by Dawn Martens
The only problem I have is finding the right woman. Maybe, I should stop looking for her at the bars. At least, that’s what Mum tells me. But, where the fuck do I find someone then? It isn’t like I go to church or hang out at the fucking country club, and if Mum introduces me to one more uptight bitch I’ll fucking die.
~***~
“Are you really asking me how to get a girl?” Nikki says through a laugh.
I shake my head in frustration. I should have known to keep my damn mouth shut. “Just fucking forget it.” I say and start to walk to the door.
Nikki grabs my arm. “I’m sorry. I thought you were just messing with me, but you’re not. Are you?”
“No, I’m fucking not! Why is it that everyone thinks that I want to spend the rest of my life fucking random chicks? Do you guys all think that I am so damn shallow that I don’t want what you have? “
Nikki nods her head. Yes, she actually nodded her head. “I did think that, but I’m starting to come around. Now, tell me why you didn’t go to Layla with this. You know this is more of her kind of thing. I am more of the female version of you.”
“Don’t say a word to Layla. She will have me hooked up with one of those up-tight bitches she works with. I don’t want a fix up. I just want some advice.”
“There is actually a new girl there that I think you would like. She is really cool, but she is all kinds of fucked up. Lots of baggage. But even I would say that baggage is wrapped up in one sexy as hell package.” Nikki says with a smile.
“Did you not hear me? No fix ups. Just advice.” I say, frustration in my voice. I think the world of this chick, but sometimes I would like to take her over my knee. As soon as that thought passes through my brain, the vision of doing just that fills it and I have to adjust my growing cock. I hear Nikki snort and I look up to see her smirking at me. “Sorry, just thinking about spanking your ass.” I say and flash her a smile.
She shouts out with laughter. “Don’t give Kade any ideas. Come on,” she says as she grabs her purse. “Let’s go grab a beer and try to work on your shit.”
Chapter 4
Derek
The boys and I walk into the house and notice the baby shower is still on. Layla and Nikki wanted us here, men don’t do baby showers, by the number of men here it looks like they still partially won. I make my way over to the food table and grab a few cookies that I know Layla baked.
I walk over to the wall and lean against it looking around the room and notice a girl fully decked out in dreads and tattoos. She looks like she has got an attitude too. I’ve never been a guy to go for someone that looked like that. I usually stick to the dumb ones or the ones that looked like models. I guess you can say I’ve been kind of shallow.
Her dreads are down her back, resting just above her ass. Oh man what an ass it is. What kind of man would I be to resist an ass like that? I start to walk towards her, but stop. When she turns around, I notice that she has her labret, Monroe, nose and eyebrow pierced. Her piercings enhance her beauty, but that’s not what made me stop. Something about this girl looks familiar, and I can’t quite place it. Shit, it dawns on me that I’ve seen her before, and the situation was bad.
“What the fuck dude? Quit staring at her. Layla had a hard enough time getting her to come. She sees you panting after her, she’ll leave. “
I look up at Kade. “Who is she?”
“You don’t know?” He shakes his head. “Her face has been plastered all over the TV for weeks, though she didn’t look like that then.” That wasn’t how she looked when I first saw her either.
“If I knew, I wouldn’t have asked.” I had to know who this was woman was. Before this night is over, she is going to mine.
“Her name is Rylie. She works with Layla. Her ex-boyfriend nearly killed her, about a year ago. The trial just ended. He went down for attempted murder. His ass is going to rot in jail, for a long fucking time.” Kade says, with a pissed off look on his face.
“No shit? Fuck! I saw her a while back. She was at the mall. I noticed her from across the store. Knew I had to talk to her, but some guy came up and grabbed her arm. Shit man, he fucking hurt her. He grabbed her so hard that she cried out. I tried to get to her, but he pulled her away. They got lost in the crowd. By the time, I found them. He was kissing her. I should have checked on her, made sure she was okay.” If I had stepped in maybe she never would have gotten so fucked up by him. Part of me breaks knowing someone as beautiful as Rylie has been through hell and back. An immediate need to run to her and pull her into my arms, floods my body. She needs someone to help her. To protect her. I want to be that fucking guy and I will.
