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  “You want me out of the way all of a sudden so you can fuck that soldier, don’t you?” He snarls.

  I knit my brows, glaring up at him. “I’ve been single for three and a half years. I don’t need you out of the way to fuck anybody,” I snap back.

  He grasps my face between his large fingers, biting into my flesh. I try to pull back, but his hold only tightens. He lowers his lips to mine and forces a rough kiss, breaking the kiss just as I get ready to bite his ass.

  “You’re not single. You’ve never been single. You don’t even know who that piece of shit is, but you’ve allowed him in my son’s life. I’m warning you. Get rid of him,” he commands, releasing me with so much force I stumble back.

  I don’t get to respond as I straighten up. He’s already strolled off, climbing back into his police SUV. I narrow my eyes at his partner sitting in the passenger seat.

  Coward, can’t even look me in the eyes.

  14

  Parker

  Two months later…

  It’s been two months since the day of the barbecue. I thought things would be different when I returned for my little trip with the boys. I was actually looking forward to my return.

  However, Lakia has been closed off since I got back. To be honest, she’s always pissed off and stressed. I haven’t pushed to make her talk to me. Although, we’ve had our little talks in the past, I don’t want to push the limits of our budding relationship.

  I figured it’s all been work related. She has mentioned deadlines a time or two. Yet, I notice she’s been taking almost daily trips out of the house. I haven’t asked about them because I don’t have those rights, but they have peaked my interest.

  I’ve been tempted to follow her, but this new professor position is more demanding than I thought it would be. Even now I have notes I’m putting together for tomorrow’s lecture. With my schedule, I’ve been telling myself that maybe this is all for the best. Myles isn’t here for me to ask for his blessing to date his sister and I don’t know how he would have felt about it.

  So many scenarios have run through my head. It’s the other reason I’ve backed off and allowed Lakia to pull away from me. I’ve never been indecisive. This is all new territory for me. I don’t like it. I know what I want, it’s only a matter of time before I allow myself to have it.

  I blow out a breath. I haven’t been able to concentrate. I had dinner with Lakia and Isaac tonight and something was off. My instincts tell me to go back over there and check in on her. I stop debating it. Tossing my postcards aside and shutting down my laptop, I head out of my apartment for the main house.

  15

  Lakia

  I slam another dish into the dishwasher. I’m frustrated to the max. Toni has been dipping out on Isaac repeatedly in the last few weeks. He calls him to get him all excited about spending time together, only to bow out at the last minute.

  That crap has me livid, but what I’m totally pissed about is the fact that he has the nerve to be pissed with me because the last two times he’s called, Isaac has declined speaking to him. I told him our son is no one’s fool. My little baby has had enough. I won’t make him talk to Toni if he doesn’t want to.

  I never talk poorly of my son’s father in front of my child. I’ve allowed him to make his own decision concerning Toni, but even at four he understands his father is a grade A asshole. Children can be more perceptive than we as adults think.

  Toni’s trying to punish me through our son. He has no idea, he is just fueling me in the process. I watched YouTube video after YouTube video on how to build and secure my own hidden lock boxes. I’ve built one at every entrance of my home and I have a licensed piece in each one.

  I’m not even worried about Toni finding out about the firearms I’ve recently purchased. Hopefully, the knowledge will show him how serious I am. I go to target practice nearly every day, just before hitting the gym. I’m not playing with this man. I’m tired of it.

  His mention of my brother made me aware that he feels he can take being a bully to the next level. I refuse to live like that. I loathe that Toni thinks I’m some weak southern bell that’ll wilt under him.

  “Son of a bitch,” I slam another fork in the dishwasher.

  “I’m sure I didn’t do anything to deserve that,” my nipples harden at the sound of his voice.

  My other issue.

  I’ve been so sexually frustrated. I don’t want to drag Parker in the middle of this. I’ve seen how close to flying off the handle he was when he asked if Toni ever put his hands on me. He doesn’t need to place himself in Toni’s crosshairs for me.

