by D. Camille
She was still smiling when Carl returned from the bedroom and called her name.
Joanna turned to him. “Yes?'
His eyes were narrowed when he spoke. “Why was Justin's business card left on the pillow?”
Chapter 11
A month after returning from Atlanta Justin found himself involved in a full-fledged affair with his partner's wife, Carolyn Jackson. He'd always thought Carolyn was a beautiful woman and when Xavier had begun missing in action, Justin made his move. Carolyn had Joanna's fire without all that damn mouth and she never spoke of them having a future.
Justin had not been the type of man who slept with someone else's wife, but in his mind, Xavier had shown him no loyalty during his situation with Joanna. Xavier had known that Carl was seeing Joanna, yet he had not tried to warn him at all. To Justin that betrayal still stung and helped him to have little to no remorse in having sex with Xavier's wife. Yet when he'd found out that the man was dying, he had felt sympathy towards him. So much so that he'd agreed to set up a trust fund for Sean's education at Xavier's request.
With Carolyn being the mother of his son's best friend this was indeed a precarious situation. He had to make sure their affair remained a secret. His son had endured enough scandal with his mother and Justin would not put him through that again. Justin only saw Carolyn at the hotel or at his home when Jordan was away. They didn't date or go out, as this wasn't a relationship.
Justin figured whatever this was with Carolyn would eventually run its course and they both would go back to their respective lives. Although she was a sexy and sweet woman, he wasn't looking for any woman in his life. His focus was on grooming his son who was rapidly growing into a man.
On top of the fact that he was seeing Carolyn, he still had Joanna paying him visits on a regular basis. Justin had to admit that Joanna could still get it anytime she wanted. His attraction to her had never waned even though she was spoiled and selfish. She was the woman who had given him the thing he most cherished in the world and he would always have a spot in his heart for her. No, it wasn't love but it was something that would never die.
Joanna was paying one of her visits when the doorbell rang. Justin slipped into his slacks and a shirt before heading down the stairs. He opened the door to Carolyn and allowed her inside. After a few minutes, Joanna appeared at the top of the stairs. She rushed down to confront Carolyn and the two women had words before Justin intervened telling them to leave because he was now tired of both of them.
Joanna ran back upstairs and after Carolyn departed in anger, Justin joined Joanna. He found her getting dressed in the bedroom and she turned as he entered the room.
“What the hell are you doing Justin?” she screamed. “Carolyn Jackson?”
“It's none of your damn business who I sleep with,” he told her. “You have no right to come here judging me!”
Joanna paused. “Downstairs you said we aren't getting back together. Then what is this Justin?”
Justin folded his arms. “This isn't about taking you back Joanna. We both know that we're attracted to each other and probably always will be. It's simply sex.”
He pinned her with a dark stare. “I want you back like a hole in the head. You're too much damn drama.”
“I thought we were working things out,” she pointed out.
Justin frowned. “What the hell is there to work out? You went and married another man. It's not my fault he can't satisfy you.”
“I want to see my son Justin,” Joanna demanded.
“He doesn't want to see you Joanna,” Justin explained.
Joanna walked up to him. “You've poisoned him against me,” she accused.
“Any poisoning that was done - was done by you and your reckless actions.”
She finished dressing and turned to him. “I hope Xavier finds out what you're doing to him.”
Justin shrugged. “He knew what you and Carl were doing to me so...” He didn't tell her that Xavier already knew and had confronted him about it from his hospital bed.
“You're such a bastard Justin!” Joanna spat.
He nodded. “Yeah, I've heard.” He lifted a brow at her. “Are you leaving now?”
“I won't be back!” she threatened.
He motioned toward the door. “Goodbye Joanna. You know where to find me.” He winked at her and she stomped out of the room and down the stairs.
An hour later, Jordan returned home and received a call from Sean saying his father had died and he needed a ride from the hospital because he had not been able to reach his mother. Justin and Jordan immediately drove to the facility to pick up the distraught boy and take him home.
When they entered the Jackson home, they found Carolyn passed out on the floor. Justin scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the sofa. When she began to come to, Justin took his son and went home.
Inside their home, Jordan turned to his father and threw his arms around him. Justin held him close gently patting his back.
“I'm sorry for Sean, Jordan.” He rubbed his son's back.
“I don't know what I'd do if I lost you,” Jordan choked out.
Justin sighed. “I'll always be here for you son. You are all that matters to me.”
Dark eyes met matching ones. “Thank you Daddy, for never leaving me.”
“I love you Jordan.”
Jordan's dark eyes watered some more. “I love you too Daddy.”
Justin looked at his son. “You need to be strong for Sean. He's going to need you.”
Jordan nodded. “I will. He's my best friend.”
“I know,” Justin said smiling. “You two will probably be together forever.”
Jordan took off to his room and Justin headed to his office. He felt for Carolyn and Sean. Although he'd had his own issues with Xavier, no one could take away that he had been a great father and husband. Justin thought about leaving his own son and his heart froze. Jordan didn't have anyone else in his life to care for him so Justin knew that everything he did from now on had to be in the best interest of his only son.
