by D. Camille
“I guess I’m here to be your protector tonight.”
Lotus looked confused. “How did you know I’d need one?”
Kent wanted to tell her about the chills down his spine, but then he would sound crazy…so he kept that to himself.
He shrugged and released her hand. “I was just checking up on you.”
Lotus looked away. “Whatever it was, I’m glad you did.”
Kent looked out of the opposite window as they sat silently inside the car. They were both lost in their own thoughts until the mechanic approached the car. Kent rolled the window down and he leaned in.
“Looks like somebody tampered with your woman’s car,” he told them and Lotus gasped.
Kent frowned but didn’t bother to correct the man. “Tampered how?”
“Cut lines all underneath. Sloppy too, good thing she was able to come to a stop. This could’ve been real dangerous.”
Kent felt his blood begin to boil. He stepped out of the car and walked with the driver to Lotus’ car. Lotus watched as the two men examined the car. Kent got inside and put the car in Neutral as the driver prepared to tow her baby.
The two men finished and Kent watched the truck pull off then headed back to where Lotus was waiting. Inside, he looked at her.
“They’re taking your car in to the dealership. They’ll call you when it’s ready.”
Lotus looked at him confused. “Someone really tampered with my car?”
Kent nodded. “Yeah, and when I find out who it is, they’ll wish they hadn’t.”
He started the car. “I’m going to take you home, okay?”
“Okay,” Lotus said softly turning to look out of the window again.
“Can you put your address in the GPS?” he asked softly.
She turned back to him. “Sorry, yeah.”
Kent waited until she was done then followed the directions to her apartment. Lotus opened the door and Kent followed her inside. He closed the door then gently took her into his arms to comfort her.
“You like to grab me when we enter rooms,” she reminded him.
He smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to kiss you this time.”
“You remember that?” she asked looking up at him.
His green gaze held hers. “You’re hard to forget Lotus.”
Lotus laid her head against his shoulder. “Thank you for coming.”
Kent rubbed a hand down her back. “I promised you that I would, if you ever needed me.”
She stepped away and turned on some more lights in the room. Placing her bag and keys aside, she offered him a seat. Kent walked further inside and looked around.
“Nice place,” he complimented looking at all the earth colors as he sat on the sofa.
“Thanks,” Lotus stood watching him. “Can I get you anything?”
Kent smirked. “Anything but food.”
Lotus gave him a look and walked to the kitchen. Kent caught himself admiring her ass in her scrubs and shook himself. He continued to look around the room and saw pictures on her mantle. Standing he walked over and saw a photo of Sean, Lily, the X-Men and Lilac. There were pictures of her mother with a man who Kent assumed was her father. She also had a picture of Trent, Callie and Trinity. She even had photos of Isis, Marc and Iris in addition to Sage, Jordan and their brood; Ray, Isabelle, Skye and Six rounded out the group of Diamond pictures. Hell, she even had a picture of Kyle.
She returned with two glasses and handed him one. “You have pictures of everybody,” he commented. “Where’s the one of me?” he asked.
Lotus took a seat. “Why would I have a picture of you Kent?” she asked.
He joined her on the sofa. “You got one of Kyle.”
“Kyle is my friend,” she told him taking a sip of the juice.
Kent turned those eyes on her. “I’m not?”
“You won’t eat my food.”
He smiled and she caught her breath. “You might try to put a spell on me,” he told her drinking from his glass.
Lotus took another sip. “How do you know I already haven’t?”
Kent looked down into his glass then back at her. “Why would you want to?”
“I don’t need a picture of you Kent,” Lotus sat her glass on the table. “I know exactly what you look like.”
She decided to change the subject because the way he was looking at her began to make her warm. “What should I do about Warren?” she asked. “Should I go to the police?”
Kent shook his head. “Nah, there’s nothing they can do right now. We’d have to prove he was responsible for your car.”
Lotus sighed. “Yeah, his family has the police department in their pockets anyway.”
“Who is this dude?” Kent asked.
“He’s Warren Harding,”
The name sounded familiar to Kent. “He’s related to the Hardings who died so unexpectedly?”
Lotus nodded. “Yeah, Judge Wendell Harding was his uncle and Wayne Harding was his cousin.”
“What does he do?”
“He’s some sort of aide for the Congressman.”
Kent looked at her. “Has he been violent with you before?”
“Hell nah, I don’t play that.”
“What was he saying to you when he was outside your car?” Kent questioned.
Lotus frowned. “Something about I’m going to want his help one day.”
“That sounds like a threat,”
Lotus hugged herself. “He started acting real crazy the other night and I told him I didn’t want to see him again. He’s tried to call but I blocked him.”
“Does he know where you live?”
Lotus shook her head. “I’ve never invited him to my house.”
“Are you going to be alright tonight?” Kent asked.
Lotus laughed. “You wanna stay up all night and order room service?”
He laughed too. “Nah, I don’t do that anymore.”
“You’ve moved on to bigger and better things, huh?” she questioned quietly, getting to her feet.
“Not necessarily,” he answered softly, watching her.
Lotus looked away. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.”
