Black Magic (The Black Diamond Series Book 1) Read online

  Jordan pinned Sean with a look before asking, “And how much is this space going for?” he asked slowly relaying his silent message to his assistant who knew him completely. Sean was more than Jordan's assistant, he was his best friend from childhood. Sean knew everything about Jordan and his life and kept his secrets as tightly as a vault.

  Sean pulled out his phone. “Um...let me check.” They both watched as Sean tapped the screen several times. “Ah...if you're interested in this space Sage, it's leasing for seventy five hundred,” he said looking over at Jordan. Jordan gave him a slight nod over Sage's head.

  “Really?” Sage asked skeptically looking between the two men.

  Sean shook his head in the affirmative. “That's what it says. We also have other spaces you can look at as well.”

  Sage smiled a full wide smile that had both men reeling. “I don't need to see anything else. This is perfect!” she said happily.

  “That includes the build out to your specifications plus paint and flooring,” Jordan added.

  “Really?” she looked up at him. “Do you do that for all your tenants?” she questioned. She didn't want Jordan giving her any special treatment.

  “Of course we do,” he affirmed. “Right Sean.”

  “Yes, of course. We'll take care of everything you need Sage. We take good care of our tenants,” Sean agreed.

  “Thank you Sean,” Sage said going over to him and extending her hand. “Thank you for acting so quickly and finding this wonderful space for me.”

  Sean enveloped her hand in his. “My pleasure, Sage.”

  She went back over to Jordan and stood in front of him. “Thank you Jordan.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a brief hug before smiling up at him.

  Jordan cleared his throat as she stepped back. “Sean will have all the papers drawn up and then we'll make an appointment for you to come to the office to sign everything,” he explained.

  “Great.” Their eyes held for a few long moments before she softly said goodbye. She turned and walked out the door as both men watched her go. After she exited the building Sean turned to Jordan.

  “Two questions?” he said amused. “Why didn't you warn me? And what color do you want your casket to be when Ray kills your ass?”

  Jordan ran a hand down his face. “Ahhhh...man. I don't understand it. She’s got me so twisted.”

  Sean laughed. “No kidding?” he said sarcastically. “What gave it away? The way you ran out the door to catch her as if your life depended on it?” He laughed.

  “Seriously, you're a better man than me, because I would've given her the whole damn building; hell the block if I could.” Sean laughed again. “Ray's sister? That's Ray's sister? Who would've thought?”

  “Tell me about it,” Jordan said deflated.

  “So...what's going on with you two?” Sean asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “Nothing?”

  “Yeah. Nothing. This is the first time I've seen her in over a month,” Jordan answered shrugging.

  “Well, if nothing consists of both of you looking like you wanted to rip each other’s clothes off, I guess I need to get me some nothing in my life,” he joked.

  “I can't go down that road Sean,” Jordan said shaking his head.

  “Jordan, my man...you've already been there and turned the corner apparently,” he said truthfully.

  “I hate when you tell me the truth,” Jordan muttered.

  “That's why you keep me around,” Sean responded. “By the way, I'm glad the seventy five hundred worked for her. I figured if I went any lower she would get suspicious.”

  Jordan blew out a breath. “Thanks for picking up on that.”

  “If she finds out you lied to her, she's not going to be happy.”

  “Actually you lied to her but as long as she gets what she wants, it's all good.”

  Sean walked over to Jordan. “Seriously Jordan, you want that woman, bad...and she wants you too. You need to handle that before things get out of hand.”

  “Already handled Sean, I'm just staying away from Sage Parker. Simple.” He shrugged.

  Sean rolled his eyes. “Yes. Simple.” He shook his head. Yeah, this fool was really going to get himself killed.

  When Sage returned home she was in the heavens. Her new space was incredible. She couldn't have dreamed for more. She immediately began describing it to Ray.

  “I'm glad you found a space Baby Goddess.”

  “I know and it's only seventy five hundred a month,” she said clapping her hands happily.

