Never Say Never, page 16
“Aw, you weren’t that bad,” Sabrina lied. She knew how fragile the male ego was. “You just need a little bit of practice.”
“You didn’t need any,” Malcolm stated.
“That’s because I went a couple of times with Tre and Jasmine, so naturally it came back to me. I was just like you the first time I tried, but it got better and eventually I wasn’t half bad. I left the activity to the two of them. You know, father-daughter time. But now that Tre’s not here, I’m all Jasmine has so—”
“So what are we going to do now,” Jasmine asked once she’d returned from dropping off her equipment.
“How about some ice cream?” Sabrina suggested. “I’d love something cool and Carvel makes the best. What do you say, Malcolm?”
“Ice cream would be great, Sabrina. Let’s return these skates first.” Once they’d returned the equipment, the three of them walked the short distance to Malcolm’s car for a quick drive to the ice cream shop.
Several folks from the community were seated outside the shop as the threesome approached holding hands. When Malcolm slid his large hand inside hers, Sabrina didn’t mind, especially when he’d done the same to Jazzy. But suddenly it struck her that the scene they were creating would become fodder for local gossip, and she wanted no part of that. Sabrina dropped Malcolm’s hand while they were still a short distance from the shop and urged him to go inside first with Jasmine while she stopped to say hello to a few folks sitting at the outside tables.
“So,” Adriana Hunter said, “are you and the handsome doctor an item now?” She was sitting with several other single women who were members of the congregation and who were also very single.
“Pardon me?”
“C’mon, don’t play coy, Sabrina. That man has been the cause of every woman’s wet dream at the church. Don’t act like you haven’t noticed.”
Sabrina’s lips twisted in a cynical smile. Of course she had, but she’d never let these gossips know it.
“No, I hadn’t realized that.” She glanced inside the glass windows and when she did, she found Malcolm’s eyes glued on hers. He had a way of looking at her that made her feel like she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
“Well, he’s available,” Adriana responded, “and if I were you I’d snap him up quick because if you don’t, someone else will.” She tossed her long jet black hair over her shoulder and returned to her conversation.
Sabrina nervously laughed off the comment, and walked inside the shop.
“Mom, I’m having Rocky Road,” Jasmine announced as she stared at all the different flavors through the glass case. “What are you going to get, Dr. Malcolm?” Sabrina tickled Malcolm’s side.
“Yogurt,” he replied unequivocally.
Sabrina rolled her eyes at Mr. Health Conscious. “That’s too bad, ‘cause I’m having that,” she said to the clerk, pointing at the mint chocolate chip.
The clerk slid open the freezer and generously scooped their selections. Jasmine opted for an ice cream cone while Sabrina and Malcolm each asked for cups. Malcolm paid for their ice cream before joining them at the booth they’d procured.
“What do you say when you’re treated, Jasmine?” Sabrina asked.
“Thank you, Dr. Malcolm.” Jasmine smiled adoringly at him.
“You’re welcome.” He ruffled her ringlets with his hand.
As he ate his yogurt, it amazed Malcolm that he was this taken with a child. He’d never been this kid-friendly before, but somehow this little munchkin had stolen his heart. And when she smiled back at him with those big brown eyes, Malcolm knew the feeling was mutual.
A second later, Sabrina and Malcolm reached for a napkin at the same time, but Malcolm took it from her. “Here, let me.” He dabbed at either side of her mouth. Their eyes met, then Sabrina caught the ladies outside openly staring at them through the glass. “I guess we’d better get going,” she said, looking at her watch.
Malcolm turned and saw the direction of her gaze. He didn’t care two bits about the gossips. “Stay, finish your ice cream. Then I’ll take you back.”
After they enjoyed their snack, Malcolm dropped them off at Forsyth Park.
“Thank you for a lovely afternoon,” Sabrina said once he walked her to her car. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his square jaw.
Malcolm turned his face slightly and her kiss landed on his lips instead. His mouth slanted over hers and her lips parted, allowing the invasion. Excitement surged through her at the delving dart of his masterful tongue inside her mouth. It was agonizingly slow, yet intimate, and she wished it would never end, but she had Jasmine with her.
