Secrets Uncovered

by Shelia M. Goss

  “Sorry about that. My phone was in the bottom of my purse. By the time I got it, you’d hung up,” she rambled.

  “I’m all settled in. Thanks to Aunt Edna,” Brent stated. He delivered Aunt Edna’s message to Kem.

  “I’ve just been so busy. I’ve barely had time to talk to anyone outside of work lately. My friends are even complaining.”

  “Soon we’ll be on a break so maybe you can get caught up with everyone.”

  “Enough about me. Are you all right? You’re not just telling me that so I won’t feel guilty?” Kem asked, sounding concerned.

  “I’m a soldier. I can handle it. I would do it again if it meant getting you out of harm’s way.”

  “If you need anything, and I do mean anything, don’t hesitate to call me,” Kem said.

  Brent decided to take advantage of the situation. “I do need one thing. I would ask Aunt Edna, but I don’t want her driving at night.”

  “What? What do you need?”

  “It’s not something I need. It’s just a want. I want some chocolate chip ice cream. Whenever I hurt myself growing up, my mom would give me a bowl of chocolate chip ice cream and it always made me feel better.”

  “Anything else since I’m running to the store?”

  “No, that’s it.” Brent smiled. Her response let him know she was coming.

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can. If you think of anything else while I’m out, call me.”

  They ended the call. Brent stood and did a happy dance.

  Aunt Edna walked in the room just at that moment. “I thought you were hurt.”

  “I am but knowing Kem is on her way over gave me the lift of life I needed. It makes me feel all better.”

  Aunt Edna shook her head. “I hope your little plan works out for you.”

  “I didn’t plan on getting hurt but I might as well use it to my advantage. Don’t you agree?”

  Aunt Edna opened her mouth to speak, but paused before speaking. “I’m staying out of your business. My lips are sealed.”

  “Plan on cooking breakfast for three because we’ll be having company in the morning.”

  “You got it all planned out, don’t you?” Aunt Edna asked.

  Brent smiled. If things went his way, Kem would be spending the night.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kem held the bag of ice cream and other snacks in one hand and used her other hand to ring the doorbell.

  Brent, wearing a jogging suit, greeted her at the door. Kem followed him inside.

  “I got it.” Brent took the bag from her.

  “I brought some chips and dip. Thought we could have a movie night since I’m here.”

  “I’ve got plenty of movies so let me scoop us up some bowls of ice cream and we can take it to the living room.”

  A few minutes later, they were seated next to each other on the couch enjoying ice cream. Brent picked up the remote.

  “With all these stations, I’m sure I can find at least one movie we would both want to watch. If not, I’ll choose a movie on Netflix.”

  “I’m in the mood for something scary,” Kem said.

  “I took you for the romantic comedy type,” Brent stated.

  “I love romantic comedies but I love scary movies. The scarier the better. Besides, these days not too many supposedly horror movies scare me. When I do come across one that does, it means it’s good.”

  Brent scrolled through the choices under the movie category and located a suspense thriller that caught his attention. “This one will have to do. Let’s see if this can make you jump into my arms.”

  “You don’t need a movie for that.” Kem bent and kissed Brent on the lips.

  “Hmm. Can you do that again?” Brent smiled.

  “No. Turn the volume up.”

  Kem placed her empty bowl on the coffee table and positioned herself so she was on Brent’s chest. Brent wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She moved closer. They stayed in that position while watching the movie.

  Few words were said between them; instead they spent the rest of the night cuddled on the couch watching movies. Kem couldn’t think of any other place she would rather be. When she woke up the next morning, Brent’s arms were wrapped around her. They were both fully clothed but their bodies were stretched across the couch.

  Kem gently removed Brent’s arm and stood. She was trying not to wake him, but he opened his eyes and said, “What time is it?”

  “It’s around eight. I’ll use the bathroom and be on my way,” Kem said.

  “No. Stay for breakfast. Aunt Edna’s pancakes are the bomb.”

