by Ancelli
Kanielle gazed back at him, biting on her bottom lip, he assumed shocked at what he said. “The first door on the right.”
He continued up the stairs smiling, “Cece, what do you think about us becoming a real family?” He kissed her forehead. “Me, Mommy, and you.”
***
Kanielle sat on her loveseat with the baby monitor in her hand, hearing Brandon’s beautiful voice as he sang to Cece. He had a great voice; he was singing God Gave Me you. She grinned watching him on the small screen as he was rocking Coral to sleep, but it wasn’t working, she was wide-awake. He’d claimed that she was his diamond. Kanielle wasn’t ready though; at least she didn’t think she was.
Her cell phone rang and she placed the monitor on the table and stood, grabbing her phone off the kitchen counter. “Hello.”
“Hey, sis… how’s my peanut doing?” Her brother asked.
“Your peanut doesn’t want to go to sleep,” Kanielle looked up the stairs. “What’s up?”
“I’m planning a farewell party for myself next month, and you have to be there. I won’t take no for an answer,” Chris mentioned.
“Chris, I go back to work on Monday,” she grabbed the powdered formula, and a bottle of water, and started to prepare the baby’s bottle. “I don’t want to leave Cece.”
“Really, sis, I’m leaving in six weeks. I want you there.”
Kanielle sighed, covering the bottle with a nipple, and shook the bottle. “Fine, I’ll go but just for a couple of hours.” She needed to get out and have a little fun. A few hours wouldn’t hurt. Maybe Brandon wouldn’t mind keeping her.
“That’s all I ask. Give Cece a big kiss from her uncle,” Chris said. “Good night, sis.”
“Good night,” Kanielle placed her phone on the counter, and headed up the stairs. She strolled into the baby’s room with her bottle, but they weren’t in the nursery. She walked out the room, and she noticed that her guest bedroom door was opened. Kanielle entered the room to see that Brandon was passed out on the bed next to a fully awake baby. Coral stared up at the ceiling, chewing on her fist.
“Still awake,” Kanielle gently picked her up, and kissed her cheeks. “You wore out your daddy,” she chuckled. She snuggled her baby in her arms, sitting on the mattress. Kanielle began feeding Cece. She sucked on the nipple and within minutes she was knocked out.
“That’s what it takes to get her to sleep?” Brandon turned on his back.
Kanielle chuckled, “She sleeps when she wants to.”
“I see.”
Kanielle looked at him, realizing that yes, she had feelings for the man. Brandon took his shoes off, placing them next to the nightstand.
“Chris is having a goodbye get together, and I was wondering if you can watch Cece?” Kanielle was hoping Brandon would say no, and then she wouldn’t have to attend the party. She was going to see Chris before he went off to boot camp anyway.
“Of course, when?” Brandon put his hands underneath his head, staring at her.
“Sometime next month,” Kanielle was nervous after what he said downstairs.
“Remind me.” He crossed his ankles. “You need to let go, have some fun.”
“I go back to work on Monday,” she put the baby over her shoulder and began softly patting her back. “I don’t want to leave her, but I’ve been away from work for over five months.”
“I bet your job won’t mind.”
“Did you check the daycare out?”
“Yes, you were right. They come highly recommend.”
She smiled. “I told you,” Kanielle stood with Coral in her arms. “You can stay if you want to.”
“I will,” he closed his eyes. “Good night, sweets.”
“Good night,” Kanielle turned off the light switch, and walked out.
