by Clay, Ann
“I’m certain he’s not expecting you.” Autumn continued to guard the door. Lucky for her, she’d left the knife she had in her hand earlier on the counter.
“Well, I’m sure he’ll be happy to see me once you move and let me by. You didn’t think you would be rid of me so easily, did you? Travis is here, and so am I.”
If Autumn could snatch a knot in her tail without lifting a finger, she would have willed it so. Instead, she took a calming breath before she responded. Hell was about to freeze over if Savannah thought she was going to step foot into her home. “Well, it’s not happening today, so you need to move on.” She continued to stand at the door. She was just about to slam the door in her in her face, when they heard Travis’s voice.
Travis heard the doorbell but didn’t see anyone appear after a few minutes, so he went to see why. He assumed Autumn answered the door but couldn’t be sure. He walked up behind her with a huge smile on his face that faltered when he saw Savannah standing at his door. Autumn stood there as if she was on duty. “What are you doing here, Savannah?”
Savannah’s face lifted into a brilliant light when she saw Travis. She ignored the scorn on his face. “Your little friend here won’t let me in. I’m here to see you.”
Travis touched Autumn from behind. He then circled her waist and pulled her close in his embrace. Savannah eyes fell to his arm as he hugged Autumn before they flew back to Travis’s face when he made his next statement. “This little friend, Savannah, is my wife. You know Autumn, right?”
He briefly looked down into Autumn’s face. He could feel the tension in her body, so he leaned down and kissed her neck, he could feel the tension ease. “So, why did you say you were here, Savannah? And how did you find my house?” He held his temper. The last time he spoke to her, he thought he’d made himself perfectly clear.
If looks could kill, both Travis and Autumn would’ve been done in at that moment; right there in the foyer. The vein in Savannah’s neck leaped. The lump in her throat didn’t prevent her next words. “What the hell did you just say?”
Travis pulled Autumn behind him. “I got this, babe.” He then turned back to Savannah. He had to put a stop to this and now. “You’re lucky I don’t call the police, Savannah.”
“Why?” Her face dropped but she tried to put up a brave front.
“We are through, Savannah. I made this clear the last time I saw you, remember? And if you ever show up at my house again, uninvited, I’m going to forget that we were ever friends.” He moved outside the door, forcing Savannah to step back.
“Please, Travis. I need your help. I don’t have anywhere else to go.”
Travis saw the fear in her eyes and didn’t want to be affected by it, but couldn’t help it. Savannah had been his friend. He reached for his wallet and withdrew all the money he had in it, and handed it to her. “Go to the Maison. I’ll call George. You have one week to get your stuff together. After that, you’re on your own, got it?”
Savannah had managed to make a mess of all her contacts in New Orleans. Travis was her last hope. She’d spend the last of her money on the rental car she was driving. Savannah took the money Travis held out to her. She lowered her gaze before she spoke. “Thank you, Travis. I’ll pay you back.”
“There’s no need, Savannah.”
She looked up at him and nodded before she turned toward her car at the edge of the circular drive. He waited until she pulled out of the gate before he walked back into the house. Autumn stood at the kitchen bar when he walked in. He went straight to her and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
Autumn looked up at him. “What did she want?”
“She says she’s down on her luck.” Travis pulled her with him to one of the bar stools. “I gave her some cash and told her to go to Maison, Autumn. I didn’t want to turn her away without helping her. But I promise I won’t do anything like that again. In fact, this is the only time that I’ll offer her help. I hope you understand and forgive me.”
Autumn had to admit, seeing Savannah at their door stirred up some unwanted feelings. But she trusted him. “Travis, I don’t want this woman to believe she can insert herself in our lives. There is no room for her. There is no just dropping by here, ever. And, the fact that you helped her this time is okay, because I know you will do the right thing. However, this is her last chance.”
Travis studied her for a long moment. He then picked up the phone, and called his friend at Maison. “George, this Travis. Savannah is headed there. Can you put her up and bill me for it? Only one week, George. No tabs, no extensions, okay?” Travis paused. “Thanks, George.” He placed the phone back into the holder.
He turned to Autumn and gave her a soulful kiss. At that moment, Mona entered the room.
“Where’s the salsa? We’re out,” she held up the empty bowl.
Travis released Autumn’s lips, but continued to observe her from beneath lowered lashes. Autumn glanced at Mona and her empty bowl, not moving from Travis’s embrace.
“Autumn,” he whispered.
“Yes.” She answered and moved back into his waiting lips. She tightened her arms around his waist.
“Oh, this is ridiculous.” Mona plopped the bowl down on the table and left them in the kitchen.
Travis pulled away again, this time because the doorbell rang. “I love you.” He eased away. “I’ll get the door.”
“Yeah, you do that. I’ll get the salsa.”
CHAPTER 36
For six months, Travis and Autumn managed to commute back and forth between New Orleans and New York. She was headed to New Orleans this trip. As usual, she was excited to be home again. Reggie met her today.
“You look absolutely gorgeous.” Autumn hugged her friend.
“You lie! But I still love you.” She returned Autumn’s hug. “I can’t wait to drop this load. I feel like I’m carrying fifty pounds.”
