Mistaken Identities

by Lockwood, Tressie

  Mistaken Identities

  Tressie Lockwood

  and

  Dahlia Rose

  Mistaken Identities

  Copyright © January 2014 Tressie Lockwood and Dahlia Rose

  Cover Art by For The Muse Designs

  Formatting by Bob Houston eBook Formatting

  ISBN 978-1-939151-90-2

  All rights are reserved. No part of this e-book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Time Will Tell

  Tressie Lockwood

  Chapter One

  “What are you doing?”

  Tonya looked up to the imposing figure of Grayson Porter, standing in front of her while she hid in the hall closet. “What are you doing, idiot?”

  His dark brows shot to his hairline, and she was hard pressed not to laugh at him. She reached out, grabbed his arm, and dragged him into the closet with her. Then she pulled the door until just a sliver of light illuminated the darkness. After checking to see that she hadn’t been discovered, she breathed a sigh of relief. Beside her, she felt Grayson’s gaze, a fact that happened often, and she figured she better explain since she’d high-jacked him.

  “I’m hiding from Roman. I’m going to scare the pants off him—or we are.”

  “Are we five?” was Grayson’s response, and she rolled her eyes.

  “I didn’t see you telling him he was being childish when he dumped ice down my blouse yesterday. This is payback.”

  Roman had pinned her to the wall and dropped the frozen cube that ended up wetting her shirt in the wrong places. She’d elected not to put on a bra that day since her boobs weren’t all that big to need one. Of course with the chill, her nipples had gone hard for the world to see, and Roman just thought it was funny. Grayson hadn’t said a word, although he had witnessed it. She’d ended up changing into one of his shirts and tossing hers in the dryer.

  “That’s different,” Grayson informed her.

  “How so?” She turned to look at him but could barely make out his features. They’d been friends for years. Well, she and Roman had, and he and Roman were best friends. She didn’t really know how to classify her relationship with Grayson. He always appeared cool in nature. Not unkind, because she didn’t know a kinder man, just distant and reserved. She liked him. He would make his girlfriend Nola a great—if icy—husband someday, when he got around to popping the question.

  Grayson was sexy. She had to give him that, and as much as she adored her Roman, she wouldn’t be a woman if she didn’t notice the huge, muscular build, the pensive green eyes, and the silky black hair plenty of women would love to get their hands in. They would love to get their hands all over the man from what she had seen, and maybe she would have too if she hadn’t met Roman and fallen desperately in love with him first.

  The hall closet of Roman’s condo was smallish and made more so by Grayson’s bulky form. He took most of the space, and the cologne he wore permeated the air, making it hard to breathe. Tonya shifted her position to press her nose to the door opening, and her ass brushed some part of Grayson’s body. She wasn’t sure where, but at his sharp intake of breath, she wondered if she had offended him. Thank goodness voices reached them from the front door, Roman and Nola laughing about something.

  “Hey, baby, where are you?” Roman called.

  Tonya poised for attack, biting hard on her cheek to keep from laughing.

  “Tonya?” Roman’s voice sounded from just outside the door.

  She flung the door wide and sprang out. “Boo!”

  The bag Roman carried went flying. Startled, he swung an arm out, but before it connected with her chest, Grayson wrapped his around her waist and jerked her backward out of reach. She slammed into his chest and winced in pain when the top of her head cracked his chin.

  “Ouch,” she groaned. “That went horribly wrong.”

  “Baby, are you okay?” Roman reached for her, and she wiggled free from Grayson’s hold to melt into her fiancé’s. He kissed her lips. “I’m so sorry. You scared me.”

  “I was trying to pay you back for that mess yesterday, but you almost punched me in the gut, and Gray tried to crush my skull.”

  Roman glared at Grayson over her head. When she glanced back at him, he appeared unrepentant. The man was impossible.

