Her Man: An Interracial Romance (The Bentini Brothers Book 2) by Jaye McCloud

behind me with my
purse in his hand.  “Come on, we’re running late.” He reminds me, quickly
kissing the tip of my nose and then my lips.
     
          On our way to the club,
Antonio and I enjoy talking and teasing each other.  Just before we pull into
the club’s parking lot, he looks over at me and says, “I love the way you wear
your makeup, it all looks so natural.”  He smiles.  “And I like that you don’t
have spider eyes.”  When I smirk and ask him what that is, he explains.  “You
know, when you ladies, put on those long fake eyelashes that damn near sweep the
sky.”  I laugh and tell him that I’ve never worn fake eye lashes, so he doesn’t
have to worry about me ever having spider eyes.  I hear him mumble a
heart-felt, “Thank gawd” before he says, “I’m sorry for messing your hair up,
but you know I find your hair irresistible when you wear it down on your
shoulders.”  I really appreciate the compliment.  It’s rather surprising how
turned on Antonio is by my black-girl hair.  “Thank you Antonio, I’m
glad that my hair pleases you.”
         “All of you pleases me.”  He says glancing
over at me.  “What’s so amusing?” He asks when he notices the twist of my
lips.  “I’m not so sure you would find this luxurious hair so irresistible if
you saw what it looks like in its natural state.  You have no idea what my much
appreciated hairdresser goes through to make it look this good.”  I chuckle,
then grimace because anyone who has hair like mine, knows how much work it is. 
Glancing at me, he quips, “If it’s as bad as all that, then your hair dresser
must be very talented.  I hope you’re paying her well because she deserves
every penny.”
         Staring at his handsome profile, one thought
keeps running through my mind…   Damn, how I want him!
     
    ***
     
         I’m kinda relieved that Mrs. Bentini had a
private celebration, for Adam and Jason, at the mansion and won’t be at the
club tonight.  Gabby has appointed herself hostess and is probably already there. 
As soon as we get inside the club, Antonio checks with his security team and I
go looking for Kathy and the event planner.  Unfortunately, the first person I
see is Gabby.  And from where she is standing, she can easily see that Antonio
and I have entered the building together.  Oh starz! Please don’t let her
suspect anything .  If I’m lucky, maybe she’ll think that we just happened
to walk into the club at the same time.  Gabby met with the DJ, so I’m not
surprised that the music is upbeat, trendy and loud, but not too loud –as it
would be on a regular club night.  Jason and Adam will be arriving around
midnight, giving the invited guests more than enough time to get here.  
         Gabby and Kathy have seen each other all
glammed up before, but neither of them have seen me like this.  And with my
diamonds, I’m extra crispy glammed up tonight.  Gabby eyes my jewelry and comments. 
“Wow, Ti, you look like a million bucks!”  At the mention of a million bucks ,
I immediately freeze up, wondering if it’s a casual remark or does she know about
the money her brother gave me.  Michael Elliot comes over and Gabby walks away with
him to take care of a problem.  Kathy grabs my hands, holding onto them as she
exclaims, “Tiressa, you look absolutely dazzling!  And look at that bling!  I’m
gonna have to ask Mrs. Bentini for a raise.”  We laugh and I tell her how much
I love her little red dress and jewelry as well.  “Tell me if I’m
stepping out of bounds, but…William Bentini is a fool to let you go.”  Kathy’s
eyes suddenly tear and she quickly dabs at them.  “I’m sorry Kathy, I shouldn’t
have said that.  It’s none of my business and I didn’t mean to upset you.”  Giving
me a quick hug, Kathy assures me, “No, Ti, it’s not you.  It’s the situation. 
I just feel so helpless.  And now, I have to be here and see him and