Chapter 1

Darcel woke up in a cold sweat. Her heart was pounding and her pulse racing. She felt an excruciating pain that she had never felt before. It was as if the lower half of her body was being ripped away and she was almost incoherent because of the pain. She could hear screaming and the sound of other people in the room. A man was giving very specific instructions to the others that stood near him. Their voices were muffled. So, Darcel couldn’t understand what was being said. Fear and confusion had long since overcome her. She had no control over her body. Not even enough control to lift her head up off the pillow. Darcel heard that piercing scream again. It made her head pound. Darcel could hear her own voice saying “No, No, how will I ex……..” The phone rang and brought Darcel back to reality. She sat straight up in her bed looking around her. She realized it had been a dream; the same recurring dream that had been haunting her for several years.

Darcel collected her thoughts and realized that it was Sunday and she had promised Sharon she would be at church. She would never hear the end of it if she didn’t show up. Actually, Darcel was looking forward to church. She just needed a minute to shake off the affects of her dream before she could get up and get dressed.

It was the second Sunday in May and the hot Arkansas sun was working overtime, because it was 90 degrees in the shade. But the blazing sun didn’t stop the saints at Ebenezer’s Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church from filling up the pews. The church was located in a little town called West Helena, which sits just south of Pinebluff Arkansas, with a population of about 3,500 half of which seemed to be in Ebenezer’s congregation on Sunday mornings. No matter how hot it was in that big white church filled with down home, back wood, country folk, they loved to spend all day Sunday in church.

Darcel James stood at the top of the church steps feeling a little anxious, but definitely glad she decided to get up and go to church. It had been some time since she was in service. Her friend Sharon had called her three Saturdays in a row and encouraged her to come. Although Darcel was looking forward to church that morning, she was not looking forward to the usual questions that were sure to be posed when you had been away for a while. Like, “Where have you been? Why did you stay out of church sooooo… long? In her heart, Darcel wished she could “keep it real” with her answers. “At home getting myself some sex every Saturday night that had me in a coma every Sunday morning. Because I can do without the sermon on the mount from all of the old church mothers that always have advice to give, no matter what the issue.” Darcel smiled a little as she thought about the storms of discussion those responses would start around the church. Not to mention, she would probably choke on the words trying to get them out, because she knew her mama would turn over in her grave if she behaved like that at church. No matter how grown she was.

Darcel is 34 years old, five feet, two inches tall with a body that could stop traffic and a man’s heart. Sculpted arms and legs, full plump breast that stand at attention and compliment her small 26-inch waistline and toned tummy. Darcel definitely has “back” as they say. So going or coming, she turns heads on a regular basis. She has very distinct features, with well-defined cheeks that draw attention to her face. Her mocha brown colored flawless complexion requires no makeup. Nice full lips that say to any man, “You wish you were kissing these lips, don’t you?” Both men and women compliment Darcel on her beautiful white teeth that make her smile a definite attention getter.

This attractive sistah is a successful and well-known corporate attorney, who works for a prestigious law firm in Memphis Tennessee, which is about an hour drive from West Helena Arkansas where she lives. Darcel is somewhat happy with her life, but feels incomplete. She is a much sought after corporate attorney, with an impeccable reputation and a gorgeous body most women would die for. But she still feels empty inside, lonely and unsatisfied. She feels that one of the missing pieces in her life is the man that she longs to call her husband. Darcel is determined that in church, she will find a good man, whose footsteps are ordered by the Lord.

Darcel stood at the top of the church steps and peered through the crowd of people walking up the sidewalk. She saw Sharon parking her car on the other side of the street. As Sharon grabbed her purse and bible from the passenger seat of her car, she was hoping Darcel kept her promise and showed up for service. Sharon and Darcel were childhood friends that remained close even through college. Sharon noticed Darcel at the top of the church steps as she crossed the street. They both waved and smiled relieved to see each other.

Sharon Jackson is a 32-year-old slim attractive black woman, single, with no children. She is the Vice President of one of the largest banks in Memphis. Sharon believes in giving back to the community through mentoring other young Black women. She encourages them to stay in college and childless until marriage. She’s been saved twenty years; her life style and personality reflect it, which is why everyone loves her.

