by Pamela Yaye
“Hey, you’re the one who left the door to the cabin wide open. Not me!”
Their laughter mingled with the music sweetening the air.
“We had some great times, didn’t we?”
“Yeah, we did.” With a pounding heart and a dry throat, she pointed out the windshield. “That’s me on the corner. Number fifty-one.”
“Here we are, safe and sound,” he said, turning off the car. Warrick wasn’t touching her, but the power of his gaze and the soulful music fueled her lustful thoughts, thoughts she had no business having about him. “Do you have plans next Sunday?”
“You don’t want to go camping again, do you?”
His deep, guttural chuckle coaxed a smile from her lips. It had been years since they’d laughed together. Stress brought out the worst in people, and at the end of their relationship they’d argued so fiercely, Tangela had thought she hated him. But tonight, she burned with passion, a fire so hot, it could flatten the whole apartment complex.
“It’s my grandparents’ anniversary.”
Tangela nodded. “You guys are throwing them a surprise party, right?”
“How did you know?”
“Rachael mentioned it.”
“Does that mean you’re coming?”
“I don’t know. It’s a family thing and I’m not—”
“Tangela, don’t,” he warned, cutting her off. “You know my grandparents would love to see you. You’re like another daughter to them.”
“Are you bringing Alexis?”
“Why would I?”
“I’m just checking.” Her laugh was dry. It would be great to see Mr. and Mrs. Carver again. The couple had opened their home to her and she would forever be grateful for their love. Why not join the family and celebrate such a joyful occasion? Now that she and Warrick had cleared the air, it was puerile to fret over being around him. She was still very much attracted to him, but nothing was going to happen. “I’ll think about it.”
His eyes had a friendly twinkle and the smile on his lips made her warm all over. Get out of the car! the voice in her head screamed. What are you waiting for? For him to pounce on you like he did in Sage and Marshall’s kitchen?
“I don’t know if I should walk you to the door or not,” he confessed, leaning over the center console. His mouth was at her ear and the dulcet sound made her drowsy. “I want to, but you remember what happened at the end of our first date, don’t you, Tangela?”
After a pricey dinner, outrageous flirting and a steamy grind on the dance floor of a hot new club, he’d escorted her back to the apartment she shared with her roommate. Pressing her flat against the wall, he’d tilted her chin to receive his kiss. It was heaven, and one kiss hadn’t been enough. One kiss had led to another and soon she was down to her bra and panties. They’d stood in the open doorway kissing for what felt like hours. If her roommate hadn’t interrupted them, they probably would have gone inside and made love in her cramped closet-size bedroom. They didn’t make love for another month, and when it finally happened, Tangela was sorry she had made Warrick wait so long.
“Should I or shouldn’t I?”
Heat rose up her neck. Why was he doing this to her? Why was he playing racquetball with her heart? Tangela gripped the door handle so hard, she feared it would come off in her hands. Yes, they’d been broken up for years, but they still shared a deep, undeniable attraction and the sensible thing to do was to keep her distance.
“I’m thirsty,” he announced, his mouth against her ear.
Tangela reclaimed her voice. “W-Warrick, don’t.”
He put a hand on her leg. “I’m serious, stop.” She didn’t want him to stop—ever, but she wasn’t prepared for where they might end up. It was 2:00 a.m., and the only time a single woman invited a man inside her house at this time of night was when he was staying for breakfast. “Thanks for the lift.”
“It’s a long drive to the penthouse.” Running his fingers across her forearm, he asked if he could come inside for a cup of coffee. “I always loved how you made it. Not too sweet, with a dash of cinnamon and rum. Mmm…”
“I’m all out,” she lied. “How about a bottle of water instead?”
“You’re inviting me inside?”
Was she? Allowing Warrick into her apartment was begging for trouble. In designer eyeglasses and a crisp oxford shirt he might look harmless, but she knew another side of him. A daring, sexier side that she couldn’t resist. He could outwit a magician and make it look easy and Tangela didn’t want to be his next victim. “You wait here. I’ll bring it out.”
