Moments later they lay locked into each other’s arms, not able to move, barely able to breathe. Cord pulled her into his arms and in a forced whisper with a smile tilting his lips, he said. “The last sexual tip, the one I failed to mention, is to try and keep the noise down when making love in consideration of the neighbors.”
And then he kissed her, sealing the love they had both pledged.
Chapter 32
By the time Jesse escorted Carla into the house and shut and locked the door behind them, she was nervous all the way down to her toes.
After dinner, the two of them, along with Craig, Sonya and Mike, had gone to Universal Studios to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree. Afterwards, out of the clear blue sky, Sonya had announced that she and Mike wanted to take Craig to the Magic Kingdom tomorrow and asked that he spend the night with her. There was no reason to worry about clothes. Since he spent a lot of time at Sonya’s place anyway, she had plenty of clothes there already.
Carla had been tempted to tell Sonya that she needed Craig home to serve as a buffer between her and Jesse. Without her son in the house, there was no telling what his parents might get into.
Especially tonight.
Even with Sonya and Mike around them, the sexual tension between them had been strong. Every time she looked at him she remembered that day when he had kissed her. And then there was the fact that it was exactly three years ago tonight that they had made love and conceived their son. Thanksgiving Night.
“Carla?”
She whirled around and gazed across the room at Jesse. “Yes?”
“Am I making you nervous?”
She swallowed deeply. “No, I’m fine.”
He stared at her for a long moment. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I just miss Craig already.”
Jesse smiled. “So do I.”
Carla shrugged. “Sonya will take real good care of him. She always does.”
Jesse met her gaze. “You look good tonight, Carla.”
She blushed at his compliment, especially since she wasn’t wearing anything special, just a pair of jeans and a pullover sweater. “Thanks. Would you care for something to drink?”
He shook his head. “Not now, maybe later.” He crossed the room to stand in front of her. “Do you realize it was three years tonight when we had our first date?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know how much I wanted you that night?” he asked, his voice low and seductive.
Carla’s stomach tumbled in a wave of intense desire. She decided to be completely honest with him. “Probably as much as I wanted you.”
He took a step closer, appreciating her honesty. His hazel eyes were slightly glazed. “And do you know how much I want you tonight?” he whispered.
She nodded. “Probably as much as I want you.”
She met his mouth when it came down to hers and rested her body against his. Their tongues began mating, slow but not gently. They were hungry for the taste of each other. He was devouring her mouth and she was devouring his.
His hand ran down her back and cupped her behind, bringing her firmly against his erection that pressed against his jeans. But that wasn’t good enough. He didn’t want clothing separating them.
He broke off the kiss and pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. “Tell me what you want, Carla,” he said huskily, hoping that she would and that it would be the same thing that he wanted. “Tell me.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and met his gaze. “I want you to take me to bed and make love to me,” she whispered silkily. “I need you, Jesse. I need three years worth of hot, mind-blowing lovemaking. That’s what I want…from you.”
Jesse’s breathing deepened, his nostrils flared and adrenaline rushed fast and furious through his veins. He reached down and lifted her into his arms and quickly carried her into the bedroom and placed her on the bed. Without wasting any time he undressed her and when she lay completed naked before him, he stood back.
Deftly. He unsnapped his jeans and proceeded to take them off. He planned to love her just the way she wanted to be love . . . three years’ worth. He took the time to put on a condom, then thought that the last time they had used one she had gotten pregnant anyway, and decided if she got pregnant again that would be all right with him. He wanted other children. He wanted other children from her.
When he joined her on the bed and touched her, she moaned out his name. He needed to taste her all over and moved his mouth everywhere over her sensitive skin, tasting her breasts then working the tip of his tongue down her belly and between her thighs.
“Jesse!”
Her body was hot and he tasted her heat as she twisted mindlessly against his mouth. Her fingers dug into his shoulders but he didn’t feel any pain, just pleasure.
“I need you inside of me, Jesse!”
He obliged her request and slid his body over hers as she spread her legs apart. Without preamble and without wasting any time, he entered her. He needed to be inside of her just as much as she needed him to be inside of her. A low, primitive growl rumbled up from his chest as he continued sinking deeper and deeper into her. She was tight, wet, snug, and he wanted it all. He wanted to be sheathed so deep inside of her and never come out. He felt himself moving back and forth and she arched her hips to receive him, all of him. Her moans became a song of pleasure that played on his senses, increasing the pleasure they shared.
And moments later when he gave one last hard thrust, she screamed his name, the same exact moment he screamed hers. And they shattered into a million delirious sensations that took control of their minds and bodies, sending them into waves and waves of pleasure.
And they both knew that this was just the beginning.
Chapter 33
Brandy smiled when she finished opening her gift, a joint venture from Carla and Amber. Her smile widened when she looked at the skimpy nightgown they’d bought her as an early Christmas present. “And just what am I supposed to do with this?” she asked, holding it up to take a closer look. She was glad the three of them were locked away in Carla’s office, which gave them plenty of privacy.
“If you have to ask then you’re in worse shape than we imagined,” Amber said laughing.
