Reece
Since Vanessa wasn’t at home and Mark was at the restaurant, I decided to go there to see if I could get some food. It was good to have a cousin-in-law that owned a restaurant, because I didn’t have to worry about cooking.
I walked into Lucinda’s and headed straight to the bar. I was trying to see if Mark was there when I saw him, Jamarcus, Troy, and another guy walking in the back area. I stared at Troy and he gave a smirk as the four came over to me.
“What are you doing here?” Mark asked as he gave me a quick hug.
“I just wanted to come by and get something to eat. Vanessa is out and I just didn’t want to be at home alone.”
“Okay, well whatever you want is on the house. Let me introduce you to Dominic, who is the manager at the Harrison location.”
I smiled as Dominic held his hand out for a handshake. Once we did, Mark mentioned he’d go in the kitchen to get my food while Jamarcus and Dominic were heading out. I told Jamarcus I’d see him at work tomorrow as Troy decided to stay. I glanced at him, wondering why he didn’t leave as he sat beside me at the bar.
“You didn’t have to keep me company.”
“Who said that I was? I didn’t feel like going home.”
I continued to look at him as he asked the bartender for a beer. This was the first time I’d seen him out of his Suds uniform, and I had to admit, I liked what I saw. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of him as he stared at me.
“Like what you see?” he asked with a cocky grin.
I rolled my eyes and frowned slightly . I really wasn’t trying to boost this man’s ego even further, so I quickly looked away.
“I know it’s unusual to see me out of my uniform. Same goes for you, which I have to admit, you look beautiful.”
I looked at him again as he smiled. “And I mean that,”
My heart began to beat rapidly against my chest as Troy shook his head. “Uh, if you want for me to keep you company, then I can. I honestly don’t want to go home now.”
“Why? If you’re lonely, you could always call up one of your women.”
Troy shook his head. “I’m not always about that, Reece. I do have feelings.”
“Could have fooled me,”
“Besides, we can talk about the event since Mark gave the okay to do it. He said we have to work together on it.”
“I really don’t need your help. I can handle it.”
“That’s what I told him, but he wants us to be a team and work together.”
I sighed. “That’s fine. Whatever suggestions you have, you can put them together with mine and we’ll go from there.”
“Maybe we should work together on this. We have the time to do it,”
“I really don’t want to talk about work right now,”
“We could talk about other stuff, then, if you want.”
I watched Troy silently , wondering what his angle was. I tilted my chair to face him. “Okay, let’s talk about the event. Do you have any ideas on what we can do?”
Troy took a sip of his beer before speaking. “We could have a family fun day, maybe have one of those bounce houses, face paintings, have hot dogs, music, the whole nine yards.”
I nodded. “We can do that. As for the bounce house, we have to have it in an area where there won’t be a lot of traffic with washes, but be visible for customers. Maybe near the entrance?”
Troy nodded. “Maybe, but we can find another area if possible.”
“I’ll have to survey the area to see if we can have it somewhere else.”
I sipped on my margarita that was just given to me by the bartender as Troy gazed at me intently. I suddenly felt a bit woozy as I stared at the drink. “Damn, this shit is strong.”
Troy laughed. “I can see that you’re a lightweight.”
I rolled my eyes. “I drink, just not very much. My body is not used to the alcohol. The way my life is, I’m surprised I’m not drinking on a regular basis.”
“Your life is not as bad as you think, Reece. You have your health, you have a job, you have people that support you, so you have to think about those things.”
I couldn’t argue with him. Troy actually had a point.
“I just wished I could do more for myself, that’s all.”
“Maybe you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it. Life is too short to be limiting yourself. If there is something that you love to do, then do it. No one is going to stop you from doing it.”
I looked at my margarita, knowing Troy was right, but for some reason, I was scared to pursue anything. I’ve been let down so many times in my life; I was just tired of being rejected.
“What are you afraid of, Reece?”
“What?”
“Answer the question, what are you afraid of?”
I sat next to him and thought hard before opening my mouth. “You don’t know anything about me, Troy, so there’s no point in explaining it to you.”
“Maybe if you talk to me, then I would know.”
Troy gave me a look that seemed so genuine. I was so caught off guard by it that I quickly drank the last of my drink to distract myself.
“I’m not trying to make you feel a certain type of way, but from what I’ve seen, you are pretty capable of doing great thing with yourself. I don’t think you should sell yourself short about how great you could be.”
I smacked my lips. “Are you bullshitting me? I mean, this is so out of left field.”
