by Tracy Reed
Chapter 51
THE EXCITEMENT OF THE DAY energized Kyla. This morning, she was a ball of nerves, but now she was calm and relaxed. Brunch with her parents and Sean wasn’t exactly the celebration she was hoping for. Her parents were excited and enjoyed spending the day with her, but Sean was a little quiet. Instead of coming back to her apartment to pick up his mac and cheese, he said he’d get it later.
After her parents left, she sat thinking about her relationship with Sean. Maybe she’d been wrong about his reaction. She thought he would be happier for her. Maybe her mother was right. Maybe he was upset that she hadn’t said anything to him. Maybe she misread the signals and they really were just good friends.
Too many questions and not enough answers. She put on her jacket, put on Winnie’s leash, grabbed the mac and cheese, along with her keys and bag and left.
She and Winnie hopped out of the taxi and walked inside. “Hi Tommy.”
“Hi Miss Kyla.”
“Is Mr. Prescott home?” she asked.
“Yes.” He walked over to the phone and began dialing. “Mr. Prescott, Miss Kyla is here…I’ll send her up.” He hung up the phone. “This way Miss Kyla.”
She and Winnie followed him to the elevator. “Thank you.”
She said a little prayer as she rode up to Sean’s loft. The elevator stopped and she took a deep breath as the door opened. She looked up and Sean and Simon were standing there to greet them.
“Here,” she handed him the pan.
“Hey, Ky, what’s going on, is everything okay?”
She exited the elevator and stood with her back facing him. She counted to three, turned around and answered his question with a question. “So how long are we going to continue like this?”
“What are you talking about?”
Staring into his eyes searching for an answer, she asked again, “How much longer are we going to keep this up?”
He put the pan on the counter and turned back around. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Us, you and me. How much longer are we going to continue acting like nothing is going on?”
“Is that why you…”
“Typical. All you men think alike. Just because a woman makes a few changes, you think it’s for you.” She shook her head and started walking away. “I didn’t…
Sean grabbed her wrist and pulled her to his chest, pressing his lips against hers before gently grabbing her lips between his. His hands slowly slid down the small of her back pulling her closer to his chest where not even air could pass between them. She closed her eyes, reluctantly giving in to the soft feel of his lips pressing against hers. Each touch of his lips against hers sent chills up and down her spine. She felt faint and wrapped her arms around him, gently stroking the back of his neck. Soft moans intermixed with the heat from their bodies and the heavy breathing in between kisses, and she forgot why she was so upset with him.
She moved her hands down his back pulling him closer to her and felt her breasts pushing into his chest and began getting excited. She hadn’t felt such passion and heat from one kiss in a long time. Her mind was trying to communicate to her lips, but it was no use. Her lips and hands were controlling the show and her body was liking what was happening. She opened her mouth, eager to take the kiss to the next level and she suddenly stopped. She broke the kiss, pulled back and covered her mouth with her hand.
“What’s wrong?”
She shook her head and folded her arms in front of her chest. “This was a bad idea. You’re right, we’re better off as friends. Come on Winnie,” she tugged at Winnie’s leash, but she wouldn’t move.
“Seems Winnie doesn’t want to leave.”
“Well, Winnie’s mother needs to leave.” She tugged harder on the leash. “You would pick now to be stubborn.” She bent down to pick her up and Sean stopped her.
“Ky, what’s wrong?”
“I made a mistake.” She shook her head, exhaled and stood up and was greeted by Sean’s beautiful smile.
“Look at me. No, you didn’t.”
“Sean…that kiss was…don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?” He was smiling mischievously.
“DeeDee was right.” She covered her eyes with her hand.
“Look at me. What are you talking about?”
She slowly lowered her hand. “I talked to DeeDee about what’s been going on with us…or isn’t and she said I needed to stop fooling myself.”
“About?”
“You…me…us.” She turned and started walking toward the counter.
“Ky,” he walked over and covered her hand with his. “I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. But I figured it would be nice to finally kiss my girlfriend.”
She looked at him with her mouth open. “What?”
He stepped closer. “I said, I thought it would be nice to kiss my girlfriend.”
“Suppose that’s not what I want?”
“Then you better tell your lips, because I’m pretty sure that’s what they want.” She playfully socked him on the chest.
“You didn’t say much at brunch so I thought you were upset with me.”
“I was, but I talked to your mother.”
“My mother?”
“She called me on her way home and helped me understand why you didn’t ask for my help.”
“Really?”
“Then Trina called and said Carlos Vega saw her talking to you after church and asked if you were available?”
Biting her lip, “What did she say?”
“I told her to tell him and anyone else who asks, the answer is no.”
“Because…”
“You have a boyfriend.”
“And who would that be?” she inquired flirtatiously.
“Not funny.” He wrapped his arms around her pulling her to him. “So are we good?”
“What are you proposing? How is this boyfriend and girlfriend thing going to work? I mean, I know we can’t have sex.”
“Let’s not say it like that. Let’s say, we both agree to be celibate. Saying can’t sounds like we aren’t equipped,” they laughed.
