“Danny was laid to rest in peace. Then three days later his son was born. We can call it a resurrection of Danny. All the best parts of your brother are in his son. I mean, he looks so much like him and I swear he does some of the things I remember you brother doing,” he gives a soft laugh at the end.
I join with a sad one of my own.
“You’re right, I guess. He has a lot of Danny mannerisms. He sleeps just like him. He gives you that same look like you’re crazy if you say something he doesn’t like,” I laugh a little more as I think about it.
“He’s a great little baby,” Felix murmurs.
“Yeah, which is why they shouldn’t be missing out on his life. I know we said some harsh things to each other, but they’re my parents. He’s my dad. Either way they know they have a grandson, no matter which one of us he belongs to. It hurts—”
My words cut off when I feel like I can’t breathe. This is the part that’s been so hard. I’ve always known my father to be strict and stern, but this has been too much. He’s wrong for this. They both are. My mother should have stepped in or at least reached out to me.
“You and your father are stubborn. Your mother tries to stay out of the line of fire. Not that that’s the best way to handle it, but I understand her,” he says as if he’s inside my thoughts. “He’ll come around.”
“I’ve been praying he will. I love your family, but I miss my own,” I whisper.
“Yeah, Grandma Reid made me an entire pot of curry goat all for myself. I thought of you while I ate every last drop,” he says with humor in his voice.
I turn in his arms and look up at him. He’s eyes are dancing with laughter. I pull out of his embrace with a pout on my lips, folding my arms across my chest.
“That’s just low,” I hiss at him.
“It was so good,” he purrs and bites that sexy lower lip.
His golden eyes dance with his joy at my expense. Two can play this game. I drop my hip and lift my chin.
“Jamie was telling me about a place in Brooklyn that has great West Indian food. He said he’d take me if Connie babysits for me one night. There’s a movie I want to see this week. Since you’re here, maybe you can watch the baby and Jamie can take me to the movie and the restaurant,” I say with a straight face.
All humor drains from his eyes. He moves in to crowd my space, his arms going back around me. My breath is caught in my throat, my heart feels like it’s going to pound out of my chest.
“Jamie can watch my nephew,” he says pointedly. His voice drops and everything he says next sounds so dirty. “I’ll take you wherever you need and want to go.”
“Oh,” pushes from my lips and I feel like a nitwit the moment the word is out.
Felix’s eyes drop to my lips. The air is charged with energy. The same energy I usually only feel when he touches me. The spark that shoots up my arm, those tingles that spread to my belly—they all seem to have come to life in the room, surrounding us to the point that I can’t breathe.
I can’t take my eyes off of his. When they lift to focus on mine, I feel like their asking a question. For permission? I want to speak the word, yes, but I don’t want to make a fool out of myself.
I’ve been craving Felix for so long, I could be making all of this up in my head. Lord knows, I’m always writing a romance in my mind. I can romanticize folding socks.
However, that doesn’t seem to stop my mind from telling my body to react. I’m leaning into Felix like a magnet is pulling on me. I think I’m going crazy because it seems like he’s leaning back.
“Hey, ya two coming or not? We need to get to the restaurant. Dashawn’s getting fussy,” Connie calls breaking into the moment.
I blink several times. Felix seems so far away that I think I indeed imagined it all. He moves to grab the diaper bag, but stops. I look to see what has caught his attention. Following his line of sight, I see my laptop on my night stand.
Turning his head to me, he narrows his eyes. I know what’s coming. I give him a tiny grin.
“You’ve been writing?” he asks.
I give a nod and shrug, while playing with my fingertips.
“Yeah,” I say and bite my lip.
He’s face lights up with the biggest smile. I’m always in awe of how happy he gets for me when I’m writing. It warms my entire heart and means so much to me.
“You have that look.”
“What’s that look?” I ask, as I watch his eyes search my face.
“You’re happy. Your muse is back,” he replies.
I’ve had the laptop for almost a year now. I just wasn’t in a place where I was ready to write. I felt too broken to create words and stories.
“I didn’t know writing would start the healing process,” I admit.
His brows draw in, he straightens and moves closer to me. He’s watching—always watching. It hasn’t been easy to start again. I wonder what he sees.
I’ve kept my sanity at night while Dashawn passes out in my bed next to me and my fingers fly across the keys. As the words flow I feel my soul restoring within.
“It’s funny. Things my brother would have said to me pop up on the page from the mouths of the characters. It makes me feel like I’m connecting to Danny all over again. In those hours nothing else matters. Just me and the words pouring onto the screen,” I pause nibbling my lip.
I’m unsure if I should share the next part. As I look into those golden eyes, I figure what the heck. This is Felix. I’ve shared so much with him already.
“I’m in love again and it doesn’t feel as dirty as it used to. I don’t have to worry about looking over my shoulder in fear that my father will find out, like when I was in Junior High—”
“Wait, he found out about your books. When?” Felix asks, concern and intrigue coloring his orbs.
