Take It

by Francesca Penn

  “Long day, huh?” Nick asked as he pulled into traffic.

  Kalilah laid her head back on the head rest and closed her eyes. “Looong week. I fully intend to sleep all day tomorrow. Oooh, or lounge in bed all day.”

  Nick smiled. She had no idea how bad he wanted to join her. He could imagine them sharing a lazy weekend together, wrapped up in each other’s arms. He would feed her chocolate, and they would laugh and talk about nonsense.

  “Earth to Nick!” He looked at her, surprised that he had zoned out completely. Luckily, she was amused. “Where did you just go?”

  “Sorry. I started to think about lying around, too.” Nick decided to leave out the details. He had to see how dinner went. “I know where we’re going. There is a Mexican food place that isn’t noisy. It has some of the best fajitas. I’m positive that you’ll find something good to drink.”

  Kalilah rubbed her stomach. “Good, because I’m hungry. I just have one very important question.”

  Nick glanced at her. “What’s that?” She looked stern and serious. He figured her question may be too serious for him to answer at that moment.

  “Do they make their own tortillas?”

  Nick chuckled, “Yes they do.”

  They were silent for the rest of the trip. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Both lost in their own thoughts. It took supreme effort on his end to not overthink his plan. He was going to ask her; he just needed to focus on the prize and not back out. They pulled up to the restaurant. Nick was grateful it was still early enough for them to miss the weekend crowd.

  Abuela’s Kitchen was a small mom and pop restaurant, but it had the best food at reasonable prices. Not that price mattered to Nick. He was more interested in the intimate atmosphere. The restaurant was in a converted hacienda style house that was decorated in clay colors and warm tones. The soft yellow walls were decorated to provide a distressed look with fake exposed brick. Nick loved how he felt warm and welcomed every time he visited.

  They were greeted by a very friendly hostess and were seated immediately. The equally friendly server took the drink orders and disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Did you really have to ask them for the biggest frozen mango margarita they could make? You know they may come out with a pitcher,” Nick teased.

  He was rewarded with a huge grin from Kalilah. “Bring it on! I don’t need a glass. Just a straw. Unless you want some.”

  Nick wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. “I will have a drink. I just haven’t decided.”

  “You can taste mine,” Kalilah offered. She pointed at him in warning. “Only a taste though.”

  Nick laughed and held up his hands in surrender. “I will not come between you and your alcohol. Trust me.”

  They looked over their menus and munched on the fresh made free chips. Kalilah closed her menu and sighed.

  “Too many options.”

  “How about fajitas for two, then?” Kalilah gave him the thumbs up. “Beef? Chicken? Mixed? They have other types of meat too.”

  Kalilah sighed. “K.I.S.S, Nick.”

  Nick raised an eyebrow. “Kiss?”

  Kalilah smirked. “K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. K.I.S.S. I’m not calling you stupid. That’s the phrase. Beef fajitas.”

  Nick laughed. “Well that’s settled.”

  The server came back with Kalilah’s jumbo margarita, and she sipped happily while Nick ordered their dinner.

  “I have bad news, Nick. I have to get a new car. My baby is gone.”

  She held out her cup for him to taste it. Nick took a tentative sip, trying not to think too hard about his lips touching the same glass Kalilah’s lips just vacated.

  “You like it?”

  Nick’s eyes lingered on her lips for a moment before answering.

  “Yeah, it’s good, but I think I’ll just get a beer. I do have to drive you home and such since you’re carless and all. So, you were really attached to that car?”

  “Yup, it was my first and only car. My parents got it for me my senior year of high school. We were together for ten long years.”

  Nick chuckled. “You make it sound like you were in a relationship.”

  Kalilah gave him her best look of indignation. “We were exclusive. Chuck was there for me when no other guy was. I’m gonna miss my buddy. Now, I gotta go find another car.” She scrunched her nose. Nick thought it was adorable. “I’m allergic to car notes.”

