“You’re the engineer married to the architect, right?” Wesley asked.
Darryl nodded. “That would be me!”
“And Kamaya can be cold,” Mason confirmed, as he gestured for them all to take a seat.
“Hell, all of these women can be cold!” their brother Guy tossed in.
Senior laughed. “I can’t speak for the women you boys married, but when it comes to your sisters, that’s all your mama. They took right after her!”
“And you!” Mason exclaimed. “From day one you taught them all to not take any crap from anyone. Every one of them listened and learned.”
“A little too well, if you ask me,” Kendrick muttered. He cut an eye at Wesley then shifted his gaze away.
Senior shifted forward in his seat, his hands folded together in front of him. “So, young man, how long have you and my daughter known one another?”
Wesley took a deep breath, a wave of anxiety blowing over him as all the Boudreaux men leaned forward, waiting for him to respond. “Kamaya’s business partner, Paxton, introduced us about a month ago.”
“So this thing between you is new?” Senior commented.
“Yes, sir!” Wesley nodded. “We’re getting to know each other and have just been enjoying each other’s company.”
The older man’s head moved up and down. “Where are you originally from? You don’t sound like you have roots here in New Orleans.”
“I don’t, sir. I was born and raised in Alabama.”
“Did your parents raise you in the church?”
Wesley smiled. “Yes, sir. Baptist born and bred. Both are in worship service every Sunday like clockwork.”
The patriarch nodded, his own grin widening. “Your father’s a better man than I am. I get my hallelujahs in at least once a month, but I can’t commit to Mass every Sunday! I look forward to meeting him.”
Light laughter filled the room. For another thirty minutes the men bantered back and forth. Wesley fielded a host of questions. He was comfortable and enjoying the camaraderie. For the most part Kamaya’s brothers were welcoming, although Kendrick wasn’t warming up to Wesley as fast as the others.
“I’m going on a coffee run,” Kendrick said. “Everyone want one?” After fielding a round of orders he turned to Wesley. “Why don’t you come give me a hand, champ?”
Wesley nodded. “Sure thing, sport!”
Senior laughed out loud, and the others chuckled as they eyed the two men, waiting to see who might jump first.
Neither spoke as they headed down the hall to the hospital elevators. Once inside, Kendrick looked Wesley up and down one more time. “You know I’m going to run a background check on you, right? I’m just putting it out there. I don’t want you to be surprised if I find anything my sister needs to know because I will make sure she hears it.”
Wesley laughed. “Sorry to disappoint you, but your sister Maitlyn has already beaten you to it. I’m sure she, or Kamaya, will be able to get you up to speed.”
There was a moment’s pause as Kendrick stood staring at him. “What are your intentions with my twin?” he finally asked.
Wesley stared back. “For now,” he said, “I just want to make her as happy as I possibly can.”
The two stood as if they’d come to an impasse. The elevators opened at the cafeteria floor. Kendrick stepped out first. “Hurt my sister and I will hurt you,” he said, shooting Wesley a look over his shoulder.
Wesley smiled as he followed after the man. “And what if your sister hurts me?”
“You seem like a pretty tough guy. You’ll get over it. They all do. And when that happens, I’ll even buy you a beer to take the sting off.” There was a smirk across his face.
Wesley nodded. “Is she really that rough on the men she dates?”
Kendrick grinned. “Notoriously! Kamaya has chewed up and spit out the best of the best.” He slapped Wesley across the back. “But look at it this way. You’re in good company!”
* * *
Zakar Sayed pushed his way into the world kicking and screaming. He was seven pounds, four ounces, and loud, crying at the top of his little lungs. Kamaya cradled the newborn infant in her arms, rocking him gently back and forth.
“What’s wrong with him?” she asked, tossing her mother a panicked look.
Katherine laughed. “Not a thing! Give him back to his mother. He’s having separation anxiety. Poor soul gets ripped out of the womb and then everyone wants to pass him around like a football. He just wants to get back to his mommy’s body heat and that booby juice.”
“Well, he’s welcome to it,” Kamaya said, as she eased her new godchild into his mother’s arms.
Maitlyn smiled, cooing at her new son softly. “Hey, sweet baby! How’s mama’s baby boy?”
“My son is perfect!” Zakaria exclaimed, his grin canyon wide, his chest pushed forward with pride. Maitlyn tilted her head to kiss his lips. “Absolutely perfect,” he repeated.
There was a knock on the hospital room door. Senior pushed it open slightly and poked his head inside. “Y’all decent in here?” he asked.
“Come meet your new grandson,” Katherine commanded.
The room was suddenly flooded with family, all the men joining in the celebration.
“Lookie here, lookie here,” the old man said as he moved to the bedside. Senior kissed his daughter’s cheek as he leaned to peer at the infant in her arms. Baby Zakar had finally settled down, slumbering comfortably. Senior shook Zakaria’s hand. “Good job! He’s a fine boy!”
