chapter three
Blacks No Chaser
Toby
Two years later….
“Felix, are you going to get the hell off that phone,” John teases.
“No, he’s probably texting Kaye,” Ry snorts.
“Mind your own fucking business,” Felix growls.
“Whatever,” Ry chuckles.
“Dude, doesn’t she have a boyfriend?” John wrinkles his brow.
I shake my head, as I flex my fingers, John just finished taping. I punch my right hand into my left. When I’m satisfied, I hold my hands out for John to place the lightweight gloves on for me.
“She sure does. I think it’s creepy how he watches her,” Braxton croons.
“Fuck you,” Felix finally pulls his attention away from his screen to glare at Brax.
“Wait, are we talking about Kaye Porter?” Wyatt asks.
“Yup,” Brax laughs.
“Mm,” Wyatt says and shakes his head. “I’ll be minding my own fucking business, for sure.”
“Dude,” Brax calls to me, as he jumps around to loosen up. “Are you going to cover for me this weekend, or what?”
“If you can beat my ass, I’ll cover the phones for you this weekend,” I chuckle at Braxton.
He’s been trying to get me to cover for him at the office all week. He has some hot date or some shit. He’s fifteen going on thirty, in the worse way. With Brax, you never know what he’s up to. I think mom dropped him on his head a few times, when he was a baby.
He’s truly missing a couple of screws. Let’s just face it, Braxton needs help, the professional variety. I think he does crazy shit to drive mom and dad crazy.
I’m not covering shit for him. I know if I do, he’s only going to get his ass in trouble. Nope, I’ll whip his ass and save him from himself. I’d rather protect him than feel like I should’ve later, when he gets his ass into something he can’t get out of.
“Fine, let’s go,” Brax says, with that cocky grin on his face. I plan to knock it right off.
Brax and Ry have shot up a lot in the last year. I’m sure they’ll both pass me soon. Especially, if I stop growing at six-one. I doubt that, but it’s possible. John is nineteen and he seems to have stopped growing at a little under six-two.
I don’t think he’s going to get too much taller. I just passed six feet this year. Brax stands just under me at five-nine. Christ, the kid is fifteen and looks like he could be in my grade.
Doesn’t mean I’m not about to kick his ass. Brax is fast, but not fast enough. I look over to see Wyatt in the corner, watching while on his phone. I puff out my chest. It’s not often I have my big brother home to watch me school the youngins anymore. I’ll have to make this good or Wyatt might kick my ass next.
I roll my shoulders and move backwards, around the ring. I think the gym down in the basement of the office, is my favorite reason for coming here. I get to blow off steam.
I’ve been needing to do a lot of that lately. Things have been…tense. That’s the only word I can give it. The more I try to stay away from Kamara, the more she seems to be around. It’s as if Kwäzē is trying to torture me or something.
Whenever I think it’s going to be just the two of us hanging out, he ends up bringing Kamara along. I get it, they’re twins. I just hate being blindsided when it comes to her. I kid you not, I need time to prepare to be in her presence.
Kamara has always been beautiful, but now. Fuck, I hate those tight ass jeans she wears and those sweet, innocent seeming tank tops that do nothing to hide her breasts, drive me nuts. I mean she has to know she has a sick body.
All of that chocolate brown skin. I’ve imagined over and over that her pussy tastes like Godiva or something delicious like that. I would love to pop one of those full tits into my mouth.
I grit my teeth and swing at Brax, frustrated with my own thoughts. This is what my life has become. I crave a girl I can never have. I changed my sophomore and Junior year schedule, just to be in more of her classes.
The shit I do to be around Kamara could be considered stalking in most States. I’m kind of to the point of not giving a fuck anymore. If all I can get is being close to her, as a friend, I’ll take it. Even though, I want so much more.
“Fuck,” I growl, when Brax catches me with a right hook.
“Focus, Toby, that little shit is going to kick your ass if you don’t pay attention,” Johnathan calls from outside the ring.
I grunt and shake off the punch. Brax hits hard. That shit is going to buzz for a bit. I check back into the fight, pushing my other thoughts to the back of my mind.
“This is going to be a piece of cake,” Braxton gloats.
“Not a chance,” I hiss back.
