His Stand In Page 8

  “You just don’t understand the ghetto-fabulous mentality. I’ll be just fine. I’m just preparing myself for a bunch of foolery.”

  No, he didn’t understand in the least and would leave her to it. He trusted her judgment. “Okay. I’ll see you tonight. I need to finish this up. After New York then no more traveling for a while unless it’s the both of us.”

  “Promise.”

  He felt her smile through the phone.

  “Yes.”

  Christian ended the call and dove back into his work. He’d finish if it took him all night.

  *****

  Egypt pulled up to the valet parking of Lenox Mall. At Christian’s insistence she’d taken to driving the Range Rover. Her Honda found itself in a permanent parking spot in their five car garage. Blowing out a breath, she stepped out the car and handed the smiling man in a red vest her keys. Going shopping ranked just as high as going to the dentist in her book.

  She crossed the small stone path and pushed against the door.

  Tasha stood on the other side of the entrance with a frown on her face. “Why are you wearing flats?” She glanced down.

  Egypt looked from her shoes to Tasha’s four-inch Red Bottoms and shrugged. “Because I want to be comfortable while you drag me from store to store. It’s not like they’re tennis shoes. Plus I’m not the Fashion Queen, that’s you.”

  Her frown faded a little. “I guess. But this trip is for you not me.”

  “No it’s because you have been driving me crazy since you found out I married a white man.” Egypt gave her cousin a half hug.

  “True. So what’s life like on the other side? Are you just standing in because some white woman dumped him?”

  Though she’d expected an interrogation of sorts she didn’t plan on this. Egypt sighed as Tasha continued.

  “Girl what scam are you running? You know you had just left my house without a pot to piss in now you’re all on TMZ with some white man. I have to admit he is fine though, but what’s up on the real?”

  They headed away from the entrance. Labels didn’t call out to her as they did her cousin. If an item looked nice, she didn’t care who made it. Unfortunately, being married to a producer and now a billionaire hotel owner she was constantly in the limelight. Heaven forbid the paparazzi got a shot of her in a pair of sweats. Even the flats she had on were Michael Kors.

  It took money to make money, and Egypt came to realize potential clients were more receptive when she donned designer tags. Atlanta considered itself one of the fashion capitals, and she needed to fall in line, especially within the black community. Her clothing was a sign of her own financial status as well as her husband’s.

  “My husband has a name and it’s Christian. Yes, to those on the outside looking in everything may have been rushed but have no doubt I’m not standing in for anyone.” The comment got to her more than she expected. That’s exactly what she was…a stand in. Christian’s plan for her was to stop the other women from trying to get at him. But, now it had all changed—right? She pushed the illicit thoughts to the background. He told her he loved her and that’s all that mattered.

  “Is this event formal or little black dress?” Tasha switched gears as they entered Belk.

  “I’m thinking little black dress. The hotel crowd is a fun bunch.” At least all the ones in the corporate office. Some of the others were a bit stuffy. She had the displeasure of sitting through long meetings with them on a monthly basis.

  They weren’t in the store a full minute before Egypt’s mind started processing the price tags. Christian made and provided her a substantial income, but there was a time when she flat out didn’t have it. One outfit in there could pay for a few months of her staying in the Extended Stay.

  Tasha held up a black dress with the price tag of seven hundred and fifty dollars.

  Car note plus insurance. Egypt shook her head.

  She shoved the dress back on the rack. “Do you even want to go to this thing? This man is rich! Quit acting like you’re broke.”

  “Of course I do.”

  “Then act like it and help me look for your dress!”

  They left the store. Her long legs out matched Egypt’s as they made their way to the next location. She winced as they stepped inside another high end retailer.

  “Tasha!” a male sales associate called out. His eyebrows were arched to perfection, and he walked better than Egypt in the heels he wore. “Girl, where have you been?”

  They hugged and blew each other fake kisses.

