A Love Like This (Book 1)

by Lane, Kimberly

  “It’s a beautiful face,” Xavier says from the door way. She hadn’t noticed him standing there but his presence doesn’t surprise her. He walks over and wraps his arms around her waist. Dana leans back against his chest. He kisses the top of her head and rocks gently from side to side. From the first time he held her in his arms she knew there was no place else she’d rather be. She closes her eyes and thinks about their lives together. They’ve been nearly inseparable since she agreed to go to his family’s house for dinner all those years ago.

  Xavier met Dana at the bus stop near his house. He wanted to pick her up but she knew her father would have a fit if he saw her get in the car with Xavier. Dana thought his skin was beautiful. In fact it was one of the first things that caught her attention. However, her father thought that anyone darker than a brown paper bag could not be trusted.

  “Girl you’d better stay away from them dark coons,” he would say. “They’re going to take your money and break your heart.”

  “Yes sir, Dana would reply.” She didn’t bother telling him that having light skin didn’t make him any less black. Dana had only seen one picture of her mother. She was a petite woman with caramel colored skin and a long thick braided rope of hair hanging down her back. Her mother left Dana and her dad and went back to the Cayman Islands where she was from after draining his bank accounts. At first he tried to do all the things a mother might do like comb Dana’s hair and make sure she was eating properly. But he was lost without his wife and after a few weeks he gave up and left Dana to fin for herself. He went to work, paid the bills and completely forgot that Dana existed. She took money from her father’s wallet after he went to sleep and walked to the store for food. She cleaned the house and did her best to do the laundry. Everything was fine during the day but at night she missed her mom. She would hide under her quilt terrified by every creek or noise.

  Dana fell in love with Xavier’s family long before she fell in love with him. They were the family she always wanted. Her heart was pounding when she walked through their front door. There were people everywhere: kids running around men playing cards, women cooking and music blaring.

  “X where the hell you been?” A short round woman with a neat little afro asked.

  “I told you I was going to pick up my girl.”

  “Oh lord, bring her in and let’s have a look,” the woman said wiping her hands on a dish towel.

  Dana was terrified. She approached the woman on wobbly knees and offered her hand. “Hello, I’m Dana.”

  The woman looked her up and down then slightly tilted her head to one side. Dana couldn’t read her expression. She stood there with her hand extended while the woman looked at her sternly.

  “Um Dana Watseka,“ Dana felt her face burning.

  The woman’s face opened into a smile revealing a huge gap between her large white teeth. She grabbed Dana and hugged her. Then held her at arm’s length,” look at you she said. She turned to Xavier “You done brought us a yellow one this time.” She laughed again. “I thought she was a little white girl at first.” The woman wrapped her arm around Dana’s small waist. “I’m your Aunt Sadie sweet heart and you are way too skinny. Come on in here and get something to eat. We need to fatten you up.”

  Monica, one of the women Xavier had brought to Denny’s walked up and hugged her. “I’m glad you decided to come,” She said. “Are you hungry?” She asked taking out a plate and filling it with food before Dana had a chance to answer. Xavier’s family was loud, expressive and loving. They made Dana feel safe for the first time in her life. Xavier’s mother was a tall beautiful woman with skin as dark and smooth as melted chocolate. When she met Dana she wrapped her in her massive arms and Dana wanted to cry. Bess was warm, soft and smelled like vanilla. She was everything Dana imagined a mother would be.

  “Sit down child,” Bess said pointing at a chair. ”My son’s told me a lot about you.”

  “Really,” She asked looking over to where Xavier stood talking to one of his uncles. “What has he told you?”

  Xavier’s other two sister’s Laney and Clara sat at the table near Dana.

  “He said that you’re beautiful, smart and probably one of the bravest girls he’s ever met.”

  Monica placed a plate filled to the brim with mac and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken and corn bread in front of Dana. Laney touched Dana’s short silky curls. “Are you mixed?” She asked.

