Page 7 of Emani's Way

As soon as I sit down at my desk, my phone rings. It’s the norm for my phone to ring nonstop at all times of the day and night. But what’s unusual is for my best friend to call me in the middle of the day.

“What’s up, Sullivan? Shouldn’t you be working?” I know it’s about to be some shit if Jasper Sullivan is calling me.

Although we are as close as brothers, Jasper is more of a texter. I don’t think his ADHD has ever allowed him to have a full-blown phone conversation. And since he moved back from Nashville after opening up his club, he’s been too busy running his business and running after ass.

“I need you to come hang out with me tonight at Vibe. I’ve had my heart broken.”

I can hear the humor in my friend’s voice, but even if I couldn’t, I would know that he’s full of shit. Jasper would have to have a heart before it could be broken.

“So, I’m guessing there won’t be any wedding bells for you and Marissa.”

“You mean Ashley? Marissa was two weeks ago. You’re my best friend, keep up man. Damn.”

“What the hell ever. We aren’t in high school. How the hell am I supposed to keep up with your revolving door of women.”

“That’s because you have to keep up with your merry-go-round of bimbos. Anyway, I don’t have time to go back and forth with you. I have work to do. I’ll see ya tonight.”

Before I can say anything, the bastard hangs up on me.

“I guess I can make time in my schedule to go to Vibe. I need a drink or three anyway.”

***

I hate loud ass clubs and phony ass people. Yet, here I am once again in VIP, putting up with both. I knew Jasper was full of shit when he called, but I was bored, so I came to Vibe against my better judgment. The asshole already left with some chic he just met before I even ordered my first drink. I could’ve hung out with my brother who is going to have a fit when he finds out I blew him off again. I’ve only seen my twin a few times since he moved back to Dallas. That’s pretty shitty of me, but I’ll make it up to him.

My thoughts are interrupted by a loud, obviously attention seeking laugh. I continue sipping on my Bourbon and ignoring the desperation of the random chick beside me. I don’t want to be rude, but I’m fighting the urge to tell her to shut the fuck up. Nothing is that damned funny.Hell,who am I kidding? I am a rude son-of-a-bitch.

Right when I get ready to tell her to clamp her mouth shut, an even rowdier group comes into the VIP. The scowl on my face is instant. But when my eyes connect to a dark honey brown gaze, I freeze.

The woman is… no. Not a woman. She’s definitelynota woman; she’s a goddess—a goddess who has decided to grace this gray world with color.

I intently watch her as she walks by; the only acknowledgment she gives me is a shy smile before she looks away. That one little response has sealed her fate.

I won’t chase her down and drag her ass out of this club so I can find out everything there is to know about her. That would be psychotic. My eyes stay trained on her and the group she’s with. I watch as they are led to a section not far from where I’m sitting. I’m glad that I won’t have to move to be able to see her. I can admit that I plan on stalking her ass for the rest of the night.Yeah, that might sound a little creepy. Oh well, I’ll just be a creep.

“I’ve been trying to get your attention all night,” the woman beside me finally speaks.

I was wondering if she was going to keep burning a hole in the side of my head. She’s been giggling and dancing seductively all night. She’s been putting on quite a show.

“I noticed.” I sip my drink as I look her in the eyes, finally giving her the attention she wants.

“Well, why didn’t you say anything if you noticed me?” She questions, giving me a flirty smile.

I didn’t feel like entertaining her ass before the goddess walked into my view, and I sure as hell don’t want to be bothered with her now. But, I have a choice to make now. Do I want to be an asshole, or do I want to let her down gently just in case the beauty is watching me?Decisions, decisions.

“Listen, sweetheart.” I break out my charming smile, “I’m here to have a drink. As lovely as you are, I’m not here to meet anybody tonight.”

“That’s too bad because I promise I can be a good time. Here, take my card.” She hands me a black and gold embossed card, “I hope to hear from you soon.”

I don’t even look at the name on the card. I smile and throw the woman a pity wink as I slide it into the inside of my suit jacket pocket. Her pale skin flushes with a red blush before she saunters off.

I relax back into my seat, and my eyes automatically search for the goddess. My face breaks into a genuine smile when our gazes collide. I lick my lips and sit forward. The goddess doesn’t break eye contact this time, and I see the challenge she’s presenting without her saying a word.

A waitress drops off a round of shots, and without taking her eyes off me, she downs it. When she puckers her lips and blows me a kiss, I take the move as an opening to ask for a real one.

Blowing kisses my way is a dangerous game. She’ll soon learn it’s a mistake to tease a man like me.

I slowly put down my glass, and stand up. I take my time rising to my full six-four height, tug my sleeves down, and adjust my collar. With every move I make, her eyes never leave mine.