“He’s quiet now, ain’t he,” Brooklyn replies.
My brows knit. He just called himself Brooklyn, but Connie calls him Cole. Felix nudges my side and I turn my face up to him to find his eyes twinkling at me.
“This is Cole, but everyone calls him Brooklyn. Connie just refuses to,” Felix chuckles.
“Oh,” I reply and nod, licking my dry lips.
“Don’t look so scared. We’re a big lot, but we’re not as terrifying as we look,” the blonde steps forward and says.
“Bullshit,” Connie coughs behind her hand.
The others try to hide their laughs. Felix places a hand on the small of my back, sending a chill running through me. I try not to let it show, praying they’re all too busy laughing to notice.
“This is Dylan. The baby of the bunch,” Felix says, pointing to the blonde.
“Ya mean the pretty boy,” Jamie teases.
“Go fuck yourself,” Dylan grumbles, a small pout on his lips.
The others roar with laughter at his expense. Dylan frowns, his full pink lips twisting and his blue eyes take on a look of annoyance. I notice he’s the only one with blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair.
“Boys, boys, lets not teach the babe such foul language,” Connie calls out.
All head turn to her, eyes blinking like owls, including Felix. Honestly, Dashawn seems to be mimicking their stare. Connie looks around at them all.
“Aye, yer right. Fuck it,” she says with a shrug and everyone starts to laugh again.
I can’t help shaking my own head and laughing. Connie is a riot. Once I could understand her, she had me laughing in the baby’s room as I changed his diaper.
“Where’s Kate?” Logan asks.
“On her way,” Connie responds.
Logan nods, then turns to coo at my nephew. I lift a brow. It’s kind of sexy to see all of these gorgeous men melt over this tiny baby. I make notes for scenes I want to write whenever I get to pick up a pen again. It’s been so long since I’ve written anything.
It’s not easy to write when totally stressed out. I wish I had the time to get lost in my own worlds. As if reading my mind, Logan leans into Jamie’s ear then turns to me.
“We have a laptop for ya. Felix says yer a writer,” Logan says.
My eyes grow wide as Jamie steps forwards with a brand new Mac still in its box. I look up at Felix and he winks back at me. My heart melts in my chest. I don’t know what to say.
“It’s loaded with everything you need to write and publish that first book,” Felix says. “I told them what to program.”
I throw my arms around him and squeeze, burying my face in his chest. Oh God, that may not have been the greatest idea. I inhale. He smells so good. I have to fight not to snuggle into him.
“Hey, don’t I get a hug too. I was the one that went to pick it up,” Jamie says, causing me to pull away from Felix.
“Don’t,” Felix says simply, but the command cracks like a whip.
His words run through me. I don’t know if he’s talking to me or Jamie. I look between the two of them. Jamie has a grin on his lips, but Felix has his eyes narrowed at Jamie.
“Respect ya life, Jamie,” Brooklyn says in warning as he laughs.
“It’s okay. Ya can thank me later,” Jamie winks.
A growl comes from Felix’s chest. I take a small step back, shocked by the sound. The room fills with the laughter of everyone else except for Felix.
“This is going to be so much fun,” Jamie croons.
“I’d listen to Brooklyn if I were you. You’re fucking with your life,” Felix warns.
I’m speechless. I don’t know how to take the exchange. I know Jamie is teasing Felix, but Felix’s reaction seems a bit aggressive for one of a friend. I quickly chide myself for reading too much into things.
Get a grip, Kaye. He is way out of your reach and it could never happen now. He’s leaving to go back home and you can’t.
Yeah, there is that, isn’t there.
Chapter 7
Checking In
Felix
A year later…
I get out to New York to see Kaye as often as I can. It’s the reason I made sure Logan found her a three bedroom. I knew I would need a place to stay when I checked in.
The first few months I made the trip monthly. With things picking up at the office, I’ve had to cut the trips down. I haven’t been to New York in about two months.
