SEDUCTIVE: A Contemporary Romance Anthology Read online

  “What’s up between you and Ethan Aragon?”

  “Huh?”

  “Vanessa has been telling me how good you two look together. I thought maybe I missed something.”

  “You know Vanessa is trying to get everyone married off like she is. It doesn’t matter if you just met a person!”

  Farah giggled. “You are so right about that. It’s good to see that she has a good marriage. So many celebrities don’t.”

  “It’s funny, but I hardly consider myself a celebrity.” Bria confided.

  “You are.” Farah picked a banana out of the bowl of fruit on Bria’s table. “I’m sorry. I skipped lunch.”

  “Help yourself.” Bria thought about Ethan for a moment. “I did enjoy meeting him. I mean I already thought he was cute, but it was a relief to see he is actually nice, as well.”

  “Very. He’s a bit young for me, but you’re only 3 years older.”

  “Young for you? Are you interested in him, Farah?” Bria asked with shock.

  “If I was still in my 20’s, heck yeah.” Farah laughed.

  Bria couldn’t resist. “What do you think of your T.V. husband?”

  “I have all of Kasim’s CD’s. I was excited to get a chance to work with him. He’s made a great transition from rap to acting. He’s a great guy. I can’t date him though. I don’t boink where I work.”

  “That’s my rule of thumb, too.”

  “I can tell he likes you though.”

  “What?”

  “I spend so much time with him on set, I’ve gotten to know him pretty well. I can see it on his face. Keep it professional is all I can tell you.”

  “I’m surprised he doesn’t have a girlfriend.”

  “He’s had several. But at his age, he wants to settle down. His daughter’s in college now. He only has one child. He may want to start a new family before he gets any older.”

  Bria was hardly ready to settle down. The man would have to be pretty extraordinary for her to even think about it at this phase of her life. One day she’d balance career and family, but today wasn’t that day. “Food’s ready.”

  Bria served them BBQ pork chops, corn muffins with corn inside and collard greens. Farah’s mouth practically watered. “You are trying to mess with my girlish figure?”

  “I can take it back and fix you a plain salad.” Bria joked.

  “You play too much. Pass me that iced tea.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  A few of the guys, along with Payton, rode out to Atlantic City with Ethan. They were more excited than he was. Even though he was supposed to be her date, Monelle went out to the venue early to make sure everything was to her liking. Ethan was glad he didn’t have to make an entrance with her.

  “You don’t like this chick, Aragon?” Rayell, one of the team’s linebackers asked him.

  “It’s not that. She is just too much sometimes. If you feel something special for someone, it wouldn’t have to be forced. With her it’s like rolling a boulder up a mountainside. I don’t disrespect her, but you’d think she’d get the hint and back off a little bit.”

  “Ole girl ain’t trying to back nowhere except into your bed. She sees dollar signs in between the sheets!” Rayell laughed.

  “Dog, I’m trying to tell you. If she wasn’t the ride or die before the deal, she’s automatically suspect.”

  Ethan got off the exit for Atlantic City and followed the GPS to the hotel. The front desk staff made a show of welcoming them once they saw the Giants were in the house.

  A clerk led them to the ballroom. It was decorated beautifully in black, white and silver. The casino tables were set up and ready to go. A live band was playing a funky groove. Most of the tables already had guests seated and having drinks. Ethan’s phone rang. “Go on in fellas. It’s Monelle calling. Hello?”

  “Hi, babe. Are you downstairs yet?”

  “Yes. Me and the guys just got here. Where are you?”

  “I’m upstairs in our room.”

  Ethan wasn’t even surprised. “I didn’t say I could stay overnight, but are you coming down anytime soon?”

  “I need for you to come up.”

  “For what?”

  “I need you to zip up my gown.”

  “Why can’t one of your girls do that?”

  “They’re in the ballroom greeting my guests like I asked them to.” Monelle told him with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

  Ethan didn’t want to put a damper on her birthday. Especially since he agreed to come. “All right, Monelle. What’s the room number?”