A teasing frown touched Brandy’s face. “Hey, no fair. Just because you two are getting some on a regular basis these days is no reason to be mean,” Brandy said, pushing the gift box aside. She then looked at Carla. “And I noticed you went out of town a couple of days ago.”
Carla leaned back in her chair and smiled brightly. “Yes, Jesse and I went away for the weekend. We flew to Barbados and had a wonderful time.”
Amber chuckled. “Yeah, I can just imagine how good a time you had. Who kept Craig?”
Carla smiled. “Sonya but she had some help from Jesse’s friend Mike.” Although she decided not to say anything, Carla knew that Sonya and Mike were now an item, a very hot item. They were seeing each other on a pretty regular basis and Mike stayed over at Sonya’s place occasionally. This was the happiest she had ever seen her friend and wished her the best.
“Will Craig be getting a brother or sister anytime soon, Carla?” Amber asked grinning.
Carla’s smile widened. “We’re trying to be careful but decided if I end up pregnant again we’d get married right away.”
Brandy raised a brow. “And if you don’t end up pregnant?”
Carla grinned heartily. “Then we’ll have a July wedding.”
Brandy and Amber were out of their seats screaming with joy and exchanged hugs with Carla. “Oh, Carla, that’s wonderful. Have you told Craig yet?” Amber asked, happily.
Carla chuckled. “Yes, but he doesn’t understand since Jesse has become a permanent fixture around our house anyway. I enjoy waking up with a man in my bed.”
Amber smiled dreamily. “I know the feeling.”
Brandy gave them a pretended pout. “Well, I don’t know the feeling so let’s change the subject. Amber is getting married i
n the spring and now you’re getting married in the summer. I guess I have to save up to buy wedding gifts,” she said chuckling.
Brandy began rewrapping her gift. She would be leaving in a few days for Macon to attend her father’s birthday party and then a few days later she would join her cousins, Taye, Rae’jean, and Alexia with their families as they celebrated Christmas at Alexia and Quinn’s huge getaway cabin in the Tennessee mountains.
“Brandy, have you heard anything from Grey Masters since he left?”
A shiver of pain coursed through Brandy with Carla’s question. It had only been three weeks but it felt more like three months. She met Carla’s gaze. “No, I haven’t heard anything from him. I guess he’s trying to forget me like I’m trying like hell to forget him.”
She then sighed deeply and said, “Hey, I refuse to turn this into a pity party. It’s a time to celebrate the both of your good news and I’m happy for each of you. And since this is an official sistah circle meeting, I think I have the perfect principle and when I came across it, I immediately thought of us.”
Amber lifted a curious brow. “What is it?”
“A ship in harbor is safe but that’s not what ships are for.” Brandy swallowed deeply. “The three of us are like ships, and for two years we’ve pretty much stayed in harbor, not wanting to venture out into the turbulent and choppy waters. But we’ve finally decided to hoist our sails. We’ve recognized that we’re strong, sturdy and dependable. We have weathered the storms and now we’re confident that we can withstand anything that comes our way; an iceberg, tidal wave or even a hurricane. And what makes it so special, especially for you two, is that you have good, strong men at the helm to guide you, protect you and take care of you. The two of you were made to love, and I’m so glad you found special men who love you in return.”
Amber wiped a tear from her eye. “And it’s my prayer, Brandy, that you find someone to love you as well. I believe in my heart that there’s someone out there for you; a man who will love you unconditionally and treat you with the honor and respect that you deserve.”
“And I agree,” Carla said, wiping a tear from her eyes as well.
Brandy smiled and she grabbed hold of her friends’ hands and held tight. “If it’s meant to be, then it will be.”
Chapter 34
Christmas Eve night
Brandy stepped outside on the porch and inhaled the scent of the mountains. She loved this part of the country, its ruggedness and its solitude and appreciated Alexia and Quinn for inviting her.
After the surprised announcement her parents had made at her father’s birthday party a couple of days ago, she needed to spend time here to recover from shock. After thirty-three years her parents had decided to get married on Valentines Day. Brandy shook her head. Heaven helped them all. Valerie Constantine becoming Valerie Bennett was definitely too much to think about. But she had to admit her parents actually seemed happy.
“We were wondering where you ran off to,” someone said behind her. Brandy immediately recognized Taye’s voice. She turned to meet three pairs of curious eyes. She smiled. “I thought I’d come out and appreciate the stars for a while. Are the little ones in bed?”
Rae’jean laughed as she leaned against a wooden post. She had only a couple more months left in her pregnancy. “Yes. It was easy to convince them that Santa only came after they went to sleep.”
Brandy nodded. “And the teens?” she asked referring to Taye and Michael’s daughters, Monica, Sebrina, and Kennedy.
“They’re upstairs listening that CD Alexia gave them,” Taye said shaking her heads. “You better be glad that you were given one of those detached cottages, Brandy. Some of us will be sleeping with ear plugs tonight.”
“Hey, don’t complain,” Alexia said laughing. “I could have given them the first item on their Christmas list which was a nude photo of Maxwell.”
