by Skye Turner
I bet Cruz has faced a lot of adversity because of his skin color throughout his life. I’ve witnessed it firsthand with some people. I’ve just never thought that way myself. I don’t see a sexy black man when I look at Cruz. I just see a gorgeous man who interests me. I’ve never been interested in anyone like him before. Not because of his skin, but because of him. He’s a rocker, but he’s not anything like I’d imagine a rock star would be. None of the band members are. I’ve gotten to know them some over the past few months and none are what I would have imagined “famous rock stars” would act like. They are just regular guys. Gorgeous, regular guys who dote on the women in their lives.
I want to talk to him. I have a feeling he will avoid my call, so I’m going to do something out of character. Maybe it’ll intrigue him enough to respond.
Taking out my cell phone, I type out a quick message.
“Tifanie:
I have something for you. Can I come by when I leave here tonight? Will you be home?”
Before I can overthink it, I hit send.
Letting out the breath I didn’t know I was holding, I lean back with a throaty sigh.
Ty startles me as he laughs. I look up and he’s watching me. “You send something to Cruz?”
I nod. “I did. I’m waiting to see if he’s going to text back.”
He laughs. “What did you send?”
I smirk. “None of your business.”
He laughs and crosses over to the couch and plops down next to me. He swipes my phone out of my hand before I can react. “H-eeeeee-y!”
He laughs again and tries to open the app. “Was it dirty?”
Slapping his shoulder, I wrestle the phone away from him and laugh. “That is none of your business! And if it is dirty, you sure as shit don’t need to be seeing it!”
Throwing his hands up in surrender, he laughs. “Hey, I can appreciate your hot bod. But no worries, I do not want to get intimate with you. Ewwwww.”
I bust out laughing. “Thank God! Likewise!”
That thought makes me a little bit nauseated. That is one line we have never crossed. It’s not one either of us is interested in crossing. It’s refreshing to have such an amazing friendship without the drama of sexual attraction. Leaning back against the couch, I stare at the ceiling and watch the fan blades turn. Ty copies me. I see his head turn toward me from the corner of my eye.
Turning, I look at him. He has a serious look on his face. “Tif. Be careful. I know you want Cruz, but you said he stepped back. Again. I really don’t want you to get hurt.”
Sighing, I smile at him. “I know. I don’t want me to get hurt either. I love you, you know that. You’re the best. But, he’s worth it.” Turning, I stare back at the ceiling. “I just wish he realized that, too.”
Ty claps my hand and squeezes. “Well, make him. If you really think he’s worth it. Beat his ass down. Time to break out the big guns. Go big or go home, right?!”
Chuckling, I say, “That’s the plan. This volcano is ready to erupt.”
My phone buzzes just then. My heart accelerates as I lift the phone.
“Cruz:
I’ll be here.”
That’s all he writes, but at least he responded. Time to kick this up a notch.
I want Cruz Edwards and it’s time he realized I’m not backing down. He wants to run, that’s fine, but I’m good at the chase and I have strong endurance.
I’m just not sure how to help someone overcome… himself.
Chapter Eleven
Cruz
Tifanie’s text came through about half an hour ago. She has something to give me? What does that mean? What could she have for me?
I knew she’d call. She warned me. And she always follows through. Her word is as good as law. I’ve been thinking about it… about her… all damn day. Last night, too, if I’m being honest.
After talking to Jude last night, and then my momma, I know I can’t keep pushing people away from me. More importantly, I can’t push Tifanie away. Especially since she’s the first woman in my life that I can ever remember wanting to hold on to. That scares the shit out of me.
After we left the hospital last night, I headed back to Momma’s. She’d cooked dinner and wanted to talk. I didn’t have much of a choice since Clove asked where Tifanie was, in front of her, at the hospital. I had to explain that Tifanie had been there but she’d left. Both women wanted to know why. That was a fun explanation.
