Chapter 9 Mayson “Trucker” Calhoune #2
“And you’re sure about that?” I demanded.
“What’s this?” Taji asked, resting her free hand on her hips. “Only if she tries coming at me again. I won’t be her punching bag anymore.”
“Taji—”
“You’re not my father. I can take care of myself.”
“You don’t see why I’m worried?”
Taji rolled her eyes.
“Let’s have that talk now, Taji.” I told her. “I want to clear the air, so you know where I stand.”
“I know where you stand, Trucker.” She sounded tired. “There’s no reason to make this more awkward than it needs to be. Just—let it go.”
I walked over to stand in front of her. The fear in her gaze worried me. Even as I framed her cheeks and caressed them with my thumbs, I worried.
Still, instead of taking her lips like I so desperately wanted to do, I pressed my mouth to her forehead, loving the warmth of her skin.
“If she comes to you again,” I said. “Just know the one I want to kiss is you. The body I want curled around mine, is yours. No matter what she says to you. I’m not hers and even if we don’t work—we don’t happen, it’ll never be her.”
Taji blinked but said nothing.
“Do you hear me?” I snapped, wanting to shake her. “Do you understand?”
She nodded.
“No, Taji. I need to hear you say it.”
“I understand.” Taji’s voice shook.
Nodding, I released her and walked away.
Having my woman claim me was hot.
Having Esther claimed me had me sick to my stomach.
I left Taji alone for the rest of the day and busied myself with finishing up my reports for Zoom.
In the end, I went for a second run for the day.
I usually used that time to clear my head, to get my thoughts straight. But even after pushing my body a little longer than I was used to and getting back to the house, I was still somewhat muddy.
“Um—Trucker?”
“Hmm?” I looked up from where I was digging through my bag.
“Wanna go swimming with me?”
I arched a brow. “Question.”
She quirked a brow. “O-kay?”
“Would you be wearing a one piece, a two piece or nothing at all?” I wanted to know, making certain she saw the way my eyes climbed her body like a tree—slowly.
I couldn’t help myself.
I love the way she flushed beautifully when I was naughty.
“Well, you have a choice between a one piece or a two piece.” Taji lifted her chin. “Or maybe a one piece with a t-shirt over it.”
“Ugh!” I fake clutched at my heart.
“Naked is off the table.” Taji told me, pointedly, her chin high for added effect.
“Ugh!” I was louder now, being more dramatic at clutching my chest. “Forever?”
“The only person who sees me swim naked is my man.” She lifted her chin. “You’re not my man.”
Not yet.
“Girl…” I smirked. “In that case, two piece, please.”
“So, does that mean you want to go?”
I nodded.
Taji left me alone and wandered back to her bedroom.
I put some clothes in the washing machine, changed into some shorts and a t-shirt then found a towel in the bathroom. Since I was still waiting for her, I packed some snacks, water and juice and was ready by the time she joined me.
We made our way down one of the paths I had yet to take on the property that led to a beautiful tree protected cove. The water was clear and clean, and I couldn’t wait to feel it against my skin.
“This place was made by magic.” She giggled while stripping down to her swimsuit.
“Damn.” I gasped. “This is a lesson in being careful what I wish for, isn’t it?”
“Why is that?”
“You’re so sexy.”
Taji giggled. “Oh em gee, stop!”
My eyes dropped down her body again and I bit my bottom lip.
“Mayson!”
“I’m not sorry.” I admitted. “How can you look like that and get irritated when a man—when anyone—appreciates it?”
She flushed and walked into the water.
It was as if I was frozen in place as I watched her paddle out into the water.
I joined, and the weight of the world melted away.
We played about together, splashing each other. I had never heard her laugh that much since I met her. The joy on her wet face caused me to smile as a warm feeling rushed through every part of me.
“Can I ask you something?” Taji asked as she wrapped her arms across my shoulders while lounging on my back.
“Sure.”
“What type of women are you into?” Taji wanted to know. “I know you said she had to be strong and stuff.”
“Are you thinking of auditioning, Taji?” I teased.
She released me and pushed at my back.
Laughing, I turned to face her.
“Stop playing around.” Taji told me. “I’m being serious.”
“It’s a serious question.” I assured her as I turned around.
“Auditioning?”
“To be mine.” I answered. “Or did you want me to audition?”
“What would you say if I said yes?” Taji countered.
I got the feeling she was playing with me—I liked it.
“What would you say if I said that I wanted you to audition?” Taji added. “That’s a serious question, by the way.”
“Then I audition.” I shrugged. “But what would I get if I passed?”
“Me.” Taji nodded.
My breath caught and I had to stick the tip of my tongue to my top teeth, imagining what that would be like.
Then, it was as if she caught herself and laughed while shaking her head.
“Listen to me talk as if I’m some prize. Forget I said anything, okay?”
“How about this.” I paddled over to her. “I show you what I have—then you tell me if I pass.”
Taji said nothing.
She stared into my eyes for what felt like an eternity before swimming in close, tangling her arms around my neck and kissing me—shyly.
“Deal.” Her voice cracked.
“Was that your way of sealing our deal?”
“Yes.”
“Well.” I wrapped my arms around her bare waist and pulled her closer.
Kissing her deeper, I released her lips with a smack.
“That’s how you seal a deal with a kiss.” I croaked.
Taji pressed her face into my neck.
I smirked.
“Are you being shy, Sprite?” I asked.
Taji groaned and wiggled her body against me. She then groaned again and held me tighter, hiding her face.
I laughed.