Kent sat back, drinking from his glass. “Okay, I don’t have anywhere to be right now so let’s catch up.”
“Catch up?”
He patted the seat next to him. “Yeah, you know like old friends.”
“Are you serious?”
He gave her a sexy smile. “I’m trying to get my picture on your mantle.”
Lotus laughed and took the seat next to him. “You’re a mess.”
Kent placed an arm along the back of the sofa and turned to her. “So, you still a virgin?”
“You still a hoe?”
“I guess some things we’ll just never know,” he said laughing and she frowned.
Kent reached for her face. “I’m teasing you Lotus. Don’t get mad.”
“Go home Kent.”
He stroked her cheek. “You hurt my feelings when we all went out together,” he told her.
Lotus sat still. “How?” she whispered.
“You were all smiling and cheesing at Kyle, flashing those pretty ass dimples, but you looked at me like I was the plague.”
“I did not.” She looked away.
He nodded. “Yeah, you did.” Kent lifted her gaze back to his. “What did I do to you to make you treat me like that?”
With their gazes locked, Lotus took a deep breath. “You didn’t do anything Kent.”
He shook his head slowly. “I don’t believe you.”
Lotus got to her feet. “I thought you were scared of me remember? I’m crazy.”
Kent stood as well. “I think you’re the one who’s scared now and I’m the one who’s crazy.”
“Why would I be scared of you?” she asked staring up at him.
Kent studied her upturned face. “I think that’s something I might need to find out Lotus.”
Lotus watched as he remo
ved his jacket and placed it on the back of the sofa. He then took a seat and made himself comfortable, lounging lazily on her couch. He smiled and those green eyes danced with mischief.
“So, tell me about your job…”
******
Three hours later, Kent and Lotus had discussed both of their jobs in between ordering food and opening a bottle of wine. Lotus sat on the floor staring up at his sexy self, stretched out on her sofa. He’d loosened his tie, untucked his shirt and removed his shoes.
She’d let her hair down from her pinned back style for work and it crinkled around her neck. She’d laughed so much, her face muscles ached.
“Wait, remember when Trent thought he was in love with Isis?” Kent cracked and they both howled.
Lotus took a sip of wine. “I told that boy he didn’t want that girl. He was so sprung on Callie it didn’t make any sense.”
Kent rolled his eyes. “Oh my god…all I heard was Callie this and Callie that! I was so glad when he married that damn girl.”
Lotus looked at him. “I think they’re worse now.”
“Trent is my baby…” she imitated Callie.
“I love Calista,” Kent imitated Trent.
They both broke out in fits of laughter.
Kent took a sip of his wine when they sobered. “Trent and Callie, Marc and Isis, I guess you and Kyle will be next.”
Lotus studied the liquid in her glass. “Nah, I don’t think so.”
He lifted a brow. “You two seem real buddy buddy.”
“Aren’t you nosey?” she teased.
“Just making an observation.”
She took a sip. “Sounds nosey to me.”
“What confuses me though is that if you’re kicking it with Kyle, why were you out with the Warren dude?”
Lotus smiled. “Because I told you I’m not kicking it with Kyle. Kyle is my friend, just like you.”
“Well you have been flashing those sexy ass dimples at me tonight.”
“Shut up, I’ve been laughing all night ‘cause you’re a fool.”
Kent glanced at his watch. “Damn it’s late. I got early meetings.” He sat up, putting his empty glass on the end table.
“Wait, I gotta pee…then I’ll let you out.”
“Please stop telling me when you gotta pee,” he told her.
Lotus smiled. “You don’t pee?”
Kent shook his head. “Go to the bathroom Lotus, so I can go home.”
Kent put on his shoes and fixed his clothing while she was gone. Lotus returned and walked him to the door where he stood looking down at her with hooded green eyes.
“Goodnight,” she said softly.
“Goodnight Lotus,”
She hugged him quickly and stepped back. “Thank you for tonight.”
“I’m sending you an eight by ten glossy of me tomorrow to put on your mantle,” he told her and she smiled again.
“Maybe a five by seven?”
“Nah, I want to be the biggest picture up there.”
Lotus shook her head, still smiling. “Okay Kent.”
Kent slowly traced the dimple in her cheek. “See you later.”
He turned and went out the door and Lotus locked it behind him then turned her back to it. She released a long breath then stared at the ceiling.
“I told you I don’t need a picture of you Kent. I’ve seen your face every night for over five years.”
Lotus closed her eyes and saw him again.
Chapter 3
The next morning, Kent arrived early for his meeting and sat in his office reflecting on last night. Even after a full night of sleep, he still couldn’t understand what had happened. He’d almost instinctively known that Lotus was in trouble. Ever since he’d seen her deliver her spoken word, she’d been a constant on his mind.
Last night, sitting on her sofa, watching her laugh and smile had reminded him of the first time they’d done the same thing. He’d been seventeen and wild as hell, and Lotus had been a beautiful girl he’d put on his hit list. She’d shot that down immediately and they’d spent the night together talking and watching movies.
