Page 56 of Curvy Girl Summer

“Are you denying it?”

“I’m questioning your use ofriffraff. How old are you?”

“Old enough to see someone in need and to help out.” He leaned down so his mouth was close to my ear. “And you need help.”

His breath was cool and minty, but it felt like fire as it danced across my skin.

I shivered.

“You need help,” I countered, pushing him away from me. Hoping he didn’t catch his effect on me, I glared at him. “And just because your shirt isn’t dirty tonight doesn’t mean you are qualified to give me advice, Ahmad.”

He laughed. “Even though Iamqualified, I didn’t just invite you out to give you advice.”

“Qualified, my ass! Ahmad, you are unlicensed without the first credit hour to your name.”

Chuckling, he unlatched the velvet rope. “Shut up and get your ass in here.”

Grinning, I stepped inside the three-couch section that had a perfect, unobstructed view of the stage. The brick wall and the dark cherry-red couches created a vibe. The glass table with champagne on ice, bottles of water, cans of energy drinks, and various juices created a mood. But the two handsome men sitting on two of the three couches made it a party.

“And you must be Aaliyah,” the sexy, dark-skinned man with the taper fade and the long, well-kempt beard greeted me.

“I am.” I slipped my hand into his outstretched one. “And you are?”

“Leon.” He brought my hand to his lips. “But you can call me yours.”

I laughed. “Wowwwwwww.”

He laughed along with me. “You like that?”

“It was cute. Corny, but cute.”

“Aight, that’s enough,” Ahmad interjected, grabbing my shoulders and shifting me in the other direction. “This is Darius.”

I smiled at the light-skinned cutie with the curly hair and dimples. “Hi, Darius.”

“What’s up, Aaliyah?” He shook my hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well.” I let go of his hand and looked between the three of them. “Thanks for having me.”

“Glad you could make it,” Ahmad replied, taking a seat on the empty couch. “Sit, drink, relax, enjoy yourself.” He gestured to the other end of the couch he was on. “Make yourself at home.”

I sat about a foot away from him. “Thank you.” Sitting back, I crossed my ankles. “So, what brings you out tonight? What’s the occasion?”

“My birthday was a couple weeks ago,” Leon answered. “Darius finally had a weekend off. And Ahmad is a music head and wanted to see Terra-Cotta.”

I smiled, shifting my gaze around the group. “Well… happy belated birthday.”

“Thank you,” he said, winking.

“I’m glad you got a weekend off,” I said to Darius.

“You and me both,” he replied, lifting his glass.

Turning my attention to Ahmad, I smiled. “I love Terra-Cotta.”

Ahmad nodded. “Everybody is rocking with the hometown heroes now. I like that shit.”

“No,” I clarified. “IloveTerra-Cotta. I’ve been rocking with them since they came on the scene.”

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