Take It

by Francesca Penn

  “Why don’t you do us all a favor and come out of the closet. It’s obvious you don’t like pussy.”

  She grabbed her stuff and stormed towards the door. She looked over her shoulder and threw one last punch.

  “I should have fucked your brother when I had the chance.”

  She hurt his pride more than his heart. Nick knew she was a mean person, but she was beautiful. He’d figured that he could make himself like her, but despite his efforts, those feelings never surfaced.

  Nick smiled to himself as he remembered his siblings’ faces as he came clean. He told them in order to complain about Meg, instead they were more interested in him being a virgin.

  “Damn.” Dex shook his head. “I thought you were hitting that daily.”

  DD punched him in the shoulder and asked her own question. “Do you just not feel ready? Do you want to be in love or married?”

  Nick shook his head in response. “See, that’s the thing. I don’t think I have those requirements, but the timing always seemed…off. I can’t explain it.”

  Dex leaned forward and whispered, “Are you sure you’re straight?”

  Nick rolled his eyes. “Yes. Of course, I’m sure!”

  Dex tried again. “Are you sure everything works?”

  That earned Dex another jab from DD. Nick mouthed, “Thank you.” He loved his little sister. “Yes, Dex. I’m sure.”

  The chime of his cellphone bought him back to the present. He glanced at the display. It was a number he didn’t recognize. The message told him exactly who it was.

  Kalilah: Call you if I need a ride? If I didn’t know your secret, I would consider that a double entendre.

  She added a smiley face. Nick sat up straighter on his couch. He reigned in his excitement and typed in a quick reply.

  Nick: WYD?

  Kalilah: ?

  Nick: What ya doing?

  Kalilah: Ohhh! Ha! Sorry, I don’t speak text. Research.

  Nick: Research?

  Kalilah: Yup. Not for work though. Long story.

  Nick: Well if you wanted to share…

  Kalilah: WYD? See I learn fast.

  Nick: Relaxing all by my lonesome.

  Kalilah: What? No hot date?

  Nick: If I was on a hot date, would I respond so quickly?

  Kalilah: Touché. So, no lukewarm or cold date either, I take it.

  Nick: Nope as single as the day I was born.

  Kalilah: Shocker! But you are sooooo charming and such.

  Nick smiled at her sass.

  Nick: I’m sure I could be charming if I tried hard enough. Something tells me that you are not on a date either…

  Kalilah: Possible. However, I could be treating my date as research. Maybe I am trying to see how long I can text in a middle of a date before he gets upset.

  Nick: Are you?

  Kalilah: Nope. But, you can’t assume IJS.

  Nick: ‘I’m just saying’, huh? U do learn fast.

  Kalilah: Yup.

  Nick: You said we still needed to talk…did you want to talk now?

  Kalilah: Can’t. G2G…. I just learned a new one. Boom!

  Nick: Ha! Okay.

  Nick was grinning so hard his face hurt. It took him two years to get her number; he immediately saved it to his phone. That text conversation was promising. She was easy to talk to when she wasn’t angry. He hoped their next conversation would be that easy. Maybe he could get to know her. Hopefully, he would be able to make her his. Maybe she would call him later that night when he was in bed. His oversexed brain conjured an image of her lying in bed while talking to him. Did she wear something little and revealing when she slept?

  In his best fantasy, she slept nude, and the cool air would make her chocolate nipples bead. Nick started to wonder what her nipples looked like. Did black girls have different areola colors? Nick tried to remember if he’d seen any black girls topless. He’d only been to a strip club once and hardly remembered the girls since he had had entirely too much to drink that night.

  He’d seen Halle Berry’s once in one of her movies, but other than that he didn’t have anything to compare. He turned on his cable. Maybe he could rent an adult movie to see the girls. Then he thought better of it. He wasn’t about to be the single virgin with a bunch of adult movie purchases on his bill.

  He went in his room and checked his wallet. He had enough cash to go to the Adult store and get a few DVDs. He tucked his wallet in the pocket of his sweats and pulled on a long sleeve shirt in case it was a little cool out. Nick slid on his tennis shoes and grabbed his keys. He grabbed his phone and double checked his map. There was a store nearby.

