The afternoon sun streamed through the windows and glinted off his smooth shaven head. His slightly almond-shaped eyes were intense as his arms were crossed over his bare chest, and he towered over everyone as his expression demanded an immediate answer. Ayanna laughed again.
Hello, Johnny. Its nice to see you, too, she said pointedly. Yes, I believe the words red and velvet were used in the same sentence. Do they have special significance for you?
Her last words were muffled because Johnny took a couple of steps toward her and gave her a big bear hug that lifted her off the floor. Im sorry, Ayanna. I didnt even speak to you, and Im all over you for your cake. That was just wrong, he said contritely, kissing her on top of her head. You smell good, he added as he set her down.
So how was your trip? And how long are you going to be here? She smiled up at him.
Johnny draped his arm around her shoulders. Im not saying another word until I get my fix. He was completely comfortable with his lack of attire, but his younger sister wasnt impressed with his rugged physique.
Um, I hate to point out the obvious, but why are you in my kitchen half-naked? Where is your shirt? Billie asked with a frown.
Johnny didnt look embarrassed in the least. He glanced down at his broad chest rippling with muscles and shrugged. I was on my way to the car to get my stuff when I heard the magic words that made me lose all reason. Are you going to help a brother out or what? His warm black eyes crinkled in a smile that made Ayannas knees a little weak, but she ignored the sensation.
If you put on a shirt, I might let you sample a little somethin, she teased.
Sounds like a plan, he agreed and went out the back door, jingling the keys he retrieved from the pocket of his jeans.
She washed her hands at the kitchen sink, and by the time she finished, Johnny was back with a garment bag. Can I get a taste now? Youre not going to make me wait until I go upstairs and put something on, are you?
Glancing up at him with a grin, she daintily opened the white bakery box and took out a perfect cupcake with a thick, enticing swirl of cream cheese frosting on top.
Here. Now youve got your fix so you can get dressed and tell me all about your trip to Africa.
Not yet, woman! Let me savor this before my pop comes in here and we have to fight over it. Johnny had peeled off the cupcake paper and closed his eyes. His strong, even white teeth sank into the pastry, and he devoured it in two bites while moaning like he was in the throes of ecstasy. Damn, that was good. That tastes like more, Yanna. Come on and hook a brother up, he pleaded. Just one more?
Ayanna was about to give in to his request when his other sister, Dakota Phillips Hunter, came into the kitchen with her new baby on her shoulder. Johnny, leave this poor woman alone. Whats he trying to get from you, Ayanna?
By way of answer, Ayanna tipped the box so Dakota could see the cupcakes. Oh, shoot. Well, youre on your own, girl. Nothing comes between a Phillips man and his need for high-quality sugar in the form of a delicious dessert. The grooms cake at my wedding was red velvet, and he ate the entire thing. I saw him do it. Go for it, brother.
The box had lost all interest for Ayanna. She was much more interested in getting her hands on Dakotas baby girl. Knock yourself out, Johnny. I want to see this little cupcake right here, she cooed, holding her hands out.
The two women sat down in the dining room so Ayanna could dote on the baby. Johnny helped himself to two more cupcakes before joining them. Ayanna, youre gorgeous, and you can cook. If I was a marrying man, Id be chasing you down, he said sincerely.
Ayanna laughed softly and looked at little Bethany Anne Hunter, who was gurgling softly in her arms. Sweetie pie, your uncle is nice, but hes crazy.
Johnny polished off the third cake with a deep sigh of enjoyment and licked a bit of frosting off his finger. I might be crazy, but I know a good woman when I see one, he said with a wink.
The blush only showed on her cheeks, but Ayanna could feel it from the bottom of her feet all the way to the top of her head as she pretended that she wasnt listening to his joking. She cuddled Bethany to her shoulder and inhaled her sweet baby scent before stealing a look in Johnnys direction. Luckily, he was talking to Dakota, and she got a good look at his long, muscular frame and sexy rear end. Her face filled with heat again as he turned just in time to see her staring at him, and he winked at her again; but this time it was slow and sexy. She knew she looked like a critter caught in the high beams of a semi, but she couldnt look away to save herself.
She really didnt have a choice in the matter because someone came into the room to join them.
