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Remember The Nights Ch. 01

By: velvetpie



He checked his reflection in the mirror again, ignoring the hovering presence of his best man, James, and straightened his tie for the fifth time. He looked immaculate. Who wouldn't look immaculate in a thousand dollar Hugo Boss tuxedo? He smoothed his jet black, feathered locks to the side and made sure the cowlick was lying down before applying two wet fingertips to his unruly eyebrows. Cynthia wanted him to have them plucked but he wasn't interested. Now, he wished he'd have had it done.

"Are you ready, Chaz?"

Charlie Weatherly's striking Irish features were frozen in granite, his eyes focused on a reflection of a neatly-tied bundle of white lilacs that had been laid on the side table. He didn't want to remember but unbidden, the memories came flooding back, blinding him in their sudden advent … 

"FUCK!" He spat to the skies. His favorite Ermenegildo Zegna linen suit was now bathed in half of a Starbucks Arabian Mocha Sanani, light on the cinnamon, and the most beguiling set of almond-shaped eyes connected with his, an almost-comical look of despair distorting her exquisite Asian features.

"Oh, Jesus! I'm so sorry!" 

It was as if time had stopped for him and the vision of her loveliness was emblazoned on his retinal walls like a sensuous brand, forever searing the wide beauty of her eyes and the shape of her mouth on him forever. Her soft, husky voice startled him back to angry reality.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes." He set his briefcase down, frantically wiping beads of premium coffee from his pants. "Fuck! I don't have time for this right now! I have to be in court in forty-five minutes!"

"Come with me."

"What? Don't you think you've done enough?"

"Look, Little Lord Fauntleroy, do you want to show up as Beau Brummell or as The Little Tramp?" The distress in her face had quickly fled and her features morphed into the hard mask of a professional, sizing him up and calculating his worth.

Charlie had noticed and his anger burned hotter. "Listen, you bitch!"

"Just follow me. Save the witty repartee for your wife." She turned her back on him and left through the double doors. Fuming, Charlie went behind her, his face burning with shame as others on the sidewalk noticed his mussed clothes. After walking about 300 yards, she stopped in front of a shop and produced a set of keys. The shop: Armani. She relocked the door behind them and went immediately to the sales counter. "Set your stuff over there and come here."

Charlie dropped his briefcase onto a chair, left his coffee on top of a stack of GQ and Esquire magazines and went to where she was sorting through a rack of suits, choosing a dark navy suit and thrusting it toward him. "Here. You can borrow this until your suit is cleaned."

"Borrow?"

"Yes. Is that word unfamiliar to you?"

"No."

"Good." She sauntered over to the haberdashery department and selected a pink silk tie and matching handkerchief. "Put these on, too."

"Pink? I'm not wearing faggot pink."

"I wasn't aware that there was such a color." She folded her arms, staring at him. "You know, I thought you were going to turn out to be a nice guy since you were dressed so nicely but you're the complete opposite of a gentleman."

"I never said I was a gentleman."

"That much is patently obvious." She went behind the counter and began preparing to open the store. "Fitting rooms are over there."

Charlie stalked over the changing room and carefully shrugged out of his splashed jacket and pants and put the suit on. He was instantly amazed that the clothes were a perfect fit, that she had sized him up so accurately that even the jacket was the right width and flared perfectly over his hips. The pink tie glared at him and he yanked his silk silver jacquard tie off and put it on, tucking the handkerchief into the pocket.

When he stepped out, she was waiting and walked a circle around him. "Not bad." She pulled the handkerchief out and refolded it correctly, then tucked it back in, flaring the tips. "If you'll give me your address, I'll have your suit back to you by this evening."

He scribbled his home address and phone number on the back of one of his cards and handed it to her. Charlie felt kind of stupid for treating her so callously. "I'm sorry for my behavior. I'm just a little stressed out."

For the first time since the accident, she smiled and that single smile transformed her face. He stood awestruck at her beauty and barely felt her hand him his briefcase and coffee. "Good luck on your case." 

As she unlocked the door and held it open for him, he gave her a smile. "Are you free for lunch?"

She gave him a wry smile. "I'm never free, Mr. Weatherly." She shut the door and gave a small wave as she headed back to the counter. 

It was several minutes before Charlie realized two things: his cock was as hard as a rock and that he didn't even know her name.

Remember The Nights Ch. 02



The day had been a long one. 

Charlie inserted the key into the door of his apartment and stepped inside, his weariness finally catching up with him. He dropped the briefcase in the foyer, dropped his keys in the silver salver dish and headed straight for the bar, fixing himself a potent vodka martini and downing it straight. Turning towards the kitchen, he noticed Cynthia's coat and bag on the island and sighed heavily. He was hoping to go a couple of hours without seeing his erstwhile fiancée but it was obvious that God had not listened to his fervent prayers.

He prepared another martini, fixed her a simple Captain Morgan's Silver Spiced Rum on the rocks, adding a splash of soda and headed to where he knew she would be waiting: his bedroom. When he entered his room and saw her, he felt the urge to scream but drowned the urge with alcohol. Almost every suit he owned had been thrown out on his bed and she was sitting on a few of them as she perched on one of the corners, having an animated conversation with someone on the other end of the line.

"Hi, honey. Hold on a minute." She took the glass he offered and returned her attention to the phone. "No, Pierre. I specifically requested the buttercream frosting made with Madagascar vanilla to match the cake."

Charlie went around to the other side of the bed, setting his martini down and grabbed his Calvin Klein hand-finished wool suit, smoothing the charcoal fabric lovingly before turning toward the closet.

"Hold on a minute." Cynthia said to Pierre and whirled towards Charlie. "No, Charlie. Leave that where it is."

"Why?"

"I'm on the phone right now. Wait till I'm done."

Charlie watched her turn back to the phone, his mouth hanging open at her rude behavior. He wanted to say something to her but he did as he always did where Cynthia was concerned. He surrendered his manhood in the interest of being with a Mayflower descendant and the closest thing to blue blood royalty that the United States knew.

When he'd met Cynthia Winslow, he'd known right away that she was someone that was special. She was beautiful, true enough but Charlie knew that it wasn't just the silver-blonde hair and 34D breasts that had guys circling her like sharks around chum in the water. She came with a pedigree and to those who were smart, that pedigree brought a wealth of contacts. Charlie was a trial lawyer, specializing in murder cases, and her father owned one of the largest firms in New York City.

He thought he was lucky when she started paying attention to him at the parties. At first, it was just a smile and a nod in his direction, then progressed to a wave, then her whisper to a friend and he was in. She knew who he was, knew that he was a lawyer and knew that he was wealthy. She liked that he dressed in expensive designer suits and had a manicure and pedicure done weekly. He was the first male she'd ever met who'd shown 'elevated' thinking in his appearance and grooming habits. Charlie had felt as if he'd received a personal blessing from the Pope. Cynthia brought him into her small, exclusive circle of friends and after several outings and dinners, he worked up the nerve to ask her on a date and to his delight, she agreed.