It’s Dashawn’s first birthday. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. He has gotten so big so fast. Kaye takes such good care of him. I admire her dedication to doing what her brother asked her to. Kaye is still not ready to face her father.
I can’t blame her. I’ve been to see the Porters and her father acts as if nothing is amiss—at least where Kaye is concerned. He’ll talk about Danny and the great son he was, but he won’t breathe a word about Kaye.
I respect Pastor Porter, but this shit has been pissing me off. Kaye could use the proper support of her family. Sure, they don’t know that the baby isn’t hers, but just the fact that it could be should have her father wanting to reconcile with her.
He and Kaye are both so damn stubborn. I don’t see either of them breaking down anytime soon. Hell, Kaye has fought me tooth and nail on so much and I’m trying to help her.
For example, I didn’t want her to have to worry about things while caring for the baby. She didn’t have to work. Brooklyn called me laughing his ass off as he told me Kaye demanded a job.
Kate and Connie were in on it. Offering to babysit so Kaye could get in a few hours a day. When I arrived in New York to put a stop to the nonsense. Kaye gave me that cute stubborn face and I caved.
So stubborn. I see where she gets it from. Grandma Reid asked for me to find her and Pastor Porter shut that conversation down. I wanted to tell her that I found Kaye and the baby. I also had a few words I wanted to say to Pastor Porter, but I’ve bitten my tongue because my mother would have my ass for saying what I want to say.
I’ll be in my forties and will still fear the wrath of Cassy Black. That woman is not to be tested. However, when it comes to Kaye I’ve risked angering my mom. I’m sure if she knew what I’ve been up to she’d wring my neck.
I frown at my thoughts as I push my key into the lock of the New York apartment Kaye lives in. It always feels like coming home when I come here. I push the door open and step side.
I’m not surprised to find Jamie’s ass on the couch or Connie in the kitchen. These two have taken most to Kaye and Dashawn. They want to be here.
What does bring a stunned smile to my face is the sight of Dashawn’s chubby little legs holding him up as he moves straight for me. I scoop him up when he reaches me, tickling his tummy and munching on his fat cheeks. He’s the cutest kid ever.
“When’d you start walking?” I coo at him.
He giggles and gives me that smile, his tiny teeth and gums flashing at me. He’s going to be a handsome young man. Kaye will be beating them off of her nephew with a stick.
“He’s been walking for about a week now. Or should I say he’s been running,” Kaye says as she appears.
“Getting ready for the big day, huh,” I say to Dashawn.
He makes an excited squeal in reply. I kiss his cheek and place him back down on his feet. I want to see him maneuver around again. I still can’t believe he’s walking.
I move over to Kaye and wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against my chest. I’ve missed her. I want nothing more than to dip my head and devour those sexy lips. My mind starts to run off into thoughts of releasing that messy bun while she rides me.
I shut the thoughts down when I start to grow hard. Instead of teaching Kaye all the dirty shit that runs through my head when I think of her, I place a friendly kiss on her forehead. It doesn’t help that she looks up at me with that beaming smile.
I look down to see Dashawn hasn’t run off, he’s holding onto Kaye’s leg while peeking up at me. I reach to ruffle his curly
black hair. Kaye bends to pick him up and place him on her hip.
“It feels like forever since the last time you were here,” Kaye says.
“If he would have waited any longer, I planned to make ya my own,” Jamie tosses over his shoulder, not looking away from the TV in from of him.
“Don’t start that shit with me,” I snap.
“Shit,” Dashawn repeats and my eyes budge out of my head.
“Oh fuck, I’m sorry,” I look at Kaye and say.
“Fuck,” Dashawn mocks.
Kaye rolls her lips to keep from laughing. I can see the laughter in her eyes. I feel like an asshole.
“Relax. He’s been doing that for about a month. It’s not you. It’s Connie’s fault,” Kaye giggles out.
“Sure, blame me. It couldn’t possibly be anyone else’s fault,” Connie grumbles from the kitchen.
“Con, he’s with you all day and the first time he said it was right after you,” Kaye laughs.
