All I Want for Christmas Read online

  Nedra nudged Gaylynn secretly. “Let’s change the subject fast.”

  Her sister nodded. “Well, at least Nedra has a hot prospect; a judge’s son.”

  “No, you didn’t,” said Nedra through clenched teeth. She squinted at Gaylynn, who shrugged an apology and mouthed, “Sorry”.

  “Say what?” Jarae stared at Nedra. Resentment simmered in her light brown eyes. “Excuse us, Ms. Big Time Connections.”

  Darcie Lee put aside the bowl of popcorn. “What judge and what’s the man’s name?”

  “We’ve just been on a couple of dates. It’s no big deal,” Nedra replied, jabbing her elbow into Gaylynn’s side.

  “Ouch! You didn’t say it was a secret.” Gaylynn inched to the other end of the loveseat and out of her sister’s reach.

  “Nedra, why so hush hush? Spill the details,” said Jarae, seeming to enjoy her discomfort.

  “We just met. We might not even see each other for long.” Nedra picked up the remote and turned on the movie.

  “Stop,” Darcie Lee said and pointed a finger at her. “I asked you a question Nedra Denise.”

  “His name is Carlos Jacobs and…”

  “Yvonne Jacobs’ son? Humph, that’s going to be interesting when you meet her. She can’t stand your boss,” Darcie Lee said.

  “And she’s not known for being warm and cuddly either,” Gaylynn added. “My friend, Shae, worked in her law firm before she got elected. She said the woman is mean as hell when she’s in a bad mood, and she’s in a bad mood ninety percent of the time.” She laughed and slapped the loveseat cushion.

  “I’ve already met her, but only because we ran into each other at a meeting the other day. It went just fine,” Nedra said. No need to mention that keeping the time brief had helped. “But that doesn’t matter because, like I said, we’ve only had a few dates.”

  “You just met when?” Darcie Lee probed.

  “Thanksgiving Day,” Nedra replied and fidgeted with the remote.

  “At the Holiday Hospitality dinner. He volunteered,” Gaylynn explained. She broke off when Nedra glared at her again.

  “So you just met him a little over a week ago and you’ve had ‘a few dates’ already? No wonder Gaylynn mentioned him. Hmm.” Darcie Lee lapsed into thoughtful silence.

  “Okay, let me get something straight right now.” Nedra stood to emphasize her point. “I hardly know the guy, okay? No, I’m not bringing him here to meet everyone. So don’t make this a big deal. Now let’s watch the movie.” She sat down again.

  “I’ve got two daughters who had kids too fast, and another one with a ticking biological clock who can’t seem to make up her mind.”

  Nedra gazed at Darcie Lee steadily. “Drop. It. Mama.”

  Her mother held up both hands. “Okay, okay. I’m just saying, Nedra.”

  “I’m happy. I have an exciting job, great friends and an apartment I love.” Nedra took in a deep breath and then let it out. “Let’s try to have a fun evening watching this murder mystery.”

  Darcie Lee picked up the now half-empty bowl of popcorn. “Fine, I’ll get more popcorn and soft drinks.”

  “I’ll go check on the kids,” Gaylynn said and shot from her seat before anyone could object.

  Jarae smirked. “Another entertaining night with the Wallace girls.”

  “Oh shut it, Jarae,” Nedra tossed back.

  Chapter 4

  Saturday evening had turned into a magical experience for Nedra. Carlos picked her up a half hour before the jazz performance. The band dazzled the crowd with smooth performances of the standards and a few modern compositions of their own.

  After the concert ended, she walked with Carlos a few blocks away to a steak restaurant. Don’s Steak and Seafood took up the fourth floor of a restored nineteen-thirties building. They had a view of the Mississippi River and the long bridge connecting Baton Rouge to the small town of Port Allen. Lights along the bridge and other buildings, including two riverboat casinos, twinkled against the deep blue night sky.

  Nedra sighed as she gazed out through the floor-to-ceiling windows. “This is beautiful,” she said, “and the food here is really good. Nice choice.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed your steak,” replied Carlos, taking a sip of his red wine.

