That's Not My Baby

by Erosa Knowles

  Charlene sniffed and nodded.

  “Stay here with her, I don’t want her alone anyway. I’m preparing a place to take her when we move her from here.” He patted Charlene’s shoulder. “This won’t happen again, I promise you that.”

  “Never forget…”

  “Never forgive,” Charlene finished sounding stronger.

  “That’s right, not on our shift.” Hands clasped behind his back, Max stepped to the side to allow Charlene a moment to pull it together.

  A half hour later, a nurse walked over to them. “You can come back now.”

  Since she didn’t say who couldn’t, all three walked to the back and stepped into the small curtained area. Max waved Charlene to the only chair. He and Brock would be leaving soon to start tracking the bastard.

  White gauze surrounded her head. Wires were connected all over her body, including her stomach. His gut churned at the sight of the bruises on her face, arms and shoulder. They’d worked her over, bastards.

  “Adele.” He called her name, not expecting a response, but he couldn’t leave without letting her know he was here for her. Without thinking, he placed his palm on top of her hand for a few seconds. “You’re not alone. I promise this will never happen again, you’ll have your baby in safety. We’ve got your six on this.”

  “Right,” Brock said from next to him.

  “We’ve got you,” Charlene said from the other side of the bed touching Adele’s arm.

  Max waited a few seconds and then stepped back. “Got everything you need?” he looked at Charlene who met his gaze slowly.

  “Yeah, Mark’s coming after closing. He’s bringing me a few things. Go. We’ve got this.”

  With one last look at the bruised and battered wife of his brother, sick of heart, Max left the room.

  Chapter 5.

  “Your ten o’clock is here,” Gayle said stepping into the room and closing the door behind her. Dressed in a burgundy A-line dress, she leaned against the door and toed off a four inch heel. Tamara glanced at the action and smiled. She and her paralegal had several fashion versus function discussions since Gayle and her long term boyfriend broke up. Gayle believed her previous style of dress had something to do with her former lover leaving. Tamara wasn’t so sure.

  “Mrs. Wilson and her fine ass brother-in-law, Bernard are out front. One question… if the brother looks this good, what does her husband look like?”

  Tamara shook her head. Gayle wouldn’t be Gayle if she didn’t offer her opinions. “What difference does it make, he’s taken. Why not talk to this one.”

  Gayle’s lip’s puckered as she slid her shoe back on and crossed her arms. “I might do that after you get the dibs on him. For all we know he might be batting for the other team.”

  Tamara laughed.

  “How’re things going with Operation-Make-Kevin-Love-Me?” Gayle asked moving closer.

  Glad for the change of topic, Tamara slid papers into a file and looked at her long time employee. Gayle had been with her since the day she opened her first company and continued to be a solid confidante and friend. “Slow. Some days it seems like I’m making progress and then…” she shrugged. “Max wants us to spend more time together, which means me spending more time over there, but I don’t want to rush things. Kevin hasn’t had time to deal with his mama being gone.”

  “I thought Terri took him to the grave site and Max was pissed.”

  “Yeah, Terri is a real gem. Kevin acts different after he spends time with her.”

  Gayle sat on the edge of the desk and picked up a letter opener. “Did you tell Max?”

  “What?” She looked at Gayle wondering where this was headed.

  “Did you tell him how his son acts after leaving Terri, the witch? She doesn’t want Max to move on. Who knows what she’s telling Kevin, could be all sorts of things that’ll confuse him, make him feel like it’s wrong to like you since his mom died.”

  Tamara hadn’t thought about that. “After what he went through that’d be awful. I hope you’re wrong because Max would hurt her if she’s messing with Kevin’s mind like that.” Tamara would be up in her face as well.

  “It’d explain why he acts different after being with her.” Gayle stood and replaced the letter opener. “That bitch is telling him something. Something that’s confusing him. I’m surprised he hasn’t said anything to Max, most kids that age can’t hold water.”

