by Kenya Wright
She nodded. “Okay. Off to the vegetable aisle.”
It took us a good hour to finish shopping. Another hour was spent in the long lines. By the time we made it home, Ganesha was ready to meet his friends. I went off with them, just to cock block Mr. Oliver Gym Owner. As soon as he spotted me, a dark frown covered his face. That ended up being pure joy for a very crazy day.
When we returned, I checked my phone to see if there was further news about my mother.
Amber left several more messages.
When is she going to get the picture?
Had I not been enjoying my time with Jade, I would have just kicked her out of my condo today. It was clear she wasn’t working on a way to get out of there. Amber probably thought she could get me back. I had no idea why she would even consider such a foolish thought.
I walked onto the balcony and called Amber.
Desperation filled her voice. “Kamal.”
“What do you want?”
“I needed to hear your voice.”
“Have you figured out a way to leave my place?”
“The airports are—”
“I don’t care if you can leave New York or not. I just want you out of my condo.”
“Kamal, please don’t be so cruel.”
“No. Cruel would be telling you to leave by tonight.”
Silence hit the line.
I frowned. “Stop calling me.”
“Where are you?”
“None of your business.”
“But—”
“After tonight, you now have five days. Use them wisely.” I hung up, entered the apartment, and returned to the only person that had brought more smiles to my face than anyone all year.
Jade pulled stuff out of the cupboards to cook.
I placed my phone in my pocket. “I want to help.”
“Nope.”
I walked into the kitchen. “I’m helping.”
She turned around and bumped into me. “Get your big self out of here. Zora’s kitchen is already too small.”
Only a few inches lay between us.
I held my stance. “I’m helping you make dinner.”
“You’re not.” She stuck her tongue out.
I didn’t move. I was too intrigued by that lovely tongue. “Thank you for today. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Putting that tantalizing tongue back in her mouth, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “You mean you had fun being an accomplice in a theft?”
“That too. I also liked the hug.”
She grinned and walked around me.
I caught her arm and brought her back to the front. “We’re not done talking.”
“Oh really?”
“You shouldn’t be cooking everything. I can—”
“You bought all the food. And with that grocery store’s price gouging today, I’m thankful. That would have ruined my budget.”
My body warmed with our closeness. I continued to hold her arm, wondering if she felt the same electric energy that I did. It pulsed between us, hot and inviting.
“Mr. Patel,” she whispered. “What do you want?”
“Just because I bought the food, doesn’t mean I can’t help cook.”
“But the deal is you clean up afterward.”
I nodded. “Fair point. You cook. I clean. You’re fine with that?”
“I am.”
I slipped my thumb along her arm. Her skin was so silky. She moved her gaze from my face and put it on my chest. I hoped I didn’t make her nervous, but I didn’t want to let her arm go. “Let me know if I can do anything else.”
Her voice went low. “I will.”
“You sure?”
“Always.”
I slipped my fingers down her arm and let go. “I’m lucky to have you.”
She cleared her throat and went to the fridge. “Why do you say that?”
I left the kitchen. “You make me happy. Without you, I might have been in a dark corner, drunk and sniveling like an idiot.”
“You would have been fine.”
I leaned forward on the other side of the counter. “You’re my vaccine.”
“Wow.” She pulled out tortillas. “You’re about to hit me with the charm tonight?”
“It’s a little corny, but the truth.”
“I’m your vaccine? That’s going to be the corniest pickup line of this pandemic.”
“It’s not corny.”
“Then, we can agree to disagree.”
“Nope. What I’m going to do is serenade you and–”
“If you sing to me right now, you’ll get no dinner.”
I pouted. “Fine. I’ll just search for a good movie for us to watch.”
“There we go. That’s being productive.”
I headed off to the couch and grabbed the remote control. “And will you be my blanket this evening?”
“No. In fact. . .”
I picked up the remote and turned her way. “In fact what?”
“I was thinking that. . .I mean you mentioned in the supermarket how that couch killed your back.”
“I was frustrated.”
“Well, I was thinking. . .if it isn’t weird for you. . .we can share the bed.”
My cock throbbed in my pants. It wasn’t the most appropriate reaction. Jade was being nice and accommodating. Whereas my body immediately thought of how lovely it would be to sleep next to her. I didn’t know what was happening to me—or even us—but Jade’s presence was doing something to me. I’d ignored it yesterday, so busy in my gloom. But tonight, I couldn’t pretend that I wasn’t relishing in every minute with her.
“What do you think?” She stared at me and bit her bottom lip.
I studied her. “I would love that.”
“With that big bed, I’ll promise to not lay all over you this time.”
I smirked. “I actually appreciated that part of waking up this morning. I would sleep on the couch again if that meant waking up to you all over me.”
She blinked and went to chopping onions. “I can’t with you right now. Apparently, you are unable to turn the charm off.”
“Or maybe. . .you’re bringing it out of me.” I went back to the television screen and browsed movies. If I said more, I might make her super uncomfortable.
