by D. A. Young
Ummm, yeah, like heaven.
“What?! No!” Annabelle elbowed him when she saw him smiling. “Hah, hah, funny guy. Don’t act like you don’t know that you have a million women trying to beat down your door.”
“Well if they are, they won’t find me, because I’m on the other side of the world, chasing after just one. This is something I’ve never done before, and I’m just as surprised as you are,” Graham said with such seriousness that Annabelle pressed her lips together to prevent the smile from taking over her face before he could see it. She failed miserably, and her joyful unguarded reaction along with Rory singing from her perch on his shoulders made Graham feel invincible.
“Mr. Carlton, why are you still here? I’ve made it crystal clear that I’m not going back with you for obvious reasons,” Annabelle glanced up at Rory meaningfully, “yet you didn’t leave. Is it because you still think that something is going to pop off between us?”
Instead of answering her, Graham lightly squeezed Rory’s big toe, “How are you doing up there, babygirl?”
“I’m still high!” Graham chuckled and Annabelle squeezed his hand tightly. She tried to give him the stink eye but failed miserably. How could she be mad at him when he made her baby happy? “Mummy, I can see the house!”
“We’re almost there, Rory. When we get home, it’s straight to the bathtub. Don’t worry; I picked up your new tutu on the way home today. It’s already in your closet.”
“Hey, Mummy, I got a joke for you! What do you call a pig that does karate?”
“Hmmm, let me think about it baby.” Annabelle made a big show of appearing to concentrate before answering an impatient Rory. “A pork chop, lovey.”
“Good job, Mummy!”
“She tells that joke every Friday,” Annabelle confessed under her breath to Graham, and they shared a grin.
His thumb brushed the inside of her wrist, making her heart gallop. “That’s what I’m talking about. Your fears as a parent are natural, but they’re in vain, Annabelle. It couldn’t have been easy to have a baby by yourself with no support system or family and friends to lend a hand. You’re raising a great kid. She’s happy, safe, and well-adjusted, enjoying her childhood. Any fears and anxieties you might have aren’t projected on her. You were graced for motherhood. Trust me on this; babygirl hit the mom lotto for real.”
Tears formed at his acknowledgement that she was doing ok. Annabelle had felt completely lost and overwhelmed with a newborn. She couldn’t trust anyone, and she was a zombie the first eight months after giving birth until the baby finally slept through the night. So many times she wanted to pick up the phone and call Auntie Cee for advice, but the fear of being discovered was too great. Graham’s reaffirming praise was making it hard for Annabelle to resist him, crumbling defenses that hadn’t been firmly set against him in the first place. “I’m still waiting for an answer to my question.”
“Ask me to dinner and you’ll find out.”
“What?! Why do I have to ask you?!” Annabelle shrieked. “You should be asking me to dinner?! And what makes you think I want to go anywhere with you?”
“Because if you ask me, then I’ll know you’re ready to stop frontin’ and we can get down to the serious business of our relationship. No more hiding behind bedroom curtains, and you can explore me up close at your own leisure,” Graham said superiorly. “Now, close your mouth before you swallow a bug, and remember there’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’m not mad at you for looking. Hell, I get it,” his smile full was full of arrogance, “but I’m gonna have to start charging you soon because there’s a difference between looking and staring with your tongue rolled out to your feet, slobbering everywhere.”
“You’re insane and in need Jesus to lay his hands on you ASAP.” Face flaming with embarrassed horror at being outed as a Peeping Tom, Annabelle tried to yank her hand back, but he held fast. “And we don’t have a relationship!”
“Because you keep c-blockin’ me,” Graham growled, keeping it PG for Rory’s benefit. He drew Annabelle into him, holding on tightly to Rory as he whispered that into her ear, allowing her tantalizing fragrance to envelop him. Notes of vanilla, coconut, amber, and sandalwood dared him to discover if the scent was everywhere on her body. Graham bit her earlobe gently, and Annabelle’s whimper shot straight to his groin, drawing forth an erection that made it painfully hard for him to get his point across. His tongue traced the shell of her ear lightly, and Annabelle’s short nails clawed into his hand.
