Savannah watched him sleep. He was so handsome. And he didn't snore which was a good thing. She'd dated guys that sounded like BWI airport and she would lay awake in the wee hours of the morning waiting for the planes to land. But Dwight's was rhythmic and soft. She ran her fingers across his lips and remembered kissing them and biting them a few hours ago.

Their lovemaking had been a good balance between rough and sweet. Dwight had nibbled on parts of her, bitten others, and kissed and caressed the softest parts of her. Her body still tingled from the heat of his touch and she could not help but to smile.

She let her hand rest on his chest and closed her eyes. What would happen now? She'd been celibate so long that she forgot the protocol for what happened the morning after sex. She wondered if he would even be available after he washed and put his clothes on. She knew how men operated. They were all the same. They were all like Mike, who once he got what he wanted from her and wanted something else, he was gone.

Savannah hoped that he would still want to be around, but even if he chose to go elsewhere, she would always have last night.

"How long have you been up?" He whispered into the semi darkness.

"Only for a little while. Did I wake you?"

"No." He shifted and yawned. He rolled over and kissed her softly on her lips. "Oh. I forgot. Morning breath." He laughed.

Savannah chuckled and eased closer to him. It felt good to have a man in her bed after so long. It had been so long, in fact, that she wasn't sure if she would know how to make love. But her body seemed to automatically react to everything he did to her.

"Are you going to regret that we did this?" Dwight rubbed her arm.

"I have to tell you that I'm not sure"

"I don't want you thinking it was a bad idea and then not returning my phone calls and hiding in your basement and then I have to scream your name while it's raining and have your neighbors call the police on me and go to jail and have Isabella in foster care-."

Savannah pressed her lips to his fingers. "Dwight, calm down. Nobody said anything about police and foster care and all that other crazy stuff you're talking about." She laughed.

Dwight laughed with her. "I'm just kidding but I don't want this to break us up. If anything it should bring us closer." He sat up and grimaced.

"What's wrong?"

"My back. I think you scratched all the skin off."

Savannah blushed. She was rough with him. She wasn't sure how hard she was scratched him, but apparently she needed to cut her nails down.

Dwight reached over her and grabbed his watch. "I thought it was much later than this."

"Why did you come here? I don't remember us having plans or anything."

"I was coming over to talk to you about Isabella's mother."

Savannah eased away from him a little and pulled the sheet over her naked body. Dwight grabbed her wrist. "Wait a minute, Savannah. You have to hear me out."

"Fine." She felt so stupid. Here she had given her body to this man, the most sacred thing she owned, and what was he about to tell her?

"Sandra and I had a talk. Though too much time has passed for her and I to get back what was lost between us, she still wants a relationship with Izzy. I can't deny her that."

"So, she's going to be around more?"

"Yes, but only when she is picking Izzy up and when she is dropping her off. I know this must be something to deal with, and it is going to be a little awkward at first. But I don't intend on getting back with her. I love you." Dwight leaned and kissed her soflty on her lips. She tried to hold back her desire, as thoughts raced through her head. What if after a while, he does decide that he wants to give Izzy the family she never had and get back with Sandra? What if Izzy develops an issue with Savannah dating her fathe? BUt his lips were so soft and sweet. Her arms rose and draped around his neck, pulling him on top of her. She allowed her eyes to close as she opened the very essence of herself and let her emotions take over.

**********************************************

"Wake up Jake. You wanna meet my boss?" She whispered into her sleeping son's ear. Dwight had been gone before the sun rose. He'd reassured her about Sandra and that he was only a one woman man. After they'd made love again, he went home, promising to call later.

"Hmm hmmm." He nodded sleepily and threw a foot out of bed.

Savannah went to Nicholas' bed and pulled the covers back. She never understood how such a little guy could turn himself completely around to have his feet on his pillow and his head halfway down the bed. Turning him around, she ushered Jake into his bathroom and ran him a bath, as she filled a small basin with water to wash Nicky up. After she got him washed up and dressed, she brushed Jake's hair.

It was a warm Saturday afternoon, as she navigated her way to Duncan Clarke's house. On the way, she played road games with Jake, who liked playing I Spy. By the time she reached the house, she was sure that Jake had spotted everything in the world. Nicholas was trying to join in too, by repeating what his brother said.

The Clarke house was immense. Savannah pulled into the driveway that started near the road and wound all the way up until it reached the door. Four massive columns lined the area in front of the door. Large white rose bushes stood on either side of the columns. The massive wooden door looked like the opening to a fortress and not a house. Though the house itself was large and seemed to overshadow the other properties near it, the landscaping softened the exterior. Calla lillies sprinkled the areas around the driveway and the windows near the house.

Savannah helped her boys out and they all stared at the house, tongues wagging. Nicholas pulled on a flower until it came out of the ground. Savannah snatched it and looked around nervously as she tried to stuff it back inthe ground. Jake came over and tried to help her put it back in but only managed to pull another one out.

"Ma'am, you can just leave that there." An older white man approached her. He smiled at the boys and took the flowers from her hand. "You must be looking for the party. Right this way."