“Fine,” Connie groans. “Still say it was Logan.”
“Aye, ya blame Logan for everything. Have since I was in diapers,” Jamie taunts.
“Ya may be speaking truth, but no one ask ya,” Connie quips.
“What have I done to you, kid?” I say to Dashawn. “I left you with these heathen to corrupt you. Your grandfather would have my as—. Yeah, he’d have my tail.”
Kaye giggles, shaking her head at me.
“You’ve done nothing but help him. I think he’s been missing you,” she says.
“I’ve been missing you too,” I reply, but I’m looking straight into her eyes.
I watch the pulse in her neck race. I’ve done my best not to come at Kaye the way I want to. It’s getting harder. I think she’s become more and more gorgeous each time I’ve seen her.
I still have some guilt about not telling her brother how I felt when he was alive. I keep trying to convince myself he would be okay with it. I’ve also been trying to convince myself that Kaye is too sweet and innocence for me to corrupt.
The corruption I want to do to Kaye would definitely have her father looking for me. I want to turn Kaye out in ways that will blow her mind for years, from just one night. I’d give her something to write about.
“Did ya hear me?” Connie calls out, coming into the living room.
“No, sorry,” I say.
My eyes are still locked on Kaye’s. She’s looking back at me with a mixed expression. She looks lost, confused, and awed all at the same time.
“I said that the party has moved to the restaurant. The apartment is too small for everyone,” Connie repeats.
“Everyone?” I ask with my brows knitted.
“Dae-Dae is quite the popular fella around here,” Jamie says.
“Dae-Dae?”
Jamie turns to look at me, a grin on his face. He’s being an asshole. He likes to tease me relentlessly when it comes to Kaye. I think everyone expect Kaye has figured out I have a thing for her.
My cousins have honed in on the fact and like to use it to goad me. I try not to fall for it, but Jamie is the best at pushing all the right buttons. I swear, he and Brax really have a talent for it.
“Da-Shawn, Dae-Dae,” he drags out slowly like I’m the idiot. “Sheesh. Do ya know anything about the kid?”
I give Jamie the finger and turn away from him. Kaye’s watching, trying not to laugh. I punch her side and take Dashawn from her arms, moving for my room with my duffle bag on my shoulder.
* * *
Kaye
He looks good. I mean really good. It’s been too long since I last set eyes on Felix in person. Over Skype or Facetime is one thing, but in person, Lord, I need to fan my face.
It might just be me, but I think his has bulked up slightly. He’s still lean, but he looks like he has more muscle since the last time I saw him. His ass looks great in his jeans as he walks away from me with Dae-Dae in his arms.
What I would give to see that body in his wet suit.
That body must look amazing moving fluidly on a surfboard, the way I know he does. I miss California. Getting to surf with Felix used to be a highlight of my life. Since being here in New York, I’ve taken my nephew to Rockaway Beach a few times.
Brooklyn doesn’t like me traveling that far alone so I don’t get to go as often as I’d like. Usually, Logan or Connie and Kate will go with me. Going with Logan is hilarious. He looks so intimidating to everyone else. Meanwhile, he’s telling jokes that almost make me pee my pants with the straightest face ever.
Being here in New York hasn’t been all bad. I’ve gained a new family. The O’Briens treat me like one of their own. I haven’t missed the fact that there’s way more to the O’Brien family than meets the eye.
There’s always someone here to watch over me and I don’t just mean the O’Brien brothers. I’ve come to know Logan’s crew from working in my little office at the warehouse. It took me about a month to notice a few of the guys outside of the apartment building after hours.
While I don’t see or hear much at work, my imagination has run wild a few times about the family I’ve come to call my own. I know they don’t play any games when it comes to business, but they’re a fun loving family that loves to laugh together. Much like I’ve seen in the Black home growing up.
Connie and I have become close. She’s like the big sister I’ve never had. I’ve called on her plenty of times to help out with Dae-Dae, as she started calling him—when she’s not calling him her little husband. I think my nephew has a crush on Connie.
