Black Magic (The Black Diamond Series Book 1) Page 3

  “Thank you Jordan, both for the ride and dinner,” she said looking at him.

  “It honestly was my pleasure Sage.”

  They stood staring at each other for a few more seconds.

  “Um, I should go,” Jordan said nodding towards the door.

  Sage began to bite on her lower lip as her nervousness returned.

  “Don't do that,” Jordan admonished.

  “Do what?

  “Bite your lip like that.” He came closer. “You have beautiful lips. Don't damage them.”

  “I'm nervous,” she admitted.

  He moved even closer. “Why?” He was now standing right before her. She could reach out and touch his chest if she wanted to. She stared up into his eyes.

  “I-”

  “Hey, my people! The Sun God is here!” Ray said coming through the door.

  Jordan lowered his head and stepped back from Sage.

  Sage turned to her brother and opened her arms to him. “Sun God! I've missed you!”

  Ray grabbed his sister into a huge bear hug lifting her off her feet and spinning her around. In her brother's embrace her dress rose high on her backside giving Jordan a slight view of rounded golden brown butt cheeks. He lowered his head and cleared his throat as Ray sat his sister back on her feet and she straightened her dress back in place.

  “Ah my baby Goddess! Let me look at you!” Ray exclaimed looking over his sister.

  “Well look at you now, looking like you're about to go and make a video.” He frowned.

  Sage pursed her lips. “Stop! I do not look like I'm going to make a video,” she chastised. “I'm completely covered.”

  “In that outfit I don't have to actually see it to know it's there,” Ray said looking her over again. His gaze then slid to Jordan.

  “What's up Jay?” he asked narrowing his eyes. “Everything cool?”

  Jordan smiled. “Yeah Ray, everything is cool. I picked your sister up at the airport, brought her here and then took her to dinner. Here she is delivered to you safe and sound.”

  Ray looked from Sage to Ray and back again. They both looked like they were hiding...something.

  “Hmmm, how long have you two been here?” he asked.

  Sage placed her hands on her hips. “Ray! Stop it. Jordan told you what happened. We just got here a few minutes before you. You're embarrassing me and I haven't even seen you five minutes!”

  Ray walked over to his sister. “I'm sorry baby Goddess. You know how I am about you. I didn't expect to see you looking so grown and sexy.”

  You're not the only one...thought Jordan.

  Ray kissed his sister on the cheek. “I'm glad you're here. Now I can keep an eye on your ass,” he said laughing.

  “Good night Ray. It's been a long day and I'm tired.” She headed towards the stairs. Stopping she turned back and looked at Jordan. “Thank you Jordan. I appreciate all you've done today.”

  “You're more than welcome Sage. Good night.”

  “Good night,” she said softly. They held eye contact for a few seconds more before she turned and headed upstairs to bed.

  Jordan looked over to Ray and said, “Well I guess my work is done. I'll catch you later man.”

  Jordan headed towards the door until Ray blocked his path.

  “Ah hell nah bruh...” Ray said crossing his arms. “We need to have a chat. Now!”

  Jordan looked him in the eye. “What's up man?”

  “You feeling my sister, Jay? I saw all that extra eye contact. And y'all looked guilty as hell when I walked in here.”

  Jordan looked to the side then back at Ray. “Look Ray, your sister is beautiful. She's good people but I'm not trying to push up on her. Nothing happened between us.”

  Ray didn't look convinced.

  “Ask her. Anyway you know that's not my style. I wouldn't cross a line like that.”

  “I was doing you a favor,” he reminded him.

  After a tense moment, Ray sighed. “My bad bruh, I'm just surprised to see her looking like that. Damn I'm glad I had you pick her up. Any other dude would have definitely been thinking about trying to hit it.”

  Yeah I thought it too....Jordan thought.

  Jordan scratched his head. “Yeah, it's all good man. My work is done. Take care of your sister.” He headed to the door.

  “Yeah I will. I'll check in with you later,” Ray said to his retreating back.

