“Oh, if you want to go to bed, we can. Late-night studying and being in the ER make it hard for me to go to sleep before midnight.” He’d already placed my bag in one of his guest rooms, making it clear that he didn’t have intentions for us to share his bed. Earlier today, I appreciated his decision. After spending hours enjoying each other, I had second thoughts about being separated from him.
Carter reassured, “I can hang. Wouldn’t want to mess up your tradition.”
He didn’t sound condescending or annoyed and looked so relaxed, lying there with one arm flung behind his head. Carter had been a gentleman all day. No deep kisses, innuendos, or sexual banter. All friendly touches and good conversation, getting to learn one another once we left my place. So far, we seem more alike than different. He was also a quiet man whose fame and looks forced him out of his introverted shell. A day with Carter only enticed me more, which I already anticipated. Just didn’t realize how much closer.
Now, I wanted to be under him, to snuggle, without it looking like I wanted to do more. Maybe if I had a reason to get up, I could somehow end up with my body curled around his. I could ask him to dance, but I wasn’t a big fan of dancing. Why couldn’t I simply ease beside him? The space next to him was large enough for two, and he would more than welcome me.Why couldn’t I be like Mama, who would probably be engaged to Carter after one date?
“You want something else to drink, like another float, or water?” I asked like it was my ultra-modern, expensive condo.
“No. I can get you something if you’re thirsty. We did make a lot of popcorn.” He bopped his head to the cartoon, oblivious to my turmoil.
“I’m fine,” I replied, unable to hide my disappointment.
Carter glanced at me before he tapped his chest, and with a barely contained grin, I slid on top of him with my back on his chest and my legs between his legs. My temple rested next to his bearded chin, and he embraced me lightly as we continued watching TV together.
“This feels good,” I admitted. “It’s been a long time since I cuddled with a man.”
“Mm...hmm.” He kissed the side of my face and crossed one sock-covered foot over mine. “It’s after ten, which means in Dallas it’s midnight. Can we watch your movie now?”
“Okay. I’m getting sleepy myself,” I lied. My body was too attuned to his, and my sex throbbed from unmet need. Yet, I wasn’t ready for him to claim my body when I recognized my heart and soul would soon willingly follow.
Carter announced, “PlayAlmost Christmas.”
Soon, we were both laughing at Monique, and an hour into the movie, Carter drifted to sleep. His chest rose and fell slowly. I kissed his lips softly. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
He continued to sleep soundly, and I didn’t want to wake him when he seemed to need the rest. I grabbed the quilt from the back of the sofa and placed it over us. I shifted to get comfortable, and his arms tightened, though he still appeared to be asleep. I snuggled against him, hoping as I listened to his even breathing and steady heartbeat, that I could give love a chance, and this man was my future.
And that one day our children would be sitting here with us.
Chapter 4
Carter
“She better be worth it, if you’re missing Thanksgiving,” My younger brother Chase started when I answered the video call the following morning.
“And Happy Thanksgiving to you.” I grinned from the bench in my personal gym after finishing my workout.
“Cut the bullshit.” He scoffed.
“How do you know it’s a woman? Maybe I wanted to spend a day alone to focus on all that I’m grateful for.” I wiped my perspiring face with a black, fluffy hand towel. I spoke a partial truth. I’d spent some time alone in silence, praying and expressing gratitude for my life, my children, my family, and the woman who already brightened my day with her presence.
Brooklyn was still asleep in the guest room. I’d picked her up in the middle of the night and carried her to the guest room. She’d awakened long enough to slide under the covers. I watched her sleep for a bit before noticing my jersey on the top of her open suitcase. It looked old, and instead of being annoyed that she’d been a long-time fan, I became more attracted. Proof that she could enjoy more than her career and her studies.
“Who is she?” He asked. “I know you.”
Chase did know me because he’d been my best friend and confidant. Despite my popularity because of my athletic prowess, I preferred quiet and considered myself a closeted introvert. I didn’t really have friends outside of my women and my brother.
“I met her Tuesday, in the ER when I brought Kani there for his sprain. She was his doctor.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about her when you called me about Kani?”
“I wasn’t sure she would spend Thanksgiving with me since we just met. She’s been here at my place since yesterday, and we’ve been getting to know each other. She’s cool and has her own goals and ambitions.”
“Liking her already. A woman not caught up with your fame, and she’s a doctor. Maybe Mama will like this one.”
I looked past his face, focusing on his background. “Wait...are you at home? You better not be anywhere Mama is, having this conversation.”
“Oh, I have you on speaker. I stopped by Mama’s early to get the fryer ready for the turkey.” He chuckled.
