“Thought we were gone have to come in there behind y’all,” Chubby said when we approached.
“Oh no, perfection is worth waiting for,” Chante said as she took the seat beside him.
“So Chubby, what are you doing now?” I asked.
“Opening up that new restaurant with T. We are almost ready for the Grand Opening. Y’all know y’all gotta come.” Chubby said.
“Without question. What you drinking?” Marcos asked.
“I’m nursing, but I can do a rum and Coke,” I said quietly. The men approached the bar and came back with our drinks. Chante and Chubby got lost in their own worlds upon their return. I kept the conversation light with Marcos. We had talked so much on the phone the last few nights, but somehow, we still had plenty to say to one another. His conversation relaxed me. In his presence, I couldn’t help but notice his most pronounced characteristics: Confidence, Assertiveness, and Transparency. Every question I asked, he didn’t talk around it. He answered directly.
When I looked up hours later and saw five empty drinks in front of Chante, I knew there was no way I was going to let her drive.
“I guess, I’m the driver tonight,” I said in her direction. With glazed eyes, she looked back with a smile.
“Gavin is taking me home. Marcos, you got my girl, right?” She locked eyes with me in the most conspicuous way and chuckled. My girl was lit. I’m sure she thought she was playing it cool, but everyone at the table got the message that she was about to go home and fuck Chubby. Marcos laughed as we all stood. The men threw $100 down on the table, respectively, and we all walked toward the door.
“She is always good.”
I watched Chubby get into Chante’s car, and he looked so huge in it.
“What about his car?” I turned to Marcos to ask.
“He got it.”
I dropped it because I’m sure the men would work it out. Marcos walked me to the passenger side. Instead of opening my door, he stood in front of me.
“I’m not ready for the night to end. Got me smiling and shit being in your presence.”
I blushed and turned. “It’s a weekday. Not much else is open.” I debated inviting him to my house. We were not yet ready for that step. At least I wasn’t.
“What about B’s?”
“Bowling? Now you know you can’t bowl.” I teased.
“I got a lil better. What do you want to bet?”
“Anything, because I know you will lose.” I stepped forward.
“Don’t tell me that.”
I cocked my head to the side. “Hell nah, no deal! I ain’t betting my pussy. You crazy!” I said, snapping my neck.
“Trust me, I ain’t gotta bet to get that. But I’m talking about vibing another few hours with you. So get your mind out of the gutter and off this dick.” The mention of his dick made my eyes plummet to his beltline. His hand touched my throat gently, and he used his thumb to tilt my chin.
“Eyes up.” He said hoarsely. I tore my eyes away in embarrassment, and his hand slipped from me to open the door. I calmed myself as he walked to the driver’s side.
“Maybe another day. I should probably call it a night.” I said once he got settled.
He nodded and pulled out of the parking lot. He started to talk again. “So, you can look at me and say you’re not attracted to me?” Damn, he was swinging for the fence.
“Attraction has never been a problem,” I answered honestly. Even under the night sky, he was sexy. Wrist shining, perfect brush waves, Caesar cut. Even the veins that trailed up his arm and disappeared inside his shirt
“Damn right,” He responded.
“If your cocky ass don't hush.”
“Then what is the problem?”