  I grasp the edges of the kitchen sink and drop my head between my shoulders. Parker places his hands on my shoulder blades and starts to massage. I sigh and roll my tense upper body into his strong hold.

  He moves closer, pressing his body to mine. I don’t move away like I know I should. Something in my mind tells me that once Parker places his claim on me, he’ll be a part of every aspect of my life. Not in the creepy way Toni has been asserting himself, but in a caring, protective, and loving way.

  I moan when his lips meet my neck. Again, I ignore my brain telling me to run. Instead, I push back and wiggle against the hard bulge growing into me. I can’t help biting my lip, while thinking about how large he’s felt every time he’s swelled against me.

  “You left the door unlocked. I thought I told you about that,” he whispers in my ear.

  “Isaac wanted to be a big boy and throw out the trash, I didn’t check the lock behind him,” I breathe.

  “Is he asleep?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, go sit on the couch. I’ll finish up in here,” he commands.

  I turn to face him and his hands slide down to my waist. His blue eyes lock on mine, saying a million things without a word having to be spoken. I lift on my toes and kiss his cheek, before following his orders.

  I’m bone tired and so over fighting my feelings for him. I flop on the couch and throw my head back over the arm. I dig my hands into my hair and close my eyes. I groan when I think about the deadline that’s riding my ass. I’ve been too stressed to think about where I want this book to go.

  My phone rings startling me. I look at the time and sigh. I totally forgot that I’d planned a call with Kaye and Dean. When one of us hits a wall with writer’s block, we usually get on the line together to work a little sister magic. It’s why I love my girls.

  “Hey, ladies,” I answer the phone, placing it on speaker phone.

  “Girl, you sound exhausted,” Dean’s voice chimes through the line.

  “That assumption would be just about right,” I huff.

  “I feel you. It’s been a long day,” Kaye yawns.

  “How’s baby boy?” I ask with a smile.

  “He’s doing fine, getting on my last nerve,” she chuckles. “How’s Isaac? I saw the pics you posted, he’s getting so big.”

  “He’s a little monster, rushing to become a man,” I laugh.

  “Hold up, I have questions about the pics your mother posted. I know what Toni looks like and that man in those pics was not Toni. Who’s the cutie in the glasses?” Dean interjects.

  “I so didn’t want to ask, but I saw those too,” Kaye giggles tiredly.

  “Uh-uh, not now,” I murmur, my eyes looking towards the kitchen.

  “Mm, sounds to me like someone has company,” Dean sings.

  “I hate to waste your guys’ time, but I’m too tired to even think tonight,” I sidestep Dean’s comment.

  “That deadline is about to fry your ass, Boo. You sure you don’t want to at least hash it out?” Dean asks.

  “Not tonight,” I yawn.

  “Well, I’m here when you need,” Kaye yawns back. “I’m going to head to bed, Ladies. Love you both.”

  “Love you too, Girl,” I smile.

  “Well, personally. I hate you both. Y’all both fucking and I’m not,” Dean grumbles.

  “No comment,” Kaye giggle
s, hanging up.

  I laugh hard, not even acknowledging Dean’s comment. Yeah, I know all about Kaye’s dirty little secret. I don’t judge her. She writes some fire based off of her muse. I wish I was getting it as good as she is. Her pen sets the pages ablaze just like her pen name suggests. Them sheets are a victim of black smoke whenever she gets a chance.

  I sigh as the line goes dead, following Dean’s laughter. Both of my friends moving on with their lives for the night. I close my eyes again. Dean’s words ringing in my head. That deadline is frying my ass. I have got to get my shit together.

  I jump, startled when my ankles are lifted from the couch. My eyes open to deep blues, staring back at me. Parker takes a seat, placing my legs across his lap.

  “I’m ready to listen when you’re ready to talk,” his sexy voice rambles.

