Star_Lee Johnson_To Be Great Series

by Blue Saffire

  “I’m happy you came, Crystal,” Ms. Sharon said. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you alone.”

  “Really? What did I do?”

  “You can relax,” she laughed. “You know we never talked about what happen between you and Lee. I wanted to let you know how much you mean to my son.”

  “Oh… you know you really don’t have to do that.”

  “No, I think I do. Lee was so lost without you.”

  “Trust me. I wasn’t doing any better than he was.”

  “I’m sure of that. I see the way you two are together. It broke my heart that I couldn’t help my son out of that situation. I had to watch him lose himself and I wasn’t sure he was going to make it back. But now he’s so happy. I see him becoming a better man from it all.”

  “Lee’s a wonderful man. I think that’s what I’ve always loved about him. He’s so determined and ready to learn and grow. I just want to help him get to where he wants to go. That’s the least I can do for him. He makes me so happy.”

  “I just want you to remember all of that when things gets tough. Raising another woman’s son—especially one as trifling as Rachael, isn’t going to be a cakewalk. You need to remember why you love Lee when things get tough.”

  I loved Lee’s mom and the wisdom she always brings. I had a feeling I would need her advice someday. I let her words sink in.

  “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind,” I said as I smiled at her.

  We smoothly changed the subject to the wedding and the schedule for LJ while we’re away on our honeymoon. My mother offered to split the time with Ms. Sharon while we’re away for the two weeks. Esther would be there to help them both out.

  Not that either of them would give her a chance. They’re in love with him just as much as I am. Kim even offered to take a few days if they need her to.

  We hadn’t realized how much time had passed until Lee walked in with flowers in his arms for both of us. We were both in the kitchen, working on dinner and some cookies for LJ. I have to say, Lee made my day when he walked in. Lee is so good looking everything stops when he enters the room. Not to mention, his cologne set my mouth to watering.

  “Hey you,” he whispered into my ear as he wrapped his arms around me. “Thank you.”

  “No problem. I had a great time with your mom.”

  “Alright, that’s cool. Listen, we haven’t had time to ourselves in a minute. My mom is going to watch LJ. I’m taking you out.”

  “Your mom cooked.”

  I turned to face him.

  “Crystal, she did all that to send something home with us. She knew my plans.”

  My heart melted as his boyish smile took over his face. I should’ve known he was up to something. He always gets that hand in the cookie jar expression on his face right before he surprises me like this. I suddenly remembered seeing it that morning.

  “I love you,” I giggled and wrapped my arms around him.

  “I love you too. Now let’s get out of here before Little Man sees me.”

  I ran to get my things while Esther held LJ’s attention. Lee and I were in his truck on our way out for a real date, something that hadn’t been as easy as it used to be. I didn’t mind but Lee is always apologizing for not being able to just get up and go.

  Esther is great but we hated taking advantage of having her. We worked so much as it was and she has LJ during those long hours. We hated the thought of throwing social hours on her. Not to mention, I liked being around for LJ whenever we’re not working. Going out on a date was a nice change though.

  “So where are we going?” I asked excitement settling in as Lee drove out of the gates of his mother’s community.

  “I made some reservations at a restaurant and I have tickets to that concert you were talking about,” he smiled and peeked over at me.

  “Seriously, Lee, that concert has been sold out since the ticket box opened. How did you get those?”

  I was totally ready to burst. I’d wanted so badly to go to that concert. All of my R&B faves were going to be there. I’d thought about going a few times. Kim had even offered to babysit or come with if Lee wasn’t interested.

  “I’ve had them for a month. I knew you wanted to go.”

  “Thank you,” I squealed leaning to kiss him on the cheek.

  “No problem, baby. That’s not it though.”

  That sexy smile grew. I shifted in my seat to lean against his arm as much as I could. The smell of his cologne luring me in.

  “What else?”

  I felt like a little kid eager about a trip to Disney or something. When Lee wants to spoil, he knows how to spoil. My mind had a million ideas of what he might’ve planned.

  “My mom is going to keep LJ overnight. I booked us a suite for the night. I had Jennie rearrange your schedule for tomorrow. I thought we could have a little night to ourselves and do a little shopping tomorrow.”

  “Um, shopping? Would that be shopping for a house?” I laughed.

  “Maybe,” he chuckled.

  My eyes softened as I looked at him. He truly looked happy and content for the first time in a long time. You would never know we had just gotten back together only two months ago. It was like Rachael never happened.

  I took in the moment, second chances didn’t always come so easy. Everything had started to move so fast. It was like the plans we once had were just on hold and now we had pressed play. LJ was just a surprise bonus to the plans. A surprise that no one seemed to mind now that we had him.

  My love for Lee and LJ was an overcast to the mess with Rachael. The fact that she had disappeared made it easier by the minute to forget it ever happened, and nights like this made it all the more forgettable.

  Dinner was wonderful. The man I fell in love with shined through every action and gesture Lee made. I loved that he was willing to answer anything that I asked and in turn allowed me to make him the center of my attention.

