Just Right: A Something Just Ain't Right Novella

by Sheena Binkley

  “Maybe he’s just stressed. Just plan a romantic night to get his mind off of things.”

  I sighed. “That actually sounds good, but I want a bit more.”

  Tamara looked confused. “What do you mean?”

  “When Morgan and I first started dating, it was a challenge to be together.”

  “Only because of Lamar. Are you saying you’re bored with Morgan?”

  I shook my head. “Never, I just wished we were still doing some of the things that we used to do; like take bike rides and go on spontaneous trips. Stuff like that.”

  “Hales, you both do have careers and a child to think about now.”

  “I know that. I just want one night where the two of us are the couple we used to be, that’s all.”

  Tamara nodded. “I can understand that. Lamar and I were in a rut at one point, but we found a way to get back on track. I’m sure you and Morgan will do the same.”

  I sighed. “I hope so because now, I feel that we can’t.”

  Tamara gently placed her hand on mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. I sighed again wondering if I’m overreacting. Morgan and I have been through a lot together so this little hiccup shouldn’t be an issue.

  So why am I making more out of it than what it is?

  Morgan

  Since Hayley went out with Tamara, I figured that’ll give me time to talk with Lamar and Kyle. I needed to talk with someone about what I’d found out about Travis being released and how I was going to tell Hayley.

  I grabbed a beer from the fridge when the doorbell rang. I went to the door, opening it to see the two standing outside.

  “At least you showed up at the same time. I don’t have to wait for anyone.” I said as I closed the door.

  “Aren’t you considerate.” Kyle joked while walking in.

  “I don’t want to repeat what I have to say twice.”

  “What is this about? You sounded kind of urgent on the phone.” Lamar said while going into the living room.

  I sat down in the armchair, facing the two and sighed. “I just found out that Travis is set to be released on parole.”

  Kyle leaned forward while Lamar gave a confused look.

  “Wait, what? How is that possible?” Lamar asked.

  “The courts felt he has been on his best behavior. So they decided to shorten his sentence.”

  “But he tried to kill you and Hales.”

  I ran my hand through my hair. That was the same reaction I had when Sergeant Stumper gave me the news about Travis. When I heard it, I wanted to punch him in his face but it wasn’t his fault about Travis’ early release. It’s the muthafuckers that he works with fault.

  “I’m assuming you haven’t told Hayley?” Kyle asked.

  “No, I don’t want to worry her. She’ll probably think that he’ll come after us. I don’t know if he will but if so, badge or not, I will protect myself and my family.”

  “I understand, but Morgan, it’s not just Hales you have to think about. What about MJ? Are you seriously going to risk your freedom for that asshole?” Lamar asked.

  “What do you want me to do, then? Just let him do whatever the hell he wants and we all suffer the consequences?”

  “I’m not saying that. You are a detective now. I’m sure you can find some way to control him in a legal manner.”

  “Lamar’s right. You have too much to lose now. Besides, that’s what Travis wants you to do, especially since he feels you destroyed his life.” Kyle added.

  “How do you feel about all of this?” I asked Kyle.

  “How should I feel? Regardless, the man shouldn’t be out in the free world.”

  “I know you don’t want to Morgan, but you need to tell Hayley. She needs to know.” Lamar stressed.

  I leaned back in the chair contemplating if I should. I don’t want Hayley to worry. She’s happy right now, so I don’t want to ruin that.

  So much for living a normal life…

  Hayley

  After spending over two hours with Tamara, I figured I needed to head home. I stayed out longer than I should of, so Morgan probably was wondering where I’m at.

  I walked into the house, almost tripping over a pair of Morgan’s shoes. I told him to put his shoes in the bedroom closet where they belonged. That man can be so hard-headed sometimes.

  I went up the stairs and saw rose petals leading to the second floor. I smiled, wondering what Morgan was up to. He can be romantic, but mainly during a special occasion or our anniversary.

  Or if something’s wrong…

  I slowly opened the bedroom door to see a sea of candles lit throughout the room. More rose petals were on the floor and the bed and a bottle of champagne was sitting in a bucket of ice.

  I looked at Morgan, who was looking so good, wearing a pair of silk blue pajama pants. At that point, I didn’t care what was going on.

  “What’s going on? Is everything okay?” I asked while setting my keys on the dresser.

  Morgan smiled. “Everything is fine, baby.”

  “You normally don’t go all out unless something is about to happen.”

  “Wow, you’re really killing the mood right now.”

  “I’m just saying, you do this when it’s our anniversary or if something is bothering you. I know a lot has been going on…”

  “Hales, just stop talking and relax.” He said. He came up to me and slowly took off my jacket. I stared into his blue eyes, which immediately calmed me down.

  “It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to show how much I love you. I know we’ve been busy lately, so I just wanted to do something special, that’s all.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “I’m positive. Now, I want you to slip out of those clothes and lay down on the bed for me. I have a lot planned for us tonight.” He said and kissed me.

