by J. Nichole
I nod my head, agreeing with him, "You got me there." Smoke fills the air, and although it's not overwhelming, I'm sure I'll smell like a BBQ when I leave. The tables are bare, except sauce and napkins. "Do you come here often?"
“Either I come in and pick up an order or someone delivers it. Either way I have The Pit saved as a favorite in my phone.”
After the server sets a basket of cornbread on the table I take a muffin and ask Dante, “Now that we are comfortable. Who is trying to ruin your career with the rumors about you messing with a kid?”
He adjusts in his seat. Finishing up his bite of cornbread he clears his throat and says, “After explaining to the team your affiliation with the magazine and convincing them that you weren’t underage, they agreed to do some digging.”
Expecting him to continue I sit waiting. When he takes another bite of cornbread I ask, “And outside of the team investigating you have no idea who it could be?” I place my arms across my chest.
He shakes his head. “The author should be issuing a correction.” He cringes. “The team’s public relations department demanded it.”
“Another cycle of it hitting the news?” With my lip curled I say, “It’d be better if they just let it die down.”
He nods his head. “I said the same thing.”
Uncrossing my arms I lean forward. “Guess that’s the sacrifice you make as a celebrity. No privacy, or say in how things are handled on your behalf.”
Dante looks around the empty restaurant. "It's even more overrated than you can imagine."
"Being a celebrity attracts plenty of women too, I’m sure.” Dante shrugs his shoulders. “Why me?"
He leans back in his chair and takes a sip of his sweet tea. “I’m not sure how to take that. Either you feel I’m too good or you’re not worthy of my attention, but neither is true.” He looks towards the kitchen and then continues, “Granted, I don’t know much about you. When we met you were so un-phased by my presence it immediately caught me off guard."
With my eyebrow raised I point to myself and say, "Me un-phased? Please elaborate."
He smirks and says, "I've learned to read people's intentions. Chicks..." He adjusts in his chair. "Other ladies in your position would have acted as if I was the best player in the league and would have convinced me they have never missed a game."
His revelation reminds me of the other interns who are more than willing and ready to meet a professional athlete and become a housewife. “Do women actually do that?” The server stands beside our table, waiting with another plate. Hardly looking my direction, she sits the plate of chicken wings in front of Dante, smiles, and asks if he needs a refill.
He shakes his head, not ever making eye contact with her. When she finally walks away, defeated, he smirks. "Unfortunately, yes. Yes, they do." He grabs a wing and bites into it. "Don't be shy. Tell me if I'm lying about how good this place is."
We both enjoy the wings, ribs, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, all that follow. I’m stuffed beyond the point where I can move and I’m glad the paparazzi are nowhere to be found. “I’m not sure The Pit will make it to a favorite in my phone but I’ll certainly be back a few more times before I leave Jacksonville.”
Dante's smile deepens and he shrugs, "I got you covered whenever you're ready." He cocks his head and says, "I have one more place to show you." He stands and grabs my hand. I reluctantly stand up. Still feeling like I could cripple over from my over-gorged belly I walk behind him.
Weaving his way through the empty restaurant and past the grimacing hostess Dante opens his car door. I climb in and happily sit. We drive away from The Pit and farther away from the city. I relax in the seat. At least if I die today I’ll die happy and full. “We both agree that I’m not a gold-digger.” Dante laughs and looks at me with a pleased grin, putting all his teeth on display. “I’m still curious. Tell me more.”
“The journalist in you never sleeps. Huh?” He focuses on the road before he leans over and turns the music off. “Only because you are persistent. I had a girlfriend in college. We actually started dating our senior year in high school.” He looks at me and I nod for him to continue. “When talks of me being drafted started, she started to shy away from me. When I decided to go into the league, she told me we wouldn’t work out. She didn’t want everything that came along with dating a celebrity.”
“I can half understand that. I can only imagine it’s a hard life to deal with. I’ve only witnessed a fraction of your lifestyle and it was a little overwhelming.”