“Now I’m trying to be a fucking gentleman and give you time to adjust to the idea, but gone ahead and sleep on me if you want to. I promise you won’t have any one but yourself to blame if you’re face down, ass up, minus the romantic aspect of a courtship. Give in. It’s happening, Doc. Don’t say you weren’t warned.”
The darkly seductive laugh that accompanied his vow traveled directly to her slick, aching core. Annabelle swore she could feel that laugh and his breath caressing her throbbing, needy sex. Graham’s cool confidence screamed that not only would he get you to divulge your most indecently decadent fantasies, but that he could also surpass them.
Must be strong! Stand your ground, Annabelle pleaded to herself.
She opened her mouth to rip him a new one, but a different set of words tumbled out before Annabelle could stop them. “Mr. Carlton, would you like to have dinner with me tonight after the recital?”
Graham raised their joined hands and kissed each of her fingers. “Doc, I thought you’d never ask.”
Chapter Eleven
“How do I look?” Annabelle twirled around for Edith’s inspection. When her question was met with silence, she tugged at her turtleneck collar impatiently. “Please say something!”
From where she sat cross-legged on Annabelle’s bed, Edith coughed delicately. “Dear, I don’t mean to pry, but exactly what kind of message are you trying to send to this man? That you’re allergic to dick and sell encyclopedias for fun?”
Annabelle picked up a throw pillow from her lounge chair and hurled it at Edith, who fell back on the bed with a laugh as she nimbly caught it. Smoothing her dress in place, Annabelle defensively challenged, “What’s wrong with my outfit? It happens to be one of my favorites!”
“Get real, Annabelle! Mummies are wrapped in less than what you have on.” Edith tossed the pillow aside. “Pardon my French, but for fuck’s sake, who wears a long-sleeved, knee-length turtleneck dress with knee high boots during the summertime?! I thought you were going out with Graham because you liked him, not to repel him. What’s the problem?”
Annabelle flopped down on the chaise and removed her boots. “I really do like Graham. He’s funny, kind, and sexy as all get out, but most importantly, he’s good with Rory. He’s also the first man in her life. I’m extremely nervous about having a relationship of any sort for Rory’s sake. What happens if things don’t work out? She likes him so much and is already so attached,” she shrugged helplessly. “I don’t want either of us to get hurt but especially my daughter.”
Edith rose from the bed and went to sit next to the brave woman that she’d come to love and admire so much. She could still remember their relationship before that terrible night and how awful she’d been to Annabelle in trying to discourage her relationship with Davis. The thinly veiled contempt and standoffish behavior she’d displayed in the hopes that the girl would turn tail and run in the opposite direction.
***
“You have a lovely home, Mrs. Fowler,” Annabelle declared politely as Edith escorted her to the sitting room.
Edith deliberately didn’t acknowledge the compliment as she gestured to the settee and sat down in an antique wing chair across from her. “Sit down, Ms. Gaines. Please excuse the tardiness of my husband and son. They went hunting this afternoon and should be joining us shortly. In the meantime, I’d like for you to tell me more about yourself.”
Clasping her knees nervously, Annabelle complied. “I’m the only child of Samantha and Thomas Gaines. My p
arents own the Stop ‘N’ Go convenience store outside of town. I plan to become a veterinarian and work at the animal hospital after graduating college. My dream is to open up an animal clinic so that the rural farms have closer access to medical care.”
Edith eyed her khaki pants, pink polo, and blue and white argyle sweater with open disdain. Self-consciously, Annabelle smoothed her sweater and silently compared her style to Edith’s understated elegance— a simple, sleeveless black sheath, flesh-toned pantyhose, black pumps, and a simple strand of freshwater pearls around her neck and wrist, along with the matching earrings. Her hair was cut in a pageboy style that flattered her elegant features.
“Who will care for your family while you’re off playing with animals? A woman’s place is with her family or do you plan to abandon them and put your career first?” Edith fired off the questions with a frigid smile.
Annabelle drew herself up, indignation stamped all over her face. “Excuse me, but why should a woman have to choose between having a career or raising a family? Why can’t she have both? It is possible in this day and age. Women are the future, Mrs. Fowler. I’m surprised that you have objections to such a concept.”
