Page 61 of Jonathan

“Want me to apologize?” He had asked her with a hint of a smile. They had made love twice and were on reclining on her expensive cotton sheets.

“Maybe. Just watch out for her and don’t encourage her.”

Jon’s lips curved slightly as he looked at the woman who was going to be his mother-in-law. It was uncanny how much mother and daughter looked alike. And because of that, he felt a certain amount of indulgence towards the older woman.

“I don’t mind in the least.” He said smoothly, picking up his glass of wine and taking a sip. “Cabernet Tempest? Nineteen fifty-two?”

Angela’s eyes widened as she stared at him impressed. “how did you…”

“My man’s parents are big on wines. The ranch has an entire basement dedicated to prime alcohol. They also have a vineyardin Tuscany.” Kamilah’s voice was smug as she leaned against him.

Angela folded her napkin and picked up her wine. “Lovely. I am looking forward to seeing the ranch.” She cleared her throat. “This wedding, why is it so hurried? Are you-…”

“I am not pregnant yet, but’s not for lack of trying.”

Jon had to smother the smile behind his glass. But Lionel was not so discreet. His laughter echoed around the room. “I cannot wait to be a great granddad.” His eyes twinkled as he looked at the couple. “Try harder.”

*****

“You’re in love with him.”

Kamilah turned to look at her mother as she came back into the booth where she was finishing a conversation with her agent. Both her grandfather and fiancé had gone outside to take a walk.

“I am, yes.”

Angela fiddled with the tasseled napkins that had replaced the ones they had used several minutes before. She ran a tight ship and as soon as they were finished with the meal, servers had materialized to do the cleaning.

“You’re giving up your way of life to live at the tiny place.”

Kamilah smiled at that. “It’s a delightful place.”

“One where you got shot.”

She nodded. “An isolated incident and I am adjusting. Jon still carries the guilt, and I am trying to help him with that. But yes, it’s a beautiful place, one which I want my children to call home.”

Angela shook her head and perched on a stool at the bar. “I never thought you would be willing to give up the bright lights and everything the big city has to offer.”

Kamilah chuckled. “Neither did I.” She shoved everything back into her tote. “Jon changed my mind. And the place is wonderful. You’ll see when you get there.”

Angela eyed her only child contemplatively. “He loves you.” She sighed softly. “Your father used to look at me as if I was the only woman in the room. “Tears blinded her eyes and had Kamilah rushing forward.

“No.” She held out a hand to stop her daughter. “I am fine. After losing him, I tried to find what we had and never did.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “I am very happy for you. What you’ve found with Jonathan, is something rare and you should treasure it.”

“I am. I will.” Ignoring the effort to keep her at bay, Kamilah went in for a hug. “Thanks.”

*****

He enjoyed accompanying her to the theater. They were joined by Salome and Lauren and their dates, and he watched as she shone in her environment. Although there was a twinge of anxiety and a moment of jealousy when a former boyfriend came over when they were having dinner at the restaurant she had chosen.

The man had started to lean in for a kiss. Before Kamilah could react, he saw the feral look on Jon’s face and wisely stepped back.

Later that night after the very passionate lovemaking, she brought it up.

“He was harmless.” She murmured casually, trailing a finger up and down his moist chest. “You were very territorial.”

He captured her finger and brought it to his lips, biting the soft skin and sending tremors along her spine. The man could destroy her with just a touch.

“I can’t help it,” he whispered against her skin, his breath warm on her neck. “You’re mine, Kamilah. And I’ll do anything to protect what’s mine.” His voice was possessive, almost primal, and it made her shiver with a mix of fear and desire.

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