Take It

by Francesca Penn

  Kalilah knew that it wasn’t the most convenient attraction because he was jaded. She was willing to show him that she wanted to be there for him if he would let her. There is nothing like a mild case of jealousy brought on by a red-haired slut to drag her out of denial. Kalilah fought the urge to pull that girl off Nick when she stole that kiss. She wanted to be the only one kissing Nick.

  The warm water slid over her body and relaxed her muscles. She grinned when she remembered how Nick turned three shades redder when he realized that she was behind him. Kalilah knew she was one of the last people he wanted to see at an adult store, especially since she knew he was a virgin.

  Kalilah’s mind went to what he would do as he watched the DVDs. Her stomach fluttered when she imagined what it would be like to take Nick’s virginity; to see those serious gray eyes glazed over with desire. How would he look when he came? Her nipples hardened, and she felt herself moisten. How would he sound if he moaned her name?

  Kalilah threw her head back and moaned in pleasure when she squeezed her left nipple and rolled it between her thumb and forefinger. Her right hand positioned her detachable showerhead exactly where she needed it. It wasn’t long before her body shook with pleasure, and she was moaning Nick’s name.

  Kalilah smiled when she heard her phone ringing. She wrapped herself in a plush robe and headed to her bedroom. She answered on the third ring.

  “Hey, Nick.” She heard sheets rustling. He must be in bed trying to get comfortable.

  “Hey. Did you still want to talk?” The uncertainty in his voice was adorable.

  “Yup. I’m just moisturizing.”

  He cleared his throat. “Moisturizing?”

  “Yes. After showering, you are supposed to pat yourself dry and apply moisturizer within three minutes. Prior to putting on any clothes.” Nick had a coughing fit. Kalilah furrowed her brows in concern. “Nick? Are you okay?”

  “Yeah…” He still sounded strangled. “Water went down the wrong way.”

  “I hate when that happens.” Kalilah shook her head like he could see her.

  “Do you need me to hold while you get dressed?” She smiled. Nick was so considerate.

  “Nope. I like to air dry.” Nick started coughing again. Kalilah’s concern grew. “Nick? You should be more careful when drinking your beverages. Try using a straw. Okay?”

  “Okay,” he croaked.

  Kalilah removed her robe and put in on a chair near her bed. She climbed into her bed and sighed. She loved her bed. She’d shopped until she found the plushest bed she could, then topped it with big pillows: some soft, some a little firm. And she couldn’t leave out sheets. She’d be lying if she quoted a thread count. She didn’t remember. She wanted them to be almost silky but not slippery.

  When she found the right combination, she’d bought two of every color. Her blanket was nothing to sneeze at, either. Kalilah hummed in satisfaction when it glided over her naked body. This was the life. She’d momentarily forgotten she was on the phone until Nick spoke.

  “What are you doing?” His voice was barely a whisper, but the way he asked made her tingle.

  Kalilah smiled. “I’m getting comfortable. I just found my spot in bed.” She sighed in contentment.

  “Yeah. I was comfortable until I started choking.” She heard him shift in his bed. She wanted him there with her, but she wasn’t about to say that. Would he come over if she asked? I guess they would never know. “Okay, I’m good.”

  “What size bed do you have?”

  “California king.”

  “I can see that. You are tall. I have a queen. I decided to keep it simple since it’s just me and such.”

  “I can fit in a queen.” Kalilah smirked; was that an offer? “Alone…I mean queens are big enough for someone my height. I just wanted extra room – just in case.”

  “Just in case you finally decide to share it?”

  Kalilah’s question was met with silence. She didn’t know if it was a sensitive subject for him. She technically wasn’t supposed to know. It’s not like he told her his secret.

  “That’s another thing we need to talk about. Like I said before, I won’t tell anyone at work. It’s not my business to tell. If you’d rather I didn’t mention it to you, then I could act like I don’t know at all.”

