teammates watching him and he was aware of Scott talking to
Tempest again, but he had to clear this up with Talli before he
could do anything else. “Listen to me and listen well. When we
had sex, we used a condom, despite your attempts to get me
not to. And, I never came inside you. I didn’t find release that
night until I jacked off in the shower, so there is no way any of
my sperm made it into your body.” His voice was low growl.
“Stop this damn charade and stay out of my life. Go home and
tell our parents this new ploy didn’t work either.”
Her eyes grew wide, but he didn’t care. “I’m not
kidding, Talli. Don’t fuck with me about this. I’m not in the
mood to play these games.”
“What the hell does that bitch have over you? Why do
you want her?” Talli’s face scrunched up with hate and anger.
“She’s never going to forgive you for leaving her all those years
ago. Never!” she spit at him, her spittle landing on his cheek.
“Your father wants us married and we will be, even if I have to
ruin your career to do so.”
A low, menacing chuckle left him. “Well, well, well. I see
your true colors have finally surfaced. You are threatening my
career and you think I’m going to marry you to keep you from
doing that?” He wiped her spit off with a napkin.
“Don’t push me, James,” she warned. “I will be your
wife.”
“Not so long as there is breath in my body. But you go
ahead and do your worst. I can’t wait to see what the paternity
test says, and then I’ll sue you for slander and ruining my
career.” Maverick swallowed and flicked a hand, indicating the
men at the table. “It will be our word against yours.”
“You would rather have a ni…black woman than me in
your life? Out of nothing more than guilt for how you treated
her? I’ll get her to stay away from you.”
His eyes hardened. “I think you should leave, Talli,
before I forget you are a woman. Don’t threaten her or my son,
or I will send you to see Wankantanka before your time.”
Talli gasped. “You bastard! You’ll pay for that. If I don’t
get you, James,” her eyes narrowed into tiny slits, “no one
does.” She grabbed the remainder of her drink and tossed it
into his face, then stomped out.
Maverick reached for a napkin and as he dried his face,
he looked at each of his teammates who watched him solemnly.
He had no idea who snorted laughter first; but soon, everyone
was laughing his ass off at him. It didn’t take long for him to
start in as well; but even as he did his, mind worked on ways to
protect Tempest and his son from Talli and her viciousness.
Tempest tried to ignore the pain that filled her heart. She
should have known better than to believe he wouldn’t be with
anyone else. But why? Why do that to her?
“I don’t know how much shinier that bar will get,” a
deep masculine southern voice said.
Jerking her head up, Tempest saw bedroom-blue eyes
looking back at her. Scott. “Right,” she muttered. Gesturing to
his near-empty glass she queried, “Need a refill?”
“Please,” he answered. As he pulled out his wallet and
opened it a picture fell out onto the bar, sliding to land before
Tempest.
“Your family?” she asked as she picked it up.
The love she saw in the photo almost brought tears to
her eyes. Scott stood beside a beautiful black woman who had a
stunning smile. Each of them were holding a child, he had a
boy and she was holding a younger girl. Both children were
beautifully complexioned and the boy had his mom’s eyes
while the girl had the same blue her daddy did.
“Yes. They are my pride and joy.” His voice echoed that
statement. “My wife, Lex and our children, Brodie and
Dyandra.”
“You have a beautiful family,” she said, handing back
the photo.
“Thank you.” Scott placed the picture back in his wallet
and handed her some money. “Your son is very handsome. I
see a lot of his father in him.”
Brown eyes slashed back to clash with his blue ones.
“And how well do you know his father?”
“I trust him with my life,” Scott answered without a
second’s hesitation. “Your son has that same look on his face
that screams of steadfast loyalty no matter what.”
“I see.”
The thought of lying to the man sitting before her
crossed her mind; but for some reason, Tempest heard herself
agree. “I do. I see a lot of his father in him.” And it scares the hell
out of me.
“It’ll all work out,” Scott said.
“What are you talking about?” Tempest questioned the
handsome blond.
A shout further down the bar grabbed her attention; and
as she moved to take care of him, Scott followed her with his
eyes as he drank more of his drink.
Against her better judgment, Tempest found herself
glancing back down the bar at the man who had faith in
Maverick. James Chayton Lonetree. Whatever he went by, it
didn’t matter, for there was one thing that didn’t change and
that was who he was to her. The father of her child.
Scott watched her unerringly with his piercing eyes. Not
a man I want on my bad side, even if he is using crutches. She
shivered slightly as she imagined the damage he or his friends
could dole out should a situation call for it.