  Nick parked in front of the store ten minutes later and took a deep breath. He wasn’t used to going into porn shops because he used to download things on his computer. As he got a little older, he started to feel that it wasn’t good to keep porn on his computer. He would have been embarrassed if one of his family members had borrowed his computer and found his stash. DVDs bought with cash was the way for him.

  Nick braced himself for the initial uneasiness he usually felt when he walked into an adult store. It was practically empty save for three women dressed for a bachelorette party. Two were brunette; one’s hair was a softer brown, and the other’s hair was almost black. The one with the black hair looked mysterious, and she was adorned in a fake sparkly tiara, a white boa, and a sash the read ‘Bride’.

  The other friend, a red head, was openly eye-fucking him with her green eyes. He was flattered because no one ever looked at him that way. He was also uneasy because she was approaching him. Her bridesmaid’s sash was falling off her shoulder, and the black strip of fabric she called a dress showed off all her assets and left little to the imagination.

  She was trying her best to walk like a sex kitten, but the choppy steps were proof that she wasn’t used to her strappy stilettos. He took a moment to admire her body. Her breasts were full and on display since the middle of her dress dropped almost to her navel. Her stomach was flat, and her hips jutted out enough for her to not look boxy. Although, he couldn’t exactly call her curvy. Overall, he’d give her a six.

  “Hello, there. You’re a pleasant surprise.” She grinned showing all her nice teeth. Was that supposed to be amusing or charming? Her eyes looked slightly glazed over. Nick nodded in understanding. She was either drunk or close. He looked at his watch. 10:00 PM. She was either a light weight, or they had started early.

  “Am I?” He asked to see where the conversation was heading.

  “Yes!” She beamed and waved a piece of paper. The title read Bachelorette Party Scavenger Hunt in bold letters. “You see, I’m about to win.”

  “You are?”

  Before Nick could process what was happening, she’d pulled him by the collar and assaulted him with an aggressive kiss. Tongue and all. She tasted like sour apple and vodka. Her perfume was extra fruity and overwhelming, not the light clean scent Kalilah wore. She broke the kiss and put a piece of paper in his hand.

  “Call me,” She said as she finger-waved and sashayed out of the store with her friends. They whooped and hollered as they jumped in the car and sped off.

  Nick looked at the paper in his hand. When did she have time to write her number?

  “Well. Well. Well. It looks like your Saturday night is picking up.”

  Shit! Nick recognized the voice without turning around. How in the hell? Nick wished he had magical powers. He would teleport back home or make himself invisible. He slowly turned, unsure which Kalilah he was about to encounter. Luckily, she appeared to be amused.

  “Welcome to Pleasure Paradise. How may I help you find your pleasure?” Nick gave her a blank look and she continued. “Where would you like to start? Sex toys, lingerie, or visual pleasure?”

  Nick was still struck silent. “Uh...”

  Kalilah looked at him as if she was seriously assessing him. She snapped her fingers.

  “Videos, it is. Now, we have a massive selection. It would be
best to narrow it down. What do you like? Coeds, threesomes, girl on girl? Or are you looking for a specific type of woman? Asian, Black, Latino, or White?”

  She looked in the air and tapped her chin while she thought. Nick’s cheeks reddened with each question.

  “No. Still too broad. Let’s narrow it down. Body parts are easier. Do you like big breasts, big butts, real or fake breasts, long tongues, or pretty toes?”

  “Kalilah. First, I’m not answering any of the questions you just asked me.” She smirked and tried to hide her amusement. Heat creeped up his neck. “Second, what are you doing here?”

  Nick was beginning to believe the mild mortification he felt was his new norm around her. The last three days had been one hell of a rollercoaster.

  “I work here.” She pointed at her nametag to prove her point.

  “Why? You’re a VP.” She rolled her eyes.

  “I know my job title. I’m not hard up for cash if that’s what you’re thinking. I told you via text. Research.”

