Never Say Never, page 19
Malcolm kneaded her breasts and squeezed them between his fingers before bending his head and flicking his tongue across one nipple. He licked and nipped it until it turned into a rocky-hard pebble beneath his hot, wet tongue. While one hand stimulated one breast, his other softly stroked her belly and navel, traveling downward until he made it to her feminine core.
Sabrina moaned, “Yes, oh yes …” Then he inserted a finger into her and simulated the action he was preparing to take with his manhood, and she clung to his shoulders, crying out in ecstasy.
Malcolm’s erection tightened. He wanted to show her just how much he treasured her by worshipping her body. He spread her legs wide and dipped his head lower to her feminine center. Gently he nuzzled her, teasing her with his tongue. He stroked her softly at first and then changed his thrusts as she became more and more aroused. When he sucked gently on the nub at the center of her womanhood and flicked his tongue from side to side, Sabrina nearly bucked off the couch as the pressure built deep within her. Seconds later, she came with quick short breaths.
“Oh, Malcolm! That was incredible.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Malcolm shifted his weight to one side and tenderly brushed her hair away from her face.
“Well, let me return the favor,” Sabrina said, turning toward him.
“Relax a moment.” Malcolm laughed, pushing her back onto the pillow and reaching inside his pocket to pull out protection. “We’ve got all night.”
Chapter 19
The smell of fresh coffee and frying bacon wafted through the air when Sabrina entered her parents’ kitchen.
Her tummy instantly flip-flopped. A solid breakfast would suit her just fine. She hadn’t eaten hardly a thing the day before. She was starved. It was hard to have much of an appetite when her whole world could fall apart. That’s why being with Malcolm last night had been just what she needed. They spent most of the night making love. They christened every inch of the house. They made love on the couch, the floor, on the desk in his study and on top of the counter as he pounded inside her from behind.
Sabrina blinked several times. She had to focus on the day ahead and all that it might bring.
Her eyes widened when she found Felicia in the kitchen wearing an apron. At Sabrina’s footsteps, Felicia turned around from the stove.
“Good, you’re finally here,” she said, stirring a pot of grits.
Sabrina regarded Felicia strangely as she took a seat at the kitchen table. “What are you doing here?” Although the two of them had made their peace when she returned, they still weren’t the best of friends.
“I thought you might need a hearty breakfast for the fight ahead,” Felicia said, walking to the coffee pot and filling a cup on the counter. She handed it to a stunned Sabrina. “‘Cause fight you shall.”
Sabrina stared at her suspiciously and then realized Felicia knew about Tre’s threat. “Who told you?”
“Alton. Did you honestly think he was going to keep that a secret?”
“Well-”
Felicia cut her off. “The Parker family is not going to let some outsider come and intimidate one of us. We’re going to stand up and fight.”
Sabrina couldn’t believe Felicia’s fervor. What’s gotten into her?
“I have a friend from high school. She’s a big-time family lawyer now. I spoke with her this morning. I only gave her a few facts, but she’s willing to take your case and would like to meet with you day after tomorrow. And don’t worry about Parker House. I have that covered.”
Sabrina’s eyes teared up. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course,” Felicia said, walking over to the stove to check on her grits. “I’m proud of you, Sabrina. I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked the last couple of months and you’ve been amazing.”
Felicia shook her head at Sabrina’s misty eyes. She hated when Sabrina got like this. Even when she was a kid, it had been the hardest thing for Felicia to bear. It’s why she and Alton had always taken the brunt of the punishments even if they’d all done wrong. Sabrina was the baby of the family and they had always looked out for her.
“Unlike the divorce, you’re not alone,” Felicia said with her back turned. “You’re home now and your family will support you.”
Sabrina couldn’t believe this was all coming from Felicia. She rose, pushed her chair back and walked toward her sister. “Thank you, sis.” She hugged her tight from behind. After several seconds, Felicia said nicely, “Enough of that.” She returned her focus to breakfast. “I don’t do mushy, okay?” She finished up the bacon and grits and prepared some eggs and toast to go along with them. When she was done, she brought the platters to the table.
