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  “Yes, I have to leave tomorrow, but it’s just an overnight trip. I’ll be back before you know it.”

  His arms tightened up around her. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “And I’m going to miss you and the boys.” After a few moments she said. “Did you talk to your coach about getting time off in June for the class reunion cruise?” She knew that during the summer months the players were hard at work preparing for the fall football season.

  “Yes, and he said it’s okay. That happens to be the same week he’d planned on giving the players time off to relax anyway, so it works out fine.”

  Mya smiled. “I’m glad. It will be good seeing old friends again. I hope Maxi is going. It will be good seeing her. I hope the two of us can spend some time together.”

  The corners of Garrett’s eyes crinkled in a smile. He remembered just how close Mya and Maxine used to be. Thick as gravy. “Yeah, it will be worth it, won’t it.” Moments later he began nuzzling her throat. “Umm…as always, you smell good.”

  She looked up at him. His gaze was frankly seductive. “You smell pretty good yourself.”

  He chuckled. “Let’s go into the bathroom and start smelling soapy.”

  “Are you suggesting that we take a bath together?”

  “Yes.” Garrett rose with her in his arms. “That’s exactly what I’m suggesting.”

  Across town, Paige Duvall shared a cab with another cheerleader, as they made their way back to their apartments.

  “I couldn’t happen but notice your interest in Garrett Rivers. You’re new so I’ll give you some advice,” the other cheerleader said to Paige. “Don’t waste your time on him. He’s a real family man who’s tied to his wife pretty tight. I understand he loves her very much.”

  Paige smiled. “Most of them do…in the beginning. But a man being in love with his wife has never stopped me before. I like Garrett and intend to have him.”

  The other woman shook her head frowning, not liking what she was hearing. “You’re pretty sure of yourself if you think that. Garrett Rivers is too dedicated to his wife and sons to let anyone come between them. You’ll just be wasting your time.”

  Paige’s smile widened. “Maybe…then maybe not. Every man has a weakness. The key is finding out what that weakness is and using it. Which is what I intend to do.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The hospital’s elevator doors opened and Maxi stepped in and pushed the button that would take her to the fifth floor. She thought about the woman she was on her way to see.

  Bessie Johnstone was someone Maxi had known all of her life; a woman who had been her grandmother’s closest friend. When Maxi’s grandmother had passed away fifteen years ago, Bessie had made herself Maxi’s surrogate grandmother. There was nothing Bessie wouldn’t do for Maxi and vice versa.

  Moments later when Maxi entered Bessie’s hospital room she couldn’t help but smile. A broken hip had rendered Bessie immobile, and from the expression on the older woman’s face as she lay in bed looking out the window, she wasn’t too pleased about being forced to stay in one place. Anyone knowing Bessie knew just how much getting around meant to her.

  “Okay, you can stop sulking,” Maxi said, making her presence known. “It doesn’t become you. Besides, this will teach you not to be hard-headed.”

  Bessie made a snorting sound as she glanced at Maxi. “There was nothing wrong with me wanting to change that light bulb.”

  Maxi frowned. “Yes, there was if you had to get on a ladder to do so. You could have waited for your neighbor Mr. Ellerby to come home. He would have gladly helped you. Or you could have called me. You know that I would have come by.”

  “I don’t like being a bother, you know that.”

  Maxi nodded. Yes, she did know it. “You deserve to be a bother, Ms. Bessie. Look at all the things you’ve done for so many people over the years. I don’t know a soul in Savannah who would not have come to your aid had you only asked.”

  Bessie shook her head, knowing that was true. She had lived a long life and at seventy-four a number of people had touched her life and she had also touched theirs. Maxi Chandler was one of them. In her book, Maxi had always been a good child. Respectful to her elders, a good student and thoughtful and giving, which was evident by the beautiful arrangement of flowers she carried in her hand.

  “Maybe my being here, although it seems I’ll be laid up a spell, is for a good cause. I think I found just the right man for you, Maxi.”

  Maxi grinned as she placed the vase of flowers on a table near Bessie’s bed. Ever since Jason’s death, Bessie had tried fixing her up with a number of “right” men. There had been Charlie, the painter, Aaron, the meat cutter, Paul, the shoe salesman, and Theodore, the man who had recently moved to town and opened a slew of dry cleaners.

  “I think this one is special, Maxi.”

  Maxi lifted her brow as she took the chair opposite the bed. She decided not to tell Bessie that was what she’d said of the others. “And what makes this one special?”

  Bessie’s face lit into a smile. “He has a child. He’s a divorced man with a twelve-year-old son he is raising by himself. I think that will solve all your problems.”

  Maxi sighed. She didn’t have to ask Bessie what problems she was referring to. There wasn’t any doubt in Maxi’s mind that her mother had told Bessie about her visit with the doctor, so chances were Bessie knew of her pending surgery and what it meant.

  “Just think, Maxi,” Bessie continued saying. “That’s a way to get the child you’ve always wanted but can’t have after your surgery. You know I never had any children of my own but raising Dasha and Martin was the next best thing. I never regretted ever having married Solomon and raising his children. In no time at all they had become my children.”

