Safe Place Series

by Shani Greene-Dowdell

  Eva walked over and held my hand, smiling up at me. Jeb was winning her over too. Kevin came down the hallway, walking slowly.

  “Ready?” I asked him.

  “Yes, but what about Dad?” Kevin asked as he shot daggers at his sister with his little eyes. “He told us not to open the door.”

  “You let me worry about your father. I’ll deal with him,” I said.

  We headed to the front door. As soon as I opened it, Rodney came rushing inside. He took one look at me and yelled, “What the hell’s going on? What are you doing in my fucking house?”

  “Language!” I snapped, looking at our children.

  “Forget that. What are you doing in my house, Tameka?”

  “I’m here to get my children! The real question is, why weren’t you here with them?”

  “I was only out for a little while. Why are you always so extra?” he asked.

  “Because I care about our children, and I’m taking them home with me now.”

  He laughed like a maniac. “You’re not taking them anywhere. It’s my time with them, so you can hang that up!”

  “Your time was up the minute you decided to leave our kids home alone. Move out of the way, and consider yourself lucky I didn’t call the police!” I said and started toward the door with my arm wrapped around my children.

  Rodney grabbed my arm and tugged on me until a loud grunt made us both look at Jeb. “Get your hands off of her!” Jeb stepped forward, and now, it was he and Rodney having a stare down.

  Rodney dropped my arm and sized Jeb up. Jeb was clearly taller and in better shape, but that didn’t stop Rodney from stepping to him. “I don’t need some white boy to tell me what I can do with my wife and kids,” Rodney said.

  “Ex-wife. Trust me, there’s no place on Tameka that still has your name,” Jeb said, moving forward, prepared to fight.

  I held up my hand to stop him. “Jeb please…” He halted at the sound of my voice, so I turned my attention to my children. “Eva…Kevin…Go outside with Jeb for a minute,” I said.

  Jeb’s jaw hung in surprise, and he stared at me, nonmoving.

  “This will only take a minute. I’ll be fine,” I assured him.

  His big hand reached up and caressed my jaw. His neck tilted, and before I could say anything, his lips were all over mine, kissing me senseless.

  “I’ll be right outside this door, baby. If he tries anything, all you have to do is call me, and I’m by your side.” He leered at Rodney before he took our children’s hands in his and walked them outside.

  “Cute,” Rodney said.

  Jeb leaped to within an inch from his face and was looking him directly in his eyes. “I’ll tell you what won’t be cute. Me and you locked up in a brawl, so you’d better not make that a necessity,” he said.

  “Do something, white boy!” Rodney yelled, and Jeb let go of the kid’s hands and started stalking toward Rodney.

  “Jeb, please…” I said in a pleading tone. “Don’t.”

  Jeb flexed his chest muscles before he peeled his eyes off of Rodney and turned around to go outside with the kids but not before glancing back at me to make sure I would be okay.

  I nodded, assuring him, and then I turned to face my nemesis. A man who I once thought would be my forever. Now, the sight of his chocolate dimples and perfect white teeth made me want to puke.

  “First of all, don’t you ever lay a hand on me like that in front of the kids. I have told you I’m not your punching bag, physically or mentally. Second of all, you left a ten and six-year-old home alone while you went to go frolic the town with your fiancée. Eva was scared out of her mind when you wouldn’t answer her calls. What kind of crazy are you on today, Rodney? What kind of father would do that?”

  “I’m a damn good one,” he said. “I’ve given those kids whatever they wanted this past week. They aren’t complaining about anything,” he bragged, sticking his chest out.

  “Material things account for nothing, Rodney, and you know it,” I said. “They need your time and attention. Not for you to just leave them and go off without a care in the world. I’m not going to stand by and let that happen again. They’re going home with me, and you will see me in court.”

  “Fine, I’ll see you in court, but they’re not going with you today. This is my time.”

  I could feel the pressure building in my eye sockets, and the vein in my neck pulsed loudly. “Try to stop me!” I yelled. “Once the judge hears you left them home alone, you’ll never see them again. Is that what you want? If it is, then keep pushing me Rodney, and we can go there. I swear I will make it happen.”

