Interrupted By Love

Chapter 1

Joshua Hale exited the long stretched black limousine looking polished in his all black satin-trimmed tux, white button-down shirt with platinum cufflinks engraved with his initials, and shining Armani tuxedo shoes to match. His thick wavy, low cropped hair was trimmed razor sharp, along with his neatly trimmed mustache and goatee. The night air hit him with a wonderful breeze that only added to what promised to be a star studded night. Joshua held out his hand to assist his date for the evening, Zola Heart out of the car. Zola, the well known beautiful, international model, looked stunning in the floor length, sequined, canary yellow sleeveless gown. Her hair was in long flowing curls swooped over to the side. Even with her long shapely legs in four-inch heels, Zola just barely matched Joshua’s 6’2" frame. At 32 years old, Joshua’s massive muscular build complemented Zola’s 26 year old frame, whose face had graced the cover of many magazines. They were just two among the many elegantly dressed in attendance for the Sweeter than Sugar Foundation’s annual fundraiser banquet. The Sweet than Sugar Foundation is a charity dedicated to the education and cure for diabetes. The foundation slogan ‘Sugar is sweet, good health is sweeter’ has been seen everywhere from commercials, billboards, ads and even on t-shirts. This year’s theme for the banquet was ‘Smiles for Juveniles’. In addition to the $3,000 a plate, each guest was asked to bring a toy for the millions of children that spent more time in the hospital fighting juvenile diabetes than they did at home with their families. The Sweeter than Sugar Foundation was fortunate to have many generous donators and the Hale Sporting Agency was among them. The Hale Agency was a successful sporting agency that was owned and operated by Agent Joshua Hale alongside his older brother Noah, who also acted as an agent and their younger brother Malachi who was the company’s lawyer. Charity work was a big part of the way they were brought up being sons of a preacher. Their father, Pastor Noah Hale Sr. made sure that the brothers, along with their younger sister Ezra knew the importance of giving back through either time and/or money. Because of that lesson, the Hale Agency was being honored at the banquet by the Sweeter than Sugar Foundation not only for their generosity, but also for their leadership of encouraging the many professional athletes they represent that got involved with charity efforts as well.

As Joshua and Zola entered the luxurious lobby of the Maximus Hotel located in the nation’s capital of Washington, DC, a long red carpet awaited them. The red Berber carpet led from the front entrance of the hotel to the banquet hall. The regal ambiance of the hotel could be felt immediately upon entering. The old historical building still displaced some of its gorgeous original design. Still able to capture the attention of its guests were the high, white-golden dusted ceiling that rested upon the six strategically placed, huge marbled granite columns, (which looked as majestic as they did many years before). Although the worn out counter top of the wide, circular front desktop had been upgraded, it was still held up by the original gold speckled marble base.

As Joshua and Zola proceeded down the red carpet, Zola tightened her grip on Joshua’s arm. Joshua, she purred, in her native accent, I’m so sorry that I forgot to bring a toy for the kiddies.

Joshua looked down at his date. He was not surprised that she didn’t bring a gift for the kids. Zola never really did anything that didn’t benefit her. It’s fine Zola. I brought enough for the both of us, Joshua said, holding up the shopping bag filled with toys. Joshua let out a deep sigh. He and his brothers hated attending these kinds of events, especially the ones where they were being honored. They all felt that giving was enough of a reward in itself and no special recognition was needed. As always, to settle their dispute as to who would be attending to represent the agency, they drew straws. Joshua was the unlucky winner.