“Girl, you’re talking about a Brooks baby. That little one just might be fifty pounds.”
“Please don’t wish that on me. How was your flight?”
“You wouldn’t believe me.” She and Reggie walked arm in arm from the airport terminal. “Where did you park?”
“I didn’t. Travis sent me with a car. You know Trae is crazy and don’t hardly want me to do a thing.”
“You are just about ready to pop, you know.”
“I have five more weeks, which seems like forever. I can no longer see my feet.”
“Well I still say you’re gorgeous.”
“We’ll see if you feel the same when your turn comes. You do plan to have children, right?”
“Unlike you and Trae, we’re still learning about each other. And we have to figure out what our permanent living arrangements are going to be.”
“You can always go into business with me. There’s more than enough here in the city.”
Autumn didn’t respond right away. “I’ll think about it.”
Travis effortlessly moved his large frame from one end of the room to the other, making a noticeable tread in the beige carpet. When he stopped in front of the opened window, which was only for a brief moment, he stared down at the slow-moving cars passing in front of his office building.
He was in a meeting he couldn’t postpone when Autumn’s flight arrived. He wanted to be there to meet her himself, but ended up having Reggie meet her instead. Energy raced through him in anticipation of her arrival. He had a few minutes before his next last-minute meeting. He hoped to at least put his arms around her for a brief moment.
Travis glanced down at his watch before he continued his trek back to the table. On it was a surprise he’d been working on for months. With all the snooping and prying, he was surprised Autumn hadn’t figure it out yet. He smiled wide when he thought about the conversation with Mer Drace. Her ageless grandmother was happy to accommodate his request, as did her mother, friends, and other relatives.
Travis touched the gift tied with red satin ribbon, a perfect bow rested on top. Just as he
started for the window again, he heard the knob click. In less than two steps he was there before she could fully open the door.
“Hey, you.” Autumn smiled up at his handsome face. Her heart raced the instant she saw him.
Autumn didn’t get any farther than her greeting. Travis curved his arm around her waist, gently pulled her into his embrace, and covered her mouth with a soulful kiss; all in one smooth motion. He kissed her deeply, and with all the longing and love he had in himself.
Autumn wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Seconds turned into minutes. And all too soon, Travis lifted his head.
He pulled her up in his arm, and held her before placing her on her feet again. “I missed you, darling.” His voice was thick with passion; his warm breath showered her upturned face.
Autumn rewarded him with another soulful kiss. “I’m so glad to see you. I missed you.”
“Come here.” He led her to his conference table. “I have a surprise for you.”
Autumn lit up when saw the beautifully wrapped box. “What’s this?”
“Happy Birthday, Autumn. I hope you like it, darling.”
She brushed a light kiss on his lips. “Thank you, babe, but my birthday is not for two days.” She turned her head for a side-glance of his handsome face and smiled.
“That’s why it’s a surprise. Open it.”
Autumn’s smile turned into an infectious grin. “You spoil me, Travis.” She glanced at him once more.
“Open it, please.”
“Okay.” She quickly turned and undid the bow. She whipped up the top, and fumbled through the fluffy white tissues until her hands lifted the satin covered binder from the box. Intricate, embroidered, red roses just above her name were in the upper left hand corner of the book. Her name and the date she was born were embroidered in rich red letters. Two satin ties bound the front and back covers together. Inside, were memories, some good, some bad, some she’d not seen for a very long time.
Autumn hugged the book. “Thank you.” Her lips trembled and she sniffled. “This means so much to me.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“What time are you done here?” Autumn swiftly changed the subject. She eased her hands up the front of his body until they wrapped around his neck.
“How about on your birthday, little girl.” He joked.
“Well, that’s two days from now, so I guess it’s time to re-christen your office.” She stole a quick kiss.
“As much as I would like that, sweetheart, I’m going to have to send you home.” He leaned down and captured her lips. “I have a meeting with Councilman Calumet.” He pulled away and walked toward the window. “I would like to blow him off, Autumn, but I can’t.”
Travis’s mood quickly changed. She knew a little about the councilman, and didn’t quite understand the dynamics of the love-hate relationship Travis had with him. However, the one thing she knew with certainty was that Travis could hold his own against any man.
She walked up behind him and touched his back. “I’ll be at home waiting. What do you want for dinner?”
Travis turned. “Don’t fix anything. We have plans for tonight. Rest. We may be out late tonight.”
“Okay.” She clung to him with arms wrapped around his waist. “I missed you.”
“I’m glad you’re here, baby. I can’t wait to make love to you.” He turned and pulled her snug against him.
“So maybe you’ll not let the councilman detain you too long.” She smiled.
“Hmm.” He sighed. “I’ll get home as quickly as I can.”
“I’ll be waiting, so hurry.”
“I love you and will talk to you later.”
* * * *
Autumn enjoyed the company of family and friends; she smiled and chatted with everyone. But she was ready to go home and make love to her husband. The councilman had kept him too long. Now as she waited for him, she fantasized about the loving she would get when they got home.
