After arriving at Richmond International Airport, Jason and the family separated. Eric, Miriam, Ty, Gabby, and Sierra went to Eric’s penthouse, while Jason went to meet TeKaya so they could pick up their marriage license. The building actually had two penthouse suites, one on the south facing the James River and the other on the north side of the building with downtown Richmond as a backdrop. Eric had purchased both. The renovations had not taken place, but the plans were in the making. Each penthouse consisted of a state of the art kitchen, three bedrooms, four baths, dining room, great room, office, four fireplaces, and a full length balcony. For the week Jason, Gabby, and Sierra took one penthouse while Eric, Miriam, and Ty stayed in the other.
“Man, I could live here,” Ty, announced walking from the foyer into the great room.
“I can’t believe the view,” Gabby said as she walked in from the penthouse across the hall. “Did you see the river?”
“I like the city view better,” Ty replied still walking through the rooms. “How big is this place?”
“I have no idea. You bought it,” Eric laughed.
Ty stopped and stared at him, “I did?”
“You or one of your people.”
“Well, they did a damn good job. I’ll find out who did this and give them a bonus.”
“Thank you. When they finish with the renovations we’ll have four bedrooms, a studio, a game room, five baths a few offices and an indoor swimming pool. Should be nice.”
Miriam walked out of one of the bedrooms. “By us I’m assuming you and Siri.”
“If I’m lucky.”
She walked over to him and kissed his cheek. “You’re better than lucky—you are blessed.”
“The furniture leaves a little to be desired,” Ty mentioned.
“It’s the model furniture. I asked for it to remain until the renovations are done.”
“I’ll call a maid service in for the week,” Gabby stated. “Then I’ll check for a good cook.”
“You are here as a guest Gabby. We’ll get that taken care of,” Eric said as he took the telephone from her. Sierra ran into the room and straight into her uncle’s arms. “Hey Pumpkin.”
“Where’s Daddy?’
“He went to see TeKaya.”
“Where’s Mommy?”
Eric hesitated then looked at his mother. “She’s at home.”
“Okay,” she wiggled out of his arms and ran back across the hall with Gabby in tow.
Raising an eyebrow Eric smiled. “That was easy.”
“Her father will have to explain things to her,” Miriam said as she stepped out onto the balcony. “I have to agree with Ty. I love the city view.”
Eric stepped out with her. “The master bedroom will have both views.” He pointed towards the end of the building. “The renovated space will have the city view on the north end of the bedroom and the river on the south. Mornings are going to be breathtaking.”
Miriam smiled at her son as he talked about his future. Though he didn’t say it, she knew in his mind his future included Siri. Her prayer was that his dream would come true.
In the penthouse across the hall, Ty called his secretary. “Who handled the Eric Davies acquisition in Richmond, Virginia?”
“Let me check,” she replied. “Um, that would be Rosa Sanchez. Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s perfect. You should see this place. I could live here. There are renovations in the works, make sure she is included in on all decisions regarding this project. It looks as if he may be staying here for an extended period of time. He’s going to need domestic service and a driver. I want her to handle all aspects of this project.”
“Will do. We received the deed on Jason’s new house and you received several calls from Latoya Wright this morning. I think she is a little upset.”
“I’ll get in touch with her. Is there anything else?”
“That’s it for now.”
“I’ll be in touch.” He hung up the telephone, sat back on the sofa that faced the windows and enjoyed the view of the historical James River.
♫
Kerri had planned a family dinner in her home and the house was a buzz. TeKaya had invited her girlfriend Jasmine so that Tyrone would have a dinner partner and Siri came right home from work to help her mother prepare the meal and decorate the house. Unfortunately, her nerves were getting the best of her. Tonight would be the first time she would see Eric since the Saturday morning she left him. Seeing her daughter was distracted more than TeKaya, the one getting married, Kerri put Siri out of the kitchen and gave her decorating duties. The florist delivered several floral arrangements from Jason. Siri was placing them throughout the house. Every now and then, she would stop and inhale reminding herself this was a special time for TeKaya and it was important to keep her feelings of distress under control. They were adults, after all, and keeping their hormones in check should not be that difficult. She opened the French doors that led to the side porch to expand the room. The table was set with the lace tablecloth her nana brought with her, the best china and silverware, wineglasses, and water glasses. Standing back, Siri was examining the table.
