Big Apple Sin Page 4

  “I wish I could,” Levan whispered as he pulled away. “Thank you for the tea, Miss Cherry.”

  I watched in stunned silence as Levan pulled out his phone and walked to my door.

  “You're beautiful and I wish I could.” The words hung in the air as he slid out into the hallway and used the light from his phone to find his way.

  After several minutes, I blew out one of the candles I’d lit and carried the other one with me as I moved to the door and engaged the locks.

  Something pulled at me and before heading to my bedroom, I walked back into the kitchen and looked out the window. Levan stood across the street and the rain poured down on him as he stared up at my window.

  Pressing my hand against the glass, I watched him as he raised his own. Then he turned and walked away.

  Tears began to fall before I made it to my room. Deciding against my normal routine since the power was out, I blew out the candle and crawled into bed. The tears fell harder as I curled up to sleep. Visions of a beautiful man filling my mind.

  Chapter Eight

  Levan

  “Okay, spill it, Levan?” Lola demanded and sat down in the chair across from me at the Bad Apple Cafe.

  After my hasty exit from Cherry’s apartment, I had walked in the pouring rain, in no particular direction, and in no hurry. My mind was stirred by emotions. My heart ached from the past and how I had responded to Cherry. We were both living in the past. She had suffered just as much as I had.

  “Spill. It,” Lola said, tapping her finger on the table.

  Lola James was one of my closest friends – we’d known each other since we were kids. She worked at the Big Apple Cafe as a waitress and cashier. The cafe was just a stepping stone for her. She was going to college online; just like me, except she wasn’t majoring in engineering. She was majoring in business management. She wanted to open a nightclub and call it ‘Delicious Sin.’ I told her it sounded more like a strip club.

  “Levan Clarke!” the fiery redhead snapped at me. I brought my attention to her. “Tell me what the hell happened?”

  “Where do I even begin?” I groaned.

  “At the beginning,” she smiled softly. “I’ve never seen you look so pitiful.”

  “I fucked up.” Her eyes widened at my curse word. “Sorry.”

  “No. It’s nice to see you’re human,” she laughed.

  “Too human. That’s the problem. Why can’t I just let Trish stay in the damn past? She was a damn druggy who fucked up everyone’s life she touched.”

  “Oh. The ex,” Lola sighed. “She was a bad apple, but you got two beautiful kids out of all the pain you went through.”

  “Some would argue I’m the bad apple,” I sighed and thought about what Lola said. I could always count on Lola to see the positive in things. When Trish had told me she was pregnant, Lola was the first person I told. I had been a basket case from the news. It was Lola, who shined the light on the fact I was going to be a father and all of the good that would come from it.

  “I met a really nice woman–”

  “The woman, who was in here earlier?” Lola grinned. I rubbed my face and nodded. “She seems super sweet. What’s the problem?”

  “She’s the twins’ daycare teacher.”

  “So?” she shrugged.

  “It’s a conflict of interest or something… right?” Lola replied by laughing at me. “What?”

  “It’s not like you’re a lawyer and she’s your client.” She rolled her eyes and then tapped the side of her head. “Stop using this and use this.” She pointed to her chest where her heart was.

  “I don’t want to get close to her and something happens. Then what about the twins? They'll be heartbroken because they really like her. I can’t do that to them.”

  “You’re an idiot, Levan,” Lola huffed. “An absolute idiot.”

  Her calling me an idiot – twice – made me frown. Lola, GramMa, and my aunt were probably the only people on Earth who could get away with calling me one.

  “Don’t frown. You know it’s true. You’re using Trish and the twins as an excuse to not get close to any woman. I know your heart was broken by Trish, but that was Trish breaking your heart, not every woman on the planet,” Lola lectured. “If you keep this up, you’re going to be a grumpy S.O.B. sitting on the front stoop yelling at the neighborhood kids.”

  The image of me being that old man made me chuckle. That was the last thing I wanted to be. I always saw myself as the cool cat of the neighborhood, when I became an old man.

