One Love Page 8

  “Then why haven’t we ever met her?” Tia looked at him hard.

  “Yes, daddy. Why?”

  He faced two sets of deep brown eyes that seemed to accuse him of keeping secrets.” We haven’t seen each other for a long time and you girls were so young, really just babies, back when we broke up.”

  “So you dumped Miss Karin,” Tia said bluntly.

  He was going to have to caution Shauntelle about gossiping in front of the children. “Stop using those kinds of phrases, Tia. Miss Karin and I aren’t dating anymore.”

  “Oh.” Tia wore an expression that said her assessment was closer to the mark.

  “This is a very nice lady named Lanessa Thomas.” Alex smiled at them. “You’re going to like her a lot.”

  Nia and Tia looked at each other then at him. As they had when young, they seemed to have communicated without speaking. Alex squirmed in his seat. Now what?

  “Maybe next week we’ll all have dinner. Okay?” The instant it popped out, Alex regretted it. Lanessa would not be happy he’d made such a commitment without consulting her.

  “Next week.” Tia put her head to one side. She looked at Nia who nodded. “Okay,” she said apparently speaking for both of them.

  Alex clenched his jaw. He would see Lanessa again in another day. How would she react to this news?

  ***

  “You told them what?” Lanessa felt a cold shiver of dread at the idea. She put down her glass of iced tea.

  The evening had gone very well, until this moment. She admired the way his house was decorated. Alex had bought the house about the time their relationship ended. Dinner had been relaxed and now they were in his living room listening to jazz. He’d taken this moment to drop a small bombshell. Meet his daughters? Lanessa had last seen them when they were three years old, not long after his divorce had been final.

  “I think it’s time, don’t you?” Alex looked at her seemingly in hopes of some agreement.

  “No!” Lanessa blurted out. “I mean, it’s a little soon. We don’t want to confuse them. They were probably just getting used to Karin.”

  “Okay, confession time. The girls were at my house Thursday night while their mother worked late. We got to talking and I told them about you.” Alex cleared his throat when Lanessa looked at him sharply.

  “What did they say?” she studied him closely. His expression was not encouraging.

  “You know kids, they had questions.” Alex lifted a shoulder.

  “I’ll bet.” Lanessa may have been apart from him for several years, but she knew when he was being circumspect with his answers.

  “Then I figured we could get together for dinner next week—”

  “Next week!” Lanessa’s mouth fell open. “Have you lost your mind? We’ve only been seeing each other for three weeks. Not even a month.”

  “I know but—”“

  “This is not my definition of taking it slow.” Lanessa rubbed her hands together.

  “It’s only a dinner with my little girls, Nessa. Come on, it’s no big deal,” Alex said in a reassuring tone. He pulled her hands apart and held them in his.

  “Oh yes it is. We haven’t discussed bringing our families into this for a reason.” Lanessa stared at their hands entwined. “We don’t know if we’ll make it last this time. No guarantees, I meant that.”

  “Look at me. You have doubts about us? If so I want to know now.”

  “I’m not a new person. I’m still the same Lanessa who loses her temper and likes things her way.” Lanessa tried to put into words how she felt. They could fall into the danger of repeating an old pattern. “I can’t blame alcohol for everything.”

  “I know that. What I’m asking is if you’re having doubts now.” Alex spoke in a quiet voice. “I’m a package deal. Take me, you take my kids. Maybe you don’t want that.”

  “I just think we’ve got enough facing us as it is. Let’s see how it goes before we add more people to the mix.” Lanessa gazed into his dark eyes. Her heart pounded as seconds went by.

  “Okay.” Alex nodded once. “I did kind of stumble into the dinner idea too fast.”

  “Sure, we’ve got time.” Lanessa felt a wave of relief wash over her.

  Alex drew her to his chest. “But understand this; I want you in my life.”

  “Let’s not plan to far ahead yet,” Lanessa murmured a weak protest.

  His response was a long, deep kiss. Lanessa pressed against him enjoying the feel of his mouth on hers. Heat flared in the places his hands stroked her. When he caressed her thigh, she gasped. One touch and she was hungry to feel him inside her. Thoughts of going slow flew from her mind.