“Child you can’t put those candles in the center of the table, it will block people’s views and I won’t be able to watch their eyes.”
Siri turned and smiled. “Nana why do you have to see everyone’s eyes?
“The truth is in the eyes honey child. The truth is in the eyes.” She walked in and hugged her grandchild. “You know your daddy used to love flowers. That’s where I think you got it from. You put together a beautiful table.”
Siri hugged her. “Thank you, Nana.”
“Now, what’s got you so nervous child? You are shaking on the inside like a leaf.”
Pulling away to move the candles as she requested, Siri shook her head, “I’m not nervous Nana. I’m just excited for TK.”
“Umm hum,” Nana replied never taking her eyes off Siri. “Where is TeKaya?” Not believing a word of what her granddaughter had said.
“She’s with Jason.” Siri looked at her watch. “They should be here soon. Why don’t you have a seat? Would you like some tea?”
“No thank you dear, but a glass of wine would be nice. You get a glass and sit on the side porch with me.”
Siri looked around to make sure everything was in place, then poured two glasses of wine and joined her Nana on the porch. There was still an hour before sunset. It was a little after six, the evening breeze was perfect, cool, but not cold, and traffic had slowed to a few cars here and there. The tranquility of the porch was a welcome comfort. Siri placed the glass of wine on the table next to the wicker chairs and sat across from her Nana.
“Thank you, baby.”
“You’re welcome, Nana.”
“It always amazes me how you’re able to hide your emotions. But I can see through you like a crystal ball. You’re hurting and you’re scared. Now you don’t have to talk about whatever it is. Just know your Nana loves you and I’m going be here for you whenever you need me.”
Siri looked away. “I know Nana.”
“Where’s that boy?”
“What boy?”
“That good looking one you married. What’s he doing now?”
“Carl. He’s a member of the City Council now. Doing very well with it.”
“He was a nice boy. Nasty momma though.”
“Yes, Nana, she was something.”
“You still sulking for him?”
“No, Nana, I’m not sulking for anyone.”
“You can lie to yourself child, but you can’t lie to Nana.” The doorbell rang and Siri nearly jumped out of her seat. Looking into her eyes, she could see the fear. “You going to get that?”
Reluctantly, Siri stood. “Sure.” When she returned, she picked up her glass and took a long swallow. “The neighbor dropped off a cake.”
“Umm hum,” was all Nana said as she watched her grandchild relax. Whoever has her tied up in knots is coming tonight. I’m going to get to the bottom of this.
Well she didn’t have to wait long. TeKaya and her burst of energy entered the house minutes later. Joining her was the entire Davies crew. While Miriam went into the kitchen with Kerri, TeKaya brought everyone else to the porch to meet Nana.
“Nana this is Jason,” TeKaya beamed.
Jason reached down and kissed her cheek. “I’ve heard so much about you Mrs. Kendrick.”
“Lord, boy, it’s been a long time since a handsome man kissed me,” she blushed.
“And these are Jason’s brothers Eric and Tyrone.” They both did the same.
“It’s three of them in the same family,” Nana laughed loving the attention. Siri hoped she had blended far enough into the woodwork not to be noticed, but it wasn’t to be. “Hello Siri.” The same melody began to play in her stomach, no matter how much she tried to deny it.
“Hello Eric, Ty, Jason.”
Eric could see her discomfort and it was the last thing he wanted. “Mrs. Kendrick,” he sat beside her on the love seat, “TeKaya said you tell the most wonderful stories. Are you going to share one with us this evening?”
“Nana baby Nana.” She looked into his eyes, then looked at Siri—the same sadness was in both sets of eyes. “Umm hum, I’m sure I can think of one or two to tell you. “Siri, why don’t you offer our guests some refreshments?”
“I’m sorry, yes,” she sat her glass down. “What can I get everyone?”
After taking everyone’s order, she walked back into the house with TeKaya, leaving the men sitting around Nana. They walked into the kitchen. “Hello Mrs. Davies,” Siri smiled.
“Siri,” Miriam smiled and hugged her. “Eric tells me you are about to become a published author, congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Siri replied beaming.
“I don’t suppose you have a manuscript you need me to read over for you. I’m sure I could give you a pointer or two,” Miriam joked.
