by Ancelli
Her eyes watered.
Brandon took her hand, and entwined their fingers together. “We were both married at the time. You were in the waiting room at Believe in Miracles.” Kanielle’s heart raced, as she recalled that day too. His eyes…“And then we met again, the day that our lives changed forever. Remember the elevator, when you handed me your card?” He chuckled. “You had an attitude then, but I understood. Someone had just told you that the baby you were carrying might not be yours.”
“You were annoying me,” she said.
“I wanted to make sure you were okay,” he squeezed her finger. “And the night you ran from your ex straight into my arms. I knew there was something special about you then, in that moment, but you were a married woman.”
She smirked, “I divorced him.”
“After that everything changed,” Brandon leaned down, giving her a feather light kiss on the lips. “To answer your question, if Cece wasn’t my daughter and you wanted me, I would still be where I am right now.”
“I told you to stop that,” she shivered. Brandon had a hold on her body, being this close to him she was tingling all over, and then he goes and says all the right things. What woman wouldn’t fall for him?
“It’s the truth.”
“If you keep saying sweet things, we’ll end up back in the truck.” Kanielle cocked her head to the side.
“I wouldn’t mind,” he chuckled. “What would we do with our pumpkin?”
They both laughed.
“Did you see the other rooms?”
“No, I wouldn’t do that.”
He raised his eyebrows, getting up. “Why not? Cece has a nursery for when she comes over. You want to see it?”
“Yes,” Kanielle stood, and they both strolled out of the bed to the hallway. “You have two bedrooms,” she whispered at Coral.
Brandon opened the nursery door, and turned on the light switch.
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Who decorated this?”
“Maggie.” He said under his breath. “I didn’t touch it after she left.”
Kanielle stepped in, looking around. The baby’s room was too much. There were baby seagulls and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A sun painted on the floor, fake plants around the baby’s dresser, and changing table. In the corner were all the baby items Kanielle gave Brandon from the baby shower. “Did Maggie love the ocean?” A toddler’s loveseat and ottoman were in the corner, however the antique crib and the bedding were beautiful.
“You don’t like it?”
She turned, giving him a fake smile. “Honestly no. It’s too much.”
“You can change it, tell me what you want and I’ll get it,” Brandon moved over to the window. Even the curtains had shells on them.
“I can work with what you have in here,” she pointed at the ceiling. “We need to get rid of the seagulls. They scare me.” She glanced around one more time. “Everything else is nice, but the seagulls, curtains, and plants have to go.”
“Whatever you want to do.” He strolled toward her and gave her a peck on the cheek, before leaving the room.
“What do you think?” Kanielle asked her smiling baby. “Mama can work her magic, and you’ll have a princess room.”
“Why didn’t you tell me your mom had a boyfriend?” Brandon yelled from outside of the room.
“What?” Kanielle rushed out of the nursery, with Cece over her shoulder. “What did you say?”
Brandon chuckled, entering the kitchen. “I met her boyfriend.” She inspected the area noticing he had the latest gadgets all over his granite counters, but it didn’t look like they’d ever been used. Matching stainless appliances, and the electric stove didn’t have a mark on them.
“Her boyfriend, who?” She patted the baby on her back.
He opened the refrigerator, and pulled out a water bottle. Kanielle looked in the fridge, and it was empty. He only had water and a stick of butter. He closed the door watching her. “Andy.”
“You met Andy Stuart?”
“Yes, in his boxers.” His lips curled to the side as she rolled her eyes at him. “I wonder what they were doing.”
“Brandon! Stop,” she took a couple of strides, and smacked him.
He passed by her and gave Cece a kiss on her head, and then kissed Kanielle’s temple. “He seems like a nice guy.”
“He was my math teacher,” she smirked.
“Well now he’s teaching your mom what two plus two equals,” he laughed.
“Stop,” she chirped. “I don’t want to imagine my mom and Andy.”
“Your mom was embarrassed.”
“She says he makes her happy, that’s all that counts.” Kanielle rocked their baby, trying to get her to sleep.
“We all need someone who makes us happy. I have you!” Brandon tapped her butt. “That ass is mine.”
Kanielle was giddy, wondering when did she get so lucky? She prayed what they had was real, and not two lost souls on a rebound. “If I’m going to be coming over often, I need food.”
“Sweets, you’ll have whatever your heart desires,” he winked at her and strolled out of the kitchen.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“How did you get VIP seating?” Kanielle glanced around the fancy restaurant while eating a piece of chocolate cake. They sat outside on the wraparound balcony, with a terrace that overlooked a man-made lake and waterfall fountain. Exquisite Delight was a modern top-notch restaurant.
“I know the executive chef,” Brandon took a sip of his drink. “Have you heard of José Martinez?”
“Who hasn’t?” she observed the modern paintings hanging from the walls inside, and the crystal chandeliers cascading from the ceiling. Fine china and glassware sat on each table, along with a rose centerpiece. “I read the article you wrote on him.”
“Because of that article, we’re here,” he smiled, taking a bite of his raspberry white chocolate mousse.
Kanielle raised her glass, “To you.”