I throw a combination, landing one to his ribs and another to his jaw. I have to remind him who he’s dealing with. Braxton and Ryan are more evenly matched in the ring. Braxton has a lot more to learn, before he can beat my ass.
Those two usually have to jump me to get the best of me. I’m not about to pussy out now. Brax staggers back, all teasing and playfulness fade from his face. He is totally serious now. My little brother hates to lose.
Tough shit, kid.
We’re going at it for another ten minutes, when the air in the room shifts. I know right away the reason for it. I’d totally forgot that I’d invited Kwäzē to the office today.
We had plans to hang out, after I finished my training. I don’t have to turn my head to know that he has his twin with him today. I get this same feeling whenever she’s around.
Braxton takes advantage of my sudden shift in focus. He throws a punch and splits my lip. I’ve had enough. I throw a body shot, then take him down to the ground. I know we’re supposed to be sticking to boxing, but there’s no way I’m letting Brax embarrass me in front of Kamara.
As long as she’s in this room, I won’t be able to focus on anything but her. Even now, as I have Braxton in a sleeper hold, my eyes have found her. I feel my chest tighten as we lock eyes.
Amazing, she is just amazing. Kamara seems to grow a half inch for every inch I grow, as if her body is compensating for mine. It’s like she’s meant for me.
Her long brown legs are on display today, in a yellow cotton dress. The dress is perfect against her skin. It makes her look like a chocolate goddess with hues of gold shimmer off her skin. Flawless in a way that can’t be described or duplicated.
Her hair is braided up into one of her ponytail puffs. The ends, loose and wild, like a halo. No, like a crown on top of her head. I’ve grown fond of those ponytails she wears. They’re the perfect complement to her face and long neck.
“Get off, Toby,” Brax gasps.
“Dude, he tapped out. Let go,” Wyatt yells at me.
I curse under my breath, realizing I’ve been caught in a trance. I’m always under her spell. That’s my fucking problem, I need to keep my head around her.
Kamara has this pull on me that takes up all my attention. I have a habit of honing in on her and forgetting everything else. No one has called me on it yet, but I know it’s only a matter of time. Someone is going to see right through me.
I want Kamara. Anyone else is just a place holder. I’m so fucked, I don’t know what to do.
~B~
Kamara
I wish I could say that my freshman year of high school got better. Ha! I wish I could say that my Sophomore year wasn’t a disaster. After Nellie left, I lost the little group of friends I had made.
Nellie had sort of been the glue keeping us together. Rebecca took Nellie’s leaving hard and drew into herself. Heather, well, she’s in college. I only got to hang with her a few times before Nellie left.
I didn’t know if Heather or Rebecca wanted to still be friends so I let them go their way. I tried to make friends with some of the other kids at school, but I learned quickly that they were just being nice to get me to do their school work. Not many around here are genuine.
I truly fear next year, when Kwäzē is off to college. These last three years have been beyond challenging, but my bright spot has continued to be the crush I have on Toby Black. He has only become more beautiful to look at with each passing day.
Even now, as his eyes hold mine in a stare, I have a hard time trying to catch my breath. He wears that copper hair a little longer on the top this year, allowing it to fall into his forehead and sometimes into his eyes. Oh, God, and that body. Have mercy on me, Toby has filled out in ways that should be illegal in any country.
I know I have changed in the last three years, since I arrived, but Toby, he is just a sight to behold. When we walked in, his back was to me. I had the chance to admire his sculpted back and tight butt.
Those grey sweatpants are a God send. The sweat dripping from his back, the way his hair has turned a darker red, from being drenched in perspiration, it is all mouthwatering. I couldn’t bear to look away.
My mother complains that I’ve become Americanized. To a degree, I do not disagree. In my village, it would be improper to ogle a young man the way I stare at Toby.
“I think you almost had your ass kick,” Kwäzē yells out and chuckles, snapping me out of my trance, as Toby’s older brother growls for him to release Braxton.
Wyatt is away at college most the time, but I have met him before. I have actually met Wyatt through his attendance at my family home. I was surprised the first time I saw him leaving my father’s office.
I have seen him at the house a hand full of times since. I don’t get into my father’s business, but I can’t say I have not been curious a time or two. The Black brothers leave quite the impression upon meeting them.