  Egypt wondered when in the world had Tasha ever been able to afford anything in the store. The girl’s money was better spent moving from out the low income home she resided in.

  “Around. Look.” Tasha pointed at her. “This is my cousin, and we need a killer dress for her to wear to an event. She’s married to a rich white guy and money isn’t a problem.”

  Egypt rolled her eyes. What did who she was married to or the fact that she was married at all have to do with anything with getting a dress? Not once had Christian ever made her feel disrespected when it came to other woman. She didn’t need to prove a point to anyone.

  “Honey.” He bobbed his head up and down. Egypt felt like a lab specimen. “I have a white man, and these old crows know better. Money isn’t a factor? Follow me.” He did a twirl and walked off.

  Egypt held back a laugh as she followed along, watching him rip the mock runway. Five dresses later, she found the one—or given up on trying on anymore. It was a simple with a small swoop in the front and an exaggerated V-dip in the back.

  “Are you happy now?” she glanced at her cousin.

  “You plan on buying me one?”

  If she wasn’t looking at her cousin she’d of thought the woman was joking. Tasha’s eyebrow rose and her hand rested on her hip. She was dead serious. “Only because you did open up your house to me.”

  “Then yes I’m happy. One day, you’re going to let me completely have my way instead of getting these onesie twosie outfits for you.”

  “One day.” More like never. She checked the time on her watch. “I need to get to my office.” She dug in the purse for some money. Thankfully she had cash. She pulled it out and prepared to give it to her cousin. “Enjoy the rest of your day…” her words fell off.

  She glanced up and her blood stopped cold. Tasha was no longer alone. Next to her stood the bastard she’d fled Chicago to get away from.

  “What’s up baby?” David licked his lips and his eyes roamed her body as if sizing up his next meal. He smoothed his long dreadlocks back from his dark chocolate face and gave her a look that used to form moisture between her legs. Now, it just reminded her of the man whore he was.

  Egypt felt like an antelope being stalked by a lion. She took a step back, allowing herself room to breathe and putting distance away from him. She shot daggers at Tasha.

  She shrugged. “He called once he saw you on TV. No big deal he feels it’s a scam too. We just want in.”

  “Yeah, I mean things are slow in the music business and I did take care of you and all. I just think you can give me a little something to put me back on top. I have an image to keep up with.”

  Anger filled Egypt. She went from prey to predator in a matter of seconds. “Oh so this is what all the calling was about Tasha? I’m the come up for you?” She whipped her head back in David’s direction. “Screw you. I was there for you and you were too busy screwing every piece of ass trying to make it in the industry. Go to them for help. I’m in love with my husband, something you to idiots wouldn’t know anything about.”

  Egypt tucked her purse under her arm and stormed out. She was miles down I285 before her breathing slowed. How dare they? Was it so hard to believe that she was capable of being loved? She pressed down on the accelerator and sped home. The only place she wanted to be was inside her husband’s arms.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Egypt didn’t have time to ponder on the mess with her cousin or David because her mind n
eeded to be on being a good wife to Christian. One of her duties was to be all smiles on his arm at the grand opening of a new hotel located in a prime location in the Buckhead area.

  She took a deep breath and smoothed down her dress as she walked with Christian into the building. Not only was she the only black wife affiliated with the organization, she was the youngest. Nervousness set in the moment she crossed the threshold. Her stomach fluttered, threatening to twist into a knot.

  The usual supermodel wannabes mingled about. These were the women closer to her age and the very same ones Christian wanted to ward off. The reason she’d become his wife. A lump formed in her throat and threatened to block her airway. She swallowed hard at the reality. Egypt didn’t fit in at all.

  “Are you okay?” Christian asked as he grabbed two cocktails off a tray one of the many servers carried.

  She nodded and took a sip from the glass he handed her. The drink is exactly what she needed to calm her nerves.

  “You’re beauty outshines all the women in this room.” He leaned in, giving her a peck on the lips. “I chose you. Remember that.”

