by Pamela Yaye
Kyra burst out laughing. Terrence had always been a joker, but now he was crazier than ever. He was bubbling with good humor, and Kyra couldn’t help wondering if it had anything to do with their steamy grind between the sheets that morning.
“I’ve been looking all over for you,” he said, hooking an arm around her waist. “I thought we agreed to meet at noon.”
Her gaze roved around the park. Good, no one was watching. “I couldn’t decide what to wear. I must have tried on a dozen outfits before selecting this top.”
“Good choice, but you should know by now that you don’t have to impress me.”
“I’m not.” When he made a sad face, she laughed. “I want Justice Kane to perform at the Winter Wonderland Ball and Chloe said he might be here.”
“Cool, then we’ll go talk to him together.”
On shaky legs, she followed Terrence through the tent. They found a long, vacant table and within seconds of sitting down, it filled up. “Were your parents mad that you missed church this morning?”
Narrowing her eyes, she shot him a sideways glance. “No, why?”
“Because back in the day, your pops used to blow a gasket if you didn’t go. Remember when he showed up during pledge week and held an impromptu service in the quad with the guys of Alpha Delta Kappa?”
Kyra groaned. “Don’t remind me. I still cringe every time I think about it.”
“He had good intentions.”
“No, he wanted to control me. My dad never wanted me to come to Hollington. He felt I wouldn’t get the right education at a secular school.”
“He actually said that?” Terrence had a hard time suppressing his curiosity. “Why? What did he have against Hollington?”
Kyra shrugged. “My dad always dreamed that his children would follow in his footsteps, and since I was the oldest, I had to set the right example for my brothers. I had two choices—either go to Bible college on their dime, or make it on my own.”
“Your mom supported him?”
“That’s what a good wife does, isn’t it?”
“Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
The tender sound of his voice awakened strong feelings in her and when he took her hand, an image of them making love rose in her thoughts. “Terrence, there was nothing to say. Lots of kids work to put themselves through school.”
“If I had known, I would have—”
“What? Picked up more shifts at Popeye’s Chicken fast food restaurant?”
He chuckled. “Hey, it was a good, honest job and the extra money helped me pay for your promise ring.”
“I always wondered how you came up with a thousand dollars,” she said. “I thought maybe you were doing runs for the local bookie or something!”
His smile fizzed. “How did you know what I paid for the ring?”
“After we broke up, I…I, ah, pawned it.”
“What did you do with the money?”
“I used it to pay for a belated graduation trip to Cancun.”
Terrence opened his mouth, but closed it when he felt an arm on his shoulder.
“Terrence, my good man!” Dean Rudolph, a tall, robust man was a lovable character with a buoyant personality. He greeted Kyra and took the seat to Terrence’s left. “I hear you’ll be taking over our football team soon. You’ll have our boys looking like champions in no time. The way they played yesterday surely was the result of them wanting to impress you. But you haven’t accepted the coaching position yet—sorry if I’m getting ahead of myself.”
Terrence was anxious to finish his conversation with Kyra, but he didn’t want to affront the older man, and soon his excitement for the game took over. Throwing out strategies, winning plays and his NFL experiences made him feel alive. Being offered the head coaching position at his alma mater was an honor, but he also liked the idea of making an impact at the high school level. Then, there was his acting career. He’d auditioned for a small role in the new Robert De Niro and nailed the part on the first take. Fear of the future had gnawed at him for months, but now that he had job offers and appointments to fill his day, things were finally starting to look up.
He was so entrenched in his conversation with Dean Rudolph, he didn’t realize Kyra was gone until he reached for her hand. Worried that she was off somewhere with R&B heartthrob Justice Kane, he told Dean Rudolph he’d see him at the parade and left.