Kade touches my shoulder interrupting my thoughts. I look up at him and see his anger. “No one could have stopped him. You probably would have just made it worse. No telling what the dick would have done, if a man had talked to her.” Kade says, while shaking his head. “I get pissed as hell at Nikki sometimes, but I could never hurt her.”
“No man should put his hands on a woman.” I say then finish my beer. I toss it in the trash and start to head towards Rylie.
“Good Luck.” Kade shouts, as I walk away.
I stop a few feet away from her and stand by a table to admire her from far away. If only I could show her what it’s like to be happy and satisfied. A grin comes across my face when I think about taking her and showing her what a real man is.
~***~
Rylie
Today is Layla’s baby shower. I finish wrapping her gifts and am excited to see her. She wants me to come a little early so I can meet everyone. Gayle drops me off at her house, and I feel weird at first because I didn’t think I am going to fit in, but I shake it off and head to her backyard. When I show up I feel the stares. I didn’t tell anyone that I was doing this transformation. To say they were shocked is an understatement.
Layla comes right over and gives me a hug, “You look great!”
“Thanks. I feel weird though,” I whisper.
“It’s alright don’t worry about it! I am so happy you are here. Let me introduce you to everyone.” I like that she doesn’t ask or talk to me about my new look. I get enough stares from everyone else. Layla found out what happened a few weeks ago and was upset I didn’t tell her about it, but it’s not something you burden a good person with. Seeing me tonight, she probably understands my need for this change. A few times over the last few months I’ve noticed her staring at me, like when I’d look in the mirror at work and see that my shirt had come up in places, showing my scars left by Caleb. Layla would see me fumbling to cover my body back up while taking deep breathes to pull myself together and continue to work. She never said anything, but I knew that there were times that she wanted too. I couldn’t thank her enough for waiting for me to come to her and explain my situation instead of pressuring me to spill my life’s story before I was ready, and while I’m still hesitant to share some things about my life, Layla introduces me to hers.
Once the shower starts winding down, I notice some men walk in. Layla takes me over to them, and I say hi to Chase as he gives me a hug. I met him once a long while ago, when he came into the shop to pick up Layla. He tells me that he admires how strong I am. I try not to cry and hold it in. He has no idea how his words have affected me. I meet his brothers, Kade and James, both gorgeous with blonde hair and blue eyes. Kade is cocky, I don’t know how Nikki puts up with it. I’ve heard things about James, mostly of how he’s just like his brothers, but seeing him tonight, I don’t see it. He’s staring at one of Layla’s cousins like he wants to eat her, and every so often checking his phone, looking sketchy. Something is definitely going on with that one, but right now I could care less because everyone is being so sweet and nice to me.
Eventually, I go back to lingering with Layla over by Nikki. I’ve only met Nikki a handful of times, but it was enough to know that she’s feisty, they say red heads have fiery tempers, with Nikki that is very true. She has the attitude and personality of someone I wish I was
. I used to think I was like her, but Caleb broke me of that.
I was listening to Layla talk about how great sex is when you are pregnant when I first noticed him. He’s standing with James, and I can’t take my eyes off of him. Nikki notices me checking him out, and leans in close to whisper into my ear.
“That’s Derek. Cute huh?” I don’t say anything. “Listen girl, I know what happened, and I’m sorry. If you need anything let me know.” She gives me a hug then walks away. I force myself to stop staring at Derek and tune back in to Layla’s idle chatter. And even though my eyes want to stray to where I know he’s standing, I stay focused on Layla and make myself not to give in.
Later on, I am getting a glass of soda when I feel someone right behind me. Oh my god. I slowly turn around and there he is. Derek. He has to be the hottest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I thought Caleb was the best looking man I’ve ever seen, Looking at Derek, I was so wrong. Short brown hair, dark brown eyes, and built like a forward. Hips are perfect, and I bet anything that if he took his clothes off he would have the perfect ‘v’ and wash board abs. I notice he even has the starting’s of a goatee. “Hey I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to meet earlier. I’m Derek,” his sexy voice fills my head.
