The Game of Seduction (Arrington Family Series)

by Candace Shaw

  Deciding she didn’t want to be there when he woke up, she slid from under his warm embrace. He’d told her once he was a heavy sleeper, so she was glad when he barely moved. She tiptoed across the room to the fireplace where her clothes lay and hurriedly got dressed. She grabbed her purse from the floor next to the bed and then remembered her car was at home.

  Great.

  She walked quietly to the open door, looked back at Rasheed who was sleeping peacefully, and hurried down the staircase. She sat on the bench in the foyer and pulled her cell phone from her purse to call a cab.

  Twenty minutes later she was in the cab checking her voice mail, most of which were from friends wishing her a happy new year and her siblings questioning her as to why she left the party early. She had said a hurried good-bye to Raven before rushing out with Rasheed and never told her brothers she was leaving because they were on the dance floor. She deleted the messages, turned off her phone, and rested her head on the back of the seat.

  Once she arrived home, she slept, showered, and slept again for a few more hours before she decided to Skype with the one person who would understand what she was going through, her cousin, Megan Chase.

  “Let me get this straight, because I’m apparently not hearing you correctly. You had mind-blowing sex with NBA great Rasheed Vincent and you don’t want to ever again with him.” Megan shrugged her shoulders and sipped her coffee. Knowing her, it was her second cup. She drank coffee like it was water. She appeared too wired for the day after New Year’s Eve, plus, she was speaking a mile a minute in her signature, soft sort of singy voice, even though that was most of the time anyway.

  “That’s correct.” Bria tried to stifle a giggle at her cousin’s appearance. Her hair was wrapped in a scarf, and she had toothpaste on two pimples.

  “All because you don’t want to ruin your friendship.”

  “Well, I think it’s too late because now I don’t know how to go back and be just friends. We tell each other everything. What if next week he tells me all about some hot girl he’s seeing and, knowing him, screwing? The thought is making me sick to my stomach.”

  “Girl, you got it bad,” Megan said shaking her head. “I’m glad you finally had sex with someone. It has been a long time.”

  “Oh really, and what about you?”

  “My wonderful twin along with Jade, have been setting me up on boring blind dates. I think I’ve been out with every man in Atlanta, and I’m getting sick of it. I know my family and friends mean well, but they don’t understand that I love being single.”

  “Well, you know I understand where you’re coming from. Just don’t do like me and end up sleeping with your best friend who will make you want more.”

  “Don’t worry, while Jade loves to have sex, I don’t think I’m her type,” Megan laughed. “So, are you still coming to Atlanta tomorrow? The guest room is all ready for you. Just ignore my sewing machine and the big bolts of material lining the walls.” Megan moved her laptop so Bria could see the room.

  Megan was an up and coming interior decorator in Atlanta who owned her own boutique interior decorating firm Chase, Whitmore, and Associates, along with her best friend Jade Whitmore.

  “Yes, I’m leaving tomorrow night.”

  “Isn’t Rasheed coming to Atlanta for a hosting gig on Sports Fanatic?”

  “Sometime next week, but I’m going to avoid him if possible. Besides, I’ll be too busy hanging with you as well as checking out Taylor’s practice.”

  Megan gave Bria a look of pity and sighed. “You have a lot on your plate right now. Between your dad giving you a hard time about leaving the family practice, and now you’re falling for Rasheed …”

  “Girl, I know, but I’ll let you go. I need to do laundry and start packing enough clothes for a month, even though I do plan to go shopping at Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall.”

  “I can’t wait to see you. Call me when you leave Memphis.”

  An hour later, Bria was going through her closet when she heard her front door open and close. She stood very still, not because she thought it was a burglar but because she knew who it was. She had given Rasheed an emergency key when Shelbi moved out of the apartment building and across town when she got married, and now he was using it.

  “Bria, I know you’re home,” he called out. “Your purse and keys are on the foyer table.”

  Reluctantly, she walked out to the living area. He sat comfortably in the chair sipping on a bottle of water and looking very handsome.

  “Now look, woman. We’re not going to play the avoid Rasheed game again, do you hear me?”

  “Who said I was avoiding you?” She turned from the intensity on his face and walked into the kitchen. She wasn’t surprised when he followed her in there. He sat on one of the barstools at the island, and she leaned against the sink.

  “Really? I woke up this morning, and you were gone. I’ve called your cell phone, and it keeps going to voice mail. So yes, I’d say you were avoiding me.”

  “You want something to eat?”

  “You can’t cook, Bree.”

  “No, but I can make grilled cheese sandwiches and some curly fries.” She opened the freezer to retrieve the fries and to cool her face off. He looked so damn good in his blue jeans and a black sweater, she just wanted to say the hell to their friendship and seduce him right there.

  She let out a surprised sigh as strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her body against his hard one. His scent whiffed into her nostrils, and she wanted him to take her just like that, especially when she could feel the swell of his erection on her backside.

  “You’re still avoiding me,” he whispered in her ear, his lips hovering over it. His voice was deep and heavy, sending a warm sensation through her.

  “I … wasn’t avoiding you. I’m just … hungry.”

  “Me too.” He dipped his tongue into the crook of her neck. “Hungry for you.”

