"No, I'm not letting it go. We're sisters, we tell each other everything."
Zara nearly told her that wasn't true, but refrained.
"So, how long has this been going on?"
"I don't know," she said dryly.
"What do you mean you don't know?"
"I don't."
"It's not that hard to figure out, Zara. How long has it been? 1 month, 2 months, shit, years? How long?"
Zara huffed, annoyed. Reyna really knew how to pry the fuck into situations.
"Look, me and Vance only kissed twice. That's it."
"Twice? When was the first time?"
"I don't know...a few weeks ago?"
"So, ya'll ever fucked?"
"No, Rey."
"Never?"
"No, damn!"
"Alright, bitch." Reyna snapped back. "I was just wondering, damn. I mean ya'll go from damn near hating each other to kissing, this is all just a surprise."
"Well, it was just a kiss and that's it."
"Just a kiss, huh."
"Yes, just a kiss."
At least that was what she tried to convince herself. But her heart spoke otherwise. Just the touch of his soft lips, sparked feelings she never felt with any other man. The way her heart beat in her chest, the way her stomach swarmed with butterflies from the electrifying rush of passion wrapped up in one kiss. With every caress of his lips, she found herself falling deeper for Vance, wanting him in insatiable ways she couldn't control.
"Zara, if you could see your face right now." Reyna shook her head, smiling.
Zara snapped out of her trance, forcing herself to get it together.
"Now, you know damn well you don't believe that it was just a kiss."
"It was. We just got caught up in the moment. It meant nothing, and I'm sure Vance feels the same way."
"I won't be too sure. Looks to me like Mr. Vance is catching some feelings too."
Zara rolled her eyes. "Oh please."
She was more than certain Vance didn't feel a damn thing for her. Unlike her, it was nothing but lust for Vance. He was just a man that got caught up in the heat of the moment. She knew better than to believe otherwise.
"I saw ya'll talking at the bbq the other day, there seemed to be little chemistry going on, mhmm," Reyna teased.
"Ugh, shut up." Zara rolled her eyes, ignoring the flutters in her stomach.
"Don't front, Za. You know what I'm talking about."
"No, I don't." Zara pulled out an outfit and turned to her. "What do you think of this?"
It was a turquoise colored romper she had just bought recently.
"Why? Where are you going?" Reyna asked, nosily.
"Sean's taking me out to lunch in the city."
"Oh okay, seems like ya'll are really hitting things off." Reyna smiled.
"Yeah, we are." Zara blushed.
"Aww, see I knew ya'll would. Yeah, that's cute, wear it." Reyna approved, then sat on her bed. "So, how was last night?"
"It was nice. We went salsa dancing."
"Ooh, that sounds fun."
"Yeah, it was. Oh and guess who I ran into last night?"
"Who?"
"Vance's bitch."
"Who? Laurie?"
"Yeah." Zara rolled her eyes and took her outfit off the hanger. "Can't stand that bitch."
"Za, stop. You're only saying that because she's with Vance."
"No, I'm not. It ain't even about him. Her bougie ass just gets on my nerves," she spewed bitterly.
"Everyone gets on your nerves." Reyna waved her off. "Anyway, what are you gonna do about this Vance situation?"
"Nothing, it's not that serious."
She didn't even know why they were still talking about it at this point.
"Zara." Reyna tilted her head.
"It's not," Zara shrugged. "It was just a kiss and that's that."
*
"Zara, though? What were you thinking, bruh?" Rodney shook his head.
"Yeah, I know. I fucked up, you ain't gotta tell me." Vance said, before taking a swing of his beer.
He hated himself for taking it there with Zara. He didn't know what was going on with him lately. He didn't understand why he felt such a burning desire to kiss her, to touch her, to fuck her. He wanted to chalk it up as him being a man. But this situation was different. Zara wasn't just some woman. She was the one responsible for his sister's death. She was the last person he should even be thinking about getting involved with in any type of way. And here he was, fantasizing about her in ways that would make a nun cry. It sickened him.
