by Cam Johns
"Yea, you're a pretty good dancer too."
"Thanks, I do ok. You look like you can hold your own." I say hiding my excitement.
"Maybe so, but you'll never see that."
"What? Why?"
"Cause there's no way I'm embarrassing myself."
"Oh come on…I'll dance with you." I say grabbing his hand. He resists a little, then relents, following me to the floor just as Drake’s Too Good plays. I start to circle him, winding my butt against him a little while he stands stationary. Slowly he does a bouncy two step, eyeing me. "Come on Jackson, loosen up!" I sway closer, wrapping my arms around his waist and start moving my hips to the beat. He stares down at me and then grabs my hand, spinning me off of him. He finally lets loose, widening his offbeat movements, making me smile. He looks so cute and innocent, like a teenager. He grabs my hand and tries to match my style, pulling me a little closer. As the song trails off and Chris Brown’s New Flame comes on I head off the floor.
"Where you going?" Jackson asks, grabbing my hand and pulling me back.
Oh, he smells intoxicating as I gaze into his eyes, feeling overwhelmed.
"Stay here with me." He puts my arms up to his neck, pulling my waist against him and begins to sway to the music.
This is definitely more his speed. He moves flawlessly with this smoother tempo. While staring at each other I feel my body tingling in places they shouldn't. His hands roam my back and thoughts of my earlier release cross my mind. Oh. His hands stray down further, but he hesitates at my bottom. Instead, he pulls me in as close as possible. As much as I want him to grab my ass, I know it couldn't go any further. I look over my shoulder and notice Jenn with Justin and Alyssa with someone random joining us on the floor, thankfully. I know I wouldn't let anything happen with them here. He puts his hand on my chin, directing me back to his eyes. I push his hair back behind his ear as he closes his eyes. Opening them back, I can tell he wants me…I think I may want him too. Oh no, I feel like I want to kiss him, but I can't get myself to look away. The song ends, oh thank goodness. I rudely pull Jenn from Justin and leave the floor.
"What's goin' on Kay?"
"Nothing, I'm tired…ready to go. Where's Lizzie? I didn't see her leave."
"I'm sure you didn't. You were too busy making love to your beaux. She got a phone call and left." As we headed out, Jackson and Justin follow us. "There she is." Jenn says pointing to the parking lot across the street.
"Hey guys, you ready to go or something?" Lizzie asks as we approach.
"Yeah, I'm tired. Plus it's late."
"Well, I'm gonna give Justin a ride home." She says, winking at me and Lizzie. We know what that means. "I'll talk to you guys later."
"Jackson, you mind taking Kay home? I have somewhere to go." My eyes dart to her in shock. What the hell! I grab her arm leading her away from Jackson before he could answer.
"What are you doing? Are you insane?"
"What…you'll be fine."
"All I need is Kevin seein’ some guy droppin’ me off. He'll be pissed!"
"Kay relax…he's probably asleep." She reassures, handing me my jacket.
"Whatever…just go." I walk to Jackson who has his back towards me with his hands in his pockets waiting patiently. Is it wrong of me to stare at his perfect butt? "Shall we, Mr. Turner?"
"Are you sure you want me to take you home?"
"I don't seem to have much of a choice in the matter."
"Well, I could call you a cab..."
"Do you not want to take me home or somethin’?" I snap back at him.
"Whoa, relax. I just want you to be comfortable, Karisma." I calm my nerves forcing a smile. Breathe, Karisma.
"No, it's okay Jackson. Please take me home."
He holds his arm out to lead me to his car. Once there, he opens the passenger door of his Audi Q7 and waits for me to get in. Wow, how many cars does he have? Sitting in the car, I watch him crossing in front to get in. His confidence is beyond sexy, it just radiates off of him and there's nothing more appealing.
"Buckle up so I can get you home safe." I do as I’m told so he could stop glaring at me.
“I assume you know where I live.” He doesn’t answer, just smiles and pulls off. "What were you listening to?" I ask pressing play on his CD player.
"Just some B.I.G. What you know about that?"
"What do I know? I should be asking you that.”
