by Sammie Ward
Trembling from the aftermath of her release, she felt Garrett’s own liquid mix with hers.
Garrett collapsed on top of her. He knew they would be good together, but he never imagined the pleasure she gave him. No woman, including Imani, had ever made love to him the way Trinity had. It was a feeling he’d never experienced before, but wanted over and over again. He could never get tired of loving her either mentally or physically.
Garrett reluctantly rolled off of her because he knew he was crushing her small frame. He pulled her close to him. Her warm body curled into the curve of his. He turned onto his side and looked dreamily into her eyes, which were still glazed with pleasure.
Reaching out, Garrett ran a hand through her hair. “Baby, you were awesome. I knew we would be good together, but I never dreamed it would be like that.”
“Thank you.” She blushed. “You weren’t so bad yourself.”
He kissed her gently on the lips. “Did I please you?”
“Yes, you did. Couldn’t you tell?”
“Women can fake it.”
“You don’t ever have to worry about that,” she said with a smile.
Garrett returned her smile. “I want you to always be satisfied.” He ran his thumb up and down her arm. Women always told him he was a good lover, but he wanted to make sure Trinity was pleased.
He gently recaptured her lips. “How do you like to make love? Fast? Slow? Positions? What?”
She was embarrassed. Darius had never asked her that. “Garrett, you were fine. You were the best I’ve ever had. And shouldn’t you have asked me that at the beginning?”
Garrett laughed. “There wasn’t time. But I promised that next time we’ll do all the things you like to do.”
Passion pounded the blood through her heart, chest, and head as his tongue masterfully traveled from her head to her toes. “When is next time?” she managed to get out.
“Right now,” Garrett replied, repositioning himself between her thighs.
Chapter 15
The next morning, Garrett woke up next to Trinity, with early morning sunlight brightly streaming through the bedroom window. She was snuggled next to him. The warmth of her body was so inviting that he didn’t want to leave her side. Instead he watched her sleep. She looked so peaceful. They didn’t fall asleep until late in the morning after making love again and again. He smoothed the hair around her temple and tenderly stroked her face. He felt himself harden. He longed to be inside her, loving her again, but he didn’t bother to wake her. Instead he slipped out of bed and headed to her bathroom to shower.
After Garrett finished in the bathroom, he headed into the kitchen. He considered himself a pretty good cook. Minutes later, the smell of eggs and bacon filled the air. He was famished, and he figured Trinity must be, too.
Trinity rolled over to an empty space beside her. The aroma of breakfast tickled her nose, but she didn’t get up. Instead she rolled over to the other side. She was hungry, but she was too tired to get up and eat. Turning over on her back, she gasped when she felt the sweet soreness between her legs. A smile formed at the corner of her mouth as she remembered the feel of his hands and mouth all over her. Last night he’d taken over her mind, body, and soul, loving her as only Garrett could do. They shared a special intimacy that she’d never experienced before.
She glanced over at the bedside clock. It was after nine. Good thing it was Saturday or she’d be late for work. She didn’t have any plans for today.
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she trekked to the bathroom. She could hear Garrett moving about in the kitchen. It made her feel good to know he was still here. She showered, brushed her teeth, and dressed. Twenty minutes later, she made her appearance in the kitchen to find Garrett sitting at the dining room table, reading the newspaper.
He came to his feet when Trinity entered the room. His gaze full upon her clean, scrubbed face. Her beauty was exquisite, almost ethereal.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said and extended his arms. Trinity walked into his embrace, dropping her face against the taut muscles of his chest.
“Good morning, handsome.”
Stepping back, his gaze raked boldly over her. He wondered if she was aware of how much she captivated him. He loved everything about this woman. “Are you hungry? I prepared breakfast.”
“Yes. I’m starving.” She took a seat at the table.
“Do you have any plans for today?” He disappeared into the kitchen, removing a plate from the microwave.
“No.”
“Why don’t we do something?” He sat the food in front of her.
“What did you have in mind?” She noticed he didn’t have a plate for himself. “Are you eating?”
“I’ve already eaten. Why don’t we go to a movie or something?”
“Because you are Garrett Martindale. You can’t just walk into a movie theater.”
Garrett tried to hide his disappointment. She was right. She hated this part of his life. He just wanted to live his life like a normal person without the media following his every move, but relentless media attention came with his career choice.
He thought for a moment, trying to come up with a plan. “What about a disguise?” He chuckled. “Glasses? Hat? Something like that.”
Trinity shoveled a forkful of eggs in her mouth. “ You don’t have to go that far. Why don’t we go see Can I Get An Amen?” She bit into a slice of toast. “Hey, this is good.”
“Thank you. Would you like to go tonight?”
“I’d love to. But what about the media?”
“You worry too much. I don’t care about the media.”
“Well, I do. I don’t want our personal lives plastered all over the tabloids.”
“I don’t want that either, but if you’re going to be with me, it comes with the territory.”
Trinity nodded. “I know.”
“Forget about the press. I won’t live as a shut-in. We will go out tonight and have a good time.” He smiled. “It will be our first official date, and I’m looking forward to it.” Taking Trinity by the hands, he pulled her to her feet. “I need to get going around eleven. I need to make arrangements for tonight.”
