Drama Queen

by La Jill Hunt

  “My, my, my. You look too good to stay in, Kayla. Maybe we should go to State Street’s so I can show you off.” He grinned and gave Kayla a hug.

  “You are so silly.” Kayla could smell his Calvin Klein cologne as he pulled her close to him. She took notice of how sexy he looked dressed in the simple wife beater and blue sweat pants, white socks on his large feet.

  “Come on in. Dinner’s almost ready.” He led her into the sunken living room and she was immediately impressed. Sounds of jazz filled the room. There was a brown leather sectional surrounded by African artwork and statues. They were all beautiful. On the wall was a huge print of a warrior, standing with staff in hand in the African jungle. The coffee and end tables were adorned with carvings and hand blown glass. Kayla had never seen anything like it.

  “Make yourself at home.”

  “This is gorgeous. I mean, absolutely gorgeous,” she told him.

  “Thanks. I try,” he answered. “Have a seat. I gotta check on something in the kitchen.”

  Kayla took a seat and continued to admire her surroundings. This brother has taste. The mahogany entertainment center held a thirty-two-inch television and a stereo system. There were what looked like hundreds of CDs and DVDs on mahogany shelves.

  “Did you find my place okay?” he called from the kitchen.

  “Yeah. Your directions were easy to follow. This is a nice neighborhood,” she answered. “How long have you lived here?”

  “Almost a year,” he said. She turned around and saw he was walking toward her with a glass of wine.

  “Thank you,” she said, taking the glass from him. “Something smells delicious.”

  “Chicken. It’s finishing up. Would you like a tour while we wait?”

  “Sure.” She shrugged.

  “Let’s start upstairs and work our way down.” He took her by the arm and led her up the Berber-carpeted steps. At the top there was a loft with a small office, outfitted with a desk, computer, file cabinet and a bookshelf full of books. The wall held framed photos of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Etta James. There were also jazz statues on the shelves.

  “You read?” she asked him, impressed by the titles, including historical greats such as Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin and Richard Wright.

  “Jazz and reading, my two favorite hobbies.” He smiled. They continued further and he showed her a bedroom, which was modestly decorated in taupe. There was a full bed and a dresser, but not a lot of artwork, as had the rest of the house. “This is the guestroom.”

  “Nice.”

  “It’s a’ight. I haven’t got it finished yet.” They returned to the hallway and he opened a second door across the hall. “Now this is the master bedroom.” He grinned as he opened the door.

  Kayla’s mouth dropped as they entered the huge room. It looked like something off MTV Cribs. The grand lair was an ivory dream. The kingsized bed was raised in the center of the room. There was a separate sitting area with a cream leather love seat and matching ottoman. As she inhaled, Kayla smelled vanilla and noticed candles burning in each corner of the room. On the far wall, she was stunned by a flat screen television.

  “Wow,” was all she could say. As she walked closer to the bed, she had to blink several times to make sure she was seeing clearly.

  “It’s mink,” Craig informed her as she touched the bedspread.

  “Cooking must really be paying well,” Kayla commented. She could feel Craig’s hand on the small of her back and she turned to face him. As he reached and touched her face, there was a beeping noise coming from downstairs.

  “Saved by the bell. Sounds like dinner is ready. Shall we eat?”

  Kayla took one last look around the room, still amazed at its beauty. “May I use your restroom?” Kayla asked.

  “Yeah. You can use the one downstairs,” Craig answered. She followed him down the steps and he showed her to the bathroom. Like the rest of the house, it was an impeccable array of browns and beige with gold detailing. She stood in the bathroom a few moments, just looking at herself in the mirror. Maybe he is worth more than a little harmless fun, she thought.

  “You okay?” Craig tapped on the door, startling her.

  “Yeah. I’m coming out right now,” she called. She washed her hands and opened the door where he was waiting for her.

  “Right this way, Madame.” He looped his arm through hers and guided her into a beautiful dining room. He had dressed the elaborate table with flowers and candles. He pulled a chair out for her to be seated and out of nowhere, presented her with a long-stemmed white rose. “For you.”

