He got up as fast as his sixty-nine-year-old body allowed and engulfed her in a big hug. “Hey, baby girl.” He held her away from him and studied her. “Everything going okay?”
She smiled. “Yes.” Better than okay. It had been a long time since she could answer his typical question truthfully.
Her father pressed a kiss to her forehead. “That’s what I like to hear.” He retook his seat.
“I know you took lots of pictures and I can’t wait to see them.”
“I’ll show them to you while I’m finishing dinner,” her mother said, walking toward the kitchen.
Londyn followed and sat flipping through the photos on the iPad Paulette had handed her. At sixty-six and five feet, eight inches tall, her mother had maintained her slim figure. The height gene had totally skipped Londyn, as she’d inherited her paternal grandmother’s petite stature. “These are so gorgeous, especially the beach shots. I’d give anything to be sitting on one right now.”
Paulette paused in stirring a pot. “Oh? I thought you said everything at work is going well.” She frowned and replaced the lid. “That young man you were seeing hasn’t done anything to hurt you, has he?” She came over and sat next to Londyn.
Londyn recognized the protective tone in her mother’s voice. Smiling, she said, “No, and we’re still seeing each other. I was only thinking I’d like to take a vacation is all.” She tried not to squirm under her mother’s scrutiny.
“Hmm, I see.”
“See what?”
“That you’ve fallen in love with Braxton. I can see it in your face. You look more relaxed and there’s a peace there that hasn’t been in a long time.”
Why did mothers know everything? All her life Londyn wondered how her mother could look at her and know every detail of her heart. She lowered her head and continued scrolling through the pictures.
Her mother patted her hand. “It’s okay to fall in love, sweetheart. You never shared with us the details of why you ended your engagement with Antoine, but I know he hurt you. You’ve kept your heart locked away and your father and I have been worried you’d never open it again. I’m happy that you’ve found someone who makes you happy.”
Londyn slowly lifted her head. She had been too ashamed to tell them what happened, and afraid her father, who had always protected her, would do Antoine bodily harm. She’d only told Felicia and Monique and, even then, Londyn hadn’t shared the full extent of her trauma with them. They were her best friends and had cried with her and stayed with her when she’d taken off a week from work because she’d become so depressed she couldn’t get out of bed. But Braxton was different. “Mom, Braxton is incredible, and he always makes me feel like I’m special, Like I’m an important part of his life.”
“That’s how it should always be, Londyn. Even if you have a disagreement. Have you told him how you feel?”
“No. I don’t know if he feels the same way, and I’d rather not put my heart out there just yet.” In her relationships, she had always been the first one to acknowledge her feelings and, each time, it had backfired. She knew Braxton cared for her, his actions said so. He’d even mentioned her being the woman he’d been waiting for falling for her. But until she was absolutely sure he felt the same, she planned to keep her mouth closed.
“Love carries a risk, and as a psychologist, you know that better than most. Don’t let your past and what you hear every day from those struggling in their relationships determine how you live your life.”
“I thought I was the psychologist,” she said with a laugh.
Paulette waved a hand. “I’m a mom. It’s the same thing.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Londyn muttered. They both laughed.
“Seriously, baby, your heart will know whether or not Braxton is the one for you. Just promise me you won’t close your heart to love.”
“I’m trying, Mom.”
“Good. I hope we have a chance to meet him soon.” She stood. “Let your father know dinner is ready.”
Londyn left to deliver the message and to wash her hands before joining her parents at the dining room table. “This smells so good, Mom.” Although they had flown home the previous evening, her mother had prepared a meal of barbecue chicken, potato salad, green beans and her light-as-air biscuits.
Dwight blessed the food. “Baby, you’ve outdone yourself. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed our vacation, but there’s nothing like coming home to one of your meals.”
Her mother blushed and giggled like a schoolgirl. “Thank you, honey. I just thought a nice, home-cooked meal would be nice after eating in restaurants for a month.”
Londyn held up a chicken wing. “And any time I don’t have to cook, is good for me.” Laughter flowed around the table.
Halfway through dinner, her father asked, “When are we going to meet this young man you’re dating?”
She shot a quick glance at her mother. “I don’t know yet. We’ve only known each other a couple of months.”
“I’d only known your father six weeks before he proposed,” her mother said sweetly.
Londyn had heard more than once about their whirlwind romance when they’d met during their residency, her father in his fourth and her mother in her first. Though they married right away, it wasn’t until they’d begun their careers did they have Londyn. “That’s not how things work these days.”
“That’s because you young people approach relationships with your minds and not your hearts,” Paulette countered. “You’re all so busy wondering if it’s the right time in your careers, reading these newfangled books on finding the right mate and dating two and three people at a time, talking about you need to see which one is best, all the while ignoring blaring red flags,” she ranted, shaking her head. She pinned Londyn with a stare. “All you need to do is use some common sense and trust your heart.”
