One Night (Found Love) Read online

  Ron moved to the counter, picked up the coffee and handed to him. Lynwood gave Ron a glaring look.

  “I’m not going to put myself through this again,” he said, his voice cold and lashing. “I don’t care if she just leaves after we make love, maybe that’s the way it should be, when she’s in town, we’ll get together and leave it at that.”

  Ron smiled. Ron was sure now; Lynwood was sprung. Vanessa Sanders has sprung the most eligible bachelor in Atlanta. The problem is Lynwood didn’t realize it. Lynwood stopped to glare at Ron.

  “I’m going to change and go to the gym.” A moment later, he returned to the kitchen where he left Ron.

  “Do you know she had the audacity to say to me, and I quote, “as long as I want you, I will not share you? What about thanks for the lay before you leave? Lynwood ranted in reckless anger leaving a grinning Ron.

  Ron laughed hysterically when he returned. Ron sobered up as best he can after getting a piercing glare from Lynwood.

  As the weeks passed, Lynwood refused all Vessa calls, still fuming at her gall. She had no regard for his feelings at all. Lynwood stopped a crease in his handsome brow. Wait. He was acting like a scorned woman; wondering when that happened. He shook his head. This has to stop. He was definitely going to continue to see the sexy Vanessa Sanders, he couldn’t help himself, he craved her, but he was also going to be in control from now on.

  After a month long buyer’s trip in Paris and Milan, Vessa arrived in Atlanta. Completely exhausted, she wanted and needed to see Lynwood. She had tried to call him to let him know that she was out of the country on business, and when she would return, but he was always unavailable. Well she would just have to surprise him. Her limo pulled in front of his house and she hoped he was home, asking the limo drivers to stay in case he was out. Still in her Dior suit, tired and just wanting to relax with Lynwood, Vessa went to the door and rang the bell.

  The door opened and a scantily clad woman in trashy lingerie stood there looking annoyed. Vessa shapely eyebrow quirked up. The woman posing in the doorway looked Vessa up and down.

  Yes,” the half-naked women said.

  At that precise moment, Lynwood came around the corner, a towel wrapped around his waist. Vessa's heart raced in her chest, she pushes passed the woman and entered the house.

  “Vessa!” Lynwood said breathlessly shock visible on his face.

  She stopped in front of Lynwood and glared up at him with burning reproachful eyes.

  “I asked you not to do this,” Vessa replied indicating the women standing at the door, “Until it was over between us.” She stated venomously.

  Lynwood was silent looking at the coldness in her hazel eyes. “Vessa, it is not…,”

  “No Lynwood,” she interrupted vehemently, “You should have let me know you have had enough of our arrangement.” Vessa turned to leave Lynwood caught her arm and turned her to him. She looked at the hand on her arm snatching it away.

  “Where the hell have you been for the past month?” He asked sternly, his voice inflamed and belligerent. Turning to the woman standing in his living room, Lynwood said with intense calm.

  “Lydia, get the hell out, and if I see you so much as step on my grass, I will have you arrested.” Lydia did not hesitate in fleeing.

  “If you were returning my calls, you would have known,” she spat out in a low voice tight with anger. “I was in Paris and Milan on a buyer’s trip, goodbye Lynwood.”

  Tears stung her eyes threatening to spill over. “Why did I let you weaken me?” She replied miserably.

  “Vessa listen to me, this is not…” Lynwood implored.

  Vessa held up her hand, her own anger and hurt no longer controlled. “Please, spare me any explanation Lynwood; I have no hold on you, just as you have none on me. Thanks it’s been fun.” She said smugly.

  She walked out the door, stepped into her limo, and was gone.

  “Damn it!” He swore, “Damn it, damn it!”

  Vessa didn’t go home to New Jersey as planned; instead, she checked into the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead.

  Her first heartbreak. Never did she think it would hurt so badly. It was not supposed to hurt. This has been just a casual affair no hearts were supposed to be involved. So why did it hurt so badly? Vessa knew exactly what she has done; she messed around and got her heart involved. She swiped angrily at the tears that spilled down her face.

