Chris dropped his hand. “Naw, Philadelphia. But, I’m back in Danville now.” He stepped around Eric closer to Corra.
Corra wanted to die right there on the spot. She’d put Chris in such an awkward position by not letting him know Eric was back.
“So what can we do for you?” Eric stood there with his arms crossed as if he lived there.
“He’s here to see me. Not that it’s any of your business. I believe you were about to leave.”
Eric let out a quick disgusted snort before shoving his hands into his pockets and turning away. He lowered his head and Corra thought she witnessed all the fight drain out of him.
Chris stared at Corra with a “what the hell’s going on” look on his face.
“Yeah, I’m going, but I’ll be back tomorrow.” His mouth curled into a sneer as he looked at Chris. “To see my kids.”
Chris cleared his throat. “Later, man,” he said, before joining Corra in the doorway.
“Yeah, much,” Eric mumbled on his way down the steps.
Corra stood back to let Chris in. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She closed the door and followed him up the steps and into the kitchen; the center of gravity for Corra. Everything happened in her kitchen.
The only thing she knew to say was, “I’m sorry.”
“What did he do, just show up out of the blue?”
She glanced up at Chris who leaned against the counter. He looked irritated.
“Have a seat, Chris.”
He pulled out a chair and sat down.
She took a deep breath. “I heard Eric was back in town so when I ran into his sister, Cookie, a couple of weeks ago I asked about him. Since then, he’s come by a couple of times to see the kids.” Too nervous to sit down, she fixed herself a glass of water and offered him some, but he shook his head.
“So you went looking for him?”
She shook her head. “Not actually, but yes. If I hadn’t ran into Cookie I might not have. Asshole or not, my kids need him in their lives. Especially Jamie. Once upon a time he was a good father.” She leaned against the sink and sipped her water.
“Come sit down.” Chris pushed a chair out and motioned for her to sit next to him.
Corra was a little nervous about how Chris would take Eric’s presence in her life again. But, she also wasn’t about to let him come before what was best for her kids. She hoped he understood.
He turned her chair to face him and reached out and caressed her thigh. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I know how you feel about him.”
“Corra, regardless of how I feel about him, he’s the father of your children. You should have told me. Tonight I didn’t know whether you wanted me to leave or stay.”
“Stay, of course. I don’t want him back after what he’s done to me.” She lowered her voice. “His gambling and depleting of our finances wasn’t the only thing that broke us up. The infidelity with multiple women, coupled with the verbal abuse was the main reason I divorced him.”
Chris leaned closer and ran both hands up Corra’s thighs. He took a breath, and then let out a loud sigh. “Well, I’m glad I stayed. But, let’s not start off by keeping things from each other, okay?”
She smiled. “Okay. And thanks for being so understanding.”
He placed his hand behind her neck, leaned in and gave her a kiss. All of Corra’s nervousness dissolved when Chris parted her lips with his tongue and slowly set her body ablaze.
Chris released her and leaned back in his seat. “I actually stopped by to see if you had any plans for the weekend.”
She shrugged. “No, why?”
“I need a weekend getaway. How would you like to go to Las Vegas with me?”
Corra sat straight up. “I don’t know... I, uh, I have to work and I don’t have any vacation planned and—”
“And you need a babysitter, and I’m sure you can come up with plenty more excuses. But, I want to take you to Vegas for the weekend.”
Corra tried to hide her excitement, but a Las Vegas getaway sounded wonderful. “Well, I am part owner of the establishment, and I can give myself a few days off. Providing I can get a sitter.”
“Great. Work on it and let me know.”
“Mom! I’m ready,” Jamie yelled, from the top of the stairs.
Chris released her and they backed away from each other, both expecting the kids to run into the room.
Corra laughed and yelled back. “I’m on my way.”
Chris scooted his chair back. “I’d better go. I wanted to see you before I went home. How was the game today?”
“It was great. Jamie had two home runs.” She stopped short of telling him Eric was at the game. Then felt guilty that she was keeping something else from him. This was no way to start a relationship.
Chapter 17
Tuesday night, Chris joined Corra and the kids for dinner. Corra got the biggest laugh at Chris’s face as he tried to keep up with both Jamie and Katie’s conversations at the same time. They were like two little people starved for attention. You would have thought they hadn’t spoken to anyone in weeks. And Chris ping-ponged from one to the other before stealing a glance at Corra.
He mouthed, “Help.”
She laughed. “Okay guys, give Mr. Williams a break. Jamie, you can tell him about the game after you wash up for dinner.”
“Are you having dinner with us?” Katie asked, looking up at Chris with a confused expression.
“I was planning on it. Do you want me to stay?”
She smiled and nodded eagerly.
“Okay, young lady, go wash your hands.”
Jamie ran upstairs while Katie skipped out of the room at a slower pace, then walked up the stairs.
Chris relaxed back onto the couch and took a deep breath. “Wow, they have a lot of energy, don’t they?”
Corra flopped down next to him laughing. “You should have seen your face trying to keep up.”
