Light Skin, Long Hair Ch. 03

Click, click, click. The sounds of Jasmine's leather pumps striking the marble floor of the building ricocheted off the walls. She was already a tall woman, but the three-inch stilettos, as well as the well-tailored suit in navy blue she wore made her look powerful. And very professional. Distinguished. With the augmented salary that came along with her promotion, Jasmine was now able to afford better clothes and shoes, and it showed. She believed in the old adage, "dress like you have the job you want", and so she dressed to impress every day. She was definitely one of the best dressed women in the company.

In just three short months, Jasmine's position at the company had radically changed. She had gone from a fresh-faced underling who got bum stories, to a respected full-fledged member of staff who consistently covered issues that mattered. The promotion definitely came with an increase in respect – she found herself going out to lunches with higher-ups in the company and being invited to their barbeques – and a move from cubicle to real office. That was where she was headed now, after the weekly board meeting.

"Jazz," she heard a voice call after her. She looked back, and saw it was Philip. "Going to lunch?"

"Yes, of course. Why?" she said once he caught up to her.

"Want to do Leo's?"

Jasmine thought about it. Why would Philip want to go to lunch with her? Something had to be up his sleeve. Nevertheless, it couldn't hurt to have lunch with a fellow coworker, even if it was Philip.

"Sure, why not."

"Great. I'll come by your office at twelve, and we'll head out."

"Okay. See you later."

Jasmine arrived at her office, and immediately resumed her work. She was well-liked among her coworkers, but she didn't have much time for socializing. Jasmine was all about her work. However, there was one person in her life that she wanted to make time for. That person was Deon. However, things had been rocky between them. They had been dating for the past three months, but Jasmine somehow got the sense that Deon was hesitant to get close to her. It seemed like he didn't want to open up, like there was something he wanted to hide. Every time she asked if she could come over to his place, there was some excuse. His air conditioning wasn't working. It was messy. His friend from out of town was staying over. There was always something. Jasmine remembered from her mother that one of the first signs that something is fishy about a man is if he won't let you come over to his place. Usually meant he was married, with a wife and kids. Jasmine doubted it was that drastic, but she knew that something was definitely up.

Philip knocked on her door at exactly noon. "Come in," she called. She continued working and did not look up when Philip came in.

"Oh, a busy bee, are you?" said Philip. "We can push it back if you're still working."

"No, it's alright. We're just going to run to lunch," said Jasmine, finally looking up at him.

"No, really. We can go tomorrow if you're too busy to take a real lunch break."

"Philip," she said, frowning. "It's okay. We can go." She shooed him out of the room as she grabbed her jacket off the coat hanger on the back of the door. Why is he acting like this? she thought. He's never this cordial.

"So, how's your day coming along?" Philip asked as they walked down the hall.

"Pretty good so far," said Jasmine. "Productive. Getting lots of work done. How about yours?" They had arrived at the elevator and she pressed the button as she spoke.

"It's been decent. I have a lot on my mind, though," said Philip. He sounded pensive, like there was more that he had to say, but he was leaving it out.

They stepped onto the elevator. Jasmine felt there an awkward silence, like the words Philip didn't say were hovering between them.

They didn't speak any more until after they stepped outside into the brisk fall day.

"It's chilly out here," Jasmine remarked, wrapping her arms around her body.

"That jacket you've got is pretty thin," said Philip, seeing her virtually shiver as a mean gust of wind blew by. "Do you want my jacket? I'll be fine if you take it. I'm a husky boy."

Jasmine chuckled. "No, Philip. Keep your jacket."

"You sure? Three blocks."

"I'm good. Thanks, though."

"Okay... suit yourself," said Philip.

They arrived at the restaurant after walking three blocks. It was crowded inside and, much to Jasmine's delight, warm. They waited for a few minutes before they were seated.

"What do you like to get here?" Philip asked once they got their menus.

"I like the ham sandwiches. The chicken salad is also great," said Jasmine, not looking up from her menu. "I like that turkey club, too... and that tomato soup," she continued, really more thinking out loud than answering Philip's question. When she looked up to take a sip of her drink, she saw that Philip was staring dead at her, smiling softly.

