Then There Was You

by Candace Shaw

  “It’s even better now,” she greeted, sipping the cool drink. “This is good. It’s been a long but productive day.”

  “Tired?”

  She linked her arm around his strong, taut muscular one as they strolled toward the house. “A little bit but I’m wired so I have some energy left.”

  “Hungry?”

  “Famished. I wolfed down a salad for lunch hours ago.”

  “I cooked dinner. I figured you’d be too tired to go out.”

  “Thank you,” she said, entering the front door, and the delicious smells of seafood filled her nose. “Did you do a crab boil?”

  “Yes, with crab legs, lobster tails, shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, and new potatoes, along with garlic bread and a salad. Addi, who I called for instructions, said I had to have a green vegetable on the side.”

  “That sounds wonderful. I’ll take a quick shower first.”

  “Dang, I would love to join you, but I know you need a little me time. I’ll meet you out on the deck.”

  “Okay. And we can always take a shower later on even though I want you to teach me how to play pool first.”

  He set their glasses on the foyer table and drew her by the waist to him. Dipping his head, he kissed her tenderly on the lips. “I was happily surprised to see the pool table in the game room. Love a woman who knows her man.”

  There goes that L word again being casually thrown around. Not to mention the fact that he called himself my man. She decided not to dwell on it. “That was one of the reasons why I reserved this place. I saw the pool table in the listing and immediately thought of you. I know how much you like to play.”

  “I do, and I look forward to teaching you after we devour the crab boil.”

  “I totally agree.”

  *****

  It was an hour into the pool lesson and so far Brooklyn had managed to poke Chase in the stomach with the pool stick, break a nail, and smear chalk on her face as well as his when he kissed her for actually shooting a ball into the pocket.

  “Okay, let’s try this again,” she said, leaning over the table and positioning the pool stick on the guide ball.

  “So, what’s the goal?” he asked, kissing the back of her neck and repositioning her hold on the pool stick. “There. That’s better. Your arms were bent.”

  A flutter tingled her insides and she cleared her throat. She peered at him over her shoulder. “Mmm … see this is why I can’t concentrate. You keep finding ways to distract me.”

  “Sorry, but you’re bent over in a short, strapless dress that I’m trying hard not to snatch down. You’re the one distracting me, and I don’t mind at all. It’s a better view than of the ocean from the bedroom.”

  “Okay …red ball in right corner pocket.”

  “You got this,” he said, playfully slapping her bottom and stepping back to give her room.

  “I see you’re standing away from me now.”

  “Yeah, well I don’t want to get jabbed again,” he teased, rubbing his left side.

  Sliding the pool stick back, she attempted her goal but somehow managed to shoot the white ball up in the air as they both ducked for cover behind the pool table.

  “Shoot,” she screamed, placing her hands over her head.

  Chase peered over the top of the pool table. “Maybe not so hard next time.”

  “I don’t think this pool thing is for me,” she said, laughing as they stood up from their stooped down positions on the floor. “Perhaps I should stick to less complex games like Sorry or Checkers.”

  “Nah, babe,” he said, rubbing her back before going to retrieve the ball that landed on the other side of the game room by the ping pong table. “You kind of have the hang of it. I mean, you did manage to shoot one of the balls in the pocket.”

  “Yeah but it was yours,” Brooklyn reminded, placing the stick on the table and leaning against it with a tiny pout and huff.

  Setting the ball back on the table, he pulled her in his arms and kissed her forehead. “True, but it’s been fun teaching you and gazing at your fine ass bent over,” he said, popping her butt. “Especially when your little sundress rose up to display matching hot pink boyshorts.” He raised the hem of the dress until it settled on her upper thighs. “I believe right here,” he said, clutching her hips in his hands. “Yeah, this is perfect.”

  “It wasn’t that far up,” she teased, wrapping her arms around his neck. “But you know we can do more besides play pool on the pool table,” she suggested with a wicked grin, and then kissed him softly on the lips.

  “Mmm … oh really?” Delving his tongue deeper into her mouth, he captured hers in a slow, erotic tango which elicited moans from both of them.