  “So, did you run out on the poor girl?” Lola asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest and staring me down. I swallowed the invisible lodge in my throat and twirled the tip of my goatee. “Idiot. What’d you do?”

  The next ten minutes I spent explaining what happened between Cherry and me. Lola had listened without interrupting for the most part. Her growls, grunts, and snorts had slowed down my words, but I managed to continue. By the end of my story, Lola was fuming.

  “You get your ass up, right now, and go apologize to that woman. She probably cried herself to sleep, you asshole!” She shouted at me. The two customers who were in the cafe looked at her. She didn’t even offer them an apology. That’s how I knew she was furious with me.

  “You think she cried?” I whispered.

  “She basically opened her heart to you and left herself vulnerable. And what’d you do? You fucking left, Levan. You left her. You might as well have slapped her in the face.”

  The thought of Cherry crying made my stomach knot and my heart ache.

  “Fuck,” I muttered and rubbed my neck. “I really messed things up, huh?”

  “Levan,” Lola reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “It’s not too late to go apologize.”

  “Would you let me apologize if you were her?”

  “No,” she said flatly, making me groan. I was screwed. Absolutely screwed. “For one, she and I are two different types of women.”

  “How’s that?”

  “She seems like a sweet girl. I’m a bad apple. I don’t play well with others,” she grinned and then shrugged. She removed her hand from mine.

  “You really are something,” I chuckled. “Should I buy her flowers?”

  “What flower shop do you know that’s open at eleven something at night?”

  She had a point. The Big Apple was the city that never slept… to a point. Flower shops were one of the few places that slept in this city.

  “Should I buy her –”

  “You can’t buy her forgiveness, Levan,” Lola sighed heavily. “You need to speak from your heart not just show up with flowers or something and hope she forgives you.” She shook her head. “You need to show her the Levan I know. The caring, sweet guy, who would give his shirt off his back to anyone. Just talk to her about why you left. I have a feeling she’ll understand.”

  “And, if she doesn’t?” I asked nervously. The knots in my stomach were tightening.

  “Then that’s okay. You learn from your mistake and know that it wasn’t meant to be,” Lola smiled and then stood. “Now get the hell out of here and go apologize,” she sassed with one hand on her hip and the other one pointing at the door, making me laugh.

  “Yes, Miss Bossy Pants.”

  Chapter Nine

  Cherry

  I jerked awake due to the storm. The thunder and lightning were still filling the skies outside of my window when I got up to peer out. The chaos, the darkness, and the wet reminded me of myself. For so long I had followed the plan laid out for me by my ex-husband. Norm came from a well-off family who owned property around the area where we grew up, so he knew what he wanted to do and what he needed to make it all picture perfect – the perfect wife with the two perfect kids in the photo on the mantle.

  For the first time in my life, I was left adrift. I was able to choose for myself. Unfortunately, just because I wanted something didn’t mean someone else would want the same thing I did.

  Bang. Bang. Ba
ng.

  Pounding from my front door startled me and I turned to stare at the hallway outside of my bedroom door.

  Bang. Bang. Bang.

  Who could it be? Hell, what time was it? I looked around the room but my clock was still dead and my phone must have been left on the counter in the kitchen.

  Bang. “Cherry!” Someone yelled as they hit the door again. Bang.

  I was inching down the doorway when the person called out again. As I reached my door, I could hear voices in the hallway. Going up on tiptoe, I peeked through the peephole.

  A man from across the hall was complaining to the person knocking on my door. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see any more than a shadow.

  “Some of us have to get up in the morning,” the neighbor grumbled.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just really important that I speak to Cherry.”

  “Levan?” I called out in shock.

  “Cherry?” Levan moved in front of the peephole. He was soaked and wore a hopeful expression. “Can I please come in? I need to explain.”

  Not even a pause to think about it and I was opening the door. Once the chain was slid free, Levan moved inside and kicked the door closed. His eyes fell onto me and for a moment he seemed to be in turmoil. But only for a moment.