“I’m always open for pointers. I think I might be able to find a copy before you leave.”
Miriam clapped, “Oh good. I love romance novels.”
“Siri’s is going to be a blockbuster,” TeKaya added as they prepared the tray of drinks.
Kerri looked at the girls. “Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes.”
“Okay Mom. Where’s Sierra and Gabby?”
“Out back on the swings.”
TeKaya beamed with joy. “You finally have a granddaughter to use that swing set.”
“I knew it would be put to good use one day.”
The girls walked back out on the porch that was filled with laughter. Nana was entertaining the men with one of her childhood stories. They passed out the drinks then TeKaya sat on the arm of the chair near Jason, Siri stood at the doorway. Ty motioned for her to take his seat, but she declined, preferring to stand so that Eric’s back was to her and that was a small consolation. It didn’t prevent the rhythm in her stomach, but it was something. For Nana, it was the perfect view. She could see Siri’s eyes and they were reading loud and clear. The doorbell rang, this time she didn’t jump, but the opportunity to do something was appreciated. She came back with TK’s friend, Jasmine.
“Hey Jazz,” TK hugged her friend. “Let me introduce you around. This is Jason, Ty and Eric. You know my Nana.”
“Hello everyone,” Jasmine spoke, then looked at Jason. “Well, you’re the one.”
“I am,” he stood.
“Thank you. I’m so glad you finally found this girl.”
“Alright, stop,” TK said. “You are about to say some things you shouldn’t. So I’m stopping you before you get put out.” They all laughed.
Jasmine walked over and extended her hand. “You’re Tyrone,”
“Ty,” he corrected.
“Ok, Ty, it‘s nice to meet you.”
“Same here,” Ty replied, but she was already turning to Eric.
“Silk Davies.” She extended her hand. “I’m a huge fan.” Eric stood and offered his seat. “Thank you,” he said then walked over and stood in the doorway next to Siri.
“Hello Nana,” she leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“Would you like something to drink Jasmine?” Siri asked praying she would say yes.
“A glass of wine would be nice.”
“I’ll get that for you.” Siri turned and walked back into the house. Eric watched and Nana watched him.
“Umm hum,” she said, then continued her story.
Siri came back, gave Jasmine her glass of wine and announced that dinner was ready. They all went into the dining room and took their places at the table. Kerri sat at one end, with Nana at the opposite end. Jason, TeKaya, Miriam, and Eric sat on one side, with Jasmine, Ty, Gabby, Sierra, and Siri on the other. The conversation flowed easily, with TeKaya sharing information about the wedding and Jason teasing about the honeymoon. Sierra giving a mumbling here and there, capturing everyone’s heart. Jasmine kept Eric and Ty engaged in conversation and Siri sat quietly listening, smiling and doing all she could to avoid Eric’s eyes. The dynamics at the table transformed the house. This was family, but it was TeKaya’s family, not hers. The thought hit her just as the doorbell sounded. “I’ll get it,” she said quickly jumping up.
“I’m sitting right here, I’ll get it.” Kerri began to stand.
Siri was already up. “No Mother you slaved over this meal. You’re not lifting a finger to do anything else.” She almost ran out of the room.
Nana looked at Eric. “Umm hum,” she said. “Send that baby down here to me.” Sierra climbed down and ran with open arms to the lady with a big lap. “Yes, you sit right here and tell Nana what you are talking about down there.” Sierra pointed to the sweet potatoes still on Nana’s plate and everyone laughed.
“Sierra,” Jason laughed.
She looked up smiling and clapped, “Daddy.”
Siri walked back into the room followed by Kiki. “Everyone this is my agent Kiki Simmons. Kiki, everyone.”
“Hello. I apologize for interrupting your dinner but I need Siri for a few minutes.”
“You’re working this late,” Kerri said.
“Twenty-four seven,” she replied. Jason, Eric Miriam, and Gabby all turned to Ty. He would have never noticed because his eyes were glued to Kiki Simmons.
“Nonsense,” Miriam said. “Come sit down and have some dinner.”
“I don’t want to impose.”
Ty stood. “It’s not an imposition, please take my seat.”