  “About?” I shrug, trying not to sound exhausted.

  “I’ll be straight with you. I don’t play games. I’ve been there, done that. I like you. I want you. I get the feeling you feel the same. So, you can tell me what’s going on or we can talk about something else, but don’t try to play me for a fool,” Parker says, while massaging my foot with his strong hand.

  I just stare, at a loss for words. I groan when he hits a sweet spot on the sole of my foot. Embarrassed, I try to pull back, but he doesn’t let me.

  His intense eyes remain on me. His hands work magic, while he seems to be waiting out my response. I take a deep breath.

  I’ve learned Parker is very much like my big brother. When they set their minds to something they’re tenacious. The determined look in his eyes tells me his mind is definitely set.

  “I’m stressed. I have a lot on my plate and I have deadlines to meet,” I reply.

  “What has you stressed other than the deadlines,” he lifts a brow.

  I growl. “My deadbeat baby daddy,” I roll my eyes.

  “Some folks you’ll never be able to change. You’re a great mama. Isaac is well loved and taken care of. If Toni can’t get his act together that shouldn’t take away from your life,” he says honestly.

  I rub my temples. “All easier said. You know. He picks and chooses when he wants to be involved. Always at my inconvenience,” I pause and huff. “Can we talk about something else, anything else.”

  “Come here,” he responds, sending shockwaves through my system.

  I hesitate for a single moment, before shifting and crawling closer to him. His large hand tugs me into his lap. I stare into his eyes, cupping my hands around his neck. It dawns on me that he’s not wearing his glasses.

  I tilt my head to the side, taking a good look into his eyes. Suddenly, I feel like I’m falling into them. Their depths are so deep. I almost feel like he’s telling me to dive in.

  “Show me,” I whisper, pleading for him to reveal himself to me.

  “It ain’t pretty, gorgeous,” he says almost sounding pained.

  “It never is. Show me.”

  The words are just barely out, before his lips capture mine. It’s the most passionate and demanding kiss I’ve ever experienced. My fingers slide up into his hair, curling into the silky strains. It’s been way too long since I’ve been with a man. I can’t keep myself from rocking in his lap. His hands go from my hips to my backside. His grip is so tight, I feel like he might tear right through my jeans.

  “Damn, you taste better than I thought you would,” he groans against my lips.

  “Please,” I plead, not sure what I’m pleading for—more of his kisses or more of his voice rumbling through my body.

  I just know I need more. His hands move under my t-shirt cupping my breasts. When his thumbs flick my pebbled buds, I whimper with need.

  “I want to see you,” he rasps.

  “Mommy,” Isaac’s cry fills the air.

  I whimper and not in pleasure. I place my forehead to Parker’s and almost burst into tears. My son has been spending so much time at my mama’s, for a split moment, I forgot he was in his room sleeping.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper.

  “Nothing to be sorry about,” he shakes his head. “I’ll be right here. We can hash out that story of yours when you get back.”

  My face breaks into a huge smile and my heart stutters. I’m falling for him. I’m falling for him hard.

  16

  Parker

  We’ve been up all night. Once Lakia started to talk about her book, her brain just took off. She’s been talking to herself and typing for hours. We’ve been sitting on the couch, her between my legs, while her fingers fly across the keys.

  I’ve inhaled her hair all night, savoring her scent. I have a class to teach this afternoon, but I can’t seem to pull myself off this couch. Not when I’d rather be here, watching her in her element.

  “Oh, God, Parker. Look at the time,” Lakia turns her face up at me and gasps, pulling me from my own musings.

  “Did you reach a stopping point,” I ask, kissing her temple.

  “No, but Isaac will be up soon. I’ll make him breakfast and then I can get back to it,” she replies, but I can see the longing in her eyes to continue.

  I peck her lips. “Keep working. Isaac and I will take care of ourselves. He can come with me today.”

  “What? You’re teaching today,” she wrinkles her brows.