  He immediately stepped into my space, gripped my face between his strong hands, and leaned in to kiss me silly. Seriously, silly. Because when he finally pulled away my hand went to my lips and I giggled.

  “Not the reaction I’d hoped for,” Levan stated with a concerned look. Then his face fell. “I shouldn’t have done that,” he admitted.

  “Why?” I asked softly.

  “Because I should have apologized first. Because I was an idiot.” Levan leaned against my door and thunked his head. “Because I should have never left.”

  Everything inside of me went still. All I could think was…

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t want just one night with you.” Levan lifted his head and looked deeply into my eyes. “I’m terrified,” he murmured.

  “Of me?” I squeaked.

  “Of possibilities,” he replied and took a step forward. Levan’s hand rose and pushed a loose section of hair behind my ear. “When you look at me... what do you see? What do you want, Cherry?”

  “You.” The answer was simple but encompassed everything I had felt from the moment I saw him dropping off the twins. Something about Levan had me wanting things I’d never thought I’d want again but I could tell he needed me to say more.

  “I see you, Levan. The hard worker. The father. The grandson. The man. And, I just want the man I see when you smile at your kids, when you laugh at a bad joke… the man I saw when he walked me home and kissed me.” I added with a small smile.

  “But what if I’m not enough?” he asked and my heart broke for him.

  “Levan…” I was at a loss for words. Instead, I held out my hand and when he took hold, I led him to my bedroom.

  The storm still raged outside of my window and the lightning provided the only light. I was older and a bit soft around the middle, so I’d be lying if I wasn’t happy about the lack of light as I led him to the bed and pushed him down onto the edge.

  Lightning flashed and inhaled deeply before pulling my shirt off over my head. My pants went next and I stood in my utilitarian bra and panties.

  “You are more than enough for me, Levan. But” – I gulped loudly – “If I’m not enough… or too much for you, you can leave.”

  Even in the dim lighting, I felt exposed and ready to hyperventilate.

  “Cherry, you’re gorgeous,” Levan whispered.

  My eyes snapped open when I heard him move. Levan had pulled off his shirt and let it drop to the floor, next went his jeans and unlike me… the man was commando.

  I giggled and he grinned.

  “You seriously need to work on not giggling. You’re going to give me a complex.” Levan chuckled as he kicked his clothes to the side and took a step forward.

  “Nervous,” I whispered.

  “Me too,” he replied as he dipped his head and gave me the sweetest kiss I’d ever had. “If this is too fast… we don’t ha–”

  “Definitely too fast and we definitely are not backing out now,” I replied with my nervous giggle. “Sorry, not letting you get away now.

  “Oh, Cherry,” he rasped and began to press kisses along my skin.

  My brain went blank as my body reacted to the sensual press of his lips. The silence was only broken by the sounds of our accelerated breaths and the booming sounds of the storm as it rained down on New York.

  “Can I lay down,” I gasped.

  Levan looked up at me from where he hovered over my breasts.

  “As soon as you take off these.” He snapped the strap at my shoulder and slid two fingers beneath the waistband of my underwear.

  My hands were shaking as I worked to tug my bra off and then shoved at my panties. Embarrassment was far from my mind as I stepped from them and rushed to lay in the middle of my mattress. Unfortunately, nerves filled me and I fidgeted with the comforter beneath me.

  “Levan… I don’t know wha–”

  My words were cut off as he crawled onto the bed. He had the grace of a cat and I trembled beneath his heated gaze. Levan moved his eyes, hand, and lips up my body until he came to lay beside me.

  “Just feel, Cherry. I promise to take care of you,” Levan murmured against my ear before he rose and began moving back down my body. His large hands pushed my legs open until he was able to fit between them. “Fuck,” he cursed as he moved his hands up to spread my thighs farther apart.

  “Oh, God,” I gasped as his fingers moved over my center.

