You and I

by Jacquelin Thomas

  Steven thought they had grown pretty close over the course of the past couple of months. It bothered him that Cherise was not willing to share her past with him. It wasn’t as if he was entitled, but…he shook his head. Steven didn’t understand it at all.

  A thread of apprehension snaked down his spine. Steven tried to shake the feeling. Cherise had every right to her privacy. But he couldn’t dismiss the feeling that she was keeping something from him.

  Steven took his mind off Cherise for the moment. He needed to finish packing and mentally prepare for the upcoming conference. Maybe they needed this time apart to really sort out their feelings for one another.

  Chapter 8

  Cherise threw her damp towel on the edge of the huge Jacuzzi tub. She had just enjoyed a nice, hot bubbly bath after coming home from a Pilates class. Being off her feet and soaking in the warmth soothed her aching body and left her feeling clean and totally relaxed.

  Steven was scheduled to arrive within the hour, and she was looking forward to seeing him. She had missed him terribly while he was away.

  She had just gotten dressed when the doorbell rang.

  Why is he here so early? Cherise wondered as she rushed to answer the front door.

  “Jazz, what are you doing here?” She stepped aside to let her sister enter the house.

  “I came here to see you,” she responded. “I was thinking that we could grab something to eat and maybe catch a movie or something.”

  “Jazz, I’m so sorry. I already have plans. Steven’s coming home today,” Cherise told her. “Can we do it to tomorrow night?”

  “That’s fine,” Jazz responded with a shrug. “I’ll give Ivy a call and see if she wants to hang.”

  “How do I look?” Cherise asked, twirling around slowly. She had chosen a slinky maxi dress in a turquoise color to wear with black accessories and turquoise-and-black shoes.

  Jazz smiled at her and said, “Beautiful as always. You’d better be glad that I can’t wear your clothes.”

  Cherise chuckled. Jazz was a skinny little thing and always complained about her weight. She wanted to be a couple of dress sizes bigger because she thought it wouldn’t make her look so anorexic, the way she looked now.

  Steven arrived just as Jazz was leaving. “You two have fun,” she told them.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” Cherise asked when she caught him staring at her.

  Steven covered her hand with his own. “Because I can’t believe how lucky I am. There aren’t many women like you. You’re as rare as each new day. No two are alike.”

  Her lips turned upward. Steven always had a way of saying just the right thing to her. This is why she loved this man.

  “I missed you, Cherise. I’d gotten so used to seeing you every day. It was hard.”

  “I really missed you, too.”

  They sat down in the family room.

  “So how did your conference go?” Cherise asked.

  “Fine,” he responded. “I ran into a couple of friends from college. I hadn’t seen them since we graduated. We had a great time catching up.”

  “That’s wonderful,” she said. She couldn’t help but wonder if any of them were female. She didn’t ask, because she didn’t want to come off like a jealous lover.

  Steven wrapped an arm around her. “Most of the time, I kept thinking about how much I wanted to see you.”

  She gave him a sidelong glance. “Is that why you only called me twice?”

  He laughed. “I was in workshops most of the day and then in the evenings, I—”

  “You don’t have to explain anything to me, Steven,” she quickly interjected. “I’m just messing with you.”

  “While I was away from you, I realized something.”

  “What’s that?” Cherise asked.

  “I know that something must have happened in your past that you can’t talk about and initially it bothered me…”

  “Steven,” she began.

  He held up his hand to quiet her. “Let me finish, please.”

  “Okay.”

  “I want you to know that when you’re ready, you can tell me anything. I won’t judge you.” Steven took her hand in his and said, “Cherise, I’m in love with you.”

  She looked into his beautiful brown eyes. “I love you, too. Honey, I need you to understand something. I spent too many years looking back, and I just don’t want to do that anymore.”

  Cherise leaned over and kissed him, wanting to put an end to any more conversation. Her mother had always told her that actions speak much louder than words.