Kiki stared at the Morris Chestnut look alike. “Hmm,”
Siri heard the appreciative moan. “I’ll get an extra chair and a plate.” The conversation resumed around the table as Ty helped with the chair and Siri set up another place setting. “Quick introductions.” She pointed, Jason, TeKaya, Miriam, Eric, Nana, little Sierra, Ty, Jasmine, and you know my mom. Here’s your plate grab some food and Ty can catch you up on the conversation.”
Kiki took a seat between Ty and Nana who had Sierra in her lap. “Pretty,” Sierra said.
“Thank you,” Kiki smiled as people began passing dishes of food her way.
Siri sat back down with a slight gleam in her eyes. Nana looked between Ty and Kiki, Jason and TeKaya, Eric and Siri, then she looked down the table to her daughter-in-law and smiled. “You know, I’ve been a blessed woman. To sit here at a table where there is evidence of God’s existence.” Everyone quieted down and listened. “Any time you have a room full of love you know God is working his magic. I look at TeKaya who has always been a burst of energy, just like this child in my arms, and I wondered if she would find a man who could appreciate her energy and not try to stifle it. Well, it appears she has. I look into your eyes son and I see you love my grandbaby and I want all of you to look at the way they accepted God’s gift of love and learn from their example. Many people live a lifetime and don’t get that gift. I don’t want any of you to be foolish,” she looked dead at Siri, “enough to think you will get a second chance at a gift of love.”
Miriam held up her glass. “Here, here,”
Kerri smiled lifting her glass. “Words of wisdom, well spoken.”
“To Jason and TeKaya,” Eric said lifting his glass.
Everyone else joined, “Jason and TeKaya.” They all drank from their glasses and cheered.
After dinner the mothers, Nana, Gabby and Sierra retired to the family room as the younger guests cleared the table. Eric approached Siri and Kiki as they were taking plates to the dishwasher. “Why don’t you two go take care of business?” he said taking the plates from their hands, “We’ll pitch in, and get this done.”
“No,” Siri said. “It’s too much.”
“He’s right, handle your business,” Ty said as he smiled at Kiki. “By the time you are finished, we will be done and then we can all go out dancing or something.” He took the plates from her hands and followed the path Eric had taken to the kitchen.
Jason and Eric were waiting when he entered the kitchen, both with arms folded across their chest. “Dancing, you dance now,” Jason asked.
“What?” Ty asked as if he was confused.
“Umm hmm,” Eric said.
Jason laughed. “Nana’s been saying that all evening.”
“Nana’s been saying what?” TeKaya asked as she and Jasmine walked around the corner.
“Nothing babe. How do you feel about going dancing tonight?’
“Dancing!” Jasmine, exclaimed. “That sounds wonderful. But will it be an issue for you to go to a club Eric. I mean what about crowd control?”
“Most of the time, people don’t notice unless someone makes a big deal out of it,” he replied.
“Then it’s settled. A few drinks and dancing,” Ty smiled then left the kitchen to get more plates. Jason and Eric just stared at each other, over Ty’s sudden interest in dancing.
The moment Siri and Kiki reached her bedroom the door was slammed shut. “Who in the hell is that?” Kiki demanded.
A surprised Siri took a step back. “Who?”
Kiki shook her head. “Girl don’t play with me. Who is that man with the eyes, the body? Didn’t you feel it? The pull the tension, didn’t you feel it?’
“Okay, slow down. Are you asking about Ty?”
She ran over to the laptop on the desk and pulled up the internet. “What’s his full name?”
Siri did all she could to suppress her laughter. She put her hand on Kiki’s to stop her from keying. “Look at me.” When she did, Siri continued. “His name is Tyrone Pendleton, he is an attorney from Atlanta and he is also Jason and Eric’s adopted brother. Yes, he is single and a really nice guy, that’s as much as I know. But I’m sure TK knows more.”
“Get her up here,” Kiki demanded.
“No. If you are interested in Ty—you find out what you need to know from him. Don’t let the internet taint your mind one way or another. Get to know the man, yourself.”
“Okay.” She hesitated, “How?”
Siri frowned at her. “By going out, talking, asking questions. The normal way a girl gets to know a guy.”
Kiki stood up. “Alright. Let’s go”
“Where?”
Kiki pulled her by the arm and opened the door. “Dancing.”