His smile slid away, but his eyes still sparkled. He was teasing her and having a good time at her expense. Deep in concentration, he studied her like a painter with his muse. “You don’t trust yourself to be alone with me,” he announced, his eyes creeping down her figure. “That can only mean one thing. You still have feelings for me.”
“It’s not that,” she argued. “We have a long history and I don’t want to end up—”
“In my bed?” His hand traveled up her thigh.
Tangela swallowed. What was wrong with her? She’d never had a problem telling her dates to back off, so why was she letting Warrick feel her up? If anyone else had tried to get fresh, she would’ve smacked them upside the head, but for some reason she didn’t rebuke him.
“This is nice.” His smile stretched the length of his mouth. “It kind of reminds me of old times. Back in the day, we used to go to Lover’s Peak and sit in the car talking until sunrise.” When she nodded in acquiescence, her eyes blazing with desire, his imagination ran further. “We never did more than kiss, but I wanted you so bad, Tangela. I had it all planned out in my mind, too. I’d undress you on the banks of the river and…”
“We’ve been out here for a long time,” she said, interrupting his erotic daydream. “I’d better get inside before one of my nosy neighbors calls security.”
“Just a few more minutes.” The urgency in his voice bordered on desperation and she’d never heard him sound sexier. “We’re having a good time, aren’t we?”
“It’s been a really long day and an even longer night. I’m exhausted.”
Grabbing her purse, she pushed open the passenger door and stepped out of the car. When Warrick appeared at her side and offered his hand, she hesitated for a moment, then took it. A long, meaningful look passed between them. Her stomach lurched when Warrick stepped forward. The man gave her butterflies and heart palpitations. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
Warrick closed the gap between them. Her lips looked appetizing. At war with himself, he took a moment to consider what he was about to do. He felt as if he was being pulled in two directions. Being with Tangela reminded him of all the good times they’d had. There was a gravity about her, an energy, and he wasn’t strong enough to turn away.
Abandoning himself to his need, he allowed his gaze to crawl over the contours of her hips. Taking her hands in his, he gave her a gentle kiss. He tasted wine on her lips and though the kiss was brief, it was deadly. He’d never felt more connected to her or wanted her more than he did now. “I’ve thought about you every day for the last two years,” he confessed, whispering in her ear. “Every minute of every single day.”
“I don’t believe you, Warrick. It’s just the beer talking.”
“Ask Rachael. Ask the guys. You’re all I talk about.” His hands slid down her hips. Self-restraint had never been one of his strong points, especially when it came to Tangela. She wasn’t just his first love, she was his only love. “I know we shouldn’t be having this conversation now, but I want everything to be out in the open.”
Respectable, well-bred guys didn’t make out with girls in public, but he didn’t know when this opportunity to be alone with Tangela would come again. “I should have married you when I had the chance. I thought we were too young.”
“You were right. We don’t belong together.”
“You’re wrong. We do.” After a moment of silence, he ti
lted her chin upward, studying her for several seconds. “We dated for seven years. Don’t you think we owe it to ourselves to see if we could work?” Desperate to get through to her, he spoke openly, truthfully, from the heart. “I’m a changed man. I’m not the person I used to be.”
“It’s only been two years since we split up. How much could you have changed?”
“I don’t know, you tell me,” he said, concealing a grin. “I’m not the one who moved to Mexico, lost eighty pounds and landed on the cover of People magazine. Next thing I know, you’ll be starring in your own hit reality show!”
Warrick saw a smile form on the corners of her lips, and knew he was making progress. “Mistakes were made on both sides and I’m the first to admit that I should have treated you better, especially after your mom died. All I want is another chance to prove that I’m—”
“We did that already, remember?”
“All I remember is coming home and you not being there. You left without giving me a chance to fight for you, Tangela. To fight for us.”
“Nothing’s changed, Warrick. You still have an insatiable drive to achieve professionally and I want to raise a family. I’m open to us being friends and hanging out every now and then, but that’s about it.”