Johnny, sweetheart, what is taking you so long? Ive been waiting for you, a feminine voice purred.
Ayanna felt a weird sensation creep over her, but it wasnt the same pleasurable feeling shed enjoyed earlier. This was dangerously close to jealousy, something she hadnt experienced in years. And she hadnt missed it one bit, either.
Chapter 2
A yanna had to put on her best game face and act as though nothing were amiss, when in reality, she was a little unnerved to hear the dulcet tones of Dr. Davina Wainwright. She was Jasons sister, and she never let anyone forget that she was the most beautiful woman in the room as well as one of the top cosmetic surgeons on the East Coast. She was also one of the snottiest people Ayanna had ever met in her life. The only one who could top her was Cloris, the other Wainwright sister. She, too, was a plastic surgeon.
Both the sisters were tall and thin and quite pretty in a heavily painted sort of way. Since Billie had married into their family they had toned down a little bit of the diva behavior because they were never the prettiest anything when the Phillips sisters were in the room. They had refused Billies invitation to be her bridesmaids, but once they found out that Billies wedding was featured in every fashion publication in this country as well as the UK and France, they realized what a huge mistake theyd made in being rude and changed their tune.
When they saw all of Billies A-list celebrity friends at the wedding and reception, they had done as Jason predicted and tried to join Billie at the hip. Luckily, Billie saw right through them like they were glass. Both of them lived in New York, but lately theyd spent a lot of weekends in Chicago. Ayanna had once suggested that they were trying to make amends, and Billie had just rolled her eyes.
Thats sweet, Ayanna, but their motives have nothing to do with being sisterly. Its all about meeting potential celebrity clients and maybe a man or two. Nip and Tuck dont fool me a bit, Billie had said with a sniff.
Ayanna wasnt about to let the presence of one of the snotty sisters ruin her day. She enjoyed being around Billie and Dakota too much to allow the woman to get on her nerves. She toured the house with Billie, who was as excited as a kid on Christmas morning to show off her dream house.
The floors are bamboo, because its a sustainable resource. And all the paint is environmentally friendly, too, she said as they looked in the second floor rooms. Billie put her arm around Ayannas shoulders and gave her a sisterly hug. I dont know why Im telling you this. You were with me when I picked out a lot of this stuff. Im just house-proud right now, she admitted.
And you should be, Ayanna said. This place is magnificent. One day Im going to have a bigger place. I love my house, but the walls are going to close in on us in a little while. The boys are getting so big!
These walls are going to close in soon, to hear Jason tell it. Hes decided he wants a bunch of kids and as soon as possible, she murmured with a blush.
And somehow I think youre going to indulge him in this wish, arent you? Ayanna stopped peeking into the bedrooms and ceased walking so abruptly that Billie bumped into her. Youre pregnant already, arent you?
By way of answer, Billie just showed all her perfect teeth in a big grin. That question will be answered this afternoon. But if you can keep a secret for a couple of hours, the answer is yes. Jason was determined I get pregnant on our honeymoon, but it took a little longer than that. But in about six months, theres going to be another baby around here.
Ayannas face lit up. First Toni and Zane with little Brandon, then Dakota and Nick with little Bethany and now you and Jason are getting ready to add to the mix. Yall dont mess around when it comes to popping out those babies. Do any of you folks wait a year before reproducing? she teased.
She was referring to Zane Beauchamp and his wife Toni. Zane owned the paper where Dakota worked. Dakota and Toni were very close and their babies were a few months apart in age.
Billie laughed. It was almost a year for me and Jason. Of the three couples, we showed the most restraint, she said airily.
Yall are gonna be in restraints when junior keeps you up all night. Johnny emerged from one of the guest rooms, this time fully dressed and looking good. I dont know how people put up with all that racket. Ayanna, you have two boys, how did you handle the late-night feedings, the colic, walking them all night, potty training and all the other fun things nobody tells you about being a parent?
He ducked when Billie aimed a punch at his shoulder. Hey, Im just trying to get somebody to talk sense into you people. Therell be babies all over this house in a few years if you dont cool your jets. Tell her about it, Ayanna.
