Teaser Tuesday: Distractions
Nadir
I bobbed my head as I strode to the bar, enjoying the R&B mix Keith made for the week. He was slowly showing me his strengths, and music was one of them. On the nights we didn’t have DJ Love; he curated a playlist for patrons. Tonight’s playlist was a mix of old and new school R&B. He honored my wishes, selecting songs from D’Angelo, Usher, and Mary J. Blige, while weaving in new schoolers like Ari Lennox, Alex Isley, and SiR.
I rounded the corner, pleasantly surprised with the turn out. Thursdays were tricky sometimes, but I learned that the warmer it was outside, the more likely people would come out. Scanning the room, I noted the available tables, the bar traffic, and the dance floor.
A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth when my gaze landed on the booth near the bar. With a drink in hand, and her eyes closed, Robyn swayed to SiR’s “Hair Down.” I bit my bottom lip, then made my way over to her. She looked good in a red satin dress with a side split, exposing her left thigh. Just as the song ended, she opened her eyes. Leaning down, I planted my hands on the table, nodding her closer. She leaned toward me; our faces were mere inches apart. The desire in her eyes hit me right in the groin.
“Don’t you have a flight in the morning?”
She brushed her lips against my ear, then said, “I do, but I felt like going out tonight. And I couldn’t think of any other place I’d rather be.”
This wasn’t my best friend coming for a visit. This was my princess coming to play.
Okay, so let’s play.
I stifled a groan.
“How long have you been waiting?”
“Not long,” she said, sitting back in her seat. I slid into the booth next to her. Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I met her gaze. A beat passed before her cheeks reddened, then she looked away. “I didn’t mind the wait. Me and Summer had a good conversation.”
With a nod, I replied, “Cool. So wassup, Goldie?”
Before this went any further, I needed to know her intentions for tonight.
“I hadn’t seen you since we met for lunch.”
“I missed you too,” I replied, earning a smile from her.
“And I’m going to miss you while I’m in Portland this weekend.”
I couldn’t help the grin on my face. “For real?”
“Yeah. So, what are you gonna do about that?”
“Let’s finish this conversation in my office.”
She followed me from her booth to my office. On the way there, I let Kenya know she could close out Robyn’s tab. I stayed a few paces behind Robyn; greedily I took her in. She knew what she was doing, sauntering around my lounge in that short, tight red dress. She looked like every bit of the temptation I needed to resist.
Once we made it to my office, I closed the door behind us and locked it. Robyn sat on the edge of my desk, crossing her left leg over her right. The fleshy part of her thighs showed.
What was she trying to do to me?
I eyed her from across the room for a beat, then walked over to her. When I was within reach, I took her hand and pulled her to me.
“You wore this for me?” I growled in her ear while grazing her bare shoulder with my index finger. Robyn nodded, a slow breath fell from her lips, making my groin tighten.
“Yes,” she breathed.
“Why?”
Her eyes fluttered. “Because I knew you’d like it.”
My eyes swept over her slowly this time. I was intentional in noting the red lipstick on her lips, the deep red satin material clinging to the curve of her hip, and her ass in the dress.
Damn right, I do.
“You must’ve really missed me.” I enjoyed teasing her. The redness in her cheeks was gratifying. “I’m assuming you came here for something other than conversation?”
She bit the inside of her cheek while fidgeting with her hands. “Yes, Nadir. I’m a little nervous about my test and need something to take my mind off it.”
“And I’m the distraction you need?”
“Yes. You’re the best distraction there is.”
For Nadir Bennett, Roseville is the center of his universe. He’s surrounded by friends and is the man behind Ray’s, one of the town’s hottest spots. He puts on a brave face, but Roseville is also a constant reminder of the life he was supposed to have with his ex-girlfriend and her daughter. Unsure of how to move forward without them, he takes things one day at a time, learning that healing isn’t linear. Luckily for him, he isn’t alone on this journey. His best friend Robyn is at his side every step of the way.
Robyn Gold moved to Roseville in search of her own path. She crossed the country in hopes of finding her happily ever after and opening a restaurant. Unexpected failures and a breakup disrupt her five-year plan. When it seems Robyn’s world is crumbling and she’s facing one battle after another, Nadir reminds her that she isn’t alone.
During their darkest hours, Robyn and Nadir show one another what it means to remain true. Their friendship is built on trust, honesty, and dependability. When their relationship evolves into something deeper, the two must decide if their fear of the unknown supersedes their destiny.