Niki's Challenge

Niki’s Challenge Erosa Knowles

Niki’s Challenge Copyright May 2010, Knowles Erosa All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the original purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in form without prior written permission from Erosa Knowles or Sitting Bull Publishing. ISBN 9781937334048 Printed in the United States of America Published by Sitting Bull Publishing This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author‘s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you‘re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1 Chicago, known for its sudden rainfalls, didn‘t disappoint. The sky opened and cleansed the city with its heavy deluge. Nicole made haste to the afternoon meeting. While shaking off the moisture that clung to her coat like a second skin, she steadily maneuvered through the crowded foyer of the tall building towards the office elevators. Glancing outside, the gray clouds mirrored her mood. Tempestuous. Inside the conference room, the pressure in her head expanded by the second. The pills her doctor prescribed to alleviate the pain made her too drowsy, and right now she needed to be on top of her game. Peeking at her watch, she calculated at least another thirty minutes of sales pitches. The incessant pounding in her head demanded she leave within ten. Experience taught her the pain would escalate if left untended. She rotated her neck in an attempt to get out a couple of nasty kinks, allowing her posture to indicate her rapt attention to another presentation. Any other time, she would bombard them with questions to test their knowledge. Nothing irritated her more than working with morons. She decided to cut the meeting short. Her attorney would look through this venture proposal along with the bottom line margins so she could make a decision. Her main purpose in meeting with the management team was to make sure their personalities meshed. So far, so good. ―It appears you have a solid operation here, and I‘m going to take the proposal back to my team to look it over,‖ she interrupted between graph presentations, closing the folder in front of her. ―I should be getting back to you within the week. Is that acceptable?‖ she asked, proud of the steady sound of her voice. She stood at a measured speed, concealing a wince. Everyone knew it was more than acceptable. After all, she had the funding they needed. Hoping her smile was more than a grimace, she turned to greet each person. For a moment, she remained frozen in place in an attempt to catch her breath and shake off the spiraling dizziness. She ground her teeth against the pain as the enthusiastic partner pumped her hand. ―That‘s great, Ms. Bryant.‖ One of the men smiled broadly. ―And as I told you in our earlier conversation, I believe this project will be a great fit with your company. Please feel free to contact me or Mr. Brown here if you have any questions.‖ He gestured to the shorter man standing on his right. She offered a glance in the general direction, nodded and mentally counted to ten. Briefcase in hand, she inched toward the door in an effort to get out the room. ―Are you sure we can‘t tempt you into sharing a meal with us this evening, Ms. Bryant? We have some of the best restaurants in the world right here in Chicago,‖ another voice spoke. Her stomach pitched. She managed a minuscule shake of refusal. ―Thanks, but I‘m going to head to the hotel and catch up on my correspondence.‖ She withdrew her hand, and attempted to make a gracious escape. Her head hammered in earnest. Nicole walked out of the conference room at a snail‘s pace giving the impression of an executive in control. Turning the corner, she leaned against the wall for support while gasping for breath. Eyes closed, she leaned alongside the cool wall and took small sips of air. Fumbling in her bag, she felt around until she grabbed the small bottle. Blindly, she opened the cap, shook out a pill and popped it between her dry lips. Her bleary eyes searched the hall in vain for a water fountain. Once again, she dug in her bag until she located the small bottle of now warm water she had held onto from the plane. Frantic, she opened it and drank. Water dripped down the side of her

mouth as she tried to get more in than she could hold. Dropping the bottle in the trash, she pulled a napkin out of her purse and patted her face. She‘d taken half the amount prescribed, and prayed it would hold her until she reached her room. The persistent pounding in her head changed to a staccato beat, definitely more manageable. She waited a few minutes before braving the bad weather. Sounds of voices coming down the hall sent her in the opposite direction of the bathroom. ―Man, now that‘s a woman that‘ll make you run to the altar.‖ Leaning against the interior bathroom door, she was surprised to realize the voices in the hall were the men from her meeting. ―Yeah, a Pam Grier body with a Beyoncé face,‖ another, deeper voice, added. Peering down, she thought she was okay, but not in the same league as either Grier or Beyoncé. She placed herself more around average height at five foot seven, a little busty perhaps, decent hips and fair skin. Obviously, these men didn‘t know many black people. She pressed closer and continued to listen. ―And top it off, a stellar mind and a nice personality,‖ another voice added. She was surprised to recognize it belonged to the short man. She tried to remember his name and couldn‘t. ―Yeah, but she‘s too smart for you.‖ Laughing, they moved away. ―We‘re lucky she wanted to have a meet and greet. I understand that she‘s close to a decision when she does that.‖ Sagging against the door, Nicole waited for the voices to fade along with the knocking in her head. Finally, she could move without her stomach heaving and her head exploding. Her doctor had told her she was under too much stress, and she needed to slow down. She promised her physician she would take it easy as soon as she finished her project. Of course, that was three projects ago. **** ―Thanks for visiting us here at the Millview,‖ Clarissa said with a slight grimace to the person leaving. It took all her energy to stand at the front desk and smile. It was that time of the month, and she had cramps. Bad. ―You okay?‖ Mr. Greene, the General Manager asked. ―My stomach hurts a little, but I took something for it. I‘ll be fine.‖ Smiling, she straightened the front desk. She could not afford to leave early. Her forty hours looked like thirty and she needed to pick up some extra time for the additional bills at home. ―Please cancel these keys and place the rooms back in circulation,‖ he said. ―I‘ve done some room changes.‖ He gave her a few key packets for the incoming Stellar members. ―No problem. I‘ll take care of it.‖ She breathed through a painful cramp, grateful her boss hadn‘t caught her expression. She placed the envelopes on the counter and leaned forward, waiting for the room to stop spinning. Waving goodbye to the manager, she waited until he left the building, and ran to the back to swallow another of her pills. ―Sherry, I‘m going to take my break now,‖ she told the other employee who‘d recently returned from lunch. ―I just took a pill, and I‘m waiting for it to kick in.‖ ―No problem, I got this. I‘ll call you if I need you.‖ Noticing the Stellar envelopes on the counter she placed them in the bin for distribution to incoming honor guests. **** Niki had checked into her suite earlier that afternoon. After undressing, she remembered she needed something on her stomach before taking her medication, and went to the vending machine on the floor for a pack of cookies or Danish. After gobbling both cookies and a few

pills, she went to shower. Feeling refreshed, she lay on the bed with a book she‘d picked up at the airport. Before she finished the first chapter, her cell rang. She noticed it was David Riccio, an attorney in her office building back home. Disgusted over his refusal to back off, she returned to her book and left the phone on the nightstand, unanswered. David was a nice person, in a laid-back kind of way. Some would consider him a catch. He certainly felt he was. Either she had no libido, or he was a dud, because she felt nothing other than friendship for him. Which he strained by trying to upgrade their acquaintance to something she didn‘t want. Arms over her head, she yawned into her stretch. Tired from a long day and the promise of an equally long one tomorrow, she put her book away. Sleep eluded her. She‘d taken a pill already to help her rest, but decided to take another pill to fall asleep faster. Worn out, she waited for the pain to go away. Smiling slightly, she thought about her meeting tomorrow regarding the progress of her new custom built home with Smoke, the General Contractor from Three X Construction, and Jack. Jack Tubine worked on Smoke‘s team, and recommended the company when she‘d begun researching builders. Since Jack dated her Nana Bea, and the construction firm had an excellent reputation for meeting deadlines and quality work, she secured their services. So far, she was pleased with everything they‘d done. Yawning, she remembered another late meeting with her attorney as well. She‘d turn over the proposal from today‘s meeting to Brenda and let her get rid of the legal pitfalls. Yawning wider this time, she stripped down to her skin and slipped into the large bed. Thinking again about Nana Bea and Jack, she smiled. ―At least somebody‘s getting laid,‖ she murmured.

Chapter 2 Garrett Anthony Brunson, better known as Tony to family and friends, arrived late to the Millview hotel. The first delay from South America was in Miami. Then he missed his connection to Chicago. Now he was stuck overnight, when all he wanted was to see the sun shining in Atlanta. Tomorrow, after his meeting, he‘d head home and get rid of the stench from this last dig. Dealing with poorly trained students, mountains of government paperwork, and corrupt officials left a bad taste in his mouth. If it weren‘t for a private discovery he‘d made on one of his solitary forays into the forest, he‘d quit supervising digs for the Archaeological Institute. Never had he been so excited to step on American soil. In his mind, the trip had been a bust with one exception. As a first class passenger, with liquor flowing free, he quietly celebrated his recent find. His blurred vision and unsteady movements told their own tales. Consequently, he arrived at the hotel smashed, an unusual occurrence for him. Normally, he maintained a tight rein at all times. He had seen enough in his family and with some of his friends to realize things came back to haunt you when you lost control. Tony weaved to the hotel counter, rubbing his forehead. He was glad to put the day behind him. The clerk in front of him appeared to be speaking. ―Here you are, Mr. Brunson. I hope you enjoy your stay with us.‖ Tony nodded his thanks as he took his card envelope. ―Sure...Sure, where‘s the elevator?‖ He tried to read the small print on the door key envelope. ―You‘re in room 626, the elevator is to your left, then straight up the hall. Uh… do you require assistance, sir?‖ ―No and thanks...g‘night.‖His stomach pitched. The bitter taste of liquor coated the back of his throat. He coughed. Realization smacked him that he had drunk more than wise as the elevator weaved back and forth. He thought he heard a slight chuckle coming from the clerk‘s direction, but it took too much effort to deal with the smart ass. The wall wavered in front of him. His finger missed the call button. Tony stuck out his hand to stop the wall from moving. Placing his other hand on the door, he stabilized himself while pushing the button with the up arrow. As the door opened, he slung himself inside holding onto the wall. A few seconds later, he could see the panel clearly and pushed the button to the sixth floor. Afterwards, he congratulated himself on his accomplishment, amazed at the amount of effort it took to complete such a small task. Shuffling off the elevator, he stumbled. Glancing up, he noted the sign pointing to the direction to his room. He adjusted his garment bag on his shoulder and wobbled down the hall towards his bed. After a few tries, he opened the door, flipped on the light in the living room of the suite and locked the door. Dropping his bags, he moved at a moderate pace to the bathroom. His bladder demanded immediate release. Standing over the toilet, he closed his eyes and tried to count how many beers and shots he‘d had. With his mind so fuzzy, he couldn‘t think clearly. He dropped his pants and boxers to the floor, stepped out and over them. Since the light from the living room filtered in, he decided against turning on the bathroom light. Fortunately, he had the presence of

mind to take out his contacts in the airport. Fumbling in his pocket, he found the container and set it on the counter along with his watch. He turned, scratched his chest, and then stripped off his shirt and socks along the way to the bed. The light from the living room annoyed him. He closed the bedroom door before dropping into the bed. He dreamed. The angel moved fluidly, skin smooth as silk. Her body twisted and turned seductively, a siren‘s dance. Her long hair wrapped around her full breasts, nipples hard as diamonds. Her hands beckoned to be full of his cock, she lured the unsuspecting, calling her lover closer. Strong smooth legs rubbed across his stomach, imprisoning him in her warmth. Fingers and palm wrapped around his extended rod, stroking him to the brink of madness. Fully aroused and pressing forward, Tony‘s body jerked in reaction. His hand reached forward, desperate for a touch. Inhaling sharply, compelled by her alluring scent, he moved closer. Grabbing the thick strands of hair, an unusual texture, his hand curled and pulled lightly urging their bodies to merge. Liquid pooled in his mouth as he palmed the heavy globes in his questing hands. Did angels have breasts? The fleeting thought flitted away as he twisted and stroked the pebbled bud. He sucked and laved, starving for the sustenance his angel provided. In his inebriated mind, the silky smooth flesh begged him to take charge and join his heated flesh with hers. Moaning his acceptance, his hand traveled down sleek flesh to a bushy mound and pressed hard. The angel moved. He joined her in a dance of moves and countermoves. He pressed the heel of his palm against the front of the mound and twisted, smiling in his sleep as the angel squirmed, panting under his hand. Well shit, even angels liked sex. Slipping a finger between the slippery lips, pleased by the pool of moisture, he pushed into her tight glove and released a pent-up sigh. His angel‘s pussy, so hot, so tight. He continued thrusting, her legs opened further, begging for more. He added another finger and pushed faster, deeper into the slippery channel. Blood rushed to his cock. It pulsed with need. Determined to satisfy his angel, he pinched the tight bud of her clit, and pumped his fingers inside her hot thatch. He pushed the legs wider. Dimly, he thought he heard a slight noise but couldn‘t be sure, his mind and body on autopilot. Pushing another finger upward, stroking while his thumb played with the small nub out front. He leaned forward, suckled a nipple, and felt the walls around his finger contract, while juices gushed down his hand. ―Ahhhh....‖ he grunted while falling back briefly to catch his breath. Reaching over, he pulled the angel close, threw his leg over and moved on top. Hot, so hot, his angel. He smiled. Maybe she wasn’t an angel after all. Leaning down to catch a nipple again, he laved and suckled while positioning himself for entry. Pushing forward, he got lost in the sensations of tight heat. Pausing to take his breath, he felt his angel push up with her hands on his chest, then sigh down as he began to move within her. Never before had anything felt so hot, so tight, so good. Nicole had erotic dreams before, but none felt as right or good as this one. She fought her way up through the medicinal fog; and embraced the high she‘d never been able to create on her own. Euphoric feelings bombarded her. She felt high, light as an afternoon breeze. Her breasts, her stomach, her pussy were tight and full. She bucked, held on tight, trying to grab hold of reality. Oh God, let this feeling be real. A storm built inside her core, her legs trembled. Her

breath hitched, a tingling started in her feet. Her tunnel pulsed and tightened. She moved faster, caught up on an intense express train to an unknown destination. She twisted her head back and forth trying to catch a fleeting thought. Her mind numb, yet, her body was feverishly alive, spiraling, reaching for what, she couldn‘t grasp. Suddenly, she seized, then shuddered, and floated as her body secured its goal. She heard a moan from a distance, not realizing it was her own. In her fragmented mind, she knew something monumental had happened. Her body radiated pleasure and itched for more. She fought her way forward, but kept getting lost in the memory. ―Oh, my God!‖ Tony huffed as he pumped faster and faster, getting nearer to completion. Looking down, he hated it was so dark, and he couldn‘t see, but he heard her moan and pull him closer. ―Ohhhhhhh, Lord!‖ a voice sobbed aloud. Her sex clamped him tight. ―Uhhhhh.....Shit,‖ he groaned aloud as he came not long after her. Exhausted, he leaned down and rolled over closing his eyes. He had never exploded that hard. His eyes noted the illuminated numbers on the clock; it was four in the morning. Worn out, yet satisfied, he fell asleep. **** Nicole‘s internal alarm woke her up at six every morning. Vaguely, she remembered checking into her room, taking her pain meds and falling asleep. She needed to clear the medicine from her system so she could figure out why she felt good, but sore. Easing up in the darkened room, she latched onto the dresser as her world spun. After creeping to the bathroom, she turned on the shower; thinking it would be the fastest way to clear out any cobwebs. Under the spray, she allowed the water to hit her sensitive areas. A pair of pants on the floor was the first thing she saw when she left the shower. Puzzled, she bent down to touch them. Realizing they were real, she jumped back and checked the room. The bathroom counter held a watch and a case for contacts. She shook her head to clear it. She focused again; the items were still in the same place. Reality and a good deal of fear merged. Someone else had been in her room. Holding the towel close to her, she inched sideways towards the living room searching the darkened area. When the front room‘s light hit the bedroom, she covered her mouth and screamed. It came out like a gurgle. A naked white man lay on the bed. Jerking the towel closer, too afraid to go back for clothes, she turned and ran out the door, heading downstairs to the front desk. ―There‘s a—there‘s a, a man in my room.‖ She gasped for breath after running down the stairs. Her imagination was in overdrive having refused to wait for the elevator. ―Excuse me, ma‘am?‖ The clerk noticed her towel. Her unkempt hair hung down her back, and she shook, unsettled. ―I just woke up, and there‘s a man in my room. A naked man.‖ She waved toward the phone. ―Call the police,‖ she yelled, on the brink of hysteria. ―Just a minute, what‘s your room number, I‘ll get security to go up there, and they‘ll call the police.‖ He called security on the radio. ―Forget that, I‘ll call the police myself.‖ She turned as security walked around the corner. ―What‘s the problem?‖ They looked at Nicole and then back at the front desk clerk. ―She says she just woke up, and there was a naked man in her room. Ma‘am, you never did

tell me, what room are you in?‖ ―Room 626.‖ ―Six-twenty-six, are you sure?‖ The clerk looked into the computer. ―Yes, I‘m sure!‖ She screeched, heading towards the elevator, becoming self-conscious with her lack of dress, now that help had arrived. Signaling to one of the security guards that followed the guest, the front desk clerk whispered loudly. ―That room had been assigned to Mr. Garrett A. Brunson. I gave him the key myself. He was drunk, and no telling what happened.‖

Chapter 3 Niki allowed the security officers to walk in ahead of her. Her fingers ached from the death grip she had on the towel to make sure her assets were covered. Entering her room, she noticed the garment bag in the middle of the floor and a room key jacket lying on the counter. She strode over and picked it up. Stunned, she grabbed her key jacket from the end table; gazing between the two, she read the same room numbers on both. ―Well, I‘ll be damned.‖ She sat gingerly on the sofa. Conscious of the parting towel, she covered her legs with a nearby throw pillow. ―The hotel messed up and gave us the same room.‖ Hearing noises in the bedroom, she assumed it was safe for her to go get some clothes. ―What the fuck?‖ The man on the bed whistled low as she walked in. ―Who are you and why are you in a towel in my room?‖ He sat up as she walked in. ―Not that I mind, but I like to be alert enough to enjoy the view.‖ He sounded smug. She rolled her eyes and walked directly to her luggage. Her hand trembled as a barrage of possible outcomes crashed over her. A stranger had slept beside her and she hadn‘t realized it. A quick glance to the side of the dresser showed her sleeping pills. Damn, she was only supposed to take one. Where were her other medications? ―Ma‘am, ma‘am,‖ the security guard said, gaining her attention. ―This is Garrett Brunson.‖ He waved at the man on the bed before introducing her. ―This is Ms. Nicole Bryant.‖ The security struggled to read the sheet he held. ―As I was trying to explain to you, Sir, there was a mix-up and both of you were given this room by mistake—‖ ―What did you say?‖ His voice became clipped and precise, the deep pitch of his voice sent chills down Niki‘s spine. For some reason she reacted to the invasive sound and turned in his direction. His eyes pierced through the darkened room, holding her captive. The guard cleared his throat. ―I said there was a mistake and both of you were given this room—‖ A knock sounded on the door. The man visibly relaxed, and sighed deeply. ―Just a moment. That‘s the GM, let me get him.‖ He motioned to the door. Nicole continued taking clothes from her suitcase before heading to the bathroom. The heat of his eyes followed her across the room. She closed the door, leaned on it, and dropped her head in her hands before taking a deep breath. Her hands shook as she tried to lock the door. After being scared out of her wits, no way would she spend another minute in this place. If she didn‘t have Nana‘s pendant in her luggage, she would‘ve left everything and made a call for replacements. The heirloom was irreplaceable, so she‘d settle for a quick escape. Nerves wracked, she allowed the tears to fall in the solace of another shower to buy time. Acknowledging her fear from before, and shutting her mind from the deadly possibilities, she trembled again, this time in relief. Her flight left around noon, she‘d hang in the VIP lounge until then. Maybe she‘d get some work done. Yeah, right. Time to get the hell out of here. Quietly, she dressed, pulling her cool composure around her as a shield, refusing to break. The first thing she noticed when she walked out was the man from the bed had dressed and moved to a chair in the darkened corner of the room. Since the chair was in the shadows, she couldn‘t see him clearly. A tremor of relief shot through her. She balled her fist to control the shaking. Another man entered the room. ―I‘m Mr. Greene, the hotel General Manager. I understand we had a mix-up in the rooms, and I want to apologize.‖ He extended his hand in her direction. ―My name is Ms. Bryant. I don‘t understand what happened.‖ She ignored his hand. ―There was a glitch in the system and both of you were given the same room.‖ He waved her

away her next question. ―It‘s a combination of handling things manually and electronically. It‘s administrative and will be dealt with later. Let‘s see how we can settle this situation.‖ He glanced at the bed. She looked at the bed. The bedspread covered the mattress. She arched her brow. ―What do you mean?‖ ―Mr. Brunson has some concerns over what happened last night. He seems to think some irreparable damage has been done.‖ She walked to her luggage, and began packing. ―Does he now? What exactly does he think happened?‖ She glanced at the man in question, noticing he sat quietly, watching everything. ―Let me show you this,‖ the manager said. He walked to the bed, and pulled the bedspread back. At first, she couldn‘t make out the wet spots. She looked at the manager and then the silent man watching from the chair. ―What‘s that?‖ ―Body fluids.‖ ―Fluids? What do you mean?‖ Her face morphed into shock. ―What the hell happened?‖ Unfortunately, she was sure she knew. But, how? Her brow furrowed as she gazed at the bed. Mr. Greene looked at her. ―Do you remember what happened last night? ―I took some pills last night for a medical problem and then a sleeping pill. I was fine when I went to bed and felt pretty good when I woke up. Until I discovered him.‖ She pointed towards the corner. The manager looked over at the end table next to the bed. ―Are these your pills?‖ He picked up a small bottle from the end table. ―Yes,‖ she said, walking over and retrieving the bottle. ―I had a bad headache when I checked in and took some pain pills and a sleeping pill.‖ Nodding, the manager turned in the other direction, affording her privacy with her belongings. ―The night clerk said you were drunk when you got here earlier.‖ ―Yeah, that‘s about right.‖ The bass in his voice pulled at her. There was something familiar, but she couldn‘t place it. ―You were on medication last night? And a sleeping pill?‖ ―I already said that.‖ Niki wished she could clearly see the man lurking in the shadows of the room. She felt the heat of his stare on her back. ―Ms. Bryant, please, if I may.‖ The manager wiped his face. ―We have a problem that usually is repaired with an apology, some free gifts and complimentary nights at any of our properties.‖ The poor man‘s face had reddened to the color of an apple. She wished he‘d get to the point. ―This has never happened before, at least not on my watch.‖ He waved down her interruptions. ―Not the room mix up, that‘s human error and has happened before. Normally, problems like this are corrected quickly because whoever is in the room first stops the second person from entering. In this situation, you checked in around four o‘clock yesterday and later took heavy medication that knocked you out. She nodded, not liking the direction the conversation headed. ―So you didn‘t hear him enter later.‖ The manager pointed toward the silent chair. ―No, I didn‘t hear anything. The pills are pretty strong.‖ Her doctor had warned her against mixing her meds. She knew better, but noooooo, she had been so tired, didn‘t want to wait and let it happen naturally. Fuck! ―And from the way things are thrown around in here, I‘d say he was noisy.‖ The manager

turned his attention. ―Obviously, you didn‘t see her in the bed or her luggage when you arrived, either?‖ ―No, I came in, dropped everything and went to the bathroom. Stripped and got into bed. I was pretty out of it.‖ ―What happened when the two of you were in bed is anybody‘s guess,‖ the manager said. ―But it seems as though something happened.‖ ―What the hell does that mean, Mr. Greene?‖ She turned and the force of her anger whipped out at him. ―I believe at some point during the night,‖ the deep voice sounded into the charged silence, ―or around four AM, we had sex in that bed.‖ His comments held no inflection. The words took a moment to penetrate. Her mouth opened and closed. She‘d been so focused on the possibilities of being mugged, murdered, or brutally raped, she hadn‘t given much thought to them sleeping in the same bed. She disliked his matter of fact façade. Vaguely, she recalled feelings of floating, an intense release that flowed through her body. Different from anything she had done for herself. She thought that had been a dream. She halted mid-stride. ―You mean that wasn‘t a dream,‖ she whispered. The silence in the room was deafening. ―Oh, hell, no.‖ Eyes wide, mouth open in shock, a look of horror on her face. ―How the hell did that happen?‖ No one spoke. Tears filled her eyes. ―Ms. Bryant,‖ the manager interrupted the staring match between them. ―I don‘t know what to say—‖ ―Then don‘t say anything,‖ she snapped. ―Neither of you.‖ She added pointing wildly around the room. ―I don‘t want to hear it.‖ She snatched her carry on suitcase and zipped it closed. ―You will be hearing from my attorney within twenty-four hours. Please call me a cab, I‘ll be leaving immediately.‖ She gave him her back and finished packing. After a moment, the manager left to go into the front room. ―You didn‘t have to snap at him.‖ He paused. ―Look, what probably happened is they assigned you a room and changed it in the system. Somebody forgot to change it on the room key packet. In the computer, this room was live and they assigned it to me. I bet you‘re a Stellar member and just showed ID when you checked in. Then someone handed you your key packet without checking the computer again.‖ He shrugged. ―It‘s happened to me before.‖ ―Whatever.‖ She waved away his comment knowing it happened exactly the way he said. It didn‘t matter or change her opinion of him. The man was still a drunk. There were few things lower in her book. Dung maybe. ―I‘ll have a physical when I get home.‖ She pulled her suitcase toward the door. ―I still can‘t believe after a long hiatus, I finally have sex, and it‘s with some drunk I don‘t even know,‖ she muttered. ―So if you knew me and I was drunk, it‘d be okay?‖ His sarcasm cut through the silence. She glared at him. ―I‘m clean, but it won‘t hurt to get checked.‖ He sat forward in the chair; she could barely make out his features. ―How are you feeling, by the way?‖ ―What do you mean? I‘m fine.‖ She wasn‘t, but she‘d never say otherwise to him. She ached deep in places she didn‘t know she had. After placing her computer bag on the table, she secured it.

―Good, I‘m glad the pills kept the pain away for you.‖ ―Huh?‖ ―You were tight. That can be painful.‖ He stood and stretched. Her eyes widened at his height. She couldn‘t help it. He was impressive with a nice body. From the little she could see, his hair was thick, a brownish-blond color, impressive six-pack abs and long legs. Pity she couldn‘t see his face clearly. She hated how his voice distracted her. It tugged and evoked fleeting memories that made her breath catch. Time to leave. ―Why are you so calm? Do you get drunk and have sex with women you don‘t know often?‖ She snapped, knowing her comment wasn‘t warranted. Whenever she was nervous and in unfamiliar situations, she went on the defense. ―No, and don‘t get bitchy with me. I didn‘t plan this either. I just don‘t know what to do about it, do you?‖ When she didn‘t respond, he pulled a card from his wallet. ―Here take my card. If you‘re pregnant, you‘ll need to get in touch with me. I‘ll help in any way I can.‖ She flinched. ―Um, no thanks.‖ She waved him off. ―I‘m going to put this night behind me. I want no reminders. Besides, you were drunk.‖ ―A new type of birth control, huh? You can‘t get pregnant if the other person is drunk.‖ She moved closer to the outer door, ignoring his sharp wit. In other circumstances, she might be inclined to talk to him. Something told her she wouldn‘t be bored and he could hold his own. He‘d held her during the night. A shiver of dread lanced through her at the alternate possibilities. Things could‘ve been worse. Securing her game face firmly, head tilted higher, she didn‘t have time to break down. That‘d come later. Sighing in his direction, she answered. ―No, I don‘t deal with drunks—period.‖ ―Hmm… I hope you don‘t get nosebleeds from way up there, looking down on us mortals.‖ The manager returned, she gathered her things and walked out.

