Only Skin Deep

by Mahalia Levey

  “What do you do for a living? What are your life goals, do you go to church, are you saved?”

  “Mama. Let the man eat.” Deja frowned. “That’s like a zillion questions in one breath.”

  Derek wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin. “I don’t mind, after all, they don’t know me and we sprung getting married and having her first grandchild at once. I am saved. I don’t have a church home but wouldn’t mind finding one. I buy business and then I rebuild, run and sell them once they’re on their feet. I’m working on a deal right now on a prime location in the Plaza. I’ll need a local office here. I’m tired of working out of my place.”

  “I love the Plaza. There are some great shops there. Deja wanted to rent a place for her boutique there but couldn’t afford to.”

  “I did want to. I will in a few years when I’m more established. I was going to open a shop out of state but with the baby coming, I want to hold off. I’m not sure how much I can handle.”

  “Wise idea my dear. You can always expand after the baby.”

  “Why don’t you teach me and let me work for you? I can help out between semesters more and can help you when you’re out with the baby.”

  Deja was touched by her sister’s offer. “I’d love to have you there.” She might have to tone down the gab factor, but having another helping hand in the store would be needed in the near future. She couldn’t afford to hire a full time person but definitely a part time one.

  “What do your parents do?” Her mom continued on with her line of questioning.

  “Jeez mom, I thought you were finished.”

  “My mom is a nurse. My step-father is a surgeon and I’m an only child.”

  “Criminal record? Bad Credit?”

  Deja slouched in her chair.

  “Your dad’s not here. I’m saving us all the time. Sit up.”

  She was glad he found the situation amusing since she didn’t. She edged back up in her chair but stared daggers at her giggling sister.

  “Like anyone would say yes, I’m a felon. Who asks that?” Deja asked in exasperation.

  Derek chuckled. “Minor traffic tickets. Very good credit. Sorry to disappoint you, I don’t have a deviant past.” Her mom passed around a bottle of wine. Derek poured for her mom and set the bottle down.

  “You don’t drink wine? I have bourbon or whiskey somewhere, if you’d like a man’s drink. My husband isn’t one for wine either.”

  “No thank you. I don’t drink at all. I had a problem as a young adult.”

  Finally her mother acted pleased. They were able to get back down to the business of eating. She felt Derek’s hand stroking her thigh. He winked at her when she looked at him, and then stole a piece of cornbread off her plate. She tried to stab him with her fork but he evaded her. The man had fast hands. She excused herself and returned with dessert. Derek ate with gusto.

  “Mrs. Crane, Kat and I’ll do dinner dishes together. I’d like to get to know her better. I’ve never had a sister before. I’m sure she has a lot she can tell me about.” He winked at Deja. She knew then her family would fall in love with him as she did.

  Chapter Ten

  2 Months Later

  Night before the wedding

  “Sometimes…most of the time, I feel I don’t deserve you and that I’m dreaming you’re here and we’re here at this point in our lives, where everything is good and there’s promise of a future. Like if you pinch me this will all just disappear.”

  “Why?” He held her within his strong embrace, preventing her from hiding or bolting.

  “Compared to you I’m weak. I hate how I hurt you so bad, and for the life of me don’t understand why you came back and took care of me when you could’ve called me a cab and kicked me out.”

  “I love you Deja Crane. I say the words and show you every day. Swallowing injured pride is nothing to me when the result is having you with me, working through things together. I have plenty of faults so don’t go putting me on some pedestal.”

  “I don’t want to lose you now that I know what we have. I can’t lose you. It would…”

  “Life isn’t promised baby, but so long as there’s breath in my body, I’m all yours.” Derek kissed her brow.

  “Ditto.” Emotion welled up within her constricting her throat.

  “Tomorrow is a big day. Our day. Sleep beautiful and let me hold you tonight.”

  Deja couldn’t deny the lethargy seeping into her bones. Weary and locked in the security of his embrace, she drifted into a slumber.

