| |
“OH, GRAYSON.” CONNIE gripped her headboard as Grayson lay on top pounding her, their sweaty bodies slapping together with each thrust. “Yes, Grayson. Yes!”
“Ugh.” Grayson pumped with his eyes closed, the force of his strong thighs throwing Connie’s legs into the air under the sheet. “Oh, Connie. Oh.”
“Uh-huh. God!” Her vaginal muscles tightened, urging her for the big release. “Faster.” She lifted her head, digging her fingernails into his slick back. “Faster!”
Grayson used the headboard as leverage, pushing deeper inside her. “Ah.”
“Harder.” Connie wrapped her legs around him, her vulva throbbing. “Harder!”
“Oh.” Grayson grabbed her waist, lashing his pelvis against her. “Shit. I’m coming.”
Connie’s cell phone buzzed amongst the squeaking bed springs and animated moans.
Grayson panted, his sweat dripping on her neck. “Ignore it.”
“No, I...” Her right foot shivered as it always did before a monstrous orgasm. “I got to get it.”
“No, oh.” Grayson slowed his stroke. “God, I’m coming, Connie.”
“Fuck, please don’t come yet. Hold on, baby.” She grabbed the phone. “There’s no ID.”
Grayson grunted, clawing her thighs. “Forget it then.”
“Wait.” Connie answered the phone, “Hello?”
Breathing.
“Hello?” Connie repeated. “Who is this?”
Heavier breathing.
“Hello?” She hung up the phone, getting a familiar chill.
“Come on.” Grayson straddled her, resuming the lovemaking. “You’re so beautiful.”
“That was CeCe,” Connie whispered, not being able to get the call out of her head despite how good Grayson felt. “I could tell.”
“Someone just had the wrong number.” He nibbled her cheek. “Let it go.”
“No.” She went limp. “It was CeCe.”
“Goddamn it, Connie.” Grayson got off her and grabbed the sheet. “When are you gonna let this CeCe shit go? You’re obsessed with him.”
“I’m not obsessed. Something is wrong with him. You’ve never met him. He’s a creep, Grayson.”
“I’m sick of all these distractions in our relationship.”
“CeCe wants me, Grayson.” She sat up, clutching the sheet to her breasts. “That’s the only reason he’s working at the station. He’s probably been planning this since he met me.”
“Jesus, Connie. It’s just a crush. You can’t blame the guy.” He slid his hand under the sheet and in between her legs. “What man wouldn’t want you?”
“CeCe doesn’t just get crushes. He fixates on women and he forces his way into their lives. He’s trying to stalk me like he’s done those other women but I’m not letting him.”
“This isn’t about CeCe.” Grayson scratched his head. “It’s about Garfield Larose.”
She flashed her palm to him. “This has nothing to do with that.”
“Yes, it does. Ever since he attacked you, you’re suspicious of every man you meet.”
“This has nothing to do with Garfield Larose. CeCe is more than just weird.”
“Who do you want to spend the night with?” He inspected his fingernails. “Me or CeCe? Because if it’s me I’d like to be the only man on your mind.”
She touched his cheek. “You.”
He climbed on top of her and pulled the sheets over them. “Then forget about CeCe Babbitt and fuck my brains out.”
****
“DEE.” RENA JUMPED OFF the daybed when Dee stopped in Jonathan’s garden the next morning. “I’m so glad to see you.” She hugged Dee and stroked her hair. “You look wonderful.”
Dee pulled Rena’s fingers from her extensions. “Jonathan’s dead?”
Rena sighed, holding her dress as she sat. “I can’t believe it.”
“What happened?” Dee sat beside her.
“All we know is that he crashed into a tree.” Rena avoided eye contact, which Dee found strange. “Detective Strickland is heading the investigation. We’re getting all our info from him.”
“I can’t believe this.” Dee exhaled. “It doesn’t seem real.”
“I’ve missed you, Dee.” Rena grasped Dee’s hand. “I feel so lost without you.”
Dee grimaced, watching Rena’s fingers caress hers.
Rena gave a shaky smile. “Remember how we used to play ping pong and do each other’s hair?”
“Rena.”
“When you were here, I felt so alive.” She rubbed Dee’s stomach. “How’s the baby?”
“It’s fine.” Dee moved Rena’s hand, sensing a bizarre, sexual vibe from the moment. “What about the arrangements? Are you having a funeral?”
“Jonathan wanted to be cremated. We’ll probably have a private ceremony within The Circle. You’re welcome to come. You’re a part of us too.”
“Why would I wanna come?”
“Because even if you don’t want to care about him...” Rena rubbed Dee’s forearm. “You do.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“If not then why are you here?”
“I wanted to make sure you were all right.”
“Oh, Dee.” Rena hugged her again. “I’ll never be all right unless you can forgive me for not being the friend you needed.”
Dee twitched, pushing her away. “It’s okay.”
“Can you stay a while? We haven’t had breakfast yet.”
“No, I have to get to work.” Dee stood. “I’ll call you.”
“Wait.” Rena stood, fixing her dress. “I can’t keep saying I’m your friend and not following through.”
“What are you talking about?”
Rena took Dee’s hands, swallowing. “I have something to tell you about Jonathan.”
“Rena?” Asia flew from the bushes. “I need to talk to you.”
Dee squinted.
“It can wait,” Rena snapped without looking in Asia’s direction. “Dee, let’s go inside so we can talk.”
“Rena.” Asia got in between them, breathing through her nostrils. “I’m sure Deidra has to get going. That would be best.” She pinched Rena. “Wouldn’t it?”
Rena moved back, slouching. “I’ll see you, Dee.”
“What did you need to say?”
“Nothing.” Her plump cheeks reddened. “Have a good day at work.”