MEEKS

19

I was having the best sleep ever when I heard my cell phone ringing. Blindly, I reached over onto the nightstand, grabbed the phone, and silenced the call. I needed to get back to my dream. Unfortunately, whoever was calling didn’t care because the phone started ringing again.

Ugh…

I pushed Talk and brought it to my ear. “Hello?”

“Are you awake?” It was my sister.

I groaned, “I am now.”

“Oh good,” Layla replied, sounding chippers like she had been awake for hours. Unfortunately, she didn’t catch the hint that I wanted to go back to my dreams. “I’m just checking to make sure you made it home safely last night.”

Yeah right. “Yes, I’m home safe and sound. Now, can I go back to sleep?”

There was a brief pause before she got to the reason for her call. “Is he still there?”

I decided to play dumb. “Is who there?”

“Keim.”

Uh-huh. Just as I thought. That wasn’t concern I heard in her voice, that was nosy curiosity.

I rolled onto my back. “No, what made you think he would be here?”

“Well, because…” Layla paused as if she was searching for the right words. I knew better.

“Because you think your sister is a slut.” I knew what she was thinking.

“Being a slut has nothing to do with it. That man is gorgeous.”

That I couldn’t argue. “And because he’s gorgeous I need to spread my legs?”

It was her turn to groan impatiently. “No, I’m not saying that. I’m just saying he’s gorgeous. The two of you were having such a good time,” my sister continued without pausing. “And he did take you home.”

“He did and then I said goodnight.”

I heard her mumble something under her breath. “I hope you didn’t blow the man off.”

“No, I didn’t blow him off. I also didn’t blow him.”

Layla laughed at that one.

“I don’t want to rush.”

She squealed with excitement. “Does that mean you like him?”

I had to smile at that. Like was an understatement. I liked him a lot. “Yes, I like him.”

“Thank goodness. I was so sure you were going to be pissed when you found out we were matchmaking.”

This time was an exception, but I knew better than to tell Layla that.

“Please tell me you’re going to see him again.” She was practically begging.

“I don’t know,” I replied, stretching my arms over my head.

“What do you mean? He’s sexy and he’s single.”

I took a breath to dispel some of the tension in my chest before saying, “Yes, he is both of those things. He’s also military.”

“That didn’t stop you before.”

I rolled onto my side. “Thanks for the reminder, and it’s for that reason I don’t want to go out with him again. Dating someone you work with is too messy.”

“That’s because Dame was married. Married men are always messy. Too much drama,” she argued.

“Yes, but I have to work with Chief Howard. If it doesn’t work out, I still have to work with him.”

“His name is Keim,” she pointed out as if I didn’t already know. “If you stop thinking of him by his rank and instead as a perfect match, the relationship might work out. Just think of all those heated nights.” Layla drew a sigh like a smitten teenager. “Day, at least tell me if the man can kiss.”

Her words brought memories of last night and a smile to my lips. “Yes, he can kiss but that’s—” I had to drag the phone away from my ear at the sound of her earth-shattering scream.

“I knew it. With those lips I knew that man could kiss.”

“Really, sis?” I laughed. “Excuse me, but aren’t you married?”

“What? I can’t live my life vicariously through you?”

I chuckled. “You are hilarious.”

“No, I’m just being honest. Keim and Faze have been good friends for a while, and he has nothing but good things to say about him.”

“Why hadn’t he mentioned him before?”

She laughed. “Would you have listened if he had?”

I chuckled because she did have a point. “He has a daughter.”

“So what? She doesn’t live with him,” Layla was quick to point out especially since I never said I wouldn’t date a man with children.

“Maybe not, but…” I began. I’ll admit I was looking for excuses. “…but I’m sure she spends a lot of time with her dad.” I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about sharing again.

“Faze says Keim’s a really good father.”

Well, at least that was a plus. I couldn’t deal with a deadbeat father after growing up with one of my own.

“Faze says he has a great relationship with her mother who’s happily married to a doctor so at least you don’t have to deal with that angry black woman bullshit.”

