In Between Lies

by Hill, Shawna

  “You mean you haven’t even called him yet? Savannah, I don’t know what I am going to do with you. Okay, are you finished with your story cuz I got a much better one to tell.” Excited, Jasmine jumped from the chair.

  “That Mr. Giovanni character…is a mess.” She clapped her hands together and her bracelets chimed. “He is on me like you wouldn’t understand. On the real…Ole boy is bout it, bout it girl. Girl, I put it on him like you would not believe. And he was layin it down…and well, I might add. You would have thought we was in a match to see who could outdo who. Now, I know you think I move too fast but who gives a damn.” She smiled. “I am sure he has other women who want him, but I gave him a sample of what he could be getting on the regular if he plays his cards right.”

  “Whatever makes you happy. Sounds nice Jasmine, I wish I could be as sexually free as you, but I can’t.”

  “Yeah you can. Ain’t no shame girl do your thang! I don’t think you feel me. But you know, I don’t want him as my man. I just want him when I want him. I ain’t down for that committed deal yet.”

  “Anyway,” Savannah said to change the subject. “Are you running with me today?”

  “No baby girl, I got plans with Gio. We are working it out again tonight and I want to be fully rested because this brotha got a large appetite.”

  After spending the afternoon with Jasmine, Savannah decided that she was not going to run and opted instead to give Kevin a call. Thoughts of him standing in her kitchen practically naked had distracted her long enough. Gathering her courage, she dialed his home number, hoping he was there.

  “Hello,” a deep voice answered.

  Silence.

  “Hello, who do you want to speak to?”

  “Uh, Kevin, please.” She stuttered.

  “Savannah?” he questioned. “I was wondering when you were going to call me. Are you still mad?”

  “No, I am not mad. Actually I was not mad long because I know you had my best interest at heart. Thanks.”

  Continuing to talk, Savannah relaxed deeper into her loveseat then finally laid back as if she was letting loose all the cares and burdens in her mind. Before it was all over, Kevin had asked her out, planning on cooking her dinner at his place, and maybe watch a movie. Just some getting to know you time together, he’d called it. Savannah was thrilled. She accepted the offer quickly. The words formed somewhere deep in her stomach and pushed past her lips in seconds like there was no other option available. Richards warning played through her head too. Its just dinner and a movie, damn.

  Placing the phone back on the receiver, Kevin light heartedly laughed in triumph. He’d asked and she accepted. Careful man, don’t blow it with her. But let her know that you are feeling her so she will come back, he thought. He laid back down in his king sized bed, exhaled and closed his eyes only to be startled by the ringing phone.

  “Hey Kevin, it’s me. Can you talk right now,” her voice whispered.

  Without asking who it was on the other end, he already knew. “How did you get my number?”

  “Don’t worry about that right now. I just want to talk to you. Can we meet somewhere?”

  Upset that she got his home number he slammed the phone down. Since he’d met up with her again, she’d practically stalked him. Sending notes to his job and club became an everyday occurrence. He would not have been surprised to know that she fantasized about him when she watched him on the tube because she hung out at The Blue Horizon every chance she got.

  His downfall was that she was beautiful and he’d fallen for her sexy manipulative moves. Following her back to her place one night soon after they re met, he made the mistake of sleeping with her not only then, but a few times since. It was too easy, as usual. Along with the fact that she wasn’t really new to him, it was much easier. She was familiar.

  Compared to the new Naomi that he was confronted with now and the old Nama, she had blossomed and changed from head to foot. Back then she was a bit on the heavy side, now her body was lithe and sleek. She’d shed a number pounds, dropped the glasses and opted for greenish gray contacts and had dyed her hair light brown with blond streaks. Her honey brown complexion had cleared up to the point that any working professional model would pay thousands for her beauty secrets. Last but not least, she was definitely a bona fide freak in the bed, just what he liked and ultimately his downfall when he’d tried to resist her before and now.

  She also had changed her name from Nama to Naomi. The only thing that hadn’t changed with her was probably her jealous ways. Back then, she’d wanted to know his every move…and he wasn’t trying to have that. That was what made them separate ways before and he could see it festering again, waiting to jump at the slightest opening. But the sex was crazy off the chain and he loved it and found it hard to let go of it again just as before.

  She called back. “Kevin, can I just talk to you?”

  “What do you want from me? That’s what I want to know. You are calling me like I owe you something. I don’t owe you anything. Naomi, you are a nice girl,” he added, “but I am not trying to get into a relationship with you again. Can’t you understand that? Hell, you don’t even know me like that anymore.”

  “But I just like being with you. Just like before. Can’t we just talk?”

  So many times he had to turn women away. They could not understand that all he wanted from them right now was sex, nothing more, nothing less. No commitments, no strings. Seemed like a large portion of them wanted to change him. It hadn’t worked so far. He knew deep down that he shouldn’t have banged her out and was regretting that she’d heavily enticed him. His flesh was weak and he felt like the bottom of his shoe sole right about now.

  He agreed to meet with her, in his own time, and with a promise that she would not call him as much, with the hopes of getting her to understand that they had no relationship whatsoever. Thoughts of Savannah danced in his mind. He needed to be stronger if he’d planned on getting with her, which meant, no more sex with Naomi, Nama, or whatever the hell she went by now.