♫
Calling ahead, Kiki cleared the way for the Davies party to be allowed entrance to the VIP lounge at the Rendezvous Restaurant. The music was pumping, the crowd was lively, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Jason and TeKaya hit the floor when they first arrived and hadn’t stopped dancing for more than five minutes since. Ty and Kiki sat at the table talking and sharing law school stories, while Jasmine stayed close to Eric. She had too much class to ask him to dance, so she kept sending subtle hints until he finally gave in and asked her to dance. His only reason was because Siri seemed to get a little more uncomfortable with him around. It seemed every time he said something or came near her she would squirm. To give Ty and Kiki some privacy, Siri strolled over to the bar and took a seat. A few minutes later, Garland, Kiki’s brother stopped by.
“Please explain why a beautiful woman would be sitting at a bar alone when the music is off the chain and the men are plentiful?”
Siri smiled. “Hello Garland.”
“Hi yourself. You don’t appear to be having a good time.”
“No, everything’s good. The lounge is really nice.”
“So, why the long face?”
“Been a busy day.”
“You want to be alone, I won’t push. If you need anything let me know.”
“I will. Thanks.” Siri smiled until he walked away then relaxed. “Whew.”
Eric stood in the corner and watched Siri at the bar as Garland walked by. “You need something, Mr. Davies?”
“This is a nice place. If you ever need a performer let me know.”
“If you’re serious, I can set you up now,” Garland offered.
“Not tonight. But, I’ll stop by one night and do a number or two.”
“I’ll take you up on that.” He watched as Eric eyes continuously roamed to Siri. “I’m about to change up the play list. Any requests?”
Eric looked at him and smiled. “Since you asked, I have a request or two.”
“Name it.”
A few minutes later Eric walked over and sat next to Siri. The moment he was near her, she knew. “It cuts deep to know I make you so uncomfortable. Anything that I can do to make the next few days easier, just say the word and I’ll do it.”
Tears began to form in her eyes. “It hurts to see you, be around you, and know we can never be.” She looked sideways at him. “You are wearing that white linen shirt with those locs, the sensuous smile, and that smooth voice. All of it is driving my body crazy. And I’m trying so hard to control my senses. I’m failing miserably.”
Moving a curl from her face, he smiled. “Me too.” He exhaled. “Why did you have to wear that red dress with your skin glistering and calling out to me? My lower region is screaming freed me, feed me.” He laughed.
She put her elbow on the bar, placed her chin in her hand then turned towards him. “We are adults, why can’t we control this thing?”
Leaning closer he looked into her eyes and when he spoke, she could feel his breath on her lips. “We’re fighting against the inevitable; forces much stronger than us. For you, Siri Austin, are my destiny. It has been said, it shall be written.” Smiling she was lost in the web of sensuality he was weaving. The music changed to Eric Benet, I Wanna Be Loved. “Dance with me?” He stood and held his hand out. For a moment, he thought she would say no, but then she put her hand in his and he led her to the dance floor. Placing her hand over his heart, he eased the other around her waist and pulled her close. For now, this moment, she let go, placed her arm around his neck, placed her head next to his, and moved with his body. Everything and everyone in the room disappeared to them. It was just them, just the music, just their hearts beating as one.
“Wow,” Kiki whispered, “look at that.” Ty reluctantly pulled his eyes from her and looked on the dance floor where Jason and TeKaya and Eric and Siri were. The love could be felt throughout the room.
He held out his hand. “Shall we join them?”
Kiki smiled up at him. “Tyrone—you know if we hold each other at this moment it may lead to something more.”
“Say may name like that again and there is no maybe about it, it will lead to something more. Can you handle that?”
Reaching out she took his hand and joined the other couples on the dance floor. As their bodies touched, she moaned in his ear. “Tyrone.”
He quietly laughed and pulled her closer. “This is so on.”
Jasmine stood in the doorway watching the couples dancing. When Garland walked up he smiled. “Looks like love is in the air.”
“Umm hmm,” she replied. “Now, I know about Jason and TK. Was suspicious about Eric and Siri. But when did Ty and Kiki happen?”
Garland stood a little straighter and searched for his sister. When he found her he frowned, then replied, “I don’t know. But it does look like it’s happening.”
♫
The ride home had dwindled down to Jason, TeKaya, Eric, and Siri. Ty stated Kiki was dropping him back at the condo. Jasmine caught a ride home with a friend, leaving just the two couples. Jason and TeKaya went into the condo while Eric rode back to the house with Siri. His plan was to see her home, say good night and have the driver take him home. “We are going to make it through this night without making love,” Siri stated on the ride home.
