“Okay, Lisa, when I'm ready, I'll let you help me.”
“Yay!” She claps. “Now that's settled, I have to get out of here. I need a new outfit for tomorrow,” she says, fluttering her eyelashes. “See you tomorrow,” she sings.
I'm home in fifteen minutes. It's Friday and all I want is a glass of Sweet Red, a nice bath, and pasta scampi. I prepare my bath and call in my order for delivery. I make sure the wine is in the chiller and I am ready for my Friday night wind down. Lying back in the tub, I hear my phone ring. I reach over to dry my hands to answer the call.
“Hello.” My voice is relaxed and I hear Cruz on the other end.
“Honey?”
“Hi, Cruz, what's up?”
“Just calling to check on you.”
“I'm fine. I thought you were working at my office today?”
“Yeah, sorry about that, I had an issue I had to deal with.”
“Oh… anything I can help with?”
“No, I took care of it.” He almost sounds regretful about it. His mood seems desolate.
“What are you doing?”
“I'm bathing, why?”
“Hmmm,” he hums.
“Cruz, don't even,” I warn.
He chuckles. “You think you know me now?”
“I know how your mind works.”
“And how is that?”
“Pervertedly!”
He laughs. “Is that even a word?”
“It is now,” I say jokingly.
“Has Bryant contacted you?”
“Um... you could say that.”
“Oh...”
“He sent a dozen roses times twelve to my office,” I sigh.
“That's a bad thing?”
“Cruz, twelve...”
“Okay, twelve, what about it?”
“Twelve vases,” I confirm.
“Ohhh… Shit! He sent you 144 roses?” he laughs.
“You find me funny tonight?”
“Yeah, no other woman has made me laugh or smile for that matter as much as you have.”
My heart does a little dance.
“I'm not a smiler,” Cruz blurts out.
“Really,” I joke. “Seriously though, you have an attractive smile, Cruz.”
“I'm not a blusher either, Bria; please don't compliment me.”
“You can't be all serious business all the time.”
“No, why not?”
Shit, I just shot myself in the foot. I'm silent.
“Why not, Bria? Ahhh, cat's got your tongue.”
I sigh and begin to have the conversation that I don’t want to have with Cruz.
“All my life, well, my adult life, I've had family, friends, and bosses criticize me on how unhealthy it is to be serious all the time. How allowing myself not to feel anything is unhealthy to the mind emotionally.”
It is unhealthy to the people I don't let in. I give them the hard-ass, low-tolerance-for-ignorance Bria. I'm the good-friend-advisor Bria. I’m the Bria who’ll have meaningless relationships as long as love is not involved. If you can't handle it, it's your problem to solve, not mine. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is where it becomes unhealthy... to the other person. They can't handle how I am. But I don’t tell Cruz all of that.
“There’s no need to, because I have it under control,” he admits to me.
“No one likes a dull Cruz.”
“Oh, is that what I am, Bria, a dull Cruz?”
“Yep,” I say to him with some spunk.
“Okay, if that's your story, Ms. Watts.”
“And I'm stickin' to it, Mr. King.” He laughs. We're silent for a few seconds before Cruz says anything.
“Bria.” He's changed his tone again.
“Yes, Cruz?”
“Slide your hand slowly down the center of your breast to your stomach. Rub your clit for me, then squeeze your breast with your other hand, and then tell me how that feels.”
I wonder what that perv heard on the other end besides me ending the call.
CHAPTER 14
I sleep a little late on Saturday; but unfortunately, I’m awakened by the ringing of my cell. I focus on the number before I answer. My eyes are still sensitive to morning light. It’s a number I don’t know so I allow it to go to voicemail. Who would be calling me at 9:30 in the morning? Just as I lie back down, I hear my voicemail notification go off. I continue to ignore it. Sleep is the only thing I want to do. My phone rings again; Bryant’s name is on the display. I ignore it too. I’m not dealing with his nonsense today at all. He’s ruined our friendship, possibly forever.
