by Darrien Lee
“Dr. St. John’s office, how may I help you?”
“Keaton Lapahie for Dr. St. John,” he answered.
The operator replied, “One moment, please.”
Keaton waited and his mind was traveling at 100 miles per hour.
“Keaton?”’
“Good morning, Meridan.”
He could hear the smile in her voice.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Thanks to what we did this morning, I slept very well.”
“I’m glad. Are you getting ready to leave?”
He looked at his watch and said, “Well, it’s around ten o’clock. I think I’ve had enough sleep for the day.
“I enjoyed your company and everything else.”
“So did I. Now, what do I need to do before I lock up?”
Meridan gave him the code to her alarm system, as well as where to find the other garage door remote. He noted her instructions and told her he would talk to her later. He slowly placed the telephone back into the cradle and put his head in his hands. It was at that moment the telephone rang again. Keaton looked over at the answering machine and listened as the caller held the telephone. In the background the chilling music from the horror flick Halloween was playing. He could hear the caller breathing heavily on the extension.
Angry, Keaton picked up the telephone and yelled, “Who the hell is this?”
The caller’s laugh was hoarse and eerie, then he hung up within seconds. There was no name on the caller ID. His heart was beating wildly in his chest. He feared for Meridan’s safety. Someone was playing games with her and she needed to take these calls more seriously. Concerned, he decided to drop by her office and let her know about the telephone call. Little did Keaton know, he was finding out more about Meridan’s past than she was prepared for him to know.
CHAPTER 34
Keaton surprised Meridan at her office for lunch just so he could keep an eye on her. All the women in her office were whispering and lusting over his tall, dark, and handsome frame. Meridan introduced them, then told them she would see them later, before closing the door to her office.
“What a nice surprise! You see what you’ve started?”
Smiling innocently, he asked, “What did I do?”
She hugged him. “You have disrupted my office by coming in here looking so sexy.”
Meridan was right. Keaton showed up in some faded jeans and a black leather jacket. The jeans molded to his round derriere. Any woman with warm blood in her veins would be drooling over him. In Meridan’s office, it was unanimous. They shared some hot chili, prepared especially by him. He made sure he brought enough for her staff.
“Keaton, this is delicious. What did you put in it?”
He wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin and said, “It’s a secret.”
“That’s not fair!”
“All is fair in love and war.”
She blushed and continued to savor the hot, spicy chili.
“Keaton?”
He looked up at her.
“Do you mind staying over with me Friday night? I really would like to spend some time with you before I fly out to Atlanta. We could get up and go to the game together. I would like you to drive me to the airport, if you don’t mind.”
He stared at her. He couldn’t help but think about her kicking it with Jacob. He was starting to get angrier about the whole set-up. He frowned.
“What’s wrong, Keaton?”
“I don’t want you to go to Atlanta, and I’m worried about your attacker. I believe he called your house this morning.”
Shocked, she asked, “How do you know?”
“It’s on your answering machine. When I heard spooky music, I picked up the phone. All he did was laugh.”
Meridan sat there shocked. She didn’t know what to say to him. Sam was pulling Keaton into the drama and she was trying to keep him out of it.
He put down his spoon and ran his hand over his head.
Meridan said, “Keaton, I don’t know what to say. I don’t know why all of this is happening.”
“You need to call the cops, Meridan. I’m not going to tell you again. It doesn’t seem like this fool is playing.”
She looked up at him, seeing he was having a hard time with the whole situation and it was understandable.
She hugged his neck. “Keaton? The last thing I want to do is pull you into some drama.”
He looked at her and said, “I love you and that makes me responsible for you. I will not allow anyone to hurt you. That goes for Jacob, too. Understood?”
She looked at him curiously and asked, “Why Jacob?”
“I don’t want you down there with him. He has feelings for you.”
She sat in his lap and snuggled. “I have feelings for him, too, but it’s nothing like the feelings I have for you. Nothing is going to happen between me and Jacob. I’m just going to escort him to this banquet. Besides, I’ve known Jacob all my life. He knows where I stand.”
“You trust him to behave?”
Smiling, she asked, “Oh course I do. Do you think different?”
“I’d be a fool not to think that.”
She looked down at her hands. “Look, Keaton. I appreciate your concern. It’s very sweet, but I can handle Jacob. I can take care of myself in both matters. Okay?”
She hugged his neck.
“Nothing is going to happen. Okay?”
He returned the hug, then looked her in the eyes.
“Meridan, I’ll break Jacob’s damn neck if he steps one inch out of line. Do you understand me?”
She saw the seriousness in his eyes. She buried her face in his warm neck and said, “I understand and thank you for caring about me so much.”
“Always… Always.”
Meridan and Keaton spent Friday night making love and playing video games. She modeled the dress she was going to be wearing to the dinner with Jacob. Seeing the way the fabric clung to her body made Keaton tense even more.
Frowning, he asked, “Don’t you have something less revealing to wear?”
Laughing, she said, “Keaton, don’t start.”
“I’m just asking,” he yelled as he threw his hands in the air.
Meridan changed out of the dress so she could finish packing. Moments later, she climbed into bed with Keaton.