He held his hands out. “Hey, I didn’t want to ignore either one of them. So, I tried to give my undivided attention to both of them—at the same time.” He shook his head.
Corra leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You get an A for effort, Mr. Williams. I have very rambunctious, inquisitive children who will talk you to death if you let them. Jamie more so than Katie.”
Chris smiled. “I can get used to that.”
Corra loved the fact that Chris was earnestly trying to get along with her kids.
What sounded like thunder was actually Jamie and Katie running downstairs all washed up for dinner. Corra served the kids’ favorite, smothered chicken breast with green beans and red potatoes.
Between bites Jamie drilled Chris about everything from playing football with Rollin, to attending another one of his baseball games.
After dinner, Corra cleaned up the kitchen while Jamie entertained Chris by showing off his baseball card collection. The two of them hit it off pretty good. Chris knew a lot about baseball.
Later, the kids retreated to the den and found their favorite television show, while Corra and Chris sat upstairs on the living room couch.
“Thank you for such a wonderful meal. I had a great time tonight.” Chris stretched his legs out in front of him.
Corra laughed. “Did you really? I mean Jamie drilled you like you were applying for a job.”
“In a way I am. I want to be his mommy’s man. I just hope I get the job.” Chris leaned over and took Corra’s hand in his.
He caressed her knuckles before glancing up with desire in his own eyes. She knew that feeling. “Well, during your first interview Friday night, you performed excellent.”
Chris bit the right side of his bottom lip and seductively grinned at Corra. Small palpitations began coursi
ng through her body. Seeing Chris interact with the kids had been like an aphrodisiac. And now, she wanted to take him to bed. But she couldn’t.
“You know, one thing I’ve learned about interviews over the years is that as much as I want the job, the employer has to determine if I’m a good fit or not.”
Corra smiled and licked her lips. Chris was baiting her and she loved it. She wanted to be with him again tonight more than anything. She turned on the couch until she faced him straight on. “Mr. Williams. You were a perfect fit.”
Chris held eye contact with her as his smile started slow, and then turned into a full-blown ear-to-ear grin. He reached out and pressed his palm lightly against her cheek. “So does that mean I have the job?”
“An offer is being extended.”
“And I accept.”
Corra’s pulse was beating in her throat as the temperature in the room rose. She looked into Chris’s eyes. “Welcome aboard.”
He leaned over to seal the deal with a kiss.
“Now we really have something to celebrate in Las Vegas.”
Corra threw her hand over her mouth. She’d almost forgotten they were going to Las Vegas this weekend.
* * *
After Corra said good-night to Chris, she went to give the kids a bath before bed. Katie had fallen asleep in the den in front of the television. Corra carried her upstairs and instructed Jamie to get his bath. As usual he put up a little fight, explaining how he hadn’t gotten dirty since yesterday. But, ultimately she won out and he closed the bathroom door.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Corra looked at the bedside clock in her room. It was after eight o’clock and was the kids’ bedtime. She hurried downstairs and peeked out the window. Whoever it was had their back to her and kept moving around.
“Who is it?” she asked through the door.
“Eric.”
Corra frowned. What is he doing here at this time of night? She didn’t want to open the door and have the kids hear him. “Eric, it’s late and the kids are getting ready for bed. Come back tomorrow.”
“Corra, open the door. I need to talk to you.”
Shit! “Whatever it is, can’t it wait until tomorrow?”
“No. I saw him, and I don’t want him around my kids.”
She threw the door open. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Corra stepped back as he stumbled through the open door, and quickly tried to right himself. He smelled like a distillery. She’d never known him to abuse alcohol, but clearly he’d changed since their divorce.
Once he steadied himself he looked around. “Where’s my kids?” he asked, with slurred speech.
“I told you, they’re upstairs getting ready for bed. You’ve been drinking and I won’t let you see them in your condition.” She held the door open. “Eric, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
He looked up at Corra with bloodshot eyes like she was crazy. “I bought this house. If it wasn’t for it, that...you wouldn’t even be living here.”
“We bought the house. Then you lost your share in the divorce settlement. So, again I’m asking you to leave.” Corra wasn’t afraid of Eric. He no longer held any power over her. The only times they’d actually fought were when she caught him with other women.
“I don’t want him in here, Corra. He’s not taking my kids away from me.”
“Eric, what are you talking about?”
“Your boyfriend, Chris,” he said, getting louder. “I saw him leaving a few minutes ago. If you let that bastard poison my kids against me—”
“Shhh.” Corra glanced upstairs to make sure they hadn’t been overheard. Then she turned back to Eric with fire in her eyes. “You’ve been sitting outside my house watching me?” She was furious.
“I was coming to see my kids, then I saw his car parked out front. So I sat there.” He staggered around a bit more trying to keep his balance. “I waited to see how long he was staying.”
Corra couldn’t believe her ears. He’d been out there drinking and getting madder by the minute.
