by D. Camille
“I wasn’t being smart Khayla, but you’re right…I’m not used to being asked questions,” he agreed.
Khayla shook her head. “That’s a damn shame.”
“I told you that I don’t do a lot of talking,” he reminded her.
“Well you should get ready to open your mouth because I like to do this thing called communicating or conversing…your women probably call it conversating.”
He laughed. “You sounding real bougie right now.”
Khayla studied him as he drove. “I know why you dealt with those types of chicks.”
“Do tell Dr. Lewis.”
“You’re a very smart man Lance. Those females are no challenge to you. They can’t tap into the inner resources of your mind and you didn’t want them to. They’re not on your level.”
He nodded. “So you think I was slumming?”
“That’s why you broke us off the first time, am I right?” she asked.
Lance was silent for a long moment. “You were going to be a doctor and I had no doubt that you’d do it.” He shrugged as his thoughts collected. “I was nineteen with dreams but no guarantees that they would come true.”
“You thought I wouldn’t think you were good enough for me?” she questioned confused.
“I didn’t think I was good enough for you Khayla,” he stated plainly.
Khayla lowered her head. “Lance…” she said quietly. “I’m sorry.”
He turned to her quickly. “For what? For being beautiful, smart, ambitious and strong?”
“That’s what I love about you Khayla Imani. Watching you do your thing made me hustle even harder. I’m where I am because of you,” he told her.
Khayla couldn’t stop the tears that slid slowly down her cheek. “I’m so proud of you Lance. I always knew your dreams would come true.”
“You always told me that, and I remembered it even when I didn’t believe it myself.”
“And how do you feel now?” she asked cautiously.
Lance removed his glasses to look into her watery eyes. “Now, there is nothing that can keep me away from you. I don’t need to do all the things you’ve accomplished…I just need you Khayla.”
“You’re my Katydids…”
She smiled. “Tauri told me that if she knew that Rion was being prepared for her, she’d wait an eternity. I thought she was talking crazy, but now I know that I’d wait forever to be here with you right now.”
Lance frowned. “Tauri waited all of five minutes for Rion.”
Khayla laughed. “Yeah, she did.”
Lance took her hand. “I know you’ve waited a long time for me to get my head right Ma, but it’s on straight now. You don’t have to wait another second.”
“I love you…” she whispered as he leaned over and offered his lips to hers.
Three hours later, Khayla watched as Lance pulled up in front of an architectural gem. The large house was a throwback to the large Victorian homes of old and the hand painted shingle read “Sable Bed & Breakfast”.
Khayla took in the fall colors surrounding the establishment then turned to Lance with a smile.
“This is beautiful.”
Lance watched her. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I didn’t expect anything like this,” she confessed.
“Always expect me to do the most for you Katydids.”
She smiled. “I can’t wait to see the inside.”
Lance exited the truck then walked around to open the door for Khayla who stepped out of the car and immediately began to rub her arms in sleeves of her jacket. “It’s cold.”
Lance laughed. “Girl, it’s not even chilly.” He headed to the rear to get their bags while she waited.
“It’s colder than it was in Detroit,” she pointed out.
Lance walked over to her carrying both the light bags in one hand. “Come on so I can warm you up Hot Mama.”
Khayla gently held on to his free arm as they walked up the few stairs to the large wraparound porch. The door was opened and a beautiful young woman with large natural hair smiled at them.
“Lance, you made it!”
He smiled to himself as Khayla’s hand tightened on his arm. “Hey Lana, traffic wasn’t that bad.”
Lance looked down at Khayla. “This is Khayla.”
“Khayla this is Lana. Her family owns this spot.”
“Hello,” Khayla greeted politely watching the woman.
Lana picked up on Khayla’s inspection and quickly began speaking. “Lance has told us all so much about you. He was really excited about bringing you here.”
Khayla looked at Lance. “You’ve been here before?” she asked lifting a brow.
He laughed. “I drove up last week to check it out before I brought you.”
“I picked this place because it’s one of the few black-owned Bed and Breakfast places and one that serves all organic and healthy foods. So all that stuff you eat back at home, you can have here,” he explained.
Khayla looked between two. “Really?”
Lana nodded. “We sure do. Everything we serve is grown locally and made on site.”
“That’s great,” Khayla said smiling.
“We also utilize as many black farmers as possible after my father learned about the National Black Farmer’s Association started by John Boyd Jr.,” Lana added.
Khayla was impressed. “Mr. Boyd was instrumental in winning settlements for many black farmers for land foreclosures and discriminatory lending. He was even able to get President Obama to propose funds to settle the claims for the farmers who didn’t get their original claims examined, unfortunately Congress never appropriated the monies in the budget,” Khayla said shaking her head.
Lance smiled proudly. “See, I told you she’d know that stuff,” he told Lana.
Lana agreed. “He did say you know everything.”
“He didn’t say that,” Khayla said flushing.
“He sure did. He said you were a Naturopathic Doctor and you were brilliant…I see he wasn’t exaggerating.”
