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Imani

Imani worked crazy hours at the shelter. Tuesdays were off-limits for visitors, and Wednesdays brought even more chaos when emergencies arose. Andrew Fisher decided to visit the office. Kelly Hamilton almost hit the counter while approaching her.

After Andrew entered his father's office and looked at Imani, Kelly said, "Girl, that man has a thing for you."

"Like I care," Imani replied.

"You think that about all the single men in town."

Imani chuckled. It didn't bother her that men admired her. All she cared about was Dylan.

"You know that men want you."

"Sorry, Kelly, but I haven't exactly had suitors lining up at my doorstep."

Kelly stood with her hands on her hips and lips pursed, looking serious. "Your aura drives them away."

"Oh? What kind of aura is that?"

"The 'cross my path and I will cut off your manhood' vibe." Kelly lost her composure. "Men don't like it when women challenge their masculinity."

"And I could not tolerate a man who had problems with strong women."

Kelly nodded in disapproval and retrieved her purse from under the counter. "Keep singing the same song, and you will dance alone."

That bothered her. "Perhaps I enjoy solitude. Not every woman needs a man."

"I understand that some women don't need or desire companionship. But sometimes people need other people."

"No way. I only need my vibrator and batteries. That's it."

"Is that right?" Kelly's face darkened. "I am being serious, Imani."

"I know."

But Kelly persisted. "Listen. You are a strong, independent woman, but you must also open up. If I hadn't, I would never have met Patrick or given birth to my daughter. But I disagree in this case. I get why you are afraid to love someone again. But Andrew Fisher and Garrett Beaumont are the town's most attractive single men. They want you. Spend time with them. It is not difficult to understand."

Okay. This woman was always a coworker. An employee. How can she know what's best for Imani?

"I appreciate your concern, Kelly, but please don't interfere with my personal life."

The receptionist smiled and headed to the kitchen. "All right, if that's what you want. I don't regret trying to change your perspective." She paused and grabbed the doorknob. "I understand that Mason's death devastated you, and I also understand that your relationship with Dexter did not work out. Imani, get rid of your resentment. Life is too short. Live freely. That would make you happy."

***

Imani kept thinking about how difficult the last few days had been on her way home. Even before she entered her kitchen, the smell of the skillet exacerbated her already elevated mood. Her pinot grigio was cold when she sat on the couch. Dylan hadn't come home from basketball practice yet, and her diet was anything but healthy.

She decided to drink alcohol before supper tonight. Imani has everything under control.

She was drinking her second glass when Dylan and Isaiah arrived. Her son dropped his backpack but slowly picked it up as his mother stared.

"Gym bag?" she asked.

"I just took it to my room."

"Great." She reminded him, "Remember to wash your hands."

"I just did it a little while ago."

"Dylan..."

"Mom," he murmured, making his way to the kitchen bathroom.

"It smells spicy," Isaiah said while hugging his sister.

"I had a craving for Southwest Bean and Corn Salad."

Isaiah smiled widely. "That sounds delicious."

"Thank you. Dylan took care of most of it this morning while I was asleep. He loves it."

Isaiah lowered his brow. "He likes to cook."

"Once in a blue moon. He's smart for his age." She placed her drink on the coaster. "Maybe I raised him well."

"You did, sister. Smart kid."

"Indeed." She offered Isaiah a warm smile. "Would you like something to drink? A beer? Wine? Maybe a Dr. Pepper?"

"I can't tonight. Have plans. Date night with my wife."

Imani flashed a smile at him. Her brother was slightly taller, with a long and slender figure. As tears and a knot formed in her throat, she looked away. Isaiah's words made her think about Mason and the enjoyable times they spent on dates. Her heart ached for her late husband sometimes.

"I talked to Garrett earlier," her brother said, interrupting her thoughts.

Imani clenched her jaw. Had no choice but to do it. She did whatever it took to stop her tears from flowing. She had to stay calm.

"How did that go?" was all she could think of to ask.

"I had no idea he was here. He arrived a week and a half ago. Imani, you know what this means. He wants you back."

She was quiet for a moment. "Garrett is now a memory. Don't worry about us. It is over between us."

Isaiah stared at her intently. "I know he hurt you. Your memories of him will eventually resurface."

"I'll bury them." Imani knew she was lying when she felt a lump in her throat. She wanted Garrett back since they had sex, but she was afraid of the emotional pain. The weight was too much.

"Imani, you know how painful the past is. Stay away from Beaumont. He's no good for you."

"I know," she said, her voice slightly strained as she cleared her throat and straightened. Isaiah would react negatively if he knew what happened between her and Garrett a few days ago. Dylan returned, ending the conversation.

"Hey, Uncle Zay. Are you going to stay for dinner?"

Looking at her son, Imani felt her heart swell. She loved his infectious energy, brown eyes, and healthy, ebony skin. Dylan became happier and more outgoing after returning to Alabama.

"Can't stay, D. Bethany and I have a date."

Dylan laughed. "Married couples go on dates?"

"It is more like we are maintaining our romance, which is what you want to do when things are going well between you two."

