SPECIAL FORCES
Erosa Knowles
Special Forces
Copyright © December 2010 by Erosa Knowles
Smashwords Edition
Published by Sitting Bull Publishing
Fayetteville, NC
www.wix.com/SittingBullPub/sittingbull
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No part of this e-book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed without prior written
permission from Erosa Knowles or Sitting Bull Publishing.
ISBN 978-0-9832287-0-7
This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Dedication
Many people have encouraged me in my journey. Family, friends, and the readers at The Valent-Chamber; you are the best support an aspiring writer could ask for. A special shout out to Linda, my tutor and friend, thanks for your help and support. Jacqueline, I appreciate the time you took working with me on this one. You’re the best. Tristin, Ayesha, Christian, David and the home team, thanks for your strong-armed support.
Chapter 1
Desperation dogged Major Tyson Bradford’s footsteps as he paced the floor of his new home waiting for his sister, Anne, to answer the phone. In eight days, he’d be in Afghanistan. Too much still needed to be done.
“Hello, Tyson. This is a pleasant surprise.”
“Hi, Anne. I know it’s late, but I need a favor.” His shoulders tensed. He hated disturbing her, but he was completely out of options. The situation with his aunt haunted him. His sister worked as a security expert for a sector of the government and if anyone could find reliable help, she could.
“It’s not late, it’s only three o’clock.” Her voice was cheerful, but with a hint of wariness.
“Yeah, it is late. I head to Afghanistan next week and I need someone to move in and watch Aunt Lilly. You know anybody who could house-sit and be a live-in companion for her?”
“Damn, big brother, you are late. What happened?”
“Got some quick orders and I gotta leave. Aunt Lilly was supposed to be moving in after I bought this place. She’s been putting me off and now claims she doesn’t want to be alone while I’m gone.” He understood his aunt’s reluctance. She preferred to stay home where she was familiar with everything.
“She has a point, Ty. Wouldn’t it be better for her to be around her own things and friends?” Anne was saying the same thing his aunt had argued.
“Maybe under different circumstances. Promise you won’t tell her what I’m about to tell you.”“Oh Lord, what did you do?”
“Her doctors keep me updated with her checkups. They have advised her against living alone. She’s prone to falling and has dizzy spells. I can’t tell her I know. She’ll kick my ass. But I can’t leave her out there on the farm by herself, either.” His molars ground against each other. His hand plowed through his close-cropped curls before his palm slapped against his thigh. One week. He was down to a week and running out of time. Damn! He loved his job, but the constant deployments left him little time to get his personal affairs in order.
His sister interrupted his thoughts. “Have you tried some local agencies? They do long term care.”
“Yeah. I met with a few companies and Aunt Lilly turned down every one. She refuses to live with someone she calls a nurse. For some reason, she’s being more obstinate than normal.” He paused. “I’m worried about leaving her alone.” A knot tightened his throat. He couldn’t place his finger on it, but his gut warned him not to leave his aunt without help at her old home in Henderson. Something bad would happen.
“I know. I’m fond of her myself. I know she’s your dad’s sister, but I still see her as my aunt. She’s good people. Let me see what I can come up with and I’ll call you back. Try not to worry. Everything will work out.”
“I hope so. I won’t be able to focus on my mission unless this is resolved. Afghanistan is no place for divided attention.” As the commanding officer of his team, their unique hunting talents assured them of frequent deployments. Although he craved the adventure and challenges of his Special Forces unit, he recognized the inherent dangers of front line warfare.
“No, you’re right. You need to stay focused so you can return home to meet your new niece. She’s due within the next eight weeks. It’s bad enough you’ll miss the Big Event.”
“I know. Who would’ve thought my tomboy of a sister would fall for a crazy tough guy, get married and have a baby?” He sobered. “I can’t wait to see her and I wish I could be there when she’s born. I promise a long visit when I return.”
“That’ll have to do then. I’ll see what I can come up with. I know you think so, but I’m no miracle worker.”
“I never said you were a miracle worker.”
“You must think that or you would’ve called me as soon as you got your orders. Got to go. Talk to you soon, Big Bro.” She, laughed as he sputtered a response to her last dig.
“Brat,” he said to the dial tone. Anne was right. He should’ve called her immediately. But she was pregnant and he hadn’t wanted to bother her. His mom had left him and his dad at an early age. Aunt Lilly had dried his tears and stepped in; placing her life on hold to nurture the love-starved child that he’d been. Now, at age 80, she had problems walking around the rambling house she lived in. Her immediate future needed to be secured. He’d vowed to watch out for her and his love and respect for her wouldn’t allow him to abandon his promise.
No, he needed a solution—fast.
Chapter 2
Lynay Grant jerked upright, gripped her chest, threw over the threadbare blanket and sprinted across the hall. She’d heard right. Seth, her four-year-old son was struggling to breathe.
“Heeeee, heeeee,” he wheezed.
With the efficiency and speed of an emergency room nurse, she sprang into action. Grabbing the inhaler off the dresser with one hand, while lifting and pulling him close with the other, she administered the medication.
“Here, baby,” she crooned, encouraging him to open his mouth to receive the treatment. Feeling his body shudder in relief, she gingerly wiped the sweat from his forehead.
“Mommy,” he whispered.
“Yeah, baby, I’m here.”
“My throat hurts.” His slim fingers rubbed his small throat.
“All right, Tiger, I’m gonna get you some water in a minute. How’re you feeling?” The doctor explained she shouldn’t panic. Be calm. What they hadn’t revealed to her was that her heart would attempt to jump out her chest.
“Okay.” He turned in her arms and looked up. His cinnamon gaze locked with hers. She prayed he couldn’t see the moisture in her eyes. The attacks were becoming more frequent.
