Scarlet and Ebony

Author's Note: All characters, events, and places described in this narrative are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

All comments and feedback are welcomed.

HF

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Catherine's heart raced a bit as she scanned the conference room, looking for Andre among the crowd. She smoothed her dress, a sleek, fitted navy-blue sheath with a subtle gold belt and capped sleeves. It gave her a sophisticated, professional edge that she knew would impress her audience -- and perhaps someone else if he saw her. Her heels, a modest yet elegant pair of nude stilettos, completed the look. She'd chosen a simple gold necklace and small stud earrings, her red hair swept into a loose, soft updo. She felt confident and at ease, ready for both her presentation, and, to see Andre.

It had been weeks since their last time together in Washington, and though their calls kept the connection alive, nothing quite matched the warmth of being together in the same room. Or the same bed. When her eyes finally landed on him near the back of the room, she felt a quiet thrill ripple through her. His tall, commanding figure and easy confidence made him stand out amongst the crowd of tech attendees. He wore a tailored gray suit, seemingly effortlessly polished yet utterly relaxed at the same time as he scanned the room and met her gaze with a warm, appreciative smile. God, he's so handsome... she thought with a flutter of excitement. He made it. Just as he promised.

The crowd quieted, and Catherine took a deep breath, stepping up to the podium. She centered herself, taking a last look at the notes in front of her. You've got this, Cat, she told herself.

"Good afternoon, everyone," she began, letting her voice settle into a steady rhythm. Her training as a lawyer had helped and she only felt a little tremor of nerves before every presentation. "My name is Catherine Donovan, and I'm the Chief Legal Officer for AscendTech. Today, we'll be discussing some of the major regulatory changes facing the tech industry, specifically in data protection and compliance. My goal is to help you understand not only what's required but also how to prepare your organization for these changes efficiently and effectively."

She caught Andre's gaze from the back of the room as she spoke, feeling a surge of confidence in herself as she spoke about the legal technicalities impacting the industry. Although the material was complex, Cat enjoyed the way he listened intently to every word she uttered during her presentation. As if she was the sole thing in his world.

Once her presentation wrapped up, the crowd broke into polite applause, and Catherine allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction at a job well done. As people dispersed, Andre wove his way through the small crowd to meet her, his smile growing as he approached her.

"That was impressive," he said, his voice rich with admiration. "You make legal work sound downright fascinating. I'm pretty sure you convinced even the tech-averse folks in there."

Catherine laughed softly, a warmth spreading through her at his praise, her cheek flushing pink. "Thank you. I'm glad you found it interesting." She paused, taking in the sight of the handsome Black man in front of her. "I wasn't sure how much detail to go into, but it seemed like people were with me."

"They definitely were," he assured her, his dark-brown eyes softening as they held hers. "I was with you the whole time."

They moved to the quieter lobby, finding a spot near the large windows. The Miami skyline gleamed in the distance, the evening lights flickering as the sky dimmed as afternoon slowly turned to evening.

"So," she said, smiling as she turned to face him fully. "How was your meeting today? Any big wins?"

Andre gave a small nod, his face lighting up. "Actually, yes. The client I met this morning signed up for a new investment. It's a project we've been working on for a while, and I was finally able to convince them to come on board."

She beamed. "That's fantastic, Andre! I know you've been working on that deal for weeks."

"Yeah, it feels good," he admitted, leaning slightly closer, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I guess you could say I've been inspired by you."

Catherine's smile grew, her heart beating just a bit faster at the way he looked at her. "Thank you," she replied softly, a flicker of shyness crossing her face before she composed herself. "It's nice to see someone who appreciates the way I run things. And I'm glad to hear you closed the deal."

They walked to a nearby restaurant, finding a cozy booth where they could talk more privately. As they settled in, she took a deep breath, savoring the relaxed intimacy of the moment.

"So," she said, glancing up at him as the waiter handed them menus. "How does it feel to have closed that big deal?"

Andre smiled, tilting his head slightly as he considered. "It feels good. Like I'm on track with where I want to be. I love what I do. But..." He paused, giving her a wry smile. "I guess there's something refreshing about meeting someone outside of that world. You know what I mean?"

