North Star (13 page)

“Listen, you’re tired and the last think you need to do is make a decision you aren’t ready for,” Graham said as he started to turned away.

“You don’t know what you are talking about!” Caresse sat upright, anger shadowing her cheeks. “You’re like every other man. You want to date me, hunger to sleep with me, but the first moment real life steps in, you vanish.”

“You don’t know what you are talking about, Caresse.” Graham stiffened.

“Don’t I?” Caresse retorted in cold sarcasm as she jumped off the bed and stopped his retreat. “Here I am, Graham. I’m vulnerable, broken, and lonely since my closest friend in the world is in the hospital. And all I ask of you is to be here for me, but you can’t do it!”

“You don’t want me to make love to you. You want solace.”

“Tonight they’re the same!” Her glare burned through him. “And if you can’t see that, then maybe you should go. I don’t need someone that can’t handle the complexity of me!”

“You don’t mean that.”

Caresse tried to push him from her room. “I do! Go!”

His height and weight made her shoves ineffective, so she began hitting and pushing his chest until they both stumbled into the hall. “Get out! I don’t need you! I don’t want you!”

Graham watched as tears blinded her eyes and choked her voice. He stopped her assault by sweeping her weightless body into his arms and pinned her against the hallway wall. “You need me, Caresse, as much as I need you!”

“The hell I do!” she exclaimed in irritation. “Let me go!”

“Never!” He held her gaze for several seconds, then he kissed her. The kiss was punishing and angry, but Caresse responded by encircling her arms and legs around him and mating her tongue with his.

He didn’t want their first time to fueled by anger, but her kisses were urgent, drugging his senses with their delicious warmth. He stepped back toward the bedroom, one arm wrapped firmly around her behind and his other keeping her lips secure to his own. When he laid her body on the bed, she relaxed beside him.

Reluctantly, Graham ended the kiss and peered into her face. “Caresse, there is only so far I can be pushed. The next time you tell me to go, I will.”

His eyes narrowed, and his back became rigid as she responded. “Understood.”

“We won’t make love tonight,” he stated as his hand moved gently down the length of her arm and brought her hands to his lips to kiss.

“Stay until I fall asleep, she whispered as she sought his lips. The kiss was tender and pleading as she pressed her body against his. Unable to help himself, he lifted her sundress, seeking the part of her that was wet and pouty. The gyrations of her hips implied his touch was welcomed and needed. As his fingers explored her body, Graham could feel his body aching to be buried in her folds. Sweat moistened his brow as Caresse placed a series of kisses on his cheek and neck. Torture, pure torture.

Caresse slipped the straps of her dress from her shoulders, teasing, tormenting him. How much could he take? Graham lowered his lips to her hardened nipples and began licking and sucking. The shapely beauty of her body tortured him as she whimpered her pleasure and arched against him. She writhed beneath his touch, and he quickened the steady exploration of his fingers, causing her to buck against him. He enjoyed lavishing her breasts as she moaned his name. Lifting his head, he removed her thong. As he gazed upon her fully aroused body, she provoked him by opening her legs and pinching one of her already throbbing nipples. He removed her hand and made her gasp as his lips reclaimed her nipple with tantalizing possessiveness. He trailed his fingers down her torso, over her flat abdomen, settling on the juncture of her thighs before entering her body brazenly.

He slipped one finger, then another, into her wet heat. Need tightened his gut as he moved within her, coaxing her toward her climax. When her hips began to match the strokes of his fingers, he knew her release was coming shortly. He lowered his head to replace his fingers with his lips. Immediately, Caresse’s body started to tremble, a delicious series of shudders contracting around his fingers, making his body throb with need.

Hours later, as Caresse slept, Graham covered her body with a blanket, kissed her forehead, and exited her bedroom. He walked silently down the staircase and studied the photos around her home. It was clear from the photo-covered refrigerator that she adored her children and family. He still couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact that she was a mother. She sure didn’t have the body of any mother of two that he knew.

He walked into the family room and saw a beautiful portrait of Caresse and her daughters. They were dressed elegantly as Caresse sat on an elaborate chair, Nyla stood on her right with a protective hand on her shoulder and Messina sat beside her, her fingers intertwined with her mother. Their faces were almost regal as they seemed to peer into the room. For a while, Graham stood there, captivated by their quiet strength and beauty. He didn’t understand how a man could walk away from them.
Or did she walk away
?

