“So what about Jock? You gonna make that right?” I asked, which made sense, being that Red was the only thing holding my girl back.
“No, I’m not running to Jock just because Red fucked up. He’ll swear that’s what it's all about, and that's the last thing I need.”
“Kizzie really? That is what it's all about. If you're not with Red, then you might as well be with Jock. You know that’s what you want anyway.”
“What I want is to give myself a minute to process. Jock is mad at me right now anyway, so there’s no rush.”
“He’s mad because you wouldn't make up your mind about what you wanted. You tell him you’re ready to act right and he’ll be over it. You already know that.”
Before Kizzie could respond, we heard the front door chime, and then Laken was walking in my office. This man moved like he owned the world. He was sexy as hell, and his scent was intoxicating. I could smell him from my desk as he stood in my door. His smooth Hershey skin glowed in contrast to the cream shirt he wore. If he wasn’t such an arrogant asshole, I would actually consider giving him the time of day. It wasn't like Siah was trying to lock in a future with me, and as much as I wanted him to, he would never fully belong to me. Unfortunately, Laken wasn't the person to make me take a chance on love outside of Siah, so I got focused and ready for business.
“What up, Nonie? We ready to do this shit?” he asked, giving me the sexiest damn smile he could offer.
Sensing my lustful state, Kizzie spoke up and tried to take control, but Laken wasn't feeling it.
“Okay so we have some great ideas for your event. I can show you—”
“Nah, you don't need to show me shit, but Nonie can,” he said, totally blowing Kizzie off before he walked around behind my desk. Laken sat on the edge of my desk so close to me that I had to tighten my legs to get a handle on things.
“WE can show you our ideas, and please take a seat over there and respect my personal space.” I pointed to the empty chairs in front of my desk.
Laken chuckled and leaned forward enough to tuck my hair behind my ear before he stood and moved to one of the empty chairs that I had pointed out to him. I released the breath that I was holding and Kizzie cut her eyes at me before taking a seat next to him. For the next hour, he ignored Kizzie and focused on me while we discussed details of his event.
I knew I was in trouble dealing with him. On top of the fact that he was one of Siah’s sworn enemies, Laken had made it very clear that he wanted more from me than just party details. I was trying my best not to be attracted to him, but he was making it extremely hard. The way he smiled at me and how his tongue glided across his full lips, down to the muscle in his chest and arms, which he of course made sure to flex with the slightest movement. Damn, damn, damn. Why was I such a sucker for a no good man?
Regardless, I wasn't taking it there with Laken. Flirting was one thing, but actually crossing that line was like nails in my own coffin. Besides, I already had one headache in Siah, I didn't need two, and I knew that Laken was no better than Siah was. At least with Siah I knew what I had and I could bet on that with my life. Laken was a mystery who screamed trouble, trouble that I was trying my best to stay away from.
“Well, looks like you ladies have everything in order, so I’ll be on my way. But Nonie, I need you to meet me for dinner to finalize everything.”
Kizzie looked at me and shook her head no. “If we have it all in order, then she don't need to meet you for anything, especially not dinner.”
“Relax, baby girl, strictly professional, and my girl will be there too. She wants to hear all about the final details,” he said, shutting Kizzie down.
“The same girl who sat here like an obedient child while you were trying to get with my girl?” Kizzie chuckled. “Nah, she’s good on that, right Nonie?”
“Yes, I think we already have everything finalized. So there is no need for dinner.”
“How about this? I’ll call you later and you can think on it for a while. Strictly dinner and business. Nothing else.”
“I appreciate that, but no thank you,” I said with a smile.
“I’ll still call, but you ladies have a nice day. And you, beautiful, will hear from me later.”
Laken winked at me and left my office. After we heard the door chime, Kizzie was in my shit.
“You need to shut that down right now. Are you trying to make Siah kill you and that nigga? Nonie, really? That’s bad for business and bad for your health. I’m seriously starting to think you lost your mind, and you better tell Siah about this event before he hears about it from somebody else. I’m telling you, Nonie, you're playing with fire.”