A Kiss Before Lying: A BWWM Romance

by M. Skye

  “One second, Britt, I’m fixing something.” As soon as she said it, she looked up to see Brittney standing behind her in the doorway, with her arms crossed.

  “Fixing something, huh?” Brittney walked over and grabbed her wrist. “Dammit, Dray, you let him hit you again? When are you going to learn your lesson about that good for nothing bastard? What happened, did you remind him that he has a damn house with his wife and kids to go home to and he went upside your head again? How long are you going to take this shit?”

  “I’m not taking anything,” Draya sighed. “He’s gone, isn’t he?”

  “Not because you made him go, I’m sure. I don’t get you; you are beautiful. You could have any man you want, but you keep sticking it out with this old bastard that is never going to leave his wife.”

  “Britt, it’s nothing. We had a disagreement, but it’s over now. He’s at home and I’m ready to go workout with you.”

  As Draya turned around, going back to hiding her bruise, Brittney lifted her shirt and ran her hand over Draya’s back. When she winced in pain, Brittney shook her head and let out a deep breath. “It’s nothing, but it hurts. Dray, he’s doing this because you let him. He’s hiding behind his wife, kids, and the church, but deep down, he doesn’t love anything or anyone; not even you. I know you feel like you owe him because he stuck in there with you, but sooner or later, the price is going to be your life. He’s only going to keep escalating and one day…” She paused; her eyes were wet with tears as Draya turned to look at her only friend. “One day... he might just kill you, Dray. I love you, I really do, but I won’t stand by for this.”

  Dropping her head, Draya tried to hold in the tears, but they flowed faster than she could stop them. While she cried, Brittney walked closer, wrapping her arms around Draya’s shoulders. “I know, sweetie. I know it hurts to hear, but you have to protect yourself. I just want you to be safe and happy.”

  “What if he makes me happy? Am I supposed to just walk away?”

  “Sweetie,” she lifted Draya’s chin, “him putting his fist to your face shouldn’t make you happy. I know you don’t have many people, but if he has to be one of them, I would rather you be lonely.” When Draya looked at her, she quickly noticed that Brittney must have realized what she said. “Oh, damn, I didn’t mean that. You have me; you will always have me. I’m never leaving you, but I won’t watch you self-destruct. I need you to take better care of yourself.”

  “I want to get out, I really do, but I just... he loves me. It might not be traditional, but he loves me in his own way.”

  Shaking her head Brittney walked away, switching the subject. “Get dressed, please. I’m dying to get to the gym.”

  “Why are you so anxious?” Stepping from around the corner, Draya witnessed a funny look on Brittney’s face and crossed her arms. “What’s up?”

  “I stopped in today, and there was this guy there, uh, Liam, I think.”

  “Okay, so what about him?”

  “He’s new to the team; they say he’s going to be working with us.”

  “And?”

  “You know I usually don’t do white guys, but, girl...”

  “What?” Draya yelled, finally getting tired of the suspense.

  “He is probably one of the sexiest men I have ever seen in my life.”

  “For a white guy?”

  “For any guy.” Taking a seat, Draya knew this was big. Brittney was one of those girls who had the highest standards she had ever known for her dating life, and if she was riled up over a man, he had to be something special. Brittney, like her two older sisters, was stunning. She was fit because it was her business to be, but she was a mix between girl next door and sex kitten. She had this beautiful long hair that went all the way down her back, stunning hazel eyes, and tantalizing golden brown skin. She was probably most guys’ fantasy girl.

  On top of being mesmerizing, Brittney had her business on point. She started it all by herself and was a trainer at one of the most popular gyms in Atlanta. Most of her clients were high profile, but she always made time for one of her oldest friends, Draya. They had known each other since they were in diapers, and Brittney’s father was the pastor of Draya’s church.

