Chapter 6 Sadia
It’s been a long time since I have been on a date, let alone in the presence of a man I have been highly attracted to.
The woodsy and citrusy scent of Chance’s cologne has me in a trance-like state.
Not to mention how warm I feel from the closeness of our bodies.
My body simmers with an electric energy that is comfortable, welcome, and fills me with unbridled excitement.
The band’s slow tempo echoes through the room, causing my body to unconsciously sway from side to side.
My fingers snap to the beat, and for countless seconds, I get lost in the euphoria of this atmosphere.
Chance didn’t give me a destination for tonight’s date, but I am pleased with where we are.
Serenades of Midnight Lounge is the grown-and-sexy vibe any woman would want to be with a man who’s in pursuit of her.
The longer the cadence of the music dances in my ears, the more I feel like this thing with Chance is real.
“Do you want to dance?” Chance’s deep voice whispers in my ear, and tingles spread through my body.
My response is immediate, without thought, and with a breathy timbre I’m unable to prevent due to the effects of his invitation.
“Yes.”
Chance slides out of the booth before he extends his hand for me to take as he helps me to my full height.
With jolts of passion that surge up my forearm, I allow Chance to lead me to the dance floor.
Time, my breathing, and possibly my heartbeat slow to a crawl when Chance pulls me into his body.
The minute I’m against his chest, I swallow over the lump in my throat when my eyes connect with Chance’s dark brown orbs.
“I can’t wait to be close to you like this again. Thank you for indulging me, Dia.”
My mouth dries instantly, and I fight not to release the water that wells in my eyes from Chance’s words. The steady, firm delivery allows me to recognize their sincerity. For the first time in a long time, I feel what it’s like to be desired.
“I can feel your heart racing. Does that mean I’m not in this moment alone?”
Words fail me, and all I can do is nod as the music changes, and a feminine voice serenades those of us in attendance.
Chance’s arms tighten around my body, and I disconnect our eye contact to lay my head on his chest. For countless minutes, I’m lost in the feel of this man and the woman’s beautiful voice as make-believe wars with reality.
The danger of acting like I’m not feeling Chance is about to have me in a boxing match with my heart.
My stomach chooses this moment to grumble its protest of not putting something in it before this spin around the dance floor.
Light laughter slips from my mouth when I hear chuckles from Chance that vibrate through me.
“Come on so I can feed you. But just know that I’m looking forward to our next dance.” Chance breaks our connection before he interlocks our hands and heads back to our table.
Every step feels like I’m floating, and we reach the booth in a matter of minutes. I feel like I’m about to self-destruct when Chance, again, slides in beside me, boxing me into the space. But I also feel secure, cherished, and, dare I say, safe and valued in this moment.
“Good evening, folks. I thought I missed you until our host pointed you out on the dance floor. Have you had a chance to look at our menu to decide on drinks? I’m sure you need a minute to determine dinner,” a dark-skinned woman with a short blonde pixie cut asks a minute or so after our arrival.
Chance and I place our drink orders and ask for a few minutes to look over the menu and decide on dinner. I pick up the hardback brown folder, but thanks to my euphoria, I’m unable to register its contents. A thought enters my mind, and I look from the menu to Chance, whose eyes are already on me.
“Before tonight gets away from me, . . . thank you for setting the tone for what’s coming next.”
Chance’s eyes twinkle with merriment and appreciation as a grin slides into place that instantly heats my core.
“Trust me, this is just the beginning. All we needed was a chance.”
Giggles fall from my lips when Chance winks at the pun I have no doubt he intended.
“So tell me, how many of your friends will be entertaining?”
“Four and their wives. It should be a good time.”
“I know we talked about this a little bit ago, but you kind of skated around your answer. Are you sure your friends won’t be mad when they find out that this isn’t real?”
Part of me heard Chance the first time we discussed this matter, but I can’t help but think about the ramifications.
Other than Alicia, I don’t have any friends, so what we’re doing won’t affect my circle.
But Chance will have eight people invested in a lie.
It seems tricky and unfair for the people he calls his friends.
