SEDUCTIVE: A Contemporary Romance Anthology Read online

  As they walked out to the parking area, Bria had an idea. “Why don’t we take my car? I’d have to move it anyway and it doesn’t make sense for us to take two vehicles.”

  “I’ll drive!” Kurt said.

  “That’s cool. You’re not in a Beetle or something are you? A brother got height!” Ethan joked.

  “It’s a Mini-Cooper, sorry.” Bria laughed.

  “Oh, hell no!”

  Bria passed Kurt her keys as they got closer to the car. “You can sit up front with my brother.”

  “No, Ethan can sit in the back with you so y’all can conversate.” Kurt instructed.

  “I like his idea. I’ll just punch the address into the GPS. It’s not that far.”

  Kurt was glad to get the opportunity to drive his sister’s new ride. He also wanted Bria and Ethan to hit it off. He turned the radio on and chose the pre-set Smooth Jazz station.

  A Boney James classic was playing. “Kurt, I’m sure Ethan would rather hear something more hype after a major win.”

  “No, I like jazz.”

  “Do you?’

  “Yeah; I even went to Jazz in the Gardens last year. It was hot.”

  “I haven’t gone yet, but I want to check it out. I might even find a way to incorporate it into the show.”

  “I’ll come back to do that episode.” Ethan breathed in Bria like she was a breath of fresh air. She was a down to earth woman who was about her business. She didn’t mind hanging with her kid brother. She was a sports fan. He missed having her kind of female friend. But more and more he wanted to explore beyond that.

  “This is the place, right?” Kurt asked as he pulled into the parking lot.

  “Yep. You guys are going to dig this.”

  Ethan guided Bria into the restaurant. He instantly peeped out the paparazzi. He should have known they'd be there after the G-Men won the game. Being in show business, Ethan was certain Bria was used to them. He wondered if she was as bothered by them as he was. Kurt of course soaked everything up like a sponge.

  “This place looks good. The aromas alone are making my stomach growl!”

  “Well, that doesn't take much." Bria joked. "Thank you so much for taking us out to dinner.”

  “My pleasure. Come on, let's grab a table." Ethan held her hand as he lead them to his favorite booth near the band. "I hope this won't be too loud once the music starts.”

  “Live music? I love that. I'm sure we can deal.” Bria scooted into the booth.

  The server waited for them to get settled before he came over to the table. “Good evening! Good to see you, man. Congrats on the win.” He shook Ethan's hand. “Hello, family; what can I get you to drink?”

  Bria quickly browsed the beverage section of the menu. "I'll take a ginger beer, my brother.”

  “Can I get a rum and Coke?" Kurt laughed. "Just joking. A regular Coke, please.”

  “You want your sister to kill you?” Ethan asked, but was laughing as well.

  “He already knows not to try me with that under aged drinking mess if he wants to make it to 21.”

  “Dag, SuperSis; I was just playing. You know I don't like drinking anyway.”

  The server already knew Ethan wanted a diet cola so he went off to make their order.

  “What do you recommend, Ethan?”

  “I really like their oxtails, but you can’t go wrong with anything they make here.”

  “I’m going to try the ackee and saltfish.”

  “I know that’s one of you favs, Kurt. But I’m going to go with the curry goat. Maybe we can trade out so we all get a sample of each other’s dishes?”

  “I’m cool with that, but whatever you guys really like I can just order an extra portion of it.”

  “Bet! Glad we’re dating you, E.” Kurt laughed hysterically.

  “You have to excuse my brother. Somebody dropped him on his head when he was a baby and he hasn’t been right ever since.”

  “He’s just doing what kid brothers are supposed to do. I tormented my siblings every chance I got so trust me, he’s mild in comparison.” Ethan noticed the band was setting up. “I really dig these cats. I’m pretty sure you will, too.”

  The server came back with their drinks and took their food order. The band started their set with a cover of Damian Marley’s Affairs of the Heart.

  “I love this song,” Bria said as she swayed to the beat.