Now, here they were: six weeks from one of the largest weddings that The Hamptons would ever see and Charlie was about to become one of the most influential lawyers in the city. His future would be set and his children would be the cream of society. That was enough, wasn't it? Love wasn't necessary to be successful, was it?

"Okay, honey. I'm done." Cynthia finished her drink in three long swallows and tossed her phone right in the center of his Valentino suit. "Oh, my God, you don't know how lucky you have it to be able to go to work and escape the lunacy that's become our wedding! Can you believe that Pierre was going to use regular vanilla extra in the frosting on our wedding cake? I don't know what he was thinking!" She gave him a quick kiss, taking a breath in her tirade. "Now what was it that you wanted?"

"What are you doing with my suits?"

"Oh, these old things? I'm just going through them and deciding which ones to donate and which to throw away."

"Throw away? What are you talking about?"

"Oh, honey. You can't expect to wear some of these suits once we're married!" She picked up a tweed jacket with the elbows worn to shreds. "For example, where would you wear this?"

"To my fraternity reunion. That jacket belonged to Professor George Harding, the best law teacher I've ever had."

"Oh, really, Charles!" She dropped the article on the floor and sorted through his clothing, giving her opinions on each item before dropping it into a heap on the floor. "Don't you agree with me, Charles?"

"Yes." He exhaled, his shoulders drooping. She was doing this for his betterment and he'd just have to learn how to deal with the changes. "I agree with you, hon."

Her smile was brilliant. "Good. Now what is that that you're wearing?" He explained the morning's excitement to her and she frowned. "Are you going to sue her?"

"Sue her? Sue her for what?"

"Assault, of course! She assaulted you with the coffee and ruined your suit."

He shook his head, drawing another frown from his intended. "Of course not. She's having my suit cleaned and delivered and she let me borrow this fantastic suit. There's nothing else that I need to do until I see what my suit looks like."

"Oh, Charlie!" She huffed. "You're too easy on people." 

He let that comment pass and gave her a fake smile. "I'll go down and get a garbage bag and we can bag these up, okay?"

"That would be great." She gave him another kiss with just the slightest hint of passion, surveying the carnage as he departed. "Oh, and hurry up, will you? We have to meet Daddy for dinner!"

Charlie had found the trash bags where Josefina, his maid, left them and had grabbed several, heading back up the stairs when the doorbell rang. Hoping that Cynthia hadn't heard, he left the bags on the steps and dashed back down.

The gorgeous woman from the Armani store stood on his doorstep, a hangar bag in her hand. "Mr. Weatherly, here's your suit." She unzipped the bag and displayed the pants and jacket. Both were spotless and perfectly pressed. "You can return the suit when your schedule permits but I'd like it back tomorrow if you can manage it."

"Not a problem." He took the bag from her, giving her an appreciative smile. "I'm sorry, but I never got your name."

"Tamiko. Tamiko Nagasura."

Charlie extended his hand and shook hers, feeling his cock awaken in his pants. Her palm was soft and her full lips widened into a smile. "Glad to meet you, Tamiko."

"Who's at the door, Charles?" Cynthia's brittle voice swept down the stairs, soon followed by the sounds of her Jimmy Choo pumps. "Oh, hello." Her voice turned from brittle to syrupy. "I'm Cynthia, Charlie's fiancée, and you are ... "

"Tamiko."

"Tamiko." Her catlike smile did nothing to hide the dripping disdain in her voice. "You must have been the one that ruined my fiancé's suit this morning."

"The suit isn't ruined, Cynthia. Look!" He opened the bag and showed it to her. "It's perfectly fine."

"Well, that's lucky for you." She smiled at Charlie, then turned to the woman in the doorway. "Charles will be keeping the suit as compensation for his trouble."

Tamiko's lovely face exhibited confusion and anger. "That won't be possible, Cynthia. That suit has to be shipped to Miami tomorrow."

Cynthia's grin dripped venom. "Then you'd better find another." She pushed Charlie backward into the house, her hand on the doorknob. "Goodbye, Tamiko." 



Remember The Nights Ch. 03



The next morning, Charlie arose, his head still pounding from the drinks he'd imbibed at the previous night's dinner with Cynthia's parents. The crestfallen look on Tamiko's face had struck him like a punch in the chest and he was secretly awed by the fact that a woman he'd only met the day before would have such a quick effect on him. He tried to look apologetic but Cynthia had slammed the door shut, giving him one of her best man-eating smiles while taking the bag from his hands.

"This one can go, too, Charles." She laughed, looking at the cream-colored linen suit. "No need to honor John Travolta by wearing his old suit!"

Shortly after that, they'd gone to The Four Seasons and while everyone ordered appetizers from the menu, he enjoyed two martinis and a cosmopolitan. While thes talked about the wedding, he drank another martini and thought about Tamiko, fantasizing about her mouth against his and the feel of her soft breasts under his fingertips. Before long, he was embarrassing Cynthia and she was instructing her driver to return him home. He had been dropped off at his apartment, rescued Professor Harding's jacket out of the bag and carefully hid it in the morning.

He stopped at Starbuck's for his usual coffee and found himself in front of the Armani shop, waiting for her to arrive. At seven forty-five, she strode to the front, opened the door and headed for the counter as she had the day before. Charlie left his waiting spot and grasped the door handle, hefting the garment bag in his arms.

"Tamiko?"

Her dark eyes met his but no hint of welcome was in them. "May I help you?"

"Y-Yes. I have the suit."

She took the bag, hanging it on a rod behind her and unzipping it to examine the suit. "Looks fine."

"The tie's in the jacket pocket."

"Thanks." She put the bag onto another rack and turned back to him, her smile accommodating but her eyes cold. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Yes. I'd like to take you to lunch."

"That won't be necessary, Mr. Weatherly. The return of the suit is adequate enough."

Charlie was speechless as she turned to take care of some other clothing. "I know it's not necessary but I'd like to take you all the same."

"What about Cynthia?"

"What about her?"

"She's your fiancée, is she not?"

Charlie looked down at the floor, almost ashamed to speak. "Uh, yes."

"That's pretty bad if you're already looking for a mistress before the wedding."

"I'm not looking for a mistress!"

Tamiko walked up to him, her arms folded beneath her generous breasts and watched as his eyes followed their movements, then flicked up to her face. "Then why are you staring at my boobs?"

"I wasn't!"

"Goodbye, Mr. Weatherly. Have a good life."

"Wait! Please!" Charlie and Tamiko were surprised by the note of desperation in his voice. "Please, Tamiko. Have lunch with me. Have dinner with me. Go out with me. Just please don't tell me no."

Tamiko stared at him for a long minute. She felt an attraction to him, a deep wrench in her gut that made her instantly wary because it wasn't something she'd ever felt before. He could be the one ... but can he handle my secret? She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Okay. You can take me to dinner." Charlie smiled widely. "But only dinner."

"Tonight?"

"Tomorrow night. Pick me up here. I close the store at eight."

"Great." He picked up his coffee and briefcase and headed for the door. "Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow."

