Page 11 of Stolen Moments with a Bad Boy

“Cookie know she petty for that shit. I understand. It’s more freeing when you get rid of the negativity. She was a pretty girl,but I could tell she didn’t have it all. Use that button if you need to, boo. I’m heading out.”

“You ain’t lying, boss lady. I’m wit’ you when you right. No worries here either. You know I ain’t got no problem hittin’ that button,” she replied.

“Okay, cool.”

Since my very capable staff held down the lounge, there was no need for me to stay. I grabbed my drink and walked away. I didn’t stay for the parties unless my absolute presence was needed. Tonight, it wasn't, so I had some time to myself. Instead of being holed up in my apartment, I walked down to the café and set my drink down on the table in one of the booths. I grabbed my tablet from my office and waltzed back in the café.

My jukebox started, and I let the mix play. I hit the lights except the one over my booth. There was no time for customers to assume I was still open. Blood Stone’s “Natural High” crooned out first.

I did a little two step before I slid in the booth. I’d left my E-reader on my new favorite author, Wynta Tyme. Her bookTheirs to Ownwas an erotic thriller, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I took a sip of my drink when there was a knock on the door.

Couldn’t people see the closed sign? My eyes connected with Janeiro. My mood had instantly changed from relaxed and a good vibe to sour. I slid from the booth and strolled over to the door. Our eyes connected. There was a rave of emotions that swirled in me. My head and heart were in a battle right now.

I liked him a lot. Janeiro was kind and a good listener, but the emotional baggage he toted around was brutal. There was something about him that I could not resist. He stood outside my door like a lost puppy. The look of sadness in his eyes just pulled at my heartstrings, so I acted before I thought twice. I exhaled and unlocked the door and motioned for him to come in.

Janeiro was dressed in a black tailored suit. It wasn’t hard to tell that his suit was made of the most expensive, luxurious fabric most people could only dream of. He followed me to my booth and removed his suit jacket and laid it across the table. The black fabric from his dress shirt stretched across his toned body like a second skin.

God, why did he have to be so damn fine?Silence settled between us like a mediator. We just stared at each. Finally, after minutes of staring, I uncrossed my leg and sat up.

“If you came over here just to stare in my face, then you can leave. I have no more patience for your hot and cold treatment. I may be young, but I will not be mistreated or mishandled by anyone.”

Seconds went by, and Janeiro was still quiet. I’d had enough of that shit. In haste, I grabbed my items. He grabbed my hand and stilled me. I raised my brow. Janeiro’s fingers trailed down my hand and laced our fingers.

“I’m incredibly sorry for my actions the other day. It wasn’t gentleman like of me, and you didn’t deserve that. You’ve been nothing but an angel to me, Bella. My past, . . . my life . . . is just filled with so much turmoil, and I don’t want to involve you in it. Yet, I can’t bring myself to stay away from your outgoing and loving spirit. Please forgive me, Bella.”

There was so much hurt in his voice that it was etched on his face.

“I’ll forgive you on one condition,” I expressed slyly, swaying to the music.

“Anything, Bella,” he replied eagerly.

I smirked. “You have to have one dance with me.”

“Anything but that. I haven’t danced in years. When I do, I still have two left feet.”

I chortled loudly and grabbed him by his hands. Janeiro reluctantly followed me to the middle of the floor.

“You said anything, and this is my way of forgiving you.”

Smokey Robinson’s “Baby Come Close” melodiously flowed from the jukebox.

Janeiro wrapped his arms around my waist. I wound my arms around his neck. We slow danced, gazing into each other’s eyes.

“I may be young, but I’m no one’s idiot or pushover. If we want to evolve into something more, then you have to respect me and the ways I exhibit that I care. If it’s too much for you, then let me know, but no more abruptly walking away from me or leaving me to wonder about you for days.”

He nodded his understanding and pulled me closer to him. I laid my head on his chest. My nostrils were engulfed with his expensive cologne. Janeiro kissed my curls.

“I hear you loud and clear, Bella. There’s a lot about myself that I need to emotionally work on when it comes to being the man that you would want to be with. Please, have some faith in me. I can change for you, Erie.”

I grinned. It felt as if Janeiro pleaded with me to hang in there with him. He didn’t have to any longer because I forgave him the moment I allowed him in. My hands rubbed up and down his muscular back. Deliciously, he caressed my back softly. Janeiro’s hands rested on top of my ass. Instantly, I felt him brick up. I pulled away from him, and there was a huge bulge in his pants.

My mouth watered, and my taste buds danced in excitement for the treat I involuntarily promised them. I was turned on more than I’d ever been. My sweet tooth emerged full fledge with a thirsty plea to taste an ounce of his sweetness. I closed my eyes, and my tongue inadvertently snaked over my top lip as my panties pooled with moisture. Seconds later, I opened them. The heated glare he awarded me with was all the confirmation Ineeded. I turned and walked over to the jukebox and ended the song. Janeiro’s eyes lowered and never left me.

The devil had entered the chat, and I could feel every dark pleasure he desired to deliver. I sashayed over to our table and collected our things. Tonight, I had plans for him too. My body was relaxed from the alcohol, giving me free reign to let my inner freak fly free. I made it to the double doors and glanced over my shoulder. Subtly, I gestured for him to follow me. Janeiro left his place on the floor. He swaggered over to me and took my open hand. I hit the lights, taking a big risk on us.

Seven

Janeiro

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