  “That’s too much trouble. I’ll just grab something on the way home.”

  Brent now sat straight on the couch. “Nonsense. You can use the bathroom down the hall. Do you want bacon or sausage?”

  “Bacon’s fine.”

  Thirty minutes later, Kem was seated at the kitchen table with Brent sitting across from her.

  “These pancakes melt in your mouth,” Kem said in between bites.

  “Aren’t you glad you stayed?”

  Kem chewed her food and then responded, “Yes, indeed.”

  Kem’s cell phone vibrated. She retrieved it from her pocket. “Oops. I have to take this call. I’ll be right back.”

  She answered and left Brent at the kitchen table by himself.

  Brent could hear Kem’s end of the conversation. It sounded like a business call. It relieved him to learn it was business and not some man calling her. Although she said she wasn’t seeing anyone seriously, he wasn’t naïve enough to think there weren’t any other men actively pursuing her. She was not only attractive, but she was smart and in a high-profile position.

  While Kem took her phone call, Brent cleaned the kitchen. Many would be surprised at some of the domestic duties the actor did himself. Aunt Edna supervised the weekly cleaning done by a local maid service, but the small things, like keeping the kitchen cleaned after a meal, Brent usually did. It was one way to remind him he was just a man and not the superstar people made him out to be.

  Aunt Edna walked through the back door. “You didn’t have to do that. I’ll give you a pass today since you hurt your leg.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Where’s your girlfriend?” Aunt Edna asked as she walked to the sink and took over cleaning up the kitchen.

  “She’s not my girlfriend.” Brent looked in the direction of the door. “Yet.”

  “You’re slacking, son. You better seal the deal before someone comes and snatches her away from you,” Aunt Edna teased.

  “Aunt Edna, those pancakes were delicious,” Kem said, interrupting their conversation.

  “Glad you liked them. What do you and my nephew have planned for the day?”

  “Not sure about Brent, but I have to get to the studio. I have a meeting with my boss.”

  Aunt Edna looked concerned. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes. Just our weekly meeting. Let me go. I have just enough time to go home, get dressed and get to the office.”

  “I’ll walk you out,” Brent said.

  He walked from behind the kitchen counter.

  “Good-bye, dear. I should be through with the script you gave me today. I’ll scan and email the pages over,” Aunt Edna said.

  “I’ll be on the lookout for them.”

  Brent walked Kem to the front door.

  “Thanks for last night. I had a nice time.” Brent lifted Kem’s hand and kissed the back of it.

  Kem turned and faced him. She placed her hand around Brent’s neck and kissed him. “I’ll call you later,” she said.

  Brent liked it when Kem took charge.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Brent and Kem seemed to be inseparable after the light fixture incident and got into a regular routine of having
lunch and dinner together. During work hours, Brent would sneak into Kem’s office, and at night, they would take turns eating at each other’s places.

  Aunt Edna seemed to enjoy the times Kem was at Brent’s house. She always made sure they had a home-cooked meal waiting on them.

  “I could get used to this,” Kem said one night after eating the last bite of homemade apple pie Aunt Edna had cooked for them.

  “Now, you can see why I’m so spoiled.” Brent grabbed Kem’s empty saucer and placed it in the dishwasher.

  “I’m amazed you stay in shape. I’ve probably gained ten pounds these last few weeks alone.”

  “If you have, it’s all in the right places,” Brent assured her. He looked at her as if he wanted to devour her.

  “You know how to keep my ego inflated.”

  “It’s my job as your man.”

  Kem stood and walked behind Brent. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “I must have missed the memo. When did you become my man?”

  Brent moved her arms and turned around to face her. “Kem Phillips, would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend? I promise to be there for you in your time of need.”

  Kem bit her bottom lip. “I’ll think about it.”

  Brent bent forward as if he was going to kiss her, but instead, he started tickling her. Kem laughed and tried to move herself but couldn’t. “Wrong answer,” Brent said.

