Bliss
“He’s totally into you.” Patrick tosses a fry at me. I catch it and pop it in my mouth.
“Serious, B Money, “India chimes in. “I’ve never seen Cuba like this. He damn near had a pissing match with Aaron the other night, and then he kissed you earlier, and now here he is again.”
“You kissed those amazing lips?” Patrick gasps. “You, lucky bitch. I mean look at him. Look at all the little hoes drooling over him. Cuba Knight is back, and everyone knows now.”
I wave them off, Cuba isn’t even thinking about me, and I am not thinking about the way his lips crashed into mine not even five hours ago.
“I can’t believe you didn’t say anything the whole time at the shop.” He glares at me. Right after I left Cuba’s I went to Patrick’s salon, so he could touch up my new growth and straighten my hair.
I shrug. “I guess I forgot, it’s not a big deal.”
He slaps the table causing our drinks to shake, heads snap our way, but that doesn’t stop Patrick from whisper-screaming at me, “Bitch, Cuba fucking Knight kissed you and you forgot. Do you not know who he is?”
His green eyes widen in shock when I shake my head. “No idea. He seems to like it that way, and he made it clear he wants it to stay that way.” I sip my drink, my eyes quickly flicking to where Cuba and his friends are shooting pool and drinking. I notice he’s the only guy there solo. I also can’t help but notice how many girls walk by him trying to get his attention, but he doesn’t even look their way.
He was right, there has been attraction between them since the first day. Maybe I don’t need to know someone’s darkest secret to kiss them. And oh, how I wanted to kiss those lips again, but I refused to be like all the girls in this place, panting around for his attention.
He doesn’t want to be my friend; the feeling is mutual.
“We should dance.”
Patrick smiles. “Yes, we should.”
India waves us off, she’s too busy having eye sex with the red head at the bar. “You guys go, I’ll hold down the fort.”
“Or hold up your skirt in the men’s bathroom stall.” He snorts, standing and holding out his hand for me. “Shall we?”
Indi shoots him a glare but smiles. “Don’t be jealous.”
“Never, I like to keep myself pure.”
I down my drink. “Enough, you two.” They fight like siblings all the time. “Let’s go.” I take his hand and follow him to the makeshift dance floor.
Dixie’s is one of those places that can’t decide if it wants to be a cafe, a bar, or a club, so somehow, they made it into all three. Plush couches sit all the way in the back where there is a barista, then in the middle there is a bar, pool tables, and a few booths, and closer to the door are some standing tables, a makeshift dance floor, and the DJ booth. It’s odd but somehow it works.
The DJ spins “OMG” by Camila Cabello and my hips sway to the beat, my body no longer sore from this morning’s work out, but I did learn a few dance moves. Patrick moves behind me, his hands on my hips, his body moving along with mine to the beat, dipping when I do. Best thing about dancing with a gay guy is, no matter how much I rub my booty against him, I never have to worry about an unwelcomed guest poking me.
I feel his eyes burning into me before I even meet them, Cuba is leaning on his pool stick, his eyes burning holes into me as they move up and down my body. Tingles fill my stomach, there’s something about the way his tattooed arms flex when he grips the stick tighter, the way his tongue sweeps over his full lips, and his hazel eyes turn a little darker by the second.
“Damn, the way he’s looking at you is making me hot,” Patrick whispers in my ear. “I hope he knows I’m gay, that’s a fight I can’t win.”
I shake my head. “Don’t worry.” Dropping down, I come up slow against him. “He’s not even thinking about me.” I watch a gorgeous black-haired girl with rich dark skin walk up to him, her hands sliding down his arms. Just like that, his eyes are pulled from me to her.
I try not to let it faze me, but it does, I don’t know what game we are playing, but I need to get grip. I tutor him, that’s all, and that kiss meant nothing, I’m just another pretty girl that he likes to look at.
When the song starts to end, blending in with another chart topper, I pull away from Patrick. “I need some air.” Without waiting for his reply, I walk away, pushing past other dancers.
