A Love Like This (Book 1)

by Lane, Kimberly

  “Joan told me what happened earlier.” I take a drink of my juice and nod. “Yeah but I’ll be out of your hair first thing in the morning.”

  “Don’t be silly. When Tucker and Samantha broke up he called Mike and Riley and they all went out partying. The next day Tucker showed up with a new girl. There has been a multitude of women from that day on. His mother and I didn’t think he’d ever settle down.” Mr. Bradley stands up and takes my plate to the sink. “He left the house tonight and came back an hour later. He’s checked on you four times since then. He took an extra blanket into the room. He left a bottle of water near your bed then he sat at this table texting while waiting for you to wake up. He gave up about an hour ago. He’s in the pool house now.”

  My heart leaps in my chest. Mr. Bradley smiles, “You should go talk to him.” He says patting my shoulder as he walks by.

  I wait for Mr. Bradley to climb the stairs to his room. When he’s out of sight I walk back to Tucker’s room. I check my phone and see that I have five messages. The first message is from Tucker. It says, “Please call me.” The next message from Tucker says, “Call me when you wake up. The third message simply says, “I’m sorry and I love you.” I don’t recognize the number for the next two messages so I put the phone away and walk into the bathroom to brush the taste of roast beef from my mouth. I adjust my bun, put on lip gloss and mascara, tighten my robe and head across the house towards the pool house. I haven’t thought about what I’m going to say or do when I see him. I’m standing outside the door contemplating my next move when the door swings open.

  Tucker is wearing pajama bottoms that hang low on his hips and no shirt. He runs his fingers through his messy hair. He says, “Baby,” in a low raspy voice. I cross my arms and walk past him. The pool house is the size of a large studio apartment. It has a full kitchen, a bathroom and a king size bed. I stand in the middle of the room and try my best not to look at his ripped chest. He strolls over towards me. I take a step back.

  “You gave me someone else’s ring,” I say looking at the floor.

  “We had just gotten married. You were lying next to me looking so beautiful. I just put the ring on your finger. I didn’t think about where it came from or who it almost belonged to. You’re my wife I want to give you the world.”

  “You chose her first,” I say feeling insecure.

  “Because I hadn’t met you yet,” He says. I look up at his face. He flashes the dimples and I’m a goner.

  “You know you’re not going to be able to smile your way out of every argument,” I say pushing him backwards towards the bed. He falls onto his back and I stand in front of him. I unlace the string on his pajamas and pull them down to the floor. I sit on his stomach and kiss him. I brush my tongue over his ear and down to his neck. He loosens the band on my robe and cups my breasts in his hands rubbing my nipples between his fingers. I pull my robe off and kiss his chest and stomach. I tug at the band of his boxer briefs until he’s completely naked. I kneel down in front of him and lick the top of his hardness tentatively feeling my heart race with excitement because I’m doing something I’ve been told only bad girls do. I slowly twirl my tongue around the tip before taking him into my mouth. Tucker is moaning my name with more intensity than ever before.

  I feel that he’s about to explode so I stop and pull away leaving him throbbing and pleading, “Baby don’t stop,” he says. I feel powerful when I guide him inside me and roll my hips until my body tingles and explodes from head to toe. I keep up the rhythm until he tenses and irrupts inside me. I kiss him breathlessly before collapsing and falling asleep on his chest.

  Chapter 15

  Dana looks around the kitchen and realizes there’s enough food to feed a small village. Grandma Bess brought over sock-it-to-me cake. Dana’s sister-in-law Clara made gumbo and pecan candy. The collard greens are simmering in a big black pot with salt pork and smoked turkey just the way Leila likes them. Dana mixes butter, sour cream, salt and pepper and enough cheddar cheese to clog an artery with macaroni noodles. She pours the mixture in a casserole dish and places it in the oven next to the peach cobbler. The potato salad is chilling in the refrigerator and the chicken is seasoned and battered. Leila is scheduled to arrive in about an hour. Dana will drop the chicken in the deep fryer a few minutes before she gets to the house. She’s moving quickly around the kitchen and lifting lids on pots to make sure everything’s perfect.