There was still so much he didn’t know about Caresse. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear more about her former marriage. Another man’s mistakes had nothing to do with his time with her. From what she’d told him, she was a young wife and mother and she’d outgrown her need for a husband that wanted to control her every move. She needed to find and rely on herself. But one thing was for sure. Where her divorce made it difficult for her to let her guard down, this latest tragedy had made Caresse realize it was okay for her to lean on him.

Chapter 11

Caresse slowly opened her eyes, wondering why her body felt so sore and restricted. She lowered her gaze and realized that she was tangled up in her sundress and bedcovers. And once she remembered the accident and the intense massage she’d had yesterday, the reasons for the sore muscles made sense.

She walked gingerly toward her bathroom to shower and wash her hair. As the hot water cascaded over her body, her muscles relaxed, and flashes of the intimacy she’d shared with Graham drifted to her mind. She remembered how she became incensed when Graham had tried to walk away from her last night.
You’d think he was the last man on earth
.
That’s what I get for trying to date after a two-year, self-imposed hiatus. And I couldn’t date an average guy. Oh no, I had to fall for a businessman who could drape me in jewels and high-fashion clothes. Arguing with him to stay was so foolish.

Caresse started to smile at the thought of Yvette scolding her for feeling guilty about desiring Graham.
She’d say, “Carè, would you rather him be in another woman’s bed? A guy needs to know he excites you. It lets him know you have desires.” And she’d be right. Hell, she was always right.
A heaviness centered in Caresse’s chest as she leaned against the wall and let the water wash over her.

Seeing Yvette after surgery had alarmed her. Her friend’s swollen face, the bandages, tubes, and machines made everything surreal. “Why did this happen?” Caresse whispered as her tears mixed with the water. She had to get back to the hospital to see how she was. Yvette had been the sister she never had. Yvette stood up to Keith when she wanted to end her marriage, helped her get her children into a select private school, and she gave her a compassionate ear whenever she wanted to vent about work or men.

Caresse turned off the water and grabbed her terrycloth robe. She had to get to the hospital.
She’ll wake up, and when she does, I’ll be there.

Graham entered the Mason Community Center and was greeted by Mr. Mason, Yvette’s father. It was remarkable how the framed photograph in the lobby caught his likeness. Age hadn’t diminished his strength or his firm hand shake. “Mr. Mason? I’m Graham Sheridan. I was wondering if—”

“You’re the man writing an article on the center and dating Caresse, right?”

Graham was a little taken with the directness, but a smile came to his face when he thought about his first conversations with Yvette. Apparently her straight-forwardness came from her father. “Yes, sir, that’s correct.”

“Of course I’m correct. I heard the news from Yvette the moment you showed some interest. In light of the current situation, I’m sure you can see how important that article will be to the center. As Yvette recovers, the public needs to know the center is safe and still open for business.”

“Speaking of safety, sir, has the investigation brought any news?”

“No, but Rick’s on the case. That’s a good boy right there. I thought Yvette should have dated him, but she thought he was too much of a party guy in school. Sold him short, you ask me,” Mr. Mason said as he motioned for Graham to follow him toward the auditorium.

There was an eerie silence as they neared the yellow police tape that sealed the demonstration room. Mr. Mason made a sharp turn down another hallway to enter the dance studio. “The Mason Ball will go on. Yvette wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a tradition, and as long as a Mason heads this center, it will go on with, or without, your publicity, Mr. Sheridan.”

“I hope
Psyche
will be a part of that tradition, sir.”

“That’s good to know. Between Caresse, Detective Rick, and you, I’m sure the Ball will be a success.”

“Caresse, sir?”

“She’s been working with the youth for months, choreographing a dance performance to kick off the Mason Ball. Yvette said Caresse dropped her last CD stereo, so tell her I brought her a new one.” Mr. Mason tapped the new Sony CD player on the shelf.

“I will. I came by to let you know the
Psyche
staff will get the article finished, and I’ll do everything in my power to help Rick bring the culprits behind the accident to justice.”

“Thank you, Mr. Sheridan. Yvette told me to expect nothing less than the best from you, so don’t let me down.”

The summer heat fanned Laila’s face as she adjusted her shades and buried her face deeper in the latest issue of Harper’s
Bazaar
. She didn’t want to be at the shore, but Latrell couldn’t spend another moment in her condo watching her re-decorate every room that inspired her.

Latrell interrupted her thoughts as he lowered himself on the chaise lounger beside her. Extending a perfect Butter Pecan ice cream cone under her nose, he teased, “It’s got your name written all over it.”