The cool air is a welcomed chill as I step outside. There are a few groups of students hanging around in circles laughing and smoking cigarettes.
Leaning against the brick wall, I take a deep breath. Cuba with another girl shouldn’t bother me, at all. I didn’t even feel this way when Dex and I first started talking to each other. Hell, I didn’t even feel anything when I caught him cheating. What is wrong with me, and this stupid attraction to Cuba? He’s a complete asshole to me whenever he gets a chance. Just when I think we can be civil, he shows me we can’t.
“Want some company?”
Speaking of the devil, Cuba is leaning against the wall next to me, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
“What if I said no?” I quirk an eyebrow. “I’m not in the need of company with an asshole.”
“He’s straight?” He ignores my comment. “The guy you were dancing with?”
I turn to him. “And it matters why?”
He turns to me. “Oh, it matters.”
“You looked occupied.”
He laughs lightly. “I couldn’t have been too occupied if I’m out here with you.”
“So why are you out here with me?” I tilt my head at him. “All those girls dying for your attention.”
“I kind of only want yours, Arrow.” He steps closer to me until he’s only inches away, I can smell the light scent of his expensive cologne. “See, I don’t know what it is about you, but I just can’t keep my distance, and I don’t think you want me to either, the way you were dancing. The way you were looking at me.” His lips brush my ear and down the arch of my neck. “So, tell me, were you dancing for me or him?”
Him? Who’s him?
I can barely think with him so close to me, inhaling me like I’m the newest fragrance and he wants to buy me.
And damn if I don’t want him to sample me.
A cough makes me jump back. Patrick is standing there looking all smug.
Cuba takes a step back to see who has interrupted us.
Speaking of him.
“Indi is being a slut and going home with the blonde god. I’m heading out, I can drop you off on the way.” His green eyes flick from me to Cuba, his smile growing wider.
“Yeah-“
“I can take you home,” Cuba cuts me off, stuffing his hands in his pockets and rocking back on his feet. “I was going that way anyway.”
Patrick is sending every silent sign to take the ride, he’s all but saying it out loud. His head nods quickly and throws up two thumbs up, “Perfect. I’ll see you later boo. Text me,” he calls over his shoulder.
I just blink, he ditched me, forcing me to take another ride with Cuba.
I glare at Patrick's back as he skips away. He didn't even make sure I was okay with it. The last thing I need is to be in Cuba's care again, close to him, breathing in his air, feeling his hazel eyes on me. My nerves are bundled up just thinking about it.
“I can grab an Uber, you shouldn't have to leave your friends because of me.” I slip my phone out of my back pocket and click on the app.
“You could always just hang out with us, and I can take you home,” he says slowly, as if choosing what to say carefully.
I shake my head quickly. “Oh no. It’s fine.” Cuba was the only one by himself. I didn't want people to think I was his next conquest, I shouldn't care what anyone thinks, but I do, when it comes to him, I do.
“What? You're too good for my friends?” He sounds annoyed.
I'm taken aback. “No. I just don't want-"
“Want anyone to think we're together?” he asks. “Arrow, we're just hanging out.”
Sighing, I hold off on ordering the Uber. “I don't get you. You told me I would never know you. You act like an asshole, then you kiss me and flirt with me. You say you want to lay low but suddenly you're everywhere.” I shake my head. “I just don't know what to expect with you, you give me whiplash.”
His hazel eyes narrow in thought, he nods slowly. “I get that. I'm sorry about the first session and about every asshole thing I've said to you.” He pauses, licking his lips. “I'm trying to get back to where I use to be. Let's start over, yeah?”
His eyes plead with me and I'm a sucker for them, but first. “Where were you then?”
Cuba frowns. “One thing at a time.” He grabs my hand and sparks shoot up my arm. His breath hitches, and I wonder if he can feel it too. “Let me buy you a drink, we can stay a little longer, and I'll take you home, just a ride. I promise.”
“Fine,” I groan. “If I must.”
A smile pulls at his lips. “I insist.”
