ALittleTasteofHome

by AliyahBurke

  “It seems every time I leave you to your own devices there are men kissing you,” Gavin said.

  Sanura glanced up at the words that reached her ears. She found herself gazing into the eyes that were the same color of her beloved ocean. “Hey. You made it.” Her smile banished away any doubt he had about that other man.

  “Well, what about my kiss?” The backroom fell silent, everyone knew the name of Gavin Rawlins, wealthy bachelor and here he was, after one of their own.

  Her eyes flared with passion but she didn’t move. “Come get it.”

  “My pleasure,” he growled. Two steps had him directly in front of her stunning body. He reached out and cupped her face rendering her immobile. “You belong to me.”

  “I know,” was all she got out before his lips descended claiming hers with an intense ownership that hadn’t been there before.

  Gavin poured all his feelings for her into that kiss. All his fears, hopes and dreams. Sanura responded in kind. His hands moved to cup her butt and finally the catcalls and whistles set in. Sanura pulled back from his tempting mouth—her full lips, still begging to be kissed more, were swollen from his lips. She stayed in his embrace but he knew she was embarrassed by the way she refused to look up.

  He put his head down by her ear and whispered, “You look so damn hot. You are so beautiful, kitten. And your voice is amazing.”

  “I’m glad you came,” she murmured.

  “Me too.” And he was; he felt comfortable here in this church. Amazingly so.

  “Come on. Let’s go down to the party.” She took his hand, intertwined their fingers and led him through the hordes of people that where there. Never once did she let go of him and he was more than content to follow her tightly clad butt anywhere.

  The basement of the church had been cleared and there was music playing and people dancing. People smiled and waved at Sanura as she came in.

  Many stopped to talk to her and Gavin was pleased she never once let go of him. She introduced him to everyone, including him in her evening. They found a place to sit finally and she leaned into him, soaking up his strength.

  “You really are amazing. Your voice is so rich.”

  “It’s alright.”

  Gavin shook his head. She didn’t like to take much credit for things. They sat in silence as people flittered by and chatted with them. The man that had been talking to her when Gavin spotted her approached.

  “Excuse me, I’m going to steal her for a dance.”

  Sanura smiled and stood to go with him. Gavin refused to let go of her hand, so when she faced him and arched that brow of hers he tugged her down for a kiss. He might as well have branded her as belonging to him, for that is what the kiss did.

  Gavin watched as she danced with that man to a Latin sounding song. Her body moved with his in a way that made Gavin see red. It was too close. Too personal.

  His cell phone rang. His mother. “What do you want?”

  “Where are you?”

  “Church.” He smiled as he pictured the response she would have to that statement.

  “Don’t lie to your mother.”

  He hid his amusement. “I’m not. There was a charity concert to raise money for the Children’s Hospital. I went to it.”

  “Do you mean the one put on by Oceanside Baptist?”

  “Yes, that’s the one.”

  “Well, I will let you go then. I want you to come here when you are done.”

  “Mother, it is going to be late. I want to get some sleep.”

  “Right. You and your woman can put off sex for a bit. Come and see me.” She hung up on him. The word “sex” from his mother didn’t sit right with him.

  The music slowed and couples got out on the floor. He had slid his cell phone back into his pocket when Sanura beckoned to him. Unable to resist, he went to her and held her for their first dance.

  * * * *

  They danced divinely together. Gavin led well and made it easy to follow. “Didn’t know you could dance.” Being held in his arms was the most heady feeling in the world.

  “There are lots of things about me you don’t know. Yet. When are you leaving?”

  “Soon. I have to speak to a few people. Why?”

  “Come with me to my mother’s.”

  A short bark of unladylike laughter escaped her. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No. She wants me to come over and I want to be with you. So if you come with me, then after I can be with you.”

  “Sorry. I’m not that much of a glutton for punishment. I won’t go where I know I’m not wanted.”