  Maxi stared into space and after a few minutes she nodded. She knew from what she’d been told that when Bessie had been in her twenties, she had married a widower with two small children. Dasha and Martin, who were both in their late forties now and living up north, considered Bessie as their mother and would do anything for her.

  “And after talking to the man,” said Bessie, breaking into Maxi’s thoughts, “it’s apparent that he’s lonely and would love to meet a decent woman. Raising a child alone isn’t easy, especially for a doctor.”

  “A doctor?”

  “Yes, dear. He’s my doctor. Although he’s a little older than what I had in mind for you—he’s probably in his late thirties—I think he’s the answer to your prayers and there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re going to like him.”

  “Ms. Bessie, you know how I feel about your playing cupid.”

  “Yes, but then you know how I feel about your being alone. Jason’s been dead for four years. You need to move on.”

  “I have moved on. I’m just not ready to get seriously involved with anyone yet.”

  “But life’s passing you by and so are rare opportunities for you to meet someone special. Now is the time for you to start seriously thinking about finding the right man for you.”

  “And Mrs. Johnstone has taken the notion that I’m him.”

  Maxi’s head jerked toward the husky voice and her gaze met that of the tall figure of the man casually leaning in the doorway. She lifted a brow and decided she couldn’t lie. He was extremely nice looking and the slow smile that spread across his face made her feel completely at ease—given their awkward situation. From what he’d just said, Maxi knew that Bessie had been feeding him a bill-of-goods about her just like Bessie had been doing her about him.

  Faced with the inevitable, Maxi stood and crossed the room, offering him her hand in a warm greeting. “Hi, I’m Maxine Chandler.”

  He took her hand and she noticed how warm it felt in his. “And I’m Dr. Reginald Tanner.” He released her hand but continued to look at her. The look in his gaze indicated he liked what he saw. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Ms. Chandler.”

  Maxi chuckled. “I’m sure you have and Bessie has been
telling me about you as well, Dr. Tanner.”

  Now it was his time to chuckle. “I find that Ms. Johnstone is one determined lady when she makes her mind up about something.”

  “Trust me, she is.”

  “And I’m sure that you are aware that she won’t let the matter rest until I ask you out.”

  “Probably not.”

  “So, Maxine Chandler, how about going to a movie with me this weekend?”

  Maxi stared up at him, immediately liking him. No doubt Bessie had already obtained all the pertinent information about him besides his name, rank, and serial number. Knowing Bessie she probably knew something about every member of his family. Although the older woman was intense about fixing her up with someone, she took time to make sure any man she sent Maxi’s way was law-abiding and God-fearing.

  “I’d love to go to the movies with you.”

  Dr. Tanner’s smile widened. “How about if I pick you up Saturday evening around six. We can do dinner first and then a movie.”

  “That’s fine. Do you need my address?”

  He chuckled. “No, Ms. Johnstone has given it to me already. Several times in fact.” He straightened his stance from leaning in the doorway. “I have to continue making my rounds so I’ll see you on Saturday.”

  “All right.”

  And then he was gone.

  “Well, what do you think?” Bessie asked from behind Maxi.

  Maxi turned around and faced the older woman. “He seems nice.”

  “He is and he’s also a good doctor. He’s taken good care of me since I’ve been here but like I said earlier Maxi, he might be just what you need since he already has a child—a child who from what I gather needs a mother.”

  Maxi’s expression was reflective as she thought about the man she’d just been introduced to. A part of her looked forward to Saturday.

  “This will be your first cruise?”

  Maxi looked across the table at Reginald. He had taken her to a nice restaurant in Savannah that was known for its seafood. She had just finished telling him about her ten-year class reunion cruise and her plans to go. “Yes, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said smiling. “It will be so good seeing so many classmates again.”

  He nodded. “How do you like being a college professor?”

  Maxi took a sip of her wine before answering. “I really enjoy it. I always wanted to become a teacher but I didn’t decide on a career on the college level until later.” After a few moments her expression was thoughtful when she asked. “And do you enjoy being a doctor?”

  He smiled nodding. “Yes. My ex-wife Margie and I are both doctors so it made our married life kind of hectic, but being a doctor was all I ever wanted to be. I enjoy it immensely.” His smile widened. “And it affords me the opportunity to meet people like Ms. Johnstone. She’s quite a character.”

  Maxi couldn’t help grinning. “Yes, she is.”

  Dinner was good and Maxi and Reginald continued to engage in pleasant conversation. He told her about his twelve-year-old son and how he was adjusting to Savannah, after having moved from Connecticut a year ago.

  Outside, as they were leaving the restaurant, the night air was kind of chilly and Reginald placed his arm around Maxi’s shoulder as they walked to his car. “I’m enjoying your company, Maxine. I usually don’t take time to enjoy myself like I’m doing tonight. Now I find I’m in Ms. Johnstone’s debt.”

  Maxi smiled thinking she was in Bessie’s debt as well. Reginald truly seemed to be a nice person. He was a great conversationalist and had kept a steady flow of dialogue between them all evening. She was surprised to learn that although he appeared to be in his late thirties, in actuality he was forty-two. The only thing she’d noticed that bothered her was the number of times he mentioned his ex-wife. From what he’d said earlier, they had been divorced for two years yet Margie Tanner’s name had crept into their conversation numerous times.

