by AliyahBurke
“I don’t understand. The way you two act?” she begged to understand. Wouldn’t she have known if it was fake between them? Wouldn’t Mac have told her?
“Is that. An act, that’s all it ever was. A way of protecting her.”
His lips found hers again and swept away the rest of her questions for the rest of the night. Bryce took her on a journey to the stars and beyond. Showed her passion she had only read about before. Did things to her that made her body tingle and crave more. Feeling totally completed and spent, they fell asleep together as the sun was beginning to rise.
Chapter Nine
Gavin stopped by his office for a while and his mother caught up with him there. “Yes, Mother?” Why was she here, and on a Sunday? At least she hadn’t brought Cathy with her. Is there no haven from my matchmaking mother?
“I was looking forward to spending the day with you. Join me for dinner?” It was somewhere between a request and an order.
“Can’t, I have plans.” Plans with Sanura. Sanura…Sanura…Sanura, her named chanted its way through his blood, every heartbeat.
“Wonderful. You didn’t tell me you and Cathy had plans tonight.”
“It’s not with Cathy.”
“Then who?”
“Sanura.”
“That ethnic girl?” Her tone became sharp.
There was a razor sharp edge to his answer. “If you mean the woman who delivered the food to your parties, yes, Mother, her.”
“But . . . but she is one of them.”
“One of who, Mother?” Gavin slanted a look at the woman who gave him life. This was an unusual side to her, and he didn’t like it.
“You know she is after your money. A delivery girl would try to sink her claws into you. Well, I won’t have it. I forbid you to see her.”
“Forbid me? You think you can forbid me?” He snorted. “I am well past grade school, Mother. She is not trying to sink her claws into me. Besides, it is dinner, I am not marrying her.”
Gavin paused for a moment and realized having Sanura as his wife wasn’t a scary idea, it was a wonderful one. If anything, he knew to ask her now would only scare her away. He didn’t want to pressure her while their relationship was in the beginning stages, but someday he knew he would be asking her to be his wife.
“See that you don’t.” There was something ugly and harsh in the way his mother spoke those four words.
Gavin looked at his mother. “Why don’t you like her? You don’t even know her.”
“She is one of them.”
“That is the second time you have said that. Just what exactly do you mean by one of them?” There was more warming in his voice as if he really knew what she meant, didn’t want to believe she would think that way.
“Darkie. Negro. Black. I don’t know what you call them anymore or what they are calling themselves. Take your pick; they are all the same underneath no matter what the name.” Suddenly saddened, he shook his head. “Why are you shaking your head at me? Marry her and I will cut off your inheritance.”
“Go ahead, Mother, do what you must. I already told you I like her. I am sorry you are so shallow you won’t even give her a chance. I can’t believe you would think like that. Not to mention you think threatening my inheritance would change my mind. I’m making my own money. I’m leaving, Mother.”
Stiffening her spine, she picked up her high-priced purse from where she had set in on his desk and left before him.
Once they stepped outside his eyes were automatically drawn across the street to the lot where her restaurant sat. Her vehicle was not there yet, but as he looked an older car pulled in and a tall, handsome black man got out.
The man went to open the passenger side door and out stepped Sanura. She was in a dusky rose dress that flattered her figure. She readily took the hand of the man before her and they walked into the restaurant side by side deeply, immersed in their conversation.
“See what I mean.” There was scorn in his mother’s voice.
“Good day, Mother.” He left her at her car and walked to get his own. What was he thinking? She was on a date with another man. Maybe he should cancel tonight.
The message light was blinking on his machine when he finally made it home. He wandered as he listened to the messages but stopped when he heard her voice reach out from the tape, wrapping sensually around him. Hey. You never said where we were going tonight. I don’t know what to wear so I will dress semi-casual. If that isn’t apropos, let me know. Click.
Well, she didn’t call to cancel. Was she a player? She told him she wasn’t that kind of girl. He would trust her. At that moment Gavin realized he was . . . had fallen in love with her. He had to get her to see she felt the same.
* * * *
Five before seven, the doorbell to Sanura’s house rang. Allison opened the door to admit Gavin. He was dressed in a black crewneck and pressed khakis, and black leather shoes completed his look.
“Good evening, Gavin. Come on in. She’ll be ready in a sec.” Allison stood back to let him pass.
As he stepped into the living room, he found he was the object of six large men’s observation. None of them looked quite ready to trust him, but after a glare from Allison, they all nodded at him and said hello. It was easy to tell all these men loved Sanura and wondered what he was up to.
Then Gavin caught a whiff of lilacs and looked up. Sanura stood in the archway between the living room and her hallway. She was magnificent. He felt a funny little quiver in his stomach he felt each time he looked at her.
She wore her hair styled away from her face, allowing it to fall freely down her back. Around her neck lay familiar silver Celtic cross and also the emerald shamrock. Sanura wore a simple but stunning sapphire blue dress stopping below her knees and accented the tone of her smooth brown legs. She had sexy matching strapped heels on her feet that allowed him to take in her manicured toes. Sanura was beautiful in a very modest way.
“Is this alright? Or should I change?”