“Oh, ‘cause I'm white I can't know Biggie…you’re a woman.” He smiles peeking over at me.
“Oh don’t insult me like that." He laughs as I press the playback button turning it up a little. I start to rap along with Biggie’s Juicy as he looks at me with smiling eyes. Eventually, he joins in finishing the lyrics to the chorus. “See, don't sleep on me because I'm a chick, Mr. Turner."
"Jackson, ‘member? And you're right about that." By the end of the next song we were pulling into my driveway. He attempts to get out and open my door I assume, but I stop him.
"No, that’s alright, I can let myself out. Thanks again for the ride and I'll see you Monday." He grabs my hand as I turn to open the door, holding my glare with his for a moment before letting me go. Oh…stop that! His sensual blue eyes are attacking my clit. I wish I knew what he was thinking.
"You're welcome. I'll see you Monday." he says smiling. I smile back and head to my front door. Once I have the door opened slightly, I turn to wave bye and he backs out the driveway. Entering the foyer, I turn the dimmer up higher to take my shoes off.
"Have a good night babe?" I turn to see Kevin standing in the living room doorway.
"Kevin, what are you still doin’ up?" I grumble, still stumbling out of my shoes.
"Waiting for you obviously...who was that?"
"Oh, that was Jackson from work. He ended up meeting us at the club."
"Why is he bringing you home, I thought you were riding with Alyssa?"
"She had something to do….what's with the interrogation Kevin?"
"I wanna know who this man is driving my woman around. I don't know that dude."
"Chill, he's no one. I'm tired…going to bed now." I turn to walk up the stairs when Kevin walks in front of me. "What!"
"Relax…did you have a good time?" he says softly, pulling me towards him.
"Fuck you Kevin!" I say, very much annoyed and angry for some reason.
"Oh, you mad now. Why? I have the right to know what's going on." I stare at him furiously. Oh yes, that's why.
"You have the right? The right? You've got some serious nerve asshole." I pull away from him and try to start up the stairs. He yanks me back down, pushing me into the wall and lifts an arm above my head. “What are you doing?” He says nothing, glaring down at me while grabbing my other hand to pull above my head. Holding both my hands up in one of his, he uses the other to grab my chin and tries to kiss me, but I turn my head.
"C'mon boo." He whispers. "I'm sorry."
"You're a jerk." I say with a little less force.
"I know." He slowly glides his lips across my neck. "I'm sorry." He whispers, nibbling on my ear lobe. He glides his free hand down the front of my dress until he reaches the bottom and pulls it up until my underwear is visible. He sneaks his fingers in at the top of them and tries to slide two of them between my legs. "Open." He whispers in my ear. I abide by his wish and spread my legs. He slides two fingers back and forth against my clit. "Your pussy's not mad at me I see." He murmurs, moving his fingers faster.
"I-I fuck-ing hate you so-meti-mes." I say with labored breath.
"I know." I open my eyes to him. I hate that he’s able to do this to me. “You're so fucking beautiful. I want you to cum right now." He kisses me hard, sliding his fingers inside of me and pounds his hand against my clit steadily. Oh. I thrust my pelvis toward him, then back and forth as if I'm riding him. He always knows how to make me feel so sexy. "Yeah...let it out boo."
"I'm gonna cum!" I shout. He kisses me hard as I come down from my explosion. Finally calmed, I look up a
t him defeated. "I think you can let my arms down now." I whisper with a smile.
"I dunno… I kinda like having this control over you." he says with this sly smirk. I giggle as he finally lets me go. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him down to my lips, kissing him softly.
"You think you know me so well don't you?"
"I think I do." He pulls me upstairs, "Let's get you out of these clothes boo. I know you're tired."
"Yes, let's." We go upstairs where he undresses me and lays me in the bed. He slides in behind me and we fall asleep in each other's arms for the rest of the night.
Chapter Three
It's Saturday morning and I reluctantly open my eyes to the bright sun. Barely able to see the 8:15 on the clock, I swing my arm behind me to feel for Kevin, but he’s not there. It’s a bit too early for him to be up already. Finally crawling out the bed, I grab my robe and zombie walk to the door. Kevin’s tense voice meets me instantly. As I get further downstairs, I could make out his end of the conversation.