Both got on my case and I listened. I didn’t really have a choice, but then Momma wanted me to follow her home after Clove fell asleep. As we ate, Momma told me that she thought people were placed in our lives for a reason. She said that we all have a path and that everything that happens to us, good and bad, is part of a bigger plan. She’s a woman of strong faith. It amazes me. She amazes me. After all of the horror she endured, her faith is unwavering. I want to get to that point. I want to be able to embrace what life has to offer; I’m just not certain how to do that.
I’ve pushed most people away for as long as I can remember. I don’t have the slightest idea how to take a chance and let someone in. My circle is extremely small and extremely tight.
You want Tifanie. I want Tifanie. I tried to deny it. I tried to push her away. I tried to get her to understand that we don’t fit, but she’s stubborn. She’s determined and beautiful. She’s exactly what I always imagined my woman would be. Well, if I ever thought I’d have a woman, which I didn’t. Is Tifanie going to be that woman?
I can’t stop thinking about her and I have a lot of excess energy, so I head out back to my gym. I had the old garage in my backyard converted about a year ago. I spend a lot of time in here so I didn’t cut any corners. My gym easily rivals any of the membership gyms around. And it’s mine. I can work out whenever I want to and be alone while I do it. It suits me.
As I turn on the music and let the beat start to pulsate through me, I can’t stop thinking about Tifanie. Why is she coming over here? Not that she’s never been here before. She has. More than once. We’ve hung out a good bit these past few months. Here, at her house, at Java and Sweeties… we’ve spent time together and with other people, but not a whole lot of time just the two of us. I always came up with a reason as to why that didn’t need to happen.
Thinking back, I pushed and pushed her, but she stuck around. She’s been a constant in my life for almost ten weeks now and I never even realized it. She’s slowly but surely woven her way into my life. She’s anchored her way into my thoughts… into my head… and my heart.
Son of a bitch.
Shit, I care about her. I really care about her. I’ve pushed my own feelings down or dismissed them as nothing for months now, but now I know. I know I care and she says she wants me. I told her I wanted her. She says she’s not going anywhere. She hasn’t, either. Maybe she really is here to stay.
Do I want her to stay?
She deserves a chance. Do I deserve the same chance?
Everything going on in my head is making me insane. It’s information overload. I push my body so hard I’m surprised I don’t crumple into a heap on the ground. At the end of my workout, I’m gasping for air as my chest rapidly rises and falls. Sweat is pouring down my face and chest and my muscles are burning.
Looking at the time, I see it’s about the time for Tifanie to arrive. Doing a quick cool down, I wipe myself off with my shirt, and flip off the music and lights before locking the door behind me.
Heading back toward the house, I hear a car turn into my driveway. I decide to wait instead of going in. She’ll be here in thirty seconds anyway. Her car rounds the curve and she parks under the basketball goal. We’re staring at each other through the windshield. She smiles and my stomach drops.
I smile back and hers widens. She opens the door and steps out. All I see are bare legs. Miles of bare legs. What the hell is she wearing?!
I don’t even realize I’m staring until she laughs. It’s musical and seems to dance on the breeze. I hear her, but I c
an’t look up from the very short skirt of her dress. Why is she wearing a dress?!
Her amused voice finally gets my attention. “I guess you like my dress, Cruz?”
I swallow and look up from her legs. My gaze travels the path from her hips and torso before running over her bosom and resting on her face. She’s smirking, but her gaze is devouring me. All I’m wearing are my trainers and red mesh shorts, which are low on my hips. She’s fixated on my stomach. Looking down, I can’t help but smirk as well. I guess she likes my hard work.
I am ripped. There’s no other word for it. I work out every single day for at least two hours. I’m very defined and have lots of muscle without being a “meathead”. My abs are streamlined.
That’s where Tif’s gaze is focused. She swallows. I suddenly feel a little flirtatious. Standing with my legs apart, I cross my arms and I don’t miss the way her breathing accelerates as she notices all of the muscle on display.
