“You’re not trying to see how much money you can get me to spend or trying to get me to marry you. You’re different.”
“Yeah, I’m cheap.”
“Don’t get it twisted. I love spoiling my woman, but I do things on my terms.”
“I see. Well, since I’m not interested in being your woman it doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, you are. Quit playing.” She made him want to grind his teeth together. “What woman wouldn’t want a man like me?”
She gave a rude snort. “You’re a’ight and all, but you couldn’t be my man.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because I couldn’t trust you. C’mon, you ball players are all alike. Women falling at your feet. Breaking hearts along the way. I’m too old for that.”
“And what makes you think I don’t feel the same way?”
She sucked in a burst of air and spat, “Because you don’t. I can hear it in your voice.”
“Look, I might not be ready for a commitment, but that doesn’t mean I like running games. I know I won’t be able to play ball forever. Hell, these cracking bones are proof of that. At some point I’ll be ready to settle down, but I gotta learn how to trust women first.”
“Why don’t you trust us?”
“I’ve been through it all. Lies and loads of bullshit. It’s rare when I meet a woman that keeps it one hundred. I guess that’s why I like you so much.”
“Thanks. I can understand that.”
Rance propped another pillow behind his head and wet his lips. “So what color panties you got on?”
She laughed. “Who said I’m wearing panties?”
Chapter 17
“This can’t be happening.”
Debra closed her eyes and tilted her head toward the ceiling while she said a silent prayer. “Please, Lord, no…” she whispered and then took a deep breath before glancing back down at the stick again.
Pregnant.
The plus sign was staring her right smack in the face. She didn’t even dare look over onto the counter where the first two tests were lying, confirming the same positive result.
Pregnant.
Pregnant.
Debra released a heavy sigh and slowly rose from the edge of the tub where she had been sitting. With a shaky hand she reached for the other sticks and carried them down the hall into the kitchen, where she tossed them, one by one, into the trash.
For almost two weeks she had suspected something was going on with her body. At first she thought maybe she had been under the weather, but then when the time for her period had come and gone, she suspected that it might be her worst fear. As long as she could remember, she could calculate her cycle. Then there was the tenderness in her breasts.
Pregnant.
Moving over to the refrigerator she opened it and grabbed a bottle of iced tea. Her eyes traveled briefly over to the bottle of Moscato she had chilling for the weekend.
So much for that idea.
As she took several long swallows of the sweet tea, she tried to figure out exactly how she felt about being pregnant. Happy? Sad? No, neither emotion was fitting. What she felt was downright fear.
Whether or not to keep the baby was not a question. She believed if God had blessed her with a child then who was she to question his decision? Even if she wasn’t married. What she was most frightened about was being a single mom.
Her mother had been a lousy parent, spending more time chasing men than raising her two daughters. The only real parent she had ever had was Nana, but she was so slow and feeble by the time they’d gone to live with her that she’d never had the opportunity to nurture the girls the way Debra knew her grandmother would have liked. Ever since Nana had passed away, Debra had been practically raising her sister. Keeping up with a teenager had been hard work, but together they hadn’t done half bad. Harmony had always been a good student and had managed to snag a full-ride scholarship to the University of Florida in Gainesville.
What was scary was that she knew absolutely nothing about diapers and formula, and with the bakery moving she was going to have to find daycare. Debra groaned as she thought about the nightmare Bianca had gone through trying to find the perfect person before finally settling on a nanny. Of course she didn’t have money like her best friend, so her options were going to be limited.
There were so many things that frightened her about being a mom! But one thing was for sure. Failure was not an option. She was going to do whatever it took to make sure her child never doubted her love.
Debra took another drink, allowing the cool liquid to slide down her throat and settle her nervous stomach. As she moved into the pantry for a box of Cheerios, she allowed herself to think about Rance.
Just the thought of telling him she was pregnant made her belly quiver with uneasiness. She wasn’t sure how she was going to break the news. After she’d told him she was on the pill, they had stopped using condoms, something Debra never believed in. She’d always practiced safe sex, even with Sony. However, when it had come to Rance she seemed to have lost her head and done things she’d never thought imaginable. With him she could let go of her inhibitions and enjoy everything he’d had to offer. He brought out a sensual side of her that she hadn’t even known existed. He made her want to participate.
And you see where that got you.
She was sitting at the table, munching her third bowl of cereal and thinking about her baby’s daddy. There was a tightening at her chest.
Her child had been created with love. Maybe Rance didn’t feel the same way, but she knew with all her heart she loved him, and for that she couldn’t imagine having a child by any other man.
While she ate, her mind wandered and she found herself fantasizing about a life with Rance and their child. If he loved her, everything in her life would be perfect. Debra frowned at the ridiculous thought. Rance didn’t believe in commitment, and the last thing she would ever do was try to trap him with a child.
Suddenly losing her appetite, Debra carried the bowl over to the sink and tossed the contents down the garbage disposal. Rance had a right to know about his unborn child, but she was going to do things on her terms.
As she moved back to her bedroom she had a strong feeling that the conversation wasn’t going to go well. Not well at all.