After what occurred today, he needed to relieve his stress. So, he decided to hit the bar with the fellas.
Seated around the bar, Vance and Rodney sipped on a few beers, while they waited for Anthony and Travis to arrive.
"You damn right you fucked up," Rodney voiced. "When did all this start?"
"I don't even know." He rubbed his fade with a sigh.
"Can't believe you out of all people would be hittin' that-"
"I never hit that," he quickly corrected him. "We just kissed that's all."
"Yeah, that's because me and Rey stopped you." Rodney smirked.
Vance shot him a glare, before taking a pull of his cigarette.
"I just gotta get to the bottom of this though, are you feeling her or what?"
Vance choked on his smoke. "What? Hell no."
Feelings for Zara? The thought made him laugh.
Rodney gave him a distrustful look.
"Alright, I admit, If this was under different circumstances I would hit," he honestly said. "I mean, Zara's sexy, any man could see that. But that don't mean I would ever get with her. Not a chick like Zara, that bitch is far from wifey material. I would be a fool to ever deal with that."
"But you kissed her though."
"Yeah, so?"
"So, that changes things."
"How so, Dr. Phil? Enlighten me." He latched his hands together.
"I remember you specifically saying that you don't ever kiss a chick unless she's someone you're involved with. Now am I right?"
Vance grew silent. That was true, he actually did say that.
Rodney smirked, taking a sip of his beer. "Like I said, you fuckin' up."
"I just got caught up, that's all," he said lowly, unable to conjure up another answer.
"Well, you better chill playa. Remember you already got something good. You don't wanna mess that up."
Vance nodded, agreeing. He was right. Despite whatever issues he and Laurie had, she was still a good woman. She wasn't worth throwing away for someone like Zara. He had to think smarter.
Chapter 21
Vance fiddled for the right key and unlocked the door to Laurie's apartment. When he entered, he was instantly welcomed by the sounds of salsa music playing in the home. The sweet aroma of cooked foods wafted his senses, and he entered the kitchen, following the scent where he found Laurie standing over the stove, clad in a white tank top and boy cut shorts, stirring food in the pot. He licked his lips at the sight. There was nothing sexier than seeing his woman cooking in a pair of shorts.
He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She jumped, startled, only to relax when she realized it was Vance.
"Shit, you scared me Vance." She let out a deep sigh of relief. "Gotta remember to take back my key next time."
"Nah, you ain't gonna do that." He kissed her shoulder.
"Well, I should."
Despite what Laurie said, he knew she liked the idea of him having access to her house whenever he felt like it.
"Anyway, what are you doing here?"
“Damn, that's the greeting I get?" He smirked.
She didn't even turn around to greet him with a kiss.
"Well, what else do you expect? You haven't answered my calls for the past week, and I'm supposed to act like everything's fine? Well it's not. Excuse me." She moved away and picked up the dish of food from off the counter.
He let out a
sigh, rubbing his jaw. He should've expected that. "Look, I know I was wrong. And I'm sorry about that."
"Whatever, Vance. Everything is so hot and cold with you. One minute, you wanna act like you care, the next minute you don't. I'm just over it." She shook her head, placing the dish into the oven. "Now, I know you're still mad about what I did, but you can't hold it over my head forever. The fact of the matter is, the baby is coming whether you like it or not. So, you could either decide to be a father to this child or be a damn deadbeat, but that's still not gonna change my decision to have it."
"I know," he said lowly. "I'm sorry for actin' like a dick lately. I just had a lot on my mind and I needed some time to think. But I still shouldn't have treated you the way I did and I apologize for that. I'm gonna be there for the baby, regardless of what happens."
"Really? And how can I be so sure?" She folded her arms. "How do I know this is not the nice side of you talking? How do I know later on down the line you won't change your mind and leave?"