Brandon picked up his glass and clicked hers. “To you looking gorgeous tonight.”
“Thank you,” every time Brandon complimented her, she could feel herself blushing. Robert only said nice things when he wanted something.
“How’s your mousse?” She never liked the texture of the dessert. Brandon was eating it like it was a delicacy.
“Good, but not as delicious as you.” He flirted with her, twirling his tongue around the spoon. “Can I have a taste of your chocolate?”
She cut a piece of her cake, and was about to serve it to him. “Here, it’s really sweet.”
“That’s not the chocolate I want to taste,” Brandon licked his lips. “Your dessert is addicting.”
Kanielle chuckled, “Behave.” He always found a way to brighten up her day, even if it was just a few words, an embrace, or just hearing his voice. “We’re in public.”
“And… I don’t care who knows what you do to me,” Brandon stared at her. What had he done to her? She wanted to jump him no matter where they were. She’d never been a nympho until he brought it out of her.
Memories from their first night together resurfaced. He assumed she was embarrassed by him, but that wasn’t even close to the truth. Kanielle would never see Brandon as the enemy; he really was her hero. Her bedroom hero, she laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Brandon placed his spoon down.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Kanielle said and crossed her legs, letting her dress hike up her thighs. His eyes followed the cotton fabric.
“Have you heard from Chris?” Brandon stared at her legs.
“He called my mom, he made it to boot camp safely.” She took a sip of her water. “Thank you for taking him under your wing. He needed it.”
“No thanks necessary.” He took her hand in his. “He will be my brother-in-law someday.”
Kanielle’s heart raced and her hands began to sweat. Marriage was the last thing on her mind. She didn’t think she would ever remarry again.
�
��Sweets, calm down,” he squeezed her fingers. “Don’t be nervous. I’m not asking you to marry me.”
She tried to smile, hiding her insecurities. “How many kids did you want when you were younger?” She took another bite of her cake.
“A house full,” he took another sip of his drink. “It wasn’t meant for me though.”
“It can still happen.”
“I’m happy with the child I have, some things aren’t meant to be.” Brandon stared at her.
“You don’t want any more kids?”
“Do you?”
“I asked first,” Kanielle moved back, waiting for his answer.
“I do,” he traced her knuckles with his finger. “But, I don’t want to put you through all those tests and procedures, that’s what ended my marriage.”
She took his finger in her hand. “Or it might make us stronger.”
“Where is this coming from? You want another baby?” Brandon scooted back.
“Yes, I do.” She admitted.
“Whatever you want, another child is doable,” he chuckled. “I guess we should give Greg a call.”
“I didn’t mean right away,” Kanielle tapped her fingers on the table. “Cece is barely four months old.”
“We’re not getting any younger, sweets, we’re both knocking on forty’s door,” Brandon gazed at her. The things the man made her feel, she wouldn’t mind spending all her time with him and Cece.
“Brandon,” someone said coming up to the table.
They both looked up. It was a Hispanic man with light brown eyes.
Brandon stood and gave the man a bear hug. He moved back, “Kanielle, this is the famous José Martinez.”
He extended his hand, and shook hers. “Hello, Kanielle, I hope you’re enjoying your evening and food.”
José was a gorgeous man, with a well-defined body. Damn he was hot, his biceps bulged at the sleeves.
“Yes, the food is delicious, and the dessert is sinful,” She touched her stomach. “I’m supposed to be on a diet.” Cece was already four months old, so she had to stop blaming her flab on baby fat. She had been working out once in a while with Brandon, but they always ended up in bed.
“You sound like my wife,” José said. “You are fine the way you are.”
“Hey… don’t flirt with my girlfriend,” Brandon chuckled. Did he just call her his girlfriend? “I don’t think Jewel would like that much.”
“I’m a flirt by nature, Jewel has accepted that fact. She knows I only have eyes for her.” José grinned. “I have a bone to pick with you.”
Brandon sat back down. José pulled out a chair and sat in between them.
“I told you to keep those horny boys away from my sister.” José raised his right eyebrow. “Who the fu-” José glanced at Kanielle, “Who is Chris?”
Brandon sighed, staring at Kanielle. What the hell did Chris do?
“Chris is my brother,” she answered before Brandon could. “What about him?” Her lips thinned, eyeing José.
“He didn’t do anything wrong,” Brandon pushed his dessert plate away. “They were only friends.”
Did they just ignore her?
“According to my mother, Lucy has been moping around since she left and went back home.” José stated slouching in his chair. “She mentioned Chris, something about him joining the Air Force.”
“My brother left weeks ago,” Kanielle glared at José and then at Brandon. Nobody messed with her brother. “Chris isn’t some horny boy.”
José watched her, moving back in his chair. “I have a problem with any man sniffing around my sister.”
“Sniffing,” Kanielle smirked, she didn’t care if he was the head chef in the restaurant, he was talking about her brother. “My brother isn’t a dog, maybe you should check your sister.”
Brandon stared at Kanielle, and then at José. “They were just friends, nothing more.” He leaned forward.
“Just friends huh?” José smirked, “Lucy claims she’s in love.”
