by Darrien Lee
Keaton’s blood pressure shot up instantly. He wasn’t about to let Malik or any man get within ten feet of Meridan St. John… Ever! Winston stared at Keaton. What he saw in Keaton’s body language was a man whose temper was about to blow. Now was better than any time to intervene.
Winston stood and said, “Malik, stop getting Keaton all worked up. Meridan’s too busy to fool around with either one of you clowns.”
Malik took a sip of his water. “Well, I’ll just have to see for myself.”
Malik knew he was getting under Keaton’s skin and he took pleasure in pissing him off.
Keaton calmly looked at Malik and said, “Knock yourself out, man.”
The waitress brought the order to the table and he stood to pay her.
Winston stared at him, knowing Keaton could take a swing at Malik at any moment for taunting him. He also knew Malik had Keaton close to his boiling point.
To make sure he was okay, he asked, “You cool, Keaton?”
Shaking his hand, he said, “Yeah, I’m cool, Bro.”
“Should I wait up for you?”
They all laughed again.
“Funny, Winston. I’ll holler at you punks later. Peace!”
He grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.
Meridan met Keaton at the door, wrapped in a towel.
She smiled and said, “Hurry, hurry! It’s freezing out there!”
He looked her up and down and asked, “You’re still soaking?”
Opening the Styrofoam plate, she said, “Yes, Sir. Oooo! Thank you, Keaton. This smells so good!” She turned and ran back up the stairs. Yelling back to him, she said, “Come on up and bring the plate with you!”
He laughed and followed her up the stairs. By the time he made it to her bedroom, she was back in the tub. He sat her plate on a table and entered the bathroom.
Looking down at her, he asked, “Do you want it now?”
She smiled up at him. “What exactly are you offering me, Keaton?”
He knelt down and put his hand over in the hot water, touching her thigh. “Whatever you want,” he said, with love in his voice.
Keaton could feel her eyes on him. His heart rate accelerated.
Meridan took a deep breath and asked, “Do you want to come in? I don’t mind sharing. I know your muscles are just as tired as mine.”
He swallowed and watched the bubbles dance around her brown skin. He stood, pulling his sweatshirt over his head. He discarded his pants as well. She didn’t have to invite him but once. Meridan watched him as he shed his clothes.
As he eased into the waters, he grunted, “Damn, Meridan! This water is scalding hot!”
“That’s how I like it,” she boasted. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Do you want me to cool it down a little?”
He gritted his teeth and eased further into the water. “Nah, just give me a minute. I’ll adjust.”
Keaton finally settled in and let out a loud sigh.
Meridan smiled and asked, “Are you okay?”
“Finally. I don’t see how you take it.”
“I’m a country girl, remember? I have thick skin.”
Closing his eyes, he said, “You’re funny, and you’re spoiling me.”
Leaning forward, she asked, “Didn’t I tell you? That’s one of my specialties.”
He laughed.
She closed her eyes and lay back. “Keaton?”
“Yes?”
“Remember that telephone call this morning?”
He opened his eyes and stared at her before answering, “Yes, what about it?”
“There’s something I need to tell you and it’s not going to be easy for me. I need to tell you how I got this scar.”
She stared back at him, waiting for his answer.
“Okay,” he answered.
Pleased, she said, “Thanks again for bringing me dinner.”
He closed his eyes again and said, “No, thank you.”
They closed their eyes and enjoyed the hot, steamy bath in silence. Keaton had no idea what he was going to hear. Whatever it was, he knew it was going to have some heavy weight to it.
CHAPTER 32
Winston walked into his bedroom and found Arnelle, MaLeah, and Fredrick all cuddled up in their bed. The kids were asleep and Arnelle was watching a movie. He walked over and planted a wet kiss on her lips.
Smiling, he said, “It looks a little crowded in here.
She turned off the movie. “They tried to wait up for you. How was practice?”
Unlacing his shoes, he said, “It was good, and your brother is out there.”
Pulling back the linens, she asked, “What do you mean, out there?”
Winston laughed. “Hold up. Let me take the kids to their room.”
Arnelle sat there frowning as she thought about Keaton playing with Meridan’s heart. Winston returned, closing the door behind him. Arnelle reached over and turned on the baby monitors. He sat down so he could take off his socks.
“You should’ve seen him kissing on Meridan before practice. She didn’t stay for dinner, so your brother took her a carryout.”
“I think that’s sweet but I’m afraid she’s going to get her heart broken by him.”
Discarding his clothes, he said, “You worry about Keaton too much. I thought he was going to jump on Malik at dinner. He was going on and on about asking Meridan out when Keaton goes back to Texas. I didn’t like the direction the conversation was heading in so I had to cool things down.”
Worried, she asked, “They didn’t get into it, did they?”
“Almost, but they’re cool. I wouldn’t wait up for him, though. He’ll probably spend the night with her again.”
Arnelle sat up and asked, “What do you mean, again?”
Winston laughed and disappeared into the bathroom. He returned to the bedroom and said, “He told me they got back from Mississippi last night, but he didn’t come home until around eight-thirty this morning. I think he slept with her.”