He nods his head. "Well, you remind me of her. The love I lost."
“Oh.” I begin to pick at a piece of lint on my pants. Concentrating on everything except making eye contact with him.
“I thought anyone like her would be a turn-off, but I was wrong.” He groans loudly. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t be talking about my ex.”
“Really, it’s fine. I asked." Leaning across the center console I say, “Where is she now?”
He hunches his shoulders and says, “I honestly lost contact with her and it’s probably for the better.”
I laugh and Dante looks at me with his head cocked to the side. “You found my phone number and where I stay. I don’t really believe you can’t find your ex.”
“Right. You think I’m a stalker. Enough about my ex. What’s keeping you from spending time with me?”
Choking on my words I pat my chest before responding. “Honestly. I am getting over my ex and wanted to chill this summer and not get involved with anyone.”
“What’s your story with him?” He puts the car in park and I look around the dark driveway up into a massive house.
Before I can respond I eye him and then the house. “Is this your house?” Staring at the house I say, “Why are we at your house?”
“There aren’t too many places I can guarantee no cameras. I was hoping you didn’t mind watching a movie.”
His eyes don’t give away his intentions. If he had any negative intentions. “Watch a movie yes. Anything more… no.” I arch my eyebrow at him until he nods in agreement.
Inside the house, he gives me a tour. Several bathrooms, guest rooms, the kitchen, master bedroom, and finally the man cave where a huge television spans across the wall.
We sit side by side in leather recliners. As I snuggle into the seat Dante starts drilling me about movie preferences. He loves action and I love romantic comedy, and we both love Crime movies. We agree to watch American Gangster.
“Romantic comedy and crime movies. I’m not sure I know too many other females who like crime movies.” Dante smiles at me. “Too bad we are both stuck on our exes.” He places his hand on my leg. “We may have hit it off pretty well.”
As his fingers run across my bare thigh I feel a tingle between my legs. “Right. Too bad we are stuck on our exes.” He rubs his finger across the hem of my dress.
“You feel cold. Do you need a blanket?” He reaches behind him and lays a cover over my legs. His hand finds its way back to my thigh. “I hope you don’t mind my hand. Your legs are soft.”
Laughing, I ignore his comment and say, “I should probably get back to the room.” It’s a Friday night but I’m headed home in the morning for the summer concert with Josh. Josh. I should be thinking about Josh, and not here praying my legs don’t spread.
“Did you hear me?” I didn’t realize he was talking to me. I shift in my seat and smile. “Guess that’s a no.” I blink my eyes a few times. “I was just saying you don’t have to rush home now. I have a guest room and you’re welcome to stay.”
Stay? Here? With my legs quivering and begging to open? Yeah right. “I’ll have to take a rain check on that one. I’m headed home in the morning.”
Dante looks away from me and his head hangs. “Journalist student at L.U. in Jacksonville on internship at What’s Happening Jacksonville.”
“Yes.” We exchange looks and he stands up and grabs the blanket, throwing it off of me before reaching for my hand.
> “I just realized I don't even know where you’re from.” He shakes his head. “That’s pretty horrible.”
Shrugging my shoulders I say, “We skipped the basic questions.”
Dante looks at me with a coy smile. “Those are important.” Taking a few steps towards me he asks, “Where are you from?
I take a few steps away from him and respond, “Fort Walton Beach.”
He closes the space between us and says, “I’m familiar with that area.” His eyebrows scrunch together. “What’s your favorite color?”
Looking up at him, I laugh. “You’re keeping it real basic.” He nods. “It’s yellow. My birthday is in October.” I take a deep breath to try to slow my beating heart. “October fifteenth.”
Dante leans in and this time I don’t back away. Our lips connect and he backs up into the chair, pulling me atop of him. With his hands tangled in my hair he pulls my face closer to his and his tongue explores every inch of my mouth. He moves a hand from my head and rubs a thumb across my nipple. My nipple peaks and my back arches, inching me even closer to him. I straddle his lap and deepen our kiss. He moans against my mouth, kissing me down my neck and nibbles on my earlobe. His manhood grows against my thigh and I begin to rock against him, causing friction that sends me over ecstasy.
