Careful of the Company You Keep Read online

  Danielle laughed. “Right.”

  I rose. “I’m going to go and get another drink. You want one?”

  She nodded, yet her mind was more on Ron and his date with the bad hairdo than on me. “Yeah. A drink would be great.”

  “Coming right up.”

  I shook my head. I don’t know why Danielle can’t just move on. Men like Ron ain’t the kind you marry. They’re the kind you simply fuck. Even if her daughter hadn’t lied, Ron was a piece of shit. He ain’t never been able to hold on to a job for long and spends too much time in the street. I wouldn’t touch his dick with my worst enemy’s pussy.

  7

  Danielle

  I watched Ron with that bitch on his arm. I didn’t want to stare, but his walk demanded my attention. I hadn’t seen him in five months and just the sight of him caused old feelings to resurface. There was something about him that did things to me. He had obviously moved on, yet I couldn’t help feeling jealous the way the two of them were hugged up. I felt hate. I felt love. I felt like going over and demanding that bitch leave my man alone. Luckily, I remembered he no longer belonged to me. Damn! Am I ever going to get over him? It’s been months, yet he’s all I can think about. I am so pathetic. I don’t know if I’ll ever love anyone like him. I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to.

  “I know who that is,” I heard Renee say when she returned to the table with our drinks.

  I should have known Renee was going to bring Ron back up when she returned. Knowing her, she went over to the bar just so she could get a closer look. “Who?” I asked, trying hard to sound like it didn’t matter one way or the other.

  “He’s with that bitch Rosalyn.”

  The name didn’t ring a bell. “You know her?”

  Renee nodded and took a sip. “Yep. She used to mess with my cousin Dirt. Straight ho. I heard she’s got the package.”

  “Which package?”

  She pursed her lips. “Herpes.”

  “Hell nah!” I couldn’t help but feel relieved by what she said even though it was probably just one of the hundreds of rumors floating around this little-ass town.

  “Danny, if that’s what Ron wants, then so be it.”

  That was easy for her to say. She left her husband because she caught him fucking another man in the ass. The only reason Ron and I weren’t still together was because of my daughter’s lie. I wanted so badly to get out of my seat and go over there and talk to him. Don’t you dare do it! Fine. Besides, I’m sure Renee would kick my ass if I even tried.

  I sipped my drink and watched the two of them walking around the building, he in front and she right behind on his heels. As much as I hated it, they looked good together. She had more curves than a cul-de-sac. Full breasts. A wide ass and a narrow waistline. She was wearing low-rider jeans and a midriff sweater that showed off her belly ring. Ron was wearing loose-fitting jeans and a T-shirt that couldn’t hide the massive muscles in his arms and chest. I wanted to reach out and take a bite. He had bowed legs. Dammit! Just knowing someone else was now riding my dick was hard for me to accept. Instead, I was left feigning for him and thinking if he would just give me one more chance things would be so much different.

  My nostrils flared. It wasn’t fair! I had waited almost two years for him to grow up and get a job. And as soon as he had gotten himself together and things in our relationship had just started to get better, my daughter stepped in and fucked everything up.

  “You need to quit staring before he notices.”

  I blushed. I should have known Renee was watching me. “Damn, am I that pathetic?”

  “Danny, I know you ain’t still trippin’ off of Ron. After he spat in your face, he would be the last man I’d want to be with.”

  I took a sip from my glass, ignoring her comment, and was glad when David came over and led her back out onto the dance floor. Sometimes my best friend gets on my last nerve. What she’ll never understand is that it doesn’t matter how long I date Calvin, I will never get over my one true love. No one can make me feel like Ron does. The brother was slinging dick for days, and nothing beats being in bed with a thug.

  I forced myself to look around the room but my eyes kept landing on Ron and that ho he had on his arm.

  If Portia hadn’t lied, we’d still be together.

  Or maybe not.

