Passionate Night Page 8

  “Soooooo … which one of y’all are getting engaged first?” she teased. “And when it happens I have to select the rings.”

  The brothers laughed a little too loud and Cameron answered her first. “We were commenting on the prices.”

  She smacked her lips and swished her mouth to the right. “Boy, bye. You can’t be your usual thrifty self when you buy Simone’s ring.”

  “Don’t worry, I know,” he answered as the trio strolled over to the cash register as the saleslady motioned to them. “Nothing but the best for her. When I buy a ring, it’ll be the one time I don’t care about how much something costs.”

  Mason slid his hand in his jeans’ pockets and shook his head in the negative. “Yeah, and you know I’m not the marrying type.”

  Harper laughed at Mason’s answer. “Whatever. Let’s pay for this and then hang in the mall for a bit.”

  After grabbing coffee from Starbucks, Harper decided this would be the perfect time to tell them about her trip to Memphis next week. She figured since they were in public perhaps they wouldn’t question her as much.

  “Sooooo … I wish we could actually spend Mother’s Day with Mom, but Dad is very excited about taking her to Niagara Falls and then on to New York City in the Winnebago.”

  Cameron nodded with a slight sigh. “I’m disappointed as well. She’s going to miss the Mother’s Day Sunday Jazz Brunch at the club this year.”

  “I hate that considering she started the event eons ago.” Harper paused as she took a deep breath. “I’ll be out of town next week, but I’ll be back in time for the dinner party for her before they head out.”

  “Oh? Where will you be next week?” Cameron inquired, taking a sip of his coffee.

  “Yeah, I don’t remember you mentioning going out of town,” Mason said, with a questionable stare.

  Harper sensed the wheels in their heads churning, and she laughed nervously.

  “Well, you two are always saying that I spend too much time at the club and that I never take my vacation time. So, I’ve spoken to Shannon and she’s going to handle my usual tasks while I’m gone. Of course I’ll only be a phone call away if she has any issues, but I’m sure everything will run smoothly. She did an awesome job when I was out for a week last winter with the flu.”

  Cameron halted in front of her and a curious grin rose up his jawline while Mason’s forehead wrinkled as he tapped his chin.

  “What?” she asked, eyeing them back and forth. Oh boy. Here we go.

  “That’s fine and all about taking your vacation time. You really need to, but … uh where are you going?” Cameron asked again.

  Mason chimed in, “And with whom? Besides the family, you only travel with London and she’s starting a new job.”

  Spotting a nearby bench, she beelined to it and plopped in the middle. She thought surely they’d sit on either side, but they didn’t. Instead, they hovered over her as if they were about to interrogate her even though she assumed they’d already figured out who she was travelling with.

  Sipping her coffee deep, she let the warmth of it soothe her before answering. “I’m going to Memphis with Hunter,” she answered calmly even though her heart skipped a few beats. “You two know we’re dating.”

  Cameron folded his arms across his chest followed by Mason. Even though the brothers were fraternal, they shared the same stances, curious facial expressions, and questioning eyes. And while they had different personalities and interests, the one thing they had in common was being overprotective of her.

  Mason spoke first. “Didn’t you just meet him?” he asked a little too sternly.

  “And?” she asked with a shoulder shrug. “What’s your point?”

  “Why Memphis?”

  “He’s from there. We’re visiting his family while he’s in the States. I already told you both about his job with Doctors Unlimited. And, Mason, don’t stand there and act like you haven’t had one of your buddies research Hunter. You probably have a dossier on him right now. Don’t you?” she inquired, pursing her lips.

  “Yep, my boy Wiz already handled that for me,” Mason answered matter-of-factly and sipped his coffee.

  “And apparently you didn’t find anything alarming or you two would’ve already warned me and demanded I stop seeing him. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

  “He seems like a cool guy,” Cameron said sincerely. “We only want you happy, but we know your position on long distance relationships. I’m surprised you agreed to go out with him.”

  “Me too, but there’s something about him I couldn’t say no to. I decided to take a chance, follow my heart, and I’m glad I did. Honestly, I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but I’ve enjoyed being with Hunter. I think Dad will even like him. I know Mom will.”