  He took the elevator up to the 14th floor and walked halfway down the long corridor. He knocked twice and waited for her to open the door.

  “Thank you, Ethan. You are a lifesaver.”

  She didn’t even have her gown on. Monelle was standing in the doorway in a black lacey strapless bra with a matching thong. Her black garter belt and thigh high stockings were almost more than Ethan could take. He heard a door opening nearby and he pushed her back into the room. “You are so wrong for this.”

  “Happy birthday, to me.” She smiled devilishly.

  Ethan remembered the last time they were together. It was truly phenomenal. He was only human and was finding it very hard resisting her. Literally.

  He moved forward and began to kiss her. She returned his kisses with a great deal of passion and hunger. Ethan had to admit it made him feel good. He removed his jacket and carried her to the bed. She was in such a frenzy, Monelle didn’t even give him a chance to kick off his shoes. She pushed him down onto the pillows and gently lowered herself onto his face. Before he knew it, Ethan was feasting on the birthday girl.

  She squirmed and wiggled, but Ethan kept her steady enough to pleasure her thoroughly. He was lost in the moment until the room’s phone rang. He stopped abruptly.

  “Noooo. Keep going.” Monelle groaned.

  “Get the phone.”

  She was beyond aggravated as she snatched the phone and barked hello. Ethan could tell there was a problem with something she ordered so while Monelle was distracted, he slid off the bed, grabbed his jacket and left.

  Ethan decided to take the stairs down to the ballroom. By the time he went down fourteen flights, his “excitement” would have died down. He was disappointed in himself. Ethan was no prude and had his fair share of women. This felt wrong, but yet he allowed himself to go there. It wouldn’t be fair to give Monelle mixed signals. As hungry for sex as she was, he was sure Monelle wasn’t depriving herself for his sake.

  He finally made it back to the party. The guys were mixing it up with some of the pretty women who were in attendance. They seemed to be having a good time. Ethan couldn’t wait for the night to be over.

  He walked over to the open bar and asked for a diet Coke. Ethan was not a drinker, but he wondered if he should start.

  “Ladies and gentlemen. Put your hands together for the woman of the hour. The one we’re celebrating tonight. Ms. Monelle!”

  Monelle was gorgeous in a silvery one sleeved, floor length dress. Her makeup was on point and her jewels sparkled. She walked into the room with a confident strut that brought the crowd to their feet with applause.

  Rayell gawked. “That’s your girl?”

  “She is NOT my girl.”

  “Well, damn. Why not?”

  Ethan stayed at the table with his friends. He no longer wanted to be her escort.

  The food was fantastic and the drinks flowed. Payton knew his cousin was not enjoying himself. “You’re ready to go?”

  “Nah, man. Everyone’s having a good time.”

  “You’re obviously not.”

  “I’m a big boy. I’ll get over it.” Ethan slapped Payton on the back.

  He was about to get another Coke when he felt his phone vibrate. He had a text message. From Bria. She wrote: Hey, Ethan. Not going to talk shop. Just felt like saying hi. So…hi ☺”

  He texted her back: Hi, Bria. You can talk about whatever you want to talk about; it’s
all good with me. I’m attending an event. I could use some saving.

  Bria: Why are you some place you don’t want to be?

  Ethan: Trying to be a good guy for the wrong person.

  Bria: Been there; done that. Got a too tight t-shirt.

  Ethan: You’re funny. I need that.

  Bria: I do have my moments ;)

  Ethan: What are you up to?

  Bria: Taking a writing break. You want a career doing what you love, but when you get swamped, you wonder what you got yourself into. You know what I mean?

  Ethan: I know exactly what you mean. Are you doing anything next week? I got those tickets for you. If next week’s not good, I can exchange them for a different game.

  Bria: As a matter of fact, next week would be perfect. My brother is going to be staying with me and he thinks all I do is work lol.

  Ethan: Can’t wait to meet him. Can’t wait to see you.