  “Why thank you, kind sir.” She laid the rose in front of her.

  “Dinner is served.” He imitated a formal waiter and bowed as he went into the kitchen. She could not help giggling to herself as she drank the remainder of the wine in her glass.

  Craig returned carrying two plates. He placed one in front of Kayla and the other at the empty seat near hers. She looked at the salad, which she could tell was freshly prepared.

  “I didn’t know what type of salad dressing you like, so I have a variety to choose from. I like this one myself. It’s raspberry vinaigrette. Sweet, yet tasty.” He licked his lips sexily at Kayla.

  “I’ll bet,” she said, blushing.

  They feasted on a fabulous dinner which Craig had prepared, consisting of salad, shrimp cocktail, Chicken Alfredo, garlic bread, and cheesecake. He amazed her not only with his culinary skills and witty conversation, but he even went so far as to grind fresh Parmesan over her pasta and butter her bread. By the time he placed the strawberry-topped dessert in front of her, she was too full to eat it.

  “I’m stuffed,” she whined as she looked at the thick slice of cake he gave her.

  “At least take a bite and save the rest for later,” he pleaded.

  “Okay. Just a taste.” Kayla took a small bite and closed her eyes. “Oh my God. This is the best.”

  “Naw, I got some better recipes if you wanna try ’em.” He winked and continued to clear the table. “Excuse me for a moment. I need to run upstairs.”

  Kayla looked at him inquisitively, but Craig just kissed the top of her head and left her sitting at the table, the sound of Boney James serenading her. I wonder what he’s up there doing? She didn’t even want to think about it. She poured herself another glass of wine and gulped it down. She heard him coming down the steps and regained her composure.

  “Wanna come upstairs for a little while?” he asked.

  “Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She could feel her heart beating faster as he walked closer to her.

  “I have something for you.” He looked deep into Kayla’s eyes. She wanted to look away but couldn’t. “Please, it’s not what you think.”

  A million thoughts seemed to go through Kayla’s mind, including Roni telling her to live it up and have fun. Curiosity won over apprehension and Kayla smiled at him.

  He reached for Kayla’s hand and she followed him up the steps and into his bedroom. She was surprised when he continued past the bed and opened another door. He motioned for her to come inside. Kayla slowly walked in and gasped. lt was the biggest bathroom she had ever seen. There were candles everywhere and she could hear Brian McKnight coming from a wall mounted CD player, asking her if he ever crossed her mind anytime. Craig pulled her closer, pointing to the jetted tub.

  “I took the liberty of drawing you a milk bath, with rose petals, of course. Your towel and washcloth are right here. It’s a pair of shorts and a T-shirt on the counter for you to put on when you get out. I can bring you another glass of wine if you’d like. This is a time for you. A brother ain’t trying to be all up in here or nothing like that, unless you want me to be.” He laughed.

  “I . . . uh . . . ” Kayla was at a loss for words.

  “Water’s getting cold. Enjoy. I’ll check on you in about forty-five minutes. Tub jet button is right here.” He pointed to the switch on the wall. “I’m going back downstairs to finish cleaning up
the kitchen. Holla if you need anything.” He closed the door before Kayla had a chance to respond.

  Alone, Kayla put the top down on the commode and sat down to think. She looked at the steaming tub of white liquid with the flowers floating on top. What have I gotten myself into? She wanted to call Roni, but remembered her phone was in her purse, downstairs. Stuff like this happens to Roni and Tia, not me. What, what, what? As if prompted by Kayla’s thoughts, Phyllis Hyman began singing through the speakers that she was “moving on.” Why not? Me too!

  Kayla removed her clothes and stepped into the Jacuzzi. What if this nigga is some kind of freak with a camera hidden somewhere? She quickly looked around for a red light hidden somewhere and then smiled at being so paranoid. The soft, hot water felt like heaven on her skin as she submerged her body. She reached and flipped the jet switch and the tub began to massage her body. She relaxed like she never had before. The candles reflected in the bathroom mirror and caused an ambiance that whispered, “Let go and enjoy.” She closed her eyes and obeyed.