“Beautiful. Don’t ever change.” His voice was hushed and thick. Gavin had forgotten there were others in the room and crossed to her side.
He leaned in and kissed her full on the mouth. “You look good enough to eat,” he murmured against her lips.
She pushed him away as her cheeks heated. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise. Shall we?”
“Very well.” She walked with him to the door and waved bye to the people left behind, a smiling Allison and six overprotective men with warning scowls on their faces. Gavin ignored them as he was in a rush to have her to himself.
Gavin held the door of his car open for her. After she was in, he climbed in on the driver’s side, started the car and put them on the freeway.
“Where are we going?” she tried again.
“To dinner.” He was not sure he should ask about the man he had seen her with or not.
“How was your day?” She turned so her back was against the door and her eyes were on his profile.
He wanted nothing more than to look at her, but kept his eyes on the road. Transporting something this precious meant he had to stay focused. Gavin was amazed at how possessive and protective he had become in such a short amount of time. Ever since he had seen her in the hospital he had realized how important she was to him.
“I went to the office, did some work. Ran into my mother, which was more work. I saw you today.”
“Really? Where?” No shame or embarrassment about it, but open curiosity.
“At your restaurant.”
“I didn’t see you. Did you come in and I not know it? Why didn’t you say anything?”
Now she seemed distressed. But why? Was she hiding something? “Why? Would it matter to you?”
“Of course.” Her head tilted to the side. “Why wouldn’t I care? I thought we were actually becoming friends.”
He bit back his anger at the thought of that man’s hands on her. “In the parking lot. You were with some guy.”<
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“Oh that.”
“Oh that? That’s all you have to say? Who was he?” Gavin gripped the steering wheel so tight; he knew Sanura could see his knuckles go white under his tan skin.
With a gentle smile, Sanura reached across the car and put her darker hand on one of his, caressing the back of his hand in a tender motion. When he relaxed a bit she pulled on his hand so he was left to drive with one hand. Interlacing their fingers, she absently rubbed his hand with her thumb. Her throaty voice reached him.
“That man was Harlan Richards. He is one of the deacons of the church I attend. He dropped me off since the guys took my vehicle to see the rodeo and were going to meet me back at the restaurant. He came in, got some food to eat as we discussed the choir program.”
“So you aren’t dating him?” Even more of the tension had left his body.
“I thought I already told you this, there is not a single person I am seeing right now. I date occasionally, which is obvious since I am in your car with you right now, but I am not in a serious relationship.”
Not yet. She would be soon, if he had his way. “What is your relationship with him?”
“Well, let me think. He’s a friend, that’s all.”
He growled low in his throat. “You seem to have a lot of male friends.”
“Yes I do.” She laughed, but hidden deep within it was a bit of sadness.
“A friend like me, like Bryce?”
“Quit beatin’ around the bush. Ask me what you want to ask.” There was steel in her words.
He remained silent, for they had reached their destination. Sanura looked out the window and saw they were at a small place by the ocean. It was a romantic place and there were only a few couples inside.
The maître d' looked pleased to see him and welcomed him by name. “Good evening, Mr. Rawlins. Always good to see you again. Your table is ready.”
Gavin smiled at the man and put his hand at the small of Sanura’s back. “Good to see you as well, Laurent. This is Sanura, my date.” There was nothing but pride in his voice.
“Mademoiselle.” Laurent smiled down at the woman standing next to his longtime friend. “I believe you are the most exquisite thing in the restaurant.” He bent over and pressed a kiss on the back of her hand. Rising, he pointed to a secluded room.
“All right.” Gavin slid his hand under Sanura’s and took her skin away from Laurent’s mouth. “Easy there,” he warned only partially playfully.
Gavin followed the man through the restaurant into the private room. Sanura walked beside him, his hand a strong and comforting presence on the small of her back. The other patrons looked at them as they passed.
It wasn’t really even a room they were led to as much as it was a balcony. The room was mostly blocked from the wind by huge windows, and overlooked the ocean. There were candles all over and their flames flickered in the wind that came up the open staircase side, which led to the raging surf. Very romantic.
It was open on the side that rested above the flowing water. The balcony was beautiful and it took her breath away. Off to another side were softly cushioned chairs with a loveseat as well, perfect for cuddling and watching a sunset or listening to the lull of the ocean.
“Oh, Gavin. It’s beautiful.” Her words came out all breathy and it sent a jolt straight to his groin. She floated to the railing and leaned over smiling as the sea spray misted up and around the boulders down below. Her obvious delight and words made him feel like the only man in the world.
“Are you ready to eat?” He reached her side.
“Yes. Thank you.” He gracefully maneuvered her back to the intimate table and ordered for the both of them. Gavin saw her shiver. “Are you cold? I guess I forgot this could get chilly out here. We could sit inside if you wished.”
“No. Perfect… this is perfect.” Gavin stared at her over the candlelight. Her green eyes flecked with gold in the candlelight. Her skin shone. Continually she made his heart skip a few beats. There was no other place in the world he’d rather be than at her side.