“Agreed.”
“Everyone thinks we’re together anyway, so except for a little kissing…”
“About that.” She held her finger up to his mouth. “You are a good kisser and a dangerous one as well. I think we need to be extra careful, otherwise that celibate thing might not last.” He laughed at her. “What’s so funny?”
“You. I’ve been celibate a while and trust me, I kinda know how far to go.”
“Well, I’m new to this celibacy thing and I need to take it slow. That’s one of the things I learned in Bible class.”
“What?”
“I’ve been going to Dee Dee’s class for women battling sex addiction.”
His eyes got wide at her confession. “What else have you been keeping secret?”
“It’s not so much a secret. I wanted to get myself together.”
“I told you not to change for me.”
“And I didn’t. I changed because of you. I wanted what you had, that peace and control over your life. The past few months have been difficult and exhilarating. Breaking up with Eric was hard, but I think…I know if I hadn’t had you, DeeDee and Mike helping me, I wouldn’t have made it. I would have gone back to Eric.”
“Is that what you think?”
“That’s what I know. Just like I now know, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” she kissed him followed by a smile. “So, what’s next?”
“Well, Simon and I are going to take you and Winnie home, because I agree, if you stay here much longer, we might have a problem.” He smiled. “Would you put Simon’s leash on him while I get my jacket.”
“Okay.” She watched as he walked down the hall.
He slipped on his shoes, grabbed his jacket, picked up his phone and came back into the kitchen. “Here.”
“What’s this?” She looked at th
e key.
“This is the key to my place.”
“Sean we just agreed…”
“I know what we agreed and I also know you’ll be spending alot of time here and I don’t want you to have a problem getting in when I’m not home.”
“Why would I be here if you’re not?”
“I might need you to check on Simon, or drop something off or pick something up.”
“I’m not your maid.”
“I know that, you’re my girlfriend. Just like you might want me to do the same for you.” She hesitated to take the key. “Ky, you don’t have to use it if you don’t want, but I would feel better knowing you have it.”
“Okay.” She reached for the key. “I’ll, uhm…I’ll get you a key tomorrow, I…I didn’t know…”
He saw the consternation on her face. “Not until you’re ready.” He kissed her on the forehead and pressed the button for the elevator.
“Sean, I don’t want you to think I have something to hide and that’s why I’m not giving you a key. It’s just…a key right now is a huge step.”
“I know and when you’re ready, you’ll give me one. Let’s go.” He reached for her hand, turned off the lights and boarded the elevator with Simon and Winnie standing in front of them.
Chapter 52
SEAN OPENED THE DOOR AT the same time Kyla was walking out. “Oh, hey baby,” she said as she just missed bumping into his chest.
“Baby?” Antonio blurted out. Kyla dropped her head and hesitated before turning around. “I’m sorry, did you just say, Baby?”
She looked up at Sean, smiled and turned around. “Yes, I did.”
“I’ve worked here over five years and the most endearing term I’ve gotten from you has been,“Good job peanut head.” So who’s Baby?” Winnie barked. “That’s right Winnie, your mama’s in trouble.” Winnie barked again. “Kyla Pauline James.”
“How did you..?” she asked.
“Know your middle name? A good assistant has access to their boss’ credit card, but an excellent assistant knows the things their boss wants hidden,” Antonio proudly announced.
“So which one are you?” Kyla countered.
“I thought I was an excellent one until Baby showed up.”
“Hold my calls.”
She and Sean walked into her office and closed the door. He placed the white paper bag on the coffee table. “I take it from that conversation, no one in your office knows about us?”
“That’s correct.”
“Why…are you ashamed of me?” he asked as he took the containers out of the bag.
“No, it’s just, I’m not used to having a boyfriend that comes to visit. I mean, I’m very private. You know that.”
“I also know that with the kind of men you were involved with in the past, you had to be private.” He realized what he said sounded judgmental. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re right.” He handed her a small white container and a spoon.
“I’m sorry, we agreed to take it slow.” He leaned in and pecked her on the lips. “I’m sorry about this afternoon. Seems I blew your cover.”
“That’s okay.” She put a spoonful of soup into her mouth and looked at him. He wasn’t smiling. She put her container down and wiped her mouth. “Give me that,” she reached over and took the container out of Sean’s hand and placed it on the table. She stood up and extended her hand to him. “Come with me.” She led him out to Antonio’s desk. “Peanut head,” Antonio looked up. “This is my boyfriend Sean Prescott and occasionally he will be coming over. He’s the one who gave me Winnie. He has a dog named Simon, and sometimes I will be watching him if Sean has a meeting and vice versa. We’ve been business associates and friends for a while and, a couple of months ago we became a couple. Occasionally we work on projects together.” Sean started smiling. “I can’t have my excellent assistant walking around uninformed. Any more questions?”
“No, we’re good,” Antonio replied.
“Sean?” She looked at him and he shook his head. She turned and headed back into her office and stopped. “Oh yeah, the reason I disappear on Wednesdays, is because I’m at Bible class.”
Antonio’s mouth dropped open. “What did you say?”