Her face had changed into a rigid mask bearing a stiff and very phony smile. I cant help you there. I didnt go through all of that with my boys. I adopted Alec when he was four and Cameron was six, so I got to miss all the fun of carrying a baby I loved from inception to delivery. Im, um, going to go see what theyre up to. See you later, she added hurriedly as she dashed down the stairs.
Johnny looked helplessly at Billie, who was staring at him with great exasperation. You have a big mouth, you know that? she said.
How was I supposed to know I was saying something stupid? You never know when youve said something stupid until its out there and youve made a daggone fool out of yourself, he said gruffly. You could have given me a heads-up. You know I like her, and this is the first time weve had a chance to get together.
Billie didnt have time to ponder this revelation because Johnny was still talking. Besides, those kids look just like her. How come they look like triplets if theyre not hers?
Billie sighed and put her hand on her brothers arm. Because theyre related by blood. Those boys are her sisters children. She died when the boys were quite young, and Ayanna was their guardian. She adopted them and has done her best to raise them to be the delightful young men they are today. Billie looked reflective for a moment. Shes sacrificed a lot for Alec and Cameron, although she doesnt consider it to be any kind of burden. Theyre her whole life, and she loves them devotedly.
Now whats this about you liking Ayanna? she asked with a frown. Your track record with the ladies isnt one I want to wish upon my best friend. If you want to play, stay away from my girl. Shes isnt your normal disposable party favor, so dont even think about it.
The warm clasp on his arm was replaced by a sharp pinch. He jerked away from her looking stunned. That was just wrong, Billie. In the first place, you make me sound like some ol cheap playa, and in the second place, I think you left a mark, you wildcat. Does Jason know about this side of you?
I dont think youre cheap, she said earnestly. I think youre a very high-priced playa, top-shelf, in fact. She turned to run down the stairs and looked at him over her shoulder. And Jason knows all about my wild side, and he loves it. He encourages it, she added, wiggling her hips as Johnny covered his ears and made a horrible face.
Oversharing, little sister. Thats called oversharing.
Ayanna felt like a nitwit for her reaction to Johnnys innocent remarks. After she reached the first floor, she got a glimpse of Davina regaling Toni and Zane Beauchamp with a story about her illustrious medical practice, and Ayanna quickly slipped out of the French doors that led to the big terrazzo patio. It was a soothing place with comfortable chairs and big potted plants surrounded by a low brick wall. Taking a deep breath, she watched her boys playing a noisy game of basketball with Nicks nephews. Sadie was also playing, running back and forth and barking with gusto.
Why did I act like that? Its not the first time the subject has come up, she thought. So why did I act like I was running from the law or something?
Just then she felt two strong hands on her shoulders. Johnny turned her around to face him. I didnt mean to say anything out of line, Ayanna. Are we still friends?
She looked up at his handsome face, which was completely serious for the first time she could remember. Johnny was always laughing and making jokes, so this was quite a change. Were fine. You didnt know my boys are adopted, and theres no real reason that you shouldve known. But its not like its a secret, she told him.
He nodded and continued to look at her like he was trying to memorize her face. I just realized that I dont know very much about you, he said thoughtfully.
Ayanna was looking at him with the same kind of intensity. No, I guess you dont. I met you at Billies wedding, and Ive seen you a few times since then. Its not like you live here in Chicago or anything.
Johnny didnt seem to be listening to her. His big palms were making circles on her shoulders, and he showed no interest in removing his hands from her body. But he was paying attention, as his next words demonstrated. Well, I think we should start remedying that. Im moving here, and I think getting to know you better is going to be a priority.
Youre moving here? Permanently? Ayanna sounded slightly breathless.
Yes, I am. Didnt Billie tell you? Lets get something to eat and talk about it some more.
Is food all you think about?
Pretty much. Food and sex. What else is there, besides football? Johnnys face resumed its normal, humorous expression as he smiled down at her.
Ayannas eyes widened. You need Jesus, Johnny Phillips. You need help.
So are you gonna help a brother out or what? His hands flew off her shoulders as he heard Davinas voice float out through the French doors. Billie, wheres that brother of yours? He just disappeared.
Help me get away from that succubus, Johnny said urgently. Shes been on me like a duck on a june bug, and Im trying not to hurt her feelings. Come on. Lets go in the side door.