Chapter 4 ―Ma‘am…Ma‘am.‖ the security guard tapped the window to gain her attention. ―Yes…I‘m sorry, you said something?‖ Niki asked, noticing the heavyset guard for the first time. ―Yes‘m. I‘ve gotten a call about this car being parked here for a few hours. Folks are getting nervous; this is a secure community…‖ he stammered, squinting down at her. ―Hmmmmm… sure, but uh…did you know that in Michigan last month, there were over twenty thousand cases of STD‘s?‖ she countered. Her eyes were blurry, probably bloodshot after her restless night. Her hair was all over the place, the bulk of the heavy mass was tied up in a messy ponytail. She wore a pair of flip flops, a Duke t-shirt and shorts. Taken aback, the security guard stared closely at her as if she was drunk or on drugs. He tried again. ―Ma‘am, I‘m going to have to ask you to move along. This is private property in a private community—‖ he started. She waved him down. ―Although,‖ she continued as if he hadn‘t spoken, ―forty-eight percent of all HIV cases are transmitted by male on males. Shit, with men screwing around all the time, who the hell knows? Men and that down low crap, you know what I mean?‖ She nodded, leaning her head against the headrest of the car seat closing her eyes; missing the look of horror on the security guard‘s face. Fumbling sounds from the security guard and a radio sound reached her ears. His grunt of approval signaled he‘d accomplished whatever he‘d been trying to do. Oh well. She sighed and started spouting stats again. ―I tell you what, um…‖ She slowly opened her eyes to look at the guard. ―What‘s your name?‖ She frowned in an attempt to read his badge. ―Um…uh... you can‘t just park on this lot. It‘s… it‘s private property,‖ he scowled, backing up without answering. ―Yeah, yeah, I know.‖ She waved away his concern. ―I own that lot. That‘s my house being built,‖ she responded, pointing in front of her. ―Now, what‘s your name?‖ ―Uh…Jenkins, and do you have proof this is your lot?‖ he prompted. Her eyes itched from crying and were most likely red. The guard reached for his phone as she reached up. ―I have a gate controller, of course.‖ She rolled her eyes. ―Now, answer my question.‖ ―Question? What question?‖ His hand released the phone as he squinted at her. ―Men and down low; pay attention please. I‘m having a moment here.‖ She sighed. ―For instance,‖ she continued, not allowing him to speak. ―The highest percentages of STD‘s reported last month were for black men. Now, he‘s not black but still, stats can be wrong, right?‖ ―Uh…yeah…sure... well, you have a good day, ma‘am. It‘s getting dark so be… uh… be careful out here,‖ he called, walking backwards to his golf cart, rubbing his neck. ―Wait!‖ Stopping just short of his patrol car, he waited. The Mercedes door opened slowly. One foot hit the ground, then the other. Her head spun. She couldn‘t stop the forward pitch and almost hit the gravel. Two strong hands caught her before her face met the hard ground. ―Ugh.‖ Dots flew beneath her lids as she tried to right herself. ―Miss…ma‘am… are you all right? Should I call an ambulance?‖ He tried to move her into the car while she pushed backward to get out. ―No….need…fresh air,‖ she murmured, taking a deep breath while holding her head. ―Give me a minute…please.‖

―Uh…Okay...‖ His posture screamed his uncertainty. He placed his hands in his pockets, obviously ready for action in case she needed assistance. If she had better command of her facial muscles, she‘d smile her gratitude. She didn‘t. ―Why are you sitting out here?‖ He paused when she didn‘t respond. ―If you don‘t mind me asking,‖ he added, noticing her glance in his direction. Turning, she looked at her home in its mid-state of completion, and took a deep breath. ―I thought my life was like that house,‖ she said pointing. ―I have my personal blueprints or goals, thought I knew what the final outcome would be or at least close. But now…‖ Exhaling and leaning on the car, she faced the stranger. ―Now there‘s been an unforeseen hiccup that could derail the whole damn thing. I‘m scared and there‘s not a whole lot I can do about it.‖ Her stomach dropped as the words settled heavily in her gut. Uncertainty swamped her. Just to be on the safe side, as soon as she returned home, she‘d contacted Brenda, her attorney. Explained what happened and how she wanted it handled. Two days later, she saw her doctor. **** ―Well, I see we don‘t need to continue our discussions about artificial insemination,‖ Doctor Gore teased Niki. ―You went ahead and took care of it yourself. Congratulations on your pregnancy!‖ Stunned, she smiled politely. Chaotic thoughts whirled in her mind. Get to the STDs. She swallowed back the snappy remark lodged in her throat. Her thoughts had focused on the horror of AIDS, herpes, and the like. ―Now there‘s no evidence of any STD‘s. But I need the date of your last period and, if you remember, the date of conception, so we can get a possible due date.‖ ―Wait…wait, I‘m what?‖ Niki croaked out, leaning forward in the chair, breaking free of the paralysis after his comment on sexually transmitted diseases. Silence met her outburst. ―I said you were pregnant… Is this a …surprise?‖ Doctor Gore asked in a concerned tone. Removing his glasses, he stared at her. Shaking her head, she looked down at the floor, not answering immediately. Whereas she knew there was a remote chance of a pregnancy, this was too much. Too soon. She had focused on things like AIDS or herpes, not a baby. Wrapping her arms around her waist she rocked back and forth in her chair, eyes tightly closed in an attempt to absorb the news. She didn‘t even know the color of the man from the hotel‘s eyes or hair. How could she be pregnant from him? ―Nicole…Nicole,‖ Dr. Gore called her name sharply. Tear-stained eyes opened, seeing him through a film of water. Her body shook. Immediately her doctor came and engulfed her in his arms. Laying her head on his shoulders, she released a torrent of tears. Stroking her hair and patting her back, he comforted her. ―It‘s all right, Niki,‖ he said reverting to her nickname. ―Things‘ll work out. Everything‘s going to be all right, you‘ll see.‖ After a few moments, she pulled away, slightly embarrassed. ―Thanks, Dr. Gore. I… I‘m sorry about that. It was…‖ she looked around and accepted the tissue he passed to her. ―Just a bit much, I hadn‘t really thought about that possibility.‖ Although the jerk had assured her he was clean, she didn‘t trust drunks, and had assumed the worst. After a few minutes of quiet, she began fidgeting, feeling foolish. ―What happened, Nicole? You‘re pregnant, something I thought you wanted. Obviously, this is not good news.‖ He waited for a moment. ―Did someone take advantage of you? Is this a case of nonconsensual sex? Is that why you were so concerned with STD‘s?‖ He fired off the questions, as he sat on the corner of his desk.

Ashamed, Niki looked around the room and then at her doctor. He‘d been her doctor for 16 years and was good friends with both her Nanas. He‘d been after her to slow down for a while. She didn‘t want to admit she hadn‘t. Plus, he might spank her if he found out she‘d taken an extra sleeping pill. She knew better, but didn‘t want to deal with a lecture from him right now. ―No, well, yes…‖ she corrected when he raised his eyebrow at her. Leaning back in her chair, she covered her face with her hand and took a deep breath. ―I wasn‘t raped, if that‘s what you mean. But…the sex was nonconsensual.‖ Holding up her hand to stop his question, she continued while she could, and told him the entire story, leaving out the part of the extra sleeping pill. He didn‘t need to know that. ―If it was anyone but you, Nicole, I wouldn‘t believe that story,‖ he said when she finished. ―You have no idea who the father is?‖ ―No, and in my anger I had my attorney get her security guy to get rid of all the records. I guess I‘d better see if he can piece it back together,‖ she said, although she doubted it could be done. She‘d paid top dollar for the guy. Besides she had no interest in talking to the asshole. ―Hmmm, well this puts a different light on things, doesn‘t it?‖ Pausing, he then continued in a calm tone. ―Niki, you have choices and decisions to make. You don‘t have to make any now.‖ Reaching into his desk, he pulled out a folder as he talked. ―Take this information, go over your options and let me know what you decide, all right?‖ He passed her the folder with adoption and abortion information. Glancing at the data in the folder briefly, she pushed it back towards him. He didn‘t appear surprised. ―No abortion or adoption. This is my baby. To say I‘m surprised is an understatement and this isn‘t what I planned, but hey…‖ She leaned back and took a deep breath. ―It happened, and I‘ll deal with it.‖ Sitting a little straighter in the chair, her chin tilted in determination, she looked up at him. ―You needed the date of conception, right?‖ She gave him the exact date. He set her up on a vitamin regimen with a fourth quarter due date. No one but her doctor knew she‘d been considering having a child. She‘d played around with adoption and would have gone that route eventually, wanting more than one child. Growing up as an only child with routine visits from her cousin, she wanted a larger family; at least three or four. Now, everything had been taken out of her hands. Numbness settled in her belly. Her feelings were still unclear. A donor would‘ve allowed her more control. Donors had health histories, physical attributes and mental data. She knew nothing about this guy, and had already taken steps to keep it that way. Taking time to think, she took a leisurely drive before deciding to check on the progress of her new home. The construction company would need to step up their game. She‘d need her home sooner rather than later. Pleased with the progress of the house, and Jack‘s assurance on its completion well before the summer, she left to go home. Niki‘s parents had died in a car accident when she was around eight years old. They left joint custody to both their moms. Her grandmothers were now in their late sixties and different as night and day. The three of them lived together in an upscale subdivision outside Lansing. Nana Bea, a true southern Belle, gracious and prissy to a fault. Small of stature, with flawless caramel-colored skin and long, thick, dark brown hair, many people misread her femininity and wound up licking their wounds. Nana Bea was a fierce debutante who tolerated very little foolishness and allowed no one to mess with her family. Her words had cut many a man down who thought to take advantage of her soft looks. Nana Rita was a hard core feminist attorney from Chicago. She‘d moved to Michigan to be near Niki and Nana Bea when her husband passed years ago. Appearance-wise, she was the polar

opposite of Nana Bea. Rita was tall, athletic with a short salt and pepper bob and a darker, pecancolored complexion. It took a lot to make her smile, but she had a soft spot for disadvantaged women and children. She did a lot of pro bono work in the community, and had developed a reputation within the legal system as fair and fierce. Their often opposing viewpoints had been tantamount to championship boxing. Finding the middle ground had been a key ingredient to living together as they poured love and wisdom into her earlier years. She‘d learned the art and importance of dressing well, coupled how to utilize it as a skill in the corporate world. Etiquette was all well and good; as long as you knew when, and how to stop the BS at the appropriate time. Growing up, it had been fun. But now Niki longed for her own space. So, thirty miles away, in a gated community, she‘d built her dream home. Returning from the doctor and her house, she faced the daunting task of explaining to her Nanas her latest predicament. It never occurred to her not to tell them. This would affect their entire family and everyone needed to know what to expect. Her relatives did not compromise or play when it came to raising her. She had no doubt that same fierceness would extend to her child. Even now, she could hear Nana Rita say, ―Why didn‘t you use the security bar?‖ Such a simple question, she had used it when she first came in. Later she went to the vending machine for a pack of cookies to hide the aftertaste of her meds and forgot to put it back on when she returned. She felt so stupid. ―Who is he?‖ ―Was he drunk?‖ ―Did you get his name? Who is he, Niki?‖ In the end, they hugged her and assured her everything would be fine. ―We support your decision.‖ Nana Bea had whispered into her ear with a squeeze. ―I‘m so happy you‘re okay, baby girl.‖ Nana Rita‘s tortured voice ripped through her as they hugged tightly. She had done the right thing in not keeping any information about the man from the hotel. Knowing her Nana Rita, she would be after him in a heartbeat. And not just to give him the good news. Niki shivered, remembering the banked fire in her Nana Rita‘s eyes. They tried to be calm for her sake. At this very moment, she was sure they were plotting how to get retribution for what they termed a ―situation.‖ Upstairs in her room she lay on her bed, unable to believe it. Pregnant! Abortion was never an option. This was her baby. Flipping over, she rubbed her flat tummy and tried to remember everything that happened that night. Try as she might, it was foggy. She couldn‘t remember the guy‘s name at the hotel, let alone how he looked. One thing for sure, he wouldn‘t be involved in her baby‘s life. Trepidation crawled up her chest. Could she handle raising a child on her own? She‘d wanted kids, but was she ready? Children were major. Unlike anything she‘d ever undertaken. A child lasted past deadlines and quarterly reports. Diapers, bottles, childhood illnesses, school programs, breastfeeding, the list went on and on. She shuddered at the changes to her orderly life. Rubbing the back of her neck, she stretched. What about her company? It was her first baby. Sure, as the owner she had more latitude than others, but had never used it before. Often she was the first in the office and the last to leave. Bit by bit, she realized her entire life would change when she had her child. Times like this she wished her parents were still here. Her memories of them had never faded. She placed her hand on her stomach and entered into a personal conversation, meant for ears she felt were never far away.

―Well, mom, dad, your baby girl is knocked up. And the weird thing is I don‘t know who the father is.‖ Laughter erupted at the way it sounded. ―No, I‘m not a ho or anything. Far from it. It was an accident.‖ Her brow rose. ―Now that sounds even weirder,‖ she said, giggling. ―It was a one shot deal. Whew, how do you explain having sex in your sleep only to discover not only was it real, but it was good.‖ Shaking her head, she continued. ―Well, here‘s the deal, mom, dad. I‘m pregnant and I‘m having a baby. I don‘t know who the father is, and now I have a legitimate reason to slow down. I promise I‘ll stay healthy and take good care of myself and your grandchild. I miss you so much,‖ she whispered and closed her eyes to rest. **** After informing her grandmothers of her pregnancy, Niki moved quickly to ensure the fast food franchises she owned, as well as the apartments, strip malls and other investments she had ran smoothly. Fortunately, her initial hobby of investing paid such good dividends. She moved management around, hired a few more people and turned over more of the day-to-day operation to her trusted staff. ―I don‘t understand why you feel you need to move out now, Nicole.‖ Nana Bea pouted at her as she put on her walking shoes. This time of day, she walked to stay in shape. ―Uh...perhaps the fact I just spent over five hundred thousand dollars building my house will help you understand, Nana,‖ she said. Standing, she considered changing her shoes. Testing them with a quick bounce, she decided they‘d do. ―Oh pooh, forget that, you could sell or rent it. That‘s not much money to you...‖ ―Not much…‖ Niki screeched in shock. ―It is a lot of money to me. Besides, it‘s past time for me to move. Then maybe you and Jack will stop tipping out and have an open relationship.‖ She smiled slyly as her Nana waved her off. ―Jack and I have been at it for years, a few more won‘t make a difference. Tell me the real reason you don‘t want to have the baby here?‖ Sighing, Niki eased into the chair and regarded her Nana. ―I want to do this on my own.‖ Belatedly, she realized her Nana‘s feelings were hurt at her decision to be in her own home for the birth of her child. Thinking hard, she tried to explain her feelings. ―You know, do the whole mommy thing. I‘m changing my entire life around so I can raise him or her.‖ Her eyes begged her Nana to understand. ―I‘ll still need you and Nana Rita, but I want to be first line. You know what I mean?‖ She didn‘t want to offend, but steel determination underlined each word. She‘d do this her way. Her Nanas had been supportive and delighted they wouldn‘t need to share the baby with what they deemed ―other interfering‖ grandparents. However, at times like this, they seemed to forget she was grown. ―Who is the father, Niki? Have you remembered anything from that night?‖ Nana Rita walked into the foyer area and questioned, obviously angry she was hitting road blocks in her investigation of the matter. ―Yeah, Nicole, who are you protecting?‖ chimed in Nana Bea. ―I don‘t know. I really didn‘t get his name,‖ she said respectfully, pleased that she had outwitted them. Schooling her face, she flipped through the magazine on the nearby table. ―It was late or early, I guess. I got angry, I left. I believe security introduced him as Garrett something.‖

―This is your fault, Rita,‖ Nana Bea accused. ―You taught her to be ruthless in business. She‘s just like you. Don‘t be mad she outfoxed you. Probably used one of your connections.‖ Nana Bea moved further into the room, looking at an irritated Rita. Niki smothered a smile, knowing better than to get involved when grownups talked. ―So you plan on telling people he was an old friend?‖ Nana Rita commented ignoring Bea‘s remarks. ―You really don‘t know who the father is?‖ She repeated as she bent and wrapped Niki in her arms. It was times like this that Nana Rita reminded Niki so much of her daddy, Nana Rita‘s only child. They shared that innate stubbornness, regal tilt of the chin and small pout. Niki knew she was blessed to be loved as she was by this fierce woman. ―Nana, I don‘t know his name.‖ She let out her breath, and inhaled the unique fragrance of her grandmother. ―He offered his card, and I refused it.‖ Savoring the comfort her grandmother‘s arms offered, she added softly. ―I never wanted to revisit the whole night again.‖ She stopped herself not wanting to reveal too much. Especially how much she‘d enjoyed herself under him. Funny, she remembered her first orgasm—ever—happened that night, but little else. Nana Bea had let it go since Niki assured her she was all right. Not Nana Rita. She would sniff and hunt him down until she found him. That was one of the reasons she had her attorney blot out all the information of her visit that night. There would be no contact ever from her baby‘s daddy. She giggled and hugged her Nana tighter. ―Have you decided what you are going to do about David?‖ Nana Rita asked. ―No… I don‘t understand him, either,‖ Niki huffed. ―I‘ve only gone out with him a couple of times and that was before I got pregnant, and now he seems to be everywhere.‖ ―Did you tell him you were pregnant?‖ ―I told him when I was two months,‖ she explained looking at her relatives, shaking her head in remembrance. ―He looked at me kind of funny, as if he didn‘t believe me, and then asked who the lucky guy was.‖ After a moment of silence, her Nana Bea spoke. ―What did you tell him, Niki?‖ Startled, she looked up, noticed the furrowed brows and answered immediately. ―I… I told him an old boyfriend and refused to give him a name. I also explained the guy and I were no longer a couple. He asked how the guy could let me get away.‖ Shaking it off, she stood, ―Honestly, I don‘t know why he keeps asking me out. The baby should have caused him to run fast. I know there are a lot of women who like him.‖ ―Yeah, the man is hot,‖ Nana Bea smirked. ―And rich,‖ added Nana Rita smiling at Bea. ―All that tanned Italian skin and sexiness—shame you didn‘t feel anything for him, Niki.‖ Shocked, Niki stared at her grandparents. ―Hot, sexy…what are you two doing looking at him like that?‖ ―Appreciating a good-looking package,‖ Nana Bea shot back at her. ―I may be older but I still appreciate the finer things in life. And watching that man strut is one of the finest things I‘ve seen in a long time.‖ Laughing as she high fived Nana Rita in agreement, chuckling in the face of Niki‘s skepticism. ―You like him, Nana Rita? You think he‘s nice? He doesn‘t come off as…too something?‖ Niki asked, doubt obvious in her voice. There was something about him that bothered her. She couldn‘t put her finger on it. But, she trusted her Nana. Maybe it was hormones or something, and she should at least consider talking to him.

―I haven‘t spent much time talking to him. Besides, we weren‘t admiring his mind, his business acumen or his personality. He may be rotten at the core.‖ She shrugged. ―I don‘t know. All we are agreeing on is he is a fine male specimen and yes there are a lot of women who want a piece of that. Maybe that‘s why he enjoys being with you. You don‘t see him as a piece of meat, nor do you want anything from him.‖ ―Maybe, maybe not, I don‘t know. I just don‘t trust him, that‘s all.‖ Shrugging off the conversation, content that she didn‘t need to change her opinion of him, she turned and picked up her water bottle. ―I‘m going walking and then later I‘m going shopping for some more clothes. These are getting a little tight. Will you all have any time later to go with me?‖ she asked, looking at them both while tossing the empty bottle into the recycling bin, determined to include them as much as possible. Nana Bea had the best taste in clothes coupled with Nana Rita‘s strong sense of style; they‘d have a good time. ―Yes, I‘ll be back around 4:30, will that be good?‖ Nana Rita, asked turning to get her briefcase, heading for the door. ―That‘ll be great, maybe we can eat dinner while we‘re at it? Nana Bea, what do you say?‖ Niki rubbed her stomach in anticipation. It seemed she was always hungry. Luckily, she hadn‘t gained much weight. ―That‘s fine, Nicole. Just remember you‘re just four months and not showing much. So we‘ll be looking for clothes that may be a lot bigger,‖ Nana Bea said, moving toward the hall. ―That‘s cool. My appetite has really picked up and my boobs are getting big.‖ She chuckled, looking in the hall mirror. ―Yahoo...I never really had boobs or much butt before. Now I got back.‖ Niki slapped her hips, laughing at the face her prim grandmother made as she shook her head at her antics. Nana Bea was happy with Nicole‘s easy-going pregnancy. Nita, her daughter, had been that way with her. Nicole‘s mom didn‘t even know she was pregnant until she was four months. She had no morning sickness, and no real weight gain. Because her periods had always been irregular, coupled with the light bleeding throughout the first trimester; no one suspected her of being pregnant. Walking into her room and closing her door, she picked up the phone. ―Jack... hi, this is Bea. I need a rain check on dinner tonight... I‘m going shopping with Rita and Nicole,‖ she told him. ―Can I call you when I get in?‖ She paused, listening; ―Okay, I‘ll talk to you later tonight.‖

Chapter 5 Hanging up the phone, Tony turned around in his chair and stared at his desk unseeing at the information on an upcoming private auction. He‘d been waiting for this rare artifact to surface for over a year and now he barely glanced at the pertinent data regarding its authenticity. Thoughts swam around his mind in a state of disbelief. He‘d hired two separate private investigators to track down the lovely woman from the hotel in Chicago and both had hit roadblocks. He‘d accused the first investigator of not being thorough. No one could cover her tracks that well. He had been wrong. With money and the right contacts, you could make things disappear. Obviously, she had both. He hadn‘t written down her name but remembered vaguely the manager calling her something beginning with a B—or was it a N? Shit, he couldn‘t remember. Hitting his desk with his fist, he stood, and paced in front of the windows of his high-rise office. Going over everything in his mind, his jaw clenched. The General Manager had transferred shortly after the incident and claimed little memory of that night. It had been five months. The night desk clerk no longer worked at the hotel and there was no info on him. There were no records of the mix up or of her in his room or in the hotel, period. A few months after the incident, he had tried to justify the search by telling himself he needed to check on her, just to make sure everything was okay. Sure, bud. He rolled his shoulders to release the tension of the lie. Even inexperienced, her natural passion had grabbed him tight, and he lusted for more. Who the hell was she? Someone went through of a lot of trouble to keep her information private. His search sat dead in the water and he was out a few thousand dollars, simply because he couldn‘t get the chocolate beauty out of his mind. Not only was she beautiful, but she‘d walked out of the room with her head held high like royalty, yet there was a refreshing innocence about her. He‘d never been so summarily dismissed before in his life. The events of that night disturbed them both. Let‘s face it, no one should be seen naked and vulnerable. Except for a couple of outbursts, she handled herself with a level of dignity that impressed him. As a collector of antiquities, he didn‘t impress easily. Although that whole night was somewhat fuzzy thanks to the large amount of liquor he‘d drunk, he did remember the sex. It had been so hot it sizzled. They‘d both reached a pinnacle of pleasure and the release was so strong that even with the particulars unclear, he remembered her heat. Groaning, he returned to his chair and the folder he‘d been reading. Lately, he‘d been in state of constant frustration, and couldn‘t shake it. Why did her face haunt him daily? Hell, he didn‘t know what he‘d say to her if he did find her. He wasn‘t ready to settle down or anything. He simply wanted to see her again, get to know her. Yeah, right…he willed his rod to deflate. The memories of her tight sheath sent blood rushing to his nether region. He ached with wanting to make sure that night wasn‘t a fluke. Nothing could be that good. Shrugging it off, he sat back down, trying to decide what to do next and pulled his thoughts from his mystery woman. His cell rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he grimaced before picking up. ―Garrett.‖ ―Ah, yes, Tony. I waited to hear more from you regarding your last dig in South America.‖ The nasal voice on the other end aggravated Tony‘s ears. ―It‘s been what? Four, five months and you haven‘t called or uploaded a report to the Institute.‖ Tony ground his teeth, remaining silent. ―Was there a problem?‖

