Not My Type

by Taylor Love

  Everyone else turned back to the game while he tried to process her presence. He hadn’t expected to see her today, nevertheless here she was. He tried to remind himself it wasn’t that big of a deal. Since he’d been hosting the holiday for the last eight years, he had invited at least three women to break bread. The same could be said for his unattached cousins. Well Devon and Darrell certainly had a time or two, though Thomas tended to keep whatever relationships he had more private. Robert just didn’t want any of his family getting the wrong idea.

  The game went by in a blur. People in and out, voices raised, kids being kids. The Lions gave it a good effort, but lost it in the last two minutes. No one was really surprised. Everyone was familiar with the hope/disgust combo of emotions that went along with being a Lions fan. They had been talking about all the mistakes that were made when his mother stuck her head around the corner.

  “Mika, can you give us a hand in the kitchen?”

  “I sure can. I’m ready to eat my sorrows away with food.”

  Robert watched as she hopped up from her seat.

  “Thank you.” Johanna turned to the rest of them. “We should be ready to eat in a few.”

  Edward sent the kids and teens to wash up, then turned to grin at Robert. “So...what’s up with Mika? She a special friend of yours?”

  “What? No, I told you how I know her through Cam’s wife.”

  “Good, because I’m thinking of making her a special friend of mine,” Devon pronounced.

  “Sorry my brother, I think I got this one on lock. I can tell she’s feeling me. We vibing,” Darrell boasted.

  “Neither one of you...” Robert waved his hand dismissively in their direction. “Would get anywhere with her.”

  Thomas looked confused. “Why you say that? She got a man?”

  “No.”

  Devon smiled, “Well then, I’ll take my shot and see what happens. Might be destiny. I have met her twice now in your house.”

  “Look, she’s a friend of a friend and a guest in my house. I don’t want ya’ll harassing her.”

  Luckily his aunt chose that moment to announce dinner was served. Robert was glad to stop the conversation and took the time to do a brief errand outside, before washing his hands. Coming in the dining room he found Mika once again sitting between the family members he wanted her to stay away from.

  He stood on the other side of the table and asked, “Is that where you're going to sit?”

  “It’s where I sat...so yes.”

  As the two continued to stare each other down, Johanna lightly rapped her hand on the table to get her son's attention. “Let’s all sit down and say this prayer, so we can eat. Robert why don’t you lead us this year.”

  That request took all the family members by surprise, including Robert. Usually Dolores or Thomas led the benediction. It got him seated however, and after a brief prayer they went on to have dinner.

  AS USUAL, AFTER DINNER the adult males of the house retired to the patio for a drink or two and a little private time to chill. The guys got settled, as Robert pulled out the retractable awning, since light snow was falling. The men had barely taken their first few sips before the door opened to reveal Mika walking out with a shot glass.

  “Hey scoot over,” she said to Robert, squeezing herself into the oversized deck chair. It was made for a big man, but not two people. The rest of the men had their mouths open, while her host just looked at her exasperated.

  “Why are you out here with no coat?”

  “What? It’s not that cold, otherwise it couldn’t snow. Anyway I saw you had the awning. Figured I’d run out and get a couple of shots. Then I’ll get out of your way.”

  “Mika, I can keep you warm. Come on over here.” Darrell patted his lap.

  “Oh I have no doubt you can.” Mika gave him a wink while Devon was pouring her a shot. “But I’m comfy right here. Besides, Robert will give me his coat.”

  “The hell I will. Why would I do that when you chose to come out without one?”

  “Didn’t we talk about this before? You’re supposed to be courteous to your guest and see to their needs. Put their comfort above your own,” she chastised him before downing her shot.

  “And didn’t I tell you then, my house my way. Besides, you said you’re leaving after a couple of shots. You’ve had one. Devon pour her another, so she can go and stop hogging my seat.”

  “Maybe I’ll go, maybe I won’t.” But she held out her glass anyway.

  His two older cousins hadn’t picked their jaws all the way up yet, while the younger two were grinning at her and shaking their heads.

  “You could give me the chair you know.”

  “Not happening.” Robert purposely went into a man-spread with his legs forcing her even more into the corner.

  “Ugh, you suck.” She scooted forward sitting on the very edge, drinking half her latest shot before turning a bright smile on the rest of the men. “So, what are you guys talking about? Was it me and if so, was it anything good?”

  Edward finally laughed outright. “No, but it will be whenever you go in the house.”

  She gave him a grin back. “That’s fair enough.”

  “Exactly when will you be exiting this patio?” Robert questioned, shooting her a pointed look.

  Mika slowly finished her drink before saying. “I guess now, since you’re rude and won’t loan me your coat.” She stood up. “Just so you know, I’m adding stingy to the list.”

  “You do that.” He shifted getting comfortable.

  “It’s done.” She moved off towards the door, leaving as quickly as she’d come.

  THERE WAS A PROLONGED moment of silence before everyone but Robert burst out laughing.

  “Man what was that! The Mika and Robert show?” Thomas asked still laughing.

  “Naw, she’s her own headliner,” Robert said with a small smile.

  “Got that right. She can command my attention anytime.” Darrell exclaimed.

