Little White Lie
A Little White Lie
By
Aliyah Burke
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
A Little White Lie by Aliyah Burke
Red Rose Publishing
Copyright© 2007 Aliyah Burke
ISBN: 978-1-60435-005-9
Cover Artist: Stella Price
Editor: Lea Schizas
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Due to copyright laws you can not trade, sell or give any ebooks away.
Red Rose Publishing
www.redrosepublishing.com
12065 Woodhull Road
Forestport, NY 13338
Dedication:
This book is dedicated to all the angels who helped me. You know who you are. And of course, the real life Jake.
A Little White Lie
By
Aliyah Burke
Chapter 1
“I have a date, thank you very much!” the angry screech filled the phone line. “I don’t need, nor want your damn sympathy.” Tahnee Madison sank down onto a stool at her breakfast bar and readjusted the phone against her ear.
Her light brown eyes took in the morning sight of Elliot Bay. Unfortunately, this time it didn’t relax her or put her at ease, for on the other end of the phone conversation was her sister.
Her conniving, manipulative, sneaky bitch of a sister. Topaz Angel Madison. A sister who had taken her fiancé away from her. And was now lording it over her that the two of them had since gotten engaged and would be together at the wedding of their only brother. Not that she gave a damn, but seriously, how shitty was that?
“I just don’t want you to feel awkward around Javon.” Topaz paused before adding in a spiteful tone, “Especially since we both know you don’t have a date.”
Tahnee narrowed her eyes as she picked up a knife and pretended to stab her sister. “I don’t give a damn about him! Who says I don’t have a date? I just told you I did.”
“Javon. He says he’s never seen you out with anyone. And let’s face it, hon, you aren’t exactly drop dead gorgeous.”
Her eyes shot daggers. That man shouldn’t be paying me any attention now. “Tell that bastard fiancé of yours to stop snooping in my life. He gave up that right when he slipped his dick into you. He doesn’t know anything. For your information, I am seeing someone,” she lied for the second time since she had picked up the phone.
“Really?” Topaz asked in a doubt-filled tone.
“Yes, really. He is the most wonderful man.” What the hell am I doing? “So I don’t care that you and Javon will be there together. This man of mine puts him and his memories to shame.” Click. Tahnee hung up the phone before her sister could ask anymore questions.
Slamming the phone back onto its charger, Tahnee swore, “Shit! What the hell did I just do?” Made it seem like you had a date for this wedding. And a handsome one at that, her brain taunted.
She grabbed her purse off the spotless, white marble countertop along with her keys and headed out the door. The uncommonly clear skies of Seattle, Washington did nothing to improve the dark mood her sister’s call had enveloped her in.
With sure steps she walked to the familiar bus stop. A grin crossed her dark face as she nodded at the people she shared her morning commute with. Frank, who owned a deli next to her coffee shop. Dolores, she had a small ice cream parlor. Then there was Dallie, he had a flower shop on the other side of her coffee shop.
“Morning everyone,” she chirped, trying to remain cheerful.
“Morning.” They all replied as the bus pulled up and stopped before them. One by one they climbed on the bus and took their normal seats. As Tahnee moved toward the back she passed a man whose appearance caused her to stumble.
Her eyes flashed over him quickly and then back to the smirking face of Dallie who was waiting to share his seat with her. Dear Lord, that man is fine. She glowered at Dallie as she sat beside him.
The stranger was sitting alone and appeared deceptively relaxed. The body may look it but there was no doubt he was well aware of his surroundings. His dark blond hair tapered to his collar in a neat pattern. As she passed him, his eyes had grabbed a hold of her; they were a brilliant meadow green and shone from his tanned face with an intensity that shocked her. Whatever he did for a living gave him one beautiful body, for it rippled with muscles. The kind of physique that if it was wrapped around you, “safe” would be the only word that came to mind.
* * * * *
Jake smiled as he watched the woman do a double take and almost stumble as she looked at him. He was used to that reaction, what he wasn’t used to was the one he had towards her.
His eyes were extremely severe in color and emotion. He had become used to women and men halting to take another look at them. But this woman, this woman was different. He had noticed her when they pulled up to the bus stop. She was standing with a group of people but her expression told him she was not as happy as she pretended to be.
All of her curves nestled beautifully in her five-six frame highlighting the sensual side of a woman and ignoring the extra pounds she carried. Size had never been an issue for him. What attracted him was how a woman carried herself. And this one…did so beautifully.
She had cocoa skin and dark brown shoulder length hair that had a slight wave in it. As their eyes met, he had been immediately drawn in by the honey-brown of her gaze. Her heart-shaped face had blushed slightly as she stumbled but she recovered quickly and moved on.
Closing his eyes he mentally formed her image in his mind instead of trusting his baser instincts and turning around to gaze at her. The way her kiwi green shirt offset the richness of her skin. The form-hugging way her black sarong wrapped around her curves, bringing his attention to the African designs embossed in the material. Jesus, she was magnificent.
