Never Say Never, page 18
“We know that, but she doesn’t. Now it’s up to you to let her know that she has nothing to fear from us.”
“You’re right.” But the thought of looking into Jayden’s eyes and seeing his twin in them scared him. “It’s just—”
“Don’t delay, Malcolm. You’ll never know how much joy he could bring to your life, because he’s already brought so much to mine.”
“Oh, Mom—”
“Let me finish. You’re right there, Malcolm. You can become a huge influence in his life and tell him what a great person his father truly was. Promise you’ll go see him. And soon.”
“I will, Mom. I promise I will.” Malcolm had come full circle. His twin had left behind a son and he was now an uncle. It was funny how life surprised you when you least expected it. He’d come to Savannah to escape the pain, only to discover that his brother had left a precious gift behind. And he’d met Sabrina, a beautiful, smart, funny, sexy, vibrant woman who was everything he’d been looking for his entire life. After losing Michael, he’d said he could never love anyone or anything that much ever again.
But Sabrina had changed all that. She’d changed him and opened up his heart, allowing the love to pour in. Glancing upward, Malcolm, to his own surprise, thanked God for his blessings.
Rising, he turned on the light to call Sabrina and tell her the good news, but he thought it would be much better in person. Bending down, he grabbed his keys off the floor and rushed out the door.
Chapter 18
After Tre departed, a knot began forming in Sabrina’s stomach; she felt like she couldn’t breathe. Tre wanted custody of Jasmine—that just couldn’t be. He didn’t even want her. Sabrina knew he was just doing this to get back at her and to try to control her life like he’d done during their marriage. She needed to get out of the house before she went stir crazy. She needed to talk to someone who was clearheaded.
It didn’t take long before she was hopping in her car and heading to the Sheriff’s office.
“Hello, Raymond,” Sabrina said to the neighborhood barber standing outside his shop as she disembarked from her car.
“Well, hello to you too, Ms. Sabrina. It’s good to see you back in town,” the beefy ex-quarterback replied.
“Thank you. It’s good to be back.” Sabrina offered a plastic smile as she passed him by and entered the Sheriff’s building. The deputy at the front desk directed her to her brother’s office, located in the rear of the building.
Sabrina knocked on the glass before entering. “Come in,” a tenor voice from inside sung out.
Shock registered on Alton’s face at the sight of his baby sister standing in the doorway. “Sabrina.” He looked up from reading the Savannah Tribune. “What are you doing here?”
“I was looking for some brotherly advice. Got a minute?”
“For you, of course.” He put down the newspaper. “Tell me what’s on your mind. Oh, wait, don’t tell me. You’re here to talk about a certain doctor with cropped wavy hair and dark brooding eyes that you’ve been seen hanging around town with.”
Sabrina grinned unabashedly. “No, I’m not here to talk about Dr. Winters.”
Alton chuckled. “Alright, what then?”
“I’m hear about my ex.”
“Tre?” Alton sat upright in his chair. “What’s that Negro done now? ‘Cause he’s long overdue for a meeting with my fist.”
Sabrina snorted. “Well as much as I’d love you to give him one, he’s here in town for a visit with Jasmine. But that isn’t the worst of it, Alton. He’s threatening to sue for custody.”
“Why?”
“Because Jasmine has been a bit clingy and he thinks it’s better that she’s back in Baltimore closer to him and around more familiar surroundings.”
“But we’re her family. What more can she need?”
“My thoughts exactly, but if he’s determined to go down this path …” Her voice trailed off. “I don’t know what to do, Alton. On the one hand, I think he’s partly right. Jasmine has had a hard time adjusting, but on the other hand, I strongly believe that in time she’ll find her way.”
“Then you have your answer,” Alton said. “You”—he pointed across at her—“know what’s best for your daughter, Sabrina. Don’t let that man come in and try to bully you into his way of thinking. I’ve seen you grow so much since you’ve been back home. And Dad told me you’re starting classes in the fall. Those are all reasons to stay, though I don’t think those are your only reasons for wanting to stay.”
