Simultaneously, we stopped in front of each other as our eyes roamed appreciatively over one another and conveyed what we couldn’t say at the moment. However, the message was clear; we desired one another. Whenever he was close to me, tranquility was present. The energy around him was peaceful and still. It was as calm and simple as waves splashing ashore. I wanted that feeling around me at all times. I needed it. Fuck that, I deserved it. Holding out my hand to shake his again, Muse bypassed it and pulled me in for a hug.
While still holding MJ’s hand, his other arm wrapped around my waist, and I melted in our short embrace. The feel of his warm lips on my earlobe produced a noteworthy shudder from me before he spoke. “Mizz Lady,” he sang in his usual sexy and heavy island accent. “Handshakes are for strangers. That’s clearly not us anymore. Do you agree?” he quizzed, in a low and deep tone as we separated.
“Completely,” I agreed, then coated my lips in a seductive manner.
“Mmm. I see you like to play games, Era. Fair warning, don’t poke a sleeping bear. I’d take full responsibility for filling thatgap in your heart and making that pussy leak,” he voiced for me to hear only.
“You’re a bold one, but how do you know there is one?” I queried with curiosity.
“Simple answer, you just told me by asking that question. You could have easily said you are a happily, married woman, but instead you followed up with your own question. It says a lot, trust me.”
“We’ll see about that.” I flashed him a sly grin and turned my attention to MJ. He was pretty tall and striking like his dad, but he looked oddly familiar to me. I wasn’t sure how that was possible, but I knew it would come to me. “It’s very nice to meet you, MJ. My name is Era, and I’ll be your instructor until further notice.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Era,” he replied.
“Era is just fine, love. Let’s get you two setup and started. Take a seat at any station you’d like.” I winked at Muse then walked in front of the class. He couldn’t take his eyes off me, and that’s exactly how I wanted it. Once I’d given out instructions, class started, and I helped each student and parent with the methods they needed to understand the sensory touch disorder. I gave MJ a lot of my time because his disorder was a little more aggressive than the others. He was going to need a lot of one-on-one time, but he showed a lot of potential.
Conditions like his took time and especially for him to be able to manage it the older he got. As time went by, class was coming to an end. I showed everyone where to place their soiled aprons and how to clean their hands. Once they were done, they exited in groups while I cleaned the stations. Footsteps in my direction prompted me to look up, and Muse was there with a grin on his striking face. “Today went well, and I think MJ really enjoyed himself.”
I stood to my five-five height and grinned back at him. “I think so as well. He’s learning his limits with his condition and that’s a great start. I’m glad that you trusted me to work with him. I appreciate it.”
“I wanted the best, and I got it.”
Smirking at him, I put up my cleaning supplies and grabbed my items to head home. “You’re laying it on thick, but I catch your drift.”
“That’s not the only thing I’d like to pour on you, but I’ll chill out for now.”
“Please do,” I fired back and laughed. We exited my studio together, and I locked up.
“Enjoy the rest of your day, Mizz Lady. I’ll see you next week.”
“Thank you and two as well. Enjoy your weekend.” Muse and MJ walked away and strolled to his black SUV. As MJ climbed in, our eyes never strayed until Muse winked at me, then closed the door behind MJ.
“He’s going to be trouble for you, boss lady. I don’t think you should go down that road,” my bodyguard, Tyson, advised.
“Why not? Syris allows his other wives to have a side piece, so why can’t I?” I probed as I watched Muse drive away.
“Era, you know shit is different for you. I’m telling you this because we’re more like brother and sister. If you go down this path, just be prepared for a hurricane to follow.”
I looked at Tyson and smiled. “You got my back and that’s all I need.”
While Poppy sat in her favorite chair, I took my time and painted her nails and toes. She enjoyed our one-on-one time, and so didI. “So, how was your day? What did you do today?” I asked her as I added a glittery top coat to her toes.
“It was pretty good. Once I got out of school, I completed my piano lessons, then played with my siblings. How was your day?”
“It was pretty good. I helped more kids manage their touch sensory disorders.”
“Wow. Do you really like what you do?”
I paused painting her toes and looked up at her. With a wide smile on my face, I responded, “I enjoy it very much.”
Poppy cheesed in return. “It’s been a while since you brought me to the shop. Can I go back soon?” she queried as her round, honey brown eyes searched mine excitedly.
“Of course, sweetness. Your nails and toes are done, so how about we head into the family room for a movie and popcorn?”
“Sounds good to me!” she squealed.
I grinned then helped her out of her chair. I watched as she waddled into the family room because she didn’t want to ruin her toes. It was the cutest thing ever.
