“Chump,” he teases, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“Kaye,” I hear squealed not too far away.
I turn to see two women in side-by-side booths waving at me. I recognize Lakia from her picture right away. I’ve never seen a real picture of Dean. She uses an avatar on social media due to her day job, but I know right away she’s the one on the left with the red dreads and the unique freckles—unique to me because I’ve never seen someone her complexion with such pronounced freckles before.
They’re both gorgeous. Lakia is a show-stopper with her heart shaped face and oval brown eyes. Her skin is flawless and she’s killing that lace front. The only reason I know it’s a wig is because the three of us have had lengthy conversations about hair and makeup. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know the difference.
It’s so out of character for me, but I find myself rushing over into their embrace. I feel like I’m running into the arms of long lost sisters—we’ve connected that much over the phone. We’re squealing and hugging before I can fully process how I made it across the room so fast.
Felix and Dae-Dae are forgotten until Lakia and Dean look over my shoulders with mischievous looks in their eyes. We’ve talked about relationships a time or two. When I mentioned that Felix would be tagging along with me, the topic peaked both of their interest.
“Well, hello handsome,” Dean purrs.
“Girl, don’t start your stuff,” Lakia warns with humor in her voice.
“What? I was talking to this little cutie pie,” Dean feigns innocence.
“Sure you were,” Lakia chuckles.
“Hi, you must be Felix. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Lakia,” she says, holding out a hand to Felix.
“Nice to meet you,” he replies shaking her hand.
“And you must be Dae-Dae,” she turns to purr at my nephew.
He nods giving her a shy smile, before tucking his face into Felix’s neck. I love it when he tries to act shy. He’ll be ripping this place apart in no time.
“Nice to meet you, Felix. I’m Dean,” she purrs as her eyes eat him up.
I feel a little tinge of jealousy. Dean is very pretty. She looks like a doll. She’s much taller and leaner than I am, but still on the curvy side. She definitely has me beat in the boob department. I’m a decent B cup. She’s rocking at least a powerful D if not DDDs.
“Likewise,” Felix nods at her, but his attention turns to Dae-Dae in his arms just as quickly, as he murmurs something to him.
Dean turns to me and widens her eyes pointedly. I’ve told them that Felix is just a friend. However, because his name has come up so many times over the last six months—and the fact that he offered to come here with me—they’ve been pushing to know if something more is going on with us.
“We’re still going out to eat after this, right? My mom came along this trip to watch Isaac. I’m free to have some adult time with my girls,” Lakia says and gives a little shimmy.
“Um, I think so,” I turn to look up at Felix.
“We’ll be fine. We have a whole night planned,” Felix replies with a smile on his face.
“I guess that’s a yes,” I say excitedly.
“Good, because I’m going to need a drink after this. They already started with the bull. Someone better tell these chicks I’m not for it,” Dean grumbles as she rolls her eyes at someone across the room.
“Girl, please. We’re not giving any energy to that BS today,” Lakia waves off. “People always want it until you give it to them. We about these books. Let that pettiness stew in its own boots.”
“Um. You talking all that sh—” Dean looks at Dae-Dae and pursues her lips. “You saying that because you’re protecting that brand. Which is all good, boo. My name ain’t popping like that so somebody can catch these hands all day if needed.”
“Why do I bother?” Lakia grumbles shaking her head.
These two have shared with me to be mindful of the back-stabbing and fake smiles in this industry. Lakia has a strict policy. Once they cross her, they don’t exist. Dean on the other hand has a list of beat downs she wants to hand out.
What I respect about them both, they have told me to watch my back but have never given names. They’re leaving it for me to make my own opinions. Never once have they shoved their experiences or feelings on me.
Although, I get the sense that Lakia is the voice of reason in this group. Dean is a couple of fries short from a full happy meal. She’s more likely to fly off the handle if pushed.