  “I want to hold you tonight. Make love to you.” His words tingled every synapse in her body, making her want what he offered and then some.

  “Sorry. Your mother has beckoned and I need some sleep before tomorrow.”

  The song was over and together they walked off to the side. Gavin still had his arm around her when Tati ran up holding Sanura’s cell phone; her normally dark sienna face was pale.

  “Mac.” That one word said it all. The stricken look on her face shot shivers of dread throughout Sanura’s whole body.

  She took the phone and said, “Mac.” Gavin kept a hold on her. “I’ll be there, don’t worry I’ll make it.”

  She looked at Tati, nauseated. “I’ll call Sherry and tell her, but can you cover my shifts?”

  “Of course I can. Is there anything else I can do?”

  “Pray. Just pray we make it in time.” Without a second look at Gavin she ran hell bent through the crowd toward the stairs in her heels and tight dress.

  Gavin pounded up the stairs behind her and heard her words when she made her next call. “It’s Mac. I need a favor. Yep. I’ll be there in less than thirty, have it ready for me. How long will it take? Five hours. Fine.”

  He followed her to her vehicle “What is going on?”

  “Dammit,” she swore when she missed the handle a second time. “I don’t have time for this. I have to go.” Her voice, although harsh, trembled with something akin to fear.

  “What is wrong?”

  She looked up at his face and put one shaking hand against his cheek. “I will call you later. Right now I have to go. Please understand. I will call later.” He watched as she found a bag with clothes in it and nodded as she tossed it up front with her. “See ya.” She blew him a kiss and drove out of the lot with rubber burning.

  * * * *

  Gavin jumped in his car and drove to his mother’s. It took him close to an hour before she arrived to greet him. It was around eleven. “What do you want?” he asked.

  “I wanted to explain what needed to be. . .” She broke off as his cell phone chimed. “Who would be calling you this late?”

  “Rawlins. Sanura? Where are you? An airplane, where are you going? San Diego? What for? Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Give me all the information and I will be there as soon as I can. I’ll be behind you. Get some rest on the flight. You can’t do anything else until you land, at least try to get some rest. Sanura, I love you, kitten.”

  He ended the call and looked at his mother. “Sorry, Mother. I have to go. Can I use the jet?”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Sanura’s friend is having emergency surgery but they may not make it. I want, no, need to be with her. Can I use the jet?”

  “Of course. I will have it readied for you. It will take a moment. Do you have some clothes packed?”

  “In my car.”

  His mother turned and issued orders like it was one of her family that was needed to be reached. In less than two hours he was airborne and headed for San Diego, where a limo waited for him at the airstrip and the largest room reserved at the hotel closest to the hospital.

  He spent his flight wondering why Sanura didn’t ask him for help. Then his mother’s words hit him and he understood. He looked over and saw her reclined in a large chair; he had been surprised when she had insisted on coming along.

  Three and a half hours after Sanura had
landed, Gavin found himself being dropped off at the entrance to the hospital. His mother was going on to the hotel and would send the car back for him later.

  He jogged inside, still dressed in his suit, and headed through the throng of people and stopped at the reception desk.

  “I am looking for. . .” That was as far as he got before he found her. Sanura stood alone in her sensual dress, her shoulders hunched as she tried not to cry. “Never mind.”

  Gavin headed towards her and spoke her name, “Sanura?” His heart broke as he saw the devastation in her eyes. Normally so full of life, they were haunted and shadowed.

  She moved easily into his embrace, latching onto his body and letting him hold her up as her strength faded.

  “Thank you for coming.” Her words were soft and quavering.

  “Nothing could keep me from your side. What’s going on?” He maneuvered her over to a chair and put her on his lap.

  “I am not sure. They don’t think she will make it through the night. I sent him a message but I don’t think he will be able to make it back in time. What if she dies first? What will I tell him?”

  “Easy, kitten. Sent a message to whom?”

  “Bryce. It is his mother in there.”

