by Mia Madison
“Retirement?” She looked at me as if I were an alien. “You look young for sixty-five.”
“I’m not sixty-five. I’m thirty-nine.”
“Makes sense. Even then, you look thirty-three or thirty-four, not thirty-nine.” She cocked her head in curiosity. “What did you do to retire at thirty-four?”
“Professional sports.”
Her jaw dropped, and her eyes sparkled with intensity. I could see she was fighting her best to figure out if this were a joke or not.
“Which one?”
“I played in the NFL,” I said. “Cincinnati Bengals.”
“Oh, really? That’s cool.” She blushed and confessed she wasn’t a big sports fan. “Sorry, I’m not that big on sports at all. I mean, I watch the Super Bowl, maybe the NBA Finals with my friends, but that’s about it.”
She seemed embarrassed to share that with me. It was sexy, because she had no idea it made me like her even more.
“It’s okay, babe. I wasn’t a breakout player by any means. I was on the Bengals. And I was a secondary, I was barely on the field. I had a little time with the 49ers, but nothing major.”
“Still, I’m having dinner with a pro athlete. That’s a first for me, and it’s pretty cool.”
Our food came, and it interrupted our conversation. I watched her drool as the steak and lobster were set before us, along with fresh glasses of wine.
“This food looks amazing,” she praised. She reached for my hands. “Let’s bless the food.”
After she led grace, we dug in. True to her word, she loved to eat. She tasted every bite of her food with a hedonistic abandon that drove me wild. I can’t lie, I was so turned on my cock got hard watching her.
“You’re not hungry anymore?” she asked.
“Oh, I’m hungry.” For something completely different, I thought to myself as I cut into my lobster. I cut a piece and clipped off a piece of steak. “Have you ever bit into both at the same time?”
She squealed with excitement, nodding eagerly as she watched me. When she finished chewing, she replied. “I do that all the time! I just didn’t want you to judge me.”
“You’re eating surf and turf, what’s there to judge?”
At that time, I snuck a glance at the booth across from us, where the Jerk and his girlfriend sat. His girlfriend was taking delicate bites of her tiramisu. He was glaring in jealousy. I’m sure he had been ear-hustling our conversation the entire time and didn’t think we would get along that well.
“I used to be overweight,” she shared. “I get all my fat girl habits from that period. If I were at home, I’d probably have covered this entire plate in garlic butter.”
“Damn girl,” I teased playfully. “You eat like a caveman.”
“I’m actually a fan of lo-carb and Paleo diet plans,” she confessed. “It’s actually helped me control my appetite and weight. And I get to eat as much as I want.”
“You know, I’m not really crazy about women who watch their weight and diet hard, but if you’ve found something that makes you look this amazing, and you don’t have to starve yourself, then…”
My voice trailed off as I watched her chew so decadently on her steak and lobster. I was left speechless again by how much she enjoyed eating, and even more speechless by how much I enjoyed her enjoyment.
Throughout the meal, I stole discreet glances at the bar. Dom and Nick sat for a while and watched, but they were gone before the waiter came to check up on us again. I’m sure they realized I wouldn’t catch up with them, and they needed to head straight to the strip club.
It was cool. Again, I could see tits and ass any day. This girl was a rare experience. The more she spoke, the more intrigued I became. She wasn’t thinking like a regular woman, focused on a safe while finding a man who wanted to head straight to the altar.
From my peripheral vision, I could see the Jerk and his date rise to leave. I was certain her phone would blow up with text messages the moment he was out of his girlfriend’s sight. Not only had he been caught red-handed, he’d do his best to get an answer out of her when he asked, “Who was that guy you were with?”
He attempted to escort his girl past us quickly, but his girlfriend stopped him. “Alex, wait.”
She came over to the table and touched my date’s shoulder. “I’m so glad he didn’t leave you hanging. You’re so freaking pretty—and I love your shoes! Are you a stylist?”
“No,” my date laughed. She was completely relaxed, didn’t recoil at all. “I love your outfit also.”