―No, Mason. There weren‘t any unusual problems. The same as before, inexperienced and incompetent help, crooked politicians, horrible weather.‖ His bored tone masked his dislike. ―Once again the Institute lied about a dig, but what else is new?‖ He wondered the real reason behind Mason‘s call. It had been months since he returned from the Rainforest. ―I‘m sorry to hear things didn‘t go as well as you hoped.‖ Mason‘s voice carried a giddy sound proving his words to be a lie. ―Tell me, in spite of everything, did you find anything exciting on one of your forays into the jungle?‖ Tony laughed, a loud humorless sound conveying his contempt. ―No. And you know, I would certainly tell you if I had.‖ He disliked the man and they both knew it. ―Now, Anthony, that‘s no way to treat a friend.‖ He continued in spite of Tony‘s bark of incredulity. ―Well, associate at any rate. I try to keep up with what‘s happening and I know you would never have left South America if you hadn‘t discovered something that made the trip worth your while.‖ Tony‘s jaw remained clamped shut. ―Nothing to say?‖ The weasel continued. ―Okay, I can respect that. However, remember if you need to move something, get it tagged or blast an announcement to certain collectors, let me assist you. You must admit, I‘ve always been fair and above board in those areas.‖ ―Yeah, right. I have to go. I‘ll call you if I need you.‖ Tony hung up, distaste thick on his tongue. He and Mason had been in graduate school together, for a while they‘d been friends. Mason was too hungry for money and stole some artifacts from an Aztec dig. By the time the college got word from the Mexican government, the artifacts were ensconced in an unknown collector‘s private collection. No one ever proved Mason was the thief, but enough suspicion fell on him that he never went on any large digs or excavations with them again. That didn‘t stop him from advancing in the murky waters of illegal sales of artifacts. As long as collectors paid big sums for antiquities, Mason‘s services would be in demand. It gave him pause to think Mason kept up with his activities. That didn‘t bode well. He made a call and got his security team on it. He had too much riding on his recent find to have Mason sticking his nose into his private affairs. Clicking off with his top security advisor, he picked up his briefcase and left to meet his sister at his parents‘ house. **** Tony pulled up in front of the large Tudor mansion that had been in his family for generations. His family expected him or Gale to raise their family in the home. Lately, his parents had been despairing of having any grandchildren at all. He and his sister were twins. Gale was gay and made it very clear that she wouldn‘t be giving birth to any children. Rissa, his sister‘s partner, and Gale had been living together for the last two years and Tony was glad his twin appeared happy. Unfortunately, that left him the sole recipient of their parents‘ ―grandbabies, please‖ requests. It didn‘t matter to them that he had no desire for marriage, a wife or kids, and was quite content with his life the way it was. There were so many more digs to explore, artifacts and buried cities to unearth. Collecting was his passion, coupled with discovering the meaning of his finds. Those things fueled him. His company had a worldwide reputation for dating and authenticating artifacts. He stayed busy and was only stateside because of his mom‘s and Rissa‘s birthday. Good thing they were close together and he wouldn‘t need to return until the holidays. ―I‘m getting older and I‘d really like to spend some time with my grandkids while I can still play with them,‖ she‘d complain in a strident tone. Normally, he‘d smile and keep going. Lately, she ratcheted up the pressure, getting his dad involved. He‘d thought about foregoing this visit,

but Gale wanted to talk to him about something. They both thought they could get together at their parent‘s‘ home and get the bi-weekly visit out of the way at the same time. ―Mom...Gale,‖ he yelled, walking in through the garage door. ―In here,‖ his sister yelled. Strolling through the hall into the den, he saw his mom and sister sitting on the sofa leafing through some magazines. ―What‘re you doing?‖ he asked, bending down to kiss his mom on the cheek. ―I‘m trying to find the perfect gift for Rissa‘s birthday party. Don‘t forget it‘s in three weeks,‖ she reminded him. ―I got it,‖ he pulled out his PDA to make sure the date was there. ―What kind of gift do you want to get for her?‖ he asked as he pulled a couple of grapes from the bowl on the table in front of them. Moving to the other sofa, he stretched out his long legs, getting comfortable. At six feet two and one hundred ninety pounds, he needed a longer couch, but knew better than to comment and start a long discussion. He wanted to make this visit short and get back to the office. He‘d barely made a dent in authenticating his latest find. A horn of some sort. Since he planned to keep this rare item in his personal collection, he‘d placed it to the side. But after Mason‘s call, he decided to start the process. ―I want to give her some jewelry, but she‘s really not a jewelry person. Besides her cousin will probably give her something like that, since she collects stones and diamonds.‖ Glancing over at her brother, she laughed aloud. ―Now she has some serious pieces, damn. Oops, sorry, mom,‖ she quickly apologized as her mom raised her eyebrow. Tony snickered and ignored the glare his sister sent his way. ―But then she‘s loaded and calls jewelry investments,‖ she commented offhandedly as she continued looking through the magazine. ―Well, you should give her what I‘m giving her.‖ He spoke into the silence. ―What‘s that?‖ she asked as both she and her mom looked over at him. ―An American Express gift card,‖ he told them in a smug tone. ―Really, how much?‖ she questioned, looking at him. ―I‘m not sure. What‘s appropriate for the brother of the lover?‖ He ducked the pillow she threw at him. ―I don‘t know, Tony, just make sure it‘s a decent amount,‖ she demanded. ―No problem.‖ He turned toward his mom. ―I‘m hungry. What‘s for dinner?‖ He didn‘t know why he asked his mom. She wouldn‘t know, he couldn‘t remember ever seeing her cook. ―I don‘t know. Go ask Josie, I think she‘s still in the kitchen,‖ she said without looking up. His eyes met his sister‘s and they sent each other a secret smile. ―I‘ll wait. I‘m too comfortable to move right now,‖ he told her, closing his eyes. A pair of brown eyes stared at him. ―Why can‘t I forget you?‖ he said under his breath. ―What‘s that, honey?‖ his mom asked. ―Nothing, Mom. I think I‘ll go see what Josie‘s making for dinner.‖ He pushed himself up from the couch. ―I‘ll go with you,‖ Gale said. The look she gave him let him know she heard his comment. ―So spill it.‖ She stopped him when they left the den. ―Who can‘t you forget?‖ He recognized the look she sent him. When she crossed her arms, he knew she wasn‘t about to let it go. As a rule, he was a solitary person, except with his twin. All their lives, they confided in each other and that hadn‘t changed as they became adults. She always had his back and he had hers.

―I met this woman in Chicago, and I‘ve been unable to find her or stop thinking about her,‖ he said rubbing his neck and walking down the hall. ―Wow.‖ Gale stopped in her tracks, mouth agape. ―How long ago did you meet her?‖ The surprise in her voice would‘ve pleased him if it‘d been about anything else. ―A little over five and a half months ago‖ he answered. Gale gasped as he strode pass her into the kitchen. Clearing her head with a quick shake, she coughed to get her voice. ―And you...Mr. Love and Leave ‗em, are still hung up on her? Tell me about her, what‘s her name, where does she live? What does she do?‖ She threw the questions at him. His brow arched at her. Obviously, she had a problem grasping the concept of him running behind a woman. ―Let me see...I don‘t know. I don‘t know. Oh yeah, I don‘t know. I just said I‘ve been trying to find her,‖ he growled. ―But there‘s no info on her, not a trace, and now after two private detectives I‘m giving up.‖ His voice lowered. He walked away, not ready to talk about it yet. There was no getting away from Gale. She was worse than a bloodhound when she sensed a mystery. ―You did what?‖ Fanning her face, she looked up at her brother. ―You hired detectives to locate a woman you met in Chicago.‖ Shaking her head, she peered over at him. ―Damn, she must have been awesome! But why didn‘t you just give her your number here in Atlanta or take hers?‖ Face burning, he moved to the kitchen. ―I tried, but she wouldn‘t take it,‖ he mumbled. ―What? I know I didn‘t hear you right.‖ She burst out laughing. ―Fuck you, Gale.‖ He snapped, searching the area to make sure they were alone. ―Not you or any other man,‖ she sang out. ―Seriously, what do you mean? Are you saying she wasn‘t interested? In you?‖ She tried not to laugh, but failed miserably. ―Oh, my goodness,‖ she breathed loudly. ―You finally met someone you like, but she isn‘t interested in you? I never thought I‘d live to see the day.‖ She threw her hands up in a gesture of peace as he brushed past her to go into the kitchen, not appreciating her humor at all. ―Oh, come on, Tony. You know this is rare.‖ She cackled, trailing behind him. ―Let‘s just laugh about it for a minute before we get all serious.‖ He refused to respond. Instead, he opened pots and the oven in search for food. ―I really don‘t want to talk about it. How‘s the planning going for Rissa‘s party?‖ He redirected the conversation to her favorite topic. He wasn‘t in the mood for teasing, not about his chocolate delight. ―Oh, everything‘s ‗bout done.‖ She moved to sit near him. ―I don‘t know why I thought I could surprise her, though,‖ she complained. ―What do you mean? It‘s not a surprise anymore?‖ Picking up a plate and looking around, he got some food to hold him until later. His housekeeper would‘ve left his supper in the microwave at home. ―Naw, she saw some stuff in my bag and told me to make sure to get a suite for her grandmom and cousin.‖ ―What, why do you have to do that?‖ he asked, confused. ―They‘re really close. Her cousin is pregnant and Rissa has already taken time off from work to be with her when the baby arrives later in the year.‖ Tugging her shirt straight, she looked at him. Their eyes met as he ate some grapes and homemade cookies. Shit. He prepared himself for whatever scheme Gale had up her sleeve. The look in her eye sent a spear of apprehension through him.

―That‘s what Rissa really wants, you know.‖ Her hesitant approach put him on alert immediately. It meant he wouldn‘t like it. ―What?‖ he asked cautiously. He kept eating but looked directly at her, noticing her face had turned a dull red. This couldn‘t be good. There wasn‘t a shy bone in Gale‘s body. She must want something big. ―A baby,‖ she told him in a quiet voice. Watching as he almost fell off the chair. ―What the...she wants a baby? How the hell? What the fuck‘s going on, Gale?‖ he growled, regaining his composure. ―We both want kids. We‘ve been talking about our options.‖ Taking a deep breath, and looking around to make sure they were alone she continued. ―We looked into adoption and that‘s still viable. We looked at her getting pregnant by normal means, and we raise the baby.‖ Shaking her head, she confessed in a lowered tone. ―I just can‘t stomach that. Then there‘s artificial insemination. We discussed that. We‘ve even talked to a doctor.‖ Observing his sister, he didn‘t know what to say. She constantly surprised him. The decision to leave men and turn to women had been a long time coming, so he wasn‘t that shocked when she came out the closet. She‘d always been uncomfortable with her dates. But when she felt it was necessary to discuss being the man or masculine one in her relationships with him, and wanting pointers from a more masculine point of view, he drew the line. There were things he‘d never feel comfortable discussing with his unpredictable twin. Gale expected immediate acceptance of her lifestyle choice by family and friends. Without warning, she chose a family dinner to make her announcement. Their grandmother fainted, and her lady friend at the time left the dinner, embarrassed. Now, he could only imagine how she expected to accomplish having the family she and Rissa wanted. But he had learned a long time ago, never to underestimate his twin. ―Okay, and the doctor said what?‖ His gaze captured hers in preparation for whatever she threw at him. ―That either of us could carry the baby. Rissa wants to do that.‖ She gazed at the entryway as Josie walked in. ―You guys hungry? I see you‘ve gotten some snacks already, Tony.‖ Josie smiled as she opened the oven to check on the roast. ―Yeah, the food smelled so good, I just needed to get closer for a contact high,‖ he teased. Josie had been with them for years and he considered her a member of the family. They enjoyed joking with her. ―It‘s done. Your mom said you all were going to serve yourselves later, so I‘m just going to place this in the warming oven.‖ She explained as she moved the dishes around. Once she completed that, she pointed to the stove. ―The rice and vegetables are on the top of the stove.‖ Turning, she looked at them both smiling. ―It‘s good to see you two, I hope everything is well, and I‘ll see you on your next visit.‖ She waved good-bye and turned to leave. ―Josie, if I call and let you know the day I‘m coming, can you make me some of these cookies to take with me?‖ Tony held up the delectable treat in his hand. ―Sure. I‘m glad you like them. Tell you what. I‘ll make you some next week, and you just stop by and pick them up, okay?‖ ―Absolutely, thanks, Josie. You‘re the best.‖ Tony walked over and gave the diminutive Latina a hug. ―You spoil him, Josie. I don‘t know why.‖ Gale rolled her eyes, teasing as she joined in the conversation.

―Yeah, and you can pick up those muffins Rissa loves at the same time.‖ Josie laughed as Gale turned pink and waved goodbye. ―See there, that‘s what happens when you go up against the force known as Josie,‖ Tony mocked, turning back to face his twin. ―Yeah, whatever,‖ she huffed. Apparently, she intended to continue their conversation despite the interruption. Inwardly he groaned. He didn‘t understand what he could do to help, or why she wanted to share such an intimate subject with him. The day had been long and unfruitful, he wanted to eat, work on his artifact and sleep. They sat a few minutes while Tony finished his snack and got up to fix a plate of food. Gale joined him and fixed a plate as well. Normally, he‘d eat and leave right after. Sitting at the table in the kitchen, taking a sip of water, Gale got to her point. ―I was wondering if you would consider...‖ she began watching him frown while concentrating on his food. ―If you would consider donating your sperm, so they can inseminate Rissa?‖ she rushed. Hoping this was some sick ass joke, he smirked. Until he noticed the seriously hopeful look on Gale‘s face, and realized he needed to nip this quickly. ―Hell, no,‖ he ground out staring at her, wanting her to see he was serious and to stop the discussion. ―Why not, Tony?‖ she asked, despite his mounting anger. ―I don‘t want nor do I have any children. But if I did, they will be mine, Gale. Not yours, mine.‖ He continued eating as if she wasn‘t at the table. ―Don‘t be selfish, Tony. We‘re twins, so the baby Rissa has with your sperm will be the closest we could get to me,‖ she begged. ―No.‖ His tone was flat and adamant. ―No? That‘s it?‖ she asked. ―Can‘t we talk about it?‖ He shook his head, and didn‘t speak. Tony knew he spoiled her and they both knew they could count on each other. Unless she crossed one of his lines, and she‘d just done that. Finishing his food, he stood. He could tell she was angry, but she‘d have to get over it. He wanted no part of her plan. ―So it doesn‘t matter to you that this would really make me happy?‖ She knew he wouldn‘t change his mind. He hated he knew her so well. Now, she was in hassle and aggravate mode. ―Not in the least. I tell you what,‖ he added as an afterthought. The glass of juice raised to his lips, he smiled. ―Ask dad for his sperm, since you want to keep it in the family.‖ He laughed at the look of horror and disgust that flashed across her face. ―Ewww, that‘s just nasty,‖ she snapped, standing quick and backing from the table. ―How could you suggest such a thing?‖ ―That‘s how I felt about your suggestion a moment ago. Incest not a good thing, huh?‖ He replied swallowing the last of his drink. Chuckling, he rinsed his plate and placed his dishes in the dishwasher. Turning he walked out the kitchen searching for his mom to tell her goodnight. Gale dropped back into her chair, not really surprised by Tony‘s answer. She shivered at the thought of asking her dad for something like that, nasty. Damn Tony for planting that image in her mind. It was a long shot and Rissa had asked her not to do it. How could she not give him the first shot? They were twins. Rissa wasn‘t pushing this as hard as she was. But every time she talked about her cousin‘s pregnancy, Rissa lit up, or got excited. Rissa and her cousin had always been close, but now they talked daily, and it was because of the baby. Gale didn‘t want her lover

to feel she was missing anything by them being together. This was just a bump in the road, and she was determined they would have the family they wanted.

Chapter 6 David showed up with another attorney at the restaurant as Niki and Nana Rita were leaving from lunch. He offered to drive her to her hair appointment and Nana Rita jumped in accepting before she could utter a word. Niki agreed after her Nana denied any role in the coincidence. Although this part of Durham wasn‘t home, she felt a sense of homecoming every time she came to visit Louise and her family. Easing her arm from David‘s, Niki noticed the flash of distaste across his face as he looked at the old storefront building. They‘d just arrived; getting out he went around and opened her door. Glancing up the road, she wondered what he saw. This wasn‘t his turf, hers either to be fair. She recognized a few owners sweeping the sidewalk in front of their establishments. There was a sense of pride, dignity, along with ownership in this area. No, the owners would never equal her companion‘s financial success, but they held a wealth of history, richness in spirit that was just as strong, and compelling as any Fortune 500 CEO. David caught her glance and looked around. Smiling as he rubbed her arm. ―So this is where you get your hair done? Where the magic happens?‖ he murmured, coming closer. Smiling as he reached up touching her curls. ―Yes, my mom‘s best friend has been doing my hair every week, since I was a little girl. I love it here. Everyone is so nice,‖ she stated, pulling back slightly as his hands fell to her shoulders, massaging them lightly which, despite how creeped out he generally made her feel, felt heavenly. ―Well, your hair always looks good. I don‘t blame you; I wouldn‘t change a thing either.‖ Looking beyond her to the name of the shop and then returning to her, he smiled attempting to pull her in closer for a hug. Niki backed away in a smooth slide, avoiding his grasp. ―Hold on, Riccio,‖ she panted, taking in a breath while holding her stomach. ―No public displays, especially not here.‖ After moving a safe distance and looking both ways, she observed he‘d moved back and leaned against his car. His hazel-green gaze fixated on her. No question, she thought, this man was a predator. Right now, she was his target. Her heart jumped, whether in fear or arousal, she couldn‘t be sure. Twisting her neck side to side, releasing the tension, she raised her hand to wave goodbye. ―Wait a minute, Niki.‖ His voice a low murmur as he continued leaning against the car, hands and feet crossed, staring in her direction. One would think they were just having a casual conversation. Niki dreaded his next words. He wanted to take the relationship to another level, she wasn‘t so sure. Being pregnant, her emotions were all over the place. This was not the time to make any decisions, she didn‘t give two cents about how fine he was, or that he catered to her. She wasn‘t ready for more right now. Mentally, she‘d worked herself up and was ready to let him have it, when he spoke again. ―Damn, Niki, you are so beautiful. I‘m standing here, a white man, in the heart of a black neighborhood. Gang members, your peeps and shit eying me, and all I can think is how beautiful you are. Not just on the outside, but inside as well.‖ She swallowed her shock and closed her mouth. He‘d sideswiped her again. But he wasn‘t finished. ―This is not a game for you. You are a fucking millionaire, and you go to the hood to have your hair done as if it‘s the most common thing in the world.‖ Smiling, he shook his head and glanced up the street.

They drew attention. Not just because of the late model Lexus, or her large stomach, or that he was fine and dressed in a thousand dollar suit. The picture of contrasts they presented was odd enough to cause folks in the area to pause and take note. ―I am so glad you allowed me to bring you here today,‖ he said smiling slightly. ―I always thought you were special. No games, straight up, I like that a lot. Probably more than you‘re willing to deal with right now.‖ She nodded, relieved. ―So I‘ll back off. But know this,‖ he moved closer to her as she stood on the sidewalk, mesmerized by his voice and words. Damn smooth lawyer. ―I want you. I want you for my woman. Babies and all, I am in serious like…‖ he smiled, ―with you.‖ Reaching her, he stood back a few paces looking down into her upturned face, he took her hands in his. ―Don‘t discount me or my feelings for you. Give me a chance. I promise you won‘t be disappointed. Promise.‖ Niki could only stare, feeling the sincerity that emanated from this polished man. He‘d broken out his street language, and it seemed so natural for him. There was definitely more to him than she knew. Taking a deep breath, she swallowed hard, unable to form a single reply. His words stirred her. She wasn‘t made of stone, despite what some of her business associates thought. Impossible, the word rang through her mind. Countered with, but what if…Lifting her hand—she realized he still held it—she backed away towards the door to the safety of the shop, not trusting herself to speak. Remembering her manners, she pasted on a smile. ―I‘ll think about it, Riccio, and thanks—‖ ―Hey…I thought we were friends. Call me David.‖ He released her reluctantly. There was nothing friendly about the look he sent her. His eyes had darkened, lingering on her lips. Predator alert, her mind screamed. He licked his lips. Commanding her body not to respond, she stuck on a smile. Damn baby hormones had her body humming. ―Ok, David.‖ She stressed his name, while watching him break out into a boyish smile. His right cheek sported a deep dimple, softening his austere appearance. The first time she‘d seen it had been in court where he‘d emasculated a witness. The two—his dimple and his words—contrasted to such a degree that in her mind lodged the concept of his being insincere. ―Thanks for the ride. I had no idea my grandmother had somewhere to go. She never mentioned it.‖ The old sneak. ―Since I have been trying to get another date with you for the past year, I‘ll take whatever time you afford me.‖ Staring at the pale hands clasped together, she smiled and wished again that she felt more for this man than friendship. Maybe she should give him a shot. ―Thanks David, you‘ve been great. Even with the pregnancy, hanging out and stuff. I know people are talking and…Well, I just want you to know I appreciate it,‖ she said, still not wanting to encourage him. David Riccio was a barracuda. Well dressed, fine as wine, but deadly just the same. While she recognized a kindred spirit in business, she had no desire for that in her bedroom. No one took her over. He smiled, and after a quick sigh walked back to the car. Aware of the picture they made, she wished things were different. David was very handsome, stood over six feet, an athletic build, olive skin tone, black hair and hazel-green eyes. ―By the way,‖ he said as he stood in the open car door. ―I‘ll be in Atlanta at a conference next week. I‘d like to take you out to dinner when I get back, okay?‖

―Sure, that‘d be great. Maybe a movie, that new Tyler Perry movie would be good,‖ she added, feeling better watching his smile broaden. He was a nice guy. Maybe with time…who knew? He wanted her and the babies. She could do worse. She waved him good-bye, waiting for him to drive off before entering the salon. ―You been holding out, baby girl,‖ Louise snorted over her reading glasses as Niki made her way into the salon. Early in the afternoon, there were just a few customers in booths further down. Glad for the lack of an audience, she ambled to the chair. ―No, Weeze, I haven‘t been holding out. He‘s just a friend. He‘s not my baby‘s daddy.‖ She smiled, knowing everyone tried to figure the baby daddy mystery. ―Where was he before you got pregnant? And why is he all up in your face now?‖ Niki expected the inquisition and knew there was no way around it. Her touch up and styling would take at least two hours. Sighing, she settled in and answered what she expected to be the first of many. ―He has always been around, Weeze. I wasn‘t into him.‖ She took a moment to get comfortable. ―So….You‘re into him now?‖ ―No. I don‘t know. He wants more, but I‘m not sure what to do.‖ ―Hold up…hold up, that fine man out there with the gorgeous body and smile wants you, and you‘re not feeling him?‖ Louise‘s brows furrowed as she backed up to look Niki in the eye. ―To be fair, I wasn‘t interested before I got pregnant.‖ She laughed as Louise scurried around getting her instruments together. ―Is it because he‘s white? Because he looked real comfortable outside just now. As if, he had no problems taking on anyone that might make trouble. You feel me? I think he‘s got a little soul or hood somewhere down in him.‖ Silently, Niki agreed with Louise. David acknowledged the danger and then seemed to blend right in. No one knew the race of her children‘s father. It never came up, and she never volunteered the information. If anything, David being white would be a plus for her mixed babies. ―Nope, his race has nothing to do with it. I‘ve dated white men in college. It‘s…it‘s just—I didn‘t feel anything for him before. Now the sparks I get, I‘m not sure if they are for him or baby laced hormones. I feel…how to explain it?‖ Her teeth worried her lower lip. ―A spark, a li‘l heat or something, but not enough to change my opinion about him, though. I‘m big as a house and not ready to deal with a relationship right now.‖ Remembering that night long ago, there had been a blazing inferno. Even drugged, she remembered. Sighing, Louise shook her head. ―Don‘t settle if you don‘t get what you want. There‘s no reason to rush into anything with anyone. Relationships can be uplifting, or draining. They take time and energy, as well as you being ready to compromise and work things out. And sweetie, that‘s whether he‘s just your man or your husband.‖ ―Nana Rita likes David, and talks about him a lot.‖ Pausing, she looked at Louise in the mirror. ―He‘s handsome and rich. And yes, he is an up and coming lawyer with his own firm, which is good, for him anyway.‖ Sighing deeply, she spoke the question that had bugged her for months. ―Why does he want me? I‘m pregnant with another man‘s child…well, children. I don‘t call him or try to spend time with him. I don‘t stroke that big ego of his, well deserved or not.‖ Shrugging her shoulders, his behavior left her stumped. ―I just don‘t understand why he‘s after me so hard.‖

―Some men are like that, sweetie. They want what‘s out of reach. Others just love the thrill of the chase. Maybe it‘s the challenge to change your opinion. On the other hand, he might genuinely like you and sees past the tough façade to the lovely, hot woman beneath.‖ She tugged Niki‘s hair, smiling. ―Why is it so hard for you to believe that any man would want you like the Italian hot stud does?‖ Niki chuckled at Louise‘s name for David. ―I don‘t know. It just seems odd to me.‖ Ducking her head, she continued. ―He‘s going to be in Atlanta next week.‖ Fiddling with her bag, she couldn‘t be sure what was happening to her. The last thing she wanted was to hurt anyone. Going out to dinner and a movie was a simple thing. But she knew David would see it as a major victory, considering she‘d turned down all his requests for any outing. What if she couldn‘t connect with him? She hadn‘t before. ―I didn‘t tell him I was going to be in Atlanta for the party.‖ She shared a look with Louise, who continued parting her hair. ―Should I tell him?‖ ―Do you want to see him in Atlanta?‖ ―I don‘t know–maybe. I mean everyone will probably have a date or something.‖ Glancing up, she bit her lip, thinking. David cleaned up good and it‘d be nice to have an escort. ―Think about it, Niki. He doesn‘t appear to be the type of man who would let you go easily. How long has he been after you?‖ ―A couple of years,‖ she confessed. ―I don‘t know, Weeze, he‘s wearing me down. He looked really good today and the things he said, whew!‖ She wiped her brow laughing. ―That good, huh?‖ ―Yeah, he‘s good.‖ Pausing, she looked up at the mirror. ―I know this is selfish of me, but I want this time for just me and my kids. I really don‘t want a man in my life. Right now, I‘m so excited about becoming a mom. There‘s so much I want to do. I‘ve all but gutted my schedule, so I can be home with them,‖ she said, glowing as she got caught up in her enthusiasm. ―And it‘s hard to miss something you‘ve never had.‖ She and Louise shared a moment, staring at each other in the mirror. ―It just ain‘t right,‖ Louise drawled. ―What? What‘s not right?‖ Niki looked around, fidgeting in the chair trying to get more comfortable. ―How long I been doing your hair?‖ Louise asked instead of answering the question. ―According to Nana Bea, since I was five, so twenty-two years. What‘s wrong now?‖ ―Don‘t get sassy with me, miss,‖ she quipped, then laughed as Niki bent to get a magazine. ―You remember when I was pregnant with Pam, right?‖ ―Uh-huh.‖ ―You also remember when Dolly was pregnant with her little man?‖ ―That‘s the lady who worked with you a year ago, right?‖ she asked. Louise nodded. ―Yeah, I remember her. She was crazy.‖ ―You‘re being nice.‖ Louise chuckled. ―Now what did we all have in common?‖ ―You were all black?‖ Niki said, not sure where the conversation was headed. She knew Louise would take her sweet time to get them there, so she settled in order to get comfortable. ―Well, yeah, but what else?‖ she asked, preparing Niki‘s scalp for a light relaxer. ―Y‘all were mean, had attitudes and blamed it on the babies?‖ Niki laughed as Louise popped her shoulder with the comb. ―No, brat. We were all big as houses by our sixth month. Look at you. You‘re having twins. You didn‘t get sick. You only gained weight in your tummy, some in your boobs, which you could afford, by the way.‖ She laughed as Niki rolled her eyes.

