Chapter Seven
It had been two days since they had hung out, and Danger couldn’t get Caresha out of his head.
He sat on the hood of his car, parked in front of her job, his phone resting in his hand.
The screen was still lit up with the last text she had sent over an hour ago.
She was venting about annoying customers and how ready she was to clock out.
He hadn’t bothered to reply, and for good reason. He’d rather pull up on her instead.
This was all still crazy to Danger. Usually, dealing with women was simple.
Link up, fuck, maybe circle back if the pussy and head were right.
Whatever he was doing with Caresha felt different, though.
He hadn’t even gotten the pussy yet, and his interest was already piqued.
This was something different and refreshing.
The night they hung out had been a whole vibe. They talked, joked, cruised around the city, and laughed like they’d known each other forever. Caresha had distracted him from the grief weighing heavy on his chest. That alone had him wanting to be around her more.
Ten minutes later, the building doors swung open, and Caresha stepped out with one of her coworkers, adjusting her purse on her shoulder.
“Girl, I’m telling you,” Ashlyn whispered. “This nigga on this car so fine. Babyyy, the things I’d do. You know I love me a tall, chocolate one.”
Caresha laughed, realizing Ashlyn was still going on about this guy she claimed to have seen from her workstation window.
“Girl, I’ve been working here for four years, and I haven’t seen anything but ugly, lame-ass niggas come through.
It might be one of our coworkers' husbands trying to surprise her or something. Keep your eyes to yourself before you end up fighting out here. I ain’t losing my job helping you fight over a nigga that’s not mine. ”
What Caresha really wanted to say was that there was only one friend she was swinging for, and that was Nivéa Knight…her best friend, her sister. Ashlyn was cool to talk to and hang out with occasionally; Caresha even did her silk presses from time to time, but they weren’t locked in like that.
“Girl, please. If that man even blinks my way, I’m going over to that Hellcat and giving him my number. I don’t give a fuck who he belongs to. I’d leave with him today.”
At the mention of a Hellcat, Caresha’s mind raced. Could it be? Curiosity made her scan the parking lot as they walked, but the shed attached to the brick building blocked her view slightly.
“Ash, where is this mystery man? I don’t see anyone.”
“That’s ‘cause he’s on the side. You’ll see. Trust me.”
Caresha continued down the path and turned her head slightly to the right, where she heard music coming from. The moment she spotted Danger, cloaked in all black with J’s on his feet and his Knights chain hanging over his shirt, her steps slowed.
Ashlyn leaned in close and whispered,
“See. I told you. That nigga so fine that he done slowed your walking, girl.” She laughed.
Caresha blinked, genuinely caught off guard. This wasn’t what she expected from Danger. Yet there he was, obviously waiting on her. He caught her staring and smirked as he hopped off his hood.
“No ma’am. You will not be leaving with this man. I know him.”
“For real? Who is he?” Ashlyn questioned, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“Potential. I’ll talk to you later, girl.” Caresha left Ashlyn where she stood as she walked toward Danger.
“Sup, Ree?” He spoke.
“Hey, you.” She smiled, thinking the little nickname he’d given her was cute.
“Took you long enough. Thought you got off at four.”
Caresha folded her arms, taking him in slowly. “I do, but it takes me about thirty minutes to clean my workstation. What you doing here? And how the hell you know the location to where I work?”
“I asked Nivéa where your job was at, so I can pull up on you. I brought you food.”
Caresha’s expression softened, though she tried to hide it from everyone passing by.
She didn’t want to appear too unprofessional, though off the clock.
But just like that, her day felt lighter.
She flicked her side bang out of her face and smiled.
He had really been putting in some effort since she told him about himself, texting and calling her throughout the day for two straight days.
“Well, thank you. This was sweet of you… and crazy. If my boss was still here, he would’ve called the cops on you. You’ve got people in there trying to figure out who’s the fine, chocolate nigga blasting loud music in the parking lot.”
“I ain’t worried about that nigga or them pigs. He can send whoever.”
Caresha broke into a smile. “Okay, troublemaker. Stay out of these streets, causing chaos.”
Danger chuckled, taking in her figure in the fitted pantsuit.
That subtle V-neck had his mind wandering deep into the gutter.
He glanced down at her heels, noticing her feet were perfectly shaped and polished, making her outfit look even better.
He was digging her style, especially the messy high bun piled on top of her head.
Her baby hairs were laid to perfection, and a few curly strands framed her pretty face.