  “Well, you’ve never made rushed decisions so I trust your judgment, Harp.”

  “Thank you, Cam. Mase, you’re cool?”

  “Yeah, but I need to know where you’re staying in Memphis and the phone number.”

  “We’re staying at The Peabody and the only number you need is mine and you have it.”

  “Well … pick up if either one of us calls.”

  “I always do … unless of course … you know I’m occupied doing what grown folks do,” she teased.

  “Harp, we really don’t need to know that,” Mason said seriously, waving his hands in front of his face. “You’re our baby sister.” After tossing his coffee cup in the nearest garbage can, he reached into his pocket to pull out a gourmet lollipop.

  “Um … you do realize we’re all the same age and none of us are virgins, right?” She loved joking with them in that way so they would drop the subject.

  Cameron let out a frustrated sigh. “We’re older by a few minutes, and we really don’t want to know.”

  Rising, she stood between them and linked her arms around theirs. “Yeah, whatever. You two behave while I’m gone, and I’ll try to do the same while I’m away.” She laughed out loud and the brothers glanced at each other over her head, trying not to follow suit, but it was no use as the triplets all laughed the same hilarious laugh together.

  *****

  “I can’t tell you how elated I am that you’re finally back in Atlanta,” Harper said to London as they began their five-mile walk and jog around the base of Stone Mountain. Their plan was to jog every other mile starting the first one with a fast walk with the goal to be finished in an hour before the park opened at ten.

  “Me too. Atlanta has always been home, and of course being with you and your brothers.”

  “Well, we’re all family and who knows? Maybe you’ll be a Bennett one day,” Harper said in a sing-song voice. “I can plan the wedding.” She clapped her hand with her water bottle. “It’s going to be epic.”

  London chuckled sarcastically and stretched her arms over her head. “Here we go again.”

  “Don’t worry. I promise not to say anything else unless you ask for my advice.”

  “Thank you,” London replied in her serious, news anchor tone which continued to the next topic. “Now let’s talk about you and Hunter. He seems like a really nice guy. Aren’t you glad I suggested you go out with him and have a little fun while he’s here?”

  “Yeah … but … I … kind of …” Harper breathed out and shook her head. “Arg!”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’ve fallen for him. Hard. Like I can see myself with him and no one else. Like I want to be Mrs. Hunter Arrington.”

  “I can tell.”

  “How?”

  “You’re glowing and you agreed to go to Memphis with him to meet his family. That’s a major step.”

  “Yes, but I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself when he leaves. Thinking about it literally hurts my heart. Heck, I didn’t miss what’s-his-face at all, and I miss Hunter already.”

  “Half a mile mark,” London stated, pointing to the flat, brass marker on the sidewalk. “Prepare to jog soon.”

 
“Heck, I need to run off some of this frustration.”

  London’s eyebrow rose along with a saucy grin. “Sexual frustration?”

  “No, girl. He’s perfect in that department. Too perfect. I almost wished he sucked, but I haven’t been this sexually carefree and connected with a man before. Ever. When I see him or hear his voice over the phone, I literally want to make love to him. Our first time was such a passionate night. All night. The times since have been just as mind blowing, but it is so much more than sex. I feel connected to him in every aspect. Mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally all wrapped up in one big melting pot in our own universe.”

  “Okay … you’ve never spoken like that before. You’re falling in love with him.”

  “Yes, and I’ve been trying my damnedest to ignore it but it’s no use. And he keeps stating we don’t have to stop seeing each other once he leaves, but …”

  “The long distance scares you.”

  “Yes, and its more than the long distance. At least with what’s-his-face, it was a two-hour flight to New York for a few days. Hunter will be in another country on another continent. That is not a weekend trip.”

  “Well, you’ll earn a lot of frequent flier miles,” London joked.

  “I don’t know if I’m going to continue seeing Hunter once he leaves.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” London asked with a slight frown.

  “No. I don’t know,” she shrugged, “I’m happy to be with him but terrified at the same time.”

