The Perfect Lover

By Dorothy W Cosey

Ryan Clayton has it all a wonderful family, a great job and a woman who loves him but it is not enough, he wants passion and fire in his relationship and Gale is not cutting it. Ryan meets Raven on a business trip, shortly after meeting, they develop feelings for each other, will passion and lust take precedence over his relationship with Gale. On the other hand, will Raven turn out to be the biggest disappointment in his life? In the past, Ryan played mind games. Will it catch up with him? Can Ryan elude Sharon a sociopath and former conquest who stalks his every move? Will Sharon reveal a family secret that can blow him out of the water? Ryan will discover love was staring him in the face with Gale, can a former playboy change in time to share a life with the woman he loves or will time run out soon? By pure chance, Gale meets Antonio at a nightclub he wants to be her man. Who will Gale chose? Will it be Antonio or Ryan? Can Antonio make Gale forget Ryan ever exist?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorothy W Cosey
• Release date: Mar 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476058955

Book preview

The Perfect Lover

The Perfect Lover

Dorothy W. Cosey

Copyright © 2011 Dorothy W. Cosey

All rights reserved.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my friends and family. I would like to thank my readers and most of all God for allowing me to serve him each day.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my faithful readers, and my goal is to keep you on your toes. I would like to thank my family and god for blessing my life every day.

Chapter 1

Ryan Clayton sits in his meeting half listening to his colleagues preoccupied with matters that are more important. He thumbs through his portfolio with ease another client meeting, another lecture on the status of business performance and client satisfaction.

One particular client Miss Langley was the worst she complains every chance she gets, never content with her profits, there was always room for displeasure on her part. Ryan dismisses Miss Langley from his thoughts; He could care less about the bitter biddy. Right now, other matters need his full attention.

Carl Mathews the president of a large trading company is explaining to the Board Members the current situation with the company, while Ryan lets his mind wander to his two siblings Brianna and Maggie. He was firm with the girls always the loving big brother. Today he is leaving early to register the girls for private school, he is positive this will have a lasting effect on both girls.

Ryan took his sisters in after the death of their parent's, working his way through college to gain a masters degree in business. He was doing well for himself proud of his accomplishments, when he receives the devastating news that his parents died in a plane crash visiting Italy.

His parents were happily married for thirty-five years. They saved a long time for the trip to Italy to celebrate their anniversary, when tragedy strikes them both. Ryan was a single man with two young girls to care for until his Aunt Clarissa volunteers to help. Thank goodness, she was willing and able.

Clarissa was the only living relative of his mother, she looks identical to Sofia except she is a bit shorter. Aunt Clarissa was his salvation. He would not be able to manage with the care of his sisters if not for her. Ryan thanks the good Lord for sending her in their lives each day. Clarissa loves the girls like her own, she helps provide a home for them and gives him support when gets frustrated.

Brandon and Sofia Clayton were planners, they both realize life happens and one day they would be gone, they did not want their children to struggle so they left a trust fund in case something happen. Ryan was thankful his parents took them in consideration.

Brandon Clayton his father finds love with Sofia his mother after being station in Italy a romance develops and they marry soon after. His father was an officer in the Navy.

He met Sofia while touring Italy it was quite by accident. They both were reaching for the same book at the library.

His hand accidently brushes Sofia; it sends a tingle through his body just her light touch. After making his apologies, He introduces himself, she smiles looking at him with compassionate light brown eyes, his heart stops beating. He took notice of how beautiful she was, unsure if she would accept, he bravely asks her out to lunch. Sofia was impressed; she smiles and demurely accepts his offer.

She was not one to leave with a stranger, but something about this man was different, she just met him and her pulse race. It was something new and refreshing to her. With only the slightest touch of his hand, she feels connected to him and his strong aura.

With graceful movements and a build that is physically perfect, it was easy to see how he towers over her. The depths of his eyes were green with flecks of gold.

