by Mia Madison
Ginger was independent, however car sales were tricky. Women were taken advantage of everyday, despite their shopping savvy. I had no doubts of Ginger’s ability to take care of it on her own, but I wanted to be see this car myself.
And… I’ll admit, I wanted to spend more time with her.
The car was located 45 minutes away, according to GPS. “That’s one hell of an Uber bill you would have had, sweetie,” I said. “Good thing you’ve got a boss who’ll look out for you.”
“Indeed.” She said. “I appreciate the gesture. I appreciate everything, actually.” She was clearly referring to the extra work I provided, more than enough to cover the costs of the car.
“It’s nothing,” I said. “Your dad’s been solid since day one. Anything to help where I can.”
“Not a lot of celebrities think like that.”
“I’m surprised you think that.”
“Well, the people mom and Parker work with are generally down to Earth, and easy to get along with. My friends are too, and some of their parents are celebrities also.” She paused for a minute. “But working at Hooters, and being on campus at school, some people are just… assholes. They let a little bit of fame or recognition get to their head.”
She paused. “You’re nothing like that. You’ve never been.”
“Yeah, tell that to the media,” I grumbled. Thanks to Danielle, the media painted me as an antisocial and grumpy man. She used our split to paint this picture of me as a cold, emotionally distant man. My refusal to respond to allegations of alienation of affection, or even to the other bogus accusations only served to make her seem correct.
“We both know the media is full of people who will sensationalize anything for a storyline.” She placed her hand on my shoulder. “I think you’re pretty great. Always have been.”
My shoulder sent a warm roll of heat through me. It crept up my neck and spread through my face. I didn’t have to look in the mirror to see she’d made me blush.
Nobody made me blush.
I turned on the radio, realizing that silence alone wouldn’t suffice for such a long ride. “Choose whatever channel you want.”
“Thanks!” She played with the stations of the satellite radio until she turned on a pop station. The radio personalities were interviewing some new rapper between music plays. I don’t remember his name, nor did I care to.
The slow, mid-tempo beat of an R&B song came on. It was unassuming and mellow. A raspy male voice broke through the track, singing a few warm up notes.
Ginger squealed when the song came on. “Oh my god! This is my favorite song!” She turned the volume up, completely oblivious to me and began singing along.
Hey, Zaddy gon' pull up and he gon' fuck you all night
Hey, you know zaddy there, and he got that act right
Hey, she got zaddy runnin' up a budget on her
Hey, she got zaddy runnin' up a budget on her
I shook my head, amused, yet entertained as she sang along. She was a typical college babe, bouncing and moving to the lyrics.
She keep on callin' me zaddy
She keep on callin' me zaddy
She keep on callin' me zaddy
“You get it now, right?” She asked while dancing. “Zaddy?”
“Yeah, I do.” I looked at the radio. The station listed the song as “Zaddy” by Ty Dolla Sign. Although I wasn’t much of a pop listener these days, the beat was catchy, and the tune was mellow. I could play that while taking a lady on a joyride.
But that wouldn’t be happening. Looking at Ginger lose herself in the throes of the song mesmerized me. She was so comfortable, free, and sensual. Any other woman would be afraid to relax and be herself. Or, she’d be focused on seducing me for attention, which was actually worse.
If I opened myself up again, I needed a woman who wouldn’t water herself down in any way, just for a chance to have a free ride of fame and fortune on my account.
More than anything, I wanted a woman who could relax, relate, and release with me. We could work hard and play even harder.
Ginger worked hard this morning, despite no prior notice and a few hours of work. I could only imagine how perfectly she’d manage everything over the next few weeks.
13
GiGi
After 45 minutes of good music and conversation, we arrived at the destination. Cherry’s current owner lived in a house not far from the beach.
I was excited. In less than two days, I’d found the car of my dreams, and I scored the job needed to pay for it without having to get a loan, or dip into my school savings.
“I’m afraid I have some bad news,” the owner said when I made it to the front door. “I just got an offer for the car that’s higher than yours. They’re on the way now.”
“What?!” My heart dropped into my stomach, and I drew a sharp breath. This couldn’t be happening. I worked hard, and had come all this way for Cherry, only to learn that she’d been sold.
“Are you kidding me?” I pushed. “What did they offer?”
“$9,500.”
There was no way I’d have another $3,000 that quickly.
“Sir, please. I pulled together every penny that I had.” I pleaded. Is there anything I can do?”
The man looked me up and down. Lust created a film over his beady eyes as his gaze covered my body and lingered on my breasts.
“You’re a gorgeous lady.” He took a step back, creating a clear invitation into his home. “If you wanna step inside, I’m sure I can be persuaded…”
“She’s not going inside anywhere.” Zane’s voice was steely. The dark flash in his eyes indicated anger. No, he was beyond angry. He was pissed. The vein in his neck and the balled right fist were his giveaways.
The owner’s eyes bulged, both in fear and shock. He stammered as he recognized I wasn’t alone, but accompanied by Zane Hendrix.