When he lifted his head, he said, “I’ll see you soon,” then he turned to Jasmine. “Bye, Jazzy.”
Jasmine came forward and Malcolm bent down to accept the hug she bestowed. “See ya soon.”
Sabrina and Jasmine got in the convertible. Sabrina blew a kiss at Malcolm and drove away.
Chapter 16
“Malcolm, I know you’re still upset with me,” Dinah said on his voicemail, “but I’m sorry for what I said. It’s not your fault. Please don’t be upset with me.”
But Malcolm couldn’t forget her harsh words or the way she’d made him feel. It had taken him to a dark place, a place he hadn’t been since Michael’s death, a place he could easily have gone back to if Sabrina hadn’t stopped the cycle. Her coming to his home that evening had been a godsend in more ways than one.
They’d shared an unbelievable night making love and the earth had shook for him. Or damn near. That’s just how much Sabrina had rocked his world. She had helped ease the pain and the guilt that he’d lived with since Michael’s death. She and her beautiful daughter were more than just a salve, they were his lifeline. And he didn’t want to go back there to that dark place. So he had to keep his distance from Dinah. At least for now. Or at least until he could control his emotions.
So he would focus on other tasks, like finding out if the woman who was claiming Michael fathered a child was who she said she was. The instant Dinah had told him, he’d called his attorney back in Boston to make some calls, and Dinah was right. A court order for a paternity test was in the works and the results would be back in about a couple of weeks. Until then, he would just have to wait.
Sabrina returned to Malcolm’s several days after their rollerblading adventure. She’d wanted to come sooner, but she wanted to spend as much time with Jasmine as possible before school soon started for them booth. After a hard day’s work at the B&B, she was ready for some TLC and Malcolm was only too happy to oblige when she arrived that evening. He started by devouring her lips as soon as he opened the door.
“I missed you.” Sabrina circled her arms around his neck as he pulled her inside and sealed his mouth over hers.
“So did I,” Malcolm replied. He’d been eagerly awaiting her return. He was so hungry for her that he lifted her off her feet without any preamble and carried her straight to his bedroom.
He took two steps at a time, until he made it to the top floor. He barely made it to the bed before his lips crushed Sabrina’s.
Her lips felt soft against his and Malcolm’s emotions turned to red-hot desire instantly when Sabrina hugged him tighter. He felt her firm breasts turn to points through his thin T-shirt and it turned him on instantly. Just being near her caused a raging erection. His fingers slid their way up her shirt and he began massaging the tiny little pebbles underneath it.
“Hmmm, that feels good,” Sabrina moaned in his ear, loving the feel of his warm hands on her and the smell of the clean scent of his skin.
“Want some more?”
“Whatcha got?” Sabrina queried flirtatiously.
“This.” Malcolm quickly lifted her shirt over her head, removed her bra and lowered his head. He tugged on one nipple until Sabrina cried out his name and her breathing quickened. And while his mouth worshipped her flesh, his hands touched and caressed her all over. She wanted to reciprocate but couldn’t. Instead she closed her eyes and let the erotic rush of sensation wash over her sensitized skin.
When Malcolm’s mouth covered her there, Sabrina couldn’t resist moaning aloud as the most spectacular climax she’d ever had overtook her. At some point, she opened her eyes and found Malcolm staring at her. She met his gaze and the desire she saw shook her to her very core. She wasn’t alone. She was so hot and ready for him that Malcolm strained in his shorts, eager for a release. He wanted to be inside her, to feel her warm cocoon clench around him.
Swiftly, he disposed of their clothes, slipped on a condom and wasted no time entering her. As he pumped inside her, thrusting deeper and deeper, Sabrina welcomed him, twisting her hips and drawing him in further. She accepted him and every part of her immediately came alive. She gave herself to Malcolm, mind, body and soul. She could even hear the sighs and moans of their lovemaking echo throughout the room. Malcolm’s final plunge pushed them both into oblivion as waves of pleasure washed over them. They collapsed in each other’s arms.