During the first stop on the red carpet, guests were greeted by a host collecting gifts the guests brought for the kids. Hosts then pinned the donors with grey ribbons that had red dots symbolizing blood cells. The ribbon was to show their solidarity and support of the charity. The next stop on the red carpet was just before entering the banquet hall where pictures were taken standing next to the easel with the Sweeter than Sugar slogan and logo on it. When Joshua and Zola stepped forward to have their picture taken, Joshua couldn’t help but notice the tall sexy photographer in the emerald green diamond studded dress, with a plunging neckline that showed enough cleavage that could make any man want to dive in. Her right leg peeked out of the thigh-high slit displaying the tightest, smoothest leg he’d ever seen. Joshua was unable to put a face to the heavenly body because of the camera she held in front of her, but he was glad for what he could see. Zola was in her element posing with her back slightly turned into Joshua holding his arms in place around her. She had turned her winning smile on, but Joshua’s facial expression was mostly of in awe of the lovely creature in front of him.

Joshua, you think I could get a smile out of you before I take the picture, the photographer said.

Joshua’s lips curled up, but quickly dropped and his eyebrows came together. How do you know my name? he asked.

Joshua saw a smile appear on her lightly glossed lips. Maybe because I’ve known your name just as long as I’ve known my own name. When the camera slowly lowered revealing the gorgeous flawless face of Samira Morgan, Joshua’s childhood best friend, his frown was replaced with a huge comical grin.

Sam! Joshua dropped his arms from around Zola and scooped Samira up in a bear hug spinning her around. Her floral scent caused his body to react in an unexpected way.

Samira laughed. Put me down before you make me drop my camera she said, trying to ignore how good it felt to be wrapped up in his arms.

Samira and Joshua along with their other best friend Shawn Myles all grew up together. All through grade school and high school the three of them were inseparable. Growing up, Samira was known as the neighborhood tomboy. Sports that were normally deemed for boys were not a problem for Samira. In fact she played better than most of the boys her age. That’s how she adopted the nickname Sam. Back then, Samira kept her long wildly curly hair tucked away under a dingy baseball cap and her long lanky body was just straight up and down void of any curves. Unlike the dazzling beauty Joshua held in his arms, the green dress she wore revealed a very curvaceous body. The dress molded around her more-than-a-hand-full breasts and curved in around her waist, finally flowing out over her shapely hips and plump backside. Gone was her long curly mane and in its place she sported a short boyish hair cut with tight curls making her look even more exotic.

What are you doing in Washington? The last I heard you were still in London Joshua said, as he placed her back on her feet, but he kept his arm securely around her waist. The look on Zola’s face showed that she was not happy with Joshua’s little reunion with the unknown beauty.

I relocated back to the states a couple of months ago. I’m just here offering my services as my charitable contribution to the foundation, but… Samira looked at the handsome man (whose arms she was still in) up and down. I must say you’re looking good Mr. Hale.

Joshua pulled Samira close and whispered in her ear. And you look absolutely gorgeous.

Zola was fuming. Joshua, we’re holding up the line. I think your little friend needs to get back to work.

Before Joshua could respond to Zola’s rude remark Samira stepped out of his arms. She’s right Josh. Join your date so I can take your picture.

Joshua went to stand next to Zola. Smiling, Zola wrapped her arms around Joshua’s waist, but his arms remained limp at his side with an unfriendly expression plastered on his face. Samira looked at him smiling. Joshua’s eyes lit up as he returned her smile and Samira quickly snapped the picture.

Stepping away from Zola he asked, How do I get in touch with you?

Samira pulled out a business card from the inside of her exposed cleavage handing it to him. It was really good seeing you Josh.

Joshua leaned in kissing her on the cheek. It was even better seeing you again, Sam

As Joshua and Zola made their way into the banquet hall, Joshua looked at the card in his hand. He turned looking at Samira as she smiled with a wink at him before turning her attention back to the couple posing in front of her. Smiling, he placed the card in his inside jacket pocket. Joshua was happy to see that Samira had an Atlanta address listed. He had no idea that she had moved back in the Atlanta area. As happy as he was to know that she was back, he was also disturbed by the fact that he was just finding out about it, but whose fault was that?