  Jordan threw his hand up as he walked out the door. He walked the short distance to his car got in the driver's seat. He looked up at the house and saw Sage in the window. They shared a look then he started the car and headed for home.

  Chapter 4

  A week later, Jordan got a visit from Ray at his office to go over Black Diamond's security. Ray as usual was on top of everything and Jordan was pleased with the work he had done.

  “Ray, man you are the best. I can't believe I get you for so cheap,” Jordan joked because he paid Ray extremely well for his services.

  “I know,” Ray answered. “The least you could do is take a brother out to dinner.”

  “Ray, every time we go out together I pay,” Jordan reminded him.

  “Well of course bruh, you the billionaire.”

  “You're just not right. Not right at all.” Jordan laughed.

  “But seriously about that dinner. You know that place that I like with really good salmon and that bad chick at the front.”

  Jordan leaned back in his chair. “You know you can go there without me, right?”

  Ray laughed. “Bruh, I'm not paying a hundred dollars for some fish. That's your level. That's why I roll with you.”

  “If you weren't so damn good at what you do, I'd get rid of you. You know that?” Jordan asked.

  “Nah dog, we’re together for life bruh,” Ray said standing from his chair. “Now, what night for the dinner?”

  Jordan shook his head. “You're really serious.”

  “Hell yeah, I want some of that salmon. They have that special sauce that I like. That's some good stuff.”

  Jordan stood from his chair still shaking his head. With the money he paid Ray, Ray could probably buy the damn restaurant but here he was begging Jordan to take him to dinner.

  “Cool Ray. Tomorrow night,” Jordan said, “And I'm deducting your dinner from your next bill.”

  Ray shrugged. “I'm overcharging you anyway,” he said laughing heading to the door.

  On his way out he shouted over his shoulder, “Oh and I'm bringing Sage. She likes fish too.” Then he was gone.

  Jordan dropped back into his chair. He was bringing Sage...

  It had taken everything in him not to ask about her during their meeting. Ray was already on alert and he didn't want to set him off. Now tomorrow night he'd get to see her again. He had to admit he had thought about her; about those lips and that apple bottom booty. After he'd dropped her off last week he hadn't made any other plans for the evening. He'd gone home, changed and taken a run to clear his head. Now he thought after a week of not seeing her all of those feelings should be over and done. Tomorrow night will be just a dinner with his friend and his friend's baby sister; besides Ray would be there. What could happen?

  Ray arrived at his place to find Sage in the kitchen making dinner.

  “What's up Baby Goddess?” he said taking a seat at the bar.

  She looked up. “Hey Sun God. What's new?” she answered stirring a pot over the stove.

  “Nothing much. Jordan is taking us to dinner tomorrow.” He watched her.

  At the sound of Jordan's name Sage felt a smile touch her lips. Taking a breath she turned to her brother. “Why is Jordan taking us to dinner tomorrow?”she lifted a brow.

  Ray hopped off the stool and come to meet her by the stove. “Because I asked him to.”

  “I don't want to have dinner with you and Jordan, Ray.”

  “Why not?” he asked surprised.

  She put down the spoon and wiped her hands. “Because, Jordan is your friend and I'm not
tagging along with you like some little lost puppy.”

  “Did Jay do something to upset you?” he demanded touching her arm.

  Sage placed her hand over his. “No Ray, Jordan didn't do anything to upset me. He was a perfect gentleman. He did everything you asked him to do. There is no need for you to push me off on him anymore and I won't allow it.”

  “Damn, it’s just dinner Sage. I'm not trying to marry you off to him.”

  She laughed. “You know that won’t happen.”

  Ray embraced her. “Sage, I've missed you. I love you more than anything in this world. Since you just got here, of course I want to include you when I hang out. I thought that since you've already spent time with Jay, you'd be cool...” He paused. “My bad.”

  Sage felt like the worst person in the world. She didn't want to tell Ray the real reason she didn't want to have dinner with Jordan. She didn't want him to know that she couldn't stop thinking about Jordan Black. The way he spoke and the way he smelled; and that when he touched her she felt heated in ways she never had before.