  “It’s not my fault she dragged me into this plot.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets and strode down the hall. Tonya and Roman laughed, and she bent to help him pick up the items that had rolled out of the bag. When she did, she noticed her diamond ring again, like she did every day since the man of her dreams had asked her to marry him.

  Roman made her heart flutter, and he was so sweet and good to her. He’d been paying the rent on her place for the last two months, and when they married in a couple weeks, she would move in with him. Of course, she had every intention of talking to him about moving out of the condo and into a house. She wanted room to grow and kids before long. Roman seemed content with where his life was, and that was fine with her because it meant stability, but she also wanted more. She had goals, and knowing he loved her, she had no doubt they would find middle ground and work through every decision together.

  Just thinking about their life had her bouncing up from the floor and latching onto his arm, grinning like an idiot.

  “You’re doing that thing,” he said, touching the tip of her nose with a fingertip.

  “What thing?” She widened her eyes in innocence.

  “That dodey thing. Are you sure you want me and not some black guy?”

  She had once told him she was dopey in love with him, and it made her silly sometimes. For some odd reason, Roman had heard dodey, and it stuck. Whenever she got the look on her face where she couldn’t stop smiling at him and thinking about their happy life, he said she did the dodey thing.

  Tonya raised her head and put her shoulders back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mr. Roman Thomas. Now, if you’ll come this way, I think we can get down to a very serious game of Monopoly with our friends Grayson and Nola.”

  She started out ahead of him, and Roman made as if to slap her ass. She let out a squeak and ran. He chased after her until they reached the living room where Grayson sat with Nola on his lap. When Tonya darted in breathless, Grayson put Nola down, and she frowned at him.

  “So let’s get this party started,” Tonya announced. “We have chips and beer, which Roman bought, and the buffalo wings I made will set your mouth on fire, but they’re good as hell. Who wants to go home broke?”

  “We’re playing with real money?” Nola asked.

  “That’s how the two showoffs want to do it.” Tonya indicated Grayson and Roman. “For poor, homeless folk like me…”

  “Stop, you know you’re not homeless.” Roman, unlike Grayson, had no issues with holding her on his lap in front of the others. Tonya settled into his chest and sighed in contentment.

  “I will be in two weeks. My lease is up, and my landlord told me he signed someone today who’s paying the extra to get the apartment early. They claim they’re going to clean it up in like a day, but he hinted around about me leaving it move-in ready.”

  Roman squeezed her hip. “You can move in here from tonight.”

  “Nope, you’re making an honest woman of me, Roman.”

  Nola laughed. “Are you so prudish, Tonya?”

  Sometimes Tonya wasn’t sure if she liked Nola or if she just tolerated her because she was Grayson’s longtime girlfriend. Nola said whatever dropped into her mind, no matter how it sounded or who she insulted. She was pretty in her way with short-cropped dark hair, blond
highlights in the front. Her tiny build being no more than five-foot-four to Grayson’s six-four height made her seem fragile, but from experience, Tonya knew the type of woman to act as if she had to do extra to be heard and taken seriously. In her less charitable moments, Tonya thought of Nola as a small pixie doll with a sharp tongue.

  “I’m not, but Aunt Linn is old-fashioned. She would flame broil Roman if he dared live with a woman unmarried. I have to think of his safety.”

  Everyone laughed except Roman, who grimaced. “You wouldn’t find it so funny if she lectured you until your ears bled.”

  Grayson shook his head. “We’ve all had our turn growing up. Even if she’s not related to me, I got disciplined along with you.”

  Tonya chimed in. “Hey, I was late on the scene, but I will not cross that woman for anything.”

  As much as they all joked, Tonya loved Aunt Linn as if she were her own aunt. Roman’s parents had left him with his great aunt as a child of two and went off travelling the world. Aunt Linn raised him like a son, but she never forgave his parents for basically abandoning him. She had made sure to show him lots of love, from what Tonya gathered, but she also didn’t take any stuff off him. Grayson either, who had been their next-door neighbor with his family until he started his own software company.