  A small crowd gathered on the dance floor. The three were chatting when a pretty young woman walked up to the table. They all assumed she came over to ask for an autograph from Ethan, but instead she asked Kurt to dance. Recovering quickly from his shock, Kurt agreed and left his party at the table.

  “Where are my manners? Would you like to dance, Mr. Aragon?”

  “Maybe later. I’d rather talk to you.”

  “I’m enjoying you guys, but I’d really like to take you out on an official date, Ethan. Are you down for that?”

  “Shouldn’t I be doing the asking, Ms. Coppock?”

  “Are you the old fashioned type?” She smiled at him warmly.

  “Hardly. Where are you going to take me?” He chuckled.

  “I have a few ideas, but I think I want to surprise you.”

  “I like…” Ethan was cut off as a photographer came up to them.

  “Hi, I’m with Media Madness and I was wondering if I could get a photo of you and

  Miss Coppock. I promise not to disturb you long or again. Just a couple of shots, please?”

  Ethan started to object, but Bria gently squeezed his thigh and interjected. “I actually read Media Madness from time to time. I appreciate the positive review your publication gave 3 Bethel’s Way. I don’t mind a couple pics, but our food should be here in a minute and I’m starving so if you could maybe do it quickly? Thanks,…”

  “Jarvis. My name is Jarvis Beck. You’re great, Miss Coppock.” He quickly snapped their picture and then backed away while bidding them a good night.

  “You like media attention?”

  “Positive interaction makes being in the public eye easier to take sometimes. He was polite compared to some I’ve come across. Plus, his magazine did a nice article on the show and I just wanted to return the favor. I have to deal with press one way or another so I might as well try to control what I can.”

  “Point taken. I think I can learn some things from you, Bria.” He realized her hand was still on his thigh the same time she did. She slid it back onto her own lap. After a moment he reached out and put it back.

  The server and Kurt both returned to the table. “Perfect timing!”

  “Not really.” Bria muttered as Kurt plopped down and immediately dug into his plate. “Hey, how about blessing the food?”

  Kurt’s fork stopped mid air. “My bad.” He took his sister’s hand and motioned for Ethan to do the same.

  “Father, we thank You for this meal and we ask that You bless the hands who prepared it. May it nourish our bodies naturally as You continue to feed us spiritually. Amen.” Bria prayed with her head bowed.

  Ethan was impressed. From the corner of his eye, he could see two photographers trying to get in position to get the best shot of her saying grace. He tried not to let it ruin the moment, but he was ready to tackle them. And have them removed from the field.

  The food was totally on point. They traded spoonfuls while jamming to Positive Vibrations cover of Gregory Isaacs Night Nurse.

  “You guys have to dance to this. It was one of dad’s favorites. Where that honey at I was grooving with?” Kurt was gone in a flash.

  “He’s right. I heard this song a million times while growing up. I love it, too.”

  Ethan hated dancing, but welcomed the opportunity to put his arms around Bria. “Will you do me the honor?” He got up and held his hand out to her.

  Some of the diners pointed and whispered, but Ethan wasn’t going to let them kill their vibe. Bria took his hand and they moved to the very edge of the dance floor. She laid her head against his chest
. He was nervous.

  “Relax, Ethan. I can feel your heartbeat going into overdrive. You create music; just flow with it like you were in a session.”

  Bria found the rhythm and matched the winding of her hips to it. It came so naturally to her. He tried to move with her, but it wasn’t until he thought of being in her that he found the groove. She could feel his heart; he hoped she couldn’t read his mind!

  “I have to bring you by my home studio. I’m still adding equipment, but it feels good to be able to get top of the line brands. I love music as much as I love football.”

  “There’s just something about being a creative that’s like nothing else. It’s similar to sharing a piece of your soul with the world. I’ve always loved to read so eventually it turned into me wanting to write my own stories. The television world is crazy, but I’m enjoying my dream come true.”

  “Do you write lyrics?”

  “I’ve tried a few times. It doesn’t come as natural, but I’m not giving up.”

