Authors: Darrien Lee
Precious Stones (20 page)
“Is everything okay, Michael?”
He caressed her cheek and said, “Everything is fine, but we do need to talk.”
Michael was really starting to like Madeline, and even though they hadn't known each other for very long, he could see himself having a future with her. He felt that now was a better time than any for him to be honest with her about his past. If she never called or wanted to see him again, he would understand, but if she stayed, he would know she cared about him as much as he cared about her. Needing her undivided attention, he picked up his robe and helped Madeline into it so he wouldn't be distracted by her sexy body. Then he walked her over to a small love seat, where they sat down in the moonlight.
He kissed her hands and said, “Madeline, I really, really like you, and I've found myself falling hard for you, but before we take this relationship any further, I think there's some things I need to be honest with you about.”
She cupped his face and said, “Michael, I'm into you as well. I'm an astrology fanatic, and all the stars point to you being a wonderful man.”
“We'll see how you feel after I tell you about my life.”
Madeline crossed her legs and said, “I'm a big girl. Give it to me, and I mean everything.”
Michael had planned on being honest, but he wasn't ready to tell her his life story. Still, he felt compelled to share all and just started talking. He took a deep breath and started by telling her about his molestation at the military academy and the charges he had filed against Lieutenant Colonel Biggs. From there he revealed the details of his relationship with Kevin and how Kevin hadn't been able to accept that their affair was a mistake, and the results of the abuse he had suffered at the hands of the lieutenant colonel. He mentioned his short relationship with Keilah and how he had planned to get her pregnant and fight her for custody of their child.
Once he was finished, Madeline stared at him and said, “Wow! You've been a busy boy, huh?”
“I'm sorry to drop all that in your lap, but I didn't want you to get to know the man I am without knowing the man I was. I also want you to know that I'm not that person anymore, and to be honest, that wasn't me in the first place. Being held in captivity in Iraq for all those months was an awakening for me. I truly am a changed man, and I'm tired of being hurt and hurting others.”
She snapped her finger and said, “That's where I know you from. I knew I'd seen you somewhere before. One of the magazines I freelance for did a short story on your rescue. You look different than you do in uniform, but handsome nonetheless. I'm so proud of you, Michael, and I admire you. You're a brave man. Not just for what you did in Iraq, but also for being honest with me. I'm sure that wasn't easy to do.”
He swirled the ice around in his glass and said, “I didn't want any fanfare with my homecoming, and what I told you about my past is only right for me to do, and I did the magazine interview at the urging of my superiors. They want the public to know what our guys are going through over there.”
She put her hand on his leg and said, “Babe, there are a lot of people who don't have a clue about what the soldiers experience over there. I'm glad you did the article. It was well written. I wish I had done the interview.”
Without making eye contact with her, he said, “Thanks for the reassurance.”
“Can I ask you something, Michael?”
“Sure,” he answered as he finished off his drink.
“Did you love that girl?” she asked.
“I did, but I wasn't in love with her. She's a very nice woman, and I hurt her very bad. She was so pissed, she shot me in the foot when she caught me in bed with Kevin. She's married now, and it gives me peace that she's forgiven me for what I did to her.”
Madeline sat there, her eyes wide with amazement, holding on to every word. She felt his sadness and his feeling of repentance. She kissed his hands, then held them over her heart.
“I'm sure she was in shock and hurt. She could've killed you, huh?”
“Without a doubt.”
“Michael, who among us hasn't had a sexual experience with someone of the same sex? I tried it in college, and while it was cool, it wasn't me, and to be honest, I can't picture you being with another man.”
He got up and poured himself another drink and said, “Me either. Do you want a drink?”
“No, but I do have one more important question.”
“Yes?” he asked softly as he rejoined her on the love seat.
“Did you practice safety in your relationships?”
He took a sip of his drink and looked her in the eyes and answered, “Always. I would never jeopardize my health or another person's health, either.”
She studied his expression and saw the sincerity in his eyes. “I appreciate your honesty, but I want us to do something together that I do every year, anyway.”
“What's that?” he asked as he hung his head with shame.
She tilted his chin upward so she could look into his handsome brown eyes. “I want us to take the HIV test together. I took one three months ago, but I'll do it again for you. It will be nice to do it together.”
Michael pulled Madeline into his lap and caressed her shapely bronze thighs. “Of course I'll take the test with you. If you're willing to hang with me after I told you about all my drama, I'll do anything for you, Madeline.”