For Kent that was the first and last time that he’d spent that much time with a female without sampling the goodies. Until last night, when he’d done it again with the same woman. He shook his head to clear it.
He took out his phone and hit the button to connect him to that woman. When she answered, he smiled.
“So let me guess, you have no idea why you’re calling me.”
“For real, I don’t.” He told her honestly.
Lotus laughed. “Don’t you have work to do?”
He looked at his watch. “I have a meeting in a half hour. I came in early to prepare.”
“You take your job seriously,” Lotus surmised.
“I can be serious when I need to be,” he commented. “Have you heard from the dealership yet?”
“No, but I don’t have to work today so I really don’t need a car right now,” Lotus answered. “If I don’t hear from them by this afternoon, I’ll get a loaner or something.”
Kent looked out of his office and saw Carla walking past. She waved with a sexy smile and he nodded in acknowledgement.
“How about I bring you some lunch, since you’re stranded?” he asked Lotus.
“I have food in my house Kent. I won’t starve one day without a car.” Lotus shook her head.
Kent lifted a dark brow. “You don’t want to eat lunch with me?”
“I didn’t say that,” Lotus corrected. “I can make us some lunch if you want to eat lunch together.”
He frowned. “You know I’m scared.”
“Boy, I don’t have time for you and your foolishness this morning.”
He laughed. “Okay, you promise not to put anything in it?”
“Like what?”
Kent paused. “Some hoodoo stuff.”
Lotus frowned. “What the hell is hoodoo stuff and where they sell that at?”
“You know what I’m talking about girl.”
“No fool, I don’t.”
Kent saw more people entering the office. “I’m saying, you know women can do that.”
Lotus sighed. “Kent Baker, how long have I known you?”
“Since I was seventeen,” he answered.
“In seven years, have I ever given you the impression that I wanted anything from you?” she asked.
Kent thought about it. “Nah,”
“Even now, am I the one calling you?”
He frowned. “No.”
“Okay then, now if you want to hang out as friends, I’m cool with that but you will not treat me like I’m some kind of freak…understand?” Lotus told him pointedly.
Kent digested her words. “Damn, I’m sorry Lotus.”
“Is that how you feel?” he asked quietly.
“Sometimes with you…yes.”
He rubbed his temple. “I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. You’re so damn beautiful Lotus, you’re smart as hell and funny. If I made you feel anything other than that, then I apologize.”
Lotus smiled. “Thank you. I accept your apology.”
“Can I still have lunch with you?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’m all out of hoodoo, so you should be good,” she teased.
He laughed. “Yeah, I’m good.”
“I’ll see you around one?” he suggested.
“I’ll be here.”
Kent ended the call and blew out a breath. No wonder Lotus had treated him like she couldn’t stand to look at him. He’d heard the hurt in her voice when she’d admitted how he’d made her feel. Lotus was the last person he ever wanted to hurt and apparently he had. He needed to do something about that.
Grabbing his paperwork from his desk, he stood and headed to his meeting. The hour went by quickly and he hurried back to his office. Trent should be up by now with the kids, so he dialed his number.
“What’s up Kent?”
“Dude, I need to handle somebody today.”
Kent told him angrily.
Trent looked surprised since Kent rarely got angry to the point it showed. “Damn, what happened?”
“Somebody tampered with Lotus’ car last night and caused her to be stranded on some damn dark road,” Kent began.
“What?”
“Then the dude she was on a date with a few days ago showed up outside of her window threatening her.” Kent snapped.
“What the hell? Who is this dude?” Trent demanded.
“His name is Warren Harding. He’s related to those Hardings that died back in the day, the Judge and his son.”
“Shit!” Trent said hotly.
Kent paused. “What?”
“Kent, Wayne Harding used to hurt Lily. When I first got here, I told Sean and dude was dead the next day.”
“Damn, Sean did it like that?”
“Just like that,” Trent confirmed.
Kent looked confused. “I thought they said it was suicide?”
“We’re talking about Sean.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Kent agreed.
“You paying him a visit?” Trent asked.
Kent looked at his watch. “In about ten minutes.”
“You think he tampered with her car too?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure as hell going to find out,” Kent vowed.
Trent nodded. “What do you need from me?”
“I want you to put a man on both Lotus and Warren.”
“Done.”
Kent pulled a file from his desk. “I’ve also made the contact with Dennis. He fell for the bait like I knew he would.”
“He says someone higher up in ranks is keeping you on the radar in the department.”
Trent frowned. “I wonder what the hell this is going to be about.”
“I’m on it,” Kent assured him.
“Okay, just keep me posted.” Trent told him. “I need to call and check on Lotus.”
“I talked to her this morning, she’s straight.”
Trent lifted a brow and looked at his clock. “This morning?”
“Don’t start no shit Trent. I called her from my office.”
“Oh, okay…tell me something.”
Kent sighed. “I’m on my way out. I’ll check in with you later about Warren.”
“Cool. I’m going to let Sean know what’s going on out there so he can give us a heads up.” Trent informed him. “In the meantime, don’t do what he did because we don’t know how to clean up nothing like that yet.”