Terrence did a quick search of the grounds and sighed in relief when he found Kyra talking to a fair-skinned woman by one of the buffet tables. Not wanting to appear eager, he stood off to the side, watching her. Behind the facade of suburban contentment, was a passionate, erotic woman who’d rocked his world not once, but twice. He’d never felt anything this potent, or this real. They had great conversations, complemented each other perfectly and laughed often.
Terrence burned with desire. And when she turned and smiled at him, it was like a shot to the heart. He was filled with an overpowering sense of longing. A longing so deep and so strong, he couldn’t fight it for a second more. Needing her back in his arms, he crossed the field toward her.
“I’m going to have to buy you an ankle bracelet,” he joked, coming up behind her, “because every time I turn around, you’re gone!”
Kyra laughed. “Terrence, you remember Beverly Clark, don’t you?”
He did, and said, “Of course. You were Homecoming Queen.”
“Congratulations on all of your success, Terrence.”
“Are you enjoying the brunch?” he asked, deciding he liked this friendly, attractive sister. “It’s like one big ole party out here, huh?”
“You can say that again. Chloe said that brunch would be open to the community, but I wasn’t expecting such an enormous turnout.”
“This is nothing,” he told her, “wait until the parade. The streets are going to be chock full with—”
Terrence felt an elbow jab into his side, and when he looked at Kyra, she was frowning. He almost laughed out loud. She was even sexier when she was annoyed.
“Beverly’s a little nervous about being on the float,” she explained, rubbing a hand along her friend’s back. “But she has nothing to worry about, right, Terrence?”
“Just the thought of being on display in front of all these people is making me feel sick,” she confessed, fingering the lace neckline of her cream-colored blouse. “I’m a fashion designer, Kyra, not a beauty contestant.”
“You’ll be fine.” Kyra’s voice was bright and full of cheer. “Would it help if we stayed with you until it’s time to head over to the stadium?”
So much for our romantic afternoon, Terrence thought, feeling disappointed. If he’d had his way, they’d be back in Kyra’s bed, making love for the third time. Terrence grew bored quickly, but when Kyra spoke, he listened. He loved that she was so confident, so strong, so funny. He’d never been this drawn to a woman, and though he wanted to spend the rest of his days and nights with her, he knew he had to temper his enthusiasm.
“It’s a fun, family-filled event. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Kyra’s right,” he agreed. “You’re among friends, Beverly. So, go out there and make the class of ’99 proud!”
She gave a low, shaky laugh. “Right, that’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one on top of that stupid float.”
“You’re gorgeous, Bev,” Kyra told her. “With that pearly-white smile, and shapely figure, you’re a force to be reckoned with!”
“I second that.”
A lean, well-muscled man with cropped hair and hazel eyes smiled down at Beverly. Her frown fell away and was replaced with a smile so bright, Terrence slipped back on his sunglasses to protect his eyes.
“Hi, Lucius.”
Terrence whipped his head to the right. Where did that thick, sultry voice come from? If he didn’t know better, he’d think that Beverly Clark had a split personality. Gone was the long face, pursed lips and shaky voice. Now, she was staring up at the stranger with interest and open admirati
on.
“Well, knock me over with a feather, if it isn’t the great Terrence Franklin!” Lucius chuckled. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you since Friday, but every time I turn around, you’ve got fans hot on your heels.”
“Hey man, what’s up?”
“You don’t remember me, do you?”
Terrence shook his head, and the stranger shrugged his shoulders. “I figured as much, but I’d hoped that you’d remember the offensive lineman who took all those hits for you in that state championship game.”
“Lucius Gray?”
“Attorney-at-law,” he added, with a laugh.
“Man, you were one hell of a player. How come you didn’t go all the way? With your competitive edge and strength, you could’ve had your pick of NFL teams.”
Lucius pointed a finger at his chin. “I like this face far too much to let it get stomped on every Sunday afternoon!”
Everyone laughed.
“Beverly, can I steal you away for a second?” the charismatic attorney asked.
