Scorn of Secrets

by B Truly

  Justin smiles warmly, and then he says, “This picture was taken before she got sick.”

  “I wish I could’ve met her. Hearing you talk about her, I’m sure she loved you and Jackson very much.”

  “She would have loved you,” he confesses, placing the frame on his desk.

  It’s nice Justin had his mother’s love, even for a short time. I know my mom loves me—she just isn’t the nurturing type. Even when I was little, she never hugged or kissed me much. I can’t remember the last time she told me that she loves me.

  Inspecting further, I spot a five-by-seven double silver-frame. Both pictures are of me and Justin. I have these same two pictures saved in my phone. Warmth radiates through my heart that he’s printed them. “I can’t believe you framed these.”

  Justin nibbles on his full bottom lip, then he changes his footing. “They are my two favorites of us.”

  Gosh, I’m crazy about this guy. “Mine, too. You front like you’re so macho, when deep down, you’re just a pudding pop.” I can’t help teasing him. Justin’s joking manner is beginning to rub off on me. Coming out of my shell, I am starting to crack jokes often.

  “Oh, really?” He lifts an eyebrow.

  The first photo is at Taylor by my locker. He’d raised his cell above us, snapping a selfie. His expression is silly, while I smile shyly with a head full of spirals. Glancing at the second picture makes me giggle. “I remember this day.”

  It was early morning on Black Friday. I’d gone at 4 am to Best Buy with him. In this photo, we’re standing outside. It’s hard to recognize myself, not used to having my hair straight. Amber had flat ironed it again, the day before Thanksgiving. That Friday was cold, so we were bundled in coats. A passer-by had taken the photo for us. Justin held his prized Play Station we’d barely snagged. Both of us have huge grins on our faces.

  Justin chuckles. “Yeah, that was fun. You act all shy, when you’re really a dare devil.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “On Black Friday you ran faster than me to get to the game systems. You should join our track team.” His lips curve up higher. “You and that lady grabbed the last Play Station, which you snatched from her.”

  Placing my hands on my hips, I gape at him. “Like you were complaining. The Play Station was for you, Mister. The whole reason we went to Best Buy. You were so psyched, you didn’t even sleep. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have gotten it. Heard of the saying, you snooze, you lose? So, shut it.”

  “Are you silencing me?”

  “Actually, I told you to shut up.”

  Justin wets his lips. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts. His hazel eyes pierce me with heated desire, making my knees wobbly.

  “Telling someone to shut up is rude.”

  “Oh, I know it is.”

  His lopsided grin screams mischief. “Hum…. I’m going to have to make you moan for being mean.”

  Oh, my! My heart flutters. “How?” My voice shakes. Justin slowly prowls toward me. I back up until I meet the wall. This isn’t good behavior. At the moment, I couldn’t care less.

  “First, I’m gonna touch you here.”

  His hand slides up the side of my thigh, then he continues to travel upward, underneath my shirt. His fingers caress my lower abdomen, which spikes an electrical pulse of desire through me. I shiver.

  “Next, I’m going to kiss you here.”

  His eyes glance at the base of my neck where he places a kiss. The room begins to blur, my insides becoming liquid molten. “Then … wh … at?” Talking is becoming difficult with Justin teasing me. His eyes dilate. Drawing nearer, he presses his body against me.

  “Next, I’m gonna taste these,” he refers to my lips.

  Before I can think, his mouth presses to mine firmly, kissing me intensely. I grip the back of his neck. He groans, then lifts me swiftly. I wrap my legs around his waist.

  “I guess the tour of your bedroom is over,” I pant.

  “Oh, I’m just getting started exploring you.”

  His lips find mine again. How can kissing turn my entire body into jelly? Suddenly, we are moving. Dazed with his mouth, I don’t open my eyes. I only feel him laying me on my back in his bed. Our intimacy is spiraling fast, but being with him this way is invigorating. My eyes flutter in a lustful haze. Justin rises above me, and my heart rate quickens. I slide my hand along his chiseled chest. He trembles. I love that my touch affects him, too.