She couldn’t dispute one word her mother said because she’d agonized over the timing with her career and her biological clock. And she finally admitted to herself that she had ignored several red flags with Antoine, particularly when it came to intimacy. Once they became engaged, he started demanding sex more often, and whenever she didn’t want it, he turned into someone she didn’t know. Londyn pushed down the ugly memories and let the image of Braxton’s heated, but tender, kisses all over her body fill her mind and her heart instead. She just prayed he didn’t change.
“You sure I can’t convince you to come with me to my parent’s house for dinner this afternoon?” Braxton asked Londyn. His mother had called him that morning with a reminder to ask Londyn to Sunday dinner.
“Aw, that’s so sweet of your mom to offer. I’d love to, but I promised my friend I’d help her finish putting together the care totes her non-profit organization will be giving out next weekend.”
“What kind of organization?”
“They focus on providing resources for the low-income and homeless populations. These bags will have toiletries, blankets, socks, snacks and a few other things.”
“Let me know when she’s planning to do something like this again. I’d like to donate.” He recognized how blessed he was and always tried to find ways to help others, particularly young African American boys. Braxton volunteered his time coaching summer sports leagues and sponsored a technology camp.
Londyn chuckled. “I’ll tell Felicia, but you might be sorry. She will definitely take you up on your offer.”
“I’m never sorry when it comes to these kinds of things. Now back to you joining me for dinner. What if I throw in another meal at my place?”
“Ooh, that’s so tempting, but I’ll have to take a raincheck. Your family is great and they love you, so you’ll be fine.”
“I don’t think so. I’d enjoy it a lot more if I didn’t have to listen to my mom fussing when she finds out you won’t be there.” Londyn was the first woman he actually wanted to bring to a family gathering. At his party, he had watched her charm his mother and father, and Debra had texted days later to tell
him how much she’d liked Londyn. They liked her and he’d fallen in love with her.
“You can place the blame on me,” she said. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“Now, that sounds like an interesting proposition. Do I get to decide how you make it up to me?” If it were up to him, they’d have a repeat of the night they’d made love.
“Hmm…depends. I’m sure we could work something out.”
Braxton felt himself growing hard. Since they had started dating, he’d been in a constant state of arousal. All it took was a simple thought. “We can discuss it when I call you tonight.”
“Sounds like a plan. Enjoy dinner.”
He grunted.
She laughed. “I’ll talk to you later.”
He disconnected and tapped the phone against his chin. He had been tempted to tell her that he loved her, but decided to wait. The first time she heard the words of his heart should be done in person. He sat there a while longer contemplating how and when to tell her. It didn’t surprise Braxton in the least that the idea of marriage slipped into his thoughts, as well. He’d figure it all out, but for now, he had to deal with his mother. If he were lucky, once he told her Londyn’s reason, she’d let the matter drop.
Two hours later, Braxton found out that he was wrong. Dead wrong.
She opened the door excitedly and promptly looked behind him and asked, “Where’s Londyn?”
“I’m your son. I can’t even get a hello first before you start?”
“Hi, son. Now why didn’t you invite her?”
He sighed in exasperation. “I did, but she already had plans to help a friend.”
“Oh,” she said, her excitement waning considerably.
“You know, I think my feelings are hurt. I thought you loved me.” He gave her his best sad face.
She swatted at his arm. ”Come on in here, boy.”
Laughing, he kissed her cheek and followed her inside where his father and his sister’s family sat around laughing and talking. He greeted everyone, then took a seat on the sofa next to his niece.
She promptly laid her head on his shoulder. “Uncle Braxton, when can we spend the night with you again? Mom said you’re busy now and we shouldn’t bug you about coming over.”
“Tonya.” His sister gave her daughter a look of warning from the kitchen where she stood helping their mother place the food on serving platters. “We’ve already talked about this. Your uncle has a new lady friend and he can’t spend all his time with you and your brother like he used to do.”
“Debra, I’m not that busy. Tonya and JJ are always welcome.” He hugged Tonya. “Your mom, dad and I will discuss it and come up with a date.”
Tonya threw her arms around his neck. “Yay! I love you, Uncle.”
“Love you, too, kiddo.” In that instant, he felt the pull of fatherhood and his heart nearly burst. He had no idea how Londyn felt about the subject, and he worried about her being in the high-risk category. Braxton brought his wayward musings to a screeching halt. He was getting way ahead of himself. He hadn’t even told the woman he loved her and here he sat thinking about babies and parenthood.
“Okay, everybody,” his mother called. “Dinner’s ready.”
Everyone filed into the dining room and took their usual places around the large table with seating for ten. His father said a blessing, then they filled their plates and dug in. More than once, Braxton caught his mother staring at him, then the empty chair next to him. He shrugged and continued to eat. Luckily, the conversation turned to his niece and nephew and their progress in school. They had just returned after spring break and had several projects they would be completing. Then the two talked about their extracurricular activities—basketball and track for JJ and track and dance for Tonya.
“I’m so proud of you, two. I sure hope I get to have at least another grandchild before the Lord calls me home,” his mother added casually.
Every eye at the table turned Braxton’s way. His mother beamed, while his father just chuckled and shook his head. Debra and Jared smothered grins and his nephew and niece outright laughed.
