3. Merci #2
Smiling, I sat back in my seat as I carefully considered my response. Never mind the fact that my pussy throbbed upon hearing his raspy voice say my name.
“I’m not sure what reason I’d have to do that. I got a man, so unless you needed me to help you plan a party or host an event for you, I don’t think there’s a reason for us to exchange numbers.”
He looked down at my left hand, and curiosity covered his face. “I don’t see a ring, so you’re still single as far as I’m concerned.”
“Nah,” I said softly. “I’m not really into a man who would go after a woman knowing she’s taken. If you’re willing to be cheated with, how do I know you’re not a cheater yourself?”
He chuckled and ran his fingers down the corners of his mouth.
“When did I say I was cool with you cheating on ya man with me?” When he licked his lips, I unintentionally stared at them as I licked mine in desire.
“I’ma take you from him, and you’re going to be mine and mine alone. I’on do that cheating or sharing shit.”
Since I was speechless, all I could do was keep my gaze on his as I smiled.
My intention was to bring my sister out so she could enjoy herself, not to contemplate cheating on my man.
Technically, David and I weren’t in a committed relationship, so would it really have been cheating?
I mean… we were having sex, and he did have the password to my front door. So that was something.
The hitter pulled his phone out, confident our time together was going to end with him getting my number. With a shaky sigh, I knocked my shot back, then put my number in his phone. He wasted no time calling my phone so I would have his number as well.
He watched as I saved his number with hearts instead of his name.
“What’s that for?” he asked, leaning against my shoulder in a way that made it easy for me to smell his cologne and the mint on his breath.
“I’m not saving your name until you prove you’re worthy. If these hearts leave before I do, I’m blocking you.”
He laughed and nodded, seemingly impressed. “Hammer.”
“Hmm?” I replied absently as I put my phone back in my clutch.
“That’s my name. Hammer.”
I figured that was a nickname, but I didn’t bother asking for his real name. If he didn’t want me to have it, either he was running game and didn’t plan to stay around for long, or he had something to hide. Didn’t matter either way. He was fine, but I was content with what I had with David.
Ariel took her shot, and we decided to go ahead and leave.
Even with her seemingly enjoying her conversation with the lookalike, I could tell she wasn’t here completely.
It was clear her husband was on her mind.
As much as I wanted her to say fuck him and move on so she could finally get the life and love she deserved, it appeared she wasn’t ready for that yet, which was understandable.
“If his name is Hammer, what’s yours?” I asked the lookalike. “Nails?”
They all laughed at my unintentionally amusing inquiry as they walked us to the car.
“Nah,” the lookalike said as the last of his chuckle faded out. His eyes locked with Hammer’s, and when he nodded, the lookalike said, “Cujo.”
Convinced at that point they were on total and complete bullshit, I just chuckled and shook my head.
“Yeah, okay. Well, thanks again, Hammer, and it was nice to meet you both,” I said, unlocking my car.
“Let me know when you make it home safely, Merci. Do not forget,” Hammer urged, opening the door for me.
“Yes, sir,” I agreed, though a part of me planned to delete his number right after.
We said our goodbyes, and I made my way through the crowded parking lot. Once we were on the expressway, I said, “All things considered, I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight.”
“I did, actually. Probably would have been in a sour mood if the brothers hadn’t come along, but I had a lot of fun until Geno ruined it.”
“Well, you know what my daddy would say.”
Her head bobbed slowly as we said together, “Be the thermostat and the thermometer,” before laughing. He always told us that to remind us not to let anything or anyone control our temperature—our emotions.
“Regardless of what happened with Geno, I’m glad you had a good time,” I said, “and I won’t try to move you too fast. If you want to wait longer, I understand. More than anything, I just want you to be happy.”
“I know, sis, and I really appreciate you for that. I honestly don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I appreciate you getting me out the house for a while.”
“Anything for you,” I reminded her before a comfortable silence found us.
The entire drive, my curiosity about Hammer stayed in the forefront of my mind.
He and his brother were definitely nice to look at, but something about him told me to stay away.
I never went against my intuition without paying the price for it, though, so as sexy as he was, and as curious as I was, I’d let him know I made it home safely and then delete his number.
I had a feeling it would be better if I ended things with him before they could completely begin.