  Nick nodded. Their food arrived and they started to eat. “Look on the bright side,” Nick said between bites. “You can afford it. Be like the other VPs and get a luxury car like a Mercedes or BMW.” He was awarded with another pained expression.

  “I’m definitely allergic to the maintenance costs for those cars. No way!” She punctuated that statement with another gulp of her margarita. “You don’t drive one of those cars.”

  “You wanna be twins?” Nick teased. “I can take you to the Cadillac dealership if you’d like. I’m sure my salesman is still there. You know, those get expensive as well. They can be just as much, if not more. My Escalade is fully loaded. If I would have gotten it brand new, it would have been about one hundred grand.”

  “I know. I do love it though. How about you give me that one and you get a new one, Trust Fund.”

  “Did you just call me ‘Trust Fund’?” Nick laughed. “Don’t take it out on me. I didn’t kill your car.”

  Kalilah held up her hands and giggled. “I know. I just hate car notes. We digress. I’m sorry. I made it about me, and we came to talk about you.”

  Nick pushed his plate aside. The nerves came back full force. He signaled for the server to bring a to-go box. He gestured to her almost empty glass.

  “Want another one?”

  Kalilah shook her head. “Not right now. Can’t drink these too fast you know.” She looked at him expectantly. It was now or never.

  Nick ran his finger across the table trying to come up with the best way to broach the subject.

  “Well...um.”

  The server came back with the to-go box and Kalilah started to pack up the food.

  “What’s wrong Nick? You looked flushed.”

  “So. Ithinki’mreadytolosemyvirginity,” he blurted out.

  Kalilah looked at him confused. “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand anything you just said.”

  Nick let out a breath. “Sorry. I said I think I’m ready to lose my virginity.” Kalilah’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline. “I wanted to ask you to help me.”

  “Well…uh…sure?” Nick felt hopeful. His hope faded when he realized that she was either a good sport, or she didn’t understand what he’d just asked.

  Her words confirmed his suspicion. “So…are you seeking advice? Or, am I helping you pick the person? Wait! Do you have someone in mind?”

  Nick had come too far to back down. He had to clarify. “I misspoke. I am asking you to take it.”

  Kalilah looked momentarily confused. Nick could tell the exact moment when his words sunk in. He would have laughed if the stakes weren’t so high. Kalilah closely resembled the emoji she’d sent him earlier.

  “Err…um…I mean…” She was suddenly struck with the same speech problems he had earlier. The server came back to see if they needed anything else. Kalilah shifted her shocked eyes from Nick to the server. “One more, please. Regular size.”

  Nick started to worry. He was fidgeting in his chair and he had to fight the urge to bolt. The silence was deafening. Why did he listen to Dex? It was too soon.

  “Look. You...”

  She raised her hand to silence him. “Don’t try to control the moment, Nick. You have to give me a minute to process.”

  Nick nodded. He was scared to speak. The server returned with her drink and she took a big gulp.

  “Does this have anything to do with Dex suggesting you jump on your stalker?” She asked after finding her voice.

  Nick let out a surprised laugh. He’d forgotten Dex said that.

  “No.”


  “Why?” She asked.

  “Can you narrow down the question?”

  She nodded. “Why not wait for your wife? At this point, wouldn’t it be better for you to fall in love and get married? You know…lose your virginity on your wedding night?”

  Nick clung to Dex’s advice. Partial truth. He would sound crazy if he told her he thought she could be all of that and more. Nick shook his head.

  “No. I have a set of criteria; love and marriage are not on it.”

  Kalilah looked at him. Assessing. “No one else has ever met the criteria?”

  “Nope.”

  “What are some of the criteria?”

  Nick listed a few things off with his fingers. “Not after my money. Not after my last name. Not trying to trap me with fake pregnancies. Self-sufficient. Hard worker. Safe.”

  “Not a gold-digger and safe, huh? Gee, Nick, you really know how to flatter a girl.”

  Nick smirked. He held up his card for the server. Kalilah placed cash in front of him on the table.

  Nick leaned in. He wanted her to see the honesty in his eyes.