  “I think my father might be. I don’t really know much about his family but I guess that’s where I got this hair. However, I might have gotten it from my mother. She had really long hair but I’m not sure what the texture was like. I’ve only seen her in pictures,” Dana said nonchalantly

  The women looked at each other sadly shaking their heads. Dana started stuffing food in her mouth as if she’d never eaten before. Bess cut a piece of sweet potato pie and sat it in front of Dana. “Slow down baby.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ve been eating Grand Slam’s at Denny’s for so long that I’d forgotten what home cooking was like. This is the best chicken I’ve ever had.”

  “You’ll have to come by one day so that I can teach you how to make it.”

  “You would really do that,” Dana asked with wide eyes.

  “Of course honey,” Bess replied in a deep melodic voice. “How old are you?”

  “I just turned seventeen a few days ago.”

  “My son doesn’t bring girls around often and never has he declared any girl to be his future wife until now.” Dana starts choking on her food. “I know he really likes you and I can see why. There’s something very honest about you but just remember baby, you’re going to need to stay strong because Peterson men will try you.”

  “Try your patients and work your nerves,” Aunt Sadie chimed in. Dana continues to eat. She nods while considering this.

  “I hope you last longer than that last crazy heffa X brought around here.” Clara said as she stood to walk out of the room.

  “Don’t pay any attention to her,” Laney said. “She’s just pissed about that crazy bitch Valery Callaway.”

  “Watch your mouth,” Bess said without moving her attention away from the stove. That was the first time Dana heard the name Valery Callaway. That name, that woman would be a thorn in her side from that day on. She was the one stain in their life.

  Xavier twirled Dana around to look at her. ”What’s on your mind,” he asks snapping her back into the present.

  She lets her head fall back to look up at the ceiling. Xavier pulls her close. “Are you worried about Leila?” He asks.

  “I worry about all of the girls. Keisha thinks she can do it all. Leila thinks she knows it all and Nickie,” She rests her head on Xavier’s chest. “I’m not sure if that girl will ever find her way.”

  He smiles and kisses her forehead. “I don’t worry about any of them. Keisha and Leila are head strong just like you. They’ll stumble and run into obstacles like we all do but they’ll work it out. And Nickie will figure it all out. She has inner strength that she just hasn’t tapped into yet.”

  Dana looks up into his dark brown eyes. “Nickie asked me about Valery Callaway,” She blurts. His expression hardens.

  “What did you tell her?” He asks averting his eyes.

  “I didn’t say anything. I can’t begin to explain this mess. But you know we are going to have to tell the kids.”

  “I don’t want to think about it,” he says loosening her robe and sliding his hand inside. He lowers his head to kiss her.

  She pulls away. “I don’t want to think about it either but we’ve kept the secret for far too long.” He kisses her neck and slides the robe off her shoulders. She caresses the back of his neck and moans her approval. “I know you’re trying to change the subject,” she says squeezing her thighs together. She’s trying to stop the throbbing between her legs so that she can think clearly. “X I’m s
erious,” she says as he lowers her onto the bathroom floor.

  Dana’s body freezes and becomes rigid. “Do you hear something,” she asks pushing Xavier’s head away from her breasts.

  “Mom,” Leila’s voice rings out from the front of the house.

  “Xavier did you close the bedroom door,” Dana asks pulling her robe together and scrambling to get off the floor.

  “Mom dad,” she yells from the kitchen. “Mom are you in the bathroom?” Leila asks peeking in the bedroom door.

  “I’ll be out in a few minutes,” Dana yells out in a high pitched voice. She pulls her robe closed and looks back at Xavier. “We should tell them all tonight at dinner,” She says before leaving the bathroom.

  “Mom why do you look so flush,” Leila asks when Dana walks out of the bathroom. Her hair is pulled up into a high ponytail. She’s wearing jean shorts and a fitted white t-shirt. Dana thinks she still looks like a little girl rather than a twenty-one year old married woman.

  “I just took a shower. It was hot in there,” she says brushing her fingers through her hair.