  Although they had lost touch after Draya had moved years before, when she returned their friendship picked up right where it left off. It was as if she had never left. Draya was also a stunning girl, just as beautiful as her best friend, but she lacked the confidence Brittney possessed. No matter what happened in her life, Brittney knew who she was and what she deserved and wouldn’t settle for anything less. Draya wanted this for herself, but the years with Damien had taken that away from her. She wasn’t sure if she would ever get that back.

  “Well, come on,” Draya hissed, kicking Brittney’s feet off the couch. “I want to get this workout over before it gets too late. I don’t know why you insist on dragging me in there at the dead of night.”

  “I insist because I need to keep you in tip-top shape if I’m going to ever get you a new man and also because I don’t charge you for my services. We have to go in when we have the gym all to ourselves.”

  “If I paid you, would that get you to stop acting like a drill sergeant, and act like my best friend?”

  “Those are one in the same, darling,” she rubbed her hand over Draya’s face, “but I’m not taking your money. I’m here to tell you everything you need to hear but don’t necessarily want to, and I need my privacy to do this. I know I’m hard on you, but trust me, it’s all because I love you.”

  Knowing that Brittney only meant well Draya slipped her arms around her shoulders and sighed. “I know you do, and I’m sorry for always giving you a hard time about it. If I can agree to not complain during this whole workout, can we agree to not discuss Damien or any other aspects of my love life?”

  “What love life?” Brittney hissed with a smile on her face.

  “Okay, bitch, let’s go.” Walking out of the door, Draya shut it behind her and locked up. She knew she was going to regret the no complaining deal, but she had to do something to shut Brittney up. She could have gone on all night about the drama with Damien, and Draya just wasn’t trying to hear it. She already knew how messed up it was, she didn’t need a reminder every five minutes.

  Chapter Two: Nice and Tight

  The drive over to the gym was quiet. Laying her head back on the headrest, Draya, thought about where her life was headed. Despite being without her family, she had actually done well for herself. When she first got the restaurant, it was a mess. The paperwork was all out of place, the inventory was waning, and they didn’t have a competent serving staff to save their lives, but she turned it around with the help of Damien. Now, seven years later, she was the owner of two different restaurants that were considered hot spots, and ran them with the help of her partner, Rico.

  Rico was the son of one of their church members who had an impeccable eye for business. Damien had introduced them years ago and they had been close ever since. Even though, to most, the relationship between Damien and Draya appeared platonic, Rico knew the real deal. He had seen them in the back office once and brushed it off like it was nothing. Weeks after that Draya tiptoed around him nervously until he finally broke the ice, letting her know that he knew what was going on and that it wasn’t his business. After that, she began to confide in him and he confided in her as well. In Rico and Brittney, Draya had her support system and she knew she was lucky to have that.

  Getting out of the car, Draya stretched her arms out and Brittney came around, pushing her into gear. “Let’s go. You promised me one night with no complaints, so I’m going to make you work your cute little ass off.” When Draya frowned her face up, Brittney snapped her fingers causing her to jump. “Get in gear, bitch. Let’s go.”

  Slinking into the gym, surveying the room, Draya made her way over to the weights and took a seat. With Brittney standing over her, she gripped the bar and got to work. As much as she wanted to put up a fight, Draya knew
working out was therapeutic for her. It was during these times that she had the best conversations with herself. Here, she didn’t stress over everything she was doing wrong, or how hard it was to juggle her business and personal life. Here, she just cut loose and let her mind wander into the possibilities of what could be.

  Above all else, Draya wanted a normal life. She wanted a man that could be just hers, and she wanted a family someday. Actually, she wanted her family. No matter how hard she tried to fight it, she missed her mother and sister. She had only spoken to them a handful of times over the years, and each time, she longed for them even more than she did before the call.

  Lifting the bar a little higher than she did the last time, Draya, was surprised with the quietness surrounding her. Usually, Brittney was yelling at her to keep up, but today, she seemed a lot more mellow that she normally was. This got Draya suspicious. Looking over at Brittney, posted up in the corner, Draya docked the weights and walked over for a brief interlude.