Kate is great as well. She just travels a lot. I haven’t spent as much time with her as the others. Jamie’s probably the next person I’ve become closest with. He may flirt when Felix is around, but Jamie is sweet and protective when Felix isn’t here for him to tease.
Which leads me to my earlier thoughts. Felix gets so pissed off when Jamie flirts with me. I know Felix is just as protective as his cousins, but I don’t understand why it makes him so angry when Jamie pulls his chain about being attracted to me.
If I didn’t know better I would say that Felix’s behavior can be a bit possessive. As if I belong to him. I’ve tried to tell myself I’m being silly. I’ve seen some of the model looking girls that Felix pulls. None of them are nerdy and thick like me.
I wouldn’t call myself fat, but these hips are not the kind Victoria’s Secret offers on their cover. I used to stay fit from swimming and surf, but I’m not going to lie and say I haven’t noticed a little more jiggle here and there. Honestly, some days I question whether or not I was the one to have a baby.
Yeah, there’s no way Felix would claim me as his. I’m nowhere near the sticks he bar hops with. Not to mention, I’ve never been to a bar. I’m almost ashamed to admit that.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Jamie’s voice whispers in my ear teasingly.
“Nothing,” I mumble.
“Sure, nothing my arse,” he chuckles. “Ya have a glad eye for Felix.”
“A what?” I look up at him in confusion.
Jamie rolls his eyes at me. I’m still learning some of their slang. God help me, I try to keep up when their accents kick in full force. Some days, I’m exhausted from no more than listening.
“Yer sweet on my dear little cousin,” Jamie purrs.
“Oh. Wait…no I’m not,” I gasp.
“Aye, ya are,” Connie sings from her new spot on the couch.
“No, I’m not,” I lower my voice, hoping they take the queue.
“Whatever ya say, lass,” Connie giggles.
“He’d turn the world upside down for ya. Ya should take a clue,” Jamie says ominously.
“Huh,” I say with knit brows.
“Mind ya own business, Jamie,” Connie hisses at him.
“What? Come on. They’re doing a dance. Don’t ya think it’s time the music stopped,” Jamie huffs at his sister.
“Aye, but I’m not the DJ for this party. Leave it be. The lad’s not ready,” she replies.
“What th
e hell is he waiting for?” Jamie mumbles under his breath.
I’ve caught less than half of what they’re saying. Not that I comprehend any of it. I’ve caught on to how they tend to thicken up their accents when they don’t want me to fully understand.
I shrug it off and go to get ready to head out to the restaurant for the party. Jamie was right. Dashawn has a lot of people here that care about him. I’m happy that he has so much love surrounding him.
However, I do feel a pain in my chest as I think of my parents. I picked up the phone to call home several times over the last few weeks. It’s been a year since my brother died.
This month hasn’t been the easiest for me. I would love to be back home with my family to ease some of the pain from our loss. I wish I could share the life they gained.
Yet, it’s that last thought that makes me put down the phone every time. My father is so quick to judge for a man that serves a God of forgiveness. What his congregation sees and thinks has become more important than the things that truly matter.
“You’re so worried about being embarrassed. You lost your children and your grandson,” I murmur to myself.
I angrily shovel items into Dashawn’s diaper bag, swiping at the tears that come unbidden. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry today. My nephew’s life is something to be happy about. I’ve learned so much from him in this past year.
I jump when arms wrap around my waist. Only to relax when Felix’s cologne engulfs me. I sag into the warmth of his body as he settles his chin on the top of my head.
“How are you holding up?” he says softly.
“I don’t know. It hasn’t been an easy week,” I reply. “It’s so insane that she went into labor three days after Danny was buried.”
“Yeah, but you have to see the silver lining,” he replies.
“Which is? Because I’m having such a hard time finding it,” I sob.
He’s arms tighten, I feel his lips press against the top of my head. My eyes close. I wish he understand how much his simple touch calms and comforts me. I don’t know where I would be without him and the family he has brought into my life.
Brothers Black 5: Felix the Watch Page 5