  “How about this? I’ve embarrassed myself multiple times in your presence and not once have you made fun of me or made me feel stupid. You’re sweet, kind, and sincere.” He slid her money back to her. “I’m paying.”

  “That is a much better reason, Nick. I can pay for my portion you know.”

  Nick smiled and patted her hand. “I know. But shouldn’t we put my trust fund to good use?”

  Kalilah laughed and stuck her tongue out at him. His dirty mind immediately imagined all the things her tongue could do to him. She finished her drink, and they got up to leave. She looked him in the eyes.

  “Let me think about it, okay?”

  He nodded as they headed to the SUV. The drive home was quiet. Nick didn’t have an answer, but he felt lighter. She didn’t say no. He put it out there. The ball was in her court. Dex would be proud. Nick pulled in front of her house.

  Nick watched as she grabbed her things and started to climb out the SUV. She stopped like she’d suddenly remembered something. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Thank you for dinner, Nick.” He nodded, unable to speak.

  Nick watched her walk to her front door. His hope slowly deflated with each step she took. He sat there like he usually did to make sure she was in her home safe. He laid his head on the steering wheel. If he’d made a fool out of himself, she was gracious enough not to tell him. Nick truly did not know how this would end. For the first time today, he started to fear that he might lose her. A soft knock on his window dragged him back to the present. He rolled down his window.

  “Hi. Did you forget something?”

  “Yes. I wanted to tell you goodnight.” He nodded and prepared to leave. “Nick?”

  “Yes?”

  She pushed her hair out of her face. “Yes.”

  Nick gave her a blank look. He wasn’t sure why she’d just repeated him.

  “Huh?”

  Kalilah giggled. “I’m answering you, Nick. Yes, I’ll do it.” His heart soared. She was back in her house before he could respond.

  Kalilah was awakened by the Saturday morning sun. She frowned at her window and rolled to the opposite side of the bed. She really needed to remember to buy some black out curtains. Kalilah rebelled against her body’s internal clock. She twisted her eyes shut and pulled her cover up to her ears, willing her body to stay in bed past 8:30 AM. She’d slept surprisingly well considering the promise she’d made Nick, maybe it was the margaritas. Nick.

  Desire and apprehension flowed through her body simultaneously. He’d just given her an all-access pass to his body, and she fully intended on redeeming it. Although they’d officially been friends for a little over a week, their camaraderie felt effortless and natural. She looked forward to talking to him.

  Even now her fingers itched to grab her phone to see what he was doing. If any other guy would have invited her to dinner to request sex, for that is essentially what he did, she would have been livid. Instead, she heard the hallelujah chorus. Her nipples tightened at the memory of his gray eyes boring into her, soft and vulnerable, throughout the whole meal.

  She’d originally planned to turn him down, not because she didn’t want him. She did – badly, Kalilah just didn’t want to be the girl he practiced with before he ran off and married someone else. As she thought about the time they’d spent eating dinner, her objection seemed pointless.

  Every time he’d reached for something, she’d imagined his big hands palming her breasts then sliding down her belly past her navel…. her phone started ringing, and she grinned. Nick may have just killed the beginning of her fantasy, but at least she was about to talk to the real thing.

  Without moving from her spot, she grabbed the phone. “Hey Nick.”

  “Good morning, beautiful. Did I wake you?” His voice washed over her body and made her hotter.

  She’d always liked his voice – when he wasn’t insulting her. It was usually warm, rich, and smooth. But today, it was obvious that he’d called her as soon as he’d awakened. It felt sexy talking to him while his tone was still rough with sleep.

  “No, I am awake, though I still haven’t opened my eyes.”

  “Really? Then, how did you know it was me?”

  Kalilah smiled and repositioned herself in bed. She could do this all day.

  “Personalized ring tones. I gave my friends and family their own rings so I’m not running across the house for someone I could call back.” Nick chuckled, and her nipples grew harder. She could get used to his morning chuckles.

  “Beautiful and resourceful. I’m glad I made the cut.”