Laila playfully struggled to pry the cone from his reluctant fingers. Latrell pretended to grieve the loss as he licked Rocky Road ice cream from his own cone. “Remember when Mom and Dad would take us for ice cream after church every Sunday?”

Laila’s smile broadened at the memory. “You always wanted an extra scoop of ice cream, but Mommy knew it would only end up on your dress suit.”

“It wouldn’t have. You people have no faith in my abilities. I have great balance. I wouldn’t be a real life cowboy if I didn’t.”

Laila wiped ice cream drippings from Latrell’s chest and then threw the towel at him. “Balancing on a horse has nothing to do with keeping food off of your body.” Her features became more animated as she attempted to mother him. Latrell retaliated by closing her magazine. “Hey, I was in the middle of looking at their fashion spread.”

“Looks more like stealing ideas from the competition to me. You need to take a vacation.”

“I will, but not because of Malcolm. I can’t let him run me out of town. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

They ate their ice cream and began watching three little children making sandcastles a few yards away. The way they worked together made them smile and delight in their attempts. Although Latrell’s eyes were covered by sunglasses, she knew he was pleased to see her happy today. It was still very hard for her, but once she got out of bed each morning, the moments of sadness were delayed until nightfall.

“You’re doing great, La La. I can see your confidence and power returning.”

“Really? What the hell do you know about my confidence and power.”

“You got to be kidding me? This question is coming from the same girl that dumped her boyfriend before her sweet sixteenth birthday party in order to dance with any boy that asked her. Please! Confidence is your middle name.”

Laila laughed at the memory as Latrell continued. “And don’t get me started on power. There were too many times I’ve kept you from killing boys that pulled your ponytails. You spunky little thing.”

“Yeah, I had that fire.”

“That Sheridan fire. What does Dad say? ‘It’s a flame that ignites passion, burns enemies, and you can always see it in our eyes.’” 

“Yeah, Mom said when she first saw Dad look at her with that fire in his eyes, it almost scared her senseless. If they weren’t in public, she’d have sworn he’d tear her clothes off.”

“Mom said that?”

“Yeah, you remember when Mom used to tell us how they first met.”

“No, I tuned out that sappy stuff. But maybe I should have listened. A look that could let a woman know you want her naked is a very unique skill.” Latrell reached for his cell phone. “I better call Dad and ask him how that works.”

Laila grabbed the phone and ran toward the water.

“La La, you better not!” Latrell yelled as he raced after her and hauled her over his shoulder. Her laughter rang in the air as he threatened to spin her around if she didn’t release the phone.

In the distance, Malcolm watched from the Seaside Heights boardwalk. He didn’t recognize the man that had accompanied Laila to the beach, but he wondered who had stepped in and caused her to stop calling his number. Their oblivious affection began to incense him.

Caresse lathered scented lotion on Yvette’s arms and legs as she waited for Mrs. Mason to return from the cafeteria. Yvette was always a fan of Carol’s Daughter skin and hair care products, so Caresse decided to bring her favorite scent to ease her dry skin.

“How is she doing?”

“No change, Mrs. Mason. But I’m sure she’ll wake up soon.”

“Me, too, dear. And when she does, she’ll be glad you cared enough to make her comfortable. She hates having dry skin. I guess you could say we’re alike in that aspect.” Mrs. Mason hummed as she placed some lotion in her hands and rubbed her daughter’s face and neck.

For awhile, they worked together in silence to finish the tasks as reverently as possible. When they repositioned the sheets over Yvette’s body, Caresse entered Mrs. Mason’s extended arms. “There, there, Carè. You have to have faith that God is handling this. Yvette is in his care. She will awake up soon, but not a minute before her body has had a chance to rest and repair itself.”

“I know. I know. I kinda miss hearing her voice. I feel like I should be doing something more, but I feel so lost.”

Mrs. Mason motioned Caresse to sit in the chair beside her. “When I feel like that, I pray. It makes me feel better, and it always helps me handle what lies ahead. Do you want to pray with me?”

“Of course, we need God’s hands in this.”

Rick had missed Graham at the
Psyche
headquarters so he was on his way to the hospital to check on Yvette’s progress. As he walked from the lobby to the parking lot, he noticed his sister, Infinity, flirting with the night guard. Rick flashed his badge to the guard and motioned his sister over.

“What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question, Ricky, but we’re both adults, and I’m a big girl and can come and go as I pleased.” She extended her right leg and looked down. “See, little brother, no ankle bracelet.”

“Very funny. If you’re looking for Graham, don’t bother. He doesn’t want to see you.”

