by Emery, Lynn
“Just a minute. I’ll yell when it’s okay.” Alex darted ahead and shut sliding double doors before they could react.
“What do you think he’s up to?” Lanessa said.
“It’s the surprise!” Nia nodded happily.
“Hurry, daddy. I wanna see,” Tia called out.
A few seconds later Alex opened the doors with twinkle of mischief in his brown eyes. “All right. You may enter.” He stepped aside to show them the room.
Lanessa was speechless. Somehow he’d managed to bring in three large potted banana plants. In the center of the floor were three huge beach towels. Pillows from the sofas were arranged on the floor in front of the big screen television.
“Ladies, take off your shoes. Come on, don’t be shy.” Alex laughed with them as they all kicked off their shoes.
“You have gone insane. Where did you hide these plants,” Lanessa asked.
“Easy, on the patio.” He pointed to the sliding glass doors that led outside. “Now pay attention. We’re going to the beach.”
“We can’t go to the beach at night, daddy.” Nia bounced on a large pillow.
“Honey, daddy can work magic. Observe.”
Alex whipped out the remote control, pressed a button and the screen came alive. A video played lively reggae music as scenes of stunning blue water and beaches were shown. The girls sat captivated by the sights. Lanessa leaned against Alex as they sat with their backs propped against the sofa.
“This was sheer brilliance. You turned what could have been an awkward and very long evening into a party.” Lanessa risked a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.”
“I’m glad you like it. The girls seem to be having a good time, too,” he murmured close to her ear.
“Are you serious? They’re having a ball!” Lanessa smiled.
For another hour they watched the video laughing and joking. They all joined in when a man on the video gave instructions on popular Caribbean dance steps. The doorbell rang three times before they realized it wasn’t part of the music. Still laughing, Alex danced to the front door and came back with Shauntelle. She stood with her mouth open at the scene before her.
“Looks like I went to the wrong party!” Shauntelle said.
“Come on, mama.” Tia ran to her with a flower. “Come to the islands, dear.” She tried to imitate a Jamaican accent with comical results.
Shauntelle was laughing so she could hardly follow the dance instructions. Now the five of them were caught up in the moment. Shauntelle glanced at the clock.
“Goodness, it’s almost midnight. Time to go.” Shauntelle glanced around for her shoes.
“Aw, mama. Ms. Lanessa was gonna show us how to find out about Jamaica and the Virgin Islands on the Internet!” Nia protested.
“And see tropical fish, too!” Tia added.
Over much whining and attempts to stay, Shauntelle stood firm. She explained to Lanessa that even on weeknights a decent schedule was important.
“I don’t like to let them stay up all hours. When they’re off their routine too much, it takes days to settle them down. And school starts in a few weeks.” Shauntelle sighed. “What a mad time those first days will be.”
“Thank God I didn’t do it alone. Alex is a fabulous father.”
“Yes, I know.” Lanessa watched him help the girls get ready to leave. She tried to imagine being a parent.
“It’s a lot of hard work. Trust me it ain’t always a day at the beach.” Shauntelle laughed at her own joke. “But it’s the most satisfying hard work I do.”
“I’m sure it is,” Lanessa said. She genuinely liked Shauntelle. Strange to think how she’d felt such animosity years ago when she’d heard about their marriage. This despite the fact that she’d once again driven Alex away. Jackie and Yasmin will never believe this! Lanessa smiled and shook her head.
Shauntelle glanced at Lanessa. “Seems like you wouldn’t be so bad at it.”
Lanessa remember her panic of only a couple of hours ago. “Believe me Alex saved my butt. I don’t know a thing about kids. Finding tropical fish web sites will only get me so far.”
“I know my daughters. You’ve made an impression,” Shauntelle said in a low conspiratorial voice. “But I won’t say anything. Let it sneak up on ‘em.”
“You’re one fantastic lady. Most ex-wives would have the claws out.” Lanessa laughed.
