ALittleTasteofHome

by AliyahBurke

  Someone else delivered the pastries in the mornings and when he went to the restaurant she wasn’t there. Not even in the office. Finally he was tired of it. He had to see her. Gavin walked into the diner in the morning after they opened. Tati was in the front.

  “Tati. Where is she?” At the look she gave him, he continued, “I have to see her. Please.” She nodded and pointed back to the office. “Thanks, Tati.”

  Gavin walked down the hall and heard her on the phone setting up more deliveries. She was right about one thing, she was a good business woman. He knocked and waited for the, “It’s open, come on in,” prior to his entrance.

  The door shut behind him and he stood right in front of it as he waited for her to look up from the noise. Her eyes were still dull with pain but they brightened and sparkled at the sight of him.

  “Hey, stranger, long time no see. Come in and sit down.”

  He walked over and took a chair on the other side of her desk, hard, since what he really wanted to do was take her and kiss her until they were both senseless. “Why haven’t I seen you lately?”

  “Been busy. But since you’re here it saves me a call.” She reached out to touch his face, but drew her hand back at the last second.

  “You were going to call me?”

  “Today, in fact. I have a question for you.”

  “I’m free. I’m all yours,” he said as he leaned towards her.

  She laughed lightly. It did him such good to hear her laughter again. “Might want to wait until I tell you what I had in mind.”

  “Doubtful, but go ahead. You have my complete attention.” His eyes roved appreciatively over her light green covered figure.

  Sanura dipped her head to disguise her blush at his words. “I was wondering if . . . if you would be my date for a wedding?” She slanted one green eye up at him as she asked.

  His heart skipped and jumped at her words. She wanted to be seen with him out in public. At a wedding.

  “Whose wedding?” Like he wasn’t going to go regardless of who was getting married.

  “I don’t know if you have met her, Shauni? She is one of the cooks in the back, she is marrying Todd Ruthridge.”

  “Ruthridge? The computer whiz?” At her nod he kept talking. “I know him. Good man. When is the happy event?”

  “This weekend. I know it is not much time, but. . .”

  “I would be delighted,” he interrupted her with a grin. “Of course I would want to go with you, why would you think otherwise?”

  “I wasn’t sure. I know you are busy and it is not much warning. It is black tie.”

  “Of course it is.”

  “Yes. Is that a problem? I know how much you love jeans and t-shirts.”

  “With you on my arm, not a single one. When do you want me to pick you up?”

  “Oh no. I’ll pick you up.” She stopped at the sight of his hand raised.

  He snorted. “Kitten, I’m not used to being picked up by a date. I’ll drive.”

  With a concurring nod she said, “Alright fine, you can drive but I’ll come to your house and we’ll take my vehicle. Deal?”

  “Deal. What are you wearing?” She looked down at her clothes and arched her eyebrow at him. He chuckled.

  “I meant to the wedding. I need to know so I can get you a corsage.”

  “I am wearing a hunter green dress. Shauni loves the color green and so that was the pick for my dress. I don’t need a corsage, we will be given flowers there.”

  “So you are in the wedding?”

  “Maid of honor.”

  “Who’s the best man?” Who would she be walking with?

  “Todd’s brother. I think his name is Greg or something like that.”

  “Yep, Greg. Nice guy.”

  “You sure there isn’t something else you have to do?”

  “Positive. What time will you be there?”

  They finished up setting up arrangements and Gavin took his leave after kissing her exhaustively and left craving so much more.

  * * * *

  Sanura didn’t see him for the rest of the week. On her way over to his place on Saturday afternoon there were butterflies in her stomach, about as many as the night she had gone to his apartment for the first time. She parked her Yukon and went inside, with a smile for the doorman. She glided into the elevator and pushed the button for Gavin’s floor. The doors slid open and she took a deep breath and walked down to his door.

  She pressed the doorbell and heard him yell from inside, “Come in. It’s open.” Sanura turned the handle and stepped inside. There was soft music playing and she heard him coming up the hall. When he came into view she knew her heart must have stopped because she felt faint. He was so handsome.