  “Well when it’s over it's over,” she said out loud looking through her clothes. Whatever fatigue she felt earlier vanished with her determination to forget Lynwood. Donning a black slinky cat suit with the back dip down to her waist, adding a thin-chained rhinestone belt to accentuate her small waistline, patent leather high heels to display her shapely legs and her hair hung down around her shoulders in loose curls, Vessa was ready to make her debut after Lynwood. Viewing herself in the mirror, she was pleased with what she saw.

  Vessa glided gracefully through the lobby to the lounge, smiling with pleasure assured all eyes were on her. She stood in the open doorway of the lounge filled with executives and a few women scattered here and there. Confidently Vessa entered and took a seat at the bar. “Cosmopolitan, please,” she said to the bartender as her eyes scanned the dimly lit lounge.

  Hello beautiful,” the man beside her spoke. Vessa turned on the stool to look him over.

  “Hello,” she responded kindly. Vessa eyes scanned him briefly; no, she thought not him.

  “Can I buy you a drink?” He asked.

  “I have one, thanks, maybe next time,” she said smiling flirtatiously.

  Within the hour, the men surrounded Vessa at the bar, flirting, and showering her with attention. The conversation was lively as a friendly argument ensued over who would buy the next drink. Next to the lounge in one of the banquet room was a lively party; Vessa suggested they crash. The group of fun seekers ventured into the adjoining room.

  Ron James happened to be in the lounge with a couple of executives from a company Lynwood was interested in purchasing when the rowdy group moved toward his table briefly drawing his attention. He watched an exceptionally attractive woman moving towards him with a man on each of her arms laughing gaily. Behind her, an entourage of about three other men followed. Ron smiled he could see why, she was an extremely sexy woman. When Ron finally got a closer look at the woman, he frowned and stood to his feet.

  “Damn it that’s Vessa!” He said aloud. “Excuse me,” he said to the men he was seated with and followed behind them. He entered the party just as Vessa took to the dance floor surrounded by her companions while she danced seductively around them. Ron pushed passed her dance partners. “Hey, wait your turn.” A man said. Ron glared at the man but refrained from knocking the man on his ass. Ron took hold of Vessa arm.

  “All right Vessa come on, let’s sit down.” He urged gently. She frowned and looked up at him.

  She smiled. “I know you,” she slurred. Damn she’s drunk. Ron led her from the dance floor despite the grumbling he heard from the spectators.

  “Hey,” she repeated, “I know you.” He led her back to the much quieter lounge and located an empty table. Ron sat her down and then sat across from her. Her entourage was back sitting at the bar glaring at him for taking her from them.

  “Would you buy me a drink? Hey I know you, what is your name?”

  “No more drinks Vessa,” Ron said sternly. Vessa pouted.

  “Hey, I came here to have fun and that's what I’m going to have.”

  “Vessa wait, where’s Lynwood?” He asked.

  “It’s over, didn’t you know,” she said. It was clear she was terribly upset. “I didn’t know, isn’t that ironic.” She started to laugh as tears filled her eyes. “This is what I get for following my heart.”

  “Vessa what happen?” He asked concerned handing her his handkerchief.

  Taking the handkerchief from his hand, she dabbed at the eyes.

  “I flew directly back to Atlanta to be with him after a month in Paris and Milan, l
et’s just say he was occupied," she said curtly.

  In her inebriated state Vessa leaned over the table and whispered loudly.

  “Did you know I gave my virginity to him the first night we met, and you know what else, I want it back,” she said seething, “It’s time for the ice princess to explore other possibility.”

  She rose, leaving a shocked Ron to watch her go back to the bar. Ron heard her say, “I’m back fella’s!”

  Ron pulled out his cell phone and dialed Lynwood’s number.

  “Yeah,” Lynwood said gruffly.

  “Lyn, I suggest you get ass down to the Buckhead Ritz.”

  He sighed impatiently, “Why Ron?”

  “Vessa is here, and she's well…, let’s just say I’ve never seen her so happy. Oh yeah did I mention looking sexy with many admirers,” Ron reported amicably.

  “Where is she now?” Lynwood inquired.

  “Entertaining her entourage” Ron stated laughter in his tone.

  “Damn it Ron, go get her.” Lynwood demanded. “What is she thinking?”