* * * * *

Cynthia was upset. She had come back for the bags of clothing and noticed that several items were missing, including that ratty jacket from his professor. She'd searched his apartment high and low and had not been able to find them. That made her even more angry. He phoned to say that he was working late and wouldn't be home until ten. She left his apartment and went home, her mind suddenly filled with questions. The next night, she was waiting for him when he got home, stunned to see the level of energy he exhibited as he prepared for a dinner meeting with a Korean client.

"I've never seen you so fussy with a tie."

Charlie ignored her suspicious statement and re-tied the Windsor knot, smoothing it slightly. "This is a very important client, Cyn. Your dad really wants this."

"Don't call me Cyn."

And don't call me Charles, he wanted to say but he held his tongue. "You want to go?"

"No." Charlie almost smiled because he knew that Cynthia had no interest in business dinners. "Why are you starting so early?"

"The clients requested the time. Your Dad just told me what time to be there."

Cynthia sat down on the bed, pouting as he selected a handkerchief, folded and stuffed it into his pocket. "I'm not happy with this, Charles."

"Well, talk to your Dad about it. He's the boss." That shut her up. She remained silent as he finished his preparations and grabbed his briefcase, heading down the stairs. "I've got my cell phone if you need to reach me, but I won't answer it right away. We're involved in negotiations and I won't be able to answer a call."

"All right." She pouted prettily as he donned his coat and stopped in the doorway to give her a kiss. "Don't wait up."

Cynthia stared at the closed door, her pretty face scrunched up in anger face and shrugged, hoping that this little itch in the back of her mind was wrong. 



Remember The Nights Ch. 04



"Wow."

It was all Charlie could say. Tamiko looked like a starlet in her silver dress and he thanked whatever gods above for his luck. Her thick black hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders and her dark eyes were alluringly made up, immediately drawing him into their depths. Shapely legs stretched down to end in pink polished toes and she clutched a transparent wrap over her shoulders, a small silver bag in her hands. She smiled warmly at him, looking a tad bit uncomfortable.

"You're late."

"I know. I'm sorry. I had a business dinner meeting." He took her hand and helped her into the car, then slid in beside her. "So, where do you want to go?"

"I don't know." She watched as he poured a glass of champagne and handed it to her. "I have a friend who owns a restaurant and a night club."

"Sounds good. What's it called?"

"The restaurant is called The Chop House and the club is called Indigo."

"Okay. Let's go."

Dinner seemed to fly by so quickly that Charlie could barely remember what he had eaten. The conversation was magnificent. It had been a long time since he'd been able to talk to someone about current events. Tamiko was very knowledgeable and even when they ended up in a minor tiff, she debated the point like a champ, effectively putting him down. Her laughter was melodious and Charlie loved the sound of it, growing more and more enamored of her as the evening progressed.

"Can you dance?"

"Uh, a little."

"Will you dance with me when we go next door?"

Charlie shrugged and she grinned. "You poor white boys. I've never been out with a white boy that knew how to dance."

"Me, either." He laughed at his own joke but sobered up when he noticed that she hadn't joined him. "Well, shall we?"

Indigo was teeming with people on a Wednesday night and he was amazed at that. Most clubs were dead during the week but this one showed no signs of that problem. He paid the cover charge and escorted his lovely date inside. As they weaved through the couches, heading for the bar, Charlie made an astounding discovery. Indigo was a gay bar. Same sex couples lounged on the couches and crowded the dance floor and at once, he was uncomfortable.

"Tamiko?"

"Yes?"

"Why are we in a gay bar?"

"Why not?" She turned her back on him and ordered from the bartender. Charlie knocked his first drink down and asked for a second within two minutes' time. It was obvious that she was amused with his discomfort but she treated him with care. "You all right?"

"Y-Yes." He took a deep gulp, his eyes surfing the crowd. "But why a gay bar?"

Tamiko's beautiful face fell, her eyes drifting to the floor as she finished her drink. "Come with me. I have to tell you something."

Charlie ordered another round of drinks, then let Tamiko lead him off to a semi-dark corner. She removed her wrap and draped it over the foosball table, then set her drink down. Her soft hands rubbed his chest as her mouth tilted up to his, captivating him with its proximity until he finally gave into temptation. His lips covered hers, relishing the softness and letting his tongue curl around hers.

Tamiko grabbed his hand and placed it on her breast, giving him a tiny squeeze. He was a quick study and in seconds, her nipples were pulsing with heat as he rolled them between her fingers. She groaned again, quivering in response. His hand moved downward, passing over her stomach and finding her thigh. His fingers massaged the firm flesh, moving steadily upward until ...

"What the fuck?"

Tamiko's eyes met his, large and liquid in the darkness. "I'm a transsexual, Charlie."

"Oh, my God!" He stumbled out of the alcove, his skin pale. "You've got a fucking dick!"

"Charlie, it's not that big a deal ... "

"The hell it isn't! You lied to me!"

"I didn't lie to you. I just didn't tell you."

"And you thought I'd be okay with this?"

"Charlie ... "

Attorney Charlie Weatherly forgot his drink and found the nearest exit, his heart dropping into the pit of his stomach. He thought he'd found the perfect woman; someone who could rule beside him and give him much needed inspiration and now ... tears formed in his eyes as he got into the limo and headed home to the arms of his waiting fiancée and his perfect life. 



Remember The Nights Ch. 05



Such a beautiful face, she had. He leaned over and grabbed her cock, stroking it firmly as he slid into her ass. He'd never been this hard before and his entire body shuddered at the entry, every inch alive and vibrating. He couldn't believe how warm she was and how tightly she held him in her passage, then she flexed anal muscles and he... oohh! It felt like one long swallow, traveling from the base of his root to the dribbling tip and he fought to breathe against the sensation burning in his belly. He began to move, slowly at first, then with a little more speed. He didn't need to slam into her because he was so close already. Then, she came and it was the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. A beautiful woman, clutching her breasts as her cock pulsed, jetting her seed onto her nipples. Her orgasm triggered his and he was overwhelmed with passion, his mouth covering hers as they shared breath and love...

"Charles?"

Cynthia's hand found him under the covers and he instantly awoke, the vestiges of the dream evinced in the hardness of his cock. He was disoriented for a moment but seeing her face brought the edges of reality back into focus. "Hm?"

"You must have been having some kind of dream. You're hard as a rock." She purred, giving him a stroke.

Charlie closed his eyes and smiled, remembering Tamiko's look of rapture as they came together. Half-asleep, he moved so that he was spooning her, rubbing his prick in the soft crack of her ass. Her body stiffened like plank of oak as he pressed in, stroking against her unwelcoming hole again and again.

"Charles! What are you doing?"

Her hips were so tiny that he could almost span her waist with his hands. He gripped them tightly, riding her ass crack, flexing his hips so that every inch of him was making contact with her skin, pre-cum lubing the way. A low moan broke from his lips and he closed his eyes, letting the sensations rule him. Tamiko had been so responsive to him, so passionate... 

"Charles, stop!" It had been just a dream. His hard-on began to soften and he released her, sleepily watching her leave the warm bed and yank her robe on, her face red with anger. "What the fuck were you doing?"