I admired how polite and sweet she was to the girl, considering the turn of events. She handled the situation with grace, and it turned me on.
“I’m Beverly. Here’s my card,” the girl said. “I’m a makeup artist, and I’d love to have you model for me sometime.”
“Raquel, and thank you.” She accepted the card graciously. “I definitely could use some help in the makeup department.”
I grabbed Raquel’s hand, much to the chagrin of the Jerk being forced to watch the scene, and kissed it. “Oh babe, you look amazing as you are.”
“Thanks, babe.” She blushed deeply and I could feel my heart melt a little. Why was she so damn beautiful?
“Yes, she is! But if you’re looking to play with some new looks—girl, I’ve got you.” Beverly smiled. She involved me in her departing comments, giving us a collective smile and wave. “Have a great night, guys.”
I waited until Beverly and the Jerk were gone until I leaned in and confessed, “I thought they’d never leave.”
She giggled. “You? You have no idea what it’s been like to sit here and watch him with her. And she had no clue who I was, or who really—”
“Shh,” I cut in, “Raquel, you look beautiful tonight. I’m glad you made time for me.” I gave her a conspiratorial smile, and she immediately caught the hint.
“So am I.”
When the check came, I paid with my American Express. Raquel attempted to eye-hustle the check and see how much it all was, but I wouldn’t let her.
“I just want to cover the tip,” she explained.
“No,” I shook my head. I went into my wallet and pulled out five crisp hundred-dollar bills and set it on the table. “The pleasure’s all mine, tonight.”
Her eyes widened at that amount of money, but I played it off casually. Five hundred dollars was a lot of money to tip, but after the trouble I caused, I wanted it to be worth it to the waiter.
I also wanted to impress her, show her I was a man who knew how to take care of a lady.
I escorted her, arm in arm, outside. A couple of women looked at us with envy. I knew those women knew who I was, even though Raquel was clueless. Again, I wasn’t a major celebrity, but I wasn’t hard to recognize if one knew football, even here in Miami. I was only with the 49ers for my last two seasons, but they were enough for me to be recognized.
Thank God this place required privacy, and was littered with enough celebrities that seeing one didn’t immediately lead to thirsty attempts for my attention.
“Did valet park your car?” I asked.
“No, I parked nearby.” She said.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” I offered. “I’d prefer to ensure you were off safe.”
Adoration glittered in her eyes. “Thank you…” The sweet look faded as she realized. “I’m so rude. I never got your name.”
“Kenny,” I said. “Kenny Kenton.”
“Raquel Tenner,” she said. “Pleasure to meet you. I’d shake your hand, but it would be a little awkward considering we’re arm in arm.”
“Pleasure’s all mine, Raquel.” I said. “It’s a pretty name, by the way.”
“Thanks.” She blushed. “My mother had a thing for Raquel Welch.”
“You certainly have that Barbarella sex appeal,” I said. She smiled and looked away, and that shit was sweet and sexy, and too cute for words. We walked the rest of the way in silence.
I took the time to inhale the soft flowery mu
sk of her perfume, as well as look down at her shoes. They were simple and elegant, revealing perfect toes that begged to be sucked. I shook my head. I’d never sucked toes… but something about her had me willing to break that rule.
“Here I am,” she said. We stopped in front of a cute, white Mercedes. The interior was customized with pink and white leather seats and carpeting.
“Elegant car for an elegant woman,” I said.
She unlocked the door, and tossed her purse in. She turned to me and there was a small pause before she spoke up.
“I just wanted to say thank you for turning the worst night of my life around. I was so humiliated back there, stuck in that restaurant watching him there with another girl.” Her brown eyes looked so sad as she relived the moment in her mind. They returned to their state of contentment as she spoke further. “You swooped in like… like some knight in shining armor and turned the whole situation around for me. I didn’t have to leave embarrassed.”
She went on and on about how she was an idiot for accepting “Alex’s date” but I wasn’t really listening. I was taking her in. She was candid. She was sultry.