She nodded. "I do. It's like I can step away from the legal jargon and just... enjoy the company of someone who understands it but isn't tied to it every second."

They talked about their work, each finding in the other an unexpected depth of understanding. She hadn't expected to feel so close to someone in such a short time. But with Andre, things felt natural, unforced. There was a down to earth feeling to him, confidence that didn't demand attention but rather invited it. She found it appealing and refreshing.

When he asked about her daily work routine, she explained the juggling act between high-stakes meetings and drafting legal briefs, the challenges of the constantly evolving tech regulations that consumed her days. And he listened, genuinely engaged, asking thoughtful questions.

"Do you ever feel like you're holding the whole thing together? Work, I mean," he asked, a small smile on his face.

"Sometimes," she admitted, giving a slight shrug. "But that's the part I love -- making sense of the chaos. I know that probably sounds strange."

"It doesn't sound strange at all," he said quietly, holding her gaze. "I can see that about you. And it's impressive."

The conversation drifted to lighter topics -- Miami's nightlife, travel, favorite cities. But as they spoke, there was an undercurrent of mutual admiration that brought them closer, each story drawing them deeper into the growing connection between them. Cat felt the stirring in the pit of her stomach as she glanced at him. Was this the beginning of something deeper?

When the food arrived, they shared plates and tasted each other's dishes, laughing over their different preferences. Catherine felt relaxed, savoring not just the food but the entire experience of being there with him, learning more about him, and feeling seen for a change. Not just as the CLO for a tech corporation or Harry's ex-wife.

After dinner, they strolled through the Miami streets, enjoying the warm, salty evening air and the crowds bustling around. She slipped her arm through his, feeling content and slightly giddy, like she was in a perfect, unexpected moment she wanted to last forever.

"Tonight was perfect," she murmured, glancing up at him. "Thank you."

"It's only perfect because of the company," he replied softly, his gaze intense and warm. He paused, as if weighing his words before he continued, "I don't think I've ever met someone quite like you, Catherine."

Her heart skipped a beat. There was tenderness in his eyes that made her feel cherished, something she hadn't felt in a long time. I wish this night could go on forever.

"Right back at you," she replied, her voice a little hushed. "I don't think I've met anyone quite like you, either."

*****

Catherine stood by the hotel room window, the glass of wine in her hand catching the soft lights from the Miami skyline. The city pulsed outside, alive, and bright, but in that moment, all she felt was calmness. She took a slow sip, savoring both the wine and the feeling of Andre's presence nearby. She heard him approach softly, his footsteps quiet on the carpet. He came up behind her and slipped his hands around her waist, pulling her gently back against him as he leaned down to kiss the side of her neck.

"What are you thinking about?" he murmured, his warm breath brushing her skin.

A small smile played on her lips, and she tilted her head to give him better access. "I was thinking... I never thought I'd feel this way again. Not after everything with Harry."

Andre's hands tightened around her waist just a bit, a reassuring presence. He pressed another kiss to her neck, slow and tender, before whispering, "Good things happen to good people, Catherine. And you deserve good things."

She turned her head slightly, meeting his eyes. The sincerity in his gaze made her heart swell with affection towards him, and she leaned back against him fully, letting herself trust in the warmth he offered. God, I've missed this... she thought, almost languidly to herself as she lost herself in the sensations.

Andre took the glass from her hand and set it aside, then ran his fingers lightly along her shoulders, tracing the delicate line where her dress rested against her skin. His hands found the zipper at the back of her dress, and he paused, just for a moment, looking down at her with a smile that was both playful and inviting.

"May I?" he asked, his voice a low murmur.

She nodded, her pulse quickening in excitement and anticipation. Slowly, he began to ease the zipper down, his fingertips brushing her back as he worked it inch by inch. She shivered, feeling the coolness of the air on her pale skin as he carefully slid the fabric down. He let his hands trail along her arms as he guided the dress down, his touch gentle but firm, savoring each moment as he peeled the garment from her shoulders.

As the dress slipped down her body, pooling around her feet, he wrapped his arms around her again, pressing a tender kiss on her shoulder. Catherine turned to face him, her eyes meeting his, and in that moment, the only sound was the quiet rhythm of their breaths, matched in perfect harmony.