“You’re my little soldier. You know that?” Battling back tears, she bent slightly, kissed his forehead, and inhaled the essence of innocence. His tiny hand stroked her face gently, comforting her.
In that moment, it was just the two of them against the world. Her head pounded as she glanced around the sparsely-furnished room, noting the industrial beige on the walls, the formica-covered, chipped dresser, and the earth-toned faded rug. Flashbacks of similar sights from her childhood threatened to overwhelm her.
Barren rooms with broken pieces of furniture, in vacant neglected houses where crack-heads congregated in bristling cold rooms. She shivered. After all these years, the frigid temperatures in those houses still slammed into her memory at the oddest times.
A quick tug on Seth’s blanket to make sure he was warm helped dispel her disquiet. His bedroom appeared as cold and dreary as she felt. Her son deserved better, even if she didn’t.
His hands fell to the side as he drifted back asleep. After kissing his forehead, she returned to her lackluster room wishing the sandman would claim her. He didn’t. Weary eyes glanced at the rent increase notice she’d read before drifting asleep earlier. Another letter graced her bedcovers from Seth’s doctor regarding a new procedure she couldn’t afford and Medicaid wouldn’t pay for. A horn blew in the distance.
The duplex’s windows danced and jumped in concert with the rumble of transfer trucks passing on their way to the interstate. She sat slumped before the thin curtains, and gazed into the darkness beyond. The view appeared bleak with the occasional flicker of an angry streetlamp breaking the unified appearance. Tears ran unchecked down her cheek. Calloused hands pushed the braids from her face.
“Okay, I made some mistakes. I’m sorry and I’ve tried to make up for that. I don’t lie, or cheat or steal and I help as many people as I can. But that little boy in there, he’s all the family I have left and he didn’t ask for any of this. He’s a gift to this world. Punish me, but not him. Please, I’ll do anything, just help him.” Lynay sobbed as her body shook with the weight of failing her child.
****
Three o’clock in the afternoon, the phone rang. Lynay sprang to answer, not wanting to wake Seth from his late nap. He had problems sleeping earlier and this was the first break she had in a while.
“Lynay...Lynay, there’s static on the line. Call me right back on the house phone.” Her best friend, Anne spoke softly into the receiver and hung up. She walked into her bedroom, sat on the bed and returned the call. God must be smiling, because a pep talk from her girl was just what she needed.
“Hey, Anne, how’s the pregnant lady doing today?”
“I’m all that and more, how about you? Everything all right?” Her voice sounded hushed and excited.
“Tired. Seth had a bad time last night. He couldn’t sleep, so you know I didn’t get much.” A loud yawn slipped out before she could stop it. “Sorry about that.”
“No problem. You are such a sweetheart and trooper. I wish we lived closer, I could help with Seth.”
“Well, Abilene, Texas is a good l’il distance. No matter. I’ll be coming for a couple of weeks after you have the baby. The change of scenery will be good for him. He misses you.”
She stretched out on the bed, a smile slipping through as she thought of how close Seth and Anne had become before she moved away. He adored her.
“Aww...give my godson a kiss for me and try to get some rest. Okay?”
She snorted. “Sure, as soon as I find a new place to live. Yes, yes my understanding landlords just went up on the rent again.” She went on without giving Anne an opportunity to comment. “And I should have more time to rest since they cut my hours at work. I hate whining women, but sometimes it seems like I miss all the breaks. You know what I mean?”
“Yeah, wasn’t too long ago I was right there with you.”
“I know. I was there, remember. Then you met Raul, took him on a merry chase. Stopped so he could catch you and now you’re gonna have a baby, a pretty, pretty baby.” They laughed at the silliness, a respite from the weight pressing her down. God, she missed her friend. They’d been so close. Somehow, when Anne was around, things seemed a little better. Problems shared and all that.
“I sure as hell miss you guys. After I drop this load, we have to see what we can do about moving closer to each other. I gotta have my partner in crime nearby.”
Lynay chuckled. “I know you right. Sounds like a plan.”
“But that’s not why I called. I really need to talk to you about something, okay?”
“Oh shoot, Anne. What have you done now?” Experience had taught her to be cautious when her adventurous friend started a sentence in that manner. No telling what window they’d be hanging out of later. Despite her protests, she loved Anne’s boldness, and daring. Sometimes she lived vicariously through her escapades.
“Nothing.” She paused. “Why’d you ask that?”
“Cause when you start out like that, it’s usually some wild scheme you want to do or have already done...So which is it?”
Alone in the city, she’d met Anne at the main library and they hit it off. Over the years, they’d held hands during her labor with Seth, celebrated Anne’s latest job and buried her aunt as well as Seth’s father.
“Unh Uh , now see that’s just wrong on so many levels, I’m not going to dignify it with a response.”
“Yeah, well. I know you and all your crazies. So, if I’m wrong, what did you want?”
“You remember my brother, right?”
“I met him briefly at some event you dragged me to. And another time, I remember you telling me he got married. Is he still in the service? Down at Ft. Bragg?”
“Well, yeah. But he’s not married anymore. Thank goodness. She screwed around on him and he got rid of her ass. You wouldn’t believe the shit—”
“Uh, Anne...Anne. You know you go off on tangents, so stay focused please.”
“Sorry, Nay. You know how I am.”
“Yeah, that’s why I stopped you.” Something big had to be going down for her friend to get so worked up before she confessed. With trepidation, Lynay settled the phone between her ear and shoulder, so she could open her bedroom door wider. This sounded like it might take a while.
“So what’s up?”
Anne inhaled.
Not a good sign. Lynay exhaled in preparation for the drop. “Well my brother is getting deployed again. Afghanistan this time. He’d just bought a new house in a serious area and wanted to have his aunt come live with him.”
