Love Thy Neighbor's Nephew

by Stephanie Williams

  They walked into the kitchen. “Oh, that’ll be great. Just remember, Kosher salt and rinse the chicken before frying it.”

  “Mmm, I hope I can make it as good as you.”

  “Don’t worry, it’s foolproof.”

  Liz grinned and sat down. “So, Lawrence tells me he and his buddies are going to help you with the roof.”

  “I hope it isn’t too much for him.”

  “Are you kidding? I always thought he’d become a contractor, not a math whiz. But I guess the two kinda go together. Measuring and all that.”

  “I’ll be honest with you, I’m the typical female when it comes to house repairs.” Yolanda poured the coffee. “Which is why I pay someone.

  Liz chuckled. “Um, there was something else I wanted to ask you regarding the party. But first, what’s that smell and can I have one?” She giggled

  “Okay. And of course. Homemade blueberry bagels.” She grabbed the plate from the counter and set it in the middle of the table.

  “Cool,” she said, eyeing the platter. “Anyway, I was wondering if you’d cook your famous mac n’ cheese with the bacon.”

  “You don’t even have to ask.” She went to the fridge and took out the butter and cream cheese. “Hurry and spread this on while they’re hot.”

  “That is a dangerous machine,” Liz said, smearing on the cream cheese. She took a huge bite. “Mmm. Delish. Oh, Lawrence also told me you’d be bunking down with us, too, once he really gets going with the roof.”

  Yolanda sighed. The subject wasn’t going to crash and burn. “I know. I told him I don’t want to intrude—”

  “Intrude? Nonsense. In fact, it’ll be game time, and Hank will be glued to the easy chair. It’ll be like a girls’ slumber party. I’ll make sure I clean up the room next to Lawrence’s.”

  Yolanda’s arms tingled. Goodness, she needed to make an appointment with the dermatologist—her skin seemed to prickle too much lately. She shouldn’t be having these reactions every time Lawrence’s name was mentioned. He was the kid who played with her stepchildren, who came over for pot roast and played video games.

  So long ago. He was thirty now. Nothing near the kid who dug in the dirt and got in trouble for breaking her window playing baseball with Jasper and Jasmine.

  But damn it! He’s a grown man. He’s not jailbait. She sighed to herself. If only he wasn’t so close to her; a stranger maybe. She could actually see herself with Lawrence—even if only for fun.

  Nope. He was off-limits. If she wanted to be a cougar, it would have to be with some other young stud.

  “Yolanda?”

  “Huh?” She shook her head and turned her attention back to her friend. “I’m sorry.”

  “You’ve been on another planet for the past couple of days.” She eyed her suspiciously. “Anyway, I was telling you Lawrence said he would come by later today to see how your cabinet is doing. Still on the wall?”

  Yolanda looked over her shoulder. “Yep. Tight and snug. Lawrence is too sweet.”

  “Isn’t he though? Hank and I were teasing him, saying he had a crush on you. He’s over here often enough.

  “Oh!” Yolanda jumped from her seat, spilling her drink. She reached for some paper towels.

  “Oh dear,” Liz said, helping her mop up the mess.

  “Clumsy me.” She tossed the wet towels in the trash. “I’ll make sure I pay him right. No matter how hard he tries to give me a discount.”

  “Humph. He said he would do your roof for free,” Liz said, grinning behind her cup.

  ***

  Lawrence rang Yolanda’s doorbell. He was late, at least to him. He’d wanted to arrive before Lizzy came by, but the conference call with Professor Grayson had held him up. Before he’d realized it, two hours had passed, and Lizzy had returned from Yolanda’s.

  He’d brought along books on roofing, but they were just a ploy, a reason for him to be there. Be next to her. He wanted to talk to her. A serious talk. Not about school or houses, but about the two of them.

  Hell, who was he kidding? There wasn’t really a them. But he hoped that would change this afternoon.

  Yolanda came to the door. “Hello there.” She stepped aside and he walked in.