  “I don’t see you giving up on anything that you want.” Ethan grinned. He pulled her over to the band stand and caught the attention of the guitar player. He requested one of his own favorites and then led Bria back to the dance floor.

  Stephen Marley’s ‘Let Her Dance’ brought a whole crop of women to the floor along with them. They whined like whining was going out of style and didn’t need a man to get their groove on. Bria held her own and knew all the words to the intoxicating song. Ethan just stood back and let her do her thing. She was all kinds of sexy. The other chicks were trying too hard.

  When the band finished, the crowd gave them a standing ovation. “This place is all that and then some. I have got to bring the cast and crew here one day.” Bria got high fives from the ladies as they left the dance floor.

  “I’ll let coach know you enjoy it here.”

  “I enjoyed the whole day. Thank you again, Ethan.”

  “I’m on a high right now, but I know it’s mad late and you have to drive back to the city.”

  “I live in Riverdale a.k.a. The Bronx. And Kurt is going to want to drive back so I’ll be good.”

  “Our next game is an away game, but we’ll hook up again when I get back.” Ethan saw Kurt on the other side of the room and motioned for him to come over. He was in the middle of putting his number in his dance partner’s phone and gave the young lady a quick hug before taking off.

  Ethan said good night to The Steel Drum staff and a few others he knew as regular customers. He volunteered to drive back to the stadium since Kurt was already busy texting his new friend.

  Once they were all in the car, it didn’t take long for Bria and Kurt to fall asleep. He wanted to take them to his house, but he knew he had to slow his roll. Ethan had the rest of the season to get through and really shouldn’t let himself be this distracted. Yet at the same time, Bria gave him life. Being around her felt like he already knew her all his life. He needed that.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Monelle made up her face with a bare minimum of cosmetics. She needed to look as wholesome as possible. She wore her blond tresses pulled back in a ponytail and had settled on a winter ski jacket and jeans. She took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

  “Yes?”

  “Hi, Ms. Celia. It’s me, Monelle.” When she saw the confusion on the woman’s face, Monelle had to think fast. “I lived in the building behind you facing Hart.”

  “Oh! I do remember you. Your folks owned that laundromat on Marcus Garvey, didn’t they? Nice to see you again. Are you looking for Ethan? He doesn’t live here.” Celia Aragon had mastered the skill of being nice and nasty at the same time. Her words were sweet, but her face definitely conveyed her annoyance.

  Hampton Hayes joined Celia at the door. “Are you two going to stand here all day and let all the heat out? Come in, come in.”

  Celia stood aside and allowed Monelle to enter. “Hello, Mr. Hamp. My uncle was talking about you the other day. How have you been?”

  “Tell Marvin I said what’s up. I’m doing very well, thank you. Let me take your jacket. Would you like something hot to drink? I was going to make coffee, but I can…”

  Celia interrupted. “I’m sorry. Are you looking for our son?”

  “Yes and no. We’ve been trying to rekindle things and I guess I just wanted some insight on what kind of Super Bowl celebration to throw for him. I thought maybe we could plan something together?”

  “They haven’t even played the game yet. Aren’t you jumping the gun a little?”

  “Well, it would be better to have something set up beforehand I think. I hate just throwing stuff together.” Monelle was so not digging Celia Aragon.

  “You should know Ethan hates parties and crowds. Rekindling…When did you two date again?”

  “We weren’t really ever official. Just off and on for a while.”

  “Oh. I see.”

  “Let’s go into the kitchen and talk about it.” Hampton gestured towards the next room. Celia shot fiery darts at him with her eyes, but he just smiled and said “After you, ladies.”

  The house was truly beautiful and the kitchen was stunning. It had all stainless steel appliances and a huge granite top island in the center which they all took a seat at. Monelle could tell the pair spent a lot of time in the kitchen area. They had a television and recliners in one of the corners. “This is gorgeous.”

  “Thank you! Ethan surprised us with this crib. I’m proud of the kid.” Hampton poured coffee into three mugs and passed them out.

  “So am I.” Monelle added sugar to her cup then jumped off the bar stool. “I have got to take a picture with the two of you. This is a long way from the Roosevelt Houses.”

