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.
“Y’all 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 don’t 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, I’m just trying to get somebody to talk sense into you people. There’ll be babies all over this house in a few years if you don’t cool your jets. Tell her about it, Ayanna.”
Her face had changed into a rigid mask bearing a stiff and very phony smile. “I can’t help you there. I didn’t 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. I’m, um, going to go see what they’re 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 you’ve said something stupid until it’s out there and you’ve 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 we’ve had a chance to get together.”
Billie didn’t 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 they’re not hers?”
Billie sighed and put her hand on her brother’s arm. “Because they’re related by blood. Those boys are her sister’s 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. “She’s sacrificed a lot for Alec and Cameron, although she doesn’t consider it to be any kind of burden. They’re her whole life, and she loves them devotedly.
“Now what’s this about you liking Ayanna?” she asked with a frown. “Your track record with the ladies isn’t one I want to wish upon my best friend. If you want to play, stay away from my girl. She’s isn’t your normal disposable party favor, so don’t 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 don’t think you’re cheap,” she said earnestly. “I think you’re 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. That’s called oversharing.”
Ayanna felt like a nitwit for her reaction to Johnny’s 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 Nick’s nephews. Sadie was also playing, running back and forth and barking with gusto.
Why did I act like that? It’s 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 didn’t 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. “We’re fine. You didn’t know my boys are adopted, and there’s no real reason that you should’ve known. But it’s not like it’s 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 don’t know very much about you,” he said thoughtfully.
Ayanna was looking at him with the same kind of intensity. “No, I guess you don’t. I met you at Billie’s wedding, and I’ve seen you a few times since then. It’s not like you live here in Chicago or anything.”
Johnny didn’t 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. I’m moving here, and I think getting to know you better is going to be a priority.”
“You’re moving here? Permanently?” Ayanna sounded slightly breathless.
“Yes, I am. Didn’t Billie tell you? Let’s 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?” Johnny’s face resumed its normal, humorous expression as he smiled down at her.
Ayanna’s 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 Davina’s voice float out through the French doors. “Billie, where’s that brother of yours? He just disappeared.”
“Help me get away from that succubus,” Johnny said urgently. “She’s been on me like a duck on a june bug, and I’m trying not to hurt her feelings. Come on. Let’s go in the side door.”
“Johnny, you’re crazy!” Ayanna’s dimples wreathed her smile as she allowed him to hustle her away from the sound of Davina’s voice.
“No, I’m not. I need help, just like you said. Help me stay away from the man-eater and I’ll give you anything you want.”
A warm pleasant feeling settled over her at his teasing words. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You have no idea what I might want,” she warned.
They had reached the door that led to the kitchen. He squeezed her hand, which he’d taken when he led her off the patio. “That’s true, I don’t. But whatever it is, I’ll give it to you gladly. Count on that,” he replied with his devastating grin.
They went into the big kitchen, and he stared at the table loaded with all kinds of good things to eat.
“Dang, that looks good. Fix me a plate, and we’ll get started on your list.” Johnny went to the sink and washed his hands while Ayanna stared at his beautiful butt and his long legs that were slightly bowed.
“I’ll fix you a plate, but what list are you talking about?”
He turned around, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “Your desires, Ayanna. I told you I’d give you anything you want.”
She couldn’t move for a moment, and then she laughed at his foolishness. “Move out of the way so I can wash my hands. Your blood sugar must be low.”
Chapter 3
A fter the party ended and everyone went home, Johnny was still