Barely Breathing Read online

  He staggered into her house and sat on her couch with his hands covering his face.

  She closed the door and followed him. “Where is Johnny?”

  He uncovered his face to look up at her. “He is spending the weekend with his grandparents.”

  “That’s good,” she said, sitting next to him and giving him a long once-over. “What’s wrong? Why are you drunk?”

  He closed his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m not turning into an alcoholic. We won a case and went out to celebrate, that’s all.”

  “Was Jason with you?”

  “Yes, but he’s sprung, so he left early.” He laughed. “Kay has him on lockdown.” He took a deep breath. “She left me. I tried to help her, and I can’t believe she fucking betrayed me. I sacrificed so much for her, even my Harley Davidson. I loved that thing.”

  Sophia grabbed his hand. “You’ll survive this, and she’s the fool for letting you go. Do you hear me, John?” She squeezed his hand. “You’re a wonderful man and if she can’t see that, then it’s her loss.”

  He opened his eyes, stared into her brown irises, and squeezed her hand back. This was what he’d needed, someone who could make him see the light. “You’re right. Fuck her. I don’t need her to be happy. She doesn’t control my destiny.”

  “Finally, you get it. If your marriage doesn’t work out, maybe one day you’ll get married again and have more kids.”

  “Hell, no. I’m not getting married again, and I don’t want any more kids.” He sat up.

  She smiled, showing him her pearly whites. “That’s what you say now.”

  He saw a brown teddy bear and flowers on her counter behind her. “Nice bouquet.”

  She turned, looking at what he was staring at. “Kevin gave me those.”

  He clenched his jaw. “Who the f—” He thought about it before finishing. “Who’s Kevin?”

  “Kay set me up on a date.” She rolled her eyes. “She thought I needed to get out and enjoy myself.”

  “Did you enjoy yourself?”

  She laughed. “Well, let’s just say there won’t be any more dates between Kevin and me.”

  “Did he do something?” he asked in a stern voice.

  “No. He was a nice guy, but not my type.”

  “What’s your type?”

  She looked up to the ceiling and placed her index finger to her mouth. “I don’t have a specific type.”

  “But you said he wasn’t your type.”

  She sighed. “When you meet someone, either you feel a connection or you don’t, and I didn’t.”

  “What are you looking for in a man?” he stared at her lips.

  “I’m not looking for anyone. I won’t start a relationship knowing I’ll be running again.”

  “Humor me.”

  She laughed. “I like a man who knows what he wants out of life, and doesn’t hold back any punches, a fighter, someone who can make me laugh. Did I answer your question?” Her lips curved up into a smile.

  He couldn’t resist and traced the fullness of her lips.

  She froze the moment his fingers touched her mouth.

  “You have the sweetest smile.” He stopped himself from pulling her forward and devouring her lips.

  “John, what are you doing?” She backed away.

  “I’m giving you a compliment.” He put one hand to his side and the other on her leg, caressing the scar from the accident. “I don’t know why I never saw this before.”

  “What?” she whispered.

  “How beautiful you are.” He chuckled, looking at her blush. “Has anyone ever told you, you look like Toni Braxton?”

  “Yes, but I don’t think so.” She went to move and he stopped her.

  “I have a question.”

  She watched his hand on her leg. “Ask.”

  “Why do black women wear that,” he pointed at the scarf, “on their heads?” She must have felt embarrassed, because she began to take it off. “Don’t.”

  She placed it on the middle of the table and with her fingers, combed out her hair. Oh God, she was beautiful, even without makeup.

  “It’s not a rag, it’s a silk scarf.” She chuckled. “I usually wrap my hair at night so it will be manageable in the morning. Our hair is very different than other ethnicity’s. It takes a lot to keep it silky, and this is one of the ways.”

  He smiled. “Do you sleep with it all the time?”

  “Almost.”

  “Even when you have sex?” he asked.

  Her eyes widened at his question. “Sometimes.”

  “Good to know.” He gave her a mischievous smile.

  She hurriedly got up. “I’m making you coffee.” She turned and rushed into the kitchen.

  Sophia decided to stay until the machine finished brewing. She touched her lips, still feeling the trace of his finger. There was something about John—his personality, passion, loyalty, and the way he treated people—she loved being around him. He was the only person that knew almost everything about her and never judged her. When she’d been on her date, all she’d done was compare him to John.

  The coffee finished. She poured him a cup and walked back into her living room to find him sleeping. She placed the cup on the table and found herself gazing at his lips. They were full, for a white guy. John was gorgeous, reminding her of Brandon Routh. His silky, black hair was a bit long. She moved a strand of his hair away from his eyelid.

  She went to get a blanket and returned. She removed his shoes and put his legs on the couch. Then she covered him up, turned off the lights, and went to bed.

  ***

  It was early in the morning when John opened his eyes, and a pair of pretty, dark brown eyes stared back at him. “Good morning, Mr. John. Mommy said breakfast is ready.”

  He smiled back at Cara, and sat up. “Can I use the bathroom?” he asked.

  “It’s the first door on the right.” She skipped to the kitchen.