  “What are you researching?” Nick’s curiosity was dulling some of his embarrassment.

  Kalilah scrunched her face at him. “Why do I have to answer all of your questions? You didn’t answer mine.”

  “Your line of questioning is a little different than mine. But, you don’t have tell me.”

  “I’d rather talk about the full-blown case of PDA that you just had with the red head. One of your women?”

  “Women? When I said I was single, I meant it. I’m not conditionally single like some guys. There is no one, not even a prospect. I have no idea who she was. I was accosted.”

  Nick was proud of his ability to form sentences because Kalilah’s lips were glossy and red. Her white tank top was cut in the center and clung to her breasts like a second skin. It was practically see-through, and she had on a red lacy push-up bra. Her tight, denim shorts barely covered her ass checks, and she was wearing red pumps.

  She waved him off. “I was messing with you Nick. You don’t have to be so serious all the time. I saw the kiss, it was one-sided and awkward. She is tipsy and told me she needed to kiss a cute stranger to win. Let’s get back to the movies you want to see.”

  “Why do you work here? What research are you doing?” Nick asked again and didn’t move.

  Her grin turned into a full-blown smile. She was so beautiful.

  “Is this your bossy, stubborn side? You are aware that I do not have to answer you, right?” She waited a beat to see if he was going to argue. Then she shrugged. “But, I will tell you, nosy.” She looked around and leaned in. Her nice soft scent wrapped around him like a welcomed embrace. Her lips were mere inches from his ear when she whispered. “I want to write erotica.”

  Nick completely melted on the inside. He was right. She was going to kill him. All the composure he was proud of was out of the window. She probably sensed that he was about to bolt because she grabbed his hand, the act never felt more personal, and pulled him farther into the store.

  Kalilah stopped in front of a bored looking guy that was either in his late teens or early twenties. He had pitch black hair, guy liner, a few tattoos, and some piercings.

  “Frank, you have a customer. Help him with his video selections please.”

  Frank acquiesced, Kalilah winked at Nick and walked away. Nick watched, his hand still tingling from her touch. Now she knew how to work stilettos. The gentle sway of her hips accentuated her curves, making his body react. Frank stared at her ass a few moments before letting out a low whistle.

  “So, you refused to tell her what you wanted.” It was a statement, not a question. “That can only mean one thing. Right here on the left is the all black porn. On the other side of the shelf is the interracial porn staring black women. Would you like me to point out my favorites?”

  Nick gave him a bemused look. Frank patted him on the shoulder.

  “I’m not psychic. She has that effect on people. I’ve worked here for years. Some of the regulars never made it this far into the store. Traffic has increased since we put her in the front. Now, everyone wants black girl porn. Hell, I watched it for a full week after she showed up.”

  Nick was lost for words, but grateful for Frank. As he talked, he picked out an assortment of DVDs and rung up Nick. Nick was out of the store within five minutes of meeting Frank. He’d sneaked out when Kalilah was out of sight just in case she wanted to see his selections.

  Nick liked knowing that he wasn’t the only man that was struck stupid by her beauty. He couldn’t help the flash of jealousy when he heard how the other guys lusted over her. Nick wanted to be her only fan or at least the biggest. They still had to settle their work differences, but if her behavior today was any indication, they were off to a good start. He was unlocking his front door when his cell chimed.

  He threw his keys on the counter and took his bag to his room while he fished his cell out his pocket. Nick laughed when he read the display.

  Kalilah: “You little sneak! You left when I was busy!”

  Nick: “I wasn’t about to bother you at work.”

  Kalilah: “Liar! You bother me all of the time when I’m really busy.”

  Nick winced then typed in his response.

  Nick: “Touché.”

  Nick tossed his phone on the bed and undressed. He put his shoes in his closet en route to the bathroom and dropped his shirt and sweats into the hamper. He ran back into the bedroom when his phone started to ring. He hoped it was Kalilah, although she was probably still at work. He couldn’t help but feel nervous when he saw her name on the display. He’d just seen her but talking to her on the phone on a Saturday night while lounging in his underwear seemed more intimate.