  I released a heavy sigh. Maybe it was time for me to let go and move on. After all, it was Ron’s loss. I had been a hell of a good woman to him for over two years, and up until the last couple of months all he had done was use me. My utilities had gotten turned off so many times even though Ron claimed he had paid the bill. Then there were the calls from his baby’s mama in the middle of the night. For real, he wasn’t even worth my time and I wasn’t sure why I still wanted him, but I did.

  Just get over him.

  I looked over in time to catch Ron looking in my direction and quickly turned my head. The last thing I wanted him to know was that I still loved him.

  Renee returned, reached for her drink, and brought it to her lips, then started bobbing her head. Everything was going to be all right. I could feel it. As long as you stop staring at Ron.

  Focusing on the opposite side of the room, I spotted a tall, thuggish-looking brotha with Hershey’s chocolate skin. Good God Almighty! I had never seen him before in my life, and I thought I knew everybody. My heart started pounding. And when he glanced over in my direction and the two of us made eye contact, I wiped my mouth to make sure I wasn’t drooling all over myself.

  Renee noticed, too. “Goddamn, the cutie is sweating your ass.”

  “And I’m checking his ass out, too.”

  It wasn’t long after, he walked across the room and stopped right in front of our table, and I thought I was going to fall out of my chair.

  “Hey, sexy, you want to dance?”

  I was tongue-tied. All I could do was sit there and stare at his sexy gold-tooth smile.

  Renee intervened. “Hell yeah, she wants to dance.”

  Nodding, I rose from my seat and followed him out onto the dance floor. The last time I was caught slow dancing in the club with another man, Ron had come over and started a fight. I glanced over to the right to make sure Ron wasn’t paying attention. He wasn’t.

  “What’s your name?”

  I smiled up at my partner and wrapped my arms loosely around his waist. “Danielle. Yours?”

  “Chance.”

  Ooh, his name was just as sexy as he was.

  I leaned against him, and together we swayed side to side to the beat of the music. I gazed up into a pair of mesmerizing hazel eyes. Damn, could the brotha possibly be any finer? “You new in town?”

  “Yes and no,” he began with a pearly white grin. “I went to school at Lincoln University and used to kick it up here all the time.”

  “Where’d you grow up?”

  “St. Louis. But I’ve been back a month. If I can find myself a good woman I’d have a reason to stay.” The music slowed down and Chance pulled me snugly into his arms and I closed my eyes and smiled. Damn, it felt good being held by him. Why couldn’t it be this way with Calvin?

  When the song ended he pulled back slightly and stared down at me again. “I’ll let you get back to yo girl. But first put your number in my phone just in case you try to sneak out before I get those digits.”

  I smiled and tried to hide my excitement. The last thing I wanted him to know was how much I was feeling him.

  “Holla at me before you leave.”

  I nodded, then sashayed back to the table and caught Ron staring. I tossed my head back and laughed all the way back to our table. Good for his ass.

  8

  Renee

  I went and got another round of drinks even though I knew good and well neither one of us needed another. But what the hell? You only live once, and I knew I wouldn’t be back in this place again anytime soon. Although I have to admit I was having a hell of a time with the few folks in this place that were my age. I returned to
the table just as Danielle came back and lowered onto the seat.

  “Who the hell was that fine mothajumper?”

  “His name is Chance.”

  “Chance?” I frowned as I watched him move around the bar. “Where’s he from?”

  “St. Louis, can you believe it?”

  “St. Louis?” Something about him suddenly seemed familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

  “What?”

  “I don’t know. I was wondering if I knew him.” There was something about him, but there was no telling. I knew a lot of people. “So whassup with him?”

  “Nothing really. I gave him my number so I’ll see if he calls me.”

  At least she gave him her number. I thought with Ron being in the room she’d be scared to even try to step to another. The last time she did, Ron’s ass clowned Calvin. He stole on that negro before he saw it coming. Hee-hee! That was some funny shit. That’s a good sign. Maybe she was ready to move on. And it’s about damn time. Ron just ain’t worth losing sleep over.