  Once in the bathroom with the door closed, he quickly scanned through drawers and cabinets until he found some mouthwash, and gargled with it. Then he took a deep, minty breath, and headed into the kitchen. Sophia and her little girl sat at the table.

  “Good morning.” Sophia smiled.

  “Good morning.” He sat in between them. “Breakfast looks delicious.”

  “I helped mommy cook,” Cara said, excited.

  John picked up his fork.

  “Mr. John, we haven’t said a prayer yet,” she told him.

  He put his fork down, closed one eye, and peeked out the other.

  “We pray together. A family that prayers together, stays together,” the little girl said, taking his hand in hers.

  Well, I guess that’s why mine didn’t last.

  Sophia took his other hand in hers and they bowed their heads and said a little prayer. With a quiet “Amen,” they released his hands and began to eat.

  He took his first bite. “This has to be the best French toast I’ve ever tasted.”

  “It’s because of the extra cinnamon and powdered sugar I added,” Cara said, pouring more syrup.

  “No more of that, young lady.” Sophia took the bottle from her. They ate in silence for some time, while John tried to figure out what he could—or should—say.

  “How are you feeling?” asked Sophia.

  “I thought I’d have the worst headache,” he said, taking a sip of his orange juice. “Thank you for not kicking me out.”

  “You needed a friend.” She looked at him over the rim of her glass.

  “Thank you, it’s been a while since I sat for breakfast.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin.

  “We have breakfast every morning,” Cara said. “May I be excused?” She asked.

  Sophia nodded.

  Cara got up, and picked up her plate.

  Sophia got up, grabbed the remaining dishes, and placed them in the sink. “Cara, go clean your room.”

  “Yes, mommy.”

  Sophia started washing the dishes, and John stood be
hind her. “Can I help?”

  She turned, smiling. “Sure. You want to rinse?”

  ***

  “I should be out of your way soon,” said John, not ten minutes after they’d finished the dishes. “I called a cab.”

  “I could’ve taken you home. Kay let me borrow her minivan.” She sat next to him.

  “You’ve done enough already.” He gazed at her.

  “That’s what friends are for.”

  “Wait, didn’t the insurance company send you a check?”

  “Yes, but I’m waiting.”

  “Just making sure. Do you need me to go with you?”

  She smiled. “No, I can handle buying a car. I’m waiting until my birthday.”

  A honk came from outside. He stood, and they both walked toward the door. He leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss on her cheek. “I meant what I said last night.”

  She arched a brow.

  He opened the door. “You’re beautiful,” he said, and then he closed her door before he let another word slip out.

  Chapter Eleven

  John spotted Jason as he lifted on the bench, when out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sophia enter the gym. He watched her go straight to the basketball court in a T-shirt and gym shorts. Damn, she looked sexy even in her gym clothes.

  “John!” Jason yelled, trying to put up the weight.

  “Hey, I’m sorry.” He helped him place it on the rack.

  Embarrassed, Jason flushed. “I’m going to hit the shower.” He got up and left.

  John couldn’t help himself. He strolled over to the basketball court and watched her hit the hoops.

  She was good, for a short girl.

  He didn’t like the way the other men on the court were watching her ass as she bounced the ball.

  He entered the court and started clapping to make her turn around. She had a big grin on her face.

  “Want to play?” She threw the ball at him.

  He laughed and dribbled the ball, making a shot. He walked up to her. “You’re in my house now.”

  She glared at him. “Really.” She grabbed for the ball and made a shot.

  After a few minutes of play, John was winning, about to make his final shot, when she ran into him on purpose.

  “Oops!” She stole the ball and ran.

  John ran behind her and lifted her up.

  “Stop!” She laughed as he tickled her.

  He placed her down and grabbed her waist, turning her so he could stare at her. “You cheated.”

  “I did not.”

  He bent his head down until their lips were barely touching. At that precise moment, Jason stepped on to the court, clearing his throat.

  Sophia hurriedly moved away and grabbed her ball. “Nice playing with you.” She hit the hoops a couple more times and walked out. “See you Saturday.”

  Jason glared at him. “Don’t tell me nothing is going on between you two.”

  “She’s my friend.”

  “I remember a time when I said the same thing about Kay.”

  Without another word, John walked toward the locker room.

  Chapter Twelve

  Kay was a woman on a mission: she was in charge of getting Sophia to Club Aqua for the occasion of her surprise birthday party.

  John, Jason, and the other guests were already there, getting everything set up. Kay had reserved the club for two hours before it opened to the public.

  “Kevin said you haven’t answered his calls,” Kay said casually as she wheeled into the parking lot.

  “I told you I’m not interested.”

  “Why? He’s a great guy.”

  “Well, you date him then.” She chuckled. “Kay, he is not my type, and I’m not looking for a relationship.”

  Kay turned to her as she stopped. “I know you’re not looking for a relationship, but you can still have fun.”

  “You’ll be surprised to know I’ve been having a lot of fun lately.” Sophia rolled her eyes at her best friend and looked at her surroundings. “You told me we were going to eat. I’m hungry.”

  Kay laughed. “I’m hungry too, but I have to pick up the contract from the club. Remember I told you it’s my new project?” Kay parked in the back, not wanting Sophia to see the other cars.