Before Sharon reached Darcel, Sistah Velma greeted her. “Good morning, Sistah Sharon. Are you feeling better? We missed you in service last week.” “Yes Ma’am, I’m feeling better. But I’ll still be standing in the prayer line today. I need a touch from God.” “Amen, child! I got a lot I need God to do for me and you know we all need something from the Lord!” Sistah Velma said as she lifted her hands to the sky. They both smiled as Sharon continued up the steps where she and Darcel embraced. “It is such a blessing to see you Darcel. You know, you looking good girl. I’m happy you decided to come to church this morning.” “You’re looking good your self Sharon, for a Holly Roller. At church flashing some style and some body girl,” Darcel said teasing Sharon. They laughed and hugged again as people passed by them filing into the church, hoping to not end up in the balcony seating area.

Chapter 3

“Hello Brent. Have a seat. We’ll work at the conference table.” “How’s your day going Darcel?” “My plate is too full and I love it! I don’t know what it is about having more to do than humanly possible that drives me so much to make it possible. I guess I just work well under pressure.” “Sounds like the making of a partner to me.” “Don’t start Brent. I am nervous enough even thinking about it.” “Relax the partnership is yours and you’ve worked hard to earn it.” “Thanks a lot Brent and I appreciate all that you’ve done to help me since I’ve been here at the firm.” “That’s what friends do help each other.” They both smiled and sat down at the conference table.

Brent and Darcel worked on the budget for her mentorship program. A program that Darcel started and was she very excited about. They also discussed some billable hours from the previous quarter. Their meeting lasted an hour but the time seemed to have gone by quickly to both of them. “Darcel I’m looking forward to meeting the bright new attorneys that will be in your mentorship program this year.” “Me too, I am really excited about this and it feels good to be able to give back.” “I know your day is full superwoman, but I wanted to talk to you for a minute about something non-work related.” “Sure Brent.”

“Darcel, you are an intelligent and beautiful woman that I’ve admired for several years now. I realize that I’ve asked you out twice and you’ve turned me down twice. But, if I never have the opportunity to get to know you better, I feel like that would be my misfortune. So, I am going to take a chance and ask you to let me take you to dinner. I promise you will have a wonderful time, and for dessert I’ll make sure you get some chocolate dipped strawberries.”

“Yes, I would love to go out with you.” Brent smiled at Darcel as he lifted her hand to kiss it gently. Darcel had a warm feeling come over her. “I love it when a man kisses my hand,” she thought to herself. “So, Mr. Harrington, when is our date going to take place?” “First, I have to say, I am surprised you responded yes and so quickly. I was prepared to plead just a little.” Brent and Darcel both laughed at the same time. “I’m going out of town for a couple of weeks on business. I will call you when I get back and we will set it up. Is that ok with you?” “That’s fine. I will look forward to it and just so you know, I love chocolate dipped strawberries.” “Oh believe me, I know. I did my homework Ms. James.”

Chapter 5

More than half way through Darcel’s day she took a brief mental break to look out of her office window. Her break was interrupted by her secretary’s voice. “Ms. James, you have a delivery. Would you like for me to bring it in?” “Yes Carol, thank you.” Carol entered Darcel’s office with an unusually gorgeous bouquet of flowers. “Breath taking, what a beautiful arrangement, who are they from?” “I’m not sure Ms. James the card is sealed.”

“Thanks Carol! Please hold my calls for the next half an hour.” Sure, Ms. James, no problem,” Carol responded. Darcel placed the arrangement in the center of her conference table as she moved the fresh flowers she purchased for herself over to the window seal.

Darcel stood back from the table and admired the unique combination of red, white and pink roses, starburst and a few strategically placed catalillies. The exquisitely colorful and unique arrangement of flowers automatically brought Darcel’s office to life with their color and the unmistaken fragrance typical of a spring day in full blossom.

After Darcel anxiously opened the card, she realized it had a somewhat familiar fragrance. Darcel then noticed the beautiful handwriting on the card that was not the usual small card you would expect to accompany a bouquet of flowers. Who ever sent these flowers obviously had more than just a few words to say. Her desire to quickly find out who sent the flowers was almost overpowering. But, Darcel didn’t want the unexpected moment of intrigue that had provided a pleasant interruption to her day to come to an end too soon.

So, Darcel settled into the plush high back leather chair at her desk and allowed it to embrace her as she began to read the card.