Thank the Lord for small blessings.

“Day, if you let that man get away, I am going to kick your ass,” Layla warned.

“I’m not going to let him get away. If it’s meant to be it will be,” I managed around a yawn.

“But you have to do something to help the situation. It’s not going to just happen on its own,” Layla reminded.

I groaned. “I know. I know.”

“So, can I plan a barbecue and invite him over?”

“No. No more matchmaking. Let me handle this.”

Layla was mumbling again.

“Can you at least let the man know you like him?”

I tossed the covers back over my head. “Trust me, he knows.”

Now she was screaming, “Details!”

I giggled. “You know I don’t kiss and tell, but I’m sure we’ll be going out again. I just need to make sure I keep things in perspective.” His good looks and charm were somewhat of a liability.

I heard a rude snort. “What does that mean?”

“It means that I need to make sure I don’t cross the line. Dame and I were messy. Almost everyone knew our business, and I almost lost a stripe because of that. I can’t let that happen again, especially if I’m ever going to make chief.”

She blew a heavy sigh in my ear. “He’s single, you’re single, and you’re overthinking things again. Give the man a chance.”

“I’ll think about it. Now can I go back to sleep?”

“No. Since you’re wake, how about going to Costco with me?”

I groaned. I’d moved to the area to be close to family, but now I remembered why I enjoyed being so far away. “Give me an hour.”

“Wonderful. I’ll even treat lunch,” she offered.

“Oh, hell no. You’re taking me out for breakfast. I want waffles.”

“You’re on.”

 

 

It was after two when I made it back home with several bags in my hands. Damn my sister for the temptations. After Costco we ended up at Marshall’s where I always found an excuse to buy something. I drew a sigh. Oh well, we only live once.

Kicking off my sandals, I slowly made my way up to my room where I put my bags away and then slipped into a pair of cotton shorts and a matching peach t-shirt. Fall was right around the corner and then it would be back to leggings and sweatshirts. Padding down the hall, I descended the stairs and went into the living room to watch a movie I’d recorded from TV One. I was sipping a glass of iced tea when my cell phone chimed with a text message.

Hey. What are you doing?

I had no idea who it was from. I typed, Who is this?

It wasn’t long before my phone chimed again. I looked down and saw Howard’s name and felt my stomach do a somersault. My damn sister. I made myself wait until the commercial break before I texted him back. I didn’t want him to think I was anxious.

I’m watching television.

He sure wasn’t playing games because he messaged right back.

What’re you watching?

I quickly typed out a message. Chick flick. And instead of Howard messaging me back, my phone rang.

Deep breaths. You got this.

“Hey.”

“Hello, beautiful.” Howard’s voice sounded lazy, a deep rumble I felt echo down the length of my spine. “You said a chick flick. What does that mean?”

I sighed, leaning back on the couch and crossing my legs. “It means that it’s some crazy psycho female movie where the guy cheats on her and she decides payback is in order.”

“And do you agree?” His tone demanded honesty.

“Nope. All that drama isn’t necessary. I would just leave.”

There was a pause. “I hear something in your voice. Bad memories from a past relationship?”

I wanted to lie but figured he would know I wasn’t telling the truth.

“Something like that, but who hasn’t experienced drama in their life? I’m sure you’ve dated some crazy chicks in your day.”

“Yes, I’ve dated cray-cray. Tires slashed, breaking into my house.”

“Oh damn.” I laughed.

“But I’ve been drama free for a few years now.”

“Yep, me too.”

“Good. Then we should get along just fine.”

I couldn’t help it. His words brought a smile to my lips.

“What’re you wearing?” he asked.

There go those somersaults again. “A t-shirt and shorts.”

“Shorts, huh? I bet you have some pretty legs.”

“They’re okay.” They were better than okay, but I wasn’t going to say.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” he said like he’d read my mind. “Put some shoes on. I’m coming over to pick you up.”

“What?” I sputtered. “Where are you taking me?”

“You’ll see.” There was a pause. “See you in a few.”