Read Online Smoke by Toye Lawson Brown - Free Book Online Page B

amount to arouse the senses. And, the feel of his arms around her made her knees wobble slightly as she kept in step with the music.
    “Your sweet sensual smell, your sexy body next to mine; I’m dying inside.”

    “Maybe we should stop dancing before you’ll need resuscitation by one of your fellow firefighters.”
    He caressed his cheek next to hers, saying, “I don’t want anyone’s lips on mine but yours.”
    She moved her head to be aligned close to his. Looking into his eyes, she said,
    “You’re a smooth talker, Mr. DeMinico; keep that up and you might get your wish.”
    “How many wishes are you granting me?”
    “I haven’t decided yet, but I will before the night is over,” she replied laying her head on his shoulder again.
    Anthony opened his eyes and saw Jonathan and Gabrielle not far from him. He broke the tight embrace with Sandra. “I need a drink.”
    Glaring at the back or Gabrielle’s head resting on Jonathan’s shoulder, Sandra drew one hand into a tight fist. Regaining her composure, she said, “I could use a drink also.” Leaving without saying anything to Jonathan, Anthony took Sandra’s hand to go upstairs to the bar.
    Gwen was standing on the basement landing watching Jonathan and the young woman enjoying their dance. “Don’t even say it,” he said to her as he let Sandra go ahead of him up the stairs.
    “I’m not saying anything. But, Anthony, you did right by stepping aside and letting him have a chance with her.”
    “Jon is my boy and I couldn’t do him like that. Plus Gabrielle is feeling him.”
    “I haven’t had a chance to talk to her, but they look great together. Don’t get me wrong, you and Sandra make a striking couple.”

    “Gwen, don’t push Sandra on me. I ain’t trying to be in love. I’m a playa and gotta have my freedom to choose.”
    She pointed a finger in his chest. “You know what, Anthony; I’m not pushing Sandra on you because she seems to be in her own world at times, and I haven’t figured out what world that is.”
    “You think Sandra is weird?”
    “I don’t want to say weird just strange.”
    “Gwen, those words have the same meaning.”
    “Alright, then she is weird! But what I’m talking about is how you’re doing Melanie—its’ wrong. You keep her dangling on the end of a rope while you play around. If you’re going to be single the rest of your life, then let Melanie go so she can have a life.”
    His eyes rolled upward. “Ugh, Gwen; you have to stop spending so much time watching those relationship shows. Admit you don’t want me with Sandra because you and Melanie are friends.”
    “Yes we are friends.”
    “Then ask her why she can’t decide what she wants? It ain’t just me stringing her along, but her not knowing if she wants to be with me, or listen to her damn family. I gotta find Sandra.”
    Gwen shook her head letting him leave without pushing the issue. Returning her attention to Jonathan, she sighed and said, “ God, you never said it would be this hard raising these two boys .”

    *****

    Jonathan and Gabrielle went outside for fresh air. Guests were beginning to leave the party as time ticked away. Gabrielle tightened the wrap around her arms to keep warm. The weather had turned chilly and felt more like a normal March evening should feel instead of the balmy 70-degree day it had reached.
    Jonathan removed his suit jacket slipping it around her shoulders. “Are you warmer now?”
    “Yes, but now you’re going to freeze.”
    “Nah, this is perfect weather. I keep my apartment this cold.”
    “Where do you live, Jonathan?”
    “On the Westside of Cleveland not far from the fire station.”
    “What is your place like?”
    “Why describe it when I can show it to you. Wanna take a ride?”
    Gabrielle did want to take ride and see his apartment. She was having fun and did not want it to end so soon, but, she didn’t want to seem easy or eager to be with him, either. She thought if the two of them