Arnelle got out of the bed.
“This is exactly what I was afraid of. Poor Meridan’s probably already fallen in love with him.”
“Calm down, Arnelle. Like I told you before, Meridan’s a grown woman.”
“I know she is, Baby, but I know my brother can be reckless with women’s hearts.”
He stood before her, naked. “They’ll work it out. Stop worrying about them. Okay?”
She smiled. “You want me to wash your back for you?”
“You bet.”
“Go ahead. I’ll be right in,” she coaxed.
Arnelle slid out of her nightgown and joined Winston in the bubbles. She produced two glasses of wine.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
They sipped their wine as Arnelle laid back against his chest. “Winston, I know you told me to leave it alone, but I’m worried about my brother.”
Winston kissed her shoulders. “Don’t because Keaton is fine. His blood pressure is normal and he’ll be going back home in a couple of weeks. The kids have really enjoyed him since he’s been here. It’s going to tear MaLeah up when he leaves.”
“I know. He has really spoiled her and she loves him so much.”
Winston caressed her body and kissed her neck.
She kissed him lovingly and said, “He reminds me so much of you.”
Laughing, he said, “I agree and I believe there will be a wedding in the near future.”
Straddling his lap, she said, “That would be nice. I love my brother but I guess it’s time I quit trying to be his big sister, huh?”
“Nah, you’re going to always be his big sister and you’re going to always worry about him. You’re just going to have let him live his life and hopefully he won’t make any bad choices. If so, he’ll learn from them. Okay?”
She hugged him and said, “You’re right. Now, how about some hot, sweaty loving? Do you think you can serve that up for me?”
He palmed her rear, pulling her c
loser. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. As a married couple with two small children, they tried their best to have as much quality time as possible. He ran his tongue over her breasts, taking her into his mouth.
“You do know what I like, Counselor,” she moaned as she threw back her head.
She guided him inside her body and they took each other on a wild ride to ecstasy.
Winston worked to get even deeper. Arnelle was already gasping as his hips met hers.
“Arnelle, you know I love you, don’t you?”
Breathlessly, she moaned, “Oh yes, Baby. Yes! I love you, too.”
Winston was always weak to her making love on top. That was usually when she talked dirtiest to him and it turned him on even more. Moments later Arnelle and Winston yelled out in satisfaction. She kissed his chest, neck, and lips while trying to catch her breath.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about.”
“Damn it, Arnelle, you’re going to make me wake up the kids.”
She ran her tongue in his ear and whispered, “And to think… I’m not even through with you yet. Just wait until I get you into bed.”
“You know you’re playing with fire, don’t you?”
She giggled. “The hotter, the better. Come on, Winston.”
He kissed her hard.
“As soon as we’re done here, I’m all yours.”
Arnelle smiled and took a sip of her wine. Winston caressed her body and asked, “How are things at the clinic?”
“Great. Venice is amazing. She really knows how to bring in clients. We just picked up a couple more high schools. I don’t know where she gets the energy; especially since she has the twins.”
Winston smiled. “She is an amazing woman. She’s strong-willed, and she’s been through a lot. I didn’t care for her when we first met because of what she put Craig through. But, I had to step aside and let Craig handle his business because he loved her; regardless of my opinion. Somehow through all of that, we’ve become the best of friends. With her help, I was able to wake up and put my foolish pride aside so I wouldn’t lose you. I’m so glad I did because I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had lost you.”
Cupping his face, she said, “Winston, you were never threatened by any other man. I would’ve waited a lifetime for you.”
“What about Damon Kilpatrick? You ran off to Florida with him.”
She kissed him tenderly and said, “You broke up with me, remember? Besides, you came and got me.”
“How could I forget? We did have a beautiful wedding that night, didn’t we?”
“Yes, we did, even though the one my family arranged for us in Texas was just as beautiful.”
Winston ran his finger down her chest. “I need to call Venice and Craig and see about getting Brandon over here for the weekend. MaLeah would love that. It’s been a while since they tore up the house.”
Standing up, she looked down at him. “Sounds like a plan to me. Now come to bed.”
He caressed her legs. “Don’t move.”
Staring down at him in confusion, she asked, “What?”
He sat up and repeated, “I said, don’t move.”
Arnelle sucked in a sharp breath as his lips came in contact with her body. She braced herself against the wall and closed her eyes.
“Winston Carter III, you are sooo bad.”
CHAPTER 33
Meridan crawled into bed after finishing the delicious dinner Keaton brought her. He was down the hallway putting his clothes in the washer. Since he didn’t get a chance to pick up a change of clothes, he’d ask Meridan if he could use her washer. He walked back into the room with a towel around his waist.
“Did you find everything okay?”
Crawling into bed, he said, “Just where you said it would be. How was your dinner?”
“Delicious. I really appreciate you bringing it to me. That was so sweet.”
Fluffing his pillow, he said, “I didn’t mind at all. What time do you have to be at work in the morning?”
“I’m the early bird. I have to be there at eight.”
“Wake me up when you get up, so I can get out of your way.”
