“Please, Tracie, I hardly know Derrick well enough to like him or anything like that,” I lied through my teeth. Derrick was getting to me, and it was just a matter of time before everyone else began to see that, including Derrick. “But if I do fuck him, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Girl, why don’t we just get all dolled up, head to this party, and get our freak on, please?” Tracie finally said. “All of the real ballers will be snatched up, and I’m no one’s sloppy seconds.”
~Derrick~
“Alright, D, where are your girls?”
Brian was acting like a freakin’ teenager wrapped up in his damn puppy crush or some shit when he walked up on me trying to find out when Cori and the girls would show up.
“They’ll be here, B, what the fuck are your panties in a bunch for?” I asked him, irritated that he’d been acting like such a damn buster.
“Look, D, these phony ass women of Toni’s are starting to cramp my style,” Brian came back at me, looking almost insulted that I would ask. “I just hope they hurry up, I’m about to be bored as hell up in this camp.”
“Look, man, I said they’ll be here, alright?” I felt like I was reassuring a little kid that his favorite toy would be at home or something.
Finally, I saw Cori coming through the back doors, followed by Tracie, Kyra and Candace. Seeing everyone turn their heads to see the girls, especially the wannabes that wanted a piece of them, would probably be enough to make most men sweat about the competition.
Between you and me, I’m not most men.
“Any other questions, bruh?” I asked Brian, watching him slowly lose his mind upon seeing Tracie. “You know how women like making an entrance.”
“You got that right, bruh, and it’s a hellified entrance, to say the least.” Brian couldn’t take his eyes off Tracie, and she locked eyes with him the minute she saw us. “So, we’re hosts, right? Let’s go be hospitable.”
“Come on, playa, you know not to be all eager and shit?” I wasn’t sure if I was trying to remind him of that, or remind myself of what needs not to happen. “Let the ladies breathe a little bit, let them come to us, and we’ll work it from there.”
Brian acted like he didn’t hear me, salivating like a love struck 16 year old.
As much as I tried to calm him down, my own instincts and my body were betraying me. Seeing Cori in a lavender halter top and matching mini-skirt with a pair of open-toed stilettos with straps that wrapped all the way up to her calves was enough to inspire some aggression in me, too. Tracie didn’t slouch either, wearing a strapless pink mini-dress with a pair of t-strapped sandals.
I took a deep breath to compose myself, trying to convince myself that she wasn’t doing this solely for my benefit.
But if they were trying to get the attention of every man in the place, regardless of marital status?
Mission accomplished.
I would have kept them waiting just a little bit longer, until I saw Toni talking to them.
Damn, why did she have to get to Cori first? I asked myself as I sauntered over to get in on the conversation. Brian followed suit, wondering what exactly was going on.
Toni saw us coming, but she didn’t say anything until we were all together before she finally decided to blow up the spot. “Derrick, baby, these ladies were wondering where you were. They must be VIP to get into my parties.”
A little pop on Toni’s ass reminded her of a few things, like not trying to put me on the spot like I didn’t already invite them.
Tracie’s eyebrow raised quick, as if she wanted to say something to me about what I’d just done. I shot a look back at her to let her know that it wasn’t that type of party.
Not that I haven’t been to those types of parties, but that’s another story.
Toni laughed at me, rubbing the spot that I slapped and told the ladies, “Don’t mind D and me,
ladies. I love him like a brother, but he’s horrible at introductions. Enjoy the party, and if you need anything, come find me if D hasn’t already handled it.”
After Toni left us, I turned my attention to Cori and the girls and soon realized that someone was missing from the group.
Or should I say two someones.
It didn’t take long to figure out that Brian had already taken Tracie in tow and found a way to isolate and mack. I caught a glimpse of them at a table by the pool, already wrapped up into each other.
I tried not to look too confused, but I failed badly.
“Was there something I missed? There were two other people that were here for me to take on the tour of the house, right?” I couldn’t get rid of the confused look on my face, and it soon became the source of amusement for the ladies.
“I’m sorry, Derrick, I didn’t mean to laugh, but your expression was priceless.” Kyra mentioned, still trying to stifle a giggle. “You were so serious and calm last night.”
Cori chimed in, “Yeah, D, I would have sworn that you had this all planned out except for your boy throwing a curve ball in your game.”
Candace jumped in to try and save me. “Come on, girls, I’m sure we can still enjoy the tour that Derrick had planned for us. He’s trying to be a good host and all. We can cut him a little slack, right?”
Cori playfully slapped my shoulder and stepped a little closer to me. I was a little surprised by that move, considering she wanted to act like she didn’t want to give up much rhythm even though there was an obvious vibe between us.
“Okay, Mr. Morrow, lead away, we would love to see the house, and then perhaps maybe we can get a little dancing in afterwards?” Cori asked, flashing her eyes up at me.
If she was trying her best to take me off my game and make me pay attention to her?
It almost worked.
Almost.
“Okay, I have to warn you, I really can’t dance all that well.”
Cori kept laughing at some of the moves I was trying to pull off during different songs, but that soon changed. I had to thank Toni for teaching me a few moves. It gave me a chance to see how Cori moved those hips of hers, and appreciating the view while dancing behind her at times.