  A nurse came into the hall and asked, “Are you Ms. McKie?”

  Sanura looked up and nodded. “How is she?”

  “Perhaps we should go somewhere and discuss this in private,” she said with a glance at Gavin.

  “No. He’s family also.”

  “Really, what is he?”

  He narrowed his eyes at the tone she took. “I’m her husband. Gavin Rawlins, her name is Sanura Rawlins now. Why don’t you tell us what is going on?”

  He totally took control and, at the nurse’s hesitation, leveled one of his famous intimidating looks at her. Reluctantly she got off Gavin’s lap and sat in the chair next to him, their hands still clasped, fingers still entwined. The nurse nodded her consent and filled them in on what was going on. In the middle of her speech, Sanura’s phone rang. Gavin took it and answered, stepping away so he wouldn’t interrupt.

  “Hello?”

  “Who is this? Where is Mac?” The voice was hard and loud.

  “She’s with the nurse. Is this Bryce?”

  “Yes, who is this?”

  “Gavin.”

  “Thank God. What is going on? I’m on a transport but won’t be there for about twelve more hours or so.” He was yelling to be heard over the roar of the engines.

  “She is getting the news right now. Can you wait and I will let you talk to her?”

  “Yes.” There was a pause. “Thanks for being there with her. I don’t know how she would handle losing our mother like this if she were alone.”

  Their mother? Why’d she say it was Bryce’s instead of their mother?

  “Here she is.” He handed the phone to Sanura and said, “It’s Bryce.”

  She latched onto the phone and began speaking fast and in almost unintelligible words. It was half sentences and mostly in street slang. Gavin had no idea what was being said. But he stood there with his arms around her, offering what he could.

  When she got off the phone her whole body trembled. She looked at the nurse. “Can I see her?”

  “Sure. Not for long, though. Follow me.” The nurse led the way down the hall. She stopped at a door and slid it silently open, gesturing inside. “A word of warning, she may not be able to speak and she may not recognize you. She has been slipping in and out of consciousness.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sanura took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and walked inside, the clicking of her heels the only other noise besides the beeping of the monitors. Gavin followed her into the room but he remained by the door.

  Sanura sank to the floor by the bed, heedless of her dress, and took up the lifeless hand in one of her own. “Mama, I am so sorry I wasn’t here sooner. Hang on, he’s coming. He’ll be here. Just hang on. He’s comin’.”

  “Mac?” The voice was scratchy and faint. “Is that you?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m here.” Tears formed as she heard the voice that had comforted her so much in the past.

  “Where have you been, Sanura? Why haven’t you been home? You know we don’t think what happened was really you. It was a setup. Why did you not let us know where you were?”

  “I’m sorry, Mama. I thought it was the best thing. I’m so embarrassed about it. How could I let that be attached to you?”

  “Because you are family. We have more faith in you than that. Bryce kept me appraised,” cough cough, “of what you have been doing. We’re proud of you. Both of us.”

  “Where’s Papa?”

  “Went to get something to eat. Don’t leave without seeing him.”

  “I’m not going anywhere, Mama. And Bryce is coming home.”

  “Good. You two are the best. Tell me about you. What have you been up to?” Her voice was still weak, but it was strong enough Sanura wouldn’t argue with her.

  “Working, Mama. I work.”

  “That’s it. No man? I know you and Bryce don’t pretend there is something between you two now he is married. Do you?”

  “No, ma’am. I have been seeing someone. He is right over there.”

  The figure on the bed waved Gavin over to the bed. When he got there she cackled. “He’s one fine looking man. You treatin’ him right?”

  “Trying, Mama.”

  “What’s your name?”

  “Gavin, ma’am. Gavin Montgomery Rawlins.”

  “What do you think of my girl?”

  “I think she is the best thing in my life.” Sanura struggled not to show how his words affected her. This wasn’t the time for her to think about herself.

  “Don’t ever forget it.”

