Chapter 9 #2
I heard someone behind me clear their throat, which had me turning to see a group of bitches whispering amongst themselves then offering fake ass waves and smiles. I rolled my eyes then turned around.
I hated being the topic of discussion in a room of hating ass women who had nothing better to do. I could imagine the long ass comments and posts I would be a part of because of Luke, which pissed me off.
“I need names, Angie.” That was all I said before I had everything.
I vowed once I got wind of a girl from high school talking shit about me and Luke all those years ago when we got divorced.
A bitch would never ever have one up on me to the point that she could run my shit down when it came to a nigga, especially not him.
Once the game was done, we walked toward the locker rooms where the press were. While the other ladies waited on their men, I texted Mariah to start digging on these players and their wives. My goal was to have something by the end of the day.
Mariah: Ooh, I got something on the Harnett one and it’s good. I was going to run it by Omar.
Me: Send that shit tonight!
Mariah: I got you.
I closed the text thread just as Luke was making his way over to me.
I smiled, then tucked my bottom lip as I walked closer to him, closing the space as my arms took him in as he did the same to me, leaning down to kiss my neck.
“Hey, Hershey, did you enjoy the game and your time with the ladies?” My whole face went into his chest, inhaling his scent.
“Yes,” I mumbled.
“Good. I’m going to kiss you while everyone is watching, is that okay?” he whispered in my ear as he kissed it.
“Yes, Luke.”
I must have shocked him because he leaned up, putting his eyes on me as I nodded my confirmation.
After my text from Mariah and making a connection with Angie, I was in such a good mood I might’ve agreed to anything at that moment.
When his mouth landed on mine, it was gentle before he slightly spread my lips.
I gasped at the feeling of breath filling my mouth and me swallowing it.
It lasted for ten seconds tops. No tongue, but it was enough to have me questioning if including this part in our fake marriage story was necessary… no, smart.
“Are you hungry?” I was speechless as he grabbed my hand, leading me toward the stadium exit.
My mind was fucked up.
“Wait, y’all did what?” Johnni asked while Mickey just sat there with her mouth wide, her eyes full of excitement, matching Johnni’s tone.
The girls stayed true to their word and came over this morning for the full rundown of the game.
Their timing was perfect since Luke got up and out early.
Giving me the time to do a tour and catch them up on everything.
I rushed the kiss detail in the story, hoping to get past it fast, especially since my mind was still processing the feeling of his lips on mine again.
“We kissed. I mean, it was nothing. I’m talking PG rating at best. Listen, just like y’all heffas, I know the rules to making some shit look good and real.”
“Uht uht, don’t compare. My situation with Quincey was completely different and Luke isn’t gay.” I pressed my lips together as I nodded slightly.
“And I mean, look where mine got me. I faked my fake relationship so hard I got a ring and new last name,” Mickey said, voice dripping with humor as she shifted her eyes around.
“My situation ain’t yours either, thank you. You and BK were both playing with each other. Luke and I are different.”
“No, you’re right. You already got his last name,” Mickey said, causing Johnni to gasp before chuckles left her mouth. I was stuck as Mickey checked me to the point of no slick comeback.
“Touché, heffa, but still not the same. You love your husband. I don’t love mine. Luke and I…we’re just… too much time has passed. Nothing else for me to do but to officially close this chapter so I can move on.”
“If that were true you wouldn’t have been bothered by that kiss,” Johnni added.
“Who the hell said I was bothered? It was a kiss, not the best, not life changing.”
Lies.
It was like our first kiss, magical and life changing.
“You didn’t have to. Your eyes and body language told me everything. You tensed immediately after you said it and your eyes began avoiding our gazes, as if we would see you felt something you thought was dead. I mean, it’s okay if you do or did, you know that, right?”
Before I could answer her crazy ass question and clear up the even wilder allegations, the garage door opened with Luke walking in carrying grocery bags. We were currently on the back deck, their backs to the clear door while I saw him.
“Holls!” he called out as soon as he got past the threshold. Of course he didn’t see me though. Upon hearing him, both Mickey and Johnni turned as if we shared the same name.
“Um… excuse me, he didn’t call y’all.”
I was up and moving, heading inside to Luke.
“Hey, what’s all this?” I asked, walking up on him as he placed the bags on the counter.
“Food. I don’t eat much here but figured you might.
Now it’s only the basics. I wasn’t sure about your favorite snacks and stuff you on these days,” he said as he looked down at me, completely sucking me in with his alluring deep brown eyes and his diamond glazed white teeth that he showed off in a silly smile that had me doing the same.
Since last night and that kiss, we were in a neutral space. I didn’t wake up and immediately want to cuss him out or complain about being here.
“Thanks,” I said as he passed me a bag of spicy chips that I grew up loving and still snuck them in during period weeks.
“Still a favorite?” I nodded as the sound of someone clearing their throat caught his attention.
“Oh yeah, she still loves them, especially during—”
“Thanks, Johnni, I think he gets it. Oh yeah, the girls are here. I gave them the grand tour, I hope that’s okay. They also contributed to our statements,” I said, cutting her off and addressing Luke who was now sporting a smirk.
“Oh shit, well, we appreciate you, ladies.” He nodded in their direction before he put his full attention back on me, with heavy eyes that had me feeling exposed standing in front of him as he licked his full lips.
God, I wonder if they feel just like I remember on my neck and—
“C’mon, Holls, you already know it’s no problem at all.
This is your home too, for the time being.
Well, don’t let me interrupt your girl time.
I’m heading up so I can get ready for the game.
I’ll see you later, right?” he asked while putting his hand on mine on the island.
The whole move was simple and yet so dangerous.
“Yes.”
“See you ladies later, enjoy the house.” They sing-songed their goodbyes in unison, which had me gagging.
“Eww… could y’all do anymore? It’s just Deacon.”
“No, could you?” Ms. it ain’t in love, it doesn’t seem like it. Your bottom lip is still on the floor,” Mickey said.
“I’m not.” I held on tight to my suppressed confusing feelings. I was sure it wasn’t love, but being this close to Luke was fucking with my mental and I didn’t like it. I needed to do something to fix it.
“Anyways, to change the subject…well, kinda. Mickey, do you think BK can take some pictures of us?”
“Wait, like an old school couple shoot?” Johnni jumped in before Mickey could respond.
“Not a couple, but yeah, I guess. Something that doesn’t scream we hate each other. That will also help us.” She kissed her teeth as she rolled her eyes.
“Clearly neither of y’all hate each other. That man buying groceries and getting favorites and both of y’all are eye fucking each other in front of company. Looks like a happily married couple to me.”
“Paying for groceries told you that? Honey, I gotta teach you how to read the room. I still hate that nigga.” We all shared a laugh as I finished putting the groceries away, ignoring the part about Luke and I eye fucking each other because I would be lying.
You just lied about hating him though, Holli.