  “He doesn’t act differently with Max… just me.” Tamara thought of the last time she had been with Kevin after Terri. The child barely spoke to her. It had taken them watching cartoons to break the ice. After that, he had been his loving self, holding her hand, asking her questions, sitting next to her on the sofa, even falling asleep in her lap. He was such a sweet kid, so easy to love and she couldn’t help but wish he was hers.“Talk to Max, tell him.”

  “Can’t not right now, he’s got a lot on his plate. I told you what happened to Adele, no one should go through anything like that, and she’s pregnant. He’s helping her get through this, and making sure it doesn’t happen again.”

  “That’s all well and good, he gets points for helping a friend, but he’d want to know what’s happening in his house. You should tell him.”

  Tamara threw up her hands. “Tell him what? That Terri wants to be more than a distant relative? He knows that. That Terri uses her position as Kevin’s aunt to spend time at their home? He knows that too. He knows she doesn’t think he and I should live together, or that Kevin should accept me as the new woman in his life. She told him that, but he still allows his son to go to her house and spend time.” Tamara grabbed the files from her desk and stood. Her tailored navy trousers, cream and navy short sleeve blouse, wore well for long days like today. She grabbed the matching jacket, turned to check her appearance in the mirror and pushed her hair behind her ear. The bobbed style was easy to maintain and highlighted her large eyes and full lips, her best feature in her opinion.

  “But…”

  “No but’s, Gayle. Max knows she’s doing this shit and hasn’t stopped it. So no, I’m not going to tell him anything. But I’m not going to be pushed into anything either. Max wants us to be a family, okay. I want that too, but he’s got to see what Terri’s doing and how it’s damaging what he wants. If he can’t see that, I’m not moving forward with this. You know I love him and Kevin, but I’m not going through any more BS with Carin’s family.” She freshened her lipstick, slid into her three inch leather pumps and headed for the door.

  “They’re in the conference room. I set up the laptop for you, it’s ready,” Gayle said coming up behind her.

  “Appreciate it, thanks.” She stepped through the door and headed down the hall. A few of her agents smiled and nodded as she passed. Business was good. Listings had doubled in the past month and closings occurred weekly. Professionally, her life was back on track. Her personal life needed extra work.

  “Hello, I’m Tamara Gibbs, it’s nice to meet you,” she said extending her free hand to the beautiful, well-groomed woman seated at the table with diamonds dripping from her ears and neck. The large rock on her finger wasn’t bad either.

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Vi and this is Bernard, my brother-in-law. Chip thought it’d be good to have him sit in and offer any assistance, I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Chip?”

  “My husband, Charles. We call him Chip.”

  Tamara smiled as she shook Bernard’s hand. “No problem at all, nice to meet you Bernard.”

  “Same here. My brother’s returned to his post and won’t be here for a couple weeks. He wanted to get started and have a closing in the works by then.” He held her hand longer than necessary and smiled.

  “Yes, that’s my goal as well,” Tamara said watching the two and removing her hand. “Based on our conversation, security and location were your top priorities, have those changed?”

  “No. A gated community works best for me and it needs to be close to base for Chip.”

 
“Good schools are important,” Bernard said.

  Tamara’s brow rose, she noticed the tightening of Vi’s full lips and wondered at her origins. Her high cheekbones and dark, dusky complexion marked her as other. Latino perhaps, with some Indian or Greek?

  “Schools?” Tamara asked her client.

  “We may start a family soon, so schools play a small part, but aren’t as important as the others. Do you have anything to show me?” She leaned forward with her arms resting on the table while watching Tamara.

  “Yes, I do.” She took a seat, pulled the laptop closer and pulled up the homes she planned to display from the local MLS. “Based on our conversation, I believe these homes meet your needs.” Tamara went through her marketing spiel, explaining the pros and cons of each house, while answering questions. Bernard had as many questions as his sister-in-law and Tamara tamped down her irritation at his constant interruptions.

  When she finished her presentation, she had a better idea what Viola wanted and had a particular house in mind to show her.