“Now dig in,” she said, pushing the platter toward Sabrina. “I’ve got to go.”
“Aren’t you going to stay and have breakfast with me?” Sabrina gave her sister a puppy dog look.
“Sorry, kid, that stopped working when I was nine. Listen, I’ve got to get back to the B & B, but we’ll talk later.” Felicia waved and headed out the door. “Call Mom and Dad down too. I made enough for them.” Seconds later, she was gone.
Am I delusional? Did Felicia really just make breakfast for me?
Wonders never ceased.
“Oh, baby, I am so happy to hear from you,” Sabrina said the next day when she heard Jasmine’s high-pitched voice from the other end of the line. “Have you been having fun with your father?” No matter how angry she was with Tre, she must not let Jasmine see it. That was the sign of a good parent.
“Yes, Dad and I went to the zoo and to the aquarium. Then we went shopping for new sneakers,” Jasmine stated plainly, with no enthusiasm.
“That’s good, ‘cause those Nikes were on their way out.” Sabrina wondered why Jasmine didn’t sound more excited. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m ready to come home.”
Sabrina sighed in relief. Thank God nothing was wrong. On the other hand, she was secretly thrilled that Jasmine wanted to be with her and not Tre. “Really?”
“Yes, I love spending time with Daddy, but I hate Melanie. Why did she have to come? Why can’t she just go away and leave us alone?”
Sabrina paused for a moment before answering. “Hate is such a strong word, Jazzy. I know you dislike Melanie, but your time with her is limited. Focus on the positive, like spending time with your father.”
“I know, Mom, but she’s just so miserable. She complains about everything. She’s rude to the hotel staff. She’s just plain mean.”
Sabrina smiled. From the mouth of babes! Jasmine had voiced exactly how Sabrina felt about her ex’s choice of companion. “Some people are mean to others because they are unhappy themselves, Jasmine. But I’ve taught you better than that. You just always remember to be kind and courteous.”
“I will, Mom,” Jasmine promised.
“Where’s your father now?”
Jasmine glanced at the suite’s master bedroom door, which had remained closed all morning. “They haven’t made it out of bed yet and the door is locked.”
“Well, go ahead and call room service and order yourself up some breakfast. If your father has any problem with that, tell him I told you to do it.”
“Okay, Mommy. I’ll see you soon. And I promise I’ll take care of Melanie,” Jasmine replied.
Seconds later, Sabrina heard a dial tone. What does Jasmine mean, “I’ll take care of Melanie”? What’s she up to?
“Where are you headed?” Sabrina’s mother asked the next afternoon when Sabrina came downstairs after returning from work. She was buttoning a suit jacket over her sheath dress, and her hair was pinned up in a sophisticated chignon. Curly tendrils caressed both sides of her face. Since Jasmine was with Tre, she’d spent the last couple of evenings at Malcolm’s and had only returned home for a change of clothes.
“I’m on my way to meet that attorney friend of Felicia’s,” Sabrina replied. “I need to know what my options are if Tre is serious about his intention to sue for sole custody.”
“Although I’m not happy by the circumstances, I’m so glad to see you and Felicia healing the rift between you.” Beverly Parker walked over to give her daughter a firm hug.
“So am I,” Sabrina said. “I just hope Felicia’s friend is able to offer some good advice.”
The doorbell rang. “That must be Malcolm.” Sabrina opened the front door with a flourish. When she told him about the meeting with the attorney, he all but demanded to come along. He wanted to be there for emotional support, but Sabrina was hoping she didn’t need it.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Malcolm walked inside the foyer and bent down to brush a tender kiss across Sabrina’s lips. “Mrs. Parker.” He inclined his head in her mother’s direction.
“Malcolm,” Beverly greeted, “you’re looking very smart, as usual.” A new cropped haircut revealed wavy lines. He was also fresh shaven and smelled divine. The Brooks Brothers suit wasn’t too shabby either.