  “I have some books on roofing. All I need to do is see what kind of roof you have, the damage, and with a little help from Home Depot, go from there.”

  “You think Mr. Kenny is pulling a fast one?”

  “Contractors can be a bit shady, even the friendly ones. I’m just going to check out the damage and see if it’s extensive.”

  “Thanks so much, Lawrence, I really do appreciate it.”

  She rubbed his arm. He glanced at her fingers for a heartbeat, savoring the contrast of her milk chocolate skin against his, and moved on to the kitchen. If he’d stood there any longer, he would have taken her hand and smothered it in kisses. “No problem. I’m more than happy to do it.”

  “Why didn’t you become a contractor? Liz and I were just talking about that.”

  Lawrence threw back his head and laughed. “I don’t know really. It seems like it comes natural, unlike Uncle Hank. I guess mathematics takes problem solving a bit further, solving equations after months of studying them. I think it’s more challenging.”

  “Makes sense. Hey, I guess if you ever get stumped on an equation though, you can build something.”

  He laughed again. “You know, maybe a little side business in contracting wouldn’t be such a bad idea. But that’s way in the future. Let me get on your roof. Got a ladder?”

  “In the garage.” She pointed toward the back door.

  After about a half hour, he rejoined her in the kitchen, where she sat typing on her laptop.

  “Well, what do you know? An honest contractor.” He took a seat at the breakfast nook.

  “Hmm, I kinda hoped you would find it didn’t really need fixing,” she said, without looking up from the computer.

  “Stop worrying about it, and me doing it for you.” Lawrence scooted his chair around and glanced at Yolanda’s work. “Hey, that’s sweet.”

  “Thanks. My latest client. He’s very particular, and he sorta gets on my nerves, but he knows what he likes.”

  “And if he’s willing to pay fifty bucks for each change, you ain’t complaining.”

  “Got that right.”

  He took a deep mental breath. He needed to start asking her some personal questions but didn’t know how she would react. His curiosity was killing him. What did she see in him—if anything?

  And what if he got the answer he wanted? Could he pursue her? He’d stayed up all night thinking the situation over and hadn’t come up with anything that would make things any easier. So, he’d decided to go for broke.

  “Say, Yolanda, I’ve been meaning to ask you. I know you’re coming to my welcome-home party next weekend.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  “Are you bringing a date?”

  Yolanda stopped typing codes in the client’s web page. She side glanced him. “Did Liz ask you to come over here and ask me that? She’s been tryi—”

  “No, she didn’t. This is something I wanted to know myself.”

  “Oh? Why?”

  “Why not? I won’t be having anyone on my arm, and my aunt invited every couple on the block, married or dating.”

  “I see. Like Noah’s Ark.”

  “Yeah. So, I haven’t heard you mention anyone special, and Lizzy would have surely said something if you had someone. So, I just assumed maybe you’re available—at least for that night.”

  She cocked her head and smiled. She reached for a piece of paper, which looked like more coding, placed it in front of her, and began typing again. “Do you have a date for me?”

  “Yeah. Me.”

  Chapter Seven

  Yolanda didn’t want to overreact, but at the same time she didn’t want to encourage the topic of conversation. All kinds of emotions ran through her. Flattered, sexy, scared, and wanton. Lord. Shou
ld she jokingly tell him she wasn’t his type? Or should she be serious and nip it in the bud, say no way, José?

  Why couldn’t he be a stranger?

  Maybe she should see where the discussion headed and judge from there. “Lawrence, don’t you think we’d make an odd couple?”

  “Not at all. You and I would be the only ones there without a date. I think it would be cute to be seen together.”

  “Cute? Seriously?” The wonder of youth. She needed him to see reality. “I don’t know about that. Tongues would wag.”

  “Afraid of a little neighborhood gossip?” He wiggled his brows.

  “Yeah!” Being run out of town by sundown.

  “Don’t be silly, no one would think anything.”

  She took off her glasses. “Are you kidding?”

  “You’re being paranoid. Anyway, you and I know there is nothing really going on between us. Right?”

