, Mimi dropped her spoon and crossed over to the door. Seeing Brent standing there with a dozen roses and a smile made her forget her irrational anger.

  “I’m sorry I’m late,” he said. “And that there’s no sushi.” Brent took a step forward. “My father died tonight.”

  Mimi wrapped her arms around him and felt smaller than a baby ant. “I’m sorry. If you need to be with your family...”

  “I’m where I need to be. Mimi, I went to the hospital and I saw how my little brother cried and hugged him. I knew the father that I’d known was dead. Had been dead for a long time.”

  “Brent,” she whispered.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “I’m glad that man is gone, so when he took his last breath tonight, I felt at peace.”

  “Wow,” she said. “Are you sure you’re all right? If you need to...”

  “Mimi, I’ve been thinking about last night for most of the day.”

  “Brent...”

  “Just so we’re clear,” he began, “I want you. I want to kiss you, I want to make love to you. I want you to scream my name so all the neighbors can hear.”

  Mimi’s mouth formed a shape of an O as their eyes locked. “Are you ready?” he asked.

  “I-I...yes.” Before she could say anything else, Brent captured her sexy mouth in a heated kiss. Mimi melted in his arms as his tongue tangled with hers. Mimi’s mouth was ripe for the taking and Brent was determined to take it all. Her soft moans spurred him to deepen the kiss, drop the roses and cup her backside. He pulled her so close to his body that he felt her beating heart. Mimi’s heat made him harder than granite stones. Though he wanted to rip her sweatpants and tank top off, Brent knew he had to take his time. He wanted to savor every inch of her, every part of her. Scooping her up in his arms, he headed for the bedroom.

  Mimi’s body shivered as Brent crossed the threshold of her bedroom.

  He pulled her top over her head, exposing her supple breasts. His mouth watered at the sight of her hard nipples and he leaned in to take one of the chocolate drops in his mouth. Kicking out of her sweatpants, Mimi pressed her body against his mouth and cried out in pleasure as his fingers grazed her other nipple. He slipped his free hand between her thighs, seeking her wetness as his lips closed around her neck. As he licked her up and down her regal column, Brent slipped his finger inside her womanly core, seeking her throbbing bud.

  Mimi screamed in delight as he made small circles inside her with his fingertip. Her desire poured like a summer rainstorm. Pulling his finger out of her, Brent smiled at Mimi.

  “I have to taste your sweetness,” he murmured and then dipped his head between her thighs. The sensations his tongue sent down Mimi’s spine as he licked and sucked her sweet bud were incredible.

  “Brent! Brent! Brent!” she screamed. Her body shook as the waves of her orgasm washed over her love-starved body. Her dreams had nothing on the real thing. Mimi closed her eyes tighter as Brent’s oral assault continued, alternating between licking and sucking.

  “Look at me,” he commanded gently. “Tell me how you feel.”

  “I-I feel good,” she moaned as they locked eyes.

  “Come for me, one more time,” he gritted, then dived between her legs. Mimi arched her back and pressed herself against his lips. It didn’t take long for her to be dripping again and shivering from an orgasm. The look of bliss on her face made Brent want her more than he needed his next breath. He made quick work of stripping out of his clothes. Mimi’s eyes roamed his body, from his six-pack abs to his powerful thighs, finally settling on his erection—big, long and ready.

  Mimi exhaled as she inched toward the edge of the bed. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “My turn,” she said, then took his hardness into her hot mouth. Brent’s knees went weak as Mimi took him deeper and deeper inside her wet mouth. Tossing his head back, he buried his hands in her cotton-soft hair. But the deeper she took him in her mouth, the harder it was for him to hold back his climax. She was magical with her lips and tongue. Brent’s head rolled back as she took him deeper and deeper. When he felt his explosion coming, he pulled back. “I have to be inside you,” Brent said.

  “I need you inside me, now,” she moaned.

  “Protection,” he gritted, though he would’ve loved to feel her hot wetness against him without a condom. Did he even have a condom?

  Mimi reached into her nightstand drawer and handed him a golden package. Brent smiled. “Girl Scout?”

  “Well, I’m always prepared,” she replied with a grin. She watched in rapt attention as Brent slid the sheath in place. She felt herself getting wetter and wetter, ready to feel him deep inside her. Mimi inched closer to him, opening her thighs, letting him know that she was ready and waiting for his passion. Brent placed his hot hands on her thighs. Gently, he stroked her sensitive skin before wrapping her legs around his waist. “Mimi,” he moaned as he dipped into her wetness.

  “Yes,” she cried as she threw her head back in pleasure. Brent thrust deeper and deeper into her as she clutched his back. “Deeper,” she moaned as she tightened her legs around his waist. Mimi ground against his hardness, wanting to feel every inch of him. Brent pressed deeper and deeper, reveling in Mimi’s wetness. Hungry for her, Brent leaned closer to her and captured her lips in a hot kiss. The combination of Mimi’s tongue and the warmth of her womanly core nearly sent him over the edge. But Brent held back his orgasm as he felt the budding cl
imax Mimi was about to experience. She was so hot and so wet.

  “Come for me, baby,” he groaned as he held on to his explosion. But as she tightened her walls against him, Brent could not hold back anymore. He released himself at the same time that Mimi screamed his name.

  Collapsing in each other’s arms, Mimi exhaled and closed her eyes. Her body was a tumble of nerves and when Brent ran his finger down her spine, she thought she was going to burst into flames. She’d waited for this for so long. Wanted to be wrapped in his embrace for so long, and the reality was much better than the dreams she’d had about this moment.

  “Wow,” she breathed against his chest. “Brent.”

  “Woman,,” he said. “Whew, I’m breathless.”

  “So, does this mean if I ever get sued again that I need to find a new attorney?”

  “Yes.” Brent kissed her on the forehead. He held her closer. “Mimi.”

  “Yes?”

  “You’re amazing.”

  “Takes one to know one,” she replied. “I’ve never...”

  Brent covered her mouth with his as his erection sprang to life again. He needed another taste of Mimi and she was happy to oblige as she threw her leg around his waist. For the rest of the night they made love.

  * * *

  Mimi woke with a start as she felt Brent’s arm tighten around her waist. It felt so good being wrapped up in his arms. The warmth of his breath made her tingle. She inched closer to him and was treated to the feel of his arousal.

  “Good morning,” he breathed against her neck. “I was wondering how much longer I’d have to wait for you to wake up.”

  “I see you’re up and ready,” she said, then pressed her bottom closer to his erection. Brent palmed her breasts as he kissed her on the neck.

  “Umm, this is the best part of waking up,” he said, then licked the column of her neck. Mimi moaned as she arched her back. She was hot, wet and ready for all of Brent. Tongue. Lips. Hardness. When she felt his fingers on her thighs, Mimi shivered with hot desire. He flicked his tongue against her earlobe. She moaned. “Brent.”