  That it’s over,” Ron informed him, “And oh yeah, she wants her virginity back.” Ron clearly laughed.

  “I’ll be right there, and Ron take her away from those leeches,” he ordered before hanging up the phone.

  To Ron this was hilarious; he couldn't wait to tell Izzy of the latest saga of Lynwood and Vessa. Ron went to the bar. Excusing himself, he again pulled Vessa away from her fan club.

  “Now Vessa we are going to sit awhile.” Ron stated.

  “Oh alright. What is your name?” She frowned trying to remember.

  “Ron, Lynwood’s friend.” He told her smiling.

  “Ah yes, the enemies ally.” Ron laughed.

  “Did you and your friend have a big laugh at how I made a fool of myself over him, the east coast ice princess thawed by the hot and sexy Lynwood Holland? How my colleagues would enjoy this.” She replied with humility. Tears begin to flow now.

  “News flash Ron, just like I was old news, so is he.” She voiced dashing tears from her face. She got up, “I need a drink,” and went to the bar.

  Ron called Lynwood back.

  “Yeah, I’m parking now.” Lynwood answered before Ron could say anything.

  “Hey man, what did you to her, she’s crying.”

  “Crying,” Lynwood, repeated incredulously. “Why?”

  “I think she’s hurt.” Ron hung up when he saw Lynwood standing in the doorway of the lounge.

  Frowning Lynwood scanned the room spotting Vessa at the bar standing between two men with her arms around their necks talking and laughing unflappably.

  Lynwood eyes surveyed her attire, traveling the entire length of her body. Damn, she was half-naked. He walked up behind her.

  “Come on Vessa, let’s go home,” Lynwood requested calmly.

  Vessa turned with a slight stumbled. Lynwood caught her around the waist.

  Vessa looked up at him and pushed him away turning back to her new friends.

  “I need a drink,” she said to the bartender. The bartender looked at Lynwood with wary eyes. Lynwood shook his head.

  “Gentlemen,” Lynwood said to the men at the bar vying for Vessa's attention. “Will you excuse us?” He asked his expression stern, brooking no argument.

  The men did not argue. They all knew Lynwood Holland; they got up and left them alone. “He always gets the good one,” he heard one-man comment as he moved away.

  “Hey,” she called after her retreating friends. “Where are you going? Hey, one of you was going to get lucky tonight.” She shouted after them.

  “Vessa, stop it!" He stated sternly, turning her to face him, glaring at her fiercely.

  “Why are you here Lynwood?”

  Ron joined them. She turned away from both men.

  “Give me a drink,” she demanded to the bartender slapping her hand on the bar. The bartender shrugged apologetically.

  “Are you afraid of him,” she said and pushed Lynwood away from her; of course, he didn't budge.

  “Sorry miss,” the bartender said and went to serve the others at the bar.

  “Punk,” she hissed. She turned to Lynwood.

  “How did you find me?” She said glaring at him. She looked over at Ron and glared at him.

  “Traitor,” she hissed at Ron.

  “Thanks Ron,” Lynwood said, his eyes remained on Vessa. She was beautiful he thought to himself, and she was his.

  “Don’t mention it,” Ron said, “See you Vessa.”

  “Bye traitor.” Ron laughed.

  Vessa turned to Lynwood. “Why are you here; I don’t want you here.” She said harshly wanting him to feel as miserable as she felt, and then turning her back to him.

  Lynwood began to lose patience with her. “Vessa stop it now,” turning her to face him. Lynwood noticed tears brimming in her eyes. Tightness seemed to form in his chest. Usually female tears didn't faze him; unfortunately, Vessa's bothered him more than he cared to admit.

  “I rushed back here to you after a grueling trip overseas so I can spend time with you,” she exclaimed hitting him in the chest. “Why didn’t you take my calls Lynwood?”

  She lowered her head her hair falling to shield her face.

  “You hurt me.” She said again turning away.

  “It’s not what you think, Vessa. I was in the shower, she let herself in, I don’t know how she got in, I didn’t know she was in my house, I swear," he told her honestly.

  “You expect me to believe that?” Vessa stated, turning to look at him incredulously.