“I never told you about that. It was right before I started to share them with you. It was the real reason you found me crying over my notebooks.
“He found one of the short stories I did. He told me to stop writing them. Then you asked to read one of my notebooks after I told you they were all crap. I don’t know why I gave you one. But I did and you talked me out of giving up,” I say, remembering how nervous I had been when I first gave him that notebook with my stories in it.
“Wow, I didn’t know that,” Felix says, brushing my cheek with his fingertips.
“It’s different this time. I feel…I feel liberated. I don’t think, I just write,” I smile up at him.
“You have something for me to read yet?” he asks excitedly.
I drop my head, looking down at my feet. I have something, I’m just not sure I’m ready for him to read it. I know what I’m missing. It’s the same as always. The story and plotline is strong. The chemistry is just missing.
“Ya two are doin’ a number on me,” Connie says as she appears in the doorway. “Can we please go?”
“Yeah, we’re coming,” I reply, reaching for my purse.
Felix picks up the diaper bag, placing it on his shoulder. I love that he never cares about carrying Dashawn or his diaper bag around. I turn to leave the room, but he stops me with a hand on my arm.
“I want to read it,” he says, the tone of his voice letting me know it’s not a request.
“Okay.”
Chapter 8
Here to Help
Felix
Kaye has gotten better in her writing. I was in near tears on the plane ride back home. She knows how to touch your emotions. Yet, the sex is still so far removed from everything else on the page.
Kaye has it in her to be an amazing author. I want to see her draw that out. She has the talent. I know the sky is the limit when she just lets go and gives her characters the spark they need.
That spark that we have between us. That’s what’s missing from her pages. I’ve been thinking about this a lot. How to get her to pull that fire from within.
I want to sit down and talk with her about it on my next visit. There has to be a w
ay for her to tap into that place that will unlock the words. I would love to see her published and living out her dream.
Too distracted with my thoughts of Kaye to get any work done, I open a new browser and start to do a search for writer’s help. I get excited when I start to find organizations for romance authors and critique groups that she can join.
Opening a fresh email, I start to copy the links into it to send to Kaye. I don’t know if it will address the problem, but at least this will be a step in the right direction for her. I’m deep into my research for Kaye when I feel someone hovering over me.
I turn to find Wyatt over my shoulder, looking at my screen. Give it to my older brother to stick his nose into my business. I minimize the screen and turn to face him fully.
“Romance novels?” He questions. “So you’re not building that app any more. It’s romance novels now?”
His words are not judging. He’s asking for understanding. I love my brothers for that. We may rib each other for everything, but we support each other as well.
“It’s not for me. It’s for a friend,” I reply.
His eyes lock on me and his expression becomes more serious. I groan internally. Something tells me that I’m about to get reamed.
“Would this be the same friend that our cousins are looking after?” he says, sitting on the edge of one of my desks.
I have a semicircular set up for all of my monitors and gadgets. Most days all of my shit keeps my brothers away unless they need something. I wish that were the case today.
“Fuck,” I mutter. “How did you find out?”
“Logan and I are the oldest. Don’t shit move between the two of us with you little fuckers without us knowing,” he replies.
“Yeah, should have figured that. Look this is complicated. I need you to keep this to yourself,” I plead.
“I’ve known since you called in the favor. Logan and his crew aren’t the most squeaky clean bunch. While she couldn’t be safer, she’s still in the middle of some shit being connected to that side,” he warns.
“Yeah, I thought about that. It was my best option at the time,” I mumble.
“What’s your plan?”
“I don’t know. Nothing has changed between her and her parents,” I huff. “She’s stubborn, they’re being stubborn. I don’t know what to do, except give them time.”
“And the writing thing?” he nods his head in the direction of my computer screen.
“It’s her thing. I want to help her out. I think she has what it takes to get her work out there,” I say.
“Cool,” he replies. He pauses and his eyes narrow at me. “You fucking her?”
I frown at my brother and fall back in my chair. Folding my arms across my chest I stare at him. This would be none of his damn business.
“I’m not trying to be up in your business. I’m only making sure you’re thinking straight. Pussy will change how you think,” he says.
“Dude, first of all, Kaye isn’t pussy. She’s a friend and my best friend’s little sister. I respect her. Also, Wyatt, no offense but you’re not in a relationship to be giving me that kind of advice,” I snap.
He tosses his hands up, rocking back against the desk he’s propped against. He nods in agreement and tilts his head while his eyes remain on me. I’m fuming but I don’t say a word.
“Alright, I see your mind is made up here—”
“Made up about what?” I ask defensively.
“It’s only a matter of time before you seal that deal. You’ve had it bad for Kaye for years. You think I don’t remember how you used to text her all the time? Even though she had a boyfriend and the fact that she was your best friend’s sister.
“Look kid, I’m not here to tell you what to do. I just wish you would have said something to me. Not Logan. I’m here to help,” he finishes.
“Well, your relationship advice isn’t needed. Your track record is shit,” I tease to lighten things up, as I try to defuse my own temper.
