Forever Craving You: A Grudging Hearts Novel

by Arthurs, Nia

  “Nothing’s going to happen either way.”

  “Why? Does she know about—?”

  My eyes sharpen. “No.”

  “Just a question.”

  “We don’t go there.”

  “You said she’s a friend. Friends should know that much.” Teale shrugs. “Unless you don’t want to lose her. Which means you care about her as more than that. Which tells me you’re an idiot and a liar.”

  Teale’s got a real gift when it comes to pissing me off.

  “Get your coffee and let’s go. I have things to do today.”

  “Leaving so soon?”

  Teale and I whirl around.

  Chandra’s standing there with a tray of pastries and three coffee mugs in her hands, looking sweeter than I’ve ever seen her before.

  My hackles go all the way up.

  Chandra’s feisty.

  Fierce.

  Sexy as hell.

  But she’s not sweet.

  I go on the defensive immediately.

  Teale does the opposite. His serious expression drops. He smiles. Lays on the charm. “Ollie’s got somewhere to be, but I’m free.” He nods to the table. “Why don’t you plant that sweet thang right there?”

  I stiffen. “Teale.”

  Chandra laughs.

  Freaking laughs.

  I blink twice.

  It’s the first time I’ve heard her laughing like that. It’s sultry and low and perfect.

  I could get off on just the sound of her chuckling.

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll join you. I haven’t had breakfast yet.” She glances at the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the street, giving us both a stunning view of her profile. Glossy cheekbones. Luscious lips. Curtain of long, black hair. “We have to hurry before it picks up for the morning rush.”

  Teale clamors to a seat.

  Grudgingly, I lower myself into the chair next to Chandra.

  No way in hell I’m leaving those two alone. Teale might claim to have backed off, but I still see the admiration glimmering from his eyes.

  I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.

  “You should have told me you were Ollie’s little brother,” Chandra says, grabbing for a roll.

  “Would you have given me your number then?”

  “No.” She smirks. “Maybe.”

  Something dark swirls in my chest.

  Teale glances at my face. Sees my scowl.

  Leaning toward Chandra, he asks, “How do you put up with this guy. He’s always miserable.”

  “To be honest, we just started being friends, so I haven’t seen much of his bad side.”

  “Prepare yourself.” Teale shudders. “He’s a crapstorm.”

  Chandra laughs again.

  My eyebrows pull low.

  “See what I mean?” he whispers. “No fun.”

  Chandra brushes a lock behind her ear. Turns. Gives me a smile that makes me warm everywhere. “I guess he feels like he’s got to look tough so no one knows how soft he really is.”

  “Dude,” Teale slaps my arm, “she’s got you all figured out.”

  I give her a look. “You think I’m soft?”

  “Why?” She folds her hands together. Slants me a knowing smile. “Are you hard?”

  Damn it.

  She’s a vixen.

  Teale bursts out laughing.

  I clear my throat and reach for a coffee. Sip it. Look at anything but the pretty lady with the dirty mouth.

  “I like you, Chandra,” Teale says, wagging a finger.

  “I like you too.”

  I stiffen.

  Teale grins. “All of a sudden?”

  “Should I take it back?”

  “No. Direct women are exactly my type.”

  “And you, Ollie?” Brown fingers curl around her coffee mug. “What kind of woman is your type?”

  Women with sharp tongues and sexy smiles.

  Women like you.

  You.

  “The quiet type.”

  “Quiet?” She arches both eyebrows.

  “Uncomplicated. Not a lot of fuss or maintenance.”

  “You want a dog, not a person,” Chandra says drily.

  “Even dogs these days are high maintenance,” Teale says.

  “You asked. I answered.”

  “What about you, Chandra?” Teale nods to her.

  “Me?” She looks up thoughtfully. Darts her pink tongue to the corner of her lips.

  My pulse spikes.

  My pants feel even tighter than before.

  Chandra glances at me. “I like rich guys.”

