ALittleTasteofHome

by AliyahBurke

  She got out and walked up to the door. TJ opened it as she got there.

  “I was waiting for you. Come make sure I got it right.”

  She dropped her bag and walked inside. It was perfect. She ran up the first flight of stairs to the room she was going to use. Everything was where she wanted it.

  “TJ, it’s perfect. Thanks so much.” She hugged him as she did a happy dance. “Come on a walk with me?”

  “Sure. Oh, I stocked your fridge. The Cokes are cold.” They both grabbed one and walked down the path to her piece of beach. From there they explored the rest of the property which included a grove of pecan trees and some peach trees as well. Magnolias lined the drive. “You did well, hon. This fits you to a tee, Mac. There is a stable for horses you will no doubt be getting. There is also a barn which will hold a tractor and a trailer.”

  “TJ, this is everything I have ever wanted. Thank the boys for me, will you?”

  “Sure will. I’ll let you enjoy your new home. Bye, Mac.”

  “Bye, TJ. Thanks again.” Sanura stood on the steps of her new porch, leaning against a pillar as he drove off. Finally she was alone and she let out a loud yell of joy.

  Her cell phone chimed. “Mac.”

  “Mac, it’s Clint Hartford.”

  “Mr. Hartford, what can I do for you?” She sat down on the steps of her new house.

  “Well, I am calling because Gavin wanted me to make sure you were all right. Take you out on the town if you wanted to go.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but I have some things to do tonight.”

  “Well, maybe some other time.”

  He sounded almost hurt.

  “What about tomorrow?”

  “Sure? I can pick you up at seven?”

  “Fine. At the restaurant. Where do you want to go?”

  “Well, I suck at pool, so . . . do you bowl?”

  “Not very well, but a little.”

  “Sound good?”

  “Fine. Tomorrow at seven.”

  “Goodnight, Mac.”

  “’Night, Clint.” She hung up, shaking her head. Now he was sending her out on dates with other men. Sanura put some music in her CD player and turned it up as she put things away.

  He didn’t call that night. Not that she was counting on it, but damn it she was. Lord, smack that man for me, will you? He’s got me so twisted up inside I don’t know which end is up anymore.

  The next night, Sanura and Clint went bowling at a local hangout. They were drinking beer and having a wonderful time with each other. Sanura wasn’t lying; she wasn’t very good at bowling. But she was determined.

  She was holding the ball when she heard her phone. Tossing it to Clint, she said, “Answer that for me.”

  Sanura screeched, “I did it, did you see that, Clint? I did it!”

  “Way to go, Mac. Here, your boyfriend wants to talk to you.”

  She knew exactly who that was and enjoyed the label. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “Sounds like you’re having fun.”

  “I am. He is helping my bowling game.”

  “What are you wearing?”

  “I don’t know. Umm, jean shorts and a tank top. Why?”

  “Just wondering. Is he behaving himself?”

  “Perfect gentleman. Hang on a sec, it’s my turn again. Here, talk to Clint.” She threw the phone and picked up her ball and walked to the line.

  When she was done she looked and saw Clint talking earnestly into the phone but keeping an eye on her and the surrounding men that chatted with her. She walked over and Clint handed her back the phone.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “That’s all right. Glad you are having fun, kitten. Wish I could be there to join you.”

  “What were you and Clint talking about to have him looking so serious?”

  “A little of this and that.”

  “Ahh, okay then. Look, I gotta go. Take care ’kay?” She ended the call then focused back on the task at hand, bowling.

  * * * *

  She was always abrupt when she ended a call and he smiled as he knew was her way. However, the fact she still hadn’t told him she loved him was enough for a cloud of doubt to take up residence in his mind. Why wouldn’t she have told him?

  Gavin’s trip had been extended another week so it was late August when he got back to the steamy south. His plane landed at two in the morning and he recalled he had told her not to be there waiting for him. So he hailed a cab and went to his apartment.

