Page 13 of Cookies and Cream

Erin is staring in our direction, and she’s not even trying to hide the fact that she’s eavesdropping. I just don’t understand why she’s so dead set on us being together.Shit is weird.

“I only care about one admirer,” I say as my woman walks up and gives Zane a side hug, but she gives me a full on make-out session kiss.

“Damn, baby! Not that I’m complaining, but what was that for?” I question, looking at Layla with lustful eyes.

“Gotta mark my territory.” Layla winks at me, slaps my ass, and walks back to the booth.

Zane and I both bust out laughing at her, and when I look back at Erin, she’s frowning with her arms crossed over her chest, watching Layla.

My little admirer might be a problem.

TEN

TAKE ME HOME

LAYLA

I wouldn’t normally put on such a public display of affection, especially since I don’t want to impede on Simon’s ability to make money. I see how he maneuvers around Taters and Beer. He’s charismatic, charming, and an all-around flirt. And even though it’s only been two months, I trust Simon. And although he could win the gold if flirting was an Olympic sport, he wouldn’t betray me.

Simon is one of the most honest people I have ever met in my life. We both decided that we would be open with one another, and if we ever felt that we were losing interest, we would go our separate ways. I know that can be easier said than done, but I have to learn to trust again. I can’t hold Simon accountable for my ex’s mistakes.

However, with all that being said, I might trust Simon, but I don’t trust these women. They don’t care if he has a girlfriend, and they make it known.

Like little Ms. Sunshine sitting at the bar. I’m surprised she’s even old enough to drink. But I see she’s old enough to keep touching what doesn’t belong to her. I can tell when Simon is uncomfortable because he’s such an easygoing person, so I noticed when his relaxed demeanor turned tense, and his face became blank.

I don’t normally feel the need to save Simon from the advances of his customers, but the way the chic was watching him made me wonder if he had a stalker. Simon and I have talked about everything under the sun, and although we didn’t disclose numbers, I know he slept with a lot of women. And more than a few were what he calls barflies.

I’m not judging Simon’s past or his sexual exploits, but I can’t say I love the fact that a few of these women know what my man looks like naked. And damn, is it a sight to behold.

After I kissed the hell out of Si and slapped him on his ass for good measure, I sauntered my ass back to our regular booth and slid in. Tae is staring at me with a smirk on her beautiful face.

“What?” I ask, trying not to laugh. I know Tae is about to say something crazy.

I’m pretty sure Anita has rubbed off on her because they both say whatever comes to their minds without a second thought.

“You know what… I see you staking your claim on that prime rib.” Tae cracks up laughing, and I join in.

“You see these thirsty broads in here. I had to make my presence known.” I shrug, still giggling.

“Hey, I get it. I work with this one heffah who always wants to question everything about me, including why my name is Dontae. She calls herself having a thing for Z. You should’ve seen her face when I showed up with this big ass rock on my hand,” Tae says, flashing her gorgeous ring, and we giggle again.

“I bet she was pissed.” I lean forward to better hear the story when Tae nods her head.

“Girl, yes! I thought her ass was actually going to turn green she was so jealous. But the best part is anytime she says anything to me, Zane checks her ass. I’m glad I work in HR, or I’m sure she would’ve pulled a Karen somehow, playing the victim and crying about something.”

I shake my head at the craziness of people. If somebody doesn’t want you, then hating on the woman in his life isn’t going to make him want you, either.

“Well, at least I’m not alone in my pettiness. I usually don’t say anything, but it’s something about how Ms. Thing is watching Simon. I don’t like it.”

“Pfft, you should’ve seen the way she was watching you,” Tae says.

“What—” Before I can ask what Tae means, I feel a kiss on my cheek.

The smell of his spicy cologne and the feel of his plump lips against my skin gives me butterflies in my belly.

“What are you two over here giggling about?” Zane asks, sliding into the booth beside Tae.

“Oh, just telling Layla about Helen.” Tae rolls her eyes.