―Tell the truth, how much have you gained so far?‖ She challenged looking at Niki in the mirror. ―About 20 to 25 pounds,‖ Niki stated in a deadpan voice, then broke out laughing at the comical face Louise made. She still remembered the astonished expression on her face when her doctor informed her she was having twins. The ultrasound photos confirmed the announcement. It was too late to panic now. She‘d immediately prepared her home for two—not one—additions, glad she hadn‘t known it was a possibility from the beginning. That one announcement caused a moment regret of not taking her babies‘ father‘s information. Even though she never would have contacted him, she could have gotten his personal data and known what to expect. Obviously, it was too late now, but she wondered how many other surprises awaited her. She‘d never admit it, but she regretted her rash actions and hoped her children didn‘t pay too steep a price. ―See that‘s what I‘m talking about! That shit just ain‘t right. You‘re smart and cute,‖ she continued laughing. ―But you got the pretty skin, not that Bea would allow anything else, mind you.‖ They laughed. Louise talked a mile a minute, you could barely get a word in, but she was the best in the area. No matter what, you were bound to be entertained in her shop. Nana Bea had been sending Niki to a professional for her hair, nails, feet and skin sessions so long; it had become a natural part of her life. She couldn‘t imagine not having regular facials, massages, manicures, pedicures or body rubs. Her Nana had insisted taking care of herself was as important as getting her degree. ―Maybe it‘s just the genes, I don‘t know,‖ Louise continued. ―Your mom had pretty skin and nice hair, but it wasn‘t long and thick like yours. She was smart, went to college and all that, but she wasn‘t passionate about studying like you were.‖ Pausing, she and Niki looked at each other in the mirror. ―You‘re a good mix of both your mom and dad.‖ They‘d had a variation of this conversation many times over the years and Niki never tired of it. She loved being with her self-appointed ―godmother‖ Louise and her kids. Louise always had an opinion about things, and had no problem sharing them. ―Like I was saying, you‘ve always been pretty, smart, and you have a huge heart.‖ Niki wondered if Louise referred to the fact, since she wouldn‘t allow Niki to pay for services rendered, Niki had taken all the money Louise would‘ve collected from Bea and invested in a retirement account for Louise. Niki hoped she didn‘t notice, but she always placed large bills in Louise‘s tip jar when she thought she wasn‘t looking. ―All of that and still you don‘t get fat or sick pregnant.‖ Shaking her head as she rinsed Niki‘s hair, she asked, ―what do you feel like today? Up, down, wrapped?‖ ―Roll it tight with the rods. I‘m leaving in a few days to Atlanta. I‘ll be there for a few days, so as it drops, I‘ll be able to do more with it.‖ Truly, Niki didn‘t want to go at all. The summer was too hot and she felt full all the time. But her cousin would be really disappointed if she didn‘t show up. Family, she sighed, what could she do? ―Sounds good to me. The doctor says it‘s okay?‖ Louise asked, bending down to get the rods. ―Yes, ma‘am. This will probably be my last trip, but since I‘m doing well, he approved it.‖ ―That‘s my girl. Now, have you decided what you‘re going to name my babies?‖ Louise rattled on. Ever since they discovered she was having twins, Louise found new ways to bring them into every conversation. ―No, I‘ve been reading up on some names. I want the names to have meanings. But if I have a girl, her middle name will be Juanita after Mom and the boy Thomas as his middle name after Dad.‖ She leaned down as Louise worked on her hair.

―That‘s real good, honey. How are Bea and Jack?‖ ―I think they‘re living together now that I‘ve moved into my house. She‘s never there when I pop over, and she always calls me from his house.‖ Niki scratched her face and turned slightly. ―Now, the real shocker is I think Nana Rita‘s seeing someone.‖ ―No, really, who?‖ She knew Louise always heard the latest gossip first. This was a pleasant surprise that she knew something before her long time friend. ―I‘m not sure yet, she‘s being evasive. But you know me, I‘ll find out sooner or later.‖ She smiled at she thought of her straight-laced Nana. Her dad‘s mom was a brilliant lawyer who‘d recently retired. Grandpa Pete had been sick the last five years before he died with cancer, leaving Nana Rita alone. Niki didn‘t know much about him, she‘d been young when he died and Nana Rita rarely talked about him. She had moved in with her and Nana Bea not long after her husband‘s death. Having lost both husband and son, she was determined to spend as much time as possible with her closest relative. And although she got along with Nana Bea, they were so different that Nana Rita felt she needed to be involved with Niki‘s upbringing to provide balance. She was a fierce advocate of women‘s rights and had taken Niki to work with her, so she would be accustomed to the professional arena. The high profile cases she won and her keen intelligence offered opportunities to speak her mind freely, regardless of the venue. The days of the southern belle were over, and she didn‘t want Niki sitting around waiting for any man. She‘d made it clear to Niki and Bea she expected and would help Niki find her career path, so she could be selfsufficient. After all these years, it seemed her Nana was finally reconnecting socially. ―You know, of your two grandmas, she‘s the slickest. It‘s possible she‘s had a little on the side all along, and you just didn‘t pick up on it,‖ Louise said. You may be right. With my track record, I wouldn‘t be surprised. I mean, I didn‘t know Jack was dating Nana Bea for years. I thought they‘d just started recently.‖ ―You‘re the only one who didn‘t know then. Everybody, including Pastor Brown, knew.‖ She laughed at the surprised look on Niki‘s face. ―You were into your own little world and missing stuff happening right under your nose.‖ ―Yeah, it seems like everyone‘s hooking up,‖ she said slowly, causing Louise to look at her. Niki refused to return the glance and opted to rub her stomach. ―I will say, yours is a unique situation, baby girl,‖ Louise told her, ushering her to the dryer and settling her in. ―But life is funny and when you least expect it, God will show his sense of humor.‖

Chapter 7 Atlanta was so muggy and hot. Niki felt wilted, drained, and opted to head straight for the hotel to rest. Nana Bea went with her so they‘d be fresh later that night for the party. Taking the rental car to the hotel, Niki watched the clerk run her room card through the activator. If she had done that in Chicago instead of taking her Stellar pre-assignment, the computer would have spotted the error, and avoided the mix up. A tough lesson learned. Once inside the suite, Nana unpacked their suitcases while Niki fell asleep. Hours later, refreshed, she sat down to a meal provided by room service. Looking around, she experienced a sense of déjà vu. Upscale hotel, large suite, in a different city. Thinking back on Louise‘s cryptic remark about God‘s sense of humor, she shook her head. ―No more, please,‖ she whispered, placing her fork down before leaving the table. Later that night she walked into the dimly lit hotel ballroom where her cousin celebrated her 30th birthday. Niki‘s gold-colored raw silk dress accentuated her milk chocolate complexion. Her thick hair framed her heart-shaped face, and long curls hung down her back. Her multicolored jewels accented her attire, sparkling as they caught the light in her ears and around her throat. David walked tall and handsome beside her, having stayed over an extra night to escort her. He had been surprised at the last minute invitation, and graciously refrained from calling her out on it. Nana Bea commented repeatedly on what an attractive couple they made. Her nerves stretched taut as he moved closer to her side. Nana walked on the other side. Spying her cousin across the room, they made their way over to the birthday girl. Letting out a loud yelp when she saw them, Rissa ran forward, meeting them halfway. She was short, curvy and petite, with a light brown complexion with straight, shoulder-length black hair. What grabbed you immediately about Rissa was her large dark brown eyes and deep dimples that flashed when she talked or smiled. ―I‘m so glad you‘re here.‖ Rissa hugged as much of her as she could, and then leaned forward to kiss Niki‘s cheek. ―Nana, I‘m so glad to see you. Thanks for coming.‖ Rissa kissed her grandmother and searched the crowded room for her errant parent. ―Mom‘s here somewhere.‖ Once Nana Bea announced she‘d be flying to the party with Niki, it‘d been arranged for Nana and Rissa‘s mom, Aunt Sharita, to spend most of this visit together. Niki and Rissa planned to hang out and catch up. Now that Niki was here, she was glad she came. Her stomach settled as David moved away slightly, allowing her to enjoy the celebration. ―You look good, Rissa. Everything‘s okay with you?‖ Nana Bea asked as she looked her oldest granddaughter over with approval. Just then, Gale walked over and embraced Niki while looking oddly at David. Gale was tall, athletic build, blue-greenish eyes, a cute smile and blondish brown wavy hair that fell to her shoulder. She wore a pair of black Dockers and button down shirt with a colored tee peeking through the top. ―Yes‘m, I‘m doing just fine,‖ Rissa answered, absently staring at Gale. Niki had always thought her cousin was pretty. Tonight, Rissa shined. Her short purple dress looked amazing on her. It flowed and hugged her curves. She wore her hair swept up. The slightly glazed look in her eyes signaled she‘d been drinking. Oh well, it was her birthday. ―Rissa, Gale, this is a friend of mine, David Riccio.‖ Niki made the introductions without looking Rissa in the eye, knowing there would be many questions later. ―David, this goofball is

my cousin, Rissa and her partner, Gale.‖ Niki smiled at the face Rissa gave her as she stuck out her tongue. ―Hey, I‘m the birthday girl, remember?‖ she pouted, before turning to David. ―Thanks for having pity on my lonely, gruesome cousin and walking in the door with her. You can go and get your real date now. We don‘t mind…‖ she told him straight faced before Niki pushed her shoulder, laughing. ―You‘re crazy. Gale may have to put up with you. Thank God I don‘t.‖ Turning to David, who‘d chuckled in response to Rissa‘s comment and moved closer to her. ―Don‘t mind her; she hasn‘t had her pills yet. Gale, you need to take better care of this nut.‖ David put his arm around her waist, supporting her back. She hadn‘t realized she‘d been pressing her palm into it. Smiling her thanks, she leaned into him, taking what help she could for now. She‘d been as honest with him as possible, not making any promises regarding a relationship. They‘d take each day as it came. He seemed okay with the compromise. ―Trust me,‖ Rissa said with an impish smile. ―She takes good care of me.‖ Rissa shared a private smile with her lover, Gale. Niki and Gale smiled as they exchanged pleasantries and watched Rissa accept her gift from Nana Bea. Elbowing Gale, Niki pointed. ―She‘s such a baby. Look how she still lights up when she gets a gift.‖ They both laughed when Rissa stuck her tongue out at them. ―It‘s my birthday and I can be greedy if I want to, right, babe?‖ ―You know that‘s right,‖ Gale agreed immediately. Nana Bea had two girls. Rissa and Niki‘s moms had been sisters. Niki‘s mom had been the baby. Rissa‘s mom was a college professor who traveled a lot. Rissa had spent lots of time with Nana Bea and Niki growing up. Rissa‘s mom and dad had never married, and he‘d never been involved, other than financially, in her life. Niki had been the first person Rissa had shared her concerns about her sexual preferences. They‘d been just teens, Rissa a few years older. At first Niki had been shocked. Not because of Rissa‘s lesbian leanings, more because of interest in sex, period. Niki had been so busy with her studies, playing with the finance market and learning the industry that she had missed a large part of dating and socializing. Rissa would call and talk to Niki about her feelings, the people she dated and the problems she incurred, until Gale. Moving forward, with David‘s assistance, she gave Rissa her gift bag. The two-carat diamond earrings were nestled in the box beneath a lot of paper she wanted to see her cousin‘s frustration as she dug through the bag up close. ―Oh, Niki, you didn‘t have to...‖ Her tone was so fake, everyone laughed as she grabbed the bag like an excited kid on Christmas morning. Shaking it ―hmmm...what do you think this is, baby?‖ she asked Gale. ―I have no idea.‖ Gale shook her head and laughed as Rissa tapped the box that had been inside the bag. ―What are you doing? Just open it already so I can go sit down,‖ Niki snapped, rubbing her stomach trying to calm the gymnasts who jostled in her tummy. David moved closer, ready to offer assistance, as he rubbed her back. Nana and Gale noticed his actions. She offered them both small smiles. ―Really, I was going to wait and open them all at the same time. But since you‘re pregnant and all I guess I can do that.‖ Rissa tore open the paper. Seeing the telltale blue Tiffany box before reading the name on top, she squealed.

―What‘s going on over here?‖ Aunt Sherita, Rissa‘s mom, asked while hugging her mom, Nana Bea. She smiled at Gale and then went to Niki. Her eyes widened as she took in David stroking Niki‘s back. She looked at Niki and then back at David, a question in her eyes. Before her Aunt could blurt out anything uncomfortable, Rissa called her. ―Look, Mom.‖ She passed the box under her mom‘s eye. ―My gift from Niki. I‘m going to open it,‖ she said as she lifted the lid. Everyone except Niki leaned forward to see and be in awe of the two-carat diamond earrings. ―Damn, Niki,‖ her aunt murmured, ―those are beautiful, the clarity, everything. Well done, sweetie, well done.‖ She turned to face David. ―Now who is this young man with his hands all over you?‖ ―Oh, you missed the introductions.‖ Niki answered accustomed to her aunt‘s abruptness. ―Aunt Sherita, this is David Riccio, a friend of mine. David, this is Rissa‘s mom, my Aunt Sherita.‖ David acknowledged the introduction with a nod and a low, ―nice to meet you.‖ He continued to rub her back. ―Same here, David, are you from Atlanta?‖ Her aunt probed. Smiling, he answered. ―No ma‘am, I‘m from Detroit, Michigan. I was here for a conference and Niki invited me to the party. I hope that‘s all right?‖ He smiled his signature grin. ―If you‘re a friend of Niki‘s, then of course it‘s all right. Are the two of you dating?‖ Her aunt looked at David. He gazed at Niki. ―I wish,‖ he spoke with such heat, five pair of eyes latched onto him. He stared at Niki, until she turned away. Coughing to cover her embarrassment, she looked helplessly at a grinning Rissa and a thoughtful Gale. ―Nana, I need to go to the bathroom. Gale, where is it?‖ she asked, recognizing the familiar pressure in her lower back. ―Right through that door around the corner,‖ Gale said. ―You need me to go with you?‖ ―No, that‘s okay.‖ Her aunt put her arm through her niece‘s arm. ―Stay here and make sure Rissa has fun. Mama and I‘ll walk with Niki.‖ She glanced over her shoulder. ―David, she‘ll be right back. We‘ll take good care of her.‖ Dismissing him, she wrapped her arm around her mom‘s waist and walked in the direction Gale had pointed. As they were leaving, Gale‘s brother Tony walked over to the small group that surrounded the birthday girl. He nodded at the tall man in greeting, noticing he watched the action but took no part. He started to ask his sister who was the stranger, but realized he didn‘t care. ―What‘s going on?‖ He asked Gale instead, as she helped Rissa put on some earrings. ―Rissa‘s just opened her gift from her cousin.‖ She pointed as Rissa modeled them for the small crowd. ―These diamond earrings.‖ ―Those are really nice.‖ He moved closer for a better look, impressed by the size and clarity. ―Where‘s her cousin and grandmamma? I‘m getting ready to leave.‖ He pulled Gale to the side, chuckling when she punched his arm. ―I wanted to greet all your family before I left.‖ ―They walked with Niki to the bathroom. I told you she was pregnant. She‘s...let me see, I think six months; although she doesn‘t look it.‖ She turned to look around. ―Let me ask David, her boyfriend.‖ Looking around, she noticed he‘d moved and stood near the door Niki had just left through. ―Hmm, he moved, anyway, she‘s all baby.‖ Her gaze returned to Rissa. ―Oh well, if I don‘t see them tonight, maybe I‘ll catch them before they leave.‖ He knew she was distracted with her girlfriend‘s family and wouldn‘t miss him. He‘d made his obligatory appearance. Now he planned to enjoy the rest of the night at a private screening. The invitation

from Theos, a private collector, burned in his pocket. He looked forward to comparing some of the pieces to his own. Excitement swept through him, he threw back the watered ginger ale, and prepared to escape. ―Sure, sure, we‘ll do that.‖ Gale waved goodbye as she walked over to Rissa. Laughing at his love-struck sister, Tony left to say goodnight to his parents. After searching a bit, he found them on the terrace holding court with some of the more liberal family members. The booze had been flowing freely, and it was obvious they were having a great time. ―Mom, Dad,‖ he called out. No response. ―Mom, Dad,‖ he called out louder, walking further onto the terrace and interrupted a passionate embrace between his parents. His mom tried to pull away, while his dad held her fast in position, hands still on her ass, causing her to duck her head onto his dad‘s chest. Chuckling he stopped. ―I‘m sorry. I didn‘t mean to stop you. I just wanted to let you know I was leaving, and I‘ll talk to you later. Uhhh…carry on.‖ He laughed. Turning to leave, he ignored his dad‘s ―smart ass‖ comment. Walking through the ballroom, he scanned the crowd. It seemed as though everyone had someone but him. It never really bothered him before. Once again, his thoughts went to his mystery woman from Chicago, and he wondered if he should try one more time. Shaking his head, he gave the valet his ticket. What would be the point? She‘d made sure they‘d never meet again, he argued, feeling a sense of loss. ―Thanks Nana, Aunt Sherita, I needed that l‘il break,‖ Niki said, holding her stomach as she walked slowly back to the party. True to form, her aunt had grilled her about David. Everyone tried to get the name of her babies‘ father from her. After being assured he wasn‘t their daddy or a gigolo, her aunt beamed, proud she had a handsome, responsible man in the wings. A strong kick grabbed her attention. Looking down she rubbed her stomach, and spoke without thinking. ―Now, Nita, stop fighting Thomas. Mommy‘s here at cousin Rissa‘s party, and you need to be good.‖ ―Isn‘t that cute,‖ Gale said to Rissa, watching the three women. ―She was talking to her babies.‖ She had been in awe when Rissa told her Niki expected twins. Going back to the party, Niki sat down and watched her Aunt and Nana dance with Rissa. Gale sat next to her while David got drinks and food. ―How you feeling, Niki?‖ Gale wondered how Niki was really handling the single mom thing. Rissa had told her Niki wouldn‘t discuss the father. ―As well as can be expected I guess,‖ she grunted through a painful kick. Her reprieve from earlier was over and the babies were active. Niki hoped it wasn‘t the noise. She‘d planned to leave soon. ―Rissa‘s so happy, I‘m glad you came,‖ Gale said, her voice caught. ―It wouldn‘t have been the same.‖ Gale turned away from the dance floor to look at Niki. ―That‘s my cuz. You know I wouldn‘t miss this.‖ She smiled at her cousin‘s lover, twisting in the seat to get comfortable. ―You guys all right?‖ ―Yeah, I think so,‖ she said, then shook her head. ―Yes, we are,‖ she said with more confidence. ―Good for you. Stop second-guessing yourself. Rissa is happy with you,‖ Niki scolded. ―Really?‖ ―Gale, stop it! You know she is,‖ she snapped, placing her hand at the small of her back and pushing inward to relieve stress.

―I know. Sometimes I...well...I get nervous. I think she‘s missing something. You know things I can‘t give her,‖ she answered sheepishly. Niki thought Gale forgot sometimes that she was still a woman. ―I think it‘s safe to say she‘s aware of the limitations in the relationship,‖ Niki responded dryly. ―But Gale, she‘s also aware of the benefits. Stop before you run us all crazy.‖ Taking a deep breath, she reached over and touched Gale‘s hand, causing her to look up. ―Don‘t run her away by being so insecure. There‘s only so much she can do to reassure you. The rest has to come from you, sweetie.‖ Nodding, ―yeah, you‘re right. Thanks, Niki. I‘m amazed at the women in your family. You guys are so strong.‖ ―So are you, Gale. So are you.‖ Gale stood, aware of David approaching the table. Nodding at him, she strode over to Rissa who‘d just finished her dance. Accepting the plates of food and water, he bought her. Niki dug in eating everything, moaning at the flavors, and finishing by licking her fingers. She had completely forgotten David until she drained her water glass. He stared at her and the empty plates. Realization dawned on her that she‘d eaten all the food, his included. Embarrassed, she offered a small smile. He broke out laughing. She joined him and took a sip of his drink. Grimacing, at the taste she put it down. ―Want some more food?‖ Mirth riddled his tone. He stroked her arm, waiting for her answer. ―Um, if you don‘t mind, another round would be helpful. And you might want to get you something to eat as well.‖ She smiled as he ran a finger down the side of her face. ―I‘m on it. Don‘t worry about me. Just make sure you feed those babies. I ate something earlier. Besides there‘s plenty of food up there.‖ He pointed to the lavish buffet. ―Oh, in that case, can you see if they have any capers?‖ She rubbed her hands together a few times in expectation of the treat. ―If not on the buffet, maybe in the back?‖ She‘d begun putting them in all her dishes and hated she left her stash at the hotel. They‘d been running late, and she forgot. Licking her lips, she looked up at him. He chuckled and walked back to the buffet table. ―So Niki has a boyfriend?‖ Gale asked Rissa as they stood in the corner watching the party. ―I doubt it.‖ Rissa said watching him walk to the buffet table and talk to the waiter. ―David‘s been after her for a while. Pregnant, she‘s got more free time, and I guess they‘re talking. If Niki liked him like that, they would‘a been a couple before.‖ Her gaze turned to Niki. Rissa tapped her lip in thought. ―Although,‖ she drew out. ―The way he‘s been here for her during this time definitely will earn him bonus points. In our book, anyway.‖ ―Our book, who‘s our?‖ Gale asked as they walked back into the party. ―Us, her family. You better believe Nana Rita and Nana Bea are very happy she has a man to lean on during this time.‖ Rissa batted her eyes dramatically. ―I think they look cute together. As long as Niki likes him. I like him for her.‖ She concluded and grabbed Gale‘s hand as they moved to intercept Gale‘s parents. ―Ah…there you are Rissa, Gale.‖ Gale‘s dad, no doubt juiced, bobbed to each of them. ―Yes, Dad, here we are.‖ Gale smiled broadly at him and her mom. ―We just wanted to let you know, we had a good time, and we‘re leaving now.‖ Pinching Gale to stop laughing, Rissa nodded. ―Thanks so much for coming, Mr. and Mrs. Brunson. Did you meet my family? My mom is here, along with her mom–my Nana, and my cousin is sitting over there.‖ She pointed in Niki‘s direction but couldn‘t see her through the crowd.

―Yes, yes, we met your mom and grandmother. What did you call her? Nana?‖ Gale‘s mom asked. Her eyes were glazed as well. ―Yes, I call her Nana.‖ ―Very nice. Your mom and Nana are nice. They introduced themselves to us out on the balcony.‖ They both a turned a shade of red, while looking around the room. ―Hopefully we‘ll get to see them again before they leave,‖ Gale‘s mom added, her voice hoarse. ―Thanks so much, Mrs. Brunson, we‘ll get back to you on that. I don‘t know anyone‘s schedule. If we can swing it, we will.‖ Rissa wondered what happened on the balcony.

Chapter 8 The next day, Rissa took Niki and Nana Bea to a late lunch. The women had spent the morning catching up. ―I‘m hungry, Rissa, I don‘t know why we had to wait so long to eat.‖ Niki complained as they walked into the restaurant and spied the reason as Gale and her aunt stood up at a table waving them over. ―I ordered some wings and bread for you, Niki, I know you‘re hungry,‖ Gale said as they approached the table. She reached for Rissa, pulling the shorter woman close. Niki stopped her rant. She grabbed a piece of sourdough bread, shook ketchup onto it and stuffed it into her mouth. She looked up at the frozen faces staring at her, rolled her eyes and continued to eat. Her long ponytail bobbed against her neck as she stuffed her face. ―You want nice, let me feed these munchkins on time, otherwise...this is what you get.‖ She reached for another piece of bread. Her relatives shook their head in awe as she polished off the food in record time. ―By the way, thanks for the wings, Gale.‖ Gale nodded, brows raised at the cleaned plate and gazed at her menu. After placing their order, Niki had regained some semblance of control. Now her bladder demanded release. She rose for her bathroom break. Waving her Nana back into her seat, ―I‘ll be all right. Sit down and enjoy your visit.‖ Feeling better, she ambled off, laughing at some joke her Aunt told. Sitting in the rear of the restaurant, Tony sat with Frederico Barley, his Security Manager. The situation with Mason knowing his whereabouts didn‘t sit well with either man. ―I‘m thinking of leaving in a few weeks for a dig in South America. There‘s something I need to check out. Last night, at the private showing, I got some information that‘ll help with other things I‘ve got going on. I don‘t want that ass following me.‖ Frederico nodded. ―I‘ve got a couple of guys working on it. We should know in a few days how he operates, the type system he uses and how to shut him down. Try to wait before you communicate any plans to leave town. That way we‘ll make sure he doesn‘t know where you‘re headed.‖ Tony nodded. ―I haven‘t mentioned leaving to anyone yet. But I‘ll—‖ His eyes widened as he watched the beautiful pregnant woman waddle toward his table with a smile on her face and turn to go into the restroom area. Shaking his head, he blinked and blurted. ―It can‘t be.‖ ―What?‖ Frederico turned and looked around the restaurant before facing his boss. ―You see something?‖ ―Not something, someone,‖ he whispered, his mind spinning. Could it be possible? No. No way was that his chocolate dream. She looked like her, but it had been so long. He stood. Frederico frowned as he sat back down. This was crazy, all he needed to do was meet the woman and then he‘d know for sure. He stood again. ―Ah, are you okay?‖ Tony looked down at his employee‘s confused face. ―Yeah. I think I saw someone and I need to make sure.‖ He moved away, and then came back to the table. Freaked nerves had him stalling. ―I‘ll be right back. Going to the bathroom.‖ He walked quickly to see if his eyes had betrayed him. Turning the corner, he stopped, looked around and then turned hearing the bathroom door open. He watched closely as she came out the restroom, drying her hands.

It couldn‘t be, he thought. No way...was this her? At that moment, she looked up, searching for a trash bin. His stomach dropped as recognition kicked in, her face was slightly fuller but other than that, she was just as gorgeous. His heartbeat ratcheted as he drank her in. He would never forget her eyes, cool fire he remembered thinking or the way she carried herself. What was she doing here in Atlanta? Had he been searching everywhere and all along she‘d been here in his backyard? He couldn‘t believe his luck. Desperate to hear her voice, he waited until she was closer. ―Hello,‖ he offered tentatively. ―Hello.‖ She didn‘t look at him and attempted to walk around him. Damn, she didn‘t remember him, nervously he held out a hand for her to stop, coming short of touching her. ―Miss, excuse me. I don‘t mean to be forward, but you remind me of someone.‖ He noticed the raised brow she leveled at him. Still sassy, he smiled. ―Oh, really?‖ Her voice clearly said she wasn‘t buying whatever he sold. ―Yes, a while back I was on business trip in Chicago,‖ he said, carefully watching her reaction. ―There was a mix up with the rooms and I had the pleasure of spending the night with a beautiful woman. I tried to give her my business card after the manager, Mr. Greene, left the room to get her a cab, but she refused it.‖ He spoke quietly as her eyes widened with each word. She looked around and waved at someone. He didn‘t take his eyes off her. ―Um...Hmm...I don‘t see what that has to do with me.‖ She looked up at him. Blue-green eyes clashed with soft brown, held and locked. He‘d have sworn she trembled. ―Well, she didn‘t see me too well, but I certainly got a good look at her,‖ he continued, moving closer as a woman walked past them to the restroom. ―You see—‖ He bent down, lowering his voice as he did. ―She was on medication and I was a little tipsy. We both wound up in bed and well...let‘s just say—‖ Noticing her fearful reaction, he decided to keep it G-rated. ―—there were fireworks, even in our sleep.‖ ―Please tell me you‘re repeating something someone told you,‖ she said in a low hurried voice; looking around and rubbing her stomach. His eyes followed her hands. ―No. I sent two private detectives to locate the mystery woman but they couldn‘t find a clue. What‘d you do?‖ He watched keenly, certain that she was the one he‘d been looking for. ―Why? Why are we having this conversation?‖ she wailed softly. Wobbling, she leaned to the right. He reached out quickly to stop her fall, only to have her jerk from his touch. ―I thought we agreed to forget that night ever happened,‖ she said. Signs of her discomfort slipped through her tough façade. ―Whoa...Calm down,‖ he whispered, turning slightly seeing his sister watch them. ―And I never agreed. That was your parting shot after I offered you my business card in case you were pregnant.‖ He looked pointedly at her stomach. Niki glared at him. Taking a deep breath and slipping into executive mode, she went on the offensive. ―Okay, how much do you want?‖ ―What? What do you mean?‖ He frowned down at her. ―How much of what?‖ ―Well obviously you wanted something if you tried to find me,‖ she argued, wanting this nightmare to end. Thinking quickly, she knew she needed to contact her lawyer and accountant, she would do whatever was necessary to keep her babies safe. ―What‘s it going to take to get you out of my life for good?‖ she asked, getting angrier by the second, tapping her foot, and not really looking at him.

