"Yeah."
"As in a relationship?"
He smirked. "Yes."
She looked away. "I don't think that's the best thing right now."
"Why not?" He frowned.
"Because you don't wanna be with someone like me."
"What do you mean someone like you?"
She sighed. "I have a past, Sean."
"We all do. I already told you I don't care about your past, Zara."
"Well you should. I'm not some goody two shoes chick that has her life together. I'm a recovering drug addict, I've been to jail, to rehab, shit I'm on probation right now as we speak. Would you really wanna get involved with a woman like that? Tell me."
She hated to cut him with the bitter truth, but she had to. If he knew half of the shit she had done, he would run for the hills. She was just saving him the heartbreak.
"Yes, I do." He stared at her. "I don't care about what you did last year, or 10 years ago, all I care about is right now. And I wanna be with you, Zara."
Her heart softened from his words. He was such a good man. For so long, she had been searching for someone like him, and here he was. What did she do to deserve him?
"What? Is it that you don't feel the same way I do?" he asked, with hurt in his tone.
"No, no, that's not it. It's just...I don't know, this is all new for me. I'm not used to a man treating me like this, being so nice and caring. You just showed up out of nowhere, showing me things I've never seen, making me feel things I didn't expect to feel. It's just a lot to take in right now."
"I understand," he said softly, rubbing her hand. "I'm not trying to pressure you. I just don't want you to push away something good, because of fear. You don't deserve that. You're a strong woman with a beautiful spirit, Zara. You deserve to experience love, real love from a man who's willing to treat you the way you're supposed to be treated."
"And are you that man?"
"I could be," he whispered, placing a finger on her chin. "Only if you allow me to be."
He drew his lips closer and they kissed. This time, Zara allowed him in every way she could, allowing him to fulfill her body and heart’s desire.
Chapter 24
Vance tapped his pencil against the table and looked at the time on his watch. 6:25. His patience wore thin. There was nothing he dreaded more than meetings. He should've been focusing, given that this particular meeting involved the executive board discussing the developing programs for the upcoming year, but all he could think about was how much time he had left before Zara's dance class ended. He felt foolish anticipating to see her, much less even thinking about her. But for some reason, he couldn't get her out of his mind lately.
He looked at his watch again. 5 more minutes.
When the meeting finally ended, Vance bustled out of the conference room and headed to the dance studio. When he arrived there, he eased with relief at the sight of Zara. He leaned against the doorway, watching as she danced by her lonesome to the music. Her body moved fluidly to the rhythm, each motion synchronizing with the smooth beat. She noticed him but kept dancing. And he was glad. He didn't want her to stop. He enjoyed watching her dance.
He entered the studio and closed the door behind him. Leaning against the door, he buried his hands in his pockets. His eyes not once left her sight. It felt as if she were putting on a show for him. The sultry way her body moved left him enthralled. Even with the baggy sweats she wore, the ample curvature of her ass was still pronounced, only tempting him more. Swaying her hips side to side, she descended her body lower, before squatting on the tip of her toes, and twirling her hips. He licked his lips, envisioning her in the same position, on top riding him. The heat in the room seemed to thicken. She slowly leaned back, planting her body against the floor and danced, before wining her hips as she stood on her feet. The music ended and she stopped. He huffed out a breath, wishing she didn't stop.
"I hope that's not what you teaching the students," he teased.
"What? Of course not." She grinned, walking to the stereo across the room. "I just decided to stay for a bit and work on some dancing."
"Then why'd you stop?"
"Because I was being watched."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Pshh, who was watchin' you?"
"Who else? I saw you drooling over there. Creep," She smirked, collecting her CD.
His face grew warm. "Yeah right, wasn't nobody drooling. What you talkin' about, girl?"
"Yeah, okay."
"Anyway, the reason I came in here is because I need to ask you a question."
"So, what's the question, Mr. Vance?" she teased, staring at him.
His mind suddenly drew a blank. He frowned, trying to recall. What did he have to ask her? He had been so focused on her dancing he had completely forgotten the damn question. Shit.
"Oh good question. Yeah, I'll get back to you on that." She nodded.
"Aye, I really did have something to ask you. I just forgot what it was,” he said, finding the sudden need to explain. He didn't want her to get the crazy idea that he was just making up an excuse to see her. That would be absurd.
She simply smiled, and zipped up her duffle bag.
"So, you headed home?" he asked, trying to make conversation. He didn't want to leave just yet. He still had to remember that damn question.
"Yep, I can't wait to lay down. I'm so tired." She picked up her bag with a sigh.
"Need a ride?"
"No it's okay. I got a ride, thanks."
His ego cracked a bit. She never turned him down for a ride.
When she approached him, his eyes roved her body.
"Um, Vance?" she stepped closer.
"Sup." He licked his lips.
“The door.”
He snapped out of his daze.
"Oh," he said, embarrassed and stepped aside, opening the door. "My bad."
With a small smile, she thanked him and left the studio. He followed her.
"I'm still trying to remember what I wanted to ask you." He huffed. He couldn't believe he couldn't remember.