  His hair was styled perfectly away from his face. His eyes were a darker blue than usual but it could have been because his hair looked almost blond. The sun had really bleached it and there were only minute traces of brown in it, kind of like highlights.

  His tuxedo was black imported silk. His vest, however, was the same color of her dress and his suit coat fit so nicely over his broad shoulders. Sanura’s mouth grew dry.

  “Wow,” she breathed.

  “Wow yourself,” came his answer.

  Sanura knew she looked good. Her form-fitting dress clung to her body in all the right places. The color made her skin glow and her eyes sparkle. Her trinity tattoo was barely covered. The dress flared out in the back. Sanura’s shoes had three-inch heels that put her a little higher than his chin.

  For the event she’d swept her hair up in an elegant coiffeur and left a single thin braid to hang down by her right ear that had green beads in it. Her necklace was in place and she had silver and emerald earrings that dangled from her ears to twinkle in the light.

  He moved to her and pressed a gentle kiss on her lips. His kiss became heated and she trembled beneath his lips before he pulled away.

  “You shouldn’t look this good. It’s not fair to the bride.”

  She smiled at him and tried unsuccessfully to slow the rapid beat of her heart. “Ready to go?”

  “Ready.” He took the keys from her hand and they walked together down to the elevator. They were joined in the small car on the eighth floor by those two same blondes they had seen when she had first stayed the night at his condo.

  “Where are you two going?” one asked Gavin.

  His arm slid around Sanura as he answered, “To a wedding.”

  “Not yours, I hope.”

  “No. My woman hasn’t agreed to marry me yet.” His fingers pinched Sanura’s backside as he spoke. His expression betrayed nothing to the two that looked at them.

  “I’m available,” Blondie number one said.

  “Me too,” echoed number two. “I’m ready to get married.” She slanted a gaze at Sanura and said, “We would make a wonderful couple.”

  He laughed and led Sanura out of the elevator and to her vehicle. She fumed inside but didn’t say a word. Sanura didn’t have a claim on him. Gavin slid into the driver’s side and started the engine. He obviously knew where he was going for he didn’t ask for directions. They pulled up to the church and got out. Sanura opened the back and pulled out a gift wrapped in silver and green paper.

  Gavin took it and carried it in one hand while his other arm had his date. He took his seat after saying hello to the groom and kissing Sanura on the cheek as she went to take her place with the bridal party.

  The wedding was beautiful. Flowers were strewn everywhere, magnolias to jasmine to orchids. The bride shone with exquisite radiance. Sanura sang a song, Candle on the Water, for the couple as they lit their unity candle. Then she did a duet with Todd’s brother before they read their vows. They sang Unchained Melody.

  * * * *

  After the kiss and the couple had left Gavin rose with everyone else to get ready to head for the reception hall. He stood outside and watched as Sanura got into the limo for the reception. He drove with some of the other guys in her vehicle—guys
he had lost touch with over the years, and he enjoyed getting reacquainted with them.

  Sanura was waiting for him when he got there. She moved easily to his side and smiled at him. “You were amazing up there. Your voice, like usual was wonderful,” he said.

  “Thank you. Shall we go in?”

  “Lead on.” His voice lowered to that purr he knew affected her. “I would follow you anywhere.”

  They walked a bit before they heard a noise calling for everyone to take a seat. Sanura was escorted to the bridal party’s table and Gavin took a seat with some of the people from the restaurant. Mike and Tati were already there.

  “Good afternoon. Tati, you look incredible.”

  “Watch how you talk to my wife, Rawlins. I don’t want to have to fight you.” Mike grinned as he shook Gavin’s hand and sat down.

  “For her, I’ll fight you,” he teased.

  “I know. Just don’t forget your woman is up at the bridal table. Mine is here.”

  “I’ll try. But it is going to be hard,” Gavin finished with a wink to Tati.