  “Your punishment isn’t over,” Justin entices me with what’s to come.

  He rains kisses along my collar bone, causing me to quiver. “Oh, good, because I’ve been naughty,” I exclaim, breathlessly.

  “I can’t seem to get enough of kissing you.” Justin entangles his hands through my hair.

  I think he wrote the book on how to do it. Our lips dance. Opening for him, he fits against me perfectly. Justin is wearing nylon warm-up pants, and I have on silk tights. I gasp.

  “Yeah, I like this material, too.” He moves against me and his hands explore my body like a map. “Let me please you, mi amor.”

  “You already are.” My voice is raspy.

  “I want to make you feel even better.”

  Oh! “That’s a big step for me. I’ve never….”

  His eyes grow large. “No, I don’t mean that.”

  “Well, then I don’t know what you’re referring to.” I hate I’m such a rooky in relationships.

  “We don’t have to go to home base for me to give you pleasure.”

  He stares at me with such an intense gaze, I have to look away.

  “You’re never experienced one, have you?”

  My entire body feels like its blushing. Now I understand. Shaking my head, I cover my face with my hands.

  Justin pulls them away gently. “Don’t be embarrassed. I love your innocence.”

  He kisses me and it gets heated quickly. Soon, I forget my embarrassment from lack of experience, getting swept into the moment. I can’t imagine feeling better than I already do with Justin’s caresses and his mouth kissing me. Now it’s clear how people indulge in intercourse so easily if foreplay feels this grand.

  With these sensations surging inside me, it wouldn’t take much to convince me to go all the way. Justin’s hand travels below my navel, continuing down. I cry out from the erotic feel of it. Curious, I do my own exploration and my eyes grow wide as I touch him. He inhales deeply. Grabbing my face with both hands, Justin captures my lips, kissing me fervently. Whether material is between us or not, his teasing is becoming too much. The pressure building inside of me seems to be coming from every cell in my body. I’m radiating with bliss that is growing by the second. His every touch sets me ablaze, and I only want more.

  Time seems to stand still, or maybe I’m just dazed. As he presses against me, the sensations unravel. Justin silences me by kissing me deeply. Vaguely, I think I hear Mama’s voice. Oh, who cares. I’m still riding on cloud nine. Justin pulls back abruptly, so it must’ve really been her.

  “Tanya, Madison…. Where are you, ladies?” Her voice sounds close.

  Justin ushers me off the bed quickly, adjusting his clothes. “You better get out there before she bursts in here.”

  Crap! “I’m gonna kill you. Even though it’s my fault for letting you talk me into coming in your room.” I scramble off his bed, still light-headed.

  He gives me a hand, chuckling. “You weren’t complaining a few seconds ago.”

  I feel my cheeks flame scarlet. What can I say—he’s right on the money. We bound out of his bedroom. Luckily, Mama is just coming upstairs. If she caught us in his bedroom, she might not give it much thought. I think my flushed face may lead to a dead giveaway. I’m not taking any chances. She’d flip!

  “There you are, Madison. Oh, hello, Justin.”

  “Hi, Ms. Charlotte.”

  Mama’s name is still Mrs. Guillory, but she told the boys they could call her Ms. Charlotte.

  “Where’s your sister?”

  “I�
�m not sure.”

  “Well, I just signed a wealthy client that’s looking at million-dollar homes. It will be a big sell.” She grins from ear to ear. “Regan’s going to take everyone out to eat to celebrate.”

  “Congrats!” I commend her.

  “I was made for real estate. I can’t believe I let your father talk me into his old-fashioned ways of me being a housewife.”

  Recalling a conversation between them I’d overheard before my father had gotten shot, I wondered if it was totally true.

  “I’m going to get dressed. Find your sister, and you guys be ready within an hour.” Mama waltzes downstairs to the master suite to get ready.

  “Your dad’s wonderful. My mom’s the one who’s going to get a big sell, yet he’s treating everyone to dinner.”

  “My father has the most prestigious real estate company in Houston, with tons of employees. Real estate is different than a normal job. He has his own clients but only manages for the most part. Since he’s a broker, every time one of his agents sells or rents out a property, he gets paid, too.”