“This beautiful, unique arrangement of flowers is a small heart felt gesture that labors to express my interest in you. I find myself torn with a myriad of emotions for you that overwhelm and captivate my thoughts day and night. The unusual combinations of flowers in the arrangement are reflective of the unusual combination of feelings that I have for you, which started the moment I first laid eyes on you. I have been unable to control them and even less able to understand them. However, I do know my efforts to have you feel for me what I feel for you, shall forever be the hallmark of my heart’s desire. Insatiably yours! Brent.

Chapter 6

Brent escorted Darcel outside to his midnight black 500 series Mercedes. The sound of soft jazz set the tone for the comfortable ride to their hour-long destination. They talked and got to know each other a little more on a personal level. Darcel found Brent to be funny and for some reason she shared more about herself with him than she had planned on. He was a good listener and appeared genuinely interested in everything she said.

Brent finally pulled up to a private boating dock. He got out to open Darcel’s door. He held her hand as they walked to the end of the dock where a man greeted them. “Good evening Ma’am, Mr. Harrington.” “Hello John, how are you this evening?” “I’m good sir. I hope you find every thing to your liking.” “Thank you, John. I’m sure you did a great job.” Darcel whispered to Brent, “What is he talking about?” “I’m not sure. Let’s take a look,” Brent said with a certain amount of intrigue in his voice.

Brent proceeded to lead Darcel onto the beautiful blue boat that was docked at the end of the pier. The lights that circled all three decks illuminated the boat much like a Christmas tree. The boat was breath taking as it stood lit up majestically against the black night. “Brent this is gorgeous,” said Darcel after she decided this might be a night to remember. “Your palace awaits you my princess,” proclaimed Brent to Darcel as he led her onto the ship. They proceeded up to the top deck and along side the well lit railings to the back of the boat. The back deck of the boat hosted a beautiful candle lit picnic under the stars. The scented candles emitted a soft sweet aroma that filled the air with the scent of fresh honeysuckle. The songstress Anita Baker was stirring up the mood for love and romance singing, “No-One In The World Can Love Me Like You Do.” A delicious looking array of finger foods covered the beautifully decorated beveled glass table that also held a beautiful ice sculpture of a woman wrapped in a man’s protective embrace. The physical details of the couple were amazingly defined.

The canvas for the exquisite setting was by far the starlit sky that provided just the right combination of night and day so the silhouette of Darcel’s beauty danced on the water beneath them. “Brent this is breath taking. I’m overwhelmed at all the effort you put into this date. Thank you! Thank you for being so incredibly wonderful and making me feel special.” “It’s my pleasure to touch your heart,” responded Brent.

The evening seemed to unfold into a journey of questions, answers, details about childhoods, the unveiling of hopes and dreams and even a minor mention about past heart breaks. When Darcel and Brent heard the song, “You’re One in a Million” they both realized they had been so engulfed in conversation the musical serenade had gone on for hours and the only music either of them heard was the sound of each other’s voice. The dawn of a new day was just on the horizon. It was slightly before twelve midnight. Darcel was still full. They had feasted on sweet succulent crabmeat already removed from the shell and laid on a bed of miniature pre-cracked baby lobster tails, fresh fruit, shrimp cocktails and four different side dishes. For dessert, they enjoyed the chocolate dipped strawberries Brent had promised and Champagne.

“Brent, just so you know, you’ll be the reason why I’m on a diet for the next two weeks. I’ve eaten enough for two people and it’s a good thing tomorrow is Sunday. Because I’m not sure I can fit into any of my Monday morning power suits.” Brent laughed and kissed Darcel’s hand, which was quickly becoming his trademark.

The evening had been beyond anything that Darcel had imagined. “Well, Ms. James, I had better get you home before my chariot turns into a pumpkin. Darcel smiled and said, “This has been an unbelievably spectacular evening. Thank you again!” “Well, it took me quite awhile to get this date. I wanted to be sure you wouldn’t forget it too soon.” Brent escorted Darcel off the boat and to his car. The ride back to Darcel’s house was slow and melodious as the same soft jazz CD they listened to at the start of the date continued to set just the right tone for some conversation and appropriate silence.

As they approached the winding road that lead to Darcel’s house, Brent broke the silence. “I have truly enjoyed spending this evening with you.” “Brent the evening was creative, romantic and definitely a new experience for me.” “I am very glad you had a good time. I hope this won’t be our first and last date.” “I don’t think that you have to worry about that Mr. Harrington.” “Oh, my goodness, how did we get all the way back to Mr. Harrington?” “Don’t worry, that’s actually my term of endearment for you.” Brent looked at Darcel and flashed her a soft smile as he reached for her hand to kiss it.