She looked up at the full moon and tenderly said, “Michael, I have a feeling that you've been carrying that burden for a long time. I want you to know that I'm here for you. I don't judge, and what that colonel did to you was evil. I hope you get your day in court and they put his ass under the jail.”
“So do I, Madeline. So do I,” he repeated. “Let's go to bed, sweetheart.”
The couple climbed into bed and held each other in silence for a moment.
Madeline caressed Michael face lovingly and said, “Babe?”
He opened his eyes and stared into her angelic face. “Yes, dear?”
She kissed him and said, “Let me write your story. It might be liberating for you. I've always wanted to write a book, but I never found a story that I had enough passion for until now.”
Michael closed his eyes and pulled her closer to his body. “Maybe later. I don't think that would be a good idea right now, especially since my business with the lieutenant colonel is not settled. I don't want to draw any unfavorable attention to my family and the people I care about until it's behind me. Okay?”
She nuzzled her face against his warm neck and said, “You're right. The only thing that's important right now is me helping you get past all the hurt and pain that you've suffered so we can get on with our lives.”
He kissed her lips and neck and jokingly said, “You're hired.”
Madeline giggled and gave him a fiery kiss. “Seriously Michael, if you don't already have one, you need to get an attorney to help you with your complaint against that colonel. I've been around enough brass to know that they fight hard and dirty, especially if it looks like they could lose everything they've worked for.”
Michael listened to Madeline and realized that he hadn't even thought about hiring an attorney. He'd been so caught up with readjusting to civilian life, dealing with Kevin's antics, and confronting Biggs, he hadn't thought about an attorney.
“You're right, Madeline. I hadn't thought about it,” he answered as he ran his hand through her hair. “I'm sure he has one representing him.”
“Can't you get one from the judge advocate general's office?”
He stared into her eyes and said, “You are one sharp lady, and a beautiful one too.”
Madeline blushed and said, “You have too much to deal with alone right now. You need me, Michael, so tomorrow we're going to sit down, strategize, and get you an attorney so we can get this settled and that demon off his post and out of our lives forever. Okay?”
He kissed her lovingly on the lips and, with a smile on his face, said, “You go, girl. I'm scared of you.”
She cupped his face and nibbled on his ear and said, “Don't be scurred.”
Michael felt that Madeline was the answer to all his prayers. She was sweet, smart, nurturing, and extremely passionate. From this moment on, he couldn't see his life without her in it, and if he had it his way, he would try to make his dreams come true.
Chapter Nineteen
“You want to go home Super Bowl weekend?” Ramsey asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “That's in two weeks. I don't think we can get away, babe. It's going to be a busy weekend for us.”
“I don't care,” Keilah snapped at him. “I want to go home. I'm tired of not being able to come and go as we please!”
Ramsey looked over at his wife and studied her as he sat the coffeepot down. Neariah squealed to get Keilah's attention so that she would feed her more scrambled eggs. Keilah fed her daughter in silence. Ramsey realized that Keilah was clearly upset, but she knew the nature of their business, and that particular weekend was going to be extremely hectic for their agency. He didn't want to upset her any more than she already was, so he proceeded delicately.
As he poured a little cream and sugar into his coffee and stirred it, he asked, “Are you feeling okay?”
She glanced up at him and said, “I feel just fine.”
Ramsey took a sip of coffee and shook his head. “I disagree. You seem a little pissed off.”
“That's an understatement,” she angrily replied as she stood and scraped the remainder of her daughter's eggs into the trash.
Ramsey watched her movements as she handed Neariah a cup of apple juice and then put the dirty plate into the dishwasher. He knew he was on dangerous ground, but he needed to get to the bottom of his wife's sour mood. While scanning the newspaper, he watched her make her plate with eggs, a croissant, and sausage links. He poured her a cup of coffee, and before he allowed her to touch it, he pulled her into his arms.
“Why are you so angry this morning?” he asked. “Is it just about Super Bowl weekend, or is it something else?”
She lowered her head and said, “It's everything, Ramsey. We don't spent enough time together. We don't get to see my or your family as much as we should. How many times have Xenia and Keith invited us to Tampa? We work too damn hard not to relax and enjoy life and see the people we love when we want to.”
“Wow! You do have a lot on your mind. No wonder you're fired up.”
“There's something else you should know, Ramsey.”
“I'm almost afraid to ask, but go ahead,” he said as he caressed her back.
