“Can I help you with that?” Tre was already wrestling Jen for the basket’s handle.
She relinquished it. Mindful that his mother was not exactly a lightweight, and getting up there in age, they meandered slowly toward the boat.
The rented deckhand that most of the community used had finished hosing down the deck and polishing the chrome. The boat sparkled invitingly under the sun.
“Oh, my lord,” Marva said, bringing a plump hand to her heart. “You’ve made it, boy.”
“I’m not quite there yet.” Tre kept his expression bland but was secretly delighted at his mother’s joy. It felt good to know she was proud of him. “I have bigger plans so I can get bigger toys.”
“These seem pretty big to me.”
Tre could not see Jen’s expression because her eyes were hidden behind huge sunglasses. She waited until they were seated on the deck, his mother ensconced on the built-in bench at the back, and she in the front next to him to say, “Bigger plans. How much bigger can they get?”
He started up the boat, shouting over the noise of the motor. “I’ve always wanted to be on the air in New York City. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a boy.”
“You do think big. What’s your plan to get there?”
They were slowly chugging out to the open bay, passing boats with families and singles out for a day of fun in the sun. Tre inhaled the smell of salt, loving it.
“I started off broadcasting during college,” Tre began. Jen, all ears, listened intently. “Just the local college radio. It was fun, made me feel like a big man. And I was good at it. After I graduated I was lucky to get a job in a little town in Missouri. That lasted all of a year before I was fired. Since then, I’ve worked in backwater towns in Georgia and Louisiana. Then I hit the big time. I landed a job in Boston, cohosting a show.”
“That’s impressive. Boston’s a big urban city, a quick shuttle flight to New York. Why didn’t you stay?”
“Because I found that city just a bit too stuffy. Plus WARP came to me with this offer. It was an opportunity to have my own show and they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. They were already thinking ahead, anticipating the Northeast baby boomers would be buying homes on the Florida Coast and would miss a particular broadcasting style.”
“So you’re the answer to urban withdrawal. But didn’t you tell me you were from Detroit?”
“He is,” Marva chimed in from her throne in the back. She was tired of being silent. “A born and bred Michigan boy.” How she’d heard the conversation over the noise of the motor was anyone’s guess.
Jen shot Marva a dazzling white smile before turning back to him.
“And you, you still haven’t told me what you do.”
“I think I’ll go keep your mother company for a while,” was her answer as she slid off her chair. “Be back shortly.”
Tre had been surprised that she’d not had a much stronger reaction to his radio persona when she’d found out. He hadn’t expected her to fawn all over him but he had expected her to demand answers or at least accuse him of lying. Not that he’d lied outright. He’d just omitted a few essential details about his career. It occurred to him that Jen wasn’t exactly forthcoming about her career either and he wondered what that was about.
All that could wait to be pondered later. It was a lovely day and he didn’t plan on ruining it. Jen and Marva were getting along famously and his mother was not the easiest person in the world. In fact she could be downright cantankerous at times when the mood struck her.
Tre steered the boat into a secluded cove where there were picnic tables and benches and a small beach where people swam. Heron Bay was one of the better kept secrets in North Florida.
“We’re here, ladies,” he announced, slowing the boat down and angling it into the slip, preparing to drop anchor.
“Would you like help with that?” Jen asked. She’d already sprung up and jumped ashore before he could stop her. “Throw me that rope.”
It surprised him how competent she was at tying the boat to the dock.
“Thank you. You make a good mate,” he said jokingly after he’d helped Marva off.
“Yes, she does,” his mother said, nodding enthusiastically.
They spent the day walking around the small island and cooling off in the water when they got overly warm. Tre received an unexpected treat when Jen stripped down to a modest red bikini with red clasps holding the bottom and top together. He stopped himself one note short of a wolf whistle.
For a moment Jen’s hazel eyes flashed, then she summoned a smile. “Was that a compliment?”
His mother for once kept her mouth shut. Her expression indicated she knew something they didn’t. After a while they found a shady spot and devoured the contents of Jen’s picnic basket.
“I think I’m going to take a nap,” Marva said. She pointed a finger. “Right over there in that shady spot where they have lounge chairs you can rent.”
“Good idea,” Tre said, suddenly wanting to be alone with Jen. Although she had put her shorts back on, that little red bikini was beginning to get to him.
“You two have fun.” Marva twiddled her fingers in their direction.
They set off down a path with a sign that said, Nature Walk. Tre pointed out some of the foliage and flora native to Florida. Jen looked at him curiously. “How come you know so much about all of this?” She gestured with two hands, the nails meticulously trimmed.
“Would you believe,” he said, capturing one of those expansive hands in his, “that I was a botany major?”
“Get out.”
“My minor was communications.”
She frowned. “Now that’s a puzzling combination.”
“Not really. I wanted to be versatile and prepared for anything.”
They’d come to a nature preserve. Flamingos, ibises and herons roamed freely.
“Boy, do I wish I’d brought my camera,” Jen said, leaning over the railing separating humans from the birds.
“I have this,” Tre offered, handing her his cell phone. “Modern technology makes all things possible.”
