Free Cornbread & Caviar by Empress Lablaque

you know that, right?"
Hilton tosses his head with aggravation. "Hell. My affections are controlling my behavior. For the last few days, I've felt like never before. It's as if you've torn down some sort of wall. You're fresh. You make me laugh. I can't seem to get enough of you."
I cup his face in my hands, then placed my lips near his. Searching his eyes, I ask, "Is this real, Hilton? What's happening to us?"
"It's real, Randi." He nods as I place my arms around his waist. "And yet, I feel strangely liberated. It must be a curse of some sort." He leaves the warmth of my arms. "Am I a reincarnation of my great grandfather?" He turns abruptly. "And you? Are you the mysterious Pearl coming back to haunt me?"
I mirror his eyes and shake my head. "Do you understand what you're saying?"
"Randi, something or someone has taken over my soul. I feel nothing but utter love for you, and I shouldn't."
"Is that so bad?" I ask, urgently.
"No." He shakes his head. "But it's too sudden." Hilton walks toward the window. "Please understand, Randi. It's as if nothing else existed until you walked into my life. Then, I woke up. My heart starts racing when I see you. Going by Casey's was becoming a habit for me."
I turn him around and place my fingertips to his lips, but he pulls away.
"Don't stop me, Randi. This is something I need to say." Hilton grasps my hands in his. "I would have given you ten million dollars if you needed it."
I part my lips and my breathing grows shallow. "Oh, my God."
Hilton kisses my forehead. "Take everything that I have. You can have it all, as long as I have you."
"You're doing drugs, aren't you?" I back away from his unfounded insanity.
"No. No, I haven't. I've walked around this place with a surly demeanor for years. I let Satin have her little playhouse to honor the written wishes of my father. I never wanted that vile trash in my home." He softens his voice. "No, no. Something was missing from my life, and that something—that someone—Randi Ranes, is you."
* * * * *
    Leading me toward the bed, Hilton explains. "After your embarrassing fiasco at the auction, you hid in the darkness of my office. There, you wept. After you fell asleep, I walked over to you and gazed into your sleeping face. Though in utter turmoil, you looked so peaceful, so radiant, so beautiful.
    "With your gorgeous red lips, strong cheekbones and large, catlike eyes, you're the very image of Pearl. Something wonderful wrapped itself around my heart, and I staggered. Before I left, I stroked your raven hair and planted a kiss on your cheek. Your entire experience is practically my fault. I had to make it up to you."
"So, you sent me the money as an apology."
    "Yes. I should have sent more. At the time, I didn't want to cross the line. I didn't know you very well."
"Don't blame yourself, Hilton." I stroke his shoulder. "I walked down that aisle on my own accord."
"It doesn't matter. Now, I know I was wrong. Somehow, I wanted to see what you were made of. And you proved I was right." While Hilton grimaces, I raise a brow. "Tell me I'm not dreaming."
"You're not dreaming." I shake my head. "And neither am I."
"Am I moving too fast? You can be honest."
I sigh. "We need to give this more time. If it's right, it will stand the test of time."
He reaches for my arm. "Are you going to hide yourself from me?"
"No. But I think we're moving too fast."
"I guess we should take it slow, huh?" He raises both brows and tugs at his ear.
"Perhaps you should take me home now." I quietly turn toward the door. Then, I stand up, casting my eyes toward the floor.
Hilton blocks my step. "Perhaps." He turns me around to face him. "And, I will take you home, after you kiss me."
I place my hand on his chest. "I don't believe you're going to take me home."
"Oh, and why is that?"
"You've got an erection crawling down your thigh as we speak."
As if denying my claim, Hilton engages my eyes. "You're going to help me, right?"
I sigh, but kiss his ruddy lips. "I don't put