Braxton lifted her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. “It’s okay, baby. I will never let him hurt you again.”
Drawing strength from Braxton’s protective embrace, she continued, “As soon as he opened the door, he grabbed me and said he wanted us to have rough sex. I told him no, told him we were done, and started to leave, but he wouldn’t let me. He ripped my blouse and tried to force himself on me, saying if I’d loosen up, then he wouldn’t have to watch porn, but I kept fighting.” Her stomach started churning just as it did on that day. “Then…then a woman I had never seen came from his bedroom, naked, and said to let me go, that a threesome is only good when everybody’s into it. That’s when I threw his ring at him and ran out.” Braxton’s arms tightened around her. “Ow, you’re squeezing me.”
“I’m sorry. Why didn’t you report it to the police?”
Though it all occurred over the span of a month, because of the emotional impact, it felt much longer. “Because I shouldn’t have let it happen. I felt degraded and embarrassed. Here I was a clinical psychologist, allowing to happen to me the very things I tell my patients they should escape. He made me feel like trash.”
Braxton lifted her until she straddled his lap and cradled her face between his large hands. “Listen to me, Londyn. None of what he did is your fault. He’s the one with the problem.”
“I thought you would think less of me. I’m sorry for believing you would be just like him. I’m sorry for saying those things to you. You’re nothing like him.” Clinically, she did understand why she’d lashed out at him. Seeing Antoine had triggered an emotional crisis. The façade of pretending that everything was okay, when in reality, she was still very much broken inside, had finally taken its toll.
“No apologies needed, but I have to tell you if I ever see him again, it’s going to be hard for me to keep from hurting him the same way he hurt you.” Anger radiated from him. He closed his eyes briefly. “You are my heart, and I won’t ever allow anyone to hurt or disrespect you again.”
His words broke the last barrier around her and the tears started again.
“You’ve tried to deal with this on your own for so long. You don’t have to anymore. I’m here. I’ll always be here.”
She nodded and buried her face in his neck, too mentally drained to process his words. Gradually, her tears stopped and only her periodic shuddering breaths ruffled the silence.
Braxton eased them off the floor and carried her to her bedroom where he stripped them both, pulled back the covers on her bed and placed her in the center. He laid down next to her and gathered her in his embrace. “Rest, baby.”
The rhythmic sound of his strong heart beating beneath her ear relaxed her and her breathing slowed. She loved this man with everything in her.
Braxton had delayed meeting Londyn’s parents for two weeks because after everything she’d told him, he felt they needed time to just work on being together. He’d been so worried that he had her pack her bags, then brought her to his home so he could keep an eye on her. They hadn’t made love, but lying next to her each night he felt the same contentment as if they had. He’d also gotten used to waking up next to her and sharing breakfast. Londyn had decided against seeing a counselor for the time being, citing that Braxton had helped her purge the demons that plagued her, but she did promise to seek help in the future, if necessary. Although, he had some reservations, he deferred to her because she was the expert.
“I’m ready.”
He turned from where he stood in his kitchen staring out at the backyard and smiled. She had on a pair of black crop pants, a short-sleeved top and black flats. After their Saturday morning breakfast with her parents, they were going to take advantage of the warm spring weather and have a picnic at Piedmont Park. “So am I. I still wish your parents would’ve let me take you all out.” Her mother had vehemently refused to allow him to pay and, instead, said she would prepare the meal at home.
Londyn smiled. “I could’ve told you my mom was going to overrule you.”
Seeing her relaxed and happy made his heart swell. “But you didn’t, so you owe me brownies.”
She hooked her arm in his. “Come on and quit complaining. I told you, you’ll get your brownies.”
Braxton bent and slanted his mouth over hers in a deep, sensual kiss. “I’m going to hold you to it.”
“I know.”
Following her directions, he parked in the driveway of a Brookhaven home on a tree-lined street with stately homes and meticulously maintained lawns. The front porch held two rocking chairs with a small table between them. Before they got out of the car, the front door opened and a tall, elegant woman stepped out with features so reminiscent of Londyn’s, he knew what Londyn would look like in twenty years. He held Londyn’s hand as they headed across the cobblestone walkway and up the three steps to the porch.
“Hi, Mom.” Londyn embraced her mother. She turned to Braxton. “Braxton, I’d like you to meet my mother, Paulette Grant. Mom, this is Braxton Harper.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Grant. You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you, Braxton. It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. You all come inside. Breakfast is ready.”
An older man about the same height as Braxton, whose expression conveyed authority and challenge—meant to intimidate—stood in the middle of the living room. It was the same look Braxton’s father had worn when Jared met the family for the first time. Strangely, it didn’t bother Braxton one bit. He would face down her father as many times as necessary for Londyn.
Londyn flew into her father’s outstretched arms. “Dad, I want you to meet Braxton Harper. Braxton, my father, Dwight Grant.”
Looking him directly in the eyes, Braxton firmly shook the older man’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Mr. Grant’s eyebrows shot up. “It’s good to meet you, too, Braxton. Londyn, why don’t you help your mother bring everything to the table, so Braxton and I can chat.”
