I looked at her and said, “Can you please give us a minute?”
“Oh, uh…absolutely. I’m sorry. Just let me know when you’re ready.” She turned to walk away.
“On second thought, I’ll take a glass of Chardonnay please,” I said, hoping a drink might take the edge off of the tension I felt. I didn’t even know why I’d bothered to come. Deep down, I knew Deandre never would have disappeared from my life if he really loved me, and none of his excuses would take away the sadness and uncertainty I’d felt on all those lonely nights.
“Well, we have an excellent French Chardonnay and also one from Argentina that’s quite popular, and then there’s another from—”
“Surprise me.”
“Sure thing.” She looked at Deandre. “Can I get anything for you, sir?”
“Cognac please.”
“Well, we have quite a selection of that too. Would you like—”
“You can surprise me too.”
“Great. I’ll be right back with your drinks,” she said, then turned and walked toward the bar.
“So, Deandre, talk to me. What happened to you, to us?”
He bit his bottom lip. “You might wanna wait for her to get back with those drinks.”
“I’m tired of waiting.”
“I know, and you deserve to hear the truth. I just…well, I went through some hellified baby-mama drama, Kai. When I told Janice about you, she got so jealous that she threatened to leave the country with Corey. She’s got people down in Jamaica, so I knew she wasn’t lying. I remember seeing a story on Dateline about a man whose baby-mama took their son to Brazil, and he never saw his kid again. I got scared that Janice was gonna do the same shit to me, so I pretended like I wanted to get back together, just to keep a close eye on her. She had one condition—that I break up with you. As much as it hurt me to do it, I decided to play along. The only problem was that you are so perfect for me that I couldn’t think of a good reason to leave you. That night when I picked you up at the airport and we were gettin’ it on, I had to think of something, but I didn’t want to do something so terrible that you’d hate me forever. I know that what I did was foul, but it was the best I could come up with. Trust me, I’m never gonna make love to you like that again. It’s not my style to pressure a woman into anything, sexually or otherwise. I felt real bad doing that, but like I said, it ain’t me at all.”
“How did you know I wouldn’t go along with it?” I asked, skeptical.
He said, “I wasn’t sure. I’m not gonna lie though. It really was a test, to see if you’re wifey material. I figured if you went along with it, you’d be just like all these other females, but if you told me no, it would mean you have too much respect for yourself to let a man do whatever he wants, even me. That’s the kind of woman I wanna be with, Reese’s, and I’m glad you didn’t disappoint. All dudes need to be told no sometimes. Don’t get me wrong. There’s gonna be a time and place for us to try all that freaky shit, but only when you’re ready and into it. Maybe on our honeymoon—”
I blinked, taken aback. “Wait…our honeymoon?”
“Yeah, Reese’s. We can go wherever you want—the Caribbean, Paris, maybe even Saint-Tropez.”
“Before we talk about honeymoons, we need to finish this conversation. You still haven’t explained why you pulled a disappearing act on me.”
“Janice is crazy possessive. When I was there, she was always checking my cell phone, my email, and my Facebook. As much as I missed you, I couldn’t take no chances. When I explained the situation to my sisters, they offered to jump her in the parking lot. My whole family is sick and tired of her gold-diggin’ ass, but I didn’t wanna put my baby-mama in the hospital either. I could never do that Corey. I had to come up with a real plan to keep Janice from taking my son away. The first thing I did was buy him a cell phone so he can call me if she tries anything stupid. Then, I hired a private investigator to put a tracking device on her car, so I’ll know if she goes anywhere near an airport. Now that all that’s taken care of, we can make a new start, you and me,” he said, looking deeply into my eyes.
I wanted to believe him, but I still had many questions. “Did you sleep in the same bed with her?”
The waitress returned to our table and set our drinks down in front of us. “Have you had a chance to look at the dinner menu yet?” she asked.
Deandre took a long swig of his drink and said, “Could you come back in a few minutes?”
She took notice of my angry expression and said, “Absolutely,” then hurried away.
