“I’m not going to see Jefferson and neither are you.” Brian walked up the driveway and stood next to Alexis. “I’m just here to back up the woman I love. Alexis told you, he’s in there with Kyla, and I don’t think they want to be interrupted.”
Jasmine started shaking her head slowly. “I can’t believe this. Do you two really think you can stop me from going in there?” When Alexis and Brian remained still, Jasmine tossed her hair over her shoulder. “All right, I’ll go, but don’t think anything has changed,” she said directing her words to Alexis. “You can’t follow me around for the rest of your life.”
“I will if I have to,” Alexis said sweetly.
They watched as she screeched out of the driveway and disappeared down the street.
“Do you think she’ll come back?” Brian asked.
“She will, but not tonight,” Alexis said smiling at Brian. “She’ll be afraid that my hero will be sitting out here waiting for her.”
“She’s not going to give up, is she? What was Jefferson thinking?”
“I think it was just lust and a temporary loss of sanity.” Taking his hand, she led him back to the car. “But at least he won’t have to deal with her tonight.”
“Only because you were here, Ms. Ward.” Brian leaned against the car and with his hands around her waist, pulled her to him. “You never stop surprising me.”
“Well, you pull some surprises yourself, Dr. Lewis. You said that I was the woman you loved.”
He smiled. “Did I say that? I didn’t realize it.”
“That’s even better. It came from your subconscious.”
He pulled her closer, squeezing her breasts against his chest. “Are you a psychiatrist now?”
“No, I just know these things. Some people might say that we haven’t known each other long enough to be mentioning the ‘L’ word. And, men are never the first ones to say it.”
“I didn’t know that.” His eyes teased her.
“Did you mean it?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m going to help you out.”
“How?”
“Take back what you said.”
“But I mean what I said.”
“Work with me, Brian.”
“Okay . . . I take it back.”
She took a deep breath. “Dr. Lewis, I think I’m falling in love with you.” She paused, letting the words sink in for both of them.
His eyes held a serious gaze and then he smiled. “I feel exactly the same way.”
In the darkness of Oak Avenue, they kissed passionately, their hands exploring each other, touching nerve endings that ignited fiery explosions inside both of them.
“Alexis,” Brian said her name breathlessly. “I want you.”
“Yes,” she moaned.
He pulled back slightly and his glazed eyes searched hers. “Are you saying . . .”
She smiled. “Let’s go home, Brian. It’s time for us to go home.”
Jasmine stomped into her house, threw her purse on the couch and sighed. Maybe she should have pushed past Alexis, but she was just too tired to second-guess herself now. Exhaustion blanketed her. It had been days since she’d had a good night’s sleep. About as long as it’d been since she’d seen Jefferson.
She held her head in her hands and closed her eyes tightly. Were Kyla and Jefferson really back together? If what Alexis had said was true, then it was over for her.
Her eyes popped open. Kyla hadn’t come back. She knew Kyla as well as anyone and she knew Kyla wouldn’t forgive Jefferson that quickly. She was too self-righteous and all caught up in that Christian thing. Jefferson had sinned and that went against everything Kyla stood for. She was sure Kyla and Jefferson couldn’t have reconciled.
At least that was her prayer. Jasmine chuckled wearily as she thought about praying, something she hadn’t done since she was a child. But, maybe it was time to pray and put God to the test. She couldn’t lose the only chance she had at happiness. Without Jefferson, she didn’t know where her life would be. “Just one more time, Jefferson,” she said aloud.
Standing at the window, she plotted a plan, something that would work whether Kyla was back home or not.
They’d driven the twelve miles in silence. Brian pulled into the circular driveway.
Alexis closed her eyes and breathed deeply. “Brian . . .”
“You don’t really want to do this, do you?”
Looking at him, she shook her head and wondered how did he know? Could he hear her pounding heart against her chest? Or was it the voice screaming inside her head that gave her away?
“Then, why did you say you did?” he asked, unable to hide his annoyance.
“I didn’t really say anything. Brian, I’m sorry. I’m not teasing you. I just got caught up back there . . .”
“We both got a little caught up and I thought you were ready . . . for this.”
She turned her body to face him and took his hand. “I am ready, that’s not the question. I want you as much as you want me. But it’s my commitment to God—I just can’t break that. No matter how much my flesh wants to go that way. I’ve made a commitment to be celibate.”
“I thought we were making a commitment, too. To each other.” He paused. “I love you, Alexis.”
She felt as if her breath was being taken away. She had to make him understand. “I love you too, Brian. But that doesn’t mean I should back away from the things I have to do for the Lord.”
Brian’s face tightened. He had never waited longer than a week for any woman and he didn’t want to accept this. “So, what am I supposed to do?” he snapped in anger. She pulled her hand away from his. “I am sorry. I don’t know what else to say.”
Staring out the window, Brian shook his head. A minute passed before he spoke. “I don’t know what to do about this, Alexis. I’m getting frustrated . . . something is going to have to change soon.”
Alexis was quiet for a moment. “Are you giving me an ultimatum?” she asked as she clasped her hands together trying to stop the shaking.
“I don’t know what I’m saying. But I don’t feel like talking about this anymore.”