  “Oh yes. This sweet potato bread pudding should be against the law. I’m taking the rest of it home. I can’t eat that huge serving. Why did you talk me into getting my own instead of us sharing?” Nedra shook a finger at him.

  “Because this way we’ll have some to enjoy with coffee later,” Carlos said smoothly and smiled at her.

  “Well, I sure can’t fit any more food in here,” Nedra answered, patting her mid-section.

  “I have a suggestion. The evening isn’t too cold. In fact the weather is quite pleasant. Let’s work off dinner with a stroll.”

  “You know I work down here, yet I rarely do anything but go to the office and go home. I haven’t even seen the parks and walking paths on top of the levee.” Nedra glanced out of the window.

  “Then let’s go.” Carlos signaled to their waiter.

  A few minutes later they were outside. After a quick detour to put their doggie bags of food in his car, Nedra and Carlos headed towards the riverside pedestrian park. Arms linked, they enjoyed the crisp night air and the riverfront for another thirty minutes. They talked about a range of subjects, including the upcoming college football season. Carlos took great delight in learning that Nedra also enjoyed basketball. Soon they were making plans for a trip to New Orleans to see a game. Forty-five minutes later, they were back at the parking garage.

  They got into the Acura, but Carlos paused after putting his key in the ignition. “Now we can enjoy that rich bread pudding without feeling guilty,” he said.

  “Here, right now?” Nedra laughed. “That walk definitely stirred up your appetite.”

  “No, girl, back at my place where it’s warmer and there’s cable.” Carlos started the car and backed out of the parking space.

  “Oh.” Nedra started running through different ways to avoid going to his place.

  “I can finally break in that fancy coffee maker that my mother gave me when I bought my townhouse. I’ve had that thing for two years, but used it once when she came over.” Carlos laughed. “Good thing she hasn’t thought to ask about it again.”

  Nedra stared out the windshield straight ahead. “Listen, about going to your house...”

  “If you’re not comfortable with going to my townhouse, we can go to your place. I’ll stop and get you some pepper spray. You can zap me if I get out of hand.” Carlos stopped the car and put it in park again. “I don’t have an agenda, Nedra. Honest.”

  “Oh, I wasn’t thinking you did. Well, maybe a little. I just don’t want us to get our wires crossed, and you think that... I don’t want to mislead you to think…”

  “No, I don’t think you’re willing to jump into sex quickly with any guy that buys you a steak dinner.” Carlos placed a hand over one of hers. “This might come off like a line, but it’s true. I feel something special for you, Nedra. We’ll take whatever time is needed to get to the next level and when we’re both comfortable. Okay?”

  Nedra gazed into his eyes and saw sincerity. Carlos brushed a thumb against her cheek. Then he leaned over and gently kissed her lips. No tongue-down-her-throat kind of kiss, but a caress that lasted a few moments before he sat back.

  “Okay,” Nedra replied softly.

  “Great. Now we’ll call it a night so you can rest up and we can come back to the downtown square to listen to the band tomorrow afternoon.” He shifted to drive again.

  “But I have a fancy coffee maker, too,” she said quietly. “No need in us being wasteful and making coffee in two places.”

  Carlos grinned at her. “I’m big on being green.”

  Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Nedra’s condo, off Bluebonnet Avenue. She didn’t feel any apprehension as they entered her second floor, two-bedroom flat. They to
ok off their jackets and Nedra placed the bags of leftover steak and extra bread, which the waiter had given them, in her fridge. Then she gave Carlos a short tour. Returning to the kitchen, she put the coffee on to brew. With the R&B music channel playing on the television, they sat in the living room, where they talked and traded jokes. The smell of coffee floated in from the kitchen.

  “I think it’s ready,” Nedra said, standing.

  “That bread pudding is calling to me,” he said. “Carlos, we’re meant for each other. Come for me, my love.”

  Nedra giggled. “Yeah, right. Just admit you’re greedy when it comes to sugar. I wonder how you keep so fit.”

  “Hmm, so you like my look. Good to know.” Carlos struck a pose and then pretended to walk like a male model. “I’m going to keep working out, so I can hold on to my good thing.”