“Are you?” Edith leaned forward in her chair. “Tell me, Ms. Gaines, is that ‘concept’ working out well for your mother? Because from where I’m sitting, it doesn’t appear to be. Maybe if she devoted more time to you instead of that convenience store, you’d have a better sense of style and manners.” With a look of pity, Edith sat back, relaxed now that she’d accomplished her mission in getting Annabelle riled up.
“I understand your attraction to my son, but I have to be honest with you, Ms. Gaines. You’re wasting your time. There are certain qualifications required for candidates aspiring to be a Fowler spouse that should already be in place. Looks, poise, style, and charm, none of which you have. After the marriage, wives are expected to bear children and devote time to their upbringing. You will also be expected to dedicate time to charities, which it doesn’t sound like you’ll have a lot of if you’re off chasing animals. Ms. Gaines, you are severely flawed in every way for my son. Do I need to elaborate on your obvious lack of lineage as well?”
Fists curled and ready to fight at this evil woman’s cruel and belittling words, Annabelle wanted to retaliate, but the words would not come as the insecurities crept in.
Don’t take that from me! Run my dear, Edith thought to herself. Hope was building that the girl would tell her to go to hell and leave. She could see it in Annabelle’s eyes. Perhaps she needed a little more incentive?
“Ms. Gaines, these words may seem cruel and unfair, but I’m honestly trying to spare you the humiliation when you realize that my son is just being a man. Davis will put up with your inadequacies to get one thing because that’s the only thing girls with your figures are built for. Cut your losses now.”
She would go now, Edith thought with relief. She’d sufficiently scared the girl off.
Except Edith had made a grievous mistake and underestimated Annabelle’s stubbornness as well as the lengths Brenton would scheme to ensure the young woman belonged to their son.
***
“I wasn’t that close to the Banks family for obvious reasons, but Graham’s mother is a drug addict. She returned once to Baymoor and caused quite a stir by being high and propositioning men left and right, embarrassing her family something awful. Thankfully, Georgie was already in Nate and Valerie’s custody by then. If those siblings had to deal with that daily, then it’s a miracle that they didn’t turn out like their parents.
Graham Carlton is not a soft man. He has flaws but they’re balanced out by his fairness. He would never have come into your life if his intentions were less than honorable, Annabelle. You will always know where you stand with a man like him. Graham would never have expressed an interest in you, and pursued it, if he wasn’t serious about the both of you.”
Edith hugged Annabelle to her. “I despise myself for not being brave enough to warn you off outright or not smart enough to realize the treachery that was already in motion. Forgive me if you feel manipulated by my bringing him here. This is not my choice to make but yours. I won’t fight you if you say no to him, but I think you could be missing out on something special if you don’t take a chance."
The bedroom door opened, and Rory stood in the doorway with her tutu covering her head. “A little help, please! I’m stuck in here!”
Annabelle rose but Edith stopped her. “I’ll go while you finish getting ready. You look lovely in this dress. Don’t change. For anybody.”
She reached her granddaughter and removed the tutu. “Come along, Rory. Let’s get you ready so that you can wow us with those dance moves!”
“I’m a star, Gigi! Look at me!” The little girl twirled away from the doorway.
“The brightest, my girl.” Edith winked at Annabelle. “You get it from your mama.”
***
“You clean up well,” Edith appraised Graham’s navy and white paisley dress shirt he wore with a navy suit paired with cognac leather loafers and a matching leather belt. “Trying to impress a certain veterinarian, are you?”
“If I thought she was the kind of woman who was only impressed by that sort of thing, I’d wear a tux or just my birthday suit every day,” Graham murmured. “Except around Rory, of course.”
“Absolutely incorrigible, you scamp,” Edith winked at him. “Don’t ever stop being you, Graham Carlton. You keep her on her toes, and she likes it whether she admits it or not. You’re good for her.”
Footsteps descending the staircase drew their attention. They turned to see Annabelle holding Rory’s hand as they carefully descended.