***
Kanielle’s eyes fluttered open as Cece’s cries echoed in her room through the baby monitor’s speaker. She jumped up out of her bed startled, realizing she must have fallen asleep after taking a shower. Coral had been sleeping with her since she got home from the hospital, she wasn’t used to being in her crib. Kanielle was about to run out of the room in only her panties and bra, and then she remembered Brandon was sleeping in the other room. Coral’s bawling got louder, and Kanielle had to admit that the girl had a set of healthy lungs. Kanielle walked in to the bathroom, grabbed her robe, and pulled it on. She hurried to the nursery, and stopped in her tracks when she saw Brandon feeding Cece. He was shirtless, wearing only his jeans. Damn, lord have mercy, the man was made of solid muscle. She ogled his abs and biceps, noticing that they bulged every time he moved while rocking the baby. She didn’t know he had a tattoo on his left shoulder down to his bicep. She couldn’t make out what it was. After months long hiatus from sexual activities, Kanielle’s pussy tingled, and her nipples hardened when he twisted to stare at her. She grabbed the end of her robe’s belt, pulling the flaps of her robe tighter.
“Go back to sleep,” he gazed at her. “I got her.”
God he even had muscles in his back; Kanielle couldn’t stop staring. She wanted to touch his sculpted body. Too much time had passed since she had been intimate with a man, or herself for that matter. She wondered where her battery-operated lover was. The last time she saw it was over seven months ago. Robert had gotten off, like he always did and left her yearning for more, so she went to the bathroom and took care of herself with her purple friend.
“Sweets, are you okay?” Brandon looked at her with concern.
“Yes, I just need to take a shower,” Kanielle wouldn’t look him in his eyes; that was another one of her weakness when it came to Brandon.
“I thought I heard you in the shower earlier,” Brandon placed the baby bottle on the dresser, and turned Cece over his shoulder. Kanielle could see the v form going down in his pants, and her heart started beating rapidly.
“I…” she looked away from his body. Brandon started chuckling. “I need another one,” she rushed out of the room, closing the door behind her, straight into her room. Fuck her purple friend.
Kanielle stepped in to her bathroom and disrobed. She took off her bra and panties, turned on the shower, and made sure the temperature of the water was just right. She grabbed a shower cap, and pulled it over her curls, entering the shower. The water hit her smooth skin, and Kanielle closed her eyes, imagining his touch all over her body. First she touched her breast, pinching and pulling her nipple, as she bit on her bottom lip. She needed a release. Thinking of Brandon was making her hornier than she’d ever been. She slowly moved her hand down her belly, and over her pussy. “Mmm…” Kanielle moaned, dipping her middle finger into her cavern, while her index finger caressed her clit. She began slowly, moving to a rhythm, one that was lost within seconds because she couldn’t hold her orgasm off anymore. It had been too long, her release was coming, and it was coming strong. “Yes!” she muttered, feeling the muscles of her canal wrap around her finger. Kanielle slipped her fingers out of her wet pussy, and leaned against the shower wall. She opened her eyes and her vision a bit blurry. Damn, the man had control over her, even when she was alone. Kanielle washed herself, and then stepped out of the shower, feeling rejuvenated.
“Kanielle,” Brandon’s husky voice came through the door.
“Hold on,” she grabbed her robe, pulling it over her body. Did he know what she did? She took off the shower cap, and combed out her hair with her fingers. Did she look okay? She asked herself while staring at her reflection in the mirror. Kanielle took a deep breath, and opened the door. “Yes.”
Brandon strolled closer. “Cece’s sleeping.” She was a bit disappointed that he’d put on his shirt and shoes. “I have to go into work early, and I need to take a shower and change clothes.”
“Okay,” she held the belt to her robe.
“I’ll bring a change of clothes over tomorrow,” Brandon took a couple of strides, and stood in front of her. He caressed her still wet neck. “Maybe I can join you in the shower next time,” he pulled
her forward, and his lips touched hers. Her breathing became difficult, and her heartbeat erratic. Kanielle’s hands betrayed her, placing them around his neck, pulling him down to her level. She closed her eyes as her lips parted. His tongue entered her mouth and she abided. He twirled his tongue around hers, sucking it deeper before releasing it and latching on to her bottom lip.