  I looked over and saw Landon heading our way. Leslie was nowhere in sight. “Whassup?” I asked as if I hadn’t been watching him since he left our table.

  “I’m so sorry about all that.” His apology seemed sincere.

  “Whassup with you and Leslie? ’Cause inquiring minds want to know.”

  He shrugged like it was no big deal. “That’s the past.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Must not be, the way she was sweating yo ass.”

  Danielle gave him a hard look. “I think you need to go on back over there with her, ’cause Ima have to whup her ass if she come over here trippin’ again.”

  “She left.”

  I smiled. “Good, then have a seat.”

  9

  Danielle

  I waved Renee good-bye. I should have known she was going to take Landon home. Hell, I wasn’t no hater. If I had my way I would have been inviting Chance home with me. But as I followed the crowd out of the club, hoping to run into him again, I couldn’t find him. Hopefully he’ll call me—soon. In the meantime, I would have to go without getting any dick tonight.

  You can always pull out your vibrator.

  Hell no. I needed something tonight that a piece of plastic could not give me. Something rough and dirty that only a thug could offer.

  I reached inside my purse for my keys and crossed the street. Everybody was coming out of the club, and both the street and sidewalk were crowded. Nobody appeared to be in a rush to go home. Neither was I, but where else did I have to go?

  When I got close to my vehicle, I almost tripped on the heel of my boot when I spotted Ron leaning against the hood of my Durango smoking a blunt. Cops were circling the area, but leave it to him not to give a fuck.

  My heart soared when I realized he hadn’t gone home with that slut. Bitch, you gotta play it cool. I couldn’t let him know how happy I was to see him waiting for me. Instead of running into his arms like I was dying to do, I ignored him and walked around and unlocked my door.

  “Yo, whassup?”

  I simply shrugged. “What’s up wit you?”

  “Nothing,” he said and took another hit. “Where yo nigga at?”

  Oh, he had noticed. By the frown on his face, I knew it pissed him off. Good.

  “I don’t have a nigga.”

  Ron dropped the blunt to the ground and put it out with his foot. The whole time I stood there with the door open, waiting. I knew I should get in and just pull off but I couldn’t, because this was the moment I’ve been waiting for.

  “Want some company?” he finally asked.

  “I guess,” I said. It took everything not to smile.

  “Yo, it’s either yes or no.”

  I rolled my eyes and climbed in. Ron was always trying to run things. “You can either come or you don’t.” Please come. I was already staring down at his crotch.

  “Yeah, aw’ight. I’ll be there in a few.”

  Nodding, I pulled away, and as soon as I reached the corner, I stopped my SUV long enough to scream “Hell yeah!” at the top of my lungs, then tried not to get a ticket as I sped home to change my sheets.

  10

  Renee

  I pulled into the driveway, raised the door to the two-car garage, and signaled for Landon to pull into the spot beside me. The last thing I needed was for the neighbors to be knowing what’s going on at my house.

  I’m an undercover freak. Tamara was staying the night with a friend and Quinton was spending the weekend at his father’s. I was free to get buck wild without an audience. Otherwise, I would have had Landon pay for a hotel. And not a cheap one, either.

  The door lowered, I climbed out. Landon came around beside me.

  “You live in a nice neighborhood.”

  What did he think I lived in? The hood like that rat, Leslie?

  I just smiled, moved toward the door, and opened it. He followed me inside and gave a wolf whistle as he looked around. “Damn, Renee! You living large.”

  I love when people compliment my house.

  “Shit, maybe I need to write a book.”

  I get a kick out of how people think just because you write books you’ve got to be rich. And I’d be damned if I corrected him. With the money from my separation agreement, I was able to afford a house I was proud to call my home. But I didn’t invite him over for a tour. I wanted to get to know him better, if you get my drift.