"What?" she asked crudely.

"Nothing," said Philip, shaking his head and peering back at his menu. "Nothing at all. Just thinking."

"Okay..." Jasmine looked back at her menu. Finally the waitress came. Jasmine decided on the turkey club. Philip ordered, and she took the menus away. They chatted about work for a few minutes, and then the food came.

"How's your sandwich?" asked Philip.

"It's good. It's pretty hard to mess up a sandwich," said Jasmine.

"Good."

"How is your soup?"

"It's good. Nice and spicy," said Philip, licking his lips. Jasmine couldn't help but feel a brief spark of attraction to him. His dirty blonde hair fell over his face as he bent down to take a sip of his drink. He tossed the fringe back into place.

"Got any big plans for this weekend?" he asked.

"Nope. Just work, work, work. I'll probably hit up my favorite coffee shop. That'll probably be about it."

"That's all?"

"Yeah. What, were you expecting something?"

"Actually, I was going to ask you if you would like to go out to dinner tomorrow night."

Jasmine raised her eyebrows. "Dinner?"

Philip chuckled. "Yeah, dinner. You know, that meal you eat in the nighttime?"

Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know, that Philip. But why?"

"Why not? Is there something wrong with a guy asking a beautiful woman out on a date?"

Jasmine blushed. "Come on, Philip. Stop playing around. It's just too weird. Me and you, out to dinner? Come on. We're coworkers. We see each other every day."

"So what? Coworkers date all the time. That doesn't mean anything." Philip paused before continuing to speak. "What, is there someone else?"

Jasmine sighed and shook her head, as if dismissing this question. "No, Philip, it's just that..." she hesitated. "We've done this before." She gave a patronizing smile. "And, it just doesn't work."

"So what?"

"No, Philip, you don't have to..." Jasmine objected as he put his card into the bill to pay for both of their meals. It was too late, the waitress took the check. "Thanks," Jasmine said awkwardly.

"That was then. This is now. We've both changed. Are you still stuck in the past?"

"Of course not."

"Okay then." Philip placed some bills on the table as a tip. They walked out of the restaurant. "Why not give it a shot?"

Jasmine smiled. "Thanks, Philip. I appreciate it. I really do. But, I just can't. I'm sorry."

Looking down, Philip shrugged his shoulders. It was the first time Jasmine had seen him look humbled. "Okay. Suit yourself," he said again, this time in a very subdued tone. They walked back to work in silence.

Jasmine was exhausted by the end of the day. She wanted to see Deon tonight. It was just the pick-me-up she needed. She decided to give him a call.

"Hey, baby," she said when he answered.

"Hey, babe. What's up?" said Deon.

"Are you doing anything tonight?"

"No, not really, just chilling. Did you have something in mind?" Deon asked with interest in his voice.

"I was hoping I could come over tonight and visit."

"Oh, you want to come over..."

"Yeah. That alright?"

"Um, actually, tonight is probably not going to be a good night for that."

"Why? I thought you just said you weren't doing anything."

"Well, I'm not, but my friend is in town and needs a place to stay tonight. I don't want to have you over while he's there. My place is pretty small."

Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Is it? I've never been, you know."

"I know, baby. I'm sorry," he said, hearing the irritation in her voice. "Look, we'll get together later this weekend, okay? Okay?"

"Alright. Bye."

Jasmine hung up. It seemed like with Deon, there was never a shortage of excuses. One thing after another. Jasmine was getting more and more suspicious. And frustrated.

I don't need this shit. I can do better, she thought to herself. She logged off the computer, grabbed her jacket, and left the office. In the hallway on the way to the elevator, she saw Philip. She felt her adrenaline rush, and made an impulsive decision.

"Philip," she called to him. He looked back.

"Hey," he said, slowing down.

"I would love to go to dinner with you tomorrow night."

He raised his eyebrows. "Well," he said, a big, smug grin crossing his face. "I guess you decided to come around after all."

"I guess I did."

"You won't be disappointed. I know an excellent place we can go. Text me your address, and I'll pick you up at eight."