Life was all about change and consistency. Graham was wise enough to recognize a game-changer when it fell in his lap. He’d spent most of his life traveling the world, chasing adventures until he got to Baymoor and discovered Annabelle Gaines. He realized that his biggest adventure of all would be the one that he took with this courageous woman and her adorable daughter by his side if they’d have him.
Annabelle had changed into an orange, blue, white, and red Ankara print knee-length, wraparound dress with elbow-length, layered ruffled sleeves that clung to her ripe, voluptuous body. She paired it with strappy red high-heeled sandals, and the bright colors of her outfit complimented her beautiful skin tone while the V-neck teased a glimpse of the blessed abundance underneath. Half of her braids were pinned in a bun on top of her head while the rest hung down her back. Those lips that tempted him were glossed with some bronze shimmery stuff that he wanted to lick clean. Delicate gold hoop earrings and bangles completed her regal look.
She was magnificent and words failed Graham who found it hard to look away from her. Not that he would ever want to.
Annabelle was busy doing some staring of her own. Dayumn Zaddy. Was there anything Graham Carlton didn’t look good in? Suits were created to be worn by this man, which he did so stylishly and effortlessly. The slim cut fit him exceptionally well, accentuating his broad shoulders and height. She loved the dark blue and white against his bronze complexion. His bald head was freshly shaved and goatee sharply lined, and Annabelle knew he’d smell good as hell once she got up on him, which she planned to do.
“Mr. Ram, how do I look?” Rory’s grin was infectious as she reached the bottom of the stairs and let go of Annabelle’s hand to twirl around on her tiptoes, causing her pink tutu that matched her leotard and tights to fan out. Her hair was pulled into a bun with her baby hairs laid and silver tiara sparkling under the foyer lights as she danced.
“Like a million bucks, babygirl. Can I have your autograph, superstar? Can you sign your name for me?” Graham held out his arms and she ran into them and he hugged her. “Make sure to save me a dance if you’re not too busy, please.”
“But I can’t write my name yet!” Her forehead was furrowed with concentration while she tapped her lips with her index finger thoughtfully before her expression brightened. “I know! I’ll g
ive you a sticker instead! One of my dinosaur ones, and tomorrow we’ll draw a picture together! Deal?”
“I like the way you think. Now let’s get out of here so you can get to your recital on time.”
“Why don’t I take Rory to the car?” Edith suggested with wide-eyed innocence. “That way, you and Annabelle can lock up?”
“Thank you.” Graham handed her the keys to his rental car without looking away from Annabelle who smiled provocatively at him. “This could take a minute.”
“Or five,” Annabelle countered huskily, lashes fluttering at him.
“Definitely five.” Graham’s gaze was hooded as he smoothly agreed.
“What have I created?” Edith wondered aloud before leaving with Rory.
“C’mere, Doc,” Graham ordered roughly. It was growled with such gritty need and desire that Annabelle could only obey.
The extra ‘oomph’ she put in her hips, caused his eyes to darken with retribution promising to be dangerously addictive while his shameless grin symbolized his enjoyment of her teasing. Annabelle loved being a woman and embraced her femininity, but that hadn’t always been the case. There was a time when she’d starved herself for approval. It wasn’t until she left Baymoor that she’d fallen back in love with the curves God had blessed her with. At times, she’d questioned why she’d been given so much, but now, standing in front of this man who was devouring her with his eyes, Annabelle fully understood the reason.
Edith’s outlook had forced Annabelle to realize that before Graham set foot in Furla, there was the distinct possibility that she might have just been…existing, going through the motions as she focused exclusively on Rory and ignoring herself. His presence stimulated everything around Annabelle — food, her family, perspective, conversation, and her mind, soul, and body.
Graham’s hand nestled in the dip of her back possessively, generating a heat that shot through Annabelle’s body. His fingers brushed the top of her ass, pulling her closer to him and causing her to sharply inhale as she felt the proof that she wasn’t in this alone. “Question for you, Doc. What are you tryna do to me? I’m a child of God and had intentions of turning in for the night with my Bible and the purest of thoughts until your fine ass showed up in this dress.”