  She returned her brother's embrace and kissed his cheek. “Ok, this time. No more though. I'll find my own friends,” she said as they separated.

  Ray looked down at her. “Never turn down a free meal baby girl.” He tweaked her nose and left the kitchen.

  Sage took a seat on one of the stools. Dinner with Jordan and Ray; but with Jordan. She hadn't seen him in seven days but she had thought about him every day. It's only dinner she told herself. Plus Ray would be there, so she was just having dinner with her brother and her brother's friend. What could happen?

  The next night when Sage came downstairs to go to dinner Ray was waiting on the sofa. He turned and looked at her.

  “Ah hell nah!” he said after looking her up and down. “You're not wearing that!”

  Sage put her hand up. “Stop Ray. You will not tell me how to dress. This dress covers everything and is nearly to my knees.”

  Although what Sage said was true, the fabric of the dress hugged her entire body. It was deep burgundy in color with long sleeves and a high neckline. She'd finished off the ensemble with three inch heels.

  “Yeah, It's covered but I can still see your breasts and your ass,” Ray complained.

  Sage grabbed her bag. “I have them Ray. I'm not going to hide them.” She folded her arms. “I can stay here. I didn't ask to be invited in the first place,” she reminded him stubbornly.

  “Fine. It's just Jay anyway,” he said gruffly. “Let's go.”

  Sage smiled to herself as they walked out the door. She knew this dress clearly showed what she was working with without actually exposing the goodies. It was what she and her girls called a peek-a-boo and she had the perfect body to wear it.

  She wasn't sure if Jordan would be bringing a date and she definitely hadn't asked Ray about it; but just in case he did, she didn't want to be sitting there looking like an ugly stepsister. She'd twisted her hair and secured it in an elaborate knot atop her head. Her long silver feather patterned earrings and necklace completed her jewelry. Yeah, she thought to herself, I got it going on tonight. She might be Ray's little sister, but she was also her own woman.

  Jordan was already at the restaurant when Ray and Sage arrived. They were shown to his table and he stood as they approached. The two men did their ritual greeting and then Jordan turned to Sage.

  “Hello Sage. Nice to see you again.” His eyes never left her face.

  “Thank you Jordan. Nice to see you again too.” She on the other hand took in her fill. Tonight Jordan was wearing dark dress slacks with a dark shirt and blazer. He looked dangerous and sexy in her mind.

  “Please. Have a seat.” He motioned to the table. It was a booth so Ray and Sage sat on one side with Jordan on the other. This gave Ray direct access to Jordan's face as the three sat down to dinner. It also gave Sage free access to study Jordan as much as she wanted without her brother staring into her face.

  Jordan to his credit had not displayed any emotion at all after seeing her in that dress. He hadn't even looked at her. Sage stared down at the menu in front of her. Maybe he did have a date coming. Maybe she was already here, possibly in the ladies room. She sat as the two men engaged in a conversation about some sports team or something.

  After it became apparent that no one else was joining them Sage sighed. She should not have come. Seeing Jordan again only made it clearer that she was drawn to him. She looked up at him and his eyes slid to hers briefly then back to her brother. It was as if he didn't want to have any contact with her. Ray's cell phone rang and he glanced at the screen.

  “I gotta take this. I'll be right back. Order me the Salmon,” he said getting up and heading towards the lobby.

  Sage kept her head down staring at her menu for a few moments.

  “How are you Sage?” Jordan asked now watching her intently.

  “I'm fine Jordan. And you?” she replied tightly briefly glancing at him.

  Jordan looked confused at her tone. “I'm good,” he replied slowly.

  Sage gave a tight nod. “Good.” She went back to her menu.

  Jordan for the life of him couldn't figure out what the problem was. Was she upset with him for some reason? Had he done something to upset her?

  “Sage...” he began as Ray came racing back to the table.