She was… perfect for this kiss I decided to interrupt her nearly tearful confession with.
My lips pressed against hers, passionately, and I felt the electric tingles of desire between us. The overload of sensation I felt just from kissing her had me ready to take her, then and there, in the parking lot.
She kissed me back, moaning with a sigh of contentment as she leaned against my chest. I wanted her to feel sexy and desirable, because she was, even if Alex had done his best to destroy her confidence.
I bit the bottom of that juicy lip as I groaned, determined to imbue her in my mind when I went to bed tonight.
She pulled away just in time. My phone vibrated. I ignored it, and when it started again, I pulled it out slightly. It was Angela, the other plans I had—and canceled without notice.
Angela was a woman I dated, briefly. But I cut her off when I discovered she was going through my phone. That, and the fact that I caught her attempting to trap me with a baby. The only reason I was giving her the opportunity to meet up with me was because she was ruthless and persistent.
… And, if I were to be honest, she gave great head. It was slow with the perfect amount of suction, and put me to sleep every time. Yeah, my plans were to go to the strip club with the guys, get turned on by some hot ass and tits, and end the night with Angela’s face between my legs, sucking me until every ounce of my nut was down her throat.
But I didn’t care about the strip club or Angela’s sweet mouth anymore.
“I know your phone keeps going off. I’m sorry. I know you’re probably really busy. I’ll let you go.” She smiled and slid into her car. She retrieved a pair of pink Versace slides from her backseat.
“It’s nothing. Take your time. I’m right where I want to be,” I said, meaning every word. “And I enjoyed every moment with you. I’d like to take you out sometime again… if you’re okay with that?”
Raquel
I floated on a blissful cloud the entire drive home, and it was all thanks to Kenny.
I was initially thrown off. Who was this crazy man taking me on a date in front of my date that had stood me up? And what the hell did he want?
But then I realized that his intentions were good. That’s when I started to melt. The evening’s transformation, including the goodnight kiss at the end, made for a euphoric experience.
Alex could eat his heart out. Without even trying, I’d shown him that even if he took me for granted, someone bigger and better would come along. Karma was a bitch, but she was my best bitch tonight.
Once I’d pulled out the parking lot and drove several miles, I called Dilayla. My best friend since childhood, Dilayla was the sexiest, sassiest Dominican ever. She was the one who would cheer me on while threatening to slash Alex’s tires and do brujeria on him.
“Girl, where have you been?” she asked. “You’ve been ignoring my messages!”
“Girl! Because you won’t even begin to believe what happened tonight!” I said, letting the elation in my voice ring through.
I told Dilayla all about Alex, his girlfriend Beverly, and the uncanny way Kenny swooped in to save me.
“I thought he was crazy at first, because who does that?” I said, giddy. “But he ended up making it one of the best nights ever for me. And not only that, he kissed me. And he wants to take me out again!”
“You let him kiss you, Rocky?” Dilayla’s tone was hushed with disbelief. “You never let anyone kiss you.”
“You’re right.” I shook my head. “I don’t know how that happened, but it was… perfect.” Butterflies ran through my tummy as I replayed the event in my mind. “He was the perfect gentleman. And he says he’s a former athlete.”
“He paid a five hundred dollar tip in cash, girl. If that’s not something a baller does, then I don’t know what is,” she teased me. “Let me find out you’re gonna give it up to a baller.”
“Girl, whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “He’s gorgeous but he’s not enough to make me give up the goodies. NFL players and celebrities always have a ton of women. I bet his Instagram is full of hoes and models.”
“Let me see.” I heard her gasp. “Ooh girl, he is a baller. I found his Instagram. I’ll DM it to you.”
“Sweet! Well, I just got home. Let me park and call you back,” I said, hanging up as I pulled into my space.
After a shower, I slipped into a T-shirt and slid into bed. Orange is the New Black’s new season just released on Netflix, and that would be my nightcap. I would have usually added a glass of wine, but after several glasses at the restaurant, I was already riding the fine line between buzzed and drunk.
