Five years ago, the Ridgehall neighborhood had contained several rows of older Victorian style homes. Those houses had been ripe for renovations and someone to give them a hefty dose of T-L-C. Graham had completed several odd jobs for quite a few of the owners and had gotten a tip about the property at
When Graham presented the house to Sheree, she immediately saw its potential. The rotting wood floors, rusty kitchen and bathroom pipes and peeling walls that screamed for fresh paint, did nothing to deflect the joy that they both felt at owning their first home. Now the Ridgehall area was some of Handley’s prime real estate. It was clear even back then that Graham had an innate ability for spotting valuable property.
Sheree parked her red Camaro on the street in front of the two-story brick house. She’d reserved a room at a local hotel and didn’t want to get her car blocked in with the many guests that were sure to arrive soon. Betty had been deeply loved by everyone that knew her. She was known all over town by those she’d helped during her many years as the director of her church’s ministry to the homeless.
As Sheree walked across the beautifully landscaped lawn, she wrestled with whether or not she should ring the doorbell or just walk on in. She wasn’t sure which was appropriate for her now. Finally, she decided to just ring the doorbell and then let the family decide how it should be handled from that point on.
Sheree pressed the lighted rectangle by the door and inhaled deeply of the purple pansies that were planted by the front walk. That had been one of the first things Graham had planted just for her. It was nice to see that they were still there as a symbol of the love they once shared.
Graham’s older sister answered the door and immediately engulfed Sheree in a big bear hug. However, they couldn’t hug too long or too tightly, because Juanita was eight months pregnant with child. When they withdrew, Sheree smiled tenderly at the woman who had the same classic dark chocolate features as her mother, Betty. Juanita even had her mother’s gray eyes. Graham had those eyes as well, although he had his father’s complexion.
“I see you are finally giving
“Girl, don’t you know it.” Juanita grinned wide, patting her protruding belly in the powder blue maternity dress she wore. “Sister-in-law, come on in. And from now on, you don’t have to ring that doorbell. Shoot, let me find Daddy, so you can get your key. You’re home, girl.” As usual, Juanita made Sheree feel just like one of the family. And it did feel like home.
Juanita had always treated Sheree like a lovable little sister and protecting her seemed to just come naturally. One time Juanita had even gone so far as to fistfight one of Graham’s old girlfriends on Sheree’s behalf.
Apparently a gorgeous, mocha-skinned woman named Trina Flood had gotten news of Graham’s impromptu nuptials and decided to come to his parents’ house to protest. It was a Sunday and everyone was there for dinner. When Graham insisted that Trina stop making a fool out of herself and leave, she retaliated by throwing malicious insults at his new wife.
Sheree had simply shrugged it off and gone back inside the house with her husband, leaving the irate woman outside by herself. Trina didn’t matter to Sheree. Why should she? Sheree had Graham now.
But Trina obviously mattered to Juanita. Because before anyone could stop her, Graham’s sister had charged their unwelcome visitor and dragged her by her long curly hair all the way back to her car. A few minutes after her utter humiliation, Trina got into her black sports car and left with a few scrapes and a badly bruised ego. They never saw or heard from her again. However, black paint was found on Sheree’s tan Mercedes a month later when it sustained damage from some anonymous person hitting it while it was parked outside of a grocery store.
***
Fortunately, there were no catfights going on today. Today was a day of consoling fellowship. Inside of the Leverett house, there were a group of people already seated in the spacious living room. Sheree courteously waved at them as she followed Juanita towards the kitchen area. She knew every inch of this place. She’d watched her delicious husband shape and mold every nook and cranny of this house. It was going to be a house of loving parents surrounded by many rambunctious kids.
We never got to the having kids part, Sheree mused, sighing with regret. The way she and Graham ended their marriage seemed so stupid now. If they had just waited a little longer, cooled off, dropped their pride and stubbornness, they would still be together now. Only if.