  Opening the door, he found the silence was too much. Not what he wanted; he wanted to have it filled with warmth. Filled with Sanura.

  Packed with the desire to see her, he showered and drove to her house. When he slowed to turn in, there was a vehicle in the drive he didn’t recognize and hers was not there. It was a nicer model sports car. All the lights were off so he didn’t stop.

  By four o’clock he was stressing big time. He had driven by the restaurant and didn’t see her vehicle and now his mind was racing with possibilities. Not any of them good. He wanted to call her but he resisted the urge knowing full well she was exhausted.

  He went to his place and slept poorly for two hours and then went to work. The door to his office was open, and at seven he heard Janice speak.

  “Good morning, Mac,” Janice said.

  “Morning, Janice. Here are yours and this is for Clint. Any word?”

  “Not as of yet. Thanks. See you tomorrow?”

  “Bright and early. Bye.”

  By the time he realized it was her, Gavin heard her retreating footsteps. She didn’t know he had returned and wouldn’t have seen his car as it was parked in the back. Sanura had asked about him, though. While that warmed him it made him wonder even more about the car in her drive.

  Gavin surprised Janice when he came out of his office later. He could tell she didn’t know he had returned and apologized over and over for not sending any of his calls in. He waved it off. He strolled to the restaurant and smiled at the cool breeze, grateful to feel that.

  When he entered the diner he felt at home. Every eye fell on him and he kind of stopped in his tracks. Sherry and Tati shared glances and pointed to the back where the office was and let him go.

  Her door was open and he heard her talking on the phone. “Okay. That sounds fine. No, no don’t worry. I won’t say a word. I miss you, too. Take care. Love you. Bye.”

  She loved that person. Gavin braced himself for the pain at those words but they never came. He stepped into her office. Sanura sat in her chair with her legs up on the seat with her, chin on her knees as she slowly lowered the phone. Her hair was loose and it fell over most of her face, a frustrated motion ran it back so she could see. She could see.

  She spied him, blinked back the tears and smiled. The smile reached her eyes and weakened his knees.

  “You’re back. When did you get here?” Sanura rose and walked towards him.

  “Last night.” She was in his arms in seconds, his face buried deep in her hair. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.” Her arms tightened around his waist as she tipped her face up for a kiss.

  He didn’t disappoint. He ran his tongue over her lips before descending upon them with his own. She drew on his tongue as the heat flared to life between them. With one foot he kicked the door shut and backed himself up to the couch and sat down on it with her straddling him. They were frantic. She pulled his shirt out and slid her hands under it, over his smooth skin.

  Gavin released her mouth to suckle on a breast through her bra and shirt. His hand had found its way under her skirt and, with one short jerk, he ripped off her panties. Sanura worked on his zipper and soon his pants were down around his ankles with his boxers, his swollen cock between them.

  Gavin undid the buttons on her blouse and soon had it spread open as his nimble fingers flipped the catch on her bra, baring her to him. His mouth latched on again as Sanura lifted herself and lowered her body onto his rigid manhood. Feeling the
warmth envelop him, Gavin traded mouth for hands and put their lips back together as his fingers massaged her breasts. Twisting and pulling, kneading and squeezing.

  He swallowed all of her moans and she did his. Finally the motion of her was too much and he grabbed her hips and pounded up into her as they stared each other in the eyes.

  They came at the same time. Sanura bit her lip to keep quiet and Gavin muffled his cries in her plentiful bosom. They shook with aftershocks from the powerful joining.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Eyes heavy with pleasure blinked a few times. “Welcome back.”

  He pulled her down for another kiss and grinned. “That was one hell of a welcome.”

  Sanura stood and blushed as she held up her torn underwear. “You do realize that this is like the third pair you have ruined.”

  “So I’ll buy you some more.” He stood and began to put his clothes back together. His body completely enjoyed the looks it received from the woman in the room.

  “How was your trip?” she asked as he gathered her into his arms and sat back down on the couch. The other side.