  She stared at him and kinda wished there was. She wanted desperately to caress that strong face of his with her hands. My God! Did I just think that? Thank goodness he couldn’t read minds. “Lawrence, it doesn’t matter. People will—”

  “People are going to think whatever they want, so it doesn’t matter. Come on. it’ll be fun. Besides, I think we make a great couple.” He placed his hand over hers.

  Yolanda glanced down, trying not to enjoy the sensation. The exoticness of his lighter slightly tanned fingers over her mocha skin ignited her fascination. Plus, he had really nice hands—among other things.

  At the moment, hers were shaking. She removed her hand from his, sliding it across the table.

  “What’s the matter? Am I making you nervous?”

  “N-no. It’s just….” Yeah you’re making me nervous. You’re a young man making a play for me. “I don’t think we should continue this conversation. I’ll just show up at the party. Besides, I won’t really be alone. I’m going to being hanging around you, Liz, and Hank.”

  “I’d prefer you just hang around me.”

  He had that making a move look. Not good. She crossed her arms in front of her—a passive aggressive attempt to keep a safe distance between them. And even though a part of her was thrilled, the conversation still seemed inappropriate.

  “Lawrence, where is this line of thinking coming from?”

  “What do you mean line of thinking? I just think a very attractive woman like yourself shouldn’t be seen alone. I thought I would volunteer as your date.” He smiled.

  “I’m appreciative, but I’ll be fine.”

  She gazed at Liz’s nephew. Yes, that would be her mantra. No matter how tempting he was. Him resembling a Pagan god is not helping either.

  He reached for her hand again and held it in both of his. “Yolanda, you’ve never looked more beautiful.” Releasing her fingers, he sat back in his chair. “Yes. You are one fine woman.”

  The way he stared at her gave her pause. It was the look a lover gives—not some kid that ran around her house years ago. Maybe she was imagining the whole thing, but whatever it was, it made her warm in places she shouldn’t have been.

  “I, um…so, it’s nice to have you home again. Liz has been singing your praises ever since you got your bachelor’s. Once you earned the PhD, there was no stopping her. She’s very proud of you.” She got up and poured herself a cup of coffee. Yeah, she was babbling, but she hoped the sudden change in topic would throw him off.

  “How about you?”

  She turned back toward him. “How about me what?”

  “Are you proud of me?” He leaned back in the chair.

  “Of course. It’s like you’re one of my own—”

  “Shh.” Standing, he crossed to her and placed his fingers over her lips.

  Yolanda’s skin goose bumped.

  “Don’t say it. I don’t want you to think of me as anything other than Lawrence Copper.”

  The last thing he wanted to hear from this stunning creature’s mouth was she saw him as her son or younger brother or any other family relation. He’d never thought of her as anything but a gorgeous, caring, and giving woman. She’d been beautiful over fifteen years ago, and she was damn striking now.

  She reached up and took his hand away. “Lawrence. What are you doing?”

  “Yolanda, please. Don’t make this any harder. I’ve been trying to tell you something, at least hint at it, but I guess there’s no other way but to come right out and say it.”

  “Boy, you sound serious.” She reached for coffee and the same plate of fresh bagels she’s served Liz earlier. “Let’s sit down.”

  They returned to the breakfast nook. Lawrence was not ready to hear a lecture, but he could tell one was coming. “Yolanda, let’s cut to the chase. Are you seeing anyone?”

  “I…why, no. Lawrence—”

  “Wait.” He raised his hand. “Let me finish. I’m gonna get to the point here. This isn’t like a calculus equation where you take so many steps to get to the answer.” He took a deep breath. “Since I’ve been back, I’ve been thinking a lot about you. At first, I thought I had a crush carried over from my childhood days. But no. I’m actually attracted to you.”

  Her eyes widened. Damn! Not a good sign.

  “What, are you saying you want to date me?” she squeaked.

  “Is it so strange?”

  “Where did this come from?”