  “You need anything?” Craig quietly tapped, causing her to wake. She looked at her watch and saw that forty-five minutes had passed.

  “I’m fine. I’m getting out right now,” Kayla replied. She stood up and got out of the tub. Drying off, she realized that her skin was soft and supple. She looked at her reflection and smiled. Maybe it was the wine, but she looked and felt damn good. She decided to scrub all of her makeup off and get a little more comfortable. She bent over to pick up the shirt and shorts Craig had laid out for her. Usually conscious of what her grandma called an “onion butt,” Kayla turned around in the mirror and admired herself. She ran her hands along her full breasts and down her flat stomach, resting them on her hips. Bottle shape; blessed with it and worked hard to keep it. She pulled the T-shirt over her head and the shorts over her hips. She slowly opened the door expecting to see Craig, but his room was empty. She looked at the magnificent bed and decided to see how it felt. She sat on the side and rubbed her fingers across the bedspread. Mink. Go figure. Kayla laid back and closed her eyes.

  “I think you got a little too relaxed.”

  She sat up when she heard the deep voice. “Oh my. Sorry. I just wanted to sit down for a few moments. I’m sorry,” Kayla said, embarrassed.

  “Ready to go back down?” Craig looked amused.

  “I don’t think I can make it.” Kayla smiled.

  “I’ll help you.” Craig reached and gently pulled Kayla up. When they got to the top of the steps, he got in front of her and put her on his back.

  “What are you doing?” She giggled.

  “Told you I’d help. Jump on.” He laughed. Kayla hesitated then climbed on Craig’s back. She could feel and see his muscles through the thin T-shirt he wore and noticed part of a tattoo on his left shoulder. She looked closer and saw that it was a cross with a rose wrapped around it.

  Somehow, they made it back into the living room. Craig had lit the fireplace and had a huge blanket lying in front of it. Kayla got off his back and stood in the middle of it.

  “You’re amazing,” she told him.

  “It’s Valentine’s. I wanted it to be special.” He pulled her to him and kissed her like he had before. Kayla responded, for it was what she had been waiting for all night long. She could feel him leading her to the floor and she obliged. They kissed for what seemed like hours. Exploring each other’s mouths, tasting each other, neither one wanting to be the first to pull away.

  “Turn over,” he whispered.

  “Huh?” Kayla stopped and realized what he said.

  “Turn over. On your stomach.”

  “Hold on, Craig. Maybe I need to let you know up front,” she began.

  “I wanna rub your back. Come on.” He began rubbing her neck in a circular motion. Kayla’s eyes began to close and her head fell forward. “I told you I’m good with my hands.” He reached under one of the end tables and pulled out a bottle of oil.

  Kayla lay on the blanket and Craig massaged her back and shoulders. His hands worked their way along her body, picking up where the tub jets left off. His touch was firm yet gentle, and there was something about the way his fingers lingered along certain spots that sent a chill down Kayla’s spine. She began to feel heat in places she hadn’t felt in a while. She heard herself moan as Craig’s hands kneaded her lower back.

  “Feel good?” he asked her. She could feel him shifting and suddenly she felt his breath in the small of her back as he began nuzzling. Kayla’s body tensed, shocked by what he was doing. “Relax,” he told her.

  He pulled her shirt up, began nibbling his way back up her torso, and licked her shoulders.

  “Craig,” she whispered. She did not want it to feel this good. It was too hard to say stop. Tell him you want him to stop, her mind told her. “What are you doing?” were the words that came out of her mouth.

  This was too much for Kayla. Somehow she managed to roll over, but once again got lost in his alluring eyes. Craig continued to sing as he removed her T-shirt and kissed her neck.

  Don’t do this, her mind said. Her back arched, reaching for his kisses as his mouth found her hard nipples. He kissed each one gently and continued down her stomach, stopping only to pour more oil.