Trying to get back to sleep is a fail. I’m awake now; I might as well shower, cook breakfast, and start my day. “Ugh.” I throw my spread off me and begin my Saturday morning. After my much-needed hot shower, I heat my skillet to make an omelet. I love this skillet; it’s the Lexus of all skillets. It’s a non-stick warp-resistant Mauviel M. It's a shame that things like cookware performance gets me excited. Maybe I do need to find male companionship to take me away from all things “dork.”
I have to accomplish two things tonight: a questionnaire for my new clients and a new outfit. I reply to a post or two on the classified advertisement site. I want to get familiar with the possibilities of building my own clientele. I'm excited about this. I hope I can handle this extra side dish on my plate. With Bryant recovering, it won't be long before he and Cruz close the deal ending with Bryant handing the company back over to Cruz's family.
Speaking of Cruz, I wonder if he's coming out tonight. That's going to be quite awkward, Lisa coming on to Cruz, and Cruz coming on to me. Well, maybe not, Shanna will be there. Poor thing, she'll probably be traumatized with Lisa's up-close personality. “Ha-ha, this is going to be fun.” I send Cruz a text then remember I ignored a call earlier. I check the message; it’s from Shanna wanting to know the details for tonight. I send her a quick text, the where and when. She replies.
(Shanna) Super-great, can't wait!
Someone's excited..
(Me) So come to have fun... no excuses.
(Shanna) Yay!
I get another text from Cruz.
(Cruz) Not sure I'm going to make it tonight. I will however see you after. Is that going to be a problem?
(Me) Not Sure
(Cruz) NOT SURE?
(Me) Yeah. Not sure.
(Cruz) Why aren't you sure?
I don't send a response. Another text comes through.
(Cruz) Bria?
I ignore it without responding again. I know what's coming next, my phone rings, and I know it’s Cruz on the other end.
“Hello,” I sing into the phone.
“Why aren't you sure about seeing me after, Bria?”
“I'm just not sure if...” I trail off.
“If what?” he laughs. “Bria, we've already established and confirmed that I will fuck you. You don't have to make up your mind; it's already been decided for you. You seem to think you have a choice.”
This guy is nuts.
“Cruz, how can you determine I'm going to sleep with you?”
“Bria,” he laughs as he's talking. “Are you listening? I'm very clear with my intentions. I intend to fill you with me. I have three ways of doing it. I prefer only two; but if you’re into getting your ass rocked, hey, who am I to deny a woman her pleasure?”
Right then my body shifts. No, not my body, only the lower part. There’s a throb between my thighs. I mean I can feel the force pulsating. I feel like touching her to ease the building sensations between my lips. “Cruz,” I whisper.
“Hmmm.” He hums to answer me.
“You're a perv.”
“A perv you’re going to fuck, Bria; just remember that.” I end the call without notice. I can only take Cruz in small doses. Even that is too much. Before I can put my phone away, a text comes in. I suspect it’s Cruz.
He stimulates all my senses, but I can handle only one at a time. I read the text and get chills.
(Cruz) That will b
e the very last time your finger pushes any buttons to end me.
I have to laugh to myself. This guy's insane.
* * *
I'm feeling myself tonight. I pick out the perfect one-shoulder dress. It's not too long, just enough thigh showing. It's a nice bodice dress, nude with a blacking lining over the skin revealing openings. It's not appropriate office attire. I'm flashing skin tonight, baby! The multicolor red bottom sets the dress off nicely. My hair has gotten a bit longer so it's edgier than normal. It still looks good though; I look good. Lisa's coming over to finish getting dressed and we're riding to the club together. I hope she gets drunk enough to stay the night, which would eliminate Cruz's intentions.
It's settled. I'm buying drinks tonight. I need to run interference on the guys who Lisa attracts to buy her drinks. They all tend to ‘woo’ her with drinks hoping to gain conversation time that can lead to some Lisa time. Well, not tonight, I'm going to be responsible for her intoxication tonight. Oh man, I'm planning to get my friend drunk for my own selfish reasons. Well, somebody's gotta do it.
My doorbell rings and I can hear Lisa singing outside. “Coming,” I yell across the room. I swing the door open, and she’s standing there looking low-grade intoxicated already.
