Page 21 of Like You Love Me

It was his turn to drawback. “I lay awake at night thinking about what happened to you, and it tears me up. You have no idea how helpless I felt—not knowing where you were or how to get you back. I am your husband, and you mean everything to me,” he fervently declared. “It’s my job to protect you. The one time you needed me, and I wasn’t there.”

“How were you to know I was in danger? None of us knew, and especially at a family gathering.” Reaching up, she cupped his cheeks to say, “Ever since I found out I was pregnant with Sierra and you came to my rescue, you have been my hero.”

Leaning in close, he pressed his mouth to her parted lips and kissed her gently. Within seconds, his tongue was sliding inside her mouth, seeking, and tasting before a moan slipped from her throat. London kissed her once more, then drew back, his eyes instantly locked with hers.

“Just take things one day at a time, and everything is going to get back to normal. You’ll see.”

Bianca hesitated as if she wanted to say something more before nodding her head in agreement. “Yes, everything is going to be alright.”

Chapter 5

“B

ianca, I’ll see you at your annual check-up.”

“Thank you, Dr. Charles.” She smiled up at the white-bearded man who had been her primary care physician since high school. He had given her a clean bill of health, and she could finally resume normal activities. As she departed the clinic, a smile curled her lips as she thought about what that meant, especially for London. Once she was in the car, she called Debra.

“Hello beautiful, what did Dr. Charles say?”

She loved how her best friend always remembered what was going on in her life. “He says I can go back to resuming my normal duties.”

“You mean your wifely duties?”

Bianca laughed. “Yes, exactly. Are you still in the area?” The couple owned a condo in Sheraton Beach. Debra and their son Tyrese spent most of her time in the area during basketball season while runningDebbiecakes—the best gourmet cupcakes for miles.

“Yes, I’m at the shop on Main Street, and Tyrese is with Auntie Jessica.” Bianca’s mother doted over her great-nephew as if he was one of her grandchildren.

“Perfect. I was thinking about visiting that new lingerie shop on Main Street and adding a little spice to my evening.”

“Ooh! I’m coming with you. Rance is flying in after his game tomorrow night, and I could use a little something to remind him of how good he has it at home.” She laughed, and even though Debra was quite comfortable with her marriage to an NBA star, there were always the rumors of players having women in their hotel rooms after the game.

An hour later, Bianca and Debra walked into Peek-a-Boo. Bianca gasped in appreciation. She had expected a plain no-frills interior with shelves of videos and adult toys. Instead, she felt like she had stepped into an exclusive member’s only club. The first thing that hit her was the scent of lavender that filled the air. It was calming enough to clear one’s head and prepare you for an adventure.

“This place is sexy,” Debra cooed.

She nodded. Yes, it was indeed. The ambiance was dark and mysterious, with low lighting and soft violin music playing in the background. They walked around the space filled with comfortable chaise lounges upholstered in either red or black crush velvet. There were glass displays that showcased either lingerie or toys—each with a rhinestone-encrusted pedestal and a spotlight overhead. You would have thought they were in a high-end jewelry store.

“Welcome, ladies. Can I help you find something?”

Bianca looked over her shoulder to gaze at the beautiful dark-skinned woman hovering nearby. She was exquisitely tall and slim with slanted eyes.

“Yes, I’m looking for something to grab my husband’s attention,” Bianca replied with a coy smile.

Her eyes perused her, taking in Bianca’s petite frame before she nodded and said, “I have something perfect for you. Follow me.”

Bianca and Debra exchanged looks before they followed the woman through the maze of displays over to a mannequin showcasing a red nightie cut low and held together by strings.

“Oooh, that’s sexy!” Debra exclaimed and walked over to touch the sheer and soft fabric. The length was short. Underneath was a matching G-string.

“And I have something for you too,” the woman said and pointed over to a plus-size mannequin that had all of Debra’s voluptuous curves. The negligee was black, sheer, and ultra-sexy.

“I want it!” she squealed. “Rance is going to fall out when he sees me in this.”

The sales assistant’s cinnamon-colored eyes widened. “You’re married to Rance Beaumont?”

“I am,” Debra said proudly. “And this is his cousin, Bianca.”

The woman’s smile widened as she placed a slender hand to her breasts. “Beaumonts. I feel so honored to have the two of you in my boutique.”

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