"God, Cat... you're so beautiful..." he whispered as he gazed into her blue eyes.

Before she could respond, he knelt down in front of her, his hands resting lightly on her calves, his touch gentle but assured. She could feel the warmth of his palms through the delicate fabric of her pantyhose, and a soft, electric thrill ran up her spine. He took his time, sliding his hands down to her ankles and reaching for her left heel first. His fingers traced the curve of her ankle before he unbuckled the delicate strap and lifted her foot slightly, his hand supporting her as he carefully slipped the shoe off. His touch lingered just a moment longer than necessary, his fingers brushing over Catherine's arch, making her toes curl instinctively.

A soft, appreciative smile played at his lips as he repeated the same motion with her other heel, leaving her barefoot yet somehow feeling even more exposed, more vulnerable in front of him. His movements were so tender, so careful, as though he was undressing her with as much attention as she'd give to a delicate piece of art. And yet, there was nothing rushed in his actions; he was entirely focused on her, on every movement, on her breathing, on her reaction. It was a heady, intoxicating feeling for Catherine.

Andre's hands then drifted back up her legs, finding the edge of her pantyhose. She felt him hook his fingers around the sheer fabric at her waist, pausing to look up at her, as if asking for her permission to continue. She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, her heart fluttering in anticipation. She was amazed at how, even with the gentlest touch, he could make her feel cherished and understood. Slowly, he began to slide the pantyhose down, inch by inch, his hands caressing her legs as he went, as if relishing every new inch of skin he uncovered.

Catherine let herself relax, enjoying each deliberate moment. She felt a rush of warmth as he slid the pantyhose past her knees, down her calves, and then finally off her feet, leaving her standing before him in just her lingerie. There was something incredibly intimate about the way he knelt there, his focus entirely on her, his touch never wavering. Harry was never like this, she realized to herself.

The tall, Black man rose slowly to his feet in front of her, his hands finding the clasp of her bra. She could feel the gentleness in his fingers as he undid the hooks, letting the straps fall softly over her shoulders. Catherine shivered slightly as he slid the straps down her arms, and her heart skipped a beat as the bra slipped away, his gaze never leaving hers.

The redheaded woman felt a warm blush rise to her cheeks, but he only smiled, his eyes filled with a tenderness that took her breath away, as if she were the only person in his world. With the same quiet reverence, he slipped his fingers under the sides of her panties, his touch warm and tender against her soft, pale skin. Catherine's breathing quickened slightly, his chest rising and falling, as he guided the garment down her hips, his hands grazing her skin as he slipped them over her thighs and let them fall away.

Andre's hands slid up Catherine's bare arms, his fingers tracing the delicate curve of her collarbone before cradling her face. His dark eyes held hers, smoldering with barely restrained desire. "You're stunning," he murmured, his voice rough with admiration and lust.

She arched a playful brow, her lips curving. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Johnson."

He chuckled, low and warm, before closing the distance between them. His kiss was slow at first -- a teasing brush of lips, a nibble at her lower lip -- before deepening into something hungrier. Catherine sighed into his mouth, her fingers tangling in the crisp fabric of his dress shirt, tugging impatiently.

"Off," she demanded between kisses.

Andre obeyed, shrugging out of his shirt with a smirk. His chest was broad, sculpted from years of disciplined exercise, his dark skin warm and smooth beneath her palms. She dragged her nails lightly down his torso, delighting in the way his muscles tensed under her touch. Reaching his belt, she unbuckled it, feeling him swell even further beneath the fabric of his trousers.

A moment later, the trousers hit the floor around his ankles, and he kicked his shoes free before stepping out of his trousers. Catherine's gaze lingered at the bulge at the front of his boxers and with a flirty grin, she stroked the outline of his cock before tugging the garment down his legs.

Andre's cock sprung free, black, and proud, the shaft crisscrossed with veins and topped with a bulbous head that already seeped moisture. "Hmm... nice... very nice," she said in a sultry tone as she stroked a red-painted fingernail along the length of his shaft.