  “You’re so crazy,” Nedra replied and giggled even harder. “You know, I thought you’d be all serious and… I don’t know.”

  “Stuck up? Arrogant?” Carlos stopped clowning around and followed her into the kitchen.

  Nedra faced him. “Well, maybe. I’m glad you’re not.”

  “Speaking of looking good…” Carlos took both of her hands in his. “I’m happy I ended up at the Holiday Hospitality dinner. Meeting you is something I’m definitely thankful for.”

  “I glad we met, too,” she said. Her heart melted at the look in his beautiful, brown eyes.

  “I’ve been dating for the past eight months, since I broke up with someone. We have a five-year-old daughter. Chanté wanted a baby, but I didn’t. We tried to make it work, but we just weren’t good together. We argue sometimes because Chanté moved to Houston. She doesn’t always make it easy for me to see my daughter.” Carlos frowned.

  “What’s your little girl’s name?” Nedra asked, feeling a pang.

  “Carly. We stuck with the ‘C’ theme,” Carlos quipped.

  “That’s a pretty name, ” she replied. “I’m guessing she’s a daddy’s girl.”

  “All the way,” he said. “She’ll be here for Christmas since she spent Thanksgiving with her mother’s family this year. That’s it. No serious drama.” Carlos gazed at Nedra as though looking for a sign.

  “Thanks for telling me.”

  Every moment they spent together brought them closer; connected in a real way. This time Nedra kissed him. She pulled Carlos against her body and wrapped both of her arms around him. Their second kiss lasted longer, much longer. When they broke apart, he let out a slow breath.

  “We better have dessert and coffee before you have to slap my face.” He let go of Nedra and put a hand on his chest. “Whew.”

  “I could be making a mistake about you, but I’m going to break my first date rule.” Nedra pulled him to her again. Guiding his hands to her hips, she gave him another passionate kiss. When she stopped, both of them were breathing hard.

  “This isn’t our first date,” Carlos said, resting his forehead against hers.

  “Technically, it’s our first full date.” Nedra rubbed her lips against his neck, savoring the sensation. She gasped when he grew harder.

  “Are you sure you should break that rule? I’m willing to wait, even if it means spending a night of torture, home alone in my bed.” Carlos let out a soft moan as Nedra’s fingers lightly brushed his erection beneath the fabric of his slacks.

  “You want me to break that rule. Say it,” she whispered and nibbled on his right ear lobe.

  “Yes! Oh hell, yes.” Carlos rested his forehead against hers and sighed.

  Without speaking, Nedra took his hand and led him into her bedroom. They undressed in front of each other and savored the process as each item of clothing fell onto the carpet. Nedra’s practical side tried to gain her attention, but the vow she’d taken with her friends fell on deaf ears.

  When Carlos wrapped her in a loving embrace, skin against skin, Nedra felt cherished, not cheap. Each kiss and caress reinforced her first instinct after looking into his eyes on Thanksgiving Day. The charged heat between them was more than a quick sexual itch. When he touched her intimately and whispered with tenderness, all of her doubts and reservations went up in smoke. The hours of love, joy and happiness left them both breathless, speechless and exhausted.

  Chapter 5

  Sunday went by much too fast, thought Nedra on Monday morning. She sat at her desk, enjoying a rich, chocolate mocha latte in her favorite mug. The waiting stack of papers did not speak to her at all. Fortunately, the administrative assistant she supervised was doing the heavy lifting of answering the phones and her boss would not be in until after lunch, so Nedra had the luxury of replaying her wonderful weekend over and over again. Finally, she shook off her dream state and began working, though not at her usual pace.

  When her friend, Imani, came into the office, Nedra grinned at her. “Happy Monday morning,” she said. “I’m loving this cold weather we’re having. It’s just right for the holiday season.”

  “Morning,” Imani replied, sitting down in the chair facing Nedra’s desk. She frowned. “Mondays suck like sewer water.”

  “So you didn’t have a good weekend?” Nedra laughed when her friend screwed up her face into a macabre expression. “Errol had to work again?”