  “When can we look at the homes and tour the neighborhoods?” Bernard asked.

  Tamara pulled a contract from her file and slid it across to Viola. “This is the Buyer’s contract we discussed over the phone. It says I represent you in finding a home and everything I will do on your behalf, as well as what’s expected of you.”

  Viola nodded, picked up the pen as if to sign when Bernard stopped her.

  “Let me read through it.”

  “I believe I have the perfect place for you, Vi. It’s a new listing, just got the contract this morning. The place is vacant and we can take a look at it as soon as you’d like.” Tamara could see Viola in the Tompkins place. The large estate home was an architectural masterpiece and priced below market for a quick sell.

  “Really, tell me about it,” Viola said eager to move forward.

  “The home’s three years old, in a gated community, almost four thousand square feet, six bedrooms, six full and two half baths, formals, chef kitchen, lots of space for entertaining inside, plus an in-ground pool with covered patio outside. There’s a built in kitchen outside for cooking and lots of room for family and friends.” Tamara spoke with just the right amount of enthusiasm, while Bernard continued to read the contract. History had taught Tamara to secure a contract for services provided for everyone, buyers and/or sellers, otherwise people would waste your time, gas and resources and then buy from someone else. Despite her beliefs that this home was indeed perfect for the Wilsons, company policy required she secure the buyer’s contract.

  “It sounds great, when can we see it?” Viola asked.

  “We can go as soon as we finish here,” Tamara said looking at Bernard.

  “Buyer’s agreement, necessary in North Carolina.” He slid the papers to Viola and nodded. She signed and handed them to Tamara, who added her signature.

  “During our previous conversation, I suggested you set aside a few hours today to look at a few homes, were you able to do that?” Tamara glanced at all the pages, and made sure they were correct and placed them in the file to give to Gayle for further processing.

  “Yes. My day is cleared and all yours,” Viola stood smiling. “I’m so excited, North Carolina is such a great place to live and Bragg is one of my favorite posts. We’re going to have so much fun.”

  Viola’s infectious laughter filled the room. Tamara smiled as she stood gathering her things. “I’m happy you’re returning, how long has it been since you’ve lived here?”

  “Ten years? Eight? I can’t be sure, but it’s been a while. Bernard you moved here when?” Viola looked at him.

  “Five years in Durham. I came after you guys left.” He stood, reminding Tamara of Jace, one of the men from Reclamation. The two men stood less than six feet with blondish hair, angular faces and a slender muscular frame. Bernard’s wire rim glasses and low cut beard added a layer of sexy nerd appeal. He stared at her for a few moments and then winked.

  She smiled. “Let’s get started, there are a few homes I’d like you to get a feel for and then we’ll take it from there.” Tamara exited the conference room, handed Gayle the file, grabbed her electronic tablet and escorted her clients out the office.

  Once inside her car, she read a text from Gayle. “Watch out, Mr. Sexy watched your ass the whole time, I think he likes you…”

  Chapter 6.

  Tamara walked into the office and threw down her keys. The showing took longer than she planned and everyone in the office had left. Viola Wilson was a smart woman who knew how to get the most out of everyone.

  After Tamara explained she wouldn’t remove the listing from inventory and that anyone could buy the property, Viola became testy. When Tamara wouldn’t budge on that stand, Viola claimed she needed to discuss it with her husband and would contact her in the morning. Tamara didn’t care, she just wanted them both gone. Viola’s diva routine grew old within minutes of arriving at the first property. Bernard pointed out all the positive aspects of each property only to be all but told to shut up, which he eventually did.

  Gayle had been right, the man paid too much attention to her ass. He never said anything inappropriate, but he watched her the whole time with a hungry look. When she mentioned Max twice and made it clear she was happily off the market he nodded as though he got the message. Her phone rang.

  Smiling at the caller ID, she answered and took a seat on the sofa in her office. “Hellooo sexy man.”

  “I’m glad you think that, sexy lady. Working late tonight?” Max’s deep voice sent tingles down her spine.