“I go to Bible class on Wednesdays,” Kyla replied.
“I see. Is there anything else, you want me to know?”
“If Olivia King calls, book a meeting for next week. Get her email address and I’ll confirm the location with her. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Sean and Kyla went back into her office and sat on the sofa. “You didn’t have to do that.”
She looked at him. “Yes, I did because you were giving me the look.”
“What look?”
“The one you gave me when you found out I had joined church and didn’t tell you.” She shifted on the sofa. “Sean, I’m not ashamed of you. I’m happy we’re together, but I like my privacy. Does your office know…about us?”
“Yes.” She looked shocked. “They all think we’ve been together for a while.”
“Oh, my God. That’s why Ryder said what he did.”
“Exactly.” She started laughing. “What’s so funny?”
“That’s what DeeDee said. She said she thought we were a couple, especially after working with her and Mike on their place.”
“Sweetie, it seems you’re the last one to know we’re a couple.” He kissed her. “So you’re going to meet with Olivia?”
“As much as I don’t want to, I think you’re right. Also, I’ve been praying about it and it’s the right thing to do. I can’t really move forward with my life until I do.”
He kissed her. “I’m proud of you.”
Chapter 53
KYLA HURRIED OUT OF THE elevator, walking quickly down the hall to the white door. She pounded hard on the door and fidgeted while waiting for someone to answer. She turned briefly and then the sound of the door opening stirred up the nerves in her stomach.
“Hey, Kyla, come in,” DeeDee stood to the side as Kyla rushed inside and waited for her to close the door. “It’s just going to be us girls. You did say it was a female thing, so I had Mike take Michelle on a date to Serendipity. She loves it there.”
“Sweet. Thank you.” She followed her into the living room.
“So, what’s going on? You sounded frantic on the phone. Have a seat. Oh, before I forget, I gave a friend your number and she said she hasn’t been able to get past your assistant.”
“Give me her name, and I’ll make sure Antonio knows to put her on the book.”
“Perfect. I told her if she had told him I referred her, he would have booked a meeting a while ago. Her name is Olivia King and she said she’s been—”
“What did you say?”
“Olivia King, do you know her? She said someone had given her an appointment, but it was cancelled. I told her it was probably because she didn’t mention me.”
Kyla felt all the blood rush from her head to her feet. “May I have some water?”
“Sure.” DeeDee got up and went into the kitchen. She came back and handed Kyla a bottle. She turned it up and drank half the contents. “Are you okay? Your hands are shaking.”
“Do you remember me telling you my ex-boyfriend’s wife started calling me for an appointment?”
DeeDee gasped and covered her mouth. “Oh my God, it’s Olivia.” Kyla nodded. “I’m so sorry. If I’d known…”
“Sean told me I needed to see her, but I had no idea she was a friend of yours. I came here to ask you for help, but I’ll understand if you…” She started to get up.
“Kyla, sit down. How long have…I mean…how long were you seeing Eric? Don’t worry, what you say will be held in strict confidence.”
“Almost six years.”
“How did you meet? You know what, I don’t need details. Six years?”
“Yes, and he and Olivia have been together, about three.”
“That’s not correct.”
“No, I’m pretty sure, it’s been three. I remember the day he pointed her out to me.” Kyla may not have been too sure how she was going to handle the rest of this conversation, but she was sure of the day Olivia was introduced into her life.
“Kyla, Olivia and Eric have been together almost seven years,” DeeDee announced.
Kyla felt light headed. She looked at the water and wished it was something stronger. “That’s not possible. When we started going out, he said there wasn’t anyone else. He even asked me to marry him…three times.”
“I’m not surprised. He’s a very good liar. I’ve been telling Olivia for years to be careful.” She sat down. “In the beginning, we would double date with them. I remember her saying if Eric spent time with us, it might make him a little more receptive to marriage. Then he started traveling a lot, which never made sense. He’s a therapist, not an executive or a salesman,” she crossed her arms, “that’s probably when he was with you.”
“In the beginning we took quite a few trips, so I guess the answer is yes.”
DeeDee stood up and started pacing back and forth. “Sean’s right, you need to tell her. God knows I wish I could.”
“How long have you known her?”
“We went to college together. She’s a sweetheart, but she’s always been a little naive when it comes to men. What’s your plan?”
“Sean said I should tell her everything. I thought if I showed her the apartment, she would…”
“She won’t believe you. When do you want to meet her?”
“I was waiting to see if she was going to call me again and if she did, then I’d set a meeting.”
DeeDee picked up her phone and Kyla watched as she dialed the number. “Hey girl, it’s me, DeeDee…fine, how are things with you and Eric?…uh-huh, that’s great…I’ll have to check…she and Mike are on a father-daughter date…I know. Look, I’m calling because I met with my decorator and told her that you’d been trying to get an appointment. She said right now she’s only taking referrals and you…I see…but that’s why you haven’t been able to get an appointment…okay, hang up and call her. She’s expecting a call from you…no problem…I’ll talk to you later…bye.” She put her phone down. “Call Antonio.”