Gently, he pressed his mouth to hers and added, “But I still have an hour.”
* * *
“I really enjoyed the play,” Garrett said, taking her hand as they left the theater. He escorted her to the vehicle parked around the corner.
“I love plays,” Trinity said. “This one has been getting great reviews.”
Garrett opened the passenger door, and Trinity slid into the leather seat. He went around and opened his door. “Well, I’m sold. I’ll never look at plays the same way.” He turned the key in the ignition. “How about something to eat? I think that is pretty safe.”
“Cadence?” Trinity suggested.
“Cadence it is.” Garrett fastened his seatbelt and pulled away from the curb. Making a U-turn in the middle of the street, he headed in the direction of the restaurant.
“You ever thought about doing a play?” Trinity turned toward him. “Performing on Broadway?”
“Not really. I’m sure Collin would think it’s a great idea,” Garrett said, glancing over at her before concentrating back on the road.
“How is Collin?” She’d only met Collin once; she didn’t care for him, and she got the feeling he didn’t like her very much, either.
“Intense, as always.”
“So he’s always like that?”
Garrett nodded. “Always. I admit he doesn’t make a good first impression, but he’s a good guy. You just have to get to know him.”
“If you say so.”
They chatted nonstop for the rest of the trip. Garrett maneuvered the car into the circular driveway where a valet waited to park cars. He put the Mercedes in park and stepped out when the valet opened the door. Garrett went around the car to open the door for Trinity. He extended his hand, helping her out of the vehicle. Arm in arm, they walked int
o the club.
Trinity moved in closer to him. She felt safe, protected, and special. Garrett patted her hand for reassurance, offering her a smile as the media camera lights flashed when they walked inside the entrance.
The club was crowded, as usual. A large number of people headed to the dance floor. The beat of Parliament’s “Flashlight” filtered through the speakers of the club. Trinity moved her head to the music. Garrett grinned at her. It was good to see her enjoying herself. He looked up to see Victor coming toward him.
“Garrett, how are you doing this evening?” He glanced at Trinity on his arm.
“Better,” Garrett said, following Victor’s gaze. “Much better.”
“So I noticed.” Victor refocused on Trinity. “It’s good to see you again, Trinity.”
“It’s always a pleasure, Victor.”
“Let me get someone for you.” Victor motioned for Cornell, the waiter, to escort them to the VIP area. “Enjoy your evening. I’ll stop by later to see how you’re doing.”
Garrett gently placed a hand in the small of Trinity’s back as they followed the waiter toward the private section of the club.
“Hello, Garrett.”
Garrett spun around to face Michelle Goodwin. “Michelle!”
Michelle rested her hands on her hips, her eyes on Trinity. “Miss Blake, good to see you again.”
Trinity didn’t return the greeting. Garrett rolled his eyes. He was sick and tired of running into her. “Michelle, are you following me?”
“What gave you that idea?” Michelle batted her eyelashes, never taking her eyes off Trinity.
“Every time I turn around, I seem to run into you,” Garrett said, irritation evident in his voice.
“For your information, I was having dinner with friends,” Michelle answered. “What about you? Having dinner with a friend? Your fans want to know everything there is to know about you, including who you are dating. Don’t you think you owe them that?”
“That’s no one’s business.” Garrett grabbed Trinity by the hand and headed to their table.
The smile on Michelle’s face faded as she watched them stroll into the VIP section. “That’s what you think,” she said aloud. She pulled out her cellular phone, heading outside to speak with the senior editor.
“That wasn’t very smart,” Trinity said as Garrett pulled out the chair for her. “I bet she’s calling her magazine right now.”
“Good for her,” he crooned. “Let’s order.” Cornell handed them both a menu. “I don’t need a menu. I’d like beef filet mignon with roasted vegetables and potatoes.” He returned the menu to the waiter. “Trinity?”
“Sounds good. I’ll have the same.”
“And bring me a glass of chardonnay.”
“Make that two,” Trinity said.
Garrett reached over and covered her hand with his. “I just want this evening to be about us. I don’t want to think about anything else.” He squeezed her hand.
After dinner and slices of apple pie with whipped cream, they filed onto the dance floor when the Floaters’ “Float On” played. The lights in the room dimmed, and Garrett pulled her in his arms. His arm slipped around her waist, bracing her hips to his, molding her soft curves to the contours of his body. His breath was warm and moist against her face, and her heart raced as they moved together in perfect harmony. The heat mixed with the hardness of his body caused her to want him physically. She closed her eyes, remembering how he loved her so passionately last night. Lifting her head, she looked in his eyes. What she saw in them was raw passion. Garrett laced her fingers with his. She watched as he leaned forward, kissing her softly on the lips.
“Trinity?” he groaned.
“Yes?”
Garrett could feel her trembling. “Are you ready to leave?” This time it was Trinity who grabbed him by the hand and led him off the floor and out of the club.
* * *
“How long are you going to mope around the house?” Nina came into the living room, opening the drapes. The early morning sunlight hit Tamara in the face. Sleeping on the sofa, she pulled the covers up over her head. “You need to get up.”