“Okay, so far, so good.” Lynay chuckled. “I forgot you guys have different what? Moms’? Dads’?”
“Dads. Aunt Lilly’s his dad’s only sister. It was just the two of them.”
“I think that’s nice he wants to look out for her like that.” Lynay thought of her Aunt, who passed three years ago. The woman had raised her and her cousin.
“Yeah, he’s a really good guy. Straight up, no funny business, and real about his family; you hear me?”
“Got it,” she said quickly.
“Well, I told him that I had this friend who lived in Durham who might be able to help out.”
“Anne...I really appreciate you thinking of me, but with all I have on my plate I can’t travel back and forth from here to there.”
“You know what? You could stay at Tyson’s house. There’s plenty of room.”
“I don’t know about that,” Lynay hedged. The moment she said it she knew it was the wrong thing to say. Her friend was like a roller coaster on two legs. She should have said hell no and nipped it in the bud. Now she’d have to make up a lame excuse without insulting her friend or her brother.
“This would be perfect,” Anne enthused, “you could get medical help for Seth, a nice place to stay-”
“Whoa...hold up, hold up. Back that up. What do you mean I could get medical help for Seth?”
“Oh, so you heard that, huh?” Her voice was a tinge smug.
“Talk, woman.”
“Military, dummy. You’d qualify for free medical for both you and Seth.”
“Annie,”“ You do know the only way for Seth to get medical help is if he’s a dependent, right?” She said it slowly, enunciating each word.
“Um hmm. I know.”
“Well, damn. What are you up to?” Confused, yet somehow hopeful her girlfriend could pull something out of the proverbial hat, she waited to hear the details. Usually, the details made weird sense, even logical at times. She prayed this would be one of those times, because she’d do about anything to help her son get better.
“It just seems to me the two of you could come to an agreement, and help one another. That’s all.”
Okay, she’d done it. After all their escapades through the years, the trips to the hair braiding salon where Anne insisted her reddish blond locks get the works, the mad drive-by rides to catch a cheating ex, and standing in long lines at the electronics store before sunrise for a $75 dollar gadget, Anne had finally rendered her mute.
“He needs someone to watch his house and stay there with Aunt Lilly. You need a safe place to live and good medical care for Seth.” The witch sounded giddy proposing the plan.
Lynay’s tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth in shock. No. No, she couldn’t possibly be suggesting marriage. Marriage to her divorced, older white brother, who was in the military, and an Officer at that. No, somehow she must have misunderstood.
“C’mon Lynay, let’s at least talk about it.” The wheedling tone pierced her protective bubble and reality flushed in.
“Marriage to a stranger, for health benefits?” Her voice was deadpan. “Is that what you’re saying?”
“You make it sound mercenary, like some gold-digger mess and it’s not. Straight up, both of you need help. The military will provide Seth with the best medical care, help you with school and you get a nice place to live. In exchange, you’d take care of his house, including his precious weapons collection, and help him with Aunt Lilly. That may not sound big to you, but it’s major to him. She raised him, like your aunt raised you, and he wouldn’t feel right leaving her alone in Henderson while he’s in Afghanistan. Besides, it’s not like it’d be a real marriage; he’ll be leaving in seven days. Think about it at least.”
“I’m thinking... that’s a lot you’re throwing out.” For one moment, she allowed the idea of marriage to settle and shivered in rejection. The closest she’d come to walking down the aisle had been with a man who’d been married at the same time he proposed. Men and their lies. Promises of love and affection didn’t mean anything to her. But a business contract might be a different matter.
A sound from across the hall drew her attention. She rose to check on her son. He lay with his hand pillowing the side of his face, a grimace and then a smile crossed his face. Didn’t she ask the Man above for help the other night? Didn’t she owe it to her son to at least think about her friend’s outlandish proposal? Yeah, she did.
“Hey, you still there?”
“Yeah, I just checked on Seth.” Her tone and demeanor changed, as she considered, and weighed the possibilities.
Anne’s voice altered immediately. “Is he okay?”
“Probably a bad dream, which is what this idea of yours could turn into. Marriage? Couldn’t I just help him out? Why do we have to tie knots?” The idea filled her with dread, even knowing Anne gave him high marks. The respect she had for her girl’s opinion was the only reason she’d even consider the deal.
Her son’s father wrote the journal on playing with her emotions. She’d never allow anyone to get close enough for that type of control again. God had sent her a strong friend and ally in Anne. She shivered in remembrance of those dark times when she desperately needed him.
“No medical bennies for live-ins, gotta be married to get Seth the help he needs. From where I’m standing, it seems like a win-win. Also, you’d get help to finish college through the military. You’re almost finished, right?”
“Yeah, I just need another 18 credits.” College had been a dream of hers and a promise to her aunt. Anne was pulling out all the stops. That happened when your best friend knew your hot buttons.
“And you said you have to move right...Right?”
“What I said was they went up on my rent. But... how would this work? We’ve only met that one time and I couldn’t’ pick him out of a lineup.”
She bit her tongue on that lie. Only a blind, deaf and frostbitten woman would forget that badass fine creature. She had total recall of his wide chest, muscular arms, and long legs. His brownish-black hair was cut in close waves on top, she hadn’t been close enough to see his eye color, but his angular face was imprinted on her frontal lobe or wherever must-have memories for posterity were stored. He’d laughed at something that night and she melted at the dark, deep cadence. Pick him out of a line-up? No, but she’d lick him up in a heartbeat. Crap. She was actually considering this wild deal.
“I could set that up. He lives at Sanders Creek in Spring Lake not far from the base. Plus the base is only a couple of hours from you at the most.”
Lynay mentally weighed the pros and cons. “I don’t know, Anne...this would be temporary, right?”