  “No, ma’am. I won’t.” He squeezed her shoulder and drug a chair over so Sanura could sit in it.

  “What else, girl? I see something in your eyes.”

  “I got it, Mama. I finally got it.”

  The woman didn’t need to ask. She smiled. “About time, honey. It’s about time.”

  The door opened and in walked a tall man with a head full of white hair. He looked grim, but as his gaze fell to Sanura a smile cracked his face, banishing the sorrow there.

  “Mac? Is it really you? Have you come home?”

  “Yes, Papa. It’s me.” The man opened his arms and Sanura went eagerly into them.

  “I missed you, baby. We both did.” As he held her his eyes found Gavin, who stood like a silent bodyguard behind the chair she had left. “Who are you?”

  “That is Mac’s man.” The old woman spoke.

  The man ran a critical eye over him before he said, “Rich, huh?”

  “Papa, that’s not nice.”

  “Well, we might not have tons of money, but we have each other.”

  “Papa. Be nice. He’s a friend.”

  “What are your intentions towards my daughter?” the old man asked Gavin.

  “I am going to marry her, but I haven’t asked her yet. Do you think she will consent to marry me?”

  Her breath caught.

  “Marriage, huh? Don’t know. She can be pretty stubborn.”

  “I know, sir. I think she is worth it, though.”

  “Rawlins. Why do I know that name?”

  “Don’t know, sir.”

  “Are you doing work with the Harris firm out here? For the clinics and such?”

  “Yes, sir. I am.”

  “So you are the son of Gwendolyn Rawlins, the billionaire. Why do you want my daughter?”

  “I am in love with her.”

  “That’s it?”

  “Sir, I would be glad to discuss this with you, but perhaps we should go somewhere else to do so.”

  “You’re right.” The man went to the bed and gently stroked his wife’s hair and placed a kiss on her cheek. “Be right back, Mona, don’t go anywhere.” He wiped away tears as she smiled at him. Then he gestured for Gavin to lead him
out of the room.

  Gavin kissed Sanura. “Be right back, kitten.” Then he walked out the door.

  * * * *

  Sanura sat next to her mother, holding Mona’s hand and gently stroking it, her mind a whirling mess at his declaration. The coughing became worse and, as Mona fought for breath, Sanura did the only thing she knew how to do. Sing.

  In her clear, strong alto voice she sang the one song she knew her mother loved to hear. The Prayer.

  Sanura sang it until her mother fell into a restful slumber. Her chest rose and fell without much pain. Tears were on her sleeping face and Sanura wiped them off before turning to walk around a bit.

  She saw her father and Gavin standing there in silence as they too had listened to her song. “You always had the voice of an angel, baby.”

  “She always did love that song. It brought her a sense of peace.” Sanura smiled sadly down at her mother.

  “You. You brought her a sense of peace. She missed you so much when you left. We both did.”

  “I thought it for the best. You have Bryce, he was always making you proud, and all I seemed to do was disappoint.”

  “Ahh, honey. We didn’t want two Bryces. He gave us more than his share of heartache. The moment we found out about you and made him bring you home to us and not live in his apartment, you were family. We have never, never been disappointed in you. The daughter we never had. We loved you. Then and now. Always.”

  “Papa.” She went to his arms and hugged him.

  “You should get some rest. It is late for you. I will call you if there is any change, or when Bryce gets here.”

  “I can sleep here.”

  “No. You need to get some good sleep.”

  Gavin stepped forward. “Come on, kitten. There are rooms reserved at the nearest hotel. I’ll take you.”

  “Papa?” At his nod she went with Gavin. As soon as they cleared the room and were absent from her family she stopped and pulled away from him.

  Gavin looked at her with a question in his eyes. “What?”

  “How could you?” she seethed. “How could you tell them we were going to be married?”

  “I said I hadn’t asked you yet. Besides, why are you so surprised? You should have figured that out by now.”

  “I won’t marry you.”