The car service arrived precisely at 6:15 p.m. to transport TK to Seduccións, a private restaurant located near the Canal Walk in downtown Richmond. The 12th floor where the restaurant was located was circular, with a glass elevator that traveled though the center of the building. Once the doors opened, the maitre d’ greeted the guest and asked their names. As the couple in front of her responded, TK looked around and immediately wished she had brought her camera to capture the exquisite view from the windows.
As the couple was taken to their table, behind the area where the maitre d’ station stood, another maitre d’ greeted her. “Mademoiselle, may I help you?”
“Yes, thank you. I am meeting Jason Davies.”
“Ah, Mademoiselle Kendrick,” he smiled.
“Yes,” she returned his smile.
“Right this way.” The maitre d’ took her behind the elevator area to a smaller, and as hard as it was to believe, more beautiful room than the exterior. The combination of the soft gold lighting, the mellow music, and the skyline of downtown Richmond as a backdrop, created a sensuous mood in the room. In the middle of the room was a water fountain with a statue in the center of a couple lovingly embracing. Tables were stationed in each corner of the room, giving the appearance of privacy in an open environment. Standing at a table in the far corner of the room was Jason. TK wasn’t sure what was more breathtaking, the city skyline in lights or the man standing before it. In either case, they both astounded her. She stepped forward and the decision was clear. It was the man who stood more than six feet tall, dressed in a navy blue suit by Miguel of Atlanta. The suit apparently was made just for his body. She was sure no other man could wear that suit and look that good.
There was nothing on this earth that could describe the woman walking towards him; she had to be a heavenly being dressed in red with her hair parted in the middle and flowing straight down her back. That thought alone should have warned Jason he in was about to take the journey of a lifetime. There was no skin showing with the exception of her arms and legs. It wasn’t difficult for him to determine why his manhood sprung to attention. He mentally ordered that part of his anatomy to relax, this is not going to happen tonight, too much is at stake. The smile that greeted him made it difficult to concentrate on anything but the woman he was about to touch. His dreams of her over the past weeks paled in comparison to her presence. It wasn’t just her outer appearance, but the aura around her that created the total package. Jason reached out his hand to her, “Hello TeKaya.” That was supposed to be his greeting, and then they would sit, eat a meal and talk. That was all he wanted. But his lips wanted something more. One hand held her hand, the other caressed her cheek and his lips gently touched hers. The reality of the kiss was sweeter than any dream or imagination. The touch of her hand at his waist was titillating to say the least as heat surged through all regions of his body. His hands circled her waist merging their bodies together. The pieces to the puzzle of his life now all fit. This was the missing piece and he was never going to let her go.
Magnificent was the only word that came to mind as the simple hello kiss turned into a mutual uniting of two souls. TK was in awe of the man holding her so securely in his arms. Nothing her mother ever told her could have prepared her for the onslaught of feelings poring through her veins. She had only met this man once, yet his kiss was swaying the “take your time approach” she had planned. Her instinct, to hold on to this man for the rest of her life, was so strong that she was afraid to let go of him. It was clear that regardless of how many times the man in the background cleared his throat, Jason was not going to end the kiss, and she was just as sure she did not have the strength to pull away.
Jason’s retreat was slow and sensuous as he lightly brushed a kiss on her cheek. Holding her close he could see the cloudiness of her eyes. “Please accept my apology for taking certain liberties with your lips, but they were quite irresistible.”
“Your apology is not accepted and I would be offended if you never took such liberties again,” TK replied with a sensuality she did not know she possessed.
A beaming Jason caressed her lower back. “I certainly don’t wish to offend you, however, if I kiss you again we will not have dinner, dessert or breakfast.”
With a raised eyebrow and a twinkle in her eye TK smiled. “You know, I’m okay with that.”
The slight tilt of his head indicated he was contemplating accepting that invitation. He slowly took a step back, took her hand, and seated her on the opposite side of the table. He leaned over and whispered, “We will have the rest of our lives to make love. Tonight I want to get to know the woman who captured my heart with a single kiss.” Once he took his seat, the waiter, who stood patiently waiting for the hello to end, approached the table.
While Jason spoke with the waiter, TK leisurely observed the virtual stranger that caused her to act so brazenly in public. The more she watched him the clearer the reason became. It was the olive toned, smooth skinned man, with hazel eyes, dressed as if he’d stepped out of GQ. He had a confident demeanor, and a mustache that promised to both tickle and drive any woman to lose her mind. Clearly, she had lost hers. This man is a music executive. He travels around the world with his brother, who is a chick magnet if one was ever created. How could one family hold claim to two magnificent men? She asked herself. “It’s unfair, it’s just unfair.”
“What’s unfair?” Jason asked.
Crossing her legs and surrendering to the inevitable, she sat forward, folded her hands under her chin, and relaxed. “I did not mean to say that out loud. I was just wondering why a man with as many women around as you would fly here just to see me.”
“What’s unfair about that?”