  “Well, not out of the blue, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  “But it has to be. You’ve been gone for thirteen, fourteen years—”

  “But you’ve never left my mind.”

  Chapter Eight

  Yolanda couldn’t believe it. Lawrence had the same feelings she did? She fiddled with her sleeve. She couldn’t encourage him, but she felt hypocritical.

  So, now what? Should she tell him she felt the same attraction? Oh God. She’d never experienced so much stress before in her life, even after Dale had left her. Did Liz know about his feelings? And what if she found out?

  She shook her head. Time sure flew by. It seemed one day she and Liz were sending a scraggily, lanky kid off to college, and the next, he was back resembling a bad-boy biker and had the hots for her. What the hell happened?

  She couldn’t get a handle on her arousal. Why did this turn her on? Yes, she couldn’t deny her betraying body. The fact that this young, outrageously gorgeous man was attracted to her, made her feel good. Real good.

  The past couple of days had been strange. Why had Lawrence acted jealous of Mr. Kenny? He’d been downright hostile. And her strange reaction after she’d seen his professor friend. Were they both on the same wavelength?

  Didn’t matter. As much as the fantasy and forbidden excited her, she had to be the adult, the one with the more level head. She needed to stop this.

  “Lawrence, really. I’m flattered, but you’re like my…relative. You played with my step kids, and you’re also forgetting another thing.”

  He leaned back in his chair and rolled his eyes, as if he knew what she was about to say—and he wasn’t going to like it. “What’s that?”

  “I’m much older than you.”

  “Yolanda, I’m thirty years old, and if I’m not mistaken, you’re in your early forties. It’s not like I just got out of diapers and you’re on Social Security. And I’m not related to you, so let’s get that clear once and for all.”

  “Really, Lawrence.” She rose to heat her drink in the microwave.

  “Yes, really.” He joined her at the counter.

  She tried not to pay attention to him, but it was impossible. The once longhaired, skinny, nerdy kid had a presence that couldn’t be denied. “Honey, I think it’s sweet—”

  “Sweet? You think my feelings for you are sweet? You think this is a young neighborhood boy’s crush? Puppy love? Look at me Yolanda.” He turned her to face him. “I’m not the neighborhood boy. I’ve got grown-up needs and desires. I know what I want.”

  “But, Lawrence, you’ve been gone so long. And when you came home nine years ago, yo
u didn’t say anything to me.”

  “You had someone, and you were happy for the first time since Dale left.”

  “I was happy. I had to rediscover myself. Which is why I went back to school and became a web designer.” After a lot of hard work, she owned her own business designing everything from book covers for authors to websites for Fortune 500 companies. She was proud of what she’d accomplished with her life. “I still have a great relationship with Dale’s children.”

  “I know. I’m glad. I like Jasper and Jasmine. They’re like my brother and sister. Of course, I always thought you were too young for Dale.”

  “What?”

  “I think Dale wanted a mother for his children, someone young and pliable who wouldn’t give him much resistance.”

  “My, I had no idea you were analyzing my marriage.” The boy was too observant for his own good.

  She moved aside to sit down. Instead Lawrence grasped her arm and made her stand in front of him. Close.

  “I’ve paid attention to a lot of things. I couldn’t help it. I cared about you, I still do.”

  “That’s sweet.”

  He frowned. “I’m beginning to hate that word.”

  Yolanda took his hand, trying to make it to the chair again, but he grabbed her by the waist. Snatching her cup of coffee, he placed it on the counter. He backed her against the cool marble and pressed his body to hers.

  Goodness, if he didn’t feel good. Solid, strong, and hot. It’d been a long time since a man had held her. His gaze darkened, seeming to stare through her while desire, lust, and need swirled in his green eyes. Is this what she wanted, too? “Lawrence, please.”

  Not even acknowledging her feeble plea, he lifted her up and set her on the counter. “I’ve wanted to feel your body next to mine for the longest time.” He pulled her hips to him and stood between her thighs. Once there, he ground his pelvis into her.

  “Lawrence!”

  “Shh. Let me just do this.”