  Kay got out of the car. “What are you waiting for? Come on!”

  She stepped out and slammed the door. “You know how I get when I’m hungry.” She started to march toward the club.

  “Wait!” Kay rushed behind her and sent a text to Jason, telling him they were coming in.

  Sophia pulled the door open and the club was dark. Kay rushed ahead of her, and they entered the main room.

  “Why is it so freaking dark?” When all of a sudden the lights turned on and everybody screamed surprise, Sophia jumped and screamed, covering her mouth with her hand.

  “Happy birthday!” they all screamed.

  Kay grabbed her into a hug, and whispered, “You deserve this.”

  Sophia was still in shock as she hugged her friend back, and then her eyes met John’s green ones.

  He smiled at her. John was handsome as always, wearing a white dress shirt, black slacks, and black shoes—and a diamond stud in his ear, one she didn’t remember seeing before. He had swag and soul that was one thing she’d always noticed about him. Goose bumps crawled up on her arms as she remembered his lips on her body.

  Kay let her go. “Don’t be mad.”

  “I’m not mad, I’m surprised. No one has ever done anything like this for me.” She sounded a little rattled. “Thank you.”

  Jason came over, also looking great. His dirty-blond hair was pulled back, and he wore jeans and a blue polo, making his blue eyes pop as he gazed at his wife. Kay wore a Maxi short blue dress, and black pumps, with her hair up in twist. Sophia wished she could find that kind of love, but she knew that would never happen, not with her always looking over her shoulder, and running. This had been the longest she’d stayed anywhere.

  Everyone came over to hug her.

  She looked over at the bar and saw Kevin, he of the no-chemistry not-her-type date from heck. He was African American, average height, with a goatee. He strolled over to her, and hugged her. “Happy Birthday.”

  “Thank you.” She gave Kay the evil eye. What was she thinking?

  “How have you been?” he asked.

  “Busy,” she said, staring at John.

  He couldn’t keep his eyes away from Sophia. She looked gorgeous. Before the accident, he would never have looked at her in any other way but as Kay’s friend, but now, she was his friend. Yeah, my fine, amazing, wonderful friend.

  Sophia’s hair was down in tight curls and she’d pinned a red flower in her hair. She dressed in all white, making her brown skin stand out. The dress itself was strapless, and her make-up was naturally flawless. Even the tiny mole above her mouth looked sexy.

  He walked up to Sophia and some guy while they talked.

  He hugged her, inhaling her strawberry scent. “Happy birthday, Shorty.” He chuckled. Even with her heels she barely made it to his chin.

  “You knew about this and you didn’t tell me?”

  Smiling, he grabbed her hand and pulled her away. “Excuse us,” he said, glancing at the guy. “Come on, I have a surprise.”

  He saw Jason and Kay give him a weird look but ignored it.

  Hand in hand, he walked her outside.

  “John, what are we doing out here?” she asked him arching a brow.

  “Close your eyes.” He walked behind her, placed one hand over both her eyes and the other around her waist. As he guided her through the parking lot, toward where the valets parked the cars, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “by the way, you look divine tonight.” He smiled when he saw goose bumps on her skin, making his dick throb.

  “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself, handsome.”

  “I didn’t know you thought I was handsome.” He squeezed her waist.

  She giggled. “You bett
er be thankful I trust you.”

  “Oh, I’m thankful,” he said, stopping. “Promise you won’t turn it down.”

  She got serious. “What is it?”

  “Promise.”

  “I promise.” He lifted his hand from her eyes.

  She gave a little scream and covered her mouth. She was looking at a brand-new black Lexus GS SUV with a big red bow on top of it. She turned and looked at him, dumbfounded. “John, I can’t accept this.”

  “Yes, you can, and you will.” He cupped her face. She just stared into his kind eyes. “You don’t break your promises, do you?”

  “It’s too much.”

  “The insurance company paid for it. Remember that little accident about six months ago?”

  “Don’t lie to me. I still have the check, and I owned a Honda Accord, not a Lexus.”

  He caressed her face. “It’s yours.”

  “John…”

  He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a set of keys, placing it into her palm. “It’s yours. The title is in your name.”

  Not knowing what to say, she tightened her hand around the keys. “I’m giving you the insurance check, and making the payments. She grinned from ear to ear. “Thank you.” She got on her tiptoes and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek, and he turned to kiss her on the lips.

  “Happy Birthday,” he said breathed against her mouth.

  She was surprised by the kiss, but couldn’t stop smiling. “I can’t believe I have a Lexus.” She unlocked the door, opened it and climbed in, playing with her new toy. “A keyless ignition!” She squealed with a big grin on her face.

  He leaned into the car. “We have to get back in.”

  “Five more minutes.” She said, stroking the gray leather and touching all the buttons.

  He chuckled. “I’m happy you like it.”

  “I love it.” She got out and closed the door. “It’s freaking keyless!” She jumped up into his arms. “Thank you.” She kissed him on the cheek.

  “You’re welcome. Come on.” He grabbed her hand and they walked back in.

  She ran up to Kay. “Look what I got.” She showed her the keys.