Chapter 14
Alijah
Deshona’s pussy wasn’t supposed to feel so good.
I also didn’t mean to still be playing slip-and-slide in it days later.
What the hell did she have within her nectar?
I understand why ole boy went out like a tween without skills.
Lord, have mercy. Kaigood is supposed to be my reprieve.
The place where I get my mind right. The place where I’m only supposed to live in the moment.
Where things become new, free, and without pressure to consider or teeter with thoughts of the future.
Jogging on this treadmill is my remedy to stay off Deshona.
I want to close my eyes, but I fear the presence of Deshona’s sex faces.
My workday was over, and I ran out of the apartment like I owed it money.
This is my first time in the on-site gym, but as my arms pump on this machine, I know it won’t be the last. I’m not a gym rat or health nut, but the constant sitting at work and the lack of exercise since the move have me feeling sluggish.
“Hello.” A syrupy feminine voice greets me, and I turn my head to see a woman in a spandex bodysuit that leaves little to the imagination.
I bob my head without slowing my strides or spending too much time taking the woman in.
Hell, falling into temptation is part of the reason my lungs are about to give out now.
Besides, I already have my hands full and don’t need anyone new.
Fuck temptation. That bullshit has me moving funny.
I can’t believe I asked Deshona to come with me to my company party.
I hadn’t even RSVP’d before asking her. What the fuck is wrong with me?
Good pussy will have you either licking it, sticking it, or marrying it. Looks like you’re two for three.
A growl sounds from the back of my throat when my bitch ass conscience spews those words.
Deshona’s pussy has me forgetting that I’m not open to anything romantic.
Hell, I ain’t supposed to be thinking of shit but rebuilding my life.
Time fades and miles increase as I run until moisture coats my entire body.
When water drips into my eyes, I give in and slow my pace to complete the slow-down process.
Ten minutes later, I leave the facility with my mind on a shower and dinner options.
I enter the apartment a few minutes later, and Deshona is coming from the back. She's wearing loungewear, and her hair is up in a ponytail as her eyes rake over my body without shame. The glow within her eyes increases my body heat as I move toward her because a shower is necessary.
“See something you like?” The corners of my mouth upturn as my fingers yearn to touch her, and my mouth waters with an urge to taste her.
“Maybe. I’m trying to figure out if I should hop on your sweaty dick or give you time to shower.” She tilts her head as her right index finger rests on her chin.
Her eyes cloud in a sexual haze that causes me to contemplate the decision as if I’m the one who has the choice.
Damn, this woman is gonna give me a literal run for my money.
Sweat rests in places where only a washcloth is capable of cleaning, and I’m still ready to go for another run. Thanks to Deshona’s horny ass.
“You're gonna fuck around and lose your ability to walk straight. Keep fucking with me, woman.”
The water from my forehead hits my eyes, reminding me of my urgent need to shower. For now, I’m gonna walk away because Deshona and I need to establish something more than the bending of our wills.
“Go shower. But I’m going to order pizza for dinner. I’d like to break bread with you if that’s okay.”
“That’s cool. Follow me to my room right quick. I got it.” Not waiting for a response, I walk off toward my bedroom to retrieve cash from my wallet.
“I can pay for it.”
“But you won’t.”
Since I only went to the gym on-site, I didn’t take anything but my keys.
Even though dinner was Deshona’s idea, I don’t want her to pay for it.
Pizza is inexpensive and probably not a big deal, but for now, it’s the meal that will lead to conversation with the woman I shouldn’t be thinking about.
It takes me roughly thirty minutes to shower, dress in comfortable clothes, and return to the living room ready to eat and converse.
“Perfect timing. The pizza just got here.”
I nod and join Deshona on the floor, where there’s a blanket, the pizza, two glasses with ice, and a two-liter of wild cherry Pepsi. There’s also a small stack of napkins but no plates, which is fine with me.
“Looks like you’ve thought of everything. What did you get on the pizza?”
“The basics—pepperoni and sausage, but one half of it has mushrooms. I wasn’t sure if you would eat those, so I didn’t want to add them to the whole pie.”
“Good idea. I don’t like fungus on my pizza.”
Deshona giggles, and the lighthearted sound causes my chest to expand as a small smile slides into place on my lips. Deshona’s eyes twinkle every time she laughs, and it does something to me each time. The more interaction I have with Deshona, the harder it is to resist my body’s response to her.
“How was work today? You didn’t talk much.”
“Same old same. I didn’t want to disturb you, so I stayed focused on my tasks,” I say.
Nah, more like you were trying not to imagine the way her eyes become glazed with pleasure while she’s riding you. Or the way she burrows into you post sex.
“Oh. You don’t have to worry about that. Sometimes a little distraction can expedite the hours.” She waves me off before she opens the box and grabs a slice of pizza.