  “Mmm-hmm … see, something like this I’m more apt not to mess up.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” he whispered above her lips before taking possession of them once more, but this time more exaggerated and untamed than ever before.

  Brooklyn’s body turned into complete putty as the desire pulsating through him to her amplified with each possessive kiss. It signified she belonged solely to him, and the notion of that jolted a strong force of passion to surge to her core. The closer it progressed to the end of the year, the more her heart ached as well as yearned for him at the same time. She hated the roller coaster of emotions her suggestion of just having fun with him while she could wreaked havoc on her to the point of knowing she was truly breaking her own heart. As he gathered her in his arms, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, the sense of belonging and oneness crept upon her. Never had she felt so relaxed and so at home with a man before. When he stopped kissing her for a millisecond to pull down her dress and panties as he’d wanted to do since the pool lesson began, she almost shouted out in protest to place his lips back on hers.

  “See, the pool table has come in handy after all,” Chase said, lifting her up and setting her on the edge. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to let you fall.”

  Too late. I’ve fallen all right. Right in love with you, she thought.

  “I know.” Brooklyn reached into the front pocket of his shorts for the gold packet she’d spotted earlier. “You just keep these around?” she teased, handing it to him.

  “I figured we’d need to be prepared no matter where we are,” he replied, taking off his shorts and placing the object from the packet on.

  “That is so true.” With a wink, she turned around and bent over the table.

  “Oh … nice,” he murmured, popping her bottom and squeezing his hands on her hips. “One of my favorite views.”

  Chase kissed the back of her neck as he entered her at the same time. A rush of passion soared through her body, heightening with every single long stroke from him.

  “Ch-Chase … shit … th-that feels g-good,” she managed to stammer out as she gripped the pool table tight while the erotic music they created filled the room.

  Brooklyn was glad Chase offered to rent the house as opposed to staying in the condos with the rest of the crew. Her screams of ecstasy grew louder with every single thrust from him over and over, pushing her farther onto the table until her arms were sprawled out on the green felt in front of her. She laid flat with him following on top, not missing a single beat. She pushed the black ball out of the way, and it landed in one of the pockets.

  Chase chuckled, kissing the side of her neck. “I guess this is a better way for you to play pool. You just won the game.”

  “Maybe we should’ve started like this,” she giggled, but it turned into a low moan as he slowed down the pace to a sensual, unhurried rhythm.

  Reaching his lips around to hers, he captured them in an untamed kiss that exuded an intense shudder to rage though her. He held her tight against him as their tempo picked back up, crashing into her over and over. Never had a man sent her this far over the edge into an uncanny abyss. Brooklyn couldn’t think of a time where she’d felt so aware and in tune with her sexual side, but Chase brought out every sensor on her body to only res
pond to him.

  He continue ravishing her into an oblivious state, and she had no choice but to let go of his mouth in order to release a passionate sound so foreign to her for a second Brooklyn didn’t recognize it was her own voice calling out his name as they both climaxed together. Chase buried his head on her shoulder as the shocks from his body simmered down, and their breathing cascaded back to normal.

  “Chase?”

  “Yeah, babe?” he asked, lifting off of her and positioning them until they lay facing each other.

  “You wanna play again?” she whispered.

  He frowned. “Uh … you’re referring to actually playing pool?”

  “Sure, as long as we end up right back here,” she replied, kissing him lightly.

  “Well, let’s rack ’em up!”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “With the holiday season just around the corner, I wanted to go over the updates for the upcoming events and take a look at everyone’s schedule for the new year as well,” Reagan explained at the Precious Moments’ weekly brunch meeting on her enclosed sunroom since it was a cool, rainy day outside in early December.