  I reached inside the refrigerator, removed two Coronas, and signaled for him to follow me into the family room. While he got comfortable on my leather couch, I went over to the stereo and turned on the “Quiet Storm.” I moved over to that couch and took a seat, putting just enough distance between us but close enough that I could reach over and caress his thigh. For a long time, neither of us said anything and just enjoyed the music. Atlantic Starr was singing “Secret Lovers.” I hadn’t heard that cut in years.

  “I can’t believe I’m here with you,” Landon said with a sheepish grin.

  “Neither can I.” I can bet Leslie is madder than a mothafucka. Hee-hee!

  “What are you smiling about?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Oh, so you’re not going to tell me what’s on your mind.” He tried to tickle me and I jumped back out of his reach.

  “Hey!” I laughed. “I didn’t say that.”

  “Then tell me. What’re you thinking about?”

  “I’m wondering when you’re going to shut the hell up and kiss me.”

  “You said nothing but the word.”

  He took both our drinks and set them on the floor, then leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine. Mmmm. Yummy! They were soft and he knew how to give just enough tongue without getting all sopping wet. I moaned when he snaked an arm around my waist and pulled me against him. I locked my hands around his neck and leaned in closer. I could feel my body responding to him. Now that’s what I’m talking about! A brotha with looks and skills. Landon was a passionate kisser who cared about making sure I was enjoying it as much as he was.

  I closed my eyes while he nibbled and licked at my neck, each touch sending chills down my spine. I could tell he liked to take his time, while I was ready to get busy. I slipped my hands beneath his shirt and caressed his pecs. Oh, but they felt good. His hand slipped under mine and he unclasped my bra and reached inside to caress my itty-bitty titties. Oooh, yesss!

  Eager to get this show started, I broke the kiss and pulled his shirt over his head, then removed my own.

  “Do you want to go up to your room?” he suggested.

  “Not just yet,” I whispered. Rising, I stood before him, reached for my zipper, and removed my jumpsuit and stood before him in a pair of lace panties.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “So I’ve been told.”

  He pulled me back down on the couch. The whole time he was kissing me, my mind was racing with possibilities. Little Landon Lawson had grown up to be a man.

  Never one to let a brotha think he has the
upper hand, I flipped him onto his back and allowed my tongue to travel from his neck across his pecs while he palmed the cheeks of my ass.

  “Damn, you’re sensual,” he moaned.

  Okayyy, that shit sounded gay as hell, but ’cause he’s sexy, I’d let that comment pass as well. But one more of those and I was going to slip him John’s address, then show him the door.

  I slid my tongue down his fabulous abs and followed the trail of hair to the band of his boxer briefs. I love the way they look on a man, especially if he has large legs. And Landon’s thighs are massive. And that’s not the only thing. That bulge in his briefs was enough to make me salivate. Anxious to see what was inside, I instructed him to raise his hips. I lowered his underwear and wanted to shout. Oh, hubba bubba, Landon, go grab that rubba!

  “Mmmm, Daddy, you’re full of surprises.”

  He beamed, and he had every reason to be proud.

  I got down on my knees on the floor and instructed him to hang off the edge of the couch. With his legs spread, I moved between them. As soon as he was comfortable, I licked a path up one inner thigh and then the other, teasing and drawing closer to the tip each time but never quite reaching him. Landon lifted his hips, trying to get me to lick the head of his big black snake, but I refused. Don’t he know by now I do things at my own pace, and damned if I’m going to rush. Besides, I like to make a brotha beg.

  “Please, Renee. Suck it.”

  See what I’m talking about? “Not yet,” I said and blew on the tip. He squirmed. I chuckled. I teased him a little longer, then captured the head between my lips and lightly sucked. Oh, he was moaning like a baby now.

  I lowered and swallowed him whole, released him, then took it slowly in and out of my mouth, sucking and releasing, taking him deeper and deeper and releasing again.