by Reese Ryan
“Mom, no.” Meeka shook her head. “I appreciate your willingness to make such a big sacrifice. But you have a business and a life. I can’t ask you to give all of that up for me.”
“First: you didn’t ask, I’m offering. Second: I wouldn’t be giving anything up. Would it be a sacrifice? Yes. But that’s what parents do for their children, honey. And that doesn’t stop once our kids are grown.” Lita smiled faintly. “It’s a lifelong commitment.”
“That’s very generous of you, Ms. Woods.” Jamil tightened his grip on Meeka’s hand. “But Meeka and I got ourselves into this situation. We want to be the ones who navigate our way through it.”
“An alternate option is for your mother and me to contribute to childcare,” Trey offered, sensing they were losing the battle. “That would give Meeka time to work on online classes while you go to class on campus, Jamil.”
Jamil and Meeka exchanged an uneasy look, and something in his gut didn’t sit right.
“I’m taking summer courses this mini-semester, Mr. Hampton,” Meeka said. “And it’s a lot. This is our first baby, and we’re not sure what to expect. But we’d both prefer it if I was able to give my complete focus to the baby for at least the first year.”
Lita’s expression fell and she looked to Trey. They’d had a Plan A and a Plan B, and the kids weren’t going for either of them. Trey shared Lita’s sense of panic, though he did his best to camouflage it. He gave her a subtle smile and nod, hoping to assure her that, no matter what, everything would be okay.
“There is something I’d hoped to talk to you about tonight after dinner, but it seems like a good time to say it now.” Jamil cleared his throat and glanced at Meeka, who gave him a nod of encouragement. “I went to see Uncle Ford the other day at his garage. He’s got more work than they can handle down there.”
“I know.” Trey already didn’t like where this was going. “And?”
His brother Ford had a custom auto body shop where they did meticulous custom paint jobs and tricked-out classic cars, muscle cars, and sport cars. The shop had built quite a reputation along the East Coast and had been profiled several times on television for some of their work for celebrity clients.
“And…he could use some help,” his son continued.
“For the summer?” Trey asked, tension rising in his chest.
“For starters.” Jamil shrugged. “But more importantly, he doesn’t have any kids of his own. So he’s been thinking about business succession and looking for someone to groom to eventually take over the business.”
“And I suppose that someone is you.” The muscles in Trey’s throat tightened, and his shoulders hunched. He did his level best to keep his voice calm.
“Why not?” Jamil’s voice grew tense in response. “Who better to leave it to than family?”
“Jamil, you’re going to school for a business degree. I thought you wanted to become a CEO at some big, multi-million-dollar corporation,” Trey said, feeling like the situation was spinning out of control.
“I still can be, Dad. Do you have any idea how much Uncle Ford’s company makes each year? And with my business knowledge and skills, maybe I could help him increase that even more. I mean, they’re doing all of this out of one shop. What if we had a second one on the East Coast, or maybe even a shop on the West Coast?” Jamil said, his eyes lighting up with excitement at the prospect.
“This isn’t the future you’d planned for yourself, son. I know you want to take care of your family right now, but don’t lose focus of what’s best for all of you long-term. Are you actually considering dropping out of school?”
“No, Dad, I’m just not returning to campus. I’ll keep taking classes online, like I’m doing for this summer mini-break,” Jamil said.
“You plan to attend school full-time online and work full-time in your uncle’s shop? That’s going to be incredibly hard with a new baby, son.”
“I know, Dad.” Jamil put both his hands on Trey’s shoulders. His son’s voice was calm and steady; absent the panic in his own. “Uncle Ford understands. He’s going to work with me on the schedule. Meeka will be my support system at home. And then there’s you. Because I know you will always, always have my back.”
Trey studied his son’s face. He saw many of his own features. But Jamil looked so much more like his mother. His son was strong and determined. Much as Trey had been at his age. It was clear that nothing he could say would dissuade him. Succeed or fail, his son was doing this. And he could either oppose him or support him.
