“You don’t know what you’re talking about. You’d better be glad she’s still at the salon and not hearing this nonsense, Tameka.” From the tremble of his voice, I knew he was rattled.
“No, you’re the one that’d better be glad she’s not here. You didn’t think I knew about Ariel and Shondra? Well, I do. I always have known, and I know you’re still seeing them both because it’s the whisper of the town. Play with my life, and I will make sure to ruin yours. Now, goodbye!” I huffed, feeling relieved as I released a ton of bricks on Rodney’s head.
“Rodney, what’s going on here?” Melody voice called out as she strolled through the door with a beautiful head of curls that cascaded down her shoulders.
“We’re discussing our new arrangement with the kids. They’re going home with me and not coming back,” I said to Melody. “Oh, and congratulations on your new addition. It must be wonderful to have a man so committed to you,” I added while winking at Rodney.
“Thank you,” Melody said with a confused smile.
“Goodbye, Tameka,” Rodney said, ushering me aw
ay with his eyes.
“Bye!”
I walked outside to find Jeb sitting in the car talking to the kids. Amid the craziness going on, they seemed to be having a peaceful conversation. We all deserved more peace, and I planned to do what I could to make it a reality.
***
“I’m sorry our homecoming wasn’t as you would have liked,” I said to Jeb after we’d shared a delicious dinner at my house, and the kids were upstairs getting ready for bed. He was helping me put the dishes away, holding a sexy grin on his lips.
“Who says it wasn’t? I think putting your ex-husband in his place and letting him know I’m here for you was the perfect homecoming.”
I giggled. “You’re crazy.”
“I’m only crazy because I’ve been wanting to do this,” he said as he cupped the back of my head into his hands and sucked my lower lip, drawing it into his mouth as though he was sampling nectar. His tongue explored every corner of my mouth, gliding with mine, moving over my teeth to the soft flesh of my cheeks, leaving a sweet and tangy taste that made me hunger for more.
My hands wrapped around his neck, deepening the kiss. He grabbed me by the waist, pulling me closer to him. I gripped his hair as his tongue massaged mine in slow and sensual circles. A desire coursed through my entire body, and I drew in a deep, staggered breath in response to the wave of heat flowing through me. He tickled my tongue with his, cradling my face in his hands. He gentled the kiss with brushes of his lips against mine and slowly drew away, exhaling deeply.
“Now, it’s perfect,” he said, resting his forehead against mine.
“You amaze me in so many ways. The kids opened up to you at dinner. You’re winning them over just like you did me,” I said.
“They’re a couple of smart kids. It’s a damn shame they have to deal with Rodney for a father.” Jeb slid a finger underneath my chin, lifting my brown gaze to meet his. “But I did notice something else at dinner. You were quiet. Are you okay?” he asked.
“I just have a lot on my mind. Today was hectic,” I admitted.
“I don’t want Rodney to get to you like that. How can I make it better, baby?” He leaned in and pressed his soft lips against mine.
I melted into him, falling faster than before. When he pulled back, I felt as if I would swoon. “You already have,” I said.
He peered into my eyes. “Just let me know what more I can do, and it’s done.”
“You’ve already done enough for me. Now, you have to get back to business and stop by the club tonight, right?”
“Yeah, I most definitely have to do that. I’ve been gone a week, so I need to at least put my eyes on the place.”
“A boss’s work is never done,” I said teasingly.
“Yeah, but I’m going to make sure I put in the important work first,” he said, looking into my eyes.
“I know you have a lot to do, so thanks again, for being there with me today.”
“Every time baby. See you tomorrow, right?” he asked.
“Yeah, what time?” I asked as I walked him to the front door.
“Around two.”