  We left out the talks of business and the busy things in our life. It was a time to bring the pace down to a romantic night between the two of us.

  The concert was incredible. Lee had gotten us exclusive seats, with an amazing view. After a while, Lee caught on that I was sneaking out to the lobby to check on LJ. He teased me about loving his son more than I loved him, but I could tell he was happy I’d checked on our baby.

  Lee was no better than me. As soon as the concert was over he jumped on the phone with his mom to make sure everything was okay before we made our way to the hotel. I’m sure the few times I saw his phone light up it was because he was sneak texting her as well.

  I was stunned when we got to the hotel. Lee pulled two pieces of luggage from the trunk. He had taken care of everything, including packing me a bag. The suite was beautiful. From the moment we walked in, my breath was taken away.

  Lee had champagne and strawberries set up on a table for us. There were more flowers like the ones he brought to his mother’s house for me. It was all so romantic and sweet.

  “This is so beautiful,” I chimed as I threw my arms around him. “I’m so happy I’m marrying you.”

  “That makes two of us. I want you to go relax. I just need to make a call.”

  “Um, you wouldn’t be checking on Little Man again, would you?” I teased.

  “No,” he laughed. “I packed you something special for tonight. You’ll see it in your bag.”

  “In that case, when you’re done you can meet me in my favorite place to relax.”

  I stood on my toes to kiss him before heading into the bathroom to run the tub. Once the bathtub was filled, I undressed and slipped in to wait for Lee. I hadn’t realized how much I needed this night.

  With all the running I’ve been doing, I never stopped to think about how tired I’ve been. The warm water on my body told me exactly how much I needed a time out. Aches I hadn’t noticed started to release and soothe beneath the water.

  I was completely relaxed by the time Lee entered the bathroom wearing absolutely nothing and carryin
g two glasses of champagne. I couldn’t help the smile that consumed my face. All I could think of was how all that chocolate belonged to me. In just a few months, I would be married to him for the rest of my life.

  I took the glasses while he slid into the tub with me. It only took seconds for me to be wrapped in his arms where everything was always perfect. It felt nice to just sip champagne and relax with the man I loved. This is what kept me with Lee. He always knows how to make me happy and he had been getting better and better at it.

  “You okay, baby?” Lee said softly in my ear.

  “Yes, perfect,” I sighed. “I needed this.”

  “I know. You’ve been all over the place.”

  “I just want to get things right and then I’ll slow down.”

  “Yeah right,” he snorted. “You don’t know how to slow down. I would like it if you did though, just a little. Maybe it’s time we get you another assistant.”

  Just like Lee, always thinking about how much I’m doing, like he does any less. He just took on coaching Kenny and Kim’s little cousin’s Pee Wee league team. Between that and a few charities he agreed to sponsor he was booked solid. He needed an assistant as much as I needed a second one.

  “Yeah, but then I’d have to train them. I don’t know…it seems easier to just do what I know on my own.”

  “True, but you can’t do everything forever, especially not the way you’ve been trying to handle my schedule and yours. The new salons are almost ready and things are taking off for you. I just want you to think about getting some more help.”

  “Okay, I’ll think about it. Maybe after the wedding.”

  Lee laughed and kissed my neck. “Nah, you need to get some help before then.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Kim and Kenny have been taking care of things at that salon and I’m handling everything else. Once this grand opening is over next month, I’ll be set for a minute.”

  “I can see that getting you to slow down would be like getting me not to play with a broken hand,” Lee sighed.

  “Oh no, you wouldn’t be playing,” I snorted. “Just trust me, baby. I have it under control, us, the baby, and work. Don’t worry, I don’t miss a beat.”

  “Alright, I’ll make a deal with you.”

  “Okay, what’s the deal,” I sighed and nestled into his chest.

  “Once you’re pregnant, we’re getting you two new assistants. For now, I’ll hire someone to take care of my schedule and all the extras I have.”

  “Um, let me think about that,” I turned to look up at him. He groaned and rolled his eyes. “No, seriously. I’d need to train them on how to make sure your business is being handled right.”

  Lee laughed hard, squeezing his arms around me. Burying his face into my neck he inhaled deeply. Goosebumps covered my skin, causing me to bite my lip and smile.

  “I love you, but I can make sure my business is being taken care of. Let me worry about that.”

  I gave in after a little while longer. I knew Lee was right, but I liked handling things my way. I figured it was time to compromise though, if I wanted to have everything in my life working smoothly. Lee was only trying to do what was best for me. Just like I always did what’s best for him. It felt nice to have someone looking out for me and my best interests.

  When the water cooled, Lee started to get out of the tub. I grinned to myself. I moved quickly, lifting to my knees and turning to face him. Speaking of taking care of my man. I needed to thank him for the night.

  I placed my hands on his thick thighs to stop him from exiting the tub. He looked down at me with lust in his eyes when I leaned forward and licked a trail up his inner leg.

  I stopped short of my prize, turning to repeat the action on the other side. Lee cupped my chin lifting my face. I looked up at him through my lashes.

  “You don’t have to,” he said tightly. “I did this for you.”