She kissed him and asked, “Do you think we’ll win tomorrow?”
“I hope so. I’m glad we’re playing for charity. That prize money will do the children at the youth center a lot of good.”
She sat up and asked, “How’s your knee?”
“It’s great. That’s why I work out so hard. Arnelle makes sure I don’t do anything to damage it. It doesn’t hurt to have a sports doctor in the family.”
“I agree. Well, I guess we’d better turn in, huh?”
He rolled over on top of her and kissed her neck. “Hmm. I’m going to have a hard time putting you on that plane tomorrow.”
She cupped his face and said, “I’m coming back to you, my love. Now kiss me.”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
He dove under the comforter, causing Meridan to scream out loud.
CHAPTER 35
The buzzer sounded to notify the team it was time to take the court. Meridan was cool as a cucumber. She was used to this, even though it had been a while since she had competed. Winston had purchased them some nice uniforms and all of them seemed anxious to get started. Meridan pulled her braids up into a ponytail and kept moving so her muscles would stay loose. Winston gave them their pep talk and they took to the court. Keaton walked over to Meridan and whispered, “Good luck, sweetheart.”
Smiling, she responded, “Good luck to you, too.”
They won the toss and the game began. The gym was standing room only. Most of the spectators were there to see the female they had heard about. Meridan meticulously drove the team down the floor. She had quick hands and handled the ball beautifully. She had most of the spectators rooting for their t
eam.
Minutes later, they were ahead, but it was close. The competitor Meridan was guarding tried to intimidate her. When he saw she was playing him tight, man to man, it angered him. On one drive to the basket, he purposely ran her over. Meridan went down hard. Malik helped her up while Keaton walked over to the guy on the other team and discreetly said, “Do that again and your ass is mine.”
“Hey! If she can’t handle it, she shouldn’t be on the court.”
The competitor ran back down the floor, after having been charged with a foul. Keaton walked over to Meridan and asked, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Keaton. I can handle him, but thanks.”
Meridan went to the foul line and shot her free throws. She hit nothing but net.
On the last play of the game, Meridan drove down the court. The competitor who had been guarding her all day was talking a lot of trash. She smiled at him. “Take this, punk!”
She discreetly elbowed him sharply in the ribs and charged in for the lay-up. The buzzer sounded and they won. The competitor was holding his stomach, screaming to the referee about a foul. The referee told him if he couldn’t handle it, he shouldn’t be on the court. The game was over.
The time passed slowly as each game came to a close. There were games in between theirs, which gave them time to rest. Venice, Arnelle, and their kids were in attendance to cheer the team on. Nichole was there as well.
Venice said, “Meridan, gurl! You are showing out!”
In agreement, Arnelle said, “You sure are.”
Meridan said, “Thank you. How are my favorite twins and company?”
Brandon and MaLeah both hugged Meridan’s leg as she kissed the twins on the cheek. She sat down, taking Fredrick into her lap.
Arnelle leaned down and whispered, “You okay? You took a hard fall out there.”
“I’m okay. I got him back.”
Arnelle laughed and thought just how perfect Meridan was for her brother. She wasn’t a pushover at all. Nichole tapped Meridan on the leg and whispered, “What’s that guy’s name that helped you up?”
Surprised at Nichole’s question, she asked, “Why do you want to know?”
“He’s cute. Is he spoken for?”
“Not that I know of, but aren’t you spoken for?”
Crossing her legs, she smiled. “That’s okay, Dee. I’ll find out for myself, but thanks anyway. Damn! He sure is fine!”
Meridan laughed. “You better not let that cop you’re dating hear you talking this trash. You guys are still dating, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but I still like to keep my options open. What does that guy do for a living?”
Frowning, Meridan said, “I don’t know. The subject has never come up.”
“It really doesn’t matter anyway. He’s a cutie.”
“Knock yourself out, Nikki, but I must warn you. Malik’s very outspoken.”
“That’s how I like my men. Thanks for the heads up.”
“Good luck, Nikki.”
Hugging Meridan’s neck, she said, “Thanks, Dee! Now you guys better kick butt in this next game.”
“Oh, we will.”
Hours and several games later, Winston’s team played in the finals. It was a long, hard-fought game, but sadly they lost. They still were able to make a donation to the charity that had been chosen as the runner-up recipient. The team members received their trophies and awards. After saying goodbye to everyone, Meridan looked over at Keaton and said, “We need to get going. I want to take a quick shower before we leave for the airport.”
“Go ahead. I’ll wait right here for you.”
Meridan hurried to the locker room and took a quick shower.
On the way to the airport, Keaton’s heart kept fluttering. He occasionally looked over at her. It was still killing him that she was getting ready to jet off to spend time with another man. He had a good mind to make her miss her flight. That way, they could be together.
“Keaton, what time is it?”
“It’s about four-fifteen. We’re almost there, baby. Relax.”
“I hope I have everything. If not, too bad. His butt shouldn’t have called me on such short notice.”
Keaton parked in short-term parking and hurried in with Meridan. She checked her bag and they ran down the concourse. When they got to her gate, the passengers were already boarding the plane.
