Page 6 of Caught off Guard

Ok. She likes you.

Me:

She needs to like someone else.

I heard running water in the bathroom and rushed to collect my clothes, putting them on slowly since my head felt like someone was knocking a hammer against it. Still shirtless, I picked up the used condoms and put them in the open condom box since I didn’t trust chicks when it came to celebrity sperm. I stared at my watch.

8a.m.

On cue, Luther’s number popped up. I answered the phone.

“Good morning, Boss.” His thick country twang filled the phone.

“Hello.”

Although I said only one word, my tongue still felt like cotton.

“You have a lunch event at Liberation University today. We need to skedaddle.”

Any other time, I would have kidded Luther for sounding like an old man, but today I needed to focus on the day’s logistics. I already skipped my morning workout, so I didn’t want to miss anything else.

“I’ll be downstairs in ten minutes. Let me handle Sophie.”

“Humph…okay.”

His voice was full of judgment and disapproval. Instead of calling him out or trying to justify my poor choice, I hung up and stared at myself in the mirror above the dresser.

Dark circles formed under my eyes. I put my aviator shades on to cover them but shook my head in disappointment at my reckless indulgence. Since I had a business appointment, I didn’t have time to analyze or condemn myself.

I cupped my hand and blew into my palm.Damn.Although I clowned Sophie, my breath smelled like ass too. My mouth would have to stay funky, though, because I wasn’t going to linger in this hotel room any longer. I texted Luther.

Me:

Get me a toothbrush and toothpaste at the front desk. I’ll brush my teeth in the car.

Luther:

Got you.

Sophie walked out with a white towel barely covering her damp body.My eyes scanned her legs and cute little feet. I could see elements of adorableness that attracted me to her last night, but that didn’t matter now. Our good time was over. I pulled five one hundred-dollar bills from my wallet and placed them on the table nearest to her.

“Here’s some money for your time.”

She furrowed her brow and frowned.

“I’m not a prostitute, Mr. Cairo.”

My eyes dropped to the floor at her formality despite our raunchiness. I rubbed the back of my neck.

“It’s just Cairo. I know you’re not a prostitute. It’s for you to get a cab or rideshare. And to make up for the lost wages at your job.”

“You’re not taking me home?”

“No. I have a meeting, so I need to go home and pull myself together.” I gestured to my wrinkled clothes.

She nodded.

“Will I see you again?”

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