Eventually the girls got together and decided to do their thing as a group, and I tipped off the DJ to let him know to come up with something for them to take it up a notch. My man didn’t disappoint, poppin’ off “Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child first to let the ladies get loose.
And get loose is exactly what they did!
Brothas at the bar completely turned their attention toward the choreographed routine that Cori and the girls came up with. It didn’t hurt that the outfits were skimpy enough to leave a little to the imagination, but not too little.
All I did was hang and relax, enjoying the view and keeping eye contact with Cori the entire time she was dancing. The song switched to JT Money’s “Who Dat” and the girls really let go. Cori kept trying to avoid eye contact, but when she did look up and saw me staring, a slick grin spread across her face and she even managed to blow a few kisses before letting the rhythm take over again.
Yeah, this was the side of her I couldn’t wait to see, and I definitely liked what I saw. The sensual energy that exuded from her was definitely on display. Hell, all of the girls were enticing the crowd so much that even the women were feeling the vibe. Even when a few of the fellas tried to step in to break the group up, all they did was point in my direction, letting them know that this was their moment to entertain.
I saw Brian on pins and needles at his table, caught in that zone of whether to stake his claim or just play it cool and let Tracie come back to the table after they were done. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but considering that I was the same way when Stacy and I were together, I couldn’t be a hypocrite about it.
Still, he was losing his player’s card, and she hadn’t even given him a reason to lose it just yet.
The night soon went from high energy to more of a seductive mood as midnight began to creep up quickly. Most of the crowd had begu
n to make their way home, leaving the rest that had coupled up to get to know each other a little better to enjoy the ambiance that the back yard and pool area had to offer.
I waited for Cori to come off the dance floor, but she took my hand and led me back to the floor instead.
Damn it, why’d she have to go and do that?
“I told you I can’t dance all that well, Cori, what do you want to do, embarrass me some more?” I joked.
“No, but I do wanna slow dance with you, if that’s okay with you?” she replied, winking as she led me further into the sea of couples already getting their groove on.
Feeling her arms around my neck as I clasped my hands around her waist as we danced, I forgot how intoxicating it was to be in close contact like this. It was warm and it felt so damn good it was scary.
But I didn’t feel any warning bells going off in my head.
“Are you having a good time?” I asked, trying to break the silence between us. “We can go sit down and talk for a while. We haven’t really had a chance to do that with all the excitement going on.”
Cori’s eyes held me hostage, and I didn’t know if I wanted that to happen or if I needed to relax and quit over-thinking things.
We danced to a few more songs, inhaling each other’s essence, the connection feeling stronger by the moment. The mix became more seductive and sensual with each passing song, putting ideas in my mind that I wasn’t ready to act on yet. Finally, Cori broke from our embrace, following my lead to one of the tables by the pool so we could talk.
“To answer your question, D, I am having a really good time.” Cori finally told me once we sat down. She still looked a little tipsy, and I pretty much figured I needed to find one of her girls to make sure she didn’t drive home in her condition.
“That’s good, I really hoped you would. So, what would you like to know, I know you’ve been curious about a brotha.” I flashed my eyes for a moment, trying hard to avoid getting caught in her stare again.
Cori grinned, almost as if she knew what she was doing to me. “I want to know a lot, D, but I didn’t want to seem too personal. After all, we haven’t known each other long.”
“I have nothing to hide, ask me anything,” I managed to blurt out. “I’m kinda interested in finding out what’s on that pretty mind of yours.”
“There is something I would like to know, but I think I want to wait until later on tonight.” Cori replied, and I saw her lick her lips as she spoke.
She’s holding back, I thought to myself. She wants to find out, but she’s playing hard to get.
I felt her foot stroking the inside of my leg, and I was confused as to what her body language was telling me versus the quiet and demure demeanor she was putting on. She was driving me crazy, and the funny part was that I was beginning to enjoy it.
I was just about to find out just what Cori had in mind when I felt her foot move to my thigh when Kyra and Candace walked over to where we sat with worried looks on their faces.
“Cori, have you seen Tracie?” Candace asked.
“No, I thought she was with you guys,” Cori mentioned, scanning the area to see if she could locate her quickly. “I’ll try calling her on her cell. She and Brian might have tried to sneak off somewhere.”
Knowing Brian, Tracie was probably in his car, halfway to Buckhead by now.
“I’ll tell you what, I’ll search the grounds and see if they’re anywhere close, you try her on her cell and I’ll try Brian and we’ll go from there.” I suggested before I got up from my seat to head toward the house.
I slid my cell open and called Brian. I already knew the answer I was going to get, but I needed confirmation.
“Yo, D, sorry I split on you back there, but Tracie wanted to see the studio and all.” Brian didn’t miss a beat the minute he picked up the phone, as if he was expecting me to call.
“You could have given me the head’s up, bruh,” I snapped back. “Are you rolling back here so Tracie can take Cori home?”
The answer to my question came in the form of inaudible moans and screams coming from Tracie.
