Page 4 of Every Breath

Some may have even called him a pretty boy, but Brandi usually preferred dark-skinned black men to Rodney’s golden-brown skin and hazel eyes. She had nothing against light-skinned men, but Brandi found something very sensual about running her fingers along smooth coffee-colored skin.

Despite not being her type, Rodney made her feel good about herself again. He gave her the strength to move on with her life and for that she loved him. He asked her to marry her quite a few times, but something always made her say no. The last time, however, followed a night of partying and too much champagne. She’d woken up to find herself naked in bed with him. It was only when the twins burst in on them asking questions that she realized the enormity of the situation. Rodney had been very calm about it, reminding her that she consented to be his wife the night before. To drive the point home, he’d lifted her left hand to reveal the large diamond she wore.

There was no turning back. She made her bed, so to speak. Despite her one slip up with him, Brandi asked him to wait until they were formally married before they went to bed again. He had not been happy about it, but reluctantly agreed. From that moment, Rodney insisted that arrangements be made immediately, but Brandi wanted to give the children some time to adjust to the idea, so they compromised, deciding to wait at least a month to set a date.

She cared deeply for Rodney, but Brandi couldn’t help but think she was betraying Damon’s memory somehow. Some of Damon’s family hinted as much, but most of her friends and family were supportive. Rodney was a good man. She should have been counting her blessings, so why these doubts?

Furthermore, Brandi was a little annoyed with him. He sprung this surprise engagement party on her, but she figured his heart was in the right place and it was hard to be mad at someone who spoiled her incessantly. Her thoughts strayed back to Damon. Was it possible to be in love with two men when one of them was dead? She searched the stars again, but there was still nothing.

Rodney didn’t leave her alone. Instead, he stood behind some bushes listening to everything she said. She was still hung up on Damon. It tore him apart that no matter what he did, it always came back to Damon. If it was the last thing he ever did, one day he would be the only man she thought about. She needed a sign? He would give her one.

“Hey, Brandi, ten minutes are up.”

She turned around with a sheepish expression. “I’m sorry, I guess I wasn’t paying attention to the time.”

“If you give me one of those smiles, I can forgive you anything.”

“You’re a big flatterer.” She smiled at him.

“I’m only speaking the truth.” He pulled out his ace. “You know what? When I went back into the party, the strangest thing happened.”

“What?”

“I thought I saw Damon.”

Brandi’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”

“I know it sounds weird, but I think I caught sight of his spirit and he seemed happy. It was as if he was sending me a sign or something. Last night I even had a conversation with him.”

Confusion was etched on her beautiful face. This would be easier than he thought. “I know it sounds silly, but sometimes I talk to him. I know he’s no longer with us physically, but it’s like I feel his spirit now and then, and I always feel better when I talk to him.”

“Really? I feel that way too. Does…does that bother you?” She bit her lip.

It bothered him like hell, but he smiled down at her. “Of course not. How could it bother me when I’m guilty of the same thing? I loved Damon very much. He was like a brother to me. Last night I asked him for a sign because I wanted his blessing. I believe in my heart that he’s just given it to me.”

“What was the sign?”

He hesitated for the briefest of moment before, he said, “When I was watching the lottery drawing after the news, the winning number was Damon’s badge number.”

Brandi looked amazed. “Really? I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say you’ll be happy. It’s what Damon would have wanted. He wants us both to be happy.”

A tear slid down Brandi’s cheek. “That sounds like Damon. I’m sorry I gave you a hard time earlier. I hope you know that I’m committed to you and I will try very hard to make you happy.”

“You already make me very happy. More than you know.” He hugged her close to him.

Gotcha! That’s right, Brandi, just keep believing that I give a damn about what Damon would think or want. For all I care, he could be in hell, which is exactly where he deserves to be for being with my woman.

I hope you are watching us, Damon, and I hope you see that Brandi is where she belongs. She’s mine now!

CHAPTER TWO

Damon opened his eyes to find himself in an unfamiliar bed. An attractive blonde slept soundly beside him. What in the world? His head spun. He hadn’t felt like this since he was in college, which was why he never touched alcohol again afterward.

Scrambling out of bed, he noticed his luxurious surroundings and wondered where the heck he was. Bringing his hand up to wipe the sleep from his eyes, he froze. He slowly examined the pale hand. In a panic, he rushed over to the full-length mirror by the bedroom door. Staring back at him was the image of a bearded, redheaded, green-eyed white man! This had to be some kind of sick joke!

His body felt solid, so this guy obviously worked out. Damon was almost too scared to feel himself between his legs, but curiosity got the better of him. Not believing what he felt, Damon looked inside the silk pajama bottoms he wore. Holy shit, the white boy was packing! His cock wasn’t even hard and it looked to be at least a good seven inches in its limp form. He might have been a little jealous if he hadn’t been such a well-endowed man himself when he was alive.

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