When Sheree and Juanita entered the kitchen, Horace was fixing drinks at the oak island that had been hand-carved by his son. Secretly, Sheree knew that their initials were carved underneath each shelf. Graham had lovingly put ‘GL loves SL forever’ in hundreds of hidden places all over this house. The same house they were supposed to grow old together in.
No wonder Graham moved out of here. It must have been torment for him, Sheree mused with a deeper understanding of her ex-husband’s pain.
Just then, Horace came over and hugged Sheree. Then he kissed both of her hands. Graham used to do that, too. “Hello, baby girl. We missed you.” Then without asking, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver keychain. “Here’s your key back.” It was as if he’d been waiting to return that key to its rightful owner.
Just as Sheree received the keychain from Horace, the hairs on the back of her neck suddenly stiffened. Graham was in the room. She knew it without even turning around. Her senses had always been extra sharp concerning him.
Slowly, Sheree did turn around to face her ex-husband. But he wasn’t alone. There was a striking woman with Graham and she had her arm linked possessively through his. Sheree’s mouth instantly went dry. She grabbed a drink from the tray Horace had and took a huge sip. The iced tea felt good going down her parched throat.
“Hello, Sheree.” Graham untangled his arm from his companion and walked over to his ex-wife. He hadn’t seen her in over four years and she still looked just as good as the day they met. Better, he decided as his gray eyes continued to feast upon her loveliness.
Sheree’s sandy hair was longer all over and arrayed in a multitude of curls that seemed to caress her face with love. Her voluptuous figure was immaculate in the rust-colored silk pantsuit she wore. Graham especially paid close attention to the way the pants hugged her shapely hips. And those feet. Sheree always paid special attention to her feet. Today they were painted golden brown to match the buttons on her outfit and the golden open-toe heels she wore. During his rapt admiration of his ex-wife, Graham completely forgot about the woman he came with.
Sheree looked up into her ex-husband’s gray eyes and lost herself for a moment. She wasn’t aware of anything or anyone else around her as she relished Graham’s presence. He looked good in the black pleated slacks and white crewneck shirt he wore. His hair was now free of braids and cut very close to his head. Sheree inhaled his fantastic scent. Graham always smelled so wonderful to her, but now he smelled even better. Especially since she hadn’t seen him in years.
When Sheree put down her glass and the house key, Graham held both of her hands and bent to kiss each one slowly. Her body tingled as she felt the first touch of his lips on her hands. She looked down as he paid sweet homage to each hand.
At the same time, Graham looked up into Sheree’s beautiful hazel pools and their eyes locked together. It was just for a moment, but it seemed like forever, and then they both knew. They were still bound by their love. Liquid love still flowed between them and there was no restraining it. Sheree and Graham’s love was a sacred bond that had kept them tied to each other even after all these years. They were connected on a level that transcended the physical.
Suddenly, they heard someone in the background announce, “Graham, darling, aren’t you going to introduce your fiancée to your father’s guest?”
Fiancée? Did she just say she was Graham’s fiancée? Sheree mused as she quickly emerged from her trancelike state. She blinked rapidly to refocus before looking over at the bronze-skinned petite woman standing in the arched doorway.
Graham’s fiancée had on a classy, silk geometric two-piece suit. The coral color looked great against her bronze skin. She had thick black hair that cascaded loosely down to her mid-back, causing her to look like a young Diana Ross. Teonna Jackson was gorgeous.
Graham reluctantly made his way back to where Teonna stood. As soon as he did, the woman immediately linked her arm through his again. This time it was even more possessive. Graham looked solemn all of a sudden as he prepared to make the proper introductions.
“Teonna, this is my wi...my ex-wife, Sheree. Sheree, this is Teonna Jackson,” Graham said, discreetly omitting the fiancée part. Everyone in the room noticed his omission and slip of tongue, but said nothing. What was there to say about the matter?
Horace spoke up at that point, tactfully changing the subject. “Son, I was just giving Sheree back her key to the house. Can you please go outside and get her luggage out of the car?” Then the gray-haired man turned to Sheree. “Baby girl, give Graham the keys to your car. Uh…which car is it this time?” Horace grinned, teasing her.