  The game got underway, and Tonya moved from Roman’s lap to the floor beside him so she could get down to business. She loved Monopoly and could be very competitive. Roman or Grayson always spotted her when her funds depleted so she could keep enjoying herself. That defeated the purpose, but she didn’t care.

  She rolled the dice and frowned. “Damn.”

  “Four hundred,” Grayson announced, and held out his hand.

  She grumbled and handed it over. Roman laughed.

  “You never like paying out, but you happily take payment.”

  “Such is life, my love.” She leaned over and kissed him and then faced Grayson. “So, Gray, when are you going to make an honest woman of Nola?”

  Nola appeared to perk up her ears, although she tried to play it casual. Tonya suppressed a chuckle. Grayson studied his property cards.

  “I will eventually get married. After all, I do want kids.”

  “Are you kidding?” Nola complained. “You will marry me eventually, but just to get kids out of me?”

  Tonya reached across the table to pat her hand, but she didn’t mention Grayson had said he would eventually marry. He never said he’d do it with Nola, which she found odd given they had been together four years. Maybe that was the kind of man he was.

  “I was thinking of throwing a party,” Grayson announced, and Tonya blinked at him.

  Roman glanced up. “A party?”

  “Yeah, in honor of the two of you. I think it’s appropriate.”

  “It’s only a couple weeks until the wedding.”

  “Not too late. I can give you my present.”

  Tonya’s heart softened. “You don’t have to give us anything, Gray. You’ve done so much already, paying for the wedding.”

  He shrugged. “You don’t have much family. It’s the least I could do, and Roman is my best friend.”

  Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away. He was a nice guy. She had never denied that. “Thanks.”

  “Anything.” He met her gaze and held it for a moment then looked to Roman. “This isn’t a big deal, just a few friends and family.”

  “Fine,” Tonya chirped. “But no strippers or you and I are going to have a problem.” She pointed at him, eyes narrowed, and everyone began laughing and teasing. The night continued on with more fun.

  Tonya could not imagine things any better than they were at that moment. She had finished school in May, and had her degree in Computer Science. After her honeymoon with Roman, she would start a new job at Grayson’s software development company where Roman also worked. She would go to lunch with her husband daily, and then go home with him every night. Nothing could be more perfect.

  Chapter Two

  Tonya moved through the crowd of people, looking for Roman. Grayson had said a few friends and family, but damn, just how many friends did he and Roman have for this crush? She didn’t blame them, though. Grayson’s house was incredible, what he called a modest house with five bedrooms, a family room, and an office. She loved it and dreamed of someday her and Roman owning a home to raise their kids in.

  “Tonya.”

  She turned to see her friend Letreece, who lived across the hall from her apartment. “Hey, girl. How you liking the party?”

  Letreece whirled, taking in the house and guests. They were about the same height and build, yet somehow, her friend made her feel lumbering and bulky the way she carried herself.

  “Are you serious?” Letreece gushed. “I’m loving it, but I wouldn’t expect anything else from Gray. You watch. Roman’s going to have something like this soon. I bet Gray will make him partner before you know it.”

  Tonya waved her hand. “Shush, Gray’s got other people here who would love to get into a position like that. Anyway, I think Roman is happy right where he is. I’m okay with whatever he wants.”

  Letreece rolled her eyes. “Damn, Tonya, stop licking his toes for a minute.”

  Tonya drew back. “Excuse me?”

  Her friend laughed. “I’m just playing with you. I know Roman’s all that. Where is the sexy beast anyway?” She stretched up on her toes to scan the crowd. Tonya didn’t think she saw any better. Her words rankled. There was nothing wrong with loving Roman the way she did. He loved her just as deeply. Letreece was just jealous, but that didn’t matter either.

  “I don’t know where he is. I’ve been looking. Last I saw him, Gray dragged him off with some other guys. How much you want to bet they’re playing video games?”