The way he’s looking at me makes my stomach tighten. He licks his lips and stares at me. Wow. “Hey. Rylie.”
“Damn that’s a hot name. I like the hair and tats. The piercings work for you. Layla never said you looked this hot,” he laughs. I need to stay away from men. I can’t put myself in that position again. I can’t fall in love and get hurt. This is my chance to change my life. My redemption.
Derek is still near me. I can feel him looking at me, staring straight into my soul. I shake him off. I cannot fall in love. Love does not exist. It is nothing but pain and misery. I play with my cup and watch Layla laughing with Chase. I let out a sigh. Why can’t I find that happiness? I feel a lump in my throat and turn away. I hear someone walking behind me and the hairs on my arms stick up.
Derek’s lips come close to my ear, “So, do you have any plans after this?”
I shiver just hearing his voice that close gives me chills. “Actually, I am going home and enjoying some time alone.” I turn and look at him, flashing a big smile.
Being around people used to not bother me at all; I needed to be around people. But ever since Caleb and his scars, I just want to be alone.
“I was wondering if maybe you’d want to go out.”
“Not tonight, sorry.” I tell him, then spot Nikki and Layla. I leave Derek and walk over to them; with both of them smiling are at me.
“What, what is it?” I ask them.
“You and Derek?” Nikki asks.
I turn to look at Derek, who is now back with Chase and Kade talking. We both keep looking at each other, but I know I can’t do this. I turn back to Nikki, taking a sip of my drink.
“No, I’m not ready for a relationship.” I tell them.
“He really is a good guy.” Layla says, but I ignore her. Hoping they will change the subject.
Throughout the shower, I keep turning to eye Derek, and each time I turn, he is looking directly at me. Has he not moved his eyes once?
~***~
Derek
I watch Rylie walk away. Fuck she is hot. Not like any girl I’ve ever been attracted to. What is it about her? “Not her man.” Chase says from behind me.
I turn to look at him. Frowning, “Why not her?”
“Haven’t you seen the news lately? She doesn’t need your brand of player.”
“Yes, I have. And just spent time talking with Kade about it. “
“Then like I said, stay away from her.”
“Maybe, I’m tired of playing. Have you ever thought of that? Do you think you’re the only man that wants a good woman? Don’t forget who you use to be. Not that long ago either. Fuck, your ass made me look like a saint. So, don’t tell me to stay away from her.”
“Fine, but if you hurt her, I’ll kick your ass. That girls been through enough bad shit. It’s time she gets a little good.” He turns and walks away.
I think about what Chase said, and I know he’s right. She doesn’t need someone like me in her life, but I can’t help but stare at Rylie the rest of the night. I’m going to have her; I just have to give her some time first.
Chapter 5
Rylie
“I really don’t have time for dinner. I need to get packed, if I want to get on the road early.” I say as Rosie pulls me into the restaurant.
“I know. You have already said that, but I don’t care. You are not starting your entire life over, without us taking at least one night to celebrate.” Who knew this girl can be so bossy? She is always a big pushover at work.
As soon as we walk through the door, all the girls I work with jump up and shout. “Surprise!” I am shocked as shit to see everyone here. I look around and even the girls from my old shop are here. As I near the table, Gayle walks from behind the crowd and pulls me into a big hug. “I’m going to miss you so much darling.” I break into tears. I just cannot believe that all these people are here for me.
It ends up taking six tables to fit our entire party. I am just starting to take a bite of my Kung Pow chicken, when Rosie looks over to me. “So, are you going to give Derek a shot or what?”
I stare at my food and try to process what she’s asking me. I like Derek. There’s something about him that draws me in, but it was the same with Caleb. I can’t let my guard down now. I’m leaving tomorrow and there’s no point in starting something. “If I wasn’t leaving tomorrow, I might.”