Trust me, I’ve heard her go off over the phone once. It wasn’t pretty. Dean is actually from New York, but she currently lives in PA. However, that New Yorker came out in full force that day.
“Y’all sure I can let Kaye out with you?” Felix teases.
“I mean you can come out with us tonight to try us out. If we’re good you can let her out with us next time,” Dean purrs.
“I think I’m safer with my little guy here,” Felix says narrowing his eyes at Dean.
“Oh, Lawrt, please don’t have Kaye whip your tail. I like her,” Lakia giggles.
“What? She said they’re just friends. That means he is fair game. He’s fine as hell. You bugging if you think I’m not going to at least shoot my shot,” Dean says and shrugs.
My face burns with embarrassment. When I slowly turn to look up at Felix, his eyes are locked on me. He nods his head at his own thoughts before turning to Dean and Lakia.
“I’m going to walk around. You guys enjoy yourselves,” he says before turning with Dae-Dae and leaving.
“You know something?” Dean says. “I think you’re sleeping on that one.”
Lakia fans her face, while watching Felix walk away. She has a huge grin on her face. Again, I feel a bit of jealousy raising.
“Just look at that walk. You know he’s packing,” she gushes.
“Girl, I was thinking the same thing,” Dean bursts into laughter.
“Don’t y’all have books to be signing?” I mumble.
They both laugh at me, pulling me into another hug before Dean drags me to sit with her behind her table. I watch in awe as my two new friends do their thing. My heart almost exploded out of my chest every time they tell people to be on the lookout for my work.
Real friends.
“We’re going to pull that book out of you, baby girl,” Dean leans over to whisper in my ear just as I have the thought.
“The indie life has been good to me. So has Trad,” Lakia says while munching on a basket of fries.
“Indie takes a lot of work, but I feel it’s worth it in the end. I’ve been able to learn a lot. I also think the fanbase is a bit different,” Dean adds.
“Mm,” Lakia nods, swallowing some of her drink. “Yeah, it can be, but if you come in strong on the indie scene you can make some wave in both ponds.”
“I don’t know. I was thinking about submitting to a publisher. I mean that seemed like the road to take before I met you guys. Now, I feel like I have more options,” I reply.
“Did you get your author page set up? I’m telling you, start building the core base now. Put up some of those amazing snippets you have,” Dean coaches.
“Your website, the social media, work on content for your newsletter. Girl, I wish I had gotten to all of that going before things started to pick up,” Lakia coaches.
I jot down notes in my notebook. Again, I’m grateful for their mentorship. I might give this book thing a serious go.
“Thanks, guys,” I look up and say with a beaming smile.
“You can thank me by sitting your ass in a chair and finishing that damn book,” Dean says with a wink.
“I know, I know,” I say and pout.
Chapter 10
Still a Friend?
Kaye
Two months later…
“I’ll see you in a few weeks,” Felix says before dipping to kiss my forehead.
“Hey, Felix,” Kia and Dean sing in unison from the laptop screen sitting before me.
�
�Hey, ladies. You whipping my girl into shape?” Felix replies.
“Yup, we got her,” Kia answers.
“Good, I gotta go. You ladies be good,” he says massaging my shoulder before turning to leave out of the door.
I reach to touch my shoulder that’s still tingling. I can still feel his lips on my forehead as well. Those little gestures are starting to drive me insane.
I wish it meant more to him. I’m having a hard time not daydreaming about him when he’s around. I purse my lips and blow out a breath.
“You two still in the friend zone?” Dean’s voice brings me back to reality.
“Yes,” I mutter.
“You still tripping. You know that, right?” she continues. “Did you hear the way he said ‘my girl?’”
“I thought it was just me,” Kia squeals. “Phew, yeah. You are missing something there, love. That man wants more than friendship.”
“You’re both being silly,” I huff.
“Okay. We wouldn’t be on this computer hashing out these sex scenes if you’d let him put that fire on you,” Dean says.