  “You’ll lose that bet.”

  Tonya started at Grayson’s deep voice. She peered over her shoulder at him, and he stared down at her with such intensity she licked her lips. Sometimes she wanted to know what was on his mind. Before she could speculate, she thought of Roman, and slid her gaze past him to search for her fiancé.

  “Is Roman with you?”

  From the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Grayson frown, but when she focused on him again, even white teeth flashed at her. “Come with me. Excuse us, Letreece.”

  Grayson slipped his hand in hers and curled strong fingers to keep her close. Tonya waved at her friend and hurried behind Grayson. His long legs and authoritative presence cut through the crowd until they reached a spot in front of the fireplace. Roman stood there already talking to another man. She tugged her hand from Grayson’s and joined Roman. His arm slid around her waist, and he drew her tight to his side. A rush of love washed over her, and she kissed him.

  “If I can have everyone’s attention,” Grayson said behind her. She thought his tone a bit sharp, but when she turned, he was as calm and collected as usual. “Thanks. I just wanted to make a toast to my best friend, Roman Thomas, and his fiancé, also a good friend, Tonya Cole. Just in case everyone doesn’t know the both of them.”

  “We know Roman,” one of the men shouted, “and what is he doing with such a beautiful woman?”

  Everyone laughed, and Tonya blushed.

  “I agree,” Grayson continued. “I know I should wait until the reception, but I wanted to give them my wedding gift now, so that they can make their plans.”

  “What plans?” Roman asked. Tonya shushed him.

  Grayson spoke a few more minutes, and then when the anticipation rose to its highest and she was ready to sock him, he let them in on the secret. “The two of you will honeymoon in Hawaii for three weeks at my expense.”

  Tonya’s mouth dropped open. Whoops of approval went up among the guests. Roman broke from her side and first shook his best friend’s hand and then hugged him. “That’s generous of you, man. You didn’t have to do that. I can’t believe you’d do something like that. What about work?”

  Grayson laughed, and Tonya had to admi
t it was a nice sound, deep and smooth. “Easy, buddy. I wanted to do this for you both. It’s not a big deal. You said yourself you were saving for the future.”

  Tonya looked between the two men closest to her and wondered. They were so close but so different. Grayson went beyond what a friend would do on a regular basis. His confidence radiated, while poor Roman often questioned her about her devotion to him. She never minded reaffirming her love because she enjoyed every instant he said the words in return. What would Grayson be like with the woman who captured his heart? Whoever he married, even if it wasn’t Nola, she would be one of the luckiest women on the planet.

  Roman interrupted her thoughts. “Baby, aren’t you going to get over here and thank Gray?”

  “Of course.” She smiled and moved closer to him. He drew her into a hug, and she went easily. “Thank you so much. I can’t believe you would give us such an incredible gift, but I’m grateful. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” His voice rumbled just beside her ear as he held her, and then he backed off.

  The party continued on into the night. Tonya mingled among the guests, meeting new people, but mostly she stayed close to Roman, Grayson, Nola, and Letreece. At four in the morning, when most guests had gone home, she sat curled up on the couch next to Roman with her head on his shoulder. A few too many mixed drinks left her lethargic.

  She yawned and struggled to keep her head up. Through the haze that was her vision, she caught the amusement on Grayson’s face. “You two need to spend the night here,” he told Roman. “You’ve both had a little too much to drink.”

  “Is she even legal?” someone else asked. Tonya thought she remembered the guy’s name was Ted. He’d been kind of a jerk most of the night and had run after Letreece. Tonya didn’t think her friend dated white guys, given all her boyfriends Tonya had ever seen were black. She could be wrong.

  “For your information, I’m twenty-two,” she mumbled, her tongue heavy.

  Ted’s eyes widened. “Wow, then Roman is robbing the cradle. What’s he, like thirty?”