Smiling back, I shake my head slightly, letting him lead me back into Dixie’s. It seems to be more crowded and eyes follow us. Cuba doesn't seem to mind as he navigates us through the bodies, his fingers laced through mine. I remind myself that this means nothing.
I see the same guys from the other night, still at the pool tables, girls hanging around them. I don't miss how they look at me, with curiosity. Their eyes go to our joined hands, and when we stop, I quickly pull my hand away. Cuba looks back at me but doesn't say anything.
“This is Bliss,” he tells them. “Bliss, this is Cam, Ash, his girlfriend Amanda, JR, and his girlfriend Maya.” He nods his head at each one, before putting his hand on the small of my bare back, another spark shoots through me, as he guides me to a stool by a tall table.
“What can I get you to drink?” he asks once I'm seated.
“I'll just take a Sprite.” I don't need to drink around him, I can admit I'm a lightweight, and I already have a small buzz from my first drink.
Cuba nods and heads to the bar. I can't help but feel eyes on me. Maya and Amanda are making their way up to me.
Amanda is a pretty pixie blonde, she reminds me of Tinkerbell in her pale yellow flowy dress and big blue eyes. Maya is the opposite, her golden skin looks kissed by the sun itself, dark curls frame her heart shaped face and dark eyes twinkle. A smile pulls at her full lips.
“You're gorgeous.” Right away, I pick up on Maya’s Spanish accent.
I'm taken aback by her comment and I blush. “Thank you.”
Amanda grins. “It's nice to meet you. You’re Dex’s ex, right?”
I hate when people refer to me as his ex. “He's actually my ex.”
They laugh at that and I smile.
“How long have you've been dating Cuba? No one has seen him in a while, since… you know.” Maya’s voice travels off.
That makes me frown. “Um, we aren't dating. We're friends.” It almost comes off as a question. Are we friends?
Now it's their turn to frown, as if they don't understand.
“I’m his tutor,” I explain.
“Oh.” Amanda nods like now she gets it. Both girls share a look and shift their feet.
Thankfully, Cuba appears at my side, my soda in hand, and a Coke for himself. “They only had 7-up, hope that’s okay.”
Smiling up at him, I nod. “Yes, perfect. Thanks.”
Maya and Amanda take this time to hurry back to their boyfriends, and I’m kind of glad, they wanted to question me more, find out why Cuba has me around. I would like to know that too, but I have a feeling it’s because he wants in my little shorts, not to get to know me.
“Were they being nice?” He leans against the wall beside me. I take a sip of my drink before nodding.
“Yeah, they asked how long we’ve been dating.”
He laughs, like a deep rumbling laugh. I guess the thought of dating me is funny. He must get that I’m not amused the moment he looks at my face, and he chokes, on the sound about to rupture up his throat. My eyes narrow in a glare as I take the straw into my mouth and sip. His eyes darken, focusing on my lips, and I arch an eyebrow, not so funny now.
Cam grabs his attention before he can say anything to me, and they begin another game of pool. Cuba steals glances at me as he rounds the table looking for his next shot.
My phone vibrates in my back pocket and I lift a little to slide it out.
It’s India.
Indi: Staying the night with the blond god from the bar. Are you home?
Me: Nope, Pat ditched me. Still at the bar.
I smile when her text comes back.
Indi: Of course, he did. Are you alone??
Me: Nope. :)
Indi: Bitch, who are you with? You don’t have friends.
Ouch, I have plenty of friends. That’s a lie, I don’t.
Me: Fine, I’m hanging with Cuba and his friends and then he’s taking me home.
There’s a long pause, and moments go by without a text, and then it comes. She sent a Gif of Beyoncé dancing.
Indi: I knew you wanted the D.
I can’t help but laugh out loud. Cuba’s eyes snap to me, and he misses his shot, the cue tip sliding against the green felt.
“Sorry.” I mouth and go back to my phone, quickly tapping out a text back.
Me: No. It’s just a ride home. I felt bad for making him leave early so I’m just hanging out until then. End of story.
Indi: Right, if you say so. I’ll see you tomorrow. Enjoy your trip to Cuba.
