“That man sure talks a good talk.” I stare at my brother, wondering if he’s realizing what I am.
“Yeah, like a con man.”
The type of man to make you agree to anything he’s asking you. A part of me wonders if that’s why Kiki said yes to his proposal. I shake that thought away as quickly as it came. Henry is a player, in the worst kinds of way.
Not like how Urban plays around with women, but a different kind of player. A user. A kind that makes you believe every word that comes out of his mouth. Like, yes, he has the money to back every project we’ve ever needed to get done. “Are we stupid for believing this guy?” I ask him.
He shakes his head as he speeds through the streets. Like the faster he goes the more the truth won’t sting. “No, he had the card. I’d heard of Wright Brothers. He said all the right things. Why wouldn’t we believe him?”
“And we’ve known him for years,” I say, relaxing a bit. This must be a mistake. Henry would never.
“Exactly.”
“Yeah, he did everything right except cut the check.” And that worries me.
I know Urban and I both have the same thing on our mind. The email better be a fake. The company better not be some sham of a thing, and Henry’s ass better be there when we get there.
“Maybe you should call him,” Urban says.
“No, he’ll just talk us out of coming there today.”
Urban nods, pulling the SUV into the parking lot of the firm. We both fly out, walking as quickly as we can without downright running. To make matters worse I keep checking my phone like a teenager to see if I’ve missed a call from Kiki. I haven’t.
We burst through the doors like bank robbers ready for action, even though we’re not here to take money but to find the money that was promised to us.
“May I help you,” a busty blonde says at the entrance.
“We’re here to see Mr. Wright.” My brother smiles at me, like he’s not even sure if the name is just a facade, or if there really are two brothers, last name Wright running the whole operation. “Do you have an appointment?”
Before we can even answer, we both spot Henry coming out of the elevator.
“Henry,” I rush up to him, Urban right behind me, and the receptionist right behind him.
“Gentlemen, I’ll have to have you make an appointment.” She races after us, trying her best to halt our progress.
Henry turns, his eyes widening to the size of grapefruits, ok maybe not that big, and he stammers over his words, “Ellis, Urban, what are you doing here?” He checks his phone, most likely looking to see if we called before stopping by.
Another man comes out of his office and steps closer. “Henry, what’s going on here?”
I can already see this whole scene escalating, and I take charge. “Sorry sir,” I shake his hand, “we’re clients of Henry’s and we’re just looking to meet with him to discuss some numbers.”
The man appears utterly confused, like someone lost his cat. “Clients of Henry?”
“We’re the owners of Bearded Goat Brewery, and have been working alongside Henry on an upcoming project that needs funding,” I explain.
“Let’s take this outside,” Henry pleads, grabbing my arm and trying to lead us away.
The older man shakes his head. “But, Henry isn’t an executive. He works in the mailroom.”
This old man must be off his rocker for sure. “No, he’s right here. In a suit.” Mail guys don’t wear suits, do they? No, not that I’ve ever seen.
The man laughs. “He’s always wearing suits. It’s part of his charm.” The man sticks out his hand. “I’m Mr. Wright. I’m one of the owners here.”
I shake his hand, because if I don’t I’ll use this hand to punch Henry instead. “Nice to meet you, sir.” And then Urban shakes his hand, introducing us both.
I can’t stop staring at Henry, trying my best to figure out what exactly is going on. Mailroom?
“I’m sorry for the confusion gentlemen, but make an appointment with Charlene. I’d love to discuss your brewery with you.”
I shake his hand again, thanking him.
Urban steps up to Charlene’s desk as I walk outside with Henry.
“Let me explain.” He holds his hands up in a mock surrender pose. “I planned on backing you guys. I did. I thought if maybe I brought your ideas to my boss it would help us all out. You’d get your money, I’d get my promotion.”
I shake my head. “Henry, this isn’t a game. We trusted you, and you let us down.”
“Did Kiki tell you? Is that why you’re here?”
“Tell me what?” Kiki knew this man was a lying sack of shit?
“About our deal.”
“What deal?” I step closer to Henry and he backs up.
Urban walks out of the building and stands beside me. “What’s he saying?”
“Says Kiki and he had some sort of deal going on.” I’m ready to knock the shit out of this guy, but I’m not an idiot. I’m also not a teenager and can control my anger. I know you punch someone and you are costing yourself a lifetime of regret. Possible jail time. Being sued, and Henry looks the type to sue someone for that kind of thing. So, I resist, even though it’d feel so fucking good.
“Start talking,” Urban says, folding his arms across his chest.
“Well, as I was telling her I like to win,” Urban and I exchange a look, “and well, I figured if we’d be working together it would be in her best interest not to be involved with you.”
I see flames.
“And in contretemps, I’d rather not be working with someone who is dating my ex. So, it all works out now.”
Is this guy on drugs?
“But we’re not working together,” Urban says. “You work in the mailroom.”
“Semantics.” He shrugs a cocky shoulder.
I take a deep breath in, to control the anger coursing through my veins at a very rapid pace. “You told Kiki to break up with me?”