She lowers her gaze not wanting to stare, but he is very handsome. His ethnicities a combination of African American, with full lips, course hair, skin the color of bronze and a voice that sounds baritone.

Brandon guides Sofia to a nearby open restaurant the streets are crowded with tourist in every direction, finding a seat was difficult but the two manage and settle into their seats. Brandon begins to make small talk and Sofia listens intently.

He builds up the courage to ask her if she was married, expecting her to say yes, he was counting his blessing when she said she was single. He exhales his breath, without realizing he was holding it, and devours the beautiful sight in front of him.

He begins stirring his food thinking frantically how to ask to see her again. Amusement dances in her eyes she lowers her lashes happy the attraction was mutual.

To break the silence she replies, Thank you Brandon for a lovely lunch; I really enjoy talking with you. Fearing she was about to leave Brandon rushes to reply. Sofia, I want to ask you out for dinner, if it’s alright with you? His voice carries uncertainty.

Brown eyes stare at him in surprise; she was holding her breath, wishing he would ask her out again, she pauses only for a second before she accepts. After exchanging addresses, they both agree on the time, she promises to be ready at seven for him to pick her up.

Brandon was on time he had no trouble finding her apartment. He knocks on her door. Sofia answers, wearing a pale blue wraparound dress her feet enclosed in sling back high heels. She wore little to no makeup and her hair the color of shimmering bronze.

Standing before him was the picture perfect woman her curves enhanced by the dress and Brandon breath caught in his throat.

Happy that Brandon approves of her outfit, she takes a step back to allow him entrance to her apartment. She pauses for one moment, to compliment his attire. Dressed in a dark blue sports coat with, beige trousers his shoes are expensive leather. Jet-black hair compliments his brown skin.

The two leave for the restaurant in Brandon's sports car. He tosses the keys to the valet and walks around to open the door for Sofia, he guides her to the door, and the waiter steers them to their table.

The room is a light-panel color, tables covered with fine linen and the soft glow from table lamps. A stream of music was playing in the background. This was the perfect place to entertain a special woman and he acknowledges that woman was Sofia.

To make conversation Sofia asks Brandon about his childhood she found they both share a love for the arts. She could tell Brandon has a good education. When he describes his life to her it was as if she was there witnessing it firsthand.

He mentions his family, his father Albert a high wheeling business owner of several record companies and his mother Naomi a nurse for twenty years in New York.

He was the only child and his life had been one of a spoiled brat. Brandon a man determine to make his own way in life joins the Navy after high school he receives his college education though the military and his father Albert hit the roof with his decision.

Albert Clayton's plan for Brandon was to go to Harvard receive a business degree, and run his companies. However, that was not Brandon's plan he would follow his own dreams. He was station in Italy and his career was an Officer in the Navy.

Sofia notices a wry sigh after Brandon finish. She asks about ethnicity. Brandon relaxes his features then answers her question. My father is African American and my Mother is white, I hope this will not change anything.

Sofia quickly dispels his doubts. Not in the least I find it refreshing, you know there is no pure race, it matters not to me. Brandon releases his breath he was afraid she would change her mind. To end the conversation he asks Sofia for a dance, she accepts his outstretched hand.

They make their way to the small dance floor and Brandon holds her in his embrace. Thinking to him how right she feels in his arms, even when he towers over her. She fit him to a tee. Sofia is reeling from Brandon's closeness she inhales his cologne, she is aware of his strong hand on her back which sends tingles down her spine.

Brandon bends his head and nudges her ear; he whispers softly. I think I have fallen for you Sofia. She was experiencing the same emotions, admitting to herself how much she wants him; there is no doubt about that. His lips caress her neck, and when he begins to kiss her, tiny pulses go through her body surprising her by the emotions he was igniting.

One year later Brandon and Sofia were married in a small chapel in Italy. Their Union produced three children Ryan, Brianna, and Maggie. After several years, Brandon retired from his duties in the Navy and they move to New York to raise their children.

Ryan brought back from his thoughts by his cell phone ringing. He waves a hand at Carl to continue his meeting while he steps outside the door to answer the call.