Kanielle gasped against his mouth. Brandon was an amazing kisser she realized as she pressed her thighs together. Her pussy was aching for Brandon, and then he moved forward and she felt his penis. Damn, she wasn’t impressed with what she had just felt. Size doesn’t matter though, at least that’s what she kept telling herself. He gave her feather soft kisses from her mouth and down to her neck, making her moan, and in a sudden move he stopped.
Kanielle’s eyes fluttered opened. Brandon’s eyes were a shade darker, and filled with lust. What just happened?
“I have to go,” he moved back, fixing his pants.
She raised her eyebrow. Why was he acting so strange? He was the one that kissed her. “Okay,” she didn’t know what else to say. Did she do something wrong?
“I’ll see you later,” Brandon practically ran out of her room, and she heard his footsteps going down the stairs.
Kanielle touched her swollen lips, feeling more confused than ever. Brandon talked about waiting for her, that she was his diamond, and when he was about to claim her, he ran away. She needed another shower.
Chapter Twenty
“I’m going to be late,” Kanielle yelled. “Brandon…”
Brandon’s eyes fluttered open, looking at the watch on his wrist. He’d spent the night over her house again. It was Kanielle’s first day back at work in over five months. It was after six thirty in the morning, she must have woken up late, and was now rushing.
He slipped out of the guest bed, and walked out to the hallway. “Slow down,” he yawned, looking at her. Kanielle wore a black silk blouse, and a pencil grey and black skirt. The black pumps she had on made her calves look amazing. “Take your time, sweets, I’ll take Cece to daycare.”
“Are you sure?” Kanielle struggled pulling up her skirt’s zipper.
Brandon walked up behind her. “Here,” he helped her zip it up, and gently smacked her ass. “You look great.”
She twisted around gazing at him. “Thanks,” she ran her fingers through her curls.
Brandon wanted to kiss her, and then Cece started crying. He moved forward, giving her a feather soft kiss on her lips. “Have a nice day at work.”
“You too,” Kanielle winked, going down the stairs.
Brandon continued to Cece’s nursery. “Good morning…” he sang.
***
“When’s your farewell party again?” Brandon entered his office, turning on the light switch, with a sleeping Cece cuddled in her baby sling on his chest. He was supposed to take Coral to daycare, but when he pulled up to the bright daycare center, he made a U-turn and went straight to work instead. He placed his briefcase on his desk, and started the coffee maker.
“Next month. I know it’s soon, but you and my sister are always so busy. You’ll be there, right?” Chris was having a get together at a local lounge and club to celebrate his leaving for boot camp.
Brandon thought long and hard about going. He didn’t think he would fit in with Chris’ crowd. “I told Kanielle I would keep Cece.” She’d asked him to keep the baby. Kanielle didn’t seem to really want to go, not wanting to leave the baby again after returning to work. He kissed the top of Coral’s head, making her whine.
“Whatever, man.” He heard Chris ask his mother if she could keep Cece, and Mrs. Jackson answered yes. “Mom will be keeping my niece. You know she loves spending time with her granddaughter. I’ll see you there.”
“If nothing comes up. I’m not making any promises. Bye.” He swiped his phone off. Brandon carefully served himself a cup of coffee, placing it on his desk. He took Cece out of the baby sling, kissed her cheeks, put her over his shoulder, and sat down behind his desk.
“You’re spending the day with Daddy,” he smiled. He opened his briefcase with his free hand, taking out a gold-framed picture of Coral, and setting it on his desk next to his computer. He could finally see himself in his little girl. Cece had his smile, and his father’s eyes. Kanielle won in the genes department for the most part though. Cece had her mother’s nose, mouth, even her eyelashes. Brandon hadn’t been able to keep Kanielle off his mind since the bathroom incident. It took everything in him to leave her house without jumping on her that night. He wanted her in the worst way, but he wanted her to want him more than as just a rebound. He wanted more from Kanielle, and seeing her every day was making his attraction to her worse. She was a great mother, and now friend. He could talk to her about anything, including his past. It had been a week since he ran out, but now he was hard most of the time when he was around her, thinking about her soft lips and her moans. He’d been over every night after work, but Kanielle never once mentioned what happened, and she kept her distance from him. They sat down for dinner, and talked about each other’s day, but that was it. Brandon would help put Cece to sleep, and leave most of the time. Last night he decided to spend the night, so she could get some sleep for her first day at work.