  “Rich guys?”

  “Yeah.” Still looking at me, she adds, “Guys who just want a pretty girl on their arm. No relationship drama. No messy feelings.”

  “You want a sugar daddy,” Teale says.

  He thinks it’s a joke.

  I know it’s not.

  I take another sip of my coffee.

  Tap my fingers on the table.

  Chandra just reminded me of exactly why I didn’t want to mess with her.

  No matter how much my body desires her, I’ve got to keep my head screwed on right.

  Stay rational.

  She’s bad news.

  Even if we slept together, she’d never want my heart.

  And I could never have hers.

  Wait… since when have I wanted Chandra’s heart?

  That’s all wrong.

  A hook up. A couple crazy nights to see beneath those tantalizing dresses she favors.

  Nothing more or less.

  That’s all I need.

  But, deep down, I know that it can’t stop there.

  Not for me.

  Chandra’s gotten under my skin. Into my head. Into my heart. And getting into her panties won’t be enough.

  “I’ve never liked that term.” Chandra glances away. Focuses on Teale. “It’s not a transaction. I don’t want to calculate an allowance or anything like that. I just want to be spoiled. Taken care of.”

  “Maybe I haven’t mentioned, but I’m a programmer. Freelance. I make my own hours and charge my own rates. Expensive rates. If you want someone to take care of you, I can do that.” He winks.

  Instead of cussing him to high heaven, Chandra smiles.

  Heat boils in my chest.

  Flaming hot enough to peel my skin away from my bones.

  Watching her flirt with my brother messes with me. Makes me crazy.

  He’s exactly the kind of man she’d go for.

  Exactly her type.

  Her eyes catch mine.

  Brown lips curl into a smile.

  It’s a taunt—what are you gonna do about it?

  My blood pumps faster.

  In my head, I upturn the table. Watch it clatter. Coffee spilling. Glass shattering.

  In my head, I grab Chandra. Press my hand to the back of her neck. Yank her to my body. Kiss her till her knees buckle and her lips bruise.

  In my head, I lift her hand. Yell ‘this is my woman. Screw you, Teale.’

  Walk out.

  In reality, I skip all the rest, fling a lame excuse at them and head for the door.

  The sunshine burns my eyes.

  The car is locked.

  I turn. Spy Chandra and Teale looking into each other’s eyes through the glass window.

  My nostrils flare.

  I turn my back.

  Start walking to the bus stop.

  Sometimes life is about giving up before you start.

  It’s my philosophy.

  It’s kept me sane this long.

  But today, that stupid phrase sounds exactly like crap.

  10 Chandra

  “What exactly did you expect to happen?” Teale asks, looking at me over the awkward silence that Ollie’s sudden exit left behind.

  I glance down. Rip the napkin at my elbow into tiny confetti. “Not that.”

  “You have to forgive him. My brother’s not the brightest bulb in the crayon box.”


  “I think you just mixed up…”

  “What?” Teale glances at me. Completely unbothered.

  “Nothing,” I mumble. You’re one to judge someone else’s intelligence. “Anyway, sorry for using you.”

  “Pretty lady like you can use me anytime.”

  I chuckle.

  This guy just doesn’t quit.

  “Ollie’s… been through some stuff. It’s not that he’s not into you.”

  I lean forward. “What stuff?”

  “The kind he’d kill me for sharing.” Teale shrugs. “I love getting on my brother’s nerves, but I know where to stop.”

  “Can’t you give me a hint?”

  “Nope.” He winks. “Not for free.”

  “What do you want?”

  “A date?”

  “That’s a hefty price tag.”

  He glances aside, giving me a front row seat to the steel lines of his rugged jaw. “Then you can suffer in silence until Ollie feels like telling you.”

  I sigh. “When?”

  “I’m free this Friday.”

  “It better be worth it.”

  He winks. “You’ll have the best night of your life.”

  “You’ve got that much confidence?”