Alexis took her keys from her purse and jingled them in her hands. She looked at Brian, sitting stoically in his seat. She wanted him so much and didn’t want to lose him. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow?”
He nodded.
She stood on the curb and watched the BMW skid from the driveway. And, her heart stopped. They had professed their love for one another, and now she wondered if she would ever see him again. She bit her lip as she fought to hold back tears. How could she have put herself in this position? She had gone too far, placing herself continuously in situations with Brian where neither one of them could win.
As the elevator rose to the eleventh floor, she closed her eyes. She knew she had made the right decision. She couldn’t look back; she was committed to her walk with God. She had to hold on to her convictions. When the elevator doors opened, she made a vow to herself. If she got a second chance with Brian, she would work hard not to take her flesh to places where her spirit did not want to go.
Twenty
* * *
Brian had been driving the streets of Los Angeles for over an hour when he made his decision. He had come too far with Alexis. He was going to church, praying over meals, talking about God in the middle of normal conversations. Over the past few weeks, he had even started reading his Bible. He’d done all of this to impress Alexis and he wasn’t about to lose her now.
Maybe I should just move on, Brian thought. Los Angeles was overflowing with willing women. But, he had found the woman he wanted to be with. Alexis had all the things he was looking for in a mate: she was attractive, smart, funny, and had her own money, so he knew she wasn’t into him for his. And even though he wasn’t into God the way she was, he did like that she was a Christian. She would make a great mother for his boys. With her as his wife, no judge would deny him custody.
Turning back to Wilshire, he hope
d that she was still awake. Though that didn’t matter—this was too important and had to be cleared up tonight.
“Hello, again, Dr. Lewis,” the doorman said. “I didn’t expect to see you again this evening.”
Brian tossed him the keys.
“Will you be here for just a few minutes or should I park your car in the garage?”
Brian hesitated. “Park the car.”
It only took a moment for the concierge to call up to Alexis’ apartment. “You can go right up, Dr. Lewis. Have a good evening.”
That would have to change. He didn’t want to have to get permission every time he came to see her. He’d convince her to give him a key. That shouldn’t be too hard.
He took deep breaths as he rode up in the elevator, still unsure of what he was going to say. When he got to the eleventh floor, she was already waiting at her door.
“I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“No, I couldn’t sleep,” Alexis said as he stepped inside. “I read my Bible for a while, and now I was watching a Columbo rerun . . .” She folded her arms in front of her.
Reading her Bible, he thought. I guess I won’t be staying tonight.
“Why did you come back?” she asked soberly, breaking the silence.
He stared at her for a moment, as she stood steadfast, with her back against the door. Her hair was tousled like she’d been asleep. And as his eyes skimmed down her body, he could tell that she had on very little underneath her bathrobe. He was sorry he wouldn’t be staying. He brought his eyes back to hers. “I wanted to apologize,” he said sincerely. He moved to the couch and she followed him, but sat at the other end. “I don’t want us to argue about this.”
“Neither do I,” she said quickly. “I’m just sorry I put us in that situation.”
“You didn’t do it by yourself.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “I do love you.”
She smiled. “I love you, too . . .” she paused and her smile faded. “But . . .”
He raised his eyebrows. “I don’t like the sound of that, but . . .”
She entwined her fingers in his. “You have to know that nothing’s changed. Brian, I am sorry if you’re not able to understand or handle this . . .”
He raised his hands. “Stop. You don’t have to explain. I know where you stand and I’m going to support you in this. If I want the woman . . .”
“Are you sure you’re going to be able to live with this? Because, I don’t want us to go any further if this is not what you want.”
“I want you. I have to admit that I want you in every way. And, when two adults are in a relationship, usually that means physically too.”
“That’s what the world thinks.”
“Uh . . . yeah, the world. But, I understand. I mean, I agree with you. We have to stand on the Word of God.”
“That’s what I have to do.”
“Well, we’ll just take this relationship slowly. I mean, we did move to a new level tonight.”
She smiled hesitantly. “We did, but I hope . . .”
He held his finger to her lips. “You don’t have to say anything else.”
She nodded.
“I’ve gotta go. I do have a job I have to go to in the morning,” he chuckled.
He put his arm around her shoulder as they walked to the front door.
“Thank you for coming over. When you drove off, I didn’t know . . .”
He kissed her, a gentle kiss, and then backed away. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he whispered, and closed the door behind him. He smiled as he rang for the elevator. At least things were back on an even keel. He would play the game her way—at least for a little while. He would give her a little time, make sure she trusted him.
As he sped down LaCienega heading home to Baldwin Hills, he thought about his plans. He had fallen for this woman hard, he knew he was in love. But he was used to having his way. Very soon, Alexis Ward was going to be his in every way.
Twenty-one
* * *
“Kyla, Kyla, it’s me. Jasmine. Guess who’s here with me?”
Jefferson suddenly appeared at Jasmine’s side. “Hello, Kyla,” he said softly as he put his arms around Jasmine’s waist. “I’m so sorry to tell you this, but I’m leaving you. Jasmine is the woman I love. She’s the one I want to spend my life with.” She watched as they turned away from her, slowly proceeding up the stairs, the stairs that led to her bedroom. She tried to move, but her legs had become lead weights bolted to the ground, preventing her from saving her husband.
