Where There's Smoke

by B L Morticia

  “Yoo uu… are.” Santiago struggled with his words and breathed heavily while he returned the hug. He moved his head for our lips to connect again in a bruising kiss. Our tongues lashed against each other, fighting, while we both tried our best to keep our breathing level.

  “Oh God, Jonas, please. I promise you, I’m all yours tonight. Pam is waiting on me.” He begged between kisses.

  I didn’t listen. Instead, I yanked him into my arms and carried him to the room where his friend waited. I could’ve sworn Pamela gasped when she caught the sight of us sucking face.

  “Uh, hi, Jonas. Santiago, are we still going?” She sounded a little embarrassed.

  “Yes, I… yeah.” Santiago gave me one last nip on the bottom lip and we pulled away from each other, staring starry eyed. He shook his head, flashing me that Cheshire cat smile.

  “Jonas, I swear…”

  “Mhmm. It’s all right, Santi. Your pretty ass is mine later on. I only brought you in here so we could spare Pam all the noises we make when we’re makin’ love.”

  Pamela giggled.

  Santiago’s face flushed pink, and he smacked me on the arm. “You’re such a bad boy. I’m gonna have to punish you when I get home.”

  “I’ll be a waitin’,” I said in my best southern drawl. “Ya’ll have a good time. I guess I’ll go, stroke one off so I won’t be goin in with this hard on. Wouldn’t want the guys to see how turned on I am.” My dick was hard as granite. I rubbed my palm over the imprint under the towel.

  “Oh, Em, Gee. Talk about TMI,” Pamela remarked.

  Santiago looked around at her, then back at me. He stepped closer and lightly tugged at my erection. “Save it for me.” He sucked my bottom lip into his mouth, then let go with a pop. “I’m gone, babe. We gotta stop giving Miss Pamela a show.”

  “Yeah, keep that to yourselves, even though I gotta admit, it’s kinda hot.” She fanned herself.

  “Of course it is,” I answered. “Many people like watching us in the heat of the moment, and I for one, love being watched.”

  “Perv!” Santiago called back from the foyer.

  “Proud of it,” I replied.

  Pamela giggled again and followed him out the door.

  When the door shut, I stripped my towel off and walked back to the bedroom. On my way, I glanced down at the table. Santiago’s keys were there in his handmade ashtray, shining bright.

  “Oh. Looks like someone’s gonna come back for their keys.” I nodded, smiling, and threw the towel over my shoulder.

  Instead of calling, I'd let him discover they weren’t in his pocket or hand. I guess I ruffled his feathers a little much, but believe me, he had it coming.

  Ambling back, I went to the closet and pulled out my newly pressed uniform to wear for the day. It was hot as hell, so I picked the lighter shirt and khaki’s for today’s attire. I hated summer because there was no way to dress. You could be naked and still be hot. That shit wasn’t cool at all.

  After I dropped the items on the mattress, the doorbell rang. I smiled to myself and wrapped the towel back around my waist. Sure, I would’ve loved to answer in the buff, but on the chance Pamela came in with him, I needed to be covered.

  “How far did you get before you realized that you forgot your house keys?”

  No answer.

  I picked them up and threw them in the air before catching them in the same motion. If only he were alone, I’d be convincing him to have a quickie to relieve this pressure on my groin.

  “Santi. You were in such a rush, and then…” I opened the door wide and looked into a total stranger’s face. That wasn’t my man. This guy was holding a baby seat.

  “I’m sorry, who are you?” I had no clue what else to say.

  The man eyed me up and down as if I were a piece of meat on his plate at Thanksgiving.

  I had to say the guy was attractive. Not as good looking as Santiago, though.

  “Is Santiago home?”

  “I think I asked you a question first, sir. Who are you?”

  The guy dropped his light green gaze, and I noticed him swipe his tongue over his lips. “I’m Myles. And I’d assume you to be−”

  Hearing that name, I wanted to tell him to get the hell off my front stoop. Sure we rented, but no way, no how, was this troublemaker welcome here. But I couldn’t curse him out with the child in such close proximity.

