When Love Calls, page 10
Each day with him highlighted how perfect they were together. For a person who wasn’t looking for anything serious, she had certainly hit the jackpot. She couldn’t see herself with anyone else. Some moments that realization scared her to death, but right now, all she could think about was doing more with Dexter than kissing.
Talking and laughing coming from the distance had them slowly pulling apart.
Dexter stared into her eyes before a smile lifted the corner of his glorious mouth. “Kissing you has definitely become my favorite pastime.”
Mona grinned, joy singing through her veins. “Mine too. I think we should do it as often as possible.”
“I agree. That idea will go great with what I have planned for this evening.” He wiggled his eyebrows, making her laugh. “Let’s drink a little water and keep it moving.”
Once they returned to the trail, they walked side by side, and conversation flowed easily.
“I’m thinking that once we get to the condo, you can take a long, warm bubble bath to work out any soreness,” Dexter said.
“Who said I was sore?”
“The wincing every so often kind of gave you away.” He smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, placing a kiss on her forehead. “You’ll be good as new. Then we can order Chinese food and camp out in front of the TV and maybe watch a couple of movies.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
“Have you reconsidered your stance on marriage?” Dexter asked out of the blue, and took the lead as they walked down a steep hill.
Mona hadn’t necessarily thought about marriage, but there hadn’t been a day since she and Dexter started hanging out that she didn’t think about him. Yet, giving up her independence to live with a man again wasn’t something she was in a hurry to do. Then again, she already knew living with him would be totally different than living with Russell.
“I’ll take your silence as a no,” Dexter said, jarring Mona out of her thoughts.
“I know you’re looking to get married again, Dex, but I like my newfound freedom.”
“Does that mean you’re still dating other men?”
“No,” she said quickly. “I told you that you’re the only man I’m seeing.” The only man she wanted to see, she thought, but didn’t add.
“But you’re not interested in a formal commitment.”
Mona sighed wishing he would change the subject. “Dex…I like things the way they are between us. We’ve been having a wonderful time. We don’t need a formal commitment.”
“What if I told you I wanted more?”
“More like what?” she asked carefully, not sure she really wanted to know the answer.
He stopped abruptly and turned, forcing her to pull up short. “I want you, Mona. All of you.”
*
When Mona didn’t respond, Dexter gave her a quick kiss on the lips and started back down the trail. He wanted more than anything to tell her that he had fallen in love with her, but she wasn’t ready. During the time they’d spent together, growing closer, he thought their feelings for each other were in line.
Apparently not.
Knowing that kept him from telling her more about his past. It had already been hard confessing his drinking problem, but before he would share his deepest secret, he had to know where her head was at. He had to know she was committed to moving forward with him and taking their relationship to the next level. He was a traditional guy. Dating to be dating wasn’t him. Once he found the right woman, he wanted to marry and build a life with her. Mona was that woman. He just had to wait until she knew it too.
She caught up and walked alongside him, despite the narrow path.
“Please don’t be mad at me. For all of my adult life, I was with a man who I always catered to. Making sure all of his needs were taken care of, from ensuring meals were on the table on time to managing the household budget. I took care of him and our home, as well as traveled with him on business. Basically, I did what I assume most wives do—I supported my man.”
Dexter listened. Considering how she had given of herself in her previous relationship, he wondered what Russell did for her. Surely, she didn’t stick around just for the man’s wealth and luxury. She wasn’t that type of woman, at least not the woman he’d grown to love.
“For the first time in my life, I’m able to put myself first. Do what I want and…be who I want to be.”
“And you don’t think you can do that in a committed relationship? You don’t think you can be who you are with me?”
She released a dramatic sigh. “This is not coming out right. Basically, Dex. I don’t want to take care of a man again.”
Dexter slowed. “Sweetheart, I can take care of myself. I don’t know what all Russell expected of you, but all I would want from you in a relationship is your love and respect. That’s it.”
She stopped and looked at him with confusion. “Then what’s the point of marriage if I don’t take care of you and our home?”
Dexter was slowly starting to understand the power Russell had had over her. “Mona, marriage is not only about taking care of the other person. It’s a partnership. I would never expect my wife to be the sole cook, cleaner, breadwinner or anything like that. I want to remarry because I want to grow old with a woman by my side who I love spending time with, enjoying the rest of this life I have left.”
“I see.”
“Do you really? I understand marriage is different for everyone, but so that we’re clear, what you described is not what I’m looking for. I love the relationship that you and I are building. We’re a heck of a team, balancing each other in everything we’ve done together. That’s what I want. Someone to share my life with. Not someone to do everything for me.”
For the first time in the last few minutes, she smiled up at him. “We do make a pretty good team, don’t we?”
“We do.” He pulled her into a bear hug. “We make a helluva team. You let me know when you’re ready to take this team to the next level.”
Chapter Thirteen
Mona sat at the dining room table of the Jenkins family home, sipping a steaming cup of coffee. Steven and Katherine Jenkins, the founders of Jenkins & Sons Construction, held a family brunch at their estate every Sunday. Mona had attended a few times, but two things were always guaranteed when around the Jenkins family: good food and plenty of laughs. Today was no different.