“Answer me, Deandre. Did you sleep in the same bed with her?”
He nodded.
“Were you intimate with her?”
He nodded again. “A couple times, but my heart wasn’t in it. Every time I touched her, I thought of you. Janice ain’t done shit with her life except mooch off me. Even when we were in college, she had dollar signs in her eyes. Everybody knew I was gonna go pro, so when she got pregnant, she tried to pressure me into marrying her, but I refused. Don’t get me wrong. I love my son with everything inside me, but the thought of marrying Janice never crossed my mind. I’m looking at the woman I wanna spend the rest of my life with. I’ve got it all planned out. After we get married, I’ll apply for full custody of my son. No judge will give it to me now because of my travel schedule, but all of that will change when you become Corey’s stepmom.”
“Hold on. This is too much, too fast.”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned on the court and in life, Reese’s, it’s that when life comes at you fast, you gotta go with it.”
The waitress returned to our table with a small plate of grilled shrimp and placed it between us.
“Excuse me, but we didn’t order this,” I said.
“This appetizer is compliments of the chef. Enjoy!” she explained before checking on another table.
Deandre grinned. “What’s wrong with you, girl? You gonna turn down free scrimps?”
I laughed and grabbed one of the shrimp. Underneath it, I was shocked to see a glistening diamond ring in the middle of the plate. I screamed when Deandre picked up the ring and dropped to his knees.
Everyone in the restaurant watched as he took my hands and said, “Kai Lewis, you would make me the happiest man alive if you would be my wife.”
“Deandre!”
“Tonight is the beginning of forever. All you have to do is say yes.”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”
The restaurant patrons cheered, and a few shouted, “Congratulations!”
He slid the gorgeous diamond onto my ring finger, and we both stood up. I was elevated all the way up to cloud nine when he knelt down and parted my lips with his tongue, a kiss rich with passion and desire. I wrapped my arms around his strong back. He grabbed me by the waist and literally swept me off my feet; I kicked my legs in the air. My birthday wish had come true, and I felt as if I was living my own version of happily ever after, the ending to a perfect romance novel.
* * *
Later that night, Deandre and I lay in bed together, naked.
He kissed my lips slowly and whispered, “I miss kissing you here, but I really miss kissing you there.” He fondled my clit with his middle finger. Before I could say another word, he stuck out his tongue and glided it down my torso. He started by circling my hard nipples, saturating them with his saliva.
I let out a sigh as he worked down to my belly button and finally stopped at the warm folds between my thighs. Each of his slow, wet licks made me holler out with pleasure. My breathing grew heavier, and my legs began to tremble. I closed my eyes.
Deandre moved his skilled tongue faster, bringing me to a sweet climax. After I creamed all over his sexy lips, he climbed up my body and positioned his long, hard dick an inch away from my mouth.
I sucked on the tip of it and licked his shaft with tongue. He moaned when I began to tongue his balls. Next, I took as much of his dick into my mouth as possible and sucked it hard, then slow, then
hard again. Suddenly, I tasted a burst of pre-cum.
“Damn, Reese’s! You ‘bout to make me cum too.” He pulled out of my mouth.
“What’s wrong, baby?” I asked, looking up at him.
“Nothin’. I’m just not ready to cum yet.” He grabbed my breasts and positioned his long, hard stick between them like a hotdog nestled in a soft bun. As he glided back and forth, he flicked his thumbs over my nipples.
I sighed from the sensation. It had been a long time since I’d been titty-fucked and it felt amazing.
“Your tits are so sexy, baby, the best I’ve ever seen.”
I smiled. “And they’re all yours now.”
He stopped and climbed down my body. He spread my legs apart and penetrated me.
I wrapped my arms around his neck. I looked into his eyes, and I was so emotional that a tear slid down my cheek. I muttered his name as he moved deeper and deeper inside of me. It was the best sex we’d ever had.
He asked, “Is this all mine?”