Ganesha rubbed against my legs and gave me a soft bark as if knowing what was on my mind.
You think it’s a bad idea, nephew?
I turned back to Jade and spent a few seconds watching her cook. She was a beautiful image to behold. I couldn’t believe I had let her go free for all these years and not once made a move. Granted, my mother or sister was always around to take her away. And if they were here now, they would warn against it.
But they’re not here. . .and she looks so goddamn sexy.
Would everything have been different if I’d gotten closer to Jade over the years? Surely, life would have been more pleasurable, if I’d fallen in love with her, instead of focusing on Amber.
With how I’m thinking. . .maybe we shouldn’t sleep together.
We were both mature. We could handle sleeping in the same bed, even though he knew I would want to rub my cock against her soft ass.
Would she let? What are you saying? Of course not.
During breakfast and after the horrible news of my mother, I couldn’t stop staring at Jade. That hug had put me in good spirits. A few times at the table, she crossed her legs and I enjoyed the sight.
What if. . .
Images spun in my head—Jade naked and me pushing inside of her.
My cock grew in my pants.
I shook my head. I was hurt about my relationship and anxious over my mother. Granted, Jade was a delight and breathtaking woman, but I couldn’t take it there with her.
I cleared my throat. “Okay. Call me when you need me.”
“I will, but where are you going?”
“I’m going to check on my mother and then take another shower.”
“O-kay.”
A very cold shower. That will get my head together.
She pulled out a pan. “If Mommy answers, tell her I love and miss her.”
“I will.” I headed off to the balcony.
“Kamal.”
I stopped and glanced over my shoulder. “Yes?”
“She’ll be okay. You’ve got to believe it.”
“I do, Jade. I do.”
The whole time, Jade whistled and chopped up vegetables. Her music and the aroma of cooking filled the air. And all I could think about was how I wished these moments weren’t temporary. There was a comfort with her, and it was more than a family friend sort of thing.
Call your mother. Take the shower. Clear your head. Don’t do anything crazy. It’s an intense time. Keep your cock in your pants and stay calm.
Chapter 9
Jade
Quarantine Buddies
Apparently, New Yorkers liked their meat, bread, and toilet tissue. Due to that, I would have to shift to a pescatarian diet this quarantine—basically a vegetarian diet with fish and seafood.
Tonight, I made shrimp tortillas with a nice California green salad. I smashed avocado and cut up a crispy cabbage slaw complete with a homemade creamy lime sauce—cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime, oil, and seasonings. Next, I sautéed the shrimp with spices chili powder, cumin, garlic, onions, and a little sea salt. Grabbing the corn tortillas, I stuffed them with the delicious shrimp, avocado, and slaw.
I inhaled the rich aroma. “Yes. Smells like home.”
I could feel the California sunlight warming my skin and the ocean breeze cooling it back off. When I made these at home and invited people over, most ate three or four. I made sure to make a good bit. Kamal was a big guy with an exhausting appetite. His mother always complained about it, while grinning with pride.
For now, I put on two shrimp tacos for each plate and shifted to the side. This salad boasted California’s top foods—luscious avocados, baby leafy greens, crispy almonds, and smooth goat cheese. I’d put together a fresh homemade Lemon Vinaigrette. It was super simple: olive oil, cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and ground mustard. Nothing too extravagant to clash with all the flavors in the meal.
“Dinner time!” I placed the greens and some tarragon in a large salad bowl, added a little of the vinaigrette, and lightly coated the leaves. “Mr. Patel?”
I transferred the greens to our individual salad plates.
That deep voice filled the air. “Mr. Patel is on his way.”
A silly grin spread across my face. I didn’t know, if he was still playfully turning on the charm or if he just couldn’t help sounding so sexy.
He’s so damn fun. I wish we were forced to stay together longer than a week.
I rolled my eyes at the thought, knowing it was crazy to think that way.
Kamal and you are not playing house. . .You both are keeping each other company while the world goes crazy.
I scattered almonds and cheese on top of the greens.
With no shirt and muscular abs on display, Kamal strolled into the living room.
I held my hands in mid-air.
His jeans hung low. He’d slicked himself up with some oil.
Well. . .I won’t tell him that he forgot his shirt.
Warmth blossomed in my chest.
I turned around to recover.
Okay. What was I doing?
“Hope you don’t mind,” Kamal said behind me. “In my condo, I usually walk around naked, so I figured no shirt, but jeans would be a fair compromise.”
A hot and very naked Kamal prowled through my mind. His cock thick, long, and hanging between his muscular thighs. I almost told him that nudity would be fine here. But I also knew I couldn’t deal with that gorgeous and off-limits body, taunting me.
I swallowed and turned back around. “That’s fine.”
“Are you sure?” He hit me with a seductive look. “Remember. I’ll do what you want, princess.”
I blushed. “It’s fine.”
“And if you want equality I’m okay with that too.”
“Equality?”
“I’m saying you also can take off your shirt.”
I giggled. “How about you grab these plates and put them on the table.”