Savannah followed him to a backyard. Or at least she thought it was a backyard. There was a large pool on the right side of the yard, surrounded by a small white gate. There was a deck set up near the pool and it was littered with people and children and floaty toys. Jake's eyes lit up when he saw the pool. He loved the water.

To the left stood a massive grill and Duncan was standing behind it, wearing a white shorts set and a 'Kiss the Chef' apron. He was standing amongst a large crowd and waving his barbecue fork. Jake's eyes were glued to the large moon bounce set up in the middle of the yard. There was also a swing set and slide nearby and a smaller pool off to the side. The yard itself was large and immense and Savannah could not believe that so much space could belong to one man. She picked Nicholas up and held Jake' s hand as she made her way towards the grill.

"Oh, I'm so glad you could make it." Duncan bellowed. He handed his untensil to a younger man and walked towards. He enveloped her in a warm embrace that she thought odd since the most they ever did was shake hands. "It was getting late. I thought you may have changed your mind."

"Of course not. I had to get these guys ready." She gestured towards her boys. Savannah was aware of the looks she was getting from the women nearby. She had put on her favorite brown and gold spring dress and slide in gold sandals. Her sister had bought it for her, and forced her to go to the club. Savannah had to admit that she had never received that much attention in her life. She could feel something welling up inside of her and she feared it was something she could not hold back. Turning her back to them, she introduced Duncan to her sons.

"How old are you, Jake?" He knelt down in front of him.

"I'm four." Jake replied. He was usually a timid boy, but he stood in front of Duncan and stared the older man in his eyes. maybe in a small way he was establishing his territory. Would you like to play on the moon bounce with the other kids?"

Jake nodded his head excitedly and looked back at his mother. "Can I please Mommy?" He asked, his little legs already moving.

"Sure honey."

Jake took off across the yard and dove onto the moon bounce. Nicholas started squirming in her arms and she struggled to keep a grip on him.

"My daughter is here. She loves babies. she can watch him for you while you relax." Duncan offered. "She runs a daycare. She has great experience. I should know. I paid for it." Duncan called out to a pretty brown skinned woman. She was a spitting image of her father. She wasn't tall like him, but she had his nose and his big smile. She was slender in build and wore a some nice blues jeans and a tee shirt. She walked over, her hand extended. Apparently, she was used to shaking hands. "This is Karen, my second oldest daughter."

"Nice to meet you." Savannah grabbed her hand.

"Oh, he is so adorable!" Karen squealed. She touched Nicholas' jacket. "Daddy, look at his little Nascar jacket! It looks just like yours!" Karen smiled happily at Nicholas, who seemed to like her. He usually clung close to Savannah when new people were close, but he leaned towards her.

"I think he wants you to hold him." Savannah exclaimed.

"Is it okay, really?' Karen asked, reaching for him. Savannah watched as her son giggled as Karen made faces and spoke in funny voices. Savannah wondered if she had any of her own. She seemed to be really good with kids. "He might have some fun on the moon bounce or in the water. Do you mind if I take him over? I'll keep a really goo eye on him." Karen looked like if Savannah told her no that she would crumble.

"Okay. But he has asthma so if you could just make sure he calms down a little, maybe every twenty minutes or so.. And I'm sorry I didn't bring bathing trunks for them."

"Them?" Karen looked around.

"Her other son, Jake. He's already over there. Jake, the one with the blue Nascar jacket on. If you could keep an eye out...."

"Sure Daddy. I bet there are some trunks around here." Savannah handed Karen the bag she brought along for the boys. She waved to Nicholas and followed Duncan.

"I want to introduce you around." Duncan placed his hand on her back and ushered her through the yard. He had quite a few clients there and family. He introduced her by both her name and her business title, which made her feel more accomplished. She learned that the women who were looking her up and down were women at one of his offices. She hoped that all they did was look because they way she was feeling, she would not be able to control it.

"I'm looking for my nephew and his crazy baby's mother. I know he's here. He'll turn up. Maybe you can steal him away from her. Between you and me, I think he can do so much better. Let's get some meat on those bones."

Savannah sat around with Duncan and some members of his office and family for a while. She was thoroughly enjoying the conversation. It had been a long time since she was able to talk about adult stuff. She sipped her tea and occasionally peeked over at her boys who were having the time of their lives. A few minutes later, she was slowly rocking in her chair, trying to relieve the pressure in her bladder. She cursed herself for not drinking something other than tea, since she knew that tea made her have to run to the bathroom. "Mr. Clarke, where is your bathroom?" 

"There is one you can use in the pool house. No need to walk all the way to the main house. Right there." He pointed to a smaller version of his main house. Savannah made her way to the pool house, waving to her sons who were splashing in the pool. Karen, who was sitting on the edge of the pool sprinkling water on Nicky's feet, watched jake liked a hawk. Savannah sighed with relief. It was nicely decorated on the inside. A leather chaise was positioned against a wall and there were four stalls on either side. She slipped inside and could not believe how nice everything was. She didn't even want to use the bathroom, but if she didn't she was going to pee on herself and that would be the end of that account and her job.