  Rodney opened his mouth to argue but quickly snapped it shut.

  “Get out of my way, and let me take the kids home,” I said in a low growl.

  “Fine, take them, and I’ll come to see them when I can,” he said, throwing his hands in the air and moving aside. “I had something else to do tomorrow anyway, and Melody wanted to go out of town this weekend. But you better not call me talking about you need a babysitter next week. It was your choice to come and get them.”

  “Don’t worry. I won’t call you for anything. If you were the last breathing being alive, I wouldn’t dial your number,” I said heatedly.

  “If you go to court with this, I’ll—"

  “You’ll do what?” I shook my head. “No, I’m not worrying about your threats anymore. You aren’t going to harm me or the kids, but you will let me walk out that door without any more issues because it’s the right thing to do.” I walked past him feeling relieved that I wouldn’t have to deal with his selfish entitlement anymore.

  “You think you’re righteous now that you have a white man. You’re no better than me, Tameka. And I’m not scared of that white boy. I can take him down a peg,” Rodney said through clenched teeth.

  “Are you threatening him?” I asked. “I think you’re the one that should tread lightly. It looks like you’ve been missing all the gym sessions lately.”

  He chuckled menacingly. “Don’t matter. I’ll still take him down, and it’s not a threat. It’s a promise, so you better forewarn him about flexing his muscles in front of me. Plus, I know he’s got in your head and has you wanting to take my kids away.”

  Rodney lived for moments to frustrate me. His inability to think of anyone but himself was the reason I was there with Jeb. I’d kept my personal life a secret because his spite was enough to hang a bad cloud over anything good in the world. Now, I had to worry about him being a jackass to Jeb.

  “If you come near any of us, I’ll see to it that Melody knows of every girl you’re seeing behind her back,” I said before I turned the knob to leave out.

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about. You’d better be glad she’s still at the salon and not hearing this nonsense, Tameka.” From the tremble of his voice, I knew he was rattled.

  “No, you’re the one that’d better be glad she’s not here. You didn’t think I knew about Ariel and Shondra? Well, I do. I always have known, and I know you’re still seeing them both because it’s the whisper of the town. Play with my life, and I will make sure to ruin yours. Now, goodbye!” I huffed, feeling relieved as I released a ton of bricks on Rodney’s head.

  “Rodney, what’s going on here?” Melody voice called out as she strolled through the door with a beautiful head of curls that cascaded down her shoulders.

  “We’re discussing our new arrangement with the kids. They’re going home with me and not coming back,” I said to Melody. “Oh, and congratulations on your new addition. It must be wonderful to have a man so committed to you,” I added while winking at Rodney.

  “Thank you,” Melody said with a confused smile.

  “Goodbye, Tameka,” Rodney said, ushering me away with his eyes.

  “Bye!”

  I walked outside to find Jeb sitting in the car talking to the kids. Amid the craziness going on, they seemed to be having a peaceful conversation. We all deserved more peace, and I planned to do what
I could to make it a reality.

  ***

  “I’m sorry our homecoming wasn’t as you would have liked,” I said to Jeb after we’d shared a delicious dinner at my house, and the kids were upstairs getting ready for bed. He was helping me put the dishes away, holding a sexy grin on his lips.

  “Who says it wasn’t? I think putting your ex-husband in his place and letting him know I’m here for you was the perfect homecoming.”

  I giggled. “You’re crazy.”

  “I’m only crazy because I’ve been wanting to do this,” he said as he cupped the back of my head into his hands and sucked my lower lip, drawing it into his mouth as though he was sampling nectar. His tongue explored every corner of my mouth, gliding with mine, moving over my teeth to the soft flesh of my cheeks, leaving a sweet and tangy taste that made me hunger for more.

