The Thrill Of It All II:

Controlling Thoughts Pt. 2/A Goodnight Kiss

Another week went by and with Jacques out on business Tiana's mood was in a much lighter one. Daniel notices the difference in his mother whenever his father wasn't around and wondered if all the other mothers felt this way about their husbands.

Tiana brought along Daniel and Max to the French Quarter for another shopping trip, this time she was on a search for Naveen. She haven't seen the man in a week and a half and wondered if he was still in town as he never even showed up at her foundation get-together/meetings.

Professionally, she really needed him and since their last meeting didn't go too well she wondered if that was the final time she got to see him.

"Tia is that you?"

Daniel groaned at that familiar voice while Tiana lit up.

She turned to see her friend. "Lottie!"

Both women embraced in a hug.

"Oh, I haven't seen ya in so long!" said the blonde.

Tiana laughed. "Lottie, it's been a week since we've all seen each other."

"Seeing each other a week at a time is too long for us Tia. Now how is that money lovin' Jacque holding up?" she asked.

Tiana rolled her eyes. "Out of town."

Charlotte rolled her eyes in return. "Figures."

Timothy, Charlotte's youngest son tapped on Daniel's shoulder. "Hey you."

Daniel ignored the boy who repeated the gesture.

"Hey you!" Timothy said a little louder.

Tiana shook her head. "Daniel, Timothy is speaking to you."

Daniel sighed and turned to face the boy. "Hi," he said quickly.

"You're my friend now?" Timothy asked happily.

"I guess…," said Daniel before staying quiet for a second. "Wanna see my dog Max?"

Timothy's blue eyes lit up. "Yeah!"

"The husband is at home. It was nice until he started nitpicking on my dresses."

Tiana laughed. "Travis is trying to be the man of the house. That's all."

"No thanks to your husband," Charlotte said. "Now I can't buy a new pair of shoes without my Travis questioning me on how much I spent on them."

"Ya'll make up and in a couple of months you telling me you with another bun in the oven."

"Speakin' of buns in ovens..." Charlotte smirked her friend's way.

Tiana shrugged her shoulders.

"That's all I get from you? 'Ms. I'm not sleeping with my husband'?"

"What?" Tiana didn't want to talk about sex with Jacques again.

"You two make whoopee more than enough just admit it!" Charlotte said.

"Shh!" Tiana shushed her friend.

Charlotte laughed. "Those boys aren't listening to us. That cute mutt of yours is sucking up their attention. Now tell me! Jacques may be a pain but his face is furthest from it."

Naveen was about to step into Tiana's restaurant when he saw her with Charlotte heading his way. His honey coloured eyes remained on Tiana as she suddenly made eye contact with him from a short distance.

Daniel saw the man as well and grew excited. "Mama it's Naveen! Hey Naveen!"

"Hello there Daniel…," Naveen said, opening the restaurant door. He nodded his head to Tiana and Charlotte. "Hello ladies."

"Well hello there Naveen," Charlotte answered. "I didn't know you were in town." She gently bumped her hip to Tiana's who in return gave her friend a warning look.

"What?" asked the blonde with her best innocent face.

"Let's go in the restaurant, mama!" Daniel said, taking Naveen's hand. Timothy who shyly stood beside his mother suddenly ran over to Naveen and took his other hand.

"Oh!" Naveen looked down at the boy, surprised. "And what is your name?"

"'I'm not 'posed to talk to straggers," he answered, unaware of his actions.

"It's strangers sweetie," Charlotte corrected him. "And Naveen here is no stranger to us. Anyway, this is Timothy. My youngest boy."

"Smart kid," Naveen said looking a silent Tiana. "Do I get a hello? Or are you shy all of a sudden?"

She playfully rolled her eyes before answering. "Hello Naveen." She took her son's hand. "Come on Daniel…" and entered the restaurant, with a small smile across her lips.

Naveen watched Tiana walk in and couldn't help but to stare at her curvaceous hips effortlessly swaying as she strutted over to a waitress. He knew she was doing it for him and he enjoyed every moment of it.

"You men are as obvious as a sinner sweatin' in church." Charlotte walked into the restaurant.

Naveen laughed. "She has a nice dress!"

"Mmhm…" the southern belle was not convinced.

Timothy looked at Tiana's dress and shook his head. "I like green too, Mr. Naveen."

"Glad you see it my way," Naveen laughed.

"Tia I'll keep an eye on the children if you and Naveen need some time alone," Charlotte offered.

"That won't be necessary Lottie. I'm sure Naveen is here for the afternoon special," Tiana said

"Oh he's here for an afternoon special alright," Charlotte didn't believe a word coming from her friend's mouth.

Even Tiana had to smile at that one. "Really Lottie…," she noticed Daniel and Timothy already asking one of the waitresses for sweets.

Charlotte already beat her to going over to the kids. "You have some business to discuss."