“Life is too short,” Shauntelle said with good humor. “And now I’ve got a great man in my life, he—”
“Here they are.” Alex came in with the girls. He’d made them giggle until they forgot to be irritable about going home.
“Goodnight all. Maybe we’ll visit the islands again sometime.” Shauntelle grinned. She winked at Lanessa and gave her a thumbs-up when the girls followed Alex in a dance to Shauntelle’s car.
After stacking the dishes in the dishwasher, Alex and Lanessa sat listening to soothing jazz. The lights were dim. They reclined against the pillows on the floor. Lanessa lay with her back against his chest. He rocked her gently to the pulse of a sexy tune.
“Tonight was just about perfect,” Alex said softly. “You were wonderful with the girls.”
“Stop. While you were in the kitchen, I was dying out here. Didn’t you get the hint when I asked if you needed help?” Lanessa looked at him.
“Yeah, but I knew you needed to be alone with them. It had to happen sometime.” Alex rubbed her arms with his large hands.
“I see. Teach me how to swim by throwing me in the ocean.” Thanks so much.”
“Come on now. It wasn’t that bad.” Alex laughed. “All kids are tough when it comes to new people in their lives. But you are a natural.” He kissed her neck.
Lanessa felt a flush of joy at his words. She’d never allowed herself to think of motherhood. Convinced that her flaws made it fortunate she’d never gotten pregnant, Lanessa now had to admit she could share love with children. It was such a complete, soothing feeling being with the twins and Alex. She knew it would not always be fun and games. Yet knowing Alex would be by her side made it less daunting.
“Being a parent is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Alex held her tighter. “Children are such a gift.”
“Shauntelle is a great mother.” Lanessa tried to picture herself as together and sensible under stress “Not everyone should be a parent. Some just have what it takes.”
“Well, the basic ingredients are a loving heart and a willingness to do what’s best for them.” Alex shook her playfully. “Not to mention nerves of steel.”
“You got that right,” Lanessa quipped.
“All of which you have,” he whispered. His lips brushed her earlobe.
Lanessa shivered as he traced feathery kisses down her neck. She moaned deep in her throat when his hands caressed her breasts. With grace, Alex turned her around to lie beneath him on the soft carpet. She lay back to enjoy the feel of his fingers on her flesh. He took off her blouse and spent long minutes caressing her back. He played a delicious game of tease before unhooking her bra in front. The beige lace parted.
“You are so gorgeous.” Alex pressed his face to her flesh.
“I want you. Now.”
Lanessa did not want to go slow. She felt a need take hold, pushing her to guide his hands and mouth all over her body. With frantic movements she undressed herself then pulled at his clothes impatiently. She panted at the excitement of being the aggressor.
Lanessa gripped his shoulders hard as their tongues touched. With a hunger that seemed to drive her mad, Lanessa reversed positions. Alex now reclined against the plush pillows. He groaned and clutched her hips when she straddled him. Their lovemaking was furious. Lanessa rocked him hard wanting to drive him over the edge as no one ever had before. She wanted to possess him, make him remember this night forever. A kind of lustful madness drove her on and on. Alex arched toward her as he came. His groans were low and guttural. Lanessa did not let up the pace. She was completely lost in the searing need to fee
l him harder, faster. Alex came first shuddering and calling out her name. Lanessa was pushed over the edge. The orgasm was a blinding force that made everything else disappear; there was only the feel of her body crashing against his. It was the only thing that mattered it seemed for a lifetime. They stopped moving with one last gasping moan. Lanessa draped herself over him without getting off his lap. She held his forearms still. Alex finally rolled them both onto their sides on the floor facing each other. He used one of the wide beach towels as a blanket of sorts.
“Promise me something,” he gasped between taking deep breaths.
“Anything,” Lanessa said instantly. Her head was still spinning.
“Remind me that talking about being a parent makes you hot,” Alex said. He had a lecherous glint in his eyes.
Lanessa gave him a playful swat. “Very funny.”
“Making love to you sends me right out of my mind. You could touch every nerve ending in my body.”