  “Lonely. I missed you.” He knew she could feel his penis twitch again. “So did he.”

  He smiled at her blush. Sanura was so innocent at times, and yet at others she knocked his socks off. “Missed you too.”

  “Do you close tonight?”

  “No. I’m about done. I have a concert tonight at the church. At seven. Want to come?”

  Church? Him? “I could meet you after.”

  “If you want.” Gavin could hear the disappointment in her voice.

  “What church is it?”

  “Oceanside Baptist. Do you know where it is?”

  “I could find it if I go.”

  “Well, I have to get home.”

  Home. That strange car in her drive. “Who owns the Spyder in your driveway?” He drew one hand up and down her arm, grateful he could touch her again.

  She frowned with a head shake. “Spyder? There isn’t one in my drive. Why do you ask?”

  “’Cause I saw it when I drove by this morning.”

  “Not mine. Don’t know.” Her eyes flew wide. “Oh, damn, I didn’t tell you, I don’t live there anymore.”

  Panic hit him. “What? What happened? Where do you live?”

  “Nothing happened. I bought a house while you were gone. I have to go. See you after. I’ll fill you in then.” She brushed a kiss along his jaw and scampered out the door.

  “Wait, how do I find you?”

  But she was gone. He sat there for a while trying to absorb that bit of information, and when he finally went up front, Tati handed him a to-go container of food with a wink. Gavin took it and walked back to his office. He wanted to be there for her, but to be honest the thought of being in church was very intimidating to him.

  Unsure of what he would do, he went home early and packed some clothes in a bag. He would leave some things at her house and bring some of hers over.

  At six-thirty he dressed in a suit and drove to the church. It was an old cathedral and the parking lot was filled with people in bright orange vests who directed you where to park. Gavin walked to the entrance of the building and saw multitudes of people of all races going in. At the door was a big sign that read: Churches come together to save the children. All proceeds for the Children’s Hospital.

  Gavin paid the ten dollars to get in the door. The place was packed. On the stage he saw lots of children scurrying around. He moved with the crowd, deciding where to sit when he heard someone yell his name.

  “Gavin!”

  He glanced over the crowd and finally found Tati waving at him. She was beckoning him over. Pleased he had found someone—somewhat—he knew, he headed toward her. He found most of the restaurant employees and their families in that section.

  Tati slid down one chair and gestured him down. “Didn’t think I would see you here, although I don’t know why with you and Mac being a couple ’n all.” There was no anger in her voice. Another man walked up to them and held a drink out to Tati. He slid past Gavin and sat down beside her.

  “Hey, honey.” He kissed her full on the mouth. “Who’s this?”

  “This is Gavin Rawlins.” She looked at Gavin and said to him, “My husband Michael Wayne.”

  Michael leaned around his wife and shook the offered hand. “Call me Mike. Gavin Rawlins. The Gavin Rawlins? The one that has . . .” he trailed off. He winked and finished, “the one that has our Mac all tossed up and confused. Glad to meet ya, man.” Then he kissed his wife again and sat back.

  All tossed up and confused. That held promise. All the other employees from the restaurant made him feel like part of the family, with “Glad you came. Nice to meet you,” and similar words for him. Word spread quickly that Gavin Rawlins was in the audience and he felt people’s gazes on him as they wondered why he was there.

  A tall black man came out and stepped up to the microphone. “Good evening.” He waited for the response from the people before continuing. “We have a wonderful treat for you tonight. Not only do we have the choir from this wonderful church, but also from two others. They will be doing some Disney selections and then some other songs for those of us a bit older. Bless each and every one of you that paid to get in here. All this money is going directly to the Children’s Hospital. Tonight we have raised well over ten thousand dollars. Give yourselves a pat on the back. The children are going to perform first and then we will bring on the adult choirs. After the show we will have dancing, singing and food to eat, so stay and celebrate with us. Don’t forget to show the singers your love. Enjoy and God bless.” He walked off the stage to a roaring applause.