“You have me at a disadvantage. You are a man that has traveled the world, in private jets, no less. I’m a simple girl from the south. The furthest away I’ve been is Washington, DC on a field trip when I was in the fifth grade. I’ve had one boyfriend in my life. You have women at your disposal. It’s very clear you know how to seduce any one of them. So, you tell me what about this evening is fair?”
“You don’t mince words do you?”
“I never learned how.”
Taking her hand in his he gently stroked her fingers. “It’s you that have the advantage over me TeKaya. Your simple life is what I want. I would give up the money, the plane, and the women without a glance, if you were in my life. Match, point, set. Who was the boyfriend?” TK laugh quietly. “I’m serious TeKaya. Does he live here? Did he hurt you? Is he still in the picture?” He stopped questioning and laughed with her. “I’m serious woman and you’re laughing.”
Dinner was served and the two spent the next hour talking about each of their lives. TK talked about her mother, sister, and Nana, as they referred to their grandmother. Jason talked about Sierra, his mother, who was a jazz singer touring Europe at the time and of course his brother. He also talked more about the situation with Latoya and their living arrangements.
Just as the uncomfortable silence filled the air, Eric appeared on the makeshift stage with his guitar and began playing softly. The other three couples, whom Jason and TeKaya had not noticed, clapped as he ended the first song. He began the second song with the words, believe in the experience, believe in the feelings, believe in me. Jason stood and held his hand out to TeKaya who hesitantly joined him in the dance. The other couples joined in, as each reveled in the aesthetic sounds. When Eric’s songs ended, Jason continued to hold TeKaya. “Believe in me enough to know I will work through this situation. I don’t want to lose my little girl or my new girl.”
Resting her head in the crook of his shoulder TeKaya sighed. “I believe you will Jason,” she kissed his neck. “Just don’t hurt me in the process.”
With his finger on her chin, he brought her eyes up to his. “You have my word. I will never hurt you.” Easing his hand across her shoulder and down her back, he kissed her softly, “That’s my promise to you.”
Sensing the moment was right, Eric stepped closer to the couple. Jason took her hand in his and faced his brother. I know you two met briefly, but I would like to introduce you again. Eric, this is TeKaya.”
Eric kissed her cheek, “It’s apparent from the silly grin on his face, you make my brother happy. I owe you.”
TK blushed. “It’s nice to meet you again Eric. But it’s I that owe you.”
“Is the car out front?” Jason asked before Eric could question her response.
“Yes, it is.”
Turning to TeKaya, “Would you ride with us to the airport?” Jason asked.
“Sure,” she replied a little disappointed he had to return to Atlanta.
As they took the 15-minute ride to the airport, Jason explained, “I’m sorry I have to return tonight, but Sierra is home alone.”
Startled, TK jerked away, “You left her home alone? Are you crazy leaving a baby alone?”
Tickled by her immediate motherly instincts showing Jason laughed, “She’s with her nanny.”
“Where’s her mother? You indicated the reason she lived with you was so Sierra would have both parents around her.”
“That’s true, but…”
“There are no but. Tonight she doesn’t have either you or her mother. A nanny should not be raising your child. I’m not saying anything against the nanny, but whose values and beliefs do you want Sierra to have yours or your nanny’s?”
“Isn’t that the same question Mom asked you?” Eric grinned.
Jason changed from the surprised look at TeKaya to the irritated look at Eric. “Do you mind?”
“Sorry,” Eric replied and looked away.
“I have to have someone dependable at the house for Sierra because I travel so much. When I’m home she is with me constantly. I can’t depend on Latoya staying home with her.”
Not understanding the logic, TK stammered. “But she’s her mother. Where else would she want to be?”
Seeing the lost look on his brother’s face, Eric knew he needed help. “TeKaya,”
She turned from Jason to Eric, “TK is fine.”
“Thank you. Earlier you stated you owe me something, why?” As if the answer was understood, she simply replied, “My sister.” She turned back to Jason with a questioning eye.
“Your sister?” Eric questioned.
Realizing she had not really answered his question, she apologized. “Oh, I’m sorry. My sister was with me the night of your concert. She was going through a difficult year with her divorce and everything. She had fallen into a kind of funk, if you know what I mean. But something happened to her the night of your concert and she became alive again. I have my sister back and she swears you are the one to thank.” She smiled. “If she was here I’m sure she would thank you in some elegant way. But since she is not you have to accept mine. Thank you for helping her through a very difficult time.”
Eric looked to Jason, “I like her.” He then looked back to TK. “What can I do to keep you around?”
Smiling brightly she started to answer but stopped. “You know, there is something you can do, both of you.” She looked to Jason then back to Eric, “If you don’t mind.”
“Name it,” Jason and Eric said in unison.
Surprised by their eagerness to please, “I like that. But you may not want to after I tell you what it is.”
“Try us,” Eric said with a smile.
“Okay, my sister teaches at an elementary school that is in dire need of a paint job. The school board will supply the paint but she has to gather painters. Before the divorce, it would not have been an issue, but you discover who your true friends are when you go through adversity. To date she only has four volunteers. If you two could help that would give us six people. What do you think? Will you help?”
“Let me get this straight. You don’t want us to give you the money to hire a team to paint the building—you want us to help you paint?” Eric asked.