“Just until he gets back and can take over with Aunt Lilly.”
“When...when do you need an answer?” This was crazy, so crazy it might work. Of course, he’d have to pass Seth’s test. Then the aunt would need to approve of her. Remember, she admonished herself; this was a simple business deal. Supply and demand, she learned that in college.
“Tonight or in the morning at the latest.”
“What? You done lost your--”
“Now hear me out. First off, he’s leaving within a week. So that means the two of you need to meet again, come to terms and then get married. Then you have to get your ID’s, medical records, get moved into the house, it’s a gated community by the way.”
Lynay rubbed her eyes and wondered why this woman was her best friend. She allowed her to push her in ways no one else had ever been able to do. To demand a life-altering decision within twenty-four hours was absurd, unheard of, and sooo Anne. She sighed listening.
“Aunt Lilly lives in Henderson, so you guys’ will have to go get her. There’s a lot to do and little time to do it.”
“All that sounds impossible. How in the world can it all be done in less than a week?” She rubbed her hand over her face, tired just from hearing the list of things needing completion.
Her laugh sounded suspiciously like a victory hooray. “That’s the least of our problems. Welcome to the Army, they do more before the sun rises than you do all day!”
Another thought ran through her mind. “I’ve heard stories about guys in the military doing contract marriages to get extra money. That isn’t what this is, is it?” As much as she wanted help, she’d promised her aunt she’d raise her son to be a man of integrity and wanted no part of scams.
Anne quickly assured her. “No, Tyson is an Officer and does pretty well. Please do not bring that up when you guys talk, it’ll offend him. He’s not like that. In fact, the two of you are a lot alike in the honor department.”
“That’s good. I appreciate you looking out. Anything else?”
“He’s a big guy, but he’s good. He may come across as gruff and aloof but trust me, he notices everything. Of course, I am biased, but I think he’s good looking as well. And that never hurts.” She laughed.
Lynay kept her mouth shut. She’d never told Anne she thought her brother was hot and had no intentions of doing so now. “Tell you what, Anne, set up a meeting with your brother and we’ll take it from there.”
Chapter 3
“You did what?” Tyson bellowed into the phone.
“Calm your ass down. You asked for my help and I’m giving it. This is the perfect solution,” Anne snapped.
“Perfect for whom?” he mocked. “I’ve been married and have no intention of doing it again, ever.” Standing, he bolted over to the bar and poured a drink. Picking it up, he paced while trying to make sense of his sister’s wild idea. He’d asked for help with his aunt, not for her to meddle and try to rearrange his life.
“Okay. Well that’s all I had. Lynay lives right there in Durham and could relocate in time for your departure. She’d help with Aunt Lilly and watch the house.”
“Why can’t I just pay her for those services?” He took a sip, appreciating the burn of the liquor to his gut.
“Because her son, my godson by the way, is sick and needs good medical care. She also needs a few more hours to finish her college degree. How do you propose to take care of all that? Besides, you’ll be gone for a while and you can undo it when you get back.”
“What’s wrong with her son?” He ignored the last part of her explanation as he placed the drink down. Looking out the window to his yard, he sighed anew. So many plans. Now they’d be placed on hold, again.
“He has severe asthma. We hope he’ll grow out of it. But until then, he’s having a tough time.”
Growing up as he did, with only his father and aunt, he could only imagine the challenges of single parenting. He rubbed and then squeezed his neck, twisted it quickly to the left until it made a popping sound.
“Where’s his father?” He wasn’t interested in any family drama and needed to make sure that wasn’t on the horizon.
“He died in Iraq last year.”
Her bland voice said a lot about how she felt about the deceased. She hadn’t liked him. Interesting. She didn’t want to talk about it either. Too bad.
“Why can’t she get help from that?” He couldn’t believe he was considering this crazy plan.
“He wasn’t military. He was on a contract. She found out he was married when he died.”
“How’d she take it?”
“If you’re asking if she had a mental breakdown and is now unstable behind that foolishness, the answer is no. She grew stronger. Adversity will do that to you.”
He recognized the dig from her life with their mom. For some reason, no one could fathom, his mom had kept Anne, and his sister paid dearly behind that decision.
“I’m glad he’s permanently out of her life. Whether she agrees with me is something you’ll have to ask her.”
“Did he abuse her?”
She gave a long drawn out sigh. “There’s abuse and there’s abuse. He never hit her, at least to my knowledge. He was big on emotional games. He abused her plenty in that department.”
Neither spoke into the immediate silence following that announcement. His mind briefly replayed the horrid saga between his mom’s multiple affairs and his dad’s hopeless attachment. He shook his head to dispel the dismal thoughts.
“Where’re her people?”
“Her mom died before she turned ten. The woman who raised her was her last living blood relative. She died a few of years ago from Sickle Cell. She has a god-brother in Denver who she grew up with and I’m her sister by choice. Is that good enough?”
He ignored her jibe. This was his life, his name and his future. “Has she ever been married? Gone to jail, or prison or do drugs?” Desperation changed his perspective. In less than seven days, he’d be halfway around the world. He needed help quick, so he shifted into Commander mode where he made quick decisions and took risks.
“No, no, no and hell no.”
“How old is she?”
“Same as me, 26.”
“Hmmm...”
“Don’t give me that attitude. You know I wouldn’t suggest you allow someone in your home who wasn’t cool. But the only incentive she has to move as fast as you need is the benefits for her son. If she can’t get that, there’s no deal.”
He heard the finality in her voice. He pulled a chair from the table, and slumped into it. He tilted his head upward, allowing it to rest on closed knuckles. The entire idea left him cold.
“Damn, damn...marriage? Are you fucking kidding me? A contract marriage?”