"Making love to you."

"Trying to fuck my ass is not making love, Charles."

"Why not?" Charlie stood up, glaring at her. "Why can't we be spontaneous?"

"Spontaneous? I don't have time for that!"

"How can you not have time? When you're in love, you want to find as many ways as possible to please your lover, don't you?"

Cynthia shrugged, her cheeks still flaming. "Not with your dick in my ass."

"You wouldn't try it to please me?"

"Are you crazy? Do I look like a fag?"

"Cynthia, having anal sex doesn't make you a fag." He pulled his own robe on. "I want to try some different positions, not just the missionary that we do all the time. Jesus, Cynthia! I'm going to marry you! Why can't we have some fun together?"

Her big, blue eyes filled with tears. "I thought we were having fun together but obviously, I'm not enough for you!" She slammed the bathroom door shut and her loud sobs floated through the wood door. She wasn't truly hurt, he knew. It was a game that she played to manipulate him and he was upset to realize that most of the time, he allowed her to do so.

The pressures of the situation and the upcoming nuptials were finally getting to him and Charlie felt like he was in the center of a tug-of-war, pulled between his heart and his cock. As he sat there, his insides swirling with confusion, a bright ray of sunshine broke through the clouds. Tamiko. He thought of the fun they'd had last night: the easy conversation that they'd shared and the sound of her laughter... until he'd acted like an asshole. 

Ignoring his fiancée's wretched sobs, he dressed quickly and left the apartment, hoping that Tamiko would forgive him.

* * * * *

Tamiko hefted her sack of groceries as she rounded the corner, her brow furrowed in thought. She knew that she shouldn't care so much, but she couldn't help it. This one had gotten to her. Maybe it was his smile or the way he really listened to her when they talked, she didn't know but as much as she tried to deny it, she was in pain. She had felt the attraction and had wanted to tell him the truth but his reaction had crippled her. His words had cut her to the bone and she had cried for the first time in a long time.

Just then, one of the sacks ripped open and cans of tomato paste and sliced mushrooms bounced onto the pavement, rolling around her feet. Tears suddenly came unbidden again and she cursed. "Dammit!"

"Let me help you with that." Charlie bent quickly, retrieving the cans and taking the other bag from her arms. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, no thanks to you."

"Listen, I'm sorry about last night, Tamiko. You didn't deserve that."

"I could have lied to you." She said softly, wiping her tears away.

"I know." He touched her shoulder lightly. "Can we go inside? I think we could both use a drink."

For once, Tamiko agreed and fumbling with her keys, she unlocked the door and let him in.



Remember The Nights Ch. 06



Tamiko made lasagna for dinner. While it was cooking, she told him the long, sordid story of her life. She had been born in a small town in northern California and was immediately given up for adoption. The Asian culture looked upon her as an ill omen and her parents opted to part with her rather than seek some kind of treatment or an operation that would make her whole. So she had become the ward of St. Stephens Orphanage, living her life there until she left at the age of fifteen, tired of being beaten down by the nuns who saw her as an abomination.

"You were on your own at fifteen? How did you survive?"

Tamiko refilled her glass of wine, taking her time before answering. "I got into porn. Still pictures mostly. My one attempt at making a movie went horribly wrong. I couldn't get it up." She laughed, taking a fortifying sip. "I went back to school and got my GED, then took the money I saved and came here. I bought this place and got the job at Armani's and well, here I am."

"Have you ever thought about going to college?"

"Once or twice." She smiled. "But I never seem to get around to it." She leaned across the table and filled his glass. "And what about you?"

"What about me? My life's boring. I'm an attorney who does what he's told." The controlled fury in his voice caught her attention. "What more is there to know?"

"A lot." Tamiko laid a hand on his forearm, rubbing the bare skin and enjoying its warmth under her fingertips. "You're a deeper man than that, Charlie. You just haven't been allowed to let that depth show."

He swallowed several times, the lump in his throat and the burning tears in his eyes preventing him from speaking right away. Her eyes were so dark and filled with concern; he wanted to fall right into them and stay there. And her mouth; her soft mouth was calling him, beckoning to him ... he leaned forward, his eyes focused on her pink lips and a thrill coursed through him as he saw her eye flutter closed.

The oven timer's beeping interrupted them and a flushed Tamiko jumped up to turn it off, sliding the heavy pan out then turning to smile at him. "Time to eat."

The lasagna was perfect. Charlie ate slowly, enjoying the mix of ricotta, asiago, mozzarella, provolone and parmesan cheeses that mingled with basil, tomatoes and premium ground beef. A green salad with spinach and Italian dressing completed the dinner and ice-cold Pinot Grigio provided a crispy finish. Once dinner was over, he excused himself to use the restroom and was intrigued by the feminine beauty of her bedroom.

"I've always been a girlie girl." Her voice came from behind him and he turned, ready to apologize until he saw her smile. She handed him his glass of wine and swept past him into the room. It was obvious that Tamiko had a love of flowers. Her comforter was fluffy and snow-white but the pillow cases and sheets were festooned with tiny sprigs of wildflowers. A Mikasa vase in the corner held a bundle of tulips and dried lavender bunches rested in a gold box, releasing their sweet aroma into the room. "Do you like flowers?"

"I never gave it much thought." Charlie sat down on the bed, watching her walk around the room. "My grandmother used to have a huge lilac bush outside her bedroom window and I used to pick her a big bunch every time I came to visit. So if I was to pick a favorite flower, I'd have to say it'd be lilacs."

"I love lilacs, too. They not only smell good but have you ever really looked at them?" Tamiko lay down on her side of the bed, the look in her eyes wistful. "The color is just astonishing, have you ever noticed? It can be start at a dark purple, like amethyst, then go to the most delicate color of light purple and it's so beautiful. Those are colors that only God could create ... "

"Like you." Charlie set his glass down, lying next to her and gazing into her eyes. "I have to be honest with you, Tamiko." He took a deep breath. "I think you're perfect just the way you are."

Her eyes glistened with tears. "But you didn't say that last night."

"No, I didn't, and I'm very ashamed of myself." He touched her cheek, letting his fingertips trace the contour of her jaw. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes."

"May I see it?"

Her heart jumped in her chest, reading the sincerity in his eyes. "Yes." She set her glass down and shyly pushed her jeans down. Her slim hips emerged from the thick denim, a magenta thong perched on the slight bones. His eyes were drawn to the soft symmetry of her hips but even more to the small bulge at the vee of her legs. Tamiko swallowed her fear and lay down next to him again. "Would you like to remove my thong?"

Charlie looked down and his heart beat raced a thousand fold. She was here, here and so close ... his shaking hands moved toward her, his fingers looping over the thin straps and sliding them downward. The base of her abdomen appeared first, smooth and hairless, then light, downy hairs covered the landscape, darkening into a silky trail whose delta flowed around a small, sleeping penis.