Smiling at her response to me, I ask casually, “You want to come in? I need to shower.”
She blinks, but doesn’t look up at my face.
I chuckle lightly. “Tifanie.” She finally raises her gaze. I point at the back door. “Do you want to come in? I need to go shower right quick.”
She nods and I swear she mutters, “Jesus… the visual…”
It makes me feel amazing and I gesture for her to precede me. “Ladies first.”
Her ass is cupped lovingly in the short black material and I watch it as she walks in front of me. I have the urge to touch and since I have no idea what is happening to me, I clench my hands at my sides, and stare at the sway of her hips.
She stops on the steps and her toned ass is in my direct line of sight. I hear a snicker and look up. She’s laughing at me with mirth and desire in her eyes. “Are you checking out my ass?”
Busted. What can I do?!
Smiling sheepishly and shrugging, I say, “Sorry, busted.”
Then, she surprises me as she shakes it in my face and says, “That’s ok. I like it.” She winks. “That’s why I wore it.” And she walks into my house.
Dear lord, what is going on? I feel like I just jumped out of a plane and I’m not certain if the parachute will open.
I’m not sure what exactly is happening or why she’s here, but I have a feeling shit is about to get real interesting.
Shaking my head and feeling an acute case of optimism, I take a minute to calm my thoughts and follow her into my house.
She’s not in the kitchen, so I head into the living room. She’s walking around looking at everything, trailing her fingers over the back of the couch. It’s pretty sexy.
As she hears me, she turns and smiles at me. “Go ahead and get cleaned up. I’ll just make myself…” she rounds the couch and sits and her skirt rides up to her crotch. It’s barely covered. My mouth goes dry. “Comfortable.”
I nod. The ability to speak alludes me. She chuckles as I head down the hall.
After flipping the shower on, I strip down and look at myself in the floor-length mirror, trying to see what Tifanie sees. I can’t. I only see myself. Caramel skin over tight muscle, crystal blue eyes, full lips, tattoos on my shoulders and arms… I’m tall, over six foot, but I just look like me. I don’t get the fascination. That’s not to say I don’t know I’m attractive. I do. I’ve heard it my whole life, but it was usually in the context of, “I can’t believe he’s so attractive.”
Ugh. I don’t have time for this. Shaking my head to stop the downward spiral, I step into the shower and quickly wash off. Within minutes, I’m done. Grabbing a towel, I quickly blot my skin and wrap it around my waist.
Shit, I don’t have any clothes in here. I have to cross the hall. Tifanie is in the living room though, so I can make it without her seeing me. I feel weird though.
It’s not a big deal. Grab some clothes to throw on and then let’s go see what she has for me.
Opening the door, the steam billows into the hallway. I step out. The air is much cooler out here, so I stop for a minute to feel the difference on my skin. A gasp makes me jump and my towel loosens. Instincts kick in and I grab it before it falls completely off, but not quick enough to stop from flashing her.
I look up and Tifanie is staring at me and her mouth is opening and closing with no sound emerging. Her eyes are raking my body and though I have the towel on, I feel like I’m naked. My pulse quickens and the blatant appreciation and desire on her face has my groin stirring.
Shit! This is not good. Or is this very good?! I don’t even know what I want right now.
I should walk into my bedroom, but I can’t. I’m rooted to the floor with my anatomy lengthening as Tifanie rakes her gaze over me. It’s almost like I can physically feel her gaze. It’s like a caress.
Neither of us moves. She stares and I watch her… watch me. My hand is tightly gripping the cotton at my hip, keeping it covering the parts of me that are now standing at attention from the unadulterated lust on her face.
She licks her lips as she watches my cock lengthen and press against the towel. The gesture causes it to harden even more.
I can’t breathe. I’ve had women before. A lot of them. I’ve had them want me, but I’ve never had anyone look at me like Tifanie is looking at me right now. It’s so empowering.