  “Take it one day at a time. I know he has to travel for his job but perhaps that’s only because it’s just him. Hunter doesn’t have anyone to be responsible for except himself. Who knows? Maybe he sees things differently now that he’s met you and has stated he wants to continue the relationship even after he leaves. Apparently this isn’t a fling for him. I’ve seen how he gazes at you. The man is smitten.”

  “Mmm … like Mase.”

  “Don’t start,” London said, playfully punching Harper’s arm.

  “I hear you, L. I need to make a decision.” She looked ahead and spotted the next marker on the sidewalk. “Almost time.”

  Harper added a few lunges to her walk while sliding the scrunchie off her wrist to pull her hair into a ponytail on top of her head. As they passed the one-mile marker, the ladies began to jog at the same, steady pace. Harper let the tension go as she jogged and meditated while admiring the tranquil scenery of the trees and the lake. The outdoors had always been a refuge for her during times of frustration or just needing to escape the noise of the club world. It was one of the reasons she’d bought all three penthouse lofts so she wouldn’t have to share the outdoor space.

  “Whew!” London said as they passed the two-mile marker and the ladies began to walk again. “That was exhilarating. How do you feel?”

  “Better.” Harper took a swig of her water. “I’m a little nervous about meeting his parents, though. I can’t believe we’re leaving tomorrow morning.”

  “Mmm …” London answered with a mischievous expression.

  Harper glanced at her from the corner of her eye. “Now look, don’t be getting busy all over my house with my brother,” Harper teased, waving her finger in the air. “I have cameras.”

  “Girl, stop. However, I may have to raid your closet.”

  “Knock yourself out.”

  London took a swig of her water. “Almost time to go again. You wanna jog for two miles?”

  “Let’s do it.”

  On their two-mile jog, Harper let London’s words sink in about Hunter. Perhaps she was right. Hunter loved to travel because he didn’t have any commitments and ties, besides his immediate family. While she didn’t want to drive her hopes up, Harper decided to follow her best friend’s advice and take it one day at time.

  Chapter Eight

  Harper fixed her hair in the mirror for the hundredth time. There was one curl that wouldn’t behave and it threw off the look she desired. Sighing, she grabbed the curling iron once more and tried again. She rarely put heat in her hair herself once she left the salon, but desperate times called for desperate measures. She’d worn pin curls on the six-hour drive to Memphis and had expected her tresses to fall in place as always.

  “Arg,” she screamed out, dropping the iron onto the vanity when the strands still wouldn’t curl in the direction she’d wanted. “Come on hair. Not today, dang it.”

  Strong hands encircled her waist from behind as Hunter placed a light kiss on her neck and caught her eyes in his in the mirror. For a moment all was well in her world as a tingle soared through her veins at his gesture.

  “You’re beautiful,” he complimented, kissing her neck once more. “Your spirit is beautiful.”

  She smiled at his warm words. “That’s sweet, but I want it to be perfect.” She sighed deep and twirled the curl around her finger, but that didn’t help either. “I’m meeting your family.”

  “You have nothing to worry about,” he reassured, pulling her against him. “My family is going to love you.”

  “Goodness, I hope they do.”

  “They will. I’ve told them all about you and if we don’t leave in ten minutes, we will be late for dinner and my mother hates tardiness.”

  “Yes, I remember you saying that,” she replied, grabbing a hairpin to repin the curl. Sighing, she gazed over her outfit once more and hoped the wide-legged, off-white dress slacks with a green, ruffled blouse was conservative and classy enough to meet his parents. Opening her travel jewelry box, she picked out gold hoops and a gold necklace with a diamond heart charm. Hunter placed the necklace around her neck while she put the earrings on and then proceeded to turn off the curling iron.

  “You look and smell lovely,” he admired, inhaling the Si by Giorgio Armani perfume he’d given her for a “just because” gift.

  “Thank you.” Turning on her heel, she left the bathroom. “I think I’ve found a new fragrance.”

