He was downright hot.
I had no idea if it was the ambience, the odd predicament we found ourselves in, or the heat of the moment, but I wanted to reach out and kiss him so badly it actually scared me. I couldn’t, under any circumstance, allow myself to feel anything for Dakota.
Glancing around the room, I spotted a roll of paper towel on the counter. Reaching out for it, I tore a disposable paper towel from the rest and glanced up to look at Dakota just as he set the empty beer can next to the other. He looked at me too and our gazes held then. Neither of us looked away or even tried to.
My heart slammed into my chest as I stared into those ebony eyes. I was so used to being the intimidator, the one people avoided looking directly at, but as we gawked at each other it literally felt as if the world had stopped spinning, as if the hands of time had suddenly stopped, as if we were the only two human beings alive. This was a first for me and because I’d never experienced anything like it, I was utterly baffled.
Jesus, what the hell is wrong with me?
Exhaling heavily, I folded the paper towel in half and then extended my hand toward Dakota’s face, using it to wipe his chin clean. He didn’t move, didn’t take his eyes off of me, didn’t react to me at all. I, on the other hand, couldn’t look at him directly anymore. For the first time ever I was actually forced to look away first. That strange and foreign sensation I’d had moments earlier had been too much for me and I had to concentrate on something else. Touching him didn’t help either. If anything, it made it worse.
Snatching my hand away, I tossed the paper towel aside and turned to my right, glancing at the crowd of people moving to the blaring music in the next room.
“I need another drink,” I heard Dakota say as he moved toward the fridge.
“Are you looking to get drunk?” I asked, avoiding eye contact.
“It would be nice,” he mumbled as he opened the refrigerator and took out another beer.
Realizing that he had every intention of getting drunk, I decided not to drink at all. I would have to act as the designated driver for the night. Though the idea of him drinking to numb the hurt didn’t appeal to me, I knew he needed it. So, instead of objecting, I allowed him to gulp down another three beers without saying a word.
By the seventh beer he was more than a little tipsy and it soon became very apparent that because he was not one to consume alcohol regularly, he was as drunk after having consumed seven beers as Kirk had been after a few tequila shots.
Watching Dakota drink was an experience. He didn’t overinflate his ego by putting on a show. He didn’t bust out in laughter over a joke only a drunken person could understand. He did not try to make conversation with anyone that entered the kitchen or with me for that matter. He just stood in one spot and emptied out can after can. Occasionally, he would stop to look at me and frown, but would continue downing beers immediately after.
It wasn’t until he took out his Blackberry from his jean’s pocket, pressed on several buttons until the picture gallery popped up that I seized the opportunity to put plan B in motion.
“Dakota?” I walked to him and paused to his right, facing him.
He looked at me and frowned, again. “What?”
“If you had the opportunity to win Margaret back, would you?” I watched closely for his reaction.
His eyes widened. “Win her back? How am I going to do that?”
A light bulb turned on in my head. He was interested. Perfect. Now I only needed to convince him to work alongside me.
“Do you love her still?” I asked, pressing my lower back against the counter behind us, bending my leg at the knee so that the sole of my right boot was planted against the cabinet. I didn’t look at him, but from my peripheral vision I could tell he was staring at my thighs.
“What are you getting at?” He looked away finally.
“Well, I don’t really know Margaret, but she gives me the impression of being the kind of girl that likes to be begged.” Straightening up, I reached up and skimmed the tips of my fingers over his swollen lip. “You know, she will probably want you to fight tooth and nail for her. Which, in a way, you’ve already done.”
Grasping my hand, he turned to face me. His grip was firm but soft. “And?”
“And what if you go to her, talk to her, and she still decides that she’s better off with that loser, Kirk?” I said, wiggling free of his hold.
His eyes were fixated on me. I could have sworn my body temperature elevated.
“So what are you saying exactly?” he asked.
I shrugged. “Oh, nothing. Just that I don’t think you should beg, especially since she was the one that screwed things up between you two.”
“It was never my intention to go out and beg her to take me back,” he admitted. “I still have dignity left,” he growled, taking a step toward me only to stumble forward.
I had to reach out, grab a hold of his forearms, and steady him before he fell and took us both down. His skin was warm and smooth to the touch. And just that simple contact elevated my body temperature another notch.
“But there is another, more dignified, way of fighting,” I said, ignoring the way my body betrayed my frame of mind.
Dakota squinted, trying to look at me through his glasses. Apparently, he was having trouble seeing. Or was seeing double by this point. I’d been drunk before and I knew from experience it’s kind of scary when you can see three people instead of one and can’t determine for sure which one is real and which one is just the booze’s effect on the mind.
“And what would that be?”
“Ever heard of fighting jealousy with jealousy?” I smiled, releasing his arms when he did not lose his footing again.
“No,” he replied. “Explain that to me.”
“It’s simple, really. If instead of waiting for her to decide who she wants to be with, whether Kirk or you, or fighting him for her, maybe you’re better off pretending as if from now on she’s nonexistent. Pretend you’re interested in someone else. Even if you’re not. Nothing affects how a girl perceives herself more than the realization that she can be easily forgotten.”