"Great. I'm excited. See you then," said Jasmine, as they exited the building.

*****

"Please, Marcus!" Deon pleaded from the doorstep.

"No. You're done." Marcus disappeared back inside the house, and reappeared at the door a few seconds later with a small luggage bag. "That's it, bruh. That's all of your stuff. Now, you've got to go."

Deon looked into his brother's eyes. He just couldn't believe that his older brother, who had always protected him, guided him, and kept him under his wing would just put him out like this. It was so cold. So unlike him.

"Please, man. I'm begging you. I don't have anywhere else to go!"

Marcus shook his head. "Naw, man. No more. I'm tired of it. I'm tired of you bringing these drugs into my house, and all these women coming and going at all hours of the night. I'm tired of you coming back drunk every other night and acting a fool. No more, man. You're on your own. I wish you the best, and I hope you get it together." Marcus shut the door.

"Please, man! Please don't make me go!" Deon yelled, banging on the door. "Please!"

But Marcus didn't answer. He stood there for twenty more minutes, begging, but the only thing that changed was the sky getting darker.

At last, Deon gave up. He picked up the two bags carrying all of his belongings, and walked to the nearest street corner, where he hoped a taxi would roll by.

*****

"So they finally get on the plane. And then, the wife asks, 'where do you want to sit?'"

"Uh-huh," said Philip, amused, taking a sip of his wine.

Jasmine took a long drag on hers before speaking again. "And... and then the husband says, 'a seat'. A SEAT!" She burst out laughing, banging her fist on the table.

Philip smiled dotingly while watching her.

"I... I guess you didn't find it too funny," said Jasmine once she recovered. She took another long sip of her wine, and finished it off. She pushed this glass next to the one she had already finished.

"Oh, it's funny, alright," he said.

"Oh, shut up, Philip," said Jasmine, giving him a playful shove across the table.

"What!"

Just then, Jasmine's phone began to vibrate. She looked down into her lap to see who was calling. It was Deon. Nope, she thought. She let it ring.

She and Philip continued to talk and enjoy their dinner, which was quite delicious. And he could afford it. That was something Jasmine really appreciated. With her higher salary, she definitely wanted someone who was at least on par with her in terms of earnings.

Deon called again. And then again. Philip noticed and finally said something.

"I think someone's calling you."

"I know. I'm ignoring it."

"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah. It's nothing."

"You sure?" he asked. He looked concerned.

"Yes, I'm sure. It's no problem."

"Okay," said Philip, and then took the final sip of his wine. "Do you want desert?"

"Hmm."

In her slightly drunken state, Jasmine, who was still very hesitant about allowing herself to feel feelings again for Philip, began to feel very attracted to him again. Those old flames of desire had never been fully extinguished. Her mind wandered back to when they were lovers, and how erotic sex with him had been. He liked to take his time, making sure that she was satisfied, and when it was his turn, he received graciously. She remembered how soft his lips were on her neck as they made out his couch after their very first date. She had been drunk then, too. She lay back on the bed, propped up against his pillows. Philip was between her legs, holding her around her waist, as he kissed her neck. Her heartbeat sped up as he squeezed tighter and kissed more firmly. He slid a strong, warm hand underneath her blouse and up her belly to her chest. He cupped one of her breasts through her bra, and caressed it gently. He slid his hand back down across her side, and to her behind. He rubbed it, appreciating its full, rounded shape, before giving it a squeeze.

Jasmine reached around and squeezed him around the middle, bringing him even closer. She kissed his lips, and as they kissed, she ran her hand through his slick hair. She loved the silky feel of it between her fingers. His solid body pressed into hers, and she could feel his hard chest rub against her nipples.

He now dipped his hand between her thighs, and slid it up, under her skirt, into her inner thigh, which he began caressing. He massaged the sensitive flesh with relish, before grazing his fingers across her pussy through her wet panties. Jasmine moaned as he found her clit and began to rub it through them.

"Do you want me to finger you?" he asked.

"Yes, Philip," she responded.

He slipped his fingers inside her panties, and rubbed her wet sex. He pushed one thick finger inside, and thrust it deeply, curling it upward as he did so. She grinded into him, thrusting into his finger so that it went deeper.