He chose to do the latter. But he and Ford were going to have words. How could his brother do something like this without consulting him?
Trey nodded. “Okay, son. If that’s what you want to do, you and Meeka are welcome to stay in the pool house for as long as you’d like.”
“Thanks, Dad. That’d be great for now, but eventually we’re looking for a place that’s more…”
“Baby-friendly.” Meeka grinned sheepishly. “Fortunately, we happen to know someone who can look out for a great little place to rent.”
“But you’re going to be so far away from me now,” Lita said. “What if you’re sick? Or you need help with the baby? Or what about the delivery? Are there even OB/GYNs here?”
“I know it isn’t the same thing, but I’ll be here,” Trey assured her. “And any time you want to visit, you know I have room for you here, Lita.”
“And we’re just a few hours away from Charlotte. Don’t be so dramatic, Mom,” Meeka teased, wrapping her mother up in a big hug.
Lita seemed to relax into the hug. Then she extricated herself from her daughter’s grip, grabbed a paper towel, and dabbed her eyes. “Now, are we going to eat dinner tonight or what? All of the food we’ve slaved over is getting cold and, Trey, you still have to make the kebabs.”
“You two made dinner.” Meeka picked up the tray with the kebabs. “Jamil and I can handle this. We’ll let you know when dinner is ready. C’mon, babe.”
“Thanks for being an amazing dad.” Jamil gave him a quick hug. “If I can be half as good a dad as you are, we’re going to be just fine.”
Trey’s heart felt as if it had swelled to twice its normal size. Jamil was a good kid. And in that moment, Trey knew his son would do whatever it took to become an excellent husband and father too.
Chapter 12
Lita couldn’t hear what Jamil had whispered to his father. But whatever it was, it had moved Trey. His eyes shone with emotion and a soft smile lifted one corner of his mouth.
When Meeka and Jamil stepped outside and headed toward the fire pit with the kebabs, Lita stood beside Trey. She discreetly slipped a hand into his. “That didn’t go quite as we’d expected,” she said. “Are you okay? I know Jamil’s decision not to return to campus must’ve taken you by surprise.”
Trey intertwined their fingers and squeezed her hand. He seemed to draw comfort from her touch as much as she did from his. “I honestly didn’t see that coming.” Trey dragged his free hand down his face, then rubbed his beard. “But they seem to have a plan, and they’re both just stubborn enough to make it work.”
“True.” Lita leaned into him, enjoying the comfort of his warmth and his distinct scent—a mixture of the natural essence of his brown skin, his soap, and his preferred cologne. “But they’ve both got good heads on their shoulders. Yes, I’m still freaked out about this, but I’m beginning to believe the kids will be all right after all.”
“Me too. And since they’ve proven they’re grown-ass people who can do grown-ass people things and handle their own grown-ass problems, they should be able to handle this.”
“Handle what?”
Before she could finish the question, Trey took her into his arms and lowered his mouth onto hers.
She watched him, as if in slow motion, her heart racing as he leaned down toward her. All the reasons she’d told herself that she and Trey shouldn’t be together seemed to fade into obscurity. None of them mattered anymore. All that mattered
was that being in Trey’s company made her happy. From the very beginning, their connection felt soul-deep. Like he was the missing puzzle piece she’d given up all hope of ever finding.
She’d be a fool to give that up without a fight. They were both so worried about taking care of everyone else in their lives. Didn’t they deserve to be happy too?
Trey’s mouth hovered just above hers. He was waiting for her to object; she didn’t. Instead, she grabbed hold of his Kiss the Cook chef’s apron and she did just that.
Lita lifted onto her toes, erasing the sliver of space between them. She pressed her lips to his. Trey cradled her face and captured her mouth in a sweet, almost tentative kiss that quickly escalated as she parted her lips and his tongue searched for hers.
She sighed softly when Trey dropped one hand to her waist possessively and pulled her lower body flush against his. His mouth glided over hers, one large hand splayed on her back. The other tilted her head to give him better access as he explored the depths of her mouth.