* * * *
Dinner was excellent. Sanura applauded Gavin’s choice. Her eyes never left him as Laurent brought out a bottle of white wine and poured some into a glass. Gavin looked so damn hot as he swirled the contents of the glass prior to bringing it up to his patrician nose to savor the odor before closing those lovely eyes and taking a sip. Who knew wine tasting was such a turn on? When he opened them Sanura saw a promise in them that was for her and it made her whole body tingle with desire. Gavin smiled and nodded to Laurent, who filled both of their glasses with the liquid.
They began dinner by eating spinach salads with roasted hazelnuts; the bacon pieces and mushrooms added a very nice taste. Along the side was a dish of chopped hard boiled eggs if they wished to top their salads. The main course was angel hair pasta tossed with chicken and shrimp in an herbed lemon garlic sauce.
They shared from each other’s plates. Sanura got shrimp and Gavin had the chicken. Dessert was even better. They were given a sample tray laden with cheese slices and fruit—grapes and strawberries dipped in both white and dark chocolate. Each bite she took simply melted in her mouth. It was divine, it was heavenly. She sent her regards from one chef to another.
Warmed brandy was delivered along with two snifters and Gavin escorted her over to the cozy sitting area. He helped her into a chair before he sat next to her. Sanura turned down the brandy and asked for coffee. Laurent brought it and delivered it to her.
She leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her coffee. “Wow. I can’t believe we ate all that. I’m stuffed. Thank you.”
“I am glad you ate and enjoyed it. I like a woman with a real appetite.”
“Gavin, I love my food. But right now I need to walk or I am going to explode.”
“Along the beach?”
“Absolutely.”
“We can use these stairs here. Laurent, we will be back. We’re going for a walk along the beach.”
“Very good, sir. We will have fresh coffee for when you return.” The man disappeared as silently as he had appeared.
Gavin rose and took her hand. He walked down the steps to the beach. At the bottom Sanura pulled on his hand. When he let go, she slipped out of her heels and groaned in pleasure when her toes sank into the sand. Gavin chuckled as he removed his shoes and socks as well. He rolled up his pant legs to mid-calf.
“Ready?” he asked.
Her response was to take his hand and lead him off towards the water’s edge. Shoes were left at the bottom of the stairs and the closer they got to the water Sanura dropped his hand. They walked side by side, not touching physically but they were becoming closer. The wind had picked up, sending warm breezes to flow around them, making her dress billow in the air.
“You never asked me what you have been hedging about. What do you really want to know?”
“You mean from in the car?” He stayed silent as he waited for some response from her.
Her eyebrow shot up but she held her tongue. For a moment. “Well? Are you going to tell me?” Now her tone was tinged with attitude.
“I was wondering . . .” He trailed off suddenly unsure of how to continue.
“Just what were you wondering?” Sanura looked over at him; in the moonlit night, she could make out his features and saw his confusion.
“What is he to you?” The anger was back.
“What is who, to me?” Sanura believed she knew but had to be sure of whom she spoke about.
“That man, Bryce. The one who watches you like he is your man.”
“Bryce.” She smiled as she spoke his name. “Probably everything you think his is. And yet at the same time, not.”
“Explain yourself.”
Sanura stopped moving and looked out at the waves lapping at the shore. “Bryce has been the one constant in my life. Whenever I needed something he was there. He saved me. There isn’t a man on the face of the earth I love more.” Even though they weren’t touching, sh
e could feel him tense at her admission. “But at the same time, there is nothing between us. I can’t explain it. We love each other, but aren’t in love with each other. Make sense?”
“Not really. Are you two an item?”
“If you are asking me if I have slept with him, then yes. We have shared a bed, I won’t lie. But we’ve never been intimate.” She ran her hands through her hair, pulled out the pins and put them in Gavin’s hand to carry for her and he slipped them in his pocket. Sanura was pleased with the intimate gesture and the look on his face told her he was as well. Free of constraint her hair moved in the wind.
“I don’t know how to explain Bryce. In one sense it would be like having a best friend who was gay, but he isn’t, so I don’t know if that would work to explain it. Besides, I am not the one he is in love with.”
“What do you mean?”
“Allison. He loves her. I hope he will take her with when he leaves. She needs to be protected.” Gavin still looked like he didn’t follow her explanation. “Look, Bryce is a Navy SEAL. I have known him since middle school. I lived with him, he made sure I went to school and stayed out of trouble. He is like my brother. We’re fam.” Her slim shoulders rose and fell with her slight shrug.
“I have always been one of the guys. To all of them, dependable, friendly, one of the guys happened to be a woman. They all come to me with woman problems, wife problems; you know, that sort of thing. But, till the day I die, I will only be ‘one of guys.’”
Gavin maneuvered to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her slender frame. He lowered his head until it was next to her ear and spoke in hushed tones. “I have never thought of you as one of the guys. I never will.”
Her nipples hardened with those whispered words and she felt a rush of warmth flood her lower region. She stayed silent.
“What are you hiding from me, Sanura Eryn McKie?” His magical hands were creating havoc in her belly as they caressed her bared arms.
So much. That I am a felon and I have fallen in love with you. “Everyone has their secrets. Even you.”