“Thank you, Mrs. Parker.” He looked at Sabrina. “You ready to go?” She looked smart and sophisticated with her curly hair swept up, revealing her slender swanlike neck.
“Yes, I am.” Sabrina bent down to grab her overnight bag. This was her last night with Malcolm as Jasmine’s visit with Tre was coming to an end tomorrow. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mama.” For once, her mother didn’t make a face. Maybe she’s finally accepted that I’m a grown woman now, making my own decisions, Sabrina thought.
“Are you going to pick up Jasmine, because I don’t want Tre in my house ever again,” Beverly said.
“Yes. I’m picking her up on the way back home.”
“Excellent. I’ll see you later then.” Beverly headed to the kitchen.
Sabrina was silent on the drive over to attorney Tamara Jenkins’s office. Her head was filling up with all kinds of nasty daydreams, like Tre kidnapping Jasmine and whisking her back to Baltimore. She shuddered at the image.
Anxiously, Malcolm watched Sabrina as she fiddled on the passenger side and stared at some spot off in the horizon. He wished he could say something that would be of comfort, but he had a feeling she wouldn’t be all that receptive.
He ran into a little bit of traffic and made it to Attorney Jenkins’s office with minutes to spare. Her office, which she shared with another attorney, was located in an old cottage in the historic district. Malcolm and Sabrina climbed the stairs to the second floor and knocked on the office door.
“Come in,” beckoned a voice from inside.
When Sabrina and Malcolm entered, they were surprised to discover Tamara and Felicia laughing and talking.
“Felicia?!” Sabrina exclaimed.
“I know you’re wondering why I’m here,” Felicia said, reading her mind. “I just thought you might need some help, but I see you got that covered.”
“Yes, she does,” Malcolm replied with a warm smile. “But great minds think alike.”
Felicia smiled back at him.
Tamara Jenkins came forward to greet them. “You must be Sabrina Parker. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Sabrina shook her hand.
“And you are?” Tamara queried.
“Malcolm Winters. An interested party.”
“That’s fine so long as Ms. Parker doesn’t have a problem with that.” She looked at Sabrina.
Sabrina leaned over and grasped his hand. “No, I want him here. Here’s my divorce decree.” She handed Tamara a manila folder.
“Well then, please come inside.”
Malcolm closed the door behind them.
“Felicia tells me that your ex-husband is threatening to sue for sole custody.”
“Yes he is.”
“Do you know what brought this on? According to your divorcee decree,” Tamara said, scanning the legal document, “the terms of your custody arrangement are very clear.”
“Well,” Sabrina began, “our daughter has had some trouble adjusting to the divorce and our move to Savannah.”
“As most children do.” Tamara nodded. “Is that the only reason? Is there more to the story?”
“Not that I can think of. I did express that he needed to make more of an effort to telephone and keep in touch with Jasmine. But that’s it, Ms. Jenkins.”
“He’s a little weasel,” Felicia commented from her perch near the window.
“Thank you for the commentary, Fish, but I’ve got this.” Tamara turned back to face Sabrina and Malcolm. “Let’s get down to brass tacks here. You are the primary caregiver, yes?” She pulled her legal pad forward on her desk to take notes.
“That’s correct.”
“And you’ve been as such since Jasmine’s birth?”
“Yes. Tre has always worked while I’ve been a stay-at-home mom.”
“Another excellent checkmark in our favor. You also are living at home with your parents while you work part time?”
“Yes. If I’m at work, my parents are often there to pick up the slack as far as childcare.”
“See you’ve got it all covered,” Felicia said to no one in particular.
Tamara put down her pen and gave Felicia a warning stare. “Quite frankly, Sabrina, I don’t think you have much to worry about here. From the decree and what you’ve told me, Tre would be hard-pressed to have the initial court’s recommendation overturned unless he can prove some kind of negligence on your part.”
“Do you really mean that?”