*****

Joshua stood on the balcony of his penthouse suite overlooking the Washington Monument. He took in the beautiful sights with his thoughts clouded by Samira. He marveled at how long it had been since he’d seen her or even talked to her for that matter. He, Samira and Shawn Myles had been the best of friends growing up. Everyone in the neighborhood had referred to Shawn Myles by his full name for years. It was Samira who started calling him Big Shawn the summer Shawn went away to spend time with relatives. When he returned home he looked like he had taken some kind of human growth pill that turned him into a giant, so Samira started calling him Big Shawn and so did the rest of them. After attending grade and high school together, the plan was for all three to attend the same college. Joshua and Shawn earned a full football scholarship and Samira earned her scholarship in art at the same school, UCLA. Samira had dreams of becoming a famous artist. She had the kind of raw talent that could take her a long way, but at the last minute she decided to attend a performing arts school in London. Sometime later Joshua heard that she had taken up photography. He had even seen some of her work in various magazines. She was just as good, if not better as a photographer which was proven by the high demand of those wanting to work with her.

Joshua groaned -- wiping his hand down his face. Samira was one of his best friends. How had he let them lose contact like that? In college Joshua quickly got caught up in being one of the hot new jocks on campus. The attention the girls were giving him was crazy, but he enjoyed every minute of it. In his last season as a college player, Joshua suffered a life changing injury that ended his dream of playing alongside his friend Shawn Myles in the NFL. The injury devastated him. He went into a deep depression refusing to talk to anyone. After not talking to Samira since she left for London, she reached out to him during the time of his injury. Just like Shawn, she knew how much he wanted to play in the NFL, but he refused to talk to her either. That was the last time she reached out to him. He never did take the time to contact her. It wasn’t until Shawn Myles was drafted into the NFL that he asked Joshua and his older brother Noah to become his agent -- which was the single occurrence that helped establish the Hale Agency. After his younger brother Malachi passed the bar exam, he came aboard as the much needed company lawyer. Over the years, the Hale Agency had great success in representing some of the top athletes in the nation, which is what helped keep them ahead of the rest.

Visions of Samira in the form-fitting green dress danced across Joshua’s thoughts. ‘Samira is my friend. I should not be thinking of her that way.’ Images of the green dress continued to dance in his thoughts. ‘But, damn she didn’t look like that back then either.’ Joshua had always considered Samira as one of the guys. Put him, her and Shawn Myles on the same team of any sport and they were sure to win. Samira was an only child so he and Shawn Myles protected her like a little sister—not that she need their protection. Her knowledge and skills in sports earned her respect with all the boys in the neighborhood, and because of her tomboyish ways, none of the neighborhood girls considered her a threat when she hung out and played with their boyfriends.

Joshua inhaled the smog-filled air. He was glad he made a rule to always book two rooms when traveling with a companion. He was fully aware of Zola’s self-absorbed attitude, which in the past was not a major problem for him. Zola and he had an understanding. They usually escorted each other to different functions and slept together whenever the desire hit. They both were so focused on their careers that they didn’t want the added pressure of a relationship. Because of that, they both were able to freely see other people, which is why her erratic behavior puzzled him. He was used to her being whiney and flirtatious with him and every other man in the room. That never was a problem for him because it meant that she wouldn’t be clinging to his side all evening, but tonight was a different story. Every time he tried to steal a moment to spend with Samira, Zola was right there on his heels. With Samira looking the way she did, Joshua couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. All he was hoping for was a chance to talk with her for a few moments; maybe to do a little catching up or at least he hoped that’s all it was he wanted. Her transformation from the tomboy in the baseball cap, baggy jeans and tee-shirt to the striking curvaceous woman he saw tonight was like a splash of cold water to the face. Every part of his body was well aware of every part of her body, but thoughts of her like that was not right. He had to keep reminding himself that Samira was his friend. It didn’t matter how much time had passed since they last saw or spoke to one another. She would always be one of his best friends.