  “I’d be lying if I said there was no history between us, but that was long ago.” He confessed honestly.

  Disgusted Vessa turned away again. Lynwood pulled her back against his body. She felt his warm body on her bare back.

  “I need you Vessa, I want only you,” he said against her hair.

  “No, Lynwood, I don’t want this anymore, I didn’t know it would hurt.”

  “Yes Vessa you do want this, I’m inside you just like you’re inside me,” he countered.

  “No I don’t,” she denied.

  “I’ll prove it,” he challenged.

  He then turned her in is arms covering her mouth with his. Her hands pressed against his chest. Vessa felt herself melt against him. She fought it and pulled her mouth away.

  “No Lynwood, I’m not that easy.”

  “If I hadn’t come you would have been that easy for any one of those men you were flirting with to take advantage of you in your state,” he said with bitterness.

  Equally, as venomously she said, “Lynwood don’t ever doubt that I can’t get any one of these men in this room, only because I choose to.” She was regrettable sobering up and becoming increasingly annoyed with Lynwood.

  “Be careful Vessa,” he warned, sudden anger lit in his eyes.

  “I’m going home,” she said in a huff pushing past him and out the lounge.

  She stood waiting for the elevator, Lynwood close behind her.

  “Not tonight, Vessa.” Lynwood said his voice softly and sultry.

  Vessa turned and looked at him, her eyes meeting his. “Damn you Lynwood, stop it.”

  The elevator doors opened, and Vessa stepped inside Lynwood close behind her.

  “Go home Lynwood.”

  “I am home,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone.

  “Stop it Lynwood,” she said firmly.

  “Stop what?”

  Vessa glared at him through narrowed eyes before turning away. She remained silent looking straight ahead.

  She could feel Lynwood’s silent gaze on her. The doors to the elevator finally opened. Hurriedly Vessa exited the elevator with Lynwood right beside her. She stopped at her suite door. “Go away Lynwood,” she replied exasperated, a headache starting to build behind her eyes.

  Chapter Four

  Lynwood pulled the key card from her hand and opened the door. Gently he ushered her into the room closing the door. Vessa stood in the middl
e of the suite’s living room with her back to him. Her head dropped, and her shoulders shook.

  She turned to him tears streaming down her face.

  “I hate this weakness I have for you, I hate it. I was better off not knowing about this... I hate you for making me feel this way Lynwood. I hate you for making me want you all the time, for needing you,” she ranted as her head lowered.

  Lynwood stood his arms folded across his broad chest, patiently listening.

  His eyes swept over her absorbing her beauty while she went through her tirade. Damn but she was sexy. The way that black skintight outfit displayed her nubile curves and the thin-jeweled belt around her waist defining the smallness of Vessa waist made him leap in his pants, and she was his he thought as a smile curling one corner of his mouth.

  Vessa raised her head and gazed at him quietly watching her. Damn he for being so sexy she thought. She didn’t want it to be over yet. She wanted to be with him the rest of her life. If she felt this way now so early in the affair, how would she feel a year down the road? Would it hurt just as badly as it does now she wondered? Should she just throw caution to the wind, or let it go now before she fell in love with Lynwood Holland. For a moment, she studied him intently, her eyes taking in his seductive sexy male physique. She could feel his sexual magnetism that made him so self-confident. The tingling began in the pit of her stomach, her heart jolt, her pulse pounded, and her body ached for his touch. Vessa gave up; it was pointless to deny him while he still wanted her. She dropped her head in defeat.

  “Vessa,” he said softly, his voice so deep and sensual that it sent ripples of awareness through her. Her head rose, her hazel eyes met his, a look of despair on her lovely face.

  Lynwood’s arms opened. Vessa did not hesitate; she went to him her head on his chest and sobbed.

  After her tears subside, “Lynwood, I think I’m going to be sick,” and ran to the bathroom.

  On her knees over the toilet, Vessa emptied her stomach. Lynwood stood by holding her hair from her face. Just when she thought she had nothing left, the vomiting continued. She vowed never to drink like that again. Lynwood lifted her from the floor; she rinsed her mouth and brushed her teeth. Lynwood undressed her and put into the shower.