Sitting next to Sumeera as she, Toni, and Martina discussed everything from work to the latest Hollywood scandal kept her entertained.
“Soon, Hollywood will only be comprised of women. With all of the allegations of sexual assault coming to the forefront, women will be ruling the entertainment world,” Toni said. She had on her usual attire, jeans and a sassy T-shirt about plumbers. Today’s shirt read: The sexiest plumber you’ll ever meet.
“Women rule the world in every other aspect. They might as well take over Hollywood, too,” Martina added while sipping from a glass of white wine, reminding Mona that she hadn’t had a drink since her first date with Dexter. Surprisingly, she hadn’t missed alcohol. “Now maybe we’ll get more male nudity on the big screen. I’m sick of always seeing a woman’s tits and bare ass while the guy is fully clothed.”
“MJ, only you would say something like that,” Sumeera said, shaking her head. “What do you think, Mom?”
Surprised by the question, Mona thought about her response before speaking. “Actually, I think Martina is right. There is definitely an imbalance of gender nudity on TV and in movies. Though personally, I could do without all of it on the big screen, but Martina has a good point.”
“What stupid stuff is MJ spewing now?” Christina asked, carrying a plate loaded with food. “Hey, everybody. What I miss?”
“Well, hello to you too, cuz.” Martina bumped shoulders with Christina when she sat in the seat next to her. “Mona was just agreeing with me about sex.”
Her eyes bulged while the others at the table laughed.
“Don’t worry, Mona. I don’t believe a word she says,” Christina said, still laughing.
“I didn’t know you were back in town.” Martina poured Christina a glass of wine. “Don’t you look refreshed. I guess the thug lawyer put it on you real good while you guys were on vacation.”
Mona hadn’t heard the story of why Martina referred to Christina’s husband, Luke, as the thug lawyer. He had moved from New York to Cincinnati a few years ago where he was a defense attorney. Now he worked with Christina’s uncle, Ben, at his law firm. Luke definitely had swag, but by no means did he come across as a thug.
“You’re damn near glowing,” Martina continued, narrowing her eyes at Christina. “Wait. Unless—”
“Don’t even go there, MJ.” Christina shoveled a heap of salad into her mouth, then pointed her fork at each of her cousins. “I’m leaving the baby-making to you guys.” Though her plate was full, she’d only loaded it up with vegetarian dishes. “Speaking of babies. Where are the kids?”
“With their fathers,” Toni said, and put a forkful of carrot cake into her mouth. Mona didn’t know how they all stayed so fit, yet had huge appetites. She couldn’t eat another thing even if she wanted to.
“Since we’re on clean-up duty this week, we thought it only fair that the daddies be on kid duty.”
“Speaking of glowing. So, Mona. You and Dex, huh?” Toni said between bites.
“Yeah, Mom. I did notice a little more pep in your step. What gives?”
“Is it true that even though there’s snow on the roof, there’s still fire in the furnace?” Martina asked.
Mona’s mouth dropped opened, and heat flooded her cheeks.
“You don’t have to answer, Mona, but inquiring minds want to know,” Toni said laughing.
“A lady never tells,” Mona said, with as much priss in her voice as she could muster.
“Well, I’m no lady. When I become a senior citizen—”
“Hey! We are not senior citizens yet.” Mona couldn’t help but join in with their laughter. Instead of going to the sunroom with some of the other women closer to her age, she had opted to hang out with Sumeera. She and Dexter had eaten together, but after he finished, he headed to the lower level to play dominoes with some of the guys.
“Well, I think it’s great Mona and Dex are dating. He’s a good guy,” Christina said and poured herself a glass of water from the pitcher on the table. “I’m glad he’s gotten his life back together. It was too bad Peyton had to fire him,” Christina said of her sister who used to run the company. “I’m glad you didn’t hold the accident against him. It was—”
“What accident?” Mona asked. Dexter hadn’t mentioned being fired from Jenkins & Sons Construction. Nor did he tell her anything about an accident.
Silence filled the room before Sumeera spoke. “He didn’t tell you?”
“No, he never mentioned an accident. What happened?”
Unease spread through her body as she looked from one to the other.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up,” Christina apologized.
“Why won’t one of you just tell me what happened?”
Martina shook her head. “Normally, I’d be all about spreading somebody in this family’s business, but in this case… That’s Dexter’s story to tell.”
Mona’s stomach stirred with trepidation. Martina had a reputation in the family of saying whatever was on her mind, not caring whose feelings got hurt. For her to refuse to share Dexter’s story said a lot.
Whatever happened must have been bad. Very bad.
*
“Fever in the funkhouse!” Ben Sr. yelled as he slammed the domino on the card table.
“Dang, Dad. Say it, don’t spray it.” Ben, Jr., also known as BJ, wiped his face with his forearm.