  My hands wrapped around his neck, deepening the kiss. He grabbed me by the waist, pulling me closer to him. I gripped his hair as his tongue massaged mine in slow and sensual circles. A desire coursed through my entire body, and I drew in a deep, staggered breath in response to the wave of heat flowing through me. He tickled my tongue with his, cradling my face in his hands. He gentled the kiss with brushes of his lips against mine and slowly drew away, exhaling deeply.

  “Now, it’s perfect,” he said, resting his forehead against mine.

  “You amaze me in so many ways. The kids opened up to you at dinner. You’re winning them over just like you did me,” I said.

  “They’re a couple of smart kids. It’s a damn shame they have to deal with Rodney for a father.” Jeb slid a finger underneath my chin, lifting my brown gaze to meet his. “But I did notice something else at dinner. You were quiet. Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I just have a lot on my mind. Today was hectic,” I admitted.

  “I don’t want Rodney to get to you like that. How can I make it better, baby?” He leaned in and pressed his soft lips against mine.

  I melted into him, falling faster than before. When he pulled back, I felt as if I would swoon. “You already have,” I said.

  He peered into my eyes. “Just let me know what more I can do, and it’s done.”

  “You’ve already done enough for me. Now, you have to get back to business and stop by the club tonight, right?”

  “Yeah, I most definitely have to do that. I’ve been gone a week, so I need to at least put my eyes on the place.”

  “A boss’s work is never done,” I said teasingly.

  “Yeah, but I’m going to make sure I put in the important work first,” he said, looking into my eyes.

  “I know you have a lot to do, so thanks again, for being there with me today.”

  “Every time baby. See you tomorrow, right?” he asked.

  “Yeah, what time?” I asked as I walked him to the front door.

  “Around two.”

  “Sweet, I’ll be home from work by two, so that’s perfect,” I told him as I opened the door.

  Jeb swaggered out to his car. I waved as he got inside and backed out of the driveway. As I closed the door, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched, but I brushed it off as it being a long and trying day. I went upstairs to my room, hoping a destressing bath infused with lavender oil would make it all better.

  Chapter 16

  Jeb

  I was in Tameka’s front yard tossing around the ball with Kevin. I brought my old baseball and glove from my playing days, and Kevin had the glove on his small hands, trying to get used to catching the ball with it.

  “What’s your favorite sport?” I asked after he caught the curveball I threw at medium speed.

  “Got it!” he said and pumped his fist in the air. “I love baseball and football, but I’m better at baseball. You want me to get my bat that was signed by Josh Donaldson?” he asked, excitedly.

  “You have a ball signed by Josh Donaldson?”

  Kevin smiled. “Yep, Mama took me to see him when he came to Auburn University, and he signed it for me.”

  “Let’s see what you’ve got,” I said.

  Kevin ran into the house.

  I was tossing the ball in the air when I noticed a small, black car creeping down the street. I’d seen the car earlier but didn’t pay it any attention. I watched it carefully as the driver parked a few houses down. The headlights were on and pointing in my direction.

  The door to the house flung open, and Kevin bounded over to me. He showed me his gray baseball bat that had indeed been signed by Josh Donaldson. “I’m ready for battle now,” he said with confidence.

  “Little man, you have a treasure here. Let’s see how it hits,” I said then peered at the idled car parked a few houses down. I threw the ball to Kevin, and he hit it out of the yard.

  Kevin ran after the ball, saying, “I’ll get it, Mr. Jeb.”

  “No, I got it Kev,” I said, trekking behind the ball while observing the parked car. As I got closer to it, the person backed up, did a three-point turn, and sped out of the neighborhood. I didn’t get a good look at him, but I had a feeling it was Rodney.

  “Are you guys ready for dinner?” I heard Tameka asking when I walked back up with the ball.

  “Yes!” Kevin pumped his fists high in the air and ran into the house.

  “I could get used to this,” I said, imagining her calling our unborn children into the house for dinner. I walked over to Tameka and towered over her. “Hey, beautiful.”

  “Hey yourself,” she said, smiling.

