ALittleTasteofHome

by AliyahBurke

  Bryce nodded. “You’re right, Mac. I do love her. I want to protect her. But also I want to protect you. I can’t do that if you don’t come with me.”

  “I am safe enough knowing if I ever needed you, you would come to my side.”

  “Nothing could keep me away. I love you, Mac. You’re the best sister I could ask for.”

  “I know. But that is probably because I am the only one who would put up with you and all your shit. Come on, let’s go. Allison and I have a delivery to make and we want to hit the rodeo at least one day with you before you go. Y’all are welcome to stay with us.”

  They rejoined the rest of the group, keeping silent about their conversation. A while later Allison pointed to her watch. “We need to go.”

  “Hey, Bryce, give me the keys to your car. You guys can take my Yukon when you are done here. There is food in the fridge and plenty of hot water.”

  “Bossy ass woman. Best not be hurting my car.”

  “Please. I wouldn’t do that. You fellas have dates tonight or are we allowed to join in the fun?”

  “We are going to Rockin’ Randy’s. You comin’?”

  “Allison?” At her nod Sanura answered the boys. “Very well, we will meet you there later tonight. About eight?”

  “Good. Bring your money, ladies, tonight’s pool night.”

  Both women laughed and retorted in unison, “Good. We need some more money.”

  “We’ll see, ladies. Until tonight. And Mac, take care of my car, huh?” Bryce grinned.

  “Of course. Do the same with my Yukon.” They exchanged location of vehicles, waved and jogged off to his car.

  Bryce had a top of the line Porsche. It was shiny, black as velvet midnight and purred like a panther. The women smiled as they slid onto the leather seats and Sanura cranked the engine. Six speed and ohh so nice.

  They flew back to the house, calling the restaurant and getting someone to drive the truck over for them. They would meet at the Rawlins Manor. Dressed in jeans and shirts, the women rolled up to the manor in the Porsche. The gate swung silently open and they drove to the back where the truck was parked. Quickly Sanura parked a little to the side and the women jumped out to help.

  * * * *

  “Gavin?”

  “Yes, Mother.” He stood in his tuxedo and glanced down at the woman who had given him life.

  “Go check to make sure the food has been delivered.”

  “Send someone else.” After hearing Sanura’s heartfelt “I love you” to that other man he had left the fair, afraid he would hurt someone if he stayed. Her declaration shoved a knife well within the depths of Gavin’s heart. I should have confronted her then about it, either that or I shouldn’t have eavesdropped.

  “I am sending you. And hurry. Cathy will be here later.”

  Great, can my night get any worse? He walked down to the immense kitchens and stepped inside. There she was. Her hair was shiny like silk and even this far he imagined the smell of lilacs that would surround her. She wore skin tight blue jeans with a black halter top that stopped above her navel, showing off strong abs. There were booted heels on her feet adding about three inches to her height. She knocked his socks off.

  Gavin wanted to yank her up, toss her over his shoulder and remove her from everyone’s sight and have his way with her. His glance flicked to Allison, who wore something only a little more conservative enough to hide her pregnancy.

  They, especially Sanura, sure did dress to impress. A low whistle cut across the busy kitchen. It was Clint. He had come in and was walking over to the women as they carried in stuff, regarding them both with an appreciative gaze.

  “Wow! Y’all some fine lookin’ women. Did you dress for me?”

  “Good evening, Mr. Hartford,” Sanura replied. “You’re looking pretty fine yourself in that tux.” Gavin ground his teeth over the familiar and easy banter they shared.

  Clint bowed at the waist. “Thank you, milady. I aim to please. You have a hot date tonight?”

  “Ali and I are going to relieve some sailors of their money. We are playing pool at Rockin’ Randy’s. What about you? What are you doing tonight?”

  “This party. But to tell the truth, what you are doing sounds much more exciting.”

  “That’s it, Mac. We’re done. See you in the morn at work. Tell the boys we said hi and they should learn to give you two their money instead of being humiliated.”