  * * * *

  Spring blossomed bringing with it, fresh rain, blooming trees and birds chirping. As promised, Derek took care of every detail of their small intimate wedding. Her mother gifted her with the dress passed down the past three generations. Each matron blessed with an unbreakable bond with their husbands and strong family values, persevered through the times.

  Deja donned the simple late 1920’s Swing Time wedding gown with pride and the blue diamond teardrop earrings for something borrowed something blue. A small smile tugged at her lips, remembering Derek’s joy when she’d said yes to him. The man wanted to drop everything and fly out to take her on a themed wedding cruise.

  Deep down, she wanted to get married the traditional way, or at least as close to as possible, and backed out of his insane plan. Waiting sixty brutal days to be his was hard but worth having the most important day of her life memorable with those she loved dearest.

  Butterflies danced in her belly when she turned and saw herself for the first time in the reflection of the mirror. Her great, great, grandma’s dress molded her body in perfection, hugging every curve she possessed. Her breasts were a bit bigger than those before her, the end result was a knockout look. A giggle escaped her mouth as she pictured the times before her and how scandalous the dress must’ve been in previous times. She felt absolutely sinful wearing the ivory gown with a plunging neckline so deep it stopped at her still flat navel. By far the evocative dress was the most sensual she’d ever worn.

  A low shrill tickled her ears. Without turning, she knew her husband-to-be broke protocol. The scent of his cologne covered her like a balm to her skittering nerves. Did he feel her restlessness? Share the same impatience plagued with anticipation? Deja turned to face him, modesty causing her to cover her torso with her hands. “You’re not supposed to be here,” she whispered, though thankful he’d come.

  He walked toward her with that swagger she’d never tire of, looking down right scrumptious in the ivory tux bought to match her dress.

  “You’re the most beautiful girl in the world.” Derek nudged her arms down. She watched him take his fill, and trail his index finger along the seam of satin barely covering her breasts.

  “I’m sure you’ve said those very words before.” A jolt of desire whiplashed through her body at the slightest touch.

  “Baby, once, twice to my mother. Right now your beauty is unrivaled.” Her heart melted.

  “You better go before someone catches you.” His face transformed into a wicked expression, a slow smile crossed his lips. What was with him and that? Oh, she knew his intent. His lips skated against hers, a mere whisper.

  “I bribed your brother to be lookout.” Derek knew his business, she’d grant him that. He pressed further, his fingertips biting into the curve of her hip, careful not to wrinkle her gown as he plundered her mouth in a single move. When he broke away seconds later, she swayed, dizzy from the power of his touch.

  “What was that for?”

  He caressed her chin. “We have to be polite when I kiss you out there. That—was for us. See you at the altar.” With those parting words he left. How like the man to leave her inflamed. As Nadja walked in, she felt her face heat and ignored the questioning glance of her best friend. To keep her idle hands busy, she repaired her lipstick and gloss.

  “That was hella romantic.”

  “Nosey spy. What were you watching?” Deja watched her smooth her teal cocktail dress. She crossed over to embr
ace her friend, the hem of her gown floating around her as she walked.

  “He has a deep voice. Even when he speaks low and…you have that just been kissed senseless look on your face. Don’t be a killjoy, I’m still waiting on Donato to pop the question, so let me live vicariously through you for the moment.”

  Deja hooked an arm around her waist. “Pep up. I bet he’ll ask soon, how can he not, you are the perfect complement to him. Help me. I’m so nervous about meeting Derek’s parents. I know he picked them up on his way here.”

  “Don’t obsess. They’re going to love you. Give yourself some credit. Are you ready? I saw your dad sharing a drink with the men. It’s amazing how they’ve taken to Derek.”

  “They must see what I see in him. Strength, courage and a good heart. He masks it pretty well but he’s a really likeable guy when he puts himself out there. Plus he handled them well without threatening them. I still don’t know how he won over my difficult grandma. All I know is he leaned over and whispered something in her ear. She chuckled, fixed her spectacles and pulled him in for a hug.”

