If I'd Only Known (Milan Women Series Book 1)

by Johnson, C. A.

  “I didn't say all that, Perri. I just think he's really good looking, that's all,” Tyler insisted with a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “So what's he doing here?”

  “Let's find out. You ready?” Perri asked, seeing right through her baby sister’s calm façade.

  Tyler's eyes said no; her mind said, go for it. And her mouth said, “Yeah,” and she allowed her sister to lead her up the walkway.

  “So who's that stunning woman outside, B?” Kane asked with a wolfish grin.

  Barrington laughed. “That's my wife, man, so step off.”

  “Quit playing, man. You know who I'm referring to. Now tell me. Who is she?”

  Barrington chuckled at the awestruck look on his cousin's face. It was a first where any woman—beautiful or otherwise was concerned—which meant this particular woman had awakened something interesting within him.

  “B?” Kane prompted after boldly looking out the window, watching the two women converse.

  Shaking his head, Barrington knew for sure now that Kane Devoe had finally discovered that, in spite of his chosen area of music, he was still a man who could appreciate a fine sister when he came across one. Especially one as beautiful as the Milan sisters were blessed to be.

  “Hurry up, man,” Kane ordered anxiously. “They’re getting ready to come inside.”

  “That's a good thing because I miss my wife and, I'm—”

  “Barrington!” Kane half shouted.

  Barrington laughed out loud. “Easy, man.” He laughed again. “That's Perri's little sister, Tyler Milan.”

  Kane felt a stirring inside at just the mention of her name. “She got a man?”

  Hearing the pair of sisters enter the house, Barrington only shook his head no. He held back a laugh watching his cousin nod in both understanding and appreciation.

  “Hey, baby.” Barrington greeted his wife with a welcome kiss. On the sly he whispered in her ear, “Wait until I get you alone; I got big plans for you tonight.”

  “Hey yourself,” Perri returned her husband's warm kiss. She grew hot upon hearing his promise of a beautiful night, no doubt, filled with much lovemaking.

  Kane cleared his throat. “Hey, Perri,” he said and held open his arms for a hug.

  Smiling, Perri went into his outstretched arms, hugging him in a brotherly fashion. The two of them had always interacted like brother and sister. “Hey, man. It's good to see you. It's been a while.”

  “I'd say so, little mommy.”

  Perri lit up at the reference of her daughter. “Have you seen her yet?”

  “Haven't received the pleasure just yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to it.”

  “She's gonna steal your heart,” Perri promised.

  “I have no doubt. Besides, your husband basically made the same statement, so it must be true.”

  They all laughed.

  Kane’s appreciative eyes traveled past Perri, landing on the beautiful Tyler Milan. He couldn't help noticing she was even more striking up close. Now, he wanted to get personal. “I see you have company, too.”

  His smile sent shivers racing up and down Tyler's spine as she melted under the heat of his gaze.

  Perri stepped back, reaching for her sister's hand. “This, Kane Devoe, is my little sister, Tyler Milan.” She joined her husband's side as the two strangers shook hands. Perri gazed up at Barrington at the same time he lightly squeezed her waist. “Looks like a hit to me,” she mouthed to her husband, who nodded.

  “It's nice to meet you, Kane.” Tyler greeted, ignoring the butterflies she felt under his intense gaze; and that was pale in comparison to the incredible jolt of wonder and awe that shimmied in her lower belly with just the mention of his name. But his eyes a striking shade of ice blue to be exact is what truly lured her in. Well, that along with the fact that he was at least six-three, well built in all the right places, and his whole demeanor screamed “man—all man.” Tyler tried forcing her eyes to stay focused on his enchanting ice blue eyes and nothing more.

  Lightly squeezing her hand affectionately, Kane assured her, “The pleasure belongs to me, Tyler.” He couldn't help staring at her, though he did try not to. But with an exquisite face such as hers, it was hard not to become enthralled with her. Kane smiled inwardly guesstimating she was at least five seven in height and judging from the tasteful, but form fitting short-sleeved black and white jumpsuit she sported, she was easily a size five, her waist being the tiniest part of her shapely figure. Kane’s eyes traveled back to her face, resting on her light grey eyes that had him mesmerized. He definitely appreciated the baby fine light brown ringlets that framed her oval shaped face so well. This woman was a goddess, he decided, as he wrapped up his blatant survey of her appearance. Normally he wouldn't have been so bold, but Tyler Milan was definitely not a woman a man could ignore and he was no exception. He also couldn't deny feeling a positive attraction to her, to which, a certain part of his anatomy also took notice of.