"Because I just told you I won't," he snapped. "What kind man do you think I am, Laurie? You really think I would do some shit like that to my own child?"
"Right now, I don't know what to think. Just a while ago, you wanted me to have an abortion."
He frowned. "What? I never told you that. The fuck are you talking about?"
"You pretty much implied it. I asked you if you wanted me to have an abortion and you told me to do whatever I felt like it. If you really wanted me to have the baby, you would've never said something like that," she said, hurt wavering her tone.
When she began to cry, Vance let out a sigh. He stepped closer to her and brought her in a hug.
"I'm sorry..." He whispered, rubbing her back. "I didn't mean that."
He pulled back and wiped away her tears. "I'm gonna be there for you and the baby, I put my life on it."
Chapter 22
Zara woke up from her slumber to the sounds of music playing outside of her room. Rubbing her eyes from the sun's glare, she sat up and ran her fingers through her locks. Wondering what was occurring outside, she stood up, adjusted her silk gown and left her room. When she noticed a stack of cardboard boxes in Vance's room, her frown deepened and she stood at the doorway, where she found him removing his clothes from the rack. Her eyes fleeted to the suitcase on his bed, filled with clothes, and her chest tightened when the revelation became clear.
When he turned around, he froze.
She cleared her throat. "Hey."
"Sup," he said lowly, before stuffing more clothes in his suitcases.
She leaned against the doorframe. "You're leaving?"
"Yeah."
"Oh..." She cleared her throat to rid the disappointment lingering in her voice. "So, your house is finally finished?"
"Nah, almost. In a couple of weeks."
"So, why're you leaving so soon?"
He paused, before removing more clothes off the rack. "Just think it's time, plus I know Rodney and Rey's sick of my ass already."
"I doubt that. I'm sure they don't have a problem with you staying as long as you need to."
"Nah, it's cool. I need my own space."
Zara urged to beg him to stay. She didn't want him to leave so soon. Although she would never admit it to him, she was really going to miss him being here.
"So, where are you gonna stay for the time being?" she asked curiously.
"My girl's house."
Her heart fell. She swallowed the tightness in her throat.
"Oh..." was all she could muster up.
Without a word, he continued to pack his things and Zara remained by the doorframe, unable to leave for some reason.
"Need any help?" she asked.
"Nah, I'm straight. Thanks."
Zara took that as a sign to leave, but despite herself, she entered his room.
"You have a lot of stuff," she said, observing the pile of cardboard boxes set at the center of the room. With a shrug, he continued clearing out the closet.
"These? Nah, not really. This is only a quarter of the stuff I was able to recover."
"Really? Damn."
When the sounds of Maxwell began to play, she swooned at the smooth music. This was her shit. Wondering where it was coming from, she noticed his IPod connected to the speakers at the corner of the room. She grinned, leaning against the dresser.
"I didn't know you listened to Maxwell."
"Huh?" He looked at her.
She smiled wider when he began to blush. It was so damn adorable. He shrugged coolly, turning his focus to the closet. "I mean his music is alright. It's not something I listen to on the regular though."
"Riiiight." She smirked. "I bet you have all his albums."
Fighting a smile, he shook his head. "Anyway, what you disturbing me for? Don't you got something else to do?"
"Nope," she said with a sigh. "I have nothing else to do but bother you."
"Pest."
"You know you like it."
Her words slipped out before she could stop herself, and she instantly cursed herself for saying too much. His eyes met hers, and her face heated with embarrassment. Expecting him to retort at her remark, she was surprised to see a subtle smile tugging the corner of his lips.
"Anyway, like I said you disturbing me. I got things to do."
He began walking toward her in slow steps and her heart pounded in her chest. Despite his words, she didn't move from her spot. Instead, her eyes roved his physique, taking in every part of his masculine frame, clad in his black fitted T, dark jeans and black Jordan’s, and she wanted nothing but to rip his clothes off and throw herself at him.