  “What’s up, Britt?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re quiet,” she crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re never quiet, so something must be up.”

  “I’m good, Dray, I just... well, don’t get mad at me for this, but my intentions weren’t exactly noble when I decided to drag you out tonight. There is something I need to tell you.”

  Staring at her questioningly, Draya cocked her head to the side and swallowed a deep breath. The last time Brittney talked like this, she was telling Draya she was moving out of their apartment to live with her boyfriend, Austin. They had been together over three years, and as selfish as it sounded, Draya hoped she wasn’t about to announce that they were getting married. Brittney had been a good friend to her, but her happiness was almost sickening. She and Austin were like the perfect couple and Draya was secretly jealous of that.

  Brittney and Draya had been best friends for as long as they knew each other, but Brittney had always had the life Draya only wished she did. Like Draya’s, Brittney’s parents were together, but they didn’t put forth the strict rules Draya had grown up with. Brittney’s mom, Natalia, was more of a friend while also being a parent. Although Brittney and her father had their differences, her mother was great. Growing up, both girls confided in Natalia. Draya never had that with her mom, Caroline.

  On top of having the mother-daughter relationship that Draya always dreamed of, Brittney and her sisters, Leah and Jamie, were close, and Draya really wished she could have had that with her sister, Ashton. Though she and Ashton were only two years apart, Draya never found any common ground with her. It was like they were always on opposing sides. Ashton was the older, mature, responsible one, in her parents eyes, and she was the rebellious, couldn’t do anything right, screw up. She spent her whole childhood feeling like she lived in Ashton’s shadow. It wasn’t a great place to grow up.

  “What’s up, Britt? Spill.”

  Shrugging her shoulders, Brittney took a seat on the bench next to Draya and let out a sigh. “I can’t train you for a while. This is going to be our last session together.”

  “What’s up, Princess, you get a hang nail or something? Is Prince Austin going to come and kiss it to make it all better?” Draya knew Brittney hated it when she made jokes about her perfect little life with Austin, but she still liked to poke fun at her. As far as Draya was concerned, Brittney and Austin were her relationship goals; she would give anything to have a love like theirs.

  Austin wasn’t crazy rich or anything, but he was stable. He worked his way up the corporate ladder at his law firm and always provided for Brittney, even though she worked too. Together, they bought a house and a couple of cars, but no matter what they did, they did it together. That was admirable to a person like Draya, who’s only adult relationship was with a married man. She always wanted to feel the sense of security Austin had given Brittney; to Draya, it would have meant everything.

  “Very funny,” Brittney sighed. “Hush up, I’m trying to tell you something, and I don’t know how you’re going to take it. I’m really nervous.”

  Grabbing her hand, Draya stroked it and exhaled loudly. She knew they joked a lot, but she never wanted Brittney to feel like she couldn’t come to her. No matter what, she wanted Brittney to know she was in her corner; they would always be there for each other. “What’s up, sis? You know I’m just messing with you.”

  “I know, and it’s not you. I’m just nervous in general.” Taking a deep breath, Brittney, leaned her head on Draya’s shoulder. “I’m pregnant, Dray. I don’t know how this happened, I take my birth control, but I just found out a few days ago. I haven’t told Austin yet. I think he will be happy, but I’m scared, Dray. I don’t know what kind of a mother I will be. I messed up, I went to my parents first and my dad made me feel like shit. He wants me to rush into marrying Austin to help him save face.”

  Squeezing her tightly, Draya let out a joyous laugh and a big smile. “You’re going to be great, Britt! You’re so wonderful and Austin is going to be a great dad. You two deserve to have this baby and I can’t wait to be an auntie. I love you, Britt; don’t let your dad’s insecurities overshadow this. He’s the preacher, not you. He chose his path and you are your own person, babe.” Holding her best friend, trying to soothe her fears, Draya remembered, even with all the jealousy, that Brittney was a beautiful person that deserved the best. She had always been a blessing to her and in this next chapter of their lives, Draya hoped to be the one being there for Brittney, finally.