  Perri chuckled, “So, umm, Kane?”

  With visible hesitation, Kane turned his gaze to Perri.

  She had to laugh out loud. “What are you doing here, anyway?” She smiled as Barrington swaying her back and forth in his arms. Man, was she ready to get this man home and into . . .

  “I'm here for B,” Kane stated. Looking at his cousin, he said, “Guess he didn't tell you, huh?”

  “I was going to but never got around to it. I wanted to be sure Toby would go for the idea first, baby.”

  “Idea?” He must have seen the confusion on Perri’s face because he rushed to explain.

  “I asked Kane to finish out my tour for me so I can be home with you and Imani.”

  Her heart skipped a beat, touched by his gesture, Perri smiled. “You did?” She was definitely ready to get back home to her man tonight and show him how appreciative she was.

  Reading the look of pure desire of fire in her chocolate brown eyes, Barrington smiled, kissing her lips ever so softly. “I did.” Then he whispered for her ears only, “It won't be long, sweet Perri. Just hold on for Daddy a little while longer.”

  Feeling her core flood with cream, Perri, slightly nodded.

  Kane cleared his throat for the second time. “You know, you two could always head upstairs for a little afternoon delight because I could swear I smell hormones all up in the air.”

  Everyone laughed, but Kane was taken by Tyler's laugh; it was distinct and he was sure from here on out he’d be able to pick it out in any crowd simply because now he was enchanted by it.

  “So, baby, where's Imani?”

  Before Barrington could answer, Perri's cell phone rang.

  Looking at the screen, she said, “I have to take this y'all.”

  “Do your thing, baby.” Barrington kissed the side of her neck and released her.

  Feeling it may take a while, Perri crossed over to the other side of the room for privacy.

  “So, Kane, you ready to hit the studio?”

  “Whenever you are, man,” he answered Barrington while openly gazing at Tyler.

  “Guys, I'm sorry,” Perri joined them. “I have to leave now; that was a buyer from New York inquiring about the Imani Collection. Says he wants to pre-order the entire line,” she squealed and did a victory dance and laughed when Barrington picked her up swinging her around.

  “That's great, baby.” Barrington congratulated his wife with a sensuous kiss.

  “Thank you.” She returned his kiss with a passionate one of her own.

  “It is great, Perri,” Tyler was saying, “I'm proud of you, sis.”

  “Thanks, Tyler.”

  “Yeah, Perri, congrats,” Kane said and hugged her. Then his gaze automatically fell back to Tyler. The woman was absolutely enchanting.

  “Shoot,” Perri complained. “I'm not gonna get to see my baby before I go.”

  “Don't worry, baby. You'll see her shortly.”

  Looking up at her husband, Perri inquired, “How's that gonna work out with
you and Kane having to go to the studio?”

  “Don't worry, Perri. I'll take Imani with me and just bring her home later,” Tyler happily volunteered more than ready to focus on someone other than the gorgeous Mr. Kane Devoe.

  “You don't mind?”

  “Don't be silly, Perri. Of course I don't mind spending time with my niece.”

  Perri smiled and hugged her sister. “Thanks. Don't know what I'd do without you.” She turned to Barrington. “I'll see you tonight, G-Man.” She winked at him.

  “I'll walk you out, baby.” He caught hold of her waist, ushering her outside.

  “What do you think about those two?” Perri gestured with a nod.

  “For the first time ever Kane is totally immersed in a woman.”

  “He's not alone; Tyler can barely stop gawking at him.”

  They laughed.

  “I give it two days before Kane moves in for the kill.”

  Playfully bumping him with her rump, Perri said, “Hey, that's my sister. And I don't mind so long as Kane doesn't treat her like road kill.” She laughed, lacing her fingers in between her husband's hand. “I think you're right though. It won't be long before those two are spending time together. He's gonna have to be careful, though, because Tyler doesn't trust men too easily.”