  “Hey, I got an emergency I gotta handle,” he said quickly. Jordan reached to check his phone. Ray stopped him. “No it's not Black Diamond.” Jordan shook his head.

  “Jay, can you get my sister home?” he asked.

  “I can get a cab Ray. There's no need to bother Jordan.” Sage interjected.

  Jordan slid her a look. “Of course Ray. I'll make sure Sage gets home,” he said turning back to Ray.

  Ray looked from one to the other. “Yeah, okay,” he said slowly.

  “I hope you get everything taken care of,” Sage said to her brother. “I'll see you later.”

  Ray looked her in the eye. “Yeah, not too much later.” He turned back to Jordan. “Thanks man, like I said...not too much later.”

  Jordan smiled. “Got it Ray.”

  Sage shook her head. “Bye Ray.”

  Ray turned back to Jordan. “And Jay, get that chick's number at the front for me.” With that he was gone and Sage went back to looking at her menu.

  “I never knew the menu at this restaurant was that interesting,” Jordan commented.

  She sat the menu on the table and looked him in the eye.

  “Are you upset with me for some reason?” he asked now that he had her attention.

  She shrugged. “I'm just surprised that you now know that I'm here. I've been invisible to you since I came through the door.”

  Jordan gave her a lazy smile. “Sage there is no way in hell you've been invisible in that dress. When you walked in I couldn't believe Ray let you out of the house.”

  She snorted. “Ray is my brother. Not my guardian and not my keeper.”

  “You look beautiful Sage,” he said softly.

  Sage looked away from him. “You couldn't have said that when I got here?” she asked.

  “Did you want me and your brother fighting all over this restaurant?”

  She smiled and looked back at him. “Is that what would've happened?”

  “Hell yeah, you do know that he's crazy right?”

  She laughed. “Yeah he is, but I love him.”

  “He's one of my best friends. I trust him with my life,” Jordan explained.

  Sage looked down at her menu.

  “Are you going to start studying that again or can we order?” Jordan teased.

  Sage shook her head. “No, we can order now. I think I can tell you everything that's on there.”

  Jordan laughed and signaled for the waiter. After they ordered Jordan asked Sage about herself. She told him about growing up in Africa and now transitioning to the States. She also talked about what she wanted to do in the future as they discussed her goals and dreams.

&nb
sp; Their food arrived and Sage took the opportunity to ask Jordan about himself. While Sage had been completely outgoing, Jordan was somewhat guarded about his past. Sage didn't push and they enjoyed a delicious dinner of grilled salmon.

  After dinner Jordan asked if she wanted desert. Sage declined and reached for her bag to get her wallet.

  She pulled it out and Jordan frowned. “I know you are not about to try to pay for your dinner.”

  “Actually mine and yours,” she answered.

  “Don't think so baby.”

  “Jordan it's the twenty first century, besides you paid last time so it's only fair.”

  Jordan looked appalled. “You can't be serious right now.”

  Grabbing her credit card she sat it on the table. Jordan picked up the card and handed it back to her.

  “Do you actually think I'm going to let you pay for your dinner, let alone mine?” he questioned. “Hell I was paying for your brother's dinner.”

  “I'm not my brother and I don't need you to pay for my dinner. I appreciated it when you did the last time, but it's not necessary.”

  Jordan ran a hand down his face. “I can't believe this,” he said laughing to himself.

  “Really Jordan, you act as if you've never had a woman who wanted to pay for her own dinner.”

  “I haven't dammit! When I take a woman out, she automatically knows she's going to be taken care of!” he exclaimed.

  “Well since you didn't take me out, I guess it shouldn't matter then, and I can take care of myself,” she said simply.

  Jordan sat back. Where did she come from? Every woman he'd ever had dinner with had expected him to pay. He was Jordan Black. Of course he paid. He paid for everything. All the time. No one paid for him. No one had ever even offered.

  “Jordan there's no shame in having me pay for your dinner. It's okay to let people show you that they appreciate the things you do as well,” she explained.