“I know that’s right,” Kia giggles. “I mean damn. You don’t see the way he looks at you?”
“Yeeees, I saw it in Atlanta,” Dean says.
“Right, when she called him a friend. He give her that, I’ll fuck the friend right out your mouth, look,” Kia slaps her desk as she laughs.
“Yes, honey. I saw it,” Dean chimes in tugging at her t-shirt like she needs to cool off.
“You two have been writing too many of them books. Felix is a childhood friend,” I wave them off.
“Pssh,” Dean scoffs. “He look like he nasty. Like he’ll fuck the soul from your body and look you in the eyes the entire time.”
“Ow, are you going to put that in a book? That was good,” Kia says, picking up her pen.
“It’s all yours, boo. Have at it,” Dean says. “Back to you. I know we tease you for being a P.K. and for those tired ass sex scenes that my grandmother would toss back at you, but honey. That man be looking at you like a steak dinner. You mark my words he’d put it on you if you stopped calling him a damn friend.”
“Why you have to do her like that?” Lakia giggles.
“I hate y’all,” I pout.
“She’s right, though. We can help all we want but you’re not going to get this stuff to where you want until you have some experience, sweetie. And yeah, he would be more than willing to help,” Lakia says gently.
I heave a heavy sigh, reaching to rub my forehead. I shove my notebook away to get my frustration out. I don’t know why I even bother.
“Okay, okay, I think we’ve hurt our little sister’s feelings. Let’s call it a night. I’ll send you a link to these vibrators. You should at least explore it yourself if you won’t let that fine ass man do it,” Dean says while trying not to laugh.
I flip her the bird.
“Oh, no,” Kia cracks up laughing. “We’re corrupting the poor baby. Night, ladies. Love you,” Kia says laughing while she disconnects.
“Night,” Dean says while wiping at tears.
I sit staring at my computer screen. I’m not a quitter. I need to figure this out.
It’s just sex on paper. Yup, but you have no clue about sex at all. So good luck with that one.
Chapter 11
Facetime
Kaye
Four month later…
“Miss you, Lix. We go to the park?” Dae-Dae sings to the phone screen.
“I miss you too, Buddy. I wish I was there to go to the park with you,” Felix replies.
“Come see me and Mama,” he says, dipping his face to kiss the screen.
It’s so sweet. We talk to Felix every night through Facetime. These two are thick as thieves. Dashawn looks forward to the calls and the visits even more. It’s been a few weeks, but I know Felix has been busy with work.
I’m sure he has a social life as well. I try not to take up too much of his time. I appreciate the fact that he always checks in no matter what. He has been on the road and dropped everything to call, if only for a few seconds.
“I’m coming. Promise,” he says, his eyes softening.
“How many sleeps?”
Felix chuckles. “One. I’ll fly in tonight and we can go to the park in the morning.”
“Felix, no,” I protest. “You can’t come running whenever he asks.”
“You hear something, Dae-Dae?” Felix asks looking around his apartment.
“Felix, he’s going to get used to you dropping everything for him. You can’t keep spoiling him like this,” I fuss.
“Yes, I can. He should get used to it. Do you need anything? I’ll probably get in late but I can make a stop on the way. Everything here is still open,” he offers.
“I’m fine. I planned to work on the book tonight.”
“Ah, so you need a sexy muse,” he winks. “I’m on it.”
I throw my head back and laugh. Little does he know he is my muse, whether here or there. He stars in all of my books and most of my dreams.
“Whatever, Felix,” I giggle.
“What? I’m sexy,” he says feigning hurt.
I bite my lip. I’m not going to embarrass myself with a reply. Reaching to comb a hand through my baby’s hair, I lift a brow at Felix. His eyes go to Dashawn and he sucks that sexy lower lip into his mouth and nods.
“Night, night, Dae-Dae. See you when you wake up,” he croons.
“Night, night, Lix. Love you,” Dae-Dae replies kissing the screen again.