Sheree was known for switching cars every two years. She seemed to be addicted to the new car smell. In actuality, that was one of the few habits she picked up from her father. Allen always had to have a new vehicle. Besides the prestige involved, he deemed new cars as more reliable and requiring less maintenance. Sheree found that to be true as well. The only drawback was when the car got into an accident and needed costly repairs.
“It’s the red Camaro,” Sheree stammered out. “But, Dad, I have a hotel room. I hadn’t planned on staying here.” She nervously licked her lips.
Horace looked towards Graham who had moved closer to him. “We may as well tell her now, son.” He looked over at Sheree again. “Betty left you the house, baby girl. After the divorce, Graham gave it to her as a birthday present. But she later stressed in her will that she wanted you to have it back after she was gone. Everyone knew about it.”
Horace stretched his mahogany arms out and gestured around. “As you can see, Betty didn’t change much. She didn’t feel the need to. After all, it’s your house, baby girl. Betty always said that.” Then Horace took Sheree’s hands and patted them affectionately. “So you see, it would be foolish for you to stay at a hotel when you already have a place of your own to lay your head down.”
“But...I.” Sheree turned to look at Graham who only nodded in agreement. Then she reached into her pocket and handed over her car keys to him.
As Graham went to get Sheree’s luggage, Juanita escorted Teonna to the living room. This way, her father and sister-in-law could talk privately. Without non-relatives present.
When everyone was gone, Sheree began again. “Dad...”
Horace hushed her. “Shh...don’t worry about me. I’ll be moving into one of the many other houses that my son owns.” He winked playfully at her and added in a whisper, “The boy is loaded now.”
“Dad, you know I never cared about that.” Sheree’s serious face now also bore admiration stemming from what she’d just been told. I knew Graham had it in him. I knew he’d make a success out of his career, she mused, putting the house keys in her pocket where the car keys had once been.
Horace acknowledged her words with a nod of approval. “I know, but it’s a great thing for you to tell your father when you see him again.” He grinned wider.
Sheree laughed. “I’ll make sure that I pass that information along.” She could just see her father’s face fall now. He’d been so wrong about Graham.
“Now he wouldn’t dare stand in your way this time,” Horace continued, holding onto the same vision that his wife had. He wanted Graham and Sheree to reconcile, too.
Sheree was puzzled by that last statement. “But, Dad, Graham’s engaged now.”
Horace laughed. “That’s what she likes to tell people, because they’ve been dating off and on for a year. But don’t worry, everything isn’t always what it seems. And now that you’re back, we probably won’t be seeing much of Teonna anymore.” He seemed quite happy about that.
Sheree grew silent as she tried to process all of the things she’d heard today. Horace obviously didn’t want Teonna as a daughter-in-law, but she wasn’t sure how Graham felt about the pretty woman. That was left to be seen. In the meantime, Sheree would remain quiet and observant. She didn’t want to cause Graham any more pain. Even if it meant that she couldn’t have him back, she still wanted him to be happy at all costs.
***
Teonna wanted Graham to be happy, too, but she was not quite as selfless as Sheree. Teonna only wanted him to be happy with her. But Graham’s behavior tonight quickly showed her that he was more than capable of being happy with someone else, particularly his ex–wife.
I got to nip this in the bud, Teonna mused resolutely as she moved to where she could sit and stare out the picture window at her beloved as he unloaded Sheree’s car.
Chapter 4
Outside, the sun was setting. The purple and orange streaks in the sky seemed to promise a calm night. Graham didn’t know about that. He was nowhere near calm. Besides being extremely affected by his ex-wife, he was downright angry at his female companion.
What came over Teonna? Graham wondered, thinking that she knew full well that they were not really engaged and might never be. Yes, he’d let her tell her married friends that when they were at a recent party. But that had only been to save face. Particularly Teonna’s face.
During that gala, Teonna’s inquisitive friends had cornered her by asking when she was going to get married. She was the only single friend left out of the six of them and they never let her forget it. Every man Teonna dated was scrutinized by her five girlfriends for his husband potential. Even the blind dates they fixed her up with weren’t exempt. Only Graham seemed to have met with their satisfaction.
Teonna’s friends knew that she had been seeing Graham for awhile, although sporadically, and they had left her alone for months about it. But that day of the party they blindsided her once again with that same stressful and annoying question - When are you getting married?
Teonna had been flabbergasted as she quickly tried to think of something to get them off her back. That’s when Graham had walked up just in time to hear her say that they were engaged, but hadn’t set the date yet. Then when he’d been asked to confirm it, he looked in Teonna’s pleading eyes and agreed. Although Graham wasn’t in love with her, she was still his friend and he didn’t like seeing her embarrassed. Thus, he became Teonna’s ‘pretend fiancé’ whenever they were around her girlfriends.
However, they hadn’t been around her girlfriends this evening. No, Teonna had obviously pulled the phony fiancé hat out of her bag of tricks to deflect Sheree. Graham would have to find out her exact reasons for doing so later.
But Teonna wasn’t the only one acting a little strange today. With his mother’s recent death and now Sheree’s reappearance in his life, Graham felt as if his whole world had been turned upside down. When he walked into that kitchen, he almost forgot to breathe. Sheree was just that beautiful to him.
Yet that was just the thing. Graham had always known how beautiful Sheree was, so his reaction should not have been so severe. Plus, he’d known that she was going to be here today. Nothing could have kept Sheree away from paying her respects to his family during this time. She’d loved his mother dearly, of that he was sure.
But I wonder what kept her away from me? Graham thought as he unlocked Sheree’s trunk. His heart was still singed from the blistering heartbreak he’d suffered four years ago.
Graham removed the Gucci bags first. Then he went around to the left side of the car to get the rest of the luggage. As soon as he opened the door, he smelled Sheree’s exotic floral scent and a stirring began in his loins. Graham still recalled the name of the perfume she used - GoodLife Woman.
Boy, I do miss the smell of this woman, he thought, inhaling deeply of the wonderful scent, as if doing so would somehow reunite them again in some small way.
Even now Graham could recall how he used to sit between Sheree’s legs while she braided his hair. He would close his eyes and just relax in the sweet scent of her body as she greased his scalp and then twisted his locks into another braided masterpiece. He missed those times, too.
Graham shook his head to clear his thoughts. That was the past. He had to concentrate on getting through the next few difficult days. Then he gathered the rest of Sheree’s baggage and went back inside.
***
In less than an hour, more people had come expressing their sympathy. Pretty soon the whole downstairs was full. As they moved about the room, fellowshipping among the guests, Sheree and Graham tried hard not to look at each other. The harder they tried, the more they wanted to. Finally fed up with the avoidance game, Sheree decided to go outside for some fresh air.
In the dimly lit backyard she sat on the wooden swing, completely surrounded by colorful fall garden mums. The yellow and pink flowers were still visible even at night. They were another act of love from Graham. He’d planted them that last fall they were together. Sheree sighed remorsefully as she rocked back and forth, allowing the motion to soothe her. She and Graham used to rock like this at night during the summer months of their marriage.
With the cool autumn air feeling good on her skin, Sheree leaned her head back and smiled in contentment. Momma Leverett used to love this swing, too. God, I miss that woman, Sheree mused, sighing again.
Suddenly her tranquility was interrupted. “A penny for your thoughts,” said a deep voice from behind her. Soon the body of that voice emerged from the shadows. It was Graham.
I wonder how long he’s been out here, Sheree mused as she abruptly sat up and halted the swing with her feet. Her pulse was running a marathon. Not a race motivated by fright, but one solely motivated by excitement.
“I was just thinking about your mother. She was truly a special woman,” Shelly finally answered as she made room for him on the swing.
He nodded and sat down, giving the swing a push off with his left foot, setting it back in motion. “Yes, she was.” Graham paused and let out a long, sad sigh. “I have mixed feelings about her death though. On one hand, I wish she was still with us. But on the other hand, I’m kind of relieved that she’s no longer in any pain.” He turned to look at Sheree with glistening eyes. “Is it bad to think like that?”
Sheree stopped the swing completely now and inched closer to Graham. She instinctively put her arms around him. “I don’t think so, Graham. People grieve in different ways. I think it’s perfectly okay to feel relief that a loved one is finally free from pain.”
“Really?” Graham asked, his soul needing that answer like his body needed her arms about him right now.
“Really,” Sheree confirmed. Then she withdrew a bit and tenderly stroked his face in comfort. When some of Graham’s tears spilled down his cheeks and upon her fingers, Sheree tenderly wiped them away. As she did, her heart became conflicted and an internal war began.
A strong part of Sheree wanted to kiss away all of Graham’s pain. But another part of her feared where that might lead if she did. She honestly didn’t known what to do.
As Sheree continued to battle within herself, Graham had already made up his mind. He was going to kiss her. He had to kiss her. Now!
Graham grabbed Sheree’s hands and slowly lowered them from his face. As he did, he bent to kiss her lips. They both moaned with pleasure from the contact. That kiss began light as a butterfly. It was feathery and the downward stroke tickled oh so good against the skin. It was delicious, too, like a small sample of a delightful meal.
Suddenly the kiss deepened into a voracious feast as Sheree initiated several fiery probes. And the kisses she returned were from a reservoir of pent-up emotion, which was why they were equally fiery. Sheree loved Graham. Oh how she loved him; and this was just one way she sought to show him.
Graham cupped Sheree’s face gently in his hands as they continued to play a sensual game of tongue-tag. He gave, she received. She gave, he received. He could hear his heart pounding loudly in his ears as he ravished her mouth. Graham loved Sheree. Her smell, the feel of her against him was overwhelming, staggering, almost surreal. Was this really happening? Was the love of his life actually in his arms, kissing him as if her life depended on it? The answer to both questions was a resounding ‘yes’.
Unexpectedly, the love that was in Sheree’s heart soon spilled out of her mouth. “I still love you, Graham,” she murmured softly against his lips. She’d always been candid about her feelings towards him. Tonight was no different.
Her words sank deep into his heart and prompted his own honest declaration. “I lo...” Graham words were suddenly cut off by the sound of angry footsteps clomping on the Bermuda Calypso brick walkway. Those footsteps almost sounded like a horse leading a buggy on an old southern roadway.
“Graham, are you out here?” It was Teonna. She was squinting, trying hard to see what they were doing in the darkness.
Sheree instantly pulled away from him and sat up straight as the pretty woman quickly made her way over to them. I hope my lipstick isn’t still on his lips, she mused, stealing a quick glance in Graham’s direction. It wasn’t. They’d long since kissed all of that off. And besides, it was too dark to really tell anyway. The only light in the area was near the back door and that was several yards away.
Teonna walked up to them and stood in front of Graham, completely ignoring Sheree. Her hands were placed firmly on her hips. “Graham, I’m ready to go. Now!” Barely able to control the jealous rage bubbling up inside of her, Teonna bit her bottom lip to keep from cursing. She’d seen their shadowy embrace from a distance and wasn’t sure if they’d been kissing or consoling one another. Either way, she didn’t like it. Especially when she was here to give Graham all the comfort he needed.
Graham took a deep breath and exhaled. Teonna was behaving even stranger now. What is with this jealous act? Aloud he said, “Tee, I’ll be with you in a minute. Let me just say goodnight to Sheree.”
Teonna stood there for a brief silent moment, glaring at him, wanting to say more but not sure if she should risk it. Then without another word, she turned around and stomped back off towards the house. A few muttered curse words escaped her lips, but they were too indistinguishable to be offensive to the hearers.