“Not in so many words.”
I step closer and Henry backs away like a frightened little pig. “Look I don’t care about Kiki. Just put in a good word with my boss, please.” And now he’s reduced to begging.
“You’re a sack of shit.”
Urban and I walk away, wanting nothing to do with Henry or his firm.
“We could still meet with the investors,” Urban says, driving back to the brewery.
I shrug. “There’s really no point.” And maybe I’ll feel better in a few days, but right now my mind is only on one thing. Kiki.
And Kiki alone.
“I have something to handle when I get back. What are you going to do?” I ask Urban.
“Dad wanted to see us both. Do you want to see him first?”
Of course, I don’t. But, of course I will. “Sure.”
And afterward, I’m running to Kiki’s.
On foot if I have to.
To straighten out this whole mess.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Kiki
Never trust your friends…
It’s been three whole days since I last saw Ellis, and I’m sure by now he’s back in Atlanta living his best single life. I’ve been in a cocoon that consists of work, ice cream, and binge-watching Outlander on Netflix. To say I’ve rarely seen the outside is an understatement.
But, today, Lola has somehow once again been able to draw me from my very own fortress of solitude and cast me out into the world on another fitness escapade. I do it because I love her.
I actually do it because she threatened if I didn’t she would be sure to post the video of my karaoke singing on her blog that gets over one-million views.
I don’t need that level of humiliation right now.
She says I’m not the best singer, but to me...I’m Adele.
No, I’m Celine Dion. Well, I’m whoever is singing the song I’m listening to and I sound just like them. Trust me, I sing right on key. (which key that is, I have no idea.)
“What are we do
ing today? Bungee jumping while doing Pilates in the air?”
Lola smiles. “No, but that’s a great idea.” She waits for Poppi to join us before telling us what we’ll be doing in today's little misadventure in exercising. “Today we’re doing a simple karaoke singing and rave.”
“I don’t know if I can really bounce around today.” I just don’t have the energy to sing and dance.
“I know you’re a little blue but trust me.” Poppi winks. “You need this today.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine, but only because I know you girls love my killer dance moves.”
Both Poppi and Lola try not to laugh as we step inside the dance studio. It’s bigger than expected with a stage near the front of the room. There’s a karaoke machine and microphone on stage, and I set my water bottle and towel in the back of the room next to Poppi’s.
Lola stretches. “This is going to be great. And I need to make sure I get lots of good footage for my blog.” She takes out her iPhone and gets it ready.
The instructor comes in with a wide smile. “Everyone ready to bust a move and get their sing on?” Why is every fitness instructor so full of energy?
It’s seven in the morning, people.
I do a little stretch and get ready to dance. I love dancing, even if people think I don’t dance well. I know the real truth, they’re just jealous.
“Let’s get moving,” the instructor calls out.
Lola and Poppi rush to get onto the dancefloor, and I follow closely behind.
“Is that Bon Jovi?” I ask Poppi as the beginning notes of “Living On A Prayer” blast through the speakers. And then I see him, Ellis, strolling across the stage until he’s in front of the microphone.
He sings the opening lyrics, “Once upon a time not so long ago.”
I smile, keeping my eyes on him as he belts out the next line. And let me just say something right now...this man can not sing. Like oh my god, bad.
He can’t carry a tune to save his life.
And it’s a-fucking-dorable.
Everyone cheers. Of course, they do, because that’s what you do when a gorgeous man gets up on stage and sings his ever-loving heart out for the woman he wants.
And oh my god, that woman is me.
Chills erupt across my skin as he keeps singing, bending his knees to get the right amount of angst in each note.
He even sings the lyrics wrong, “It doesn’t make a difference if we’re naked or not.”
He points to me, calling me up on stage with him. I laugh, shaking my head back and forth.
“Do it. Go,” Poppi says, pushing me closer to the stage.
The instructor hands me a microphone as I make my way closer to him. I can’t stop smiling. I read the words on the screen, singing out the next line, “Woah, livin’ on a prayer.”
Poppi and Lola cheer as Ellis’ face erupts into a smile. And then he and I sing the rest of the song out together, and I have to say...I sound just like Bon Jovi.
* * *
“Well, you have one thing in common,” Poppi says after the class is over. “Neither of you can dance, or sing worth a damn.”
Ellis wraps me into his arms. “I sing great. It’s this one here,” he snuggles me closer, “who was throwing my groove off.”
I laugh. “Never.”
We wave Lola and Poppi off, and I turn to face him. “How did you know I was here?”
“I called the Spaw, and talked to Poppi. Told her all about what Henry did, and she told me you’d be here.”
“I’m sorry about Henry. I should have told him to fuck off, but I couldn’t be the reason you lost the brewery.”
Ellis studies me for a moment. “We’re not going to lose it. But, more on that later. And, get this, it’s not because of Henry.” He steps closer. “Did you know Henry was a mail boy?”
“A what?”
“Yeah, he wasn’t even an investor over at the firm. He worked in the mailroom.”
I can’t believe my ears. “No way.” Now I feel even worse. “I’m so sorry I ever fell for his bullshit.”