"Sure, whatever."

"Hey. When you get older, you will understand." Isaiah raked his fingers through Dylan's thick curls. "I better get going, or I will irritate her. That's not something you want to do, my man."

"Who's babysitting Fiona?" Imani inquired, standing an inch away from Isaiah. She adored her niece's adorable, tiny smile.

"Jessica is. Bethany's sister offered to babysit tonight, so it was the perfect opportunity for a night out."

"Cool. Tell her we said hello." Although they were good friends, Imani hadn't spoken to her brother's family in a while. She wriggled slightly with guilt, realizing she had been busy lately.

"Sure, sis." After giving Dylan another shoulder rub, Isaiah proceeded to the foyer. But the doorbell rang, and Imani froze in the hallway before her brother could reach the door. Has she or her son forgotten to invite someone?

"Dylan, is Billy coming over tonight?"

"He's with his tutor." Dylan spread along his plate without looking up. "She lives across town. He struggles with English and science."

"Oh." Imani let out a long sigh. She found school easier when she was younger. The years went by very quickly.

She inhaled deeply before slowly approaching the door. Isaiah was standing there, so she could not see who came in through the door, but she recognized his voice. Her heart raced as she lost her balance, listening intently.

Garrett meant every word he said the other night.

Isaiah looked at her with a recognizable expression. "Text me in the morning, Imani." He maneuvered around Garrett, carefully avoiding him.

At the threshold, Imani stared at Garrett. She didn't know how to deal with him right now. Looking for words, she cleared her throat and ran her hand through her hair.

Garrett closed the door as rain dripped on his leather jacket. He wore a black knit cap and kept his stubble. The memory of Isaiah's words tugged at her chest. Her brother was right. She needed to be careful. It was silly how masculine Garrett was.

She hated him.

Yet she didn't.

"I tried to talk myself out of coming out here," he said, emphasizing his classic raspy voice. "My family home is in the opposite direction, but..."

Silence lingered.

"I turned around to see you."

Imani snorted. Garrett pursued her despite her wishes.

"Can we talk, please?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

She had a feeling she should kick him out. It was a terrible idea to let him inside. What happened over the weekend could not happen again. Knowing this strengthened her decision. Anything between them ended. The other night, sex was simply a reflection of their past. They came to the realization that their shared longing for each other was unsustainable and pointless.

But Imani never expressed those thoughts. Just looking at him made her heart race.

"Have you eaten anything?" A sense of surprise washed over her when she asked that.

Stupid. What an idiot I am.

"No, not since early this morning."

"Okay." With a wave of her hand, Imani moved closer. "You know where the kitchen is."

"It smells good, Mani."

After removing his boots, Garrett casually removed his jacket. He hung it on the door hook, and then Imani went to the kitchen counter, aware that he was following. Dylan noticed them as he sat at the counter, his fork halfway to his mouth. He glanced from Garrett to Imani before setting down his utensil, showing his excitement.

"Hey, Dylan. We are having dinner with Mr. Beaumont. Are you cool with that?"

Her son gave a knowing nod. "Hi, Mr. Beaumont."

"Hi." Garrett came over and pulled out the seat next to him, then offered her son a hand, which Dylan gladly accepted. "It's nice to see you again."

"Likewise."

Garrett chuckled. "The food looks and smells delicious."

"I helped prepare it earlier." Dylan hopped off his stool. "I will get Garrett a plate, Mom."

"Why don't we sit at the dining room table?" she suggested.

Dylan grumbled, "But I like sitting at the counter."

"I know, sweetie, but we have a guest. Help him feel at home." She turned to Garrett, who had a smile on his face.

"Okay," her son said, letting out a sigh.

The kitchen became the heart of the home in an instant. Garrett stood up and washed his hands, while Dylan prepared two more plates of salad. She took out the butter and garlic bread, and they sat down at the kitchen table together.

Imani couldn't blame alcohol for her poor appetite. Garrett stressed her out. She ate slowly while he learned almost everything about Dylan's life in under thirty minutes.

Garrett learned that her son was the point guard for his school's basketball team, and Uncle Isaiah was his favorite coach. Dylan also expressed his preference for Saturday morning fishing. Her son then discussed his favorite African Americans civil rights leaders. He could not wait to work on a book project for Black History Month next year.

Dylan then explained that he loved reading, but disliked being forced to read when he was not in the mood. To keep his grades, he agreed to read an extra hour e very night with his mother.

"Is that the only thing that interests you? History books?" Garrett asked.

Dylan grinned widely. "No. I like graphic novels and anime."

Imani agreed. "I'm glad you have multiple hobbies."

"It's a trait I got from Dad." Dylan pushed his plate away. "What is your job, Garrett?"

Garrett sat back, contemplating his response. "I am in law enforcement."

Her son's eyes grew wider. "Like a security guard?"

With a smile, Imani told her son, "His job is much more important than that, darling." She grabbed the plates. "Garrett works for the FBI."

"Really?" exclaimed Dylan.