He couldn’t help but turn his head when she got off at her stop and follow her easy movement with his eyes. Man, I would love to have five seconds with her. Until she swayed out of sight, his gaze locked onto her backside as it moved. Back and forth, a very gentle swing came with each step. A very natural motion for her, he could tell.
Jake climbed off the bus at the next stop. As he made his way down to Pier 56 he shook his head over the absurdity of the fact that this one woman wouldn’t leave his subconscious. Waving to some of his coworkers, he moved onto the pier and headed to the ship he was welding on. Slapping on his hardhat, he grabbed his tools and began to work.
Around noon he took an hour off for lunch. Walking up Pike Street, Jake took in all the happy couples wandering throughout Pike’s Market. Moving on to First Ave, he noticed a small coffee shop called, Tahnee’s Coffee House. He had walked this street before but had never really noticed the sign before. It was a wooden carved sign that hung out over the street. The African designs on it reminded him of the skirt that had so lovingly caressed the woman on the bus.
With an easy shrug, he walked inside the shop. There were about eight tables in the establishment and they were all full of people. The floor was a gleaming wood and the walls covered in African art. Smooth jazz played throughout the building and the people kept the sound at a low murmur.
His nose was assaulted by rich, aromatic smells of coffee and muffins. His first impression…subliminal message in the aroma to cause this urge in him to grab a cup of coffee. Making his way to the counter, Jake smiled at the woman who stood back there. A very attr
active black woman.
“What can I do for you today?” the woman asked.
“I’d like a cup of coffee please.” He looked her in the eyes and noticed how she took the normal double glance at his eyes.
A gentle grin filled her round face. “Of course, just coffee for you? No mocha or latte?”
Jake shook his head. “No, coffee is fine.”
“What kind can I get you?” she questioned as the bell over the door rang drawing her attention back to the person who had entered. “Hey, Tahnee,” she said loudly.
“Hey, Anna,” the woman responded.
That voice startled Jake; it did something strange to his insides, it was husky and yet satiny, flowing over his body like a mix of velvet and silk. He turned to face the person who belonged to that voice and froze. It was his woman from the bus this morning. She stood there with a smile on her face, the light from the day shone upon her dark beauty in an amazing way.
His knees went weak and he had to swallow rapidly to give himself the small opportunity to talk. Slowly he turned as she walked by him and into the back of the small business. He met the highly amused gaze of the woman he knew now to be Anna.
“Make a decision, hon?” she asked.
“Blue…Blue Mountain, please,” he managed to mutter.
“Coming up,” Anna said with a knowing smile.
Chapter 2
Tahnee leaned against the counter in her back room. Her body trembled with shock as she realized the man out there in the shop was the same one she had seen this very morning. He was tall, muscular and he looked oh so delicious in his faded blue jeans and white tee shirt.
“Get a grip, Tahnee,” she muttered to herself as she pushed back through the door to enter the main part of the shop. Her eyes locked onto him the second she pushed through the swinging door.
He was sitting at one of the tables facing the counter. His eyes roamed over her body, making her wish she was more svelte and appealing.
Still, his eyes set up trembling as they moved easily over her body. Standing next to Anna, Tahnee did her best to ignore the hunk of male flesh drinking coffee in her shop. Tried and failed.
“So, are they coming by today?” Anna asked as she slid a triple shot mocha across the counter to a customer.
“Yes,” Tahnee hissed. “They feel the need to swing by and make sure that I am doing okay.” She paused. “You know, since Javon and I broke up,” her words were sarcastically polite as she waved one hand around in the air, her voice unintentionally rising.
“I wish there was something I could do for you,” Anna said apologetically.
Tahnee laughed. “You don’t have a handsome man around that you could lend me for the weekend, do you?”
Anna shook her head. “Sorry, doll. I can only tell you that you probably shouldn’t have told your sister you had a very handsome date for this wedding. A man who idolizes you.” She began to laugh. “I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”
“Shut up, Anna. I was pissed that she would imply I couldn’t find a date. So sue me, I lied.” Tahnee rolled her eyes and helped another customer. “I just wanted to shut her up, so I conjured up this gorgeous man who was totally devoted to me.” Laughter bubbled out of her. “Guess you’re right. It is kind of dumb. And now, come seven tonight, my sister will stand here and tell me just how useless and pathetic I am.”
“It will all work out, Chile. Trust me.” Anna sent her a smile and got back to work.
Jake swirled the last of his coffee in his mug. Could he have misunderstood? That beautiful woman had to lie about getting a date? What would make that happen? A smile crossed his tanned face. Guess I will have to be here around seven to find out.
Sliding back from the table, he walked back up to the counter and leaned against it. His green eyes sparkled with good humor as he smiled at the one called Anna. “One refill for the road, please.”
Jesus, he has a voice that belongs in a bedroom. Tahnee deliberately kept her back to him and focused on the wall in front of her. Her lips were dry and her panties were damp. Damn, she was a mess.
Jake paid for his drink and walked out of the door and headed back to work, knowing full well he’d be seeing her again. A pleasing grin crossed his face as he walked back to work, drawing stares from the women he passed.