“What the hell, girl? What are you doing?”
“Getting started early, chickie,” she loudly confesses.
“No more for you until the club.”
“Awww, you always ruin the fun. Bria, you're a fun sucker.” She giggles and snorts a little. “I'm not that drunk, but the guys will appreciate you being a fun sucker.” We both bust out laughing.
“Get in here.” I shake my head. “You’re straight jacket worthy, you know.”
“Yes, I am as long as it's made by one of the top designers trending now.” We laugh again. She finishes her makeup while I apply a little lip-gloss. I can’t do make-up; the shit leaves your pores wide open. I call them potholes because those are the size of your pores after make-up.
Lisa doesn't have that issue, she has decent skin. She uses a ton of eye make-up. That's not for me either. I go for the natural look.
“How's that?” She turns and asks me.
“You look good, girl.” And she does, even with the smokey-eye look. It's a good look on her. It’s 10:30, I figure we'll get there at 11:15.
“Let's go, Bria.” She directs me toward the door. I grab my keys and cropped leather black blazer with my matching clutch. As we walk out the door, Lisa yells, “To one-night stands!” I push her toward the car.
“Get in, silly,” I say as she gives me the one finger salute.
We ride to the club chatting about what we've missed since my ‘big promotion’ as Lisa refers to it. She tells me who she suspects is sleeping with whom in the office. She confirms that Mrs. Wilke did pay off the former receptionist Mr. Wilke was sleeping with. She turned up pregnant. The Wilke-Foster name would have taken a social media blow if she had kept the baby. Rumors about a pay-off and abortions are easy to deal with. A few months later and the media would leech on to someone else’s misfortunes. A constant reminder of infidelity is not what they want. They have an open marriage, which is crazy enough. No need for any additions; these two pay for both their discretion and indiscretions.
I catch Lisa up on Bryant issues and why he's been M.I.A. He's been M.I.A. to my lady parts as well. I didn't exactly disclose that information to her. Only two other people are aware of Bryant and my sex-sessions; the three of us aren't talking. I'll have to threaten Mr. Wilke with bodily harm... Oh wait, that wouldn't work; he's into that. She shares with me that her parents are getting back together after six years of separation. We both squeal at that.
“That's fucking awesome, Lisa.”
“I know. They’re even planning another wedding.”
“Really?”
“It's going to be small, but it’s happening.”
“So how soon, and am I invited?”
“Two months and yes, you are, crazy girl.”
“Yay! Where are they having it?” I ask.
“One of the Hiltons.”
“Yay! Drunkin' sleepover, whoo-hoo,” we say in unison as we laugh it out.
We arrive at valet. A car in front is similar to mine, but it's white. It's nice, almost as nice as mine, but with a chick look to it. Instantly, I know it's a chick car. See, my car, I love him. It's questionable what gender owns it because of the work put into it. I'm getting hot just thinking about my Infiniti; he's a beast on the road.
When we get out of the car, I hand over my key to the valet assistant, and he hands me a ticket. Lisa walks around to my side near the door to the club. “Lady, you've always been hot for cars,” she says as she notices me checking out the car in front of mine. I look at her, a smile lights my face.
“I know; cars embody me.”
“Oh Lord, Bria, you are a sociopath.” The car door opens of the Infiniti. The heel that steps out is fierce just like the rest of the woman who follows. I give women respect. I'm not a hater. I recognize Shanna immediately as she walks over to me.
“Hi.” We give each other a quick hug.
“Shall we,” Lisa offers.
“We shall,” I reply. As we walk into the club, I give the two ladies a friendly introduction. They hug each other while I get the attention of one the very hot doormen. He is tall, dark, and yummy. Yummy, meaning I wouldn't mind tasting him. Oh, my God! I've been around Cruz too long.
“Hi, how are you?” The large sexy man nods and leans in so he can hear me.
“I have two issues. One, we have a V.I.P. section for our party of three maybe four. Can you show us to that area?”
“Okay,” he says in a deep voice, which makes my spine tingle.
“What's the second, gorgeous?” He smiles. Damn he's fine.