Without knowing why, he reached out, letting his fingers touch the same extra-sensitive flesh that he possessed and marveling at the resiliency. Muscle filled with blood and strengthened beneath his fingertips. Spongy skin stretched and grew taut and her small balls puffed a bit, the skin smoothing invisibly. He raised his eyes to her face and saw that her eyes were closed and a spurt of adrenalin tightened his chest. Sure, she was enjoying his touch but there was a greater gift presented here. She was giving him her absolute trust. 

"Tamiko." He kissed her, not caring that his hand was wrapping around a cock that was not his own and pressed his tongue against the seam of her lips, easing it open. Her hummed moan traveled through him like lightning, her hands gripping his shoulders and his hand manipulated her with the gentleness that he would afford a woman. He was surprised when she enclosed his hand with her own, squeezing her cock with a surety. As her hand fell away, he took up the slack, increasing his grip and raising the bar on the pace.

Tamiko vibrated in his embrace, her being encompassed in the palm of his hand. He seemed to understand her wordless instruction and his strokes showed that he was more than willing to handle her, to take her needs in hand and quell her hunger. Her breaths shortened in her throat, her eyes opening and connecting with his. "Yes, baby." His words flooded her senses as his teeth nipped at her neck. "Cum for me."

Her head fell back, her mouth open in anticipation and her body arched, stiffening as her release overcame her. Charlie held her body close as he watched her small but thick penis pulse in his fist, jets of semen spurting into the air and landing on her stomach. Four more squirts and she was spent, her eyes closed and her hands glued to his arms. Such a feeling of love came over him that he couldn't move. His breaths matched hers, his hand gently stroking as she came down.

Her eyes flew open as he released her and arose, disappearing into the bathroom and coming back with a warm, wet washcloth. He carefully washed her penis, stomach and thighs, pulling the thong back up into place and tenderly touching his lips to her temple. "I have to go." She nodded to his whisper, suddenly feeling underdressed. 

Charlie caught her hand as she sought the cover of the comforter. "No, Tamiko. Please." He stroked her hands. "I've never seen anything as beautiful." His eyes searched hers, a deeper meaning passing between them as he slowly stood, pulling the covers aside so that she could nestle within them. "I'm going to be busy all week with a new client. Dinner Saturday?"

"Yes."

"Good." He kissed the tip of her nose, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her eyes. "And Tam?"

"Yes, Charlie?"

"Thank you for listening."

Tamiko's smile let him know that she understood and their embrace lasted several minutes. Then he was gone with only the slight hint of Michael Jordan cologne in the air to indicate his presence and she fell into the deepest sleep she'd had in a long time, her dreams filled with him. 



Remember The Nights Ch. 07



Four weeks until the wedding and Cynthia would speak to him. Charlie wasn't surprised. She hadn't taken his disappearance well and he was damned if he was going to tell her that he'd spent it with another woman. The entire week after, he was electric with joy. He poured his heart into his case and was rewarded with a hard-won conviction. At the congratulatory dinner, he sat by Cynthia's side but was thinking about Tamiko the entire time. Cynthia was pretty as a china doll and as warm as one; Tamiko was articulate and would have set his colleagues on their ears.

Finally, Saturday came and Charlie made his excuses to Cynthia, claiming to have to work. He went to the office and did five hours of pro bono work, then dressed for his date. He decided to surprise her. He didn't want the usual dinner, then night club date this time. He wanted something more intimate. At three o'clock, he arrived at Armani's and found her in the middle of servicing a client. Her lovely features lit up when she saw him and waved him over to the chair to wait. He picked up a magazine and pretended to read it as he watched her measure the gentleman, then assist him with trying on several suits.

The gentleman settled on five suits and she scheduled a date for the tailor to bring the suits out to his house for a personal visit. As soon as he left, Charlie grabbed her, swinging her around and kissing her soundly. "Ready to go?"

"It's only three o'clock, Charlie. You're early!"

"Yes. And?"

Tamiko grinned, grabbing her keys and locking the register. "What the hell?"

The afternoon started with drinks and appetizers at a local watering hole, then a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Holding hands and giggling at times, they spent long hours gazing at the paintings and sculptures before departing and attending a pre-arranged picnic in Central Park, complete with a portable fireplace and candles. Again, the conversation was cerebral and he never laughed so much in his life. As darkness crawled across the horizon, he found himself at her apartment, lying behind her as they watched a movie.

The press of her ass against his crotch was too much to bear and he found himself slightly moving, rubbing his hard cock against her ass. He caught himself too late; her body stiffened like Cynthia's and he released her shoulders, starting to sit up.

"Where are you going?"

"Uh, I think it's time I left."

"Nonsense." Her hand reached back, smoothing his body from hip to thigh. "Things were just getting interesting. Don't stop."

Charlie slumped back down, his cock hardening even more at her words. She wanted it! His hands moved over her hips, pulling her dress up and releasing a shuddering breath when he saw her lacy thong. Her ass cheeks were shaped like twin teardrops, a dusting of black hair on the small of her back. His hands moved over the soft flesh, squeezing gently and she arched back against him, her arms looping around his head and pulling him down for a deep kiss. His hips replaced his hands and he ground into her again, groaning his pleasure into her mouth. He slid his arm under her neck, supporting her while she undid the halter top of the dress, pushing it down and uncovering her beautiful breasts.

"Oh, yes." Tamiko whispered when his large palm covered one of her breasts, pinching her thick nipple and drawing another hiss of pleasure. He pulled on the rosy bead, rolling it between his fingers until she cried out, his mouth swooping down to capture hers again. His hand crept down and he freed himself, rubbing the head against her skin. She whimpered, pushing back into him, her body begging to be breached.

"Tam."

She quickly stood up, dropping the dress and thong to the floor and bent over the couch, her cock swinging free. Charlie arose, pushing his pants down to the floor and moving to stand behind her, slapping his cock against her ass. "Please, Charlie. I want you inside me. Quit teasing me." Pre-cum splattered onto her cheeks and she writhed excitedly as he moved closer, holding his prick upright to glide in her crack. She responded with a deep shudder, moving with him and spreading her ass cheeks as far as she could. 

As the stiff length of his pole caressed her pucker, Charlie paused in each stroke to allow the fat head to drift over the super-sensitive skin, his pre-cum lubing her tiny hole. He pressed his thumb in, breaching her and she moaned as he changed position a bit, his cock riding under her balls. She reached down with one hand and grasped both of their rods, rubbing them together, her copious juice covering them both. "Oh, Tam." The whisper caught in her throat at her touch and he pulled out of her grasp, lining his prick up with her hole.

The first stroke was slow, agonizingly slow. He let the head slip in first and waited for her to relax before pressing in the rest of the way. Fully seated against her, he wrapped her arms around her, grabbing her breasts and rubbing the nipples into hardness. Charlie began to move then, moaning at the way she responded to him and increased his speed, fucking her harder and faster. Just as he was about to cum, he reached down and stroked her prick in concert.

Tamiko screamed. She couldn't help it. Her cock erupted into her hand as her lover's seed spurted into her bowels and the sensations overwhelmed her, making her body vibrate. His warm arms lifted her and he laid them down on the couch, cuddling her still-trembling body against him. 