More like interrogate, Braxton thought with a smile. Londyn clearly didn’t want to leave, but her mother took hold of Londyn’s arm and steered her out of the room.
“Have a seat, Braxton,” he said, gesturing to one of two chairs flanking a sofa.
He sat and waited for Mr. Grant to take the other one.
“Londyn tells me you work with computers.”
“I design computer networks for small and large companies.” He shared his educational background and told how long he’d been in the field. The rapid-fire questions continued, ranging from information about his family to hobbies. Braxton answered them all without missing a beat.
Mr. Grant leaned forward in his chair and clasped his hands together. “What are your intentions toward my daughter?”
He didn’t hesitate. “I love Londyn and I plan to ask her to marry me…with your permission, of course.”
A smile broke out on the man’s face and he chuckled. “You say with my permission, but your expression clearly says you’re going to ask her whether I like it or not.”
“No disrespect intended, sir, but yes, I am. I will love her, protect her, cherish her and above all respect her as long as I draw breath.”
Mr. Grant stood and extended his hand. “None taken, and you have my blessing. I’ve waited a long time for my baby girl to find someone like you. I don’t have to worry about her now.”
Braxton followed suit, clasping the man’s hand and grinned. “You won’t ever have to worry about her.”
He nodded and clapped Braxton on the shoulder. “Welcome to the family, son.”
“Thanks.”
Breakfast was a leisurely affair that reminded Braxton of his own family gatherings. Mrs. Grant and his mother were so similar, he instinctively knew the two women would get along well. She had blushed with his compliments, while Londyn rolled her eyes. They lingered at the table for another hour laughing and talking before saying their goodbyes.
“Braxton, it was so nice to finally meet you.
You’ll have to come back for dinner soon,” Mrs. Grant said, her arm hooked in his as they walked out to his car.
“Does that invitation include me, too, Mom?” Londyn asked. “You were so interested in Braxton, you barely remembered I was here.”
“Oh, baby, of course you’re included.”
Hugs and promises to return were made, then Braxton and Londyn headed to Piedmont Park.
“I told you my mom was going to be all over you,” Londyn grumbled. “Giggling like you were her date, instead of mine. ‘Oh, Braxton, this old outfit,’” she mimicked in falsetto. The comment had been in response to Braxton telling her how nice she looked.
“Aw, baby, don’t hate.”
She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t hide her smile. “I’m thinking I should get something for feeling like an outcast with my own parents.”
He slanted her a quick glance. “I’ll get you anything you want.”
“Anything? I’m going to think real hard about it, too, because it has to be something better than good.”
Braxton threw his head back and roared with laughter. He turned up the music and hummed along, knowing he already had something better than good in store. He parked and went around to the passenger side of the car to help Londyn out.
“I thought you said we were having a picnic,” Londyn said, eying him curiously.
He flashed her a grin. “We are.”
“I didn’t see any food.” She peered into the backseat.
Smiling, he ran a finger down her nose. “That’s because I did everything while you were asleep.” He opened the trunk by remote and removed a soft-side cooler and roll-up picnic blanket with an attached carrying strap. “How about we go for a walk first?” he asked, closing the trunk.
“That’s fine. I’ll take the blanket.”
Once inside the park, they opted for one of the walking trails. Reaching for her free hand, he entwined their fingers and they started on a leisurely stroll. As they walked, neither of them attempted to initiate conversation. He assumed, just like him, she preferred to savor the warm spring afternoon. A gentle breeze blew across Braxton’s face and he experienced a peace and contentment he’d never known. After a while, they retraced their steps and sought out a spot for their picnic and decided to spread their blanket under the shade of a large oak tree.
Londyn glanced around the park. “Mmm, this is nice, peaceful. What’s for lunch?”
Braxton unearthed bowls filled with fixings for her favorite shrimp Caesar salad, fruit, French baguette slices, and sparkling lemonade. “I didn’t know what your mom intended to prepare for breakfast, so I fixed something light. It’s a good thing, too.” Her mother had made thick Belgian waffles with warm homemade maple syrup, fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, and yogurt.
“Yeah, she kind of went overboard. I should’ve packed up a few of those waffles to take home.” She popped a grape in her mouth.
“Since homemade bread isn’t my forte, we’ll have to make do with the store-bought kind.”
Laughing, Londyn laid a hand on his arm. “If you’re going to take the time to do all this, I’ll eat whatever you make.” She sobered. “Thank you for loving me, for helping me to heal. When I’m with you, I feel safe and I know everything is going to be okay.”
Her words and the tears shimmering in her eyes melted his heart. Emotion clogged his throat, and he fought for control. All he needed was to lose his man card by bawling like a baby in the middle of a park. “My love,” he whispered, just before placing a sweet kiss on her lips. Braxton wiped away the lingering moisture on her cheeks with the pad of his thumb. “You can fix yours first.” While she assembled her salad, he poured them glasses of lemonade and placed them on coasters. He made his own plate and they ate while talking about everything and nothing.
She set aside her empty plate. “That was so good and just enough. I’m curious about dessert, though. You can’t have a good picnic without it,” she teased.
He chuckled. “I’ve got you covered.” He reached inside the cooler and handed her a cellophane bag tied with purple ribbon.
