Forever in Love by W. Lynn Chantale

definitely.”
     
    ***
     
    Buck scrubbed the heel of his hand across his face. If he hadn’t promised to look after her brother Buck would still be in bed with Bonnie. God that woman knew how to burn hot and she’d been so tight all he wanted to do was slide balls deep in her silken heat. He shifted his erection, but he’d have to be content with making it up to her when he returned. For now he was satisfied that Bonnie was safe. Before he could slide into his vehicle, his phone vibrated his hip.
    “Yes?”
    “I leave to show my lady a good time and when I come back you’re looking for me and there’s panic in the neighborhood.”
    “How is your lady?”
    “Happy and outta my hair for a few days. What’s up and why you on the block?”
    “Cool-Ade.”
    “You better hope you find him before I do. That fool been duckin me. Owe me twenty large.”
    Buck let out a low whistle, the pieces clicking into place. That would explain why, but what Cool-Ade think Buck still kept that type of money?
    “What’s your beef with him?”
    “He jumped my lady.”
    “Damn. Is she okay?”
    “She is now.”
    “Tell you what bro. If I find out where he’s holed up, I’ll give you a call. Let you settle your score and then I’ll clean house.”
    “Sounds good.”
    “Oh and Buck?”
    “Yes?”
    “Can’t wait to see you.”
    Buck laughed and ended the call. One issue down. Now he just had to wait until Dexter was released. Twelve minutes later he parked his car in a vacant spot in front of the police station and stepped out the Benz as a tall, slightly disheveled man emerged from the entrance.
    “Do we have that out our system now?”
    “Maybe.”
    “Your sister is livid and there’s no placating her at the moment.”
    Dexter arched a brow. “I was willing to walk away. He threw the first punch.”
    Buck looked the younger man over. Other than a few tears in his shirt there wasn’t a scratch on him. Guilt sucker punched him in the gut. On some level he was responsible for what happened to Dexter. If they hadn’t gone to the old neighborhood, maybe Cool-Ade would’ve stayed away. “You’ve got blood on your shirt.”
    He glanced down, frowning. “Not mine.”
    “Well, your sister will be staying with me until Cool-Ade is caught.”
    “That’s fine.”
    “Watch your back, Dexter.”
    “Yeah. I will.”
     
    ***
     
    Buck dragged fingers through his hair as he trudged through the corridor toward his apartment. Only the thought of Bonnie waiting for him gave him the extra spring in his step.
    The scent of spice and roasted meat permeated the air and grew stronger as he neared the last door on the left. Who could be cooking this early in the morning. He pushed open his door and stopped.
    Seated at his kitchen counter was his neighbor from down the hall. A rather nice looking black guy who worked a swing shift at the local hospital. And he was closer to Bonnie’s age. Jealousy rolled through his gut. He still had the taste of her snatch on his mouth and here she was entertaining another man in his home. He gathered his composure and quietly closed the door behind him. On the low coffee table sat a hammer. That hadn’t been there before he left. Buck entered the kitchen. Bonnie was bent over the stove, a cookie sheet in her oven mitt covered hand. The long tails of the dress shirt she wore barely covered her lush apple bottom and Buck noted how the other man stared in appreciation.
    She turned, closing the door and her eyes widened, but a smile creased her luscious lips. “You’re home.”
    “Oh. Hey Buck,” the man said around a mouthful of something.
    “Jeff.” He nodded in the other man’s direction, but didn’t take his eyes from Bonnie, searching her face for any hint of deception. Her scent mingled with that of spiced peaches and vanilla and all he could think about was tasting her again. “What’s all this?” Buck waved a hand to the counter full of baked goods. Not a stitch of the gray granite