  “Good night, Tony. Thanks for your help.” She waved at the man as he got in the truck and pulled off.

  *

  Gavin finally headed for Sanura.

  “Good evening, Sanura.” His timbre caressed the deepest parts of her body, making her shiver. And he knew it.

  “Evening. Looks like you’re all fancied up again. Hot date?”

  “Maybe. Do you care?”

  “Why should I? What you do is your business, not mine.” But she did care. She wanted him to notice her outfit like Clint had done.

  Anger boiled deep within his aquamarine gaze. “Can I have a word with you in private?” The question was ground out between clenched teeth, barely passing as civil.

  “Allison? I’m going to have a chat with Mr. Rawlins for a moment. I’ll meet you at the car.” Allison waved she heard and continued doing what she had been doing. “What is it you need to discuss with me?”

  He grabbed her bare arm, his touch sending shockwaves through her system. He steered her into the pantry and shut the door on all those observant and nosy gazes.

  “Well? I have somewhere to be this evening. What’s the problem?” Her hands were on her small waist as she waited for his answer.

  “You. What is going on?”

  Sanura raised her hands in a wordless gesture as she lifted an eyebrow. “What the hell are you talking about?” Lord, can you please send me a book entitled ‘How to Speak Man Language for Dummies?’

  “Why are you wearing that? Why are you going out with other guys?”

  This was interesting. Could we be faced with the prospect of a jealous man? “What’s wrong with me going out with other guys? And I know there is nothing wrong with the way that I am dressed.”

  “I thought that…”

  “Thought what?” she interrupted. “As far as I know I am not in any relationship with a man.” Say the word and I would gladly be in one with you, however.

  “What about that guy you kissed at the fair?” His eyes glinted precariously.

  “I am surprised you even noticed me at the fair. You seemed pretty busy with your hordes of hu. . .women.”

  So she was a little jealous herself. Big surprise.

  “I didn’t kiss anyone. You can’t say the same.” His lean body began to back her up towards a stack of shelves.

  “Not for lack of trying on their part, I’m sure. Perhaps you are gay after all. Didn’t they have anything to tempt you with?”

  “No. They had nothing that would tempt me.” Gavin’s timbre was low and seductive. His simple answer made her heart leap in hope. “And I thought we had gotten past the gay thing.” He still approached, slowly, steadily, like a lion that cornered its prey and could take all the time in the world.

  She had run out of room. Her bare back was pressed against the cool wall and yet, her body temperature still climbed. His Armani clad arms positioned themselves on either side of her head. This man was so dangerous.

  “Why?” he asked with his head low by hers.

  “Why what?” Her heart beat so loud in her ears she could barely hear her own voice but she knew it was husky with desire.

  “Why did you kiss him?”

  “He’s a friend.” Hell’s bells, it was hard to think straight. It was hard to breathe.

  “Am I your friend?” His words were so soft she had to strain to hear them.

  Breathing was becoming increasingly difficult. “I’d like to think so.” Her own words were tortured whispers, as she tried valiantly to control her feelings.

  “So kiss me. Like you kissed hi
m.” Those words were somewhere between a beg and an order.

  The man was a magnet to her. Sanura leaned forward and pressed her closed mouth on Gavin’s waiting one. She barely touched his lips, but the result was nothing like she had with Bryce. Here she wanted to slide her tongue in his mouth and pick up where they had left off at her house. Now she wanted to remove clothes, his and hers, and let nature take over.

  But she didn’t. It was so difficult to not follow her raging desire. Instead she pulled back and blinked those green cat eyes at him. “There. Feel better now?”

  “What the hell was that? I said like you kissed him.”

  “That was how we kissed. That is the only way we ever kiss. I don’t know what kind of woman you think I am, but I am not like that.” She ducked under his arm and walked to the door, extremely pleased she could use her legs which still trembled as a result of his nearness.