“Zane Hendrix. Pleasure to meet you.” He stepped forward, attempting to extend a hand. Zane refused, and continued to eyeball him, furious at what he’d seen. “I-I didn’t mean any harm. It’s just easier to discuss our options inside, you know?”
“What options are those?” Zane shot. “You sold her the car, or agreed to sell, for $6,500. Now you’re pushing it to $10,000, and you wanted her to go inside and ‘convince’ you to work with you? That’s a little unfair - and sleazy - don’t you think?”
The owner dug his hands in his worn denim jeans, and shrugged. “Sorry Hendrix, money talks – and I need as much of it as I can get. You pulled out of deals and got traded on money throughout your career. You understand.”
My bottom lip quivered as my eyes blurred. Tears threatened to spill. I wasn’t a crybaby, but I wanted to scream. I couldn’t, because this was neither the time nor place, but I surely felt within my rights to do so.
“Look, are you able to sell us the car, or no?”
“For $9,500, yes.”
“That car’s not worth $9,500. And let me tell you why. You used a stolen VIN number. The pictures of the car are old. Sitting in the driveway, it’s not hard to see. You make no mention of the missing radio, or the smashed passenger side window. I noticed the missing tire too. There’s a donut in its place. Were you planning to fix these things?”
Shocked by his statements, I walked over to Cherry. She was indeed missing a proper tire, and her window had been smashed. There was glass sprinkled all over the inside of the car. How had he noticed all of those things, yet I hadn’t?
“You jerk!” I started to tremble with rage. I realized I’d taken on another job, worked all day, and traveled 45 minutes only to see I’d nearly been taken by a perverted Craigslist scammer. Even if I had agreed to go inside, I would have been propositioned for nothing.
“GiGi, go to the car,” Zane stated, handing me the keys to his Audi. His tone was casual enough, but I detected the quiet undertones of his command. His eyes were dark enough to scare me, and he looked ready to kill the owner of the car.
“Zane.”
There was no room for negotiation. I simply nodded, head down in frustration, and carefully took one step at a time down the walkway to Zane’s car, which was parked against the curb, a safe yet accessible distance from the house.
Once I settled inside, I turned on the vehicle, adjusted the AC, and grabbed a bottle of Fiji that laid in the backseat.
With his back turned to me, I couldn’t make out what Zane was telling the jerk that lured me all the way out here. I only hoped that Zane was using his magic to convince the seller to let me take the car.
I know. I know. The car is not as expected, and it’s higher than it should be. Maybe it was just the fact that I worked hard to get her. I just didn’t want to give up that easily, or have to start over in a new direction.
But if we could agree on a price, I’d at least be able to get Cherry fixed up, and workable. It just wasn’t fair for him to promise me the car, set an appointment, and then refuse to sell it once I arrived.
Zane blocked the man from my view. But I could tell by the way he towered over him, and the gestures, that he was giving him a piece of mind. I could only see the man’s arms as they argued.
Holding back sobs, all I could think was how lucky I was not to have been out here alone. If Zane weren’t here, I could only imagine how this transaction, if one could call it that, had gone.
Watching Zane’s muscles flex through his shirt, I could tell he was animated. I’d no idea someone’s muscles could move so much through a conversation when they were animated. I guess he didn’t like what the man said, because I saw him suddenly grab the guy by the collar and stop short of slamming him against the door.
I clutched the handle of the car door, ready to come out and stop him. I didn’t like watching fights, and Zane didn’t need to get into a brawl with that man over me. He could easily kick his ass and I wouldn’t want that blood - or those assault charges - on my hands.
“Now!” He yelled, pointing to the car. I exhaled, grateful to see that their conversation hadn’t disintegrated into blows.
The man, red-faced, walked toward the car with his head down. I rolled down the window.
“Ma’am, I’m sorry for trying to take advantage of you. I’m a jerk, and I know what I tried to do was wrong.” He could barely look me in the eyes when he spoke, but he trembled ever so slightly. Enough to let me know Zane had terrified him enough for one afternoon.
“Thank you.” I nodded, and then rolled the car window up, dismissing him just as quickly.
Zane glowered as the man scrambled back into the house. He got into the car, started the engine, and pulled away before it felt like the car was even on.
This confirmed that Cherry wasn’t going to happen. I stopped holding back my frustration and burst into tears.
14
Zane
Hearing Ginger cry broke my heart. She really had her sights on that car, and her dream was shattered within less than 60 seconds of arrival.
I sensed something was wrong when we pulled up. The car was high up in the driveway, with a layer of dirt on it that let me know it had been neglected for a period of time.
But I knew, even before we arrived, that this experience wouldn’t have been what he’d promised. I had Christina send in an inquiry on the vehicle for me; the VIN used actually belonged to another Mustang. He didn’t even have the right year for the car he was selling.
Men were notorious for taking advantage of women, especially young women, when it came to car sales. That’s why I had to accompany her. I wanted to see what would happen when she showed up, cash in hand, and he didn’t have the real car available.
His lies weren’t what made me step out of the car. It was the way he looked at her. His eyes slithered up and down her body as he licked his lips. They took note of her desperation.