  “Your satisfaction is my priority.”

  “I still can’t believe those dusty old lines work for you.”

  He chuckles. “Like a charm. You’re the first to complain.”

  “Good to know.”

  He rises from the table. “If you ever get tired of the broody, wounded thing with Ollie, you can always come to me. I’d brave my brother’s wrath for you.”

  I chuckle.

  Teale’s cute. I’ll give him that.

  “Thanks.”

  “I prefer acts of gratitude instead of empty words.”

  “What do you want?”

  “What I wanted when I first laid eyes on you. Your number.”

  I roll my eyes but rattle off my information.

  Teale grins, his handsome face lighting up. His thumbs fly over his cell phone screen. When he’s done, he slips it into his pocket. “I’ll call you.”

  “I’m sure you will.”

  Fancy sneakers bounce against the ground as he makes his way to the door. When he’s halfway there, Zania emerges from the kitchen. Teale notices and gives her a flirty wink and a hey before leaving.

  The bell jangles behind him.

  Zania’s knees are knocking together. “Did he just…?”

  “Don’t take it to heart. That right there is a certified playboy.”

  Zania sets the steaming rack of pastries on the counter. “How could you just sit there? If I’d been surrounded by such beauty, I would have… I don’t know what I would have done.”

  “They are hot,” I agree.

  But in my mind, the only brother I’m seeing is Ollie.

  What is he made of? Alien rock?

  I thought for sure that pitting him against Teale would get a reaction, but it didn’t work.

  No. More than that.

  It crashed and burned.

  Time for Plan B.

  I shake my head.

  Ollie’s got me acting all crazy. First, I asked him out—which I never do—and now I’m actively pursuing the guy—something I promised myself I’d never do.

  But it’s not like I have a choice.

  My body’s decided that it needs a piece of him and my mind isn’t strong enough to control that desire.

  It’s either Ollie or nothing.

  “Chandra, can you give me a hand with this?” Zania’s voice invades my thoughts.

  I jump to her rescue and together we place the cupcakes in the display case.

  The bakery gets busy a few minutes later. I run from one thing to the next for the rest of the day.

  By the time we close, both Zania and I are absolutely exhausted.

  “Good work today.” I wave at her as she heads to the back door exit.

  “I’m gonna crash on my bed till dawn. Don’t you dare call me.” She sends me a warning look and slips outside.

  I chuckle, lock up and then head to the apartment I share with Cobie.

  I’m hoping my best friend’s alone so I can talk to her, but no such luck.

  She’s still doing hair.

  “Evening,” I say to the woman in Cobie’s styling chair. She’s got a kinky texture and the kind of volume that resembles a lion’s mane. It’s parted down the middle and sticks out like she’s been fried by lightning.

  I admire everyone who wears natural hair.

  I do.

  But it’s a little too hit or miss for me.

  Some styles rock and others… er… not so much.

  Even though I live with a natural hair guru, Cobie’s never pushed me to give up my relaxers or my wigs.

  Although her clients usually have a lot to say about it.

  Which is why I prefer to get home when she’s not taking care of them.

  On the bright side, I won’t have to put up with this for long. Cobie saved her royalties from her partnership with Winthrop’s hair care line and is about to purchase a fancy turnkey salon.

  Somewhere.

  Sometime.

  According to my best friend, she hasn’t found ‘the perfect location’ yet.

  “Hey, girl,” Cobie greets me with a smile.

  “Hey.” I trod to the kitchen and pull out a bottle of water. Nodding at the client, I tuck the bottle under my arm like a football and hide out in my room.

  An hour passes.

  I hear a knock on the door.

  “It’s me.”

  I open up for Cobie.

  She steps in, filling the air with the scent of her mother’s conditioners—that have become nationwide black girl staples, by the way.

  Talk about moving on and moving up.

  “I made spaghetti. Want some?”

  I nod and follow her into the cramped kitchen. The fragrant scent of tomato sauce and meatballs causes my stomach to gurgle.