Khayla turned to him blushing. “Lance…”
“It’s true.”
Lana invited them inside and Khayla took in the immaculate surroundings. The inside was just as beautiful as the outside and Khayla was in awe, first at the beauty of the home, then at Lance’s thoughtfulness. The fact that he’d taken the time to find a place that would be special to her on many different levels touched her deeply.
“Let me show you to your room,” Lana offered before she walked them up the gleaming wood staircase.
Khayla ran a hand along the polished wood as she climbed the stairway. “This is really beautiful,” she commented.
“Thank you,” Lana responded. “My grandfather started this place, then my father ran it and now my two sisters and I have taken over operations.”
“Three black women running things?” Khayla asked happily.
Lana turned to her. “It has its good and its bad…that’s for sure.”
“I understand.”
“I’m sure you do. A female, black Naturopath?” Lana shook her head. “You’re the first I’ve met.”
They arrived at the door and Lana gave a few housekeeping tips before leaving the two to go inside. Lance opened the door and gestured for her to go inside.
“After you my Queen.”
Khayla couldn’t contain her smile as she walked in to the room with a king-sized canopy bed draped in white. She turned to Lance who had sat the bags on the floor and closed the door.
“Did you pick this room for me?” she asked going to sit on the bed.
“It looked like something you would like,” he told her.
Khayla laid back against the fluffy down comforter. “I love it.”
Lance nodded towards the wall. “There’s a fireplace too.”
“I see, so I’ll be good and warm.”
She watched as he approached, his bowed legs encased in dark denim. He removed his jacket and tossed it on the bed next
to her before he climbed over her.
“I told you I’d keep you warm,” he whispered above her mouth.
“You’re all full of surprises,” she said quietly.
He lowered his head. “Don’t sleep on me Ma…not when it comes to you.”
Khayla wrapped her arms around him when he engaged her mouth. She welcomed the warmth of his weight over her body as he pressed closer. Khayla returned his kiss until there was a light knock on the door. Lance kissed her one last time before getting up to answer.
Lana stood on the other side of the door with a blanket and a basket. “Just like you ordered,” she told him as she held them out to him.
“Thanks Lana.” Lance took the items.
She smiled. “Have fun.” Lana turned and walked down the hall.
Lance brought the basket inside and closed the door. “Let’s take a walk,” he told Khayla when he turned back to her.
She looked confused. “You want to take a walk? Now?” she asked.
He nodded. “Before it gets dark.”
“I thought we were about to get warm…” she pouted.
Lance smiled as he came to retrieve his jacket and put it on. “We will. Come on.” He held out a hand and she reluctantly took it so he could help her off the bed.
Khayla glanced longingly back at the comforter then at Lance. “Just for a little while. I promise,” he told her and they made their way outside. They walked hand in hand with Lance carrying the items until they reached the water.
“What river is this?” Khayla asked.
“The Au Sable River.”
She nodded. ‘I’ve heard of it but I’ve never seen it.”
Lance spread the blanket on the ground and Khayla turned to him. “You know it’s cold.”
He sat and held out a hand to her. “Come here girl damn! A brother trying to take you out in nature and be all romantic, and you crying.”
She smiled as she came and sat down. “I’m a city girl.”
“I’m a city boy, but I ain’t crying.” Lance wrapped his arms around her from behind as they faced the water. “Is this better?”
“It would be better if we were in that big bed.” She glanced back at him. “But this is very nice.”
Lance kissed her jaw and snuggled her closer. “Sometimes I drive away from the city…not this far, but just far enough to hear the quiet,” he told her.
“You have a lot of noise in your head?”
“All the time. I need to hear myself think sometimes.”
Khayla looked around. “It’s very peaceful here.”
“I wanted to be in the silence with you,” he said softly.
She folded her arms over his. “Thank you for bringing me.”
They sat in the quiet watching the water cuddled together for a while. “There’s food,” Lance reminded her.
“I’m not hungry yet.”
He smiled. “I thought you were so cold.”
She snuggled closer. “Ummm…I’m warmer now, plus I want to savor this moment for as long as I can.”
“I was thinking we could come back here each year to celebrate,” he said in her ear.
Khayla watched the slowly setting sun. “Celebrate what?”
“The anniversary of our first date.”
“You’d remember that?”
Lance kissed her cheek again. “I remember everything about you Katydids, you know that.”
“Plus, look at what the hell I’ve been through trying to get to this damn date,” he finished.
She smiled. “I know, but you were as bullheaded as ever, determined to make it happen.”
“I can’t believe what you told Lana about me,” she said shaking her head.
“What? My Queen is everything…she’s that business.”
Khayla turned slightly back to him. “Thank you my King.” She touched her cold lips to his.
“Mmmmm…your lips taste like a Freeze Pop.” He mentioned the summer treat they’d had as children.
She laughed softly. “What flavor?”
He kissed her again. “The best one, so juicy and luscious.”
“They make me want to spread you out and taste the hot and wet ones…” he whispered.