"Oh, Charlie ... " She gasped, caught in the throes of a delicious aftermath. "That was ... "

"Sshh." He held her close, pressing kisses to her ear. "You don't need to say anything."

Tamiko closed her eyes, shivering in his embrace and fell asleep with a smile on her face.



Remember The Nights Ch. 08



"Charles Andrew Weatherly! Where were you all night?"

Cynthia. Not exactly what he wanted to hear first thing in the morning. "Good morning, Cynthia." Charlie stretched in his bed, unable to keep the silly smile from his face. Last night had been an eye-opener. Never in his life would he have thought that sex with a shemale could be so exciting. Once he'd gotten past the issue of Tamiko having a penis, the rest was icing. It wasn't about her body parts, but about the feeling between them. He'd only known her for two weeks but he was convinced: he loved her.

"Answer my question."

"I was at the office. I decided to bunk there since I had a shit load of work to do."

"You were at the office all night?" Her accusatory tone made him angry.

"Yes, all night. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really don't have time to talk. I have to meet Barry and Ed in 30 minutes to go over the Munson case."

"Can I come along?"

"If you want but you'd better bring something to read. We'll be working all day."

She huffed with such force that Charlie imagined that he could feel it on his end of the line. "Well, all right. I guess I'll stay at home." She pouted. "Dinner later?"

"Absolutely. I'll meet you at Giordiano's at seven, okay."

"Okay, Charles."

Charlie met up with his two colleagues and they worked the finer details of the Munson case for nearly five hours before Ed's frantic wife called with news that their youngest son had fallen off the bed and was having convulsions. He left to meet them at the hospital and the two men decided to call it a day, finding a local pub and ordering a few drinks.

"So, you getting cold feet yet?"

Charlie stared at his friend, glaring at him suspiciously. "Are you reading my mind?"

Barry grinned, slapping him on the back. "Hey, it's normal. I got them before I married Jessica."

"How'd you get over it?"

"Fucked the hell out of a black chick name Sugar Lips."

"Sugar Lips?"

Barry shrugged with a smirk. "Prostitutes always have fucked up names."

Yeah." Charlie finished his drink and gestured to the bartender for another as Barry sized him up with a wise eye.

"You dog!" Barry's outburst was so loud that Charlie looked around to make sure that no one else was listening. "You've found someone else, haven't you?"

"Barry … "

"Tell me about her."

"Barry … "

"Tell me! Tell me or I'll call Cynthia right now."

"Okay, okay!" Charlie hesitated as the bartender delivered their second round of drinks, a huge smile breaking out on his face. "She's absolutely wonderful."

"Have you fucked her yet?"

"She's Asian and she has the most beautiful brown eyes. They're so dark that they're almost black."

"Have you fucked her yet?"

"And her body …nice, soft breasts and an ass to die for … "

"Have you fucked her yet!?!?"

"It's not just about fucking, Barry."

"Of course it is!" The elder attorney laughed, taking a drink. "It's all about pussy and how much you can get." Charlie glared at Barry, the man's words making him feel ill. Just days ago, he would have been laughing boisterously at those words but now, all he felt was a deep, abiding sickness. "So, is she a good fuck? Does she compare to Cynthia?"

Charlie downed the remainder of his drink and gathered his briefcase, tossing a twenty on the counter. "I'll see you later, Barry. I don't want to be late for dinner." He clapped his colleague on the back to dismiss any feelings of unease. "You know how Cynthia is."

"Yes, I do." Barry winked, still sipping his drink. "All right. See you tomorrow."

It was five-fifteen. There was just time enough to make it to Armani's to see Tamiko. Her brilliant eyes lit up when she saw him and she locked the door, leading him back into the storage area and locking lips with him.

"I hoped that you would be here."

"I was hoping that you'd come to see me!" She answered, pressing feverish kisses across his face as his hands worked to rid her of the dress she was wearing.

Charlie's entire body and soul soared in her arms. His lips surrounded first one nipple, then the other, using his tongue and teeth to make her shout in joy. His hand stroked her rod, bringing her to the same hardness he felt himself and dropped to his knees, pushing her against the wall as he parted her cheeks. Her breathy groan told him that she was appreciative of his tongue's action and he kept up the activity, tickling the sensitive skin with the tip of his tongue, then thrusting it inward. Her entire body shuddered with each thrust.

"Now, Charlie. Please!"

He stood and pushed into her, his groan mingling with her own. He rode her hard and fast, the echoes of bodies slapping and moans filling his ears while her tongue filled his mouth. Then suddenly, he was coming, harder than ever and he clasped her own vibrating body to his own, aware of her own release by the way her anal muscles squeezed the last drops from his throbbing cock.

Tamiko swayed as he turned her, his mouth raining kisses all over her face and his strong arms encircling her as she trembled. "I hate to do this to you but I have to go."

"Wham, bam, thank you ma'am?" She laughed, holding her arms up as he tugged her dress back on.

"I guess." He touched her cheek softly. "I can see you later, though. Will that be all right?"

"Yes, Charlie." 

He held her close, his mind racing as he thought of his approaching dinner with Cynthia. He wished he could be looking across the candles at Tamiko's face.

"Then I'll see you later." 



Remember The Nights Ch. 09



A week passed, then another and Charlie fell into a workable rhythm, sharing his time equally with Cynthia and Tamiko while handling cases and fielding wedding questions. Sex with Cynthia was perfunctory. She picked up the wedding dress, then came over, drunk on champagne and declared his performance as 'sheer perfection', before she passed out. Charlie used every opportunity since then to get her loaded and leave her unconscious in his apartment while he went to visit Tamiko.

His visits with Tamiko had a clearly different slant. She welcomed him with open arms and an open mind, willing to love or listen to him at turns. He was surprised at himself; surprised to find that sex wasn't always on his mind when he paid his nightly visit. Being able to express himself, to release the tension that had built up all day was so beneficial that he often found himself giggling with his head in her lap. Her conversation swept through him like a forest fire, burning away the dead wood and scraping old scars away so that new growth could burst through.

And when they had sex, it wasn't just fucking any more. He felt the subtle change and knew that she did as well, though they were both reluctant to give voice to it. Doggie style gave way to missionary and he learned to take great pride in her ejaculations, often brought about without any touch or tactile stimulation. He loved to take her this way, looking down in her eyes and seeing the love he knew she felt as she came, taking him along with her.

Their nights became more than mere trysts and he found himself craving her company, aching for the melody of her laugh and the thrill of her touch. But weeks added together too quickly and soon, it was five days before his wedding to Cynthia and Charlie lay in Tamiko's arms, his brain racing. She had noticed his distraction but said nothing, her heart already knowing the truth.

"You're going to marry her, aren't you?"

"I have to, Tam. Everything's all arranged."

"It can be un-arranged. You know that, Charlie." She smoothed the hair back from his face. "I know you don't want to marry her."

"It can't be helped, Tam." A tinge of sadness colored his voice. "I told you before; I'm an attorney who does what he's told."

