by Peyton Banks
She had practically thrown herself at him. What red-blooded man would turn down that?
“You want to go out for a drink after work?” Jessie asked.
“Yes,” Yani groaned. That would do the trick. Going out with her friend to share what was bothering her was just the thing she needed. Drowning her sorrows and spilling out what was weighing heavy on her chest would help her figure out what to do. Jessie was good at listening and could help her.
The bell over the door jingled. Yani bent down and swept the hair into the dustpan. She straightened and turned to see who the newcomer was and froze.
Nathan.
She swallowed hard and emptied the dustpan into the trashcan.
“How is y’all doing?” Nathan greeted the salon.
“Hey, Nate,” a few of the girls echoed simultaneously.
Yani put the broom and dustpan back in their rightful spot and walked back to her station. Her muscles were tensed, and she was unsure what to expect from her brother’s visit.
Was he here to scold her?
“Hello, Nate.” Jessie grinned, standing from Yani’s chair.
“Hey, Jess,” he replied. His gaze swung to Yani, and they stared at each other. He snatched his baseball cap from his head and ran a hand along his head. It was apparent he was nervous. “Yani.”
“Nathan.” She folded her arms in front of her and moved to stand behind her chair.
“What are you doing here? You don’t come around too often?” Jessie asked. She eyed Nathan and Yani and must have sensed the tension between the two of them.
Yani rolled her eyes. Leave it up to her friend to point out the obvious. Her heart was racing too fast to yell at her.
“I was coming to see if my sister could step out for a little for lunch.” Nathan turned to her with his eyebrows raised.
“Yeah, I have time.” It was midday, and Yani always took a two-hour break. Being a busy hairstylist had her in the shop bright and early before seven for her first client and working ten to twelve-hour days. “Let me get my purse.”
She finished cleaning her station off in record time before heading back to the locker room. A few minutes later, she was leaving the salon with Nathan.
She was unsure of what to think or how this conversation was going to go.
Her brother escorted her to his oversized pickup truck. The day was a gorgeous one with the sun beaming high in the bright-blue sky. A warm breeze blew, lifting her hair and tossing it into her eyes. Yani brushed it away and made it to Nathan’s passenger door.
He opened it for her, but she hesitated to get in. She spun around and stared up at her brother.
“What is it, Yani?” he asked, taking a step back.
“I’m sorry,” she blurted out. The wind blew again, blowing her hair in her face. She pushed it aside and continued. “Please don’t be made at Rashad—”
“It’s okay.” He cut her off. Nathan must have picked up on her doubt. His eyes softened, and he took her hand in his. “Get in the truck, Yani. I promise it’s okay.”
She studied his eyes and knew her brother wouldn’t lie to her.
With a nod, she allowed him to help her up into his vehicle. He closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. He hopped in and hit the button to turn the engine on. He backed out of the parking spot and guided them onto the street.
Yani sat in her seat nervously. She’d heard him when he’d said that it would be okay, but what the hell did that mean? Was there some twisted meaning to his words?
She clutched her handbag in her lap as she watched the scenery go by. Shady Springs was a modest town, and there weren’t too many restaurants to choose from.
Nathan reached forward and flipped on the radio. The music filled the empty silence.
Yani glanced at her brother and found him concentrating on the road while tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.
Calm down, girl.
She blew out a deep breath and relaxed back. This was Nathan, her big brother. She could always count on him to protect her and look out for her.
Maybe that was why she felt as if she had broken his trust.
Soon, he pulled into one of her favorite restaurants, The Notorious C.O.W. It was a popular barbecue joint. It was well-known for its delicious meals and happy hour. The founder, David Walker, had moved from his home state of Texas and opened the restaurant about ten years ago.
Yani’s mouth watered, thinking of the slab of ribs she was going to order.
“Hungry?” Nathan asked. He parked his truck into a spot and killed the engine.
Her nerves were crawling, and she was unsure of what he was going to say, but all she knew at this point was that she was ready to eat.
“Yeah.”
They exited the truck and walked into the building. It was busy for the lunch hour. Yani couldn’t remember a time when the restaurant wasn’t filled with people vying to get a table.
“Hey, y’all. Two for today?” The hostess greeted them with a wide smile. Her tag revealed her name to be Lonnie.
“Yes, two,” Nathan replied.
“I’ll be right back. I think we may have something. Table or booth?” Lonnie asked.
“Booth if you have it.” Nathan ushered Yani out of the way of a couple leaving.
Yani recognized the hostess as someone she had gone to high school with. If memory served her right, Lonnie had graduated a year before her. This wasn’t uncommon. Being from a small town, some people stayed in for the long haul and never left. While others left and never returned.
Yani loved her small town. Everyone knew everybody. It was a safe place to raise a family in, and the school district was top in the state.
A family.
She could see herself with two little kids running around out in a field. Racing along to their father.
Rashad.
She blinked, the fantasy disappearing into thin air.
“You okay?” Nathan asked. He rested his hand on her shoulder to gain her attention.