  “I love you.” Her nerves calmed a little and she allowed herself to take in the elegant affair that Christian worked feverishly to put together.

  The décor was reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. Hired entertainers were dressed as flapper girls or dressed in vintage tuxedos with top hats. A black grand piano set next to the stage with a man playing a tune for the singer to belt out a jazz song.

  She smiled as one of the district managers headed in their direction.

  “How’s my favorite girl doing?” He took her hand in his and kissed it. His gray whiskers tickled her skin on contact.

  “I’m good.”

  He gave Christian a pat on the back and a nod. “Keep your wife happy, and you’ll always be happy. Enjoy the evening. I have to make my rounds.”

  She watched him walk away before asking Christian, “Are you happy?”

  “Every time I lay eyes on you.” He smiled and gathered her in his arms. “You want another drink?”

  His touch squelched the negative voice telling her she didn’t deserve him. She nodded, and he went in search of more libations. Her senses tuned in to the woman walking on stage. Her dark skin, short curly mane, and flower in her hair managed to make her look like Billie Holiday.

  “She has an amazing voice.”

  “She does…” a woman spoke behind her.

  Her gaze fixed on dark hair and hazel eyes attached to a woman whose body was so perfect it could have been assembled by Mattel. Uneasiness set in. The woman was gorgeous and oozed in money. The sequined dress she wore probable had been hand crafted days prior just for her.

  “Hello,” Egypt managed to speak.

  “I’m Natasha, Christian’s ex fiancé.” The woman held out her hand as if she were the British Queen and Egypt should bow in her presence.

  Warning sirens sounded deep in the distance of Egypt’s subconscious. The howl grew louder until it was the cry from the imminent danger of a class five tornado. “What are you doing here?”

  The woman flipped her hair over her shoulder and laughed. “I was invited of course.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. Of course you were invited. Forgive me but I’m just surprised to see you.” But, by who? This wasn’t part of the deal. Christian had some serious explaining to do. How could he invite this woman and not prepare her? Egypt tried not to be envious but it was hard not to. This was a woman he’d willingly been with. No contract. She had it all and she knew it. Confidence rolled off her. So much so it made Egypt question her own status in the room. How many of the people in there had seen this woman on his arm? And, who’d accepted her because of her slightly tanned, but still white status?

  Was it white privilege that caused her to introduce herself to Egypt or did Natasha still feel she held a place in Christian’s heart? Trepidation set in. If this were the type of woman he was used to then why switch it up for her? A heaviness washed over her. If Egypt didn’t know better she’d swear she was on the verge of a heart attack from the slight pains she experienced. No, the pains were the beginning of her heart breaking. She let out a breath and smiled. This woman wouldn’t get under her skin. Christian was her husband, no matter the circumstances.

  Natasha gave her the once over. “Looks like you need a drink.” She handed Egypt a glass with a mixed reddish-pink beverage in it. “Don’t worry. I haven’t taken a drink of it yet.”

  Grateful for the gesture, though from a woman she’d rather run not walk away from, she took a big gulp. The sweet liquid rolled down her throat and helped to settle her nerves a bit.

  “Better now?” she asked.

  “Yes, thank you.” Egypt placed the drink to her lips again. This time she sipped.

  Natasha leaned in closer. “No worries. I’m not here to advertise our little secret. I just felt you should know who I was. After all we’ve both bedded the same man.”

  Heat shot up the back of Egypt’s neck. The idea of Christian being with any woman besides her almost made her spit out the drink. She swallowed the contents and glared the woman down. “It’s apparent he enjoyed one of us a bit more.” Egypt held up her hand and pointed to her ring studded finger. “He put a ring on it.”

  “Only because I turned him down.”

  Movement just off Natasha’s shoulder stopped Egypt’s hand from twitching as she resisted the urge to slap the smirk off the woman’s face. Christian held up drinks and commanded attention as he walked towards them. Natasha’s presence no longer mattered. The sexy man nearing them was all Egypt’s.