“I love you too,” Felix replies. “See you guys later. I need to square away some things here before I fly out.”
“You’re so stubborn,” I growl.
“Me?” he touches his chest with wide eyes. “Yeah, we’ll have this conversation when I get there.”
There’s a hint of something hidden in his words. I shift on the couch, trying to ignore how his simple words can turn me on. He throws up a salute with his fingers and ends the call.
Dae-Dae turns to look up at me excitedly. His little eyes are glowing. Some days I wonder how in the world his mother was able to walk away from him. He is my world. I would bend time for him. If I could bring his dad back so he could have him in his life, I would.
“Go night, night, Mama. Lix coming,” he beams.
I kiss his forehead. Secretly thanking Felix for getting Dae-Dae to want to go to bed early. I can get to this book sooner.
“Come on, baby. We’ll get you in your PJs and you can go night, night,” I reply.
Chapter 12
Lesson One
Kaye
Ugh, I’m so frustrated. I’ve been editing and revising this book for weeks. I finally think I’m ready to jump out the window and submit this one to a few agents and publishers.
Yet, I know what’s missing. I’ve tried repeatedly to rewrite and polish these scenes. Even with help they’re missing something. Still each and every time it’s the same thing.
I get bored reading my own sex scenes. I’m serious. I’ve fallen asleep on them several times.
If I don’t want to read them, no one else will. Dean wasn’t lying about grandmothers throwing this stuff at me. It’s all tired and weak.
This is going to drive me insane. I growl and toss the laptop off of my legs. Falling back on the bed, I cover my face with my arms.
This is so frustrating.
I hear the door creak open and sigh. I’m training Dae-Dae to sleep in his own bed. I’ve woken up twice this week to find his foot in my mouth and his head tucked into my stomach.
I still don’t know how he opens his bedroom door with those little hands. Brooklyn promised to place one of those safety locks on the front door next time he comes by. I don’t want Dae-Dae getting any ideas of leaving the apartment while I’m sleeping.
When I hear my laptop being shifted and the bed dips under the weight of a much bigger person than my nephew, I sit up bolt straight. Those mesmerizing gold eyes are staring back
at me.
I instantly relax. I’ve been so wrapped up in this book, I forgot he said he was coming in tonight. He’s a sight for sore eyes. I can use an adult to talk to.
Connie has been busy with her own thing. Logan and Brooklyn have been traveling a lot. I get the impression that Jamie has stepped in to oversee things when his brothers aren’t around.
Dylan is so shy, I think I frighten him at times. Besides, he has been getting more and more into his training. He likes mixed martial arts. I believe he wants to go pro.
Without a word, I scoot closer to Felix and place my head on his shoulder. He puts the laptop in his lap and starts to scroll through. I wince as I see the horrible scene I just wrecked beyond repair.
Felix sighs, causing me to look up at him. His eyes turn to me and they’re serious. I bite my lip not wanting to cry.
“I want this so bad. I want to be a writer. I just suck at it,” I say with a voice full of emotions.
He places the laptop on the nightstand beside him, before turning back to me. He looks into my eyes for a long moment. I can see him deciding on something and the moment that decision is made.
“You’ve never felt that spark with anyone? That intense moment that make butterflies take off in your stomach?” he asks.
I look away from his probing eyes. Hell, yes. I’ve felt it. I’m feeling it now, with the only person I’ve ever felt it with. I’m just not about to tell him that.
His finger lifts my chin, sending those butterflies into full flight. He leans in until our faces are only a breath apart. If I lick my own licks, I’m guaranteed to lick his as well.
“Tell me you don’t feel that?” he breathes against my lips.
“I…I feel it,” I whisper.
His thumb caresses the side of my temple down my cheek. He doesn’t say a word. He continues the soft caress until his thumb greets the corner of my mouth. He pauses for second, then slowly drags the pad of his finger across my lower lips.
Brothers Black 5: Felix the Watch Page 7