“For the record, the only thing that will be a lie is our timeline. Our connection will be the truth. We can be honest while also keeping some things between us. Stop worrying. Everything will turn out how it should.”
For countless seconds, all I can do is analyze Chance’s words. I can’t deny that there is a strong connection between us, so maybe I just need to go with the flow. I’m going to just let Chance run this narrative, and I’ll follow his lead.
“Alright. I’m going to trust you. Just promise that we can leave if things go wrong.”
“You don’t even have to ask. By the way, is there anything that you need to purchase before we leave? Oh, that reminds me that we’ll be driving instead of flying because I love a good road trip.”
A slight grin upturns my lips because I, too, enjoy a good road trip. I prefer mindless travel to the hustle and bustle that often comes with flying. This route also gives me the ability to relax due to the idea of Chance and me having more time to talk before we’re directly in the hot seat.
“I think I’m good to go. I just need to pack. What kind of snacks do you like? I’m going to the store for goodies and want to get what you like too.”
“I love Slim Jims, Life Savers gummies, but the berry one, and Hot Cheetos. Oh, you can never go wrong with throwing in a few Three Musketeers either.”
“I got you. If you think of something else, let me know by Wednesday.”
“Alright.”
Excitement blends with the music as energy rises from my feet up to my stomach.
A chance to go to a resort, sink my feet in sand, all while in the company of my fake man, feels like a dream.
I’m definitely going to go into this time with Chance with the mindset of an early-graduation present I didn’t have to pay for.
And So It Begins. Travel Day . . .
It feels like time is on steroids, which made this day get here faster than I expected.
Chance and I have a long drive ahead of us, so I talked Alicia into picking me up on her way to work so I could make coffee for us.
I told Chance that Alicia needed me to show her a critical step in opening up the shop.
The lie was easy and unnecessary, but I wanted to surprise him with his favorite caffeinated beverage.
Besides, we’re lying about our status, so this lie falls short compared to the ones we’ll tell during our fake baecation.
My phone vibrates, shifting my focus from Alicia as I retrieve it from the fanny pack at my waist. Traveling with a purse isn’t my thing, so I bought a new fanny pack to carry my essentials.
Chance:
I’m about to pull up. I’ll come get your bags.
Me:
Okay. I’m ready.
A cheesy smile forms as I stand and grab the two insulated coffee mugs for Chance and me.
Chance set our departure time for six a.m., which left little time for much of an interrogation from Alicia.
I’m unsure how much time passes between the text being sent, but my heart rate increases, and the hair on my arms prickles when Chance walks through the front door.
Jesus!
Chance in business attire is sexy, but goodness does he look edible in the jogging suit that adorns his body.
I take him in from head to toe before my eyes land on the area where an impressive dick print is.
My treasure gives the area a finger wave that causes my face to heat as I disconnect my gaze to look at Chance’s face.
Thankfully, Chance’s eyes are on my bags, which gives me a much-needed reprieve from being caught.
“Good morning, Mr. Caramel Frappe,” Alicia greets in a singsong voice that causes me to playfully roll my eyes.
“Good morning,” Chance returns just as he reaches me. His heavy eyes meet mine as appreciation shines in his gaze before he greets me. “Good morning, Dia. You ready to go?”
I lick my suddenly dry lips and nod without a verbal response. Chance smiles before he picks up my suitcase like it weighs nothing and turns to leave the coffee shop. Delicious warmth surges through my body from the intoxicating scent Chance’s cologne leaves behind.
“I’ll be ready for a play-by-play as soon as you get back. But let me say this now . . . Sadia, you’re in danger, girl. That man is about to wreck you and this fake arrangement y’all got.”
Alicia’s laughter causes my brows to hike, but I offer no commentary as I follow Chance’s fragrance out of the coffee shop.
I want to ignore Alicia’s words, but the truth is, this is a dream I never saw coming.
Who gets the opportunity to engage with their crush like this?
I certainly didn’t think I would have, so there’s that.
Outside, my face splits as Chance stands at the passenger side, the door open as he patiently waits.
“I made your sweet treat so you can have the necessary charge for this long drive. But I can take the wheel if you need a break.”
“I appreciate you. I’ll keep the offer in mind. But I endeavor for you to be a passenger princess.”