"You like that?" he said, starting to do it more firmly.

"Oh, yes," Jasmine said, closing her eyes. "Mmmm..."

He pushed another finger inside. She threw her head back and drew in a sharp breath through her teeth as a strong orgasm ripped through her body.

She slipped both of her hands under his shirt, and wrapped them around his sturdy body as best she could, and pushed his shirt up and off over his head. She caressed his firm abs, and then his chest. He exhaled as the palms of her hands grazed over his nipples. She wrapped them around his neck, and pulled him back down to her. He once again slid his hand under her shirt to do the same. Once her shirt was off, he slipped his fingers, still moist from her sex, under her bra to take that off too. As he reached around to unclasp it, Jasmine unbuttoned his shorts, and pushed them down to his knees. His package stood at attention and looked like a tent under his boxers. He was clearly well-endowed. She slid them down too, completely freeing his manhood. She pushed him back so that he now lay on his back. She positioned herself between his legs, and wrapped her fingers around his cock. She stroked him gently, sliding the flesh up and down the hard shaft. She then licked it, coating it with saliva, and teased the head with her tongue, while gently massaging his balls. She could feel him tense up as she worked on him, building up his excitement. At last, she took him into her mouth. She gave him a good blowjob, bobbing her head rhythmically up and down his shaft, and brought him cruelly close to the edge, but didn't let him cum, because she wanted more for herself.

She climbed on top of him and straddled herself over his now fully erect manhood, which stood straight up like a tower. He held her by the hips and guided her down onto it. Jasmine winced slightly at the momentary sharp pain, but almost as soon as it had come, it was gone. She started riding him. He set the pace, moving in rhythm with her and guiding her motions with his hands on her hips, pulling and squeezing.

She dismounted and then positioned herself on her knees, and bent over the headboard. Philip positioned himself behind her, and she could feel his warm breath on her neck.

He gripped both of her thighs for leverage, as he banged his haunches into her plump ass. With every thrust, she could feel his balls swinging up and smacking her sex. She hollered through clenched teeth. He squeezed her thighs tighter, and gave one a little smack. He fucked her harder now, yanking her back against him as he thrust, while she pushed her ass back against him.

The sex had gotten wild. Jasmine banged her fists into the pillows, before grabbing onto the headboard for leverage as she thrust back into Philip's wildly thrusting hips. The bed creaked loudly as it rocked back and forth, and Jasmine could barely control her own volume. Soon, Philip lost control completely and then the sound of the wet smacks grew louder and slower, as Philip slowed down, panting. Finally, he collapsed on the bed.

The image of his chest swelling as he took one big breath, and a sleepy, satisfied smile crossing his face stuck with Jasmine. She looked at Philip now across the table and remembered everything all over again.

"Your desert?" said Philip, bringing Jasmine back into the present moment.

She smiled. "Desert. What do I want for desert. Let's see." Looking at him, she licked her lips, and then looked back at the desert menu. "I want the chocolate cake."

"Me too," said Philip. "It's delicious. Let's split it. I doubt you can eat the whole thing by yourself."

"Sounds good."

The waitress came and took the orders, and then came back a few minutes later and placed the cake on the table. Philip and Jasmine scooted closer to share.

"Ladies first," said Philip, nodding at the cake.

Jasmine sank her fork into the tip of the cake and drew up the bite to her mouth.

"Mmm," said Jasmine. "It's good."

Philip had some. "It is. I told you it would be good."

"I didn't doubt you," said Jasmine, looking into his eyes, smiling knowingly.

Catching the hint, Philip smiled and raised his eyebrows, then returned his attention to the cake.

After they finished, Philip paid and they left the restaurant, and drove to Jasmine's apartment. He walked with her up the stairs to her door.

"Thank you for dinner, Philip," she said. "It was great."

"No problem. I had a great time," he said. He held her hand, and then kissed her. "Good night."

"Good night, Philip. See you Monday."

Jasmine walked into her apartment. She set her purse down, and fished out her phone. When she turned it back on, she saw sixteen missed calls and seven texts – all from Deon.