  Since the night they’d declared their love for one another a month ago, Steven felt as if he and Cherise had grown much closer. In the past couple of days, he had been thinking more and more about marriage.

  He wanted to marry Cherise.

  Steven checked his watch. It was almost lunchtime. He pushed away from his desk and rose to his feet. He needed to make one stop before grabbing a bite to eat.

  He placed a call to Cherise while still in the parking garage.

  “Hey, baby.”

  “Steven, hello.”

  “I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you. I’d like to take you to dinner tonight.”

  “How about I cook instead?” Cherise suggested.

  “Sure, if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course I don’t mind,” she said. “I’ll make it very romantic.”

  “Perfect,” he murmured. “I’ll see you tonight, sweetheart.”

  Steven ended the call and put away his cell phone.

  He stopped at the jewelry store four blocks away. Steven was inside for only fifteen minutes. From there, he picked up a sandwich and drove back to his office.

  Steven decided to make it a short lunch so that he could leave work a half hour early.

  Time seemed to move at a snail’s pace.

  He kept watching the clock, silently urging it to speed up. He was ready to get off work. Tonight was going to be a big night for him and Cherise. He had a very important question for her, and for the first time in a very long time, he was scared.

  Steven left the building promptly at five-thirty, singing softly.

  He rushed home, showered and changed. Said a quick prayer and left for Cherise’s house.

  She greeted him at the door with a huge smile when he arrived.

  Her smile was the only encouragement Steven needed. “You look beautiful,” he complimented. The black strappy dress Cherise was wearing really flattered her figure.

  They sat down at the dining room table.

  Steven hoped Cherise couldn’t tell just how nervous he was all through dinner. He hardly touched his meal because he was too excited to eat.

  He had never been this nervous in his life.

  Cherise was watching him, studying his expression. “Steven? Is something wrong? Did I cook the steak too long?” Pointing to his plate, she added, “I notice you haven’t really eaten much.”

  He glanced up at her, one hand fingering the small velvet box in his pocket. “Nothing’s wrong, sweetheart. The food is fine. I’m just not real hungry. We’ll put it away and I’ll eat it later.”

  Her eyes never left his face. “Are you sure?”

  Clasping his hands together, he said, “Cherise, I have something I want to talk to you about. Something I want to ask you.”

  She leaned closer. “What is it?”

  This was it. Steven took a deep breath. He had considered waiting until Christmas, which was two months away, or Valentine’s Day, but decided not to wait.

  Steven swallowed hard, and then said, “Cherise, we’ve been together three months, but it feels like we’re known each other for much longer. I think that I’ve loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you. It just took some time for me to realize it.”

  He suddenly felt unsure of himself. Cherise must have sensed this because she reached out and covered his hand with her own. “Steven, I love you, too. I really do.”

  Her de
claration gave him the courage he needed.

  Pulling out the small ring box, Steven opened it to reveal a pear-shaped diamond ring. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?

  Cherise could hardly comprehend what she’d just heard. Had Steven actually proposed? Gazing into his eyes, she found her answer. “Steven, are you sure about this? What do you think your parents will say?”

  He chuckled. “We’re not in high school, baby. I’m a grown man, Cherise. What could they say?”

  “I… I don’t really know how to respond. I mean this is so incredible—it’s so sweet and…” Cherise put her hand to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears.

  “Honey, are you okay?”

  She nodded. Removing her hand, she whispered, “I’m fine. This is so unexpected, Steven. This is so fast. I mean, this is fast.”

  “You said you loved me. You know that I love you. Baby, we love each other, and you know that we are right for each other. We fit, Cherise. We fit perfectly. Doesn’t it feel right to you?”

  She nodded, unable to speak.

  “I’m going to ask you one more time,” Steven said. “Will you marry me, Cherise Ransom?”

  “Yes.”

  Steven blinked twice. “Did y-you just say yes?”