“Bro, I’m twenty-eight. I haven’t seen the pussy worth giving all the rest up for,” he tosses back. “But seriously, I’m here if you need me.”
“Got it.”
* * *
Kaye
I’ve been staring at this email from Felix for almost an hour. It was so sweet of him to do this for me. It also stings a little because he feels I need help.
I’m trying not to overthink that. We all can stand to improve, right? So why am I so afraid to click on these links and find some help.
My phone rings startling me. I look over at it as I sit at the kitchen table. Felix’s name flashes on the screen. I feel the smile that comes over my face.
I answer the phone, tucking it between my ear and shoulder. Images of him at work in front of his computers fills my head. I’ve been to the Black and Lock office a few times to meet up with Felix. His workspace is like his own little universe in the middle of everyone else.
“Hello,” I say into phone as I think of him sitting there clicking through surveillance footage or something.
“Hey, how are you?” he croons back.
“I’m good. Dae-Dae had a tummy ache so he passed out early tonight,” I reply.
“I always look at the clock when you say stuff like that. I forget you’re in a different time zone sometimes,” he chuckles.
“Yeah, it took some time for me to get used to at first. You sound tired.”
“A lot going on around here. Need to get through a few logs before I can head out of here,” he replies.
“Then you shouldn’t be sneaking in personal calls,” I giggle.
“I wanted to check on you. Have you had time to go through that email I sent?”
I chew on the inside of my mouth while staring at the email in question. I want to thank him, but I have questions as well. I click on the first link like it might explode once I do.
“Yeah,” I say.
“Kaye,” he drags out. “I didn’t send it to say you’re not amazing. I was hoping you could find some support in getting to the finish line. Maybe someone can give you pointers on what’s missing.”
“We know what’s missing,” I snort.
“Yeah, well, maybe you can find a critique partner to help with that.”
“Not the kind of partner I need,” I murmur to myself.
“This is the only option you have,” he says with a bit of an edge.
I pull the phone away from my shoulder to look at it. My brows draw. He must be tired.
“No offense, but I wasn’t talking to you when I said that. I also think I could find a date if I wanted,” I huff.
There’s a pause. His line is completely silent. I look at the phone again to make sure I haven’t lost the call.
“Relax. I know you could find a date,” he grumbles back. “That’s not what I was getting at. I’m here to help, Kaye. I think this could be useful. If nothing else, you’ll learn about the business or find a support team that can relate to you.”
I stick my tongue out at the phone. He’s right and I know it. I’m just being bullheaded about it.
“Yeah,” I say reluctantly.
His laugh greets my ear. It’s a sexy rumble that has me squeezing my thighs. I miss him. I laughed so much while he was here.
“Let me know how it works out. I should get back to work before I end up spending the night here,” he murmurs.
“Thanks, Felix. This was sweet of you. I appreciate it,” I suck up my feelings and say. “Goodnight.”
“No problem, goodnight.”
Chapter 9
Hey Girl!
Kaye
Six months later…
I joined a few critique groups on a social media site just to feel them out. I happened to click with a couple of authors that stood out. Dean and Lakia always have funny and encouraging posts.
I started to follow them and have read some of their work. Not only are they super cool they both can write their tails off. I wish I had the seasoning their wri
ting displays.
We’ve become friends over the internet and they invited me out to a book signing that they both will be making an appearance at. I tried to beg off, but Dean wasn’t having it. Not even my one and a half year old nephew, or son as they know him, was enough to get me out of this. Lakia has a six month old that she’ll be bringing along with her so there was no excuse for me.
Not to mention, once Felix found out he got it in his head that this is something I need to do. He has gone as far as offering to fly out with me to Atlanta. He’ll be keeping an eye on Dashawn while I get to know the girls.
I’m so nervous. I know I’m going to fan girl. Lakia warned me not to, but I love their work. Dean may not be a huge name yet, but she has the talent. Lakia, on the other hand, is taking the literary world by storm. I’m so grateful that they have taken to me and my writing. They’ve given me so much feedback.
Although, honestly, I haven’t sent them any pages with my real issues. I’m too nervous. I think after meeting them in person to feel them out, I’ll be less reluctant to share.
I’ll admit. I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’m glad Felix purchased an event ticket to come along to the signing. There are a few other authors I can’t wait to meet and this crowd is insane.
“You look like me at a tech convention,” Felix chuckles beside me.
He looks so handsome with Dae-Dae on his hip. How do you make a light blue denim jacket and matching jeans look like a three-piece suit that’s cover worthy. I’ve noticed the heads turning as we walk around.
“What does that mean?” I beam up at him.
“Your eyes are glowing and you look like a kid in a candy store,” he chuckles. “You’re in heaven.”
“That bad, huh?” I giggle.
“It’s cute. Don’t let us slow you down. Have at it,” he says waving at all of the booths.
“Oh, no,” I shake my head. “I’ll work my way up to all of that.”
Brothers Black 5: Felix the Watch Page 6