  “And he can be my assistant,” I shrug.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “That’s a matter of opinion,” I smile, pecking her lips before reluctantly peeling myself away from her and the couch.

  “I owe you big time. Thank you so much. I think I can wrap this one up now,” she says, looking at her computer screen with bright eyes.

  All the exhaustion from last night has disappeared. I know I’ve found what makes Lakia happy. Her books are a place of happiness for her. I lean to kiss the top of her head once more.

  “You can make it up to me at dinner,” I wink when I straighten up.

  “Won’t you be drained by dinner?” She asks with concern.

  “I could go another seventy-two hours.”

  I grin when her eyes fill with lust. My own thoughts go to the taste and the feel of her. One taste and I know I want a whole lot more.

  “Get back to work, I got this,” I order, heading for the kitchen to make breakfast.

  * * *

  I peek in the rearview mirror, at Isaac beaming happily in the back of my truck. I think I’ve enjoyed our day together more than he has. The students were taken with the little guy from the moment we entered class.

  My mind has been circling the thought of this being my life. A son, maybe a few more kids and Lakia as my wife. I once swore I’d never try to go there again. Now, it’s been all I can think about all day.

  I want a baby with those cola colored eyes and brown skin. I want to come home every night to watch my wife create stories she loves, while she rests against my chest.

  “Can we do this again?” Isaac calls from the back seat.

  Just as they say great minds think alike. I look in the mirror and smile back at him. The plea in his eyes hits me in my damaged heart.

  “We sure can,” I reply, looking back, as I stop at a light.

  “Yes,” he pumps his little fist.

  “Want to help me make dinner for your mommy tonight?”

  “Yeah!” he gushes. “We have to make her favorite.”

  “Oh, yeah? And what’s that,” I chuckle.

  “Curry chicken with rice and peas,” he says, I look in the mirror to see his serious face, as he nods at his words.

  “Well, then curry chicken it is,” I laugh.

  17

  Lakia

  I wake to the house filled with delicious aromas. I crashed sometime after three o’clock this afternoon. Parker sent me a few texts with pictures of Isaac enjoying himself on the college campus and in the classroom. My heart swelled to see my baby having so much fun with a male role model.

  Missing my son and Parker the instant the sleep clears from my brain
, I drag my body from the bed and jump into the shower. After lotioning my body, putting on some lip gloss and my favorite perfume, I get dressed. I make my way to where the mouthwatering smells are coming from. When I turn into the kitchen, I find Isaac and Parker setting bowls down on the table.

  “Hey, cutie pie,” I sing to Isaac, when he runs over to hug my legs.

  “Hey, Mommy. You have to see what we made,” he sings.

  “Is that right,” I reply, allowing him to pull me the rest of the way to the table.

  Parker places the last bowl down on the table, before turning his attention to me. I lift a brow at him, with a teasing smile on my lips. He returns my look with a questioning one of his own. I smile and shake my head at him.

  “You made cornbread?” I try to keep the mirth from my face and tone.

  He narrows his eyes at me, but I see the smile playing around his lips. He pulls the chair in front of the last bowl he placed on the table. I bite my lip looking between him and the tasty looking food before me.

  “Just sit down,” he rumbles next to my ear, using his big body to block Isaac’s view to quickly nip at my lobe and swiftly pat my ass.

  I laugh, sliding into the seat. When he reaches for my shoulder to give a gentle squeeze, I feel a ping of disappointment. I was expecting him to kiss the top of my head, temple or nose, like he did a million times last night. When I look across the table, I see my son watching us intently, understanding hits. Isaac’s eyes are so full of happiness and dare I say hope.

  I watch his eyes follow Parker as he takes his seat as if he’s watching a real live superhero in his home. I feel a sharp pain in my chest. It dawns on me that the last few times Isaac has seen his father he has become so disengaged.

  “So how did work go today?” Parker asks, pulling my attention.