It took but a moment for my comment to set in, and I recognized the second his brain was in the same page as mine because his left eyebrow arched slightly.
“I wasn’t going to fight for her. How I reacted earlier…it was out of…anger. It’s not like I’m going to kick Kirk’s ass every time I see him from now on.”
“That’s good to know, but doesn’t my plan seem a little more…appealing?”
“So, basically you’re asking me to pretend—now, correct me if I’m wrong here—that you and I are together? Pretend like we’re dating?”
I fought the urge to grin. “You catch on fast.”
Dakota placed one hand on the counter and leaned against it a bit as he looked at me.
“What do you get out of this?”
Ah, so he knows I want something out of this. How smart of him to notice.
“What else would a girl like me want?” I challenged with a lift of my chin.
“I know for a fact you don’t want Kirk back since you said yourself that you were happy to be rid of him,” he said. “So what do you really want?”
“Payback. Plain and simple. I know Kirk. And he has an ego the size of a tower. The moment he hears that we,” I poked at Dakota’s chest with one finger, “are supposedly dating, he will come back with his tail tucked in between his legs and when he does, I will humiliate him. It’s only fair, since he played me for a fool.”
Running one hand over his brow, Dakota straightened up and frowned. “You’re the type of person that always gets what she wants, aren’t you?”
Placing both hands on my hips, I scoffed. “So what if I do?”
The only reason I got my way all the time was because I knew how to play my deck of cards. I was born with the natural ability to manipulate others. It was like a gift. A Godsend. And so far, it had never failed me.
H
e shook his head. “So we will be partners then, you and me?”
I nodded. “Of course.”
“How are you two holding up?” Michaela voice’s interrupted whatever else Dakota was about to add. “You look like you’re having fun Dakota.”
Turning to face her, Dakota nodded. “I am.”
“Do you two want another beer?” she asked.
“Sure,” we replied at the same time.
“Did Delilah show up?” I asked as she sauntered away toward the fridge.
“Yeah, she’s around.” Opening the fridge door, she took two more beers out. “Oh, by the way, she’s looking for you.”
“I’ll go seek her out in a minute,” I said as she handed me a beer.
“Thank you.” Dakota took his, opened it, and began to drink. I left mine unopened.
“Don’t worry. I’ll go tell her you’re busy.” She winked at me and I smiled.
“If I don’t see her…well, I guess I’ll text her tomorrow,” I added, hinting at more than what my actual words said. Of course, nothing was going to happen between Dakota and me, but hey, I had to play things out as best as I could.
A knowing look crossed her face. “Oh, I get it.” She laughed. “I’ll see you later then.”
“Yeah, later. Maybe.”
“Sure thing.” Beaming, Michaela rushed out of the kitchen, leaving us alone again.
By the time my attention was centered on Dakota again I noticed he had already gulped down his beer and was reaching for mine, which I placed on the counter behind me and out of reach.
“I don’t think you could use another beer,” I said firmly.
He just shook his head. “I want another.”
“No.” Grabbing on to his arm, I coaxed him away from the counter. “I think you should go home and sleep it off. Don’t you have to work tomorrow?”
He shrugged. “So?”
“So you have to go home and rest,” I insisted, looping his arm over my shoulders so that he could lean on me as we walked. Being that he was tipsy enough to stumble, I was afraid he would fall and not be able to get up. And I would not be able to help him up without assistant. He was much taller than me and possibly heavier than I anticipated.
“Now you’re ready to leave?” he asked, gazing down at me.
“I’m ready to take you home, yes.”
The corners of his mouth curved up a bit. “What about our discussion?”
“I think we should talk while you’re sober.”
He puckered his brow. “Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow.”
Chapter Seven
After helping Dakota into my car, I drove him back to his apartment, and helped him inside. It took us a little longer than what it normally would since by this point the amount of the alcohol he had consumed, combined with the fact that he had not eaten at all, were definitely affecting him. Nevertheless, we made it safely inside and considering he didn’t fall down on the way, I took that as a good sign.
Neither his cousin nor their friend were in the apartment when we arrived, so I walked him to his bedroom, and helped him sit on the bed before strutting to the door and closing it.
“Janessa?” His voice, heavy with alcohol consumption drifted toward me as I turned to face him.
“Yeah?” I walked over to the nightstand to his left and turned the lamp sitting on top on.
“Do you love Kirk?” he asked. “Even after what he did?”
That simple question was probably the most difficult one I’d ever had to answer. I’d been with Kirk for three long years. I had been physically attracted to him from the beginning. Had cared for him in a way that I’d never cared for any other guy before him. But there had always been a certain degree of awkwardness between us. Though I could not quite explain what exactly was wrong with our relationship, there were times when I had come to despise it.
“I don’t know,” I confessed.
