Talk a Good Game

by Angie Daniels

  “Illegal? I don’t want to know.” Her cellphone started buzzing.

  “No, you don’t.” She was laughing like a crazy woman now. “Speaking of shopping… let’s go to Macy’s right quick. They have this new UGGS purse I want you to see.”

  Her phone was ringing again. “Aren’t you going to answer your phone?”

  “Nope. It’s just Kaleb’s needy ass trying to keep track of me. I’m playing possum for the next hour.”

  See, I told you she’s crazy.

  Sometimes I think my life must really be boring because I keep hanging and living vicariously through Janelle. Seriously. I’m in the military so there is no way in hell I’m risking my security clearance smoking weed or dating shady dudes like Janelle. Instead I get to listen to her stories and watch the crazy stuff that she does. It’s the next best thing to real life.

  * * *

  I had made it back home and was lying on the couch watching reruns of Martin when Jeremy called. “Hey Angel, whadda you want for dinner?”

  He was so thoughtful. “How about Tony’s Pizza?”

  “No problem. Text me what you want on it and I’ll go get it.”

  I hung up and sat there half watching the sitcom while I was thinking about this wonderful new man in my life. He was definitely something special. And my parents liked him which made it even better because Deacon Charles Dawson was a hard man to please.

  My daddy was retired military. We traveled around most of my life before he finally returned to his roots in Missouri. He was actually from Sedalia but we moved to Columbia. Thank goodness he didn’t return to that little-ass town. My parents met in grammar school and have been together ever since. Growing up I’ve always wanted what they have, commitment, dedication, something I never had with my ex-husband Shane.

  Sometimes I think I move too fast thinking every man was that special guy in my life. I get so caught up in the moment that all I can see is right now. I’ll admit that I’m flawed. I wanted so desperately to stop meeting Mr. Right Now and finally find my Mr. Right.

  With Jeremy I was already imagining a long relationship. I just had to keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time and not rush this time. I already had a feeling that wasn’t going to be easy.

  By the time I went and got sodas and plates from the kitchen, Jeremy was knocking at my door. It was crazy how excited I was to see him, especially since we’ve been together almost every day since we’d met.

  “Hey sweetheart,” I said as I opened the door and met his smile. He leaned in and kissed me soundly on the lips before stepping into the living room.

  “What are you watching?” he asked.

  “Nothing really. Just waiting for the game to come on.”

  I took a seat on the couch beside him and took in his faded jeans and button up shirt he was wearing. It looked like another one of those George brand shirts he bought at Walmart. I really was going to have to start shopping for him.

  “I brought over something I want to show you after we get done eating,” he said with the nervous smile of his again.

  I smiled and reached for his hand as we prepared to say grace. “Okay.”

  We bowed our head and I listened as he blessed our food. “…And Lord thank you for bringing this beautiful Angel into my life. Amen.” Before releasing my hand he kissed it then let it go. I felt special. This was our thing—his and mine. And I enjoyed every second of it.

  We ate pizza and I told him about my shopping trip with Janelle, minus the detour to Alphonso’s job.

  “Mama invited us to dinner tomorrow,” I managed between chews.

  He nodded. “Good stuff. I like your parents.”

  I playfully rolled my eyes. “And they like you.”

  “I really want you to meet my parents. I know they’ll like you.” He reached for his soda.

  “I would like that.”

  “We usually have a big family get together for the Fourth of July weekend so maybe you can go with me?”

  There was that look of insecurity again. “Sure. I would love to go with you to Memphis.”

  He was grinning like a little boy again. Why did I have this strong urge to pat his head?

  “I was talking to my daughter on the way over here.”

  “She’s the senior, right?”

  He nodded and swallowed before saying, “Yes, she’s graduating next month and wanted to know how many tickets I needed. I told her two.” He was looking at me staring, waiting for my reaction. “I was wondering if you would drive to Chicago with me for her graduation?”