  “Some men have mighty mojo. I gotta go. Barbie and Taleena are out there in place. Take a deep breath and smile.” Nadja handed her the small bouquet of fresh field flowers and kissed her cheek.

  Deja licked her bottom lip and asked her father to step in and bring her to her future. “Daddy.”

  He leaned over and kissed her cheek, patted her hand and led her from the banquet hall to the tented area outside.

  She felt like a princess as her proud father led her to her prince. Taleena, Nadja and Barbie stood with Donato and Jason watching. She turned to share a father-daughter moment, and then stared at the love of her life. I will not cry. I will not cry. She repeated the mantra in her head with each step. When they reached Derek, her father handed her off and took his place on the sideline.

  In a dreamlike haze everyone faded. The smell of blossoms hit her, sweet and full of life. All she saw was Derek, all she heard was the loud pounding of her heart. She retained her tight grip on the flowers. Her lover knew and winked to put her at ease and suddenly her constricted throat opened up. The loud beat of her pulse diminished and she heard each word the preacher spoke. When her time came she repeated her vows, not for one second missing the love reflected back to her when Derek spoke his with such conviction, no one could deny the devotion he felt for her.

  With shaky legs and hands, she accepted the band on her finger, blushing when he kissed her fingertips to steady her hand. Now calmer, she took a deep breath and slid the metal symbol of forever on him.

  “I give you Mr. and Mrs. Derek Tresvant,” the preacher announced them as husband and wife and closed his Bible. Derek didn’t wait for permission to kiss her. Deja laughed as he swooped her up into his arms and captured her lips. She parted his and unleashed all the love, passion and need for him she possessed. Once again he broke off a killer kiss, leaving her bereft.

  “I’ve never been more thankful for sheeting rain and a cab. If not for those two combined, I’d have never set eyes on the woman of my dreams.” Her friends and family chuckled. She elbowed him lightly.

  “The cab ride was memorable.” He could tease, she would dish right back. Their first cab ride set the pace for their mutual passions. Just thinking about their first kiss, shared in that back seat, on the rainy night got her hot.

  With their hands intertwined, Derek led her through the throng of well-wishers to his parents.

  “Mom. Dad. I’d love for you to meet my wife Deja. Deja, my mom Grace and my dad, Kain Mitchell.”

  “We’ve heard so much about you. Welcome to our family.” Derek’s mom surprised her with a super hug. Kain was next, enveloping her in his arms and gave her a bear hug. Her family wasn’t so affectionate in public. Not the way his were on first glance. The difference between his family and hers was notable. She loved how affectionate they were.

  “It’s nice to finally meet you. I too have heard so much.” She retreated into Derek’s arms, too nervous to say anything else. The first dance began to play.

  “That is our cue.” Derek whisked her off onto the floor.

  “They’re such a lovely couple.” Deja saw them move to the dance floor, entranced with one another. Hopefully she and Derek would still be in love like that in the coming years. A timeless love.

  “Are they staying long?”

  “No. My dad has a conference to run and so they’ll be leaving tomorrow night. We won’t get to spend much time with them this time, but we’ll have plenty of time to visit over the summer. He’ll take a break from work to take her on vacation. You don’t think they’ll miss the birth of their first grandchild do you?”

  “Good. I’d like to get to know them.”

  “You will baby, you will.”

  Deja rose up on her toes to kiss him. “No wonder you’re so wonderful, you come from wonderful stock.” She giggled into his mouth as he spun her around the room. The music stopped but he didn’t.

  “May I?” Donato tapped Derek on the shoulder. Derek stepped back and allowed Donato to dance with her.

  “I have a small present for you from Nadja and I.” Donato hugged her tighter to him. “Derek is looking daggers at me.”

  Deja giggled. “You’re so bad. Thanks for everything, all your help and Nadja’s.”

  “We love you kid.” Donato withdrew a slender package from his inside pocket. “Take this and your husband with you. Go change into your evening gown or something. We can handle the crowd for a few minutes. Go now.”