  “Ew,” Leila says with a scrunched nose when her father exits the bathroom adjusting his clothes. “You guys are gross. I’ll be in the living room.”

  Chapter 26

  Tucker and I managed to sneak away from my party at around midnight. I could barely keep my hands off him as we took the two minute ride up to the penthouse. The elevator doors opened and the first thing I noticed was the breathtaking view of Los Angeles. The sky scrapers made the night sky glow with excitement. The room was plush with overstuffed leather sofa’s a full bar and a giant flat screen TV. There were rose petals on the floor and soft music playing.

  “Did you do all of this by yourself,” I asked.

  “I had a little help,” He said taking my purse and tossing it on to a table. I brushed past him and looked around the room. Inside the bathroom there was a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice, strawberries and melted chocolate next to a huge tub full of lavender scented bubbles. I smiled up at him and his eyes darkened. He took my hand and led me to a chair in front of a vanity mirror. I sat down and tucker kneeled in front of me. He slid my shoes off one at a time then ran his hands up my legs slowly. His hands trace the length of my body until he reached my back. He unzipped my dress and I stood up to step out of it. I sat down on the bench wearing only a black lace bra and matching boy shorts underwear. Tucker stood and picked up a brush from the vanity. I wanted to object when he started to brush my hair but it felt so good that I just closed my eyes and sighed. I’ve told him that water is like Kryptonite to straightened hair so he handed me a hair tie and I pulled my hair into a bun.

  Tucker unhooked my bra pulled it off and dropped it to the floor. He kneeled and slowly pulled my panties down. He stopped to kiss my stomach before taking my hand and leading me over to the tub. I sank into the hot soapy water and closed my eyes. I felt like I could get lost in that moment. He lathered my entire body with lavender scented body wash. My body rose to meet his touch. I felt so hot and slippery.

  “Get in,” I sighed in a pleading voice.

  “Not yet,” He whispered leaning over to kiss me. He unhooked the detachable shower head and adjusted the water temperature. He rinsed the soap from my back and arms. He circled my breasts with the warm water then slowly lowered it to my stomach. He lingered for a moment then pushed the hose between my thighs. I closed my eyes as the heavens parted and angels sang. I began to climax the second the warm water reached my clit. My whole body tingled as the warm water massaged me. I opened my eyes panting to catch my breath. Tucker reached down to kiss me. “Now,” he said in a soft low voice. He took my hand and guided me out of the tub. I wrapped in a towel, grabbed the strawberries and chocolate and followed him. Tucker left a trail of clothes on the path to the bedroom. He stretched out on the bed and I proceeded to pour chocolate on places that I’m sure it was never meant to go.

  ****

  I woke up this morning with my face glued to Tucker’s chest. At some point during the night we both fell asleep with a half empty bowl of melted chocolate in bed with us. I peel my head away from his chest and tiptoe towards the bathroom with a wide legged stance. I knew letting him put chocolate down there was a bad idea. I’m probably going to get some sort of infection. I shower and tidy up the mess we made the night before. I don’t want the maid to know what’s been going on in here. I wrap up in one of the hotels complementary robes and set off to look around the suite for clothes and food. This place is even more beautiful in the day light. It’s bright, airy and there are fresh flowers on nearly every open surface. All of my gifts are stacked neatly on the living room table. Tucker and I left in such a hurry last night that I didn’t have time to open the gifts. I rummage through the packages looking for Pookie’s gift. I know that whatever is in his gift bag will come in handy. His is easy to spot. It has a big purple bow tied to the top. I reach inside the bag and pull out the card. There’s a flowery poem written on the front. Inside the card Pookie wrote, ‘You’re probably all stocked up on fancy dresses. I thought you might need a few casual things.’ It is signed love Pookie. The bag is full of shorts, T-shirts and sun dresses. He always gives the perfect gifts. I pull out a t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

  I find my purse and take out my cell phone to check the messages. My voice mail is full and I have about twenty text messages. I ignore the voice mail. I assume they are all from family and friends calling to wish me happy birthday. The text messages are from the usual suspects: Pookie, Nickie, Sarah and Keisha. There’s one text message from a number I don’t recognize. I touch the screen and open the message. It’s from Shauna asking if Tucker and I want to have breakfast. I head back to the room and climb into the sticky bed.