  “Glad to see you feel comfortable enough with us to joke around now, Gavin,” Tati’s soft tones reached him. “I was wondering how long it would take.”

  “I catch on, but it takes me a while.” He had a wonderful time during dinner and once it was over he noticed Sanura coming towards him.

  “Come on, dance with me.” Her long fingers grabbed a hold of his arm and tugged. He went willingly.

  “My pleasure, kitten.” They moved together out onto the dance floor.

  A few dances later they were spinning towards the outside where couples were walking around. They slowed to a halt and began to walk.

  “Thanks for coming with me.”

  “It was my pleasure.” He kissed her lightly on the lips before he heard a sharp voice penetrate their cozy twosome. That voice had the same effect as nails on a chalkboard.

  “Gavin. What are you doing here? And with her? Your mother didn’t tell me you were coming. You should have called me; I would gladly have been your date. That way you wouldn’t have to be embarrassed and stay out here.” Cathy slithered into view.

  Gavin slid his arm a little tighter around Sanura. “I’m not embarrassed by my date; she is the most beautiful woman here.”

  “Come on, Gavin, there is no need to pretend, it is only us three.” She reached her pale arm out and placed it on his suit coat.

  Gavin’s eyes narrowed but before he could say anything else, Sanura spoke. “Get your hand off of my date.” Her words were snapped with way more attitude than Gavin had ever heard before.

  Cathy’s eyes widened and then narrowed with anger. “What did you say to me?”

  * * * *

  Sanura stepped away from Gavin and right up to her. “I don’t believe I stuttered. You heard me. Leave him alone. He’s here with me and I am not sharing him with the likes of you.”

  “You don’t have a claim on him,” Cathy hissed.

  Sanura’s eyes narrowed in warning. “Wanna bet?”

  “Gavin?” Cathy asked. “Aren’t you going to help me here?” She blanched as he wordlessly shook his head. “I’m not scared of you, Sanura.” She tried to sound brave but her voice quivered.

  “Really,” Sanura purred. “Are you sure? I’m not someone you want as an enemy, Cathy. Leave me alone and leave him alone.”

  Eyes spitting fire, Cathy spun around and stalked off, leaving Sanura alone to face Gavin.

  “Well, well, well. Something you wish to tell me, Ms. McKie?” The corner of his mouth quirked up as he leaned against a pillar and situated his gaze on her.

  “Not really.” A blush skated up her skin.

  “I’m waiting,” he said as if he all the time in the world.

  “I have nothing to say.”

  He stopped her from looking away as he moved her back against another pillar.

  “Sure you do.”

  “Nope, I thought about it very thoroughly and I am very sure I have nothing to say. Can we go back in now?”

  His lips swooped down over hers. He kissed her until she was nothing more than a shuddering mass against him.

  “I am waiting to hear those words from you, but right now I will let you off the hook. Before the night is over, kitten, you will tell me what I want to know.”

  She took deep shuddering breaths as they walked back inside. Sanura danced with the groom as Gavin talked to Greg and some of the other groomsmen. It was close to ten when they finally decided to go. Gavin put his arm around her waist as they walked to the car. Sanura stopped and held out her hand.

  “What?”

  “Keys, please.”

  “Very well.” He placed them in her hand and smiled as she slid into the driver’s seat. Within moments she had them on the interstate and he had no idea where they were going. “Where are we going?”

  “I have something I want to show you, unless you have somewhere more important to be right now.”

  “Not on your life, kitten. My life is in your hands, take me where you will.”

  * * * *

  He settled back in the leather seat and smiled as he watched her drive him somewhere. Gavin sat up as she turned into a circular drive that led to a large plantation home. The outside light was on and it spread invitingly over the large porch. She turned off the engine and slid out of the car. Confused, he followed suit. She walked up the seven steps and up to the door.

  “Where are we?”

  She smiled at him over her shoulder and opened the door, swinging it wide to allow him to see inside the beautiful home. “This is my new home. What do you think?”