Troy shook his head. “I’m not, Reece. I can tell that you’re talented if you put your mind to something. Hell, you automatically thought about organizing an event to make the store look good. I never would have thought of that. Vanessa and Mark will see what you can do, but you’re too scared to jump into something. That’s why you haven’t been able to keep a job. You’re too scared to take that leap.”
I looked straight ahead as I asked the bartender for another drink. Might as well end my night on a good note.
“So you’re not going to respond?”
I shook my head. “Nope, not at the moment.”
“Fine, be that way. Just know you can’t drink your problems away.”
“You should take your own advice, Troy. I’m sure you do a lot of that when you’re alone.”
He scoffed as he got up. “Good night, Reece.”
“Whatever,” I mumbled as I grabbed my new margarita. I wasn’t sure what the hell just happened, but I didn’t need to hear a self-righteous speech, especially from someone like Troy.
I sat there looking at the antique maple on the bar top and picking at the gloss that covered my nails as Mark came out from the kitchen with my meal. “Are you okay?”
I pushed the plate away and lied. “I’m good. I’m not hungry, though.”
“You probably should eat if you’ve been drinking.”
“Mark, please; I just want to be able to sit here and not worry about anything.”
Mark rolled his eyes and let out a breath. “Okay, but just don’t get drunk. If you do, I’ll just have to drive you back.”
“I won’t; I’ll be fine,”
I took a sip of my margarita, wishing that I could be somewhere else. What Troy just said to me really hit home, and instead of being understanding about it, I got defensive, because what he said was true.
I downed my other margarita as I looked around the bar. Maybe I need something stronger. Maybe not, because I’m feeling the effects right now.
I put my head down since I was getting a huge headache. I do drink every now and then, but since the bartender must have put some strong ass tequila in these drinks, my body is definitely not use to it.
I suddenly felt a hand on my back as I slowly looked up to see Troy staring at me.
“Let me take you home,”
I didn’t know what to say as he held out his hand. I slowly placed mine into his as he gave me a worried look.
“What about my car? I can’t leave it here.”
“Mark will drive it home,”
I continued to stare at him as he smiled. “Don’t worry; I’m going to take you home, okay.”
I nodded and slowly got up from the stool. I stumbled, as he caught me.
“Damn, you really are a lightweight. Let’s go.”
“I’m not a lightweight. It’s that damn tequila. They put some strong shit in my drink,” I rambled.
I noticed Mark coming from the bar as he stared at Troy and me.
“You sure you’ll take her home?”
“Of course, Mark. Do you have your keys, Reece?”
I laughed drunkenly. “Of course I do.”
Mark wasn’t amused. “Thank you, Troy. I have to stay here since Victor had to leave. His daughter is sick, and I gave my manager Chelsea the night off,” he explained .
“It’s fine, Mark. I’m just glad I can help,”
“Is it hot in here?” I asked as I tried to lift up my shirt. Troy quickly pulled it down as Mark put his hand to his face.
“I’ll help her to the car,” Mark said.
“No, it’s fine. I got her. I’ll call you once we make it to the house. I’ll stay with her until Vanessa comes home.”
“She won’t be. Her and Samantha are spending the night at her dad’s. Vivica just had surgery, so Vanessa is helping out with the house.” Mark mentioned, referring to Vanessa’s stepmother.
Troy nodded. “Okay, well I’ll just wait until you get there.”
I was leaning onto Troy, not caring about making a scene. I really did feel woozy, so I needed some comfort. Or a hard chest to lay my head on, which Troy definitely had.
“Can we go? I’m really not feeling well,” I mumbled while still leaning onto Troy. He looked at Mark who shrugged.
“Let’s go,” Troy mumbled as he led me out of the restaurant. We went to his car, hoping I don’t puke. I really hate throwing up, especially the smell of it, so hopefully that doesn’t happen.
“Please don’t puke in my car. If you throw up, then I throw up, so we don’t need that right now, okay.” Troy said.
“I promise, I won’t. I hate throwing up.” I mumbled as I leaned my head on the back of the car seat.
“Okay, so let’s get you home.”
As Troy drove to Vanessa and Mark’s, all I could do was lean my head against the window and take several deep breaths. I really didn’t want Troy to see me like this. On the whole ride I was mentally kicking myself for being a drunk mess. I’ve only known him for a few days now and he’s already seen me drunk and violent.
I didn’t even realize we were at their house until Troy opened my door and tried to get me out. He caught me before I stumbled on the ground.
“You have your keys. Please tell me you have your keys.”
“They’re in my purse.” I whispered.
I was leaning against him as he sighed. “Where’s your purse, Reece?”