  “Yeah, I’m Jonas. His fiancé.” I put an emphasis on that last word to make sure this asshole knew the drill. I supposed he had to see it with his own eyes to believe that Santiago was serious.

  “Oh. I see. Do you always answer the door underdressed?”

  I looked down at my towel which was still tented thanks to my PDA with Santiago only moments earlier.

  “No, but I did just get out the shower.”

  “Mhmm. Well, Jonas, is it okay we come in and wait for Santiago? We’ve come a long way.”

  I sighed, shaking my head.

  “Yeah, sure.” I stepped aside and let him in because I knew that baby was roasting underneath the blanket.

  “Thank you.”

  When he stepped in, I closed the door behind me and gawked at him. The man was well dressed, handsome. He had a bald head, green eyes and a mustache to go along with his well-trimmed goatee. Still, I couldn’t stand the sight of him. I wondered how I’d handle this situation knowing he had a little one.

  “So, um, Jonas. Is it okay if I sit?”

  “Uh, sorry. Please do.” I waved my hand out, gesturing to the couch. When I walked back over, I tossed the keys in the dish. “Would you like some water or something?”

  Myles busied himself, pulling the child from the car seat. “That would be great, thanks.”

  As I walked to the kitchen, I shook my head, grumbling under my breath. How dare this pompous, very sexy, sonofabitch come in here looking all smug with a baby no less?

  “Hey there, sweetie. Yeah, hey there.”

  Myles was talking. I looked over my shoulder for a quick second through the open space that separated our kitchen from our living room.

  My God.

  Although I’d seen pictures, I couldn’t stop staring at this beautiful, chocolate skinned child with plump arms and legs. Tight black curls wrapped in a bow. She was dressed in an orange frock with ruffles and matching sandals.

  What an angel.

  Absentmindedly, I grabbed the water then closed the fridge, eyeing this asshole and his gorgeous baby from afar. She was a shoe in for the Gerber commercials.

  I cleared my throat and headed back in, handing the water to Myles.

  “Thanks a lot. Can you set it down? I will make sure she has her meal first, then I’ll drink.”

  “M’kay. Uh, so, Santiago is gone to an antique show with a friend. Not sure when he’ll be back.”

  Myles grinned while he got his baby situated. “He’s still doing that, huh? Well, we can wait for him. I’m sure he’ll only be two hours, right?”

  “Actually, it’s in the next town.” I tried to keep my eyes level, with his gaze and not his body. “He might not be back until after two or three. I’ve gotta go to work, so I won’t be here either.”

  “Oh. Da… I should’ve called, but I wanted to surprise him with how big Macy has gotten.”

  “Uh, huh. I know we talked about you stopping by, but we didn’t get around to actually planning it, sooo… Yeah, a text or smoke signal letting us know would’ve been good.”

  Myles laughed. “I apologize for that.”

  “Yeah, sure you do. And may I ask was that the main purpose for your visit?”

  Myles rocked with the baby in his arms while he fed her. “He asked to see Macy, but I’m trying to convince him to come back to Chicago. I don’t think it’s much of a secret. Santiago still loves me.”

  I looked down at my sandals and balled my fists up at my sides. It’s a good thing this joker had the baby in his arms because I would’ve decked him.

  To stay calm, I took a deep breath and c
ounted from ten to five backwards under my breath. I’d learned that in anger management training and if I didn’t practice it, all would be for naught.

  “Mhmm, but I’m his fiancé. Just in case you didn’t hear me the first time.”

  “Oh, I did. When is the date?”

  “We haven’t got one set yet, but−”

  “No date? Then essentially he is fair game. Not that it matters however, because the term fiancé is dispensable. Temporary. Santiago could change his mind at any moment. I mean, I have so much I could offer him. The life he’s always wanted. I have money, a beautiful condo on the lake. He’s always wanted a house, so I’d be ready to move. I have a career I could leave to be by his side and most importantly, I have little Macy. Santiago loves kids.”

  Listening to him I could’ve sworn I was on candid camera or something. I couldn’t believe this man sat here so calmly, telling me how good he was for my man in my damn apartment. “I’ve got a lot to offer him too. And it doesn’t matter what you have because I’m with him now. We’ll be married in a few months.”