"And I told you that you had more depth than that." Tamiko felt her heart growing cold with each passing moment and she knew, deep down, that she'd have to let him go. This beautiful relationship, a relationship that should have turned into her wedding, would have to fade away to nothing and she would have to take her heart back. "Why, Charlie? Why?"

Charlie turned to her, his eyes brimming over with tears. "It just can't be, Tamiko. I'm not allowed to be happy. I've been convinced of that for some time now. Meeting you has just been punishment ... "

"Punishment?"

He nodded, looking away from her piercing gaze. "Punishment. Giving me an indescribably beautiful woman to fall in love with and then taking her away."

"Why does it have to be punishment?"

Charlie couldn't speak. The pain of their impending separation was just too strong and he couldn't handle it. "Tamiko, I love you, but I can't have you." He arose from their warm bed and dressed, his face wet with tears. "I'm sorry, Tam. If I could, I would call the wedding off and I would marry you."

"It's not too late." Tamiko jumped up, throwing herself into his arms. She kept her arms tightly looped around his neck while his hands traveled the length of her body, gently caressing her breasts, floating over her nipples and teasing her flaccid penis. "It's not too late to be happy."

"It is for me." He whispered, peeling her off of him and grabbing his briefcase. "Be happy, Tam."

Tamiko pulled her robe on, suddenly aware of her nakedness. "Goodbye, Charlie."

* * * * *

The street was dark and cold but Charlie didn't feel it. He was numb. He hailed a taxi from the curb and rattled off his address without thinking ... and without seeing the sleek, white X-19 Jaguar that was idling just a few yards away.

Cynthia Winslow released the smoke from her cigarette in a slow breath, the calm control she showed belying the fact that she was absolutely livid with anger. Her driver, Simon, an ex-boxer sat in the front seat, his eyes following Charlie's flight from the apartment's doorstep to the taxi. 

When the vehicle left the curb, the cool blonde spoke, "Make sure she understands, Simon."

The black man nodded and left the car, heading to the door and pressing a number of buttons until someone buzzed him in. Two sets of stairs and a sharp rap on number 23 and the woman, Tamiko Nagasura was in front of him. 

Simon spoke no words but his fists conveyed Cynthia's message. Every punch and kick warned the slight Asian woman not to mess with her fiancé and when he left, turning his back on her bruised and bloodied body, he was sure that she got the message. And he was sure that Cynthia was pleased. 



Remember The Nights Ch. 10



Time stood still as Charlie Weatherly picked up the bouquet of lilacs, his fingers touching the tender blossoms and the delicate fragrance filling his nostrils. Only she would have known that lilacs were his favorites. Only she would have known the effect the flowers would have on him. Tamiko was asking him to make a choice.

"Charlie, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." He replied to James, gently handling the bundle and setting it back on the pillow. "Let's go."

He left the small changing room with his best man at his elbow and they strode the length of the church, shaking the minister's hand as they took their positions in front of the altar. Both sides were packed with relatives and friends of the bride and groom and Cynthia's father had footed the bill for the entire ceremony, spending $25,000 alone on the rare orchids that had been flown in from the Amazon and now graced the aisle caps.

Charlie took a deep breath and knitted his fingers together. In a few short hours, this would all be over. He would have a bride that could make him an extremely wealthy man and he could ardently work on forgetting Tamiko. Except that he knew that it was a lie. He wouldn't be able to forget Tamiko. Not for as long as he lived. He took another deep breath and swallowed, forcing his tears away. He had to be strong.

The ceremony began and the obligatory wedding party came down the aisle: bridesmaids and grooms, ring bearers and parents were escorted in and seated comfortably. Charlie took Cynthia's arm and they stepped up to the minister, waiting for his words. 

"Dearly beloved ... " Charlie didn't hear any of the words. A high-pitched buzzing filled his ears and he couldn't care less. He was making a mistake; a huge mistake and he felt paralyzed, caged inside his body. He wanted to scream, to cry out ... HELP ME! "If anyone can show just cause of why these two people should not be joined in holy matrimony, please speak now or forever hold your peace."

The thick silence was broken by a hoarse whisper. "I object, sir."

Charlie whirled at the same time that his bride-to-be did and both stared at the Asian woman that stood in the center of the aisle. At Cynthia's nod, Simon moved to handle her but two thickly-muscled gentlemen in dark suits blocked his path, their eyes flinty and unforgiving. The ex-boxer reluctantly returned to his seat, his eyes squarely focused on the men and his pride and reputation lying in tatters.

"Tamiko?" Charlie gasped at the elliptical bruises that covered her beautiful features and the cast that was on her left hand. "What happened?"

"Your fiancée had me roughed up. She was upset that you were seeing me."

Cynthia smiled her perfect blue-blood smile at the audience, shaking her head. "I did no such thing, Charles."

Charlie wanted to believe her but the tightness in her smile told him differently. She had gone as far as to hurt Tamiko when he'd already hurt her more than anyone else had. "I don't believe you." A collective gasp arose from the wedding entourage and whispers arose. "Tam has been nothing but a lady. She did nothing to hurt you."

"She was fucking you!" Cynthia screeched, forgetting her manners. "Didn't you think it would hurt me to know that you were plowing someone else's pussy?"

More gasps arose and Charlie caught Tamiko's eyes, his heart melting as it always did under her gentle gaze. "Remember the nights, Charlie." She pleaded as she wiped falling tears away. "Remember the nights that we shared."

Pregnant silence filled the air and he felt his heart pounding in her chest, memories of their evenings together flooding his mind. Remember the nights. He remembered easy conversation and heart-stopping lovemaking. He remembered holding her small hand at the Art Museum and loving the feel of her tiny body in his arms. He remembered the way her body responded to him and the sensuous darkness in her eyes just before she came. She gave him a subtle nod.

"I wasn't plowing her pussy, Cyn, because she doesn't have one." Mrs. Winslow fainted with a theatrical wail and Cynthia threw her arms around James. "Tamiko is a she male, a female with male genitalia and ..." He met her eyes again. "I love her."

Tamiko smiled at his words, grimacing at the pain. "I love you, too, Charlie."

Cynthia walked over to him, her manipulation skills in full effect as she laid on the charm. "Charles, we can work this out. Daddy can pay her off and we can forget that this had ever happened." She batted her big eyes. "And if it's ass you want, I'll let you fuck mine."

Charlie stared down at the woman whom he thought he would marry and shook his head, realizing that there were things about her that he hadn't seen, things that he couldn't live with, things that he didn't want to live with. He removed his $3,000 boutonnière and placed it in Cynthia's palm. "I can't marry you, Cynthia." More gasps of outrage rent the still air, her father the most verbal of the group. "And my name is Charlie."

He was free. He walked down the steps and headed towards Tamiko, gathering her into his arms when he reached her. She sobbed freely, burying her face in the side of his neck. "Charlie ... "

"I hope you'll forgive me for being so stupid."

Tamiko laughed as he used his thumbs to wipe her tears away. "I forgave you for wearing that suit."

Charlie pulled back, staring at her. "You didn't like my linen suit?"