"Tease," he accused, but his hands were already on her waist, guiding her backward until her knees hit the edge of the bed. The plush duvet met her bare skin, cool against her flushed body as she settled onto it. He followed her down onto the bed, his weight braced on one arm while the other hand cradled her face, his thumb stroking her cheekbone.

"You're stunning like this," he murmured, his voice rough with desire as his eyes wandered over her pale, flushed body. "All laid out for me."

She arched into his touch, her fingers threading into his close-cropped hair. "Then do something about it," she teased, her voice low and breathy.

His answering grin was wicked. "With pleasure."

He captured her mouth in a slow, deep kiss, his tongue sliding against hers in a rhythm that made her toes curl. She could taste the remnants of wine on his thick lips, dark and sweet, mingling with the heat of his breath. His free hand roamed down her body, skimming the swell of her breast, the dip of her waist, before settling firmly and possessive on her hip.

When he finally broke the kiss, his lips trailed down her jaw, her throat, pausing to suck lightly on her soft, pale skin as he felt her shudder at his touch. A soft gasp escaped her as his teeth grazed her skin, the sharp pleasure-pain sending a jolt straight to her core as he nibbled seductively on her.

"Andre --" she panted, her arousal growing by the second.

"Shh," he murmured against her collarbone. "Relax... just let me take care of you..."

His mouth moved lower, his thick tongue flicking over one taut, pink nipple before he took it fully into his mouth, sucking gently. Catherine arched off the bed with a moan, her hands tightening in his hair, enjoying the sensation of his suckling on her sensitive peak. The Black man hummed in approval, his fingers pinching and rolling her other nipple, sending twin waves of pleasure spiraling through her.

"God, you're so fucking responsive, Cat" he growled, switching his attention to her other breast, lavishing it with the same slow, torturous attention.

The redheaded woman whimpered, her hips lifting instinctively, seeking friction against his dark body. "Please... you're killing me here..."

He chuckled darkly, his breath hot against her damp, flushed skin. "Patience, Cat. We've got all night." His words elicited a moan from the back of her throat, part anticipation, part frustration.

His lips traced a path down the soft, porcelain skin of her stomach, his tongue dipping into her navel before he settled between her toned thighs. He pressed a kiss to the inside of each knee, his hands sliding up to grip her hips. When his breath washed over her slick folds, she shuddered, her thighs trembling.

"Look at you," he murmured, his voice thick with admiration as he glanced up at the redheaded woman panting on the bed in front of him. "Soaked just from my mouth on your tits."

Before Catherine could retort, his thick tongue swiped through her red-hair covered folds in one long, slow stroke. At the first touch of his tongue on her sensitive labia, Catherine's back immediately bowed off the bed, a broken moan tearing loudly from her throat. He groaned against her, the vibration sending another shock of pleasure through her.

"Fuck," she gasped.

Andre didn't let up. He licked into her with deliberate, rhythmic strokes, his tongue circling her clit before sucking it gently between his lips. Her hips jerked, her fingers fisting in the sheets as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter inside her. Oh, God... he's so good at this... she mused, trying and failing not to lose herself in the waves of pleasure emanating from her pussy.

"Andre... oh, fuck... I... I'm close --" she gasped, feeling the delicious onset of her first climax of the evening.

Spreading her legs wider apart with his hands, Andre slid two fingers inside her, curling them upward just right to locate her g-spot, and her vision whited out as her climax crashed over her. She cried out, her thighs clamping around his head as he worked her through it, his mouth relentless on her clit until she was wrung out and trembling.

When he finally pulled back, his lips glistening with evidence of her arousal, his dark eyes were heavy with satisfaction. "Damn, Cat... you taste so fucking good."

Catherine, still catching her breath, gave him a sultry smirk. "My turn."

Before he could move, Catherine pushed against his shoulders, as she hooked a leg around his waist, rolling him onto his back with surprising strength. Andre's eyebrows shot up. "Someone's impatient."

"Someone's a tease," she countered as she straddled him. Her palms flattened against his chest, marveling at the contrast -- pale, porcelain white against deep brown, soft against hard muscle. She leaned down, her red hair draped like a curtain around their faces as she kissed him, tasting herself on his lips. "Now it's my turn," she whispered as she pulled back.