“Uncle B, you might want to get started,” JJ said. “Forty is kind of old to be having kids.”
“Forty is not old and how about y’all just eat and stay out of my business.”
Debra burst out laughing. She held up a hand. “I’m sorry, baby bro, I can’t help it.”
He shot his nephew a glare and mouthed, “Just for that, I’m beating you before you get off the starting line when I come over.”
JJ grinned and kept eating.
Braxton made it through the remainder of the meal without any other comments about his love life. After his sister’s family left, he stayed around a while longer and ended up in the family room alone with his father.
“I hope you aren’t letting your mother get to you, son. You’re the only one who can decide what’s right for you and Londyn.”
“I’m not. I love her and I want to marry her.”
Not much rendered Johnathan Harper silent, but apparently, Braxton’s pronouncement did. “I didn’t know things were that serious between you two.”
“I know you’re thinking it happened kind of fast, but—”
“But that’s how the heart works sometime. There’s no timetable on love, Braxton. I admit I’m a little surprised because you’ve never really seemed to be interested in long-term relationships, but I couldn’t be happier for you. Have you talked to Londyn yet?”
“No. I haven’t even told her how I feel. And it wasn’t that I haven’t been interested, it’s just that I could never find the right one.” It came to him that he should’ve told Londyn first, but he wanted and valued his father’s advice. “Since you and Mom have made this work for forty-seven years, what do I do?” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I mean, I’m forty and this is the first time I can honestly say that I’ve been in love.”
His father laughed softly. “Again, there’s no timetable. Wouldn’t you rather be forty and get it right the first time than have gotten married early and got it wrong? As for what to do, love her, cherish her and respect who she is as an equal partner in your relationship. Be honest and transparent about everything, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
Braxton pondered his father’s counsel. He’d never led Braxton down a wrong path—if anything, his steadfast love and guidance had kept Braxton on track. “Thanks, Dad.” He knew what he wanted. He wanted Londyn in his life forever.
Chapter 10
Thursday evening, Londyn sat at her desk entering chart notes on the new computer system.
“How late are you planning to work?”
Londyn glanced over at the wall clock that read five-fifteen. “Seven, seven-thirty. Are you leaving?”
Shawn shoved his hands in his pockets. “In about ten minutes.” He nodded toward the computer. “I see you’re enjoying the network.”
She smiled. “I knew we were in the technology dark ages, but I didn’t realize how far back until now. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.” Not only could she pull up her charts with ease, but she could also input her schedule so Corinne could see it without Londyn having to print it out, or leave notes about any changes.
He laughed. “I know what you mean. I thought Corinne was going to kiss Gayle when she finished the installation. You know she baked the woman chocolate chip cookies.”
“Are you kidding?” She leaned back in her chair. “I saw her out there yesterday doing a little dance at her desk. I guess she’s happy.”
“We all are. Speaking of computers, are you still seeing that guy.”
She’d known he would bring the subject up sooner or later. “Yes, I’m still seeing Braxton. Why?”
“Just curious. I hadn’t seen him around and thought maybe things had cooled between you two.”
“You’re persistent, if nothing else.” Londyn rolled her eyes and opened the next chart. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight.”
A
fter he left, she worked steadily over the next hour. She’d been putting in one or two extra hours each night that week to get her charts digitized. Most of the other psychologists had decided to take their time, but Londyn wanted to get up and running sooner, rather than later. Her cell chimed and she smiled.
Braxton: Hey, baby. What are you doing later tonight?
Londyn: Working for another hour or so. What did you have in mind?
Braxton: I could stop by your place in a couple of hours and bring dinner. Just let me know what you want.
She typed back that she wanted something light like a shrimp Caesar salad. Her thumb hovered over the Send button as a wicked thought came to her. Smiling, she deleted the message, did a Google search, found the image she wanted and downloaded it. She opened the text message box: This is what I want. She attached the photo of Prince’s symbol with the words “Do Me, Baby” on it and hit Send.
Londyn giggled and resumed typing. Ten minutes later, her phone rang. “Hey, handsome.”
“Come open the door, baby,” Braxton said.
She sat up straight. “You’re here?” Even as she asked, she grabbed her keys and hurried out front to let him in.
“Where else would I be after you sent me a message like that?”
She locked the door behind him. Something in his expression gave her pause. He hadn’t cracked a smile and his breathing was labored.
“Are you here alone?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He swept her in his arms, strode down the hall to her office and kicked the door closed. He placed her on her feet. Reaching around her, he turned the lock.
Londyn, with her back against the door, looked up at him. “What are you doing?”
His hand skimmed up her bare thigh beneath her dress. “Giving you exactly what you asked for.”
A feral grin curved his lips when he knew she realized what he had in mind. He didn’t give her a chance to reply. His mouth came down on hers…hard. His tongue swirled around hers in a kiss so devastatingly erotic it left her gasping for breath and pulsing everywhere. She nearly came right then. She moaned at the feeling of his hard body pressed against hers. Londyn ran her hands up his strong arms and over his muscular chest.
Do Me (Irresistible Husband) Page 10