“I'm waiting on two gentlemen tonight. I reach in my clutch and hand him two generous bills. “Can you please inform me when they arrive? I'll need a separate V.I.P. section for that party.” He looks around eyeing the club.
“You know all the V.I.P sections seem to be taken. If you'd like a privacy room, I can get that ready for you.” I nod at the doorman and hand him two more large bills for his assistance.
“Is that all I can do for you?” he says. He's eyeing me like he's tempted to say something other than what he has.
“No, that will do for now; but the two men will ask for B. If you could come get me when either of them arrives, it'll be another bill for you,” I say in a sultry, seductive voice. I crack myself up.
“Sure, B?” he asks
“Yes, B.”
“Will do. Let me show you ladies to your section.” Lisa is on one side of me and Shanna is on the other. Shanna leans over to whisper to me. “I've invited my friend; she'll be here shortly.”
“The more the merrier,” I say.
Lisa leans and chastises me. “What the hell were you giving the door guy?”
“Oh, that's business,” I say. She squeezes my arm. “Ow-oww.”
“He's fine, Bria; you should ask him out.”
I shake my head. “Tonight is about good times and good fortunes. Oh, Shanna invited a friend. I hope you don't mind.” She scrunches her face a bit then shrugs.
“As long as she pays her portion.”
“Oh, don't worry. I got this tonight.” Lisa squeezes my arm.
“No, you don't Bria!” she says firmly. I wide-eye her.
“I'm good; it's fine, Lisa. Relax and enjoy yourself, okay?” She nods but she isn't happy about it.
* * *
We are having a great time. Shanna's friend has showed up. Tracey or something like that. Lisa has been back and forth on the dance floor. With men, without men, with the two women we are here with.
“The scenery and atmosphere are fucking awesome,” she yells over the music. I sip my drink nodding my head to Lisa, also to the music. “Oh, I like Tracey, don't like Shanna... something about her. She comes off...” She pauses. “I'm not quite sure yet, don'
t like her,” Lisa admits as she is sipping her drink.
I shrug my shoulders. “Give her a chance, Lisa.” She's rolling her eyes but agrees to it. I glance to where the stairs lead out of V.I.P. section. The doorman I paid to escort my guests to one of the privacy rooms has an entourage behind him. One person I didn't expect to see.
“Shit,” I say to Lisa.
“Good evening, ladies,” Bryant says overly friendly. The doorman gets my attention. I stand to greet him and holy shit. Cruz is standing behind Bryant.
“Ladies,” Cruz says, but pauses like a deer caught in headlights. He looks as if the wind has been knocked out of him. He looks in the direction of Tracey, or whatever her name, is and Shanna. It's an intent to kill stare. Or like he's seen a ghost. He instantly turns his attention to me as he lifts my hand and kisses it.
“You look gorgeous tonight.” He leans in so only I can hear. “The dress... the dress is way too short, Bria. Your thighs are exposed. The only exposure they should get is opened for me. This will be the last time you wear that.” I step back to give him an evil eye while Bryant tries to grab my hand to spin me toward him. I quickly pull away from him. I don't even look in his direction. I go to the doorman who is waiting patiently.
“B, one of your guests is here.”
“Thank you, love.” I turn to grab my clutch.
Bryant is standing with his hands in his pockets. “Bria, can we talk. We need to talk.” I casually ignore him and turn my attention to the group in our section.
“Lisa, ladies, excuse me for a moment. I have a bit of business to tend to. Continue to drink and order what you like. It's on me.” Cruz eyes me but doesn't move. He's helped himself to some whiskey we ordered earlier. He's sheltered himself to the balcony portion of our V.I.P. I step to him briefly.
“I'll be right back. I need to take care of something for Mr. Wilke, okay?” When I put my hand on his arm, he freezes under my touch.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, I'm fine,” he says coldly.
“We'll talk about that”—I point to Bryant—“when I return.” He tips his head and takes a sip of whatever is in his glass. “And whatever it is you have going on, we'll talk about later.”
What They Don't Know (Won't Hurt Them Trilogy #1) Page 18