“Yes.”
Eric and Jason smiled at each other. They were both used to people asking for funds or for Eric to sing to raise funds. This woman simply wanted their help. “When is this going to take place?”
“That’s just it, her ex husband will only be available this Saturday, so she did not have a lot of time to pull things together.”
Jason smiled and asked, “Would you mind if I bring a few friends?”
“No, not at all,” she eagerly replied. “Just let me know how many, my mother is going to prepare lunch for everyone.”
“Why don’t you allow us to bring lunch?”
“Oh, I can’t ask you to do that. Just your muscle will be appreciated.”
The car came to a halt, to Jason’s despair. Eric reached behind him and grabbed his guitar case. “TK it was a sincere pleasure to meet you. If I’m free, I will see you Saturday.”
“It was nice to see you again Eric.”
Jason turned to TeKaya. “The service is going to take you home.” He pulled her close, “I’m so glad you agreed to see me tonight. I wish I could stay.”
She kissed his lips softly. “I wish we had more time, but Sierra is waiting for you.”
Her concern for his daughter touched him. “Thank you for understanding.” He bent his head to kiss her and she stopped him with her hand on his chest.
“I understand your love and concern for your daughter. But I do not play second to any one. Before you and I go too much further, you should really look at your relationship with your ex-girlfriend. Be sure you are honest with yourself as to why she is living with you.”
“That’s fair,” Jason nodded. He kissed her goodbye, “I’ll call you when I get home.”
He watched her standing at the car as the plane took off, and knew, TeKaya was his future.
♪
TK walked into the house and joined her mother and sister in the family room watching television. Siri looked at the clock as TK sat on the sofa next to her. “You’re home early. Was he that bad?”
Slipping out of her heels, TK sighed, “No, he was that good,” she replied as she pulled her legs up and crossed them on the coffee table.
Siri and Kerri glanced at each other. Kerri smiled and turned off the television with the remote. “Details.”
“Mommy I’m going to marry Jason. I don’t know when, I don’t know where, but I am going to be his wife—just as soon as I get rid of the girlfriend.”
“That’s taking it slow,” Siri teased.
“What girlfriend?” Kerri asked.
TK exhaled, “Latoya Wright. She is his daughter Sierra’s mother. From what he said they live separate lives, but under the same roof.”
“I don’t like the sound of that TeKaya. I didn’t raise you to be a fool. He has to finish cooking in that kitchen before he starts storing food in another, you know what I mean?”
TK looked at Siri then back to her mother. “No Mommy, we never know what you mean when you say things like that.”
Kerri sat up in her seat. “He needs to finish his business with that woman before he starts a relationship with you.”
“I have to agree TK. I don’t want you putting your time into Jason, as fine as he is and end up hurt. It took you three years to get over Cain. That was one boyfriend you could have done without.”
“Well the Kendrick’s fall quick and love long. I fell for your Dad in….”
“Two hours twenty-three minutes and ten seconds,” TK and Siri responded together and laughed. Then continued, “Without ever saying a word to him, just watching and wondering when he was going to make his move.”
“Laugh if you want to, but it is the truth,” Kerri grinned at her daughters.
“I’m not laughing at you anymore Mommy. I’ve fallen for Jason hard. I can still feel his kiss lingering on my lips.”
“Wow,” Siri exhaled.
“My question is did he fall for you?”
“Yeah, Mommy he did,” Siri answered for her. “I saw that the night they first met. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.”
“Then it will work out. You just might have to fight a little harder. When will I get to meet this man?”
TK picked up her shoes and stood. “Saturday, he’s helping with the school job.”
Siri sprung up. “Is he coming alone?”
“He mentioned bringing some friends.”
“That’s wonderful Siri. A few more people and you may get more than just the classrooms painted,” Kerri replied excitedly.
“Um, yeah.” Siri replied then asked, “Is Silk coming?”
“I don’t know. I asked him, but he never said for certain.”
“Silk was here, tonight, in Richmond?” Siri’s question raced out before she could stop herself.
Both women turned to her with questioning eyes. “Yes, why?”
Siri noticed the look from them and decided to change the subject. “I was just wondering if he was going to be performing near here again anytime soon.”
“Oh, he didn’t say. But he did indicate he might be busy on Saturday. So I don’t expect him.” TK said as she walked toward the stairs. “I’m a little out of it. I’ll talk to you guys in the morning.”
“Good night TeKaya,” Kerri said with a concerned mother’s smile. When her baby girl was up the stairs and out of hearing range, she turned the television back on. “Is there something you need to tell me about Silk Davies?” She asked Siri who appeared to be unaffected by the question.
Looking away from her mother’s eyes she shook her head and replied, “He has a wonderful voice.” Then added, “You know I have another busy day cleaning tomorrow so I think I will turn in for the night.” She walked over, kissed her mother’s cheek. “Good night Mommy.”
“Good night Siri.” Kerri sat back, put her feet up and shook her head, “Who does she think she’s fooling?” She smiled and settled back to watch her favorite program, reruns of the Cosby Show.