  “Hello love.” He stopped in front of Egypt and placed a light peck on her lips.

  Yes, all hers. She glanced to the side in triumph. The woman was no longer there.

  Christian tilted his head to the left and gave her a questioning look. Who are you looking for?

  “Don’t tell me you didn’t see her?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Her who? There’s a couple hundred people in here tonight. Can you be more specific?”

  Egypt grabbed one of the glasses out his hand and took a drink before answering. “Natasha, your ex-finance.”

  The smile he wore faded. “Well, that’s interesting.”

  “Is that the best you can come up with?” His response threw her off. “I’d call it awkward.”

  He pulled Egypt into his arms. “Are you okay with it?”

  So, he had invited her. Disappointment set it but she forced herself to speak without gritting her teeth. “Why wouldn’t I be? A fiancé I didn’t know you had just introduced herself to me as if she owned the place and not my husband.”

  “I never proposed to Natasha. She was only trying get under your skin with that lie.” The closeness of his body warmed her. He held her tight and planted a light kiss on her neck. “I only invited her so she could see the woman I love. My intention was to show you that I’m yours. Sorry I didn’t warn you. I didn’t expect for her to make introductions without me around. You forgive me?”

  Every inch of her body responded to him. The pilot between her legs turned on and ignited a flame. She wanted him like she’d never wanted him before. This was her husband not the snotty bitch who’d confronted her. She turned and seized his mouth in hers.

  Christian rolled his tongue around her mouth and slowed the kiss before breaking free for air. “Wow. What’s gotten into you?”

  His lips inches away from hers, she responded in a husky voice, “I want you.” She eased her hand down and grazed his crotch. He hardened. “Now.”

  The green embers flickered in his eyes. “Let’s get out of here.”

  She shook her head. “Room…let’s get…a room.” Her words rolled out in slow motion. Those drinks were much stronger than she thought and had a profound effect.

  A devilish grin spread across his face, and he grabbed her hand. Christian led her to the exit of the ball room. Her vision blurred as they passed the wa
ves of people enjoying their evening. His hand against her skin sent tingles through her body. Egypt was on fire and Christian held the extinguisher.

  Christian grabbed keys from the front desk and navigated them to the elevator.

  *****

  Christian lay in the bed in thought. What in the world had he been thinking? The look on Egypt’s face after seeing Natasha nearly ripped his heart to shreds. Inviting his ex-girlfriend hadn’t been the best of ideas.

  Egypt lay next to him, lightly breathing but in a peaceful slumber. He rubbed her head and planted a kiss on her cheek before sliding out the bed in search of water for his scratchy throat. Their dress clothes and Egypt’s black thong were strewn about the room. A soft smile crossed his lips and how he gladly pulled them off with his teeth.

  He opened the door to the small refrigerator and pulled out a bottle water. He took a large gulp and let the liquid soothe his throat and open up his mind further. From now on he’d stick to leaving his ex out of their relationship. What did he expect to gain from inviting her in the first place? The reality hit him. Nothing, but to stroke his ego.

  Christian turned to see Egypt was no longer sleeping. She sat up with a start and held her hands to her head. Even with red eyes, she looked amazing. A hangover from one too many drinks had set in. He’d only seen her drink two but no telling what really transpired between Egypt and Natasha to cause her to drink them in a rush and maybe even more than he witnessed. He hid a smile because he reaped the benefits of her tipsy state all night long.

  His breath caught in his throat as faint memories resurfaced. Egypt rode and sucked on him until his toes curled. He came so much he was afraid he’d turn inside out.

  Egypt rushed from the bed and sprinted barefoot to the bathroom. Seconds later the sounds of vomiting echoed out the small space.

  “Honey, are you okay?” He paused in the doorway. She kneeled in front of the stall.

  Her body lurched forward and she dry heaved.

  “Let it out, baby.” He rubbed her back. “Are you sure you only had two drinks? I’ve never seen you this way.”