“Sorry, Kyla. Good night, Kyla. Sorry, Kyla. Good night, Kyla.”
They were mocking her, saying the words over and over again. Her hands covered her ears. “No, no, no!” she screamed and sprang up in the bed.
Terrified, she clicked on the light, her eyes quickly surveying the room. Only the sound of her heavy breathing interrupted the stillness. Pulling the sweat-damp sheet to her chest, she frowned. She had heard them, she was sure of it.
She picked up her watch. Just one-thirty. Hours had passed, but a sound sleep refused to come. Their voices haunted her; their images filled her dreams. She knew she wouldn’t be able to close her eyes again.
Dressed in her underwear, she jumped from the bed, shivering against the cool air. Twisting into her jeans, she dressed quickly, stopping only to put on her watch and tie her hair back. With shoes and purse in hand, she twisted the bedroom’s doorknob, moving noiselessly into the hallway. The entire downstairs was engulfed in darkness and she groped through the family room and kitchen, into the garage. Closing the door, she stooped to slip on her shoes and, as she stood, her eye caught a glimpse of a white paper sticking from the windshield of Jefferson’s car. The paper looked like it had slipped down into the hood and gone unnoticed. Curiosity pulled her to the car.
Her hands shook as she read the note. Dearest Jefferson, I wanted you to know that I had a wonderful time the other night. You are an incredible lover and I can’t wait until we get together again. I only hope that I gave you half the pleasure that you gave to me. I will be waiting for your call. Love, Jasmine.
She fell back against the wall and read the note again. This was real. The intimacy she had shared with her husband was gone forever. Jasmine knew Jefferson as she did. She’d seen him naked, knew how his body felt, knew how he felt inside of her, knew what his tongue, what his caresses, felt like. Had he done the same things with Jasmine that he did with her?
Choking a sob, she stuffed the note in her bag and got into her car. It wasn’t until she was on the freeway that she picked up her cell phone. It rang a few times, but finally a groggy Alexis answered.
“Alexis, this is Kyla. I need you to do me a big favor.”
“Kyla? What time is it?”
“It’s late, I’m sorry. But I just need you to do something for me.”
“Okay . . . where are you? How did things go with Jefferson?”
“I’m on my way to my parents and I want you to call my mother . . .”
“You’re driving to Santa Barbara now? Is Jefferson with you?”
“Yes, I’m going to Santa Barbara and no, Jefferson is not with me. I can’t talk about it right now, but Alexis, would you please call my mother?” When Alexis hesitated, Kyla continued. “I really need your help. I want you to call my mother and tell her I’m on my way. And tell her what happened . . .”
“Don’t you think you should do that?”
“I will, but I just can’t . . . I don’t know how to bring it up. I think it would sound better coming from you.”
“I don’t know . . .”
“Please, Alex. Then she’ll be waiting for me, and I really need her right now,” Kyla sobbed.
“Ky, maybe you should come over here and drive up in the morning. You don’t sound good . . .”
“I’m fine, really. I need to get up there. I need to see my mother, I need to hold Nicole.”
“Okay . . .” Alexis was alert now. “I’ll call her. But call me when you ge
t there or else I’ll worry all night.”
“I will.”
“Kyla, I know it doesn’t seem this way right now, but you’ll make it through.”
“I’ll call you when I get to my mom’s.”
Steering with one hand, she reached into her bag and pulled out the note. You’re a wonderful lover. Jasmine was talking about her husband. The man she loved. The man who loved only her.
As she headed north on the near-empty freeway, she sobbed with the knowledge that, no matter how hard they all tried, things would never be the same again.
He picked up the phone on the first ring.
“Hello.”
“Jefferson, this is Alexis.”
“Alexis, didn’t Kyla call you?”
“Yeah, she did. How did you know?”
“She said she was going to call you and let you know that she was staying here. I’m sorry . . .”
“Jefferson, I don’t think we’re talking about the same thing. Kyla just called me. She’s on her way to Santa Barbara.”
He sat up in the bed and turned on the light. “What are you talking about? She’s downstairs asleep in the guest room.”
Alexis sighed. “Not anymore. Something must’ve happened.”
“Nothing happened,” he said, swiveling his feet onto the floor. “She said she would stay but wanted to sleep in another room.” He slammed his fist against the bed. “I knew I should’ve slept downstairs! I should’ve slept on the couch! What happened? What did she say?”
“She didn’t say anything. She just said she had to see her mother and she sounded upset. Do you think she talked to Jasmine?”
“Jasmine? No, she hasn’t been here and this is the first time the phone rang all night.”
“I don’t know . . . I don’t have a good feeling about this . . .”
“Alexis, I don’t have a clue as to what could have happened.”
“You have to go after her.”
He glanced at the clock. “I can’t . . . my patients tomorrow.”
“No, not tonight. She needs some time with her parents. But go after her tomorrow. She loves you, Jefferson. That’s why she’s hurting so much.”
Temptation Page 22