  It was Kalilah’s turn to laugh. “Man, you promise a man sex and he turns on the compliments.”

  She was rewarded with one of Nick’s belly laughs. She imagined he looked like he did the first day she’d seen him laugh. Except, he was lying in bed after rousing from sleep. Damn. They needed to get this show on the road, before she spontaneously combusted.

  “I’ve always thought it, just never said it. I’m pretty sure that’s how I kept getting into trouble with you. My brain would go haywire and blow a fuse.” She could hear him smiling. “So, now that you’ve slept on it...did you have any changes of heart?”

  She knew exactly what he was asking and answered, “Nope. Not a chance. I was of sound mind and body when I made my decision. Game on, Nick. I will take your virginity, unless…have you changed your mind?”

  “No.” His simple, quick answer was like a caress to all her lady parts. She bit her bottom lip to keep from moaning.

  “Are you still in bed Nick?” She asked, feeling mischievous.

  “Yes.” He hadn’t noticed her shift in mood yet.

  “Good. So am I. What are you wearing?”

  “Shorts?” She smiled. He was starting to catch on.

  “Take them off.”

  “Wha…uh…now?” She’d caught him off guard. Good.

  “Yes. Now. I want you to be naked while you’re talking to me.”

  She heard him shift in his bed. “Oh…uh…okay. Are you…uh…naked?” His nervousness made her hotter. She could feel herself starting to get wet.

  “Yes.” She whispered. “As the day I was born.” He let out a mixture between a growl and a groan. Her body started to throb. Her skin was hyper aware of her smooth sheets sliding across her naked body.

  “Have you been naked this whole time?” He was turned on. She could hear it in his tone.

  “Yes. Honestly, I was about three seconds from touching myself when you called. Did you strip like I asked?”

  “Yes. Touch yourself?” He asked hoarsely.

  “Good. Yes, I was imagining your hands instead of mine. Tell me, Nick, where would you like me to touch myself first.”

  “Oh. Kalilah…” He moaned her name but didn’t answer her question. He wasn’t ready for phone sex.

  “Nick, our first step will be to get
you comfortable telling me what you want. I want you to be able to tell me how to please you. It’s the best way to learn.”

  His breathing was slightly labored. “I’ll work on it…promise.”

  “Ok. In the meantime, how about I take you on a guided tour?” His moan was all the encouragement she needed. “My nipples are hard and begging to be touched. I licked my thumb and now…mmm…I’m rubbing my left nipple. It feels so good.” She slid her hand across her breasts. “Now, I’m rubbing my right.” Her voice was becoming husky as her arousal increased. “Now, I’m sliding my hand down my belly. Do you know where it’s going, Nick?”

  “Hmm.” Was his only response. His hand had was already ahead of hers judging by his light moans.

  Nick’s reaction encouraged her to continue. Her body begged for his touch. She closed her eyes imagining his hands moving over her body.

  Kalilah rubbed her clit, threw her head back at the pleasure, and moaned deep. She couldn’t remember being that turned on in a long time. It would not take her long to finish.

  “Mmm…my clit is so sensitive. It won’t be long.” His breathing increased. It wouldn’t be much longer for him either.

  “Baby, I…ohhh!”

  His orgasm took over before he could speak. He moaned helplessly as his pleasure overtook his body. That was all Kalilah needed to be pushed over the edge. Her body shook and contracted as she succumbed to her own pleasure. Kalilah’s breathing was returning to normal. Her body still ached for more.

  “Wow...” Nick laughed self-consciously. “That is not how I expected my morning to begin, though I’m not complaining.”

  Kalilah stretched and looked at her display. 9:06 AM.

  “Good, happy Saturday, Nick. I have to run. My sister will be here at ten to pick me up. We have a brunch date since I cancelled happy hour yesterday.”

  Nick sighed. “I’ll skip the breakfast invitation for today. I guess I’ll find something else to do. Lunch?”

  Kalilah shook her head. “No can do. Gotta car shop with my Dad. My Saturday is suddenly booked. I had such high hopes to spend quality time with my bed.”