“Have you talked to Jaylin?” he asked.
“Yes. I spoke to him on Monday. He’s really upset, but deep down I know I did the right thing.”
“Maybe you did, but what about how you played me, Shorty? You left me hanging too. And then, not to call me until almost a week later? Now, that was foul.”
“I know it was, but I just didn’t know what to say to you. After having the baby, I thought things would get better between us, but even you knew I never stopped loving Jaylin. I was so wrong for sleeping with you, and by the time I wanted to tell you I couldn’t go through with our wedding plans, it was too late. Mama and Daddy were so excited, and so was everybody else. I went with the flow, and ignored everything I was feeling inside.”
Stephon put his hand on top of mine. “Shorty, it was a good thing that you didn’t call me after you left the church because I probably would’ve done something I would’ve regretted. These past few days I’ve had time to think about the whole fucked-up situation. I understand why you had to walk away. Honestly, neither one of us deserved you, and I’m kind of pleased that things turned out the way they did.” Stephon lifted my hand and kissed the back of it. “I do love you, Shorty, but I know there’s a man out there who can love you more. Maybe Jaylin. I don’t know, but I want to thank you for having the courage to do the right thing.”
I put my hand on his cheek and rubbed it. “You don’t know how much it means for me to hear you say that. I regret taking our friendship to another level, because I really feel like I’ll never be able to get it back.”
“Yes, you will. I’ll always be there for you, Nokea. Just like I was before. This time, though, I promise you that I won’t interfere in your relationship with Jaylin. I’m going to work hard at getting my relationship back with him because he’s all I got. I regret what I did to him, but when you love someone it sometimes makes you do stupid things.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call loving me stupid. Your love means a lot and it always will. I blame myself for not being honest with you from the beginning.”
Stephon pulled me close to his bare chest, then kissed my forehead. I placed my head on his shoulder and clinched my hands together with his. “Stay the night with me, Shorty. I’m not asking for us to make love. All I want to do is hold you in my arms one last time.”
There was no way I was going to turn Stephon down. After what I did to him, the least I could do was allow him to hold me for one more night. He leaned back on the couch, and I laid my body on top of his. He wrapped his arms around me as if he never wanted to let go.
Chapter 3
Scorpio
I was so upset with Jay-Baby trying to play me like he did. He was out of his mind if he thought, for one minute, I was going to tolerate anymore of his mess. I had much love for the brotha, but what he did the other night was low. First, to try and take something that wasn’t even his, then to make me listen to him screw another woman. That was even lower. Lower than I ever thought he would go. But then again, I should have expected this from him, especially since he got his male ego crushed. I wasn’t mad at Nokea for playing him like she did, because if anybody had it coming, he did.
I just somehow wish I had the nerve to break this off with him. One day I find myself loving him dearly, and the next day I can’t stand to be around him. I know that he’s probably going to be eating out of Nokea’s hands. If not, he’s going to be eating everything else in sight.
So, for now, I was chilling. I got myself somewhat of a new friend, Shane Alexander, and I was dying to know how Jaylin was going to react when he found out. Especially since Shane was just as educated, fine, sexy, and qualified as Jaylin. He’s hooked-up in all the right places: body tight, about six feet two, carmel as a Caramello bar can get, and gave twisties a whole new name. The only thing I didn’t like was the diamond earring in his left ear, but his light brown eyes allowed me to overlook it.
I met Shane at Career Days on Friday, upset, of course, because Jaylin had told me he was going to Nokea’s wedding. Something inside of me knew he was planning to stop her wedding, but I didn’t want to tell him he would be wrong for doing so. I was the last person he would have listened to, but after the fact, I was sure he wished somebody had stopped him. I loved Jaylin with all my heart, but he needed to be taught many lessons before he would ever think about getting his act together.
I called Jaylin late Friday night to remind him about taking Mackenzie to the circus. She’d been bugging me all week, and since he seemed to be suffering from amnesia lately, I didn’t want him forgetting about her.