  “Hello?” He hated that he had to run for the phone. He was slightly breathless and didn’t want to give her the wrong impression.

  “Are you busy?” She asked slightly hesitant.

  “No. I was in the other room when the phone rang. Had to run to get it.”

  “I see….” She didn’t sound convinced.

  “Ugh…I’m serious, ya know.”

  “Yup.” She agreed. “A little too serious sometimes.” Nick could hear the wind blowing and cars passing in the background.

  “Are you outside?”

  “Yeah. I’m in front of your house looking in your window.”

  Nick’s stomach dropped. He looked around for any signs of her. “Huh? Are you really?”

  Kalilah laughed. “Hell no. I don’t know where you live. I’m walking home. My car issues were bigger than I thought.”

  Nick frowned. He didn’t like the idea of her dressed the way she was walking home in the middle of the night.

  “What! Why didn’t you call me earlier? You could have waited at the store I would have turned back around.”

  “Or, I could have asked you if you didn’t sneak out.” She pointed out.

  “Granted, but it’s still not safe for you to be walking. I should come get you.”

  Kalilah giggled. “Relax. Frank dropped me off at the gate. I’m just walking from the gate to my home.”

  Nick was a little relieved but still didn’t like it.

  “Why didn’t he take you to your house and wait for you to get inside? It is still a ten-minute walk from the gate to your house.”

  “I didn’t want him to. Look at you, acting like you care.” Kalilah teased. “Relax, I’m unlocking my door now. I’m inside now with the door locked. Hold on, okay?”

  Nick could hear rustling in the background, and Kalilah’s sigh was a mix or relief and pleasure.

  “I’m back. I had to get out of those clothes. It’s nothing like being free. Right?”

  Nick’s cock twitched at the idea of her being naked or half naked. He was saddened at the missed opportunity to take her home. The conversation felt heated. But, he still had a bone to pick with her.

  “Kalilah. Please don’t do that again. If you ever need a ride please just call me. I don’t mind. I don’t live far from you.”

/>   “Yes, Daddy.” She sighed.

  Nick didn’t want to let it go. “I’m serious.”

  “You’re always serious.”

  Nick figured she was in her bathroom because her voice echoed. The running water in the background told him she was preparing to shower. He looked down at his body. Half-mast, she constantly kept him on the edge of horny.

  “Mmm! That feels so good.” Her half-moan almost made Nick drop his phone.

  “W-What are you doing? Do you need to call me back?” Nick asked hoping she didn’t hear his ragged breathing. That one moan had him completely turned on.

  “I’m in the shower. I love the way the warm water feels on my body. I don’t need to call you back my phone is waterproof. Plus, I’m pretty good at doing things with one hand.”

  Nick took a deep breath to gain control. Kalilah’s imagery made him throb with desire.

  “It would be faster if you used both hands, don’t you think?”

  “Well…it would depend on what I was doing; don’t you think?”

  Nick bit back a groan. He couldn’t be quite sure if she meant for her statement to have a sexual meaning, but that is exactly how he took it. He was so hard, it was painful. Getting off the phone with her immediately was necessary for his sanity. She didn’t give him time to respond.

  “Nick. Call me in fifteen minutes so we can talk, okay? Don’t fall asleep.”

  It would be impossible for him to fall asleep. He couldn’t fall asleep even if his life depended on it.

  “Okay.” His voice was raspier than he wanted. He tried again. “Okay. I will set a timer.”

  The line went dead, and he was both disappointed and relieved. Nick didn’t know how he was going to make it if she only wanted to be friends. For him, the friend zone would be a death sentence. He set his timer and went in the bathroom. He had a matter to take care of before he spoke to her again.

  She liked him. Kalilah tried to deny her attraction to him from the beginning. She’d lie to herself continuously. The first lie was that she wanted to know about the eldest Sinclair. Then, she told herself it was because he was a mystery. The last and biggest lie was that she wanted to know what made him tick. The reason she was intrigued was the oldest reason that has existed since the beginning of time. She was attracted to him.