  Brent and Kem continued their playful banter until Kem shouted, “I’ll be your woman, so stop tickling me.”

  Brent stopped and grabbed her in his arms and held her. Their lips locked. Brent kissed Kem with so much intensity it took her breath away. When he stopped kissing her, Kem gasped.

  Brent held her hand and kissed the back of it. “I promise you won’t regret this.”

  “I’m trusting you, Brent. Please don’t let me down.” Kem’s playful stance turned serious.

  “I won’t. Come. Let’s go celebrate.” Brent led Kem up the stairs and into his bedroom.

  He slowly removed Kem’s shirt. He planted kisses on her neck. She leaned back. “Your lips feel so good.”

  His kisses trailed down her chest as Brent wrapped his arm around her and unfastened her bra. He cupped her breasts then sucked and licked her nipples until Kem started moaning.

  Kem helped him remove her pants.

  “Don’t move. I just want to look at you,” Brent said.

  Kem remained standing as she watched Brent remove his clothes. Her gaze zoomed in on his erection forcing its way through the opening of his boxers.

  Brent gently positioned Kem on the bed. He spread her legs wide open and planted kisses on each one of her thighs then made his way up to her center. Kem gasped in pleasure when his lips met her other set of lips. He did a trick with his tongue that had Kem screaming out with pleasure.

  “Ohhhh, Brent,” she moaned.

  The more she moaned, the more Brent twirled his tongue. Kem tried to control herself but couldn’t. Brent used his hands to play with her nipples as he pleased her. It was as if she was having an out-of-body experience. Her legs shook and she climaxed into his mouth.

  “I need to feel you inside me,” Kem said, barely above a whisper.

  Brent obliged her. He positioned himself on top of her and the moment he entered her they both moaned.

  “Oooh baby, you feel so good,” Brent said.

  Kem closed her eyes as Brent thrust in and out of her. He placed her legs on his shoulders and deep-stroked her. Kem cried out in pleasure. “Yes, Brent, that’s it. Don’t stop. That’s it. That’s it. Ooooh.”

  Brent didn’t stop. He kept going and going until Kem felt her walls tighten on his manhood causing them both to climax at the same time.

  Brent held on to Kem. “Ooooh,” they moaned in unison.

  Brent kissed Kim on the forehead and then rolled off her. He held her in his arms. Kem was at peace and at home with him. Brent had proven she could depend on him. His actions showed love and she didn’t ever want to lose the feeling.

  He’d shown her he was dependable and she wasn’t naïve enough to think they wouldn’t face challenges, but she was prepared to face them together. She vowed to protect her and Brent’s relationship.

  Brent was nothing like her father and for that she was grateful. After her father left her mom, she avoided close relationships due to the fear of being abandoned. Brent’s caring ways helped erase those feelings.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Brent wanted to tell the world about himself and Kem but kept their relationship a secret because he didn’t want to make his cast members uneasy. He also respected Kem’s privacy, but it was getting harder and harder to keep his emotions in check, especially when he noticed one of the new crew members making advances on his woman.

  Kem looked annoyed at what was being said, but Brent stayed out of it and decided to let Kem handle it herself.

  When they were alone together, Brent mentioned it to her. “Do you need me to talk to the jerk for you?”

  Kem shook her head. “I think after I told him we should keep it strictly professional, he won’t be trying anything else.”

  “Well, if he does, let me know and I’ll handle him.”

  Kem looked around to make sure no one was looking. She placed her hand on his chest. “Am I sensing a little jealousy?”

  “Who, me? I have no reason to be.”

  “You don’t have to worry about another man ever taking your place in my heart.” Kem dropped her hand.

  Brent smiled. “I want to kiss you so bad.”

  “I want you to but we both know this is not the time nor the place.”

  “Meet me in my trailer when you finish the next scene,” Brent said.

  “I can’t. I have a staff meeting.”