*********
Two weeks after Xavier's funeral, Carolyn showed up at Justin's door. He had not seen her since the death of her husband. He and Jordan had attended the funeral and visited the house afterward to pay their respects. Jordan and Sean were currently at school and Justin escorted Carolyn into his office. After she'd taken a seat, he sat watching her.
“I'm surprised to see you Carolyn.”
She stared at him with wary eyes. “I need to talk to you Justin.”
He nodded. “Here we are.”
“I'm pregnant.”
Justin sat silently knowing he had not heard her correctly.
“Did you hear me Justin? I'm pregnant.”
He regained himself. “And you're telling me this because...”
Carolyn stood. “Because you're the damn father, that's why!”
Justin stood as well. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“I'm pregnant with your child Justin.”
He shook his head. “That's not possible.”
“Why not?” she asked confused.
He turned dark eyes on her. “You said you weren't having any more kids,” he accused.
“I hadn't planned on it!”
“I thought that meant you had done something about it!” he yelled. “I told you I was never having any more kids. I have my son.”
Carolyn's eyes narrowed. “If you didn't want any more kids Justin, why hadn't you done something about it since you want to sleep around!” she countered.
Justin nodded. “Okay. I'll pay for you to terminate the pregnancy.”
She reared back. “There is no way in hell I'm terminating my baby. You sound crazy.”
He stared at her. “So what the hell are we supposed to do Carolyn? Get married and make Sean and Jordan brothers with our new little bundle? Hell no!”
“I don't want to marry you Justin. In fact, I wish I would never got involved with you.
You ruined my life,” she accused.
“I didn't make you do anything you didn't want to do, so don't try to blame me for this,” Justin told her.
Carolyn folded her arms. “I'm not terminating.”
Justin looked at the firm set of her face. “Then adoption is the only other option. You're not making a spectacle out my family by having an illegitimate baby.”
Carolyn's heart broke at the thought of giving up her baby but how could she explain this to Sean? He was already dealing with the death of his father, finding out that his mother was having an affair with his best friend's father that had resulted in a baby, just might be too much for him to handle.
Justin for his part was stunned. How the hell had this happened? Carolyn was pregnant with his child? He would never bring another child into this home. This was Jordan's home and he would not have to share it. In addition, how could he tell his son that he'd been sleeping with his best friend's married mother? What kind of man would that make him in his son's eyes?
“Adoption?” Carolyn asked.
Justin nodded. “Yes, I can arrange it. I'll make sure to find a good home.”
Carolyn sat back in the chair. “I don't know if I can do that.”
“We have no choice Carolyn.” He told her. “Think about our sons.”
She lifted sad eyes to his. “You'll make sure the baby is taken care of.”
“You have my word.” Justin stood and came to stand before her. “It's the only way Carolyn.”
She placed her face in her hands and he gently rubbed her back.
“The baby will be fine. I won't spare any expense to find the right family.”
Carolyn looked up at him. “I'm trusting you Justin.”
“It'll be fine Carolyn.”
True to his word Justin found the perfect family to adopt the child he'd created with Carolyn, but when she had gone for an ultrasound not one but two babies had been detected. When Justin had informed the adoptive family, they'd indicated that they only wanted one child, a girl.
Justin's network reached far and wide so it didn't take long for him to locate another family for the male child. The prospective family came highly recommended but they were not people he was closely associated with and he did not know much about them personally. However, as Carolyn's due date was rapidly approaching he didn't have time to check further into their background.
When the twins were born, both children were sent to their families where Justin could keep track of their progress. The families were to check in with his lawyer with updates on the children's health and whereabouts. Justin felt secure in the handling of the business around the babies. They had told everyone that Carolyn was gone away on a yearlong cruise when in fact he had sent Carolyn away to a home he owned to complete her pregnancy. This was to prevent any rumors from spreading regarding their families. Justin had also allowed Jordan to spend most nights at Sean's home while his mother was away as a comfort to the boy who now was all alone.
The relationship between Justin and Carolyn was completely severed after the birth of the children. Since Xavier had not been able to leave Carolyn many funds after his death she had to eventually sell their home. This didn't bother Carolyn, as she hadn't wanted to live next door to Justin anymore because seeing him was a constant reminder of her babies that were not in her life. Justin did not offer any support because just like with Joanna, he felt Carolyn needed to get a job to provide for herself and her son. He'd fulfilled his responsibilities to both her and Xavier.
Jordan had been very upset when he learned that Sean and his mother would be moving. So upset in fact that he had challenged his father. The first and last time he'd ever done so. Justin had decided to only pay for Jordan's college when he graduated from high school as a result of the confrontation. He wanted his son to learn that life was not a free ride and there would be many instances in life where you would not be able to get what you wanted. He wanted Jordan to be strong enough to bounce back and fight through any adversity. Justin would never let his son fall but he would certainly put him out on the ledge.
