Chapter Nineteen
FRANKIE
Three months later
“Welcome to thenew Sparks.”
I greeted the group of corporate types at the front. This was the first event I scheduled since taking over as marketing director. Because Marcus had given Austin free rein over the project, and Rhoades’s construction team made it a high priority, the renovations had finished way ahead of schedule. The result was a club that now boasted a sleeker, more polished atmosphere, rather than an explosion of disco balls and glitz, as I explained to Aaron.
The men, all from the entertainment industry—either restaurant, sports, or fashion—congregated by the front. I spotted a few new-to-the-scene models in the group I recognized from print ads in the trade magazines.
“Frankie?” A very tall black man with sky-high cheekbones and meltingly sexy eyes approached.
“Yes?” I knew I’d never met anyone as tall and handsome as him.Damn.I better remember not to flirt with these men. I wasn’t a dancer looking for tips anymore. Some habits were hard to break, and I couldn’t help smiling up into his face.
“We’ve never met, but my wife, Yvette, went for her bachelorette party to the club where you used to dance, and she met your friend Austin. He’s decorating our new apartment now.” He glanced around. “I’ve never been to a gay club before, but Yvette insisted I say hello to Austin and you. She couldn’t come tonight.”
“Austin’s the best, and Sparks was his project as well. Isn’t it fabulous? He has the perfect eye for color and design. He’ll be here a little later.” Leaning against the ebony welcome stand, I crossed my arms and smirked at him. “And don’t worry. No one’s gonna hit on you. It’s a closed party, strictly to show off the new club to members of the industry. Not that people can’t and won’t hook up at these kinds of events, but we’re trying to keep it focused.”
“Oh hell, I ain’t worried about getting hit on.” He chuckled. “Happens all the time, from both men and women. I think it’s flattering.”
“Gotcha. Well, take a look around. Get a drink, have something to eat from the buffet. If you need anything, please let me know.”
“I will. And I’m gonna tell my guys they should have an event for Pride night here. The sports industry needs to step it up better for gay rights.”
Nodding at his words, I could’ve danced for joy but managed to keep my voice steady. “Come and find me whenever you’re ready.” I almost forgot, but then handed him one of my new business cards. “Here’s my card. It has my office number and my cell.”
“Will do.” He pocketed my card and shook my hand. “Catch you later.”
“BB.” Vivi grabbed me from behind and hugged me tight. “I can’t believe this place. It’s incredible.” Tonight she went all Pucci print, and her minidress was a mix of wild colors. Her eyes were lined in black with blue-green shadow, and her bow lips were cherry-red.
“Thanks, baby. I can’t say enough about you, Miss Gorgeous.”
Standing behind her was her girlfriend, Margo. It made me happy to know Vivi was in a stable and loving relationship. Like I was now.
“Hi, Margo. Thanks for coming. You look fabulous as well. You ladies are gonna show up the men.”
Dressed in her native Nigerian clothing, Margo was even more stunning than usual. The vibrant lavender color of hergele, the traditional headdress, played off beautifully against the black, cream, and purple of the club.
“Hi, Frankie. What a change. I was here several years ago, but it’s much more modern and elegant now.”
“Thanks. I think so too. Now you see that group over there?” I pointed to four men who stood by the bar, each better looking and better dressed than the next. “They’re in the fashion industry. I want you both to meet them. Come with me.” I linked arms with them and entered the fray.
Six hours later,my feet were killing me and all I wanted to do was sit down, but I kept the smile on my face. Aaron slipped his arms around my waist and kissed the back of my neck. “You look damn sexy in a suit. How about we go for a little one-on-one time on the couch in your office?”
As tired as I was, Aaron’s touch never failed to excite me, and my dick twitched and hardened.
“Hey, babe. When did you get here?”
He continued to hold and kiss me, sending shivers racing up and down my arms. “Mmm, a few minutes ago. Looks like it was a success here.”
“It was and is. James and I were both talking about it. He’s over there with Marcus, talking to Rhoades and Austin. They’re getting ready to leave.” I caught Austin’s attention and waved, and his face lit up and he waved back at us.
“I don’t blame them. But they ain’t lucky like me.”
“No?” I nuzzled his cheek, loving his scent, his skin, his touch. “What makes you so lucky?”
“I got the best guy in the world. The sexiest, smartest, most unforgettable man. And he’s all mine.” He rubbed against me until I ached and knew I was a minute away from being in trouble.