  “Must run in the Milan women gene pool,” Barrington teased.

  “Probably true,” Perri mused, she knew he expected her to deny it.

  “Kane’s a good man, baby. He'll be very good to Tyler. So that's one less concern for you.” He stopped abruptly and turned to stare down at his wife. “Now, you, Mrs. Knight, can concentrate on just how many ways you want me to do you tonight.”

  Perri laughed, feeling herself cream again just from the anticipation. “Stop that now, G-Man. Besides, I already know exactly how I'm gonna love you down.”

  “Care to give me an example?”

  “Only if you're going to reciprocate,” she said seductively.

  “Got time to take to the backseat of your car with me?”

  She chuckled. “That's very tempting. But, umm, no, I gotta go for real.”

  Barrington slightly opened the top of her blouse, leaned down and lightly blew between her breastbone. He laughed when she trembled from pleasure. “There's more where that came from and you're gonna get it all tonight,” he promised, sealing it with a kiss. Then without warning he swooped her up in his arms, carrying her the rest of the way to her car. “The sooner you get going, the sooner we can get our late night delight started up.” He kissed her cheek, wanting to do so much more to his beautiful wife and her delectable body. Barrington grew harder just thinking about it. “Damn, baby, tonight can't come soon enough. I'm gonna have to go take care of myself,” he teased.

  They laughed.

  “Oh, no you don't, Barrington.” Perri rubbed his chest, knowing how much he loved it. “You go take a cold shower for now and tonight I'll take care of you real good, G-Man.” She promised, licking his bottom lip before playfully biting it, then soothing it with her tongue. “I want you so bad, Barry,” she whispered.

  Barrington grinned and winked. “We just one step away from your backseat; I'm telling you, baby, we can catch a quickie right now?” he offered, hoping she'd give in. “Okay,” he said when she shook her head at him, “then we'll both be equally love starved by the time we come together tonight.” Placing her feet back on the ground, he announced, “Here we are, baby.”

  Once she was secured in her seatbelt, Barrington leaned in and kissed his wife, letting his tongue tease her with movements that promised of what was to come when they met later at home. He broke the heated kiss. “I better let you go, baby, before I hurt myself trying to keep it together.”

  Perri couldn't help laughing. “You wanna hit me, Barry?”

  “Girl, quit teasing me. I'm about to make love to you right here and now.”

  “So you say.” She took her time sliding her hand down his chest and stomach, in between his thighs and groped his engorged manhood, which sure enough, was ready to push through his jeans.

  Barrington groaned from pleasurable pain. His eyes darted to her backseat. “I can show now, baby. I swear I can.”

  “Promises, promises,” she teased with a flirtatious wink.

  “That's all right, I keep my promises, woman.”

  Perri had to admit that was true. She could only think of one exception, but wisely refused to go back there. It was the past and history wasn't going to repeat itself; she felt sure she could trust Barrington completely this time around. “Baby, thank you for what you did, taking time from touring to be home with us.”

  “No worries, baby girl. You're my world, and Imani and you will always come first with me. Always, sweet Perri,” he kissed her palm, tonguing it before saying softly, “I'll pick up right there, tonight. I love you, baby.”

  Perri smiled. “I love you more, baby boy.”

  Kissing her one last time, Barrington said, “Go on, baby. Be careful. See you later.” He watched her pull out of his driveway and continued to watch her until she was out of sight. On the way back to the house, he noticed Nia's car was gone. That was odd, he thought, pulling out his cell to call her. It rang five times before going to her voice mail. He left a message that Perri's sister was here waiting to take Imani home, so she should get here ASAP. Satisfied, Barrington flipped his phone shut and headed inside to let Tyler know what was up.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Perri was so tired after leaving her boutique she didn't know what to do. Then she thought about the lovemaking her husband had promised her and instantly she was renewed. She smiled and sang the rest of the way home.

  Perri slowed her roll, as she got closer to their neighborhood. Noticing the crowd, and especially the police cars that lined the road, her heart sped up. She was flagged down to stop by a police officer.

  “Ma'am, I'm sorry, but I can't let you past this marking.”

  “I live there in that house.” She pointed just behind him.