  “Those plans could be changed and or broken,” Myles interrupted me.

  “They won’t be because he loves me, asshole!” I said that through gritted teeth and grimaced when it came out louder than needed.

  The kid barely flinched when I raised my voice.

  “Yes, but he loves me more. I mean, with all due respect, Jonas, you’ve taken good care of him. Like I said, I have much more to offer him that you don’t.”

  “He doesn’t want to go back to Chicago.” I hissed again.

  “Maybe not right this minute. Eventually he will. I know it.”

  My brows furrowed, and I folded both arms over my chest. “You know what? I need to call Santiago and tell him to get his little ass back here because you need to hear it from him.”

  “Sure, that would be great.”

  I harrumphed and stomped back to the room, closing the door tight. I leaned against it, stewing, saying every curse word known to man. This fucker knew what he was doing, bringing his niece with him so I wouldn’t pummel his ass for saying all those things.

  I wouldn’t be kicking him out in that heat with that pretty little girl with him. Instead, I would have Santiago come here and do it for me.

  * * * *

  Myles

  When Jonas closed the door, I couldn’t help chuckling. Did this guy think his growling about Santiago being his intimidated me? Not in the least…

  Okay, I was a little intimidated. I’d never seen Jonas up close or in pictures. Santiago and I were friends on social media, but I cared little for personal interaction on those things. I’d used it for business and nothing more.

  And I had to say, Santiago picked my temporary replacement well. He is a god! Gorgeous eyes and body I wouldn’t mind climbing and/or topping for hours. It wouldn’t work, however, because he looked to be a top and I’d never allowed anyone to top me. Not that I was scared, but I’d never seen the point of being someone’s bottom. Perhaps when Santiago and I lived together again, I’d consider letting him do it.

  With Macy still sucking from her bottle, I leaned back on the terrible paisley sofa. It didn’t sound too sturdy, but I wouldn’t get up right now for fear I’d disturb my niece. Noticing the oddness of the décor, I’d say the design sense was Santiago’s. He loved mixing the old with the new. Just another reason Santiago would be better suited with me instead of this very hot, and sexy…

  Oh, who knew what his profession was? With a body like that he was probably a construction worker or he might work for the city.

  Regardless, the very handsome man would move along once Santiago returned to see me and Macy. It might take a while, knowing my man took some time deciding.

  Despite this, I intended to get him back into my life. I was sure he’d want to tie up loose ends here, quit his job, and all that so he could move in with me. I’d considered he won’t want to go back into the city, so I’d already priced homes in the suburbs. There were plenty of gorgeous four bedroom, modern houses for him to choose from. I’d only need to call my realtor for us to see some of them.

  Just when I’d gotten comfortable, Macy sucked air. I quickly pulled the bottle away from her. I loved seeing her continue to move her mouth and smack like something was still there.

  “All right, girl. Let’s sit up so you can belch, okay?” I did just that and gently patted her back. She cooed and flexed her little hands. Any moment she’d want to play, but I wasn’t very comfortable putting her on the floor even with her blanket.

  The sound of the door opening caused me to look around. Jonas came walking in, showing no anger or anything.

  When he stood in front of the recliner, I noticed the attire.

  A fireman? Well, hello there. Slap me with your hose!

  This didn’t surprise me in the least. Like me, he was an alpha and looking like he did, of course he would have one of those jobs to flex those beautiful inked muscles of his. Perhaps I could set him up with Karl once Santiago left Jonas for me.

  “He’ll be here in like ten minutes. He’s not real happy about missing his antique show.” Jonas statement came out like a growl.

  I smiled to myself and directed my eyes to Macy. “Ah, he loves those shows. He always has. I’ve never understood it. Those people have old junk, anyway. Most of it isn’t of real value.”

  “I gotta agree with you there.” Jonas took a seat in the recliner.

  Macy belched, making both of us chuckle.

  “How old is she?” Jonas asked.

  “She’s four months. She was born premature, but as you can see, she’s a lot healthier now.”