  225

  In Between Lies S. Hill

  Chapter 5

  Savannah quietly pulled into the long driveway that led to Kevin’s house. It was the only house that sat on top of the hill on Stately Dr. that was located on the suburban outskirts of Chicago. Because it was the only one that sat on a hill, it was not hard to find. She ran her sweaty hands over her jeans and took a deep breath before leaving the car. She’d chosen to wear something casual and comfortable, opting for a pair of faded blue jeans and a matching jacket over a plain white -scooped neck shirt.

  The evening sun was setting and the last glimpses of light were slowly graying into darkness. She clasped her leather jacket closely around her neck, knowing full well that she should have worn a heavier coat. However fashionable the leather bomber jacket was, it was not warm enough for this time of year. She knew it would be cold. She knew the weather forecast because she watched Kevin’s segment of the news every evening. She listened to the crunching noise of the fallen red, yellow, and brown trail of leaves that she crossed over to get to the front door. It looked as if someone had been in the process of raking up the leaves but decided at the last possible moment to leave them there for a while longer.

  He had a modest setup for a single man who she thought probably had a substantial amount of money. His front room was decorated in black and white throughout. Her eye followed the precisely designed black sofa, white loveseat, and lamps and tables adorned with large asymmetrical centerpieces. To finish the look, a large black plush throw rug covered a highly polished wood floor.

  “This is very nice,” Savannah said as she followed him through. “Did you do this yourself?” she waved her hand towards what looked like a black and white abstract painting.

  “No a friend brought it for me. You like it?” he asked.

  “Yes, it is beautiful.” She was impressed with his design concept throughout the home and commended him further on it. He led her to a sitti
ng area that was located in the back of the house. In the middle of the room sat a small, single table that was decorated with one large burning candle and was set for two. To the side of the table was a huge fireplace that already had a warm, low fire burning. The crackling sound that the fire made was comforting to her. The low murmur of soft jazz was filtered through the speakers that were strategically hidden within the walls and created a well blended surround sound atmosphere. On the far left wall, opposite the fireplace, sat a large, almost life sized flat screen television.

  “I feel like I underdressed for the occasion,” she stated, feeling a little self -conscious about her jean clad appearance.

  “I should have worn something a little bit less relaxed. You’ve done your job well, Mr. Styles. It’s very relaxing in here. I could get used to this.” She pointed to him, referencing his business casual look.

  “Maybe you are a bit overdressed as well.” She giggled nervously, instantly thinking of how strong his chest looked the day he stood in her kitchen barely dressed.

  “Don’t worry about it babe, you are fine, and a guest in my home. Feel free to get comfortable while I get into something more comfortable as well.” A fleeting memory of him standing in her kitchen crossed her mind. She blushed as a warm sensation welled inside her stomach.

  He had not been too sure what to wear so he decided to wear a pair of black slacks, white top and black loosened tie that hung precariously from his neck. He had the traditional business look, but was glad to see that she had planned to lounge around with him.

  Her eyes followed his tall six foot frame through the door as he disappeared down the hallway towards his bedroom. A little bit nervous and needing something to occupy her already jittery hands, she browsed his collection of DVD’s that sat in what looked like a custom made bookcase. It also housed a myriad of photos of him. A couple of him from what looked like work, another one with an older woman who had her arms wrapped around him lovingly. She assumed it was his mother. Curious, she inspected the picture further and realized that it was the woman from the park. If she remembered correctly, it was T. There were no other pictures of him with any other females, which struck her odd. No past girlfriends? No family pictures? Was he an only child?

  Her eyes scanned across more pictures then came to a section of VHS tapes that were dated and placed in chronological order from the oldest dates to the most recent. Pulling one from the shelf, she read the label. ‘Kevin Styles, 10/15/02, WMMT- 17 news.’ There was a whole series of them. She assumed he had tapes of himself for every day that he presented his broadcast. Why he would keep every one of them was beyond her understanding. Maybe a bit narcissistic on his part; but he looked good and was well aware of it. She knew it too.

  “I see you are making yourself familiar with my collection of movies,” his deep voice echoed from behind. He’d snuck up on her while she was consumed in inquisitiveness, making it hard for her to detect his presence.

  “I’m sorry,” she blushed and headed for the small intimate table and sat down. She spun around quickly to face him. He’d changed his clothes and was now wearing a pair of jeans and a white top.

  “Now I am as comfortable as you.” He popped open a bottle of white wine and poured her a glass. By this time, the hunger arousing smell of baked veal surfaced and wreaked havoc on her nose. She inhaled the mouth-watering scent.

  “I trust you brought your appetite as well more good conversation,” he asked as he handed her the glass.

  I brought whatever you want, she thought. “I sure did.” Grabbing the glass from him, their hands touched, sending electric, vibrating shocks through her. “This music sounds familiar.”

  “Well, it should, it is Midnight Magic. You know the band that was playing the night I met you.”