Lita released her clutch on his chef’s apron and cradled his face in her hands, his beard pricking her skin. She was eager for more of the kiss she’d gone to bed dreaming of each night.
“Mom?”
“Dad?”
Meeka and Jamil’s voices held more shock than outrage.
Trey groaned quietly and halted their heated kiss. Lita slowly opened her eyes and stared into his, but neither of them turned toward their surprised children. Instead, he tightened his grip on her waist, and she leaned into him. He pressed another soft kiss to her lips.
Lita flashed him a naughty smile. A promise that, later, they’d finish what he’d started, and this time she wouldn’t say no. She sighed quietly as she eased out of his grip and turned to meet her daughter’s widened eyes. “Yes, sweetheart, did you need something?”
“Oh my God.” Meeka pressed a hand to her chest. She turned to Jamil and shook a finger at him. “I told you your dad was chatting up my mom when we walked into the bar that night.”
“I was indeed.” Trey grinned. “Your mother turned me down quite graciously.”
“So when did this happen?” Jamil gestured between them.
“It hasn’t. Not exactly.” Trey smirked as he rubbed his bearded chin. “But we’ve been getting to know each other these past few weeks—”
“And we discovered that we enjoy each other’s company very much. We have a lot in common,” Lita added. Her belly fluttered when she met Trey’s soft, warm gaze.
“Why didn’t you two say something earlier?” Meeka folded her arms, her tone accusatory.
“Probably because they were afraid we’d be weirded out by this whole situation.” Jamil chuckled. “Which, for the record, I kind of am. I mean, Ms. Woods is my mother-in-law to-be and my dad’s girlfriend?” Jamil rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s gonna take some getting used to.”
“Like suddenly discovering you’re going to be a mother-in-law and a grandmother?” Lita peered at Jamil, her arms folded and one hip cocked.
“Good point, Ms. Woods.” Jamil shook a finger.
“You do not wanna get my mama started,” Meeka whispered behind her open hand.
“And you’d better not be out there burning my shish kebabs because you’re in here minding grown folks’ business, boy,” Trey said. “I’ve been waiting to sink my teeth into those steak kebabs all day.”
“Yes, sir.” Jamil opened the door leading to the deck. He glanced back over his shoulder and smiled. “Hey, Dad, good for you. Honestly.”
Meeka crossed the room and wrapped her arms around Lita’s neck, squeezing her tight. Then she kissed her cheek before giving Trey a quick hug too.
“Oh!” Meeka arched her back and rubbed her belly. “I felt the baby move for the first time. I guess little one is happy about Nana and Papa getting together too.”
Nana?
This was definitely getting real…real quick.
It was too soon for anyone else to feel those early movements of the baby, but still, Lita couldn’t help reaching out to touch her daughter’s belly for the first time since she’d learned about the pregnancy. It was still so strange knowing her daughter would soon become a mother.
“You okay, Nana?” Trey draped an arm over her shoulders as she dabbed the corners of her eyes once Meeka had joined her fiancé on the back deck. “Or is it still too soon to pick your grandmother name?”
“No, it’s not too soon.” Lita smiled softly. Her vision was blurry through the tears that filled her eyes. “The timing is just right.”
When he leaned down and kissed her, her heart was bursting with joy.
There was something about Trey Hampton that had captivated her the moment she’d laid eyes on him. But he was more than just eye candy with impeccable taste in suits. He was a good person, an incredible father, and the kind of man she could envision a future with.
Lita’s stomach was tied in knots. She was nervous about getting seriously involved with someone again. But for the first time in five years, she was open to the possibility.
Chapter 13
Lita stepped out of the shower in her guest room and wrapped herself in a towel at the end of a long but wonderful day.
After dinner, the kids had helped them clean up the kitchen and put away the leftovers. Then they’d returned to the pool house, hand-in-hand, giddy about Meeka feeling the baby’s first movements.