True to her word, Dilayla did find Kenny’s Instagram. It was lit. He definitely lived the lifestyle. There were plenty of pictures of him at charities, traveling, and with people of influence. He had photos with different celebrities, from Kim Kardashian to Tom Brady.
I felt a slight twinge of envy as I saw him hugged up next to different women, some of them gorgeous enough to be models. I laughed to myself. How dare I get jealous when he was with me just hours ago—and I didn’t even know who he was at the time?
Either way, as I said to Dilayla, celebrities were always crawling with women. I wasn’t interested in being in a long line of easy and eager women. I needed more than a few nights in the limelight.
I was closing out the app when my phone rang. Alex’s number flashed across the screen.
“Shit.” I declined the call. It was twelve thirty a.m. We had nothing to talk about.
Yet with every decline, a redial followed. I considered putting my phone on airplane mode, and shrugged. That’s what guys did when they didn’t want you to contact them. I didn’t give a shit what Alex wanted, but there was also a raging curiosity to hear his bullshit side of the story, to hear the lies he would tell about the situation. It would take a bold man—a really bold man—to attempt to contact me after the night I’d had.
“You must have some brass balls to be calling me like this.” I didn’t bother to hide my displeasure with him. “What do you want?”
I wasn’t interested in his crazy lies. He could keep them. I could feel the ache in my chest as I thought about how he literally ignored my messages and sat across from her. Her giggles scratched my eardrums as feelings of anger rebuilt.
He started babbling and babbling, but I rolled my eyes and said nothing. His jealousy was evident as he asked about Kenny. He waited for an explanation but I didn’t give him one. I refused to explain myself. He would die waiting for me to give him any info.
“Look, I’ve had a long, enjoyable, evening, and I’m quite tired. Bye.”
I hung up without waiting for him to respond. Fuck him.
Damn, it felt good to play a player.
Alex was hot, but he would never be hot enough to forgive him after the drama he put me through. He was so busy wrapped up in his c
razy story that he forgot Beverly gave me her card.
I felt bad for her. She seemed to be into him. While I was interested for a short while, she was more invested. And totally clueless.
“I could use some makeup tips and a new girlfriend,” I said, “Especially if she’ll help me improve my appearance for Kenny.”
I smiled to myself. He was thirty-nine, and I’d never dated a man that old. Not that I had anything against them. I was just used to dating guys my age. But they were all like Alex. They wanted to take me out, serenade me with sweet lies of monogamy, and then drop me as soon as I give them any pussy.
My nose wrinkled in annoyance. I’d just realized something. Alex was all into taking me out on a date… but then last night, when I was headed to bed, he asked for nudes. I didn’t take nudes.
As a matter of fact, Alex spent the last few days up until tonight asking me inappropriate shit. He wanted to know what color panties I wore. He wanted to know my bra size. He wanted to know if I sucked dick and swallowed cum… and he wanted to get me to send him explicit photos.
I wasn’t that kind of girl. I didn’t answer sexual questions. I didn’t indulge in inappropriate conversations with guys I barely knew.
And what’s more, I was a virgin. I wasn’t interested in having sex just to have it. It didn’t matter how good Alex looked, or how much he was willing to spend to charm me out of my panties.
I’d given and received oral, so I guess I wasn’t a pure virgin. But complete sexual penis-in-vagina intercourse? Nope, hadn’t happened yet. I wanted to wait until I was really sure about a guy before I went that far. In a world full of surface dwellers, sex was too easy to get. A connection wasn’t.
The light from my phone illuminated the darkness in the room. Alex started sending a bunch of text messages. I didn’t bother to read them as I put my device on airplane mode, turned it facedown and went to sleep.
Kenny
I went to bed at midnight, but I was up at five a.m. I’d gotten in the habit from being in the league. Getting it in at the gym was the priority before anything else. That’s how I survived aging in the NFL.