Zak nodded his appreciation as he basked in the good wishes, moving around the room to pass out cigars.
From where she stood by the window, Kamaya caught Wesley’s eye. The man was hanging back nervously.
“You’re still standing, I see!” she said, as she eyed him with a raised brow.
Wesley nodded, her bright expression sending his spirit sky high.
Maitlyn looked from him, to her sister, then exchanged a knowing look with her mother.
Katherine chuckled. “Wesley, surviving my sons is no big deal. Your challenge is going to be that daughter of mine.”
Wesley laughed. “So I’ve heard.”
Kamaya rolled her eyes. “I am not that bad!”
Her siblings all laughed, heads shaking from side to side.
Senior crossed to where Kamaya stood and wrapped her in a warm embrace. “Hang in there, son! We want to see Kamaya right where her sister Maitlyn is someday.”
“Senior!”
“Don’t Senior me!” he answered, kissing her cheek. “We kind of like this one.”
Kamaya tossed up her hands. She shook her head, her gaze locking with Wesley’s. “Please, don’t pay any of them any attention,” she said.
Wesley laughed. “Too late. Now I’m officially scared,” he responded as he winked at her.
Kamaya eased her way to where he stood, stepping into his arms as she hugged him around the waist. “You should be!”
Chapter 11
Weeks later Kamaya and Wesley had settled into a comfortable routine with each other. When they weren’t working they divided their time between his home, her home and the boat. On weekends they disappeared to wherever their mood moved them, and any time they spent together was all about having a good time.
Wesley had insisted on a soft opening for The Wet Bar, wanting to test the club’s operations to diagnose and correct any problems they might have had without enduring the scrutiny that would come with the grand opening. The nominal fanfare that had come had been more than enough to kick start the business. Paired with the entertainment feature that had been filmed for the local news station, shining a spotlight on the club and the dancers, it took no time at all before they were the talk of the town. Since then, friends had been telling frie
nds and the enthusiastic crowds were growing steadily. Wesley had a winning formula on his hands and Kamaya couldn’t begrudge him his due. What both had thought to be a sure moneymaker was turning out to be so much more.
Kamaya reviewed the quarterly numbers for all of her companies. Business was going exceptionally well and each day that they were able to keep her secret, and Wesley’s, was a good day. She was ready to do a happy dance over how well things seemed to be working out for the two of them.
Wesley had finally met all of her family and he seemed to enjoy hanging out with her brothers. Even he and Kendrick looked like they were going to be good buddies. His parents were scheduled to visit soon, and Kamaya was actually looking forward to spending time with them. She and Wesley’s mother had spoken on the telephone a few times and the similarities to her mother were striking. Mrs. Walters was exceptionally kind and she made Kamaya feel comfortable. Even her teasing about wanting grandchildren had been good-natured, moving them both to giggle.
Kamaya loved that she and Wesley laughed so much. He didn’t take himself so seriously, and he took much joy in making her laugh at herself. When they weren’t together they talked incessantly on the phone, both having an opinion about everything under the sun. Wesley often played devil’s advocate, which made for some interesting debates.
Being with him was easy. He allowed her to be herself and there was never a need for pretenses. He still liked her even when she regularly pushed his buttons for a reaction. No man had ever allowed her such freedom and as they continued to explore their relationship she had come to trust that he would never try to change who she was.
They both loved food; down-home soul cooking was his favorite, and anything Kamaya didn’t have to cook was hers. The two bonded over their mutual interest in reggae music, dislike of reality television, penchant for English football and their aversion to cold weather. They discovered they had more in common than not, and the beauty of that made their growing friendship intense and eternal.
Kamaya slid the financial spreadsheets back into their manila folder. She was past ready to head home when Paxton suddenly burst into her office. He was flustered and out of breath, and looked like he’d slept in his favorite designer suit.
“Hey, what’s wrong with you?” she asked, her gaze narrowed.
Her friend shook his head. “I’ve been calling you all weekend. You didn’t pick up.”
“I was away.”
“With who? Where did you go?” He eyed her with a raised brow, curiosity seeping from his stare.
“Why are you acting so damn weird, Paxton? What’s wrong?” She rose from her seat and moved to stand in front of her desk. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her brow creased with concern.
“Laney’s husband died.”
“No!” she exclaimed. “What happened?”
Paxton shook his head, suddenly more flustered than when he’d arrived.
Kamaya’s eyes widened. “Oh, my God! She killed her husband?”
He shook his head. “Laney did not kill her husband. Why do you always do that?”
“Do what?”
“Expect the worst from her.”
“Uh, because she’s like the bubonic plague in a designer dress and high heels. Just because you put lipstick on a pig doesn’t mean it isn’t still a pig!”
“Really, Kamaya?”
“Paxton, the woman is toxic. She treats you like crap. Everything is always about her. She doesn’t love you. Hell, she barely even cares about you.”
He rolled his eyes. “You’re just bitter.”
Kamaya bristled. “On that note, you have a good night.”