*
Debra was in the kitchen baking German Chocolate cupcakes when Blake informed her she had a phone call. She wiped her hands on a clean towel and walked over to her office.
“DebbieCakes, how may I help you?”
“I’ve been calling you all morning,” Bianca said by way of greeting.
“Good afternoon to you, too.”
“Why aren’t you answering your cell phone?”
“Because I’m working.” And trying to avoid Rance’s calls. Debra knew she was being ridiculous, but she was afraid he might discover the truth over the phone. “You know you can always reach me hiding in my cave.”
“Is it still that bad?”
Someone must have spotted Rance coming out of the bakery holding her hand because the Sheraton Beach rumor mill had started. She sighed. That was one of the worst things about living in a small town. Everybody was in your business. Several lifelong residents had dropped by the bakery, asking questions and winking, and giving her weird looks. She and the NBA star were the talk of the town.
“It’s not quite as bad,” Debra lied. She couldn’t bear to imagine what the town would say if they discovered she was pregnant. The tongues would really be wagging.
“Well, don’t let all those nosy people get to you. They’re just jealous.”
“I’ve gotten used to it,” Debra answered. She couldn’t avoid the town forever. Once signs of her pregnancy started to show, she’d just have to learn to hold her head hide and ignore the finger pointing. Hopefully by then another juicy scandal would have rocked Sheraton Beach.
“What are you doing this evening?”
She reached over for her cell phone and noticed she had s
everal missed calls. It was the two from Rance that had her heart banging beneath her breasts. “Like any Saturday night, nothing except watching television. Why?”
“Then come on over. London is barbecuing and my brothers are coming over. They’re having a cook-off and we need somebody else to judge the ribs. You know how competitive they can get.”
Debra groaned. “Yes, I know how they are.” They laughed. “Sure, I’d love to come sample some ribs.”
“Good, because Brenna, Danica and Sheyna will be here as well, but we need someone who isn’t biased to judge.”
She could only imagine how crazy things would get. But she desperately needed the distraction. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
“Good, I’ll see you after you lock up this evening. Ooh! And bring some cupcakes!”
Laughing, Debra shook her head. “I’ll see what I can do.” She hung up the phone and walked back into the kitchen. “Another two dozen cupcakes, coming right up.”
*
He needed to hear Debra’s voice.
It always vibrated through him, giving him a sudden burst of adrenaline, but he’d been calling her all morning and she hadn’t returned any of his calls.
Rance slammed his fist against his locker, hoping the sting would help clear his mind, but all he managed to do was crack his knuckle.
How in the world had she gotten so deeply into his head? He couldn’t understand the strong need to hear her voice. Experience that infectious laughter and her sista-girl attitude. He was missing everything about Debra, and it was driving him crazy!
You need to snap out of it!
Reaching for his soap, he stormed into the shower, ignoring the speculative glances from the other players. He was here to play ball, and he couldn’t play if he let his emotions in. Especially physical and mental emotions. He had mission. Get his team to the finals. And that required a clear head and the means to think three steps ahead. Which meant no distractions. Especially not from females. He’d learned when he was still a rookie to shut his mind off and stay focused on nothing but the game. Now that he was back on the court, he wasn’t going to let anything or anyone get inside his head.
I shouldn’t have called her.
He had a game this evening. He was on a mission. Thinking about a female was completely unacceptable.
But he couldn’t resist. He wondered what she was doing, what she was wearing, and if she was thinking about him.
He dropped the towel to the floor and stepped under the spray. It took several seconds of hot water beating down on his back before his shoulders finally began to relax. Why now? Why did he have to meet a woman who’d keep him on his toes now, in the mist of the playoffs?
Dammit, why did she have to be so perfect? He’d never had to fight off all these sexual and emotional needs during playoffs before, and he couldn’t say he was liking the experience all that much.
He reached for the soap, lathered a wash cloth and spread it across his body. His traitorous thoughts relived that time he and Debra had made love in the shower.
“Fifteen minutes! Let’s go!”
Rance growled as a coaching assistant moved through the shower and locker room, barking orders. Fifteen minutes until show time.
He needed to stay focused. There was plenty of time to think about Debra later. The biggest question was what did he plan to do about them?
* * *
Debra climbed out of her car and reached for a black box with the pink DebbieCakes logo and sashayed up the long driveway. Bianca’s home was in one of the most prestigious areas of Sheraton Beach.
As she climbed the stone staircase, she admired the spectacular vista with envy. She could only dream of having a house like this. The five thousand-square-foot home boasted eight guest suites, seven baths, and a gourmet kitchen. There were panoramic ocean views from Cape May to Rehoboth Beach, and the mansion boasted porches, balconies and an Olympic-sized pool.
London greeted her at the door, holding a beer. “I’m glad you’re here. C’mon in.”
Debra paused, her brow rose suspiciously. “Why? What’s wrong?”
As he stepped aside for her to enter, he replied, “The brothers are battling over sauce.”
Shaking her head with laughter, she moved inside the foyer. “What else is new?”
“Exactly, so get ready for the noise,” London replied. He signaled for her to follow him across the gleaming bamboo flooring.