  My eyes snapped to his. This man was ready to introduce me to his kids. I can’t even begin to tell you how good that made me feel!

  “I would love to go with you,” I said between bites. “Now which one is this?”

  “This is my oldest Tiffany. Caleb graduates next year and Jose is fourteen.”

  I nodded. He always sounded so proud when he talked about his kids.

  “I’ll warn you. Their mother is ignorant.”

  “Delaney, right?” A man loves when he knows a woman has been paying attention.

  “Right. She is a bitter woman and probably won’t say two words to you the entire graduation luncheon.”

  I wasn’t the least bit worried. It was her loss, not mine.

  “Graduation is at nine o’clock on Saturday, so I was hoping we could go down on Friday, right after work.”

  Nodding, I replied, “No problem.” I was already looking forward to taking the six-hour drive together.

  He reached for a napkin, wiped his hands then reached for a bag and pulled out a book. “Have you ever read this before?”

  I took it from his hands. “The Five Love Languages.” I flipped it over, then shook my head. “No, I never heard of it.”

  “It’s a powerful book.”

  “What’s it about?”

  His face lit up at my interest. “It talks about speaking your mate’s love language. It really reveals how people express love in different way.”

  “Love huh?”

  He looked down at his feet. “Yeah there are five languages, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and physical touch.”

  “So what are you?”

  “That’s the fun part,” he laughed nervously as he spoke. “We take the test and learn how to communicate to each other.”

  I nodded. “So are you trying to tell me something?”

  He grinned. “Yeah, actually, I am.”

  “And?”

  He sighed then put the book on the table beside the pizza, reached for the remote and turned off the television before he swung around to face me on the couch. Whatever he was about to say had to be serious. “C’mere.” I didn’t even have a chance before he dragged me into his arms and held me close. His lips were only inches away. “Nyree… I have prayed for years for God to bring someone like you in my life. I have desired a wife and a second chance and I feel in my heart that woman is you.”

  My heart was pounding as if a car had pulled out in front of me.

  “If this isn’t what you want please tell me now.” He studied my face trying to figure out if I was serious.

  “You’re everything I’ve always wanted and more.” And I was about to find out in the next few seconds.

  His lips came crashing into my mine and I wasted no time tangling my tongue with his. Like I’ve said before I loved kissing my man. I moaned and he leaned forward and lowered me onto the couch with him on top of me.

  “I missed you today,” he murmured.

  “And I missed you,” I whispered. His hand went underneath my t-shirt and wasted no time at finding my breasts. “Yes,” I moaned hoping if I continued to encourage him we might for once finish what he was starting. But after a few more minutes of fondling I was growing increasingly irritated. “Are you planning to fuck me, or what?”

  First he looked offended then he suddenly got all nervous again.

  What the fuck? I could see I was going to have
to run things in the bedroom because this dude was just too naïve, insecure or something. What, I didn’t have a clue. All I knew was I was going to have to show him what I liked.

  I rolled out from underneath him and then removed my clothes while he just sat there on the couch, staring at me. “On the floor,” I ordered and like an obedient puppy, he scrambled onto the thick rug in front of the television. “Now get undressed.”

  “You must think you’re the man,” he joked.

  Somebody’s gotta be.

  Jeremy did as he was told and tossed his clothes aside, revealing his throbbing erection. Deep down, I think my being in charge, turned him on.

  I lowered to my knees and took hold of his Johnson. Of course he bucked beneath my touch.

  “I think you like that,” I teased then went to work licking the length of him, tasting precum at the tip.

  “I do… oh yeah,” he moaned.

  I straddled him, brushing my vagina against his thigh then leaned forward and allowed my tongue to trace the head before taking him into my mouth again.

  “Oh babe!” he moaned softly.

  My head game was on point. I took my time learning my man, squeezing his balls, sucking his Johnson, drawing him deeper into my mouth. The entire time he was watching me. I didn’t dare look at him because he was sure to get nervous all over again so I just continued putting on one hell of a show.