I like Wyatt. He is kind, but also watchful. I have felt as if he’s looking through me the few times we have met. I don’t want to know what he sees.
Sometimes, I fear to take a peek at my own reflection. I fear that once I reveal who I am to myself, I will have a hard time hiding her from others. Time has passed, but the time for my secrets to breathe life has not.
“Whatever,” Toby huffs, after releasing his brother and climbing to his feet.
“That wasn’t fair,” Braxton growls at Toby, as he wipes sweat from his forehead.
“I told you to kick my ass, you didn’t so you have to cover your own shift for the weekend,” Toby shrugs.
“I thought we were straight boxing,” Braxton complains.
“Stop whining, you wouldn’t have taken him if you guys were mixing it up. So it doesn’t matter,” Ryan laughs.
“Fuck you, yes, I would have,” Braxton snaps.
“Nah, Bro, you wouldn’t have, but you keep it up. At the rate you’re growing, you might be able to soon. You need to work on your ground work though,” Johnathan calls into the ring.
“Yeah, you’re getting better,” Wyatt says, pulling off his shirt and stepping into the ring. “I saw some things I think I can help you improve.”
“I almost had him,” Braxton frowns and murmurs.
“Only because he was distracted,” Wyatt replies, looking in my direction quickly, before turning his back to Braxton.
For the first time, I feel as if Wyatt dislikes me. I caught the look of disapproval in his eyes, before he turned away. I can’t help wringing my hands, as I begin to feel uncomfortable.
“What’s up,” Toby nods to me, as he stops in front of me and Kwäzē.
He has a towel around his neck, wiping the sweat from his brow. I try to stop my eyes from following the beads of sweat that trickle down his bicep. I know he has caught me, when his lips turn up in one corner.
Instead of waiting for my reply, he moves on, turning to Kwäzē. I’m flustered that I can’t find a single thing to say. Some things just haven’t changed. I still don’t know how to hold my wits around Toby.
“Man, I forgot we had plans,” Toby says to Kwäzē. They do that guy hug thing, where they bump shoulders and pat each other on the back.
I watch dumbly, as Toby’s back flexes with the motion. My lips part, trying to allow some air between them. I think I’m going to be dizzy.
“I bet you did. Last time we talked, you were preoccupied,” Kwäzē chuckles.
Toby takes a step back from Kwäzē and his eyes slide to look at my face. I feel my cheeks heat. I already know Toby has been seeing Kerry and the new girl, Patricia Grove.
Toby shrugs. “I guess,” he mutters. “I didn’t know Wyatt was coming in this weekend. I mean, you guys are welcome to hang out with us. I just wanted to make sure that would be cool.”
Toby and Kwäzē turn to me, as if I’ll protest. I have nothing better to do. I will not sit at home for another weekend to listen to my mother tell me how much she wishes I would open up like Kwäzē has.
Me not making friends has nothing to do with me not opening up. It is different for my brother. He has been here longer. He made friends years ago. In high school, most cliques are already formed by junior high or early on in the freshmen year. I missed out on all of that.
Arriving late in my freshmen year, did nothing for the obstacles I already had to face. I pray that college will be better for me, but I’ve lost all hope for high school. For now, I’ll have to be content with being my brother’s shadow, until I can’t any longer.
“I’m fine with whatever it is you guys are doing,” I nod and say.
Toby’s eyes roll over me slowly. His lips curl into that secret smile again. He turns to Kwäzē.
“I think my dad’s looking for you, man. He said to send you up next time you came by,” Toby says to my brother.
Kwäzē’s eyes light up. “Will you be okay here,” he asks.
“I will be fine. I don’t think I can get into much trouble,” I shrug and try to play cool.
Kwäzē takes off, as soon as the words are out of my mouth. I stare after him, wondering what has him so excited. I’m so focused on him, I’m startled when Toby’s words tug at my attention and his warm breath fans my ear.
“You can get into all kinds of trouble around here,” he whispers, revealing he is much closer than I thought.
I turn and blink at him. Those golden eyes arrest me on the spot. It takes me a moment to find my words. I’m determined to have a witty come back for a change.
“Maybe it’s time I learned what a little bit of American fun is like,” I reply breathily and bat my lashes.