The urge to take her, to claim her, to sear myself on her mind and body is suddenly too much to withstand. I can’t stop myself. My hand loosens on the cotton and it falls. My cock stops its descent.
Tifanie watches with rapt attention and her bosom jerks with the deep breaths she’s taking. Her legs appear to be shaking and she places her hand against the wall to steady herself.
With a little move to the side, the towel falls to the floor and I’m standing before her, fully nude in the hallway.
Her eyes drink me in and her hands are clenching and unclenching at her sides.
Nothing matters right now. Nothing except taking what she’s willing to give. She told me she was here and she wanted me, she said her intentions were clear.
It’s past time I took her up on her offer.
Chapter Twelve
Tifanie
Dear lord. Whatever picture I had in my head, whatever fantasy I conjured up, nothing compares to the sight in front of me right now.
Cruz is absolutely perfect. His body is pure perfection. The muscles are bulging and good lord, his dick is massive. I guess what they say about black men is true. I’m a little frightened, but I want him.
Is this really happening? I’m scared to move in case it’s a dream and I wake up…
My gaze drinks in the magnificence of the man in front of me.
I’m in shape. I’ve been with men who cared about their bodies before, but never in my life have I witnessed such absolute perfection. It’s almost like he’s a painting on a canvas, an immortal god. I blink to make sure this is in fact really happening. Is he really standing in front of me like this?!
He’s still there. Staring at me. I have to touch. I have to taste. I want to devour him. The air in the hallway feels electric.
Cruz is naked in front of me. I’m jumping at this chance. Taking a breath and standing as tall as I’m able on wobbly legs, I take a step toward him. He watches me.
Letting my eyes start at his feet, I travel his impressive height and memorize every plane and angle of his body. I want to remember this forever. As I get to his crystal blue eyes, I see pure want in them. His nostrils flare and he takes a step in my direction.
Two more from him has me pressed against the wall, his naked body against me. His cock is pressing against the apex of my thighs as he grabs my hair and tips my head back. Before I can breathe, he takes my mouth in a brutal kiss. It’s hard and aggressive. One hand is holding my head back as he consumes my mouth. His tongue sweeps past my teeth as I gasp and he explores every recess of my mouth. My tongue immediately joins his. His other hand grabs my knee and curves my leg around his hip, pressing him more firmly against me. My short dress is pus
hed up and his hand palms my ass.
His lips leave my mouth and it feels bruised and swollen, but I don’t care. The sensations are so exquisite I’m scared to move. I don’t want to spook him and I’m praying he doesn’t stop. His mouth trails over my neck and down to the scoop neck of my dress. His tongue trails across the tops of my breasts. I’m moaning and holding tightly to his head, keeping him in place.
His hands leave my hair and both cup my hips as his lips and tongue weave a sensual trail across my bust. I’m moaning and using the wall to hold myself upright on one leg as both hands cradle his head and hold him on my breasts.
His hands travel over my hips and push my dress up to bunch at my waist. The cool air caresses my butt cheeks as they are exposed with only my tiny thong between us. His hands knead and caress my ass as his mouth finds a nipple through the dress. I’m dying here. “Ohhhh, Cruz. Touch me, please touch me.”
He chuckles against my breast. “I am touching you.”
Grabbing his head, I pull and make him look at me. His eyes are almost navy they are so dark with his arousal. Leaning in, I nip his full bottom lip and groan into his mouth, “No, TOUCH ME!”
Still staring into my eyes, he smiles and the beauty of it causes chills to race up my spine. His fingers push my thong to the side. The cool air teases my steaming folds. I bite my lip to stop from screaming out but a groan escapes from my throat anyway. His fingers brush across my mound. I push against his hand. He slips a finger into my wetness and I moan in appreciation. He mutters against my mouth, “Like this?” as his fingers enter and retreat at a leisurely pace. Throwing my head back, I thrust against his hand as he slowly and intimately fucks me with his fingers.