  “That’s it, baby,” he groaned appreciatively. “Suck my dick.”

  I froze, completely caught off guard to hear something like that coming out Jeremy’s mouth. “What did you just say?” I giggled with his dick still between my lips.

  “You heard me,” he whispered, “suck my dick.”

  Yeah baby. I heard you. There might be some hope for you after all.

  The harder I sucked, the louder he panted. His hips were rocking and his hands were now at the back of my head guiding my motion.

  “No more, please!” he insisted hoarsely. “Ride me.”

  No point in the party ending before it really got started.

  I watched Jeremy’s face as I eased down onto his length until he was completely inside. Oh snap! He felt sooo good. I had to take a moment and pause just to adjust to the way he felt.

  I started to ride him. Slow at first then I began to pick up speed but not too fast because I wanted this moment to last. Placing his hands at my hips, Jeremy slowly began to move up and down while using my hips as leverage to glide in and out of me.

  “Sssssh, ooooh, yesss,” I moaned.

  I moved his hands to my breasts and his thumb teased my nipples. “Look at me,” I commanded. “Look at me and don’t you dare move.”

  As soon as our eyes locked, I began rocking my hips again.

  This control thing was arousing. I kept staring at him and wouldn’t allow him to guide our rhythm. It was fucking incredible. I wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold on. His face look strained and his dick was so damn hard, I was ready to explode.

  I reached down between us and stroked my clit then slid up and down his Johnson like crazy. Forget lovemaking. Sometimes a woman needed to be fucked, hard and rough. Finding a rhythm, I pumped away, moaning with delight. Jeremy had me feeling so good. He panted beneath me as I slammed down on his dick.

  “I’m getting ready to come,” he said on a harsh breath.

  His words were all I needed to hear. My body shook, and then I exploded with pleasure. “Oh God! Oh God, Jeremy!”

  Jeremy suddenly flipped me over onto my back and pumped hard and fast while I cried out his name some more.

  “That’s it, Angel,” he groaned as he continued his deep thrusts. My release went on and on until a climax rocked Jeremy’s body as well.

  I was breathless as I gazed up at his face and saw everything he was feeling. “There’s hope for you yet.”

  His eyes widened like he didn’t understand. “Is that a good thing?” he asked.

  “Yes.” Because he wasn’t the only one falling in love.

  18

  JANELLE

  It was almost ten o’clock when I pulled my car onto the circular driveway and killed the engine. I love my new life, I thought as I gazed at the grand house. I was practically living at Kaleb’s. The house was dark, no lights were coming from his bedroom window, which was disappointing because I was hoping Kaleb was still up waiting for me.

  I sighed then grabbed my purse and climbed out the car. It was such a beautiful night. If I wasn’t so tired I would have sat out on the porch with a glass of wine and meditated. Instead all I wanted was a hot shower and the bed. Brice and I had spent the evening clearing out my mother’s storage shed for Goodwill tomorrow. Seeing all that stuff had brought back way too many memories of a time in my life I’d just rather forget.

  I moved up the stairs and typed the four-digit passcode into the keypad and stepped inside. No one came down and greeted me. Not even Honey. I slipped off my heels and padded into the kitchen barefoot where I retrieved a bottle of water. It was then I noticed the red rose petals on the floor. I followed the trailed up the back stairs and when I reached the landing I saw roses scattered all down the hall. I couldn’t contain my excitement as I moved toward his bedroom. But as I passed CJ’s door, it swung open. His big horse and Honey came dashing out the room. For some odd reason the two of them were thick as thieves.

  “Ms. Jae, can I talk to you for a moment?” CJ asked and looked so freaked out about something.

  Damn, talk about bad timing. “What is it CJ?” I said and followed him into his funky bedroom.

  CJ swung around and it was then that I noticed he was holding a small box. Is that what I think—

  “Ms. Jae, will you marry me and my dad?”