  “He’s working overtime because he’ll have Christmas off. At least that’s what he says,” Imani muttered. Her brows pulled together. “I can’t even get him on his cell phone sometimes.”

  Nedra shook her head. “The man is at work, Imani. He can’t be chatting with you. You’re complaining because the man has a great job and is hard working? He’s making money, which means a nice Christmas present for, guess who?”

  Imani’s expression brightened. “I like your logic, so what about you?”

  “Me?” Nedra cleared her throat and moved some papers around on her desk.

  “Hello, hello, hello. How’s everybody?” Maida asked as she slid into the other chair in Nedra’s office. “Thank God for Mondays.”

  “What?” Imani blinked at her.

  “You obviously don’t have kids, girl. Saturday, Chalice had a soccer game. Jon had a football game. His daddy took him, but then decided I’d have to pick him up. Thankfully, Mama agreed to help me out and the kids stayed with her, so I could keep my hair appointment. And I managed to talk her into babysitting, so I could go to the play with Imani,” Maida said.

  “It wasn’t bad at all,” Imani put in.

  “How would you know? You kept checking your phone for text messages,” Maida retorted.

  “Oh, shut up,” Imani mumbled.

  “Uh-huh,” Maida replied, giving her a side eye, and then resumed her narrative. “Sunday, I took them to their grandmother’s church across town. Jonathan insisted because his mother wanted to see them, so I hauled them across the river to New Roads. Did their daddy bring them back? No, that would have been considerate, so I had to drive back and pick the kids up. Sunday night we got ready for the week.” Maida eyed Nedra’s mug.

  “Yes, I have a pot of mocha chocolate coffee because I figured you guys might want some.” Nedra nodded in the direction of the office kitchenette. They typically met up for a Monday morning coffee break.

  “Bless you,” said Maida and left.

  “Me, too,” said Imani and followed her out.

  The two women soon returned, carrying large paper cups with steam rising. Both got settled again. They commiserated about the agony of work and the unreasonableness of bosses. Then talk turned back to the weekend.

  “So, make me feel better. At least I can live vicariously by listening to you two describe fun weekend activities.” Maida blew on her coffee and took a sip.

  “Sorry, I can’t help,” Imani retorted. Then she eyed Nedra over her fashionable eyeglasses. “But Nedra was just about to tell me about her weekend with the new man.”

  “Oo-wee. Tell it, girl. Tell it all.” Maida wiggled her eyebrows and nodded.

  “Yes, Nedra, you had a date Saturday night, as I recall.” Imani
sat back and crossed her long legs. “We’re listening.”

  “We had a nice time,” Nedra replied mildly, and stopped when the young woman she supervised entered. She took several pieces of sorted mail. When the assistant was gone, Nedra shrugged. “So, did Jon and Chalice win their games?”

  “His team lost, Chalice’s team won. Now back to your night with Carlos Jacobs,” Maida instructed.

  “Yeah, you’re the one playing games,” Imani said. “Tell us about the jazz concert.”

  “And dinner after,” Maida added, with a glance at Imani.

  “That’s right. And did you serve up some juicy dessert to the man?” Imani added.

  “We’re not in middle school,” Nedra retorted and waved a hand. “The concert was great. They even mixed in some rap with the jazz. The older folks seemed a bit puzzled, but most of the audience was our generation. We did our chair dance performances.” Nedra did a few moves and grinned at the memory.

  “So y’all jammed at the concert . Then you had dinner, and...” Imani gestured for Nedra to go on.

  “Dinner downtown was great. Then we went for a walk along the levee.” Nedra looked out of the window of her fourth-floor office. “You know, the Downtown Development initiative has really done wonders with the walking path. Baton Rouge is pretty at night.”

  “Umm, sounds magical. And then he took you home?” Maida sat forward in her chair and put her cup down.

  Nedra snapped out of her reverie to find her friends staring at her intently. “Right. So, like I said, we had a nice time.”

  “Uh-huh.” Imani looked at Maida.

  “Yeah, they had a nice evening. Did it end with him leaving you on your doorstep?” Maida lifted one eyebrow.