  Sanura opened it and stepped back into the hustle of the kitchen. She looked at the man who was driving her crazy and told him one more thing. “I never kissed Bryce the way we kissed at my house. Never have, never will. See ya around.”

  With a sharp nod she spun around. Sanura left and felt his eyes fixed firmly on her backside as she walked across the floor. She knew he watched when she slid into the shiny Porsche and drove away. What she didn’t know was he would show up at the bar later that night.

  * * * *

  Gavin and Clint entered the bar. The room was dimly lit and smoke filled the air. To one side sat a mechanical bull people were using, but it was the sight in the back took his attention.

  Sanura and Allison were soundly beating the boys in a game of pool. Everyone had beer and Sanura was currently bent over the table, her backside attracting his and nearly every other male gaze in the bar. That familiar desire to kill all who looked at his woman filled Gavin in seconds.

  He stayed silent, though, and watched as she sank the remaining balls expertly and won the game for her and Allison. Laughing, she scooped up the money and put it in her back pocket after splitting it with Allison.

  “’Nother game, boys?” Allison wondered. “Oh, look who’s here. Surprise, surprise. Gavin, Clint, come join us. Didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

  “Just stopped in.” They stepped up and introductions were made. Gavin stared at the man he still considered his competition. He was big, almost as big as Gavin, but had a wiry strength made Gavin think he didn’t stand a chance if he were to fight him. The man doted on Sanura. That made him an enemy right away.

  “Good evening, Clint. Y’all’s party boring?” Sanura’s southern drawl washed over Gavin, bringing in its wake the normal wave of desire her voice brought him.

  Clint nodded as he grabbed a beer from a passing waitress.

  “I thought maybe I’d find a date,” Gavin said. His eyes searched Sanura’s face and found not one single hint of emotion to betray her thoughts.

  She was silent for a moment as her eyes regarded his clothing.

  “Good for you. Plenty of women over there.” Sanura pointed with her cue stick and shrugged as if it didn’t bother her in the least. Gavin bit back a growl of disappointment. He wanted to see a reaction from her.

  “But, perhaps a game of pool would be better. What do you say, Sanura? Up for a match?”

  “Very well. But what are we playing for?”

  Gavin reached for a pool cue. His eyebrow arched in challenge. “Winner’s choice.”

  “Who else is playing?”

  The blond man sent a look over every man there and no one said a single word. “It is going to be the two of us. Do you accept?”

  Sanura glanced at Allison, who nodded her encouragement. “Very well. I accept, winner’s choice. Rack ’em.” He watched as she mimicked a drink charade to Bryce, who went and got her a longneck.

  Gavin broke. Before long it was clear she was a very good match for him. The friends watched the pool battle that seemed to have a deeper meaning for the two playing it.

  Gavin was hard pressed to concentrate on his game. Sanura always seemed to be in his line of sight. Abundant cleavage showing off her tattoo, little waist, and tight butt. Or her mouth sucking on the longneck in her hand as her fingers caressed it lovingly. He almost scratched multitudes of times watching her.

  In the end Gavin won the game. Although he was suspicious that she’d allowed him to win. He would have to ask her later about the truth.

  “You win. What’s it gonna cost me?” She set down her cue and looked at Gavin.

  “Let me think about it.”

  “Alright. But when I get back you have to give me an answer.”

  “How long will that be?” Where the hell was she going in a room full of horny men?

  “As long as it takes me to ride the bull. It’s my turn. Be right back.”

  She took another swig of her beer and walked off with one of the other guys, a large black man with the group. Gavin’s rakish gaze stayed glued to her jean-encased backside. He followed and watched as she climbed up onto the bull. The next few minutes were the most intense he had experienced in a long time. Gavin was hard as stone for her.

  When Sanura finally dismounted to the applause in the bar, he made up his mind about his choice. There were many guys surrounding her as Gavin shouldered his way through them all. Nothing was going to keep him from her side.

  “Well? Did you decide?” Her smile was an easy one which accented the shine in her eyes and made him lose his breath. She looked so happy, full of life. Everything about her sparkled.