Eric raised an eyebrow, as he sat across from her. “You’re sure about that?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I will never get you out of my system if we keep igniting the flame every time we are within five feet of each other.”
“Siri you are never going to get me out of your system. Just like you will never be out of mine.”
“I have to, Eric. Don’t you understand, I have to,” she emphatically replied.
“Okay, Okay,” he sighed as he reached out and pulled her into his arms. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” When she didn’t pull away, he felt all was forgiven. “Will you at least allow me to be your friend? I can’t stand no contact with you.”
Closing her eyes and leaning into his chest, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “You mean like telephone calls, emails, cards every now and then.”
He smiled, she sound so serious as she thought it through. “Yeah, something like that.”
She looked up at him. “I’d like that.”
“You would?” he asked looking down into those wonderful black eyes. She nodded. He gently kissed her lips. “Deal.”
When they pulled up in front of the house Siri didn’t move. He watched as she bit her bottom lip. She wasn’t ready for him to leave. “Do you think my new friend will come in and talk with me for a while?” she asked
“You’re playing with fire girl,” he laughed.
“Friends can talk, right,” she said as she sat up.
“Let’s go,” he said as he opened the door and helped her out. He told the driver to call it a night.
Walking in the house there was one light on in the living room. “Mommy and Nana must be in bed. Would you like some wine?”
“Sure,” he said as he pulled off his jacket and placed it over the back of the chair.
Siri went into the kitchen, pulled down a couple of glasses and returned to find Eric on the side porch. He stood and took the wine bottle from her. She placed the glasses on the table and sat on the loveseat with him. He sat back, put his feet up on the table, and relaxed. She pulled off her heels and put her feet under her. “Tonight was nice,” she smiled as she sipped her wine.
“Was? This is the best part. Sitting here talking with my friend, controlling the raging hormones.”
She laughed. “You’re not funny.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. I had to say that.” He put the glass on the table and took her glass and did the same.
“Eric?” she warned.
“Nothing is going to happen. I just want to hold you while we talk.” She did enjoy laying in his arms. Giving in, she laid on his chest as he adjusted them on the loveseat. “Okay, tell me what’s happening at school.”
“It’s funny you should ask about that.” She looked up while she laid on his chest and told him about her talk with Carl and then about her encounter with Carl’s mother. When she told him about Roscoe and Mable, Eric laughed so hard she thought he was going to wake up the house. “Shh, shh,” she put her hands on his lips.
“I just got a visual of that.”
“I know. That was more of a shock then when she smacked me.”
Eric sat up. “When she what?”
Seeing the anger in his eyes, she reassured him. “Oh it was nothing,” she moved a lock from his face. “Lay back down. It was nothing.”
He eased back down and pulled her closer. Then she told him about the meeting with Max and Kiki.” I’ve told Ty to take a close look at those contracts, just to make sure everything is on the up and up.”
“I’m sure everything is fine with the contracts,” she said.
“I’m sure they are, too. I just want us to be certain. This is business; you don’t take people at their word unless it’s written.”
“After tonight I’m not sure Tyrone will be very objective.”
“Why do you say that?”
“By morning I’m pretty sure Ty and Kiki will be an item.”
“Really? Did I miss something?”
“Where were you tonight?”
“I was a little preoccupied. Just like I am now. But I promised nothing is going to happen and I’m sticking to my word friend.” She kissed his neck. “You’re tempting fate woman. Stop that and go to sleep.” He held her with his hand covering hers and placed it over his heart. This is how he wanted to fall asleep every night.
♫
TeKaya stood in the window at the condo amazed at the twilight view of the James River. Being a Richmond native, she never took the time to appreciate the tranquility of the river or its beauty. When they arrived, she had been surprised by the size of the condo and the fact that Eric owned it. Those same insecurities she had talked to Siri about began to creep into her system again. Jason was such an established man; he was older, wiser and came with a readymade family. How was she going to keep him? Sex was not the way to keep a man, there had to be more.
Whenever she had moments of doubt, like now, she would reach for the one thing she knew she was good at, and that gave her so much confidence—her camera. Adjusting the lens, she captured the bank of the James River as the water splashed against the rocks. Then another shot of the houses in the distance. She became so engrossed in what she was doing that she did not hear when Jason walked into the room.