He pointed his finger in her face. “What you tryna do, replace me with your football hero? You always had a thing for him. Hell, you think I didn’t know that.”
Corra smacked his hand away. “Eric, leave now.”
He chuckled. “I’m not going anywhere.” He turned to go up the steps. “Where’s Jamie.” He called out, “Jamie!”
Corra grabbed him by the arm. “He’s taking a bath. Come on, Eric, I’m not playing with you.”
He stopped and spun around. His facial expression and tone all softened. He reached out and tried to touch Corra’s cheek, but she pulled back.
“I miss you, baby. Didn’t you miss me?”
Shocked and horrified, Corra shook her head. “No, I don’t.”
She pushed past Eric up the steps. “That’s it. I’m calling the police.”
He reached out to grab her foot, but missed and fell onto the steps. “Okay, okay, I’m going. Just give me a minute. Damn!”
She stood at the top of the stairs with her arms crossed and the cordless phone in hand.
He snickered as he pulled himself up and opened the front door. “I’ll be back tomorrow, and your boyfriend had better not be here.” He slammed the door on his way out.
Corra lowered her arms and took a deep breath. What the hell have I gotten myself into?
Chapter 18
“Oh, my God!” The lobby of the Bellagio Hotel had been the most spectacular thing Corra had ever seen, but this room absolutely took the cake. The huge king-size bed, and the calming indigo and platinum color palette were set off by the breathtaking panoramic view of the Strip. She threw her purse on the bed and walked over to the window.
Chris walked in behind her. “What is it?”
“This view. Is that the Eiffel Tower?”
“Yep, and that’s the Paris Hotel across the street.” He walked up next to her.
Corra inhaled the crisp cedar-and-sandalwood scene of Chris’s cologne. She couldn’t believe she was standing next to him marveling at a replica of one of the most famous landmarks in the world. He reached out for her hand.
“Are you okay?”
She wrinkled up her nose. “I’m better than okay.”
“How about hungry?”
She smiled up at him. “Starved.”
“Me too. Come on, let’s find something to eat.”
As they walked hand in hand back through the casino to the restaurant, Corra noticed several women check Chris out. She wasn’t the only one who appreciated his style. He was fine from head to toe in a pair of long cargo shorts that showed off his toned legs, a designer T-shirt, with a large Tissot sports watch on his wrist.
After grabbing a bite to eat, they dropped a few coins playing slots up and down the Strip, before they returned to the hotel to change into club attire. When Corra stepped out of the bathroom in a short black dress with a deep plunge down the front, and sexy strappy heels, Chris wanted to shout Damn! The dress hugged her hips and showed off every fabulous curve of her body. She looked in the mirror and applied more lipstick, then turned around.
“How do I look?”
“Stunning!”
Corra walked over and planted a quick kiss on his lips. He grabbed her around the waist in an attempt to pull her closer to him, but she spun away from him.
“Oh no, mister. I’m dressed now and you’re taking me dancing.”
Chris smiled. “Can’t blame a brother for trying.”
He took Corra to TAO, a nightclub in The Venetian hotel where they danced until the temperature in the club forced them to venture out onto the terrace. Chris lucked upon two vacant seats. He motioned a waitress over for drinks.
“Chris, thank you. I’
m having so much fun.” Corra threw her head back onto the chair.
“And the party’s just begun.”
“You’re kidding, what time is it? I don’t think I can party anymore tonight. My feet are killing me.”
“Let me take care of that.” He turned her chair facing his and reached down for her ankle. He slipped off her sandals and placed her feet in his lap. She closed her eyes as he massaged her feet.
“Oh, God! That feels so good.”
“Why do you wear heels if they hurt your feet like this?”
Corra looked up. “Heels make my ass look good, but my feet pay for it.”
Chris laughed. “You really do say what you mean, don’t you?”
Corra lay back again. “Not all the time. But sometimes I say the first thing that comes to mind. Like it feels like you’re making love to my foot right now.”
The waitress returned with their drinks and admired Chris’s handiwork. “Now you look like a man that knows how to take care of his woman,” she said.
“I most certainly do,” Chris said as he smiled at Corra.
She bit her bottom lip as she remembered him taking very good care of her last Friday night. Enough with the foot foreplay, she was ready for the main course. She picked up her drink and took a sip without taking her eyes off Chris.
He looked at his watch. “Getting sleepy?” he asked.
Corra shook her head. “Too excited to sleep.”
He lowered her feet and picked up his drink. “That makes two of us. But it is after one and I’ve been up since six.”
Corra frowned. “Party pooper.”
“Never,” Chris said with a shake of his head. “I’ve just got another party in mind that takes place at the Bellagio.”
Corra didn’t even finish her drink, nor did Chris. The desire to be with him reached a boiling point. When he helped her up from her seat, he held her in his arms and kissed her. The kiss was hot and deep, but he pulled away before she lost herself.
He took her hand and led her back through the club, down the Strip and into the Bellagio. They kissed some more as they waited for the elevator.
The Only One for Me Page 10