Her eyes lit up. “Ooh, an edible chocolate box.” She shook it. “With goodies inside. And a purple ribbon.”
Braxton smiled inwardly. She was right about there being goodies inside. He watched as she opened it, his heart beating a mile a minute.
Londyn carefully lifted the lid. “I love chocolate, and I’m going to eat every one of these pieces in—. Oh. My. Goodness.” Her gaze flew to his. “Is this what I think it is?”
“I don’t know. You’ll have to open it to find out.”
Her hands shook as she retrieved the small blue velvet box. “Braxton.”
He eased the box from her hands and moved closer to her. He opened it and the diamond solitaire surrounded by alternating diamond and amethyst baguettes sparkled in the sunlight. He had chosen the purple gem because of her love for Prince. It also happened to be her birthstone. “Londyn, you captured my heart from the moment I met you. I want to spend the rest of my life laughing with you, crying with you, protecting you and loving you. Oh, and doing you.”
She laughed through her tears.
“I promise to do everything in my power to make you happy. Will you marry me?”
“Yes, yes!”
He slid the ring on her finger and she launched herself at him.
“This has been the best day of my life. I love you, Braxton.”
“I love you, too, baby. Forever.” He’d finally found his perfect woman.
Epilogue
Six weeks later.
It seemed like forever before Braxton heard the words he’d been waiting for since he proposed to Londyn. She hadn’t wanted a long engagement and he was more than happy to accommodate her. Of course, they had nearly given their mothers heart failure. Faced with the ultimatum of having his baby’s June wedding or elopement, the two women had quickly pulled themselves together and had coordinated a wedding fit for a queen. His queen.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
The words had barely left the minister’s tongue before Braxton captured Londyn’s mouth in a hungry kiss that stunned him in its intensity. All the love he felt for her rose up so strongly, it almost overwhelmed him. He registered the sound of throats clearing, but he kept right on kissing his wife. My wife. At length, he lifted his head. “You are my everything.”
Londyn smiled up at him and touched his face. “And you are mine.”
Still smiling, he glanced over his shoulder at his two best men and mouthed, “Thank you.” Cole and Axel’s friendship meant everything to him. After the minister’s pronouncement, he had to endure an hour of pictures when all he wanted was to take Londyn somewhere, anywhere, strip her naked and show her just how much he liked her dress. He had been in a constant state of arousal since the moment she walked down the aisle to him. She looked stunning in the white satin off-the-shoulder sleeveless gown adorned with pearls and rhinestones that hugged the curves he loved so much. It dipped in the front to give him a hint of cleavage and left her back completely bare. And each time Londyn turned and he got a glimpse of it, pushed him closer to his limit. When they finally settled into the limousine that would take them to the hotel where their reception was being held, he was two seconds away from snapping.
“Are you okay?” Londyn searched his face with concern.
“I will be as soon as I can get you alone and naked.”
She laughed. “We’re of the same mind.” Hiking up her dress, she straddled him on the seat and ground her body against his.
“What are you doing?” he gritted out as a shudder passed through him.
“I’m going to do you in ways you can’t imagine, from today until eternity,” she murmured sensually, trailing kisses along his jaw.
His breath came in short gasps. “We can’t do that here.”
“Oh, but we can, my love.” She pressed a button and the privacy window rose.
“Does this fall under the ca
tegory of being spontaneous?” Braxton had done more impulsive things in the last four months since meeting Londyn than he had in his entire life. He had to admit that kind of liked it. Especially at this moment.
She angled her head thoughtfully and smiled. “I hadn’t thought about it that way, but, yes, we can file it under spontaneity. Also, it’s going to take at least forty-five minutes to get to the hotel. I chose that one specifically for this reason. Any more questions?” she asked with a raised brow.
He felt the slide of his zipper, then her hand slip inside his underwear and close around his erection. His breath hissed out. “Not one.” Braxton lifted his body to facilitate the removal of his pants and boxer briefs.
“Good. Now get me out of this dress.”
Braxton carefully removed her dress and laid it over the other seat with his pants, leaving her clad in those rhinestone heels she’d worn on their first date and a purple jeweled thong. He cursed under his breath and grew even harder.
Londyn straddled him once again. “Besides, with you being forty and all, I figured we should probably get started on making babies.”
He went still. Things had happened so fast that they hadn’t really talked about having children. “You want children?”
“I do.”
“So do I, baby.”
“Braxton?”
“Yes, sweetheart,” he said, holding her gaze.
“I don’t hate weddings anymore. I love them, and I love you.” She lifted one long, toned leg, straddled his body and lowered herself slowly onto his erection, swirling her hips in a figure eight.
Braxton sucked in a sharp breath. “I love you, too.” And he looked forward to being with her this way for the rest of their lives.
About the Author
Sheryl Lister is a multi-award-winning author and has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She is a former pediatric occupational therapist with over twenty years of experience, and resides in California. Sheryl is a wife, mother of three daughters and a son-in-love, and grandmother to two special little boys. When she’s not writing, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers. For more information, visit her website at www.sheryllister.com.
Do Me (Irresistible Husband) Page 12