Brent got out of the car and walked around to open Darcel’s door. He extended his hand to her in an effort to assist her in exiting the car. Darcel turned slightly toward Brent as she placed her right foot out of the car onto the ground. Her beautifully toned legs were clearly and sensually unveiled when the wrap around style dress parted as Darcel got out of the car. Brent enjoyed the view of Darcel’s inner thigh turning toward him. Her leg brushed up against his as she placed her foot on the ground to exit the car.

Brent was holding Darcel’s hand as she stepped out of the car. But his mind was holding the image of her thighs and legs as he considered how it would feel to start kissing her feet at the tip of her toes and slowly moved up her leg to her inner thigh. Then gently turned her body around to face the car as he firmly placed his hands at her waist and kissed the small of her back. He would then place his warm wet tongue on the bare skin of her back, which was exposed by her dress. He could feel her body tremble with pleasure. “Brent, are you ok? Or, are you holding me captive here in the doorway of your car for a reason?” The sound of Darcel’s voice brought his passionate daydream to an abrupt halt. “Captive in my thoughts because I never want to let you go,” responded Brent. “You continue to surprise me, Mr. Harrington. Truly you do!” Darcel smiled and kissed Brent gently on the cheek. Brent took Darcel’s hand and in silence walked her to her front door.

“I look forward to spending time with you again in the near future.” “Brent you’ve been a perfect gentleman and the evening was more than unforgettable. Have a safe drive home. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to the knight in shining armor that got me home safely to my castle door.” Brent leaned in and put his arms around Darcel and held her in a warm embrace. Brent wished he could be holding her in his arms all night long. He reluctantly released his hold of her, and then gently kissed her cheek. Brent walked down the walkway to his car feeling like he had accomplished his goal of making a significant impression on Darcel.

Chapter 11

Darcel took a deep breath as she moved toward the front door. She opened the door and was immediately met with the intoxicating smell of Brent’s cologne. She was captivated, no paralyzed by his scent and his smile. He broke the spell by leaning in to hug her and whispering in her ear, “You look gorgeous as usual.” “Thanks!” She managed to say as she took another whiff of his cologne then stepped aside for him to enter. “Let’s have a seat in the living room by the fireplace.” “Sounds perfect. It’s a little chilly tonight,” Brent responded.

It was late September. The crisp night air foreshadowed the mild winds of winter yet to come. Darcel escorted Brent to the living room and then went into the kitchen to get the Strawberry Daiquiris out of the freezer. As Darcel re-entered the living room her eyes met with Brent’s. He looked at her from head to toe. He smiled softly at her as he reached for the glasses in her hand. “You are so attractive to me,” Brent told Darcel as he kissed her hand. They spent the next few minutes engaged in conversation about work and the upcoming holidays. Brent was telling Darcel about a vacation to Aruba he planned on taking in February. Brent was hoping Darcel would accompany him. But he had not discussed it with her yet.

Darcel could see his lips moving. But what she heard were her own thoughts. “This man is soo handsome. Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to make love to him. Right here, right now, on this sofa would do just fine. I would straddle his lap and lower my hot, wet, pulsating lips down around him. My vaginal muscles clinching him tightly, letting him know that he just entered a real woman. My nipples thoroughly aroused as I can feel him growing inside me. I start the rocking motion gently back and forth. I can feel the strong grip of his fingers pressed into my inner thigh with every arch of my back.”

“Our bodies start to move in a passionate and intense rhythm. I feel him grab my cheeks and lift my body up and down. With every downward motion, I almost explode because I can feel every inch of his thick, throbbing manhood inside my body. He pulls me close to him and squeezes my body tightly. Then he pulls himself far enough away from me to slide his wet warm tongue up and down between my breasts. My breathing becomes erratic as I anxiously await his mouth to overtake my nipples. Finally, I feel the warmth of his mouth pulling hard at my nipples that are now as hard as his manhood. Gently he clinches my nipples between his teeth and gnaws at them while thrusting himself what felt to be even deeper inside of me.” “The peak of my ecstasy will be a reality in two seconds with my panties soaking wet if I don’t stop this fantasy right now.” Brent’s voice was audible to Darcel again. She heard him ask her, “Have you ever been there?” Of course, Darcel had no idea what he was talking about. “Been where? Have I ever been where?” “Bermuda,” Brent said. “I’ve spent the last five minutes talking to you about Bermuda. Your eyes were glazed over like you weren’t even here with me at all.” “Oh, I am here with you. Believe me I am!” Darcel said as she exhaled trying to purge her mind of the thoughts that had just swept her away. “Yes, I have been to Bermuda. It is extremely beautiful! I’m taking my sisters and brothers there next year for a family vacation.” Darcel then paused for a second and decided to jump right into the reason she invited Brent over.