Kanielle entwined her fingers together, reeling back, this was all news to her. Then she looked at Brandon, he knew and didn’t say anything.
“Chris is a good kid,” Brandon mentioned. He was trying to keep the peace. “Nothing happened.”
José stood, pushed the chair back in its place. “Tell your brother to stay away from my sister.”
“Why?” Kanielle chuckled, “They are both grown adults. Why should we get involved?”
“Lucy will always be my baby sister. Sometimes we have to look out for our family, don’t you think?” José stared at her through light irises. He was being an older brother.
“Yes,” Kanielle answered. “I understand, you’re being an over-protective brother.”
“And you’re an overbearing sister,” José’s lips curled up into a sarcastic smile.
“Siblings,” Brandon shook his head. “Chris and Lucy have gone their separate ways. If they decided to continue whatever they had, that’s their business.” He looked at José. “Lucy is a smart girl, you should trust her.”
“I trust her, it’s the boys I don’t.”
Kanielle remained quiet. She understood José’s concerns. Chris could be a handful.
“Don’t be a stranger.” José patted Brandon on the shoulder. “Kanielle, it was nice meeting you.”
“It was nice meeting you too,” Kanielle took a bite of her chocolate cake. “You never know we might be in-laws someday,” she chuckled.
“Don’t play,” José said and walked away.
Brandon laughed, “Did you see his face?”
She got serious, and glared at him. “Where did Chris meet this girl?”
“In my office, she did an internship recently,” Brandon moved his chair next to hers. “I didn’t keep anything from you, they are just friends.”
“So why is she in love with my brother?” She hoped Chris didn’t do anything that would come back and bite him in the ass.
“I don’t know why women do half the things they do.”
Kanielle twisted her mouth. “Really?”
Brandon sighed. “I don’t want to argue. When I spoke with your brother he said he didn’t touch her. Maybe they have feelings for each other, however they haven’t acted on it. Chris was seeing someone else.”
“Who?” She was being nosey. “It doesn’t matter. Chris never had a male figure to show him how to be a man. Me and my mother did the best we could.”
“You did well,” he took her hand in his. “Chris is a smart kid. He loves women, but what man his age doesn’t? He’s matured since I met him.”
“Because of you,” Kanielle kissed his knuckles. She wondered what they were going to do for the upcoming holidays. “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”
“I’m going home. You?”
“My mother’s. I can’t let her spend it alone, especially now that Chris is gone. I thought you would join us.” She touched his leg.
“I would love to, but I usually spend it with my grandmother. I don’t like her being by herself.” He mentioned. “Nothing like capturing your own meat.”
Kanielle cocked her eyebrow. “So we’re not spending Thanksgiving together?”
“It doesn’t seem like it,” he placed his arm over her shoulder. “I was wondering if Cece could go with me. Your mom sees her anytime she wants.”
“I don’t mind,” Kanielle caressed his jaw. “I wanted to spend it with you and Cece though.”
“We’ll spend Christmas together.” He bent his head, and kissed her lips. “You won’t miss much anyways. I go out back, and ring the turkey’s neck the night before.”
“Poor turkey,” Kanielle twisted uncomfortably in her seat, staring at him. “How could you?”
“I’ve been doing it since I was eight,” he smiled. “That’s all my grandfather and I did for Thanksgiving. My grandmother spent the morning cooking, and baking.” He shared with her. “The smell of fresh apple and pumpkin pies filled the house. We didn’t have much
, but on that day we always had an abundance of food. I want Cece to experience nature, and the farm, just like I did.”
“She’ll love it,” Kanielle stroked his arm. “So, I’m your girlfriend?” She moved forward, biting his bottom lip.
“Don’t start something you can’t finish,” Brandon placed his hand in between her thighs.
Kanielle moved his hand further up her legs. “I always finish what I start.” The other people on the balcony were spaced far enough that they couldn’t see what they were doing.
Brandon’s hand slipped under her panties, but before he could touch her, she moved her chair back. “Tease.” He called her, as his eyes grew a shade darker.
“Meet me in the ladies restroom,” Kanielle got up and sashayed inside.
***
Brandon stood, fixing his erection. Kanielle brought out the fun side in him, and she was all he thought about. She had him thinking about marriage again. He would do anything to keep his family together. He walked over to the double glass doors, and pulled them open. He ambled over to the bathrooms. Brandon waited outside for a few minutes, and then he made his move. He stepped inside the bathroom, and was about to lock the door when he realized there was no lever. The women’s restroom was clean, and smelled like lavender.
He looked around, noticing that there were five bathroom stalls. Where was his woman?
Kanielle opened the last stall, twirling her black panties on her index finger. “What took you so long, lover boy?”
Brandon smirked. “Sweets, there’s no lock on this door.”
“There’s a lock on this one,” she pointed at the gold lever. Kanielle began raising her dress, exposing her thighs. “If you don’t make your move, someone will interrupt us.”
He rapidly walked over to the stall. Kanielle grabbed his wrist, pulling him in, and locked the door. She placed her hands around his neck. “Have I told you how happy you’ve made me?” She placed her panties in his pants pocket.
