Wanting You (6 page)

CHAPTER 9

Thanksgiving

Tamia

2 Weeks Later...

              I open my eyes and stretch my body, loving the way the mattress molds against it. I sit up and grab my cellphone off the empty pillow beside me and see that I have a missed text from Tasha.

Tasha:
Hey sleepy head, we're all downstairs having breakfast. Hurry up and join us before Mr. Winston and Jay eat it all.

I look at the time and see that the text was sent fifteen minutes ago. I laugh and quickly respond back.

Tamia:
I'm up! Be down shortly :)

I get out of bed and make my way to the French doors in my room. I pull back the linen curtains and stare at the amazing view in front of me. There were no clouds in the sky, just sun. The palm trees on the property were swaying back and forth, caused by the gentle breeze coming from the ocean. I lean against the frame of the door and can’t help but to think that I almost didn't come. After days of thinking it over, I decided that I wouldn't let what happened between Kellen and me, affect my decision to come here. I would have to face him sooner or later.

Katie, Tasha, Jay, and I got in late last night. When we pulled up to the beach house, I was amazed on how big it was with its two story frame and numerous windows. When we started to unload Jay's Range Rover, the front door to the beach house opened and we were greeted by Kellen and Katie's parents. I watched while Katie dropped everything she had in her arms and ran and hugged her parents. Looking at her parents, I couldn't help but to smile. Katie and her mom looked just alike, but Mrs. Winston's hair was much longer. Kellen and his dad could pass for twins if it wasn't for the fact that Mr. Winston was slightly taller and wore glasses.

“Hey kids! How was your trip?” Mrs. Winston asks.

“Long!” Katie responds.

“Well I'm so glad you guys are here. Jay and Tasha, get over here and give me a hug.” Mrs. Winston pulls them both into a tight group hug. After releasing them, she turns her attention to me. With a smile on her face she heads in my direction.

“And you must be Tamia!” She says pulling me in a hug. “Nice to finally meet you, young lady!”

“It's nice to meet you also Mrs. Winston.” I say pulling from her embrace.

“Please call me Liz, its short for Elizabeth.” She says turning her attention to her husband who was talking to Katie, Tasha, and Jay. “Honey come meet Tamia!” Mr. Winston walks over and stands beside his wife. “Gary this is Tamia.” She introduces me.

“Well Tamia, it's about time we meet you. Katie talks about you all the time when we do speak.”

“It's nice to meet you too.” I say with a laugh.

“Well how about we get you guys to your rooms.” Mrs. Winston says. “Kellen went to bed hours ago, so I guess you guys will catch him tomorrow.”

Kellen?
Where's Ashley?

Once we get into the house and get settled in our rooms, Katie and her mom showed me around the house, we had a quick bite to eat, then everyone called it a night.

Now I was staring at this wonderful view and decided it was now time to get ready. I head to the bathroom and get started on my morning routine.

After I'm done, I throw on a pair of high waisted shorts, a tank top and cardigan. I then slip on a pair of flats and head back into the bathroom to apply a little mascara and lip gloss. I tame my frizzy curls to my liking, then I head downstairs to meet the others.

~ ~ ~

Kellen

I'm sitting in the kitchen deep in thought and watching my sister and mom go over Thanksgiving dinner plans, when my mind drifts to Tamia. It's been several days since the last time I talked to her and it was driving me crazy, but I wanted to give her space.

I knew my feelings for Tamia started to affect my relationship with Ashley. We lived together, so we saw each other every day, we hung out like any other couple, but lately when it came to the sex, I would come up with excuses to keep it from happening. Such as, I'm tired, or I blamed it on the stress I was going through due to exams. She bought my excuses and never questioned me. I just knew that I couldn't get Tamia out my system and I needed her in my life.

So a week ago, Ashley and I ended our relationship. I told her about Tamia and me without going into too much detail and she revealed to me that she hooked up with a male model in New York; which pissed me off because I thought she was faithful this whole time, but I guess we're even now. So we decided that we would try to remain friends and she moved out and moved back in with her sister.  

“Good morning Tamia!” I hear Katie say, knocking me out my thoughts. I turn and see Tamia standing in the doorway of our kitchen.

“I hope you got your rest young lady. We have a lot planned for today.” My mom says with a smile.

“Good morning everyone.” Tamia responds, and finally makes eye contact with me. “I slept great! That bed is so comfy. Where's everyone else?”

“Honey have a seat.” My mom says motioning to the empty bar stool beside Katie. “Get a quick bite to eat.”

Tamia walks over and sits down. I can’t help but to check her legs out in those shorts.

“Well.” My mom pauses while thinking. “Jay and Tasha are out back getting things ready for the cookout, and Mr. Winston went to get supplies for the bonfire. Once you're done eating you, Katie, and I are going to get things needed for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Kellen did you want to tag along?”