She nodded. "Not at all. Makes you look like a fag." They both exchanged smiles, then he bent to kiss her softly. "If you come by the shop, I can help you with that."

"I'm going to need your help in more areas than that, Tam."

She seemed to understand what he was saying and sighed in the comfort of his embrace. "Let's go home, Charlie. Let's just go home."



Remember The Nights Ch. 11



Ten months later

Twelve pairs of eyes intently followed his movements as the Public Defender hefted Exhibit #24, a flat-bladed Bowie knife, its serrated edge sharp enough to slice through a sheet of paper. His fingers lifted it with reverence, his eyes focused on its shiny, silver shape.

"The Prosecution wants you to believe that Dennis Kennedy used this knife to kill his wife. Dennis Kennedy couldn't have killed his wife because of the accident he'd had as a child." The jurors openly stared at the defendant's arms, scarred and twisted by a fire, his hands melted into claws. "Dennis Kennedy and his wife were separated and were not getting along, true, but Dennis didn't want a divorce. Why?" He looked down at the blade, then back to each one of the men and women in the box. "Sheila Kennedy was pregnant with his child."

The mention of the unborn and now dead child wrenched a cry of despair from Kennedy who tried to cover his face with his ruined hands. "More than anything in the world, Dennis Kennedy wanted to be a father. He wanted to give this child the chance at life that he had missed out on. He wanted to watch Little League games or dance recitals: he didn't care which, he just wanted the opportunity to be a father."

Soft sobs interrupted the silence and he set the knife down in full view of the jurors. "This knife took that opportunity away." He turned his back on the jury box, his eyes scanning the crowded court room before turning back to the judge and jury. "Ralph Gillespie wanted his ex-wife back and when she spurned him, he used this knife to end her life. Then he went over to the Kennedy residence, gave Dennis a dose of GHB and the next morning, Dennis Kennedy awoke covered in blood and under arrest for her murder."

He picked up the knife and returned it to the Evidence Table. "Ladies and gentleman, Dennis Kennedy has already lost his future. He lost the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with ... " His voice cracked and softened. "And he lost his child. He should not be forced to lose his life." Few eyes were dry as he allowed the words to sink in. "Thank you."

Charlie Weatherly sat down at the table, rubbing his temples as he fought his own tears away. Defendant Dennis Kennedy reached over and they held hands for a few minutes while the attorney composed himself. Deputies escorted Kennedy into the custody chamber and the judge issued instructions to the jury, sending them to deliberate. Charlie went out into the hallway and dialed a phone number, an anxious smile on his face.

* * * * *

The Armani's West grand opening was a hit. Serena and Venus Williams, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Lindsay Lohan and Usher had arrived early to join in the festivities and promised to return for the party at Jay-Z's club 40/40. Many more of New York City's movers and shakers arrived throughout the day and Tamiko welcomed them all with the grace and elegance of the woman that she was. Her new hires, Angela and Prentiss, were expert in handling fittings and as a result of their hard work, nearly all of the merchandise was sold and the orders they had would last for months.

"Tamiko? Telephone."

The Asian beauty excused herself and took the phone from Angela's hand. "Hello?"

"Hi, baby."

"Hi, Charlie. I wish you were here."

He laughed on the other end. "I wish I was, too. I'm sitting here staring at four boring walls while we wait for the verdict."

"How did your summation go?"

"It went fine."

Tamiko couldn't help smiling. "You cried, didn't you?"

His shaky laugh confirmed her suspicion. "You know me too well, Tam."

"That's why I love you so much." She heard voices in the background. "Hold on a second, honey." Tamiko held the receiver to her ear, watching the people continue to enter the store and mill around. "Tam? They're back with the verdict."

"Wow, that was fast."

"Yeah, it was. Twenty-three minutes by my watch. I'll call you in a few."

"Okay. Good luck."

"If I haven't said it today, Tam, I love you."

She blinked tears away. "I love you, too."

Prentiss dramatically fanned his face, obviously overwhelmed. "Tamiko, we have no more clothes left. What are we going to do?"

Tamiko grinned. "Time to raid the other store."

* * * * *

Not guilty. The moment the verdict was read was one of the best of Charlie's life. Dennis Kennedy collapsed in tears and after being discharged, many of the jurors had sought them out, offering words of support and tearful hugs. Charlie spent an appropriate amount of time in celebration but his mind was on Tamiko and the promise he had made to her. A vacation in Fiji if he won the case. He called her to let her know that he was going to go have a few celebratory drinks with the staff and that he would be home in an hour.

Seventy-five minutes later, he arrived at his apartment and found a sea of creamy candles lighting every nook and cranny of the space. Tamiko came striding over, her delicious body covered in a short silk robe. "Congratulations, honey." She handed him a cold martini and kissed him, pressing her body against him. "Are you tired?"

"Not at all." He bent down to kiss the exposed tops of her breasts, dropping his briefcase next to the couch. "Not one tiny bit."

"Shall we go upstairs then?"

She led him up the stairs and undressed him in the spacious bedroom, hanging his suit up next to Professor Harding's jacket and sliding her robe off her shoulders. The moment his lips touched hers, she almost swooned. Even after a year of being together, she never tired of the passion in his touch and her cock twitched. He pushed her onto her back and started pressing open-lipped kisses against her neck and over her collarbones before reaching her nipples. She moaned loudly as he sucked them into hard buds, then ran his teeth along the ridges.

Charlie traveled farther down her luscious body, dropping light kisses along the rim of her stomach and stopping just short of her six-inch cock. "You don't have to, Charlie." He made a decision. He'd bypassed her prick so many times and he knew that it was something he was going to have to get used to if he was truly going to commit his love to her. He spent a few seconds examining her pole, then licked the head. Tamiko cried out as if she was coming apart, her body arching.

"God, Charlie." This time, his mouth closed over the head and he let his tongue swirl around it before deep-throating her thin rod. Tamiko thought she was seeing stars. Her body tingled and shivered uncontrollably, her emotions and responses wrapped around his tongue. Each stroke took her breath away, propelling her closer and closer until she was teetering on the edge. "Charlie!" The first spurt caught him off-guard and he nearly recoiled until he looked up and saw a vision of absolute bliss. Her head was thrown back, her body arched with breasts quivering and it was because of him. He welcomed the next few bursts, learning to like the salty-sweet taste of her cum and now secretly wondering what his own tasted like.

Tamiko pulled him up for a kiss, spreading her legs and using her hand to guide him into her ass. He slid in, savoring the warmth of her body and loving the fact that she was his, that he could make love to her any time he wanted. Looking down in her eyes and moving inside her, he felt her love around him and reached down to stroke her awakening cock. She came first, her release smaller this time but Charlie exploded, holding her tightly against him as he squirted inside her, sharing himself with her.

They snuggled together and Charlie sighed deeply. Never would he have imagined that his life could be so perfect and it was all because he had taken a chance, he had opened his mind and had found someone worth taking that risk for. He pressed a kiss to her ear, smiling at the shiver that traveled through her. If tonight was indicative of the rest of their lives together, rest assured he would never forget to remember the nights.