Chapter 12
After Jordan graduated from high school, Justin sent him off to college at Stanford but never let him out of his sights. He kept constant tabs on his only son making sure he was safe and taken care of. Jordan hadn't liked or agreed with his father's edict of only paying for his college, but that had not diminished the love he felt for the man who had raised him.
Finishing high school alone had been tough on Jordan as his two best friends had departed early for college. Now he was finishing college and Justin could not be more proud of his offspring.
A few days before Jordan's graduation, Justin summoned Joanna to his home. He was pleased with Jordan's accomplishments and wanted to make sure his mother was in attendance to support their son.
“Make sure you're at Jordan's graduation,” Justin said.
“Why would I be at Jordan's graduation?” Joanna asked.
“Because despite the fact that you've never wanted him to be, he's your son.”
“No. He's your son. He's what you wanted, not me.” Joanna snapped.
“You will be at that graduation Joanna. Jordan has accomplished a lot and you will be there to congratulate him,” Justin warned coming over to where she sat.
“And if I'm not?”
“Then don't bother to come back here again.”
“The only reason I come here is for you Justin. You're the only thing I've ever wanted.”
“Apparently you wanted Carl too,” he told her.
“I went to Carl to get your attention. You were supposed to come after me and get me back,” she explained.
Justin laughed. “Come after you? You've never been that special Joanna.”
“I hate you Justin!” she screamed jumping to her feet.
“But you don't hate this...” He lowered his head and kissed her softly.
When he lifted his head, she looked up at him. "Why now?" she asked. "After all these years?"
Justin touched her cheek. "It's time Joanna. You may not have been a mother to him, but you are all the family he has."
Joanna detected something in Justin's voice. "What is it? Is there something wrong with Jordan?"
Justin smiled and walked back to his seat. "Jordan's fine. He's become a force all on his own."
She looked confused. "Is he taking over your business now that's he finished with school?" she asked.
"No, Jordan is forging his own path. He doesn't need my business."
Joanna stood to her feet. "I'll think about it."
"You will come alone," Justin instructed watching her.
"You still haven't learned that you can't control me," she told him.
Justin shook his head. "And you still haven't learned not to cross me."
"One day Justin, your chickens are going to come home to roost," Joanna said grabbing her purse.
Justin smiled. "And when they do, I'll fry them up and serve them to you."
"Go to hell Justin."
She frowned at him before she angrily left the room. Justin heard the door slam and continued to smile. Joanna still had her fire, he had to give her that. A short while later his doorbell rang and he lifted a brow. Was Joanna back for more, he wondered. Making his way to the door, he opened it to find a young woman.
"Hello?" he looked down at her.
She smiled. "Hi Mr. Black. How are you?"
Justin frowned. "I'm fine. How can I help you?"
He watched as she looked around then back at him. "Is Jordan here?" she asked.
Justin smiled. "No sweetheart, Jordan's not here, he's away at college."
She looked confused as what to do next. "Uh, I came a long way. Can I use your bathroom before I go?"
"Sure," Justin answered watching the woman. He opened the door to allow her inside. "Down this hall, to the right."
She smiled broadly. "Thank you." She turned to walk in the direction he'd instructed.
"
What's your name?" Justin asked.
She smiled naughtily at him. "Uh...Millie."
Justin frowned harder. "Okay Millie, make it quick."
She laughed and walked to the bathroom while Justin watched her skeptically. He wondered if Jordan was involved with this Millie, because she didn't look like the type of girl he would choose for his son. She was a looker but he sensed she was nothing but trouble.
When Mille returned, Justin was waiting by the door to see her out. She stopped in front of him.
"Thank you Mr. Black. Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked suggestively.
Justin's dark eyes stared down at her. "Listen little girl, I don't know who you are, but get your young ass out of here because that's not how I get down. And if you are seeing my son, you won't be for long." Justin held the door open and lifted a brow when she hesitated.
She smiled again. “Bye Mr. Black. I'll see you later.” She winked and walked to her car.
Justin watched her drive away. “What the hell?”
Millie drove home with a huge smile on her face. Justin Black was so damn fine and she dreamed about him every night. She entered her apartment and headed to her bedroom. Picking up her journal, she grabbed a pen and began writing.
I went to his house today. After months of watching him, I actually spoke to him. His voice is so deep and he's so tall. His eyes are so dark. He called me little girl but I'm going to show him that I'm all woman. I saw Jordan's momma leaving the house again. That tramp. I can't blame her though ‘cause if I was getting that, I'd keep coming back too. Her husband is a slime ball though. Whenever he visits my father I always catch him staring at my breasts. Enough of that, back to Justin, I want to be Mrs. Black and I will be seeing Justin again...we have beautiful babies to make.
*********
The day of Jordan's graduation, he was on cloud nine until his mother approached him. His eyes narrowed taking in her face.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded.