Tameka's Smile

Chapter Two

At eight the next morning, Chad walked into the sheriff’s department, his mind still on the woman he’d left sleeping in bed. He wanted to be there when she woke. Hell, he wanted to wake her with his body, deep inside of hers. Instead, he was here, reporting for duty. Today was the first time in the history of his career that he’d hated reporting to work.

He walked past dispatch. “Morning, Deputy Wilson.”

“Ms. Hannah. Bull.” He nodded at them both before continuing to his locker.

Bull followed. “Hey, Wilson. Where were you last night?

Me and some of the guys met up at the Cock & Bull. I came to see if you wanted to join us, but you’d already high-tailed it out of here.”

“I had something to do.”

“Yeah. Okay. Listen, last night some of the guys were talking. Did you know Ms. Emma had a granddaughter? She’s here. Took over the old homestead. From what I heard, she’s a hot piece of as…”

The words were abruptly choked off as Chad erupted into two hundred and forty pounds of bristling werewolf. He had Bull slammed up against the locker, his forearm in his throat before he could blink. Bull’s eyes bugged out and his face turned red as his brain was deprived of oxygen. Chad got right in his face.

“Show some respect when you talk about her.”

“Wilson! In my office. Now!”

Chad hesitated a minute longer to make sure his point had been made.

“Deputy.”

He released Bull, allowing him to drop to the floor and stepped over him towards the doorway where Rome waited.

“Bull, you okay?”

“Yeah, boss. Just fine,” Bull wheezed.

Chad brushed past Rome and preceded him into the office, standing at attention while Rome passed him and sat on the edge of his desk.

“Close the door, Deputy.”

The door closed with a snap, sounding overly loud in the tense silence of the office.

“You want to talk about it?”

“No.” When Rome’s eyes narrowed in warning, Chad added, “Sir.”

“How long have you been with this department?”

“Two years…sir.”

“You’re a good officer. You were a little standoffish at first, but that’s understandable considering your background. You followed the rules, and never stepped outside of the lines. If there’s a problem, I hope you know you can talk to me about it.” Chad remained silent.

Rome sighed. “Go make your rounds, deputy. I’ll let it go, this time. If it happens again, I’ll have to take disciplinary action.

We can’t have any division in the ranks. Understood?” Chad gave a brief nod.

“Dismissed.”

Chad opened the door. Before he could leave, Rome had one more thing to say. “Chad, if there is a problem and you can’t talk to me, at least speak with Alex. You’re not a lone wolf anymore. That’s what packs are for, to help each other.” Chad waited to see if Rome had any more to say. When nothing more was forthcoming, he continued out the door.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! Are you trying to get yourself fired?

Because if you are, you’re certainly going about it the right way.

What the hell is the matter with you? He castigated himself as he headed outside.

Bull caught him when he was almost to his squad car. “Hey, Wilson. Wait up.”

Chad stopped, knowing he owed the man an apology, but was loathe giving it.

“Hey man, I’m sorry. You’re right. Ms. Emma was much too nice for me to be talking about her kin like that. She’d have been the first one to knock some sense into me had she heard.

Thanks for not saying anything to Rome. We cool?”

“Yeah.” He held out his hand to Bull and they shook hands.

“You hit the road before Rome comes out to see what’s keeping you. Keep howling and I’ll catch you on the flip side.” Bull saluted him, turned and walked off.

Chad drove off, glad he hadn’t needed to provide an excuse for his behavior. The last thing he wanted to do was explain about Tameka. It was all too new and he didn’t completely understand himself why she called to him the way that she did.

He only knew that he couldn’t back off. Couldn’t let her go.

Once she understood that she was his, he’d tell the world about them.

Tameka lifted her arms above her head, yawned, and languidly stretched herself semi-awake. The move shifted the covers down to her waist. She slumped back into the mattress.

The cool air felt good on her bare breasts.

She sleepily cupped her breasts, rubbing the nipples with her thumbs. Mmm, that felt good. She felt good. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so well rested. Her hands slid from her breasts to her waist, gliding on smooth, bare skin. Bare skin?

She jerked to a sitting position and looked under the covers.

Her whole body was bare. Where was the big, floppy t-shirt she usually slept in? She never went to bed naked. What if the house caught on fire and she had to run out in the middle of the night?

She didn’t want to be worried about finding clothes if the worst were to happen.

Not only was she naked, but her body was all sticky, especially between her legs, like she’d recently had intercourse.

Sex. Chad. Oh lord, she’d slept with Officer Handsome. Shaking her head, she corrected herself. She’d had sex with Deputy Wilson. She smacked herself upside the head since there was no one there to do it for her. “God, Meka, what were you thinking?” She had sex, unprotected sex, with the officer who’d molested her on the side of the road. God, was she that desperate? Apparently, she was. She should have closed the door in his face when she saw who it was. But that would have been rude. After all, he brought me dinner. Okay, maybe not then, but after they’d eaten. But he was still watching Speed , his all-time favorite movie. Alright, definitely after the movie finished. She should have hustled his butt right out the door. Then you would have missed his kiss. The man did know how to kiss.

“Arrrggghh! Just face it, Meka. You were putty in the man’s hands after the first orgasm. He could have stripped you naked and took you in the middle of the road and all you would have said is ‘more, harder, please.’ You are so pathetic.” She rolled out of bed and headed for the shower, determined to wash the memory of his touch off of her body. She had things to do today and sitting around mooning over Deputy Chad Wilson was not on her to-do list.

She needed to find a job. She was a licensed hairdresser, so she wasn’t worried about finding work. She just needed a location to set up shop. Her home was located almost halfway between Refuge and Colbyville, although Refuge was closer.

She’d start with the shops there. With gas prices the way they were, she’d much rather drive the fifteen minutes it took to reach Refuge than the twenty-five minutes it would take to take to reach Colbyville.

She dressed and paid special attention to her hair. You could tell a lot about a hairdresser simply by the way they styled their own hair. Then she headed for the kitchen to pour a glass of juice and toast some bread before leaving. On the refrigerator was a note.

I’m sorry I had to leave this morning before you woke. I have duty today. I programmed my numbers into your cell and home phone. If you need me, just call. Otherwise, I’ll see you after work. Chad.

He wouldn’t. She rushed to her purse and grabbed her cell phone. He did. In the directory was three numbers: Chad cell, Chad work, and Chad home. Same thing with her cordless phone. She stared at the phone, mightily tempted to erase them, but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. The man had some kind of hold over her.

Yeah, and we know right where it’s centered, don’t we? her libido whispered.

“Oh, shut up!” she told it and walked out the door.

In Refuge, she parked in front of Miss Lulu’s House of Style. Although the shop was open, there weren’t any customers.

Typical Monday. No matter what the location, Mondays were always slow business days for hairdressers.

The bell on the door tinkled when she opened it, and a voice called out, “Be right with you.”

Tameka took the opportunity to study the shop. To the immediate right of the door was a waiting area with seating for twelve. That was a good sign. It meant she got plenty of customers. To the left was the register. Behind a half-wall with plants hanging from the ceiling was where the stations were located. There were four, each with its own barber-styled chair, a huge mirror, and plenty of storage space and outlets for supplies.

In the back and to the left were two bowls for washing hair, and along the wall on the right were the dryers, of which there were five. Beyond that were three doors, one of which was closed, containing either an office or supply closet. Tameka guessed the former when an elderly, African-American lady entered the room through it.

“Hi, I’m Ms. Luella. My friends call me Lulu. What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering if you needed any help, or do you rent out your stations? I’m new in town and looking for a place to set up shop.”

Ms. Lulu slid her glasses to the tip of her nose and gazed at her with sharp, intelligent brown eyes over their rim. “What’s your name, honey?”

“Tameka Jones.”

A big grin filled her face. “Land sakes. Meka? Give me a hug, honey-child. Me and your grandma Emma were great friends. Told me all about you. I feel like I know you myself.

Too bad you couldn’t get this way to visit while she was living, but she’ll shole be glad you’re living here now.” Tameka found herself gathered against the large bosom of Ms. Lulu in a bear hug.

“Come over here and sit a spell. Tell me ‘bout yourself. You doing hair? I thought Emma said you went to school and got some big, fancy degree? Some kind of doctor, weren’t you?” She pulled Tameka over to the waiting area, pushed her into a chair and sat beside her.

A bit overwhelmed, Tameka wasn’t sure where to start. She decided to answer the last question first. “Yes, ma’am. I got a degree in psychology and practiced for a while. I studied cosmetology in high school, got my license and used it to support myself while in school. I discovered I’d rather be doing hair. It’s less hassle, less headaches, and I still listen to people’s problems. Only now, no one’s paying me to give them my opinion and I can’t be sued if they don’t like what I say.” Ms. Lulu threw back her head and laughed while slapping her thigh. “Ain’t that the gospel truth,” she exclaimed, wiping tears from her eyes. “When do you want to start?”

“Ma’am?” The abrupt switch of topics left her off balance.

“Not ma’am. That’s my momma, God bless her soul. Call me Lulu. Everybody does. I said, when can you start?”

“You don’t want to see pictures of my work first? I have a photo album in the car.”

“No, baby. You’re family. Of course I’ll hire you. I know you’re good and you’ll breathe new life into this shop. I can’t do a lot of the newer hairstyles. These old fingers just won’t cooperate. But once word gets out that you’re here, a lot of the youngsters that go into Colbyville to get their hair done will come here instead. You just let me know what days and hours you want to work and I’ll schedule you in.” They discussed salary and came to an acceptable arrangement. Tameka would draw an hourly wage until she built up her clientele. Afterwards, she and Lulu would discuss a price list for services and Tameka would pay her a set percentage for each. The rest, as well as any tips earned, would be hers to keep.

She scheduled herself to come in tomorrow, get her station set up, and be ready to start taking customers Wednesday.

She spent another couple of hours with Lulu visiting and getting to know her better. From there, she headed into Colbyville to stock up on supplies. Lulu told her to expect plenty of customers. Fridays and Saturdays were always busy, plus there would be the curious—those who came in just to see what she could do. It would be up to Tameka to turn the inquisitive into regulars.

It was a little after three when she finally made it home.

With keys in hand, arms loaded down with packages, her mind was focused on leftover Chinese when she almost tripped over something on the porch. Shifting the packages to one side, she saw a box at the top of the stairs, the kind flowers came in.

Tameka stepped carefully over the box, opened the door, and set down her things. Then she went back outside to retrieve the package. It was flowers, according to the Flora’s Flowers logo on the box. Chad sent her flowers? How sweet.

She took the box into the kitchen and hunted for a vase.

Once she found it, she set it on the counter and turned to the box.

The white box was tied with a lovely yellow bow. She worked the bow off and set it to the side. She’d put it around the vase once she had the flowers arranged inside. She lifted the top off and took an involuntary step back in shock.

Instead of the beautiful, long-stemmed roses she was expecting, the box was filled with ugly, dead-looking roses of an indeterminate color. “Is this supposed to be a joke?” If so, she wasn’t amused. She took a knife out of the drawer and used it to poke the flowers, looking for a note. There was none.

She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Chad’s number, but hung up before he answered. He couldn’t do anything about this. There was no note, no indication of whom it was from or even whom it was for. For all she knew, it could have been delivered to the wrong house.

She laid the phone on the counter and jumped when it rang.

Caller’s ID read Chad cell. “Hello?”

“Why did you hang up? Your voice sounds shaky. What’s wrong?”

“Somebody left me a present. I thought it was you until I opened the box.”

“What was in it?”

“Just somebody’s sick idea of a joke. A bunch of dead flowers.”

“Don’t touch anything. I’ll be right there.”

“It’s no big deal. Chad?” He’d already hung up.

Chad checked the traffic, then made a u-turn in the middle of the road. He was on the other side of the county. If he pushed, he could be at Tameka’s house in fifteen minutes. He hit his lights and gunned the engine.

“Dispatch, this is Deputy Wilson. I need to take care of some personal business. I’ll be out of radio contact for the next half-hour.”

“Roger. Take your time. It’s slow. We have enough deputies to cover.”

“Thanks, Hannah. Out.”

That done, his focus switched back to Tameka. She assumed the flowers were some sort of prank, but he knew better. Maybe in the big city it would be, but here in Bradford County where everyone knew everyone else, it wasn’t. He pulled up in front of her home with the lights flashing and gravel flying.

Tameka stood in the doorway waiting. “It’s not that serious.” She gestured towards the lights that were still flashing.

“I’ll be the judge of that.” He reached in, flipped off the lights and threw his hat on the seat. As he walked towards her, he hooked his shades on his front pocket. “Show me the box.”

“It’s in the kitchen. Chad, I don’t know why you rushed over here. I watch enough cop shows to know there’s nothing you can do. There’s no name, no card, and nothing to indicate that those were for me except that they were left on my front porch. I don’t even know anyone here other than you and Lulu. It must be a mistake.”

“Like I said, let me be the judge.” In his heart, he knew that she was right, but he had to see for himself. He walked into the kitchen and spotted the box on the counter still opened. Tameka followed and stopped in the doorway.

“You said the box was left on your porch? Where at, exactly?” He studied the box and its contents, not touching anything, just observing.

“I didn’t notice it until I tripped over it coming up the steps.”

He looked her over from head-to-toe. “Did you hurt yourself?”

“I didn’t fall. Just stumbled a bit.”

Satisfied, he turned back to the box. “What did you touch?”

“The bow and the box top. I used the knife on the counter to see if there was a note.”

“Are you certain there wasn’t a note attached? Maybe on the box itself?”

“Not that I could see.”

Chad used the knife to move the flowers around. Nothing.

He really wanted to get the bastard that did this to his woman.

Disgusted, he tossed the knife aside. “Where do you keep your trash bags?”

“In the pantry. Why?’

“I’m taking these with me. I want to see if I can get any prints off of the box.” He located the bags and put the evidence inside, tied the bag shut and set it to the side. Then he did what he’d wanted to do since he got her call.

He reached out, slid his hand behind her neck, and pulled her into his arms. “Are you all right?”

She sighed and leaned into him as he rubbed her back, trying to comfort her as well as himself. “I’m just pissed. I wasn’t expecting that. I thought they were from you.” Chad could have kicked himself. That’s what he should have done, sent her flowers. “I’ll find out who did this.” He cupped her face.

“Don’t bother. It’s not like you can charge them with anything.”

“Even so…”

“Even so, nothing. Run your little tests if it makes you happy. I doubt you find anything. Even if you do, no crime was committed.”

Chad kissed her to shut her up. He knew all of that, but didn’t want to hear it. This was his woman who’d been threatened. He might not be able to prove it, but his instincts were screaming.

Before the kiss could get out of hand, his radio squawked.

“Attention all units. We have a code 11-25x on State Road 30, mile marker 15.”

Chad reached up and pushed the button on his shoulder mike, holding Tameka close when she tried to pull away. “This is Unit 3. I’ll take the call. ETA five minutes.”

“Roger, Chad. I’ll let her know.”

“10-4.”

He lowered his mouth to Tameka’s again. “I’ve got to go.” Kiss. “Motorist needs assistance.” Kiss.

He grabbed the bag with one hand and walked her backwards towards the door, one eye watching where they were going while his mouth tangled with hers. He stopped when he had her backed against the front door, his body plastered to hers.

“I don’t want to go,” he whispered, his forehead against her own.

He could smell her arousal.

“You have to go.” Her arms held him tight in direct contrast to her words.

“I know.” He swooped in for another kiss. This one left them both gasping for air. “Call me if you get any more presents.”

“I will.” She pushed him away. “Go. Someone’s waiting.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” he agreed, resisting the urge to pull her back into his arms.

Tameka followed him out onto the porch and stood at the top of the steps. He threw the bag on the passenger seat and paused before getting into the car. “I’ll see you tonight when I get off. I’ll bring dinner.”

“No, I’ll cook. What time?”

“About six?”

“Dinner will be waiting.”

With one last look of longing, he got into the car and drove off.

As soon as his car turned onto the road, Tameka smacked herself on the forehead. “No, I’ll cook,” she mocked herself in a high pitch voice. Was she possessed? What she was thinking was, ‘No don’t come over,’ but that’s not what came out of her mouth. It’s like the man put some type of voodoo spell on her.

Six o’clock. It was almost five now. Did she even have anything in there to cook? The thought spurred her back inside the house and into the kitchen. She took a quick survey, opening the refrigerator and freezer, then going through all of the cabinets, ending with the pantry. It didn’t look good.

Oh, she had food, just not a lot and nothing meant for a man’s appetite. For meat, there was a choice of pork chops or steak. Since she’d never mastered the art of cooking a decent steak, pork chops it would be. She wasn’t much of a vegetable eater, but she loved salads. A chef salad and barbeque pork chops would have to suffice for dinner. If it wasn’t enough, there was still plenty of Chinese left.

Chad called a quarter ‘til six. “I’m still at work. My last call took longer than planned. It looks like it will be six-thirty/seven before I can get there. Is that okay?”

“Sure. Just come whenever you’re done.”

As she hung up, the realization struck that she had a lover.

No, not a lover. One night did not a lover make. Besides, love had nothing to do with…whatever this was. She had a man.

“I have a man.” That didn’t sound right, either. Maybe if she said it slow and enunciated each word. “I…have…a…man.” She weighed the words on her tongue to see if they fit. No dice. She just couldn’t make herself believe it. It didn’t feel right.

“I have a…a…friend.” Hmm, that might actually work. It definitely felt better. She could handle having a friend. After all, everyone needed friends. She was new in the area and hadn’t had a chance to get out and meet anyone yet. Now she knew two people she could consider to be her friends—Chad and Lulu. So what if one of her friends was male, good looking, and hot? That didn’t make him any less her friend.

The issue settled satisfactorily in her mind, she went into the bedroom that contained all of her moving boxes, pulled out her trade supplies and took them into the living room. She grabbed the ones she knew she’d need and set them to the side.

Until she got a feel for the clientele, she’d leave the rest at home.

She heard a car pull up, and she flipped on the porch light and opened the door. Chad got out of his truck still wearing his uniform. “You haven’t been home?”

“It would have taken too long.” He jogged up the steps and buzzed her on the lips in passing. “What’s for dinner?”

“Barbecued pork chops and salad. I hope it’s enough.” She headed into the kitchen and pulled the marinating meat out of the fridge.

He followed. “Looks good. Any rice left from last night?” “Half a container.”

“I’ll just heat some up to go with the rest of what you’re serving. You want any?” He reached into the refrigerator and pulled out the take-out container. He hunted in the cabinets until he found a microwavable bowl while she stuck the meat under the broiler.

“None for me. I had some for lunch.”

“More for me. You mind if I finish this off?” He held up the container, showing her the contents.

“Knock yourself out. You bought it. Two days of Chinese back-to-back is my limit.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He poured the rice into the bowl and stuck it in the microwave while she took the salad from the fridge and placed it on the table.

He called out, “I’ll get the plates. You got any paper plates?

No sense dirtying dishes if we don’t have to.”

“In the pantry. I made more tea. You want some?” She grabbed a bottle of water for herself.

“Maybe in a bit. Right now that water looks good. It’s hot out there.”

Tameka pulled another bottle from the fridge and set it on the counter, then checked the meat. It was ready to be turned.

While she was doing so, Chad stirred the rice and stuck it back in the microwave to warm a little longer. “Meat will be done soon. You want me to add the sauce now or put the sauce on the table?”

“I like mine baked on.”

She took the barbeque sauce and poured it on three of the chops, leaving the remaining two bare. The marinade she used was barbeque flavored so she could enjoy the taste without the mess.

The microwave dinged. “Let me borrow that potholder.” Tameka handed it to him and watched as he took the rice out and set it on the table. Meat done, she divided it onto two plates and carried it to the table and sat down. Everything else was already there. She said grace then dove into the salad, more than ready to eat. The Chinese she’d had for lunch had worn off hours ago.

“These are good.” Chad held up his fork, which held a piece of meat on it. Between bites he said, “You know my name is Chad Wilson and that I’m a Bradford County Sheriff’s deputy. I know you’re Ms. Emma’s granddaughter, that you moved here from Delaware—don’t forget you only have thirty days to get a NC driver’s license and tag—and your driving record is clean.

Tell me more about yourself. I want to know everything.” Tameka arched her eyebrow, a little startled by the request.

“Everything?”

Chad looked a little sheepish. “Well, not right away. Start with the basics like, what’s your profession?”

“I’m a hairdresser.” She sat back and waited to see what his reaction would be.

“Really?” His eyebrows rose to his hairline.

“Is there something wrong with being a hairdresser?” Her tone was just a touch defensive.

“Not at all. It’s just that you look so intelligent…so bookish, I expected you to say something more professional, like a lawyer or doctor or something.”

“So hair dressers aren’t intelligent?”

He put his fork down and pierced her with a look. “You know that’s not what I’m saying. You just look like someone who’s spent years in college. Like you have a Master’s or even a Ph.D. hanging on your wall.”

Mollified, she dropped her gaze to the table in shame.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I do have a Doctorate in Psychology.

I’m a bit defensive about it. I spent all that time, wasted all that money, only to discover once I got into my field of practice I’d rather be doing hair. My decision to quit my job didn’t go over well with my family.” She could still hear them. What do you mean you’re quitting? Do you know how much money you make?

You think you can pull that kind of money being a simple hairdresser? What’s wrong with you?

“Why? What does it matter to them? It’s your life. If you didn’t like doing it, you should have quit. Life’s too short to waste time in a career that you hate. At least you tried and now you know.”

“That’s exactly what Momma E. said.” When he looked inquiringly, she explained. “Grandma Emma.” Chad nodded his understanding, his mouth full of tea.

“What about you? What college did you attend?”

“Actually, I didn’t. I joined the military as soon as I was old enough to sign and became Military Police. I re-enlisted twice.

When the third time rolled around, one of my comrades, Bull, was from this area. He told me about the spot available in the department here and put in a good word for me with the sheriff.

Rome offered me the position and I came here when I got out.”

“What about your family? You didn’t want to go home after being away for so long?”

“I don’t have any family, not that I know of. My parents died when I was young and I grew up in foster care.”

“Oh, that’s sad.” Tameka’s heart went out to him. She couldn’t imagine life with no kin.

He shrugged. “I wasn’t old enough when they died to remember them, so it doesn’t hurt. You can’t miss what you never had,” he said philosophically.

His tone was blasé, but Tameka knew better. You may not miss what you’ve never had, but it didn’t stop you from longing for it.

“Earlier you mentioned Ms. Lulu. You went by her shop?”

“I’m ready to work. I went to Refuge to check out the shops there first. I’m glad I did. I think I’m going to like working with Lulu.”

“She needs help, that’s for sure. Do you barber, too?’

“It’s not my specialty, but I’m proficient at it.” Chad smiled. “Wait until word gets out. You’ll be busy for sure. Old Bert retired three months ago and us guys have been forced to go into Colby. That’s a long ride for a five-minute cut.

When do you start?”

“I’m going in to set up my station tomorrow and meet the other workers. I’ll start taking customers Wednesday.” A lull fell in the conversation as they both directed their attention to eating. After a couple of bites, Tameka asked, “So, you’re new here, too?”

“Yep.”

“How long have you lived here?”

“About two years now, give or take. You’ll like it here. The people seem to be really nice and friendly. That whole southern hospitality thing I used to hear so much about is apparently true.”

Seemed? Apparently? Didn’t he know? The temptation to put on her counselor’s persona was very strong. “Where are you from originally?”

“Ohio. Reynoldsburg, to be exact.”

“You’re a long way from home.”

“It was never home, just the place I grew up.” With his background, Tameka wondered if Chad even knew what home was. If any place ever felt like home to him. “Do you like being a cop?”

“Yeah. I like the structure of it, the rules, and the orderliness of it. It’s like being in the military without all of the bouncing around.”

“I wouldn’t think an area like this would have a lot of crime. Don’t you get bored?’

“The quiet is one of the reasons I like it. I saw enough action in the military, and I don’t like big cities. Give me plenty of rural countryside and neighbors that know each other. We have the occasional drug bust and homicide. No place is exempt from crime, but overall, things are pretty peaceful here.”

“That’s good to know.” She stood and began clearing her things off of the table. Chad rose to join her and she waved for him to sit back down. “No, finish eating.”

“I’m done.” He placed the last forkful of rice in his mouth and picked up his plate.

Once the table was cleared, they settled on the couch. “So you’ve been here two years and you’re not involved with anyone?”

He reached out and played with a strand of her hair. “Until now? No. Never met anyone who stirred my interest.” He stared at her intently.

Not willing to travel down that road, she asked, “You want to watch another movie?”

“You don’t mind?’

“Not at all. It’s what I usually do at night instead of watching TV.”

He stood and walked over to the bookcase. “I noticed last night you have the latest Die Hard, still in the wrapper.”

“I belong to one of those movie clubs. I buy movies and shelve them until I’m in the mood to watch it.” “You want to watch this or is there something else you prefer?” He already had the movie in his hand, undoing the wrapper.

“That one’s fine.”

He started the movie and came back to the couch. After making himself comfortable, he tugged Tameka into his arms.

By the time the movie finished, they were both stretched out on the couch, Tameka on top with his chest pillowing her head.

As the credits rolled, she commented, “That was okay. Not as good as the second one, but still enjoyable.” She braced her forearms on his chest and tried to lift into a sitting position. Chad halted her by placing his hand on her hips.

At the look of stark desire on his face, she rushed into speech. “Would you look at the time? We both have to be to work in the morning. Can’t be late. Don’t want to be tired. Make sure get plenty of rest tonight and I’ll do the same.” The whole time she was rambling, she applied subtle but steady pressure to his chest, trying to get up.

He narrowed his eyes and tilted his head to the side, studying her expression. “You’re right.” He released her.

“I am? I mean, yes, of course I am.” She scrambled to her knees and off of the couch. Beside her, Chad rose slowly to his feet.

“Tomorrow is a work day. Your first and you want to make a good impression. You can’t do that if you show up tired from a lack of sleep.”

“I can’t? I mean, you’re absolutely right. First impressions count.”

Chad headed for the door as Tameka, fighting back a crushing sense of disappointment, trailed behind. He opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. That’s it? He’s leaving?

Isn’t that what you wanted?

“Thanks for dinner and the movie. I enjoyed the evening.”

“Yeah, it was nice,” she said awkwardly, still unable to believe he was just going to leave.

“Well…”

“Yes?” she asked hopefully.

“Goodnight. I’ll call tomorrow and see how your day went.”

“Uh, okay. Goodnight.”

He turned and walked away. He was leaving. Just like that.

No argument. No persuasion. No nothing. Just gone. He was almost to his truck when something in her snapped.

“Chad! Wait!”

He stopped and turned around.

She raced down the steps, into the driveway and threw herself against him. He rocked back a step from the impact and his arms came up to wrap around her. She pulled his head down and kissed him with all of the desire she had inside of her.

It was like lighting a match and throwing it on kerosene.

Passion exploded. Clothes flew everywhere. Tameka found herself flat on her back, on the ground, with Chad on top, driving into her.

It was fast. It was furious, and over in minutes.

She lay there feeling like a survivor at ground zero, dazedly staring up at the night sky. “I don’t understand this effect you have on me. This isn’t like me. How do you keep doing this to me?” Tameka muttered, not really expecting an answer.

Chad lifted his head from her shoulder where he’d collapsed. “Is this a bad thing?”

“I’m still trying to decide.”

“Well, let me give you a little more to consider.” He stood, bent down and picked her up, then strode with her towards the house.

“What about our clothes? Your keys? Your wallet?”

“I’ll get them later.”

He walked into the house and kicked the door shut.