  “Where is everybody,” Nickie asks as she walks through the front door. She’s carrying bags of fruit for a fruit salad and she has an uncharacteristic scowl on her face.

  Dana takes out vegetables for a green salad. “They’re all in the back yard. You’re daddy’s barbequing.” Nickie puts the bags down on the counter and bends to kiss Dana’s cheek. “Where’s Keisha?”

  “She’s still getting the kids ready,” Nickie says as she walks over and slumps down in a chair. “She’s gotten little X dressed three times. She puts on his clothes and when she leaves the room he rips them off and sits on the couch in his underwear. I drove Doug’s car over here because they may never get out of that house. I swear I’m not having any kids.”

  “That boy’s not right,” Dana says as she rips open a bag of mixed greens. “So what’s going on with you? Why do you look so gloomy?”

  “I’m just a little confused.” She twirls a curl around her finger. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do next.”

  “I don’t think you really have to know what to do next. You know the old saying, man plans/ God laughs? Just figure out what makes you happy and do it.” Dana wipes her hands on a towel. “Now come here,” she says extending her open arms to Nickie. She ambles over with tears in her eyes and Dana wraps her arms around her daughter. Nickie stoops down and rests her head on her mother’s shoulder.

  “I don’t have a job, I haven’t finished my degree and I’m living in a house full of insane kids. It just seems like things will never get better.”

  Dana never asked what happened between Nickie and Damian. She’s just happy he’s out of the picture. “Stop it right now,“ Dana says moving away to look into Nickie’s eyes. “If you want things to change then change them.”

  Nickie nods and wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. “Momma can I ask you something else?”

  “Anything Nick you know that,” she says releasing Nickie and turning her attention back to the salad.

  “Who is Valery Callaway?” Dana goes pale. Nickie thinks that maybe her mother didn’t hear her.

  She’s about to repeat the question when Dana replies: “Where did you hear that name?” There’s ice in her voice that wasn’t there before. Dana looks down at the vegetables. Her breathing is shallow and her expression has contorted into a grimace.

  “A lady at the beauty shop asked Keisha and I about her,” Nickie says feeling her body tense nervously.

  “Oh really,” Dana asks trying to sound casual. “What exactly did she say?”

  Nickie can tell that Dana is holding her breath waiting for her response. They hear a ruckus at the back door and stop talking.

  Xavier’s deep voice rumbles through the house interrupting their conversation. “You both look like you saw a ghost,” He says brushing past Nickie and Dana caring a platter full of ribs and hotlinks from the backyard grill. “What are you two talking about?”

  “Nothing,” Nickie says taking out a knife and cutting board to start the fruit salad. “I was just telling Momma about Leila’s new boyfriend,” Nickie says avoiding her father’s gaze. Nickie received three strongly worded e-mails from Leila last night. The emails were addressed to her, Pookie and Keisha. The first one was titled, ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.’ In this letter Leila briefly discusses her marriage. She goes on to say that she and Tucker will reveal their relationship status on their own terms. It was like reading a cease and desist letter from a lawyer. The next letter was titled, ‘Seriously Help a Sis
tah Out.’ In this letter she’s basically pleading with all of them. She promises to watch Keisha’s kids and to let Nickie have her favorite boots. She tells Pookie that she’ll go shopping with him and wait patiently while he tries on fifteen pairs of shoes that look exactly the same. The third letter was titled, ‘Tell on Me and I’ll Tell on You!’ The body of the email simply said, “I know secrets about all of you.”

  “So what’s the boy like,” Dana asks happy to change the subject.

  “He’s a great guy. He’s tall, handsome, and smart. He’s the total package.”

  “Tell me about his personality. I expected him to be tall, dark and handsome,” Dana says.

  “No he’s not very dark,” Nickie says concentrating on the cantaloupe she’s cutting.

  “I’ve heard enough,” Xavier says walking back outside.