Toby’s nostrils flare and his eyes narrow. I force myself not to bite my lip or wring my hands. I will stand my ground here. I’m tired of hiding how I feel.
I hide so much, all the time. I think I might burst. This, these feelings I have, I want them to be known.
“Kamara, you have no idea,” Toby pauses and licks his lips. He steps closer and dips his head lower. “Don’t play with fire, gorgeous.”
My chest swells at the endearment, but I keep my cool. I channel the woman within, hoping she has some tricks I’ve yet to learn or use. I think I surprise us both with my next words.
“Maybe all that fire needs is something to cool it off,” I flirt, looking up through my lashes.
I note the shock that covers Toby’s face. This is the first time in almost three years that I haven’t been tongue tied and rambling. I mentally give myself a high five, when Toby stands, just staring. I think I have him tongue tied. And then, he turns the tables on me.
~B~
Toby
I don’t know whether to be turned on or frustrated as fuck. At seventeen, Kamara’s voice has changed a bit. It is still husky, just like the first time I heard it. Only now, it is smoky and smooth.
Hearing that voice talk shit to me, has me on the verge of embarrassing myself. My sweats are going to do nothing to hide how I really feel about this girl, if I don’t walk away from her soon. I asked for it this time.
I don’t even know what I was thinking, trying to get some alone time with her. It has to be the scent of strawberries and something spicy coming from her. Or maybe it’s the way her lips are shining from her lip gloss.
Her words keep playing in my head, on repeat. ‘Maybe all that fire needs is something to cool it off.’ Damn, the images that follow her words have my head ready to explode. No guessing which one.
I lick my lips, as my eyes focus on hers. “You wouldn’t last a minute. I’ll be up under that dress like your own personal warrior, Princess,” I lick my lips again and look down at her breasts. “So much chocolate. I have a real sweet tooth. I like to lick things, Kamara. I don’t think my best friend would like me licking all over his sister.”
Her eyes go so wide, I think they’re going to pop out of her head. I know I’ve channeled my best Wyatt. I’m pretty damn pleased with myself.
Then, suddenly, something changes in her eyes. I’m sure she’s going to slap the shit out of me. She looks away from me, taking a few steps back.
“I…uh…I’m sorry. I must go. Please tell Kwäzē I decided to go home,” she says softly. “Thank you.”
I want to kick myself. I reach out for her arm. “Kamara, wait,” I call.
She turns to me, but when I look into her eyes, they are haunted. I release her, not wanting to freak her out further. I have no idea how I’ve fucked this up so royally. I don’t know what I was thinking.
That immature bullshit is so beneath what Kamara deserves. I curse myself a thousand times. I feel like she is slipping through my fingers, as she turns and practically runs out of the gym.
“Shit,” I huff to myself.
“Let that shit go,” Wyatt says beside me, as he slaps me on my back. “That’s your best friend’s sister. His twin, man. The way you’ve been fucking around, that shit isn’t going to go over well.”
I hear the caution in his voice. I want to admit that he’s right, but I feel the vice grip Kamara has on my chest, as she disappears from my view. I mentally scold myself.
Kamara is so innocent. Seeing her try to flirt was too fucking sexy and cute. I should have known that my response was too aggressive for her. As if hearing my thoughts and knowing I’m far from wanting to end this thing I have for Kamara, Wyatt further warns me.
“A hard head makes a soft behind, Toby. She’s not for you. That’s a problem you don’t want on your hands,” Wyatt turns to look me in the eyes.
“Yeah, yeah, I hear you,” I mumble.
Wyatt zeros in on me and I can see he’s about to say more, but Kwäzē appears just then. I’m sort of relieved. I hear my brother. He may even be right, it doesn’t change how I feel. It’s taking everything in me not to run after Kamara, but I force myself not to.
“Please, I need to go a few rounds,” Kwäzē pleads, pulling my attention.
When I look into my friend’s eyes, I make my decision. Something is already eating at him. I can see it. Whatever he and my father just talked about has shaken him. I don’t need to add any bullshit to what’s going on.
I value my friendship with Kwäzē. For that reason, I’ll keep away from his sister. Well, that and the fact that I just fucked up royally. Yeah, I need to keep my mouth shut when it comes to her. Nothing good will come from me going after her.