Tiana rested her hands on her hips.

"She can be obvious with her actions," said Naveen who sat at a nearby table.

She sighed and turned to respond. "Are you really here for 'business'?"

"I've already taken care of my business for the day. I'm here for lunch." He looked her up and down. "You look beautiful."

"Really Naveen…" she started looking around. "…you should tone down on the flirting. I am married and the people who work for me also works for my husband either way—

"I'm not flirting with you," Naveen smirked at her.

Tiana couldn't resist his playful smirk but knew it was wrong to continue having any form of romantic thoughts for the man. It would only drive her mad.

"Good afternoon," a waitress cut in and smiled when she saw her boss, "Hey Tiana! What would you like for lunch on this very busy but lovely afternoon?"

"I''m not having lunch here today but this gentleman is. Excuse me," Tiana walked away.

"Tiana..," Naveen stopped when he saw that she left the opposite direction and upstairs for her office. He admitted that he was disappointed, but what else could he do?

"She's always so busy," the waitress said. "Would you like anything?"

"Not at the moment," he told the waitress rose from the table and left the restaurant. He really wasn't expecting his next meeting with Tiana to end up as disastrous as it did.

He wondered if it was even worth trying to persuade her?

"Jacques Montreuil! You bad, bad man…" Naveen heard from behind him. He turned to see Tiana's husband and a woman with him. She looked about Tiana's age but unlike Tiana who kept her youthfulness glow this woman didn't carry that factor. He also saw that Tiana's husband was near the restaurant.

"Take me here…" the woman begged.

"No, not here," Jacques said. "We'll go to the hotel and have our lunch there…" he smirked at her. "What's your name again?"

"You know my name silly," laughed the woman. "And why not Tiana's Palace? You afraid of ya wife?"

Jacques frowned and pushed the woman out of his way. "You talk too much for a woman." And went right for his car, leaving the woman.

She ran over to the car. "Wait! I'm sorry!"

"You're not worth the money," he said before the driver pulled off down the road.

The woman crossed her arms and cursed at herself.

Naveen simply shook his head and carried on down the street. He will never understand why Tiana would settle for a low-life such as Jacques Montreuil.

()()()()

Tiana and Daniel returned home later that evening and of course the younger boy remained silent on the Naveen sighting. Daniel really liked the man and wanted to know more about him. He also noticed that Naveen seemed a lot more interesting than his own father, and unlike with his father, his mother seemed to brighten up around the man. Even when she tried hiding it.

"Can we see Naveen again mama?" asked Daniel who was already tucked in for bed.

"Now what did I tell you about mentioning his name in this house?" asked Tiana.

"I'm sorry," the boy apologized. "But why did he leave right away?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Now which book would you like for me to read for you tonight?"

"I'm sorry for interrupting..," Florence stood by the door. "But Jacques needs to speak with you Tiana."

Tiana sighed. "Can't he wait a few more minutes?"

"He send me to read Daniel his stories.."

"Aw!" Daniel pouted.

"I'm sorry baby." Tiana kissed her son. "Be good for Florence. I love you and goodnight." She heard her son say 'goodnght' before closing the door.

"Darling! I'm in the bedroom," she heard and rolled her eyes. While opening the door she watched as her husband was buttoning up a tux shirt.. "I'll be going out tonight."

She sat the bed and askd, "Then what did you need me in here for?"

"Get ready for me to take you out to a gala," he looked at his reflection while grabbing a tie.

"This late?" She asked.

Jacques laughed. "It's only eight fifteen,Your new dress is hanging in the closet." He went to the bathroom to apply some cologne.

Tiana went to the closet to find a beautiful gold beaded gown waiting for her to put on. She ran her hand over the beads and couldn't deny how perfect the dress was. Her husband had a peculiar taste for her and always knew he wanted her to wear.

She took off her house coat and nightgown, laying them both on the bed before slipping on her bra and panties.

"I'll be waiting downstairs. Don't be long," Jacques said before leaving the room.

Tiana quickly dressed and finished off with light make-up and a neat bun with curls hanging on the side. The diamond encrusted golden earrings weren't too overwhelming but the golden shoes were despite how comfortable they feel.

Finally reaching down the stairs she met up with her impressed husband who himself was holding a golden cane. "You look delicious darling. Very beautiful," he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

She raised a brow while taking his other arm. "Are you alright?"

Jacques laughed. You don't need to worry. And yes…I'm fine. The golden cane goes well with the tux does it not?"

"It's...it's very you," Tiana said as they left their home.

()()()()

On the ride over Jacques explained that the gala was held by his aunt Celestine and all the wealthiest people of colour are to attend. In other words for Tiana the night will be filled with snotty people who only associate with people within the social circle.

Jacques laughed at her expression. "It won't be that bad. Since her husband died my aunt has been less witchy. She even looks forward to seeing you and if she tries to say anything less than appealing I'll be there to set her straight. She knows where she stands with me."