  “You are so fine,” he paused long enough to say. Before she could thank him, she felt him kiss the inside of each thigh, bending her legs, nibbling her calves.

  This is wrong. You don’t even know this man, her brain warned her. It was as if her body and mind were at war, but the physical was determined to beat out the mental. When Craig poured oil on each of her feet and began sucking her toes, Kayla knew that her mind had lost all control of her body. She could not remember taking the shorts off, but she knew they were not there when she felt Craig’s fingers opening her dripping canal. She gasped as she felt his tongue going where only Geno’s had gone before. Craig licked and sucked her like she was one of his sweet recipes that he had perfected. She could hear him moaning and it turned her on to the point where she thought she was gonna lose her mind totally. Her legs began to shake as he buried himself between her legs. And at the moment when she had reached the pinnacle of the voyage he was taking her on, he stopped.

  “Not yet. I want to come with you and feel it,” he said. He removed his sweats and her eyes widened at his long, thick penis. His hand never left her clitoris, continuing to stroke it, and before she knew it, he had entered her, taking her even further.

  “Oh God, please don’t stop,” Kayla groaned from the back of her throat.

  “I won’t, baby. I wanna come with you. How long you want me to ride, baby?” He looked deep into Kayla’s eyes.

  “Forever,” Kayla answered. He pleasured her and stroked her with a rhythm like no other and as she felt herself gushing while he pumped into her, they came with a fierceness that shocked the hell out of both of them.

  “Dang, Kayla. You certainly had a better night than mine,” Roni commented. It was a little after nine in the morning and Kayla had to be at the music store by ten. She had been home since seven, having fallen asleep in Craig’s arms as he entertained her with stories about growing up in Mississippi. He had to be at work by six-thirty and told Kayla she could stay as long as she liked, but she chose to leave when he did.

  “So you see my little package I gave you came in handy, huh?”

  “What package?” Kayla asked as she lay across her bed, not wanting to go to work.

  “Uh, the condom.” Roni said it like Kayla was slow.

  “Oh, yeah it did. Thanks,” Kayla said, not wanting to tell her friend her night of sexual pleasure had been an unprotected one. “Look, Ron. Don’t tell anyone about this. I just want this one to stay between me and you, okay?”

  “Sure.” Roni was surprised. Kayla usually shared everything with Yvonne. “They don’t know about the date?”

  “They don’t even know we went out last weekend. I just wanted to keep it on the DL. You know how Yvonne is, and Tia has been wrapped up i
n some guy named Theo. Hold on, I got a beep.” Kayla hit the flash button and answered the other line. “Hello.”

  “Good Morning, Beautiful. You up yet?” Craig asked her.

  “I never went back to sleep. I have to be at work at ten, remember?” she responded.

  “Oh yeah. I forgot you were a teacher by day and a CD bootlegger by night,” he said, trying to be funny.

  “Ha ha. I get off at five, though. What time do you get off today?” Kayla questioned, trying to feel out whether he was trying to hook up later.

  “Uh, I gotta work a double so it’ll be pretty late,” he said quickly.

  “Okay. Well, I gotta get ready and get out of here.” She sat up and noticed how late it was.

  “I’ll call you later. And Kayla, thank you for a great Valentine,” he said sexily.

  “No, I should be thanking you. Talk to you later.” Kayla smiled as she hung up the phone and threw it on the bed. It quickly rang again and she answered it. “Hello.”

  “Why was I on hold forever? It must have been a man. What did he say?”

  “He has to work a double and he’ll call me later, nosy,” Kayla replied. “But I gotta get out of here.”

  “At least he’s sending you to work with a smile on your face,” Roni yelled before Kayla had a chance to hang up.

  That was the one and only time Kayla ever slept with Craig. After that night, she only talked to him a few times, nothing serious, and she would see him occasionally when she and the girls went to State Street’s. She learned early on that he was full of crap. He would say he was coming over and wouldn’t show, but it was all good with Kayla because although the sex was off the hook, it made her realize she still wasn’t over Geno, and a relationship wasn’t what she needed right now.