“I needed your help! I thought you were my friend.”
“I am your friend and I’m not about to sugarcoat anything for you. You, of all people, know how this works. You either take me as I am or you don’t.”
“That doesn’t give you license to be so damn mean!”
“I’m not being mean. I’m being honest and I can’t help it if the truth hurts.”
“Sometimes you can be a little too honest.”
“Whatever!”
“I need a favor. The police might call and ask if you know where I was...”
Kamaya gasped. She took a step backward. “Please do not tell me you killed her husband.”
The look Paxton gave her was priceless, annoyance a bright shade of red that made him look like he was about to explode. His voice cracked as he admonished her. “Of course not! He died in a car accident. He got hit in the rear and pushed into oncoming traffic. A tractor trailer carrying cows hit him broadside.”
“Cows? Really?”
“Okay, maybe not cows but it was some kind of delivery truck. It could have been goats or sheep for all I know. I just know it was some kind of farm animal.”
Kamaya stifled a laugh and rolled her eyes before settling her gaze back on him. “Why would the police need to confirm your whereabouts?”
“His children are claiming someone tampered with his brakes.”
“Did they?”
“How would I know? I didn’t do it!”
“So, where were you this weekend?”
“If anyone asks I was here, working.”
“But where were you?” Kamaya persisted.
“Laney and I flew to Vegas for the weekend. We were shacked up at the Mirage.”
“Like any good investigator won’t find that out,” she said sarcastically.
“We just don’t want her husband’s kids to find out. They’re vowing to challenge his will if he left her more than a dime. They had an infidelity clause in their prenup.”
“So, she had an infidelity clause in her prenuptial agreement and she still cheated on her husband with you?”
Paxton shrugged, his eyes skating everywhere but toward her.
Kamaya gave him a blank stare. Her friend had truly slumped to a whole new low. She shook her head.
“So you’ll cover for me?”
“If anyone asks I’ll tell them you said you were here working, but since I was out of town I can neither confirm nor deny.”
“I knew you wouldn’t have my back. It’s a good thing I don’t need your help.”
“You should have known that I’m not doing time for you and that black widow. People have gone to jail for far less. I’m not going out like that.”
“Remind me to never use you for an alibi if I ever do kill someone!”
“Don’t kill anyone. Unless it’s Laney. Then you can call me to bring you a shovel and new rose bush. I’ll even pick up fertilizer on my way there.”
“You are so evil!” Paxton brushed his blond locks out of his eyes. “Seriously, her old man died and the past few days have been hell. I called because I just needed to vent and you’re one of the only people who will let me. So, tell me again where you were?”
“I didn’t tell you where I was the first time.”
“Yes, you did!”
“No, I didn’t. I told you I was away. That’s all I said.”
“So where were you?”
Kamaya shook her head.
“Then tell me who you were with?”
“A friend.”
“Do I know this friend?”
“You know that I never tell you my personal business. You know this, and yet you still ask.”
“I have a moral responsibility. Besides, your brother pays me when I have information he can use.”
“I’m done with you.”
“Have dinner with me and Laney this week. She could really use a friend.”
“Paxton, that woman and I will never be friends.”
“Do it for me, please? And you can even bring my friend Wesley. We can make it a double date.”
“Why would I b
ring Wesley?” she asked, noting the smug look on her friend’s face.
Paxton laughed. “Rumor has it that you two are an item now. If I were a betting man, I’d bet that you were playing hide the salami with him all weekend.”
She shook her head. “Who the hell have you been talking to?”
He shrugged. “Kendrick called me. Your brother had some concerns.”
“Aargh!” Kamaya screamed. “I swear, I’m killing him and then I’m killing you!”
Paxton laughed. “Do you need an alibi?”
Kamaya flipped him off as she moved back behind her desk, dropping into her seat.
“So vent. Because you look like you’ve had a really rough time.”
She and her pal sat staring at each other, amusement dancing between them. The banter was easy and teasing as they caught up, Paxton filling her in on his nightmare of a weekend. Kamaya couldn’t help but think it was just another one of his sad sob stories starring the love of his life. But for the first time she actually felt sorry for him, wishing that he would one day see what she saw and find someone who genuinely loved and cared for him. But as he spoke, the details of his Laney tribulations sounded like a Shakespearean drama with no happy ending in sight.
Her mood shifted, the energy in the room turning serious. “You know I love you, right?”
Paxton nodded. “Yeah, Kamaya, and I love you, too.”
“Then you know that I only want the best for you.”
He paused, eyeing her intently before he answered. “And you don’t think Laney is best for me.”
“I think that when it comes to matters of the heart we sometimes only see what we want to see. Your heart is completely caught up in this relationship, but you haven’t allowed your head to get into the game.”
He blew a heavy sigh. “And you think that’s a bad thing?”
“I think you need to really think about where you want this relationship to go and consider why she might do some of the things she does. I don’t want you to get hurt. That’s all.”
A Pleasing Temptation Page 12