  “That’s awesome. How much does he get?”

  “It depends, ten to twenty percent per deal.”

  “I’m guessing that’s good?”

  “With as many people working under him, it is. Especially if it’s a high-dollar property. My dad’s your mom’s broker, so they both win.”

  “So, when she gets paid, he gets paid.”

  “Exactly. The phrase it costs to be the boss is reversed in real estate. More like, it pays to be the boss.”

  “Being a broker sounds like a great job.”

  “The downfall is that it has a lot of liability.”

  “Regan’s filled you in on all the details. He must want you and Jackson to follow in his footsteps.”

  “That obvious, huh? Dad says someone has to take over his company. Jackson is interested. I’m positive he’ll get a track scholarship. That would be the only reason he would go to college. He doesn’t really care about getting a degree. His plan is to work for our dad.” Justin pauses, switching the topic. “Does your mom dating still bother you?”

  “Not as much as it used to.”

  “My dad seems crazy about your mom. I’ll admit, at first, I was upset about him getting serious with another woman. To my knowledge, he hasn’t dated since my mom died three years ago.” Justin shrugs. “Ms. Charlotte makes him happy, so if she’s who he wants, I’m okay with it. I had to grow up and accept that my dad has to move on.”

  “Although I feel my mom dived into another relationship too quickly, at some point, I have to let it go.”

  “How long after?”

  “A month later.” Mama may have started seeing Regan before my dad’s death, but I leave out my suspicions on the matter.

  “I would have stroked out if my dad had begun dating only a month after my mom passed.” Justin shifts his weight. “The fact they dated in the past explains why they moved so fast.”

  “Yeah, and my parents had been having problems for a while. Arguing for months due to him putting us in debt.”

  “My pops spent more time with us when my mom was alive. He became a workaholic after she passed. It bothered me at first, until the hormones and parties kicked in.”

  “Those teenage hormones will get you every time,” I tease. His lopsided grin shows the left dimple I love. “My mom seems to want your and Jackson’s approval.”

  “As long as she’s good to my dad, I don’t have any objections.”

  Snorting, I say, “That’s because she’s trying to win you guys over.”

  “Your mom isn’t half-bad. I only wish she was more motherly toward you.”

  “She’s too self-absorbed. It’s nothing I’m not used to. She’s been that way since I can remember. I think Regan’s been a good influence on her. Mama’s never worked a day in her life.” I change my footing. “At least I don’t have to worry about your dad having a gambling problem or owing the wrong kinda people money.”

  Justin scrunches his nose. “Not that I know of. What made you say that?”

  Justin and I have spoken briefly about our parents dying. He’d mentioned his mom died from complications of Lupus. At the time, I didn’t want to hash up the details about my father. Justin was gentleman enough not to ask about his death.

  “That’s what happened with my father. He had a gambling problem. They even came to our house to threaten us. It was a big mess.”

  “You’re kidding me. Was anyone hurt?”

  “No, thank goodness. Not long afterward, he was shot and killed.”

  Justin sighs. “I’m really sorry, Madi.”

  “I can’t dwell on the past. I’m trying to get over it.”

  “Don’t be too hard on yourself. It sounds like you went through a traumatic experience. From what you’ll telling me, it seems it was best for you to move to another state. Those people seem dangerous.”

  “Mama and my grams agree with your logic. It was one of the factors of us moving here.” I don’t throw out there that I don’t think it was the main reason.

  “Either way, I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me, too.” Time to end this conversation before I end up in his bedroom again. “We better let our siblings know it’s time to celebrate. Heaven forbid we keep Charlotte Guillory waiting, or then you might see her itchy side.”

  Justin smirks. “I’ve already caught a glimpse of it.”

  I turn away, about to head down the hall, when Justin catches my arm. Facing him, the intensity of his stare causes my knees to grow weak. “What’s up?”

  “Just remember, no matter what happens with our parents, I’ve found you. We have each other now, and that’s the most important thing to me.”