  Hampton playfully pulled Celia next to him. He knew the whole scenario was getting on her nerves and he laughed to himself about it. Monelle stood beside Hampton and positioned her camera phone to capture the three of them.

  They made more small talk while they drank coffee. Monelle was ready to exit stage left. But after seeing pictures of Ethan and Bria all over the net praying over a meal together and dancing at some hot spot, she knew she had to do something. Bria Coppock was definitely cute and was on her way to becoming a media mogul. Ethan and Monelle had attended the same public schools. Their families were acquaintances (despite Celia Aragon acting otherwise). She had to pull every card at her disposal. She could tell Hampton Hayes was feeling her. What man wouldn’t?

  “Well, I’m going to get going. I know I dropped by unannounced and I apologize. Hopefully one day soon you, Ethan and I can get together and do something. I’ll figure out the Super Bowl thing and let you know what the game plan is.”

  Celia and Hampton walked her out. Hampton opened the door and made a slight bow. “Thank you for honoring us with your presence. It was good seeing an old neighbor.”

  Monelle smiled. “My pleasure. Take care!”

  Celia gave her a fake pageant wave and tried not to slam the door as soon as the child crossed the threshold. She waited until Monelle drove off before she turned to give Hampton a huge chunk of her mind. He was laughing while holding his stomach. “You ass. Why did you entertain that girl? Was it her sprayed on jeans?”

  “Woman, please. She was more phony than a three dollar bill. I played along just to see what she really wanted. Obviously it’s our son she’s wanting to get her hooks into and she thought we’d be an end to that means.”

  “Oh, so you don’t trust a big butt and a smile after all.”

  “Only yours, baby.”

  Celia had to laugh herself at that. They were cleaning up the kitchen when Ethan walked in.

  “Boy, how many times have I told you about just walking up in here? I could have had your mama in a compromising position on this island. It would have served you right if I had.”

  “Ew, Hamp. Thanks for that visual!”

  “Y’all both stupid.” Celia went to the fridge and got her son a diet Coke. “You just missed your friend. What did she say her na
me was again, Hampton?”

  “Monelle.”

  “What? Monelle was at your house?”

  “Yeah; about ten minutes ago. Gold digger written all over her.”

  “Pretty as she wanna be, but yeah, she’s on the hunt and you’re her prey.” Hampton told his son.

  “It’s a shame. If I had that kind of interest in her, she just killed it. You don’t roll up on my parents. She knows I don’t play that.” Ethan turned the can of Coke all the way up. “What did she want?”

  “She wanted to party plan. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself at a Super Bowl party hosted by that hussy.” Celia had crossed her arms. “And please…don’t bring me no grandbabies from her.”

  “You don’t have to worry about parties or Pampers when it comes to Monelle.”

  “Your sister showed me a photo of you and Bria Coppock. Now I wouldn’t mind her contribution to our gene pool.” Hampton grinned and slapped his son five.

  “You’re funny, Hamp. But me and Bria do have something brewing. Right now life is all about football, but that woman stays on my mind. It’s hard to explain.” Ethan sat down at the island beside his father.

  “It’s not that hard. When a woman is meant to be in your life, your soul knows it. It may seem like an inopportune time. The woman may even have a life with someone else. But if you and her are meant to be together, there are no circumstances that can prevent it.”

  Ethan’s parents never married because at the time they got together, they were in unhappy marriages with other people. In those days you just didn’t walk away from your family. Ethan often felt some kind of way about the whole thing, but he just let it be and tried to enjoy his people.

  “Y’all want to go get something to eat?”

  “You already know this man is always ready to eat.” Celia chuckled. “Let me grab our coats.”

  Hampton patted his son on the shoulder. “Just keep your head on straight while you’re following your heart . It’ll be all good.”

  All good is not how Ethan felt when he saw pics of Monelle and his parents posted on social media. She had added the captions “ me and my fam” and “Ethan; we’re waiting for you” on various sites. “You see this?” Ethan slid his phone across the table to Payton.