“I feel the same way,” Lanessa said. Emotion made her voice husky. “I was such a fool to let you go.” She wrapped her arms around him as though she would never turn him loose.
“We both made mistakes. But now were together. And even though it won’t always be easy, I know we’ll make it.”
“You think so?” Lanessa said, her faced buried in the curly hair of his chest. She breathed in the salty, spice of him. More than anything she wanted to hear they would have a happy ending.
“Yes, baby. I do.”
“Thanks for believing in us again.” Lanessa looked up at him. “And I promise something else.”
“What?”
“I’m going to spend time with Tia and Nia alone. And I’ll survive,” Lanessa said with a grin.
“That’s the spirit. Be strong. They can smell fear and it makes ‘em move in for the kill.” Alex chuckled at the expression she wore.
“Maybe I’ll spend time with Shauntelle first.” Lanessa laughed with him. “You know, you could do a lot worse than her for a wife.”
“Shauntelle is a special person. But we both knew pretty early we’d gotten married for the wrong reasons.”
“Such as?” Lanessa knew she should not ask but curiosity got the better of her.
“We’d both been hurt by love and were looking for a warm set of arms to help us heal. Not that we didn’t really care for each other.”
“Yes, I could tell,” Lanessa said.
“In fact, we sorta have similar personalities.”
“Now that you mention it, you do. Shauntelle seems sensible and organized.” Lanessa remembered the way she’d left phone numbers where she would be and gave Alex a brief summary of what was going on with the girls.
“But wanting to make it work wasn’t enough after awhile. Companionship starts to feel less like a blanket and more like a noose.”
“So you divorced with no anger?”
“There were rough times, accusations and finger pointing.” Alex grew somber. “Thankfully we realized how stupid it all was.”
“See what I mean? Two sensible people.” Lanessa sighed. “My second divorce was even more dramatic than the first. Sure you wanna take a chance on me again?”
“You bet. It’s my version of skydiving. I’m willing to take the risk for the thrill.”
“Ha-ha. This is a side of you I’ve never seen. Mr. Smart-mouth.”
“Straight up, seems we’re all going to be happy. Shauntelle has a new love in her life.” Alex yawned.
“She started to tell me about him. I’m really glad she found someone.”
“Yeah, Charles sounds like the original Prince Charming the way Shauntelle talks,” Alex mumbled in a sleepy voice. “Let’s get in the bed, honey.”
“Okay. Come one.”
Lanessa disengaged from him and they stumbled down the hall to the bedroom. Alex yanked back the comforter. He waited until Lanessa was between the sheets before crawling in beside her.
“Love is in the air for everybody.” Lanessa’s body hummed with contentment as she settled in.
“Sure. And Metoyer is as rich as he is charming.” Alex was well on his way to a sound sleep.
Lanessa heard the name from a distance then her eyes flew open wide. “Oh-oh.”
“Did you say something, babe?”
“No. Go to sleep.” Lanessa took a deep breath. Life is always so complicated!
Chapter 8
“Let me see if I’ve got this,” Jackie paced back and forth in Lanessa’s office. “Your ex-boyfriend’s ex-wife is dating Charles Metoyer. The same man that Yasmin has declared is the love of her life.”
“Right.” Lanessa tapped out a nervous cadence with her fingertips on the top of her desk.
“When are you going to tell her?”
“S’cuse me?” Lanessa looked up at her sharply.
“You know how to approach tough subjects with grace and—”
“You’re a big coward,” Lanessa broke in with a scowl.
“You got it,” Jackie declared without hesitation. “We can’t just let her get kicked in the stomach.”
“I can’t even imagine saying the words.” Lanessa closed her eyes.
“She’s got to be told. Now pick up that phone and tell her to meet you for dinner.” Jackie shook Lanessa’s arm until she opened her eyes again.
“You call.”
“We agreed you’d be better at it.” Jackie put both hands on her hips.
“I didn’t agree.” Lanessa shook her head.
“Don’t be childish. You have to help our friend.”