I grab a slice of pizza and take a bite without another word as I fight to ignore the little noises Deshona makes while she eats.
This is the second time I’ve noticed that Deshona makes appreciative sounds when she enjoys what she eats.
Deshona finishes her first slice and then moves to pour us some of the Pepsi as she jumps into conversation.
“So how many people work at your company? Is the party a standard practice? I’ve been working remotely for the last two years, and my employer has never done anything like that.
I make great money, and they often pay bonuses, but that’s it.
I only see other people during all-staff Zoom meetings.
But honestly, I don’t mind it. I enjoy being able to work in the comforts of my home. ”
“It’s a small company, I don’t know, maybe one-fifty. This will be the first party since I’ve been there, so I don’t know if it’s common practice for them or not.”
I finish the slice of pizza and then clear my mouth with the cold cherry beverage that tastes as good as the food. Once I’m done, I jump in to change the subject because I would rather learn more than work details about Deshona.
“Have you ever had your heart broken?”
Deshona’s head lifts faster than humanly possible as her curious eyes peer into mine. I’m not completely sure why it’s the question I let slip, but I’m out here now.
“That’s random and uh, I don’t know . . . heavy for a casual dinner.”
Maybe, but I’ve fucked you, and I need to know if we have more than a sexual connection.
“Possibly. But it’s real. Are you gonna answer?”
“Part of my reason for being in this city is because of heartbreak, both in relationships and as a result of watching my mother’s failed relationships. But let me ask you this. What do you do when things stop feeling easy or exciting? Do you walk away, or do you dip your toe in new water?”
Pain radiates across my chest because I can’t help but wonder if that’s what led to Monika exploring other options.
I thought things were great with us, and she never told me we had any issues.
Being caught off guard by Monika’s actions, I didn’t have time to ask questions, and I didn’t want to.
All that seemed reasonable to do was get out of town.
I jerk when I feel Deshona’s hand wipe away the lone tear I didn’t realize slipped from my left eye.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. You don’t have to answer.” The plea, mixed with sympathy in her eyes, tightens my chest at the reality of my vulnerability.
“In relationships, I’m not the walk-away type. I’m a man who stands ten toes down for the woman I love. I’m willing to fight. But only if she’s willing to add skin in the game.”
“Me too. I don’t have an example when it comes to marriage. But I still want the fairy tale, you know? I still want a man to desire me as much as I desire him. I still want the butterflies whenever I look into his eyes.”
Deshona stops talking, and all I can do is nod in agreement.
Gwen and Darren Dawson have always made me long for the woman with whom I can spend forever with.
I thought I had it, but as I sit beside Deshona and the air in the room shifts, I realize I should maybe be open to dating again.
Hell, I might just be sitting next to the woman designed for me.
Saturday Night . . .
“Gotdamn.” My eyes stretch like one of those animated characters as Deshona enters the living room.
Fine ain’t got shit on Deshona’s tempting ass.
Deshona’s cheeks flash with a red hue as she struts toward me, and her perfume fills my nostrils, instantly hardening my dick.
For a mothafucka I’m not supposed to care anything about, Deshona is about to force me to choke on the idea.
She’s wearing a black dress that stops just below her knees.
One side has a split that plays peekaboo with her brown skin.
My eyes run over her body from head to toe before I take in her white painted toes in the black open-toe heels on her feet.
Her hair hangs past her shoulders in crinkly waves.
The light makeup on her face is subtle and only enhances her beauty. Deshona definitely matches my fly.
“You clean up very well . . . Turn around so I can see all of you.” She twirls her finger in a circle motion as a cocky smirk forms, and I do as instructed.
I know I look good, so if Deshona wants me to model for her, I’m happy to oblige.
The all-black jacket, black dress shirt with the top two buttons undone, black slacks, and black dress shoes make me feel relaxed in the best way.
My hair is braided, and although they need to be redone, I have them hanging.
“Can you braid?” I ask once I face Deshona again.
“Mhm. We probably should have established that days ago. But luckily for you, your hair doesn’t look busted. You must wrap it up, huh?”
“I do. Ma always said if I was gonna keep my hair long, I needed to learn how to maintain it.”
“Smart lady.”
I nod as I interlock our hands and head toward the front door before I lose my nerve or decide to see if Deshona has on thongs or regular panties underneath her dress.
“Just for tonight, can we be more than roommates?”
I have to fight the goofy smile that wants to break free and the drums in my chest that Deshona’s question causes once we’re inside the elevator.
Her inquisitive eyes are on me, and I need to present a nonchalant exterior.
But the truth is, the question has me wondering if Deshona’s feelings about me are changing. Tonight should be interesting.