Horatio could see the text messages were not going to stop and he knew Kennedy wasn’t coming back anytime soon. After everything she had been through he felt like an ass. Part of him really wanted to marry Kennedy and the other part wasn’t ready. The ringing of his phone was not what he expected. Miranda was calling him and he laughed, persistent woman.
“Hello,” Horatio answered.
“Wow what the fuck Horatio? That’s how it’s laying now?” Miranda questioned quickly.
“What are you talking about girl?”
“Do not act dumb with me. I have been texting your ass for weeks and you just blow me off. What’s her name?”
“What difference does that make?”
“Because I need to know what to call the woman that took you from me besides bitch!”
Horatio laughed, “It’s not bitch.”
“So there is another woman. Damn dude just be honest.”
“If you figured it out Sherlock, why are you asking me?”
“Because I needed to hear it from your sexy ass lips. Damn Horatio, I am kind of hurt.”
“You think my lips are sexy, these soup coolers.”
Miranda had to laugh at his elementary school jab. “I do think they are sexy and the rest of you too.”
“So what’s up with you?”
“Do not play Horatio,” she replied. “I am trying to figure out why you dumped me.”
“Who said I did that? I don’t remember that.”
“I haven’t fucked you in months. So I know you’re getting it from somewhere.”
“I handle myself,” he laughed. “I am so good to me.”
“Whatever punk! I can tell from your voice, your ass is in love.”
“How the hell can you tell that shit from my voice?”
“Not once have you referenced any of the pics I sent you. You haven’t asked me any nasty shit.”
“Those were good times,” he admitted.
“Were? As in will not happen again?”
“Who knows what is in store? I do not have any psychic powers.”
Miranda giggled but hurt laced her voice. “No you just dumped me.”
“Man, I have got to choose my words carefully.”
“It’s too late Horatio. I can tell you love her and that’s okay. I guess part of you is human.”
“Wow only part of me. Last I checked I was all human and all man,” he said looking at his body in the water.
“Is that water I hear? Were is the little lady?”
“Yes I am taking a bath. You know what they say about cleanliness.”
“Is new pussy with you right now? I know how bold you can be sometimes.”
“I am alone in the tub right now,” Horatio sighed. He wished Kennedy was in the tub.
“Oh, so you pissed her off or did the text messages piss her off? Now you are soaking alone?” Miranda secretly enjoyed this idea. Pissing off his new girlfriend would be a small measure of payback for his lack of interest recently. Although Horatio never gave her any indication that they were more than friends who fucked, for a little while he was seeing her on a regular basis. Then he tapered the attention to nothing.
“I am soaking alone because I needed to relax after Chaz’s Vegas wedding.”
“Now who in the hell married Chaz? One of those strippers at the club, that one he was trying to break?”
“Trinity?” Horatio laughed. “Hell naw! Trinity is black history, has been for a while. He has a real woman, a professional writer.”
“What? How the hell did Chaz land anything professional? She must be young and naïve. After Trinity, I am sure he wanted something a little tamer.”
“Exactly! She is not naïve, much. He loves her and the girl has mad skills. She put it on him.” Horatio remembered the engagement party and Bella’s talents. Those talents now belong to Kennedy who used them on him last night. Instantly he began to harden remembering how well she took every inch of him last night.
“Must be sex skills as Chaz has no use for typing skills,” Miranda laughed.
“Actually it is sex and everything about her that he loves. She is very smart and a strong woman. She really loves him,” Horatio admitted. The same thing could be said about Kennedy. He knew Kennedy really loved him and he loved her just as much. When he would spend the night at her apartment, he loved watching her get dressed in the morning. As an executive in a large company Kennedy could often be found on her phone bossing her small staff around. She wasn’t mean or rude but she was demanding. Horatio loved watching while she took work phone calls. Kennedy was sharp and always had the information someone needed or would have it discovered. Her dream to become a CEO was within reach as she continued to help her company turn a profit.
“Did you hear me Horatio?” Miranda asked realizing she had lost his attention.
“Sorry spaced it for a second. What’s up girl?”
“I asked if this girl Chaz married knows what she is in for. Chaz is a heartbreaker.”
“Oh she knows full well what she is getting with Chaz. She has had an uphill battle with Chaz. But for the last six or seven months it’s been nothing but her for Chaz. He hasn’t seen other females, cut them all off. The boy is gone and she doesn’t take his shit either.”
“What about you? Are you sitting in the tub alone because new girlfriend doesn’t take your shit either? Especially old flames sending you pussy pictures.”
“I am sitting in the tub alone because it only holds one person,” he lied.
“You just do not want to admit you are seeing someone. You do not want to admit that the great and powerful Horatio is in love.” Miranda realized and felt a bit sad.
“Now you are psychic? Those are some powerful ass statements. What makes you think any of that is true?”
“You have minded every word that comes out of your mouth. This is the most G-rated conversation I have ever had with you, including the first day we met.”