Almost a year after his divorce, Brandon could finally say he wanted more, and he wanted it with Kanielle. His feelings didn’t have anything to do with the child they shared. He was intrigued by the chocolate beauty. He yearned to learn everything about her; what makes her smile, angry, how did she taste? What would it take to make her scream his name?
His office phone rang. Brandon grabbed the phone off the base, “Stokes.”
“Hi, Mr. Stokes…” a woman sang into the phone.
“Hello,” Brandon didn’t recognize the lady’s voice, but he wasn’t going to admit that. Coral lifted her little head, looking at him.
“Brandon, baby…” he finally made out the voice, it was Rebecca. “I haven’t heard from you in a while. Are you okay?”
“Yes,” how could he forget her voice? “How have you been?” He patted the baby’s back.
“I’ve been good. I wasn’t sure if I did something wrong, you just stopped calling me.” Rebecca casually said. He hadn’t talked to her in over a month.
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Rebecca was the last person on his mind since he learned Coral was his daughter. “I’ve been overwhelmed lately.”
“You can come over and I’ll help you unwind. The kids are gone for the weekend, just imagine what we can do with two days alone.”
“Rebecca, I have to tell you something.” He needed to tell her about Cece. Coral made cooing sounds.
“Are you married?” she raised her voice. “Please, Brandon, please don’t tell me you’re married.”
“I’m not married,” Brandon stared at his baby. Rebecca deserved to know. “It’s about my baby…”
“Baby! I didn’t know you had children.”
“I didn’t until six weeks ago,” he moved Coral, sitting her on his lap.
“Six weeks. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Brandon didn’t have to explain his actions to anyone, but decided to give her a few details. “I wasn’t sure she was mine.”
“You should’ve told me. Are you still involved with the mother of your child? You don’t have to lie, it’s not like we were in a relationship.”
She was right; they’d only seen each other three times. “I want to work things out with her.”
The line went silent.
“Rebecca…” He didn’t like hurting a woman’s feelings, especially if she didn’t do anything to deserve it.
“I wish you the best. If things don’t work out between you two…” she didn’t finish what she was about to say. “Bye, Brandon.”
“Bye, Rebecca.” Brandon placed the phone back on the base. Rebecca was a sweet woman, just not his.
He gazed at his baby. She needed to be taken care of by someone he trusted, that was Angel
a. He picked up the phone and dialed.
“Hello.”
“Good morning, Angela,” Brandon knew what was coming, an ass chewing.
“What… naw could this be,” she chuckled. “Brandon Stokes.”
“Really, Angela,” he smiled at her sarcasm. “I have an excuse, I’ve been at the hospital for the last five weeks.”
“I’ll give you a pass on that. We went by to visit. You have a beautiful baby.”
“Thank you,” he gave Cece a feather soft kiss on her feet. “How’s Shawn?”
“He’s doing well. Can’t wait until he retires,” Angela made kissing sounds. “I love you, Jr.” she was talking to her son. “Brandon, stop the bullshit, why did you call?”
“Do you want to make some extra cash?”
“You know I love money,” she replied.
Brandon chuckled, “I need a babysitter. I’ll pay you three hundred dollars a week.”
“Brandon, I would do it for free, you’re family.”
He smiled to himself, he’d taken his friends for granted. “I know, but I’m going pay you. Will you babysit Cece? I don’t trust her with just anyone.”
“Yes, I’ll babysit her.”
“Thank you, Angie, Kanielle will bring her by tomorrow.” Now he had to find a way to tell Kanielle what he’d done.
“You’re welcome.”
“Can I say hi to Jr.?” He had to do better by his godson. Now that he was a father himself he saw everything differently.