Tamara turned over. She didn’t want to get up. Her mind was still reeling from the confrontation with Brian. She knew what was at risk when she confessed the truth, but the look on his face still haunted her. He was hurt. Angry. When he looked at her with disgust, she was sure now more than ever that she may never see her son again. Tears welled up in her eyes. She’d been crying nonstop. She hadn’t left the house in two days.
“Leave me alone.”
Nina walked over and snatched the covers from over her head. She nudged Tamara. “Here, drink this.” The smell of cappuccino reached her nose. “It will make you feel better.”
“I don’t want to feel better,” Tamara pouted. “I just want to die.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Nina said calmly. They hadn’t spoken much since she told her about Brian threatening to take Taj and throwing her out. It was Nina who came and picked her up after she’d left her purse and keys inside Brian’s place. Tamara had gone across the street to a neighbor’s to call Nina.
Tamara sniffed. She threw the covers back and jumped to her feet. “I’m not being ridiculous. My life is in shambles right now, and you don’t seem to care.” She stomped off into the bathroom. Nina trailed her.
“What do you mean, I don’t care? I do care.”
Tamara turned around to face her. “You sure don’t act like it.”
Nina lowered her head. She was trying to stay calm. Since the fight with Brian, Tamara had been impossible to deal with. Nina sympathized with her situation, but that was no reason to take it out on her. To keep the peace she hadn’t bought the subject up.
Nina crossed her arms over her chest. “What do you want me to do?”
Tamara removed her oversized T-shirt and tossed it in the laundry basket. “Nothing. You have done enough.”
“I know you are not blaming me for what happened,” Nina gasped, placing a hand on her chest.
Hopping on one leg, Tamara slipped off one sock, then the other. Walking into the bathroom, she removed her sweatpants. “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this mess,” she said as she turned on the shower.
“I didn’t make you do anything you didn’t want to do. You knew the risks, you said you could deal with them.”
Tamara glanced in the mirror. She looked frazzled. Turning on the faucet, she threw cold water on her face. Drying her face, she brushed her teeth, and stepped under the hot invigorating hot shower. Five minutes later, she dried herself off. Removing her brown hair clasp, she brushed her hair into a long, flowing ponytail. Heading into the bedroom, she found Nina sprawled across the foot of the bed, waiting for her. She headed to the closet, removing a pair of black jeans. Moving over to the dresser, she opened the second drawer, taking out a black bra and matching panties. Shifting down to the next set of drawers, she removed a yellow short-sleeved shirt.
“Where are you going?” Nina questioned, coming up behind her.
“I’m going to go and see my son.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Maybe you should give Brian time to cool down. I’m sure he will allow you to see Taj.”
Tamara slipped her arms into the shirt, buttoning it in the front. “You didn’t see him,” she explained. “He was like a crazed animal. I thought he was going to kill me.” Removing the jeans from the bed, she slipped them on. “I can’t lose my son. I just can’t.”
“What are you going to do?” Nina asked frantically.
“I have to find some way to convince Brian to let me see my son.” She stepped down into a pair of black clogs.
Nina grabbed her by the shoulders. “Fight the battle in court.”
Tamara looked over at her like she’d lost her mind. “The last thing I want is a court battle,” she said.
“I’ll be by your side.” Nina said. “I’m behind you one hundred percent. Tamara, you are hi
s mother. Brian doesn’t have the right to keep you from seeing him.”
Tamara shook her head. She began to realize this was more than she could take. She wasn’t strong enough to deal with the situation. She thought about what her mother said: There’s nothing the Lord can’t handle.
“I have to get going.” Tamara fumbled in the closet, looking for a replacement purse. Her favorite bag was still at Brian’s, along with her car keys. Luckily she had an extra set.
“I’ll see you later,” she said as she headed for the door.
“But where are you going?” Nina yelled after her.
“To church.” Tamara opened and closed the door before Nina had a chance to say anything else.
Twenty minutes later, Tamara walked into the sanctuary in time to hear her mother say, “Let’s bow our heads in prayer. Please stand.”
Thelma Ford and two other young women she didn’t recognize stood, held hands, and bowed their heads. “Father God, we come before you…”
Tamara hung back, giving them privacy. Her gaze lingered on her mother. She took her role as first lady of the church seriously; even though she and Pastor Martindale had different preaching styles, they loved ministering to the needs of the people. It was their calling.
“Amen,” Tamara heard them say in unison.
Ginger’s eyes landed on her daughter waiting for her. Her face beamed. “Hi, sweetheart.” She hugged her, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Standing back she noticed Tamara still looked tired. She hadn’t heard a word from her or Brian since they left her house two days ago. Taj was still staying with her and Otis. She grabbed her daughter by the hand, leading her to the front pew. “Shouldn’t you be at work?”
She’d taken the week off from the radio station to try to get her personal life back in order. “I took some time off.”
“Did you get fired?”
Tamara sighed. “No, Mother, I didn’t get fired. It’s Brian.”
Ginger frowned. “What happened the other night? Did you get things straightened out?”
