When You Know It’s Real(41)

“I’m not playing with anything. I’ll tell him, but it's really none of his business. This is my job, and he doesn't have a say in that.”

“So you flirting with Laken is your job?”

“I wasn't flirting.” I tried not to smile but couldn't help it. “Well, maybe a little, but I’m single, Kiz. I can do that.”

“Oh my God. Let us pray. This heifer is trying to have me up at a funeral because she really wants to trip. Jesus take the wheel.”

I laughed at Kizzie’s over dramatic self and just shook my head. She was doing too much as always. A few seconds later, my phone vibrated.

Laken: Dinner?

Me: I already said no

Laken: I’m not rocking with that, but I’ll give you more time.

Me: pointless, but okay

Laken: later beautiful

“Yep, Siah is gonna kill your ass and I’m gonna have to kill him right after it,” Kizzie said and sucked her teeth as she watched me grinning at my phone.

“How about you go worry about Jock, and let me have this? I know what I’m doing, Kiz.”

“Whatever, hoe, just don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m going to make some calls to get this shit poppin’. Even though it’s about to be shut down when your man finds out you trying to sleep with the enemy.”

“See, you doing too much. I’m not trying to sleep with Laken, Kiz, it's just business.” I was really trying to convince myself, but doing a terrible job of it.

Laken had my sensors going off, and I could feel trouble brewing.



*****

“I have a business meeting and then I’m swinging by your spot to pick you up. I want you to stay with me tonight.”

My heart started racing at the thought of what lie I was about to tell Siah. He wasn't the type to simply accept no as an answer for anything he wanted.

“I have plans, Siah, and I need to get some work done for the next few events I’m working on.” I held my breath and waited.

“Plans? I’ll be tied up until about nine or ten, so whatever plans you have should be done by then. You can work when you get to my house. I have some shit I need to handle anyway.”

“Siah, can we do this another time? I really need to get some stuff done, and if I’m there, I won't be able to concentrate.”

He laughed. “Man, chill. I know your business is important to you, so I won't fuck with you until you’re done. You can work in my office and lock the door, but check it Pretty, I’m about to head out so I’ll see you later tonight.”

He hung up on me before I could object. My first move was to check the time. It was almost seven, so I should be able to get home before he was done with whatever he was getting into. It’s just dinner.

I walked over to my full length mirror and checked my appearance one last time to make sure everything was on point. Dressed in a pair of ripped, fitted denim jeans and a halter top that showed off my midsection, I couldn’t help but smile. I was totally wrong because everything about my clothes said ‘look at me.’ I had no idea why I was so dead set on enticing Laken, but I was damn sure putting a lot of effort into it. There was no way I would ever take it there with him, but there was a part of me that enjoyed the attention that he was giving me.

Men tried to get with me all the time, but something about Laken’s sexy ass had me playing with fire. My phone going off, snatched me out of my head and I smiled when I read the message from Laken.

Leaving now, meet me in twenty.

I refused to let him come pick me up because that was a problem I didn't need. Siah was crazy as fuck, and him running into Laken at my house would be a sure fire way for Laken to lose his life. Besides, I did not intend for this to be anything more than dinner. Laken had lied about his girl coming, which I knew because when I asked him about it after I finally agreed, he chuckled and said she couldn't make it. This dude wasn't shit and I knew it, but his sexy ass had me intrigued.

When I pulled up at the restaurant where I was meeting him, he was standing in the lobby waiting for me. It was a cute little seafood spot that I loved. I had been there a few times with Siah and a couple times with Kizzie. It made sense to me to be somewhere I was comfortable, just in case he tried me on some bullshit. Problem was, the place was intimate and kind of romantic. The atmosphere was dark with oversized booths and candles everywhere. It was nice as hell, but on a relaxed level. Nothing stuffy or over the top.

“Damn, Nonie. You sexy as fuck, ma. Is this for me?” His hand moved across my stomach before it gripped my side and he took a step closer to me. His scent was intoxicating. Damn, he always smelled edible as hell.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped back and released slowly. “No, I just got dressed. I really didn't think about you one way or the other.” I lied, but he didn't have to know that.