  “Yes, she is. Such a beautiful baby. I think Santi told me her name is Macy?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry, Santi?” I had to look at him then. Did he actually shorten Santiago’s name to make it a pet name?

  “Yeah. That’s what I call, my fiancé.”

  I shrugged. “Huh. Well, that’s kind of simple, but oh well, if he likes it, who am I to judge?”

  “No one. You know, it’s a real good thing little Macy’s in the room, cause I wouldn’t have even let your pompous ass into my house.”

  “Oh. You mean your apartment? Lucky me,” I tossed the cloth diaper on my shoulder, then pulled Macy up there. “I didn’t expect to run into you. I thought he’d be here since he only works part time. Being a fireman, you make a lot more money, right? Is it necessary for Santiago to work at all?”

  “No, but he doesn’t want to work from home. He wants to help with the bills and expenses.” Jonas crossed his legs. I could tell this conversation was irking the hell out of him. Really, I didn’t care.

  “Aw. Santiago is always so thoughtful. When things are righted, he’ll get used to being at home. He can go to all the antique shows he wants while he helps to raise her. We have a nanny, but I’m sure he’ll want to spend more time with Macy.”

  Jonas looked up at the ceiling and clicked his teeth. “Will you excuse me a moment? I need to go to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water.” He got up and stomped out the room.

  Again, I chuckled because I was riling him up. To say I didn’t enjoy it would be a lie, but I had to show this man I wouldn’t be intimidated by him or his declarations of love for Santi.

  Bah! What kind of nickname is that?

  I had plenty of names for him, but none of them were that stupid. It sounded childish, lazy, and…

  When the front door opened, my thoughts were interrupted. Two sets of footsteps stomped through the foyer.

  “Myles, what the he…” A sharp breath. “Myles? You brought Macy?”

  When I turned to look at him, he hadn’t changed at all. Beautiful hazel eyes, light brown locks to his shoulders. Santiago looked refreshed, well rested. So gorgeous as he always was.

  “Hello, beautiful.”

  Santiago dropped his gaze then he glared at me. “Why would you show up without calling?”

  “I wanted to surprise you. I had
no idea you’d go to an antique show.”

  “You would’ve if you’d done the decent thing by letting me know first. You know I’m with Jonas. Unless there’s an emergency or we’re visiting with Macy, there is no need to call me.”

  I gasped at that statement. What kind of person had this Jonas changed my sweet Santiago to?

  “Aren’t you going to say hi to Macy?”

  I heard more footsteps from the other direction. It was Jonas coming back into the room and he stood with a water bottle in his hand right next to my man and some lady I hadn’t been introduced to.

  “Babe, as much as I’d love to stay and watch the fireworks, I gotta go.” Jonas kissed Santiago on the lips and patted his back.

  “Okay, love. I’ll see you later.” Santiago returned the affection and walked out of the room, saying goodbye to the woman.

  “Bye.” I said it to be civil. I got nothing in return. Talk about horrible manners.

  Swaying from side to side, I quietly hushed Macy as she began to fuss, likely sensing the tension in the room.

  “Santiago.”

  Santiago sighed and shook his head. “Let me hold her a minute and then you need to leave. I’ll go wash my hands first.”

  “Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”

  “Sorry. Pamela, Myles. Myles, Pamela.” Santiago stomped out the room, grumbling under his breath, much like Jonas did.

  “Oh yes, Pamela. We met when Santiago first moved down here. I didn’t notice who you were.”

  “Right.” She crossed her arms, appearing to be just as perturbed as Santiago. She was on team Jonas too. Oh well, I knew I’d be outnumbered on my drive down here. I’d gotten used to being the underdog. However, much like my other ventures, I would come out on top.

  Santiago walked back in.

  “Myles, I tell you, I didn’t think you’d try using Macy to get me back, but I should’ve known better. Not much is beneath you.”

  I had no answer for that. I didn’t think it was a low move at all.

  “Hey, mama. Hey sweetheart. It’s so good to see you again.” Santiago took Macy from me, kissing her head. “You look so gorgeous in your orange dress. You always have baby girl. How have you been precious?”