The Only One for Me(54)
“That’s the same guy I saw Kyla with at the mall. Is that her new beau?” Corra asked Tracee.
“Looks like it to me, but she said they’re just friends.”
“I think somebody’s coming out of her shell.”
The couple walked right past Jamie and Katie who stood several feet away talking to Chris. During the ceremony Corra tried like hell not to glance in his direction, which was hard since he sat on the second row. He’d looked as handsome as always in a beige summer suit.
Now, he’d shed the jacket and tie. The kids pointed at her and pulled him in her direction. She turned her attention back to Tracee, who’d chosen that very moment to go back inside.
“Mommy, look who we found,” Katie said. Chris pretended to let the kids pull him.
“Mom, Chris said I could go for a ride in his car,” Jamie declared.
Corra gave him the evil eye. No matter how many times she asked that boy to stop pestering people about their cars, he never would. The minute he was old enough to drive she was going to have her hands full.
Chris smiled at Corra. “Hey, how you doin’?”
She smiled back. “Great.” Seeing him again set off the butterflies in her stomach. Memories of their lovemaking replayed in her mind as she looked at him.
“You look great. I like the shoes,” he said, with a smile.
When he purchased them he’d said they looked sexy on her. “Thank you.” She bit her bottom lip, thinking about how much they’d turned him on.
“Mom, can I go for a ride in Chris’s car?” Jamie asked again.
“No. Stop asking me that. And leave Mr. Williams alone.”
Jamie let go of Chris’s hand and with a pout, crossed his arms over his chest. A group of little girls walked past and Katie disappeared with her new friends.
“So, I’m Mr. Williams now?” Chris asked Corra.
She hadn’t even realized she’d called him by his last name. “That’s what they should call you, you’re an adult.”
Chris gently gripped Jamie by the shoulder. “Jamie, why don’t you look for me in a few minutes, and if your mother approves, I’ll give you a spin down the road before I leave.”
Jamie uncrossed his arms. “Oh, boy. Can I, Mom?”
Corra looked up at Chris and shrugged. “I guess it’s okay.”
Elated, Jamie turned to run off. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“You’re leaving so soon?” Corra asked.
“Unfortunately yes, I’m flying to Philly later.”
“Duty calls.” She smiled and gestured with her fist.
Chris smiled and momentarily glanced down at the ground. “Yes, it does.” After a beat he said, “I finished the house.”
Corra’s eyes widened. “Congratulations! I’m impressed.”
“Thanks. Maybe you and the kids can come out for a pool party before the summer’s over.”
“Sure. Maybe.”
She waited for him to apologize again. When he didn’t, she wondered if she should.
A few people passed and spoke while Corra tried to avert Chris’s stare. He was polite, but never took his eyes off her for long. The minute they were alone again she found herself wanting to usher him inside the house away from everyone so she could have him all to herself. She wanted them to stand naked holding one another the way they did the first time they made love. She wanted to make love in her Jimmy Choos again.
Chris looked at his watch. “Well, I’d better be going.”
“But the reception’s just starting. You’re not going to wait until they cut the cake?”
He shook his head. “Everything’s beautiful, by the way. I know you did a lot of the decorating.”
“Thank you.” The wind went out of Corra’s sails knowing that Chris was about to leave. Sharon had been right, Chris was a good man.
“Oh, is it okay if I give Jamie a spin around the block?”
She took a deep breath. “Sure, just try not to get into an accident.”
He laughed. “I’ll try my best not to. Enjoy yourself. I’m going to hustle over and say goodbye to the bride and groom.”
No! Stop! Don’t go! Everything in Corra wanted to ask Chris to stay. She wanted to apologize for her behavior. Couldn’t they just pick up where they’d left off? Instead of saying anything, she just stood there feeling sad and lonely as he walked away.
Chapter 26
The start of the new school year found Corra more prepared than she’d ever been. She made pancakes, bacon and eggs for Jamie and Katie who sat down for breakfast before school. Their backpacks were by the front door, and their lunches were packed and waiting for them at the end of the counter.