Page 51 of Ride

“Feels great, and with the gray heels and belt?” Marlowe gave me a thumbs up, after pointing at the shoes and belt.

“Perfect! Let’s try the rest on, and I will have them steam-cleaned and packed to be delivered.”

Marlowe grabbed the next skirt and shirt and went off to change. I had to make a reminder to keep my distance from her extended close friends before I really get on the blogs for bullshit.

* * *

The Beacon Lounge was lively tonight. I snapped my fingers and clapped my hands, listening to late nineties R&B from Tyrese and Jodeci. Winter forced me to come out after missing out on hanging with her the other day. Marlowe loved everything and she even recommended me to other actresses in her circle. Winter passed me a glass of cognac and I almost choked on the dark liquor.

Blue fluorescent lights shined around the walls, and mirrors captured every angle when someone got up to dance. “I like to stick to my lemon drops. This is too much.”

Winter wore a cinnamon wool t-shirt dress. “Honey this will put hair on your chest,” she tittered, then rocked her hips side to side.

I put the bottle down and picked up my martini. “Something I don’t need, ma’am.” I watched a few women flirt at the bar.

As she released the smoke from her lips. “Mmmm...I needed tonight,” she said, then snapped her fingers.

“What have you been up to or who?” I smirked, taking another sip.

Sighing, Winter hesitated before speaking. “Working and dealing with life.”

I crossed my hands. “Laikin’s ex busted into my styling session.”

“Who?”

“That Callie chick.”

Her brows pinched together in a frown, “The trick on the blogs constantly harassing him?”

“Yep. Apparently she’s friends with Marlowe.”

“Did Marlowe set you up? Please tell me if we need to call for backup.” Winter cracked her knuckles.

“No need for backup—and Marlowe was sweet. She had no idea about the drama.”

“Cool, I like her as an actress, but she can get it if she playing in your face.” Winter playfully rolled her eyes.

I pushed her in the shoulder lightly. “Thank you for having my back, but we are grown, and I handled Callie.”

“Happy you’re being mature about Laikin and Callie. I’m honestly surprised you haven't confronted him.”

“Maybe months back I would have been insecure, but I was the one that left him and married someone else. I can't blame him for everything.”

Winter extended her arm around my shoulder. “Ahh, boo, you sound so mature. The old you was so spoiled, my god,” Winter shrieked.

I ignored her comment and gulped the rest of my drink.

Winter took me by the hand, stood, and sauntered to the dance floor.

Either I was overly obsessed and dreaming or Laikin was inside the building. We hadn’t spoken since the morning because were both busy with work, and now all of sudden my body had an intense craving for him. Winter rolled her hips. I followed her movements. Then the familiar, earthy musk of his cologne bloomed in the air. His large, smooth hands came down upon my waist. Kissing the side of my neck, we moved in sync, reminding me of how we moved in bed together.

I can be a bad girl for him.

He repeated the song lyrics to Usher in my ear.

Laikin raked a hand over my stomach and down my thigh. “Trying to take you home.” Adrenaline pulsed through at feeling his dick again.

“I’m sure we can arrange that, Mr. Trenton.”

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