“Yes, but I would like to ask what Mr. Winters’s part is in all of this.”
“Perhaps Tre’s jealous that a new man is in my and Jasmine’s life. Jasmine adores Malcolm.” Sabrina smiled at him and squeezed his hand.
“Very possible.” Tamara nodded in agreement. “I’ll check the courthouse here and in Baltimore to see if any orders have been placed requesting a custody hearing. Tre could be bluffing to intimidate you.”
“That wouldn’t surprise me,” Sabrina replied.
“Stay positive.” Tamara rose to her to feet. “Tre doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Unless he marries Melanie, and not even then, since apparently both of them work, would he ever win custody. And even then, because I won’t let it happen.”
“Thank you.” Sabrina sighed. “You don’t know how worried I was when he threatened me. He is an attorney after all.”
“Meaningless threats that he can’t back up,” Tamara said. “Tre’s a labor attorney. He couldn’t even try the case himself if he wanted to. He would need to hire a family law attorney.”
Sabrina’s lips formed an “O.” She had no idea. She assumed he’d do it himself.
“Give me a call if anything more occurs or if you are served with any papers.” Tamara handed Sabrina her business card.
“I will, Tamara. Thank you for hearing me out.” Sabrina rose and extended her hand.
“No problem,” Tamara replied, accepting the handshake. “I owe Fish one.” She glanced in Felicia’s direction, who smiled in return. “Your sister helped me out with daycare during my own bitter divorce and custody battle. Mr. Winters, it was indeed a pleasure.” Tamara smiled up at Malcolm.
Malcolm saw no one but Sabrina. Once they were outside of Tamara’s office, he lifted her off the floor and swung her around right in the middle of the foyer.
“Malcolm, put me down,” Sabrina cried and laughed all at the same time. It was such a relief knowing that Tre didn’t have a chance. He was just being a bully.
“See, didn’t I tell you everything was going to be okay?”
“I know, I know. But it’s hard not to feel doom and gloom. The prospect of losing Jasmine is frightening.”
“Well, no matter what Tre does, we will be ready for him, right?” His last words were smothered on her lips as his lips coaxed hers with divine mastery. His tender kisses tantalized and caressed her lips, causing her to quiver and become weak with need.
“Let’s go home,” Sabrina said.
Chapter 20
“Malcolm, where are we going?” Sabrina asked when Malcolm didn’t drive toward his home but toward River Street instead.
“I’m taking you someplace special.” He pulled his Jaguar into the driveway of a boutique hotel.
“Malcolm.” Sabrina sighed when he came around to help her out of the passenger seat. “You didn’t have to do this.”
“I know. I just wanted to go someplace special tonight.” Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t deny his feelings for Sabrina any longer and he just had to tell her how he felt. This romantic hotel seemed like the best place to do that.
The concierge greeted them when they arrived and Malcolm watched Sabrina glance around at the art deco décor as they were escorted to a private suite. At the doorway, the concierge handed them the keys. “The room is as you requested, sir. Have a good evening.”
Malcolm slid the key card into the slot and allowed Sabrina to walk ahead. She gasped when she entered. Rose petals were strewn across the floor, and a large four-poster bed stood imposingly in the middle of the room, along with a jetted Jacuzzi tub filled with rose petals too.
Sabrina turned around with tears brimming from her beautiful brown eyes.
“You like it?”
“Oh, Malcolm. I love it.”
“C’mon.” He led her out onto the terrace that faced Emmet Park and a candlelight dinner was waiting for them. Silver domes covered two plates while a bottle of champagne chilled in an ice bucket.
“Hungry?”
“Starved.”
He pulled out her chair. “Sit. Let’s eat.”
While Malcolm took care of uncorking the champagne and pouring them flutes, Sabrina removed her jacket and rattled on about Tre’s lawsuit; Malcolm, however, didn’t hear any of it, because he knew the suit was frivolous and he wasn’t going to allow her ex-husband to come between what might be the best night of his life.