  “Boy, please. I’m about to suck this dick for me,” I chuckled.

  His head fell back as laughter rumbled in his chest. All of his laughter died when I covered his length with my mouth. He groaned looking down at me with the sexiest look on his face. He licked those sexy lips as his eyes narrowed on me.

  I worked my head back and forth, soaking him in my saliva. I turned my head side to side, making sure my lips and tongue touch every inch of him. I wrapped one hand around him as I steadied myself with the other on his waist. I pumped and sucked, pulling loud groans from his lips.

  He popped free from my lip and I tilted my head to go for a taste of his balls. His fingers locked in my hair. I took a long lick from is root to his tip.

  “Aw, hell nah,” he groaned.

  It the next move I was sailing through the air until we were face to face. My legs were wrapped around his waist and my core was impaled by the delicious treat I had just been having a taste of. I purred in appreciation at the way he stretched me.

  “This might be a long night,” he breathed in my ear.

  “Bring it, baby.”

  “Always.”

  The next morning we slept in for a change. Lee had booked us an appointment with a developer in New Jersey for late in the afternoon. When we did get up, we dressed and headed out to their office.

  Nervous energy buzzed through us. We’d never bought a house together before because we could never agree on a place we both liked. There was always something one of us wanted that the places didn’t have. Going to see a developer to possibly start a new build would be a way for everyone to get what they wanted and needed.

  We drove to a few potential locations to see what our land options were. We found the perfect place for our new home after about four tries. I couldn’t believe how things were falling into place. Lee didn’t waste time putting in a bid for the land. We were in the builder’s office picking blue prints before I knew it.

  Everything finally made sense. I understood why Lee wanted me to have more help. We were now going to have a brand new build on our hands along with everything else. That didn’t scare me though. I was ready.

  I wanted everything that Lee had to offer me. LJ, the huge new mansion, and our new three acres of land. It was my dream come true. Nothing could get in the way of what we were building it was all perfect by divine design and intervention if you asked me.

  Chapter 26

  Again

  Lee had been trying to get me pregnant for months now. He gets this frown on his face every month when he realizes it hasn’t happened. He knew my cycle better than I did.

  I didn’t mind that it hadn’t happened yet. I didn’t want to be pregnant walking down the aisle anyway. At least, that’s what I’d been telling myself. I gave Lee the same excuse but a part of me gets disappointed too.

  The wedding is in four weeks and we were stronger in our relationship than ever. The house was coming along great. If they continued at the rate they were moving we’d be in the house in time for the holidays, which would be perfect for LJ. LJ had gotten so big and he was very smart.

  Lee hadn’t heard a word from Rachael in months. So it was a surprise to us when she called asking to see LJ. I thought maybe the mother in her was finally waking up with his birthday coming up.

  Lee didn’t care what her reason was. He didn’t want to be bothered with her. He decided to meet her in the park with Esther and me along with him. I wanted no parts of it.

  I had no intentions of going. The only reason I changed my mind was the look on his face when it was time to leave to meet her. I wasn’t going to let him drive LJ around looking like that.

  The whole ride over he cursed and grumbling under his breath. I tried to distract him by lightening his mood, but it wasn’t working. I’m a little relieved we are finally at the park. However, now Lee’s shouting for me to get out of the car with him.

  “Crystal, you’re coming with me,” he growled.

  “No, Lee, I’m not.”

  “Crystal, get out of the car,” he hissed as he opened his door to get out.


  I watched him storm around to my side. Esther had already climbed out with LJ. Lee ripped the door open, the look on his face told me I better go with him to keep him from killing Rachael. I stepped out of the car and he slammed the door shut behind me.

  Lee took LJ from Esther, heading toward the location where he agreed to meet Rachael. When we got closer to the benches, I noticed her seated on one. She turned to see us coming toward her at the same time. Racheal stood up and I thought my head was going to explode.

  This selfish heifer went and got herself pregnant again!

  She didn’t want to take care of the one she had and she went and trapped some fool into getting her pregnant again. I wanted to kick her ass. I’ve been wanting to for a while, but I really wanted to whip her tail now.

  Lee looked down at me, his face tightening even more. He kissed LJ’s forehead as he narrowed his eyes at her. When we got to her, she looked me over, then looked at Lee. Her face had the nerve to be pinched like she smelled shit.

  “Lee, you got so big. Let me see you,” she called to LJ.

  He didn’t even look her way. He clung to Lee with his head on his father’s shoulder. I wanted to tell her his name was LJ, that’s why he wasn’t answering her.

  “Lee, honey,” she said in this phony voice, as she rubbed his back. “Come to mommy.”

  LJ lifted his head and looked at me. He turned a little to look in her direction, then looked back at me again. I knew he was trying to figure out what she was talking about. I was the only mommy he had known for months.

  “Honey, you’re not going to come to mommy?” she tried again.

  This time LJ leaned to reach for me. I reached to pull him from Lee’s arms before he tried to jump from them. He placed his head on my shoulder, staring at a pissed Rachael. I rubbed his back, unintentionally drawing Rachael’s attention.