  Brooklyn heard her best friend, but the words didn’t register as she twirled her spoon around in the cheesy polenta topped with Cajun shrimp. Chase was leaving in a week, the day after final exams, to head back to Memphis. She would be there two weeks later for New Year’s Eve, but decided to omit that part to him. He hadn’t mentioned anything about seeing her again once he left St. Simons because she’d been adamant about not discussing it. Even though that’s what she wanted initially, it now pained her heart in ways she couldn’t express to him. Their time together was winding down, and he’d been somewhat distant the last couple of days. He seemed rather anxious to head home and begin working with the family law firm. He’d been on conference calls the past week with either his mother or Zoe pertaining to current cases. Obviously he was ecstatic about his partnership in his family’s firm and Brooklyn was happy for him. A part of her hated she wouldn’t be by his side as he embarked on a new career adventure, but it was a decision she’d have to overcome.

  However, she was happy with her own career endeavors and couldn’t wait to witness what the new year had in store. The distraction of having Chase in her life had been welcomed, but now it was time to drift back into reality, and she’d begun making plans of her own.

  “Brook, are you ready to share your wonderful news with the crew?” Reagan asked in an upbeat tone, glancing around the table at everyone—which included the interns and Kelli, Brooklyn’s photographer’s assistant.

  Brooklyn turned and smiled at Reagan who had already received her official notice of leaving Precious Moments a week prior. Zaria and Reagan bought out Brooklyn’s share of the company. The option was extended to Addison as well, but she declined citing she didn’t know where the wind would blow her next summer after her contract was up, and she wasn’t sure yet about renewing it.

  “Yes, of course,” Brooklyn began, pausing as she promised herself to remain composed and not become teary-eyed. “As some of you are already aware, I’ve been contemplating going in a slightly different direction with my career, and in the new year, I will no longer be part owner of Precious Moments Events.” She paused again to put her thoughts together while a few of the interns groaned in sadness. “However, I have already agreed to be the photographer of some upcoming weddings through March, so I’m not leaving you guys just yet. Afterward, Kelli will officially take over as the main photographer. I will also assist the new accountant with the budget and whatnot for the first part of the year.”

  “Well, you already know how happy I am for you,” Zaria said, taking a sip of her sparkling water. “I love how you’re doing your own thing.”

  “Me too,” Addison chimed in with claps as well as the rest of the staff. “You know I’m all for change.”

  “Are you going to stay on St. Simons?” Kelli asked.

  “Yes, for the time being. Eventually, I want to have a central location where I can open my studio and a gallery of sorts. A classroom, perhaps. They’re just ideas, but I’m ready to explore and set things in motion. And it could very well be in the St. Simons/Brunswick area. Not sure. Going to do some more research. By selling my share of the company to Zaria and Reagan, I have a nice little nest egg to buy my studio eventually. In the meantime, I have some projects with Kam that will require travel and a few other things on the horizon. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

  “We’re all so proud of you.” Reagan raised her mimosa in the air as the rest of the ladies followed suit with their champagne glasses and all toasted to Brooklyn.

  “Thank you, everyone,” Brooklyn said, holding back the tears in the corners of her eyes as her voice became hoarse. She hadn’t realized it would be hard to say good-bye, but she’d enjoyed working alongside her best friends. “These last few years with Precious Moments have been a wonderful experience, and I’m still here whenever needed.”

  All the ladies clapped and took turns giving Brooklyn hugs and offering words of support and well wishes.

  “Any other news before we adjourn?” Reagan asked, moments later after everyone settled back in their seats.

  Zaria raised her hand. “I have some news to share before we close the meeting.”

  “We’re all ears,” Brooklyn said, glancing at Reagan who couldn’t contain the wide smile on her face. Brooklyn tried to keep her composure as she struggled to stay in her chair and not run screaming with joy along with Reagan to hug Zaria.

  “I received a phone call this morning from the African-American United Golf League. They want to host their annual golf charity tournament here on St. Simons and are requesting Precious Moments to assist with the arrangements,” Zaria explained, glancing down at her notes and turning to Addison. “Addi, I think that’s something you’d be perfect to oversee. They want a week full of fun events leading up to the charity tournament, which would be that weekend with perhaps an auction or a ball type of event at the end. It’s not until this upcoming summer. I’ll forward you the information I received from the organization.”

  “That sounds right up my alley,” Addison said, through a clenched smile followed by a heavy sigh. “I’ll add it to my schedule.”