  Harper decided to no longer fret over her appearance and was quite surprised in her actions. She was never anxious about meeting the parents and usually looked forward to it, especially if she was in a serious relationship. However, because she didn’t know where she and Hunter would wind up, she was overly antsy. She cared for him more than she should, and to her being introduced to the family meant something more than a random guy she was dating. The fact that he’d told his mom that she was special made her nervous. Harper knew Hunter wanted a relationship past him leaving, and she hated to admit to herself that her feelings matched his.

  Hunter followed her out to the sitting area of their suite where she plopped in a chair and slid on her strappy, nude sandals. Kneeling in front of her, he buckled them for her.

  “You know it’s okay if you wear jeans like me,” he reminded, running his eyes over her attire.

  “I’d prefer to be comfortable but not for the first meeting. First impressions are lasting ones. Besides, I brought my black skinny jeans. Your favorite ones …”

  A naughty smirk raised up his cheek. “I do love those. Sexy indeed. So, you’re right. What you have on is perfect or I’d find myself squeezing your butt every chance I’d got.”

  “Exactly.”

  Her mind ran rampant with all the information he’d told her about his family on the drive to Tennessee, but Harper wanted to make sure she didn’t fumble once she finally met them. “Okay, so your mother is an attorney specializing in criminal law, and we’re in the same sorority so that’s always a plus. Your father is a federal judge and they met at Yale Law School but both grew up in Memphis yet they didn’t know each other. Your baby sister, Addison, is a wedding/event planner and preparing to move to St. Simons Island. Your other sister, Zoe, is away at Harvard Law School and Chase is an attorney as well.”

  “Yes, he’s an assistant DA.”

  “Oh, right, and you two are nothing alike personality wise. Cool name though.”

  “Yeah. My uncle’s wife’s maiden name is Chase and my mother liked it.�
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  “There’s a Chase family in Atlanta.”

  “Yeah. That’s Aunt Darla’s side of the family. We’re not blood related, but we still consider each other as cousins. I’m really close to Braxton, but I haven’t had a chance to see him since he’s on tour with his jazz band. But I had dinner with the rest of the family at his jazz and dinner club when I first arrived in Atlanta. We’re all family.”

  “Small world. I don’t know them on a personal level, but we run in the same circles.” She inhaled as she became nervous once more. “Okay, what else do I need to know? Does anyone have any weird quirks? Do I need to call your father Judge Arrington? Is your baby sister going to look me up and down kind of how I do the chicks my brothers date? The ones I know I’m not going to like?”

  Chuckling, he finished the buckle on the last shoe. “They will all love you,” he reassured once more, kissing her forehead before standing them both up. He drew her against him and smiled sincerely. “Trust me, I don’t bring women home just because. They all know you’re very special to me. And no, my sister would never do that. Or at least not anymore. Calm down, beautiful one.”

  Sliding from him, Harper grabbed her purse from the seat cushion, slung the straps over her shoulder, and intertwined her fingers with his. Hunter squeezed her hand in a comforting manner as they walked toward the door, and she said a little prayer that the Arringtons would love her.

  *****

  Hunter opened the front door of his parents’ home in the midtown area of Memphis with the key that he’d used ever since high school when his parents’ had bought the vast property. He always kept the key because it reminded him that he had a home to go to. Even with all his travels and not having a true place of his own, his family’s house was the one place he could call home. However, lately that had nagged him because a part of him yearned for a place to settle and put down his roots. Being with the lovely woman standing on the step behind him had caused Hunter to really think about his life in a different light. The notion of Harper not being with him tugged at his heart immensely.

  He glanced back as she slid the hairpin out of her hair and slipped it in her purse. He mouthed “perfect” when the curl fell into place, and she let out a relieved sigh. She’d calmed down a tad in the short car ride from downtown, but he understood her nervousness. Giving her a reassuring kiss on the cheek, he let her pass through into the two-story foyer. The huge crystal chandelier sparkled as it always had, and the walnut hardwood floors were freshly polished. An oversized circular credenza stood in the middle and held family pictures from over the years. Everything was crisp and dust-free. His mom was a stickler for their home always being immaculately clean and had two maids to make sure of it.