He was still in his car, I could tell from the background noise, so I already knew the answer to my other question.
“Alright, bruh, this shit ain’t fly. You better hope that I can calm her group mates down.” I scolded.
“I got faith in you, playa. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to blow this bitch’s back out and get it all on tape at the studio. Peace.” Brian said as he cut the call before I could say another word.
I just shook my head and started back toward where I left the girls, trying to figure out what type of spin to put on this bullshit.
Toni found me before she went off with the dude that she was spending time with, I forgot his name, but it didn’t matter, though. If dude lasted until morning, he might last another week before he gets tossed to the side. Toni’s only 23, and she really didn’t need to settle down, and she knew that already. We kicked it back in high school, even were in a relationship for a minute when she graduated, but she’s my best friend now. Sometimes, things work out for the better in ways that you never really think about at the time.
“Are you covering for me tonight?” Toni asked me, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “I’ve gotta fly down to Miami for a shoot this week, and I need to get some sleep.”
I figured I was good to go to do that. I assumed that Kyra or Candace took a separate car, so Cori could leave with them and they could make sure she got home safely. Mr. Richton was always cool with me spending the night on occasion, especially after the parties were over and he didn’t want to have me drive home after putting in work. I love that old man like my father sometimes.
“Go get some rest, baby girl. I’ll get rid of the crowd in a little while.” I replied, getting my hug in before she headed into the house.
I turned my attention to figuring out what to do about Tracie and smoothing things over with the girls. I figured that playing dumb might be the best move, so I walked over to where they were sitting and asked, “Any luck getting in touch with Tracie?”
Kyra shook her head and replied, “She and Brian left almost thirty minutes ago, Derrick.”
“Yeah, and the trick took my keys, so I can’t even drive home tonight.” Cori stated. I saw the irritation evident on her face, and her eyes gave me the impression that she’d been drinking more than she should have been.
This was going to put a crimp in my plans.
I cursed Brian for putting me in this position, and all for some easy pussy. Damn.
I knew Cori wasn’t going to leave her car in a strange place. Hell, I wouldn’t leave my baby, either.
Kyra and Candace taking Cori home complicated things because Kyra drove a convertible to the house, which was only big enough for her and Candace, so I had to make a judgment call that would at least temporarily solve things until morning.
“Kyra, you and Candace can go home. I’ll make sure that Cori is taken care of, okay?” I offered to them. I knew it was a long shot, but it was the only way that I could cover all my bases. “She can take the spare bedroom that I usually crash in.”
Kyra gave me a look as if she thought I was a serial killer for a minute. She looked over at Cori, who nodded that she would be okay with me.
“Alright, D, I’m gonna trust you with my girl. But you better not try no funny shit, understood?” Kyra locked eyes with me, trying to sound like the mother-figure of the group.
“No worries, Kyra. I don’t think I ever want to be on your bad side.” I joked, which got a smile from Kyra before they left.
“I hope I haven’t put you out too much, Derrick.” Cori said to me as she closed the distance between us.
The truth was, I didn’t want the night to end, at least not yet. It was crazy to sound like that, but the vibe was beginning to intensify between us, I could feel it.
She could feel it, too. Her body language showed.
“It’s okay, Cori, I have a run of the house, s
o what I can do is let you have the room that I normally crash in and I’ll sleep in one of the spare bedrooms downstairs.” I responded, trying to keep myself honest.
“But, what if I don’t want you to leave?” Cori suggested, getting even closer, enough to feel the heat on her skin.
That made my manhood twitch.
My mind’s eye flashed forward to an image of her, completely naked, motioning her finger for me to come inside and feel the softness of her thighs, among other things. It was an image that was hard as hell to shake, and the fact that Cori suggested that I stay in the room with her seemed almost too good to believe.
Then I remembered that she had been drinking a lot tonight.
There was no way in hell I was going to take advantage, only to have her not remember a thing in the morning.
That’s not how a real man behaves.
I was about to answer her question when she stumbled into me, which sealed the deal. She needed to hit the sheets and sleep the buzz off.
“Okay, Cori, we’re going to the bedroom now, you’re definitely not yourself right now.” I ordered, wrapping my arm around her waist to walk her to the bedroom in the house. Her legs seemed to betray her the more we walked, so I lifted her into my arms and carried her to the bedroom before she passed out.
Her moans and coos in my ear were going to be the death of me, and my body betrayed me with each sensual gasp that escaped from her lips. If I was being tested or this was supposed to
prove my virtue, I didn’t know if I would fail miserably or not.
I finally got her in the bedroom that I normally sleep in, laying her down before pulling the covers back on the other side of the king size bed so that I could get her under the covers.
“Mmmm… stay with me, Derrick. I don’t want to sleep by myself tonight.” Cori slurred. Her eyes weren’t anywhere near clear, and she stared through me, not at me.
“Cori, I’m going to sleep in one of the other bedrooms.”
“Why, don’t you want me? You know I want you. Please, D, stay with me.” Cori was pouring it on thick, and I really, really wanted to break my promise that I wouldn’t touch her.
All I Want... Is You Page 5