Joshua heard the soft knock at his door. He didn’t need to guess who it was. He slowly walked to the door still dressed in his tuxedo pants with the top three buttons of his shirt undone and bowtie hanging. He took long strides in his sock-covered feet toward the door. He took a needed deep breath before opening it. Zola stood at his door dressed in a sexy little black halter dress that tied around the neck and so short that the slightest wind would put Marilyn Monroe to shame. The sexy black three inch stilettos she wore helped to display her long eye-catching legs. She changed her hair to a pinned-up, up-do with long curls hanging on the sides. Any other time her appearance would wreak havoc to his manhood, but not tonight. In fact, her mere presence was annoying to him. Tonight he didn’t want any company, well maybe that wasn’t entirely true. Samira would be a welcome presence. ‘Where the hell did that thought come from’ Joshua inwardly scolded himself.

Night cap Zola said, brushing pass him before he could say anything.

Joshua closed the door a little more forceful than he intended. Zola it’s late. We both have an early morning flight. Joshua’s brothers Noah and Malachi were picking him up the next morning in the company jet. It was that time of the year when contact negotiation leading into a new season took place and with the many clients they represented; it meant they had a lot of work to do. In fact, if it wasn’t for business he would have cancelled his room and called ahead to have the jet waiting to take him home to Atlanta right after the banquet just to avoid the scene with Zola he was having now.

Joshua, one little drink won’t hurt, Zola purred, as she strutted her way over to the wet bar making sure that her short dress swayed with her.

Joshua dropped down in the wing-back chair resting his head against the back. He knew that disagreeing with Zola would take too much energy. Energy he just didn’t have, so he hoped that he could have one drink with her then maybe she would go away, but deep down he knew it wouldn’t be that easy.

Zola handed him a glass of his preferred drink, Cognac, as she sat on the sofa facing him with a glass of chardonnay in hand. She crossed her long shapely legs leaving very little shielded from his view. Joshua was well aware of the game of seduction she was playing, but tonight he wasn’t in the least bit interested.

Joshua took a much needed sip of his drink before speaking. Zola I really appreciate you attending the banquet with me, but it’s been a really long exhausting day and I know you have a photo shoot tomorrow. Don’t you think you should get some rest so you’ll be refreshed for the shoot?

Zola smirked at him before taking a sip from her glass. I could think of a few other things that would help me feel refreshed.

Joshua took an even bigger swallow of his drink shaking his head. Not tonight Zola he said, before sliding his glass on the cocktail table.

Zola uncrossed her legs before following suit sliding her glass on the table too. She stood untying her dress causing it to fall into a puddle around her feet leaving her in just a pair of black laced thongs and her stilettos. There was not one blemish on her mahogany colored body. The same body Joshua had the pleasure of satisfying many times over. Zola took the few steps forward to close the gap between them. Dropping to her knees she said, You just sit back and let me take care of you.

Joshua allowed his other head to take over as he closed his eyes and tried to relax. Maybe this was just what he needed after all. He could feel Zola unzipping his pants before her hand disappeared inside pulling out his now hard head. Joshua scooped down in the chair to get more comfortable. This wasn’t the first time Zola took care of him in that way, so he already knew what to expect, but it still caused the air from his next breath to become prisoner in his lungs as she placed her warm lips around what was now his very willing member. Joshua felt himself completely relaxed, letting the air ease from his lungs with a husky moan of pleasure to what Samira was doing to him. ‘Samira’ Joshua’s eyes shot open to see that it was Zola not Samira kneading the pleasure out of him. STOP he growled pulling himself out of her grips.

Relax baby she said, trying to recapture him in her mouth.

No. Zola, stop.

Zola fell back on her knees with a confused look on her face. Joshua stood adjusting himself back into his pants. He looked down into Zola’s doe-like hurt eyes. Joshua wiped his hand over the top of his head on down his face. Look Zola, I’m really sorry. This has nothing to do with you. I guess I’m a little tired, plus I have a lot on my mind with all the upcoming contract negotiation. Joshua gently helped Zola to