He breaks our kiss and looks at me, smiling. “We should probably get you out of here.” He kisses my neck. “Unless you can skip your trip home tomorrow.” My trip can wait. I lean in and kiss the tip of his nose and then plant small kisses on his jawbone. “Does that mean you’re staying?”
Oh how I wish I could stay, but I shouldn’t. “As much as I want to stay I shouldn’t skip my trip tomorrow.” Standing up, I shake my head at Dante, who is looking at me with his eyes half closed.
He stands up behind me with his manhood pressed into my back. A not so gentle reminder of what I’m leaving. Our ride back to the dorms we ask each other twenty questions. Filling each other in on all the basics.
As he walks me to my door, he holds my hand and the few people we pass stand with their mouths wide open. I realize that my anonymity is out the door and any one of them could blast this moment across the Internet. But at this moment I couldn't care less.
Chapter Eight
“You look good, Laila. Last time I saw you, you were…” Josh admires my body, taking in all I have on display in my coral sundress.
“I was what? Looking a hot mess?” I laugh at him, trying to be modest. “Especially when you ran into me at the grocery store. I can’t believe I let myself go out like that.”
“A hot mess would be a compliment for how you looked that day.”
I slap Josh on the arm.
“What? You know you looked a mess.” He leans down and kisses my cheek. “But you know the good thing about you looking a hot mess that day?”
“Can anything about that day be good?” I roll my eyes at Josh and pull away from his attempt at embracing me. The boardwalk is packed with tourists and concertgoers waiting for the first act to start. We hardly have any space between us as we walk along the row of restaurants, and Josh is using it to his advantage to be as close to me as possible.
"The good thing about that day is that we had the opportunity to give us a try. To test the waters a bit." We continue walking along the boardwalk and I think about the last time we were here together. Fresh off of heartbreak and crushing even harder on Josh than I did when I was in high school.
“And here we are, again. Full circle.”
"Imagine that." The difference about today and that day is that I don't feel as strongly for Josh as I did then. I don't feel the butterflies or the spark. The butterflies and spark were once there. When he was out of reach.
“The concert should be starting soon. We should get over to our seats.” Josh grabs my hand and we walk along side by side through the crowd of young, and those trying to be young. The men on the prowl and the women trying to be seen. When we make it to our seats, we see Tanya is standing up with her boo, swaying to Zendaya. When she looks over at me, a wide grin spreads across her face and she opens her arms wide to gather me in a hug.
"I didn't know you were going to be here," I say, looking at her and Josh with my eyes squinted.
“What? And miss seeing my best friend? Never.” She looks at Josh and smiles. “As much as he wanted to keep you to himself I convinced him we’d have fun together.”
Tanya’s boo looks over at Josh and shakes his hand. “So who is this?” I whisper in her ear. “He’s sexy. Looks rather mature.” By mature I mean he looks at least ten years older than us.
Tanya laughs and says, “His name is Nate. We met a few months ago. If you would keep in touch with me you would know these things.” She jabs me in my side. “Let me introduce you.”
She stands beside Nate and introduces us. Before we can hold a conversation the music speeds up and the crowd is shouting with the music. I'm thankful for the change in pace but in spite of the quick beat Josh stands behind me and I give into my desire to grind against him. We continue through a few more songs until Zendaya leaves the stage and Tanya asks me to help her find the restroom.
"How have you been?" Tanya watches me through the mirror while she reapplies her fire red lipstick. Lipstick that matches her skintight halter dress.
"I've been good. I'm glad you came along. We are way overdue for catching up."
She turns to me and leans against the sink. "Think you can sneak away from Josh long enough for us to grab lunch?"
Josh rented us a room for the night. I didn't plan on staying in the area too long. Although my mom is team Josh she would be pissed to know we are staying the night together. I didn't even tell my parents I was coming to town. "How about dinner tonight? I'm headed back early in the morning."