―Wha...What are you talking about. I don‘t want any money from you!‖ He shot back, looking offended. ―What do you think I am...some...some blackmailer or something?‖ Taking a step back, she watched as he ran his hand through his thick hair. He needed a trim. Whoa, stop that thought right there, sister. ―Why would you say something like that?‖ As he spoke, she tore her glance from his hair and tried to focus. ―What‘s the matter with you?‖ His voice rose. ―Are you insane?‖ He backed up, staring at her suspiciously. Gale walked towards them, and Niki relaxed, feeling safer. ―Look we both know it was an accident that night,‖ she hissed. ―Why else would you be trying to find me if not to blackmail me?‖ She walked around him. ―Niki,‖ Gale said, smiling at the man. ―I didn‘t know you knew my brother. Glad the two of you met.‖ Gale pointed to the tall stranger. Niki stumbled and looked at her. Gale reached out quickly to help her catch her balance. ―Please, Lord. Let her brother be coming out the bathroom,‖ Niki murmured, closing her eyes, praying and hoping that God‘s sense of humor wouldn‘t surface now. ―Yeah, Sis,‖ Tony said pointedly watching Niki‘s reaction, ―we met but I hadn‘t caught her name before.‖ His snide remark struck Niki as she slowly opened her eyes. First, she looked at Gale and then him. She had a hard time processing what her eyes saw clearly. ―Nicole...but we call her Niki.‖ Gale looked between the two of them. Her brow furrowed, no doubt wondering what was going on. Niki‘s face and neck burned. Nausea churned in her gut. This could not be happening. Of all the people in the world, not Gale‘s brother. ―That‘s right, Nicole, now I remember. Well, you are looking good these days. I take it congratulations are in order?‖ He pointed to her stomach. ―Uh...uh...I guess,‖ she murmured. Still in shock over what she had just learned. Gale and Tony, brother and sister. How in the world...and she offered to buy him off...what was she thinking...he was searching for her, for what? Did he recognize her that night? No, there wouldn‘t have been a need for detectives. ―Is this your twin?‖ Niki asked in a lowered voice. ―Yeah.‖ Gale smirked, looking at Tony. ―He‘s a few minutes older than me.‖ She turned sideways to her brother. ―Niki‘s having twins; maybe she‘ll have a boy and a girl like Mom, huh?‖ ―Hmmm, maybe,‖ he said, staring at Niki. ―I guess your husband is pleased, with the twins and all,‖ he asked near her ears. ―What? No. I‘m not married or anything,‖ she answered absently, not noticing his quick grin. Niki groaned and put her hand on her stomach. This was too much, her back hurt, thinking was painful She wanted to go home. Her stomach growled in protest. She needed to eat first, and then get away. Turning, she went back to the table, not caring what they thought. Her life had just become shit. Gale and Tony followed at a sedate pace. ―Hey everybody, I want to introduce you to my brother, Tony,‖ Gale said, pride evident in her tone. ―This is Rissa‘s Nana Bea, you met her mom before and you met her cousin, Niki.‖ Gale pointed at each one as she called out their names. Niki avoided his eyes after the introduction. Her mind spun with this new complication. Watching from the corner of her eyes, grudgingly she admitted her kids would be tall and probably cute. The man stood over six feet, a cropped beard and the most unusual eyes she‘d ever seen. His piercing orbs had more blue than Gale‘s. She knew from firsthand experience he had a slamming body. The man was fine and hard all over. Her face heated as memories from

that night assaulted her. What the hell had he done to her that she got aroused from six-monthold memories. Frustrated, she grabbed her water and gulped it fast to calm the flames that licked between her legs and her core. Her panties dampened, she clamped her thighs together and held back a moan. Damn screwy hormones. That‘s right; she‘d blame her wanton desires on the pregnancy. Glancing up, her eyes met Tony‘s. His brow rose in question. She rolled her eyes and drank more water. This pregnancy had her emotions on a rollercoaster ride. What happened to her cool reserve, solid posture and steely nerves? She‘d been reduced to childish antics of sulking, foot stomping and, God help her, crying. Niki wanted her world back where she had command of her body and surroundings. ―Ladies, it was nice meeting you.‖ Tony‘s eyes lingered on Niki. ―Enjoy your lunch.‖ He glanced at Gale. ―Talk to you later.‖ He left, heading toward the exit. Four pairs of eyes watched his departure. ―Well, what was that all about?‖ Niki‘s Aunt asked her. ―I saw him staring at you during the introductions.‖ Picking up her fork, she watched Niki eat. ―Yeah, Gale, isn‘t he dating Angie?‖ Rissa asked, concern etched across her face. Everyone at the table paused to look at Gale, waiting on her response. ―No, they haven‘t been dating for a while. He‘s been trying to locate some woman he met a while back and hasn‘t been dating anyone seriously.‖ Looking at Rissa, she missed the shocked expression on Niki‘s face. Nana Bea caught it and frowned. ―Oh, all right then.‖ Rissa winked at Gale. ―So what‘d he want, Niki?‖ Caught by the recent bombshell and not ready to deal with all the revelations she threw out what she knew would divert Rissa‘s attention. ―He talked about your earrings.‖ ―Really? You think he wants to buy a matching pair for someone?‖ She asked looking at Gale with a sly smile. ―I don‘t know,‖ Niki said, finishing her food. Pushing the empty plate away, she stretched. ―Nana, I‘m wiped. It‘s time for my nap. I‘m going to head back to the hotel.‖ She stood slowly, rubbing her extended tummy. ―What‘s that?‖ Gale pointed to an extra bulge in Niki‘s stomach. ―The baby‘s stretching.‖ Niki took Gale‘s hand and placed it on her stomach. They both smiled at the kick and then the movements of the babies. ―Wow, Niki, that‘s awesome.‖ Her tone filled with wonder. ―Thanks.‖ ―No problem.‖ Niki ignored the long look her Nana gave her. The older woman probably suspected something was up with her and Gale‘s brother, and had questions. Thank goodness, she‘d wait until she had Niki alone to find out what. ―Mom‘s going to hang out with me tonight. We‘ll see you guys tomorrow,‖ Sharita announced as she stood, picking up her bag, and throwing the tip on the table. ―We‘ve got to go see this exhibit downtown. Today is the last day,‖ Rissa told her mom, pushing up from the table. ―I didn‘t know that.‖ Gale frowned at her. ―Well, now you do.‖ Rissa smiled as she rubbed Gale‘s arm, causing her lover to smile down at her. ―Niki, go with us, it‘ll be fun.‖ Rissa looked at her cousin. ―No thanks. I‘mma head back and take a nap.‖ Niki yawned. ―I‘m tired. Plus it‘s too hot.‖ She waved goodbye and waddled to the exit.

Nana Bea hung back to talk to Gale as Rissa and her mom walked ahead laughing. ―So...Gale,‖ she started. Gale looked at her in surprise, although Rissa‘s Nana wasn‘t rude or anything, she never had much to say to her. ―Does your brother, Tony, is that right?‖ She continued at Gale‘s nod. ―Does Tony travel much?‖ ―Yes ma‘am. Well his real name‘s Garrett Anthony. But we call him Tony. He has a Doctorate in Anthropology and travels the world on digs for lost cities. His company is one of the best in the world for validating antiquities and artifacts.‖ Gale was proud of her brother and had no problems letting others know. ―Kind of Indiana Jones, huh?‖ She smiled. ―Well, I‘d like to believe he‘s not in as much danger as the movie guy, although he‘s had some problems and has been in and out of the hospital over the years. But, he loves what he does and the only reason he‘s been here this long is because of Mom‘s birthday,‖ Gale said as they stopped. ―And who was the young lady you all were talking about?‖ ―Oh....that‘s Angie.‖ Her face reddened. ―Angie...?‖ ―Um...Angela Downing, an old friend,‖ she answered quickly. It was apparent she didn‘t understand why Rissa‘s Nana was interested in either her brother or another female, but she was too afraid to ask questions. ―Thanks, Gale. You‘re very nice and thanks for making my Rissa happy.‖ She patted the taller woman‘s arm and started walking towards the restroom. ―Please tell my daughter I‘ll be out in a minute. I have to go to the restroom.‖ ―Yes‘m.‖ Gale beamed and went to locate Rissa. Pulling out her cell and punching in a couple of numbers, Bea waited. The call was answered on the second ring. ―You‘ll never believe this.‖ Bea informed Rita of what she observed. ―Run a check on him...Garrett Anthony Brunson, and also check an Angie, possibly Angela, Downing.‖ She paused. ―No, her name was mentioned as someone he dated and I just want to make sure there‘s no drama later on.‖ Nodding, she looked around and noticed Sherita waving at her to come on. ―Listen I‘ve got to go, Sherita is calling me. We should be back soon... although something tells me he‘s not going to just walk away from this.‖ Bea sighed and sucked her teeth. ―Stop making threats, Rita, and just gather the information. I mean it,‖ she snapped and disconnected the call, hoping she hadn‘t just made a big mistake. Rita could be a loose cannon where Nicole was concerned. In all honesty, she knew she‘d feel the same if she was on the other end of the call, so she‘d just hope for the best. Walking slowly towards the entrance, Niki gave the valet her ticket. Thank goodness everyone had plans. She needed to be alone to think, then she‘d contact her attorney to discover her options. Gale‘s brother—never in a million years could she have put that together. She shook her head at the irony. Today was the first real look she‘d had of him. And try as she might, she simply didn‘t remember. Hell, he could be anyone, except he knew the details of what happened that night, coupled with the flare of arousal between her legs when he spoke, nailed it. Her body had no problem recognizing his. She‘d forgotten the manager‘s name until he mentioned it. What should she do? The father of her babies recognized her after all this time. Impossible. What were the odds? First off, he was Gale‘s twin. Second, he‘d searched for her. Third, he was

single and wanted to talk to her. Unbelievable. That stuff only happened in the movies. Shuffling from foot to foot, she willed her rental car to get to the curb faster and sighed in relief when it rolled up. Passing the valet his tip, she climbed in and headed for the hotel. **** Distracted, Tony walked out the restaurant without returning to his table and gave the valet his ticket. His mind calculated the time since he‘d met her. Damn. She could be pregnant from that night. Surely, common decency would‘ve prompted her to say something, right? Not even. What kind of person would withhold something that important? A person who didn’t recognize you. Obviously, she planned to raise his kids without any input from him, their father. Hadn‘t she brushed off his offer of help that morning at the hotel? Yep, she had. Amazed at her gall, he sat unseeing in his car. It was one thing when she didn‘t know who he was, but now that she knew…He needed to talk to her, but how? Short of kidnapping her, he had no clue how to get the answers he needed. She‘d made it clear she didn‘t want to talk or have anything to do with him. An image of a little Nicole infant rose in his mind‘s eye; he growled his frustration. He may not have planned to have kids. Now that it happened, he‘d be damned if anyone would deny him contact with his children. He pulled off, determined to change the situation. His mind played various scenarios as he navigated the streets to his home. Damn, just when he thought to move on, to let go of her haunting memories, she walked into his life again. Last night, he‘d given an ―I‘ll think about it‖ commitment to a major antiquities player to oversee an upcoming dig in the rainforest of South America. It was a serious opportunity for him and his company. With the right funding and properly trained crew, there was no telling what he‘d uncover. This morning, he couldn‘t believe he hadn‘t accepted the offer straight off. Now, he was glad he hadn‘t. With that job, he‘d be gone for six months at a minimum. If his calculations were correct, the babies would arrive before Christmas, in three months. His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. Nothing had ever eclipsed his hunger for digging near old ruins. The thrill of a new discovery warred against the necessity to see his children birthed into the world. Nicole. Her name floated across his mind. The battle ceased. Under no circumstances would he leave until they came to an understanding about their children. In the far recesses of his mind, he harbored a foolish hope that she‘d allow him an opportunity to know her as more than his babies‘ mama. She was still beautiful, more so now. Sweat beaded his brow as his cock hardened in remembrance of that night. No woman had ever satisfied him as well as she had. He slapped the steering wheel. ―I need to talk to her.‖ Her offer to buy him off still shocked him and bruised his ego. Although her dismissal of their sexual encounter all but crushed him, it still gave him a boner. He pulled his hand through his hair, remembering her tactless rejection. Why was he putting himself through this? For sex? He didn‘t see that happening, despite how much he wanted it. She didn‘t need or want him. Did he really want or need this added complication? Interacting with his children was a given. If Nicole proved stubborn, the courts would make sure of that. Indignation rose in his chest as he remembered her attempts to get rid of him. Why should he put up with her insults and continual rejection of him? She‘d been good in bed, he‘d give her that, but he wasn‘t going to jump through her hoops for the opportunity to deal with his kids. She could forget that. Her tongue was lethal, and not in a good way. A lot of people co-parented

these days. He‘d do it as well. In that instant, he decided no one else mattered. No one but his babies. Babies…He felt a punch in his gut. He was going to be a dad. The thought settled around his shoulders and knocked on the door of his heart. It expanded with the knowledge. Twins. He wiped his brow as reality hit him. He cringed, thinking of his mom‘s reaction. He‘d tell them after he talked to Nicole. Right now, he wasn‘t sure if they‘d be headed to court or if they‘d come to a rational, adult decision on his role in his children‘s life. Within minutes, his life had changed and he needed to make preparations. First, they needed to talk without interference. He needed to be strategic. The ―I‘m your babies‘ daddy‖ card probably wouldn‘t get high marks. He remembered Gale saying Rissa reserved a suite of rooms for Niki and her Nana. He knew exactly where that‘d be. An hour later, Niki answered the room phone. ―This is Tony, we need to talk.‖ He hoped for a rational conversation. ―No, we don‘t,‖ she snapped, sounding groggy. ―There‘s nothing to talk about.‖ ―Yes, there is,‖ he said as pleasantly as his clenched jaw allowed. ―Or are you going to convince a judge the DNA tests are wrong?‖ He waited a beat, hoping he hadn‘t overplayed his hand. Another thought crossed his mind. ―Don‘t bother offering me money again. I guess you know I don‘t need it.‖ He scowled at the phone, as anger coursed through him again. ―Why...why are you doing this?‖ Niki whined. ―Can‘t you...just forget about everything? Forget about my babies? I promise I‘ll never mention what happened.‖ Her careless words released a torrent of anger and another emotion he didn‘t want to name within him. Veins throbbed painfully in his head. His face and neck were on fire as he spoke through clenched teeth. His voice sounded guttural to his ears. ―I don‘t know what kind of guys you‘ve been with, but no ‗real man‘ who knows of his children turns his back on them.‖ He tried to release the tension in his jaw. ―Now, I know you don‘t know me, so I‘m going to overlook the tremendous insult you‘ve paid me by offering me money and asking me to ignore my children,‖ he snapped as his voice dropped an octave. ―All I said was we needed to talk, why are you being so dramatic?‖ ―Dramatic? I‘m not being dramatic.‖ Her voice rose. ―I just don‘t want to see or talk to you.‖ She still had no idea what dangerous ground she trod. ―Well, that‘s too damn bad.‖ He growled before he caught himself. This was not the way to win her cooperation. Counting to five, he then continued in a calmer tone. ―Listen, I‘m coming to your hotel later and we‘ll talk.‖ ―No!‖ she yelled. ―I mean...I think I have plans for dinner.‖ ―With that guy from last night?‖ he sneered. ―Cancel them, or better yet, invite him along. I have a few questions maybe he can answer.‖ ―Wow...That‘s got to be a new low,‖ she said. ―What are you going to say? You plan on telling him about that night everything went terribly wrong thanks to drugs and booze.‖ ―Nah...I think I‘ll keep that information to myself to remind me of my babies‘ mama.‖ He clamped his teeth tight to keep from going off on her. He‘d be pleasant if it killed him, and it just might. ―So what are we having? Two boys, two girls or one of each?‖ ―Wha..what? We are not having anything!‖ she snarled. ―So...are you saying I did not impregnate you? Be very careful, Nicole. I‘m very serious about this,‖ he continued into the silence. ―Children are too precious to play around with.‖ ―Damn it...‖ He heard a stomp and then her cry of pain. ―Why me, Lord...why me?‖ She moaned. He smiled at her stubbornness.

Tony looked up at the ceiling. ―Well, I‘m not Him, but I‘d have to ask, why not you?‖ he replied. ―Now, the hundred dollar question on the table, did you get pregnant from that night we had sex in Chicago?‖ Silence. ―Answer, me,‖ he demanded. ―Oh, no, you don‘t,‖ Niki huffed. ―I don‘t have to tell you shit!‖ She yelled. ―Who placed you in charge? You got this all wrong...you damn sure don‘t call any shots up in here. You got the wrong one.‖ ―No, I‘ve finally got the right one.‖ His chest expanded, and he settled back in his chair. Feeling more alive now than he had since the night, he‘d first met her. At least they were talking.‖I just want to know if I‘m going to be a father. Is that too much to ask?‖ ―No, you aren‘t going to be a father. Case closed. Bye.‖ She hung up. The dial tone cancelled his comeback remark. He punched the redial button. She answered on the first ring. ―Nicole,‖ his voice lowered, no longer playing her game. ―We can have this conversation this evening or I can make a phone call and get the ball rolling for a family powwow. What‘s it gonna be?‖ His tone left no room for discussion. He‘d been polite, but she had no respect for that. Now she‘d deal with his hard-core side. Niki slumped in the chair, hating her roiling emotions. The least thing set her off. She owed him an apology, but hated when she lost the upper hand. She had been trying to figure a way out of this mess when he called the first time, and hadn‘t come up with anything. Brenda, her attorney, hadn‘t been much help. It seems he did have some rights. ―Listen, this is all new,‖ she said, trying to talk reasonably. ―Can we talk tomorrow? I‘m wiped right now.‖ ―Are you planning to disappear again?‖ Stung, not accustomed to having her integrity questioned, she snapped, ―If I say we‘ll talk tomorrow, that‘s what I meant. What difference is one day going to make?‖ ―None, I guess. Well, I‘ve been looking for you so long and now to discover I‘m going to be a father. I just…‖ ―What?‖ she asked, baffled by his response. Right now, she didn‘t want to get into his dilemma. Hers was more than she wanted to handle. But he sounded so, so unlike before, that the question slipped out before she thought about it. ―Nothing, can I call you later?‖ ―Later, as in tonight?‖ she asked still unsure what was going on. ―Yeah, just to touch bases with you. Make sure you‘re all right.‖ ―You don‘t have to, I‘ll be fine.‖ ―Oh. Okay, well then. I guess I‘ll see you tomorrow.‖ ―Okay, Bye.‖ She hung up and looked at the phone. ―That was weird.‖ She replaced the phone in its cradle. The whole situation was weird.

Chapter 9 Niki lay on the sofa, going over her conversations with Tony, her attorney and her conscience. She didn‘t have the energy to hate Tony and his intrusion in her life. She just wanted to be left alone. Brenda had informed her that he did have some rights and it would be in her best interests to try to work something out with him, rather than take it through the courts. ―Damn it.‖ Her fist hit the small throw pillow, wishing it were his face. ―Leave us alone, just leave us alone,‖ she yelled before crying in earnest. Utterly exhausted, she dialed room service and ordered dinner. Looking at the time, she decided to take a quick shower. Hearing a knock, she froze and grabbed the edge of the sofa, paralyzed by fear. She hated the terror that enveloped her when she was alone in hotel rooms. Constantly, she checked the bars and locks on the doors. She never forgot how different the situation could‘ve been in Chicago. Getting pregnant seemed a blessing compared to some other deadly scenarios. Within moments, a door opened and closed. Bowing her head, she released her breath, as well as the sofa. It was time for a reckoning or she would lose her mind. And that was not an option. The next morning came too quickly for Niki. No decisions made, no plans devised, and no place to hide. She was up the proverbial creek. Hearing a shrill ring, she blindly reached for her cell, only to discover it was the hotel phone, which had stopped ringing. Rolling over, she glanced at the clock, and winced at her full bladder. Room service would be delivering her breakfast within ten minutes. Relinquishing her warm haven, she trudged to the bathroom. Feeling slightly refreshed, she heard the knock on the door. Seeing room service, she opened the door, turned to get the tip and looked up at Tony. Shaking her head to clear what had to be a mirage, she looked again as he gave the waiter a tip and closed the door. ―Morning, Nicole.‖ ―Uh...why are you here this early in the morning?‖ She pulled down the hem of her gown, knowing her belly lifted it higher in the front. The growl from her stomach demanded food. With an eye on him and another on the food, she fixed a plate. ―I just thought we could start early.‖ He watched her. She knew she looked a hot mess with her hair piled haphazardly on her head in a messy ponytail, a big shirt and shorts. He watched as she sat and ate with relish. ―I know so little about you—‖ he stopped when she held up her finger. ―Since I got pregnant, eating is serious business. Please don‘t talk to me while I eat.‖ Having delivered her message, she turned away and ate all the platters of bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausage, hash brown, a glass of orange juice and then water. ―Excuse me.‖ She left the room. After closing the door, her hand went to her hair. She snatched off her clothes and walked into the shower. ―What‘s wrong with him?‖ she murmured under the warm spray. ―It‘s too early to have a serious discussion.‖ She chuckled at her hypocrisy. Before her pregnancy, all her meetings were in the mornings. After dressing comfortably and running the comb through her hair, she prepared herself to tackle her greatest challenge; convincing Tony to leave her babies alone. ―Are you pregnant from that night in Chicago, Nicole?‖ he asked as soon as she sat down. She took a deep breath. ―Yeah, I‘m uh...having twins.‖ ―Do you know the sexes yet?‖

―Yeah, a girl and a boy.‖ She moved slightly to the right. ―What‘s wrong?‖ ―They‘re doing gymnastics.‖ Niki pressed her stomach to move a leg or arm backward. ―May I?‖ His palm hovered above her belly, ready to touch. Looking at his eagerness, she took his hand and placed it on the hard bump that was a body part and had him push. He laughed as he felt the kick and another sharp bump. They moved the bump repeatedly until she sighed in comfort. ―Thank you. That was—I can‘t explain it. Awesome is the best word that comes to mind right now.‖ He rubbed his hands together while gazing at her stomach. ―No problem.‖ Eyes closed, she felt a peace. She‘d never admit it, but it felt good having his hands on her stomach. ―Nicole, what do you suggest we do?‖ he asked interrupting her moment. She peeled her eyes open and looked over at him. ―About what?‖ She frowned, not understanding. ―About the babies.‖ His tone was so matter of fact; it took her a moment to understand his question. ―Nothing. I mean I’m having twins in a few months. There‘s no reason for you to be involved.‖ She waved her hand. In her mind she‘d done him a favor, let him off easy. He gazed at his clasped palms, the bass in his voice sliced through the silence. ―Let me ask you this. Have you noticed how much Gale and I favor my dad?‖ Nodding, she watched his large clasped hands. ―Yeah, there‘s no question you guys are his kids.‖ Not quite following his line of questioning, she answered cautiously. It wasn‘t until the party that she noticed their strong traits. ―The men in my family have strong, dominant genes,‖ he continued. ―How long do you think it will take for Gale to notice that her niece and nephew look like her?‖ Leaning forward to make his point, he stared at her. ―What do you think it will do to Rissa‘s relationship when they discover you knew I was the father and you kept that from her, from them?‖ They both knew Rissa would be pissed and Gale would be hurt. Aunt Sharita would have a fit. As his words attacked her shield of selfishness, her mind balked at compromising. She refused to acknowledge his point and stared at the wall. ―You know Gale isn‘t going to have any children, right?‖ He moved closer, taking her hand, drawing her attention. Tony was no fool. He knew if he fought for himself, she‘d tell him to get lost. Yesterday, he picked up Nicole was big on family. He hoped she would be willing to let him in just a little for the sake of others. ―Why are you bringing Gale and Rissa into this?‖ She lashed out, while trying to retrieve her hand with no success. ―This has nothing to do with them.‖ ―Family, Nicole,‖ he said, praying she‘d listen. He didn‘t want to go to court, he didn‘t want her to hate him or for their children to suffer through their problems. The least they could do was be friends. ―Gale told me weeks ago that she and Rissa were going to spend time with you when the baby was born. You know it won‘t take long for the truth to come out.‖ He sighed and looked at the floor. ―And what about my parents? How will they feel that we kept this from them because you hate me?‖ ―I don‘t hate you,‖ Niki said defensively. ―I don‘t even know you.‖ Moving further away from him on the sofa, she watched him through narrowed eyes. ―What happened was a mistake, an accident. You know that. Why do you want to be a part of this now?‖ He appreciated her