“Yes!” I screamed as Deandre filled me up, moving in and out of me in a sensuous rhythm.
“Did you give it to somebody else while I was away?”
“No!”
He stroked me harder and stared into my eyes. “You sure, baby? You sure I’m the only one?”
“Yes!”
“You gonna let me be the only one for life?”
“Yes!”
“Let me hear you say it.”
“You’re the only one.”
“Tell me I’m the only one for life!”
“You’re the only one for life!”
We both climaxed at the same time, and it felt beautiful as our love juices mixed together inside my pussy.
He pulled out of me and lay on my chest.
I stroked his bald head and smiled. “I love you so much, Deandre.”
“I love you too, Reese’s. I realize I almost messed everything up between us, but I’m so glad you didn’t get with no other dudes. I knew you’re wife material, and that’s why I had to put a ring on it tonight.”
My cell phone rang, and I glanced at my nightstand and saw Ace’s name light up the screen.
Deandre rolled over on his back and asked, “Who is that?”
“Just, uh…a friend of mine.”
“Calling this late, after midnight?”
“Yeah. I’ll just call him back later.”
“If he’s just a friend, why can’t you answer it in front of me?”
“I, uh…well, he—”
“You can be honest with me, Reese’s. Did you do anything with him?”
“No. Well, yeah…I mean, years ago, but—”
“So I guess I’m not the only one who’s been keeping secrets.”
“It’s not what you think. I’ll prove it,” I said. I answered the phone, “Hello?”
“Hey, sexy. I been thinkin’ about you,” Ace said.
“Listen, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“What’s up?”
“I’m engaged.”
He laughed. “It turns me on when you play hard-to-get. When can I come over?”
“Did you not hear me? I’m getting married.”
“You think I care? Me and you got a forever connection, girl. I’m your first! No other dude can top that, no matter what kinda ring he buy you.”
“We have nothing more to talk about. Lose my number!” I said, then hung up the phone.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Deandre said. “It’s my fault if you stepped out. I was with Janice while I was away from you, and if you had him, then—”
“I hear what you’re saying, but I want you to know nothing happened. I didn’t do anything with him, even though I could have. I didn’t because…well, because of you. I’m not sure how much of that conversation you heard, but he was my first. I swear I haven’t touched him since I was in high school. Anyway, I’m sorry he messed up our special night.”
He took my hand and said, “He didn’t mess up nothing. All I want is right here.” He stroked the ring on my finger. “I don’t expect you to be perfect, Kai. I just want you to be real with me, and I’ll do the same from here on out. Never mind Janice, and never mind what’s-his-name.”
“Ace.”
“Never mind Ace.”
My phone started ringing again, and I powered it off.
Deandre smiled. “I can’t blame him for being obsessed with you, as sexy as you are, but if he calls back here again, I’m gonna have to handle his ass.”
I laughed.
He kissed me. “Just kidding, baby. I know I don’t gotta be jealous over you, because I can trust you. You can trust me too. That’s all that matters. I can’t wait to get you to the altar, Reese’s.”
CHAPTER 19
The next morning, I called Mama on my way to work to tell her the good news.
“See? I told you it would all work out! I’m so happy for you, honey. I think Deandre will make a wonderful husband. Now we’ve got a whole lotta planning to do! My baby’s getting married! I’m sure you’ll want Pastor Robinson to conduct the ceremony, and we can get flowers at—”
“Mama! He just proposed last night.”
“There’s nothing wrong with trying on a few gowns, right? Just let me call around to some bridal shops and see if I can schedule some appointments for Saturday. I know it’s short notice, but considering that my baby girl is famous, I’m sure something can be arranged.”
“Mama, we’ve got plenty of time for all that.” I pulled my car into a parking space on the first floor of the garage.
“Chile, please! The early bird catches the worm. If you wait too long, all of the good dresses will be picked over, and my baby deserves the best.” She paused and added, “I know you don’t always get along with LaNaya, but I think she should be your maid of honor. At the very least, she oughtta be a bridesmaid.”