  Tears sliding down her face, Cherise nodded. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  Leaning over, Steven kissed her and placed the ring on her finger. “I love you, baby.”

  “If we do this, it has to be forever,” Cherise said.

  Steven agreed. “I want to spend my forever with you. You are the most perfect woman I’ve ever met, and now you’re going to be mine.”

  Later, while he slept, Cherise sat near the window in her room, playing with the ring on her finger.

  He asked me to marry him. I’m getting married.

  Cherise couldn’t put into words the range of emotions running rampant through her right now. Steven had chosen her. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. This was huge.

  Her happiness was marred later that evening when she watched the news. A gang of teens had burglarized and terrorized a poor family.

  A sense of dread snaked down her spine. She didn’t like hearing stuff like this—it always bothered her, and even now had put a damper on the excitement she’d felt earlier.

  Cherise turned off the television.

  She cast an anxious glance over at Steven, who lay on his side sleeping.

  Will he still want to marry me when he discovers that I’m not as perfect as he seems to think?

  Chapter 9

  Maxie stood up and leaned over her desk to examine the ring more closely. “Oh my goodness! Girl, that’s a rock if I ever saw one. I bet I can see that ring with my glasses off, and you know I’m almost as blind as a bat.”

  Cherise’s grin spread from ear to ear. “It is nice, isn’t it? But I don’t really care about the size. Steven could have given me a cigar band, and I’d still marry him. He’s such a sweetheart.”

  Maxie sat back down. “Well, congratulations, Cherise. You certainly deserve it.”

  “Thank you.”

  She called her mother.

  “Mama, I have something to tell you,” she began. “Last night Steven asked me to marry him. We’re engaged.”

  “Oh my goodness! Congratulations, sweetie. I’m so happy for you. Amanda’s told me that Steven is a really nice young man. I can’t wait to meet him.”

  “I’m going to ask him to come to Phoenix with me soon,” Cherise responded. “I want you to meet him.”

  “That would be wonderful,” her mother exclaimed. “I can’t wait to meet my future son-in-law.”

  “Now, Mama, I need you to keep this quiet. Steven and I are going to tell the clan on Sunday when we go out to Riverside for dinner. So don’t say a word to Aunt Amanda.”

  “I won’t. So have you set a wedding date yet?”

  “Not yet.” Cherise chuckled. “Steven just asked me last night.”

  They talked until she had to get off the phone to attend a meeting. Cherise was practically floating around the center. Everyone seemed to notice her glow and the ring on her left hand.

  She gloried in their well wishes. Cherise felt totally fulfilled and complete. She was the person she had always longed to be and now everything was working out for her.

  Cherise felt that she could finally lay her past to rest.

  This time there would be no looking back.

  Steven pulled into the parking lot of Rogers’ Florist. Sliding from under the wheel of his black Chrysler 300, he strolled happily into the shop, whistling a soft tune. Acknowledging the owner, he asked, “How’re you doing, Mr. Rogers?”

  “I’m doing fine, son. What can I do you for?”

  “My girlfriend and I just got engaged. I want to get her something special.”

  “What? Did I hear you correctly?”

  Nodding, Steven laughed. “You heard me right. I’m getting married.”

  The old man moved around the store gathering ribbons, roses and baby’s breath. “Y’all remind me of me and Lizzie. I saw her come into church one Sunday shortly after she and her family moved here. I went over to her and introduced myself. I proposed to her seven days later. We just celebrated our fortieth wedding anniversary. We’ve had some good years…”

  Steven shook his head, his eyes full of amusement as he listened to the gray-haired man talk while he worked.

  When Mr. Rogers was done, he presented the bouquet of roses to Steven. “Well, what you think? Think she’ll like it?”

  Steven shook his head an emphatic yes. “I know she will. Cherise loves roses. Thanks, Mr. Rogers.”

  “Make sure I get my invitation to the wedding.”