  Deja kissed his cheek, stepped away from and sauntered up to her husband. The present in one hand, she took his hand in her other and tugged him. “Donato has something for us to open in private.” She bit her lip and led him inside the banquet hall to a private room.

  “What do you think it is?”

  “Who knows with Donato and Nadja.” Deja ripped open the wedding wrapping paper and pulled the lid off the box.

  “Well what is it?” Derek asked.

  “They’re a riot.”

  “I know you two love birds already have a bun in the oven…find a spot to have some fun, knock off the edge before your honeymoon without the whole guest list knowing. Pssst. Nadja thought about the fresh wipes,” Deja read the note and took out the glow in the dark condom, small plastic container holding a clit stimulator and wipes.

  “We better get to work then, we only have a few minutes.” Derek grinned and unzipped his pants. “Hike up that skirt baby and turn off the light.” While she complied, he tore open the condom wrapper and sheathed his cock.

  “My you’re not a glow worm at all.” Deja laughed and flipped the light off and on to see him glow.

  “We don’t have time baby and I’d love to stuff my wife full of my…”

  Deja flipped the light off and hiked up her dress. Finding Derek in the dark was easy all things considered. He eased her onto the table beside them and turned on the stimulator. He pressed the high speed toy against her clit and surged into her in one thrust. Deja held onto his jacket lapels as he fucked her hard, using one hand to anchor the toy to her sex. She felt her orgasm come quickly as her walls begin to shake. He altered the position of the toy and her leg shook uncontrollably.

  “I’m going to make you shake like this later.”

  She knew he meant the words and hung onto the promise with anticipatory glee. “Fuck me baby.” She moaned and spread her legs wider for him to slam into her. The toy buzzed over her bud, driving her to orgasm in seconds. She bit her lip to stop from screaming as it cascaded over her and looked down at the sight of the green condom sliding in and out of her. Derek held her tighter and his cock jerked inside her. He groaned, slowing down, his body shuddering until he withdrew.

  “That was so hot. We have to sneak away and do this again.” Deja immediately missed his weight against her. She heard another tear, and then felt cool moisture on her thighs as he wiped her pussy, no doubt so he could play some more. “Really?”

 
; “I like touching you.” He slipped off the condom and she sighed at not seeing the monster green cock she loved inside her.

  “You have to get some of those. I don’t like condoms much, but once in a while watching a glowing one in the dark is hot.”

  Derek bent down to draw her underwear up and over her heels. When he started getting touchy feely again, she slapped at his hands and slid them the rest of the way on. So he tucked and zipped his pants. “Ready to head back?”

  “Yep.” Deja turned on the light to see him toss the discarded condom and trash into the gift box and the stimulator inside his jacket pocket. Good thing since she didn’t have a hiding spot. They entered the party hands intertwined just in time to cut the cake.

  “Words of advice from a beloved wife…” Deja found a flute of juice for a toast.

  “Sometimes when you have a fear that becomes larger than life, it keeps growing, until like the State Puff Marshmallow Man it explodes. Then you realize all the anxiety, years lost and self-made ulcers were for nothing, that you made more of it than anyone in your life. You can claim a breakdown in communication as the cause, but when it comes down to it, you’re just as responsible for not speaking up.

  Live life and love hard, learn to laugh at yourself.

  Don’t shut your family out. In my case, their epic fuck up, upset me on such a deep level that I kicked them out of my personal life. We’re all human and make mistakes. Closed doors and burned bridges make repairing impossible. How was I to know they, my parents, wanted to ask about my life, but didn’t know how to shore up the gap.

  Derek was right, though I won’t be telling him. Men already have big heads and he doesn’t need to have an inflated ego. Stare down your fears and plunge in. Only a fool risks losing in the end.” She paused and then spoke with clearer conviction and a less wavering voice.

  “I say so because I was that fool. Thankfully, I saw the light. Cheers. Thank you all for coming and for such a beautiful ceremony.” Deja raised her glass and toasted. Everyone followed suit. Derek hugged her to his side and kissed her cheek. He seemed to know just what she needed and she had no doubt he’d take care of her until the end of their days.