Afterward, Sabrina fell sound asleep on Malcolm’s chest.
Sabrina heard her cellphone ringing as she drove home after leaving Malcolm’s, but she couldn’t reach it, so she kept her eyes firmly planted on the road as she pulled to the shoulder. She put the car in park, opened her purse and flipped open her phone on the last ring.
“Hello, hello,” she said rapidly.
“Sabrina, is that you?” Tre asked from the other end. Sabrina exhaled. Great! Tre was the last person she wanted to speak to after such a fine evening. “Yes, Tre. What can I do for you?” she asked glumly, watching other cars pass her by.
“Wow, don’t sound so enthusiastic,” Tre said as he unpacked his suitcase, throwing items into a hotel drawer. “I just wanted to let you know that I’ve arrived.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Sabrina replied absentmindedly. Once again, she’d completely forgotten about his visit or to tell Malcolm. “Jazzy will be very excited.” Curiosity got the better of her though and she had to ask the question lingering in the air. “Did you come alone?”
“Of course not,” Tre muttered. “Melanie is my girlfriend and she decided that it was high time she got to know Jazzy better since she’ll be visiting us during the summer.”
“How magnanimous of her,” Sabrina replied.
“Sabrina,” Tre warned, “don’t tell me you’re still sore over Melanie and me.”
“No, I’m not still sore,” Sabrina imitated Tre’s tone, “but I don’t think now is the appropriate time to be flaunting your new relationship in Jazzy’s face. It’s been a really difficult year for her, and I don’t want her traumatized any further.”
“Traumatized?” Tre queried. “Don’t you think that’s rather a harsh word? I don’t think that Jazzy spending time with Melanie for a spell will have a negative effect on her.”
“That’s how little you know about your own daughter,” Sabrina said testily. Tre had no idea who Jasmine really was.
“You’re the one who has a problem with Melanie being here and now you’re making a federal case out of it.”
Sabrina chuckled heartily and Tre sniffed on the other end. “That’s utterly ridiculous. I’ve got much better ways to spend my time than thinking about you and your mistress.”
“My girlfriend,” Tre uttered. “You and I are no longer married.”
“Thank the Lord for that.” Sabrina couldn’t resist one final comment. “So when shall I expect you?”
Tre sighed. “Well, I thought that since it was so late and it is our first night here …” His voice trailed off.
“That I wouldn’t tell Jasmine you’re here until tomorrow?” Sabrina finished. “Typical.”
Tre snorted. “Tell her I’ll be there to pick her up at nine for breakfast.”
“Fine.” Sabrina closed her cell before she could hear another syllable of that rat’s voice. Here he was in town and still wouldn’t come to see his own daughter. She shook her head and dismissed all thoughts of Tre from her mind. She had someone else much better to occupy it. She returned to lascivious thoughts of Malcolm and how he’d made her come multiple times that evening, so much so that all thoughts of Tre became a distant memory.
Jasmine ran around screaming after Sabrina arrived home and informed her that her father would be in Savannah tomorrow. She rushed straight to her room to select the perfect ensemble for the occasion while Sabrina stayed with her father in the kitchen.
“Well, it’s good to see you home this evening,” James commented from the stove, where he stood stirring a large pot. “You have been rather missing in action these days.”
“Have I?” Sabrina lowered her head. “I suppose I have been.” She peeked her head over his shoulder. It looked like her father was making his famous spicy chili. “Hmmm, that smells good. Can I have a taste?”
“Sure can.” James reached inside a drawer and pulled out a small spoon for Sabrina. “How is it? It’s not too spicy I hope? Your mother hates it when I make it too spicy.”
Sabrina licked her lips. “No, Dad. It’s perfect. You’re right on the money as always.”
“Ah, you say that now.” James laughed as he too sampled the chili with another spoon. “Wish someone had listened to me back in the day.”
“Is this about Tre?”
Her father nodded. “The first time I ever met him, I knew he wasn’t right for my baby doll.”