Tempest smiled at her son as she passed him and found
herself standing before Scott again. His eyes remained locked
with hers and Tempest noticed a flicker cross his face. She
doubted she would have even registered it if one eye hadn’t
twitched. Without a word, she grabbed a glass, filled it with ice
and poured a drink in it.
“Drink this.”
“I’m fine,” he said.
“It’s ginger ale. You look nauseous.” She pushed the
glass to him. “Drink.” His hand shook slightly as he reached
for it.
Tempest made eye contact with Mili, who was at the bar
getting more drinks. “Mili,” she said.
The woman met her gaze with one eyebrow raised.
“Yeah, Boss?”
“Watch the bar for a few. I have to discuss something
with this man.” She gestured to Scott.
“Okay,” Mili said without hesitation.
Tempest took Scott’s glass. “If you will just follow me,
we can continue this discussion in my office.”
Scott slid off his stool and used his crutches to follow
her. As soon as Tempest closed the door behind her, she
commanded, “Lay on the couch until it passes.”
Scott sat on the cocoa sofa and leaned back, closing his
eyes. “Thank you.”
Setting the drink down on the end table within his reach,
she asked, “Can I get one of your friends for you?”
“Tyson.” Scott opened his eyes. “Please.”
Tempest reached out and touched his shoulder. “
Be
right back.” She dimmed the lights on her way out.
Striding across her business toward the table with the
extremely handsome men, Tempest sent Mili a look saying she
wasn’t finished yet. Her eyes landed on the rugged face of
Maverick. His eyes were focused totally on her, his predatory
gaze scorching.
Damn you, James!
She felt all of their eyes on her as she reached the table.
After a mental shake, she glanced at Tyson. “I need a word,
please. If you would come with me.” Tyson rose immediately.
“Thank you,” Tempest said before nodding to the others who
watched avidly.
She knocked softly then opened her office door. “I’ll
leave you both alone.” She made room for Tyson to get into her
office and shut the door on them.
As she made her way across the room, Maverick got up
from his chair and moved toward her. Swallowing, she
changed course at the last minute. The words she’d overheard
had been so difficult to hear. I don’t want to hear excuses from
him.
Unfortunately, the man she was trying to avoid realized
her motive and readjusted. His callused fingers grabbed her
wrist, not hard, but enough to halt her. Her body reacted
violently—a good or bad violent she wasn’t sure. The only
thing she was sure of was the surge of lust that shot through
her.
“Let go of me!” she hissed.
“No! You listen to me. You need to leave me alone. I like
my life and I was happy before you came back into it.” She
tried to pull away but he narrowed his eyes and held tighter.
“Look, James…Maverick…whatever you want to be
called. I don’t want to do this anymore. No more of your damn
drama. I don’t want any more calls from your mother. I don’t
want the drama. I can’t take it!” Her chest heaved.
“What the fuck are you talking about? My mother?” His
tone dropped below freezing.
“The late-night calls she graced me with, telling me how
happy you were that Talli was carrying your baby!” Her
shoulders rose and fell. “She even called me Sarah Whitehall.”
Tempest shuddered. “Apparently when dealing with you, I’m
required to take trips down memory lane.” She glared up at
him. “And I’m tired of taking those. I’m thirty-five and I feel
over sixty. Please,” her voice filled with exhaustion, “just go
away.”
Strength and a surprise jerk allowed her to escape his
touch. The second she was alone, Tempest sat down behind the
stairs, the light casting her in shadow, and cried.
_
Maverick seethed. He wanted to hurt his parents and
Talli for what they were trying to do. His fists clenched as he
ground his back teeth in frustration.
How the hell is this going to work when it seems the whole
world is against us?
The loud noise around him penetrated the haze that had
settled around him. Maverick glanced back at the table where
his friends were. He managed a grin; they were having a
wonderful time.
Ambling his way back toward them, he retook his seat.
Hondo met his gaze. “How you doing?”
Maverick shrugged. “Apparently, my mother called her
and told her to stay away from me and that Talli was pregnant
with my baby and how happy I am about it.”
“Damn,” Hondo muttered. “That’s harsh.” The others
echoed the sentiment resoundingly.
In silence, Maverick drummed his fingers on the scarred
yet smooth tabletop. Whipping out his phone, he placed a call.
No one at the table said a word as he made another
immediately after.
Closing his phone with a snap, Maverick looked around
the table and said, “I’ll be back in two days, three tops.” He
smiled grimly and headed to the bar.