  His gaze roamed the house and he released a low whistle through his teeth. “Very nice.” This is a really nice place.

  “I am going to change and then we need to talk.”

  “Okay.” He didn’t have anything to change into but he still followed her up the stairs to her bedroom. It was huge.

  “There are some clothes in the top right side of the dresser for you to change into if you wish.” She didn’t look at him when she said that.

  “Really? How thoughtful.” He pulled open the drawer to find some t-shirts, sweats and boxers. All the right size. He picked up some sweats and a shirt and when he turned around she had her back to him, hair lifted.

  “Undo me?” The velvety words reached out and kicked him straight in the groin. He growled low in his throat as he lowered her zipper to expose her silky-smooth skin. There was no bra and he knew she would be wearing a thong for she had no panty lines he could see.

  * * * *

  Sanura walked to the bathroom holding her clothes after he had unzipped her. She changed quickly into sweats and a loose shirt before heading back out to find him also changed and hanging up his suit in her closet.

  Clothes for me here? When did this happen?

  “What do you think? Come with me for a walk.” With a smile, Sanura led the way down the stairs after he changed and showed him a pair of flip-flop type shoes by the door.

  “I think you still owe me an explanation for earlier.” He followed her down a path to the ocean where they sat back to chest on the warm sand.

  “I was jealous, alright? The thought of her touching you pissed me off.”

  “Why?”

  “It just did. Okay?”

  “No, not okay, you owe me an explanation, Sanura.”

  “What, would you have preferred I let her drag you off somewhere? Would you prefer to be with her right now?” Her words came fast and furious.

  Gavin tightened his arms around her and whispered into her ear, “Tell me what I want to hear.”

  “I answered your question. I was jealous.”

  “Not good enough. Tell me.” His tongue teased her ear and he nipped the side of her neck, making her glad she sat on the ground, for her knees were about as sturdy as a bridge made of pudding.

  “I told you all I could.”

  “Tell me.” His hands moved up under her shirt and found
her braless chest. “Ohh, you little vixen. No bra? Tell me.”

  “I told you all I am going to say.” Her head fell back as he began to pull on her tender breasts to offer him easier access to her sensitive neck.

  “Why do you care she wants me?”

  “You know why.”

  “No, I don’t. Tell me.” He rolled her nipples in his fingers, eliciting moans from her.

  “You already know.”

  Gavin stopped and removed his hands from her shirt. He was angry and she knew it as he rose up from behind her. “Dammit, Sanura. Why can’t you tell me how you feel? Why is everything so hard for you to say?” He spun around and began to stride off with long furious steps.

  “Where are you going?” she shouted after him, her body cold with his withdrawal.

  “To find someone who isn’t afraid of her feelings for me. Somewhere I know I am wanted,” he yelled over his shoulder, not slowing his steps at all.

  “Dammit, you know I want you here.” She rose and was torn on whether or not to go after him.

  Gavin stopped and spun around. The moon shone down on his face and she could see the pain and fury in the muted light from up above.

  “Why?” His hands were clenched into tight fists as he stood there, alone and vulnerable, down the beach from her. Waiting, waiting for her to give him the answer he craved, needed. “Why do you want me here?”

  “You know why,” she sent down the beach to him.

  His head shook as sadness filled his features. “Not good enough, Sanura. That answer isn’t good enough. Not anymore.” His shoulders drooped with defeat as he began to turn away from her. Clouds covered up the moon.

  “Damn you! What do you want from me?!” she screeched down the beach to him.

  His shadow swiveled back around and she swore she saw the lightning spark from his eyes. “I want you to be honest. Honest with me and with yourself, for once.” He waited and when Sanura stayed silent he shook his head, did a one-eighty and began to walk away.

  He was leaving her. Getting closer and closer to the steps that led to the house. Lord, what am I to do? The clouds parted and a single beam shone down on his retreating figure and the answer was clear to her. Thank you, Lord, thank you. I get it.