Wanting to be alone with Kyra, Terrence slipped a hand around her waist, and squeezed affectionately. “We’ll see you guys later,” he said, nodding at Lucius.
“All right, man, have a good one.”
They strolled back across the field in silence. The lines of friendship and passion were blurred, but that didn’t stop him from tightening his hold around her. Her perfume stirred his loins and when her arm grazed his chest, he strangled a groan. Oblivious to his inner turmoil, she put a hand to his forearm. “I have to go track down Chloe and Tamara.” Her smile was cheaper than plastic. “I’ll see you later, okay?”
His head spun faster than a carousel. Was she trying to ditch him? Truth was, he wanted Kyra again and couldn’t stop seeing images of her naked body in his mind. As far as he was concerned, making love had solidified their relationship and he wasn’t going to let Kyra run off again. Remembering their conversation last night at Bollito, he asked, “What time does your dad’s appreciation dinner start?”
Kyra’s shoulders sagged. With all that had happened in the last forty-eight hours, the reception for her dad at Victory Outreach Church had completely slipped her mind. Worse still, she hadn’t bought him a gift yet. “Six o’clock.”
“Great, that gives us time to swing over to the mall and pick something up.”
“Most of these people are here to see you, Terrence, and I’m not going to take you away from all your fans.”
“You’re not,” he told her, the matter decided. “We’ll go find a gift for your dad, and catch up with the parade on Main Street.”
“I’d rather go alone.”
“But I need your help.” He paused, trying to concoct a believable story. “My grandmother’s birthday is coming up and I don’t know what to get her. I was hoping you could give me a hand.”
“You never mentioned this before,” she pointed out, tilting her head to the right, studying him intently. “When is your grandmother’s birthday?”
“Tomorrow,” he lied. Clasping her hand, he ushered her past the tent, praying she wouldn’t see Justice Kane at the buffet table. Terrence wasn’t letting Kyra out of his sight for the rest of the day. They’d shared something special last night, and he refused to let her downplay it. His heart was open to her, full of love and more passion than he’d ever known. He owned cars, houses, and had more money than he could spend in a lifetime, but no one to share it with. Kyra was that woman—the right woman—and now that he’d been given a second chance, he was going to make the most of it. “Maybe we can grab some souvenirs from that specialty store on Ninth.”
“Souvenirs?” Frowning, she shook her head, seemingly confused. “You’re not somewhere warm and exotic like Costa Rica. You’re only a few states away.”
Terrence chuckled. “I know, but what Big Mama wants, Big Mama gets!”
Chapter 16
By the time Terrence and Kyra reached Union Square, the temperature was pushing seventy-three degrees. The trees along Main Street curtailed the intensity of the sun, but every time he glanced at Kyra, he felt like he’d been blown over by gale-force winds.
It was ideal weather for firing up the grill or taking a dip in the pool, and Terrence wondered what, if anything would sway Kyra to have dinner with him tonight. He had steaks in the fridge, a bar filled with wine coolers and a fully stocked pantry. An intimate party for two, he thought, chancing another look at her.
Terrence knew what he wanted, and she was standing right in front of him. Kyra was the template of the perfect woman. And although they hadn’t seen each other in ten years, nothing had changed. Despite their past mistakes, and years of life experiences between them, they still had it. Mutual respect? Check. Compatibility? Check. Sexual chemistry? Shoot, Brad and Angelina had nothing on them.
Matching her quick strides, he avoided a collision with a squealing toddler. Masses of people, with grinning faces and home-made signs clogged the sidewalk. A four-block radius of shops, galleries, and fully restored old buildings, Union Square was a community pulsing with life and vitality. Teenagers squirted water guns, children squealed and diners sat on patios chugging imported beer.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a trio of brunettes chatting outside of Starbucks. Ten years ago, his unexpected surge of popularity had gone to his head, and it had ruined what he had with Kyra. He wanted more than just a sexual relationship and didn’t want her to think bad of him, so when the women waved at him, he ignored them.