“What else could there be?”
Alton laughed. “Walls have ears around here, and the time you’ve spent with Doc Winters hasn’t gone by unnoticed. Are you honestly going to say that he wouldn’t be one of the reasons you’d want to stay in Savannah?”
Sabrina lowered her head. Alton was right. Yes, she thought Jasmine would eventually adjust. But she also wanted to see where her relationship with Malcolm was headed. She had strong feelings for the man. Feelings she wasn’t ready to name just yet, but they were there. “No, you’re right. Malcolm has become a big part of my life.”
Alton grinned. “And I’m glad for it. To see that gleam in your eyes again after Tre had snuffed it out …” His voice trailed off. “Well, we’re all glad to see it back.”
“So am I,” Sabrina said. “So am I.”
Alton glanced down at his watch. “I have to make an appearance at the courthouse in an hour, but if you want to talk again”—he came from around the desk—“I’m always here for you.”
“Thank you, Alton. I truly appreciate it.”
Now she just had to figure out her next step on neutralizing her ex-husband.
“Can I get you anything else, Malcolm?” Monique asked. He’d been nursing one cup of coffee for quite some time at the diner counter.
Malcolm looked down at the remaining contents. “A refill would be nice.” Unable to reach Sabrina either at home or on her cell, he’d come to the diner to get away from his house and give himself a chance to think.
“I can handle that,” Monique said, going to the warmer and pulling off the pot of coffee. She returned and filled his mug and the mugs of several other patrons sitting at the counter.
“Have you spoken with Sabrina?” Malcolm inquired.
“No, I’ve been a bit here at the diner. Why?”
“No reason. It’s just that I’ve been trying to reach her all afternoon and she’s been MIA.”
“That’s unlike her, but I’m sure she’ll be in touch. That’s if Tre hasn’t gotten her riled up. The man has a way of getting under her skin.”
Malcolm had thought as much too and he didn’t like that her ex could still affect her that way, but they had a child together, so he knew it wasn’t easy. “The infamous Tre Matthews. I met him recently.”
“Oh, yeah? What did you think?”
“That he was a smug bastard, and that nothing would give me greater pleasure than to rearrange his face, but it’s not my place to butt in.”
“Smart decision,” Monique said, taking a check from a customer and ringing him up at the register. “Here’s your change. Come again.” She handed the customer a five dollar bill and some coins. When she was finished, she walked back over to Malcolm, but he didn’t seem to see her; his expression was far away.
“Why do I have the feeling though that Sabrina isn’t the only thing on your mind?”
Malcolm glanced in Monique’s direction. “You would be correct. I received some very shocking news and I’m trying to process it.”
“Can I help?”
“No, this next step requires action on my part, except I’m kind of afraid to take it.” Taking risks had always been his twin’s department, not his. He’d always been much more cautious. But why was he afraid of meeting a child? His brother’s child? He couldn’t understand why he wasn’t rushing to make the arrangements.
“Well, I for one have always been the kind to jump right in, if you know what I’m saying.”
Malcolm grinned. “Now why doesn’t that surprise me, Monique?”
“So, Sabrina’s told you a story or two about me, huh?” She glanced over at the door when the bell chimed, indicating another patron. Monique smiled Malcolm’s way. “Believe every word, because it’s probably true.”
As Monique walked away, Malcolm wondered where Sabrina was. He was eager to share with her his news about Michael and Jayden and wrap himself in the comfort of her arms. He just hoped everything was okay.
Sabrina was sitting on the porch swing outside Malcolm’s house when he arrived back home.
“Baby,” Malcolm rushed forward. “Where have you been?” He swept her into his arms and kissed her lips.
She kissed him back, but Malcolm could tell something was wrong. “Is everything okay?” He pulled away and searched her face for answers. “I’ve been trying to reach you all afternoon.”