“Listen to Miss maturity pushing the dirty work off on someone else because she’s scared.” Lanessa made a rude noise.
Jackie plopped down into a chair. “What do you suggest?”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions. Maybe they’ve agreed to see other people.” She winced at the look Jackie gave her.” Well, it’s possible”
“Yeah. I’ll bet you still wait up for Santa, too.” Jackie shook her head. “You heard the way she talked about the man.”
“Okay, okay.” Lanessa sat silent for several moments. “Look, all we have is a mumbled sleepy comment from an exhausted man.”
Jackie’s eyes widened. “Wonder why was the brother was so knocked out.”
“Ahem, no need to go into that.” Lanessa brushed back a tendril of hair.
“Go now. You can’t lose with the stuff you use!” Jackie cackled.
Lanessa grinned. “Cut it out. Anyway, we don’t have enough facts. I’d feel better if we knew more.”
Jackie squinted. “Good point. My pals in the Black Chamber of Commerce might be able to help. They’ve got all the grapevine news you won’t read in the Business Report.”
“And I can talk to my friends around town. If he’s living up to his reputation as a dog, we’ll both tell her. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” Jackie said with reluctance
“Just when you think life is smoothing out. I’m busy as can be with folks just figuring out that extensions on filing taxes don’t last forever. From the looks of your desk, you’re up to your neck in work.” Jackie glanced around.
“And then some. But thank the Lord I’m making good money.”
“Amen,” Jackie put in. “I’m proud of you, girl. This business has taken off.”
“Getting that contract with Paxton-Waite was a turning point. And I have Orin Blanchard to thank for it.” Lanessa sighed and sat back in her chair. “Holding his hand paid off big time.”
“My boss had lunch with Caine Dawson a few times.” Jackie’s brow wrinkled. “Mr. Brumfield is very discreet, but I get the feeling he doesn’t like him.”
“Noah Brumfield moves in exalted circles. Could he know something I don’t?” Lanessa drummed her fingers again. One more thing to worry about.
“Hey, don’t get paranoid. Mr. Brumfield doesn’t like his own relatives. Heck, he doesn’t like most people.” Jackie laughed. “We only hit it off because he likes bucking the old order. You should have seen the
ir faces when he introduced me at the Century Club.”
“Brumfield likes your sharp wit. Which would get you fired anywhere else,” Lanessa quipped. “And there’s the small matter of how you aced three big accounts for the firm.”
“Money makes the world go round.” Jackie patted her stomach. “Problem solving makes me hungry. Let’s have lunch.”
“Don’t you have to get back?” Lanessa picked up her purse.
“I worked until midnight three nights in a row. With those kind of hours, Mr. Brumfield doesn’t care about watching the clock. Let’s go.”
“Sure, because he knows a workaholic like you will work until after midnight for the next few nights.” Lanessa grinned at her.
They left but not before Lanessa gave Robyn a few short instructions. All through lunch Lanessa kept thinking of Metoyer and Dawson. Why did they keep running together in her mind? She had a feeling she was missing something important that was right in front of her.
The next few weeks passed like a whirlwind. Lanessa had two major projects as a direct result of her work for Paxton-Waite. Her reputation for knowing how to find information on the World Wide Web made her much in demand. Of course that meant a lot of business socializing. For a solid month, Lanessa spent as much time at dinner parties, luncheons and company picnics as she did in her office. Yet she was determined not to be separated from Alex. Whenever possible, he came with her. She convinced him that he could make contacts as well. At his insistent, Lanessa spent several Sundays with Alex and the twins. Tia and Nia were not openly hostile, but there was a measure of reserve toward Lanessa. Lanessa did not look forward to those days to be honest. It was not at all relaxing. Being with Alex was the prize.
“Goodness. Another day when I hardly came up for air.” Robyn let out a long breath. She glanced at the clock. “Consider me gone, boss.”
“See you tomorrow.” Lanessa did not look up from the computer screen. The buzzer on the outer door sounded.