Terrence liked to think he was a man in control, but one whiff of Kyra’s fragrance and he was lost. He found his first love as irresistible as she’d ever been and he wasn’t just captivated by her looks. With Kyra, he could just be himself.
“I don’t know how you feel about this, Terrence, but I want to go all out for the playoffs.” Her eyes glowed and the excitement. “We’ll kick off the post-season with a Friday afternoon prep rally, and then a party to celebrate Sunday’s victory!”
“If I accept the coaching position and we make it to the playoffs, our first game would be against Duke University,” he pointed out.
“I know.”
Terrence raised his eyebrows, his face clouded with disbelief. “And you think we’re going to mop the floor with them?”
“They’re toast,” she told him, making a cutting motion across her neck, “and so are all the other teams in our division. You’re going to take the Lions all the way, and Hollington’s going to reclaim its place at the top!”
Terrence chuckled. Her enthusiasm, like her smile and bottomless optimism, was contagious. “If I could sail into the end zone on a bum knee, then I guess I could lead the Hollington Lions to the championship.”
“We’re all behind you, T. You’ve got this.”
“T, huh?” His smile grew until it covered his entire face. “So, we’re back to using our old pet names. That didn’t take long, did it?”
“I’m sorry. It just slipped out.”
“I’m teasing, Ky. You can call me T, or anything else you like.” Without thinking, he stopped her with a hand on the arm. Main Street wasn’t the place to have such an intimate conversation, but he didn’t want the opportunity to discuss their relationship pass him by. She didn’t look angry, but he’d heard something in her voice. It could be nothing or it could be everything, but either way, he was going to find out. “Last night meant something to me, Ky. It wasn’t just sex. It was special.”
“Can I be honest?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Her phony smile wasn’t lost on him, and he knew instinctively that she had regrets about them making love.
“Last night was just that, Terrence—one night.”
“And this morning?”
“A lapse in judgment.”
Terrence felt as if he’s been whacked in the head with a two-by-four. Is that all it was? One night of meaningless sex?
“Let’s keep things casual. We’re friends and—”
“I don’t sleep
with my friends.”
“Neither do I, but it takes a lot more than chemistry and passion to sustain a relationship. We had our night. Let’s just keep it at that.”
He paused. Kyra was his dream girl, and now that they’d shared a night together, he was more determined than ever to win her heart. Truth be told, he wanted to spend every waking minute with her. Damn. He was trippin’ big-time. Kyra was exactly his type, and making love last night had sealed their fate. He’d possessed her body, not once but twice, and was itching to make love to her again. “Kyra, I’ve never met anyone like you. You don’t play games or beat around the bush, and I respect that about you.”
“I’m flattered, Terrence, really I am, but let’s face it. You and I have about as much in common as those two strangers crossing the street.” She gestured toward the intersection, but he didn’t turn to look. “I live a quiet, drama-free life and you’re Mr. Saturday Night. Guys like you need—”
“Guys like me?” he repeated, cutting in. Being stereotyped as a deviant, sex-crazed athlete infuriated him, but he wasn’t going to lose his cool. “What are you saying? That I’m incapable of being faithful?”
“I learned pretty early on that men can’t be faithful no matter how hard they try.” Realizing how harsh it sounded, she softened her voice. “Don’t get me wrong, there are still a few good men out there, but for every Prince Charming, there are a hundred dogs.”
“Are you scared that I’m going to hurt you again?” Terrence put a hand on her arm. “Is that why you’re pushing me away, because you think I’m trying to play you?”
She said no, and turned her head away from him, but not before he saw the grieved expression on her face. Being tackled by a defensive lineman didn’t hurt as much. Sweet one minute, acerbic the next, her confession suddenly brought into question the integrity of their relationship. Struggling to right his thoughts, he nodded when Kyra suggested they go into Macy’s and followed her through the sliding glass doors.