  “That man doesn’t think anyone’s good enough for his girls,” Dana say’s shaking her head. Nickie’s mouth is poised to speak. She wants to pick up the conversation where they left off but Dana looks her in the eye and mouths the words, “not now.”

  Chapter 16

  “So let me get this straight,” Sarah says as she shoves shoes in an overnight bag. “You just found out that Joan Noland is Tucker’s mom?” I nod yes feeling silly. Sarah has been berating me for the last hour about my unwillingness to Google people.

  “How was I supposed to know? I mean I knew his mother ran a non-profit but Marin is full of non-profit organizations.”

  Sarah just shakes her head. “I research the men I date the minute they tell me their names.” I stretch out on the bed and watch her pack. My bags have been packed for two days. “Why weren’t you in class this week?” She asks.

  “I only took upper division courses so all of my final exams were projects.”

  “So why didn’t you fly back home sooner?” I just smile at her.

  “You two are terrible,” She says laughing. “I hope you’re on the pill.”

  “I was worried about that but I got a visit from aunt flow this morning. I also received a call from Kensler.”

  “That’s the architectural firm right?”

  “Yeah, I have an interview for an internship next week,” I say clutching my stomach and groaning from the pain.

  “Do you want one of my special pills?”

  “Maybe later,” I say rolling onto my side.

  “I’m all packed,” Sarah says zipping her bag. “Aren’t you going to get dressed,” She asks looking at my sweats and baby-T with disdain.

  “I’m not feeling very motivated. Tucker and Mike won’t be here for over an hour. I need a nap.”

  “No, you will not be a big slug this week. Your birthday’s coming up and we are going to paint the town.”

  “Sarah the last time I went out with you I ended up married.”

  “And look how well that turned out,” She says. “Okay, I know your birthday isn’t for a few days but you need to open my gift now. It’ll motivate you to get up.” She pulls a Barney’s New York Box from under her bed and my eyes nearly pop out of my head.

  I tear into it and inside is the most beautiful black strapless dress I’ve ever seen. I quickly remove all of my clothes and slip into the dress. It’s knee length with an elongated draped back panel. I rub the cool smooth silk and feel all tingly inside. “Sarah it’s gorgeous. This dress had to cost at least a thousand dollars. How can you afford it?”

  “I borrowed my mom’s credit card. She spends so much money at Barney’s that she’ll never miss it.”

  “I’ll have to suck in my stomach. The period bloating and the chocolate muffin I had for breakfast have given me a pot belly.”

  “What are you talking about? You’re as thin as a rail.”

  “According to Tucker’s ex-fiancé Samantha I’m a real porker.”

  “You didn’t tell me Samantha was there this weekend.”

  I tell Sarah the whole story about Samantha and Shauna, about falling, and about the rings.

  “I can’t believe you let that bitch get away with kissing Tucker and calling you fat.”

  “It wasn’t my finest moment but what was I supposed to do?”

  “You should have scratched her eyes out but it’s too late for that now.” Sarah gets a mischievous look on her face. “I think you need to teach your new husband a lesson.”

  “I can’t stay mad at him. I’m so weak,” I say falling onto my bed.

  “You don’t have to get upset. I just don’t think he realizes how lucky he is to have you. When we get to the airport we’re going to do some harmless flirting. It’ll just fan the flame a little.”

  “I don’t see the point but I’ll play along,” I say climbing off the bed to finish dressing.

  I place my hair in a high messy bun before adding lengthening mascara to my lashes. I apply shiny eye shadow and red lip stick. I put on silver hoop earrings and cover myself in orange body butter being extra careful not to touch my new silk dress with greasy fingers. Sarah answers the door when the driver arrives. I slide into six inch strappy silver heels, pick up my carry on and red satchel then follow Sarah out the door. The driver wheels our luggage behind us. Tucker and Mike step out of a black SUV when they see us. I ignore the stares and whispers of onlookers. I’ve gotten use to the attention that comes with my new entourage. Mike takes Sarah’s hand and helps her into the car. Tucker walks over and takes my carry-on bag. He hands it to the driver and embraces me as if we haven’t’ seen each other in weeks. In reality it’s only been about two hours. He rubs his hands down the sides of my dress.