He approached her and stood beside her. She melted at the scent of his cologne.
"You're in my way, move."
She raised a brow. "Uh, the word is excuse me."
He gave her a look, as if to say, 'you must be joking'. With a scoff, he grasped her arm and shoved her away. Her mouth went agape. With a playful smirk, he picked up the things off the dresser.
"Rude ass," she uttered.
He turned around and moved passed her, lightly bumping her shoulder and she pushed him back with a smile. He simply shook his head and continued packing.
She couldn’t help but blush. She enjoyed the flirty banter they had going on. They were getting more comfortable with each other, and she was happy about that.
Zara went back to her initial spot, and noticed a picture of Vance and Trish on the dresser. She picked it up. It was the same picture she had noticed a while back, before he kicked her out of his room in rage. Her first instinct was to put it down before he reacted the same way, but she didn't.
"This is a cute picture," she said with a small smile.
He turned to her and she showed him the picture. He stared for a moment, his eyes dimming with sadness. His jaw bulging, he turned away. Her mood dampened and she placed the picture down. She should've never said anything at all.
An uncomfortable silence thickened the air, and Zara tried to think of something else to lighten the mood again.
After a moment, he trudged toward her. She shifted her weight on her other foot, her nervousness heightening at his prowling presence. He picked up the picture frame and leaned against the dresser, staring at the picture.
"This is one of the few pictures of her I have left," he said lowly. "I lost most of them in the fire."
Her heart tightened. That must've been horrible.
"Out of all the stuff, her pictures are the only things I wish I could get back."
His voice held a pain that even he couldn't conceal. She stared at him sadly, wanting nothing but to comfort him. She softly rubbed his arm. He turned to her and they held each other’s gaze.
"Yo, Vance."
They pulled away. Rodney stood at the doorway, his gaze shifting to both of them.
"Uh, I got the van parked out front. So, whenever you ready we could start packing the boxes in."
Vance nodded and trudged to his suitcases. Zara le
ft his room, ignoring Rodney's suspicious stare.
Chapter 23
"Sean...that was...amazing," Zara said, savoring the last bit of food on her plate.
"Well, I'm glad you liked it," Sean replied with a smile.
She definitely did. He had cooked his favorite Haitian dish, black rice with griot, and every bit of it tasted like heaven to her taste buds. She didn't expect him to do something like this. She had never had a man cook her anything. So for Sean to go out of his way to do so, impressed her.
They spent the evening relaxing in his condo. With the smooth sounds of Rnb music playing in the candle lit apartment, they lounged on his plush couch, enjoying each other's company.
"So, who taught you how to cook?"
"My mom," He leaned back comfortably as she rested her head on his shoulder. "She taught me at a young age. She always wanted to make sure I was self-sufficient, so cooking was one of them."
"Never had a man cook me anything, I'm impressed," she admitted.
And turned on.
"Well, I was taught that a man should always please a woman." He kissed her hand and butterflies swarmed her stomach. "So, that's what I'm gonna do."
She stared at him and shook her head. "Where did you come from?"
He laughed. "Where did I come from?"
"Yeah, I never thought men like you existed."
"Men like me?"
"Yeah, men who actually take the time out to cater to a woman."
"We do exist, you just have to open your eyes to see it."
He placed soft kisses on her neck, and Zara's body tingled from the brush of his moist lips. She bit her lip, rising with heat. God, this man was making her feel all types of ways, it wasn't even funny. And right about now, she wanted nothing more than to strip her clothes and feel him inside of her. She had been trying her best to hold out, but damnit it was hard.
"Let me ask you a question..." he whispered.
"Hmm?" she moaned, melting from his kisses.
"How do you feel about us?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like, where we are right now. You like where this is going?"
"Mhmm."
"So, what do you think about us...being together?"
Her heart stopped.
She pulled away. "Together?"
Ashes Page 13