  I didn’t want to bring up my suspicion of Rodney watching us earlier, but I felt she needed to know for her safety. I hated the thought of Rodney coming back to hurt her or the kids when I wasn’t there. “Listen, I’m not one hundred percent sure, but I think Rodney was parked at the curb watching us earlier,” I said.

  She frowned, and tilted her head with a look of disbelief. “Really?”

  “Yes, but it wasn’t his truck. It was a black BMW.”

  Tameka turned and stormed into the house. I caught up with her and grabbed her arm before she could pick up her cell.

  “What are you about to do?” I asked.

  “Rodney’s fiancée has a black BMW. I’m about to call him and give him a piece of my mind!” Tameka seethed.

  “Baby, he’ll just deny it. He probably wants the attention anyway. Besides, if he tries anything, I will crush him,” I said, feeling my muscles tighten in my neck. I saw a fire in her eyes, and I was sure I had the same intensity staring back at her. I meant what I said about crushing Rodney. I would do anything to protect Tameka’s feelings. “Come here,” I reached for her hand and pulled her close.

  “I’m so tired of him, Jeb.”

  “I know, baby,” I said, holding her tighter.

  ***

  Three weeks passed with nothing from Rodney. Tameka said he hadn’t tried to reach out to her or the kids, which was for the best. I didn’t want to have to deal with him. I’d just left the club and made it to Tameka’s house just after 2 a.m. She floated to the front door, looking like a goddess through the glass window.

  “Hey baby,” I said when she opened the door. “I bought your favorite wine.”

  She took the bottle of Stella Mia from my hand and went to the kitchen to get some glasses. “Mmmm, this is delicious and so needed,” she said, smiling as she took a sip from her glass before she handed me mine.

  My phone started buzzing. “What’s up, Bruiser?” I said, wondering what my right hand was calling me for since I’d told him I was coming to Tameka’s.

  “Hey Jeb, man. I made the last drop from the bar. It’s in the safe, and we’re about to lock up now. But did you tell this fool Jasper that he could get an advance on his next check?”

  “Now you know that doesn’t even sound like me.” I laughed. “He’s just trying to pull one over on you since I’m not there.”

  “Thought so. Talk to you tomorrow,” Bruiser said in a roar.

  “Don’t hurt him, Bruise,” I said and shook my head because he
had already hung up. “I’m turning this thing off,” I said as I thought about Bruiser roughing Jasper up.

  “Mmmm,” Tameka said, bringing my attention back to her drinking her wine slowly and smiling.

  “I love you, girl.”

  “Jeb, I—” she stopped midsentence, speechless.

  “You don’t have to respond. I just wanted you to know that”

  “That’s just it, Jeb.” She put her glass down and walked over to stand in front of me. “I do love you too.” She stood on her tiptoes and brushed a wine-infused kiss on my lips.

  I wrapped her up in my arms and picked her up as we embraced. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

  “Stay all night with me tonight,” she whispered as she slid to her feet. “I want you to.”

  “I want that too, but the kids…” I pulled her so close that our foreheads were touching.

  We had a rule of no sleepovers until we were at least engaged, but I didn’t know how long I could resist lying beside her at night. I slid one of the straps of her pink nightgown down and dipped down to kiss her shoulder. I loved the way she smelled, like sweet honey and vanilla.

  “It’s just one night,” she pouted.

  “Stop looking at me like that. You’re making it hard for me to be a gentleman.”

  “Jeb, tonight, I don’t want you to be one, and I don’t want to be lady-like either.” She took my hand in hers, guiding me out of the kitchen. I watched her ass jiggle as she walked me up the stairs and into her bedroom. Tameka stripped out of her gown into nakedness, and she was so damn beautiful.

  “You smell so good…” I said as I buried my face in her breasts, sucking her nipples with my tongue. My cock pulsed with excitement when her nipples became erect. I wanted to explore every inch of her with my tongue to see if I could get the same type of reaction.

  I placed her on the bed and lifted her legs above my head. I licked her thighs, making my way to her sacred temple where I drank from her, worshipping her as the deity she was— a beautiful treasure I would always behold.