Sabrina smiled. “Would anyone have been right for me?”
“Well, no.” James chuckled. “But at least they would have been better than him.” He wiped his hands on his apron.
“Look at it this way. If I hadn’t met Tre, I might not have had Jazzy. And no matter how much Tre hurt me, I will always be grateful for that little girl upstairs.” She pointed upward.
“Amen!” James replied. “Now pass me that chili powder on the table. I think this chili is missing something.”
The following morning, when Sabrina padded downstairs in her slippers to the kitchen, she found Jasmine wide awake and already dressed. Wearing a yellow camisole and blue jean skirt with a belt, Jasmine looked adorable.
“Morning, Jazzy,” Sabrina said, covering her mouth to stifle a yawn. She walked straight toward the coffee pot. “So you’re excited to see Daddy today?”
“Yes, Mommy. I’ve missed him so much.”
“Is that why you’re up so early?” Sabrina asked as she took down a filter and pulled the coffee canister toward her.
“Yes, Daddy said he’d be here to pick me up at nine for breakfast, remember?”
“That’s right, Jazzy.” Sabrina wiped the sleep from her eyes, pulled her robe closed and sat down at the kitchen table as she waited for the coffee to percolate. Once it did, she realized she’d forgotten a cup. “Can you pull Mommy down a mug, please?”
“Sure,” Jasmine answered. She grabbed the stepstool by the stove and grabbed a mug. “When do you think he’ll be here?”
Sabrina glanced at her watch. It read nine fifteen. “Soon, sweetie.” She found the energy to move from her seat and kissed Jasmine on the head before pouring herself a strong cup of coffee. “If you want, you can use my cell and give him a call. It’s in my purse in the hallway.”
Jasmine raced out of the room and soon Sabrina heard her talking to Tre. “Dad, how could you forget? You said you’d be here.” Damn that Tre! Why couldn’t he keep his word? “Alright, Daddy. I’ll be waiting.”
Jasmine returned to the kitchen with a sad face. “Is he on his way?” Sabrina asked cheerily.
Jasmine frowned. “He said to give him thirty minutes.”
“Then he’ll be here. You know your father. He was never an early riser.” Sabrina attempted to ease the situation even though she wanted to strangle Tre. She knew Melanie was the reason he was late picking up their daughter.
Tre arrived an hour later. Sabrina was livid. She waited until Jasmine was out of earshot, running upstairs to get her overnight bag, before telling him so.
“How dare you have Jazzy waiting here for over an hour,” she hissed, confronting Tre in her robe in the hallway. It wasn’t the impression she’d envisioned making the first time Tre saw her again, but hell he’d seen much more of her than anyone else, except Malcolm.
Tre’s eyes left Sabrina’s face. She noticed the move and followed the direction of his leering gaze to the V of her robe where the swell of her breasts were evident. He was a pig! She clutched her robe shut.
“It’s way too early, Sabrina,” Tre began.
“Don’t shhh me,” Sabrina hissed. “I’m not the one having my daughter waiting an hour for me.”
“No, but you sure would like to make me out to be the villain. I’m not the one who moved our daughter to this godforsaken town. I got lost getting here from the riverfront.”
Sabrina stared back at Tre. What a liar! He’d probably been in bed with Melanie. What did I ever see in a jerk like him? His hazel eyes and milky skin had appealed to her when she was nineteen, but when she looked at him now, he completely turned her off despite how well-dressed he was in slacks and a pale-green polo shirt.
“Is there a problem?”
“The problem is you, Tre. You really have to stop taking Jasmine for granted. She’s going through a tough period of adjustment since the divorce and she needs you.”
“Wow.” Tre stepped back. “Did I actually hear you say she needs me?”
Sabrina sucked in a deep breath. She would not let him get the better of her and descend to his level. “Listen, Tre. All I’m asking is that you stop being so selfish and think of Jasmine’s needs before your own.”
“You know, Sabrina. I’m sick and tired of all your warnings and your high-and-mighty attitude. I just got here for Christ’s sake! If you keep this up—”