Meanwhile, Graham shook his head and waited until Teonna was well out of earshot before turning to face Sheree again. His face was apologetic. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t know what’s gotten into her.”
Sheree smiled in understanding. “I do. She’s just trying to protect her territory. You are her fiancé, you know.” A fact I definitely forgot about a few minutes ago myself, she added silently.
Graham dropped his head and shook it again. Now he definitely regretted ever agreeing to that lie. “Sheree, there are some things that you don’t know...” he began to explain, looking back up into her eyes.
Sheree held a finger to his lips to silence him as she stood to her feet. “No need to explain. I’ve been out of your life for years now and I couldn’t possibly expect you to just put your life on hold.” Like I have, she added to herself.
Aloud Sheree continued. “Actually, I don’t blame Teonna for acting that way at all. You’re quite a catch, Graham, always have been. But she doesn’t have to worry about me. I’ll not stand in her way of happiness. This won’t happen again.” She paused and smiled. “By the way, I like your hair that way, too.” Then before Graham could say anything else, Sheree planted a light kiss on his forehead and went back inside.
Graham stayed outside for a minute longer. What a mess, he thought as he massaged his aching temples.
Chapter 5
While Sheree was back at the house helping Horace and Juanita clean up after the guests, Graham was driving Teonna home in his teal Cadillac. As soon as they pulled into the parking lot of her upscale condo, he turned off the car and faced her. Teonna continued to stare straight ahead, pretending that she didn’t know this confrontation was a long time coming.
“What was that all about?” Graham’s deep voice rumbled with offense.
Teonna turned to him with feigned innocence, her dark eyes wide as if in surprise. “What ever do you mean?”
Graham grew angry. “Cut the crap, Tee. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Why did you say that we were engaged back there? And why in the world were you acting all jealous tonight?”
Teonna’s calm face quickly grew angry as well. “You know why, Graham. That woman hurt you deeply and I didn’t want to see her hurt you again. What kind of woman would let someone as wonderful as you get away in the first place? I figured if Sheree thought you had someone else in your life, then that would discourage her from trying to make a fool out of you again.” When it seemed as if Graham was accepting her logic so far, Teonna’s tense face relaxed.
Graham relaxed, too. “I understand. But I just don’t like lying to Sheree. I never have.” Thanks to all those childhood Bible study lessons his mother taught him about the dangers of bearing false witness, Graham never really liked lying to anyone.
Teonna looked at him tenderly. “It’s only until after the funeral. Then I’m sure she’s going to be on her way back home.” At least I hope she will, she thought as they said their good-byes.
Teonna secretly wished that Sheree had never come back to Handley in the first place. She wanted the woman out of the way and as far away as possible from the man they both loved. Yes, Teonna had seen that look of love in Sheree’s eyes tonight. It had been pretty hard to miss.
As she unlocked her front door, Teonna thought about how deep her own love for Graham was. How she’d been in love with him since they became friends in real estate school. How that love had grown deeper over the years.
When Teonna first met Graham, it was right after his divorce. He was a heartbroken man, looking for something to occupy his lonely hours. Teonna had been a lonely woman, looking for someone to share her life with as she climbed up the ladder to success. She was still a lonely woman, despite her current success.
At first sight, Graham’s looks alone were enough to attract Teonna to him. Yet it was his keen eye that had really drawn her to his side. The latter was also what made him one of the top students in their class. As much as Teonna could tell from interacting with his family over the years, Graham seemed to have inherited his love for handyman work from his father.
During his many years as director of maintenance at the local school board, Horace Leverett spent much time pouring his vast knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, painting, and mechanics into his son’s enthusiastic young mind. He would often allow Graham to help him during the summer breaks as he worked to make sure that each school building and its equipment was safe and operational. Then when Horace retired six years ago, Graham’s passion for that type of work only increased. Soon he searched for and found a new way to continue doing what he loved and make a decent living at the same time.