When I had first come to suspect Kirk was cheating, I’d been overwhelmed with anger. And as time progressed, that sentiment escalated. Because of the constant tension between us we had argued a lot. More so after I refused to have sex with him. Not willing to possibly contract any type of disease, especially since I had always been careful about being careful, I’d refused to even undress in front of him. From that moment on our relationship deteriorated even more. He practically demanded sex and I’d refused to sleep with him, wouldn’t even let him kiss me in the mouth.
After finding him with Margaret and confirming my beliefs, buried deep underneath that anger, I felt relief. I was relieved that it was finally over. But that part of me that refused to be messed with rebuffed the idea of backing down and moving on. I couldn’t move on without hurting and humiliating him first. Because that’s just who I was. I wouldn’t be Janessa Rowe if I just turned the other cheek and pretended as if it never happened.
“But you don’t want him back, right?” Dakota pried. “Or would you forgive him if he was sincere about it?” I stopped and stared at Dakota for a moment. It sounded to me as if he wanted to know my opinion on the subject for a reason. But he wasn’t much for being specific at the moment.
I had no idea what Dakota was getting at, but my mind was set when it came to Kirk.
“Trust me; I will never end up with that prick again.” I strolled over to Dakota, reached out for his glasses, and took them off. He didn’t try to stop me.
“You know what hurts me the most?”
With his glasses off, I could clearly see his eyes, and my breath hitched in my throat when I realized those perfectly round orbs were even more alluring without the spectacles getting in the way. His eyes reflected a degree of sincerity I’d never seen in Kirk’s. It was refreshing.
“What?” I asked as I laid his eyeglasses on the nightstand.
“That I just don’t know what I did wrong. I’ve been wondering all this time what I did to make her…to force her to…I just don’t know what I did wrong.” He shrugged. “And, as hard as that is to believe, I’ve been wondering if there’s something wrong with me.”
The urge to strangle the girl hit me full force. I was seriously regretting letting her go without a scratch. I should have clawed he eyes out.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with you.”
Although I had the feeling Dakota was only opening up because of his inebriated state, some human part of me was really affected by the haunting look behind his dark eyes. Though I barely knew him, I could already tell he was a good guy. Someone trustworthy, dependable, responsible, hardworking, and sweet.
“I’m pretty sure you did nothing wrong either.” Tucking a lock of black hair behind his right ear, I added, “But if our plan doesn’t work, and she decides she rather be with Kirk, at the very least you’ll be better off without her.”
His lips curved up into a sad smile. “I guess you’re right.”
“Now lay down.” I motioned for him to lie on the bed.
“You’re not going to take advantage of me because I’m drunk, are you?” he teased, scooting back on the mattress so that he could lie on his back. How he could find it within to joke at all after the shitty day he’d had was beyond me but I liked it nonetheless.
Although, taking a second or so to admire his broad shoulders, lean hips, and long legs really planted all sorts of sexual images in my head. All of which hit me like a bolt of lightning.
“You wish,” I remarked as I hurried to take off his boots and socks. The last thing I wanted was to get sexually involved with a guy I knew nothing of. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Lying down with his eyes closed, he managed to mumble, “When?”
“After your shift at the mall.” I turned the lamp on top of the nightstand off.
“Okay,” he whispered.
“Good night, Dakota,” I whispered back.
Before I could make it to the door, he was fast asleep. His chest rose and fell with his smooth breathing pattern. Smiling, I opened the door and s
tepped out, shutting it as I exited Dakota’s bedroom.
***
Just when I thought the night could not get any weirder, Demarco of all people, walked in through the front door of Dakota’s apartment just as I exited the bedroom. Another guy walked in behind him and based on the physical resemblance, I assumed that this long haired, black eyed handsome stranger had to be Dakota’s cousin.
The moment Demarco spotted me; he paused halfway through the living room and glared.
“What are you doing here?”
“Don’t be such a prick Demarco,” I said. “Oh, but then again you can’t help it now can you.” I crossed my arms over my breasts and stood my ground.
Ever since Demarco had accused Kirk of sleeping with one of his ex-girlfriends, we had not gotten along. Every time we bumped into each other we argued. It was inevitable. However, now that I knew for sure what a cheating bastard Kirk really was, I was beginning to think that maybe I’d wrongly accused Demarco of being jealous of Kirk.
He sneered. “Why are you here?”
“I’m dropping Dakota off,” I replied, glaring right back. “And what are you doing here?”
“I live here,” he spat.
Oh, shit! Just what I need. Him getting in the damn way and possibly ruining everything for me.
“You’re the roommate?” I asked, scrunching my eyebrows.
“Yeah, why?” He raised his chin, as if challenging me or something.
I gestured with my hands to dismiss him. “No reason.”
“Is there something wrong with my cousin?” The other guy finally spoke up.
“Oh, no. He’s just sleeping off the few beers he had. He should be okay though,” I assured him. “I took care of him.”
The guy’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Dakota drank? As in beers?”
“Surprise, surprise.” I smiled. “Don’t worry, I drove him home.”
Payback is Sweet Page 6