“Huh?” She jumped at his touch. She tucked her hair behind her ear and hefted her purse strap higher on her shoulder. “Yeah, I was just thinking of something.”
“Come on. Our table is ready.” Nathan waved for her to follow Lonnie.
They strolled through the bustling restaurant. The lighting was bright from the large windows allowing the sun to flow in. The overhead music was upbeat and country, setting the precedence that they were in for a good, country barbecue.
Every detail of the place was that of Texas, from the large horns mounted on the far wall to the large Texan flag on another. Even though they were in Colorado, when one visited The Notorious C. O. W., they felt as if they had been transported to the big southern state.
Lonnie took their drink orders and placed a couple of menus on the table. “I’ll be back with your drinks, and your server should be over soon.”
“Thanks,” Yani murmured. She snagged one and leaned back to study what they had to offer. She already knew what she wanted, but it wouldn’t hurt for her to read it just in case they had added to the menu.
“I don’t know why you’re reviewing at the menu. You order the same thing every time we come.” Nathan chuckled.
She glanced over her menu at her only sibling and scowled at him. He knew her so well.
Yani put her menu down, knowing he was correct. She was going to order the same thing as always.
“Look, Nathan. I know how close you and Rashad are and I need to get this off my chest.”
She paused when Lonnie returned with their drinks. The hostess nodded before leaving them. Yani took a deep breath and continued.
“I don’t want you to not speak with Rashad or anything. None of this was his fault, and what you heard me say was taken out of context. I would never want to come in between the two—”
Nathan raised his hand. “Yani, stop.”
Her heart was racing so fast she prayed she didn’t pass out. She reached for her iced tea and
took a healthy sip of it.
“It takes two to tango, and there is nothing to blame on either party. What pissed me off was the fact that you were suggesting to go behind my back.”
Yani felt horrible. Never would she want to hurt her brother and she could see her words did.
“I’m so sorry I hurt you. That wasn’t my intention at all. What happened between Rashad and me just…happened. I’ve been crazy over him for years and wanted to see where it went now that I have a chance,” she explained. She pushed her hair from her face and met her brother’s gaze. “What if it turned out to be nothing? I wouldn’t want you to know about it.”
Nathan ran a hand along his face before reaching across the table to take her hand. His lips curled up in the corners. She returned the smile, holding back tears. It felt good to get all of this off her chest. Whenever she had problems, she could run to Nathan, and he would listen to her. Even fought for her when the bullies in high school picked on her.
“I know Rashad better than you do. I respect your thinking about it, but just hearing those words set me off.” He squeezed her again then let her go. “I’m your big brother, and no matter who you get involved with, I’m going to protect you.”
“Hello! I’m Ana and I’ll be your server tonight.” A young woman with long dark hair and a bright smile appeared at their table. “Is this your first time dining with us?”
Yani glanced at her brother, and they both chuckled.
“We’ve been here before. Any specials?” Nathan asked.
Yani sat back while Ana rattled off the deals.
She knew her brother well. He only asked for the specials to make the girl feel special. They were so alike.
He ordered the same thing every time they came.
Ana finished her verbal presentation only for Nathan to order their usual. Ana smiled and walked away after scooping up the menus.
“Are we good now?” she asked.
Nathan took a sip of his Coke before responding. “We’re always good, sis. I love you.”
Yani melted inside. “I love you, too, big brother.”
8
Rashad navigated his truck through the light traffic in town. Determination filled him. He was going to make amends with Nate. He didn’t like having this imaginary wedge in the middle of them. Rashad didn’t want anything to come between them. They would talk like the civilized men they were. They had too many years invested in their friendship to let something like him being involved with Yani to separate them.
Rashad had plans to date Yani, and Nate was going to have to get used to him being in Yani’s life. He was a good man, and there was no one better for Yanine Polk.
“Park your damn car if you can’t drive,” Rashad growled. He guided his vehicle around a slow-moving car. He passed it and saw Mrs. Betty Ross driving. He rolled his eyes. The woman had to be close to eighty-five and should not be behind the steering wheel of a car. Why hadn’t her kids taken her keys from her yet?
Within a few minutes, he was pulling into Nate’s driveway. He killed the engine and sat in the vehicle, unmoving.
All day at work he had thought of what he would say to Nate. He’d even rehearsed it. He had spooked Brandy today. She’d given him the side-eye with all of his muttering. The last few days he had been torn up inside thinking of how angry Nate had been.
Even when he spoke to Yani on the phone, he could tell she was bothered by what had happened. He hated to see her tears streaming down her face.
Today they were going to have the talk.
Face to face.
Man to man.
Rashad exited his vehicle and jogged up the stairs to the porch. He banged on the door and stood back, waiting for Nate to answer.
He was going to lay out his feelings for Yani and then he would go pick her up.
He banged again.
A minute later, the door swung open.
“What the hell are you doing out here banking you’re the damn police?” Nate demanded.
Rashad pushed his way inside the house. He was going to say what he had to say, and Nate was going to listen.