“What the fuck are you talking about....I'm not doing that again...are you nuts? I almost got caught last time. Dammit, alright we'll talk about it tomorrow. I got shit to do with the ball and chain today. Aiight.”
In the living room, he’s in his lounge chair with his head in his hands.
"What's going on?" I ask, concerned. He looks shocked to see me standing in front of him. As if I caught him doing something wrong.
"Oh nothing boo, just work stuff. Did I wake you?"
"No, I got up on my own...are you sure you're cool?"
"Baby," he stands up and walks toward me, "I'm good." He wraps his arms around my waist and kisses me on the forehead. "How’d you sleep?"
"Peacefully, actually."
"I bet it had something to do with my skills." He says with a sly smile.
"Whatever...maybe." I say hesitantly rolling my eyes. We both chuckle. "Why don't you head up and shower while I cook us breakfast."
"Cool boo."
As he heads up the stairs, I notice he left his phone on the arm of the chair. I resist the urge to take a peek and head to the kitchen. I don't like him sneaking around to have a conversation…which of course takes me back to when he had a reason to hide things from me. While cooking, I try to steer my Kevin’s-a-sneaky-bastard thoughts into a different direction.
Last night was so much fun. I haven't gone out to do what I've wanted in about a year. Although, Jackson is going to be a problem. I'm just infatuated with him right now; hopefully I'll get over it. However, sometimes, when he looks at me, I get so warm and tingly down there. That damn smile is so hard to resist, and those bright blue-ish eyes will make me lose it. Deep in thought, I barely feel Kevin come up behind me and kiss the back of my neck.
"Breakfast ready babe?"
"Yes," I turn smiling, "can you set the plates and stuff out for us?"
"You got it."
"So, what were you thinkin’ ‘bout just now? You didn't even hear me come in the kitchen."
Fuck me! I’m not really sure what to say, but definitely couldn't tell him the truth.
"I was thinking about having to go to mom's later. You sure you still wanna go?" I ask him with the puppy dog eyes.
"Oh stop it. We're going. I promised her."
"You promised her? And just when did you two speak?"
"C'mon dear, you know we talk. Especially since you don't answer the phone when she calls."
"You know why I don't Kevin. She's ridiculous and a pain in my phatty!"
"Oh, you have quite the phatty!" He says slapping me in the butt. We both laugh and he changes my mood just like that. Kevin is good for getting his way.
"Fine, we'll go but I warned you...when did you two get so cozy anyway?"
"Yes you have dear. I guess we just found common ground." He says kissing me on the cheek.
After breakfast I head upstairs to get dressed in my "mother appropriate" clothes. God forbid I go there in jeans and shirt, no, I have to be in a skirt and heels. I can just hear her now, a lady must always wear her finest clothes to every occasion. Blah. Blah. Blah. After getting dressed and tying my hair up, I walk downstairs to wait for Kevin, who is still getting dressed in his closet. In the living room, the first thing I see, is his phone. I'm actually surprised he didn't take it upstairs with him for the second time. Of course I take this as a sign and I pick it up. His lock screen is a photo of us from our first anniversary. He was so cute with all that hair on his face and my short haircut looking all fly. When I swipe the screen however, it prompts me for a code. We've never used codes for our phones, so I'm not sure why he has one.
"Babe you ready?" Kevin asks as he comes downstairs.
"Kevin, why’s there a lock on your phone?" I obviously caught him off guard because he has this stupid shocked look on his face. Idiot.
"Ummm....wait, why do you have my phone?"
"Don't answer my question with a question. There’s no reason to think of an answer when you tell the truth. Tell me." I sit in the leather lounge chair beside me, folding my legs anticipating the answer.
"Babe, I don't wanna argue." He says trying to avoid the situation.
"And we won't. As soon as you tell me why, we can go." He sits down on the coffee table in front of me and looks me in the eye.
"There are things you can't know."
"Kevin, stop playing. Just tell me."
"I'm being honest."