“Of course,” I said. Truthfully, my prospects for bridesmaids were pretty bleak. Considering my lack of close female friends, I was sure I’d only have LaNaya, Chantel (if she’d even agree to fly in from whatever country she was living in) and maybe Madison. I’d had issues with women since LaNaya slept with Ace. It was sad to admit, but one of the reasons why I struck up a friendship with Chantel in college was because she was less attractive than me. With her freckled face and buckteeth, I didn’t really have to worry about reliving the horror of catching the love of my life and a trusted female with their pants down.
“This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time, and I just can’t wait to meet my new grandbaby. I’m sure he’ll get along real good with his little cousins. Maybe he can even teach them to clean up after themselves. Those kids got popcorn kernels all up in my couch cushions.”
“Are Cher-Cher and Li’l JJ staying with you again, Mama?”
“Yep. LaNaya dropped ‘em off last week, and I ain’t heard from her since.”
“That’s my sister.”
“I know how you feel, but the kids shouldn’t have suffer because their mama is still trying to get herself together. But enough about that. What’s my new grandbaby’s name again?”
“Corey.”
“What’s he like?”
“I haven’t met him yet. Things are a little sensitive between him and Deandre and the child’s mother. It’s…a long story.”
“Maybe I’m old school, but I think you shoulda met Corey before Deandre even thought about asking you to marry him. I mean, what if…God forbid, but what if the two of you don’t get along? I’m sure it’s all gonna work out, but—”
“Mama, please stop worrying.”
“I’m not trying to rain on your parade, baby, but when children are involved, certain things can’t be overlooked. What’s Deandre’s mama got to say about all this?”
“I haven’t met her yet either.”
“What!? That’s not a good sign at all.”
“Deandre has a strained relationship with his family. Ever since he went pro, they’ve been tre
ating him like a bank account.”
“I see.”
“Anyway, I gotta go, or else I’m gonna be late.”
“Sure thing. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye, Mama. I love you.”
“I love you too, honey.”
After I hung up the phone, I reflected on Mama’s wisdom. Even before that conversation, I’d been bothered that Deandre hadn’t introduced me to Corey. Is Deandre hiding something from me? I blinked away a tear as I looked down at my sparkling engagement ring. He had seemed so genuine when he’d proposed, and he’d even had my nickname tattooed on his arm, in plain sight. I felt that man’s love in my bones, and I’d waited my whole life for someone like him. I remembered the night when LaNaya had come over my apartment. If Deandre was really a dog, he would’ve screwed her or at least hit on her, but instead of lusting over my sister and her ghetto booty, he climbed back in bed with me. I knew I was just being a fool, and I didn’t want my worries, suspicions, and insecurities to spoil things.
I got out of the car, resolved that when I saw him later that night, we would plan a trip to Milwaukee. Mama’s right. I needed to get to know Corey before I become his stepmom. I also needed to meet Janice and his whole family. I knew there might be some drama, but I was sure it would be worth the trouble to ensure that my marriage with Deandre had a solid foundation.
When I walked into the news station, Madison was the first to notice my engagement ring. She looked down at it and asked, “Ms. Lewis, is that what I think it is?”
I nodded and smiled.
“Who’s the lucky man?”
“Deandre Grant. He plays for the Pistons.”
“Well, that proves it,” she said.
“What’s that?”
“You’re the woman who has it all.”
My phone started ringing. “Hello?” I answered.
A man’s voice said, “Kai?”
“Yes?”
“This is Detective Palmeri.”
“Oh! Hi, Detective. How are you?” I asked.
“I’m okay. I, uh…I have a video that might be of interest to you. It’s regarding the house on East Nevada, where we found the seven bodies.”
“Really? That’s great. I’ll stop by on my lunch break.”
“You might wanna come in sooner.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Well, it involves…someone close to you.”
“I’ll be right there, Detective.”
After I hung up the phone, Madison grinned at me. “I don’t mean to be nosy, but was that a policeman?”