This Time Always by Suzette D. Harrison

Author:Suzette D. Harrison [Harrison, Suzette D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rose Gold Press LLC

He didn’t miss the subtle sobering. Or the quieting impact of her friend’s brief visit. He saw the shift despite her reassurances that nothing was amiss. He didn’t press but gave her room to process whatever needed to be processed. True to the Niyana he was coming to know, she rallied quickly as if nothing unpleasant had happened.

That doesn’t mean she isn’t withholding something she doesn’t want me to know.

He’d survived a marriage built on secrets and lies and refused to ever again live that kind of life. Unlike the naive young man he’d been, so thankful to have a desirable woman in BJ when other females rejected him, he’d matured enough to know some situations required probing and the asking of hard questions. But he’d also worked to heal his soul and not live in a perpetual state of accusation or suspicion.

She’ll share if and when the situation merits it.

Good with that fact, he relaxed and gave in to the pleasure of their selected activities.

They didn’t last long outdoors in summer’s unrelenting heat and barely finished a round of miniature golf before fleeing indoors for air conditioning and the batting cages.

“Okay, Miss Woman, you’ve got a good swing,” he praised, watching her hit the ball like she knew something about the game.

“I was the only girl in a house with four brothers. I had no choice but to be athletic if I wanted to hang with them.”

Her ability was reflected on the scoreboard, but his score surpassed hers in indoor go-kart racing. Their final scores were so far apart that she challenged him to a second round which merely resulted in his double victory and her dual defeat.

“I should’ve known better. You drive a Dodge Challenger with all that Hemi. You’re obviously a speed freak.”

“That would be me,” he laughingly agreed as they returned their helmets and exited the race track area. “I duly informed you about my love of all things trains and speed.”

“Shame on me for not paying close enough attention. You had an unfair advantage, so I say we go again.”

“I say take your defeat graciously and let’s go get this ice cream you owe me.” Taking her hand, he steered them towards the concession stand.

“I renege.”

“You can’t. It was your idea and I quote, ‘loser buys the winner—which will be me—ice cream.’ Sound familiar?”

“No, indeed.”

Looking at her and shaking his head, he chuckled at her selective loss of memory. “Yeah, okay. You realize you’re doing that thing again?”

“What thing?”

“That,” he answered, glancing down at his hands that she’d commandeered and attacked with sanitizing wipes.

“Lord, I have it bad. I must suffer from a clean hand phobia or a fetish.”

“Maybe, but I thank you that I can eat this ice cream you’re about to buy me germ-free.”

“Omari, you’re gloating.”

“Absolutely. Now let me decide how much damage I’m doing to my abs and your wallet,” he jested, consulting the menu displayed above the concession counter as they stood in line. “I think a double win deserves a triple scoop on a waffle cone with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and sprinkles.

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