taking him head on, without running away. ―Of all the men in the world, why did you have to be Gale‘s brother?‖ she moaned. ―I should‘ve stayed in Michigan and bypassed the party.‖ ―I‘m glad you came.‖ He smiled humorlessly. ―As far as being a part of this scenario, I was always a part. If it wasn‘t for me, you wouldn‘t be sitting here swollen with life.‖ She frowned. ―Look, I‘m not trying to take anything from you.‖ He plowed ahead. ―But, we should come clean with our families. I plan to be a part of my children‘s lives. If possible, I‘d like for us to be friends.‖ His stomach dropped as tears fell unchecked down her face. ―I‘m not a bad person, Nicole; take some time to get to know me. I‘m not asking for a lot, I just want to be more involved.‖ ―I don‘t want this...I don‘t.‖ She sniffed trying to rise. He stood and got the box of tissues from the counter, feeling like the biggest heel. She looked so lost, so hurt. ―I know you don‘t. But these are my children. I simply wouldn‘t be me if I just walked away, turned my back on my kids...I just can‘t. Not for anybody.‖ Sitting on the edge of the sofa, they both sat in silence. ―How...how do you plan to be a part of their lives? You live here, and we‘ll live in Michigan.‖ Her eyes sent a challenge, and he knew the residency of the kids was not up for debate. ―I‘d like to fly up, go to some doctor visits, be there for the births, spend time with them as they grow. They‘ll know me as their father, no matter who‘s in your life.‖ Looking at her tear streaked face; he itched to wipe the last remnants of water away. ―We can work it out. I promise.‖ Taking a deep breath, she stared at him. She blinked wide before blurting. ―Why were you searching for me?‖ Startled by the change of conversation; he answered quickly ―I wanted to see you again, talk to you.‖ ―Why?‖ She frowned, puzzled. ―Because you‘re a beautiful woman and I wanted the opportunity to get to know you,‖ he answered without missing a beat. ―You wanted to...to date?‖ ―Yeah. Wild, huh?‖ Smiling at the surprised look on her face, he could only imagine how many rules he‘d just broken in his player‘s manual. Something told him the best way with her was upfront, straight arrow. ―You‘re, you don‘t think...you don‘t plan on continuing from that night, do you?‖ ―Is that option on the table?‖ ―No,‖ she answered quickly, too quickly. ―Well, then.‖ ―You really aren‘t going away, are you?‖ Her shoulders slumped against the sofa as she let out a loud sigh. Changing positions, she arched her back, stretched and released it. ―Nope. Afraid not.‖ He smiled at her reluctant acceptance. ―Hey...don‘t you have someone special in your life?‖ She smiled brightly. ―Gale said you were dating someone. Why don‘t the two of you have...? What? Why are you looking at me like that?‖ ―Because you‘ve lost your mind.‖ He raised his hand to stop her tirade. ―First off, I don‘t go around making babies. I‘m very careful. You and I were both asleep that night, and no one wears protection in their sleep.‖ Holding up his hand, he counted down his points. ―Second—she‘s not

my girlfriend. So don‘t get so excited about me with another female. Right now, there is no one.‖ Looking at her intensely, ―third—babies are too precious to attempt substitutions. That‘s just not right.‖ Pulling his hand through his hair, he let out a frustrated sigh. ―Look, I‘m not trying to make your life worse. But you‘re really being selfish. You‘ve had six months to come to terms with the knowledge of the night we shared and the consequences. I asked you...I asked you to contact me if you got pregnant. You chose not to. I just discovered that I am the male partner who‘s bringing forth life into this world and all I‘m getting is bribe offers, ego bashing and being told to get lost.‖ Standing, he walked to the window, and watched the city come awake. ―I‘d like some time to celebrate the life that‘s nurturing inside you. I‘d like to know my children are thriving, healthy, and strong. I may not have known of them before, but trust me, knowledge makes all the difference,‖ he finished into the quiet of the room. Seconds passed in silent reflection. There was a knock on the door. ―Do you want me to get that?‖ he asked heading for the door. ―Yes,‖ she whispered. To say his sister and Rissa were surprised to see him open the door was an understatement. They stood motionless for a moment and then walked in with their overnight bags. ―What the fuck?‖ Rissa noticed the tear tracks on Niki‘s face. Moving quickly, she sat next to her cousin and then looked over at Gale and Tony, who stood near the door. ―What‘s going on, Tony?‖ Rissa demanded as she stroked her cousin‘s hair. ―Why are you here? And why was she crying?‖ ―Its okay, Rissa.‖ Niki opened her eyes with a tired smile. She glanced at an apprehensive Gale and quiet Tony. He was right. The genes between them were strong. They looked like two mini-me‘s of their dad. Heart heavy, she waved at the sofa, ―Sit down, Gale, Tony.‖ Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes, too weary to keep them open. Her day just started and she hadn‘t talked to her Nana, either of them. She stifled a groan. Tony‘s outburst stabbed her heart and she felt a curious shifting. The walls surrounding her heart suffered damage. Had she been selfish? Yeah. Could she bend a little, meet him halfway? Yeah, she‘d get to know him and see what they could work out. With that settled, she opened the gates. ―We have a story to tell you. Go ahead, Tony.‖ Gale and Rissa zeroed in on him. He sat forward and told them what happened six months ago in Chicago. ―I can‘t believe this.‖ Rissa laughed. ―I‘m gonna be an aunty twice over.‖ ―Wow, so Niki is the woman you hired the detectives to find?‖ Gale asked Tony. He glared at her. ―What?‖ Rissa asked. ―You tried to find Niki...oh how romantic.‖ She clasped her hands in front of her chest in awe. ―But if she didn‘t want to be found I could‘ve told you it was a waste of time. She has a company on lock down and Nana Rita taught her how to run that stuff.‖ ―Well, I hope you never try to disappear from me.‖ Gale glared at her. Rissa leaned forward and kissed her lips. ―Never, babe.‖ ―How does it feel knowing you‘re going to be a dad?‖ Rissa asked him. Niki sat quietly beside her, listening closely. He‘d been right, her actions were selfish, but she‘d never intended to share her life or children with him. Up until yesterday, she didn‘t know he existed anywhere except in her memories. ―I‘m not sure. I honestly don‘t know how much Nicole will allow me to be involved. We have a lot to work out.‖

―Oh shit, that‘s right. Her house was just finished not too long ago,‖ Rissa said. ―She already has the nursery ready. She really didn‘t plan on having the father involved.‖ Niki flinched hearing the words and knew it struck a nerve with Tony. ―Well, that was before she knew who the baby‘s father was. Now that we all know, it‘s different.‖ Gale frowned at Rissa. ―He has a right to be involved.‖ ―Only if she agrees,‖ Rissa shot back, frowning. Sensing this could get out of hand quickly, Niki spoke up. ―See, one of the main reasons we decided to share this news with you was to avoid this kind of mess. We knew it would cause problems if we kept the information to ourselves.‖ She disregarded the shocked expressions thrown her way, especially from Tony. ―What do you mean? You were going to keep it to yourselves?‖ Rissa asked. ―Why and how would you do that?‖ ―She offered me money if I just forgot ever seeing her again.‖ Tony smiled at their shock. ―By not telling anybody, including the two of you,‖ Niki said, disregarding Tony‘s interruption. ―Trust me, we didn‘t have to tell you.‖ She waved away the rising voices of dissent. ―These are my children and I make the decisions regarding them. So, if I didn‘t love you, Rissa, and by extension, Gale, I would‘ve kept my mouth shut and disappeared.‖ Silence met her comments. ―Regarding the role my kids‘ father will have in their life.‖ Her voice turned sharp and cutting. ―That‘s not for anyone but us to decide. Don‘t get my affections twisted. I run my life. I make my decisions. No one demands I do shit.‖ She looked at Gale. ―That‘s not the way this is going down. I hope we‘re clear on this.‖ Rissa nodded as she stood and headed to the bedroom with her overnight bag. ―I guess bitchy bossy runs in your family,‖ Gale said as she followed Rissa out the room, leaving Tony and Niki in the living room. ―Actually, she was nice. I normally don‘t cross the line, cause she gets you straight in a nice nasty way, you know what I mean?‖ Rissa said, flipping her hair behind her ear. ―Yeah, it was a nice ‗get out and stay the fuck outta my business‘ put down.‖ Gale agreed closing the bedroom door. Niki released a pent-up breath and stretched. Her eyes widened as Tony grabbed and squeezed her hand. ―Let‘s get out of here, take a drive, and grab a bite to eat so we can talk.‖ Tony looked at her, waiting for her response. After a moment, she nodded and extended her other arm to him. Grasping it, he pulled her up and helped her find her balance. She‘d forgotten how tall he was. He yelled and told his sister they‘d be back later and then escorted her out the door. The entire trip to the car, her libido yelled yippee and sang choruses of hallelujah as his masculine scent filled her nostrils. Once they pulled out and hit the highway, his fingers played with hers and her body vibrated in remembrance of that one time. ―Hungry?‖ The words ―for what‖ almost slipped past her lips. ―Not right now.‖ He nodded and turned the music down. ―What do you do for a living?‖ The supple leather seats had a myriad of positions to caress and support her back. Since she owned a similar model, she set the proper adjustments and sighed in contentment as he answered. ―I own a company that specializes in antiquities, artifacts. We date and authenticate them for museums, colleges and private collectors. My office isn‘t far from the hotel.‖

―You authenticate in the city?‖ ―No.‖ He smiled at the disbelief in her voice. ―The administrative offices are here. The serious work gets done at our plant outside of Lawrenceville. She nodded. ―Tell me about yourself, Nicole.‖ She glanced over at him, admiring the way the breeze moved his hair. ―Not much to tell.‖ She proceeded to tell him about her parents, her Nana, her childhood and her companies. By the time she finished her narrative, she was starving. They pulled off the highway and found a local restaurant. Tony couldn‘t remember the last time a woman held his attention this long. Nicole was smart and even understood his field to a certain point. She asked intelligent questions about his digs and the countries where he preferred to break ground. They found humor at their frequent stops for potty breaks, her need for refreshments and then more potty breaks. It became a humorous loop. Her cell rang. ―Hi, Nana.‖ She paused looking at him across the table. ―I‘m at dinner, I‘ll be in later.‖ Her brow rose, her full lips twisted in a pout. ―I‘m having dinner with Gale‘s brother, Tony.‖ Her eyes held a devilish glint and he knew she planned something. ―He‘s feeding the babies, which is only right considering he made them.‖ She held the phone from her ear. He chuckled at her impish expression. Something low tightened within him. If he could turn back time, the only thing he‘d change was they‘d spend time getting to know one another first. So far, he liked everything he knew and then some. ―We‘ll talk when I get back to the room. I‘m eating right now. Love you.‖ She clicked off and winked. ―And that‘s how it‘s done. Bet you can‘t top that.‖ Arms wide, he shrugged enjoying how relaxed she‘d become with him. They‘d been together all day, the sun was setting and he hated for their time to end. ―I can‘t touch it. My mom will holler and shriek. I‘d rather not subject anyone to her vocal joy.‖ He rubbed his chin. ―Although, the phone thing has its advantages. I‘m going to think about that.‖ She smiled and pushed her plate away. He stood after throwing some money on the table. ―Ready?‖ ―Yeah, I just have to make a quick stop.‖ ―Bathroom?‖ She nodded. He smiled. **** Niki looked around the large gourmet kitchen in appreciation. ―This is nice.‖ She glanced at Tony while he stood in the doorway watching her. Licking dry lips, she wondered for the hundredth time what the hell was she thinking. They‘d left the restaurant, but she wasn‘t ready to end the day. Tired, she knew she needed to relax, but with all the women waiting for her at the hotel, that wasn‘t happening anytime soon. She‘d asked to see his home and he agreed. ―Come here.‖ He held his hand toward her. The seductive cadence of his voice tapped dance on her libido and beckoned. Without thinking, she took it and followed him to a large room with comfortable sofas, chairs and a large television. ―Sit down.‖ She sat and he kneeled in front of her. Wide eyed, she accepted the remote from him and

gasped as he removed her shoes. Strong fingers massaged the soles of her feet. Her head fell back in bliss as he continued to her calves. ―That feels good.‖ Without thinking, she lifted the other leg, silently instructing him to take care of it as well. ―Is there something you want to watch?‖ Her eyes met his. ―Huh?‖ He waved at the dark screen. ―You want TV or to listen to music?‖ His fingers continued massaging her legs. ―Music. Jazz would be nice.‖ She closed her eyes as the sounds of Ben Tankard floated in the room. ―Oh, yeah,‖ she murmured. He continued and massaged both arms. Afterward, he stood behind her, massaging her shoulders and scalp. ―Ummm,‖ she moaned, dropping her head forward. ―That feels sooo good.‖ He chuckled and continued easing away knots of tension. Tony glanced at the mirror over the bar. Her eyes closed, mouth open, lips full. Long lashes lay on her face and her neck tilted to the side. He still couldn‘t believe he‘d found her. His cock had been at half-mast all day watching her. Once she entered his house, he‘d been rock hard. It was all he could do not to take her from behind and fuck them both into tomorrow. Tiredness clung to her like an ill-fitting gown. Taking the high road, he beat back his need and focused on her, helping her relax. Gently he ran his fingers across her forehead; her chocolate skin was so soft. He loved the red and yellow undertones in her skin. He hoped his children looked like her. Exotic. Thinking of a small Nicole, maybe a blend between the two of them would be better. His father‘s family had strong genes, but something told him, Nicole‘s side would make a mark. ―Beautiful,‖ he whispered as he gently massaged her scalp. ―Hmmm?‖ ―Sleepy? You want a blanket?‖ ―Yeah,‖ she whispered, snuggling into the sofa with closed eyes.

Chapter 10 Niki woke up disoriented, with a burning need to go to the bathroom. Groaning, she stood and toppled back to the comfortable sofa. Across from her, in a wide chair, Tony sat asleep with a blanket over his arms and chest. She took a moment to observe him. The man looked innocent in his sleep. As polite as he‘d been yesterday, she heard and recognized the steel underlying his voice when he spoke of being a part of his children‘s life. Once she identified his determination, she knew they‘d have to find common ground. After spending time with him yesterday, she realized co-parenting might not be so bad. He was intelligent. They had similar morals and ideals. She hadn‘t been bored and they‘d spent hours together, talking about any and everything. Her intentions yesterday had been to see if they got along as friends, nothing more. Her body vetoed that idea early in the day. One thing for sure, no man had ever kept her body on a slow burn like Tony. She knew he wanted her, he‘d made no attempts to hide the fact he‘d like for them to be more than friends. Yet, he slept in the chair instead of his bed. Her body demanded release. She rose and headed for the hall to the half bath she‘d used last night. Once she finished, smells of bacon and eggs seduced her further down the hall. A small, dark-haired woman worked at the stove, stirring something that smelled delicious. She froze when she saw Niki. Hunger overrode Niki‘s embarrassment for wearing yesterday‘s clothes without a comb or toothbrush. ―Hello,‖ she said looking at the food on the platters. Sausage, eggs with cheese, grits, bacon, toast. She licked her lips in anticipation. ―Hi. I‘m Missy, Mr. Tony‘s housekeeper.‖ The older woman looked at her with a slight smile. Niki noticed her slow perusal of her stomach before her eyes returned to her face. ―He sent a text for me to come in early and cook this large breakfast. Are you hungry?‖ She smiled at Niki‘s fervent nod. ―Yes, I seem to be hungry all the time now.‖ She moved closer to the island where the platters were laid out. ―Your first?‖ Niki nodded as she filled her plate. Without satisfying the woman‘s curiosity, Niki sat and ate. ―Very good, Missy. This is great.‖ She spoke around a mouthful. ―I‘m glad.‖ She paused. ―Let Mr. Tony know I‘ve taken his clothes to the cleaners and will see him on Tuesday.‖ Niki nodded, too busy chewing to talk, she sent a smile of understanding to the woman as she left. Moments later, Tony entered the room rumpled. ―I see you‘ve found food.‖ He squeezed her shoulder and went to the refrigerator. ―Uh-huh.‖ He poured something from a container and drank it down. She watched his Adam‘s apple bob, thinking it was the sexiest thing she‘d ever seen. Lord, she needed to have these babies soon. A sexy Adam’s apple? Please. His eyes snagged her stare. ―What was that?‖ she asked as her face heated. He held up the empty glass. She nodded and drank her water. ―I make an herbal drink. It tastes nasty, but it‘s good for me. Maybe after the baby, I‘ll make you one.‖ He winked at her and placed the glass in the dishwasher. ―Maybe.‖ Her tone was sassy and happy. He planned to be there for her after the babies were born.

―You feel up to meeting my parents later today?‖ he asked as he filled his plate. ―If you feel up to dealing with my Nana.‖ He grimaced. She laughed and pointed her fork at him. ―You‘re not afraid of a small Southern Belle, are you?‖ ―Yeah, I am actually.‖ His face reddened and she melted at his nervousness. Standing, she walked around the table and pulled his arms free. Turning, she leaned back against him. His arms wrapped around her and he nuzzled her cheeks. ―Please don‘t let her hurt me.‖ He begged in a soft voice, his breath teased the side of her face. Niki laughed. ―I‘ll protect you from the little lady,‖ she promised. ―But she has to have her say. I won‘t stop or interfere with that.‖ He nodded and kissed her cheek. She turned toward his mouth and kissed his lips. They felt firm and soft. Tony turned her toward him. ―Thanks, Nicole,‖ he whispered as he bent forward and took her lips. His tongue entered her warmth seeking every nook and cranny of her mouth. He stroked and suckled her tongue, and nibbled on her lips. His appetite fed hers. Within minutes, she tried to get closer to his heat, trying to feel more of him. They broke apart, panting for air, and then locked lips again. Her body was in flames. His finger brushed against her nipple, sending a pleasure bolt to her core. The tips of her heavy globes had become so sensitive since her pregnancy, she could barely stand as he palmed and flicked her nipples. ―Can I taste?‖ He breathed against her lips. ―Please, let me just taste.‖ His voice infiltrated the fog of lust surrounding her brain. She nodded or tried to convey a hell yeah. ―Yes,‖ she said. When he didn‘t move fast enough, she pulled at her top. Tony brushed her hands away and released the buttons. The offending fabric fell away. The cool air caressed her skin. The warmth of his mouth sent shivers through her body. It had been so long since she felt this good. ―Yes, ohmigod, yes.‖ Her legs trembled under the onslaught. His cock poked her side. She wanted to see him, touch him and taste him. ―Tony. Please, can I see?‖ she whispered raggedly as waves of pleasure washed over her. Her body tightened and she rode the storm of her release. Her hand grabbed his cloth-covered rod and held on. He gasped at her touch. ―Nicole, this is about you,‖ he said, pushing her hand away. ―I want to make you feel good.‖ ―I want you with me.‖ They stared at each other. ―Please,‖ she whispered and took him in her hand again. ―Come with me.‖ Tony closed his eyes at the soft request. He nodded. ―Let me taste you.‖ ―Okay.‖ She offered him her breast. ―No, baby. I need to taste you.‖ He tapped his fingers between her legs praying she wouldn‘t deny him. He needed her as a flower needed rain. She was wet for him and it‘d been driving him crazy. ―Okay.‖ He smiled and took her hand, leading her to his bedroom. She climbed on the bed, glancing back at him before lying on her back. Watching him, she twirled her finger on top of her pubes and opened her legs. He didn‘t need more of an invitation. Deftly, he removed her clothes and looked in awe at her dewy goodness. Hungrier than he‘d ever been, he moved forward to receive his first taste of heaven. He wasn‘t disappointed. Taking his time, he marked her. Lapping and sucking her pussy to bring her pleasure was his job. He‘d make sure anyone else applying for the

position failed. If her moans and cries of delight were any indication, he‘d say he met his goal. She‘d never forget him again. ―Tonnneeeee,‖ Niki screamed as her body went taught and then shook from her release. ―Please stop.‖ She released his hair and pushed him away. Her legs fell to the side. He kissed her puffy lips and gazed at her face. Sweat coated her face and tendrils of her hair stuck to her forehead. Climbing up, he kissed her and held her gently as she dozed. He‘d lost his heart to her and was scared to death.

Chapter 11 After returning to the hotel, Niki and her relatives spent the afternoon with Ahmed, her Auntie‘s boyfriend. He was nice and seemed to really be into her Aunt. He accepted Gale and Rissa‘s relationship, and for that alone he won favor with her easily. It‘d taken both her Nanas a minute to understand and accept Rissa‘s choices. However, once they did, Gale was treated the same as family. While sitting on the veranda of Ahmed‘s large home, she told her Nana and Aunt about what happened in Chicago. The questions went on for what felt like hours. ―Yes.‖ She was embarrassed she didn‘t recognize Tony. It was dark and she had only seen a part of his face. ―Yes.‖ She knew about the security bars in hotel rooms. She had latched it when she first came in, but forgot when she came back from the vending machines. ―Yes.‖ He remembered her and had tried to locate her via his detectives. ―No.‖ She wasn‘t going to tell them how she‘d had all the information wiped clean. ―Yes.‖ Tony was going to be a part of the children‘s life and ―No,‖ she wasn‘t going to discuss where or what she‘d been doing last night or this morning. After she finished giving the last answer, her Nana and Aunt enfolded her in a loving hug and asked what she wanted. ―I want to have my babies all to myself and not share them,‖ she said with a wry smile. ―But that‘s not reality. Remember Nana, you always told me I could chose my friends, but God chooses our families?‖ Her Nana smiled in remembrance. ―Well, what can I say or do? Out of all the men in the world, the one to stumble into mine happens to be the brother of my cousin‘s lover.‖ She gave a small laugh. ―I‘m not about to cut Rissa or Gale out of my life, so I guess I‘ll have to include Tony.‖ His inclusion no longer left a sour taste in her mouth. Besides, she planned to get to know him a lot better, starting tonight. No matter what happened at dinner, they‘d decided to go out afterwards and talk. She couldn‘t wait to get him alone again. Her nipples hardened in remembrance of his talented tongue. **** At thirty-three, Tony made it clear he didn‘t need his parents‘ approval for anything. He and Nicole agreed it‘d be nice for his family to know her as the mother of his kids, and not just as Rissa‘s cousin. Since he‘d been staring at the entryway for the past ten minutes, he noticed when Nicole and her Nana arrived at the restaurant. His mouth watered at how delectable Nicole appeared in a cream-colored scoop neck top with matching pants. She‘d opted to leave her hair hanging down around her shoulders and back. Knowing how sensitive her neck and breasts were, he licked his lips aching to taste her again. She caught his gaze and smiled. He sent a quick wink as he took her hand, bent and kissed her cheek first and then her Nana‘s cheek in greeting. ―You look beautiful,‖ he whispered. ―I‘m glad you made it, we‘re over here.‖ He walked in the direction of his parents table with his hand on Niki‘s back providing gentle guidance. Reaching the table, he waited until his parents looked up. ―Mom, Dad, I want you to meet Nicole Bryant and her grandmother Bea.‖ He pulled out a chair for Niki first, then Nana Bea. ―I met you the other night at the party,‖ his mom asked, a frown marring her forehead. ―You‘re Rissa‘s Nana Bea, right?‖ ―Yes, that‘s right,‖ Nana Bea said. ―It‘s good to see you again.‖ She sat across from his parents. It took Niki a moment longer to get comfortable in her chair, fully aware she was the

object of everyone‘s attention. ―You are so beautiful, my dear. Pregnancy certainly agrees with you,‖ Tony‘s mom said. ―Nicole, may I call you Niki like I heard the other night?‖ ―Sure,‖ a surprised Niki responded. She hadn‘t really thought about how Tony‘s parents would act, but after Gale and Rissa, she should‘ve known they‘d be over the moon. Reaching over, Tony‘s mom took Niki‘s hand, looked at her with tears in her eyes and said. ―Thank you, thank you for opening your heart to us. Tony explained and I know you didn‘t have to share, but I‘m so grateful you are. Oh my, twins. I can‘t wait.‖ Noticing the waiter hovering and knowing she had only eaten a snack to take the edge off; Niki answered, ―of course‖ quickly, pulled her hand back, and picked up her menu. ―Could we have some bread sticks or rolls right now and we‘ll have our orders ready when you return,‖ Tony told the waiter. She sent him a grateful smile. He winked at her. ―What are you having, Niki?‖ he asked. ―I think I‘ll have the turtle soup, seafood jambalaya, some sweet and spicy wings, a side salad and banana cream pie,‖ she said, sure those dishes would hit the spot. ―Whoooee!‖ his dad laughed. ―Oh yeah. Another round of Brunsons about to enter the world. That sounds so much like what your mom would order when she was carrying you and Gale, it‘s like watching a rerun,‖ he said as Mrs. Brunson shook her head in remembrance. ―Especially the banana cream pie,‖ she added as she and her husband laughed at some private memory. Nana Bea had been silent, just watching the interaction. After the waiter left with a rush notation, she looked at Tony. Niki picked up her glass, and pulled the bread closer as she settled in for the inquisition. It‘d been boiling in her Nana for six months and had to come out. Soon, she‘d know how tough Tony‘s skin was, because her Nana‘s words would be sharp and cutting. ―So are you a drunk?‖ Nana Bea asked straight out. ―Have you gotten your drinking under control yet?‖ Choking on the water he‘d just swallowed, Tony wiped his mouth quickly. ―Excuse me?‖ He looked around the table, deep furrows marring his brow. Niki continued to munch on her bread. His parents looked confused. ―I don‘t have a drinking problem. What makes you think...Oh yeah.‖ Slowly he realized what she meant. ―Normally, I don‘t drink alcohol. That particular day, I was on a delayed flight from South America. It‘d been a long day. I‘d missed my connection and my appointment in Chicago. The airlines offered free drinks, it was late; I was tired...‖ he finished realizing how lame it sounded to his own ears. ―But you came to the hotel drunk, is that right?‖ The gleam in her eyes, tight jaw and erect posture, signaled she considered this a serious matter. Sitting straighter, he recognized he was on trial and needed to be vigilant on all fronts. ―Yes, ma‘am.‖ He nodded. No need to belabor the point, he‘d explained what happened. ―I was drunk that night. I have no real excuse, other than what I‘ve already said. As a general rule, I don‘t drink or get drunk.‖ He felt Niki‘s eyes on him, but refused to stray from the burning light in her Nana‘s look. Trying to help diffuse the situation, his mom added, ―It‘s mostly just beer.‖ Ignoring his mom‘s comments; Nana Bea took a deep breath and questioned him in a manner that made him think she was the attorney. ―We all know the hotel made a mistake. No one pressed charges. You both participated. It could‘ve ended there. Why are you pushing this?‖ she asked without releasing him from her

gaze. ―What are you—?‖ Nana Bea cut Tony‘s father off with an impatient wave. ―I‘m speaking to your son and he will answer me.‖ She spoke without looking at his father. Tony glanced over at Nicole, saw she was eating a roll, but paying attention. He recalled the first time he‘d seen her and what he felt. ―First off, it couldn't have ended there. Nicole wouldn't be pregnant if not for me. Regardless of our beginning, we created those babies. They are my children. I'm not pushing anything, I'm just acknowledging my role as father. I'm not the type of man to ignore my responsibilities or my kids or my attraction to their mother.‖ Gathering his thoughts, he paused knowing this area was tricky. ―The morning after, when security walked in and explained the mix up, I watched Nicole walk into the bedroom.‖ He couldn‘t believe he‘d been out of it, lying next to such an exquisite creature, but now was not the time to open that can of worms. ―She reminded me of an angel. I remember rubbing my eyes and staring as she walked past me to the bathroom. The GM spouted a bunch of stuff and I moved to the corner so I could watch her when she came out.‖ He paused, not wanting to explain how his erection throbbed painfully beneath his hastily donned pants as she re-entered the room. Or how he wanted to lick the drops of water that clung to her forehead. ―I thought she was the most beautiful woman I‘d ever seen. But she wanted no part of me. I knew she had to be upset...who wouldn‘t be? But other than a few sharp words to the manager and me, she appeared, to me, like cool fire. I tried to forget that night like she asked me to, but I‘d never met a woman like her.‖ He chuckled and glanced at Niki. ―I offered her my business card in case she got pregnant. She laughed at me and told me no thanks. Claimed she would forget the night had ever happened. I never could. Nature stepped in and we‘re having twins.‖ They shared a smile. ―Young man,‖ Nana Bea snapped, drawing his attention. ―I‘ve been a caregiver for this young woman since my daughter died 20 years ago. I asked you what you hoped to accomplish by intruding in Nicole‘s life at this juncture.‖ Her brows rose high. ―Are you saying you want an intimate relationship with her? Will you be involved with the delivery? Just what are you offering?‖ Niki ducked her head and grabbed her glass of water. He tamped down his temper and answered the busybody. ―Ma‘am, I hired two private investigators to locate her.‖ He pointed towards Niki. ―I had no idea about the babies. I am most definitely interested in an intimate relationship with this wonderful woman. I wanted to know her then and I would love to have the opportunity to get to know her better now, much better.‖ He glanced at Niki and caught her small smile. He needed to get the record straight. He was all for family, but he ran his own house. ―Now, as to will I be there for her in the delivery room, or be her coach—‖ He gazed in Nana Bea‘s face. He was nobody‘s boy. Respect was a two-way street in his book. ―Nothing would please me more, but that‘s up to Nicole. She holds all the cards. I‘ve got the next doctor‘s appointment time from her and my flight‘s been reserved. I also have reservations for every other weekend until the month of the delivery and I‘ve taken off the entire month our children are due.‖ He looked around the table, noticing the sheen in his mom‘s eye. ―I intend to nurture my children, and watch them grow up. Not only will I be their father, I plan to be their daddy as well. As far as Nicole and me, after we decide what we want, we‘ll get back to you.‖ He paused. ―Make no mistake, there‘s no way I‘m willing to back up now that I‘ve found her again.‖ He stared at her Nana, daring her to object. There was silence for a heartbeat.