Pulling his hand through his short waves, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I can’t do a contract marriage, Anne. I just can’t. It’s wrong on so many levels.” Defeat punched him in the gut. Despair settled on his shoulders. His sister had been his last hope. If this was the best she could do, then he was FUBAR.
“Then don’t.” She surprised him.
Sitting up, he stared at the phone. “What do you mean don’t? I thought you were trying to help?”
“Just what I said, if you don’t want a contract marriage, don’t have a contract marriage. Although all legal marriages are contracts by the way, but I know what you mean,” she said quickly, obviously not wanting to get off the subject. “You and Lynay can set up whatever parameters you want. Just as long as it has medical care for Seth and college completion for her, it’ll work.”
Her comments eased his tension somewhat, gave him a little working room. He knew some enlisted men who married for the extra money and set up deals in exchange for benefits. That whole idea soured his stomach. He understood the appeal of military benefits, especially in this economy, but he didn’t want to barter them. He cursed his lack of time. After all the reports he’d heard regarding abuse to the elderly, he knew he had to tread carefully. Aunt Lilly might stay with family, but never with hired help. Pity it took him months to discover that fact. He clicked off after telling Anne he needed to think about it.
“Lynay…That’s a different name, pretty... feminine.” He tasted her name on his lips and wondered about the person his sister spoke of so highly. His sister was one of the few people he trusted completely, outside the military. And, she trusted very few people. Her vouching for this unknown woman carried a lot of weight with him.
Hell, he should’ve listened to her regarding Allison, his ex. Anne had read her correctly right off the back, and didn’t hesitate to let him know. He’d been distracted with his career back then. Marrying Allison had been a mistake, compounded by his staying married two additional years. During that time, she proved to be a sleazy barracuda, sleeping around and wasting his money partying while he worked overseas.
****
Anne had never offered to introduce him to anyone before. It wouldn’t hurt to talk to the woman. Necessity demanded he leave no possibility unchecked. He picked up the paper where he’d written her information and called.
“Hello...this is Tyson Bradford. Is this Lynay?” He sat on the edge of his sofa. He loved and trusted his sister, but this was his life, his home, and his aunt he would hand over to this person. They needed to talk unfiltered.
“Yes, this is Lynay. Who’s this?”
Nice voice, he thought. Warm, soft, and easy on the ears. “Tyson, Tyson Bradford. I believe you spoke to my sister Anne earlier.” He picked up his drink and took a sip as he waited for her response.
“Oh, yes. How are you?”
His brow rose at the sincerity of her greeting. He looked at his cell, and then placed it back to his ear. “I’m fine. What about you?”
“Okay, a little tired, but overall I’m good, thanks.”
“Glad to hear it. Listen, Anne tells me she thinks we should get married so your son could get better medical care, you can finish college, I can have someone to watch my home and stay with my aunt. Is that what she told you?” He intended to get them on the same page as soon as possible. Time had dwindled too far to play around the situation.
“Yeah.” She laughed, a nice, warm sound. “That about covers it. Sounds wild, doesn’t it?”
“Well, in reality it sounds like Anne. However, the truth of the matter is I am in an actual bind. I have orders to leave and I haven’t had any success finding someone to help with my aunt.” Or anyone she’ll stay with. “My sister seems to think you wouldn’t be interested in being a caretaker for my home and aunt without the dependent benefits. Is that right?”
He reclined in the sofa to see if he could negotiate a deal. So far, he liked what he heard. She hadn’t been rattled with his direct approach, sending his opinion of her sky high. On the other hand, she and Anne were close. And very little rattled his sister.
“Yeah, the medical benefits are the pivotal point. Is there another way my son could get better medical treatments without the dependent benefits?” Her voice sounded hopeful.
He relaxed. Knowing she wanted other options as well made the deal more palatable. “Not that I’m aware of. Everywhere I checked his pre-existing conditions would lock him out for a while.” He made decent money as an Officer, but he didn’t intend to bankroll a sick child. Who knew how expensive that would become? He’d checked every angle online, and through his contacts on base. The medical care from the military would definitely be the best deal for her son.
“Well, I’m settled here, it’s not the best, but his doctor is familiar with his case and there aren’t any delays. Medicaid only does so much,” she said.
“I hear you. Anne said your son has severe asthma. Is that right?” He wanted to hear her talk. Her voice had a melodic quality that slid over him, calming while making him hunger for more. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
“Yeah, he has bad attacks. I’m praying the doctors are right and he out grows it. But in the meanwhile, it’s probably harder on me than him, if that’s possible.” Her voice grew softer, and he strained to hear the tail end.
“How old is he?” He placed his foot on the coffee table. He didn’t think he would, but he found himself enjoying this talk with her, a first for him. Usually, he said a few necessary words and ended most conversations posthaste.
He’s four and kinda small, but growing stronger every day.” Her pride was evident.
As far as he was concerned, the little boy sealed the deal. He knew his aunt would move from the farm to be around the child.
Selfish? Yes.
But the two of them would be entering into this without blinders. She’d get what she wanted and so would he. “Lynay, I have to be honest. I can’t do a straight-up contract marriage. It’s offensive to me on principle. If we do this thing, it has to be a real marriage until we dissolve it.”
“What do you mean, a real marriage?”
He liked that. No hysteria, straight forward, just wanting clarity. “First off, you’d have my name. That means you’d represent me. So there would be no dating other men or outside sexual activity. If that is a problem, we can end the conversation here. And I’ll apologize for wasting your time.” His tone was adamant. There was no give on this.
His father had suffered mentally and emotionally through his mom’s many affairs. He’d been burned before with his first wife’s cheating and would never willingly go through that again. He had seen enough and experienced the trauma of infidelity plenty. He had no interest in additional exposure.