I started giggling as I shrugged. “I dunno,”
“Shit,” Troy mumbled as he led me back to his car. I heard him call Mark as I leaned my head back on the seat. I closed my eyes, realizing I’d put my purse on the back of my chair at the restaurant. Now, I couldn’t even get inside the house.
“I guess you’re going to have to come home with me,”
I stared at him, surprised that I would be going to Troy’s, but at that moment, it didn’t matter. I just needed to rest.
***
I slowly opened my eyes, not realizing where I was until I looked around me. I stared at the butter walls, seeing that I was at Troy’s place.
I must be in a spare bedroom. I thought I as I continued to look around.
I slowly pulled the blanket from me, realizing that I was still in my clothes, which gave me a sense of relief. I hoped Troy wouldn’t be that damn stupid to take advantage of me while I was drunk, but honestly, I didn’t know anything about him, so I had to put my guard up.
I slowly leaned my head back on the pillow, taking another deep breath. I have to admit, the bedding is quite comfortable. I have to ask him where did he purchase it.
The door slowly opened as Troy came in with a coffee mug. He gave a slight smile and set the cup down on the nightstand.
“I see you’re finally awake. I was starting to get worried.”
“Why is that?” I asked. I looked at the clock on the other night stand, seeing that it was one in the morning. “What time did we leave the restaurant?”
“Around 8. You were knocked out ever since I put you back into my car. I had to carry you inside my house.”
I sighed. “I didn’t puke, did I?”
He shook his head. “No, you just slept. How are you feeling now?”
I shrugged. “I feel okay,”
“Hopefully the coffee I just made will kill any left over effects of the liquor you drank ,”
I smiled. “Thank you,”
“No problem. I guess what I said really hit home for you, didn’t it?”
I looked down, not wanting to talk about that conversation as I felt Troy’s finger underneath my chin. He stared at me as I looked into his eyes.
“Don’t keep running away from your problems, Reece. You really do have to see the full potential in you. I saw it the first moment you walked into Suds. Not only are you smart, but you’re beautiful. Really beautiful.”
I stared at Troy as he smiled. “Damn, I normally don’t talk like this, but there’s something about you, Reece. There’s something about you that I want to continuing exploring.”
“And what is that, Troy? You barely know me. Hell, you could be saying all this to fuck me. I’m sure you have done this before.”
“I’m sure you think that, but I don’t bring drunk women home to sleep with. That’s not my style. Besides, I would never do that to you. I may have only known you for a few days, but I really think you’re something special, Reece. That’s something that I can’t deny.”
I looked at him as my heart started pounding. He was right, because I was feeling the same way about him.
“You can’t say that you don’t feel something between us. You can’t deny the attraction that we have for each other.”
“Troy…”
He put his hand on my cheek as he searched my eyes. “I know I shouldn’t be saying any of this right now, because you’re probably not going to remember anything I’m saying,”
“I’m not even drunk anymore. I slept it off.”
“Really?”
“I’m sure.”
“So, would it be okay if I did this?” he asked as he slowly moved closer to me. I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest as he pushed some hair from my cheek. I knew we were moving too fast, but at that moment I didn’t care. I’d felt an attraction for him since I first saw him at Suds, and even though I’d tried to deny it, I couldn’t. Simone was right, I wanted him, and tonight, he was going to be mine.
I leaned into him as I gave him a passionate kiss. Hopefully my breath was fine since I was asleep for awhile. He didn’t seem to mind as he pulled me closer. His hand was in my hair as my fingers tangled in his. His hair was soft against my fingers as he pulled away from me. I looked at him, wondering why he stopped.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
I nodded. “Yes, I do. I’ve been wanting this since the first moment I saw you.”
Troy pulled me back to him and kissed me again. I pulled off his Polo as he unbuttoned my shirt. He slowly pulled it from my shoulders, taking in my black lace bra.
“You’re wearing my favorite color,”
I smiled as I lay down on the bed. He moved on top of me as I unbuttoned and pulled down his shorts. He got up to remove them, throwing them on the floor as he grabbed my shorts, putting them from me in one swift motion. Our kisses became more passionate as he moved his lips from mine, leaving a trail from my neck to the crease of my breast. He pulled down my bra and began sucking on my breast, causing me to lean my head back in ecstasy.
“Shit,” I whispered as he swirled his tongue around the nipple.
He moved up to my ear, kissing the side of my lobe before talking to me in Spanish. My body was in overdrive at the way he was making me feel. From his touches to his voice, I think I was about to orgasm without him even being inside of me.
“You sure you want this, Reece?”