Garrett told her about his activities while she cleaned up after dinner, and she listened patiently even though that one question led to many others.

After Garrett answered numerous questions from her son, Imani grew tired and leaned against the counter. "Go clean your room, Dylan."

"Why?"

"Son, stop asking questions. Your closet is still a mess, and your laundry is all over the floor." She pointed up the stairs. "Off you go."

Dylan let out a big sigh and slid off his stool. "Do you think Garrett could come back this weekend?"

Garrett looked at Imani and nodded to her son. "I will try."

"Yay!" Dylan took Imani's sugar-free juice glass and climbed the stairs, leaving her alone with the man who gave her butterflies. Garrett stood up and slowly slid his seat back into place. She pretended to clean a counter while his gaze was on her, and her mouth was dry.

"Great salad."

"Thanks."

Garrett's expression hardened as he watched her. "Dylan's great. He's very friendly."

She nodded. "He is."

"He misses his father. What was Mason like?"

Imani tossed her washcloth aside, her voice becoming increasingly sharp. "I would rather not talk about that."

Garrett remained silent, his hands in his jeans pockets, as if he were thinking about what to say. "Understandable. I didn't come here to bother you."

"Why are you here, Garrett?" She walked around the kitchen counter, inches away from him. "What do you want?"

"I want to catch up with you. Imani, I've missed you."

And there they were, having a conversation she didn't want to have with the man who made her feel things she shouldn't.

"Garrett, this has got to stop. We've made a mistake." Imani turned away, swearing. "Forget about me."

"You know I can't do that."

"Well, you have to. Your obsession with me is unhealthy."

"But making love to you is healthy." Garrett smiled widely.

"We shouldn't have done that."

"Mani, we did, and our sex was amazing."

Imani hung her head in defiance. "Enough already. This cannot go on."

Once again, the air around her did that strange electrical thing, so she could tell when he was near. She had trouble breathing a few seconds earlier. But it felt like nothing compared to now. She inhaled and tried to move away, but her butt hit the stove.

"Baby." Garrett's tone was rough but calm. "Look at me. Please."

Her stomach dropped when she heard him beg. She began to feel warm. And chilly. Her skin felt uncomfortable.

"You and I remember that night vividly. Our bodies pressing against each other, our tongues testing their limits like an addictive sport, felt good." He moaned, but she kept quiet. "Returning to Holden may have been my best decision because I got to kiss your lips, caress your cheek, and be inside you again. I want to be with you forever and never let you go."

"Gray, don't say that."

He leaned in and said, "Well, you are right. You and I have too much history."

Imani inhaled and looked up.

"I know you think we will not work out, but I want us to try again." His eyes gleamed. "Avoiding you is impossible."

"It was fine with you for eight years."

His jaw clenched, and a muscle twitched across his temple in response to her words. "Back then, things were different, and I needed to grow up."

"No argument there."

A faint smile touched his lips. "Imani, what should we do?"

She slipped past him and walked out onto the porch, shivering in the cool night air. Her gaze swept over him. "Nothing we can do."

Garrett leaned down and gently stroked her neck. "You can't deny your feelings for me."

"I'm not, Gray," Imani said, facing him. "But we cannot go back to how things were before. I'm sorry." Her shoulders and chin rose. "We are older. I am not easily swayed. My happiness usually has a downside. You're definitely on the dark side. Besides..." She shrugged. "I'm not looking for a relationship. That's not where my heart is. Not after what happened with Dexter."

Garrett's eyes darkened. His nostrils flared.

She felt like she was falling apart with every breath. Heat and energy filled the air. An idea struck her. One so insane that she did not think before speaking.

"I'm up for friendship, though. See where that leads."

Goodness. Did I really just say that?

Imani relished her alone time. She rarely spoke with anyone anymore. Only to Brian, Ellie, and coworkers.

"You, me, and friendship do not mix," Garrett said, his voice dark. "But that is a start."

Gathering herself, Imani circled him. She leaned against the door and took another step inside. She initiated a relationship with him, which was probably not a good idea. Still, she was never going to deny it.

She arched an eyebrow. "Why would you think that I was referring to you? This town is full of available men."

It was the truth. And, contrary to her expectations, one of the single men could be just what she was looking for. Andrew had invited her to dinner, but she declined. Maybe she could change her mind. Kelly suggested that she live a little.

Nobody ever saw Garrett Beaumont as a failure.  Nothing could shake him. A quick step forward brought his mouth millimeters from her ear.

"Imani, you forgot a few details. I don't like being tricked or outnumbered." He stepped back and softly spoke words into her ear, causing her to feel exposed under his penetrating stare. "However..." His eyes stayed on her parted lips.

Keep your cool.

"If you want, let us do this," he said.

The temperature was inconceivably high.

"I'm ready to play, Mani."

Her stomach churned intensely.

He added, "But there is something I need you to remember."

Okay. Stop stressing yourself out, she thought.

"What is that?" she blurted out.

"When I play, I act like a hunter. Watch out, because I'm hot on your trail. You will fall in love with me again. I won't stop until you do. Expect that."

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