  The others laughed, but Robert scowled before saying, “She’s out of your league little cus.”

  “Says who? She seems just right to me, we’re even the same age.”

  Robert scoffed loudly. “She’d eat you alive.”

  “Hell that’s an asset to him, not a detriment,” Devon joked. “Though I agree. She’s more my speed, I know just what to do with her.” A thoughtful leer on his face as he looked toward the house.

  Robert hardened his voice. “Neither of you will have the chance to fail. She’s off limits.”

  Silence. The two younger men shared a look before looking at their older brothers.

  Edward shifted in his chair before he stated, “So you two are a thing?”

  “No,” Robert answered shortly. He didn’t know why he didn’t tell them she was his current playmate, but he just thought it was none of their damn business.

  “You sure?” Devon snapped. “Cause this is the second time today you’ve warned us off her.” And Devon didn’t appreciate it either.

  “It wasn’t a warning...it was a statement. You can flirt all you want but don’t try anything serious with her.”

  “Not that I’m technically interested mind you, bit young for me though she’s certainly nice looking. Why are you being so territorial if you’ve got no claim to her?” Thomas pointed out trying to get Robert to be reasonable.

  “Cam thinks of her as a little sister...his words. I just think it would be a bad idea for any of us to get involved with her.”

  The brothers all looked at each other. That truly was a flimsy excuse and they all knew it.

  Edward couldn’t take it. “I’m calling bullshit.” He wasn’t that concerned about Robert’s temper.

  “Call it what you want, that’s the way it is.”

  “Umm, bullshit!” Darrell gave a loud cough over the word. “So that’s why you can’t keep your eyes off her either huh? Guess we not the only ones panting after her.”

  “I never said she wasn’t fine.”

/>   “At least that's one lie you not telling yourself,” Darrell mumbled.

  “What did you say?”

  “Nothing cus, nothing.” Darrell didn’t feel like arguing. Mika was fine and he’d hit it if he could. But she wasn’t worth going head to head with Robert, just because she was cool and fun to be around.

  “Good, let’s just drop it.” Robert took a big gulp of his drink. He was tired of talking about this.

  Apparently Devon wasn’t. “Naw, that’s some messed up shit, and you know it. If you want her man up and make it known. But don’t cock-block.”

  Robert leaned forward in his chair like he was about to get up.

  “Hey!” Thomas slashed his hand in the air, bringing a halt to the brewing confrontation. He trained his focus on Robert. “Look man, I don't know what is or isn’t going on with you two. And frankly, it’s really none of our business. But she’s a grown woman and not blood-related to any of us. You can’t go around telling other men to back off without expecting them to think you’ve got designs on her.”

  “She’s not a fucking set of luggage,” Robert said through clenched teeth as he still stared down Devon.

  “Exactly. She’s a gorgeous, engaging and vibrant woman, who also loves sports. If you really have no interest in her that’s cool,” Edward spoke up, deciding to be real blunt. “But other men will. Don’t get mad when someone else reaches out, and she gives them what you won’t take.”

  Standing up Robert prepared to go inside, he’d had enough. His mother would kill him if he knocked one—or several—of his cousins out. “I’m done. I’ve told ya’ll it’s not that deep.”

  As Robert went inside Thomas shook his head. “I’m calling bullshit too.”

  ROBERT WENT THROUGH the house and veered towards the kitchen, finding his aunt putting up the food.

  “Aunt D, where’s Mika?”

  “You all right?” When he didn’t say anything, she turned back to her task. “Okay whatever. Your friend was getting ready to go. I just handed her a plate not long ago.”

  “Really? Okay thanks.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” Delores didn’t say anything else as she watched him rush out the kitchen. Her nephew had one hard head. It was clear to her he was in the process of getting it cracked wide open.

  Robert found Mika in the front hall zipping up her coat and talking to Brihanna, a to-go bag dangling from her hand. Walking right in-between them he butted in. “You were just going to leave without telling me?”

  Mika rolled her eyes. “I figured since you were a rude host, I’d be a rude guest.”

  “Yes rude, didn’t you see me talking here?” Brihanna complained.

  Robert gave her the universal thumb jerk to take a hike.

  “What is your problem?” Brihanna asked before turning back to Mika. “Anyway, it was good to meet you. Keep in touch.”

  Mika gave her a genuine smile. “Will do. You, me and Andrea will have to do lunch sometime.”

  “Sounds good!” Brihanna gave her brother a nudge with her shoulder as she brushed past him.

  Alone Mika frowned at Robert, who was looking more irritable than normal. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Just annoyed you were going to sneak off.”

  “I wasn’t sneaking. I said goodbye to your mom and everyone else inside the house. You were outside in your boys’ club. Besides it’s almost seven-thirty, I’m tired.” She proved it when a huge yawn took over. “I’ve been working hard on that project since Wednesday night until right before I came here. I need to crash, so I can head out early in the morning.”

  “My bad, I forgot about that. Let me walk you out.”

  “Okay.” When she went to go out the front door, he steered her down the hall toward the garage entrance.

  “Why are we going this way, I parked out front.”