"Just ask me tomorrow then."
"Nah, it's important."
When they stepped outside, the thought finally came to him and he piped up. "Oh yeah, now I remember."
They both stopped walking.
"So, we're taking some of the kids from the youth mentorship program to Pins bowling alley in the city tomorrow. We have a few staff chaperoning, but we're one short. You think you could fill in?"
"Sure, I'll do it." She nodded.
His heart fleeted with relief. He was hoping she would.
"Alright good," he said coolly.
"What time?"
"4:00. We'll be taking a bus there, so if you could meet us here around 3:00, that'll be good."
"Okay."
A black Audi pulled up beside them, catching their attention.
"Oh, that's my ride. See you tomorrow." Zara walked away before Vance could utter a word.
"Uh, remember to be here early..." he conjured up and she nodded, approaching the car. The way she just dashed away with such speed, he would've thought she just committed a robbery.
He bent his head to get a glimpse of who it was inside the lavish ride to see none other than Bryant Gumble's twin behind the wheel. He scoffed. Not this square ass nigga again...
When Sean noticed him, he lifted his hand up in a friendly manner and Vance gave him a brief nod.
He looked at his car, checking out the newly built model, from the chrome rims to the sleek black exterior.
He nodded in approval. He had to give the fool his props. His ride was fresh.
He watched as Zara got in the car, wanting to say something more to her but unsure what. When she and Sean shared a kiss, a certain feeling unsettled in his chest. A feeling he wasn't willing to acknowledge.
The tires screeched as the car sped away like a thief in the night. Vance stood there, wondering what the hell just happened. He then laughed to himself, before heading back
inside.
Chapter 25
"Strike!" Zara rejoiced, when the pins crashed to the floor.
Her team cheered in glee and they slapped hands. She approached Vance who remained in his chair, rolling his eyes in dismay.
"Did you see that play? Oh, did you? Did you?" she teased, doing her victory dance in front of him.
"Yeah, yeah, whateva," he mumbled, waving her off. "That wasn't shit."
"Says the one that's losing."
"Don't worry about us. We gon' come back strong like some warriors. Ain't that right, fellas," Vance said to his team, who roared on. "Go on Javier, show 'em how it's done."
Zara was glad she decided to go on the bowling trip with Vance and the kids. The group consisted of 10 teen boys and girls, with 3 staff as chaperones, including her and Vance, who was the lead coordinator. They spent the evening playing teams, boys against girls, with Vance and Zara as the team leaders. The game was the best out of 3, and so far Zara’s team was winning by far. She hadn't had this much fun in a while.
After the game, the rest of the group ate lunch in the food court. When Zara collected her food, she made her way to the area where the group was seated. Two tables were joined together, and with everyone already seated, eating, there seemed to be no space left. Zara looked around the food court, figuring she should just sit somewhere else. But the place was so crowded, space seemed to be unavailable elsewhere.
"Zara, over here."
Zara turned her head to see Vance seated in the booth, pointing to the space next to him. She wondered how the hell she was going to fit her big ass in that tiny space. With a sigh, she slid next to him and Raymond, a staff, sat at the edge of the seat, damn near squeezing her in between both of them.
"You got enough space?" Vance asked her.
"Barely."
"You'll be iight."
She gave him a look, and he chuckled before taking a bite of his fries. Although wanting to complain, she liked being close to Vance. Just the warmth of his body next to hers, sent flutters in her stomach. Even the intoxicating scent of his cologne was enough to make her melt like butter. Not to mention how damn good he looked in his navy blue crew neck sweater, with a Yankee fitted cap to match. Damn. This man turned her on simply without doing anything. Just being...him.
"Still can't believe ya'll won," Vance shook his head.
"Aww, Vancy pooh. Cheer up, it must hurt to lose doesn't it." She rubbed his beard playfully. He shook his head, fighting a smile.
"You talk a lot of shit."
"I know." She smiled.
Just seeing Vance's face each time a member on her team scored was enough to make her night. She knew losing the game would get to him. He was a competitive person, and so was she. And whenever she won in anything, she liked to rub it in everyone's face. And she didn't give a damn.
"Still got that smart ass mouth," he mumbled, resting his arm across the top of the bench.
She grinned, taking a sip of her soda.
"Thanks for coming though. I appreciate it."
"No problem. I'm glad I came," she said softly, meeting his gaze. They stared at each other.
"Aye, Vance."
He blinked away and shifted his focus to Raymond.
"Yeah, wassup," he replied.
"We're gonna go take the kids to play another round."
"Alright." Vance nodded.
Raymond stood up and left the table, as everyone followed. The area now clear, they sat by their lonesome and Zara was glad for the privacy. Within the midst of the crowd, it felt like there was no one else in the room but them. They didn't even have to speak, just their presence together was comforting enough.
In that moment, she realized how far they had come. Just months ago, he couldn't stand to be in the same room as her. Now they were at least friendly with each other. Were they friends? Not quite yet, but they were getting there.
"Remember the first time we met?" she spoke, fiddling with her cup.
"Yeah, I remember...ya young ass tried to holla at me." He shook his head.