“What time would you like for me to have her ready?” I asked.
“I’ll pick her up around ten o’clock in the morning. I’ll have to bring her home afterward, because I have a charity banquet I’m supposed to go to tomorrow night with my boss. I’ll pick her back up early Sunday morning so she can spend the whole day with me.”
“Charity banquet, huh? So, who’s going to accompany you? I’m sure you have a date.”
“None of your business. All you need to know is that I’m not going alone.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. Is it anyone I know?”
“Naw, you don’t know her, but I’m sure you heard her the other day.”
“If it’s that chick who answered your phone, you really should be searching for a new sex partner. Those moans I listened to sounded pretty damn fake to me. Didn’t seem like you were giving it your all like you do when we’re together.”
“Aw...I gave it my all. You just happen to listen in when I was just making my entrance.”
“Jaylin, that bitch was fake as ever, and she made those noises to insult me. On another note, please be on time picking up Mackenzie.”
“Sure will. She’s one woman who will never have to wait for Jaylin Rogers, baby.”
He hung up, and even though he was working my nerves, I wasn’t about to let him know it.
I put Mackenzie to bed, and sat on my bedroom floor trying to get the homework done I’d been neglecting. I knew I couldn’t count on Jaylin to pay my bills forever, so I definitely had to get my priorities straight. He’d already done so much for me and Mackenzie, and because he’d purchased my condo and paid for me to pursue a degree in business, I felt a serious need to accept the situation I was in with him. I wasn’t sure how long my patience would last, but I knew there was nothing he wouldn’t do for me, and vice versa.
Shane was a math professor, and since I seemed to be struggling with algebra, I called him to see if he wouldn’t mind coming over to help. When we talked at Career Days he’d offered, but I didn’t anticipate taking him up on it so soon. I had a little over one year of school under my belt, and I had to do what was needed to continue my education. It sure in the heck beat taking off my clothes for men any day of the week.
I was so engrossed with my work that when Shane rang the doorbell, I realized I hadn’t even taken a moment to get myself together. My hair was in a ponytail lying over my right shoulder, and I still had on a dirty white T-shirt from cleaning earlier. My hipster Levi’s had dried paint blotches on them from painting my bathroom today and my face was pale without any makeup. I looked in the mirror and tossed my hands back. I figured this look would just have to do. Jaylin said I looked beautiful without makeup, so maybe, just maybe, Shane would feel the same.
“Hello.” I smiled and opened the door for him.
“Hey, Miss Lady. Good to see you again. I hope you’re doing well.”
His eyes searched the surroundings, and as he stepped into the sunken living room I got a good look at him from behind. Meaty ass, clean-cut, smooth skin, and nice, I thought.
“Yes, I’m doing well, Shane. But I’m getting a slight bit tired of my Algebra class already.”
He laughed and followed me into the kitchen. “I think I’ve heard that statement a million times before. I’d love to help and that’s why I’m here.”
I realized that my books were in my bedroom, so I asked him to have
a seat. He placed his motorcycle helmet on the table, turned the kitchen chair around and straddled it. I took a deep breath. His finesse had me in awe. Lord help me was all I could think. I looked at him and smiled. “I need to go get my books. Can I get you anything?”
“No, no, I’m fine. But thanks.”
I hurried to get my books. Mr. Alexander wasn’t looking bad at all. He actually looked a lot better than when I saw him at Career Days in his dark brown suit. And, boy, did I have a thing for a man with bulging muscles and who could ride a motorcycle. His jeans were gripping his ass in all the right places, and his scent was addictive. Whew, I thought. But that earring. The earring had to go.
I gathered my things and went back into the kitchen. “Here, let me help you,” he said, standing up to take my books.
“Thank you.” I sat across the table from him so I could gaze into his pretty eyes. Besides, I knew the farther away I stayed, the better.