“I can accept that.” He wouldn’t, but he didn’t want to argue with her, especially when he was dying to taste her mouth again. Tangela possessed an incredible warmth, but she was no pushover. No one could force her hand. “Did you know that forty percent of people end up marrying their first love?”
Her cheeks grew warm and the heat spread south. Way south. “You shouldn’t believe everything you read.” She paused then sighed. “I’m not interested in getting back together.”
Eyebrows raised, he waited expectantly.
Never one to beat around the bush, she gave it to him straight. “I’m in the market for a husband, not another long-term relationship.”
“What if I told you I wanted the same thing?”
Her heart stopped. Blocking out the sounds spilling onto the street from open windows, she studied the expression on his face. The cocktails she’d ingested earlier were giving her a nice buzz, but Warrick looked as serious as a Supreme Court judge.
“It took me a long time to get over you, but I did.” Scared her lies would crumble if their eyes met again, she stared up at the light post. “You really, really hurt me. I’m finally in a good place and I don’t want to go there with you again.”
“I need you in my life, Tangela. Nothing’s been the same since you left.”
“You don’t miss me. You just hate to see me with somebody else.”
“And why wouldn’t I?” Warrick would never admit it, but it was the image of Tangela on Leonard’s arm that had spurred him to action. A woman as vivacious as Tangela had no business dating a balding plumber. Truth was, competition fueled him. In his mind, nothing was out of reach. Not even the woman he’d once lost. Drawing her to his chest, his arms coiling around her waist, he planted light kisses on her nose and cheeks.
His hands stroked the back of her neck, and Tangela did the unthinkable. She whimpered. Over and over again, until he finally put her out of her misery and kissed her hard on the lips. “Angie, you’ve always been my world, my better half, the best of me. Everything I’ve achieved means nothing without you to share it with.”
More soft, melodic words streamed from Warrick’s mouth. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you.…” Trailing off, he leaned into her, burying his face into her lustrous hair. Taking her murmurs as consent, he used his tongue to part her lips and gently probe her mouth. Pressing her flat against the passenger door, he slid a hand under her thin halter dress. “I don’t want anyone else. Only you.”
Convinced it was the alcohol talking, she dismissed his impassioned declaration. Tomorrow, he’d have no recollection of this conversation and probably wouldn’t even remember what had happened back in Sage and Marshall’s kitchen.
A shiver tore down her spine when his fingers grazed her panties. This was wrong. They shouldn’t be kissing or caressing or rubbing their private parts against each other. He roughly palmed her breasts, squeezing and tweaking her erect nipples. Sensations of pleasure flowed. If she wanted to find her soul mate, her one true love, she had to resist Warrick. Things were spinning out of control and it was up to her to take charge of the situation. It was hard to think with his tongue gliding around her mouth, but it was time she got off this sexually charged ride.
Battling a killer blend of passion, need and longing, Tangela chided herself to get a grip. No more Warrick, she decided resolutely. No more daydreaming or fantasizing about all the delicious things he could do with his tongue, either. And no matter how badly she wanted him, she wouldn’t, under any circumstances, sleep with him. She was in control of her body, not the other way around.
Stepping back, she broke off the kiss. With a speed that could earn her a place on the U.S. Olympic track team, Tangela raced up the stairs to her second-floor apartment, pretending she didn’t hear Warrick calling her name. Only when she was inside, and the dead bolt was securely locked, did she realize that she was still wearing his sports coat.
Chapter Ten
Tangela smiled at the hostess greeting patrons inside the door of the House of Blues restaurant. The gospel brunch was the hottest ticket in town, and when Tangela saw the packed waiting area, she was glad she’d had the foresight to make reservations. “I’m meeting a friend for brunch. Do you know if Rachael Carver’s arrived yet?”
After searching the thick black book displayed on the podium, the hostess said, “Just give me one moment to locate your party.”