  “Will I see you tonight?” Brent asked.

  “Yes. Of course.”

  It had only been a few weeks since Kem and Brent had become an official couple, but they’d already settled into what would become their normal routine. Brent and Kem rarely spent time apart.

  Kem stopped mid-step and turned. “I forgot. I’m supposed to go to this party hosted by Mona and Terrance tonight.”

  “I’ll swing by your place and pick you up. What time?” Brent asked.

  “Eight. Don’t be late,” Kem said.

  “I got you.” Brent winked his eye.

  Kem paced back and forth in front of Terrance’s front door. She was more than a little nervous. This was their first event as a couple since making their relationship official.

  “Baby, calm down. You act like you’re going in for an interrogation. It’s a party. You’re supposed to be here to have fun.” Brent squeezed her hand.

  Kem stopped pacing. She hadn’t shared the news of their relationship with her friends. They were still under the impression Brent and Kem were just sleeping with one another.

  Mona greeted them at the door. The loud music sounded even louder when the door opened. “Come on in.” Mona moved out of the way so they could walk in.

  Mona hugged Kem. “I see you brought a plus one.”

  Brent said, “Hi, Mona.”

  Mona hugged Brent. “Brent, good to see you. Terrance and I were just talking about you the other day. Now, here you are.” Mona looked at Kem and then back at Brent. “We have a role we think you’ll be perfect for.”

  “Send Charlotte the script and I’ll take a look at it,” Brent responded.

  “But enough shoptalk. I’m glad you two could come and celebrate with us.” Mona led them toward the back of the house where there were other people in attendance.

  “What are we celebrating?” Kem asked.

  “In due time. We’re waiting on one other person and then we’ll make the announcement.”

  “There’s my bestie who’s been missing in action,” Charlotte s
aid as she walked up behind Kem.

  Kem turned around and faced her. Next to her stood Sean.

  “Work has me busy,” Kem responded as she hugged Charlotte and then Sean.

  “I’m sure it does.” Charlotte never took her eyes off Brent.

  Brent said, “My two favorite people.”

  Brent hugged Charlotte and shook Sean’s hand.

  Sean said, “Brent, there’s something I wanted to run past you.”

  Brent looked at Kem. “I’ll be back.”

  Kem and Charlotte watched their men leave.

  Kem looked at Charlotte and she had a huge smile on her face. Kem walked away. Charlotte walked fast in order to catch up with her.

  Kem grabbed a flute of champagne off a nearby waiter’s tray. “You’re stalking me.”

  “So, how does it feel to be in love?” Charlotte leaned close and asked.

  Before she could answer, Parris Mitchell, an R&B singer, walked over to them and spoke. “Hi, ladies.”

  They greeted each other with a hug and air kisses.

  “This is a nice party. Do either of you know what the big announcement is?” Parris asked.

  “No. We’re in the dark just like everyone else,” Charlotte responded.

  Parris continued to talk but Kem wasn’t paying her any attention. She scanned the room in search of Brent. She noticed him standing near Sean, along with several other men, including Terrance.

  Mona approached Terrance and by her side was an elderly woman. Terrance hugged the elderly woman and she kissed him on the cheek.

  Terrance, Mona and the elderly woman along with an elderly man standing next to her moved to the center of the room. Terrance said, “Can everyone gather around? We have an announcement to make.”

  “The moment we’ve all been waiting for,” Kem said as she took a sip of her champagne.

  Brent and Sean walked over and stood next to Kem and Charlotte. Brent eased his hand around Kem’s waist. Casper, a successful music producer, slipped his arm around Parris’ waist.

  Terrance held Mona’s hand. “Mona and I wanted our family and friends here to celebrate with us. As you know we got engaged earlier this year and the wedding was scheduled for the end of December. Well, neither of us wanted to wait so tonight I’m proud to announce that Mona and I eloped. You’re now looking at Mr. and Mrs. Terrance and Mona Beckham.”