“I take it that goes both ways?” she asked drily. “You’ll be gone a long time. How’ll I know you’re not getting any while I’m here?”
“Because I’ll give you my word,” he said solemnly. For him that was the bottom line. A man was only as good as his word. If she didn’t understand that, then she’d learn or leave.
Silence.
“So what you’re saying is as long as we’re married, I can’t have sex with anyone?”
“No, that’s not what I said.”
“School me then.”
“I said outside sexual relations.”
“You expect us to have a sexual relationship?”
“It’s a part of marriage. However, I’d be willing to wait until we’re both more comfortable with one another or we terminate the marriage.” He couldn’t believe the direction the conversation had taken. When they began talking, he merely wanted someone to care for his aunt and home. The longer they talked; he recognized and appreciated the camaraderie they shared. He wanted this with her.
“Just how long do you expect this marriage to last?” She sounded confused.
“It depends.” He hadn’t thought that far, he needed time to think, iron out the wrinkles. He should be horrified at the notion of another marriage, and to a stranger at that. Either Anne had done a superb job of selling him the idea or his common sense had taken a vacation, because this solution now had a certain appeal. Or rather, she appealed to him.
“On what?” she questioned. “Enlighten me.”
He smiled at her sarcastic comeback. Oh yeah, he thought as he sat up, he liked her. “Well, I don’t know. I just know I can’t do a contract with an end date. I guess we’ll both know and come to a mutual conclusion.” He paused as he closed his eyes, start date, end date, conjugal visits; they had a lot to work out in a little bit of time. Things could get complicated. “All I can say is that we’ll have to play that one by ear. Is that okay?”
“I don’t know. Do you remember me? How do you know if you’ll be attracted to me? I don’t think we should agree to anything that stringent until we do a face to face.”
Hell, had they met before? No, he didn’t remember her. It never occurred to him to question Anne about that. This wasn’t the time to admit his gaffe, so he focused on the rest of her comments. She had a point. Although he recognized the code for I am not about to commit to someone I’m not sure I can stand looking at.
“Sounds fair, what’s your schedule like tomorrow? Can we get together?” He looked around for a piece of paper and a pen.
“Sure. Morning or afternoon?”
“Mid-morning. Around 10:30 to 11:00. Will that work?”
“Yeah, where do you want to meet?”
“If you come down here and we agree this is something we can both live with, we can start the paperwork.” His mind had shifted to all the paperwork that needed completing. He’d send some emails tonight to get things started.
“On the other hand, if we decide it’s not, I would have driven a couple of hours for nothing. So let’s meet halfway.”
“Okay, where? Raleigh? What about the Cheesecake Factory in Raleigh?” He liked the food and atmosphere in the place, which would make the trip even more pleasurable.
“All right, but you do realize that’s more than halfway for you, right?”
“Sure, but I love their food.” He enjoyed the easy banter between them. Bonus points for her.
“I’ll see you then. Is this your cell ’on my caller ID?”
“Yeah.”
“You just called mine as well. I’ll call you when I’m at the mall and we can coordinate the meet and greet then, all right?”
“Sounds like a winner. See you tomorrow.”
“G’night, see you then.”
Lynay turned when she heard a sound. She clicked off and watched Seth mosey toward her with his blanket pulled close to his cheek. Her heart melted at the sight of him. Slight of frame, with a head full of dark curls, he’d be a heartbreaker one day.
Julio Chavez had been a lying, cheating ass; but he’d produced a perfect son. Picking him up, she held him close to her chest, loving the way he smelled as he wrapped his tiny arms around her neck.
“Are you hungry, baby?” Returning him to the floor, she watched as he pulled his pants up.
“Yeah, Mommy.” He smiled up at her as he went to wash his hands.
“Okay, come on, dinner’s ready. Can we leave Mr. Blanky on your bed so he won’t get dirty?” She knew he would refuse.
“No, Mommy. I keep him clean.” He offered a small smile as he walked out, dragging his blanket.
Nodding, she walked after him turning off lights. Mac and cheese alongside chicken nuggets graced the plate she placed in front of him. He waited until she sat with her plate and they blessed their food together.
From the corner of her eye, she observed him eat, and wondered for the hundredth time if she could go through with Anne’s wicked idea. A part of her said she should put Seth’s needs first, get the better medical care, better accommodations. The other part screamed to run in the opposite direction lest she get hurt.
She was already physically attracted to him, and didn’t fail to notice the staccato beat of her heart when he asked—no, demanded—monogamy. She didn’t know anyone who wouldn’t agree to that. And to have it reciprocated? Whew. He could be dangerous to her hard-won peace. She’d place her heart in its’ own chastity box and lock it down as insurance against getting hurt. Once was enough.
She’d talked herself into the meet and greet tomorrow. She could still hear the bass in Tyson’s voice; a slight shiver ran through her. Do the right thing for Seth. Yeah, some sacrifice, her libido sneered. His directness was sexy as hell. She loved take-charge men. Love? No, no and hell no, this was not about romance, no illusions there. After all the lies and perversions she had gone through with Chavez, she preferred the straight up,. Let’s-do-this-for-this-reason mentality. No hidden agendas.
Neither love nor her heart was a factor in this equation. The real marriage bit had thrown her, but in reality, he’d be gone for most of the time, so that wasn’t an immediate concern.
Nor was her having another man. After the last episode with her baby’s daddy, her confidence in her bullshit meter died. She hadn’t trusted a man since, nor had she dated. Since he wanted a monogamous relationship, she needed to make sure the attraction was at least halfway mutual. She knew he fired her burners, but would she fire his? A man like him had a lot to offer and she was sure quite a few women were interested. She needed to be sure he’d remain faithful to her.