Infinity pouted and pinched his chin. “Men can say what they want, but their eyes always speak the truth. One look at me in this outfit, and he’ll be crawling away from the little girl he’s seeing.”

“How do you know about her?”

She glanced at the guard behind her. “I have my sources, just like you, little brother. So what are you up tonight?”

“I intended to update Graham on a pending investigation, but he’s not in. I wanted to ease his mind.”

“Ease his mind? What happened? Did his new girlfriend get hurt?”

“Could you reel in your fangs for a minute? She really is a nice lady, Infinity.”

“Graham doesn’t need nice lady. He needs a powerful woman.” She threw back her head and placed her hands on her hips. “Power attracts power. If you weren’t such a flatfoot, you’d know that.”

“That may be true, but you had your chance and you blew it. Go home, Infinity, and leave him alone,” Rick said as he walked back to his car.

“I didn’t blow anything! Graham’s stubborn, but he’ll come back!” she responded sharply, then eyed his retreat with cold distain.

Caresse sat quietly in Yvette’s hospital room, watching the monitors regulating different organs of her body. Her friend’s bandaged head and arm didn’t take away from the arresting beauty and strength of her face.

Caresse leaned forward in her chair and in a controlled voice said, “Vet, I’m here.” She placed her cheek on their joined hands and gazed up at her best friend with worried eyes. “Your mother has gone to your home to get some of your favorite CDs. She remembered that music can bring people out of coma, so she wants to try that.”

Caresse smiled to herself briefly. “I told her to bring Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, and Mariah Carey because you always play those ladies when you are ready to conquer the world. And I know you’re ready. It’s a little difficult to open your eyes.” Her faint smile suddenly faltered.

The quietness of the hospital room unnerved her. The flowers and tokens of love covering the side tables were a welcome sight, but she ached for Yvette to see them. Especially the beautiful red roses from Rick with a big Vermont Teddy Bear dressed like a cop. He said if she didn’t open her eyes when he was there, he wanted to make sure she saw a cop that cared.

“Yvette, you’re my sister and best friend, please get better so you can help me figure out what the heck I’m doing with Graham. I know you think he’s the best thing for me, but his intensity scares me and thrills me at the same time.”

She wasn’t sure if her words could be heard over the soft hum of the machines monitoring Yvette’s vitals, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak any louder. “I need to know what you think because you know my radar with men is a bit defective.” A hot tear rolled down her cheek and spilled onto their intertwined fingers.

Caresse tried to bite her lip to control the sobs, but heaviness settled in her chest and tightened her throat. Suddenly sobs racked her body as she buried her head on their hands. Caresse remembered how Yvette had helped her find her voice and confidence after her divorce. Their friendship had restored her spirit and healed her soul when she wanted to wallow in depression.

“You know my track record, Sis. I have so many scars, it’s a wonder that I’m not in a hospital bed, too. Please open your eyes, Vet. Please. I need to know you’re okay.” She swallowed hard as her heartbeat pounded in her ears. “I can’t be okay if you aren’t. Don’t you understand how much I need you?”

The alarm of the heart monitor suddenly shrieked, causing Caresse to raise her head. “Yvette? Yvette!”

Caresse rushed into the hallway and yelled, “Help! Nurse, something’s wrong!”

She rushed back to Yvette’s side and shuddered inwardly at the thought of death. The room flooded with doctors and nurses assessing Yvette’s condition.

“Step back, Miss,” a nurse demanded as she led her away from Yvette’s bedside. As the doctors tried to resuscitate her friend, Caresse felt an acute sense of loss.

“Will she be okay?” Caresse cried as she pressed her clinched hands to her chest.

The nurse quickly removed her from the room. “We’re doing all we can, but you must wait outside until we have her stabilized.”

Fear tugged at Caresse as she watched the nurse return to the room. Please God
,
she started to silently pray as her gray eyes darkened with pain.

“Caresse?”

Tears blinding her eyes, she turned toward the approaching man calling her name. “Graham?”

“What’s happened? What’s going on?” He gathered her in his arms and let her bury her flushed face against his shoulder.

“I don’t know. I was talking to her and the machine went off.” A sensation of intense sickness swept over her and her legs gave way.

Graham held her up and helped her toward the waiting room. “Don’t give up, Caresse. The doctors are doing everything they can.”

A few minutes later, the doctor entered the waiting room. “Ms. Aldana?”

Caresse and Graham rose and met the doctor’s somber gaze. His expression was grim as he placed his hands in his white lab coat.