I looked into his brown eyes and instantly melted. He looked so innocent, which he was far from; but at that moment, I was seeing a different side of him. Maybe I was still drunk, but he seemed genuine, which was making me have different thoughts about him.
What am I doing? I’ve only known him for a few days. I can’t be jumping into bed with him!
As soon as I thought that, his lips were on my stomach, kissing my navel as my fingers went back into his hair. I loved running my fingers through his hair.
He looked up at me as his fingers were inching towards my clit. I began to take shallow breaths as he kissed my navel again.
“I need to know if you’re ready for this, Reece. There’s no turning back if we go through with this.”
I slowly nodded as he began pleasuring me. I leaned my head back as one finger was inside of me while another was circling around my clit.
I pulled Troy to me as my mouth devoured his. I pulled down his boxers as he spread my legs. I began stroking him, as he lightly growled against my ear. I couldn’t take it anymore, I needed him inside of me now.
“Let me get a condom,” Troy whispered.
I shook my head. “No. I need to feel you in me.”
Troy didn’t know what to say as I leaned back on the bed. “Don’t be scared, Troy.”
He slowly came to me as my fingers lightly touched his back. I spread my legs wider for him to enter as he gave me kisses along my cheeks, my forehead, and finally on my lips.
“No turning back, Reece.” He whispered.
I nodded as I began to feel him go inside of me. I couldn’t help the moan that escaped my lips as my fingers dug into his shoulders.
“Fuck,” Troy whispered as his hand squeezed the back of my thigh.
Our lips never left each other as our bodies began to move in sync. Now I could see why women wanted to be with him. Shit, we weren’t even minutes in and I was already reaching my climax.
“Troy!” I screamed as I felt my body convulsing. I was in another world as my body was in a trance. I knew I shouldn’t have let this happen, but now that I did, I don’t know if I ever want it to end…
“Reece!”
“What?!” I snapped as I suddenly got up. I put my hand to my forehead, wishing I didn’t move so quickly as I looked around the room. I stared ahead to see Troy giving me a strange look as my eyes searched the room again.
This is Troy’s room, so why was he fully clothed. We just had sex, so I know he didn’t just put back on his clothes that quickly.
I looked down at the blanket that was covering my body, seeing that I was still in my shorts and shirt. I was confused, wondering what the hell was going on.
“What’s going on?” I whispered.
“You tell me. I came in to give you a cup of coffee and you were moaning my name.”
I was still confused as I glanced at Troy again. Now, it all made sense. I was having a sexual dream about him!
I became embarrassed as I scooted down myself in the bed. It felt so real, but to be honest, I’m glad it wasn’t.
“I’m fine. I guess I was talking in my sleep.”
“You were actually moaning, which I have to admit, sounded pretty sexy.”
Feeling embarrassed, I put the blanket over my head, hoping I could disappear.
“From the way you were moaning, it sounded like you were having a sex dream about me.”
“Can you go one second without being an ass?”
“There’s nothing wrong with having a sexual dream about someone.” “I was not. I was talking in my sleep. It happens, so get your ego in check.”
Troy started laughing, which made me even more annoyed.
“Whatever.” I said as I slowly sat up. The room was spinning so I closed my eyes, wishing there was low lighting in the room instead of these high beam lights Troy turned on.
“How long was I out?” I asked.
“A couple of hours. You woke up to throw up, but you didn’t, so you went back to sleep.”
I nodded. “Okay. Where were you while I was asleep?”
Troy rolled his eyes. “Did you really think I would take advantage of you while you’re drunk? That’s not my style, Reece.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I was just wondering.”
“I was in my room looking over some numbers. I put you in my second guest room so you would be closer to my bedroom if you needed anything.”
“Okay. thank you. Has Mark called?”
“No; he doesn’t know that you’re here. I can take you back to his place if you want.”
“I don’t think I can move, so that would be a no for me.”
Troy sat down on the end of the bed and gently put a hand on my leg. “Listen, I hope what I said to you earlier didn’t rub you the wrong way. I was just telling you that you shouldn’t settle in your life. If there’s something that you’re destined to do, then do it. Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back from it, okay.”
He gave a genuine smile. “But rest some more, mija. Regardless of how you’ll feel in the morning, you still have work to go to.”
He gave me a pat on the top of my head as he got up. I wanted to push his hand away, but I was seeing two of him, so I didn’t know which one to hit. Instead, I gave him a dirty look as he gave me a wide grin before leaving the room.
I leaned back on the pillows and closed my eyes, wishing this entire night would go away. Now that I’d had a sex dream aboutTroy , I probably would never get that image out of my head.
Or maybe I don’t want to.