“I’m so sorry, Malcolm,” Sabrina turned to face him. “Tre stopped by for a visit and …” Her voice trailed off. She didn’t need to burden him with her troubles. “I’m sorry I haven’t been more attentive. I know you’ve been trying to reach me all afternoon. What’s going on?”
“It’s okay.” Malcolm stroked her chin. “I know that Tre has a way of pushing your buttons. What has he done now?”
Sabrina didn’t want to ruin their evening with bad news and that’s exactly what she would do if she brought up his latest threat. In any event, she was glad Jasmine had one more night with Tre because it would give her and Malcolm an entire evening together. And this time, she’d told her mother not to expect her until tomorrow.
“Let’s not talk about Tre.” She slid her hand inside his.
“Sabrina, if I’m going to be a part of your life, you’re going to have to let me in.” He was surprised to be saying those same words back to her, considering she’d had to pull his past out of him. But she was right and so was he.
Sabrina sighed and began rocking on the swing quietly. Malcolm slid his arm around her shoulders and waited, waited for her to tell him what was on her mind.
Eventually she spoke. “Tre is suing me for custody of Jasmine.”
“He’s doing what?” Malcolm stopped the swing and stared back at her.
She hazarded a glance. “He’ll back off if I agree to move back to Baltimore.”
“He’s trying to blackmail you?” Malcolm couldn’t believe his ears. “That bastard.” He rose to his feet. “I’m going to—”
Sabrina grabbed his arm. “Malcolm, don’t. This isn’t your fight. It’s mine.”
He glanced at Sabrina.
“Tre is used to pushing me around and I usually cave, but not this time. As much as I appreciate you wanting to be my knight in shining armor, I have to stand up to him. So please let me handle this.” She urged him back toward the swing. “Please.”
He nodded, came back to the swing and took a seat. “I’m sorry. My first instinct—”
“Is to solve it for me,” Sabrina finished. “But I can handle it, okay?” He nodded and she inhaled deeply. “So let’s focus on us instead. Or more importantly, you. Tell me what’s on your mind. From the number of calls and texts you sent me, it must be pretty important.”
Malcolm brought her hand to his lips. “Let’s go inside and talk.”
Several moments later, Malcolm flicked on a lamp in his foyer. Sabrina was surprised to find the adjacent living room had been fully furnished. When did he have the time?
“Oh, my goodness,” she said, touching her chest, “where did you get all this?”
“Ethan Allen.”
“It’s lovely.” Sabrina eyed the four-piece living room set, area rug and tapestries. She made herself comfortable on the couch while Malcolm started a fire. The evening had turned chilly and it was the perfect night for one. “Do you have any wine?” she asked.
“A bottle of Malbec is in the fridge.”
“Excellent.” Sabrina removed her flats and padded to the kitchen to find the essentials for a romantic evening: a bottle of wine, wineglasses, candles and a lighter. Once she arranged them on the coffee table, she sat back down on the couch and watched Malcolm stoke the fire. When it was in full swing, Malcolm joined her, settling between her thighs as he lay back in her arms.
“So,” Sabrina said, “what do you want to talk to me about?”
Suddenly, Malcolm became still and unusually quiet, which made Sabrina nervous. Whatever he had to tell her was pretty serious.
Several moments passed before he finally spoke. “I left something out about my mother’s visit.” He turned around to face her.
“What? And why didn’t you tell me?” Her brows furrowed.
“Because I wasn’t sure of the outcome. Now I am.”
“That’s no excuse, especially when it’s important, but I’ll forgive you this once.”
Malcolm smiled half-heartedly. “You’ll hardly believe it when I tell you. Hell, when my mother first told me I was stunned.”
His mysteriousness had Sabrina’s mind wandering all over the place. What could it possibly be?
“A woman came forward claiming that she conceived Michael’s son.”
Sabrina’s jaw dropped. “Why did she wait nearly a year after his death to come forward with this news?”
“Fear. She thought my mother or I might sue her for custody. And maybe she might have been right. At the time, neither my mother nor I was in the best shape emotionally.” Malcolm went on, “Needless to say, we didn’t believe her initially and requested a court-ordered paternity test.”