She cocks her head and then snickers, "Mrs. Jackson doesn't know you are being naughty this weekend?"
We both laugh and she nods her head. "I don't know what Nate had planned." She turns and looks at herself in the mirror. "Who am I kidding?" She slides her hand down her hips. "I know what he has planned but I'm not with it."
At least both of us are on the same page. Sex with Josh is the last thing on my mind. To spare myself a lecture on how not to break her brother's heart I think I'll keep those details to myself. "Dinner it is then." We decide on a restaurant away from the boardwalk to avoid the crowds.
Walking out of the bathroom Tanya leans into me and says, “I saw that picture of you and the football player.” I continue walking beyond the group of people walking towards the bathrooms. “What’s going on with him?”
Without facing her, I shrug and say, “Nothing. I’m just enjoying my single status.”
“We need more time together to catch up.” She groans before we rejoin the guys.
"Didn't think y'all were coming back." Nate looks down at Tanya with a grin on his face.
"We had to take a minute to catch up." Tanya looks at me, smiling. "And we decided we need more time." Nate raises his eyebrow. "Dinner tonight. All four of us." She looks between Josh and Nate.
Josh interrupts. "What if I had plans for us tonight?" Josh shakes his head. "For Laila and I."
Tanya ignores Josh and looks to Nate. "You don't mind, do you?"
Nate shrugs his shoulders and says, "Guess not."
Josh groans and looks to me, "Alright. Where are we going?"
Tanya jumps up and down and hugs her brother around the neck. "Jasmine Thai." Tanya looks at me, grinning.
We enjoy the rest of the concert but as we are leaving, Josh pulls me aside. Tanya and Nate continue through the crowd. The sun is setting and a breeze chills my bare arms. I shiver, looking at Josh, waiting for him to speak. "You're only in town for a few more hours. I was hoping we could relax without my sister around."
Conflicted between spending time with Josh and my best friend I shrug my shoulders. “We both know Tanya is difficult when her mind is made up, and convincing her to let us be alone will take an act of God. We can ju
st do appetizers and then we can leave to do whatever you have planned."
Josh smiles and a slight flicker of a butterfly stirs in the pit of my stomach. His dimple does something to me. He grabs my hand and we catch up with Tanya and Nate. Nate is rubbing his hand on the small of Tanya's back as she throws her hands in the air.
"Damn I was just starting to think that you guys ditched us." She looks at me with her eyes narrowed.
I squeeze Josh's hand and say, "Never. Let's get moving."
The hostess at Jasmine Thai seats us, and I'm thankful we didn't go to a restaurant near the boardwalk because our wait time would have been a few hours minimum. The aroma of basil and Thai peppers invade my nose and I regret agreeing only to have appetizers.
Nate and Tanya sit across from us in our booth and by the distance between them, or lack thereof, I can see they are into each other. Josh rubs circles on my thigh while the waiter takes our order. "An order of chicken satay, curry puffs, and crab wontons." Josh closes his menu and hands it to our server.
"Just appetizers?" The expression on Tanya's face is hard to make out in the dimly lit restaurant, but I know that tone. She's pissed. Nate tries to speak up and she cuts him off. "I am just saying, Josh, when Laila leaves tomorrow, no telling the next time I'll be able to see her."
Tanya has always been a drama queen but tonight it's unbearable. "You're always welcome to move to Tallahassee and be near me." It's petty to throw a jab at her for not coming to L.U. but we always had plans to graduate together. After all this time she let her family persuade her into going to A&T, the alma mater of not only Josh but both of her parents.
Tanya groans, "Laila. I would be there but coming after you've had two years to build a bond with your roommates would just be weird. Besides A&T gave me a full ride." As if her parents wouldn't have paid her tuition wherever she decided to go. Unlike my parents, Tanya was raised getting whatever she wanted. When I roll my eyes at her she continues, "I know I could have had my parents pay for L.U., but with them helping with Ava the least I could do was not have them pay for school."