―Good.‖ Nana Bea nodded. ―It‘s going to cost you, but most of the best things in life do. The true measure of strength is when you continue in the face of great odds.‖ She paused. ―There‘s a few things I need to get off my chest and since you‘ve decided to be an active part of our lives.‖ She looked at him. He nodded. ―I best get it over with now so I can eat in peace.‖ Tony‘s stomach jumped at her announcement. Sweat beaded his brow. His father‘s jaw clenched and his mother‘s face reddened. Niki continued eating and reading the menu the waiter left behind. ―First off, my granddaughter woke up in bed with a stranger. Had it been me I would‘ve bashed you over the head and then run out. But you were asleep and not an immediate threat.‖ Releasing a frustrated breath she asked, ―Can you imagine for just a moment, what we felt when she relayed that to us?‖ She looked at his parents. ―What if that‘d happened to Gale? Could you honestly say you‘d sit here unmoved?‖ ―No,‖ his father said. ―I‘d be out for blood.‖ He shrugged off Tony‘s glare. ―My child came home from that hotel altered, forever changed,‖ Nana Bea continued. ―Not because she was out in the streets or in a club. She was in a room that she paid for, thinking she was safe.‖ She thumped the table for emphasis. Niki‘s eyes widened as she glanced at him. He had the sinking feeling, the woman was just getting warmed up. ―Now believe it or not, I‘m the peaceful one. Nicole knew this; so she blocked the records, not for you.‖ She shook her head in his direction. ―Noooo, no, no.‖ Her head joined her fingers in a negative swaying motion. ―She blocked them from Rita, her dad‘s mom. Rita had more private detectives looking for you than you had looking for Nicole.‖ His heart raced at the proclamation. A feral gleam entered the older woman‘s eye he didn‘t trust. ―Just a minute, are you saying my son‘s life was in danger?‖ his father interrupted. ―Had Rita found him first—she‘s an attorney, by the way—she wouldn‘t have killed him, but he would‘ve been very unhappy.‖ Tony sat stunned and speechless. Who were these people? Gangsters? He and Nicole coming together that night had been an accident. Didn‘t anybody get that? He didn‘t rape their granddaughter, and she didn‘t take anything from him he didn‘t want her to have. Was he dealing with an older version of Thelma and Louise? Releasing him from her searing gaze, she looked at Niki. ―I told Rita she was going to regret the day she taught Nicole all that law stuff. The student outsmarted the teacher in this case.‖ Her gaze landed on Tony‘s parents. ―We were furious at this violation and wanted retribution. Nicole knew that and that‘s why she blocked everything. You should be glad she did.‖ Nana Bea nodded at the table in general. Tony was unsure what he should say now that she‘d finished. I’m sorry you felt that way sounded cheeky. Thank you for not killing me didn‘t fit the situation either. In the end, he nodded to let her know he heard her concerns. The waiter placed their plates on the table, but his appetite had flown. Deep down, he felt a real connection with Nicole, but her relatives were over the top. Would he have to watch everything he said or did with her to keep them from interfering? Did they plan to monitor his relationship with his children? With Nicole? His breath hitched in denial. Oh hell no, they needed to straighten this out now. Before he could voice his thoughts, his mother spoke into the silence. ―Niki, have you forgiven Tony?‖ ―Forgiven him?‖ She asked, puzzled. ―Forgiven him for what?‖

―For having sex with you while y‘all were sleep,‖ his mom‘s whisper carried across the table, stunning everyone. Looking at him first, Niki then glanced at his mom. ―I was there,‖ she said. ―Trust me, what happened wasn‘t intentional. If I hadn‘t mixed my meds, I would‘ve heard the door open. If he hadn‘t been drunk he would‘ve seen me in bed or at the very least seen my luggage.‖ Her voice resigned. ―A lot of woulda, coulda, shouldas.‖ She shrugged and dug into her pie. ―But your Nana was pissed.‖ His father sounded baffled by her attitude. Tony could‘ve told him Nicole‘s attitude had undergone a major adjustment within the past twenty-four hours, but he knew she wouldn‘t appreciate it. ―I knew Nana would never accept what happened,‖ Niki said, looking at Mr. Brunson. ―My biggest fear was they would find the guy and bring him to Michigan for a conversation or something. And I never wanted to face him again.‖ ―Do you still feel that way?‖ his dad asked, concern plain in his voice. Head tilted, she licked her spoon before speaking. ―The thing is, Tony was drunk. I‘ve always refused to have anything to do with drunks.‖ Shocked, Tony and his parents began defending him at the same time. He was no drunk, how many times did he need to explain that night. Niki raised her hand to get them to stop talking. As they quieted, she looked around the table, locked eyes with her Nana, who then looked away. Taking a deep breath she said, ―You don‘t understand, Tony. I knew both of my Nanas had reached their limits. A drunk driver killed my parents and their children. In their eyes, a drunk took me that night without my consent. Even though it was an accident,‖ she hastened to add. ―Having said that, I understand life is what you make it.‖ She hesitated. ―God has a sense of humor. There aren‘t many people in this world who could‘ve made me pause and rethink things.‖ Letting out a small laugh, she pointed at him. ―You tell me, what‘re the chances you would be my cousin‘s lover‘s brother?‖ She shook her head. ―One in a trillion, I bet.‖ His parents chuckled. ―I wasn‘t trying to get pregnant, but I did. Nana—‖ Her head tilted in the older woman‘s direction. ―Always told me anyone could have sex, but only God gives life. There are millions of people who wish they could share what I‘m experiencing.‖ Taking a deep breath, she looked at each person at the table. ―It‘s done. Tony was the man that night at the hotel. He‘s the father of my twins and we‘re trying to work things out, get to know one another. We can have blood tests after the babies arrive if you want,‖ she told him. ―No, I‘m good.‖ Tony pushed back from the table. ―I know what happened that night.‖ Hearing her talk about losing her parents to a drunk driver, he understood a lot better her reluctance to deal with him. It made him more determined to let her get to know the real him. Niki and her family were the types that had to be shown, not told, and he was definitely up for the challenge. He‘d begin tonight.

Chapter 12 Entering Tony‘s kitchen through the garage, Niki reached for the take home box holding a slice of pie from the restaurant. Teasing, he hid it behind his back, smiling at her pouting lips. ―Kiss me,‖ he said. Leaning forward, their lips touched and reignited his hunger. He placed the bag holding the box on the counter and held her face between his palms. ―Sweet.‖ Pausing to breathe, he rested his forehead against her. ―I‘ve wanted to do that all night.‖ ―Yeah? I‘m sure that would‘ve calmed Nana down.‖ She chuckled and took the bag off the counter. ―Where are your spoons?‖ Tony grabbed one from the drawer and handed it to her. ―Is it going to be a problem?‖ Brow raised in question, she glanced at him. ―Her not liking me, I mean.‖ He leaned against the counter and watched her sit at the counter height table in the kitchen. After taking a bite of her dessert, she looked at him. ―Not for me. You won‘t be so lucky.‖ They stared at each other. ―Ready to change your mind?‖ Niki asked before she scooped another piece of pie in her mouth. ―About?‖ He widened his stance and crossed his arms. ―About being a part of my children‘s family. My grandmothers are not going away, and they‘re still pissed about what happened.‖ ―I picked up on that.‖ Even after the dinner was over, the older woman said little to him and rebuffed his effort of conversation. He looked at her. ―Will that stop you from liking me?‖ His lips lifted at the corner while he devoured her pie-filled mouth with his eyes. She smiled a wicked grin and licked her spoon, curling the tip of her tongue around the base. His cock jumped in his pants. ―Not at all.‖ The husky timbre in her voice sent a shaft of heat through him. It teased and tempted him to lose his inhibitions and take her right then. Releasing his breath, he moved and stood closer to her seat. His palms held onto the table on each side of her, bracketing her between his arms. ―You have no idea how happy that makes me.‖ Large brown eyes roved down his frame. His heart thumped madly in his chest at the intimate perusal. Blood raced to his erection; it hardened instantly and pushed uncomfortably against his pants. ―I might.‖ Niki licked her lips. His eyes followed her pink tongue‘s slow journey until it returned to her mouth. ―Do that again,‖ he whispered. She placed the spoon on the counter, leaned toward his face and stuck her tongue between her lips. He captured her sweetness with his mouth. Moaning, he pulled her face closer while tasting the sweet cream from her pie. Her hands latched onto his shoulders, she pulled him tight making mewling noises in the back of her throat. He bent, placed his arm beneath her leg and lifted her from the chair without releasing her lips. Striding down the hall, he reached his room and kicked the door open with his foot. A moment later he laid her on his mattress and followed her down. For a moment he stared in wonder at her presence in his bed, in his life. She pulled him down, attacking his lips and holding him tight. Memories of holding her swamped him. His desire escalated, as he tasted her mouth, her skin and her tight nipples. Within minutes, she lay bare before him. ―I want you,‖ she whispered in his ear. Her tongue laved and nipped everything in its wake. He shivered at the need in her voice. ―You‘ve got me for as long as you want.‖ He stood and undressed as she watched with a

sexy smile curving her lips. His hand touched her thigh as hunger for her flavor beat him. With a high school kid‘s eagerness, he crawled between her legs and zeroed in on his feast. ―Hungry.‖ That was all he said before his mouth latched onto her sweetness. Niki couldn‘t believe the sensations shooting through her as Tony lavished his attention between her legs. She bucked and rolled against his mouth, trying to pull him in closer. Her hands brushed against his hair, but her protruding stomach stopped her from getting the good grip she wanted. Her hips lifted as fingers penetrated her, sending spirals of delicious tingles to her core. ―Ohimigod, yes.‖ She humped his hand faster. Her womb clenched. He pumped and sucked harder. She arched and fragmented. Her body shuddered as waves of orgasmic bliss saturated her body. Limp, she rolled to the side to breathe more air. ―So good, Tony,‖ she moaned as he stroked her hair back from her face and placed kisses on her collarbone. ―I‘m glad.‖ Spooned behind her, his hand went between her legs, lifted one over his thigh as he snuggled closer. ―One more thing. I need to feel you.‖ At some point he‘d nudged his mushroomed tip at her opening. She lifted her leg higher, hot to feel him inside her again. His thickness stretched her walls as he inched forward from behind. Her breath hitched as he continued his slow penetration. Sweat rolled across her face in anticipation. Her nipples hardened and ached at the infilling. ―Damn, you‘re incredible,‖ He whispered near her ear. ―So tight, so hot. I‘m on fire.‖ He held them both still once he was seated fully inside her. Memories of their last meeting slapped the realms of her reality. This time she was wide awake, feeling the invasion of his long thick cock. No wonder she hadn‘t been able to remove his loving from her mind. Even her subconscious recognized the delicious feeling of being taken by him. She rolled her hips, anxious for more friction. ―Move, please.‖ ―Hell, yeah.‖ He pulled out, she moved with him, creating a new rhythm. Her heart raced as his hips flexed and slammed forward, meeting her silent demand to take her to another level. She met his thrusts and kept pace with his rising ardor. ―More.‖ She didn‘t recognize the needy voice torn from her throat. Her hips pushed back to receive more of his hard goodness. His hips pumped steadily into her slippery channel. Grunts of pleasure competed with wet sucking sounds through the room. ―So good, so good,‖ he breathed against her neck as he thrust faster. She tensed as her release built. Her toes curled as the intense feeling unfurled and blossomed inside. She screamed her release as her womb throbbed, milking his cock. A few thrusts later Tony held her tight, froze and yelled his release. They lay shaking in the aftermath. ―It was better this time,‖ she whispered, her eyes growing heavy. ―You remember?‖ He sounded surprised. She snuggled backward into his warmth and stroked his arm. ―I remembered it was good. This time I know why.‖ He kissed her shoulder. ―I never forgot. You‘re better than good, baby.‖

Chapter 13 ―Thanks for the temporary ID‘s,‖ Tony said to Rissa‘s mom as he and Niki walked through the airport. ―It‘s nice being able to walk Nicole to the gate, see her off. I appreciate it.‖ He squeezed Niki‘s hand, before kissing the back of it. Within the past two days, they‘d worked out some ground rules concerning the babies. He looked forward to his first doctor‘s visit with her next week. ―No problem. Ahmed owns a few companies out here and got them for me.‖ She walked with Niki‘s Nana on the other side of him. Niki‘s older relative had little to say to him. She wasn‘t mean or disrespectful. She just ignored him. After the last blow-out at dinner, he was okay with her silence. ―Hungry?‖ He looked at Niki. She nodded and pulled him by the hand in the opposite direction. ―Nana, I‘m going to get a Cinnabon. You want one?‖ They stopped and waited for her to respond. ―No, thank you. Just a cup of coffee.‖ ―I‘d like one,‖ her Aunt Sharita said as they walked off. ―I‘m going to miss you.‖ Tony wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his front. His chin rested on the top of her head. ―Sure you will. I bet you‘ll be so busy catching up— ― ―Well, hello, Tony.‖ The nasal tone irritated his ears. He sighed against Niki‘s hair before slanting his eyes at the last person he wanted to see. ―Mason.‖ His dry tone made it apparent he had no interest in conversing with the man. Niki giggled and tried to move forward in the line. Holding tight, in a synchronized move they stepped up. He squeezed her hand, wondering if Frederico‘s plan to trap Mason had taken effect. He‘d been so busy dealing with Nicole, he hadn‘t listened to his voice messages from his security chief. ―I don‘t believe I know you.‖ Niki stared at the outstretched hand before taking it briefly. ―I‘m Niki.‖ She took her hand back and walked to the counter, placing her order. Tony smiled at Mason‘s quick frown. ―Why are you standing here pretending we‘re friends, associates or anything remotely close? You know I can‘t stand to be in the same room as you.‖ Mason shrunk back from the harsh words before realizing he‘d done so and how it looked. Tony watched impassively as the man‘s face reddened and knew he‘d do or say something foolish. Something that‘d make Tony put his foot up his flat ass. ―Really? I didn‘t realize you had such strong feelings about me either way.‖ He twittered at Tony‘s silent glare. ―I‘m surprised you noticed me at all.‖ He looked Tony up and down, backing up when Tony let loose a growl. ―So animalistic.‖ He gushed. His insincere words didn‘t hide the tightening around his eyes and mouth. Tony‘s words had pissed him off. ―Tell me, does the little lady know what you‘re really like?‖ ―Yeah, I know.‖ Niki said walking up to them. She took Tony‘s hand and stared down the intruder. ―He‘s damn good at what he does.‖ Mason stared down his long nose at her, nostrils flaring. ―I guess he is.‖ He sniffed. ―We need to talk, there's some new things going down and I know you want the latest four-one-one. Call me and I'll bring you up to speed. Otherwise...‖ He

shrugged and walked off. Niki and Tony looked at each other and laughed as Mason moved quickly through the crowd. ―He likes you,‖ Niki said as they headed back to the gate with her sweets. Tony‘s head whipped around. ―What?‖ He wasn‘t sure he understood her comment. ―You heard me, he likes you.‖ She squinted up at him. ―Like a man likes a woman. That‘s how he likes you.‖ He shook his head in denial. ―Yeah, he does.‖ ―He‘s a thief.‖ ―What?‖ She stopped and looked at him. ―They‘ve never been able to prove it, but he steals and sells artifacts to private collectors. There‘s a huge market for that.‖ She nodded as they moved forward. ―He still wants you. He‘d take your artifacts as well, I guess. But watch your back, literally, with him.‖ Tony stared down at her. ―I want you. And you can watch my back anytime, all the time, or at the same time.‖ He bent and kissed her. **** ―Talk to me,‖ Anthony said to Frederico, who stood in his office. Niki‘s comments regarding Mason gave him pause. The man called him a few times a year and went out of his way to aggravate him. Tony wanted to end this dance so he could work with his artifacts without the threat of Mason getting wind of his discovery. ―Nothing was found when your office was swept for bugs. We discovered a few at the plant and took care of them.‖ Tony nodded. That was nothing new. Everyone spied on everyone in this business despite heightened security measures. That was one of the reasons he kept his private collection separate and under serious lockdown. No one knew its location and codes but him. ―For a middle man, Mason sure has some sophisticated security.‖ Frederico handed him a file. ―I had to call in Emory to breach it.‖ Tony leaned back in his chair, impressed. Emory had worked for the government and could crack anything. He came at a high price tag, but always delivered. Thanks to a longstanding friendship with Tony‘s dad he was able to have an inside track for the man‘s services. ―What‘d he find?‖ ―Mason is running a new game. He‘s sending naïve, untrained volunteers on digs who smuggle back artifacts, with the local government‘s cooperation.‖ Tony sighed. ―That‘s not surprising. Although I never would‘ve pegged him with the balls to pull something like that off. The payoffs alone would take months of negotiating.‖ He shrugged. ―I want him off my back and out of my business, pronto. With the babies coming in a few months, I don‘t want to watch my back every second.‖ ―That‘s right. Congratulations man.‖ Tony nodded his thanks, the warmth of impending fatherhood enveloped him. ―Yeah, we‘re having twins.‖ He paused. ―So we need to get this done.‖ He tapped the file thinking of all he needed to accomplish in the next ninety days. ―It‘s in motion.‖ Frederico pointed to a map on his laptop. ―Emory planted some high profile information. Mason will find it and go after its ghost. He‘ll spend some money and come up empty. If he follows true to form, he‘ll market the item before he has it and this will hit him hard.‖ ―No footprints. I can‘t be connected in any way.‖ Tony looked over the area and ghost item. Emory had done an excellent job of planting the information. If he‘d come across it, he‘d be

heading to the tip of Mexico, shovel in hand. ―Absolutely. As a matter of fact, you‘ll be contacted about the dig and turn it down because of another job. The paperwork is already on its way. We‘re monitoring his moves, the guy he had tailing you has been taken off and reassigned. We‘ll let you know if he places another tail on you.‖ ―Sounds good. I‘ll be flying to Michigan this Friday and will be spending quite a bit of time there, especially after the babies are born.‖ He picked up another file and handed it to Frederico. ―Look into setting up a satellite office outside Detroit.‖ The man nodded. ―When I go, you‘ll have the management of this office. We‘ll handle meetings electronically.‖ Tony looked through some files on his desk. ―Make that happen by the end of the year and there‘s a bonus in it for you.‖ Frederico smiled and nodded. ―It‘s done.‖

Chapter 14 Niki strode off the elevator and headed toward Brenda‘s office. Her attorney had some contracts for her to sign and she decided to stop by since she was in the area with Nana Rita. Actually, she was bored. Tony had left three days ago after her doctor‘s appointment and she thoroughly enjoyed how he spoiled her. If it wasn‘t a back or foot rub, he‘d feed her whatever she wanted. GPS had become his best friend. Smiling at the memory of Tony‘s latest attempt to polish her toes, she walked into an empty office not realizing no one was around. ―Hello?‖ she moved toward the inner office when she heard voices coming from the hall. ―I‘ll call you later, so we can get together, okay?‖ Niki froze, recognizing the deep voice. ―That's good. Will you be spending the night?‖ She recognized Brenda‘s voice and wished she could hide. It was too late, the couple walked into the outer office where she stood rooted to the floor. Like a child caught with something to hide, she stammered a greeting. ―Hi Brenda, hey, David.‖ A wicked part of her enjoyed the shock that spread across his face, followed, by a lovely red color. Brenda smiled and walked swiftly to her, enveloping her in her arms. Niki watched a myriad of expressions cross David‘s face, the last being resignation. The player had been caught. ―Hi, Niki. I could‘ve bought the contracts to you.‖ She leaned back and looked Niki over. Typical Brenda, always concerned for others, without realizing she had a king cobra in her bed. ―I rode in with Nana Rita since I wanted to discuss a few things with you.‖ She eyed Brenda meaningfully and the woman caught on. ―No problem.‖ She turned and looked at David with a what-can-you-do expression on her face. ―I‘ll talk to you later and we can finalize the arrangements.‖ The look of relief on David‘s face was comical. If he thought for one moment, Brenda would keep their relationship a secret now that Niki had seen them together, then he had no idea they were friends, as well as associates. He nodded and backed out the room. ―Good seeing you, Niki.‖ He smiled. ―Talk to you later, Counselor.‖ Niki‘s brow rose. ―Counselor? Why so formal when the two of you are kicking boots?‖ Niki walked into the inner office leaving her speechless friend behind. Brenda coughed and placed a hand on her chest while trying to catch her breath. ―Whaaat?‖ ―I heard you guys talking.‖ She sat in the chair in front of the desk and placed her hand on her protruding stomach. ―Oh.‖ She glanced at Niki. ―We didn‘t know anyone was here.‖ She sighed and flopped into her chair. ―I don‘t know about him. We‘ve been talking for over a year and have been intimate for the last nine months.‖ Niki‘s eyes widened. That asshole had been banging her friend and begging her for a commitment at the same time. ―I know he has a reputation as a player, so that‘s why I kept it quiet. Even though he swears it‘s only me, I don‘t believe him.‖ Niki nodded, glad her attorney was smart in areas other than law. ―But girl, the man tears up the sheets and I‘m enjoying the ride as long as I can.‖ Niki held up her hand. ―Pregnant woman here. That‘s too much information.‖ ―That‘s how you got pregnant, only somebody tore up more than the sheets,‖ Brenda smirked. ―Now, let‘s go over these contracts. **** ―I told you he had it bad.‖ Rissa sounded smug on the phone. Gale had just told her Tony

was on his way to Michigan, moving to the area two weeks earlier than originally planned. Heart thumping in excitement, Niki moved a little to the left in the big chair. Trying to get comfortable took more and more maneuvering. ―Yeah, you did. Although to be honest, he‘s not alone with that. I like him, too.‖ Rissa squealed in her ear. ―I knew it, I knew it. Y‘all sexing it up.‖ Niki laughed. ―I didn‘t say we were screwing, I said I like him. Where're you getting all this excitement from?‖ ―Niki, this is me. Rissa. I know you. That man has been flying up there every weekend and now he‘s coming to stay until the babies are born. No way he ain‘t tapped that. And with your out of control hormones, you probably half-killed the man.‖ ―Hmm.‖ ―That‘s okay, heifer. You don‘t have to admit it. I know y‘all been humping like rabbits.‖ ―Since you already know, I guess I don‘t have to say anything.‖ ―Fess up! Don‘t leave me hanging. If he‘s half the man his sister is, he‘s a keeper.‖ Niki laughed at Rissa‘s outrageous remark. ―What? Gale is hot and she makes my body— ― ―That‘s all right. Too much sharing.‖ She shook her head to remove the picture her cousin‘s words drew. ―I didn‘t plan to like him so much. I knew we had to work together for the kids. But in the past two months, I got to know him better, things changed. I like how he treats me. He talks to me, listens and remembers the smallest things. I matter to him. Me. The babies are a separate issue and that makes my heart sing.‖ ―He‘s a good man. I‘m happy for you. I was worried at first. You were so stubborn. It‘s good to see you‘ve come to your senses.‖ ―Yeah. The way we met didn‘t help. Neither did getting pregnant by a stranger. I‘m still amazed we connected. What are the odds?‖ Her voice trailed off as she wondered at the greater plan in all this. ―Do you think sometimes God is listening to our hearts and not our mouths?‖ ―Could be,‖ Rissa said. ―But I really think He knew the burden of not knowing the father of your children would be too heavy for Nana Bea and Nana Rita.‖ Niki frowned. ―Why do you say that?‖ ―Come on, Niki. Even though you‘re grown, they're responsible for raising you. Your parents left you in their care. Right or wrong, they probably saw what happened in Chicago as some type of failure on their parts.‖ ―I don‘t think so.‖ ―Then why wouldn‘t Nana Rita stop the search? She knew the odds of finding him. Hell, she trained you. But, she couldn‘t stop. According to mom, Nana Bea hurt so many ways behind that night, I doubt we‘ll ever know the full extent of her pain. She handled it southern style and buried it.‖ ―I still don‘t— ― ―Sweetie, you were pregnant and didn‘t know the father. Who does that? What could they say to anyone who asked? You don‘t think that‘s embarrassing to two women from their generation, who raised a responsible young woman. It hit them harder than they let on. Like I said, God probably knew it was more than they could bear.‖ ―Damn, I didn‘t mean to embarrass anybody. It wasn‘t planned, it just happened.‖ ―Think about how that sounds. Only you would have sex asleep and get pregnant.‖ Rissa laughed. ―I love you, though, and pretty soon this chapter will be over and another will begin.‖ Niki‘s phone beeped. ―One minute.‖ She looked at the caller ID. David. She ignored the call