“And?” Sabrina eyes were wide. She was dying from curiosity. “What were the results?” If the woman was honestly telling the truth, it could change Malcolm’s life forever.
“I have a nephew,” Malcolm blurted.
“Omigod!” Sabrina covered her mouth with her hand. “Are they certain?”
“Yes. The test was ninety-nine percent accurate.”
“That’s wonderful. You and your mom must be thrilled at the news.” Sabrina leaned over and gave Malcolm a bear hug, but he seemed less enthusiastic than he should have been, so she pulled away and glanced at him. His face was unreadable.
“This comes as quite a shock,” Malcolm replied, reading her thoughts. He sensed that she couldn’t understand his apprehension.
“So you haven’t seen him yet? What’s his name?”
“Jayden Michael Winters. And no, not yet.”
“Why not?” Sabrina inquired softly.
Malcolm rose from the sofa and walked to the fireplace. He moved the wood strategically around with the poker. “To be quite honest, I don’t know. I guess I’m afraid to, which is why I was hoping you might join me when I go.”
“You want me to be there the first time you meet Michael’s son?” The sentiment overwhelmed Sabrina as she reached for her wineglass and took a sip. That Malcolm was willing to share such a momentous occasion like this showed her how deeply he cared for her.
Or was there more? Had Malcolm’s feelings grown like hers? Her heart swelled with a feeling she had thought was long since dead. Can this be love? She wasn’t sure. They both had so much going on in their lives. He had a new nephew and she had a potential custody battle looming. It was better that she keep her feelings for the brilliant doctor to herself. Until she was sure. Sure of him, sure of herself.
“Sabrina …” Malcolm broke through her thoughts as he returned to the couch.
“Yes?”
“What do you say?” he slithered toward her like a panther and held her gaze. “Will you come with me?” He was thinking not just about her coming with him to visit Jayden, he was thinking about coming inside her too. He couldn’t forget her scent or the taste of her. And he wanted more.
“Of course I’ll come with you.” Sabrina touched his cheek. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”
Malcolm caressed her face. Sabrina was everything he could ever want in a woman. She was beautiful, smart, funny, caring and passionate. Coming to Savannah was the best thing that had ever happened to him because he’d truly found the woman for him. He’d love nothing better than to shout it from the rooftops and tell Sabrina his true feelings, but he wasn’t sure she was ready to hear them. He believed that since they’d only known each other a short time, he’d have to wait and give her a chance to catch up to him. “It’s a date then.” Malcolm grinned. “I’ll make the arrangements and call Tasha, Jayden’s mother, and set up a time.”
“Excellent.”
“Now that we have that out of the way …” Malcolm reached for her, sliding his masculine hand behind her neck to pull her forward. She tumbled onto his lap, allowing him to ravish her mouth. An intense yearning overtook him and he pressed her body further into his. He could feel the buds of her breasts pressing against him. “I want you, Sabrina.”
A burst of desire had already flooded through Sabrina at just a kiss. “Love me, Malcolm.”
He complied by combing his fingers through her mass of ebony hair and planting playful pecks on her forehead, brows, eyelids and the tip of her nose. When he found the sensitive area at her neck and throat, Sabrina moaned again. “Hmmm, you’re very good at that, Mr. Winters.”
“I’m good at a lot of other things too,” he whispered, tracing the edge of her lips with the tip of his tongue before darting inside. Languidly, he rolled his tongue over her teeth, feeling the moist contours of her mouth before dancing together with hers in an up-tempo swing. Every cell of Sabrina’s body came alive at his tenderness.
She covered his face with a carpet of kisses as they slowly undressed each other, peeling off layer after layer of clothing like the skin of a forbidden fruit. When Malcolm reached her lacy underwear, he edged them down, squeezing her buttocks gently. And once their clothes were no longer a barrier, they wasted no time caressing and stroking the length of each other’s bodies.