  “Tuck wake up. Shauna wants us to meet her for breakfast,” I say rubbing his stomach. He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close then falls back asleep. “Alright I guess that’s a no,” I say kissing his cheek and squirming away from his grasp. I text Shauna then leave my phone and robe on the bed before heading to the bathroom to change. When I emerge Tucker is sitting up in bed holding my cell phone. He’s staring straight ahead and he looks angry. He puts the phone down on the night stand when he sees me. I sit down on the bed next to him and he pulls me onto his lap.

  “Shauna got us a table at the café down stairs. I have to take a shower. The chocolate pasted my package to the sheets,” He says looking down at the mess we made. Wait for me and we’ll go down together.”

  “I don’t want to make her wait. I’ll meet you down there.”

  “I’ll be quick just wait here.”

  “Seriously Tucker,” I say standing to retrieve my phone and purse. “The café is fifty feet away from the elevator. You’ve been a little crazy every since we arrived in LA. What are you afraid of?”

  “I just want you to be safe,” he says standing.

  “Safe from what,” I say turning to face him.

  He groans and throws his arms in the air in exasperation. “Baby I’ll be in and out of the shower in a few minutes. Just wait here for me ok.”

  I put my hands on my hips. “I will ask Shauna to meet me in front of the elevator. I won’t be alone for one second.” He just stands in front of me glaring. I roll my eyes towards the ceiling. “Fine I’ll wait,” I say picking up my phone and flopping down on the bed. “But this isn’t over.” He kisses the top of my head turns and walks to the bathroom. I call Shauna and let her know that Tucker and I are going to be late. I click on my voice mail to listen to the messages. I power the phone off and on thinking there must be some sort of mistake because my voice mail box is completely empty. I check the message history and see that all of the messages have been deleted. I shove my phone into my purse and head for the bathroom.

  I march in and fan away the mist from the shower. Tucker steps out of the shower with water dripping off his hard ta
n body. I clear my throat and try to remember what I came into the bathroom for. I lick my lips tilt my head and watch him dry off. I frown because I know I walked in here for a reason but I seriously can’t remember what that reason is. Damn my insatiable sexual appetite. Tucker smiles, glides over and lifts me effortlessly. He sits me down on the bathroom counter then unsnaps my shorts and removes them along with my underwear in one swift motion. I’m going to kick myself later for being so weak. But when he presses me against the wall and drives himself inside me I can’t think clearly. I wrap my legs around his waist as he thrusts himself inside me heatedly.

  I hold onto him and dig my nails into his back when I reach the peak of pleasure. He takes my hands and presses them against the wall kissing me hard as he pounds deeper and deeper leaving me wanting more with each thrust. I feel him explode inside me. The sensation makes me want to do it all over again but I remember that I’m mad at him. So I pull away and we get dressed and leave the room in silence. The tension between us is palpable. Shauna stands up to hug me when we reach the café.

  “Excuse me I need to go to the ladies room. Tucker would you like to come with me or maybe you should call a body guard to wipe my ass.” I say turning to walk away.

  *****

  “What the hell was that about?” Shauna says to Tucker.

  He runs his fingers through his hair and pounds on the table. “I married the most stubborn woman in the world.”

  Shauna leans back in her chair and smiles. “I think that’s one of the reasons you love her.” They order three mimosas when the waiter arrives at their table.

  “Leila left her cell phone on the bed this morning and I answered it when you called. I noticed that her voice mail was full so I checked one of the messages. The same woman that’s been crank calling me left messages for her. These messages were extremely specific. The caller knows what classes Leila’s taking next semester. She even knows that we’re staying in the Penthouse at this hotel.”