“I do not have a filthy mouth all the time. I take a break sometimes. Plus I have a fucking hangover from Chaz’s mobile reception last night.”
“Mobil reception? Oh that’s right you are in Vegas. Was it spur of the moment or planned?”
“It was planned and we had a party bus for the reception. Man we had entirely too much to drink. Correction, I had too much to drink.” Horatio rubbed his temples reaching for a washcloth.
“Wow, Chaz really got married and is in love. I figured him to forever be in love with himself for life.”
“The man is truly in love and happy, for once.”
“You do not want to admit that you are. Did Vegas get you and now you are reflecting?”
Horatio started at her words as he reached for a washcloth.
“Vegas got me in that I partied too hard.”
“You know what the fuck I meant Horatio. Do not try to play me. You must have done or said something that you now regret.” Miranda understood why he took her call after months of ignoring her requests for sex. He was in love and probably drunkenly proposed to the new girlfriend. This afternoon he woke up with a change of heart.
“I never do anything or anyone I regret except Dominique Thompson in the eleventh grade. That girls breath stank so bad I almost threw up during.”
Miranda laughed. “You love to try and cover with humor Horatio. You really do love her don’t you?”
“Yes I do,” he said barely above a whisper.
“I thought so, what is she like?” Miranda tried to remove the hurt from her voice. Horatio had always been level with her and made sure to tread lightly on her feelings.
“She is amazing and super smart. She is an executive for a large company. She doesn’t take my shit, which is why I am sitting in this tub alone.”
“So why do you give her shit? You are scared to commit?”
“What else can I give her? Miranda, you know me. She is on her way to being a fucking CEO. I own a strip club and a few other small businesses,” he said with trepidation.
<
br /> Miranda thought this over for a minute. “Horatio, she has already seen something in you. You must be doing something right if she continues to date you.”
“Yeah, what I can do for her, I have clearly shared with half the city. How appealing is that offer?”
“It’s more than sex, if she doesn’t shovel your shit. If she just let you treat her any kind of way then you would know she didn’t care enough.”
“She definitely shuts me down when I go too far. Kennedy doesn’t play.”
“Ah ha, her name is Kennedy. That is a nice name. Is she pretty? You do not have to lie Horatio. We are speaking truths.”
“She is fucking beautiful with the best set of titties I have ever seen in my life. Sorry, no offense.”
Miranda looked down at her perky B-cups and giggled, “None taken, titties are not my strong suit. You know that.”
Horatio ran a hand over his head and sighed heavily. “You have lots of strong talents, in and out of the bedroom.”
“You proposed to her didn’t you?”
“Yup.” Horatio exhaled sharply before cutting on the hot water.
“Woke up this morning with second thoughts?”
“Yup.”
“The text messages from me and probably other women made you realize what you would be giving up. As you pointed out she doesn’t take your shit. Which means she would frown upon you still fucking any number of us?”
“Yup.”
“Now you want to know if you were caught up in Chaz’s wedding? You want to be sure you won’t have buyer’s remorse when you get home?”
“Yup.”
“Knowing you, and I do know you Horatio, you tried to fuck her this morning and it wasn’t enough. Then you tried to cover with humor and was denied.”
“Yup.”
“Piss or get off the pot Horatio! Either you love her and want to marry her. Or you love her and want to develop your relationship more. Or you want to go back to your whoring ways.”
“Yup. Are there any more options?”
“No Horatio, you created this monster now man up. Stop shutting down and trying to humor life away. You clearly love the woman, after all you gave up my fine ass. Either make an honest woman of her or be a man who is honest with her.”
“She has been through so much in her life. I do not want to be another crappy ass man in her life. But I do not want to be with her just because I do not want to hurt her. Does that make sense?”
“Yes. I get it. You want to be with her because you want to be with her. You do not want to be with her because everyone else hurt her and now you can’t. I get it and the fact that you are thinking this way shows how much you care for her Horatio.”
“I love her Miranda. I want to be with her all the fucking time.”
“You do not have to marry her to do that. I am not just saying this either but that can come later. Be honest with her.”
“How do you un-propose to someone? That sounds fucking terrible.”
“Do you want to un-propose to her as you say? It sounds like you have already made up your mind and are experiencing cold feet. Where do you see the two of you in one year?”
Horatio closed his eyes and already knew the answer. He wanted to see Kennedy putting on one of her power suits but swollen with his child. He wanted to have her in his bed every night and wake up to her every morning. Horatio could see himself standing by her side as she introduced him to her colleagues as her husband.
“I see myself as her husband,” Horatio admitted, finally.
“I thought so. Horatio as much as it sucks for me, go get her.”
“I want a life with her Miranda. I am not sure I deserve one. I am really sorry for blowing you off like that.”
“We all deserve some level of happiness, even us bums,” Miranda laughed. “You never made me any long term promises. I won’t lie and say I am not hurt because I am hurt. I wish you had told me but I can see why you didn’t. I think you just figured out what you want.”