  Ray frowned. “What? Jay is charging you for the space?”

  Sage tilted her head at him. “Of course he is Ray. This is business.”

  Ray shook his head. “Nah, I gotta holla at him.”

  Sage marched up to him. “No. You will not holla at him. Jordan tried to pull that free stunt and I didn't stand for it at all,” she reprimanded. “Seriously every one treats him like a walking ATM or something.”

  “He’s got it Sage,” Ray reminded.

  Sage walked away. “It doesn't matter if he has it Ray. He's worked for it and he’s not obligated to cater to other people,” she said defensively.

  Ray watched his sister wondering why she was so defensive of Jordan. “Whoa…What's up with you and Jay, Sage?”

  She let out a heavy sigh. “For the last time Ray, there is nothing between me and Jordan. So please, let it go.” She headed towards the stairs. “I'm going to change to clothes.”

  Ray watched his sister go and although he believed her when she said there was nothing going on with her and Jordan, she wasn't telling him something.

  Chapter 6

  Today was the day Sage was due to sign the papers on her new space. She knew that Jordan and Sean thought they had pulled a fast one on her the other day but she was willing to let this one slip because it was the space she wanted and she was paying what she could afford; so no harm no foul. Still she would check Jordan about lying to her. Still it was hard to contain her excitement. She dressed with extra care because she knew Jordan would be there. It had been three days since she'd last seen him. They were scheduled to sign the papers in his office with Jordan, Sean and herself in attendance.

  She'd borrowed Ray's car again and drove to the Black Diamond Building. It was a beautiful building in the heart of downtown LA. When you entered through the glass doors there was a huge black diamond etched onto the marble floors. Everything was plush and expensive. She checked in at the security desk since she was going to the top floor. It was a private, locked floor and visitors had to be escorted by security on the private elevator. As she stepped into the glass paneled elevator the plush carpet felt like a cloud under her feet. The security officer inserted a key and pressed the top floor. The smooth ascent made butterflies in her stomach and her nervousness now took on a new form. She was about to see Jordan in his element and she couldn't wait.

  After the elevator stopped the security officer led her to desk where she had to check in again before being escorted to Jordan's office. Outside his office she was introduced to his secretary Kelly.

  “They're expecting you Miss Parker. Please go right in.”

  “Thank you.” Sage gathered her breath and walked over to the door the secretary had indicated. She opened it slowly and saw Sean and Jordan standing at the table in a beautifully decorated office. It was huge! There was an area with a sofa and television then there was large mahogany work table in another area. There was Jordan's desk and chairs near two additional doors in the back of the office.

  “Good morning Sage,” Sean greeted her.

  She smiled joining them at the table. “Good morning.”

  “Can I get you something? Water, coffee?” Sean offered quickly.

  He noticed that Jordan was now completely spellbound, probably by Sage's attire today. She was wearing a blood red tight fitting T-shirt blouse that hugged her ample breasts, white jeans that revealed...everything, and high heeled stiletto pumps.
Her nails and toes were painted bright red and her hair...good god! It hung down past her shoulders in beautiful, shiny curls with a part in the middle. To finish it off she'd applied a bright red lip gloss to her lips. Sean hoped that Jordan would be able to get through the meeting without doing anything crazy.

  Sage shook her head. “No. Thank you. I'm anxious to get things started.”

  Her eyes met Jordan's and held. She noticed that he hadn't spoken a word since she had entered the office.

  “Good morning Jordan.” She smiled at him.

  Slowly as if coming out of a trance he responded. “Good morning Sage. You look...” Sean caught his eye and shook his head. “Very nice today,” Jordan finished slowly.

  “Thank you Jordan. Are you ready?” she asked.

  “Oh yeah,” Jordan responded quickly devouring her with his eyes.

  Sean intervened. “I think we're all ready. Please, have a seat Sage.” He began spreading out the paperwork and then looked up as Sage sat down. “You can have a seat too Jordan.”