  That has to be the sweetest thing a guy has ever said to me. My heart flutters, causing a euphoric sensation to radiate throughout my body. That’s the moment realization dawns on me what this feeling is.

  24

  The Night After Christmas

  The Jenkins family practices a slightly different way of opening gifts. They begin five minutes before midnight—technically, five minutes before Christmas morning. Justin explains that once they reached age ten, he and his brother started going to bed late and sleeping in even later. That’s how they came up with their new tradition.

  I can tell both twins are excited. Justin said they haven’t decorated or really celebrated Christmas since they were thirteen when their mom died. The prior three years, Regan tossed them money and gift cards—end of the celebration. It feels nice that by bringing our two families together, it enables them to enjoy the holiday again.

  Because of Regan’s generosity, I am able to buy everyone gifts. He’s been faithfully putting money in my account. Regan truly is a decent man. Justin aside, I’m okay with Mama dating him.

  My clock almost strikes midnight. I better head downstairs. On the way out of my bedroom door, I gaze into dreamy hazel eyes. We almost run into each other—me going out, him about to knock.

  My face lights up. “Hi!”

  “Hey, sweet-cheeks.” He grins—no left dimple.

  Darn it! Jackson stands in the threshold. His norm is more of a goth-like appearance, preferring black. Now, he is wearing navy warm-up pants and a Nike T-shirt—more of Justin’s style. Justin’s hair is normally longer on top. Jackson must have not gotten a recent cut. His hair is the same length as Justin’s. At first glance, Jackson looks identical. What tells them apart is Justin’s dimple and their demeanor. Both speak in the same tone of voice—they just have different mannerisms. They walk diversely, too. My disappointment must be evident.

  “Sorry, I’m not Justin.” Jackson’s forehead wrinkles. “I came to tell you we’re downstairs. Justin’s doing something real quick for your mom, so I told him I’d fetch you.”

  “On my way down as we speak.”

  His eyes roam over me. His expression is hard to read, amusement with a flash of desire. I recall what Justin had told me a while b
ack. Jackson kinda has a thing for you, too. Besides when Jackson had watched The 100 with me and placed his hand on my thigh, he’d made no move. Jackson is going out with Suri, so I’d forgotten he even had the slightest interest in me. The way his eyes are raking over me now, it feels like a look Justin would give. Maybe I’m reading too much into it.

  Reaching his hand out, Jackson grazes his thumb across my cheek, caressing it—a gentle gesture that also feels affectionate. Shocked, I take a step backward. He places his hand by his side, bouncing on his heels.

  Okay? I’m not about to touch that with a ten-foot pole.

  “We better get downstairs,” I say, bolting pass him.

  The rest of the gang is gathered around the tree when we arrive. Justin’s lips curl upward when he sees me. I smile at him in return. He is the elf in charge, wearing a red hat with elf-ears to hand out gifts.

  “You look adorable,” I tell Justin, giggling.

  The dorky expression he gives me only makes me laugh more. No one wastes time with the gift exchange. Justin hands them out quickly. Regan snaps pictures with his phone. I haven’t a clue what Jackson likes, and Tanya’s picky, so I’d gotten them both Visa gift cards.

  “Thanks, sweet-cheeks,” Jackson says.

  “No problem.”

  Jackson knows of my book-geekery. I receive a Barnes and Noble gift card from him, which I thank him for. Tanya’s present to me is very nice—a Michael Kors jacket in my favorite color, purple. I love the furry, white trim on the hood.

  “Thank you, Tanya. Love it!”

  “Thanks for the gift card.” Tanya nods at me.

  She is closer to Jackson, like I am with Justin. Well, in my case—in more ways than one. So, they know each other’s likes. Tanya bought Jackson a new pair of Nike shoes. He is more than psyched when he opens them. Tanya receives a Michael Kors purse from Jackson.

  Oh, wow!

  The purse is a smaller style, but that size still must run over a hundred bucks.

  “Ross has great deals on purses.” Jackson winks at Tanya.

  A huge grin spreads across her face. “You’re the best, Jay.”

  Justin wants us to go at the same time. Loving basketball and being a die-hard Rockets fan, I went with that theme.