They dropped Denise and Michael off at their house. By the time they made it home, the garage door wasn’t down before she was in his lap. “You’re going to have to let me get out, Mrs. Brooks.” He mumbled into her mouth. Autumn moved just enough to allow them to exit the car. They left a trail of clothes leading to the bedroom.
By the time they made it to their room, Travis entered her with a single force that made them both groan loudly. He moved within the warm cocoon of her body. Three weeks of craving her beneath him made formalities impossible that night.
Autumn surrendered willingly. She accepted him fully, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders to help keep them upright. She moaned with each dive Travis took into her. She needed him that way. His overwhelming desire for her made her feel powerful and feminine at the same time.
Travis rode her hard and deep, with no rhyme or rhythm. He wanted her to feel everything, all of him. The passion, the desire, the longing—all had built up through the long weeks. He quickened the pace when he felt Autumn’s body quiver in his hands as he braced her rump. His moans died in her mouth when he spiraled over the edge. His legs weakened, but he managed to stay on his feet. When he finally came down, Travis didn’t bother waiting before he began all over again. His pace didn’t slow much from the first time.
Together Autumn and Travis enjoyed exhilarating, passionate loving twice more before they both collapsed from exhaustion. Travis didn’t have enough strength to place her gently on the bed. Instead they crashed down together. They laughed in response. “You’re trying to kill me before I make my next birthday.”
“Never.” He didn’t bother moving off of her. His large body pinned her beneath, and she didn’t complain. Autumn enjoyed the weight of her husband’s body and drifted mindlessly to sleep.
CHAPTER 37
A month after Autumn’s birthday, she was scheduled to do her last show before the break for the spring season. She planned to take some time off so she could spend the next two months in New Orleans. With Reggie ready to drop a baby in days, she’d requested the time off months ago. Travis scheduled a meeting with Jacob Euclid, and while there in the city, would help Autumn prepare for her move to New Orleans.
Travis pushed the empty cup of coffee to the center of the table. He’d consumed at least eight cups since early morning; about six cups more than he should have. He’d gotten two hours of sleep in two days. Worn out after his meeting with Jacob, the two men exchanged a few pleasantries before departing. Travis took the first cab he could catch. At this juncture he needed three things, to see his wife’s beautiful face, a long steamy shower, and a cozy bed to catch some Zs.
Autumn pushed the saucepan with the seared beef tips onto the back burner when she heard the lock click. And when she heard Travis undo the second lock, her meal was all but forgotten. She hastily pulled the apron from her waist, revealing a snug tank, and exposing low-rise silk pants, and rushed to the foyer with a smile, ready to greet her husband. Her smile faltered when she saw his tired and weary face. She heard him sigh heavily, and his posture, normally tall and broad, slumped as he made his way through the door.
“Hi, baby,” he sighed heavily, his voice almost a whisper.
“Hi, sweetheart.” She tried not to let her disappointment show, but it was too late. She smiled halfheartedly. The outfit she’d picked and all the pampering she’d done to jump-start their evening would have to wait. Still happy to see him, she leaned in and kissed his tired mouth, and reached for his bag. “Let me take that for you.” Autumn grabbed his hand and led him from the foyer.
Travis didn’t miss the expectation not only in her face, but in her appearance as well. He was tired but he wasn’t blind. The sexy tank and crop pants, clung almost religiously to her bumps and curves. He also didn’t miss the disappointment evident as she greeted him.
Autumn sat down his bag, lifted up on her toes, and then wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’ve missed you.” She captured his lips with heated desire.
&nb
sp; Travis used what little energy he had left to reach around her and complete the embrace. “I missed you too, darling. I’m sorry to be so worn out. It’s been a really long day.” He released her.
“Okay.” Her voice quivered a bit. “I should have dinner ready in a few minutes.”
“Thanks, babe, but I’m not hungry. I think I’ll just take a shower and lie down for a while.” He leaned down and pecked her lips once more before moving past her.
Autumn’s hands hung in the air, where they were vacated by his warm waist. “Oh, well. Looks like I’m going to need another shower,” she whispered to herself. She headed back to the kitchen and began putting away food.
Travis stepped into the bedroom. He released the knot in his tie and began to unbutton his shirt when he stopped dead in his tracks. He turned and headed to the kitchen to find Autumn. She’d never refused him, even when it was in the middle of the night. He couldn’t erase the desire in her touch. He could feel her body tremble in his arms when he hugged her. Autumn didn’t ask for or demand much. He knew she’d spent time preparing a special evening for his homecoming. And although she was very passionate, she would never come right out and tell him she wanted him to make love to her tonight.
As he reached the kitchen, the food aroma hit him, which meant she’d prepared a special meal. He was too preoccupied earlier to notice it. He found her at the counter with her back to him filling containers with food. With ease, Travis moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. One hand cupped a soft breast, while the other slid down the front of her and didn’t stop until it landed at the sweet spot between her thighs. He added slight pressure to both areas while he dropped his lips to her neck, and placed a tender kiss just behind her ear. Autumn surrendered quickly and completely when he pulled her into his hard body. “I love you,” he whispered into her ear.
“I know,” she responded, a little short of breath.
Travis’s busy hands fueled a blaze that was already simmering. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, darling.” His hands continued to caress her hot spots.