  “Cherry… I uh… it’s been a long time since I’ve…” He looked up at me and I tried to process what he was trying to spit out. “I only have one condom and I don’t think I have it in me to go slow,” he added at my confused look.

  “You can…” My face heated in embarrassment as I waved at our nether regions.

  Levan chuckled and grinned at me, “I’m totally botching this aren’t I?” he asked.

  “No.”

  “Yes,” he corrected my shout.

  He collapsed back on the bed beside me.

  “I want you so much that the second I get near you I feel like I’m going to explode. If we do this, Cherry, it’s not going to be what you deserve. You should be worshipped,” Levan whispered into my darkened room.

  “Put the condom on, Levan,” I demanded. “Next time, you can worship.”

  I rose up and straddled him. I was done being the meek woman who let… no, expected, my man to lead me. This wasn’t just about him; it was about me as well.

  “I’m serious, Levan. I’m not letting you out of this bed until we do it.”

  Laughter burst from him and he rummaged beside his leg. I could just make out the square shape of the condom packet.

  “Are you sure? Because this is going to be like my first time all over again.”

  “Good,” I replied as I snatched the condom and ripped it open.

  When I struggled to get it onto his dick, Levan reached down and rolled it on. I didn’t allow myself time to think about what I was doing or the size of the cock now staring me in the face. I gulped down my nerves and moved forward.

  It was awkward and my inexperience showed, but Levan gripped my hips and positioned himself at my opening. He didn’t push me to move, he simply waited for me to decide if I was ready.

  A piece of me wished he would take control but I appreciated the care he was taking. I could see the strain in his face, so with a sigh, I allowed my body to lower onto his cock. A slight pain had me gasping as my sheath stretched around him.

  It had been a while since I’d had sex. And, the simple fact was, Levan was a lot larger than my ex.

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Levan chanted as I moved a little bit further down his shaft.

  “Levan,” I whimpered as I began to tremble.

&n
bsp; “Come here, Cherry,” Levan reached for me and brought our mouths together. His hand came up between us and he fondled my breast. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled between kisses.

  “No…”

  I don’t know what I was trying to say as my body took that moment to allow Levan full entry. I slid down his cock and when he bottomed out inside of me we both moaned.

  Levan’s hands began to caress up and down my body. He explored my skin and when he gripped my ass and rolled, I squealed out in shock.

  “I need you to come, Cherry. What gets you off?” Levan demanded.

  I shook my head and Levan pulled out and pushed back in.

  “Tell me,” he ordered.

  “My nipples… I pinch them.” The words were barely out of my mouth before his hand was doing exactly what I’d said. “I pinch them and rub my clit. Nothing fancy.”

  “Oh, my sweet, sweet, Cherry. We totally need to explore next time,” His deep, lilting tone had me thrusting up against him.

  “Please,” I begged as he reached between us and began rubbing at my clit.

  “I need you to pinch your nipples, Cherry. Show me what you like,” Levan demanded as he braced one arm, used his other hand to stimulate my clit, and his legs powered his forceful thrusts as he began to move inside of me with a bit more urgency.

  “Kiss me,” I demanded as I twisted both of my nipples.

  Levan was a contortionist as he took my mouth and we began to move in a rhythm I always thought I was incapable of accomplishing. His cock alternated between short and fast thrusts, then long, languid slides.

  For the first time, I orgasmed during sex. My arms flung out away from my breasts and I began clutching at Levan’s shoulders as my body tightened and released in a wave of pleasure.

  “Levan,” I screamed as he let go and picked up his pace.

  “Cherry,” he rasped as he pressed kisses to everywhere he could reach. His tempo went sporadic and then Levan thrust inside of me with enough force that I felt my body move up the bed. “Cherry,” he bellowed as I felt him pump into me in short movements as his cock pulsed inside of me.

  Levan didn’t allow himself to collapse and he didn’t immediately roll away. His face was buried in my neck and I could feel his panting breaths.