"Yes, but you're stating the obvious. There’s a block to keep me out...why?" He sits in silence. I can tell whatever it is, he wants to tell me but can't for some reason. "Fine." I get up to grab my keys and purse before going for the door. Quickly he stammers in front of me.
"Move!" I yell at him as my eyes start to water.
"Karisma, I really need you to trust me."
"Trust you? Trust you?! Get outta my way asshole!" He lifts his hands up, covering his face. He looks at me, not sure of what to do next, but decides it's best to move to the side. Finally able to leave, I walk out slamming the door behind me. I get in my car and call Alyssa who answers with the first ring.
"Hey girl what's up?"
"Lizzie, you busy? I need to talk."
"No...what's going on Kay?"
"I'm heading over to you."
"I'll be here."
Twenty minutes later I’m pulling into the visitor parking of her condo complex. It’s relatively quiet, manicured lawns and kids are out playing…seems pleasant enough. Once out the car, I spot her waving at her front door. She grabs me into a bear hug before letting me in.
"So, it must be bad that you had to drive over here, so spill."
"Kevin’s hiding shit."
"Okay...not really sure why that’s a problem; men always hide something." She says, leading me over to the couch to sit. "I made some tea, let me get you some." I take the time to admire her cute place. Everything is so neat and colorful. She has a large L shaped couch facing a large television on the wall. She has no photos up, but she does have a wall full of CDs.
"Hmm…someone likes their music..." I say sarcastically.
"Don't start with me girl. So, tell me exactly what happened." she commands, putting a cup of tea in front of me before taking a seat beside me.
"Yes, men hide things sometimes but because...." I take a pause. "Because after what he did, he promised if I asked something I wanted to know he’d tell me. No matter what…open honesty.
"I see." She says waiting for me to continue.
"There was a time when I thought Kevin could do no wrong, but I guess that was my fault."
"Ok...tell me what happened Kay."
"I think I'll go back to when we met."
We met when I was here in Seattle visiting from school. My mother was getting ready for her big annual family and friends barbecue. It was the last one before my father was killed. It was a beautiful August day. Everyone was scrambling, trying to get the house perfect for my insane mother. That's the day I met Kevin. I was putting the bouquets o
ut on the tables in the back when he came up to me.
"Excuse me Miss, I was looking for Mrs. Washington. I can't seem to find her."
I turn around to this tall, handsome chocolate man smiling at me. "Umm, I'm Karisma, her daughter. I'm sure she's around here somewhere. Is there something I can help you with?" I ask, hoping he says yes.
"Maybe. I'm the manager of the wait staff. I wondered if she had any instructions for me."
"Oh, well I'm sure she does," I say smiling, "I'll go find her for you."
"Thanks."
I find my mother in the kitchen bossing everyone around. She'll be delighted there’s someone else to yell at.
"Mother, the manager of the wait staff is looking for you. Someone else for you to tyrannize."
She lets out a sigh. "Is there a reason you have to continually get smart with me? Could you try and be more of a help today?" She complains, removing her apron and walking toward me.
"I actually am trying to help mother." I state, displaying a sarcastic smile. Once in front of me she stops to try and fix my hair and clothes. She just can't help but display her discontent with me.
"Jesus mother!" I say waving her hands off me. "Stop it. Don't worry I will be up to your standards when company arrives. There's someone outside who's actually waiting for you to be a pain in the butt!" I walk away from her and walk back to the wait staff manager. At the back door, the manager is waiting for me to return. "She'll be right out." I say smiling.
"Okay. I'm Kevin by the way." He says holding his hand out.
"Nice to meet you Kevin." There's an awkward moment of silence, as we continue to stare and shake hands. I can tell he wants to continue to talk but he couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Karisma! Can you hurry and finish the tables so you can go do something with yourself. You look like the help." I noticeably roll my eyes at my mother's rude interruption. Totally embarrassed, I walk away as Kevin slyly smirks at me.
After about an hour or so, I run up to my room to shower and change. When I'm done of course I open the door to my room, my mother is sitting on the couch at the top of the stairs.
"Oh my goodness mother, what is wrong with you?"