  Jordan sat and ran a hand down his face. White jeans. Of all the days, sexy ass white jeans with a red top! And those lips; painted red! He wanted to...mmmmmmm.

  He told himself to get his mind right. Why did this woman do this to him? How was she able to?

  While Sage was reading over the paperwork Jordan's eyes met Sean's over her head. Sean shrugged his shoulders and shook his head as if to say ‘you're done’. Jordan grunted and Sage raised her eyes to him. She smiled and went back to reading the paperwork. His chest buzzed like it contained a beehive.

  “I think everything looks in order. I'm ready to sign.” Sage said glancing between the two men. Sean produced a pen and had Sage sign in the appointed spots. He then handed the paperwork to Jordan who did the same. Sean applied his signature as the witness and announced they were done. He provided Sage with a set of keys and a keycard.

  “You're all set Sage,” he replied.

  “Thank you,” she said with excitement.

  Sean gathered up all the papers. “Well okay. Sage would you like me to escort you down the elevators?” he offered.

  She looked over at Jordan. “Actually, Jordan, I was...uh...wondering if I could speak to you...um privately,” she asked softly.

  Sean began coughing into his hand, Cough. “No.” Cough. “Don't do it.” Cough. He stared at Jordan.

  Jordan knew Sean was warning him. He waited until his friend composed himself and turned back to those eyes and those red lips.

  “Of course Sage, I'm all yours,” he replied.

  He watched Sean begin to shake his head. “Well I guess I will leave you two,” Sean said hesitantly. “Jordan I will check in with you later,” he said pointedly.

  “Thanks,” Jordan responded watching Sean head for the door. His friend turned and gave him one last look of warning before heading out the door and closing it behind him. He turned his attention back to Sage.

  “What can I do for you pretty girl?” he asked.

  She leaned forward and placed those breasts on the table as he watched.

  “Well I want to thank you for all that you have done for me.”

  “You don't-”

  “Please let me finish Jordan.” He nodded. “As I was saying I want to thank you. I know you have issues with me taking you out to dinner so I want to make dinner for you. Is that okay?”

  Sage wanted to make dinner for him? This gave him a long pause.

  “Where?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “I guess at Ray's house. I really don't have anywhere else to prepare it.”

  Jordan leaned back in his chair. “You could make it at my house. If you wanted to...” he finished hesitantly.

  A big smile covered her face. “Would you mind?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Then let's do it. When is a good time for you?” she asked.

  “Tomorrow night. I'll pick you up around six and take you back home afterward,” he offered.

  “Okay,” she said softy and stood. He stood with her. “I'm glad you agreed.”

  He looked her up and down. “Did you wear those white jeans to entice me to say yes?”

  She shrugged. “I thought it wouldn't hurt,” she said sheepishly.

  “Are you planning to entice me into anything else?” he asked coming to stand before her.

  “Could I?”

  “Hell yeah.” He smiled at her.

  Sage smiled naughtily back at him and placed her hand on his chest. “Then I guess we'll see.”

  His secretary's voice came across the speaker. “Excuse me Mr. Black. Mr. Jackson wants me to remind you of the meeting you have coming up.”

  He looked down at Sage. “Sean is trying to save my life. He knows your brother.”

  “Then I should go before you get into any trouble,” she said turning and picking up her bag. She walked towards the door knowing Jordan's eyes were glued to her butt. She reached it and grabbed the knob. Turning back to him, she asked shyly, “I'll see you tomorrow?”

  “No doubt,” he replied smiling at her.

  “Okay.” She turned and walked out the door. A few seconds later the door opened and Sean entered.

  “Please tell me you didn't touch her,” he begged.

  “I didn't touch her.”

  Sean released a sigh of relief. “What did she want with you?”

  Jordan moved to take a seat behind his desk. “She's making me dinner at my place tomorrow.”

  Sean walked over to his desk. “Have you lost your damn mind?”

  “You're going to let THAT woman- THAT woman who just walked out of here looking like every man's fantasy come to your house and cook for you? Just the two of you?” he asked incredulously.