I smile before I take a seat inside the SUV and buckle my seat belt, ready to get this train moving. Less than five minutes later, Chance pulls out of the parking lot, and we’re on our way.
“Here’s my phone. I’ve already connected it, so find something for us to listen to. It doesn’t matter either. As my princess, you have total control.”
A tingle of awareness shoots directly to my core, and my treasure purrs like a litter of kittens.
Without another thought, I go to one of the music apps Chance has and scroll until a smirk slides into place upon seeing a genre that’ll shock Chance due to my selection.
I sit back in my seat and hit play as a heavy bassline drops.
“Aw shit. This is about to be a good ride.” Chance smirks.
Rob Base’s and DJ E-Z Rock’s voices bounce around the interior, and I immediately rap along with the song.
“Damn, that’s sexy as fuck. Rap that shit, Dia.” Chance’s head bobs as my body sways to the beat.
From the first song to the next ten, Chance and I vibe out to the old school rap that plays from the speakers in the vehicle.
In my effort to select the perfect music to keep Chance awake, I forgot to consume my coffee.
I only notice when my eyes blink slower and become droopy as back-to-back yawns escape my mouth.
“It’s okay. Go to sleep, baby,” I faintly hear Chance encourage as my eyes close, and I succumb to slumber.
I jump in my sleep as my brain registers the endearment Chance used, but I’m too tired to awake and question his word choice.
Peace envelops me like a warm blanket as I sink into a dream where Chance is the main focal point.
Time passes quickly as the continuation of bliss in my sleep state keeps me in a tight position.
I’m not sure how long it’s been when my eyes slowly peel open, and I look over to see Chance’s smirk.
“Do you have to go to the bathroom? I’m about to fill up.”
I take a minute to look around at where we are, and I dance in my seat when I see a big beaver, which gives me the opportunity to experience what others before me have.
“Ooh, Buc-ees. I’ve been hearing people rave about this place. I do have to go to the bathroom, but I also want to try a brisket sandwich.”
Chance laughs before he exits the vehicle and comes around to open my door. He hands me two twenties before he speaks.
“Get me one, too, and whatever else you want. I’m gonna pump this gas, then I’ll pull over close to the door.
“Alright. I’ll try not to take too long.”
“Doesn’t matter; I’ll wait as long as I need to.”
The softness in Chance’s delivery, accompanied by the confirmation in his eyes, lets me know the truth and the double meaning in his statement.
I nod before I head to the busy front entrance of the massive gas station that feels like an upgraded Walmart the minute I walk in.
The chaos of hundreds of travelers fills the air as I hurry toward the restrooms. My mind reels with thoughts of Chance and how quickly I analyze his words.
With my mind all over the place, it takes me no time to use the bathroom, grab the sandwiches, and head back to Chance so we can continue our drive.
“I know we’ll need to unwind a bit when we get in, but my friends are waiting to greet us. We can get the formal stuff out of the way and then retreat to our room for a little while if you want,” Chance says as he pulls into the resort five hours later.
My words get stuck to the roof of my mouth, and my nerves become jittery because the moment of truth is here.
My palms become sweaty as I turn to look at Chance once he pulls into a parking spot.
I’m unsure how to respond, and part of me questions myself for forgetting that this part would be first. I unconsciously bite my bottom lip as a smirk slides into place on Chance’s lips.
“I see your thoughts are loud. It’s not going to be as bad as you think. Quick introductions, and then we can head off to our room with an excuse of being tired from the long drive.”
“I-I—whew. I forgot about this part.”
“It’s cool. You can trust me in this moment and in every other moment throughout this trip.
I’m not only your man but your protector.
Your heart and safety will be guarded by me.
” Chance exits the vehicle without another word, and my heart rate increases as it echoes a cadence like Shug rushing to get to Celie.
Fear and intrigue mix as my mind processes Chance’s words.
But I don’t have long to consider any of his spiel when he opens my door and assists me with getting out.
My moist palm interlocks with his, and I look up to see comfort in his eyes.
Chance squeezes my hand gently before I give him a subtle nod, and we head to the front entrance.