The vision that caught him when he walked into the bedroom would forever be etched in his mind. TeKaya was in his shirt, with her hair down, standing before a window that expand across the room, curtains pulled all the way back, taking pictures of the most magnificent backdrop. In that moment, he wished he had half her talent, her confidence, and her ability to see beauty in everything and everyone. God she was a sight to behold, and to think in the next forty-eight hours she would be his wife. On Sunday morning before they left for their honeymoon, he was going to church to officially give thanks for having been given such a gift. What had he done to be so highly favored by the God? Something made her turn and she saw him standing in the door way. A flash of worry crossed her face, but was gone just as quickly.
“Is Sierra asleep?” she asked as she began clicking pictures of him leaning against the door. He looked so good with his bare chest and pajama bottoms hanging low on his hips.
“Yes,” he replied as he walked slowly towards her bare chest. She continued to click frame after frame until the raw masculinity of him forced her to stop. Reaching her, he took the camera, stepped back, and began clicking pictures of her. It’s amazing what you can be seen through the lens of a camera that can be missed by the naked eye. Through the lens, he could see her vulnerability, her innocence, her unyielding love for him. At that thought, he stopped and held the camera down. “I’m scared, too.” Instantly, her concern was no longer with her own fears, but instead turned to his. “You took me by surprise. I didn’t expect it, wasn’t looking for it, no longer believed in it. But, there you were walking towards the stage with your hair flowing and a smile a mile long. And I knew love had just walked into my life.” He placed the camera on the dresser, then held his hand out to her.
She walked towards him. “It was your lips that held me mesmerized. Each time you spoke, I was glued to your lips. I’m not afraid of my love for you or your love for me. I’m afraid of my youth, my inexperience, and sometimes my immaturity.” When she reached him, he picked her up and she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He carried her over to the bed and laid her down. “Most of all I’m afraid you’ll get tired of teaching me how to make love.”
He could feel her center pulsating against his skin and almost laughed at the impossibility of her statement. “I know the physical, but it’s you that’s teaching me the emotion.” He pushed her hair back. “Like the way you’re looking at me right now; it’s wreaking havoc on my senses. The way you’re rubbing your leg against the back of my thigh, and the way you’re always touching and kissing me; all are ways you demonstrate your love for me. It will take me a life time to learn how to love from you.”
She kissed his throat, his nipples, his chin, and then pulled on his bottom lip with her teeth. He placed a kiss in the crook of her neck. “TeKaya.” He kissed her shoulder, pulled the shirt open, popping buttons, and covered her bare breast with his mouth. She caressed the back of his head, holding him securely to her as sensation after sensation began to flow through her. Switching to the other breast to pay equal homage, he feared he might hurt her; he wanted to ravage, her so taking her slowly was no longer an option. Apparently, her need was just as great, for she was using her feet to slide his pajama pants down his legs. Taking her by the waist, with her legs still around him, he entered her with one powerful stroke. “Jason,” she moaned as her nails dug into his skin. He slowly pulled out, pushed forward again, and held. “Again”, she cried and he complied. “Ah. Again, again, again.” Soon her mind was reeling so fast, she could no longer form the word. He was now a man possessed with the determination to bring her nothing but pleasure. Slowing his pace, he reveled in the warmth of her surrounding him and moaned at the pure ecstasy of them being together. “Come with me TeKaya, come with me.” He pulled out and reentered to an explosion so strong, so powerful they both screamed out. After a moment, he rolled onto his back and pulled her with him. “I love you, TeKaya.”
“I love you, Jason.”
♫
Tyrone and Kiki strolled along the canal walk as if they had all the time in the world. The fact that it was three in the morning did not faze either of them. They were enjoying each other’s company and neither wanted their time together to end. “How many girlfriends?” she asked.
“I don’t have time for girlfriends,” he smiled down at her as they walked.
“You’re going to make me hurt you. I answered honestly, when you asked me. Now you are backing up on me.”
“No, seriously. In my business I barely have time to get a decent night’s sleep and when I do, I take full advantage, because I’m never sure when it’s going to happen again.” She stopped and looked up at him. “You’re trying to tell me a fine brother like you doesn’t have a steady place to get his grove on.”