When she exited the bathroom, she noticed a few guys lingering near the pool as she passed. She rolled her eyes and kept her head front and center as she walked by them. She was sort of used to this kind of behavior. Not that she was drop dead gorgeous, but she was attractive. Then they would grab her hand and promise this and that and lay their game on thick. All going in one ear and out the other.

"How are you, Miss Lady?" The darkest one said. She loved dark skin. The way it glistened when it was moisturized... it just reminded her of chocolate. Savannah stopped.

"I'm fine, how are you?"

"I've never seen you around here before. You new to the clan." He smiled and revealed pretty white teeth.

"I actually work for a company that is doing some business with Mr. Clarke." Savannah was careful about giving out work related details. She never knew who she was talking to and she had been in hte game long enough to know that everyone wasn't honest.

"Oh, we heard he was supposedly looking around for a company, you know with the merger coming up, he needed to change some things about the company. Is that what you are here for?" A shorter, lighter man asked. He wasn't as handsome as the first guy, but he was nice looking.

"I cannot tell fellas. I have to go, but you make sure you have fun." She started to walk away but the dark skinned one grabbed her hand.

"I was hoping that we could get together sometime. You seem like a real nice woman.' His eyes were plastered to her breast.

Turning into him, Savannah stepped closer and reached between his legs and grabbed his crotch. He squealed, but no one could see what was happening. He tried to stand straight but Savannah just tightened her grip. She leaned into his ear. "You seem like a really nice guy," she whispered. "and I'm sure that you are going to need these for your one night stands. But if you ever put your hands on me again, you will have to carry these around in a baggie. Okay?"

"James, is everything all right?"

Savannah looked up and saw one of the women that was making faces at her approaching. She released James' private area, reached in her bag and pulled out her alcohol wipes. After thoroughly wiping her hands, she walked by the woman, dropping the used wipe in her hand and went to find Duncan.

She found him up near the gazebo. He was standing in front ofit, looking down at some papers. She neared him slowly, careful not to startle him. "Mr. Clarke,"

"Savannah, there you are. I was just looking for you. That crazy nephew of mine is here. And guess who he brought with him? But I'm sure once he sees you, he'll be forgetting all about her."

"Mr. Clarke-"

"Please, call me Duncan. Right this way." He gestured for her to walk with him.

"Duncan, I don't want to wreck someones relationship, even if you don't think she's right for him."

"I know. And I would hate to put you in that situation. So, just meet him for me, okay?" He smiled. She noticed how handsome of a man he was. Salt and pepper hair trimmed neatly to his head, a small mustache curving around his lips. He also smelled nice. Nothing like a clean black man. "He's really a good guy. He tries to do right. He's been raising his daughter and everything. A good, solid black man. And he's always wanted a boy. And you have two."

"Duncan, I-"

"I'm just stating some facts." He paused and looked straight ahead. "Here they are now."

Savannah looked up and saw a couple with their backs turned to her. The woman was a few feet shorter than the man. He long curly hair hung down to her shoulders. She was wearing a very nice turquoise track suit and white tennis shoes. The man wore khakis and a tee shirt. From behind, they looked like a nice couple.

"Savannah, I want you to meet my nephew, Dwight."

Savannah eyes opened wide as Dwight turned around. When he saw her, he dropped the cup to the ground, splashing it's contents on Sandra, who stood next to him. Sandra's expression turned sinister when she locked eyes with Savannah. Sandra grabbed Dwight's arm  and pulled him close. Dwight struggled to free his arm but Sandra had a grip on it. Duncan stood silently, his gaze moving from Dwight to Savannah.

"Savannah," Dwight whispered. He shook his arm free finally and moved towards Savannah.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Clarke. I have to go. Thanks for inviting us." Savannah pivoted on her foot and stormed towards the pool. She thanked Karen and grabbed her boys, who were now sitting on the side, playing with some action figures.

Dwight jogged up to her. "Savannah, don't do this. Let me talk to you."

"I'll go get their bag." Karen hopped up and ran to the pool house. Savannah's head thumped as she tried to wait for Karen amidst all the stares. Nicholas reached for Dwight. Savannah pulled him away and ushered Jake towards the car.

"Savannah, don't leave like this." Dwight caught up to her at the car.

Savannah tried repeatedly to fasten the seatbelt around Nicholas before Jake grabbed it and slid it in with ease. When she closed the door, she saw Dwight standing in front of her. Sandra was a few feet behind him and Duncan had just rounded the corner.

"It's not what you think Savannah. Well, it probably is. Wait. "He reached for her hand. "Damnit, Savannah. Give me a second!"

"Let her go, baby. She's not good enough for you anyway." Sandra appeared at his side. Savannah balled her hand up into a fist and swung. Sandra grabbed her face as she fell back onto the ground. No one raced to help her. Savannah noticed Duncan coming up behind Dwight. She snatched her arm out of Dwight's grip, got in her car and pulled off. She would have to call Duncan and explain later.