  “I moved your car right before dinner. Figured you wouldn’t have to clean it off when you left.”

  “That was really nice. You do know I’ll have to add thief to your list though.”

  “You’re welcome, and what are you talking about?” They had reached the garage and Robert pressed the button, so the door would lift.

  “You took my keys and moved my car without permission. I call that thievery.”

  “See, no good deed goes unpunished.”

  “Nope. Thanks for allowing me to crash your holiday.” She offered a soft smile. “I enjoyed your family and dinner. Make sure to tell your cousins I said bye.”

  “Yeah.” He muttered at the mention of them. “It’s no big deal, we often have miscellaneous people over for the holidays. “

  “Oh.” Mika was taken aback by the comment. “Well in that case, thanks for giving this stray a warm place and a meal for the day.”

  Robert had seen the flash of hurt in her eyes before she’d covered it with sarcasm. Damnit, he hadn’t meant it to sound that way. He seemed to be constantly putting his foot in his mouth today.

  “I didn’t mean it like—” he started.

  “I know. No biggie, honestly. I gotta go. Mika got in her car itching to leave.

  “Well let me know when you get home. The roads might be bad with this slush.”

  “Mmm...okay.” She shut the door abruptly, buckled up and gave him a distracted wave as she backed out and left.

  Chapter Eleven

  ROBERT WAS SURPRISED Cam had hit him up today about hanging out. It was a week after Thanksgiving and they were meeting at Hopcat for a few drinks. He’d seen Mika on Wednesday for her appointment at his office. In his mind it had been a “cool” meeting. She’d been all business, bringing the necessary paperwork for them to go over that he’d emailed her about. She hadn’t cracked a joke at his expense, not even once.

  At first he figured she was focusing on the business of her money, like any sane person would. But she seemed just a tad stiff, no real sparkle or challenge in her eyes. She seemed subdued and that was a word he didn’t equate with her. He shook off his thoughts as the waitress set both meals down. Cam had texted he was running late and told Robert to order for him. The timing seemed to be good, as he saw his friend heading his way.

  “My bad man. Andrea’s going out tonight. I needed to remind her of what she has at home, if you get my drift.”

  Robert couldn’t stop the laugh that came out. “What! Hasn’t she gone out with her girls since the wedding?”

  “Yeah, but this is different. Tonight’s Mika’s birthday. I don’t know what they have planned and didn’t ask. Figured it was better not to know.”

  “Huh, her birthday is November 30th. Doesn’t that makes her a Sagittarius?”

  “Yeah, I guess,” Cam said around a mouthful of his hamburger.

  “Hmm.” Robert dug into his own food. Cam had done the right thing by laying it on his wife before she partied. There was no telling what Mika might have planned.

  MIKA WAS BE GETTING old. She was officially twenty-nine, and she didn’t know if she liked it. Her body sure didn’t as she laid on her couch Sunday, dead tired. The start of her birthday weekend kicked off on Friday, with a little club hopping with work friends. On Saturday she’d invited her close girlfriends, a handful of associates and even her cousins out.

  The crew of fifteen had headed to Niki’s first, getting warmed up with food, drinks, and dancing for a few hours. She’d copped some front-row seats for a concert at Sound Board in Motor City Casino, so they headed there next. Afterwards she gave everyone a $100 bill, so they could play the slots. Robert would skin her alive if he knew she’d paid for a Hummer limo, group concert tickets and gave out cash to celebrate her birthday. Thankfully, he would never find out.

  Right now she didn’t want to think about him. Normally she would have been planning a brief trip to celebrate her born-day on top of the partying. With Robert’s dire warnings about overspending ringing in her ears, she’d opted out this year. Besides, her body was betraying her before thirty. Which is why she found herself feeling sleepy and it was barely five-thirt
y in the afternoon. She was seriously thinking about going into her bedroom for an official nap, when her phone signaled a text.

  Robert: I’m in the mood...you game?

  Mika looked at her phone for a few seconds before flopping back onto her couch. Was she game? Besides being tired she wasn’t sure she wanted to continue the arrangement they had. There was no denying he was fantastic in bed. To be honest she had assumed the Vegas hook-up had been super good due to their drunkenness. You know when you’re very drunk, day old pizza and cold fries might taste like the best meal of your life. She’d figured it was the same with sex. Instead she found him to be inventive, responsive and most of all attentive to her needs between the sheets.

  Which was a total 180, to how she’d first pegged him on that airplane. She would have expected an uptight, “I’m always right and better than you” guy to be just as stiff and uncompromising in bed. No the sex wasn’t the problem, it was everything else. She was starting to think it might be better to find another stallion for her stable. Glancing at the phone, she saw that he hadn’t added anything. He wasn’t the type of man to beg or even ask twice. Letting out a huge sigh she got prepared to respond. Why should she deny herself birthday sex?

  Mika: I’m game...what you got in mind?

  Robert: Meet me at my place at 7

  Mika: You come out this way, it’s my birthday weekend

  Robert: Yeah I might have heard something about that

  Robert: But you need to come out here for what I got in mind

  “What the hell?” This is why she should leave his arrogant ass alone. And she would...as soon as she got this last taste.