  “It’s okay. It’s not like I’m traumatized or anything. It’s been a timing issue for me, but that is a whole other conversation for a different day. I don’t mind you talking to me about it as long as you are not trying to hold it against me.”

  Kalilah smiled in the dark, happy to have his trust. She wanted to be in his inner circle and while she didn’t know everything about him, she was privy to something huge.

  “I wouldn’t do that. I told you earlier that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I know I didn’t find out on your terms, but there is nothing wrong with being a virgin. I’m sure Deidra told you that. It’s Dex’s duty as a little brother to bother you.”

  “Kalilah, I know I’ve already told you, but I really am sorry about my assumptions. They were baseless and unfair.”

  Kalilah braced herself. She hoped what she had to say would not cause an argument.

  “Thank you, Nick, but I don’t want a million apologies. I want you to start thinking before you speak, or at least ask questions before you start making allegations. I believe your reasons, but some of them are copouts.”

  “Copouts?” Kalilah nodded before she remembered that he couldn’t see her.

  “You said you don’t fit in with the VPs. I don’t know what happened before I got there, but I don’t remember ever seeing you try. I can’t comment about you and your dad because family dynamics are a different story.”

  Nick slowly exhaled. “A long story.”

  “Exactly.” Kalilah agreed. “So, I don’t have a response to that. Then, you assumed the first apology wasn’t going well. I don’t know how you came to that conclusion. I was going to accept it.”

  “Really?” Nick asked slowly.

  “Yes. I was just trying to decide if I should invite you to dinner or drinks so we could get to know each other or something. Then you hooked me up with your dad. For you feeling left out, I don’t really have much in common with the other VPs either.”

  Kalilah sighed before continuing.

  “I’m practically the only woman since your sister is so far away. And, I’m one of the youngest, but the highest ranking; that did not go over well in the beginning. Plus, we are just now meeting because it seemed like every time I tried to go anywhere near you, you went the opposite direction. In the last twenty-four hours, I’ve talked to you more outside of work than anyone on the executive floor, and that’s including your dad.”

  Nick was silent on the other end of the phone. She didn’t know if he was mad, digesting her words, or sleep. Finally, she heard Nick exhale like he was holding his breath.

  “You’re right. I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me lately. I am usually not a mean person….”

  Kalilah smiled in the dark. “Lucky for you, I can see that. Or, I would still be really mad. A mean person would have pushed that red-head.”

  Nick laughed. “Oh man Kalilah, that was crazy and awful. I had to brush my teeth when I got home. Who gets drunk that early?”

  “Oh, Nick. You don’t get it. She was attracted to you. She may have had a drink or two, but she was sober enough to know exactly what she was doing.”

  “Oh, damn. I never considered that. Well I’m not calling “Marley, The Kissing Bandit”. She’s cute, but not my type anyway.”

  He remembered her name? Kalilah felt a flash of jealousy wash over her. It was ridiculous to be annoyed. Although, she couldn’t help wondering if she was his type. Pride kept her from asking him, instead she opted to tell him goodnight.

  “Okay, Nick. I’m tired. It’s time for some sleep.”

  “Okay. Sweet dreams.”

  She hoped he would be in them. “Thank you. You, too.” She was about
to hang up when she heard him call her name.

  “Kalilah?”

  “Yes?”

  Nick hesitated before talking again. “Is it settled? Are we okay?”

  “Yes. We’re okay as long as you work on your filter.”

  “Promise.”

  Kalilah hung up with a smile on her face. Yup. She had a crush, and she hoped his previous insults were the equivalent of him pulling her pigtails. She drifted off to sleep with the image of soft gray eyes floating in her head.

  The next week flew by faster than any other week in Nick’s life. Kalilah’s car was still with the mechanic, so they’d fallen into a carpool routine. They would talk the whole way to work, and as if by some unspoken agreement, they would go their separate ways at work. She’d leave him in his vehicle for his usual morning conference call with his siblings.

  Their work routine was pretty much as it was the last two years they’d worked with each other; their paths never crossed. He was submerged in his work and Kalilah was always in one meeting or the other. At the end of the day they would talk on the way to her house but never made dinner plans. Their conversations were light and never got too deep or personal.