  “I want you, Lanessa,” Alex whispered. “One look at you and I was in love again. I’ll do whatever it takes. Are you willing?”

  “Yes,” Lanessa said. Her answer was more a moan of desire. She could not have refused him anything at this moment.

  Without speaking, Alex pulled her from the sofa and led her down the hall to his bedroom. One lamp was on throwing a shadow across the shades of green and blue. Floor to ceiling draperies had a swirling pattern of rich earth tones. A matching comforter and big pillows were on the bed. Lanessa was awed at the quiet serenity that exuded from this most private space. He stood back from her with passion in his eyes. This was Alex, the man she’d known for years. A sensuous combination of strong and nurturing.

  “Only if you’re sure,” he said.

  As though to tempt her past the point of refusal, he opened his shirt. His broad chest was evident even through the cotton undershirt. Dark hair covered the well-defined pectoral muscles. He pulled the shirt down from his shoulders. Lanessa was mesmerized by each movement. The jazz coming from his compact disc was replaced by the rhythmic beat of blues. A deep female voice crooned a love song. Alex crossed to her and started unbuttoning the short-sleeved silk blouse she wore. Lanessa closed her eyes. A leisurely process of undressing each other followed. Alex kissed her exposed skin after an item of clothing was removed. Soon they stood naked wrapped in a tight embrace. Alex stepped back to gaze at her for several moments.

  “You’re more beautiful than I remembered,” he said in a soft voice.

  He got down on his knees and kissed her stomach. His lips brushed down the soft curve of her hip. Lanessa closed her eyes and was instantly lost in a haze of pleasure. Alex used his tongue to trace a line of fire over each tender spot. The slow pace gave way to their urgent need. Alex guided back toward the bed until she sank onto the comforter. He used his mouth and hands on her body. Lanessa was shaken by a series of small stabs of ecstasy with his every skillful caress. From a distance it seemed she heard her own moans. He was shivering as he whispered her name between licking and kissing her. For a tormenting few seconds he drew away.

  “Don’t stop,” Lanessa called to him. She clutched his arms.

  “Shh,” Alex murmured close to her ear. He guided her hands to help him put on the condom.

  With a soft moan, Alex entered her. Lanessa gazed into his eyes. She matched the movement of his hips with her own rocking motion. Their lovemaking was so sweet she cried silently, holding onto him. Their moans and sighs mixed, two voices of passion harmonizing. With the blinding intensity of lightening striking her innermost being, Lanessa felt a shock of rapture so strong she seemed to lose consciousness. Nothing existed; nothing mattered but the need to make the feeling last. Alex responded his moans louder now. They both gasped for breath, moving frantically together faster and faster. Then like a tide going out, the urgent need subsided. The hunger was satisfied for now. Alex lay in her arms shuddering as drops of his perspiration mixed with hers.

  He sighed and buried his face between her breasts. “Lanessa, Lanessa.”

  “I love you,” Lanessa said. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

  What was the use pretending? This time the pain would be unbearable if they parted. Yet there was no turning back. From the day they’d had lunch, a part of her knew they would come to this momen
t.

  “I won’t let go, baby. Hold on to me,” Alex mumbled against her skin as though reading her mind.

  Chapter 6

  “That’s fabulous!” Jade wrapped an arm around Lanessa’s neck. “But don’t mention it to mama. You know how she is.”

  They were having Sunday dinner at their parent’s house. Alton and Damon were helping Clarice clear the table. Lanessa and Jade went into the large den for a sisterly chat. Six months pregnant, Jade was the pampered member of the family.

  “She pulled a fast one and got us together at that luncheon. But I have to give her credit. I never would have had the courage to call him.” Lanessa had to admit her mother had been right.

  “Will wonders never cease,” Jade said with a grin. “Mama’s interference isn’t a disaster for once.”

  “Don’t break out the party hats just yet. We’ve got a few mountains to climb before we settle in love-land for good.” Lanessa took a sip of coffee in one of Clarice’s fine porcelain cups.

  “Be serious. If you can find each other after everything that’s happened between you, then you can make it.” Jade patted her arm.