I can picture her now, laughing at her own joke. Rolling my eyes, I turn my screen off without replying to her. There will totally be no trip to Cuba. Not for me, at least, and not for his lack of trying.
For the next hour I watch the guys shoot pool, Maya and Amanda left about twenty minutes ago, they both gave me hugs goodbye and even exchanged numbers, saying they hope to see me around more often. I’m a little shocked since they barely know me, but maybe I should branch out and meet new people.
Girls are still shamelessly ogling Cuba, but he pays them no attention, he seems to be content just hanging with his boys, laughing, and what seems to be catching up. Seeing him like this does something to me and I can’t put my finger on it. His baseball cap is now turned backwards, showing more of his soft baby face, his hazel eyes lighting up every time he talks, and I just can’t look away. I see why the girls fawn all over him, he is clearly something to look at and sometimes he’s even an all right guy, he’s trying, and I’m letting him, at least for next few weeks.
It’s getting late and my body is starting to fill with tiredness. Cuba is about to rack up the balls again, and I really don’t want him to have to leave yet but I need to get home, I plan on driving out to Palm Springs in the morning, to see my mom.
I slide off the stool, setting my empty glass on the table, my movement must have caught his attention because he’s already half way to me, pool stick in hand.
“Are you ready?” he asks, there was no annoyance to his voice.
Nodding, I frown a little. “Yeah, I’m tired, and I have plans in the morning. I can really just get an Uber, you don’t have to leave,” I insist, partly because I don’t want to ruin his time, and I also don’t know if I could handle a ride home. I only live five minutes away, but I have a feeling it will feel a lot longer.
Cuba shakes his head, before turning his hat forward, bring the brim down to his eyes. “Arrow, stop. I’m taking you, let’s say bye and we can leave.”
He grabs my hand, once again his fingers lacing with mine, and my heart skips a little.
Calm your tits Bliss. He’s just holding your hand.
“Maybe next time you’ll talk more.” Cam winks at me when we approach, and I can’t help but blush. I’m usually not a shy person but I never left my stool once.
“If there is a next, I will.” I wink back.
“Hey, quit that winking.” Cuba playfully shoves his friend.
Cam winks at me again and I can’t help but laugh. “Isn’t he cute jealous?”
Cuba jealous? Not likely but I don’t say anything and neither does he. I’m not sure what to think about that as we say bye to the other guys. He leads me through the crowd again, girls are cutting their eyes at me, and if looks could kill, I’d be dead.
Relax. I’m no threat to any of you.
“You have quite the fan base,” I say once we’re in his SUV, and I click on my seatbelt.
He pushes the button and starts the engine, his eyes on me in confusion. “What?”
“Can I ask you something?” I bite my lip. “About your past,” I add.
He leans back in his seat, visibly taking a deep breath. “It depends, you can ask but I might not answer.”
I nod before taking my own deep breath. “You were on the basketball team?” Well, it's clear he was at one point. I figured so with the way his living room’s decorated, plus his issue with Aaron, they had to be rivals.
I know I wasn't supposed to bring up the sport, but if he's trying to be who he was then maybe I could help in some way.
He stares at me for a moment and his mouth twitches. “Yeah.”
“And you're not anymore.” It's not a question. I overheard them talk about the upcoming season, and how they wish he'd come back. He tried to dodge the questions, and they let him.
He nods. “I'm not.”
“Why?” I don't even think before I ask, and his face turns cold. His eyes flicking away from me and looking forward.
He fumbles with the headlights, turning them on. I automatically wish I hadn't asked. He's told me over and over he isn't ready to fully open up and I, of course, find new ways to ask without even thinking.
“Is the reason you stopped and the reason you've been away the same reason?” I quickly ask, again cursing myself.
Jesus, Bliss, shut the freak up.
Cuba doesn't say anything as he pulls out of the parking lot, his fingers tapping on the touch screen radio changing songs rapidly until he lands on Amine’s Caroline, the volume low but the with the silence between us it may as well be blaring.