Gayle’s eyes go big. “You have been thinking about dating?”
“No, not really. I just think Derek seemed like a really nice guy. I am not sure if it would have gone anywhere, but I would have liked to get to know him.” I try to explain.
“You are not going to be that far away. You could at least give him your number. Maybe, you guys could get together sometime. “Rosie adds with a smile.
I look over to Gayle, and she is smiling too. She gives me a little nod, to let me know that she’s approves.
I look over at Rosie. “Okay, I guess I can do that. Could one of you give it to him?” I ask the two girls that are from the front desk at the salon. Apparently both have had him at one point and managed to get numbers.
They both pull out their phone and start texting. I am too nervous to wait for his response. So, I excuse myself and walk towards the restroom. As I walk around the corner, I am stopped dead in my tracks. Derek is standing there talking to a really pretty brunette. Her back is up against the wall, and Derek is standing only inches from her. She has one hand on her shoulder and another on his chest. He starts to lower his mouth to hers, but pulls back suddenly. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. He frowns for a moment, then a smile spreads across his face, and he quickly types something onto the screen. As soon as he is done, he places the phone back into his pocket, and looks back at the brunette.
I freeze as I stand there watching him. What a fucking player. I am so glad that I’m leaving and never looking back at this place. Seeing Derek in this light, makes me realize that I am making the right decision.
I turn away and rush back to the table. Everyone is smiling. “He says he is busy right now, but that he would call you and set up something for later.” Char says.
Oh my god, he actually took the time to text them back when he was out with another woman. What a dick! I just nod and start to eat. Everyone is quiet for a moment. “What the hell happened? You were all smiles when you left the table and you’re anything but happy?” asks Rosie.
I start to explain, but stop when Derek walks by our table holding hands with the brunette. He stops as soon as he sees us. His eyes meet mine, and he jerks his hand away from the brunette. He starts to open his mouth, but I shake my head. I turn to Gayle. “I will be getting a new number as soon as I move, I’ll text you when I get it.” I say loudly enough for Derek to hear. I
paste a fake smile across my face and turn back to Derek. “Nice to see you again.” He doesn’t say anything back as he walks away. The brunette follows him like a sick puppy and it makes me ill to think I actually wanted to give him a chance.
A half hour passes when I notice the girl Derek was with storm out of the restaurant. Seconds later Derek saunters up to the table. “Can we talk?” he asks.
I keep my eyes on my friends and my back to Derek. I don’t even want to give him a response because I’m sick of this crap and feel foolish that I even let Derek phase me. He eventually gets the point that I won’t talk to him and leaves. As he walks he mutters a harsh “Fuck.” I know he’s mad, but I don’t care. Hell I don’t even know why he’s mad. He’s not mine. Never will be mine. I’m starting over tomorrow and starting over doesn’t involve Derek. I look up and see Derek, standing just by the door, giving me a smile, but his smile seems different. It’s not like the ones before. There’s a hint of sadness and defeat. I keep watching him until he leaves.
I shake it off and finish up my night.
~***~
Derek
I didn’t think I’d have a chance with Rylie, so I picked up Tori for dinner. She’s always been my back up lay for when I don’t feel like finding one for myself. I got a text from someone I didn’t know while we were waiting to be seated at our table.
Unknown – Friend of Rylie’s, she wants you. Scared. Keep pursuing her, she’s already wanting to give in.
I got that text twice, from two different numbers. I smile as I see it. So Rylie does want me. Fuck yeah! I decide to finish up dinner and just take Tori home. I look at fucking Tori and shake my head. I knew I shouldn’t have done this shit. What shocks me is that when we’re walking through the restaurant I see that Rylie is here. Fuck! I can’t shake the look that was on her face. I thought tonight I would finally have my chance. Of all fucking places why does she have to be here? Why did I have to pick up this idiot? Fuck! I have to fix this. I have to show Rylie what’s up- I want her.