Khayla connected with his gaze over her shoulder. “You know you can talk that game…”
Lance shook his head. “It’s not talk.”
“Show me…” she taunted turning around to face him.
He touched her cool cheek. “I want to…for the rest of my life Katydids.”
Khayla pushed him backwards onto the blanket and covered his body with hers. Lance held on to her as she rewarded him with the lips he’d longed to taste as a boy and loved to taste as a man. Her tongue worked the inside of his mouth until his erection grew against her.
“Ok Ma, it’s time to go inside…” he gritted out.
She kissed him so more. “Mmmm…I thought you wanted to sit in the silence.”
“You can make all the noise you want,” he said against her mouth.
“You can too baby...”
Chapter 16
Lance and Khayla returned to the room and he sat the basket to the side before turning to her. “So, I’m going to run a bath for you to warm you up.”
Khayla turned to him with a smile. “Are you joining me?
He shook his head. “I need to get things ready.”
“What things?”
Lance sighed dramatically. “All these damn questions. Woman just let me do me, okay?”
“You’ve got me all off balance. I don’t know what to expect,” she told him.
He moved closer. “That’s the whole point Ma, just trust me.”
Khayla wrapped her arms around him. “This is important to you,” she said watching him.
“Yeah, it is.”
She smiled. “Okay, no more questions.” He smiled down at her. “Just for this weekend,” she amended.
“I can work with that.” Lance kissed her quickly before heading into the adjoining bathroom.
Khayla shook her head as she removed her jacket. “This boy right here.” She took a seat on the bed and removed the short booties she’d worn with her jeans and sweater. Khayla looked around the room and smiled. It was so beautiful, far more than she’d ever expected.
She should have known that when Lance put his mind to something, he went all in. It was how he did everything in life. He’d put all of his business on pause to take her away and she was on cloud nine right now. Lance stepped out of the bathroom removing his jacket, which he tossed on a nearby chair.
“You need help undressing?” he asked with a sexy grin.
She smiled back at him. “Nope, I can do it all by myself,” she teased.
“Can I watch?” He lifted a dark brow.
“Of course…”
Khayla stood from the bed and began to slowly remove her clothing. First, she shimmied out of her jeans and kicked them to the side. Next, she pulled her sweater over her head then dropped it to the floor next to the pants.
Lance watched her standing in her bra and panties with darkened eyes. “Now that’s what’s up.”
“What are you going to do with it?” she whispered.
He grinned. “Yeah, you know.”
Khayla walked towards him then stopped placing a hand on his chest. “You get it ready for me.” She blew him a kiss before she disappeared into the bathroom.
“Oh it’s ready!” he called after her and she laughed softly as she entered the room.
Khayla looked at the still filling deep tub with white fluffy bubbles surrounded by soy candles. There was a large bouquet of her favorite flowers on the sink along with thick towels.
She smiled. “Damn baby…”
Khayla allowed the tub to fill completely before undressing and stopping the water. She eased inside with a satisfied sigh. Lying back against the rim, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment. She didn’t know how long she’d sat that way until she opened her eyes to see Lance sitting on the
edge, watching her without a shirt.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.
“You’re spoiling me,” she answered smiling.
He shook his head. “Nah, I’m loving you Khayla Imani.”
Khayla leaned forward and lifted her face to his and he obliged her by kissing her fully. She laid back again and looked at him.
“You know I’m dying to know what you’ve been doing.”
“Taking care of my business.”
Khayla pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them making her breasts rise. “You didn’t have to do all of this Lance.”
He placed a large hand on her exposed knee. “I’ve been waiting all my life to do this for you.”
“See, that’s why you have women acting a fool outside of hospital buildings over you.” She placed her hand over his.
“What women?” He moved his hand down her leg. “I don’t see nobody but you, Katydids.”
Khayla squeezed her legs together. “I’m ready to get out.”
He laughed softly as he stroked her leg under the water. “Relax Ma, I brought you here to chill. You been running your practice and the restaurant, taking care of me, and riding with me through all this mess. I just want you to sit back and let go.”
Lance held her gaze. “I’m going to love every inch of this sexy body, but I’m not in a rush. I want to take my time with you.” He lifted a wet hand and slid a finger down her cheek.
Khayla smiled at him. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He smiled back at her.
She lifted a hand and crooked a finger beckoning him to her. Lance obeyed coming closer until Khayla took his face in her hands. “Do I at least get the lips?” she whispered bringing her mouth closer.
“Yeah, you get the lips…”
Lance treated her mouth to a delight that caused her to moan deep in her throat. She leaned back and he followed, continuing to tease her lips and tongue. Her back arched when his warm palm cradled her breast and when he ran his thumb gently across her nipple, she moaned.
Lance’s hand traveled lower beneath the water to touch the spot that held her woman’s heat. Her legs parted willingly as he began to stroke her throbbing flesh. Leisurely he explored her in the warm water. Sliding inside her wet core, he continued to steal her breath with his kisses.