I tear my gaze away from Tamia's legs. “Huh?” I say not hearing a word my mom asked.

“Son are you not listening? I asked if you wanted to go to the store with us.”

“I'm sorry mom.” I say rubbing the back of my head. “I'll stay here and help dad when he gets back.”

“Okay. Well ladies I'm going to grab my purse and keys. Then we can head out. Katie go and ask Tasha and Jay if they need anything.”

“No Prob!” Katie responds and heads out the kitchen's French doors.

When they are gone, there's silence between Tamia and I, until she decides to speak.

“Your family has a beautiful home. Your mom and sister showed me around last night when we got in. I didn't know your family had a yacht!”

“Yeah. Have you ever been on the water before Tamia?” I ask.

“No, but I would love to one day.”

“Well maybe I can take you out on the yacht before we head back to school.”

“I would like that Kellen.” She responds with a smile, that I've grown to love.

“Tamia are you ready?” My mom asks coming back into the kitchen.

“Yes I'm ready.” She says standing. “See you later Kellen.”

“See you tonight Tamia.”

My mom grabs her grocery list off the counter and they both head out the front door.

~ ~ ~

Tamia

              After enjoying a delicious steak dinner, thanks to Mr. Winston, we're all sitting on the beach around the bonfire listening to Mr. Winston tell us how he and Mrs. Winston met. While listening I couldn't help but to think about Kellen. This morning when Katie and I were at the store, I asked why Ashley wasn't there and she informed me that they broke up about a week ago, and she swore she had already mentioned it to me.

I direct my attention back to the story telling and smile at the way Mr. Winston is looking at his wife. You could tell that they really loved each other.

“What are you smiling about?”

I look up and see Kellen, and he takes that opportunity and sits closely beside me.

“Your dad is so sweet. I can tell he really loves your mom.” I say pulling my gaze away from Kellen and to the flames coming from the bonfire.

“I've been told that I'm sweet too.” He nudges me.

“I bet.” I say with a laugh, then I nudge him back.

“I'm glad you decided to come and spend Thanksgiving with us.”

“I'm glad too.” I say now looking directly in his eyes. “This place is beautiful, and your family is amazing.”

“Yeah they are.”

There's silence between us, but we continue to stare at each other, until we hear someone clearing their throat. We tear our gazes away from each other and look up and see Katie, Tasha, and Jay smiling down at us.

“Sorry to interrupt your staring contest, but we’re heading back to the house for dessert. Are you guys coming?” Katie asks.

Me and Kellen look at each other for an answer.

“No, I think we'll stay here.” He responds.

“Mmmhmm.” Tasha responds sarcastically.

“Night you guys.” Jays speaks up, and they all walk away and head in the direction of the house.

I'm watching the flames and my skin begins to tingle because I know he's looking at me.

“You look beautiful in that dress.”

“Thank you.” I respond looking down at it. When I saw it at the mall, I knew I had to have it. It was a nude color and strapless. “I should have brought my cardigan down. It's getting cool out here.” I say rubbing my arms.

“Let me get you a blanket.” Kellen stands and walks to a small storage bin and pulls out a blanket, then he heads back in my direction and wraps the blanket around me.

“Thank you.” I whisper.

He sits down and positions himself behind me until my back is against his chest, and his legs are bent on either sides of me and he wraps his arms around me.

“You're welcome, Tamia.” He whispers in my ear, then he gently kisses the spot below my earlobe.

“What if your parents catch us out here like this?”

“Let them catch us then Tamia. I've missed you.”

“I've missed you too.” I exhale. “I heard you and Ashley broke up.”

“Yeah we did. Like I told you before, I needed time to get my shit together, and I finally have. All I want is you Tamia.” He says trailing kisses along my neck. “Please tell me that you’re mine and no one else’s.”

“If you want me, then you can have me.” I say in a breathless moan.

“Can I show you something Tamia?”

I nod, then he stands up and grabs my hands and pulls me up. He quickly puts out the fire. When he's done, he grabs my hand and we begin to walk down the beach.

“Where are you taking me?” I ask curiously.

“It's a surprise.” Then he kisses the back of my hand.

We continue walking until I realize we are heading to the boat dock. “Make sure you watch your step.” He says leading me across the wooden planks of the boardwalk, then we walk across a small bridge until we reach the entrance to the yacht. We walk aboard, then down a set of stairs and down a small hallway until we reach a door. He releases my hand and pulls out a key and unlocks the door and pushes it open. We step inside and it's dark, but the room is illuminated by the moon shining through the many windows, allowing me to see that we're in a bedroom.

“Wow!” Is all I can say. “This view is amazing!”

“Yes it is.” He says resting his chin on my shoulder, and wrapping his arms around my waist. “My dad bought this yacht two years ago, and of all the rooms on this boat, this is my favorite one because of all the windows.

I was in awe. All I could do was stare at the water and at the stars in the sky.