She snapped a couple of shots and let him look at them.
“Not bad as digitals go.”
They walked some more, this time admiring the caged panthers and a watery inlet which was supposedly alligator-infested, although none of the gators so much as raised their heads.
Wanting to relax, Tre sank onto a little wooden bench and patted the spot next to him.
“Are you thinking of making that purchase we spoke of?” he asked.
“You mean, buying the condo?”
“Yes, I heard there aren’t that many left. The residents are snapping them up at the insiders’ price.”
“I suppose I should do something, and quickly.”
“It will be a good investment. You can’t lose, even if you decide not to stay.”
She looked at him curiously. “I recently sold a house, packed up everything I owned and moved to Flamingo Beach. I have no plans to go anywhere in a hurry.”
“That must mean you like our little town,” he said, his index finger taking on a life of its own, and touching the tip of her nose.
Jen wiggled her nose and smiled at him. “I do, although it took some getting used to. I mean Ashton was not exactly a big city. The Midwest is a pretty laid-back place and fairly accepting of pretty much everything and everyone. Flamingo Beach is…well…”
“The south?”
“Exactly. It seems mired in tradition. Here’s a town where the majority of people are African-American yet people don’t seem to mingle. You’ve got whites living on one side and blacks on the other.”
“Except for our complex. Our residents seem to mingle peaceably. From what I understand it was the architect’s vision to offer truly multicultural living.”
“Ah, to realize a dream.”
“You must have one,” he insisted. “We all do.”
“I do. Mine is to be completely self-suff
icient.”
“By that you mean you don’t want a man in your life?”
Tre held his breath even as his hands wandered. His runaway fingers traced a path across her cheeks before floating downward to cup Jen’s chin.
“No, by that I mean that I am never ever going to so totally fall in love that I lose sight of other important things in life.”
“Like what?” Tre asked, leaning over and kissing her cheek. He twined his fingers through hers and forced her to look at him. Was that the glimmer of unshed tears in her eyes?
“Like my health and happiness and like remaining my own person,” Jen said, and yes, those were real tears. “I’ll always have a career because that’s the only thing you’ll have when it’s over with.”
“You’ve been hurt,” he said matter-of-factly and kissed her. This time it wasn’t a teasing kiss but one so passion-filled he was close to losing his head. Jen frustrated him with her secrecy. If only he could break down the barriers and get to know the woman a little bit. Would she let him?
And she was kissing him back with the same amount of intensity, letting their tongues meet and meld. The shrill cries of birds echoed in the background and wildlife called to each other in an intricate mating dance. The clasp that held the top of her bathing suit was only inches from his itching fingers. No, better not go there. But she was pressing into him and he felt her taut nipples against his chest. And, God it was tempting.
His mother…well, God only knew where she was. It was thoughts of her that kept him grounded and in control.
Tre’s arms slid around Jen, his palm kneading the supple flesh of her back. Her skin was warmed by the sun and taut under his hand. Tre kissed her again, and then with every ounce of restraint he could muster put her away from him
“What—”
“We need to get back.”
No, it was he who needed to get back and get himself in check. He didn’t want to imagine what was going on in her head as he took her hand and they retraced their steps, heading back toward Marva.
His mother was still sprawled out on her lounger and looked like she had no intention of moving anytime soon. Thank God!
“I’ll come by later,” Tre whispered, “to finish what I started. Think you’ll be home?”
“I’ll be home,” Jen answered.
But there was a look in her eye he wasn’t sure how to interpret.
She’d better be home or he’d go clear out of his mind.
Chapter 17
Jen was just drifting off to sleep when she heard a sound at her front door. Faint at first, then a rapid staccato. Too much sun and frolicking in the ocean that day had left her feeling lethargic and sleepy.
It had been a great day and she’d enjoyed every moment of being with Tre and Marva. She’d seen that other side of Tre that she liked, the warm and caring side, considerate of his mother’s feelings, and catering to their every need.
Jen had returned slightly sunburned. Her skin had a copper glow to it and her cheeks and shoulders were burned. She’d been full of chicken salad and avocado sandwiches. They’d washed them down with sweet tea then sampled the excellent white wine she’d brought along. Mangos and melons had been the fruit of choice for dessert.
And they’d talked and talked about their philosophies on life. Jen had finally concluded that the brash, flip loudmouth D’Dawg personality was just all an act. And she’d pretty much forgiven him for all the mean things he’d said about Dear Jenna.
During their alone time, Tre hadn’t once mentioned Café Singles or Dear Jenna responding to his ad. Perhaps he just hadn’t taken the response seriously. He had to know Dear Jenna was yanking his chain big-time. The only question was would he retaliate?
Another insistent rap, then an inquiry. “Jen, are you up?”
This time Jen’s eyes flew wide open. She hadn’t been dreaming. Tre had mentioned something about stopping by later to finish what they had started. Now he was here to make good on his promise. She was a big girl, quite capable of making her own decisions. She knew what the consequences would be if they made the leap from next-door neighbors to lovers. What she needed to do was go into this with her eyes wide open but having no expectations.