  “Is this new?” He asks with his lips just inches from mine.

  “Birthday gift from Sarah,” I say. He rubs my butt and kisses me. I pull away feeling breathless, “Remember we’re not going to tell anyone else we’re married.”

  “Ok,” he says moving his lips back towards mine.

  “No, I’m serious. Telling your family was a disaster and my family is twice as crazy as yours.”

  “I won’t say a word to anyone,” he says kissing me.

  “Will you two get in the damn car?” Sarah yells. I laugh and pull Tucker towards the car. When we get to the airport Sarah and I walk a few feet ahead of Tucker and Mike.

  I hear Mike say, “I feel like a theme song should be playing when your girl walks by.”

  “I married her. She’s my wife not my girlfriend and she’s totally out of my league,” I hear Tucker reply. I just shake my head and walk a little faster while he and Mike discuss the details of what will forever be known as the drunken wedding.

  Sarah nudges me with her elbow. “Look,” She says motioning her head towards a few gawking TSA workers.

  “Sarah I don’t want to flirt with strange men.”

  “Trust me it’ll be good for him,” She says. We check in at the ticket counter and walk towards the security gate. Sarah and I lead the way. I smile at one of the guards at the security checkpoint and hold his gaze for a few minutes longer than necessary. I know that the guard is still watching so I stick my butt out a little further than usual when I bend over to take of my shoes. I place my shoes and purse in one of the plastic boxes and slide it through the surveillance machine before walking thru the metal detector. It doesn’t beep but the guy I smiled at rushes over with a metal detecting wand.

  “Step to the side please,” he says. I pick up my shoes and purse and follow him a few feet away from the security stand. I slide into my shoes and mentally kick myself for listening to Sarah. I adjust the top of the dress, lift my arms and look for Tucker hoping he doesn’t see the guard smiling as he slowly moves the wand over my body. Thank God Tucker’s slipping on his shoes and doesn’t seem to notice. Mike is on his cell phone oblivious to his surroundings and I have no idea where Sarah disappeared to. “So what’s your name,” the guard asks. According to his badge his name is Hector. He’s a
good looking guy and under different circumstances I wouldn’t have a problem talking to him.

  “Leila,” I say feeling my voice catch in my throat.

  “Where are you headed?” He asks still scanning me with the wand.

  “I’m going to LA. Did something I’m wearing set the monitor off?”

  “Nope, you’re just hella fine,” He says with a slight Spanish accent. So I brought you over to holla at you for a minute,” He says with a grin. He’s still waving the wand over my body and my arms are killing me. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  I manage to get the word, “I” out before Tucker interrupts the conversation.

  “No she has a husband,” He says from behind me. I swing around to face him. Tucker looks pissed. “So we’re done here,” he says.

  “You’re free to go,” Hector says looking equally irritated. Tucker takes my hand and walks so quickly that I have to nearly run to keep up with him.

  I snatch my hand away from him. “Why are you angry?” I ask.

  “Why were you talking to that man?”

  “Really Tucker, you’re asking me about talking to a TSA worker when just a few days ago you were kissing your ex-fiancé.”

  “I told you she was never my fiancé and she kissed me.” He looks down at me angrily. “And why don’t you want me to tell people we’re married?”

  “So that’s what this is about. It’s not that I don’t want people to know. I just think it’s too soon, besides I don’t even have a ring. Who would believe we’re married at all?” I’m PMSing and ready to cry at any moment so I cross my arms over my chest and walk away before he can respond. I sit down near the entrance to the plane and take out my phone to text Pookie. Tucker heads over to the newspaper stand and does his best to ignore me. Mike and Sarah materialize. They come over and sit on either side of me. They’d been watching the whole seen play out.

  “So I take it operation teach hubby a lesson failed,” Sarah says.