  She moaned and leaned her head back on Rasheed’s chest, feeling the hardness of it. It was comforting and warm just like his embrace that she hated to leave from that morning.

  “I woke up ready for round four, and you weren’t there.” He placed kisses down her neck and kneaded her breasts whose nipples hardened as soon as he touched them.

  She gave up trying to resist. “I’m here now,” she whispered. She closed the freezer, leaving the bag of fries on the shelf. He turned her around to face him, and he seized her lips as if he hadn’t seen her in forever. She parted her lips more to allow him better access to her tongue as he continued to kiss her with so much passion and vigor that it sent quivers of exhilaration down to her aching sex that craved to have him inside of her once more. She let out soft moans as she massaged his smooth head and deepened the kiss by pulling him closer to her.

  His fingers skimmed the waistband of her sweatpants and another moan erupted as he pulled his lips from hers.

  “Shhh. Be patient.” He kissed her gently once more and then stooped down to his knees and pulled her sweatpants to the floor. He halfway grinned. She was panty-less.

  “I see you were expecting me,” he commented before diving his tongue straight into her center.

  She gasped for air, for she wasn’t expecting him to do that. He held onto her butt and pulled her closer to him as she draped her left leg over his shoulder and grabbed his bald head.

  His tongue dipped in and out of her, driving her crazy with every single lick.

  “Yes, just … like … that,” she stuttered out. She tried to catch her breath but couldn’t. This man knew exactly what he was doing as he kissed her other lips with the same passion as the first time they had kissed.

  He wound his tongue slowly around the outside of her entrance with an infatuated expression on his face. His tongue dance continued running tingles through her body. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take as he licked his tongue in and out of her. She was so wet. She wasn’t sure if it was her or his saliva. Probably a mixture of both. She felt an orgasm a
bout to explode, and she pushed his head deeper in between her legs pumping her hips with the same motion as his tongue thrust.

  “Please … Rasheed … please don’t stop.” She leaned her head back on the refrigerator and grasped his head tightly as she climaxed. She let out a long scream and then slumped over for she could no longer hold her balance on one leg. He pulled her down to the floor and held her in his warm embrace until her breathing returned to normal. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, breathing in his scent.

  “Let’s finish this in the bedroom.” A dangerous grin crept across his face as he lifted her off of the floor and into his strong arms.

  When they arrived to her bedroom, he set her on the floor next to the bed and impatiently snatched her medical school sweatshirt over her head to reveal her breasts that bounced free in excitement. He sucked one into his mouth, nibbling and biting it hard as he palmed the other one, sending pleasure and pain through her body. Passion-filled moans released from her mouth as she held onto his head when his mouth deepened over her breast. She reached down to his jeans and unbuttoned them. Unzipping them was somewhat of a challenge as she tried to get the zipper down over his monster of an erection. While he stepped out of his jeans, she pulled his sweater over his head to expose his beautiful decadent chest in all of its glory. Breathing and her coherent senses escaped her. She glanced down to the floor to see a few packs of condoms that must’ve falling out his jeans.

  “I see you came prepared.” She stooped down and tossed the packs on the bed.

  He pulled her back to him but didn’t continue delivering mind-blowing kisses on her. Instead, he simply stared at her, with a longing in the depths of his eyes, and that alone sent shivers through every cell in her body.

  “I want you, Bria. I woke up and reached out for you only to find a pillow in your place. You do things to me I can’t explain. You’re like a drug I can’t get enough of, and I have no control over. Why did you leave?”

  “I thought it was just going to be a one-time thing.”

  “You’re like a chip.” He picked her up and laid her on the bed and then his naked body over hers, pulling her legs over his shoulder. He grabbed a condom pack, opened it, and placed it on his overbearing erection. “I can’t just have one.”

  With one plunge, he was completely nestled inside of her, shocking her system with electrifying volts of pleasure. She clung to him for dear life as he began to slowly stroke her, causing her to tremor beneath him and soft whimpers rose from her throat. With every stroke he gave, she felt herself falling into his world, and rose her hips up to meet his tender thrusts. She wanted to give all of herself to him. Her heart, mind, spirit, body, and soul only wanted to be his. Did Rasheed realize that she’d never felt like this before? That his being there ignited a fever in her and caused her to go weak? Just a touch or a smile from him could send tingles down her spine, and he wasn’t even trying.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” she croaked out.

  “Me too. All I could think about on the way over here was being inside you again. You feel so damn good, Bree.”

  After that, his thrusts came faster and deeper. An orgasm started in her center and tore through her entire body making her go dizzy and blank for a few moments. He lifted off of her.

  “Wait … no … where are you going? Don’t stop. I need you … please.” She couldn’t believe the way she was begging this man to not stop, but if he only knew how he’d just taken her to heaven.

  “I’m not stopping,” he chuckled. “Just changing positions. Turn over.”

  Relief swept over her, and she happily turned over onto her stomach. He pulled her by the hips until she was on all fours. He leaned over and kissed the sensitive spot on the back of her neck as he eased all of himself into her. Her stomach muscles clenched, and she let out a long sigh. He stayed still for a minute, and she appreciated that. From behind, he felt harder and stronger, and she needed a minute to adjust to its size again.

