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  She would never forget the look on his face at their son’s funeral. He was angry, heartbroken, and incredibly distant. She knew the miscarriage drove them both further

  away from each other instead of bringing them together. She concluded their reactions were a spectacular fail wrapped around in a mistake, glazed with a thick coat of misunderstanding. “I don’t know if children are in my future now.”

  “Yes, they are and stop with that shit,” Bella scolded. “Maybe God didn’t want you to have Skipper because He needed him first. But you and Scott are going to get back together and have so many babies, you’re going to be swimming in Huggies.”

  “From your words to God’s ears,” Mariana hoped, “it’s just…Scott is so different here than he is in L.A.”

  “Well, it’s a different environment here. He doesn’t have the entire world watching him.

  No paparazzo, no People magazine covers…he can just be himself here and he knows no one will sell him out to the highest bidder.” Bella reasoned.

  “It’s just at work, he’s so…so…” Mariana struggled to find the words.

  “His beautiful asshole self?” Bella chuckled. “Mari, you don’t have to play coy with me.

  I’ve known Scott for a very long time. I know how he can be.”

  “Is he intentionally being a dick with me?” Mariana already knew the answer before she asked.

  “He is intentionally pushing you, yes,” Bella concurred, “but not to make you hate him.

  He wants you to rise to his level of expectation. Think about everyone who works there, they say the same thing about him, right? He’s an asshole, insensitive, shows very little remorse, and pretty unapologetic. He’s Petty Pendergrass, Tyler Petty, and Petty White wrapped into a Gucci suit. But think about what the company has achieved since he’s been at the helm. How many bonuses have people received? How many awards has the company acquired? The environment there is happier, isn’t it?”

  When Scott took over as partner, he made several sweeping changes including adding a meditation room, a gym, and the vending machines offered more than junk food. He hired more women and persons of color in leadership positions and the employees now had a full week off during the Christmas holidays with another weeklong break during the spring to refresh and rejuvenate. The environment at MRS became significantly better and it was all because of Scott.

  On the flip side, he silently demanded employees work smarter, not harder. If he didn’t like a campaign, he would dismiss it without a debate. He had a number of employees quit underneath his leadership because they butted heads too often. He routinely defied HR with his attitude and words.

  “I don’t care if people hate me,” he once confided to her, “but they will respect me.”

  “It’s just…” Mariana carefully chose her words. “…it’s hard to be gracious when really, you just want to be a cunt. Like I want to gold medal in the Petty Olympics.”

  Bella grinned. “Well, Scott can bring out those emotions as well.”

  “It’s not how he is as my boss. I’ve known that and I expect it as well. It’s how he is as a person.” An overwhelming amount of sadness entered her heart. Scott could be warm, charming, and personal one second, and the next, be cold and distant as if he knew the person somehow betrayed him. “Sometimes I wonder if I came back because I wanted to see what he was up to and not because I really needed the position.”

  “You wonder?” Bella raised an eyebrow.

  Mariana held up her hands in defeat. “I know that’s why I came back.”

  “What do you want, Mari? Be real with me. What is it that you want? He’s single, you’re single, what do you want from this cat and mouse game you both are playing?”

  “Scott is the first interracial relationship I’ve been in. I’ve dated outside my race before but Scott was the first serious one. The first White guy I ever brought home to my parents was also the first White guy who made me curl up into the fetal position and bawl my eyes out. Recent events have made me do a lot of thinking,” Mariana looked up at the sky and pondered. She’d followed several news stories and reports regarding Black Lives Matter and the misogynoir quality of it as stories of black women were heavily

  underreported or flat-out ignored.

  She didn’t consider herself a keyboard warrior but she definitely didn’t just sit back and did nothing. She’d organized a few protests and helped bail out those who’d been falsely arrested. She’d also contributed to a few legal funds. “And I’m just wondering if it’s time I stick with my own.”

  “Mari, you can support the Black community without having guilt you’re in an interracial relationship. People used to give Jeff shit for dating me until his actions spoke louder and more powerful than theirs. They quickly shut up. People are always going to give you grief about your relationship, regardless if it’s warranted. The question is why are you listening?”

  It was a hard punch to the gut and Mariana chewed the inside of her cheek. “You got me.”

  Bella grinned and grabbed Mariana’s hand. “Whatever happens this week will be written in your history. You two might go your separate ways or you two might reconcile. Don’t think just because it’s not happening now, it won’t ever happen.”

  “It sounds awesome when you say it but – ”

  “Mari, if Scott wanted to be married with children, he would’ve made it happen already.

  The reason why he’s holding out is because he wants that with you. You hear me? With you. But Scott is smart enough to know when he’s fighting a lost cause and he’ll gracefully bow out.”