  “Yes.”

  “Jordan, this isn't you. What's going through your head man?”

  Jordan leaned back. “She asked to make me dinner, Sean. No one's ever done that before,” he said quietly. “Not even...” He refused to say her name.

  “I know, Jordan.”

  “She does things to me that no one has ever done before,” he spilled out. “I can't resist her. I don't even know if I want to anymore.”

  “What are you going to do?” Sean asked.

  “I don't know,” Jordan replied and turned to look out the window. “But I'm going to have her.”

  The next day Sage borrowed Ray's car to go to the market to buy the items she needed to make Jordan's dinner. When she returned Ray was coming out of his home office.

  “What's all this? What's the special occasion?” he asked eying the bags.

  “They're for Jordan,” she responded.

  Ray peeked into the bags. “Jay got you doing his grocery shopping or something?” he asked.

  “No Ray, I'm making dinner for Jordan to thank him for everything he's done for me,” she explained.

  “You eating here?”

  She shook her head. “No, at his place.”

  “What?!”

  She turned to him. “I said I'm making dinner for Jordan at his place tonight. Is that clear enough?”

  “The hell you are! You ain't his chef.”

  “I offered to do this Ray. Stay out of it.”

  He walked up to her. “Don't tell me to stay out of it Sage. What's up with you and Jay? And I want the truth.”

  Sage folded her arms. “There is nothing up with me and Jordan. I've told you this before. I'm making him dinner, just like I make you dinner every other night.”

  “How are you getting to his house?”

  “He's picking me up.”

  “Cool. I'll holla at him then.”

  “If Jordan was taking me to some seductive rendezvous do you think he would pick me up here while you're home, Ray?”

  “Like I said...I'll holla at him when he gets here,” he said slowly.

  Exasperated Sage left to get ready for Jordan's arrival.

  Jordan arrived at six on the dot and parked in front of Ray's house. Before he could exit the car R
ay had jumped into the passenger seat and closed the door. He turned to Jordan with flashing brown eyes.

  “What you doing with my sister?” He got right to it.

  Jordan leaned back in his seat. “Your sister offered to make me dinner. I accepted.”

  “What else you trying to get her to offer?” he demanded.

  Jordan turned to him. “Ray, I haven't touched your sister. She said she wanted to thank me. Something that most people don't do,” he said pointedly. “And I accepted. If it's going to be an issue then I'll just tell her to forget about it.”

  Ray stared out the windshield as the two sat in silence.

  “You think I'd come to your house, pick up your sister, have sex with her and bring her back home to you? Come on man. You know me better than that. You think I'd be that foul?” Jordan asked staring out of the same windshield. A few more minutes passed.

  “Have her back by eleven. Don't no damn dinner take that long!” Ray said before exiting the car.

  Jordan exited the car and made his way to the door. Inside he found Sage and bags of groceries. She was wearing a long maxi dress that accentuated all of her glorious curves and her hair was in two long twists. He turned his attention back to the groceries.

  “You didn't have to do this. I could've had my housekeeper pick up anything you needed,” he said looking into the bags.

  “Well it's not really making dinner for you if you provide the food Jordan,” she explained. She instructed him to grab a couple of bags while she got her bag.

  When she got out to the car Jordan helped her inside. Once he was inside she asked, “Did he threaten to do something bad to you?”

  “No. Ray and I have an understanding.” He winked at her and took off.

  Sage loved her brother with all her heart but she was a grown woman. She was twenty-five years old and able to live her own life. He was going to stop interfering. So what, Jordan was his friend, that shouldn't make him off limits to her. She’d decided now that Jordan was worth exploring the possibilities. He was a kind and decent man who made her warm just by looking at him or listening to his voice. She smelled his cologne now and inhaled it deeply as her eyes drank in the site of him.

  “If you keep looking at me like that, Ray and I won't have an understanding anymore,” he said without turning to look at her.