“I'm having second thoughts about opening the office in Atlanta. I think it's taking on too much when we don't have to. I want to spend time at our new home in Florida that I haven't even seen yet... .”
Ramsey couldn't believe his ears. Keilah was in rare form, and since she was pregnant, he needed to calm her down as quickly as possible, before her blood pressure skyrocketed. He put his finger over her lips to silence her. As he held on to her, he could feel her body trembling as tears began to fall out of her eyes. Ramsey didn't know it if was her hormones or something else, but whatever it was, it had her extremely infuriated.
“Sweetheart, you're trembling. Calm down and take a breath. You're going to make yourself hyperventilate.”
She looked up into his concerned eyes and said, “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lash out. It's not you. It's the situation,” she explained as she grabbed a napkin out of the holder and wiped her tears.
“Why have you been holding this in, babe? You should talk to me when things are bothering you.”
“I've been thinking about it for a while,” she revealed.
“It's time for us to cut back on our responsibilities at the office now more than ever, since we're going to have another baby.”
He kissed her forehead and said, “I know it's something we both want to do, but we're at a critical point right now. I don't think now is a good time.”
She walked over to the sink and picked up a wet dish towel and began to clean the tray on Neariah's high chair.
“Critical time or not, I'm not interested in opening the Atlanta office anymore,” she announced as she picked Neariah up and placed her on the floor. “But if you want to go ahead with it, go right ahead. I'll visit a couple of times a year, but I'm not going to be involved.”
He smiled and said, “You're serious about this, aren't you?”
She picked up her coffee cup and took a sip and said, “Do I look like I'm joking?”
Neariah walked over to her father and grabbed on to his pant leg. As she stood there, looking up at him with a huge smile on her face, she held her sippy cup upside down, dripping apple juice all over his pant leg and shoe.
Feeling the coolness soaking through his sock, Ramsey finally looked down at her and said, “Neariah, you're spilling your juice.”
“Daddy!” she squealed. “Juice!”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I see your juice,” he replied as he pulled a towel out of the drawer and cleaned up the mess.
“You're going to have to mop that up, or it's going to be sticky,” Keilah said as she sat down and started eating her breakfast. She felt much better after unburdening her heart with her thoughts. Talking to her brother had helped her with her decision, but it had been weighing a lot heavier on her heart lately, especially with the news of her pregnancy. She was ready to settle down and enjoy her husband and children, but Ramsey seemed clueless about her sudden change of heart about the office in Atlanta.
Ramsey let out a breath and took Neariah by the hand and led her back over to her mother. Before Ramsey could clean up the mess, Target walked over and started licking it up.
“Get away, Target!” Ramsey yelled, startling the dog and causing him to tuck in his tail and slowly disappear into the hallway.
Neariah held on to her mother's chair and sipped on what was left in her cup as they watched Ramsey mop up the floor. Keilah thought it was humorous to see her husband mopping the floor in a business suit.
“Ramsey, what are you doing?” Camille asked as she walked into the kitchen and sat some grocery bags on the counter.
“Cleaning up the rug rat's mess,” he answered.
Camille tried to take the mop out his hands, but he refused to give it up.
“I got it, Camille.”
She backed up and then greeted Keilah and her special little angel. Neariah ran into Camille's arms and gave her a big hug.
Camille kissed Neariah's cheek and said, “Hello, Neariah. I missed you.”
Keilah stood and put her empty plate in the dishwasher and said, “She missed you too.”
Camille grabbed Keilah's chin and turned her head so she could look into her eyes. “You don't look well. What's going on with you?”
“Nothing's going on,” Keilah replied as she finished off her coffee.
Camille rolled her eyes and said, “You're lying. I know when something's going on. You're not getting enough rest, and I hope you're still taking your vitamins.”
Keilah gave Camille a kiss on the cheek and said, “Yes, ma'am. In fact, I'm getting ready to take them now.”
“Okay,” Camille answered as she started unpacking the grocery bags. “Has Neariah had breakfast?”
“Yes, so she shouldn't be hungry.”
Ramsey returned to the kitchen after putting away the wet mop and asked, “Can you see the juice stain on my pants?”
“Yes,” they answered in unison.
“Damn,” he mumbled, then headed upstairs to change his clothes.
Keilah excused herself from Camille's company and then followed her husband out into the hallway. “Ramsey, I'm going to go ahead and head out.”