  He chuckled. “I sure will, Mr. Rogers.” Picking up the flowers, Steven strolled toward the door, stopping just in front of the entrance. “I’ll even hand deliver it myself. Besides, I’m sure you’ll be handling all of our floral needs.”

  Mr. Rogers laughed. “That’ll be just fine. I’ll see you, Steven. Tell your parents I said hello, will you?”

  “I will. Thanks again.”

  Steven carefully placed the flowers in the seat on the passenger side. He climbed into the car and headed to Cherise’s house.

  One day in the near future, he would be driving home to her. Home to Cherise.

  Thirty-five minutes later, Steven pulled into the driveway and parked his car.

  He got out and strolled up the steps to the porch.

  Whistling to himself, Steven rang the doorbell.

  Cherise answered almost immediately, causing him to wonder if she’d been standing there waiting for him to arrive.

  When he entered the house, the aroma of steaming seafood wafted to his nostrils.

  Steven planted a kiss on her full lips and handed her the flowers. “Honey, I’m home,” he announced.

  “I’m glad,” she said with a laugh.

  He grinned. “You missed me?”

  “Of course.” She pointed toward the stairs. “I’m almost done with dinner. I have a surprise for you upstairs, so why don’t you take a shower and get comfortable?” Cherise headed to the door that led into the kitchen.

  Bending his head, Steven planted another wet kiss on her cheek. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “I’m counting on it.” Cherise smiled as she watched the man of her dreams make his way up the stairs. His muscular build tantalized her, causing her pulse to skitter alarmingly.

  Cherise had dinner on the table by the time Steven returned, freshly showered and changed into the pair of silk pajamas she had laid out for him. In the soft candlelight, his bald head gleamed. His smooth, dark chestnut skin felt like satin to her touch. His strong African features held a certain sensuality.

  Tall, dark and handsome, Steven made her feel loved. He had a way of making her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

  As he neared, Cherise rushed into his arms. “I forgot to say thanks for my flowers earlier. They�
��re lovely.”

  He kissed her passionately.

  Cherise reluctantly pulled away. “We’d better eat before the food get cold.”

  He nodded. “I guess you’re right. We can always pick up where we left off. Or we can have dinner for dessert.” He smiled wickedly.

  Her eyes wide and innocent, she asked, “But what would you have for dinner?”

  “You.”

  Grinning, Cherise slowly untied her robe, displaying a beautiful silk teddy. Hearing Steven’s sigh of pleasure gave her the confidence she needed.

  Taking it off in a seductive manner, Cherise let it trail behind her as she led the way to her bedroom.

  Upstairs, Steven traced a trail of scalding kisses along her pulsing throat while his hand set out on a journey of intimate discovery. In his eyes, Cherise could read the promise of delicious magic. She struggled to draw a breath, but she couldn’t without inhaling his masculine fragrance. She felt the fire spreading through every fiber of her being until fervent desire pounded in rhythm with her thundering heart.

  Steven’s lips traveled to her breasts, causing fierce, restive feelings to uncoil inside her. Cherise was aching all over, shamelessly arching toward his moist lips and seeking hands, begging for more.

  Obsessed with the feel of each other’s hands and lips, the two fell back on the bed. Cherise’s arms slid over Steven’s sinewy shoulders to hold him close.

  Passion streamed through Cherise like a river, sweeping her into a whirlpool of inexpressible splendor. The ever-changing, ever-growing sensations consumed her mind, body and soul.

  Their energy spent, Steven and Cherise lay entwined. Feeling more content than she had ever felt in her life, Cherise smiled tenderly.

  Gazing into her eyes, Steven kissed her softly. “You are my life, Cherise. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.”

  “I’ll never leave you. You’ve shown me what it’s like to be completely loved. There’s nothing or no one who could ever make me abandon what I have with you.” And Cherise meant it with her entire being.

  They showered together, then dressed in robes and went downstairs to reheat their dinner.