  Brooklyn sensed that Addison’s thoughts trekked to her ex who was a pro golfer and probably prayed he wouldn’t be in attendance. She was relieved when he didn’t show for his cousin’s wedding on Hamilton Island. She glanced back at Reagan whose excited face turned into a questionable one. They’d hoped Zaria had a different kind of announcement.

  After the interns and Kelli left, the ladies retreated to the outside deck of Reagan’s home now that the rain had finally cleared. It was still cool but the noon sun shone brightly on the deck, offering a little heat. They dragged the outdoor chaise lounges from the sunroom while Reagan brought out a pitcher of mimosas and sparkling water along with four champagne glasses all on a tray and set it on the table.

  “Drink up, ladies, because the rest of the month is busy busy with holiday parties, two weddings, and that sweet sixteen birthday party I’m not looking forward to,” Reagan said, plopping down in a chaise lounge and tucking her feet under her. “And that’s all before Christmas. Can’t wait for my ski trip to Aspen with Blake. Until then, we hustle.”

  “Girl, I know but what a way to end a fabulous year,” Zaria said, pouring mimosa into a glass and taking a gulp as all eyes stared at her in bewilderment. Topping off her glass, she sat on the chaise next to Reagan and swished her frowned lips to the side. “What’s wrong with ya’ll?” she asked.

  “Oh … um … nothing,” Brooklyn started. “We just haven’t seen you drink alcohol in about four months.”

  “Yeah, you’ve turned down margaritas lately,” Reagan said. “We thought … well—”

  “We thought you were pregnant and that was your big announcement today,” Addison said, pouring her a glass of mimosa. “So what’s the tea, Z?”

 
; Bursting into laughter, Zaria shook her head in the negative, lifted her sweater, and patted her toned stomach. “Wow, you guys are hilarious. No, you aren’t going to be aunties or godmothers just yet. I’m not pregnant, nor was I pregnant. I’m not drinking because we’re going to start trying to conceive in the new year. I’ve been preparing my body. I decided to have a mimosa today since we were toasting the end of the year and new beginnings. That’s all, ladies. Calm down.”

  “That’s still wonderful news, Zaria,” Reagan said. “I know you and Garrett will make awesome parents.”

  “Thank you. We’re excited and nervous, but we’re ready. Now I know why everyone’s been eyeing me crazy and glancing down at my stomach. Humph … that empire-styled dress that Reagan suggested for her wedding,” Zaria said, giving Reagan a playful nudge.

  “Yeah, I was concerned when you selected the straight one,” Reagan replied with a teasing wink.

  “We’re just ready for someone to have a little nugget,” Addison interjected, scooting Zaria over in the chaise lounge with her hips. She rubbed Zaria’s stomach. “Now, can you imagine a little Z prancing around here like her sassy momma telling everyone what to do and what she’s not going to do?”

  “Oh, no,” Brooklyn said with a grimace followed by a giggle. “I’ve known Z since elementary school, and trust me, she has always had a mouth. The mouth of the south is what Rasheed used to call her. I don’t know if we can handle two Zarias.”

  “Whatever,” Zaria snapped playfully, putting her hand in the halting position in the air. “Baby Z or G will be just fine … but yeah, hopefully she’s not as bad as me.”

  “I agree,” Brooklyn said, pulling her camera out of her tote bag to snap pictures of her friends. The thought of not being with them tugged at her heart, and she wanted to commemorate all their fun and precious moments together for as long as possible.

  After she snapped a few pictures and showed them to the ladies, Addison snatched the camera out of Brooklyn’s hands.

  “I know. I know.” Taking a step back, Addison cradled the camera close to her chest. “No one is allowed to touch your precious camera, but while perusing through the pictures, I realized you weren’t in them except for a few selfies. I love being a part of the group, but the three of you are childhood best friends … no, you’re practically sisters, and it’s only befitting that there’s pictures with just the three of you who started this business years ago and made the success that it is. So, skedaddle over there on the lounge chair and pose with your besties, Brooklyn.”