  “Ran over time with your referral.”

  “Viola?”

  “Yeah, she couldn’t make up her mind so we took a little longer than I planned.”

  “She buy something?”

  “No, says she has to talk to her husband.”

  “He’s in the field and can’t talk to anybody right now. Don’t let her string you along, Chip will let her buy anything she wants. The woman’s been doing this kind of set-up for a long time. She’ll hold out to get the price down, don’t let her mess you over.”

  “I won’t. Gayle uploaded the house to the MLS today and according to her, several people signed onto CSS to check it out.”

  “CSS?”

  “A company we use for scheduling house viewings so agents don’t bump into other agents at the same property. The price for this place is reduced and it’s loaded, Mrs. Wilson should’ve put a contract on it today, tomorrow might be too late.”

  Max whistled. “It’s that good? Should Brock look at it?”

  “Not unless he plans on entertaining a lot, it’s close to four thousand square feet. I thought it was smaller until we got there. It’s–”

  “Sounds great. I want to see you. I need to taste my baby. Seems like you never have time for me anymore. Are you going to be there much longer? Can we meet at your place?”

  “Where’s–”

  “Kevin’s with Beth, she wanted to spend some time with him. Wanted him to get to know Mitch since they’re living together and talking about getting married.”

  “Beth? Married?” Kevin’s grandmother had claimed she didn’t believe in the institution and had never said “I do” in spite of having two kids.

  “Seems they’re talking about it. I’m on my way to your place, we have a few hours before I pick him up, sounds like a plan?” His voice dropped an octave.

  Body throbbing from the promise in his tone Tamara stood, grabbed her purse and picked up her keys. “An hour or two alone with you? Hell yeah, that’s a great plan. I’m on my way, see you there.”

  He chuckled and disconnected.

  Mentally she checked off everything to lock down the office in record speed. She’d made it to her car in less than five minutes when another car pulled in behind her.

  Bernard stepped out the car and strolled toward her. “Hi,” he said smiling.

  Inwardly she groaned and prayed her professional smile remained in place while s
he clamped down her frustration at the delay.

  “Hi Bernard, I’m on my way out, did you need something?” She glanced in the back seat of her car where he’d sat during the tour of properties earlier and didn’t see anything.

  “No. I wanted to see if you’d have dinner with me.”

  That surprised her, she hesitated before saying no. “Is this business, Bernard?” During the tour Viola mentioned Bernard was the head counsel of a large legal firm that had been in business for years. If the company wanted to use her firm’s services for relocations, that would be great.

  “It could be.” His intense gaze never faltered.

  “In that case no. I mentioned earlier I have a man in my personal life who means the world to me.”

  “The world, huh? I’d like a chance to offer you the world, Tamara. You’re beautiful, smart and I loved the way you handled Viola. I’ve been searching for a woman like you for a long time.”

  What made him think she’d be open to that type offer? Granted, she didn’t wear a ring, but her commitment to Max was just as solid.

  Treading carefully, Tamara smiled. Why did men pay you attention when you were in a relationship? “That’s sweet, but I’m in a monogamous relationship, we don’t date other people.” She added in case he planned to say more.

  After holding her gaze a few seconds longer, he smiled and she couldn’t help but return it. The man was handsome in a nerdy, sophisticated, way. Not soft, by any means. His eyes held a hint of dark mystery that teased her for a second until common sense and her heart, which belonged to Max, resurfaced.

  “I understand. But you should know this. Rarely do I meet a woman like you, who’s loyal, understands monogamy and morals. You are a prize, Tamara and I hope your man sees and treats you as such.” His voice held a touch of awe or something close to it.

  Touched, Tamara smiled, thinking of Max. “He does. I wouldn’t be with him if he didn’t.”

  Bernard nodded and stepped back. “Good. I’m not going to wish you the best with him that would be lying. But I do thank you for restoring my faith in women. You’re as rare as a twenty-five year old virgin.”