Shane spent nearly two hours explaining algebra to me, and I was even more confused. I gave up pretty quick, and just decided to enjoy the sexy man that was now sitting beside me. Halfway through our session, I pretended I couldn’t hear and moved closer to him. I gazed at his lips when he spoke. I thought about the woman who was fortunate enough to do his twisty’s so neat. His dimples were working me too, and when my pussy had gotten the message, I knew I had to chill.
I took a deep breath. “Shane,” I said, moving my ponytail to the other side, then massaging my neck.
“I’ve taken in enough for one night. I’ll never be able to understand all this stuff.”
“Yes, you will. It’s not as hard as you think it is. You’ll master it in no time. I promise, but you can’t go giving up on it.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’ve probably done this most of your life. This is really something new to me. I mean, I remember algebra in high school, but that was so long ago.”
“Again, that’s what I’m here for. Give it some more time, and with me being your tutor, you’ll know this stuff in no time at all.”
“If you say so,” I said, yawning.
He stood and stretched his arms. I couldn’t help but notice a nice-sized hump in his pants.
“I won’t keep you up any longer, Scorpio.” He removed his helmet from the table. “When would you like to get together again?”
“I have a test on Wednesday. Would you be able to pencil me in on Tuesday night?”
“It’ll have to be late. I have a class until eight o’clock, but after that I’m free.”
“That’s fine. I’ll call you on Tuesday morning to confirm.”
I walked Shane to the door, hating to see him go. He sped off on his motorcycle and waved goodbye. Really nice, I thought. Maybe he was just what I needed to get Jay-Baby to straighten up and fly right.
Chapter 4
Jaylin
I got up early Saturday morning because I had a busy-ass day ahead of me. I was already late picking up Mackenzie, and still had to stop by the Plaza to get my tuxedo by five.
I’d decided to take Brashaney to the charity banquet with me. I felt bad about fucking her all the time, and wanted to give her a taste of what it felt like being on the outside of Jaylin’s world. She was thrilled when I asked her to go, and since I was already running late, I asked her to meet me at my place by seven o’clock tonight. She agreed.
When I pulled up, Mackenzie was looking out the window. Her hands were pressed against her cheeks; she was already pouting. I knew I was late, but damn. Seemed as if I couldn’t please anybody lately.
I thought at least she would smile after she saw me, but she didn’t. And I knew she’d really throw a fit after I broke the news about bringing her home after dinner.
Scorpio opened the door and rolled her eyes. I gave her a slight push in her back.
“Don’t start, and I’m not in the mood to hear your mouth,” I said.
“I haven’t said a word. You’re going to hear it from Mackenzie, so what the hell?”
Mackenzie walked to the door and took my hand. “Are you ready now?” she asked, looking up at me.
“Yeah, baby, let’s go.” I licked my tongue out at Scorpio and she smiled.
“You know, you could have asked me to go. I like the circus too,” she said, standing in the doorway.
“Damn, I could have, couldn’t I? But I think they got enough clowns there already, so maybe next time.” She slammed the door, as Mackenzie and I laughed.
We enjoyed the Universoul Circus. I had never been to a circus before, and really felt like I missed out as a kid. Mackenzie for damn sure didn’t miss out on anything. She had to have everything she could get her hands on. I was down 300 bucks when we left and she was all smiles. I still had to break the news about taking her back home, but I thought all the things I bought would make it easier. They didn’t; she cried and cried. Damn near made me want to cry. So, after we left Outback Steakhouse, I called Nanny B, an elderly woman who did her best to take care of us, to see if she would watch Mackenzie while I went to the charity banquet. She said it was fine, and told me she would be there by the time we got home.
We stopped at Plaza Frontenac and picked up my tuxedo, then drove back to my place. When we got there, as promised, Nanny B was parked in the driveway. I was running tremendously late because it had started raining, and I’d taken my time driving with Mackenzie in the car. So, as soon as I got into the house, I jetted upstairs, took a shower, and changed into my black tuxedo. I trimmed my beard and gazed at the mirror at one confident and fine black man. I rubbed my goatee straight with the tips of my fingers. Didn’t no one need to tell me how much I had it going on. Tonight, my boss, Mr. Schmidt, was definitely going to be proud of me. Since I was the one whom he had chosen to represent his company and hand out the check, I had to make sure there were no flaws in my attire.