That asshole had taken one look at her, and he’d sized her up as an easy meal ticket. Not only that, but he obviously considered trying his hand at getting her in his bedroom.
I knew Ginger was smart. I knew she wouldn’t give this asshole what he wanted. But that meant nothing. As an older man, it was my duty to protect her, not just on the strength of my friendship with her father, but simply because she was a young, beautiful woman who needed reinforcement.
… That, and the fact that, for the first time in a long time, I was jealous. Something about Ginger aroused my possessiveness. I didn’t want anyone getting to close to her, not the way I wanted to be.
Steering the car with my left hand, I used my right hand to reach out to her. Her sobs were consistent, although they’d lowered in volume. She covered her face and shied away from me.
“It’s okay, Gigi.” I was shocked by the tenderness in my tone. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
She relaxed enough to let me take her left hand. It was small and soft. The mocha color of her skin made a gorgeous contrast against my own skin. I admired the way it curved perfectly in the palm of my larger, rougher hand.
“I’m sorry.” She wiped away her tears. “I don’t mean to be a baby about this. I just really wanted a new car.” She lowered the passenger visor and checked her makeup. She wasn’t wearing a lot, just eyeliner and gloss. Despite her tears, her face was still flawless.
Ginger spoke about the “Cherry,” how much she looked forward to having “her,” and how “she” was perfect for school, and had everything she needed. It was cute seeing her give the car a personality. I didn’t know women did that.
“She was even red, my favorite color.” She chuckled and shook her head. “I’d already purchased floor mats for the car. I guess I should take them back.” Blowing a deep breath through her lips, she grumbled. “I’m so stupid.”
“Don’t say that.” I squeezed her hand. “You did nothing wrong. He was a scam artist, pure and simple. You didn’t give him your money. Most importantly, you didn’t follow him inside to see what kind of ‘offer’ he had on the table.”
“Thank you.” Her voice was delicate and soft as she said, “I’m so lucky you were there with me. I don’t know what I’d have done if I’d come all the way out here alone, only for that to happen.”
Our eyes met each other for a moment, and a jolt of electricity shot through my body. I could see the softness of her spirit, a rare glimpse of her vulnerability. It tugged my heart at the same time as it pushed blood down to my cock.
She was so pure, rare, and innocent. I had to protect her, protect that sweetness. She deserved to revel in it before life stole the wonder from her eyes.
“Well, now that that’s over, let’s get something to eat. I’m starving.” I could feel the hole burning through my stomach. I needed something hearty. “You okay with that? Some food - anything you like - and then I’ll take you home?”
“That sounds good. Just promise me something?”
“What?”
“Don’t tell Parker. I don’t want him to know what happened.”
I realized this was the first time since meeting her again that she’d taken off the mask of sultriness she carried. And that’s exactly what that was, a mask. Underneath her seductive exterior was an alluring and innocent angel who was simply making her way through the world.
“I won’t…” I brought her hand to my lips and kissed it. “As long as you continue working for me.”
15
GiGi
Pussy to GiGi. GiGi, this is your pussy. We have a level million alert. The hottest man in football history just protected your honor, kissed your hand, and is taking you out to eat.
Zane had singlehandedly transformed one of the worst days I’d ever had into one of the best.
Leaving without Cherry sucked big monkey balls. But it was worth it when the payoff amounted to spending your day with a masculine and protective hottie like Zane.
He was already tall, athletic, and sexy; the stuff of panty-dripping fantasies. But the wa
y he’d stepped in when that guy attempted to take advantage of me? That pushed his attraction factor through the roof.
My panties were already moist when I rode over with him. They dampened with every moment that I spent next to him. They were upgraded to fully saturated when he stepped in to defend my honor.
But when he brought his gorgeous lips to the back of my hand and caressed the skin with a firm but gentle kiss, oh baby! My pussy creamed my panties, and nearly soaked through my pants.
The softest of grunts escaped his lips - which was a-okay by me, because I couldn’t suppress the small moan that slipped through mine.
“Do we have a deal, beautiful?” His voice, despite its casual tone, oozed with unstated desire.
“Yes,” I breathed. Thank God I had the ability to compose myself quickly.
“Where to?” He firmly held onto my hand. “What do you have a taste for?”
“Nothing really.” I shook my head, racking my brain for options. I didn’t eat out a lot.
“Hooters?”
“Hell no.” I rolled my eyes. “That is the last place on Earth I’d rather eat.”
“You like sushi or Italian?”
“Both.”
“Pick one.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Sushi.”
“Alright. I’ve got just the place.”
Twenty minutes later, we arrived at SugarFish. It was pretty late in the afternoon, and people were arriving for Happy Hour and after work socialization, but we were able to snag a spot in the corner.
We weren’t far from the window, but not right in front of it either, which protected us from the direct view of pedestrians walking past.
Zane took control, and ordered two Trust Me platters. The platters were a chef’s assortment of sushi pieces. I wasn’t old enough to drink, so he ordered two Sprites to go with the meal.
“You remember how much I love Sprite?” It didn’t matter that his endorsements were with Mountain Dew, as a kid I demanded Sprite religiously.