He shifted his attention to the dishes and whistled. “Jade’s famous shrimp tacos.”
“You’ve heard of them?”
“Every time Zora returns from a Cali visit, she’s raving about your tacos.”
“Good.”
He tried to pick up one and taste it.
I hit his hand. “Would you wait?”
He pouted. “But, princess, I’m starving—”
“Take it over to the table.” I shook my head. “I’m too through with you.”
He chuckled. “I promise to be on my best behavior for the rest of the evening.”
“Did you speak to my mommy?”
He groaned. “That’s my mother.”
“Whatever.”
“Yes. I did.”
My spirits brightened. “And?”
“Instead of keeping her for the full five days, they sent her back home to quarantine there. She wasn’t having any respiratory problems and her fever went down.”
I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding. “Thank you, Jesus.”
He came back for the small salad bowls. “And to Brahman too.”
“Yes.” I brought over the large bowl of salad just in case either of us wanted extra. “Do you still practice Hinduism like your mother?”
“No. Not like I should. I’m mindful of the old ways, but as my father feared, I’ve become super westernized.”
“You were raised in California, not India. You can’t blame yourself.”
“Yes, but in times like this, values and traditions can be important.” He walked over to the kitchen. “And this year I began thinking about. . .maybe starting a family. I wondered what I would teach them.”
Shocked, I asked, “Starting a family with Amber?”
“Must you say it that way?”
“I’m just. . .you know?”
“What? The fact that no one really liked her, especially my mother and sister.”
“Yes.”
“I thought that they would grow on her. In fact, I hoped that. . .” He shook his head and grabbed glasses. “It doesn’t matter. Perhaps, I was trying to prove my mother wrong. She thought it was a bad idea to move anyone in, especially Amber.”
I gave him a weak smile. “You’re known to be stubborn.”
“Oh really? That’s the Kamal report?”
“Yep.” I went back to the kitchen to grab silverware.
He blocked my way. “Sit.”
“What?”
“I can at least get everything else for the meal. It all smells delicious. I feel horrible that I didn’t help.”
I smiled. “Thanks.”
“Did you know that many in India would take offense to your thank you?”
“Zora told me a few times.”
“It’s a subtle and involuntary way to insult. Please and thank you are not necessary.”
“Whereas if you don’t say it in America, then you’re considered rude as hell.”
He brought over a bottle of wine along with two glasses and then he returned to the kitchen. “When I would visit my family in Chennai, many would laugh when Zora and I would say it.”
“But, I still don’t get why it would be an insult.”
“In India, real friends are expected to be there for one another, no matter what. Just like family.” He filled a new set of glasses with ice and then poured water. “So, if your friend makes you a meal or helps you in a major emergency, then of course. It’s your friend. You don’t throw a big verbal party.”
“Wow.”
He brought the glasses of water over, set them down, and switched his energy to opening the bottle of wine. “Saying thank you for your friend’s help is like saying, you never expected it from them.”
“Oh, come on.”
“I try to go to Chennai once a year, and still see my friend Arjun who I’ve known for a long time.” Kamal poured a glass of wine for me and then him. “He picked me up from the airport and took me to my hotel. Forgetting myself, I said, ‘Thanks so much.’”
I leaned back in the chair. “What did he say?”
Kamal sat down and did a deeper voice. “‘Kamal, why do you say these things to me? Aren’t we friends or am I your taxi driver?’ It was a big thing. I had to explain myself. He chuckled a little, but he seemed to be in a bad mood the rest to the night.”
“Okay. So, if I want something from you, like this bowl of salad, I won’t say ‘Please, hand me the salad?’”
“Exactly. You would just say, ‘Hey, Kamal, give me the salad.’”
I laughed.
“In one way, it is a bit poetic.”
I quirked my brows. “How’s that?”
“A friend’s loyalty is without limits. They are family in every way.”
“I like that.”
He gazed down at his plate and sighed. “That being said. Thank you so much for cooking this delicious meal. If it tastes as good as it smells then I owe you even more praise.”
I frowned. “Kamal, what is this? Are we not friends? Am I not your loyal, confidant?”
He chuckled.
“How dare you? Am I your cook or something?”
“I stand corrected.” He held his glass of wine up. “To my loyal friend.”
I raised mine with his. “And ride or die quarantine buddy.”
“This is true.” He nodded. “We stole toilet paper together. Who can top that?”
“No one.”
“Exactly.”
We cheered and both took sips through our laughter.
I cleared my throat. “So, Mommy is back at home?”
“She is. Delores is keeping some distance, but still taking care of her. She sounded good on the phone, so I feel better.”
“Good.” I set my wine down. “And did you tell Mommy about the heist in the grocery store today?”
“No. I’m leaving that for a fun story during Christmas.”
“Yeah. About that, you all celebrate Christmas.”
“We party with you all during the holidays. How can you not in America? It would be missing out on all the fun.”
“But, I remember a few times, when we were younger that you didn’t.”