  Bria: Same here, Ethan. I’ve been teased without mercy since you came to the set. Folks all up in the business lol

  Ethan: I’m used to being a private person. That’s a struggle these days. But your crew is cool. I’ll let them dip into the business just a little bit.

  Bria: I get the feeling that’s saying a lot.

  Ethan: It is.

  Bria: Well, I don’t want to take up all your time. Get back to your event. We’ll chat some more tomorrow.

  Ethan: Ugh. The rescue mission is over?

  Bria: It’s only just begun. Good night.

  Ethan: Nite

  That short exchange put Ethan in a better mood. He didn’t even cringe when he saw Monelle heading his way.

  “What was that upstairs, babe?”

  “That’s part of the problem. I’m not your babe. We used to kick it and that was cool. I’m still cool with you. But I don’t want to be physical. I’m sorry I got you stirred up, but I shouldn’t have started anything in the first place.”

  “Groupies, cheerleaders, media chicks…You’ve got them coming at you from all angles I’m sure. But we go way back. You’d think you’d show me some preference.”

  “Preference? Monelle, this is your birthday party so I’m not going to get into all that. I just want you to chill. That’s all.”

  “I will for now. But can I get at least one slow dance since you ditched me?”

  Ethan didn’t like the ‘for now’ part. He knew they were going to talk about this again. However, he didn’t want to make a scene so he agreed to one dance. As she lead him to the middle of the dance floor, the deejay started to spin one of his favorite old school slow jams; Quincy Jones’ The Secret Garden.

  Monelle threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her face. She smelled delicious. Her curves were dangerous. But the lyrics took him to another space.

  I wanna read your mind

  Know your deepest feelings

  I wanna make it right for you

  Baby, show me, let me

  Share the mystery, ohh

  Come on, come on

  Come on, come on

  Listen to your heart tonight

  Ethan found himself thinking about Bria Coppock. They’d fallen into a light and easy way of flirting. He enjoyed the subtlety. He wanted to get to know her. Sure, he’d read things about her in a magazine and seen her in a couple television interviews, but just being in her presence ignited a curiosity about Bria.

  She didn’t do makeup; she didn’t need it. She wasn’t very tall, but she carried herself with such humility and confidence that she appeared to have more height. He didn’t want to compare her to Monelle, but honestly he felt Bria had more class and he’d only seen her in a work environment. Ethan kept his circle tight. He hoped he and Bria connected so he could bring her in.

  “Why haven’t you invited me to a game yet, Ethan?”

  “Because you don’t like football.”

  “Like that matters. I want to see the world of professional sports, go to the parties, meet the movers and shakers.”

  “Didn’t I just say I wanted us to be friends only?”

  “I heard what you said. You don’t really want to be only my friend. Despite that confusion upstairs I know you enjoy all of this.”

  “So you just want to be enjoyed and not loved?”

  Monelle stopped dancing. The song stopped a moment later and the crowd applauded. “Thank you for the dance.” She walked off like her feelings weren’t just knocked for a loop.

  Ethan didn’t want to hurt her, but he knew Monelle didn’t really care about him. She was just interested in what he represented and what he could do for her. That eased his conscience, but he wasn’t happy about it.

  He went back to the table with his boys. Payton started to say something, but Ethan shook his head letting him know he didn’t want to talk about it. His teammates were enjoying their dinner. He dug into his plate, but he didn’t feel much like eating. Ethan pulled out his phone and reread his messages from Bria.

  Game day was a chilly one. Ethan and Bria talked early that morning to finalize their plans for after the game. Bria couldn’t help but notice how sexy he sounded before the sun came up. She had to put herself in check. 3 Bethel’s Way demanded all of her attention; did she have time to even fantasize about Ethan?

  Bria went and woke her little brother. In his late teens, Kurt was hardly little. However, she was very protective of her sibling. He was a talented sketch artist and painter and she was trying to find an internship for him in animation. Their sister, Lauryl, lived in Atlanta and said she would keep her eyes open for opportunities at the Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.

  “Rise and Shine!”

  “Ugh. What time is it?”

  “Time to get up if you want to go with me to the Giants game.”