  Nick learned that her rise to the top was a combination of hard work, good timing, and a little luck. She was originally hired to work under the VP of Marketing, but he made her do all his work. When he quit, Andrew couldn’t help but notice that the Marketing department continued to run smoothly. In turn, he decided to give her the position.

  Part of her job was to work closely with the Documentation VP, but she went on maternity leave and never returned, leaving Kalilah in charge of both departments. The position was posted, but his dad had yet to find a worthy replacement. In turn, he gave her the temporary promotion overseeing all the departments to see how things went. Kalilah technically had three titles since she was running two departments.

  He knew she was amazing. Hearing her story had him thoroughly impressed. He also found out that for her night job she dressed as a different fantasy every Saturday night just to gauge the customers’ responses. She said it was good material for her erotic short stories. She’d never asked him about the DVDs or if he’d watched them, and he never volunteered. He loved her dry sense of humor, she was easygoing and that worked for him. Nick was enjoying his time with Kalilah. He wanted, no, needed more.

  Nick found himself lounging in his office on a Friday. It was almost lunch time, but he was thinking about his brother. Dex wanted the world to believe he was an entitled womanizer living off his trust fund, but he wasn’t.

  Yes, he did have a revolving door of women, but he was smart and worked hard, just not towards their dad’s vision. Every now and then, Dex would remind them that he cares about their lives. Nick was able to have a serious conversation with him a couple of days ago. He was happy because those conversations were rare.

  Kalilah had just gotten out of the car when his cell rung.

  “Hey, guys.” He answered.

  “No. Just me today, bro. DD had an early meeting.”

  Nick nodded. “OK. What’s new on the other side of the world?”

  “Nothing much,” Dex sighed. “Same shit, just a different day. I’m actually more interested in what’s going on with you and Kalilah?”

  Nick smiled. “What? No virgin jokes? And she’s Kalilah today? No reformed stalker jokes? Are you okay?”

  Dex laughed. “I’m great. Don’t worry, I’ll have some jokes later. Trust me. You practically write all my material. Seriously, have you told her yet?”

  Nick reclined his driver’s seat and stretched out his legs. “Told her what?”

  Dex sighed with exaggerated drama. “Ughh. You know! That you want to lose it to her.”

  Nick stiffened slightly. He’d never said it out loud, but Dex was right on target. Nick wanted to lose his virginity to her. It wasn’t just because of the sexual attraction. If that was all he required, he would have lost it a long time ago. Kalilah was someone he could have a deep connection with beyond the bedroom. He didn’t know how Dex knew that all the way in a different country.

  “How would you know that?” He could almost see Dex roll his eyes.

  “Um…let’s see…You’ve signed yourself up to be her personal chauffer. You refer to her in almost every situation. She works at a porn shop. She didn’t judge you for being in a porn shop. And you haven’t asked her out on a date yet.”

  “But how does that equal me wanting to lose my virginity to her?”

  “Because…you are doing things you’ve never done before. I know you are generally a nice guy, but you’re not that nice. It takes a lot to be someone’s transportation especially in the Uber age. Hell, she could rent a car, I’m just saying.”

  Nick laughed. “Ok. You got me. But, I don’t think that is something you announce. ‘Hey girl. I want to give you my virginity.’”

  “So, ask her.”

  “Ask? We’ve only been friends for a week! Is this one of your ploys to make me look stupid? It’s too early for all of that. We haven’t even shared a meal, not even fast food in the car.”

  “It may seem that way, Nick. Trust me. A little honesty goes a long way. Did you notice I said a little honesty? I’m not telling you to tell her that you’ve had it bad for her for the last two years. She’s not ready to hear that yet. But women, people in general, like to know that they are desired. Someone’s virginity, especially at this age is the ultimate…proof that they are wanted. Invite her out, and clue her in on the end game. Ask her to take it. Put the ball in her court.”