Chapter 4
“I’m standing in the front foyer area facing the street. I have on a beige, short sleeve shirt, jeans and sunglasses,” Tyson told Lynay while she parked her car. He wondered why she didn’t let the valet park it, but didn’t ask.
“I’m going to step outside near the curb, so you’ll see me.” He opened the door, and looked around. “Where are you now?” He searched the parking lot.
“Right here, I see you.”
He turned toward a nearby voice, and grinned. His eyes feasted on a creamy brown complexioned woman with a bright smile walking toward him.
No way! Thank you, Anne! He’d convinced himself how she looked didn’t matter since he’d be gone most of the time. He lied. He damn near salivated looking her over.
The woman walking toward him was stunning. He shut his phone, returning her smile as he started a slow perusal of her from the top. She stood about five feet, five inches in flats. Sensible, he liked that. Her breasts appeared to be large and high, something he could definitely appreciate. As she walked closer, he noticed her jeans hugged her hips, emphasizing a smaller waistline. Her hair was in what appeared to be long fuzzy spirals. On closer inspection, he realized they were tiny braids. A long braid grazed her face near her mouth drawing his attention. He stopped himself from reaching out to touch the silky tresses. Her lush lips moved. He stared without hearing a word.
She licked her bottom lip. Looking up, he realized he’d been caught staring. Snapping out of his daze, he walked forward. She met him halfway. Since they both wore sunglasses, he imagined she gave him the same look over.
“Hi, I’m Lynay. Lynay Grant.” She smiled as she put her hand forward.
Her smile captivated him. She had a deep dimple in one of her cheeks, and straight white teeth. The wind pulled her hair. He watched as it broke free. “I’m Tyson. Glad you made it. Any problems?”
He took her arm and steered her toward the restaurant. The softness of her skin reminded him of the rose petals in Aunt Lilly’s garden. Her vanilla spice, light fragrance drifted toward him, catching him unaware with images of home and hearth.
He watched the gentle sway of her hips. Her rear cheeks were round and high. His tongue swept over his lips, moistening them as his eyes pillaged her stacked frame. The curves were where they needed to be, just the right amount to cushion a man—him. Afraid his body would announce the direction of his thoughts, he looked away. Briefly.
Her complexion was gorgeous. She was African-American for sure, but there were different hues in her skin; reds and yellow, which gave it this creamy, almost peanut butter color. He was fascinated. In college, he’d dated black women, so race wasn’t an issue. His requirements were the same with any women he dated seriously. Fidelity. Monogamy. He had to be the only one.
“No, it’s right off I-40, pretty straight shot.”
Lynay surprised herself. She’d answered a question. Her mind went mush as she saw him standing on the sidewalk. He still looked like sex on two legs. Head straight, she watched them in the mirrors on the restaurant walls. With his sunglasses, and forthright strut, he looked like a man with a secret. She knew every woman in the room, herself included, wanted to know what it was.
Determined to keep her thoughts personal, she moved forward. He stood at least six feet, and his short-sleeved polo molded a wide chest, tight abs, thick arms. He was muscular, but not body builder overkill. His angular face screamed strength and integrity. Her hands itched to pay homage to his hair, a peculiar mix of browns and blacks, both light and dark. Lordy, the man was fine, and he wanted a sexual one-on-one relationship with her? Her breath caught at the possibilities.
There was an aura of strength or maybe danger about him; she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Anyone with sense could tell this man could handle himself and they’d best back the hell up. People glanced in their direction as they neared their table.
A wiggle of doubt slid through her mind, like a storm cloud on a sunny day. Chavez looks and sex appeal were the lures that started her down the path to becoming his doormat. It didn’t take long for his lies to hook her into a lifestyle she hated. While she thanked God daily for the gift of her son, she hated the journey that brought him into her life
“Thank you,” Lynay said to the host as she slid into the booth. Heat pooled in her gut. This was it. She’d have to make a commitment that would change the fabric of her life within a few days. Pushing away the rising panic, she picked up her menu as he nodded his thanks as he sat in the opposite seat. They locked gazes.
“So, since you love the food here, what would you recommend?” She averted her eyes. What was wrong with her? He’d taken off his sunglasses. Her hands trembled as she tried to catch her breath. Pretending to look over her menu, she glanced back at him to be sure. Yep, he had silver or gray eyes. One minute they were polished silver, and now a turbulent gray. They reminded her of winter, yet the look he sent promised summer heat, challenging the woman in her to come out and play. And play hard. Shaking her head and the fanciful thoughts away, she tried to follow the conversation. Safe path, find a safe path.
“Everything is good. But I really like the Miso Salmon.” His gaze never wavered.
“Really?” She looked at him. “Why? What’s miso?” Who cares, stay focused! He’s dangerous.
“I don’t know, but it’s on a bed of buttery rice and they put this sweet sauce on the salmon, probably the miso.” He chuckled. “And garnish it with snap peas. It’s really good.”
“Is that what you’re going to order? You haven’t opened your menu.” What happened to her sharp wit? It seemed her mental faculties flat-lined, her words sounded bland, uninteresting to her ears. This is a business arrangement, she reminded her revived libido. Yeah, but with sex, her core vibrated.
“Yeah. I always order that.”
“Not open to trying new and different things, huh?” she teased and returned to her menu.
“Always, just not on sure bets.” He grinned, and then winked.
Was he flirting? Did that mean he found her attractive enough to go through with everything? She smiled in relief. She hadn’t realized how badly she wanted what he offered. The waiter returned with drinks, bread and took their orders. Once he left, she looked at him and smiled.
“Well, what do we do now?”
“Tell me what you think. Can you be faithful in marriage to me?” he asked, getting to the important aspect of this meeting.