  Running her hands through Brittney’s hair, Draya let the happy thoughts flood through her mind and closed her eyes. She was quiet for a while and when a thought dawned on her, she squeezed Brittney’s arm. “You told me first? I thought maybe you were quitting because you and Austin were getting married or something. Knowing about the baby, I get it, but you love what you do. You’re still early in the game; do you have to quit this soon?”

  “I figured I should because I didn’t want to put my baby’s health in jeopardy. I just thought I should try to be a little cautious.” Listening to her, Draya knew she was afraid because her sister, Leah, had suffered through a miscarriage the year before. It was a difficult time for them, but they all got through it. It was only natural that Brittney would be a little nervous. Draya fully understood that.

  “I get it, but what am I going to do now?” Smiling incredulously, Draya crossed her arms over her chest. “So this means I get nine months off? This works for me.”

  “Not so fast,” Brittney interjected. “You are not getting any time off. You’re going to work, and I don’t want to hear a thing about it.”

  “If you’re out then who...” Before the words could leave her mouth, Draya looked up to see the most gorgeous man she had ever seen in life, rounding the corner. He looked to be coming from the sauna and was dripping with sweat. Even with all this, he was still tantalizing. Wiping the sweat from his beautiful forehead with the towel draped around his neck, he looked up, and Draya took a deep breath. She had never been rattled by a man before, but this handsome stranger had her insides raging.

  As she watched him crossing the room, he seemed to be completely oblivious to their presence. The way he moved through the room entranced her every thought, but he appeared to be in his own little world. Watching Brittney watch her, Draya found herself looking over his admirable qualities. He was tall, and although they were in a gym, he was fit beyond reason, and those eyes, those beautiful crystal blue eyes just spoke to her. Everything about him, from his creamy ivory skin, his rippling abs, and his golden blond hair, made her want to make a move to at least get his attention.

  Standing frozen in her thoughts, she heard Brittney laugh and before she knew it, his head snapped up and his blue eyes seemed to look straight through her. Swallowing hard, Draya watched as he stood and made his way to them. Extending his hand, she took it and Brittney laughed again. “Draya, meet Liam.” Shaking his hand, Draya felt her pulse racing. Brittney told her he was impressi
ve and she had brushed it off, but seeing him in the flesh was something different. His whole persona just oozed sex. “Draya, Liam is going to be your new trainer, you start tonight.”

  “But, Britt, I—”

  “Liam knows the deal. He knows how we roll and what time we train, he’s cool with it. His only demand was—”

  Holding his hand up, Liam interjected himself and let out a silly chuckle. “Can I speak for myself?”

  “Sure,” Draya smiled and rolled her eyes at Brittney, playfully.

  “Brittney says you own two restaurants.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I like to eat,” he smiled. “I train you and you feed me.” As the words rolled off his delicious pink lips Draya felt her heart beating out of her chest. Watching him as he held on to her hand, she felt her head nodding and he dropped it. “Then it’s settled, let’s get started. She drove you here, right? So I guess that means I’m taking you home.” Walking away after tapping Brittney on her shoulder, he walked over to the weights and motioned for Draya to join him. As Brittney made her way out of the gym, Draya watched until Liam’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

  “Draya, let’s go.” Snapping her head back to look at him, she realized his nice demeanor was gone and he was all business. It was then that she realized he was even worse than Brittney. She thought Brittney was a slave driver, but looking at his stance, she knew he was going to be a handful.

  Crossing her arms over her chest, she walked over and he tossed a barbell in her hand. “Alright, on your back, let’s get to work.”

  “This is going to be fun, isn’t it?” Draya asked mockingly.

  “No, we’re going to work,” he laughed. “The longer you take to get in gear, the longer we will be here. I have all night, but I’m not sure you do.”