He gave her a kiss and said, “Okay, drive safely. We can finish talking about the business at the office if you want to.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist, laid her head against his chest, and whispered, “I know you think I'm psycho.”
He embraced her lovingly and said, “No, I don't think you're psycho. I think you're a fabulous mother with nothing but love for her family. Life is short, and you want to spend time with family. I get it.”
She smiled and said, “Thank you.”
“You're welcome. Now, get out of here before we're both late.”
Keilah felt a feeling of relief as she watched her man make his way up the stairs. He was undeniably the best thing that had ever happened to her, and she loved him deeply. It was taking all her strength not to sprint up the stairs and rip his clothes off.
Then again, why fight it?
she thought.
Then again, why fight it?
she thought.
Keilah quickly went into the hall closet and got Neariah's hat and coat. She entered the kitchen and found Camille and Neariah playing peekaboo.
“Camille, I really need to talk to Ramsey before I leave. Do you mind taking Neariah for a walk in her stroller?”
Camille stood and said, “Sure. As a matter of fact, I was just getting ready to take her to that romper room place she likes so much.”
Keilah helped Neariah into her coat and hat while Camille slid into hers.
“We'll get out of your way. Call me if you need me to pick anything up while we're out.”
Keilah hugged Camille and gave Neariah a loving kiss before putting Neariah's diaper bag on Camille's shoulder. “Thank you so much.”
Camille opened the door and said, “You don't have to thank me, child. I know what it's like to be young and in love. Have fun.”
Keilah blushed and waved to Camille as she backed out of the garage before hurrying upstairs to her husband. In the bedroom she found him sitting on the side of the bed in his shirt, tie, and briefs, watching ESPN.
He stood and started to put on his pants. “Neariah pretty much emptied her cup on my pants. I thought you were gone.”
She walked over to him and grabbed the pants out of his hands and threw them in the chair. “I forgot something,” she replied as she started unbuttoning her blouse.
“What are you doing?” he asked with a sly grin on his face.
In a split second she was out of her skirt and was standing in front of him in a black lace thong and bra. She fluffed her hair with a gesture she knew always turned him on.
“Are you serious?” He chuckled. “What about Camille? You know you're loud.”
She pushed him back on the bed and climbed on top of him. With her lips within inches of his, she said, “Camille and Neariah have gone for a ride, so I can be as loud as I want to be. Now kiss me.”
He kissed and nibbled on her lips as he ran his hands through her hair. He was seeing a softer, more sensual woman than he had earlier. Her demeanor had gone from one extreme to another, but this was the side of her that he loved most.
“You know we have a meeting with department heads in an hour, don't you?” he reminded her as he caressed her thighs.
She sighed and climbed off him momentarily. He watched her as she picked up the telephone and punched in a series of numbers.
“Cameron, it's Keilah. Ramsey and I need you to push our departmental meeting ahead to lunch. Let Sherrie know as well so she can adjust Ramsey's schedule. We're going to make the meeting a working lunch, so order lunch from one of the restaurants we normally use. We'll be in the office shortly. Call us if anything comes up.”
Keilah's assistant, Cameron, noted her request and assured her he would take care of everything. She hung up the telephone and turned her attention back to her half-dressed husband, who was now sitting up on the side of bed.
“Now, back to you. We're getting ready to have our own meeting,” she said as she started removing his tie. “I want you out of these clothes so I can feel your skin against mine.”
He palmed her backside before lowering her thong and removing her bra. “You really know how to drive me crazy,” he revealed before running his tongue across her navel, causing her to shiver.
She bit down on her lower lip as she watched him remove his shirt, T-shirt, and briefs. He pulled her into the bed and kissed her lips, neck, and breasts.
“Ramsey ...” she panted and moaned.
He silenced her with a long, hard, wet kiss as he began to feverishly make love to her. Keilah's heart pounded in her chest as her husband's massive body plunged deeper and deeper into hers. Her body absorbed each thrust, and within minutes she began to tremble out of control. A few more thrusts sent Ramsey's body spiraling into an enormous release.
Tears rolled out of her eyes as he kissed her ear and whispered, “I love you, Keilah.”
“I love you too,” she answered as she held on to his muscular frame.
He caressed her face and said, “Listen, I'm okay with whatever you want to do about the business. All I want is for you to be happy. If you want to go to home Super Bowl weekend, count me in.”
“Thank you, Ramsey. I'm so sorry I snapped at you this morning. If it really is a bad time for us to go home, we don't have to go.”
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