Graham’s immense knowledge and understanding of house structures, foundations, and expertise in home improvement made him one of the top agents in his field. He had the unique ability to look at a piece of property and assess its value - past, present, and future. In fact, Graham would take an old and dilapidated house, buy it at way below cost and nurture it back to a state of beauty. As a result, his properties were some of the most elegant and well sort after in town.
At thirty-two-years of age, Graham was already a multi-millionaire and a master member of the real estate million dollar club. He also owned a lucrative home improvement business in town. Best of all, Graham shared his wealth with others. Besides giving generously to his church, he also sponsored free health screenings at the recreation center he built in his old neighborhood.
Seeing Graham’s talent and observing his wise business sense, Teonna often followed his advice and example to advance her own career. Now she had her own repertoire of prime real estate, making her a very wealthy woman in her own right. As a result, there was no doubt in Teonna’s mind that being close to Graham had greatly enriched her life in more ways than one. If only she could get closer still.
These days many women tried to get next to Graham. Why wouldn’t they? He was truly a hot commodity in every sense of the word. He was good-looking, rich, and very sensitive to the needs of others. And his bowed legs were simply magnificent.
Those were just some of the reasons Teonna loved him so much. Another reason was that he’d been the best lover she’d ever had. And although it had just been that one time, it had left her longing for more. Much more. If only Graham’s heart had healed as rapidly as his business had grown, then maybe he and Teonna could have a real romance going instead of a fake one.
With Graham still on her mind, Teonna undressed and ran a hot bath. She was careful to pour the right amount of bath beads into the whirlpool bath. On second thought, maybe I ought to take a cold shower instead, Teonna mused as memories of that one night with Graham gave her a sudden heat flash.
Almost two years ago, Teonna and Graham had attended the same real estate conference in
After a few drinks, they decided to retire to their separate rooms. But when Graham walked Teonna to her suite, she took that opportunity to invite him in for a nightcap. To her surprise, he agreed. He didn’t seem to want to be alone that night, either.
Shortly after their drinks arrived, Teonna did something she’d desired to do since they met – she kissed Graham right on the lips. Then when he didn’t flinch or reject her, she kissed him two more times. Within minutes they were locked in a passionate embrace on her bed. That night Graham made love to Teonna with what seemed like all the tenderness in the world. He did not, or rather would not stop until she had been thoroughly satisfied. From that moment on, Teonna vowed to make him hers forever.
The next day Graham apologized for his ‘indiscretion’, but Teonna wanted no apology. Although she didn’t tell him that, she didn’t regret what happened between them at all. In fact, she wished that it would happen again. But Graham would not repeat that wonderful night for anything, no matter how much Teonna hinted otherwise. She also noticed that he stopped drinking after that night, so she couldn’t even entice him that way. Graham continued to try to just be her friend. Although that infuriated Teonna, she did accept his friendship. She had to have some access to him.
Lately, Teonna thought that he was beginning to soften to the idea of having a romantic relationship with her, especially when he agreed to be called her fiancé. But now all of that was threatening to change. All because of Sheree. Teonna couldn’t wait to see the beautiful woman go. The thought of Graham’s ex-wife made the muscles in her neck tense.
I think I’m gonna need that relaxing bath after all, Teonna mused, pouring in more bath beads.
***
On the drive home, Graham thought about tonight’s events and the fact that his emotions were still in an uproar. And not only from the loss of a beloved parent, either. Sheree was at the root of his current tumult.
Graham foolishly thought that he’d gotten over her. But after seeing Sheree today, he didn’t think that he ever would. He still loved her and he definitely still wanted her. But Graham felt so distant from her now. He knew nothing about Sheree’s current life and had no idea what she’d been doing these last few years.
The most Graham knew about Sheree now was that she appeared to still want him. And he definitely heard her say that she still loved him tonight. Oh, what those few simple words had done to Graham’s closely protected heart. They’d successfully burrowed through several thick layers of romantic apathy that he deliberately put there in order to protect himself from future emotional damage. Now he felt raw and exposed.
bravenet.com