Jen flipped off the covers, quickly ran a comb through her hair and found the wrapper she’d had difficulty finding the last time around.
“Hi,” she greeted, opening the door just wide enough to stick her head out.
“I woke you. I’m sorry.”
Trying to wipe the sleep away, she swiped at her eyes. “Not really.”
“I’ll let you get back to bed then.”
“No, no. It’s all right. I’m up. Come in.”
She stood aside, making room for him to enter.
He was wearing a track suit that emphasized his arm and leg muscles. Sculptured and fit were what came to mind. You could tell he worked out. Jen had noticed that earlier when Tre had emerged from the boat’s cuddy cabin wearing his swim trunks. He was now standing awkwardly in the middle of her living room.
“What time is it, anyway?” Jen asked, the watch she normally wore, left on the nightstand.
“A little after nine. I waited until Mother passed out before heading over.”
They both knew why he’d waited for Marva to fall asleep and why he was there.
“How about a glass of wine, unless you’d prefer something else?” Jen asked.
“I’ll take beer if you have it. Doesn’t much matter the brand.”
Jen got him his beer, poured herself a glass of wine and got nuts to snack on. When she returned, Tre was standing on the balcony looking down at the bay. She set down their drinks and the bowl of nuts on the table. The minute she straightened, Tre placed an arm around her shoulders.
“Enjoy yourself today?”
“Yes, thank you. Your boat is lovely. The company was great as well.”
“My mother thinks you’re special. In case you haven’t noticed she’s sort of a difficult lady.”
“I think she’s special.”
Tre’s thumb made circular patterns on her shoulders. His lips grazed her jawline. “I want to make love to you, baby. It’s all I can think of. It’s all that fills my head. I’ve wanted to do that from the very first time I’d laid eyes on you.”
Caution. Proceed carefully. He was feeding her a line. What the hell, just don’t take him too seriously and just go with the flow. She was a grown adult and there was nothing to stop her from having a fling. There might be consequences considering they lived right next door, but for tonight she was willing to live in the moment.
“You can pretty much have any woman you want,” Jen countered. “You’re considered a celebrity. Women are at your beck and call. Your apartment has a revolving door. Most leave there pretty unhappy. What’s with that?”
“I’m not looking for a quick hit. Those days are over with. And quite frankly, I’m not crazy about being pursued.”
His answer surprised her. She would have thought he’d eat up all the attention.
“What qualifies as not a quick hit?” she quizzed.
She’d just made it sound as if she was interrogating him. That should scare him off and send him running for home.
“I’m looking for a relationship,” he came back with. “Full blown with all the romantic trimmings. I want to be with someone I have something in common with. She’s got to be adventurous, flexible and secure. Just looking at her should make my mouth go dry.”
“I would never have thought you were romantic.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
“Amen.”
Now he was rubbing her shoulders and leaning over to kiss her right on the lips. Jen was on sensory overload and digesting everything he’d just told her—the sight, manly smell and timbre of his voice literally made her toes curl. Soon she was clinging to him and kissing him back with a fierce passion that he’d aroused.
The hastily thrown-on wrapper was pooled at her feet. The balmy oce
an breeze ruffled the T-shirt she’d worn to bed and cooled her heated cheeks. She was wired, every nerve ending alive.
Tre had the material of her shirt bunched in one hand. The other roamed her butt, cupping it slightly and squeezing. He’d pressed her hard against him and she could feel his growing erection.
Jen stood on tiptoe, kissing him back, delighting in the sensations his kiss evoked. She loved the feel and touch of him. The tingle that had started at her toes had worked its way up. Every nerve was alive and her center throbbed. Her breasts felt heavy, as if they would explode.
“Time to take this inside, baby,” Tre suggested, putting her away from him.
Jen’s breaths came in quick little bursts. She linked her fingers through Tre’s and allowed him to lead her inside. Since their apartments basically had the same layout, he was up the hallway in a flash and inside her bedroom. Luckily she’d tidied up, just in case he followed through on his promise.
Tre was already kicking off his track pants. She tried not to stare at his strong muscular legs and the crisp dark hairs curling over them. When he unzipped the suit jacket, she caught a glimpse of a broad ebony chest and sculptured pectorals and a nest of dark hair.
Tre’s smile warmed her. He took a long stride, closing the distance between them.
“You need help with that,” he said, tugging the T-shirt over her head. When Jen stood in only her bikini panties, his hot gaze swept her body. He moistened a finger in his mouth and reached over to outline a nipple. She jumped.
Tre’s other hand was already on her breast, kneading the soft flesh beneath his heated palm. She was already close to losing it. Her throbbing body wanted every inch of him. Jen put it down to being too long without a man; not that Anderson had been anything special in the sack, though he thought he was.
Tre stopped and was now rifling through the pocket of his discarded pants. He palmed an object and peeled off his underpants with his other hand, then he climbed under the covers.
“Join me, baby,” he urged. “Let me love you.”
“Shouldn’t we talk about protection?”
“Taken care of.” He opened his palm and showed her the gold foil package.
Flamingo Place (Mills & Boon Kimani) Page 14