"And you turned me down. You were so mean to me." She rolled her eyes.
"You were like 10."
"I was 13, thank you very much."
"Same thing."
"No, that's a big difference."
"No, it's the same thing."
"Fine. So, you're telling me you weren't the least bit attracted to me?" She looked at him.
"You were 13."
"That's not what I asked you."
"There's ya answer right there." He bit into his burger.
"Whatever, you probably were."
"Yeah, right. I wasn't tryna go out like that nigga R. Kelly. Wasn't happening," he said, causing her to laugh.
"So, if I was older would you have given me a chance?"
He stared at her for a moment, before blinking away. "What's with all these questions?"
"Just wondering."
"Then wonder on."
She rolled her eyes. Rude ass.
"I used to have the biggest crush on you," she admitted lowly.
"You did?"
"Yeah."
When he grew quiet, her face became hot under his stare. She looked away, realizing she had revealed too much.
She cleared her throat. "Glad I came to my senses though."
He smirked, shaking his head. "There go that smart ass mouth again."
Her phone vibrated, cutting their conversation short, and she instantly cursed at it for doing so. She was enjoying the little conversation they were having.
She looked at the screen to see Sean's name flashing. She ignored it, not in the mood to talk to him right now. She would call him back later.
"You not gonna answer him?"
She looked at him, not even realizing he had caught a glimpse.
"No, I'll call him back later." She put away her phone.
"Why not now?"
"Because it's loud in here."
"You could step outside and talk to him."
"And you could mind your business too," she shot back.
He looked away with a faint smile. "Aye, I'm just saying. I don't want dude up all night shedding tears."
"Ugh, shut up. He's not gonna be shedding tears." She rolled her eyes and he smiled. "And why're you all up in my business anyway? Why won't you focus on your Boricua princess and let me worry about mines?"
"Boricua princess?" He laughed. "Wow."
"Yes, Boricua princess. Wifey, baby mama, whateva you wanna call her. Why don't you give her a call? I'm sure she's up right now, shedding tears."
He grew silent, fiddling with his cup. Not expecting his sullen response, she suddenly felt bad. Maybe she took it a little too far.
"She's straight," he said, before taking a sip of his drink.
*
The darkened skies blanketed the horizon. Zara watched the streetlights roll pass her window as they cruised the highway, humming along to the smooth sounds of Jodeci's, Forever My Lady circulating in the car.
After a long evening of bowling, Zara's energy was spent. She wanted nothing more than to lay down in her bed and sleep the night away. Even so, she really enjoyed herself tonight. Especially spending time with Vance. The whole moment left her in high spirits and full of jitters like a young girl on her first date with her crush. At times, it almost did feel like a date, as foolish as that sounded. And she enjoyed every bit of it.
She glanced at Vance. For the whole ride, he had barely spoken a word. His demeanor appeared pensive as he stared at the road, rubbing the trimmed hairs of his goatee. She wasn't sure what was on his mind, but whatever it was, it sure seemed to grasp his attention.
"Got a lot on your mind?" she asked.
He blinked. "Huh?"
"You got a lot on your mind?" she repeated.
"Nah, why you say that?"
"You're quiet."
"I'm always quiet."
"Yeah, but you barely said anything since we got in the car."
He focus
ed on the road. "Nah, I'm straight. Just vibin'."
"Why're you vibing to this type of music anyway?" She raised a brow.
He had been playing nothing but slow jams since they got in the car. Not that she was complaining, since she preferred this type of music, but it just seemed to be an odd choice for him.
"Why? What's wrong with it?"
"It's baby making music."
"Baby making music?" He snickered.
"Yes, baby making music. Oh, but then again, you should know all about that given your situation and everything." She cleared her throat.
"Ohh, you got jokes."
She chuckled. He nodded with a smile, and her heart warmed at the beautiful sight. She liked making him smile.
"It's cool. Keep that up," he dared.
"Or what?" she shot back.
"I'm a do something ‘bout that mouth."
Her face flushed from his bluntness, and she didn't know how to respond. Although she was sure his words were innocent, her mind traveled to other places, stirring up heat within.
"Oh? You quiet now?" he teased.
Suddenly feeling shy, she turned to the window. "No, I'm just sick of talking to you."
"Oh, now you don't wanna talk."
"Nope."
"Okay, whateva you say."
She shook her head with a smile, wondering what the hell it was about this man that made her feel the way she did.
"How's your house coming along?" she asked after a while.
"It's good. Still gotta get some furniture in, but for the most part everything's done."
"Oh okay, that's good to hear."
She was happy for him. She was sure he was glad to finally have a home built after several months of having no place to live.
"You wanna see it?"
"Huh?" His question caught her off guard.
"You wanna check out the house?"
"Um...tonight?"
"Yeah."
She stared at him, wondering if he was serious. But the fixed expression on his face, told her that he was.
"Uh, are you sure that would be a good idea?" she questioned, hesitantly. She still couldn't believe that he was inviting her to his house.
"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?"
She shrugged, trying to drum up a quick response. "I don't think ya girl would be cool with that."
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