Brandy shook her head. It seemed like her little cousins were growing up. “Will the adults still be opening their gifts tonight?” she asked. Alexia had made a suggestion that the grownups opened their gifts tonight so nothing would take away the kids’ excitement in the morning.
“Yes, that’s why we came outside to get you. It’s time, before Michael, Ryan, and Quinn get busy putting together that swing set out back, so we want to open the gifts now.”
Everyone went inside and as soon as the men were herded from the kitchen, they gathered around the tree. Alexia began passing out gifts, and when she handed Brandy a huge box, she said. “I was told to ask you to open that one first.”
Brandy met Alexia’s gaze and her cousin gave her an innocent shrug. “All right,” Brandy said, placing the other gifts she’d received aside. The box was prettily wrapped and she hated opening it, but she did so anyway. It appeared that every eye in the room was on her.
After opening the huge box she began removing globs of tissue paper and uncovered another box, this one a shoebox. She smiled thinking that one of her cousins had been thoughtful enough to get her the pair of boots she’d been talking about buying these past few weeks.
When she opened the shoebox she lifted a confused brow. They were men shoes; and a very expensive looking pair. Included in the box was a sealed letter that was addressed to her. She nervously opened the envelope.
Brandy,
You once said that you wanted someone who would love you unconditionally, someone you could trust, someone who was willing to take on your family and someone willing to father your babies. You also said that person had a big shoe to fill because you planned on moving into that shoe. Well, here are mine. I’m not only offering you my shoes but all my love as well. It’s been hard without you this past month and time away from you has made me realize that you were right. It’s time for me to move forward and not look back and I’m ready to do that. I know all the things you want and I want them too. I love you and I’m asking that you share my shoes and I promise to love you, protect you and cherish you until the day I die. If you believe my promise, if you accept my love and everything I’ve written, please take a step outside the door.
Grey
Brandy wiped the tears from her eyes as she glanced around the room. Everyone was quiet as they watched and waited to see what she would do. Brandy gathered the shoebox in her hand. “Excuse me, I have to go outside,” she said nervously, quickly heading for the door. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Behind her she heard Quinn chuckle then say. “Don’t count on it. He’s a Masters.”
Brandy stepped outside and closed the door behind her. She glanced around. It was dark and there was a full moon in the sky. Then she saw a movement and Grey appeared, out of the shadows. She was so glad to see him that she dropped the shoebox and ran into his outstretched arms.
He caught her and held her tight to him. “I love you, Brandy,” he whispered against her ear. “I love you so much. I didn’t realize how much until I left. I tried to fight it and couldn’t. You’re mine and I will never let you go.”
Brandy reached up and placed her arms around his neck. “And I love you, Grey, and I will never let you go either, and I will proudly share your shoes.”
A huge smile touched his lips. “That’s what I needed to hear.” He then reached down and swung her up into his arms.
“Grey! What are you doing?”
“I’m taking you to the cottage. I have something else for you there.”
Brandy smiled. “Umm, more shoes?”
He looked down at her and his smile widened. “No, more Grey.”
Brandy grinned. More Grey. She definitely liked the meaning behind that.
Epilogue
Ten months later
The savvy sistahs walked into the plush restaurant and a number of heads turned and looked their way. Individually as well as collectively, they received admiring glances and lingering gazes. Other women silently complimented the way they were dressed—glamorous, elegant, and stunning. They were gorgeous, sophisticated, high-class sistahs. Savvy si
stahs. Women who knew what they wanted, women who were accomplished in everything they did.
Women who were cherished by the men who loved them.
Brandy Bennett smiled upon seeing the attention they were getting. She glanced at Carla and Amber. Their friendship had begun two years ago on this very night, and they were here to celebrate as well as to reflect. With the power of prayer, the grace of God, and a firm belief that they were truly worthy of love from good men, they had stepped out on faith.
And their faith had seen them through the worst times.
Their men would be joining them later since the women had asked for an hour alone to chat and catch up on things. There had been so many changes in their lives and they no longer lived in the same town. Brandy had turned the running of the St. Laurent over to Kathie when she had returned from abroad, and had opened a bed and breakfast in Atlanta where she currently lived with Grey. They had married on Valentine’s Day, when her parents had decided not to mess up a good thing by getting married. Go figure.
Carla was the jet-setter, traveling with her husband and son, but she still considered Orlando her primary home. Taking a cue from her husband and his business success, she found herself delegating a lot of her duties at Osborne Computer Network. She enjoyed spending time at home taking care of Craig and Jesse and only went into the office a couple of days a week.
Amber still had her bookstore and had opened two others. Cord was keeping her accounting books straight, and he still provided her with plenty of tax tips…among other things. Their first child was due in six months.
After being shown to their seats, a waiter came and took their drink orders. “Milk,” all three of them said smiling. Brandy had just found out she was pregnant that day and Carla was due to have her baby around the same time as Amber.
When the waiter returned with three glasses of milk, the women joined hands at the table, bowed their heads, and prayed, thanking God for bringing them to this point in their lives and for giving them the strength to endure all things. They also sent special thanks out to God for their men.
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