  His stomach flipped at the idea of sitting Kalilah down and asking her. What if she thought he was crazy?

  “And if she bolts?”

  “Then you will know, and it won’t hurt as much. The alternative would be being friends with her for months only to find out that’s all she wants from you. It will crush you, and I actually like the slightly happier Nick.”

  Nick mulled over his brother’s advice for two whole days before reaching a conclusion. He was going to do it. Dex was right. Nick was already becoming accustomed to seeing and talking to her every day. He would be crushed if they got months into any kind of relationship and were not on the same page.

  He was going to ask her that day, if possible. Nick started to pace around his office. The nervous energy was taking over. He needed to text her before he lost his nerve. He wasn’t sure if she would respond immediately because she was always so busy. He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and grabbed his iPhone.

  Nick: Hey. U busy tonight?

  Nick put his phone down and drummed his fingers on his desk. He almost jumped when it chimed.

  Kalilah: I usually go to HH with my sis. What’s up?

  Nick: You got me this time. HH?

  Kalilah: LOL. Score one for me. Happy Hour

  Nick felt his hope drop. She was busy. She probably had plans for the whole weekend.

  Kalilah: Why Nick? What’s up?

  Nick: I was going to invite you to dinner. I wanted to talk about something important.

  Kalilah: Like what?

  Nick debated about his response. He used Dex’s advice. A little honesty.

  Nick: My secret.

  Nick’s heart was pounding hard in his chest. He stared at the three dots on his phone willing them to turn into words. He laughed when she sent him the emoji with the big shocked eyes.

  Kalilah: This sounds important. Consider yourself my new HH date, Mr. Sinclair.

  Nick was both excited and terrified. There was no turning back. He went his bathroom and gave himself a pep talk in the mirror.

  “It’s now or never, Sinclair.”

  Chapter 6

  N ick drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he waited for Kalilah to exit the office. He didn’t recall ever being so nervous in his adult life. Maybe dinner was a bad idea. Nick rubbed his stomach to calm it. He doubted he would be able to eat during one of the most difficult conversations of his life.

 
; Kalilah came out of the office and pulled her shades on to shield her eyes from the abusive sun. Nick sucked in a breath. He felt like he was seeing her for the first time today. He took a leisurely appraisal of her body as she approached.

  His gaze started at her brown, calf-high riding boots. They were flat, but she was tall enough to not look short. His eyes then rolled up her thighs to her jean clad hips. It seemed like every pair she owned were skintight. Nick would be perfectly content with buying her all the jeans she wanted.

  Kalilah wore a simple hunter green V-neck top; well, it would have been simple on anyone else. On her, the top was almost sinful; her breasts looked that they were begging to be touched. They made eye contact, and she treated him to one of her 1000-watt smiles.

  Nick felt the nervous tension take a momentary back seat to his desire for her. He took a few deep breaths before she opened the door. He would blurt everything out if he didn’t get a hold of his emotions.

  “So, where are we going?”

  She said as a greeting. Nick secretly inhaled her scent. She still smelled good at the end of the day. She pushed her shades on her head and looked at him.

  “What are you in the mood for?”

  You. “Um…I don’t care. It’s your choice.” It was the truth. There wasn’t much that he didn’t like. Nick did care about the ambiance, though. “As long as we are able to talk.”

  Kalilah looked up in the air; her beautiful face was a mask of concentration.

  “How private is this conversation? Would it be best to get take out and eat at one of our places?”

  “NO!”

  Nick said that faster and louder than he expected. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to go through with it if they were completely alone together. Besides, having her in his home would be nerve wrecking. He’d be the equivalent of a teenager on a first date. Sweaty, awkward, and wondering if it’s appropriate to touch her.

  “I mean, it’s not necessary to do take out. We can sit and eat.”

  Kalilah nodded in understanding. “Well, we were going to do happy hour at Pappasitos, but the music is too loud for a private conversation. Well, any Mexican restaurant will be too loud because of the music. I just want a good drink.”