“I hear you, ma.”
“What you got me to eat?”
Danger walked to the passenger seat, retrieved a large brown paper bag along with her drink from the cupholder, and handed both to her.
“Kemps Bar-B-Q. I got you a fully loaded baked potato with a large punch from Brims. I remember you telling me baked potatoes were your favorite food.”
“Whew, okay then. I see you. I can’t wait to get home and eat.” Her smile grew bigger as she realized that both food spots were miles apart, on separate sides of town. “Can’t believe you went to two places for little ol’ me. Thank you. I really appreciate this.”
“No problem. That ain’t nothin’.”
Caresha held her bag and drink, staring up at him. “That’s all you came here for?”
Danger’s brow rose, he liked the way her voice sounded when she asked that. “Shiiit, you offering me somethin’ else?”
Caresha laughed. “No, not really, I’m just asking.”
Danger nodded, stepping into her space, then reached down and pulled her into his arms.
“I come for this, too.” He told her, hugging her tightly.
Caresha’s hands were full, but she somehow managed to wrap her arms around him, savoring the warmth. She’d loved that feeling ever since he hugged her after dropping her off during their last link-up. And damn, he smelled incredible.
“Thank you. The hug is much appreciated after such a rough day.”
Danger felt the same way. He needed that hug badly, but his pride wouldn’t let him say it.
“You smell so good. Where you headed after this?” Caresha asked when he pulled back.
“Our tailor. Gotta get fitted for my tux for this reception. Big bro gon’ be on my ass if I’m late or miss this appointment. A nigga ain’t trying to hear all that preachin’ and shit.”
Caresha snickered. “I understand that. Niv was the same way. Bitch came back from Vegas on my ass to get those dresses like she ain’t the one who decided last minute to up and get married.”
“Yeah, I remember that day. It’s the first day I really laid eyes on your pretty ass.”
Caresha grew speechless, batting her lashes, and Danger took notice. He knew from experience that women tend to do that and flip their hair when they’re feeling you. She had already done the later. He was clocking it all.
“What you ‘bout to go do?”
“Go get Ny from daycare and watch her until Niv gets off. She’s working late on a custom order.”
“That’s wassup.” Danger glanced at his watch. “So, what you talking? About eight?”
“What you mean?”
“Her shop normally closes at six. Add a few more hours to that, and it should be about eight or nine when she gets baby girl. Then I can take you out on a real date.”
“Oh, I see.” Caresha laughed, catching on. “Yeah, that sounds about right. We can do that.”
“Aight, bet. Hit me when you done, and I’ll be on my way.”
“Will do.”
Danger’s eyes fucked her intensely. He didn’t mean no disrespect. She just looked too good to him not to stare.
“I ain’t playing no games wit’ you, Ree. Hit my line as soon as you ready.” He finally said, biting down on his bottom lip.
Feeling good, Caresha rose up on the tips of her heels, leaning in close to whisper in his ear.
“I ain’t playing with you either, so make sure to pick the fuck up when I call.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and headed toward her car parked at the back of the lot. Unbeknownst to her, Danger had made the decision to follow, ensuring she made it there safely.
Later that night, Caresha stood before her mirror, applying her lipstick. After trying on four different outfits, she finally settled on a fitted jumpsuit paired with heels. Her hair was styled in a layered blowout with a deep side part, featuring large spiral curls that gave her so much volume.
Although she knew Danger liked it curly, she wanted to switch her style up and show him how a bad bitch truly stepped out and shined. She completed the look with her new Van Cleef necklace and matching earrings Nivéa had gifted her after her trip to Vegas.
Across the room, Nivéa sat on the edge of the bed, cradling Nyla against her chest after a long day at work. As her eyes scanned Caresha, a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.
“Oh, you fine-fine tonight, sis. I see you. Crown had me doing the same shit.”
Caresha rolled her eyes while fixing her lashes. “Girl, hush.” She blushed.
“No, seriously. Danger ain’t gone know how to act when he sees you.”
“Please. That nigga already don’t know how to act. Pulling up at my job, causing a scene. I can’t believe you gave him the address, heffa.”
“Well, in my defense, he came correct. He called Crown and got me on the phone. He was adamant about do something nice for you. I thought it was sweet.”
“Mm-hmm. Of course, your lover girl ass would think that.” Caresha turned slightly to check herself in the mirror again before shrugging. “That’s cool. He’s cool.”