Sighing in defeat, I press further against the soft leather seat and tilt my head to look out the window, watching the street lights pass in a blur. I shouldn't have said anything, then maybe this car ride would be different.
Cuba is still as hot and cold as ever. Tonight, he was flirty and all smiles, now he’s silent and cold. This time I know his mood change is my fault.
We don't say anything the whole ride, and I mouth lyrics as the songs change to keep from blurting anything else. When he pulls up to the curb in front of my place, I waste no time hopping out.
“Thanks for the ride.” I refuse to look back when I shut the door, but the engine shuts off and a door closes behind me. Turning, I see Cuba walking around the front of his car toward me.
My eyebrows draw together in confusion when he takes my hand, his fingers lacing through mine, giving it a little tug.
“I'll walk you,” he says softly.
I don't know what to make of this, so instead I make my way to my door. I am thankful I live on the bottom floor. He follows next to me quietly until we're at my door. He literally walked me ten steps, but it was nice of him.
I'm not sure if I'm supposed to invite him in. Do I want to invite him in? What does he expect?
“Yes,” he says, his hazel eyes locking with mine. “I've been away and stopped playing basketball for the same reason.”
I take a breath and nod. “Will you tell me sometime?” I didn't want to push again.
A small smile pulls at his lips. “I'm sure India can fill you in or you can Google it.”
My smile matches his and I swing our joined hands softly. “Yeah, well you once told me that they don't know you. I want you to tell me, when you're ready. I want to know you.” Yes, the thought of Googling him crossed my mind when we met, but like he said, he’d rather I didn't, and I'm not going to.
He nods. “I did say that.” His other hand lifts and his fingers brush against my cheek. I lean against his touch without thought. “Thanks for staying and hanging out with me, even though you were bored.”
I was bored but I don't agree. “It was fun.” And it was fun to see him so carefree and not an asshole. “Even with your fan club glaring at me."
He laughs. “I don't have a fan club.”
“Please, you’re not blind.” I roll my eyes.
Cuba shakes his head. “Anyway, thanks for hanging out. I guess I'll see you Monday.”
I nod, a strange feeling dropping in my stomach. “Yeah, Monday.”
I turn to my door, pulling my hand from his, but he pulls back hard enough that I hit his chest. Glancing up at him, our eyes meet, and his hands rest on my waist. His thumbs pressing into my bare skin.
I don't pull away as his lips come down on mine, softly kissing me, making my lips part, inviting his warm tongue to caress mine. One hand trails up my ribs as our kiss deepens, our hungry mouths moving greedily, I don't push away like I did earlier, instead I wrap my arms around his neck and push up on my tiptoes, bringing him closer.
A moan escapes my mouth and there's a sudden ache between my thighs. His hands caress my bare skin and I shiver from the touch. He tastes like the Coke he was sipping all night, and I'm addicted to it.
Cuba backs me up against my front door. My flaming skin welcomes the cold bite of the wood.
“You're fucking dangerous, Arrow,” he says against my lips. “You're making me crazy.”
I can't say anything before his tongue slips back in my mouth then back out, his teeth nipping at my bottom lip before he pulls his lips away, only our foreheads touching. Both of us gasping for air.
“You should go inside.” His breath tickles my cheek.
I nod, trying to get myself together. “Yeah, I should,” I say breathlessly.
My arm slides from around his neck and down to his chest, as his hands fall from my waist. He takes a step back, and I automatically miss him being in my space.
Cuba bits his bottom lip and rubs the back of his neck. “Monday?”
Monday? I can’t even think right now. “Huh?”
His lips twitch. “You and me, Monday, the library,” he says slowly.
I blink rapidly, snapping out of whatever zone I was in. “Yeah, same time as always.” How lame am I?
I turn around, pulling my key that I stashed in my back pocket out. “See you then.” I hurry in the house and close the door in his face.
What have I done? I shouldn’t be kissing him, I shouldn’t like the way his hands feel on my body, and I shouldn’t have this ache between my legs, but damn it, I do.
Cuba is going to drive me insane. He says I’m making him crazy, the feeling is mutual.