  “Sorry, ma'am, but I'm gonna need to see some ID.”

  Perri was already handing it to him as dread filled her lungs. “What's going on here, officer?” She blinked back the tears that all of a sudden filled her eyes.

  Satisfied, the officer returned her ID. “Ma'am, go on through. I'll let you speak with my chief; he's posted outside your house as we speak.”

  “Why can't you just tell me?”

  “I'm not at liberty to say, ma'am. But if you just—”

  Cutting the engine, Perri didn't wait for him to finish. Instead, she jumped out of the car and cut through her grass and sprinted to their house.

  Still dazed after hearing what Chief Morris had just informed her of, Perri was surprised she was still able to stand on her own two feet. Her nerves were a mess and her stomach was a mass of jelly. She came in through the back door so she wasn't surprised that no one heard her enter the living room.

  Ignoring everyone else in the room, Perri kept her gaze glued to her husband, arresting him with cold eyes. “Is it true?”

  “Perri—”

  “Is it true?” She demanded a little louder, “Is it true, yes or no?”

  Exhaling deeply, Barrington nodded in reply this time.

  Lowering her gaze to the floor she saw pure fire and ice and she was about two seconds from raining down brimstone. “You see,” Perri said to the floor. “Do you finally see?” She screamed at Barrington. “I knew it was a mistake to let you back into my life! This—” she had to stop herself from choking on her own spit, took a deep breath, and accused, “This is your fault. One of your lunatic obsessed fans stole my baby!”

  “She’s not a fan, she’s my housekeeper,” he said in his defense.

  “Who happens to be certifiable, Barrington,” Perri said, shaking her head. “Is it supposed to make me feel better that you thought she was someone you could and did trust to leave my child alone with when you knew I didn’t trust the woman? Was your so-called housekeeper r
eally worth betraying your wife for?”

  Barrington tossed her an agitated glare. “Look, Perri, I had no idea Nia was capable of something like this. Hell, if I'd . . . I didn’t even know she had a crush on me until we went upstairs and I saw the shrine she’d made of me in her bedroom.” He searched her eyes for compassion. “I’m just as surprised and upset about this as you are, Perri, and, like you, all I want is Imani’s safe return.” He stretched his hand toward her. “You have to believe that, baby.”

  Slapping his hand away, Perri remarked hotly, “I don’t have to believe a damn word that comes out of your mouth. And from this day forward, I won’t.”

  Barrington couldn’t hide the hurt in his eyes or the dejection in his voice, “I didn’t know,” he said to no one in particular. “If I’d only known but I swear, I didn’t know.”

  “If you’d only known?” she repeated his theme phrase. “Now, that seems to be the story of your life, doesn’t it?”

  “Perri—”

  “Just shut up, Barrington, I don’t wanna hear anything else you have to say. Right now, I’m having trouble even looking at you, let alone occupying the same stinking space with you. You don’t talk to me. Just leave me alone!”

  “That’s enough, Perri,” Mattie’s strong and firm voice came across the otherwise silent, but tension thick filled room, loud and clear.

  “It’s all right, Ms. Mattie—”

  “No it’s not,” Mattie insisted. “Imani is your daughter, too; you love her just as much as my granddaughter.” She turned her attention to Perri. “And she knows you’d never intentionally put her life or her well-being in danger. Don’t you, Sugarplum?”

  “It doesn’t matter what his so-called good intentions were, because almost doesn’t count! His intentions may have started off pure. But almost won’t bring my daughter back to me. He may have intended to protect her with his life. But that doesn’t change the fact that some overly obsessed woman walked out of his house with my baby in tow . . .” her voice broke.

  Mattie had tears in her eyes when she spoke this time, “Sugarplum, I know you’re hurting. But you’re not the only one who’s feeling this loss. Stop being selfish and look around you, Perri. There’s a room full of people with hearts overflowing with love for Imani. You’re her mother, Perri, but does that mean the rest of us aren’t supposed to feel pain just because you gave birth to her? I know that’s not what you think, Sugarplum, because in my heart, I know you know better than that. Everyone who loves Imani took a hard hit today. And it hit Barrington every bit as much as you. Baby . . . he’s got feelings, too.”