  Small talk took place as they enjoyed a home cooked meal prepared by him. By ten o’clock, both were sitting on the floor, backs rested against a loveseat and were watching a DVD of one of her favorite movies. Throughout the movie, Kevin touched her lightly in conversation, getting a feel for her and watched her reaction to him. She returned the same touches, giving him the silent go ahead as if it was alright. He took the cue.

  As the movie credits rolled up the huge flat screen, Kevin purposely crossed over her, positioning himself so that he could reach the light switch and what she found out to be the volume for the music that was playing. He grabbed the remote control and turned the television off. The lights now dimmed and the music a bit louder, he moved closer to her.

  “I am glad to see you loosened up a bit now.”

  His spicy scent was intoxicating, or was it the alcohol? Her mind swirled as he cupped her face with his hands. She licked her lips, desperate to find an answer to his un-asked, unspoken question. Lowering his lips to hers, he lightly kissed her, consuming whatever answer she had in mind or was trying to voice. All that escaped her was a low murmur of desire. Surprised that her body responded as quickly to his touch as his did to hers, she pulled away.

  “I bet you do this a lot don’t you?” her voice, now husky, scratched in nervousness.

  “No. Do you?”

  She eyed him, taking in his essence. His brown skin glistened from the glow of the fire. His strong jaw clenched as he spoke. Her eye followed his well maintained goatee then settled on his full lips. “No, I don’t.”

  “Okay that is settled now. Come here.” he reached back out to her and pulled her back to him.

  Before she could think of another ploy or question to stall time, he kissed her again. Probing her mouth, his tongue delved deeper into her wanting to know all she had to offer. Compliant, she responded with just as much determination, wanting to know him as well. Slowly they settled onto the area rug. His hands freely roamed her body as if they had always been there, claiming what he thought was his as he explored her neck and cleavage with his tongue. Her back arched to meet his touch in the expectation of instant sensual gratification. A slight moan escaped from her parted lips as he raised her top from her waist and unbuttoned her bra from behind. Instant surges of electric fire raced through her as his mouth reached down and lightly circled her breast with this tongue. His hot, ragged breath threatened to engulf her senses and open her completely up to him without any reservations. In a drunken state, Savannah finally opened her eyes to see him staring back at her.

  “Beautiful,” was the only word that came from his mouth. “Savannah, follow me,” he said huskily, and pulled her up off the floor. Her name on his lips was music to her ears. He slowly led her down a long corridor and she quietly followed. Anticipation of what would follow gnawed at her thoughts, and for some out of the blue reason she thought of Jasmine.

  Pulling her hand from his grip as they entered into what appeared to be his master bedroom, she stopped just outside the door. “I can’t do this. What are we doing?” she trembled. Afraid that if she gave herself to this man he would basically just hit it and quit it, as Richard had told her he does, leaving her open and vulnerable. Richard, her best friend, always looked out for her best interests. Could she believe what he told her? Did she really trust this man? If not, she’d better think quickly because her body ached for his touch, feel, and coming pleasure she was sure he could deliver.

  There was already a strong connection between them at least on her part. If he just left her out to dry afterwards it would leave a terrible taste in her mouth, once again. Dre’s image flashed before her. Even before Dre, it had been done before and the heartache was just not worth it.

  Jasmine used to tell her that she was too sensitive and her problem was that she ‘gave’ to much of herself and that she had to hold back. But when she loved, she loved hard and it had become a major downfall. Trying to get over her insecurities with men and develop a resistance to ‘giving too much’, she’d taken time away from men. She thought she had wrestled the demons and left them behind, but there was still a small remnant in her heart.

  Actually, her whole purpose of finally meeting up with him wa
s to kill off the remains, and he was the one who was going to help her do it. Struggling with internal thoughts, she knew this would ultimately happen when she crossed his threshold. Her intentions were to do it and liberate herself. The moment had arrived and it terrified her.

  “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” he assured her. Sensing her hesitation, he stopped. “We can take this slow if you want.”

  “Of course, you would say that. Put it all on me.” She shuffled her hands through her hair. “So if I do this it will all be on me, right? Is that what you are saying?”

  “I am saying that I will wait, that’s all. You know if a man can’t wait until the time is right, then he isn’t the man for you.” Sounded good, he thought, but he actually meant it. He’d waited, looking into her obviously distraught features. “We need to talk.” He pulled her into the bedroom, sat her on his bed and he grabbed a chair from across the room and placed it in front of her. Sitting before her, he laid out the situation.

  “It’s obvious to me that you have not been with any one in a while. And it is obvious that you have been hurt pretty badly in the past. Based on your conversations and tones when we talk about relationships, you have a chilly side. What’s up with that?” he questioned.

  “First off, I don’t owe you any explanations as to why I do or say anything, let alone how I feel. We have only known each a short amount of time.” She twisted her hands in a ball in her lap, still somewhat incoherent from his touch. “But since you ask, I will give a little insight….but only if you help me out and tell me about you? Agreed?”

  He nodded.

  “Yes, I have been burned before as has every other woman out there. I am not looking for a deep commitment right now from anyone, but I am ready to open up and possibly be with someone who could be a potential…without strings attached. You know? At least no strings in the beginning anyway.”