  The room darkened and the spotlight fell on the stage as about sixty children marched out onto the raised steps that were set out for them. They all had Mickey Mouse ears on their shirts with their names under them. The music began and the show was off.

  The children were amazing as they sung eight songs and danced with them. The crowd was getting into the show and people were singing along with the children. When they were done they took a small break to get some refreshments down in the basement.

  Gavin was enjoying himself. He stayed with the people he sat with and watched the possessive way Mike watched over his wife. He truly devoted to her. Mike walked up to him as they waited in line.

  “Surprised I was her husband?” Before Gavin could respond, he kept right on talking, “Don’t feel bad. Most people are. I wouldn’t have her right now if it weren’t for Mac. That is one amazing woman you have there.” His voice dropped. “She’s not as confident as she comes off as. Don’t ever forget that.”

  “I won’t.” His astonishment at what Sanura did and how she touched people’s lives wouldn’t quit. But he was also wondering about Mike’s last comment. They took their seats and Gavin sipped his drink as he waited for the moment he would see her.

  The adults came out dressed in robes from their respective churches. The colors blended together perfectly. They sang a wide range of songs. Some gospel, some not. He found her standing in the front row to one side. Her face showed her emotions as she sang from the heart.

  Finally there was a spotlight on a lone microphone. The music began low and then became louder. Suddenly Sanura stepped up to the mike. She had taken off her robe and Gavin, along with the other thousand or so people in there, got to see her beautiful body.

  Sanura wore a dress the color of wine, a deep rich wine. It fit her body and made his throat go dry. The warm color against her stunning skin was a sight to behold. There was a long slit up one side exposing her firm thigh and leg when she moved. The front dipped down to expose the tops of her full breasts, not enough so the tattoo would be visible, but enough of her body was.

  “Good evening, y’all.” Her drawl reached out to enfold the entire crowd, and the sense of pride that filled Gavin, knowing she had wanted him here with her, stunned him beyond his comprehension. “I would like to thank the churches for coming
together and doing all of this for the children. They are our future and it is up to us to make sure they get there.” She waved two more women forward and they stood beside her.

  “I was supposed to be doing a solo, but we are going to sing together for you. We hope you enjoy it.” The other two women were like if you separated Sanura, one was white and the other had dark black skin. They both wore dresses similar to Sanura’s but of different colors. They were pretty as well, but in his eyes no one could compare to his woman. His woman. His.

  The women began to sing and there was not a single noise in the church. All ears were tuned to the trio on the stage.

  When they sang Eye on the Sparrow, Gavin wouldn’t swear to it but believed he teared up. It was magical. They finished up with Somewhere Out There, Endless Love, and The Prayer. It turned out Sanura did do solos after all, in each of the songs.

  Her voice reached out and caressed him. Stroked him until he knew there would never be another like her, no matter how long or how far he looked. There was such profound passion in her voice as she sang. Her eyes closed, fists clenched as the words poured forth.

  When they were finished they received standing ovations from the crowd. Sanura smiled and bowed along with the others and gestured back to the main part of the choir to include them. Then they disappeared into the wings.

  Gavin felt someone tug on his arm and he looked down at Tati. “I will take you to her if you want.”

  “Please.” Gavin slowed his heartbeat as he followed Mrs. Wayne to find his woman.

  It was chaos back there. People talked and laughed, children ran screeching and yelling back and forth. Tati pointed her finger in the direction of the back corner. “She should be over there. See you later, Gavin.” She slipped back into the crowd.

  He strode over to the corner and found her talking to a man standing in jeans and a suit coat. A cowboy hat was in his hands and he had cowboy boots on his feet. “What do you say, Sanura? Will you come sing with us at the bar?”

  “I will have to think on it. Probably. But let me check my schedule.”

  “You are the best, babe. I will see you out there. Save me a dance.” He kissed her cheek and walked off.