  She wiggled her butt and then slowly pushed back to him. He rested his hands on her hips and guided her to meet his long strokes over and over until she had orgasms overlapping each other. Their bodies slapped together as his pace picked up. She could no longer meet his thrusts as he hammered into her making her come so many times that her voice was hoarse from yelling his name. She slumped to the bed completely exhausted but wanting more of his deep, long thrusts that were sending her over the edge. He followed, but his momentum never stopped as he drove into her, saying her name in the process. He tugged on the back of her neck which was sure to leave a love mark, but she didn’t care. He grabbed her hands and held them to the bed.

  “Is it good, Bree?”

  “Oh yes, Rasheed. So damn good.”

  “It’s all mine, you hear me?” he groaned in her ear.

  “Yes, baby. Whatever you say. Just don’t stop.”

  He let go of one of her hands and slid his hand down her body and underneath it to tease her clit, sending raw cries from her. She didn’t know how much more she could take, but she craved it so bad. She craved him so bad.

  “Tell me whose making you feel like this.”

  “You.”

  “Who, baby? You know my arrogant ass loves to hear my name on your sexy lips.”

  “Rasheed Vincent. Keep giving it to me just like that, Mr. Vincent.”

  “Good girl.” He removed his hand from her clit and slapped her butt.

  “You gonna come with me?” he asked as his thrusts came faster and out of control as the bed shook like an earthquake.

  “Yes, Rasheed! Please come.”

  Seconds later he shuddered hard and let out a long roar like a lion along with her name, a few grunts, and some curse words.

  He rolled off of her and pulled her close to him, his face nuzzling her neck as his breathing returned to normal. Bria closed her eyes and then reopened them as silent tears fell on her face and mingled with her sweat or his sweat. She really didn’t know. What she did know was that she’d never felt a complete oneness with a man before. It scared her. She knew getting involved with Rasheed on this level was a big mistake. But now that she had crossed the point of no return, she would just have to be a woman and deal with it.

  *****

  An hour later after a shower together, they were settled in the living room munching on grilled cheese sandwiches and curly fries while watching college football.

  “So, when are you leaving for Atlanta?” he asked, taking a swig of his beer.

  “Tomorrow evening after I run some errands and what not.”

  “And what not? You gotta go see your man before you leave?” Even though he asked jokingly, his stomach turned into a knot as he waited for an answer. He finished off his beer as she popped another fry into her mouth and chewed before answering his question.

  Her mouth turned into a smirk as she chewed, taunting him even more.

  “I don’t have a man. If I did, you wouldn’t be here. The what not is a patient. She’s going through fertility treatments with Raven, and I’m doing acupuncture in correlation with it.”

  His stomach unknotted, and he polished off the rest of his grilled cheese sandwich.

  “Oh. That’s right. Your parents are in St. Croix for the week. Daddy Dearest won’t even know.”

  “Exactly. I’m hitting the road after that. When is your segment with Sports Fanatic?”

  “Next week, but I’m flying out in the morning. You know, Bree, you can stay with me.”

  She stopped mid-fry.

  “I’m staying with my cousin, Megan. She’s one of the twins you were salivating over.” She popped the fry into her mouth and turned her attention toward the game.

  “Well, now I’m salivating over you and would love for you to spend the month with me and in my bed.”

  “I thought you didn’t bring honeys to your home in Atlanta.”

  “I don’t, nor my home here in Memphis. But you’re no honey, as you say. You’re my best friend. In
fact, instead of flying out in the morning, I can just ride with you. No point in you driving seven hours at night by yourself.”

  “Rasheed, I don’t know about staying with you.”

  “I’m not asking you to live with me. Just hang with me like we always do. Of course, now we’ve discovered something else we like to do together and very well.”

  She tried to hide an embarrassed smile and hesitated with her answer. “Okay, but be ready at six ‘o’ clock.”

  “Is your furry friend coming?” He pointed toward the bookshelf where Mr. Hamster sat in his cage nibbling on some food.

  “No, Raven is going to keep him. Megan has a cat so I wasn’t going to take Mr. Hamster. He may have thought Mr. Hamster was lunch.”

  “True. So, Megan is an interior decorator, right? My place in Atlanta isn’t really furnished, even though I did have my assistant make sure I at least had a bed to sleep in when I arrive and few other linens and things. Do you think she’ll be interested in doing some decorating for me? I’ll be back and forth in Atlanta with the hosting gig during basketball season until the studio here in Memphis is complete later on this year.”

  “I’m sure she will. I’ll ask her.”

  “Cool. Maybe you can help as well. You know my taste.”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  Rasheed tried to put his focus on the game, but he wasn’t really watching it. Instead, he kept thinking about the sexy woman sitting on the floor munching on curly fries dipped in honey mustard sauce. He could still taste her womanly essence on his lips and wanted seconds, but he knew he needed to slow down with her. He didn’t know why he invited her to stay with him in Atlanta. It just came out. It felt natural that she should be with him if they were both going to be in Atlanta at the same time. Bria was doing a number him, and he kind of liked it.