Tiana looked out the window onto the night sky feeling a little overwhelmed. She should've been use to his surprise outings by now. Even if they didn't happen very often. She was sure that the next surprise night event would be in a month or two.

Once they made it to the familiar yet beautiful mansion they were greeted by glass flutes of champagne and Celestine, who wore a silver evening gown. Her hair was styled for the time but there was something different about her face.

"Good evening nephew…you look very handsome and my Tiana...I can no longer deny your beauty...my nephew always loved his dark beauties, but none are as beautiful as you dear," the older woman began with envy in her eyes. "You haven't aged a bit. Must be nice to have strong African genes."

"The best genes anyone can have," Jacques said, holding his wife's hand. "I guess that's what having one husband can do for a woman."

Celestine smirked. "So you still speak for her I see."

"Come darling," Tiana heard Jacques say as they walked over to some familiar guests she actually despised just as much.

"And here are the Montreuils," Derek said along with three other gentlemen who were standing with him. "Not only the richest man of colour in town, but Cresent City's wealthiest man "

Jacques smiled at the compliment. "I sure fucking am," he placed a hand on his wife's lower back.

Tiana hated when he did it in front of people.

"And good evening to you Tiana," Derek said taking her hand and kissing it. "You are the envy of every woman in this gala if I should say so myself."

"Thank you," she saw the lust in his eyes and wanted to throw up. Each of Jacques' friends greeted Tiana and all she wanted to do was get away from them all.

"Darling why don't you go speak with the other wives?" Jacques suggested. "You wouldn't be interested in men conversation."

Tiana was more than pleased to get away from her husband and his scum of friends.

"Tiana you look absolutely perfect!" complimented Diahann, who was the closest to Tiana. She was lighter in shade and very pretty. And quite smart. Also coming from poverty herself she and Tiana bonded to a certain point.

"Thank you Diahann," Tiana and the girl hugged. "You look beautiful yourself."

"Thank you," The woman laughed. "I'm glad someone here thinks so. My husband hasn't said one word about my appearance since having the baby."

Tiana smiled. "How is Elise?"

"As spoiled as ever. She's just like her daddy when she wants something she grunts and whines until she gets it. How is that little genius of yours? I heard that he can already read."

"Daniel can read very well and count to 200" Tiana smiled as she noticed Naveen on the other end of the room.

And he looked so good in his tux.

Diahann looked behind her, puzzled. "What is it? Who are you smiling at?"

"Nothing," Tiana lied. "Can you excuse me?" she walked around the woman and eased into one of the rooms to calm herself. She wanted to kick herself on her behavior just a few moments ago.

"Carrying away like a schoolgirl out there," she said to herself. "Just calm down Tiana…," she inhaled and exhaled until she felt arms around her waist.

She quickly turned to see

"Jacques?"

"I saw you rushing in this room. Are you feeling ill? I can have Kevin drive—

"I'm fine," she gave him a weak smile.

Jacques smiled back, caressing her cheek and neck. "You are truly beautiful. The belle of the ball." He leaned forward to kiss her. "

She didn't know if it was the champagne, but the kiss felt good but she still yad Naveen in mind.

'No, don't think of him.' She mentally thought and deepened the kiss.

"Mm." a moan left her mouth as her back pressed up against the wall. She felt her husband pressing on her and tried stopping him.

"Not here," she whispered desperately.

"You started this darling," he pressed her harder on the wall. "I locked the door so no one can get in."

"I don't want this…" she pushed him and hurried to the door, unlocking it.

Jacques took her hand and roughly pulled her over to him. "We will finish this later." He push passed her back before leaving the room, slamming the door behind him.

Tiana exhaled in releif while walking to another door that led her outside on a balcony to a beautiful starry night sky.

The fresh air was calling and almost made her forget about what almost happened between herself and her husband until thoughts of Naveen returned.

"Naveen…" she said to no one in particular. "Why did you have to come back?"

"Because I wanted, no, needed to see you again," he said.

She turned to see him and couldn't respond because his lips covered hers. Unlike Jacques who was passionate yet hard. Naveen's kiss was passionate yet explosive.

She enveloped her arms over his shoulders to deepened the kiss while a moan left her mouth. And unlike with Jacques moments earlier she wanted all of Naveen.

But he was the first to stop her.

"Do you still love me?" he asked breathing heavily.

"Not this…" she said, trying to kiss him again.

But he wanted to hear it from her. "Tiana…I won't ask you question again."

Her breathing was stiff and she couldn't hold back any longer. "Yes, yes I still love you! I never stopped loving you!"

Naveen took her back into his arms and continued the kiss with her. And was a thrill when Tiana didn't push him away. In fact, she pressed her body against his to deepen the kiss.

Losing control of any thought of ever letting him go again.