Ellis sets his hands on my hips. “It’s ok. He duped us too. He’s one of those kinds of guys. The kind that can sell ice to an Eskimo. It’s a great quality to have. He just doesn’t use it very well.”
I nod. “I’ll say.” And I think back to my relationship with Henry. Was it all one big manipulation?
It doesn’t matter now, because right here and right now, I have the man.
I have the one I’ve always wanted.
And even though we don’t have all the answers, I know that together we can make it all work out.
They say, never kiss a stranger...but never say never.
Epilogue
Ellis
Never take life for granted…
Now that is something I can actually agree with. I knew I’d win Kiki back the moment she walked away from me. I just didn’t know the when or how of it all.
I knew she needed time. What I didn’t know at the time was that Henry had forced her not to date me.
He’d filled her head with lies, and she fell for the bait. Can’t say that I blame her though, to save her company I’d probably do it too.
Cause there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this woman.
The brewery is finally turning around, and the new products are being well received. See, there’s something I never thought would happen. Like never in a million years did I guess the old man would sell off almost everything he owns to fund his own brewery, and help his sons get back on their feet.
Listen, I haven’t said I’ve forgiven the man, but I’m getting closer. Like the olive branch is extending closer, and maybe one day soon I’ll take hold.
I can say one thing, the man sure is trying hard.
And maybe I’ve been a little too harsh on him.
Yes, after I sang my heart out to get the girl back, I never left. That’s right, you are looking at Jupiter’s newest resident. I begged my mother to come down too, but she was happy I was moving down, and said she’d be down for the wedding and then smiled, like she knew it’d happen sooner than I think it will.
Like I said, I’m not opposed to marriage, and when I do get married it’ll be to the hottest babe in South Florida.
We left the distribution office in good hands in Atlanta, and I was able to move down in a heartbeat.
Which is a good thing, because I don’t know if I’d be able to survive without this girl by my side.
“Are you almost ready?” Kiki calls from the living room of my new condo.
“Almost.” I meet her by the door, kissing her cheek because I can. “What should we sing tonight?” Yes, Kiki and I have become quite the karaoke aficionados. In fact, we’ve been able to turn a crowd into a frenzy with our hot dance moves and killer vocals.
* * *
After the club, I hold her hand in the parking lot, walking her to my car. Before she gets inside, I wrap my arms around her, folding her into my chest and kissing her, letting my tongue explore hers.
I’m sporting the biggest hard on in history right now and it’s all thanks to Kiki’s little outfit she’s got on. It accentuates all the right things. Legs. Tits. Ass.
She opens the back door and pulls me inside on a moan. Her sweet coconut-smelling skin has me craving to go further south. To the parts of her body I’m yearning for. Parts I’ve been dreaming of all day while at work.
Because everything I’m craving is beneath her dress. It’s cramped in the backseat, but I’ll make do. I slide down her body, and when I reach her thighs, I lift her dress with my teeth, until it’s up and off. I’m met with her white-lace bra as I glide my fingers around her back to unsnap it.
“Wow. That was impressive,” she says as I remove her bra.
“It’s not the only thing I’m good at, trust me.”
She laughs a soft laugh, and I’m enamored with the swell of her breasts and the pink nipples begging me to taste them in the darkness.
And I do. I suck
one into my mouth, letting my tongue run over her hard nipple as my hand massages the other one.
I fucking want her.
The fire is stoked.
It’s blazing my skin.
Making me burn for more.
My vision blurring.
I’m teetering on the edge.
Her body syncs with mine as we grind against each other. I need to taste her. Her panties are damp, and next thing I know they’re off, flying through the air.
This is some sort of exquisite torture, and I know I can’t take it anymore.
I fling her leg over my shoulder and drag my tongue down her smooth skin to what I want more than anything.
I groan, letting her scent fill my nostrils. She’s so fucking wet. And so fucking tight as I slip a finger inside her. And then another.
I lower my mouth onto her, sucking her sweet taste and savoring it on my tongue. Her hands make tunnels and pathways in my hair, and I keep licking and tasting every inch of her pussy. I’m drunk on her. And there’s no AA class I could take to ever want me to give this up.
I reach my hands around and squeeze her ass, gripping her hot flesh, my fingers digging in.
“Oh god, Ellis,” she cries out, making my dick ache. Making it pulse uncontrollably. But, I won’t think about my own release right now.
I have more important things to do.
“You like when I suck on your clit?” I ask the question, but knowing full well she loves it. Because she goes wild. She goes crazy with lust.
I take a quick peek, watching her eyes squeeze shut as she arches her back in ecstasy. She’s on the brink of coming, and I release her ass to plunge two fingers inside her.
Her thighs close in, keeping me in place as she pants for me not to stop.
My heart’s raging against my chest as I keep kissing and sucking her clit between my lips.
I swear, this girl does things to me.
Everything fades away as Kiki comes crashing down around me from her orgasm. It really is something quite amazing, and I memorize the sound.
NEVER KISS A STRANGER Page 18