He stopped in front of her and grinned. “Now, I didn’t say that.”
“Mmm-hmm. That’s what I thought,” she nodded her head and began walking again.
“That’s not the question you asked me. I answered the question you asked.”
“Now you’re playing lawyer on me.”
“That’s the first prep instruction from any good attorney,”
“Only answer what is asked, yeah I know.”
He stopped in front of her. “Ask what you want to know.” He looked down into her eyes. “We’ve talked about everything under the sun and the one thing I have learned about you is you don’t pull punches. So stop beating around the bush and ask it.”
“All right. Are you married, in a one-on-one relationship, have a significant other, a friend with benefits or anywhere close to being on the down low?”
He chuckled standing there with his hands in his pockets looking sexier than sin. “No, no, no, no, and hell no.” He smiled down at her as if memorizing every aspect of her face. “Yes. To your next question.”
Unable to look away she stepped forward. “What’s my next question?”
He touched the tip of his nose to hers. “If I’m going to kiss you?” he said against her lips.
“Yes,” she said. “I’m going to kiss you back.”
His smile generated pure sexuality as his lips descended on hers. She stepped closer as she parted her lips to the pressure of his tongue. He kept his hands in his pockets, because he knew if he held her again tonight he would not let her go. This was to be savored and enjoyed. Ending the kiss, he never thought he could be affected by a first kiss. But that is exactly what entered his mind. This was his last first kiss. Still within inches of her lips, he said. “You are a dangerous woman.” He took her hand and walked over to a seat and they sat and talked until the sun rose.
♫
The next morning, Ty walked in the door to find Miriam sitting out on the balcony. He walked out and sat in a chair next to her. “Good morning Tyrone.”
“Good morning, Mother.”
She took a sip of her coffee then sat the cup down. “Still want to listen to Brick House?”
Ty smiled and looked out over the city. “No—I think I need to listen a little closer to some Luther.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
Siri stretched and smiled at the masculine fragrance that touched her nostrils. Slowly opening her eyes, her first sight was Eric’s sleeping face with his lips only inches from hers. The temptation to kiss them was so strong she didn’t try to resist.
The moment her lips touched his, his arms tightened around her and he whispered “Good morning friend,” with a smile.
A soft giggle escaped her lips. “Good morning,” Siri replied, then began to sit up and froze.
Feeling the change in her body Eric looked over his shoulder to see Nana sitting in the seat across from them.
“Umm hum,” was all she said before standing and walking back into the house.
♫
At six thirty on Saturday evening, Jason and TeKaya were pronounced husband and wife. The ceremony was short, sweet, and so elegant. The sanctuary of the church could have easily fit a thousand people, but less than ten attended. There were no flash or flair, just two people in love holding hands and exchanging vows in a candle lit church with fresh white roses, the minister, and their families surrounding them. Eric was the best man, and Siri was the maid of honor with Sierra as the flower girl. Jasmine was there as the official photographer.
Afterwards, Jason and TeKaya took their guests to Seduccións, the place where they had had their first date, a little over a month ago. The top floor had been reserved for the wedding party and Eric serenaded them once again. This time, however, his words were meant for not only his brother’s bride, but also for his new found friend, as well as for Ty’s date.
Kerri, Miriam, Nana and Gabby sat at a table in the corner and watched the three couples. Miriam touched Kerri’s arm. “Well, we got one straight. How long are we giving the next one?”
Kerri watched Eric and Siri near the buffet table talking. The uneasiness she’d witnessed between them on Thursday was now a thing of the past. “Oh, I don’t know. The end of the year maybe?”
“Um,” Gabby chimed in, “I’m thinking December, a Christmas wedding.”
“Nope, got to be sooner than that?” Nana said as if it were a foregone conclusion.
“Why do you say that?” Kerri asked confused.
“Cause, she’s with child.” All the women at the table turned and looked at her with mouths gaped wide open.
“Did Siri tell you that?” Kerri found the words to ask.
“Didn’t have to,” Nana replied and continued to eat.
“Then how do you know?” Miriam asked.
“It’s in the eyes. The truth is always in the eyes,” Nana replied.
The women then turned to stare at Siri, and then turned back to Nana.
Nana looked at them then nodded her head, “Umm hmm.”