Page 42 of Off Season

This week, a huge reveal party is taking place in New York City. We're all going up on a big party bus. Layton asked that we meet at his place as a starting point before we pick up the girls, who are getting their hair and makeup professionally done.

We all nod, and I answer, “Yes. Can’t wait to see you two naked.” I wink at him since I’ve already seen them naked.

He scowls at me before narrowing his eyes. “What happened with you and Kam the other night?”

Quincy walks in just as the words are trickling out of Layton’s mouth. “Oooh, did Cheetah dip his toes in the crazy pool? Knowing Kam,sheprobably didhimdoggie style.”

I’m not having this conversation with them. I need to redirect their attention. “Do you know why they call it doggie style?”

He twists his lips. “Because the receiver is on all fours?”

I shake my head. “Nope. It’s becauseI don’t want to look at your ugly facedidn’t have a nice ring to it.”

He chuckles. “I stand corrected.”Fixing his backward baseball hat over his trademark longer, curly blonde hair, he says, “Look, man, I’ve known Kam for ten years. There’s a screw loose with that chick. You might want to steer clear. I used to think every single thing in a woman’s life could be fixed by one of two things. Dick or food. But with Kamryn Hart, it’s more than that. You’re a nice guy. You should be with a nice girl.”

Trey nods. “Agreed. The momma’s boy needs someone to dote on him like his mother. Kam isn’t that person.”

Layton slaps my back. “Nah. Cheetah needs a deaf woman to drown out the things that come out of his mouth.”

Ezra chuckles. “Or one who doesn’t mind being spanked with big balls while he’s fucking her.”

They all laugh at my expense. They don’t know shit about what I need.

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHEETAH

Tonight is the bigSports Illustratedreveal party. I’m so excited to see Kamryn that I can hardly contain myself. I’m doing my best to play it cool on the party bus though. Layton and Trey are practically salivating to get to their women. I’m sure they’re not noticing me equally as worked up.

We arrive at Kamryn’s apartment building, and the five girls walk out. Arizona, Ripley, Gemma, and Bailey all look stunning, but it’s Kamryn Hart who steals my breath. She’s in a tight, gold strapless dress that leaves little to the imagination. She looks like a golden goddess. I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s so fucking beautiful.

Trey and Layton jump off the bus before it even stops moving to ogle and fondle their women. Knowing Kamryn wouldn’t appreciate the same treatment, I stay seated and watch her step onto the bus with all the confidence in the world. It’s like she’s moving in slow motion with her hips swaying and her hair flowing in the gentle breeze. Her full lips are painted red. Her eyes, which always tell a millionstories, are particularly vibrant tonight. My mouth is wide open as I take her in.

She doesn’t make eye contact with me as she walks through the bus. I can’t help but reach out and attempt to pull her onto my lap. I whisper in her ear, “You’re stunning. I’ve missed you.”

She coldly shoves me away, crossing her arms in defiance. “Nope. You had your shot, kitten. You blew it. Literally.”

Trey lets out a laugh. “Did things end,prematurely? Shame on you, Cheetah.”

Fuck this. I turn to him. “It ended because her bed exploded.Literally. Her waterbed burst. I had to surf out of her bedroom. Naked.”

They all start laughing. It’s not funny. Why is she pushing me away? What am I missing? Was she not feeling what I was the other night? There’s something real and special between us. She must realize that.

She pays me no attention as the crew temporarily moves on to other topics.Temporarily.

As I suspected it would, the topic eventually returns to the bursting waterbed and Kam gives them a detailed account of what happened. Everyone is in a fit of laughter.

Layton slaps my back with a huge grin on his face. “You finally got a girl wet. It only took you thirty years.” He laughs hysterically at his own joke.

Quincy shakes his head. “Cheetah, you give a whole new meaning to the termdiving in.”

Gemma gives me more of a compassionate smile. “Look at the bright side. At least you made a woman squirt. Very few men accomplish that.”

I can’t help but let a small smile creep out at that one. I suppose the whole situation is funny.

Fortunately, they move on to other topics. The ninety-minute ride to New York City is full of drinks and laughs.Everyone is having a great time. I really do like our growing circle of friends.

At some point, Kamryn turns to me and playfully narrows her eyes. “Stop staring at my tits.”

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