  “Did your client leave already?” I ask.

  “Yeah. About fifteen minutes ago. She asked where you got your wig from.”

  “Give her my number. I’ll hook her up.” Talking about my number makes me think about Teale. I drum my fingers on the table. “I have a date on Friday.”

  Cobie drops the spoon.

  Red sauce splatters all over the floor.

  “What?”

  “With Ollie’s little brother.”

  “Ollie has a brother?”

  I nod.

  She ignores the mess on the ground.

  Shoots into a chair around the tiny table.

  Rests her chin in her palm.

  “His name is Teale,” I say.

  “What kind of name is that?”

  I shrug. “He stopped by the bakery yesterday. Flirted with me. Asked me out.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I wrote him off. Then he came back today with Ollie.”

  “As his wingman?”

  Something in my mind clicks.

  Ollie knew that Teale was coming to Brew Drop to flirt with me.

  Ollie tried to set me up with his brother.

  That freaking jerk…

  “Chandra?” Cobie waves a hand in my face.

  Focus returns as I force a smile. “Yeah?”

  “What was he like?”

  “Who?”

  “Ollie’s brother? Does he resemble Ollie at all?”

  “He’s tall. Has the same dirty blond hair. Same blue eyes… well… not the same. Ollie’s is darker, I think. Like a storm. Or the ocean at sunset. Dangerous. Intense.”

  A finger rises.

  Curls around my hair.

  I imagine Ollie staring at me, his eyes darkening with desire.

  It’s so obvious he wants me as much as I want him.

  Then why would he push his brother at me?

  It doesn’t make any sense.

  “Chandra?”

  “Hm?�
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  “I need you to be honest.”

  “About?”

  “Are you into Ollie’s brother or Ollie?”

  I straighten. Lower my eyes. “His brother. Why else would I be going out with him on Friday?”

  Cobie screws her lips yeah right.

  “I’m serious!”

  “You’ve been acting weird lately.”

  “No I haven’t.”

  “Just because I haven’t said anything doesn’t mean I haven’t noticed. You’re up all hours of the night, guzzling cold water and ice cubes like we live in the desert. You keep moaning and calling Ollie’s name in your sleep…”

  I bite down on my bottom lip.

  Hard.

  Did Cobie hear that?

  “And I got a call from some therapist who said you’d put me as your emergency contact.” Black brows rise. “What’s that about?”

  I shift in discomfort.

  There’s a good reason I haven’t told Cobie about my dirty dreams.

  She’d tease me.

  Endlessly.

  “You’re always kind of closed-off, but something’s changing. I can tell.” She folds her arms over her chest. “Don’t get me wrong. I love that you’re showing more of yourself now. I just want to know if it has anything to do with Ollie.”

  “Why?”

  “Because then I’d owe Griff ten bucks.”

  I chuckle. “You two are something else.”

  She shrugs and leaves the table to clean the spaghetti from the ground.

  I join her, napkin in hand. “Do you… know much about Ollie?”

  “Apart from the fact that he’s a beefcake, owns a gym and is the reason I want Griff to get a tat? Not much. I didn’t even know he had a brother.”

  I frown.

  That sucks.

  I was hoping Chandra could shed some light on that ‘secret’ Teale hinted at.

  “Oh.” Cobie snaps her fingers. “He doesn’t drink.”

  I perk up. “Really?”

  “I think I heard Griffin mention that once. Ollie had a problem with it when he was younger so he doesn’t even touch liquor now.”

  “Do you know why?”

  “I can ask Griff if you need to know.”

  “Teale gave me the impression Ollie’s secret isn’t something they’d share just like that.”

  “I’ve got my ways.” She gives me a suggestive wink.

  I’m sure she does.

  “But I don’t get it.” Cobie crumbles the soggy napkin and tosses it in the trash. “If you want Ollie, why are you dating his brother? Is it to make him jealous?”