  I smiled as Morgan brought out the massage oil. I was getting excited because I definitely needed a massage. I laid down waiting for Morgan to start. Morgan talked a good game but I’ve known him long enough to know when he’s hiding something, so I’ll find a way to get it out of him.

  I gave a content sigh as his lips softly caressed my skin. He slowly licked my collarbone before kissing my earlobe.

  “Keep doing that and we won’t make it to the massage.” I whispered.

  “We will. We’re going to take our time tonight.”

  “We’ll see.”

  I felt the cool sensation of the oil as he slowly applied it to my back and legs. I closed my eyes, anticipating what was about to come. I love Morgan’s massages. He knows my body; so it’s always a pleasurable experience.

  Even though I will enjoy the moment, I still had to know what was going on.

  “How’s Tam?” Morgan asked while rubbing my lower back. I softly moaned before speaking.

  “She’s good. She just needed to unwind from work.”

  “While you two had your girl talk, Lamar and Kyle came by.”

  I raised my head, wondering why they were here.

  “Kyle just wanted to talk about the wedding, that’s all.” Morgan quickly said.

  “How is that going anyway?”

  “He’s excited for it. He just needed to make a couple of changes.”

  “I still don’t know about Demetria. I know she has changed after what happened, but is he sure about marrying her?”

  Morgan stopped touching me and I sat up to stare at him.

  “Are you seriously going to do this right now?” he asked.

  “Do what? She lied to all of us. I understand why she did it but we have to wonder what else is she hiding, Morgan.”

  “Hales, it has been three years. I thought the two of you were slowly becoming friends, so why the sudden animosity? I think she earned our respect now; even though she didn’t have to prove anything.”

  “I just don’t trust her, Morgan.”

  “And why do you care? Are you still lusting over Kyle? Because if you are…”

  “Morgan, I’m not lu
sting over Kyle! He’s like a brother to me now. I just want what’s best for him. Don’t you want that for him? He’s your cousin!”

  He sat on the bed and pulled me up to face him. He pushed some of my hair from my face and smiled. “You’re still as stubborn as can be girl, but I still love you.”

  I smiled. “I just care about the people that are in my life.”

  “You do. That’s one of the things that I love about you. But baby, you can’t fight everyone’s battles. From what I’ve seen, Demetria’s is a nice person who changed her life around. She’s happy and she makes Kyle happy. What happened in the past should stay in the past.”

  “I know, but…”

  “She saved you from going to prison. At least owe her that.”

  “I know, but…”

  Morgan put a finger to my lips and gently traced the outlines of them. I smiled as he gave a sexy glance.

  “Are we going to talk about Kyle and Demetria all night or are we going to enjoy each other’s company? I prefer the latter… don’t you?”

  I slowly nodded as Morgan spread my legs.

  “Let’s get started then.”

  “What about my massage?” I asked as he laid me down.

  “This is part of it.” He whispered before giving me a sensual kiss.

  Before I knew it, I forgot about Kyle, Demetria, and whatever Morgan was hiding. But just because I did now doesn’t mean that I won’t bring it back up later. I will find out what’s going on. I just hope it’s something that I can handle.

  Morgan

  Once I could get Hales to calm down, the evening went just as I planned. Well, sort of. I did plan the night to help me tell Hales about Travis being released, but out of nowhere she started talking about Demetria and Kyle. I don’t know if she knew I was going to tell her something and distracted me, or she was really pissed off about the two. Either way, I must find another way to tell her about Travis.

  Now it was a new day and I was back at my second home, the station. I was looking through some files when Sergeant Stumper came to my desk.

  “You got a sec, Carter?”

  I nodded and got up. I followed him to his office and he closed the door.

  “Is everything okay, Serge?”

  “Take a seat, Carter. We need to talk.”

  I slowly sat down in the seat across from him as he did the same. He didn’t even speak as he gave me a look that I couldn’t read.

  “Are we going to have a staring contest or a conversation?” I jokingly asked. I guess he didn’t get the joke because he continued to stare.

  “I’m just thinking how I should tell you what I know about your step uncle being released.”

  “Just tell me, Serge. You know I can take it.”

  He sighed and folded his hands together. He gave me a stern look before speaking. “Our suspicions have been true about Travis. The judge did grant him early release from prison. He will be on house arrest, but with your history with him, you know there’s a possibility that he’ll try to contact you or your family. Therefore, I suggest you tell your wife and family that he will be released.”

  I shook my head not believing what I was hearing. How could the judge be so stupid to let this man be released?

  “Do you think there’s another reason as to why Travis was released? Does he have this judge in his pocket or something?”

  “Carter…”

  “This man terrorized me and my wife! He almost killed her. So, I’m sorry if I’m trying to figure out why this is happening.”

  “I wish I could tell you, but even I’m clueless on this. Just know that since Travis is considered a free man, you can’t go after him, whatsoever.”

  “You think I would?”

  “Yes, I do. That’s why I don’t want you involved in this new case that’s about to come through here.”

  “New case?”

  Stumper sighed. “There have been some suspicions that he has been in contact with several people in this new crime spree that has been sweeping the area.”

  “The bank robberies that have been happening recently? Of course, I know about that.”