A familiar voice greets him on the other end. Hello darling did I catch you at a bad time? It was Sharon his former lover.

Ryan inhales deeply before answering her question. How many times would he have to explain to Sharon, there was no relationship the woman acts, as if he is her personal property?

He calm his nerves before he answers. Hello Sharon, good to hear from you. I am in a meeting now. Could we discuss this later? The woman was clearly irritated.

Well it would be nice if for once you would quit avoiding me, just accept that I love you and want to marry you.

Ryan's patience was about to snap he takes another calming breath before replying. "Sharon, we have discussed this situation before many times. I am not ready for marriage, I have my sisters, and we are not an item.

I have tried to explain this to you but you refuse to accept my decision. There was a pause before Sharon answer. Ryan. She put emphasis on his name. I will see you tonight please don't disappoint me." The line goes dead. Ryan looks at the phone for half a second.

This was unbelievable; she was still refusing to let him move on without the drama. He shoves his hands deep into his pocket and turns toward the conference room.

The meeting was over when he enters and Carl takes this opportunity to speak with his friend. Ryan, you got a minute? We need to talk. Ryan squares his broad shoulders, and follows Carl to his office.

After closing the door, Carl begins the conversation. Have a seat Ryan, make yourself comfortable. How long have we known each other Ryan? Carl waits for a reply. I do believe it's been over ten years now Carl, why do you ask?

Carl rubs his chin then answers. I know you have a lot on your plate old man, but I really need a favor. Ryan lifts a brow at the other man. Carl was the president of a large stock trading company.

Ryan could not imagine Carl needing his help at all. His curiosity gets the better of him. Ask away, but mind you don’t give me a heart attack. A smile touches his sensual lips. Carl proceeds after giving his friend a stern look.

It's the Langley account there are some documents that need signatures and require travel. Ryan thought of Miss Langley with distaste, was he asking him to retrieve her signature? She was a most unpleasant woman.

Carl continues before Ryan could refuse. "The signatures we require are from Misses Langley's Granddaughter. She is twenty-one now, and holds a claim to the stocks her father left Miss Langley. Ryan was beginning to see the whole picture now, so he would not have to directly deal with Misses Langley but her Granddaughter.

Ryan relaxes a little in his chair. Alright what is the young ladies name? And where are you sending me this time Carl? Carl breathes a sigh of relief. He was betting his friend would not let him down. Well now that I have picked your curiosity my friend, the Granddaughters name is Raven, and I need you to go to England.

His head rises with a jerk. England, I don't know if that is possible, you know I have my sisters what of them? Carl planned this for weeks, he was not about to let this opportunity slip through his fingers.

Ryan was the only man in his employ that possess the power of persuasion, keen business shrewdness, sprinkled with charming good looks goes a long way.

Don’t worry, Ryan I have taken the liberty of asking your Aunt to look after the girls while you are in England. She was most accommodating; you know how much they mean to her. Ryan has to admit that his Aunt was the best choice.

He relaxes once more in his chair before asking his next question. How long will I have to be there? Carl studies his friend before answering.

Chapter 2

I figure no more than a month, this might take some persuasion on your part, but rest easy Ryan, if we can complete this task you have a CEO position waiting for you.

His expression remains calm Ryan has some loose ends to tie up before he can leave, and he would not leave without seeing his sisters first. He poses the next question. When do you expect me to leave?

Carl replies. In two weeks, will that give you enough time? Ryan thinks on the matter before answering. That will be fine. The two men shake hands and conclude their meeting.

Ryan continues to his office he was leaving a little early today to get his sisters registered for school his first stop was St. Mary School for girls.

After arriving, he waits for the head mistress of the school. After friendly introductions the woman explain the high standards the school require for their students Ryan was already familiar with the requirements , he signs some papers then concludes his meeting.

He drives his foreign sports car toward the brown stone building where his Aunt resides. His long strides take him to the front door,