and clicked back to Rissa.―That was David.‖ ―What did he want?‖ ―I don‘t know, I didn‘t answer. Brenda told me she‘d been dating him the past year.‖ ―Your attorney?‖ ―Yeah. I wanted to tell her he was a hound, but I could tell she was into him.‖ ―Does he know about Tony?‖ ―Yep. I told him before Tony‘s first visit. He sounded okay, but he looked pissed.‖ She‘d always wondered why he tried so hard with her. ―Brenda‘s my friend. The only reason I didn‘t call him out on his mess, was she didn‘t want people to know they‘d been dating. I don‘t know why he keeps trying to talk to me.‖ ―You‘re the one who got away.‖ ―Huh?‖ ―You heard me. Remember, I dated men before I came to my senses. They play head games with each other.‖ ―Meaning?‖ Niki decided to let the rest of the outlandish comment slide. ―You‘re a total package no one in his circle ever tapped. No one has bragging rights to you. He‘d be first. That‘s a big deal for some guys.‖ It didn‘t add up. ―Riiiiight. So he‘s been chasing after me for the past three years so he could brag he had sex with me. I don‘t think so. The man has a reputation for screwing woman all over the state and beyond. I just don‘t get it.‖ ―It‘s a game. All men play them.‖ ―All men? And you’re an expert? I don‘t think so.‖ Niki cut off Rissa‘s rant. Talking to her cousin always brightened her mood. But David‘s persistence bothered her. It‘s not like they had an intimate relationship, like she'd had with Tony. His persistence made baby-daddy sense. She‘d talk to Tony about it when he got in later. Thinking of his long stay, her mood lightened. His satellite office was near her building and he'd be finished relocating soon. ―Niki, Niki, are you listening to me?‖ ―I hear you calling my name. But I‘m not listening to your advice on men. Forgive me for recognizing your glaring biases.‖ Rissa laughed. ―Good point. I prefer women in general, Gale in particular.‖ The doorbell rang. Niki stood slowly. ―He‘s here. He‘s here, Rissa.‖ Her voice raised a decibel as she waddled to the door, looked through the side glass and opened the door. ―Hey, baby.‖ Tony‘s deep voice pulled her heartstrings. She‘d waited all day to see him. He reached out, giving her a quick hug as she searched and found his eyes. He looked her up and down, noticing everything in a glance. Moving forward, he pulled her into an embrace. Closing his eyes, he absorbed the softness of her skin, hair and fragrance that was all her. They stood that way, just enjoying the feel of one another, not noticing anything else. Placing his hands on the sides of her head, he lifted her face, leaned in and kissed her. A soft peck at first, then a quick swipe of his tongue over her lips. He was parched for a taste of her. She was the well he needed to drink from. As she offered herself, he deepened the kiss, sampling her sweetness. ―Hi.‖ She offered her mouth and he took it again. His palm rested on her lower back, gently kneading away her constant discomfort. ―I missed you.‖ He spoke near her ear. ―Ow...‖ Niki mumbled pulling back slightly without breaking his embrace. ―I think someone wants your attention,‖ she murmured on his lips as they both felt another kick. Dropping to his

knees, he raised her shirt and began placing kisses all over her stomach. ―Hey, Nita and Thomas. Daddy‘s here. I missed you so much. Can‘t wait to see you.‖ He felt a few more kicks before they settled down. Standing, he gazed at her. Putting his hand around her back, pulling her close, he kissed her forehead and rubbed his chin on the top of her head. ―A little over two weeks to go.‖ He rubbed her stomach. ―Thanks for waiting for me.‖ Most of his things had been shipped and were stored in one of the spare bedrooms. He wanted his car and drove up with the last of his things. ―I needed my coach.‖ She pulled him inside, smiling. ―I needed my woman.‖ He took her hand and noticed the cell phone. ―You talking to somebody?‖ ―Oh, I was talking to Rissa.‖ She placed the phone to her ear. ―Hello?‖ ―You two are so cute,‖ Rissa said. ―You should‘ve hung up and not listened.‖ ―Maybe, but that wouldn‘t have been any fun. Bye.‖ She disconnected. Tony laughed as Niki frowned at the phone. ―She gets me all the time.‖ He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. They walked toward the family room. She limped a little from sitting in one place for so long. ―Sit down so I can massage your feet and legs.‖ Niki smiled in delight. Tony‘s massages were one of her favorite treats from him. ―Thanks.‖ She took his hand and sat carefully on the sofa. ―I was on the phone for a little while and my legs hurt.‖ She sat on the chair and lifted her leg to the stool while he went into the half bath to wash his hands. Her stomach tightened for a few seconds and then stopped. It‘d been happening all day, but it was bearable, so she ignored it. ―Ready?‖ He threw the paper towel in the trash and took the warming oil she preferred in his hand. ―Yeah.‖ She maneuvered in the chair to get comfortable. He poured the oil in his hand and rubbed it on her calf. Niki moaned through another round of stomach tightening, focusing on his hands instead. Tony placed a kiss on her calf and took the other leg. By now, her stomach cramps were harder, more noticeable. ―Tony?‖ ―Hmmm?‖ He focused on her leg and missed the grimace that crossed her face. ―I‘m having cramps.‖ He frowned. ―Cramps? Like, having the baby cramps?‖ His eyes widened as he stood. ―It‘s too soon.‖ ―Don‘t tell me, tell them. I think they waited for you,‖ Niki argued. ―I‘m ready to drop this load, if they‘re ready to come. Let‘s go.‖ She wanted to see and hold her babies. From all the stories she‘d heard, she had a smooth pregnancy, and being a little early was common with twins. A new pain ripped through her. Her face crumpled. Grabbing his phone, Tony punched the speed dial number for the doctor. After telling his office what Niki was experiencing, he headed to the bedroom and grabbed her packed bag. ―Breathe, Niki. Breathe.‖ ―I am breathing,‖ she snapped, as she stood slowly. Liquid ran down her leg. They both stood still and watched the puddle form on the hardwood floor. ―Arrrghhh!‖

Her scream of pain broke the paralysis and he flew into action. His car was still in the driveway. He sat her inside and took off. On the way, he called her Nana and his parents. He asked them to get the word to everyone else. ―Breathe, Niki...remember the exercises?‖ ―Tony...shut up, okay.‖ She panted and grimaced through another contraction. ―I wasn‘t joking earlier; these babies must‘ve been waiting for you. All of a sudden, everything hurts and is happening so fast. That hadn‘t been the case ‗til you showed up.‖ Not having a comeback, he silently held her hand. He wished them to the hospital faster than they were moving. Relief swamped him when he saw the brightly lit building ahead. Taking a deep breath, he watched her breathe through the pain. Parking haphazardly, he assisted her from the car, grabbed the bag and walked behind her into the emergency room. After one look at his panicked face and Niki‘s grimace, the admitting nurse yelled for assistance and within minutes, they were in a birthing room. ―Niki, are you sure you want an epidural?‖ her doctor asked. Both the doctor and Tony backed up at the look of venom on her face. ―Give me the fucking epidural now,‖ she screamed as another contraction gripped her. Tony walked towards the bed, but stopped when she pinned him with a look so feral; he decided to stay where he was until she calmed down. They asked him to leave the room as they prepped her for the shot. It was embarrassing how quickly he moved out the room into the waiting area with Nana Bea, Nana Rita, Jack and Gene, Rita‘s friend. ―How‘s she doing?‖ Rita asked, noticing his heated face and off color. ―They‘re giving her an epidural now.‖ He wiped his brow and collapsed into a chair. ―An epidural...she said she didn‘t want one,‖ Bea said. ―They slow down the delivery. She wanted it over fast.‖ Looking at Tony, they waited for his explanation. He shrugged, not wanting to get into Niki‘s savage transformation. ―She changed her mind.‖ Rita laughed. ―Those contractions were kicking her ass, huh?‖ ―Pretty much.‖ Tony smiled tightly, still uncomfortable around these women. ―I bet she wasn‘t too nice to you either.‖ Rita sat near him. ―Nope. She‘s definitely not feeling any love right now. But that‘s to be expected. The babies are pretty big,‖ he offered as an excuse. Reaching over, Rita patted his hand. He looked at her in surprise. She smiled. Theirs had been a rocky relationship the past few months. She‘d barely tolerated him. As long as he spent time with his woman, he didn‘t care. It did bother Niki. She loved both her grandparents. Short of disappearing, there wasn‘t much he could do. ―It‘s past time for us to bury the hatchet,‖ she told him. ―You make my granddaughter happy and that‘s all that matters. Besides she has a lot of me in her and that‘s payback enough.‖ She laughed and slapped his leg. ―Thanks. It‘s been hard on her. She loves you.‖ He included them all in his glance, before looking toward the birthing room. ―Relax, they‘ll come get you.‖ Rita smiled at Gene, who‘d moved to sit near her, and then back at Tony, who still looked down the hall. Just then, a nurse walked out and called his name. His grin stretched across his face. He ignored the mocking jabs from Nicole‘s relatives. He was about to have his babies. As he reached the door, he turned and glanced at the women who‘d help shape Niki into the strong woman she‘d become. Moving quickly, he reached them. ―Why don‘t you come with me, watch the miracle.‖

Nana Bea leaned close to Jack, her mouth in a tight line. ―No thanks. You did it, so deal with this on your own. I know how that child gets with pain.‖ Tony nodded in acceptance, a smile lingering on his lips. He looked over at Nana Rita, thinking the tough old bird would have on her gown by now. ―That‘s sweet of you. But you and I just reconciled and if you insist I head into that room with a woman out of her mind, all bets are off.‖ She recoiled and shook herself. ―We‘ll see her after.‖ ―After the babies are here,‖ Nana Bea agreed, sitting upright with a smile. He shook his head and walked into the birthing room, alone. **** Tony opened his eyes and the glare from the overhead light had him blinking fast. ―What?‖ His head hurt, his vision blurred as he stood and looked around. Niki was on the table. Wobbly, he took a step and almost ran into a nurse. ―You passed out.‖ A nurse said as she walked across the room holding one of his babies. ―I did what?‖ His heart pounded as he stood and moved slowly to Niki‘s side. Sweat covered her brow. She looked tired but happy. ―I‘m sorry. I missed it.‖ He rubbed her arm as his eyes filled. He‘d driven across country for the big event and passed out. His stomach dropped as his failure to be here for her and his children registered. How could he have missed the birth of his children? What happened? ―It‘s okay. You‘ve been overextending yourself and it caught up with you.‖ She rubbed his hand. ―The first one was a girl; the second one‘s coming in a few.‖ He perked up knowing he hadn‘t missed it all. ―You have a son, Niki and Tony,‖ the doctor said passing the baby to the nurse. ―He‘s fine and looks good. As soon as we clean them up, we‘ll bring them over.‖ The doctor went back to working on Niki. She exhaled and looked at Tony. ―Finally, It‘s done.‖ Niki smiled at the babies the nurse handed them. Anthony Thomas Brunson and Larissa Juanita Brunson had arrived safely into the world. Niki and Tony were exhausted but ecstatic as they shared their joy with their family. ―Not everything,‖ Tony said. Leaning down, he gave her a kiss, absolving her from all the cussing during labor. She pulled his head close and thanked him for his patience. ―How would you like to have the same last name as all the rest of us?‖ She looked up at him holding his daughter. She laughed. ―As far as proposals go, that one sucked.‖ He winked and kissed his daughter‘s cheek. ―But, I guess I might as well.‖ ―As far as accepting proposals go, that was great.‖ She smiled. ―Thank you,‖ he whispered as tears filled his eyes. ―I love you.‖ His eyes held a promise for their future. ―I know, baby. I know,‖ Niki whispered.

Erosa Knowles has a love for the written word. She lives in the Southwest with her husband and son. Her favorite pastimes are reading and people watching. Coming from a large family, most of her stories incorporate extended families, realizing it takes a village to raise a child. Please visit her website: www.erosaknowles.com for other books. The following excerpt is from Have I Told You Lately? Book one of the Men of 3X CONStruction series. www.menof3xconstruction.com. Have I Told You Lately by Erosa Knowles Book one of the Men of 3X CONStruction series. Chapter 1 The loud crunching noise and subsequent spin happened so fast, Cherise‘s heart missed a couple of beats. Now that her car stopped, the organ banged double time against her ribcage. She placed her palm against her chest to keep it from breaking free. The 2008 blue Accord spun in the middle of Fifteen Mile Road just past Big Rapids Senior High. Fortunately, it was the middle of the day and school hadn‘t let out yet. The weather was unseasonably warm, not bad for a Fall day in Michigan. Ferris State, her destination, was a few miles down the road. Close, but not close enough. Cherise covered her face to keep from breathing the dust from the deployed side air bag and pushed open her car door. The highway shoulder lay a couple of footsteps away. She shivered in the breeze of a speeding car. There was little shade; perspiration ran down her face and chest, irritating her eyes further. On wobbly legs, she moved to the side of her car and pitched forward. She flinched as a calloused hand took hold of her left arm. ―Don‘t touch me.‖ The hoarseness of her vocal cords surprised her A short, balding, older white male stood near her. Nausea and pain competed for her attention as she inhaled. Her heart dropped as she glanced at her mangled car and stood on the precipice of a major anxiety attack. After a year in therapy, she‘d returned to finish her degree, confident in her ability to use the tools she‘d learned to live as normal a life as possible. Grappling her reserves, she pushed down the overwhelming fear threatening to choke her. There‘d be no relapsing today or any day. Like a skilled surgeon, systematically she went through her cognitive restructuring drills. Her fingertips tapped the side of her car in concert with her pounding heart. Swallowing past the dust in her throat, she glanced up. ―Sorry, didn‘t mean to frighten you.‖ He paused. ―I‘m Blake, by the way. Are you okay? Do I need to call an ambulance?‖ He squinted from the sun and waited. She labored to breathe. If she didn‘t focus on her drills, she‘d have a full-blown attack. And that wouldn‘t make anyone‘s day. Ignoring him, she got busy with her exercise. ―A car accident is a normal occurrence,‖ she murmured. ―People survive them every day, I will survive—― A callused hand shook her shoulder. ―Miss, I asked if you were okay.‖ ―Do-not-touch-me.‖ She spaced each word evenly as she bared her teeth and glared at the older man who entered her private space. He dropped his hand as if she had two heads and was on fire. Both hands lifted, palms forward he backpedaled and then turned toward the F250 truck that had sideswiped her. She‘d apologize later and rubbed the spot he‘d touched. The buzz of a thousand bees drew her attention, a sure signal she‘d lost ground. Her fist tightened as she forcibly slowed her breathing and the thundering of her heart. ―A simple accident,‖ she muttered. ―Everything‘s fine, it‘s okay.‖ She took deep cleansing breaths and bent over, hands on thighs as she talked herself back from the brink of disaster.

―Miss, my name‘s Andre, I‘m working here from out of town and I‘m sorry for hitting your car. The light had turned green. I didn‘t see you coming through the red. The police are on their way. Is there anyone else we can call?‖ The smaller man walked from the passenger side of her car, it had curled like a soft pretzel from the impact of the heavier truck. Thank goodness she‘d had on her seatbelt. ―I‘m not sure exactly what happened.‖ She peered up at him and then over to the light she‘d drove through. ―You‘re saying I ran the red light?‖ She‘d been on her way to campus for an exam; it wasn‘t for a few hours. There hadn‘t been a need to rush. ―Yeah, I had the right of way on the green, and you drove through. Luckily you weren‘t driving too fast, the damage could‘ve been worse.‖ They glanced at her compact car. A few minutes ago, someone had pushed it to the side of the road. The passenger‘s seat lay tilted at an unnatural angle. That wasn‘t good. Beneath lowered lids, she watched him. He stood near the hood of her car, hands pushed deep in his jeans. His furtive glances slid over her car and then the truck. She tensed at his odd posturing. Away from the dust, she breathed easier now. Wary, she glanced sideways and saw the older man, Blake, on the phone. Other cars had stopped; traffic slowed to a crawl, vaguely she remembered people talking to her through the windows earlier. ―Yeah, lucky me. I just paid the thing off and now it‘s probably totaled.‖ She sucked her teeth and stretched. It was an effort, but she needed to get her car information for the police. ―Good, the bosses are here,‖ Andre said, relief and something else threaded through his voice. He stiffened and moved slightly on the balls of his feet. ―Don‘t worry Miss, Ross, Smoke or Red‘ll fix this right up, now that they‘re all here.‖ She couldn‘t be sure, but it sounded like he muttered ―shit‖ under his breath as he walked off. The roar of engines and the accompanying dust caught her attention. The police had gotten there fast. She pushed away from her car, intent on getting her insurance and title information when her right leg buckled. She fell against the gravel. Tiny pebbles bruised her palm and knee. ―Ouch.‖ She struggled to stand. The need to be self-sufficient and handle this on her own without her parents‘ involvement remained front and center. Having your only child experience a debilitating disorder right after walking across the stage at graduation had marked her mom. After the year on the couch, she‘d finally broken away, convinced of her cure. Her parents hadn‘t agreed, but she was twenty-five. ―Don‘t move, I‘ve got you.‖ The deep voice left no room for argument. In a smooth motion, her legs left the ground and she was placed on the supple leather of her front seat. A large hand gently touched her brow and heated face. Instinctively, she moved back, the rough hand followed. ―She‘s warm, get the ambulance here now,‖ he said. Feet scrambled outside the car. In the distance, she heard murmuring. ―I don‘t need a doctor. I‘ll be all right,‖ she argued. Dazed, the realization that he‘d picked up her size sixteen body without hesitation penetrated. She pushed his hand away from her face with one hand, while pulling her sweatshirt down with the other. A quick brush against her hair assured her the shoulder-length ponytail kept hair from spiraling all over her head. Satisfied she didn‘t look like an asylum escapee, she closed her eyes allowing her thoughts to turn to this new dilemma. ―Sure thing. Look at me.‖

She opened her eyes. Large hazel ones probed. He nodded. ―Maybe not a fever, but you‘re running warm. Maybe you should let a doctor check you out to be sure.‖ He paused giving her a quick look over. ―What happened just now? Did you hurt your leg in the accident?‖ ―I‘m not sure.‖ She licked dry lips, checking out his jeans, tee and flannel over-shirt. ―You aren‘t the police. Who are you? ―Ross Stemple. I work for the company whose truck hit yours. ―Red, bring me a bottle of water from the ice chest on the back of my truck,‖ he called, without turning. His hands encompassed hers. The mention of water reminded her of the dust from the airbag. Dizziness assailed her as the smell of the dust penetrated. She leaned back into the seat. Even the persistent buzzing noise seemed far away. The sun must‘ve ducked behind a cloud, since the day seemed darker. Her head felt heavy and light. A strange feeling enveloped her. He squeezed her hand. ―Stay with me. Here, drink this. Let‘s get you hydrated.‖ His voice held an odd mixture of compassion and authority. It penetrated the fog in her head. Her tongue searched for moisture. Ross placed a cold bottle into her warm palms and wrapped her hands around it. A tingling sensation radiated up her arms. He twisted off the cap and held her hands, with the bottle, and drew it to her mouth. She gasped the moment the cold liquid touch her lips. Her mouth opened wider and she drank greedily, clearing her mind somewhat. After draining the bottle, she opened her eyes and leaned further back. ―Thank you,‖ she stammered. Uncertainty rifled through her. A white man crouched in front of her on the side of the road. Covertly she watched him, appreciating his unhurried movements as he stood and disposed of the bottle, his aura of command. He wore a baseball cap backward over shoulder length dark brown hair. A cropped close beard hugged his angular face. She pegged him for late twenties, early thirties. His wide chest and muscular arms created an interesting package. She couldn‘t make out the pattern of the tattoo on his shoulder, but the dark swirling colors caught her eye. He glanced at the passenger side of her car. ―Do you remember what happened?‖ ―Very little. I‘d just received a text and picked up my cell when the truck hit me. At least I think that‘s what happened. The small man, Andre I think he introduced himself.‖ She pointed in the direction of the truck where the man leaned indolently, ―said I ran the red light.‖ His head followed her hand, nodded and returned. ―Are you sure you‘re okay?‖ ―Just a little dizzy. But I think I will see a doctor. My leg gave out and that‘s never happened before.‖ She rubbed the offending limb. ―Miss?‖ His brow rose. She eyed him before answering. ―Cherise Walters.‖ ―Cherise, can you see under the passenger‘s seat?‖ His voice sounded stilted as he nodded in the direction of the upturned chair. She turned to look. ―Yeah, pretty much.‖ It looked like it had rained dusty pencils. The front floorboard was covered with her large stash of sharpened pencils and airbag dust. Warmth crept up her cheek. How would she explain that many pencils? Two, five or maybe even ten for an exam, but a bag of fifty wasn‘t normal. She bit her lip and tried to think of a plausible explanation. ―Do you see that small manila envelope on the floor?‖

―What? An envelope?‖ Surprise over his question erased her embarrassment. She twisted further. ―Oh yeah, I see it now. What is it?‖ ―It‘s yours, isn‘t it?‖ His voice sounded skeptical. ―No, I‘ve never seen it before. What is it?‖ She reached over to pick it up. He caught her arm. She looked at him. ―Why‘d you do that?‖ She asked, wondering what was going on. He‘d just drove up, so why was he so interested in a small envelope? ―You don‘t know what it is, it could be something harmful.‖ ―Okay, but it‘s in my car.‖ She drew out the words, as she watched him carefully. ―How‘d it get there?‖ She hated the confusion lacing her tone. Now that he‘d brought it up, she needed answers and didn‘t understand where he was going with all this. He rose. ―Excuse me.‖ He reached past her and picked it up. After a second of squeezing and running his finger over the closed envelope, he sighed. ―What? What is it?‖ Her mind started whirling, filling in blanks of what could be in the small packet. None of it made sense. ―Who came to that side of your car?‖ ―Who?‖ Her voice rose. ―I don‘t know, people stopped and asked questions. I couldn‘t tell you who came to the car.‖ She reached for the envelope; he pulled it out of reach. ―Look you‘d better tell me what‘s in that envelope or I‘ll be calling the police.‖ This was not the time or the day to play guessing games. Her nerves huddled loosely together but could break wide open any minute. He gazed at her for a moment and then nodded. ―You should do that, call the police. I‘m not sure what‘s inside since I haven‘t opened it, but it feels like some type of powder, possibly cocaine. From the thickness of it, there‘s quite a bit. Street value would probably be pretty high.‖ He opened his palm handing her the envelope. Cherise‘s mouth gaped in surprise. What had she expected him to say? She had no idea but certainly not that. ―Cocaine? As in drugs? Did you say drugs?‖ She whispered as shock reverberated through her frame. The calm from the accident shattered. Her legs trembled as fine tremors shook her core. The buzzing returned thunderously. She leaned forward, lightheaded, dizzy. Her throat closed tight, she couldn‘t breathe. Jail, she was going to jail. ―Inhale, take your time, pull in small sips of air.‖ He pushed her head down toward her thighs, the nausea slowed, air returned gradually, the gray borders thinned and the fluttering sounds receded. Strong hands stroked her back in a circular pattern, lending warmth and a sense of security during the frightful moment. ―I don‘t do drugs. I‘ve never even seen cocaine.‖ She shivered beneath his palm. ―That‘s not my envelope.‖ She prayed he believed her, since the police were on their way. They wouldn‘t ask questions first, they‘d take her to jail. Ohmigod, jail. Her breath hitched. ―I know. Look,‖ he said, shaking the envelope in front of her. ―It‘s not buried in the dust from the airbag. That‘s why I asked who came to the passenger side of your car.‖ His finger lifted her chin. She stared into a pool of hazel brown certainty. ―I‘m not sure what‘s going on here or why. Did anyone from the truck lean or reach into the passenger side of your car?‖ The question rattled her mind. Several people came and looked around the car. The hit happened on the passenger side. But did anybody reach in? She couldn‘t recall. ―I‘m sorry. I don‘t remember if they leaned in or not.‖ He nodded and handed her the envelope.

She stared at the viperous package and shook her head. ―I don‘t want that.‖ She pushed his hand away. He took her hand in his. ―What if I‘m wrong and it‘s a gift for you. Money or something your boyfriend left in your car.‖ She snorted derisively, and pulled away, brushing her hands. ―Not possible. No boyfriend and no one I know would use an envelope like that for a card or gift. No, I don‘t want whatever‘s in that package. Get rid of it.‖ He glanced at her. ―Please.‖ He nodded, stood and yelled, ―Smoke.‖ For the first time she realized just how tall and muscular her rescuer was. He moved the cap from his head and ran his hand through his hair. He replaced the cap as a dark brother sauntered over to her car. She stared at the newcomer‘s low cut hair and gold hoop earring. He reminded her of a beefed up Miami Heat basketball player, Dwayne Wade, except he was only a little over six feet by her estimation. What did these men do to have bodies like these? ―Cherise, this is my partner Smoke. Smoke—Cherise.‖ He nodded to each during the introductions. ―I found this in her car on top of everything, by the passenger seat.‖ He held the envelope so his partner would be the only one viewing it. ―Hmmm,‖ Smoke said before looking at her again. ―Are you okay, Cherise? The truck did some serious damage to your car.‖ She blinked. Did he ask about her injury instead of dealing with the envelope? ―Yes, although I plan to get checked out after the police get here.‖ She stressed police, hoping he‘d understand the seriousness of the matter. If she hadn‘t seen them pull up, she might suspect a sinister plot of some sort. Even now, her obsessive mind calculated the odds of their involvement. ―Good, they should be here any minute.‖ Smoke nodded. ―What do you plan to do about the envelope? Why haven‘t you opened it? Do you know what‘s inside?‖ His calm, matter of fact questioning eased her rising tension. ―No.‖ She pointed to his partner. ―Ross, I believe you said your name was.‖ He nodded. ―Ross saw it under the seat and has some suspicions.‖ She looked around before whispering. ―He thinks it may be drugs and I don‘t do drugs. I told—,‖ She inhaled to fight her rising panic. ―I asked him to get rid of it for me before the police came.‖ ―Why would he do that? Don‘t you think the cops would want to check the it out?‖ He shrugged, looked at the envelope and then back at her. ―It may not be what you think.‖ ―Yeah, right. Since when did they start giving us a fair shot? Blacks always get taken to jail first and questioned later,‖ she snapped losing patience with his calm attitude. Her world was collapsing and he asked silly questions. The men looked at each other. Smoke crouched in front of her. She hadn‘t seen when he‘d taken the envelope, but it lay on his palm. ―Cherise, I hope for your sake you‘re not playing my friend or me.‖ He opened the envelope and shook it gently. White powder spilled to the lip of the packet. She shrank back. ―What is it?‖ Smoke dipped his pinky into the powder and tasted it. ―Salt.‖ ―Salt?‖ Her voice shook. ―Thank goodness.‖ She breathed noisily as moisture filled her eyes. ―I‘ve never been so scared in my life.‖ The sounds of a siren blared in the background. She

relaxed and lay backward. An engine roar caught her attention. She peered around Ross, as a truck took off down the road. ―Where‘s Smoke going?‖ The police pulled in behind her damaged car. Ross turned and stared. ―It wasn‘t salt.‖