  At that very moment I heard movement behind me and I swung around to find Kaleb standing behind me with a single white rose in his hand. I smiled then looked over at the ring again. Hot damn! That rock was huge!

  “Well babe, you heard the boy… will you marry us?”

  I looked from the pitiful look on CJ’s face to the solemn one on his father’s face. They both looked like they were preparing for me to say no. Sure, I wanted to marry Kaleb but I was thinking months from now after he started spending some of his money on me. If Kaleb had proposed in private maybe I could have convinced him it was a little soon but there was that sad look in CJ’ eyes that said these two mothafuckas desperately needed me.

  I paused briefly, glancing up at the ceiling as if considering my answer and then I answered. “Yes… I’ll marry you.”

  CJ’s shoulders sagged with relief and he looked to his father and grinned.

  “You made us so happy.” Kaleb stepped inside the room and I wrapped my arms around both of them. We were now a family. Apparently Honey liked the idea. My little Pomeranian was out in the hall dry humping Midnight.

  19

  NYREE

  It’s been weeks since we had all gotten together so I was actually smiling as I climbed out of my Lexus and moved up the long driveway to Gloria’s new house. I passed Veronica’s Audi. Of course she was already there.

  Jeremy was at some Kingdom Man religious conference in Bloomington, IL for the weekend so I was free for some girl’s time.

  I rang the doorbell and Gloria came to the door looking like she had just won the lottery.

  “Hey girl!” she cried.

  I threw my arms around Gloria’s neck and hugged her. She kissed me on the cheek. “How are you Mrs. Married Woman?” I said as I released her.

  “I couldn’t be happier. Come on in and make yourself at home.” She was grinning from ear to ear.

  The moment I stepped into the foyer my eyes shot open wide with surprise. “Girl, your house is beautiful!” I squealed. There was no mistaking the pride on her face. And I don’t blame her. Talk about something out of a magazine. I walked around, admiring the expensive décor. High ceilings. Mahogany flooring. Beautiful furnishing. “I’m so jealous.” Hey, might as well keep it real. Her house was something
I hoped to someday have with Jeremy. My house was only fifteen-hundred square feet. That little apartment where Jeremy lived was embarrassing. But this was exactly what I wanted us to have.

  “Gloria, you’ve been holding out on me! You and Pierre pick this house out together?”

  Her face was absolutely beaming. “We closed on it right before the wedding.”

  “Damn, I hate you,” I said playfully before she signaled for me to follow her down the hall to a large family room in back where Veronica and Janelle were already sitting on the couch with a glass in their hands.

  “Hey girl!” Veronica waved.

  “Hey, Ronnie,” I said then looked over at Janelle with my brow raised. “Where’s your car?”

  She gave me a saucy grin. “My man dropped me off.”

  “What? He still tryna to keep tabs on you?” I said like it was a joke but I was serious.

  She waved her hand as if she was dismissing me. “You know how men are, they wanna make sure ain’t nobody else sniffing their pussy.”

  Veronica was practically falling off the couch. She was definitely a clown.

  “Nyree you want something to drink?”

  I swung around and walked over to the bar where Gloria was standing pouring herself a glass of wine. “Yes, I’ll have one of those, as well.”

  “Hey, you like my shoes?”

  Veronica stuck out her bare leg and showed off a slamming pair of purple and gold pumps. “Ooh, I love those! Where’d you find them?”

  “I found this online shoe club y’all gonna have to join.” She started talking about the website while Gloria filled my flute. As soon as I had a glass in my hand I moved over to a lovely leather sectional and took a seat.

  “Are those the honeymoon pictures?” I asked, pointing to the two large albums sitting on the coffee table.

  “Ooh! Girl, check these out.” Janelle handed me both the books. “We need to plan us a trip to Cabo.”

  Veronica nodded. “Hell yeah! Let’s go.”