  The movie, a new Eddie Murphy comedy, had kept them laughing. Afterwards, they decided to stop by a café for a cup of coffee before heading home. It was a little past midnight when Reginald walked Maxi to her door. Since they had just finished drinking coffee there was no reason to invite him in. Besides, although she had enjoyed his company, Maxi was tired. She had helped out at the church earlier that day in their food drive.

  “Thanks, Reginald, for a delightful evening. I enjoyed myself.”

  He smiled. “I enjoyed myself as well. Maybe we can get together again soon. I’m working next weekend but I’m free the following weekend. Can I call you?”

  “Sure.”

  “All right.” He softly seized her hand then leaned down and brushed her lips with his. His kiss was light at first then after a few moments it became hungry. Maxi quickly pulled back when he boldly deepened the kiss. She was not ready for the level of intimacy he was about to take the kiss to. “Goodnight, Reginald.”

  He looked down at her and for a moment she wondered if he planned to try and kiss her again. For some reason the look in his eyes said he was thinking about it. Then after a few moments he said. “Goodnight, Maxine, and thanks for a wonderful evening.”

  Maxi watched him walk back to his car before opening the door and getting inside.

  The following week while out shopping at the mall for clothing to take on the cruise, Maxi ran into Reginald. He was with another woman and a boy who appeared to be eleven or twelve. She knew without being told that the boy was Reginald’s son. The resemblance was uncanny. She found out later, after introductions were made, that the woman was his ex-wife.

  “Margie decided to surprise us and come down for the weekend,” Reginald said to her in way of an explanation. The expression he wore reminded her of a boy who’d gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

  Maxi nodded, figuring he really didn’t owe her an explanation, nor did he need to feel guilty about anything. They had dated that one time and although he’d definitely shown signs of being interested in her, she had picked up on the fact that he still had feelings for the former Mrs. Tanner. So to Maxi’s way of thinking, Margie Tanner had nothing to fear and was definitely wasting her time with the icy coldness in the gaze she was giving her.

  “I’ll call you,” Reginald said softly breaking into Maxi’s thoughts.

  “Okay,” she responded, although she had a gut feeling that he wouldn’t, but then she knew it would be for the best if he didn’t call her. Although she had liked him, he had issues he needed to resolve before becoming involved with anyone.

  Dismissing him from her thoughts, she continued her shopping. She had to believe that somehow things would eventually work out for her.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Christopher was on his way out of the office to join Gabe for lunch when his phone rang. “Yes, Mary?”

  “You have a call from a Ms. Smithfield, sir.”

  Christopher smiled as he checked his watch. “You can put her through.” He then sat back down in his chair, relaxed. Tori Smithfield was a journalist for CNN who traveled around the country quite a bit. They had met three years ago while she’d been in Detroit on business. Their one night stand had led to numerous others after that, and she made it a point to always look him up whenever she was in town. She had a body that was stacked in all the right places and knew how to use it, always giving him intense sexual pleasure. And that was just what he needed. He hadn’t slept with anyone since Pamela and that was almost three weeks ago. He was beginning to get that constant ache in his lower mid-section; a sure sign that he was overdue for a tumble between the sheets.

  “Christopher?”

  His smile widened at the sound of the ultra sexy voice. It had been six months since he’d last heard it. “Tori, I take it that you’re back in town.”

  “Yes,” the sexy voice responded. “I got in yesterday. I should have all my business finalized by tonight and was wondering if I could see you. There’s something I have to tell you.”

  He raised a brow, curious. “All right. Are
you staying at the Hilton?”

  “Yes. I’m in suite 410. Can we get together about seven?”

  “Yes, that won’t be a problem. Do you want to go to dinner?” he asked her, then got turned on from the sound of her small, sensuous chuckle when she responded. The ache in his mid-section deepened.

  “Let’s decide when you get here.”

  Christopher bit back another smile. Talking was the last thing on his mind. “Sounds like a winner. I’ll see you later.” He leaned back in his chair after hanging up the phone. Tori was something else and no doubt she would make his evening unforgettable as usual.

  Tori took a deep breath, ran a quick caressing hand through her short, curly hair and stepped back to let Christopher enter her hotel room. Closing the door behind him she turned and let her gaze move over him from head to toe. He was a fine specimen of a man and perfect by her and most women’s standards.

  She knew a man as good looking as Christopher could have any woman he wanted—and probably did. But she was of the opinion that she could compete against any of those women mainly because she wasn’t a threat. What the two of them shared whenever they saw each other was hot, mind-boggling sex with no strings attached.

  Although she didn’t know a whole lot about Christopher’s past, she knew from the one time they had spilled their guts after having too much to drink one night that like her, he had been born illegitimate and also like hers, his mother had been the town’s slut. In fact it had been one of her mother’s boyfriends with whom she’d had her first sexual experience at the age of sixteen. Her mother had almost flipped when she’d discovered that Rick Dover had been bedding both mother and daughter.

  “You look good, Tori,” Christopher said, as he pulled her into his arms.