“Brent, I want to talk to you about us. That’s why I invited you over tonight.” “Darcel, don’t!” “Brent, I need for you to hear my heart! When I first met you at the law firm several years ago, I remember thinking to myself, what a handsome man with a butt that’s worth a double take.” Brent smiled and as he tried not laugh. “Your beautiful smile and deep, sexy voice both made me pay attention and wonder how closely we would be working together. We quickly became friends and you opened some important professional doors for me. The first time you asked me out on a date, I was very flattered. But, I was also nervous and didn’t want our attraction to each other to in anyway offset our ability to work together. Not to mention, I was new at the firm and didn’t want to be part of the gossip on the grapevine.” “I relaxed over time and our friendship continued to grow and you continued to ask me out. “A couple of months ago, I finally said yes which led us to the first date. Romantic won’t begin to describe that night. Nor, any of the other dates that followed.” “I enjoy making you smile. When your face lights up, so does my heart!” Brent said as he kissed Darcel’s hand. Kissing her hand had become his signature gesture of affection for her. “You are indeed one of the sweetest men I have ever met. I’m so happy you are apart of my life. I trust you and there aren’t many people I put in that category. I cherish our friendship. I adore who you are as a man. Those kisses of yours have the power to make a girl weak. But, I’m not in love with you!” Brent felt like his heart stopped beating for a moment. The whole time that Darcel had been talking, he wondered if he would be happy or heart broken by the time her lips stopped moving. The suspense was over and he needed just a second for his brain to process what his heart was feeling.

The long questioning gaze between the two of them was chilling. “Brent, say something,” Darcel said in a pleading tone. Brent took a deep breath and responded. “What is there for me to say? I had hoped for so much more. I know it sounds like a cliché. But there is something about you that draws me to you. It’s much more than the fact that you’re beautiful and intelligent. It’s more than you being sexy and extremely desirable to me. When I’m with you, I feel complete. When I’m not with you, I feel empty inside. The sound of your voice sends chills down my spine. Sometimes I sit in my office and daydream about spending the rest of my life with you and my heart is filled with excitement. I’ve never felt this way about another woman. You make my heart smile!”

“You know Brent, that is exactly how I want to feel about the man that I hope to spend the rest of my life with. I need to have that type of excitement and passion in my heart for him. An emotional passion that drives me to fulfillment with just a kiss, the touch of his hand, the embrace of his arms or a soft smile that warms my heart and says, “I love you!” I already know him because I already know his heart and his heart will make me smile,” Darcel said but with a bittersweet taste in her mouth.

“I have to say, I am deeply disappointed. I very much wanted us to build something beautiful and everlasting. Something that other people would be jealous of when ever they would see us together. You know what I mean. The storybook love affair, the kind that dreams are made of. But my heart hears what you’re saying. You do have to feel that inexplicable desire and need for someone. An insatiable need for them that goes beyond what you expected. That’s what we both want and that’s the beginning of a love that can be nurtured into the things that dreams are made of. Unfortunately, that’s not a dream you and I will be dreaming together.” Brent smiled and kissed Darcel’s hand for the last time. Not knowing how much his words had touched her heart.

They both sat for a moment just looking into each other’s eyes, knowing that each of them were hurting inside. Their gaze was almost penetrable. They looked at each other, yet through each other. The concern they each felt for the other was clearly visible. Brent embraced Darcel and held her gently. He then wiped away the tear that rolled down her cheek. Brent looked into Darcel’s eyes and kissed her soft full lips. Darcel smiled at Brent and said, “I care for you deeply!” Brent caressed her face in his hands and whispered, “You will always hold a special place in my heart!” Their life long friendship was solidified that night, a friendship that each of them would treasure and hold dear.

Brent wanted Darcel to be happy. Even if her happiness meant that she would be sharing her life with someone other than him. Brent also knew one day he would have to chisel a smile onto his face because Darcel would be telling him, she had met the man that made her heart smile!

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