Dexter laughed along with everyone else and they all started talking at once. As usual, when they got together for a game of dominoes, there was more trash-talking in that small room than on a public basketball court. Four guys sat at the table and two others on the sideline, but it sounded more like twenty.
“Any day now, old man. It’s your turn,” Nick said to Dexter. He was sitting to his left and had Chanelle sitting contently on his lap.
“Watch it with the old-man crack, young blood. Remember, I used to change your diapers.”
“Hence…old man,” Ben Jr. cracked and they all laughed again.
“All right. Whatchu got to say about this? Fifteen stitches for your britches!” Dexter slammed down the tile.
“Motherfu—”
“Watch your mouth, boy. There’s a kid in the room,” Ben said to his son.
“Really? She can’t even talk.”
“Still…” Nick added, and again the room exploded with more trash talk.
This is what Dexter had missed during the years he had stayed clear of most of the family. Sunday brunch was a time for several generations of Jenkins relatives to come together and enjoy each other’s company over food, laughter, and a host of other activities.
The estate was so big, it was easy for fifty people to be in the home and not feel crowded. Some hung out on the first floor, mostly the women. While the guys occupied the lower level, consisting of two game rooms, the small one that Dexter was currently in, and a larger one that held a pool table and a few other games, as well as a bar. Most of the older men hung out in the lounge area, which was referred to as the man cave.
Dexter looked up and saw Mona standing near the entrance to the small room. He smiled at her, but when she didn’t return the smile, he set his tiles face down on the table and stood.
“Give me a second, guys. I’ll be right back.” Dexter crossed the room. “Hey. Everything all right?” He placed a quick kiss on her lips.
“Do you mind if we leave?” she asked and glanced around, rubbing her hands up and down her folded arms as if she were cold despite the sweater she had on.
“Sure. We can head out, but is something wrong? Are you feeling okay?” He wrapped his arm around her waist and felt her stiffen before she relaxed.
“I think it’s time for us to go.”
He stared down at her until she actually looked at him. Seemed he wouldn’t find out what was wrong until they left.
“Jerry, can you finish up my hand?” he asked another one of Steven’s grandsons.
Jerry rubbed his hands together and grinned. “With pleasure.”
Holding Mona’s hand, something that was second nature now, Dexter led her up the stairs, wondering what had happened. When they reached the top landing, they ran into Sumeera.
“You guys leaving?”
“Yeah, your mom’s ready to go.”
Sumeera nodded. “Okay. Mom, give me a call later,” she said, and they hugged. Then Sumeera surprised Dexter with a tight hug. “Be honest with her. Everything will be fine,” she whispered, and Dexter’s whole body went on alert.
Be honest with her.
Alarm hammered inside his chest as the words played over and over in his head. While he and Mona walked to his truck, all types of thoughts clogged his mind. Either Mona knew about the accident or someone hinted about it.
Whichever it was, Dexter only had himself to blame if she no longer trusted him. Or no longer wanted to be with him. He had wanted to tell her the other night, but once she removed her dress, all other thoughts vanished. Then during their hiking trip, he had thought about talking to her about the accident, but selfishly didn’t want to ruin their perfect day. And then there was last night. A night that was much like the night before, with them sharing his bed and him falling deeper in love with her.
He helped Mona into the truck and then climbed into the driver’s side. He stuck his key into the ignition and then dropped his head against the seat.
How the hell was he supposed to start this conversation?
“Tell me about the accident.”
Dexter swallowed, his pulse pounding in his ear. “Okay, but not here.”
Chapter Fourteen
Dexter appreciated Mona’s willingness to wait to discuss the accident until they were in the comfort of her living room. It also gave him time to prepare himself for whatever came next for them.
The Bible might say the truth will set you free, but if there was any way around sharing the secrets of his past with her, he would take it. He had made peace with all of those involved in the accident years ago, but not knowing what her reaction would be once he told her everything had him on edge.
Falling in love with her had happened quickly, but there was no way their relationship could progress if he wasn’t totally honest. He didn’t want to lose the woman who had given him hope in finding love again.
“Here you go,” Mona said, handing Dexter a large mug of steaming black coffee. The scent of French vanilla wafted to his nose and he inhaled.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” She sat on the sofa next to him. For the majority of the drive to the condo, conversation mainly centered on the Jenkins family and the brunch.
“Are you ready to talk?” she asked, sitting back and crossing one leg over the other. The light-pink sweater she wore highlighted her dark skin and made her look soft and feminine. The top was paired with fitted blue jeans, something she’d been wearing more often.
Dexter’s heart squeezed with love. She was the kindest person he knew and she deserved someone better than him. But he couldn’t give her up. He didn’t want to lose her. She was a part of him.
God, this woman…
“I don’t know if I would’ve ever been ready to share the part of my life that I’m most ashamed of had you not confronted me. You mean the world to me, Mona. I never want to disappoint you, but…”
She leaned forward and touched his forearm. “Tell me. Whatever happened, I’m the last person who will judge you. Like you told me over a month ago, we all have things in our past that we’re not proud of or wish we could have a do-over.”