It had felt strange at first, sitting by the fire pit with Trey’s arm draped over her shoulder. He’d nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear as the kids looked on in surprise. But as the evening went on, being surrounded by Trey’s warm embrace felt natural.
She loved how thoughtful and affectionate he was.
Her parents hadn’t been very demonstrative, and neither had her ex. She hadn’t wanted her children to be cold and sterile. So she’d showered them with lots of hugs and kisses. It warmed her heart to watch Meeka and Jamil interact. They’d often touch or talk to her belly. After observing them together for the past few weeks, Lita could see how much Jamil cared for her daughter. Trey was right: the kids were good for each other. She was hopeful for their future together.
After dinner, Lita and Trey had walked the moonlit Pleasure Cove Beach hand-in-hand with Neeko by their side. She could understand why Trey had fallen in love with Pleasure Cove and had no intentions of moving.
As they’d stood there on the shore, staring out into the dark water, Trey had touched his lips to hers. He’d asked her if she’d ever consider moving to Pleasure Cove—to be closer to Meeka and the baby, he’d added quickly.
Lita hadn’t even hesitated. During her brief stay, she’d fallen in love with the quaint little town of Pleasure Cove and with living so close to the ocean. And though it seemed too impossible for her to utter the words aloud, she’d fallen in love with Trey, too.
When they’d returned to the house, he’d given her a kiss that had left her panting and hungry for him. But then he’d told her that as much as he looked forward to making love to her, there was no pressure. That they were on her timetable.
Trey told her that he was going to grab a shower. But he extended an open invitation for her to join him in his room whenever she was ready.
Lita wondered if Trey had sensed her nervousness—or was he really that sweet and thoughtful a man? Maybe it was a combination of the two.
But here she was, both anxious and excited as she slipped on a short, sexy little floral silk nightgown and matching robe she’d purchased at one of the adorable little shops in town. Lita stepped into the flirty, faux fur stiletto heels that looked like something Marilyn Monroe might’ve worn. Then she sucked in a deep breath and made her way to the other end of the hall.
Lita’s hand was shaking as she lifted it to knock on Trey’s bedroom door. The door suddenly swung open while her hand was still suspended in midair, taking her by surprise.
“Hey.” Trey leaned against the doorframe in a pair of navy, drawstring pajama pants and no shi
rt. He flashed a sexy half grin that set her body on fire and made her knees weak. A whiff of his signature scent—the distinct mingling of his shower soap and preferred cologne on his warm, brown skin.
God, this man looked and smelled divine, and she wanted desperately to see every single inch of him and to feel his skin on hers.
She’d seen Trey shirtless at the pool and on the beach. But standing inches from the man half dressed and looking deliciously lickable was something else altogether. Lita sank her teeth into her lower lip, her heart racing as she swallowed a quiet groan of admiration.
“Hey,” she finally responded, her voice barely audible. Lita cleared her throat and stood a little taller. Evoked the spirit of the sexy, confident woman she’d imagined herself to be when she’d put on this outfit and strutted down the hall.
“Remember what I said, beautiful—no pressure. If you want to hang out tonight and play jacks, that’s what we’re gonna do. Though I’d probably try to talk you into playing Strip Jacks at some point.” Trey chuckled, and Lita couldn’t help laughing too.
It eased the immense ball of nervousness and tension knotted in her gut.
“Maybe we should play Strip Jacks on a day when I’m wearing more clothing to begin with.” Lita loosened the robe a little and exposed one bare shoulder.
Trey bit his bottom lip and heaved a quiet sigh as his gaze drifted down her body. He stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter.
Lita stepped inside, glancing around the room with its contemporary décor and masculine color palette. The walls were an elegant shade of slate gray, the bedding was slate blue. The accent pillows, art, and other items brought in pops of color reminiscent of the beach and the sea without giving off a vibe that was too nautical.
It was perfectly Trey.
She’d seen just a glimpse of the room when Trey had given her a tour of the full house on her first day here. But tonight, it felt different. The sun had gone down, the lights were dim, and Luther Vandross’s “If Only for One Night” played softly in the background.