  “Yes.” He spoke loudly so they could all hear him make his claim, and those listening fell silent, engrossed by the tension between these two opposites. “Two things,” he held up a hand at her attempt to speak. “We didn’t set limits so give me these.”

  “Very well. What is it you have decided to claim?”

  “Tomorrow night, a date. You and me. Alone.” His gaze never wavered from hers.

  * * * *

  Sanura could hardly contain the shiver that went through her body. To have him to herself totally for one evening... Can we say Heaven? “That’s one. What’s the other one?”

  The instant flare up of heat in his eyes told her. He moved his azure gaze from her eyes to her lips and smiled when her tongue came out to moisten her suddenly very dry lips. Two steps brought his body equal to hers. One hand reached out, tangled itself in her hair and cupped her cheek.

  “Two,” came his husky whisper, “is this.” He turned his head and lowered his lips to hers. At first she kept her lips pressed together. Gavin barely pulled off her lips to breathe into her mouth. “Don’t fight me on this, open for me, kitten.” Then his lips descended once again.

  His tongue slipped between her full lips and dove into the velvet warmth of her mouth. Their tongues dueled with each other as Sanura’s arms wound around the neck of the man who breathed life into her. Her fingers sank sinfully into his thick hair, pressed them closer together as he began to straighten.

  His other arm circled her waist and lifted her up off the floor. Lightning struck. Volcanoes erupted. Typhoons crashed.

  It took a while but finally the cheering and hooting of the crowd penetrated their addled senses. Gavin reluctantly set her down on the floor, making sure her body slid down his aroused one as she lowered her arms from around his neck. Sanura felt the blush run up her face and was glad it was darker in the bar, especially considering everyone’s eyes were on the two of them.

  Bryce stepped up and placed a hand on Sanura, drawing her away from Gavin. That move was noticed by Allison. Black met blue as the men stared into each other’s eyes before Bryce spoke. “Hurt her and you’ll answer to me.”

  Gavin nodded once sharply before he reclaimed his hold on Sanura. The group moved back to the table and played a few more games of pool. Gavin stayed by Sanura for the rest of the night, and she was content to be in his presence and share in his joy.

  When they were out in the parking lot, Gavin walked beside Sanura
and when he opened the car door for her he spoke in low tones, he said, “Don’t forget. Tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at seven.” Then he shut the door and walked off. The Yukon and the Porsche pulled into the driveway of Sanura’s home. The people emptied out and went inside to seek their beds.

  * * * *

  Allison sat on her bed as tears began to fall down her cheeks. Bryce would never look at her the way he looked at Sanura. For the first time she felt a blinding anger at her friend.

  A knock on the door made Allison wipe her eyes and speak softly, “Enter.” The door swung silently open and there he was. Bryce. He filled the room with his presence and made her body tingle in ways she never felt during her years married to Pete.

  Bryce stepped into the room. His obsidian gaze fell on the woman sitting on the edge of her bed.

  “Is something wrong, Bryce? Do one of y’all need something else?” She really did care for all of the men there tonight. Allison had a sweet voice, normally higher and full of cheer, but tonight it held a hint of sorrow.

  “Yes,” his voice was low and smooth. He shut the door behind him, sealing them inside the room together.

  She rose, uncertain about this side of him. “What can I do? Is someone hungry? More blankets? What?”

  “This.” He crossed the room to her in a few strides and took her in his strong arms. Before she knew what hit her, those fabulous lips were on hers. The shock of finally having his lips on hers held her motionless.

  She knew this was what she wanted more than anything, but it wasn’t right. Did he really expect her to betray her best friend?

  “What about Sanura?” His breath fanned her face as Allison realized she must have spoken her fears out loud.

  “I know you have slept with her. You love her,” Allison accused him.

  “Yes.” That one word shattered Allison’s whole world, but then he continued. “I do love her. As for the sleeping with her—that was just sharing the same bed. I have never been intimate with her. And I have never kissed her like I kissed you.”