Zena Wynn: Tameka's Smile

When they passed the trees lining both sides of the drive and got an unobstructed view of the grounds, all they could do was stop and stare.

In a week’s time, someone had cleared the rubble, laid the foundation and put up framework for a new house. There were men working everywhere. Looked like the whole pack was present, women and men. When they stepped out of the truck, a cheer went up from the crowd and they all came over to congratulate them on their new marriage.

Meka glanced around in stunned amazement. In little over a week, they’d made tremendous progress. “I can’t believe you guys did all of this,” she told Carol.

“We told you, pack means family. You had a need and we’re providing. That’s what families do,” Carol told them, smiling broadly.

“I don’t know what to say.” She looked at Chad to see his response. His eyes glistened as he clutched her to him, blinking rapidly.

“Thank you,” he said hoarsely, holding his hand out to Mark.

“You’re welcome,” Mark said as he shook the extended hand.

“Oh, but this isn’t all. Kiesha said when you get back from your honeymoon, stop by the store and pick out furniture for the house. If you don’t see anything you like, the pack has taken a collection and put it in an account in your name as a combination wedding and house warming present,” Carol added.

“This is too much,” Tameka protested.

“No. What you went through for the pack was too much.

This is just our way of making up for some of it,” Mark said seriously.

“Meka, we know we can’t replace everything you lost, but some of us got together and put this together for you.” Lulu handed her a photo album. “It’s pictures of your grandmother and Ned at various events during her time here in Refuge. I also have some knickknacks that she bequeathed me when she died. I want you to have them.”

“I can’t take those. Momma E. wanted you to have them.

These pictures are more than enough. That was the thing that hurt the most about the fire.”

“We’re not done,” said another lady whose name Meka didn’t know. “Bull mentioned that you were a big movie buff. At his suggestion, we got together and made this for you.” This was a case of DVDs. “It’s not everything you had, but it’s a good start.” The case held one hundred and fifty and was full.

Tameka was crying openly now, unable to believe the incredible outpouring of love these people were showering upon them. “Bull, come here you big lug and give me a hug,” she commanded.

After hugging him, she wandered off with the women to see the plans for the house and give her input, leaving Chad and Bull standing together. “This is something, isn’t it?” Bull asked.

“Yeah, man. Incredible.”

“I guess you’ll be coming around more now, huh? Not being such a loner?”

“Yeah.”

Bull was relieved. He’d been trying for years to get Chad to open up to everyone, give the pack a chance. Now it was finally happening. He glanced around. “Where’s NeeCee?”

“She left. Had to get back.”

“She’s gone ?”

“Is there a problem? She had stuff to do.”

“Uh, no problem. It’s all cool.” He started backing away.

“You better go check on Meka. That dude she’s talking to is the one responsible for the layout of the house.”

“You’re right,” Chad muttered. “No telling what kind of changes she’s making.”

As soon as Chad walked off, Bull went to his car. “You got away from me once. It’s not going to be so easy this time,” he growled.

He casually got inside and started the engine, maneuvering between the parked cars until he was on the road. Once he was out of sight, he hit his lights and took off. Thank God traffic was light. A little over a half an hour later, he caught sight of her car before she hit the interstate highway.

Bull got behind her and flashed his lights, signaling for her to pull over. Once she was safely to the side of the road, he pulled in behind her and killed the engine. He exited the cruiser, walked over the driver’s door, and leaned on the open window.

“Get out of the car.”

“Bull? What the hell are you doing? I wasn’t even speeding,” she complained.

“NeeCee, get out of the car.”

“Is this some type of joke?”

He reached inside, unlocked and opened the door almost in a single motion. She slapped at his hands when he reached for her seatbelt. “Stop that. Go away. Don’t you have work to do?

Go bother someone else.”

“We have unfinished business.” He snatched off his glasses and placed them on the roof of the car, then dragged her out of her seat and into his arms. He swooped in and kissed her the way he’d wanted to since their first meeting.

Delicious.

He pinned her against the side of the car, thrust his tongue in her mouth and devoured her until they both couldn’t breathe.

Breaking away long enough to gulp a few deep breaths, he kissed her again until she melted like butter against him. Oh yeah, he wanted this woman.

He heard the radio in the squad car. The call was for all cars and he was in the vicinity. He reluctantly let her go. “I have to go. We’ll finish this later.”

“I don’t think so, cowboy.”

He grinned. He might have taken her words to heart if it wasn’t for the dazed expression on her face, and the way she had to pant to get the words out. He reached on top of the car and grabbed his glasses, before helping her inside. “Go before I change my mind and finish it right here.” He shut the door, tapped the roof of the car in farewell, and backed up as another call came over the radio.

She started the engine and rolled down the window. “Be careful,” she told him. “Don’t get killed. Chad would miss you,” she added right before put the car in gear and merged back onto the road.

Bull slid his glasses back on as a wicked grin crossed his face. “I knew she liked me.”

The End