Just when I started wondering what the hell was taking Brashaney so long, I heard the doorbell ring. Nanny B and Mackenzie came from the kitchen, and I jogged downstairs to open the door. I slightly titled my head and looked Brashaney over. I had a serious problem with the hot pink, long silk dress she wore; it was much too loud for the black-tie occasion. Her accessories were silver, and when I looked down and saw mud caked on the heels of her shoes, I could have died. If that wasn’t enough, she hadn’t even had the decency to get her nails and toes done; polish was chipped and looked a mess. Her weave looked stiff, and why wear a weave when she didn’t even need it? This was not the sexy young lady I’d met several months ago, and her appearance was a no-no for a man like me.
“Hey, baby, wha . . . What’s up with the way you’re looking? Didn’t I explain to you how important tonight was for me?”
She put her hands on her hips. “Excuse me! What do you mean by the way I’m looking?” She looked down at herself. “For your information, I went over and beyond for you tonight. Don’t be so darn critical.”
Nanny B and Mackenzie looked at me, said hello to Brashaney, and went back into the kitchen.
I stepped into the great room and paced the floor, trying to figure out if I was going to work with her tonight or not. “Okay, if you comb your hair back into a neat ponytail, maybe that’ll work. Your round face is very pretty and the dress is too, but couldn’t you have at least had your nails and toes done? I could have given you the money for that.” She rolled her eyes and walked toward me. The mud on her shoes put dirt marks on my plush carpet and that just about did it for me. “Whoa . . . Wait a minute! Don’t go any further. I do not want that shit you got on your shoes all over my carpet. Just stay there for one minute.”
Brashaney stood with her arms folded, tapping her foot on the floor. I ran back upstairs to my room, and reached for the phone. Scorpio answered and sounded like she was asleep.
“Wake up,” I said. “It’s too early for you to be sleeping on a Saturday night.”
“Well, you know, this clown needs all the sleep she can get,” she mumbled.
“Yeah, you do. But,
uh, I need a favor.”
“What is it?”
“Do you remember that black dress I bought you when we went to the Bahamas?”
“Yes.”
“Put it on, comb your hair, and put on those shoes I bought you too. I’ll be there in less than an hour to pick you up.”
“Jaylin, are you crazy? I’m tired. Besides, I thought you had a date for this damn charity banquet tonight.”
“I do. Well ...I did. Anyway, I’ll explain it to you later. Just do what I asked, okay?”
“No, it’s not okay, but I’ll do it because you seem desperate. Next time, get your shit together ahead of—”
I cleared my throat. “Desperate? Never. In need? Yes. So, get dressed and I owe you one.”
“Oh, you owe me more than one.”
“Okay, then two, damn! Hurry up and don’t wear your hair down. Pin it up at the top and let the back dangle on your shoulders how I like it. You know... Make it sexy.”
“Now, that’s asking too much. That particular way takes time. If you give me two hours then maybe I can get it together like that, Your Highness.”
“One hour, that’s all you got. I’ll be there in one hour.”
I hung up and ran back downstairs to break the news to Brashaney. She just didn’t make the cut. Sorry, but she wasn’t fit to be in Jaylin Rogers’ circle.
“Don’t give me any excuses, Jaylin,” she said, pointing her finger at me in anger. “I know exactly what you’re up to. I swear . . . This is the last time you’re going to play me. You don’t ever have to worry about me calling your house again. You are a cold, cruel motherfucker and you don’t deserve to have a woman like me.”
“You’re right, I don’t,” I said, escorting her to the door. “But can we talk about this some other time? I really need to be going.” Brashaney reached up and tried to smack me. I let her get away with that shit one time before, but she wasn’t going to mess up my handsome face tonight. I grabbed her wrist and squeezed it as tight as I could.
Naughty 2: My Way or the Highway Page 3