She knew military bases were filled with horny men, and women for that matter, looking to get laid. “I could’ve married you without the meet and greet. The purpose today is the conditions of the marriage. I have to be honest, no way I’d commit to a monogamous long-term relationship if there was no—What’s the word I’m looking for?” She frowned, looking at him for help.
“Fire, chemistry, heat, take your pick. Any of those will do, right?” He spoke low, with a wicked smile.
She took a quick sip of her drink, spilling drops on the table. He was flirting! Celibacy had been shadowing her for years, and in the course of an hour, this man had her body on fire. Hungry. Needy.
“Pretty much.” She was glad he understood and didn’t take offense. Sipping more of her water, she felt his eyes on her. Afraid he’d see her need; she looked at the table and jumped when he spoke.
“Well? Is there something here?” His gray eyes shifted over her face. She felt trapped, afraid he’d ferret out her secrets. The sparkle in his eyes told the tale. He knew he affected her. The scorch of their chemistry wafted between them.
Words failed her. Coherent thought left as mists in the morning sun. “Umm... I,I,I...well, there could,” she stuttered and stopped. Horrified her childhood speech problems would overtake her, she took a deep breath and looked up at him.
“Do you find me attractive in any way? Is there any fire or chemistry?”
That directness, she had to give it to him. He was definitely to the point and she discovered she liked that. “Yeah, I do,” she whispered. She appreciated him helping to move the conversation along.
“Good, because I think you’re sexy and beautiful. I can’t wait to get to know you better.”
She noticed his eyes were now in between, like a pewter gray that held her captive. “All right, then.” She smiled, feeling more at ease.
They paused in conversation while the waiter placed their food on the table. He seemed surprised as she blessed her food and dug in.
“Tell me about you.”
He talked about his dad, mom and her fourth husband, his aunt and his relationship with Anne. He said very little about what he did in the military. When she asked, he said, “Special Forces,” and appeared surprised when she didn’t know anything about it.
He waved her questions away. “We’ll get into it later.” He signaled for the bill, handing the server his card at the same time.
“Are you ready?” He asked, as she put her fork down.
“Ready for...?”
“Get married, get the dependent paperwork done, pick up my aunt, and get moved. That stuff.”
“Hold up, slow down this train, you haven’t met Seth, my son. We can’t get married until I make sure you two get along.” Ignoring his frown, she stood.
“I thought you said he was four.”
“So what? You still need to meet him first. You’re getting a package deal. We come together. We both have to approve.” Her eyes locked on his as her hand settled on her hip.
“Well, why didn’t you bring him with you?” His voice held frustration.
She made a mental note, her future husband liked to have his way. Pity, so did she. “I didn’t know you. I never take chances when it comes to him. You need to know that up front. If we decide to go through with this, then and only then would I allow him into the equation. Now, that’s a deal breaker for me. If you have any problems with that, let me know and, as you said last night, I’ll apologize for wasting your time.”
“I understand. So let’s go. Where’s he at?” Standing and moving from the table, he threw a tip down as he waited for her.
She took her time. “He’s at daycare. You can follow me. I’ll pick him up and we can go to a park and talk.” She knew he might not have been keen on the park idea, but tough. She needed to see Seth’s reaction to him. Even as an infant, Seth refused his biological father and cried the few times Chavez held him. She trusted Anne, but she trusted Seth more.
****
Everything moved so fast! After they’d picked up Seth, went for ice cream and a run in the park, Tyson had insisted they stop at Wal-Mart to buy some boxes to pack her things. They packed her tiny kitchen and most of the boxes were loaded in his SUV. The furnished duplex took little time to pack and clean.
All she needed to do was take the keys over to the office and leave. Tyson had already written them and the daycare checks for the last month since there was no notice. Seth and Tyson were talking outside waiting for her. Her baby had demanded to have his car seat placed in the SUV rather than her car. Bonding already. That boded well.
Looking around for the last time at the small place that had been her small haven for the last year and a half, she felt a sense of excitement tempered with uncertainty. She decided to take this leap of faith based almost on the word of her best friend. Tyson’s solidness sealed the deal.
To be fair, everything she’d heard about Tyson had been good, well, with the exception of his wife. Anne said his ex-wife was mentally unbalanced. Actually, she said, “The bitch was crazy.” Strange he hadn’t mentioned her. Before he left, she’d ask about their present relationship. Smiling, she looked around one last time to make sure they had everything.
****
All her reservations flew out the window when they drove into Sanders Creek Club, the gated community where he lived. As she passed the tennis courts, paddleboat area, walking trails, she imagined Seth on the swings or riding his trike on the sidewalk. As they pulled into a driveway, Tyson waved her ahead into the vacant spot in the garage, while he parked on the pad outside. A two-seater red Corvette took up the other space.
“This is really nice.” The two-story brick home seemed to welcome them. It sat back on a large lot, with the golf course behind the huge back yard.
Seth jumped up and down, as he watched the children play. Moving closer to Seth, she took his hand in an attempt to calm him. The last thing she wanted was an attack.
“I’m glad you like it. Go inside so you can get settled. I’ll unload everything.”
Moving toward the doorway from the garage, she intended to walk ahead of Seth to remove any obstacles that could become a problem. Although Tyson appeared reasonable, she did not intend to lower her guard when it came to her son.
Tyson punched in a code before unlocking the door. Bending he picked up Seth, opened the door and waited for her to proceed him. Smiling her thanks, she noticed the laundry room to her right. The large eat in kitchen greeted them next. As the door closed, she whirled and noticed him watching her reaction. Someone had done an excellent job at decorating his home. The colors were warm, the furniture classy, begging to be utilized. She could get used to this.
“Like I said before, this is really nice.” She walked into the family room. “Everything is so coordinated. Did you decorate this yourself?”