  “Oh yeah? He wants me to meet his twins.” Lanessa felt a flutter of anxiety. “Girls, age eight.”

  “Humm, better you than me,” Jade quipped then recovered at the grimace her words brought. “I’m teasing. They’ll love you.”

  “I don’t know anything about children, Jade.” Lanessa stared at her sister’s rounded stomach. “Being an aunt was intimidating enough.”

  “Well get ready, because I expect you to do lots of babysitting.” Jade rubbed her tummy.

  “We’re talking two smart, probably unfriendly little darlings. The apple of daddy’s eye. I’m cooked,” she muttered.

  “Now I’m new at this parenting business, but children can’t rule adults. We have to respect their feelings, but guide them.” Jade sat down gingerly on the love seat. “Do you think really think Alex would let them decide the fate of his love life?”

  “His children are everything to him. They could tip the balance.” Lanessa sighed. “And I’m not all that certain our past is behind us.”

  “That’s nonsense. You’ve got good love stamped on you like a tattoo.”

  “Come on.” Lanessa’s hand came up to her face. She whirled to stare at herself in gold-framed mirror on the wall.

  “I haven’t seen you grin so much since… Shoot I can’t remember. That could only mean one thing, y’all did the old horizontal slow dance,” Jade said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

  “Is it that obvious?” Lanessa turned back to her sister.

  “To me it is, sis.” Jade slapped the cushion beside her. “Sit down. Let me tell you what’s going to happen. Those girls will be a bit territorial when it comes to their daddy. But they’ll get over it.”

  “You really think so?” Lanessa dropped next to her on the sofa.

  “Yes, because Alex will know how to handle it. Don’t forget, he’s been their father for eight years.” Jade shrugged. “And a darn good one I’ll bet.”

  “That’s the truth. It makes him even sexier, you know? The thought of that big strong man being so gentle and patient with his children.” Lanessa felt a tingle up her spine.

  “Tell me, honey. I’m pregnant, but I’m not numb from the waist down. The other day Damon was being so sweet fixing up the nursery and we…” Jade let out a long slow breath.

  “In your condition? Jade, really?” Lanessa’s mouth hung open.

  Jade laughed. “There are ways, yes indeed.”

  “I don’t need to hear more, thank you.” Lanessa put up a palm to stop her.

  “Seriously, don’t get all worked up. Love will find a way.”

  “You’ve been an incurable romantic since you found Damon,” Lanessa gazed at her with affection.

  “He made me a believer. And you know I had the love life from hell before we met.” Jade shook her head.

  “Your first husband topped mine, and that’s saying something!”

  Both of them giggled and traded memories of the days when they were going through tough times. They could look back at laugh at what hurt so much at the time. Lanessa began to feel better just talking to her sister. Jade was right. She and Alex could take a steady approach. Alex would know best how to deal with any problems with his children. Jade and Lanessa were still swapping funny stories with the others joined them.

  “Your dad was showing me his new boat, Jade. It’s really something.” Damon came in with the excitement of a boy who has seen a wonderful new toy.

  “It’s a beauty. Motor runs smooth as silk, son. Come out with me next week. Wednesday or Thursday.” Alton Pellerin, tall and the color of coffee with just a hint of crème, slapped him on the back.

  “I don’t know. I’ve got so much to do…” Damon’s brow furrowed. It seemed clear he was thinking of a way to make it work despite his words.

  “Listen, I ran my business for thirty years. But I found time for play.” Alton tilted his head toward him. “C’mon. Won’t be many folks out during the week. We can head to Lake Des Allemands.”

  “That’s too far. Maybe someplace closer?” Damon walked over to stand next to Alton.

  “What about Blind River. My pal Buddy Garner says he caught quite a few sac-a-lait this past week,” Alton offered quickly.

  “Go on, babe. You’ve been working hard for months without a break,” Jade said.

  Damon gazed at Jade with a worried look in his eyes. “Sweetie, you might need me. No, I can’t leave town.”

  “Jade will be fine. Between my wife and your mother, she hardly gets a moment of peace,” Alton said low.

  “I heard that.” Clarice came in. She shot him a glance of censure at him as she passed by.