* * * * *
Tahnee gritted her teeth for the umpteenth time that evening. Her family drove her to distraction. She loved them, but they could really annoy the hell out of her. She stood behind the counter watching her brother, Tyrell, dance with his fiancée.
Her shop was full of the members of the wedding party. The second the door opened and her sister and ex-fiancé walked in, Tahnee knew her night had just been shot to shit. Why did he have to come? And why does he still have to be so beautiful? Javon Brooks was gorgeous.
Javon had a great body, smile, everything. A tall, lean, yet muscular swimmer’s body appeared dipped by dark chocolate. His eyes were dark brown and they used to be able to melt her heart with just a look.
Tahnee felt the sting of tears in her eyes. She had been so in love with him. It still hurt like hell to see her ex-fiancé with her sister. And knowing that her sister and he had planned the whole thing, made it even worse. What kind of sibling planned for a man to ask you to marry him and then was there at his side when he left you?
Slipping out from behind the counter, Tahnee headed over to meet them. She may want to, but she wasn’t going to act like she wanted to run and hide. “Evening, Sis,” she said in a polite voice. Oh, I want to beat the hell out of the both of you.
Topaz Madison was stunning. She was tall with a model’s body. Everything seemed to fall into place for her. Never a traffic ticket, all she had to do was bat her big black lashes. A smile from her could bring men to their knees.
“Little sister. Hello,” Topaz cooed as if trying to console a petulant child.
“Hello, Javon.” A slight nod was all she afforded him.
“Hello, Tahnee,” he drew out her name just like he used to suckle on her breasts, long and heated. And the reaction he got from her was the same, she began to feel her body grow damp.
“So,” Topaz began. “Where is this man you claim to have?”
Leave it to her sister to forgo the niceties and get to the meat of the matter. Ignoring that horrid tossing in her stomach at having to admit to her sibling that she had lied, Tahnee opened her mouth to speak and froze as the door swung open revealing that handsome man from earlier.
He stood in the doorway dressed in a dark charcoal gray suit with green accents. Green that only enhanced the intensity of his eyes as they found and held her gaze. He stepped through, allowing the door to close behind him and strode with unwavering purpose directly toward Tahnee.
Only when he got inches from her, did he slow. One arm reached for her and tugged her close into his broad chest. His free hand cupped her soft face and held it in place as his mouth lowered to land upon hers.
Dear Lord, this man can kiss. Tahnee felt her knees buckle at the pressure of his lips on hers. It was like she was a fine wine and he was all into the art of wine-tasting. His tongue traced her full lips before descending into the warmth of her mouth.
With a mind of their own, her hands entangled themselves in the lapels of his suit coat and pressed her body closer to his hard one. Her eyes drifted closed as moisture swept through her like a raging river. The wetness he created in her made Javon’s seem like the Kalahari Desert.
Her nipples were taut and crying out for his touch. She wanted to remove his clothes and see if his chest was as hard as it felt. Oh my God, it was heaven being in this embrace.
Slowly he drew back from her luscious mouth and sent her a bone-melting grin. “Sorry I’m late, baby,” he said in a deep seductive voice. “I didn’t think work would run that long.” One arm slid around her waist tucking her securely into his side. He turned his attention to the couple before him. “You must be the sister I’ve heard so much about.”
Dark brown eyes narrowed as they looked upon him. “You can’t be serious. Are you trying to tell me you are the handsome man she is dating?” The voice was full of skepticism. “He’s white!”
Jake laughed. His rich voice like music to Tahnee’s ears. “I don’t know about the handsome bit, but I am the man lucky enough to be part of her life. And yes, I am, glad we got that bit out of the way.” His lips brushed against Tahnee’s forehead, immediately calming her.
Topaz frowned. This man next to her sister was so handsome, it made her wet wishing he was going home with her. Someone like that was not meant to be with her sister. No, she was the beautiful one, not Tahnee. “And what is your name?” she purred reaching for his hand. Why would a white man want Tahnee, when Topaz was more than willing to offer up herself?
“I’m Jake. Jake Hutton.” He shook her hand and immediately dropped it to reach for the man who stood next to her. “Nice to meet you.”
The dark hand reached out. “Name’s Javon. How long have you and Tahnee been together?” His dark eyes narrowed as they raked over the sight of this man standing next to Tahnee.
Jake forced back a growl. He hated the sound of his woman’s name rolling off that man’s tongue. Especially since he discerned he must be the one who dumped her. If that was the case then he shouldn’t be allowed to look at her at all. “That’s not really any of your business. Excuse me, I need a private word with my queen here.” Gently, yet firmly, he guided Tahnee into the back of the establishment.
Once the door shut behind him, all thoughts of talk fled as he pulled her back into his arms, desperately craving the taste of her again. This time, his hands slid into her hair and pulled her in even closer. They both groaned and leaned in to one another diminishing the distance that separated them.
Jake trailed his hands over the body before him, the curvaceous form that had tempted him from the second he first laid eyes upon it. His mouth nibbled Tahnee’s lips as his hands caressed her derriere.