  “I definitely do. Thanks again for the hook up, B.”

  “Thank Ethan. He invited us.”

  “He like you?”

  “I suspect he does. He’s a cool guy. I look forward to him taping an episode of the show,” Bria admitted.

  “Watch your back. He’s a professional ball player. He’s got groupies, I’m sure.”

  “Kurt, not everyone responds to groupies or even likes all that attention. I think he’d be happy just playing the game and could care less about the fame.”

  “As long as he doesn’t play any games with you it’s all good.”

  “Yes sir. I’m going to make an omelet. Do you want one?”

  “With bacon on the side?”

  “Turkey bacon.”

  “That’ll work. I’ll go hit the shower.” Kurt hopped up and headed to the bathroom.

  “I appreciate that. And don’t forget to brush them fronts!”

  “Ha, ha.”

  After eating a hearty breakfast, they dressed warmly and went to heat up her black K900. Bria set her GPS for MetLife Stadium and headed to the Meadowlands.

  Ethan had offered to get them seats in a private box, but Bria wanted to be in the stands with the fans. She wanted a true game day experience for her and Kurt. So instead he got them seats practically on the field itself. They sat near people dressed head to foot in Giants gear. Some of them had even painted their faces blue and white. They cheered their loudest even before the coin was tossed. It was already a blast.

  Bria loved sports, but wasn’t that well versed in football. Kurt explained to her what was going on and that he was really impressed with Ethan’s game play.

  During half time, Bria made her way to the ladies room. Naturally there was a line. She checked her email while she waited. Two women about her age were talking rather loudly.

  “Yeah he fine and I got his jersey, but Ethan Aragon don’t get down like that. I know a few dimes who’ve tried. He was respectful, but that Spegro declined. Where they do that at? Turning down free puddy?”

  Her companion looked puzzled. “Spegro?”

  “Spic and negro. You know his mama’s Puerto Rican.”

  Bria tried not to laugh. They were truly comical. However,
she filed the information in her memory bank. Ethan was a good guy.

  She made her way back to her seat and found Kurt had bought them hot dogs and sodas. “It’s freezing out here. They didn’t have any hot cocoa?” Bria laughed.

  The game was exciting and in the third quarter, Ethan scored two touchdowns. The crowd went bananas. Kurt jumped up and applauded. “That’s my dude!”

  Bria was proud of how well her new friend was doing. His contribution made it nearly impossible for the opposing team to catch up and win the game. The other players slapped him on the back as he returned to the bench. Ethan seemed to be searching the crowd. Finally he found the section Bria and Kurt were in. He waved when he saw them. Kurt pointed and mouthed “You the man.” Bria blew him a kiss.

  The Giants beat the Patriots 30-10. A stadium attendant came and found them and asked that they follow him to the club lounge.

  “That was a really good game, B.”

  “Indeed it was. If they make it to the Super Bowl, I’ll fly us out so we can see him…them play.”

  There was refreshment in the lounge and a large screen TV playing the Fox postgame analysis and interviews. The studio cut to Ethan’s highlights. He was highly likely to be rookie of the year.

  Kurt snacked on gourmet popcorn while Bria sipped on a ginger ale. They were gossiping about the family when they looked up and saw Ethan.

  “Hey! I’m so glad you guys came out AND we got you a win.” Ethan did the handshake-hug with Kurt. He wasn’t sure how to greet Bria, but she reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Congrats, Ethan. That was a lot of fun. Glad I had Kurt with me to do the color commentary. I genuinely like football, but I’m more into basketball.”

  “Then we’ll have to go to The Garden once my season’s over.”

  “Bet!”

  “Come on. I’m going to introduce you to some of the guys and then we’re going to The Steel Drum. It’s a West Indian restaurant the Special Teams coach owns out here in Jersey.”

  The players and the coaches who were still around were very cordial and welcomed Bria and Kurt to the stadium. A few congratulated her on the success of her show. They gave Kurt autographed pictures and some promotional items. Her brother was in hog heaven.