“You are too good for me. Thanks Miranda,” he said honestly.
“Aw shucks Horatio,” Miranda guffawed. “Get your wrinkly ass out the tub and go get your woman.”
Horatio stood reaching for a towel. “Thanks Miranda, really thank you.”
“You are welcome. Now delete all those pics but not my number because you never know. Go get your woman and good luck Horatio.”
“Yup.”
“And for the love of god please send the other ladies a courtesy text to let them know you are off the market,” Miranda begged.
“I sure will. Good luck to you too Miranda. You should be like a relationship counselor or some shit like that.”
“I am, remember I am a high school history teacher.”
“Yup,” he replied clicking off the line. Horatio dressed in record speed and made calls.
The man showed him an array of engagement rings and Horatio gave him a deadpanned look.
“C’mon man, I want the lady to marry me not slap me. Please do not placate me with these bubblegum rings,” Horatio informed. The salesman gave a slight smile and moved to a much smaller collection of jewelry. This section of the store featured a plush recliner and the female assistant walked off, returning with a glass of champagne. Horatio took a seat as the man used the female assistant to model the rings.
“Now this is what I am talking about,” Horatio smiled. After looking at seven rings he spied the wedding set he would present to Kennedy. The three carat marquise cut diamond ring was perfect for a future CEO. With the wedding ring, Horatio would be presenting Kennedy with over five carats of diamonds and his heart. The salesman was giddy with delight as he waited for Horatio to make the money transfer.
“I need that dress in a size six please,” Horatio told the woman behind the counter. He was pointing to an ivory gown in the front window. The saleswoman started at first but then went to retrieve the gown per his request. It had been a slow week and this would be a great sale. The saleswoman hung the dress on a hook so that he could further inspect the material. Horatio imagined Kennedy in the dress and felt his knees weaken. She, of course, would look gorgeous in the dress.
“I need all the other accessories for a wedding. I am trusting your judgment,” Horatio said, then read the lady’s name tag. “Shelia.”
Shelia kicked it into high gear as she compiled all the necessities for a blushing bride. She was smart enough to throw in shoes, expensive underwear, and lingerie. Horatio produced his credit card and happily exited the store with his purchases. The car service was perfect as he made his way around the strip getting the necessary accommodations in order. Inside the car he received text messages from Kennedy.
Kennedy: I guess I should send you some pics. Is that the order of business today?
Kennedy: Pic of her at a bar drinking
Horatio was wondering who the hell took the picture as Kennedy has a drink in her hand and waving with the other hand. That new pic that popped up answered that question.
Kennedy: Pic of her kissing a man
Kennedy: What’s good for Horatio is good for Kennedy! No double standards!
Horatio’s countenance changed from joyous to pure anger. Some man was somewhere kissing his woman. The next pic to pop up showed the smiling guy with his hands dangerously close to Kennedy’s breasts. He immediately enlarged the picture looking for any sign of the name of the bar she was in. The napkin on the bar indicated she was at a casino about a half a mile from the Bellagio, where they were staying. Horatio changed the driver’s course to retrieve his wayward woman.
The bar wasn’t empty but neither was Kennedy still inside. The people she was with had convinced her to try another bar at a nearby casino. Horatio called her phone and could hear the sounds of people talking, including Kennedy. She hadn’t answered the phone it picked up for some reason. Horatio listened for any clue as to her current location. After hanging up and trying her a few more times, he waited to see if she would return his call. Wh
en Kennedy did not call back, Horatio called in a favor. Within ten minutes he had the location of Kennedy’s phone. The driver easily took Horatio to the new location. Inside the large hotel he spied the bar and was angered to see she was not inside. The source was sure she was still inside the casino. Horatio took to the casino floor looking for his woman. After twenty minutes and not finding her, his anger was boiling over. Near the ATM machines on the second level, he spied a very frightened looking Kennedy.
Two men were standing very close to her and she was extracting large sums of cash from the machine from her plethora of credit cards. Horatio spied a few tears as she punched in the numbers. The guy from the picture kept groping her as if they were a happy couple. The other guy appeared to have some kind of weapon in his jacket pocket. Kennedy nervously looked from the ATM screen to his pocket.
“Hey can you and Bella get over to Treasure Island casino right now? I am about to be arrested,” Horatio said quickly into his phone.
“How many targets? Is Kennedy okay?” Chaz said sitting up in the bed.
“Two and they have Kennedy. I will get her out but casino security is going to take me in.”
“Okay on my way,” Chaz said hanging up. Bella sat up in the bed with a worried expression on her face. “What’s happening Chaz?”
“Get dressed Bella. Horatio is about to be arrested saving Kennedy from two men. We have to go now,” he yelled, slipping into his underwear and jeans. Chaz went to his suitcase and retrieved several identification papers and an ID. Bella raced from the bed grabbing her bag as she did so. In a few minutes she was completely dressed and ready to leave. Chaz kissed the top of her very worried head. “Good girl.”
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