Debra was too hungry to turn away now. “Mmmm, well at least I’ll get to eat. I’ve been so busy today I skipped lunch.” She inhaled, enjoying the wonderful mouth-watering smell of ribs coming closer with each step. They walked past the formal living and dining room to a gourmet kitchen that was bigger and more equipped than the one she had in her bakery. The entire room was white, with stainless steel appliances and subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern.
“Where is everybody?”
London pointed out onto the patio. “Out there.”
Nodding, she put the box onto the white and gray granite countertop and sauntered out through the sunroom onto the deck.
“There you are!” Bianca cried the moment she spotted her.
“Sorry, I had a last-minute order to fill.” Debra waved at the other women, Danica, Brenna and Sheyna, all lounging on chairs around the pool.
“Yo, Deb, c’mon over here!” Jaden signaled for her to come over to where the brothers were all standing in front of their own grills.
Men. She shook her head as she walked across the stone pavers to the picnic area.
“Debbie, I wouldn’t do it if I was you,” Bianca warned, and the other women also added their two cents.
“I agree,” Danica replied.
“You’re gonna regret it,” Brenna shook her head.
“Deb, you’ll never hear the end of it,” Sheyna cried.
She smiled over at the beautiful chocolate beauty. Sheyna was married to Jace, the oldest of the Beaumont brothers. She was also an executive at the Beaumont Corporation.
“Don’t pay them any attention,” London replied as he stepped outside carrying a roasting pan. “Unlike those bums, my ribs are already done and have been basting in sauce in the oven for the last two hours.”
“Oh, please,” Jabarie said with a dismissive wave. “Debra, come over here and let me show you what real ribs taste like.”
Jace gave a rude snort and held out a rib. “Don’t pay them no mind. This is what ribs should look like.”
Smiling, she walked toward Jace, amazed to see him dressed comfortably in striped shorts, a t-shirt and flip-flops. Debra took the baby back rib from between the pair of barbecue-size tongs and brought it to her lips. She chewed a long moment before saying, “Not bad.”
Jaden rumbled with laughter, sending his dreadlocks swinging. “You heard her. ‘Not bad.’ That translates to ‘try again!’”
“Whatever,” Jace mumbled. “I know my ribs are the bomb. Right, baby?” he said loud enough for his wife to hear.
“Oh, yes, sweetheart, they are the best!” Sheyna chimed with over-the-top enthusiasm, causing the other women to giggle.
Jaden laughed even louder.
“Nice try,” Jabarie chuckled as he reached over into a cooler and removed a frosty bottle.
“Debra, you might as well get it over with so you can join us over here,” Brenna said as she reached for the pitcher of iced tea. The caramel beauty was married to Jabarie and was the owner of the Cornerstone Bookstore, located right in the center of Main Street.
“I agree,” Danica said between sips.
Debra turned her head in time for Jaden to stick a rib under her nose.
“Go ahead… try it. And tell me that’s not the best.”
Danica looked curiously from Jabarie to London before accepting the rib and taking a bite. As soon as she tasted the sauce, she started fanning her mouth. “Oh, damn, it’s hot!’ she gasped and her eyes watered. There was no way he’d meant to add that much pepper.
Over
her shoulder she heard Danica laughing as she came up behind her and delivered a glass of tea. “I had a feeling you were going to need this.”
Debra barely gave the beautiful woman a glance as she took the glass from her hand and swallowed half its contents.
“I guess that’s your answer,” Jace joked.
Jaden rolled his eyes. “I like it spicy.”
“Yep, but not everyone agrees,” Jabarie muttered, then took a long drink.
Bianca came shuffling over. “Now her mouth’s on fire, how’s she going to finish judging the cook-off?”
“Just give me a moment until my mouth cools,” Debra said, sucking on an ice cube.
“We already know who the winner will be. Me,” London said and pounded his chest.
Jace groaned. “Now who’s full of it? Everybody’s been eating my sauce for years.”
“No, we’ve just didn’t want to hurt your feelings, that’s all,” Jaden shot back as he came around from behind his grill.
“He’s right.” Jabarie added with a smirk. “Mother just didn’t want us to hurt your feelings. Didn’t you get the memo? I was always in the kitchen, adding my spices to the sauce when you weren’t looking.”
Jace managed a short laugh at that. “Whatever, dude.” He put his meat into an aluminum pan. “Debra, we’ll finish this in the kitchen.”
He turned and carried the meat into the house.
Jaden reached for his pan. “I better follow him before he tries to grab a bottle of sauce from the panty and add it to his dry meat.”
“I heard that,” Jace called over his shoulder.
While the men carried the ribs into the house, Debra followed Danica over to the pool and took a seat.
“I warned you it was competitive.”
Debra smiled warmly and took a drink of her tea. Her gaze moved over the four women. “I’ve been around Bianca long enough that I’m used to her brothers.”
Laughing, Bianca shook her head. “They are something else. Especially Jace.”
Sheyna sashayed over. “Yes, he’s the worst. He and I have been competing for years.” There was no missing the love beaming in her eyes. It was amazing how much the two still loved each other after all these years. “We’ve just found other ways to filter that energy.”
Do Me Baby (The Beaumont Series) Page 16