  “Well, it might be possible that there’s an agenda behind it. During each incident, the robbers would immediately demand to go to the safe deposit boxes. No one knows why, but they’ll bypass the money with the tellers and immediately go there.”

  “So, they’re looking for something there?”

  “The question is, what?”

  He continued to look at me and I glanced at him. “What?”

  “We think he’s been talking with your cousin’s fiancée, Demetria. We knew her father and he had a past, so she could either be involved in this, or he could be trying to get her involved.”

  “Shit,” I whispered. “Why in the hell is he being released then if you all know he’s involved in this?”

  “We don’t have any proof to back up our claims. It’s just hearsay.”

  “Of course.”

  “That’s why we will do what we can to protect you and your family, but you can’t be involved in this, Carter.”

  I gave him a crazed look. “You can’t be serious.”

  “I’m dead serious. We know how you can be, Morgan. We can’t trust that. You can’t risk that, especially since you have a family now.”

  “This is bullshit, Serge.”

  “And I’m giving you an order. If you even try and get involved, I will strip you from your badge. Do you hear me, Carter?”

  I gave him a heated glanced before getting up. “Loud and clear.”

  I walked out of Stumper’s office heated. How’s he going to tell me that I can’t be involved? I know this asshole better than anyone handing this case, so I need to be involved.

  I went to my desk about to call Kyle when I put my phone on the desk. I don’t even know if I should tell him about Demetria. It might not even be true. I don’t know how Serge knows. I guess I was too upset about Travis to even ask.

  I stared at the picture of me, Hales, and MJ that was on my desk. I picked it up seeing the smiling faces wondering how long will our happiness last. I thought I was done with my past, but it seemed as if it keeps coming back to haunt me.

  Hayley

  After a long day at work, I was looking forward to seeing my family later for dinner. It has been awhile since we all had sat down and enjoyed each other’s company. But since we all have busy lives, it was hard to do now.

  I called Morgan to see if he wanted to meet at the house and drive together to my parents’ but he told me he had some paperwork to complete, so he’ll meet me there. He sounded kind of weird on the phone, so I hope everything is okay. I pushed the thought out of my mind as I headed to my parents.

  Since my mom retired from her job as a teacher, she volunteered to take care of MJ while Morgan and I worked. At first, Morgan didn’t like the idea since Morgan Jr. should be around other kids his age. But I did have to stress to him that MJ does have an aunt that was around his age since my parents decided to still have kids in their fifties. It was still hard to believe they had a three-year-old but with their relationship, anything was possible.

  As I pulled up to the driveway, I saw that Lamar was already there. I parked behind his car and got out then he came over and gave me a hug.

  “Hey sis,”

  “Hey bro, how is everything?”

  “Everything is good. I can’t complain. What about you?”

  “It’s good, just been busy.”

  “It’s that job that you have. I’m surprised you were able to come tonight,” he said.

  “Nothing is going to keep me from having mom’s Cajun chicken and rice. I need that in my life right now.”

  “Who are you telling? Since Tam doesn’t cook, and I need a home cooked meal. Don’t tell her that I’m complaining, though.”

  “Didn’t you just say you had no complaints?”

  Lamar gave me the side eye and I chuckled. “Anyway, where’s your hubby?”

 
“Still at work. He’s meeting me here.”

  Lamar gave an uneasy glance which made me feel the same way. “What’s going on, Lamar?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “That look you just gave. Is everything okay with Morgan?”

  My heart was wildly beating against my chest. Even though Morgan has calmed down over the years a tiny part of me still worried about him and what he has been through. It took a lot for him to get over what has happened, especially with me getting shot. I just don’t want him to relapse back into the person that he was before.

  That’s why I never told him how I really felt when he joined the force. To this day, I still don’t think it’s safe for him to be a detective. Along with the everyday stress that comes with the job, I think a case will retrigger his attitude causing him to react before thinking.

  “Everything is fine, Hales.”

  “Are you sure? You’ll tell me if something was, right?”

  Before Lamar could say anything, I saw MJ slowly walk out of the house. My mom was close behind him as I went over to him.

  “Hey J-Bug! I missed you today.” I said as I gave him a gentle hug. He said mommy before wrapping his tiny arms around me. It always brightens my day to see my little guy. He is a split image of Morgan, with his blue eyes and facial features. His skin tone is the same as mine as he has light brown hair. That I was a bit surprised with, but maybe it’ll change over time.

  “Where’s Morgan?” my mom asked while giving me a hug.

  “He’s still at the station. He’ll be here once he’s done.”

  “We’ll wait a little longer for him. Your dad has an announcement that he wants to share with everyone.”

  “Oh really, I wonder what that is.” I said while staring at Lamar. I had an idea it has something to do with the family company that Lamar is currently the president for. I know my dad is ready to retire and wants Lamar to take over. That would be a huge step if he does.

  “Is it about the company?” Lamar asked.

  My mom shrugged and walked back into the house. I suddenly realized Tamara wasn’t there, but once I walked inside, she was on the couch having an intense conversation on her phone.