She leaned down and kissed his cheek. “You can sleep in, if you like. I don’t mind. Just call me when you get up so I can tell you how to set the alarm. There’s no reason for you to get up if you don’t have to.”
Keaton’s heart fluttered. He could see the love in her eyes. “Are you sure?”
She turned toward him. “Yes. Now kiss me so I can tell you about that phone call.”
He kissed her tenderly. He tried his best not to get too greedy. She faced him and he pulled her closer.
She stared at him. “Keaton, I need to tell you this because it’s now or never.”
He took a breath. “I’m all ears.”
Meridan swallowed hard. “One of my classmates cut me with a broken bottle because I didn’t want to be any more than a friend. If Nikki hadn’t come along and hit ’em over the head with a brick, it could’ve been a lot worse. I lost a lot of blood and for a while, they didn’t think I was going to make it. It’s hard for some people to accept no for an answer.”
Keaton was horrified. He stroked her cheek and asked, “Why would anyone want to hurt you?”
“Keaton, you know yourself there are people in this world who have some serious issues. I’m just glad Nikki was there.”
Angry, he yelled, “You could’ve been killed!”
Meridan wiped away a tear because she knew she was still leaving a lot of the story out.
“I know. I think about that night every time I look in the mirror.”
He sighed. “What happened to him?”
Meridan stared at him and said, “Served time for attempted manslaughter.”
“Wow! I’m so sorry, Baby,” he said as he closed his eyes and pulled her into his arms. “No wonder you didn’t want me to see the scar. Just remember what I told you before… That scar doesn’t make the woman.”
“Thank you.”
They lay there, holding each other in silence.
“Meridan?”
“Yes?”
He caressed her face and asked, “Would you please tell me who this person is so I can protect you?”
She looked into his eyes and answered, “I don’t want you to get in the middle of this, Keaton.”
“Were you threatened?”
Sighing, she said, “Thankfully, no.”
“You will at least mention it to the police? They need to know you’re being stalked and harassed.”
“If I get any more phone calls, I will.”
“Good.”
She snuggled closer. “Keaton?”
“Yes, Dear.”
“There’s one more thing I want to talk to you about.”
He looked at her curiously and asked, “What is it?”
“Jacob wants me to fly to Atlanta Saturday evening to go to a banquet with him. I told him I would go this time, but he’d better not call me on short notice like this again. I’ll be spending the night at his house and flying back on Sunday. You don’t mind, do you?”
Hiding his true feelings, he said, “I was kind of hoping we would spent the evening together after the game, but I guess I’ll just have to miss you.”
“I’m sorry, Keaton. I couldn’t say no. I’ll definitely miss you.”
Jealousy leaped into his heart.
“You make sure Jacob knows it’s hands off,” he said with anger in his voice. Rubbing his cheek, she said, “Keaton, you have nothing to worry about. Jacob and I are just friends.”
Keaton stared at her. He felt like he had just been punched in the stomach. He saw the way Jacob looked at Meridan when they were in Mississippi. He didn’t want to think about her on the arm of another man. What made it worse was that she was going to be spending the night at his house. Yes, he understood they were childhood friends, but the eyes never lie. Jacob was a man who still carried a lot of love for Meridan St.
John.
Snapping him out of his trance, Meridan said, “Keaton, you do know you don’t have to sleep in that towel, don’t you?”
“If you wanted me to stay over to cuddle, it’s best I do.”
She laughed. “We’ll see what the morning brings. Goodnight, sweetheart.”
“Goodnight, babe.”
Keaton woke up and for a moment, he forgot where he was. Then he picked up Meridan’s heavenly scent and smiled. He remembered Meridan planting feather kisses all over his body earlier that morning before getting out of bed. In doing that, he had no choice but to give her a dose of his loving before sending her off to work. He pulled back the covers and noticed that she had laid his clothes out on the chair. Stretching, he headed toward the shower.
After showering, he returned to the bedroom and sat down to apply lotion to his body. The telephone rang and he froze. He didn’t feel comfortable being there to hear Meridan’s private phone calls, but it was her idea for him to sleep in. The telephone rang a couple more times before her answering machine picked up. Jacob’s voice abruptly came over the answering machine.
“Hey, Meridan. I made your flight reservations. You leave on American Flight 280 at five-thirty. Your ticket will be at the gate when you get there. It’ll put you here in plenty of time to get ready. I was also able to get you back to Philly Sunday evening like you wanted.”
He sighed and held the telephone in silence for a moment. Jacob’s voice was cracking and it sounded like he was crying.
“Meridan, sweetheart, I love you so much and I can’t wait to see you. You mean everything to me and I mean, everything. We’re going to have a great time. You’ll see. See you Saturday. Love You.”
Jacob hung up the telephone and Keaton stood there, not believing what he’d just heard. Meridan may not think he had anything to worry about, but he knew better. He’d been a determined man all his life and Jacob seemed to possess those same qualities. It was obvious he was madly in love with Meridan. Now he had something else to worry about. Keaton had now become even more uneasy about this trip. He stood in the middle of the bedroom, totally confused on what to do. He’d never had to deal with anything like this before. He always got the girl. Composing himself, he picked up the telephone and called Meridan.