“Look, Nate. I need to get some shit off my chest. I don’t want to lose you as a friend. You’re like a brother to me, and I don’t want anything to come between us.” He swung around and rested his hands on his hips while he stared at his long-time friend.
Nate stood in the foyer. He pushed the door closed before walking into the living room to join Rashad.
“Rashad, you don’t —”
“I need you to listen. I like Yani. A lot, and I don’t want to stop seeing her. I don’t need your permission, but I do want your acceptance of me dating your sister.”
“Rashad—”
“I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s always on my mind, and I was afraid to act on what I felt for her because she was your sister. But now I know how she feels for me and I don’t want to miss out on it. You are just going to have to accept that it’s me and Yani.”
A movement behind him caught his attention. He glanced over his shoulder and froze. Yani was leaning against the wall of the hallway that led to the kitchen.
She was beautiful. Her dark hair cascaded around her shoulders. Her lips were painted the bright red that she always wore.
He swallowed hard, unsure if she had heard everything he had said.
“Are you done?” Nate asked. His friend stood before him with his arms folded in front of him.
“Yeah.” Rashad cleared his throat. He glanced back at Yani, who had a wide grin on her face.
“I’ve spoken with my sister about the other night, and to be honest, I was in shock. It just blew my mind finding my little sister standing there in nothing but your shirt. I exploded. I know I can be a hothead, but I had a good reason.” Nate walked toward Rashad, who braced himself.
He wasn’t sure what to expect.
“But after I cooled down and really thought about it, I came to one conclusion.”
“What is that?” Rashad asked. He stared into Nate’s eyes, waiting for an answer.
“That you’re a good man, and if there is any man I wanted dating my sister, it would be you.” Nathan held out his hand for Rashad.
He glanced down and immediately took his friend’s hand in his.
Relief filled him that Nate was accepting of his and Yani’s blossoming relationship.
“Bring it in,” Rashad muttered. They hugged and slapped each other on the back before pulling away. “You know I wouldn’t hurt Yani.”
Nate sniffed and stepped back. He waved Yani over to Rashad. She walked over slowly, biting her lip. Rashad opened his arms, and she flew into them. Her body slammed into his, Yani’s arms gripping his waist tight.
He pushed her hair from her face and kissed her forehead, then her lips. He wouldn’t have to hide his affections from his friend.
Now that all of this was in the past, he and Yani could move forward without the worry of how Nate was going to take the news.
Everything was out in the open.
“Little lady, I owe you a date.” He smiled. It was perfect she was here. He wouldn’t have to drive over to her house. “Let’s get out of here.”
“I expect to be wined and dined. The best Shady Springs has to offer.” She grinned brightly.
He glanced down at her and took her in. She was dressed in a soft cotton shirt, tight jeans, and even had on the sexiest boots with a heel.
“You’re dressed perfectly for what I had in mind.”
“Get out of here, you two, before I lose my lunch.” Nate groaned. He pushed them toward the front door. “I already had to bleach my eyeballs.”
Yani giggled, and it was the best sound Rashad had heard all day.
“All right, man. I’ll catch you later.” Rashad gave a salute to his friend before entwining his fingers with Yani’s.
“Love you, big brother,” Yani called out over her shoulder.
They stepped out onto the porch and shut the door behind them.
“Come here, girl.” He pulled Yani to him and swooped down to cover her lips with his in a proper kiss.
Yani’s arms wrapped around him as she pressed to him. He hardened and tore his lips from Yani. They stared into each other eyes, breathing hard.
“How about we start over?” he murmured, running a finger along her bottom lip.
“Sure.”
Yani figured eventually she and Rashad would go on a real date. At the moment, this was so much better.
“Rashad,” she panted.
He moved down lower on her, trailing kisses down her skin while he went south. He glanced up at her and tossed her a wink. He settled on the bed and spread her legs farther apart. He opened her folds and gave her one long lick. She cried out with her hips arching toward him.
“That’s what I want to hear,” he murmured. He ran his tongue along her slit before dipping it back down into her core. The man was determined to torture her. He slid his tongue through her heat ever so slowly.
He arrived at her clit, and she could have wept with joy. She dug her nails into his shoulder as he teased her, stroking her sensitive bud with his tongue. He focused completely on her.
Her body was engulfed in the fire of desire for this man who brought her so much pleasure.
He held her legs open while he continued to feast upon her. Her body trembled with each lick and suckle.
Her body writhed on the bed, but Rashad’s strong hands held her in place. Her hips moved on their own while she rode his tongue. He let loose a growl and pushed his tongue deeper inside her soaked core and lapped all of her honey that escaped from her.
She called out his name again.
Yani shook from the sensations coursing through it. She teetered on the edge of her climax, and Rashad was taking her there.
“You taste so fucking good,” he muttered.
He slid a finger inside her, eliciting a gasp from her. He pulled it out before sliding two back in, stretching her. He wrapped his lips around her clit while finger-fucking her.
“Oh God,” she whimpered. Her head fell back against the pillows.