  “She’s got ears like radar,” Alton muttered to Damon, his back to Clarice.

  “And don’t you forget it Alton Pellerin,” Clarice retorted in confirmation. “Now as for taking our son-in-law fishing, I approve. Do him good to relax.”

  “Thursday sounds good.” Damon wore a wide smile.

  “I’ll take care of Jade. I want to get a look at the nursery. What color did you decide on for paint?” Clarice sat down in the recliner near Jade and fixed her with a hard stare.

  “I knew there was an ulterior motive to getting you out of town.” Alton nodded to Damon. Both men laughed.

  Jade and Clarice began a minor war of wills over patterns and furnishings for the baby’s room. Lanessa could only smile at them. Clarice was finding her youngest child was not as pliant as before. Jade had come into her own with marriage and now motherhood. Her confidence came from being successful in her career as a top administrator in a state agency. Lanessa felt a pang of emptiness. Could she find such fulfillment? She thought of Alex. Despite her words of caution, she had hope. It could just happen for her, too.

  Her work seemed to be taking off. The latest project for Paxton-Waite could prove to be her best job yet. Not only would it pay well, but would lead to other lucrative contacts. Something her father had said pushed through her musing. She joined the two men at the large picture window overlooking a green expanse of lawn.

  Lanessa tugged on his shirtsleeve. “Daddy, you mentioned Lake Des Allemands a few minutes ago. Do you go there often?”

  “Sure, my pals and I love it. When the speckle trout are running, you’ve got the best fishing around.” Alton winked at Damon. “And every April we have the biggest bass rodeo for black sportsmen in the south.”

  “Still a problem getting respect, eh? That’s so ignorant.” Damon looked scornful.

  “The big rodeos are run by and for white guys. They’ve been treating us like dirt for years.” Alton took a sip of iced tea. “And I’ll tell you something else—”

  Lanessa tugged on his shirt again before he could launch into an extended rant. “Excuse me, daddy, but is there much development around the lake?”

  “Nah, a few shacks owned by Cajuns and Creoles. There’s a couple o
f boat launches of course. Old man Boudreaux has the most popular place.”

  “Have you heard of Paxton-Waite,” Lanessa asked.

  “I have,” Damon responded before Alton could. “They’re coming into the state in a big way I understand.” He looked at his father-in-law. “What have you heard?”

  Alton frowned with concentration. “I only know what I’ve read in the Baton Rouge Business Report. At least about what they’re doing in Louisiana. Why do you want to know, sugar?” He glanced at Lanessa.

  “I’m doing a job for Caine Dawson, research on the area’s industrial history, cultural profile and parish infra-structure.” Lanessa watched her father’s frown deepen. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’ve heard that name before. And it wasn’t good.” Alton shook his head slightly. “Can’t recall right off hand.”

  Lanessa trusted her father’s instincts. He had a razor sharp mind when it came to business. “Interesting. I sort of got funny vibes from him myself.”

  “Of course it could just be he out maneuvered somebody in business. Bet you could find folks saying nasty things about me.” Alton grinned and turned to Damon. “About your father, too, son.”

  “Some of it’s true.” Damon grinned back at him. “But really, Dad has a take no prisoners attitude when it comes to business success. It’s left him with bitter rivals, black and white. Could be the case with this man.”

  “Yeah, I’ve seen Oliver Knight go after what he wants.” Alton had an expression of admiration. “In fact twenty years ago he beat out one of his largest competitors. It was beautiful the way he—”“

  “Daddy, back to Paxton-Waite.” Lanessa knew better than to let him start a long story.

  “Can’t imagine what they want with land around Lake Des Allemands. But if you’re working for ‘em, you should know more than me.” Alton glanced at her. “Or is something more on your mind?”

  “You know so many important people in this state. If anybody can get me insider information, you can.” Lanessa gave him a sweet smile.

  Alton melted as he always did when his daughters charmed him.

  “I’ll find out what I can, sugar.” Alton pinched her cheek with affection. “See what a joy children are, Damon? You’ll soon find out.” He turned back to beam at her with pride. “My girls are both treasures.”