She turned and said, “Come on, give me some sugar before I go.”
Keaton didn’t want to say goodbye to her. He wanted to throw her over his shoulder and run out of the airport.
Instead, he put his arms around her waist. “I’m going to miss you. Have a safe flight, and you’d better call me as soon as you get in. Promise?”
“Promise.”
He kissed her passionately, lifting her completely off the floor.
Meridan wrapped her legs around his waist and breathlessly said, “You sure are making it hard for me to get on this plane.”
“Just remember what I said. I will hurt your homeboy if he disrespects you in any way. Do you hear me?”
“I hear you. I love you. Be safe driving home.”
He set her back on the floor. “I love you, too. See ya!”
She waved and hurried down the ramp to the plane.
When Meridan stepped off the plane, she immediately saw Jacob standing there. He smiled and waved to her. She walked over, handing him her bag. He sat it down and pulled her into his arms, planting a big kiss on her lips.
Meridan pulled back and yelled, “Jacob!”
Surprised, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
She pulled her purse up on her shoulder. “What’s wrong is you kissing me like that. You know better.”
He sighed. “You used to like my kisses. Look, I’m just glad to see you, okay?”
She stared at him and looked her watch. “Whatever. Don’t you think we should be going?”
He picked up her bag and wrapped his arm around her waist.
“You’re right. Our chariot awaits us. We’re going to have so much fun tonight. Thanks again for coming.”
“I’m still going to beat your ass for calling me on short notice.”
He laughed as they walked through the airport. When they got outside he took her hand and led her over to a stretch limo.
“What’s this, Jacob?”
“Our chariot.”
“You’re not doing this for me, are you?”
The chauffeur opened the car door for them.
“No, I’m doing it for us. Besides, the champagne will be flowing and I wouldn’t dare put you at risk.”
“Well, that was thoughtful of you.”
They sat down and waited for the driver to pull away from the curb.
CHAPTER 36
Keaton arrived back at his sister’s house, feeling a little down. He had hoped to be spending the night with Meridan. When he walked in, MaLeah immediately ran over, requesting that he pick her up. He set his bag down, picked her up, and sat down on the sofa.
Arnelle saw the solemn look on his face and asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
Arnelle didn’t know what was wrong with her brother, but she figured it had something to do with Meridan. She watched him as he played with MaLeah. Little Fredrick squealed from the playpen. He went over and picked Fredrick up so he could join them.
As he sat down, Arnelle asked, “You going out with Meridan tonight?”
Tickling MaLeah and Fredrick, he said, “She had to go out of town.”
“When is she coming back?”
“Tomorrow. Where’s Winston?”
“He’s upstairs taking a shower.”
Keaton stood and said, “Hey, I’m going to run over to the mall for a while. Can I borrow your truck?”
“Of course. Are you sure you’re okay?”
Putting Fredrick back into his playpen, he said, “Yeah, can I take MaLeah with me?”
“Sure. What do you want for dinner?”
He walked ove
r and got MaLeah’s coat out of the closet.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not really hungry anyway.”
“Okay. Drive carefully and, MaLeah, behave.”
“K!”
When they left the room, Fredrick cried large crocodile tears. Arnelle picked him up and said, “I know, Sweetie. I think your uncle feels the same way. Come help Momma cook dinner.”
Keaton and MaLeah had spent a couple of hours walking through the mall. There were plenty of colorful displays, and entertaining music was in the air. MaLeah wanted everything in sight.
“Uncie Key! I want that!”
Keaton looked over and saw the Barbie Corvette that MaLeah had pointed out. He laughed. “What are you going to do with that?”
“I wanna drive, Uncie Key!” MaLeah sat in the Corvette and tried to make the car go. “It’s broke, Uncie Key!”
Keaton laughed at her and started playing a PlayStation 2 game. His cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hey, sexy,” Meridan said seductively in his ear.
Smiling, he said, “I take it you’ve arrived safe and sound?”
“Yes, I did. Right now, I’m trying to get into this dress.”
Keaton frowned. “I’ll be damned if you get him to help you.”
“Calm down, Keaton. It was just a figure of speech. Actually, I’m ready. So, what are you doing?”
Taking a breath, he answered, “I’m at the toy store with MaLeah.”
“Well, have fun and give her a kiss for me. Don’t forget to pick me up tomorrow.”
“I won’t. Has everything been cool?”
“Everything has been normal. Stop worrying, Keaton. I’ll call you when I get in tonight. Okay?”
Pouting, he said, “I guess.”
“I love you.”
Pausing, he said, “Love you, too.”
“Talk to you later.”
“Aight. Goodbye.”
“Bye.”
Keaton hung up the telephone and watched MaLeah play with a baby doll.
They walked further down the mall, looking in the windows of other stores.
MaLeah had conned Keaton out of a huge lollipop. What MaLeah didn’t know was that her uncle had secretly bought her that Barbie Corvette and doll she had been playing with. Holding her hand, he stopped when he came upon a jewelry store. Looking in the window, he saw something that caught his eye. He couldn’t take his eyes off it.