Maverick spoke loud enough to be heard over the orders
and music. “Dakota.”
His son looked at him dispassionately. “What?”
“Tell your mom I’ll be back in about three days. I’m
going to straighten all this out.” He swallowed as Dakota
positioned himself directly across from him.
“That woman…is it true?”
Maverick wanted to cry. His son was giving him a
chance to explain. “If she is, it isn’t mine.” He searched a
younger version of himself for acceptance.
One short nod. “Okay.” Dakota tossed the rag on his
shoulder, an action so mimicking his mother. “Do what you
have to; I’ll tell her.”
“Thank you. Thank you for trusting me.” Maverick
headed for the door, sending his teammates a two fingered
salute as he passed them.
_
Maverick climbed into the Chrysler 300 at the airport
and proceeded to head for his hometown. He’d already
acknowledged he was emotionally exhausted; and since he’d
yet to confront his parents and Talli, that didn’t bode well for
the rest of the trip. Hell, he wasn’t even sure if Talli would be
back in South Dakota yet. I don’t know, but I’m not putting
anything past her.
As he drove through the small town, people stared at his
vehicle. He was glad for the tinted windows hiding his
identity. He didn’t wish his parents to get a heads-up he was
back home. Maverick pulled into the driveway and parked the
car. Taking a moment, he searched for strength to deal with
this without losing control. Without.
Inside his body, he was beyond furious at the extent his
parents were willing to go to keep some control over his life.
He was going to give them a chance to tell their side, but there
was no way in hell he would believe their lies.
Climbing out, he walked to the house, went up the steps,
and knocked on the front door. The door opened a short
moment later and brought Maverick face to face with Dawn
Lonetree.
“James,” she said with a smile. “It’s wonderful to see
you.” She hugged him and he returned the embrace, albeit
stiffly.
“Aho, Ina.” He followed her into the house. “Where’s
Ate?”
“He should be home anytime. Is that your new car? Did
you get rid of your bike?” His mother stared at him with
guileless eyes.
“No, that’s a rental. I still have my bike.” Maverick
looked around his parents’ home. It seemed a total contrast to
Tempest’s house.
Tempest. He wanted to go back to her. Hold her and
never let her go.
She sent him a soft smile. “Are you home for a while
now?”
His mother. She was a doppelganger, for all her ability
to turn from loving mother to screaming harpy in a matter of
seconds. He loved her; but at that moment, he didn’t like her or
his father at all.
“Just here to get some information. I have to be back to
work.”
“Information?” She sat down. “About what?”
Maverick
opened his mouth to say something when the
door behind him swung wide to admit his father into the
house. The two men met gazes but remained silent. While his
father crossed the room to say hello to his mother, Maverick
watched him. His father was getting older and there seemed to
be a darkness surrounding him that Maverick didn’t recall
from before. It was like his face had a permanent scowl upon it;
and while his father had been a serious man, he hadn’t been
like that.
“Aho, Ate,” Maverick said after his parents reunion
ended.
“James. Good to see you.” His father stuck out his hand.
Maverick shook the offered hand and wondered how he
was going to do this without losing his temper.
What excuse can they actually give that would appease me?
Nothing. So why am I trying to be nice about this?
“I need to know something from the two of you,”
Maverick began. “I want you to think very carefully about the
answer you give me.” He waited until his father sat down as
well before continuing.
“I want to know what it is you have against me being
with Tempest. Why did you call her and fill her head with lies?
Why would you try to keep me from my son and why would
you tell Talli to find me and tell me I was the father of her
child? I’m in no way the father of her child and we will be
doing a paternity test on that.”
His parents blanched.
“I want to know!” Maverick thundered. “The two of you
have been messing in my life and I want to know what your
reasons were for. Tell me!”
“Don’t yell at us,” Rodney Lonetree ordered.
“To hell with you and your demands, Ate. This is my
time. You two are un-fucking-believable! What reason do you
hate her so?”
His parents watched him carefully and Maverick knew
his plan of keeping his cool had vanished like meat on a bone
given to a pack of dogs.
Robert stood and faced him. “How do you know that
Talli isn’t carrying your baby? You did sleep with her.”
Rolling his shoulders, Maverick ran his tongue over his
teeth. “You’re absolutely right. I did sleep with her; but one, I
wore a condom and two, and I never ejaculated in her. She
didn’t do it for me. So whoever knocked her up, I know it
wasn’t me.” He watched his father’s face fill with panic. “Good
thing we’ll be taking a paternity test, then, so we can discover
who the real father is.”