Tucking her clutch purse under her arm, Tangela took in the eccentric decor. Candles hung from low-hanging trees, the walls were painted red and servers were dressed in Western-style garb. Famous for its lively atmosphere and its international cuisine, the House of Blues restaurant was one of the oldest and most renowned establishments in all of Las Vegas. And when the scent of fried catfish filled the air, Tangela felt like she’d pass out if she didn’t eat in the next ten seconds. “Good morning.”
Startled at the sound of the husky male voice, Tangela glanced to her right. What is Warrick doing here? Has Rachael invited him to join us? Looking smooth and debonair in a dark suit, leather shoes and personalized cuff links, he slipped off his rimless aviator sunglasses. The man sure knows how to wear a suit! she thought, closing her gaping mouth. He was a great dresser and an even better kisser. Tangela frowned. Where did that come from?
“How did you sleep last night?” he asked, invading her personal space.
Was this a trick question? She was anxious to discuss what had happened last night in the parking lot, but suddenly lacked the courage to bring it up. She wasn’t ballsy like Sage or Cashmere. She was a simple, small-town girl who had dreams of settling down and having a family of her own. Confronting Warrick was out of the question. If he wanted to play dumb, so could she. “Fine, thanks. Where’s Rachael?”
“She couldn’t make it. The twins have the stomach flu, and since Davis is out of town on business, she’s stuck at home,” he explained. “Rachael tried to call you, but when you didn’t answer your phone, I volunteered to come by and give you the message.”
Tangela nodded. “I didn’t have time to charge my cell and it died on the drive here.”
“I didn’t mind coming. Besides, you have something that belongs to me.”
“Your jacket!” Wearing an apologetic smile, she slowly shook her head. “Shoot, I knew I was forgetting something when I left this morning.”
“No problem. I’ll come pick it up.”
“I’ll just give it to Rachael the next time I see her.”
“That won’t work,” he answered with a firm shake of his head. “I need it ASAP.”
Annoyed, she frowned up at him, a hand planted on her hip. “You have dozens of other sports coats, Warrick. I’m sure you can live without it for a few more days.”<
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“You’re right, I could—if my iPhone handheld wasn’t in the breast pocket.”
“Is that what that beeping sound was?” Giggling, she shrugged her shoulders as if to dismiss her rudeness. “Good thing I didn’t run it through the washing machine, huh?”
“Thank God for small miracles.”
They both smiled. He was hungry for another taste of her lips, but Warrick fought his desire. Baring his heart to her last night had been a mistake. Tangela Howard was synonymous with heartache and he wasn’t going to be burned twice. Next time, he’d drink less, leave Jon B in the CD case and keep his hands in his pockets.
“You look stunning as usual.” Her makeup was light and she smelled like tulips. Everyone inside the restaurant was dressed in their Sunday best, but Tangela had glammed it up as though she was going to a movie premiere. The yellow pantsuit matched her bright disposition and she was wearing her hair the way he liked, up off her shoulders, gathered in an elegant French roll with slim curls grazing her ears. The sexy flight attendant lived life beautifully and looked damn good doing it.
Watching Tangela fiddle with her necklace, he realized he’d never really appreciated what she’d meant to him. She’d always been a prize, but now she had the three Bs—beauty, brains and brilliance. Generous by nature and incredibly loyal, she’d drop everything at a moment’s notice to help him out. “We should get out of here,” he said, taking her by the arm. “I’ll follow you back to your place and grab my jacket.”
Stopping abruptly, her lips holding a pert smile, she released herself from his grasp. “I came to hear gospel music and eat brunch, and you’re paying, Warrick.”
“You want to stay?” he asked, his mouth breaking into a half grin. “Well, praise the Lord and pass the corn bread!”
Seated in the balcony at a small table at the rear of the restaurant, Tangela and Warrick shared a seafood appetizer and discussed their plans for Christmas holidays.
“I’ll be in New Orleans,” Tangela announced, wiping plum sauce from her fingers. “American Airlines is really committed to the urban-development project and they gave me the two weeks off I requested starting the day after Christmas. They’ve been involved since the beginning, and donated more money than any other airline carrier.”