  Mariana thought long and hard about what Bella said. Denying her love for the man was pointless at this time and maybe, they would be able to give their love one more shot.

  Music began playing and it interrupted her train of thought. Too much anger, too much

  ‘what ifs’, too much uncertainty plagued her thoughts.

  Was the second time around really all of the hype? Or would it be a disaster?

  A crowd began to form and Bella looked over. “Oh wait, I think the Kream Team is about to perform. Let’s go and get a good place.”

  “The who?” Mariana quickly finished her food and drink.

  “The Kream Team – Jeff, Scott, and a few of their Brothers.” Bella slightly tilted her head. “You’ve never seen Scott shimmy and step, huh?”

  “See Scott do what?” Mariana asked.

  Bella smiled. “You’re in for a real treat today,” she paused before she continued, “try not to get jealous.”

  “Jealous?” Mariana scoffed. “Okay.”

  “Trust me,” Bella smiled, “once you see Scott perform, you’ll see why he’s popular.”

  Two

  Mariana and Bella took the places in front of the crowd as they eagerly watched their men perform. The Team, consisted of six, had already changed into their performance attire – red polos, khakis, and gold suspenders. Their canes were white and red. Mariana recognized it was USC and Kappa colors.

  She stared in awe as Scott stood in the back. He deliberately kept himself out of front view but it was clear to everyone all eyes were on him. The men began stepping as they chanted, moving quickly and with exact precision. Not one Brother was out of step and if Mariana was honest, they were all on point.

  After the men finished stepping, Scott picked up his cane and casually walked to the front. Immediately, the surrounding Brothers began to whistle and throw up the yo, while the women hollered at him. It made Mariana proud. All of the women wanted her man but he only had eyes for her.

  “Yo, fellas!” Scott chanted.

  “Yeah, Brother Scott!” They chanted.

  “I said, yo, fellas!” Scott repeated.

  “Yeah, Brother Scott!”

  “What are we about to do?”

  “We’re about to bring the beat back!”

  Scott yelled out a chant, the other Brothers immediately picked up their canes, and got into formation. The men tapped th
eir canes a few times on the ground before they began.

  They twirled around, spinning their canes in many different directions, while they chanted.

  While all of the men looked wonderful, Scott brought a certain je ne sais quoi about him.

  His swag, his style, his attitude…there was no question he was a definite Kappa. He spun his cane as if it were second nature to him. He didn’t miss a step, and twirled with quick precision.

  The men paused and the crowd erupted into numerous cheers. Father MC’s “I’ll Do 4 U”

  blasted on the speakers and everyone bopped along to the song. Mariana paid special attention to Scott as he thrust his hips, spun around, and tapped his cane along the rhythm. She knew he used to dance a lot and he often surprised her with his moves, but seeing him dancing to hip-hop, stirred something deep within her.

  The song switched to Gap Band’s “Yearning for Your Love” and the vibe immediately changed. It was no longer electric but very sensual as the Brothers slowed down their groove just for the ladies. When the Brothers shimmied down to the ground – and even Mariana was surprised at how low they went – the crowd erupted into numerous cheers.

  As she watched their routine, Mariana felt warm all over. She darted her tongue out to wet her dry lips. Her breathing became shallow. She felt her clit pulse in desire. It was a sexier side of Scott she’d never seen and all she wanted was to feel him again.

  That night, she would get her wish.

  After the performance ended, everyone cheered while other Nupes threw up the yo in appreciation and gratitude.

  “See what I mean?” Bella grinned at Mariana. “They ain’t no joke.”

  “The Kream Team,” Mariana nodded, “it’s a play on dream?”

  “That too,” Bella nodded, “I think we both know what they meant by Kream.”

  Mariana swallowed as her body temperature rose to unbearable heights . She immediately thought about easily aroused Scott made her and all he did was talk to her. It was like he had her hypnotized. “Oh, I got that right.”

  “Yeah, Scott’s the only one here that would make any woman second-think her wedding vows. Women used to have the same thought about Jeff but I quickly let them know I’ll shank a bitch,” Bella wasn’t joking in the least bit. “Anyway, give them a few minutes to get together and we’ll go meet them.”

  “Is it normal to be so…so…”

  “Turned on like you want to suck the skin off his dick?” Bella asked.

  “Well, putting it like that, yes.” Mariana laughed.

  “All of the time,” Bella nodded. “Jeff’s gonna get it so good tonight he’s going think he’s in church. I’m going to have him speaking in tongues and shit.”

  Scott’s performance gave Mariana a brilliant idea. “I think I’ll do the same. In fact, I have something in mind just for Scott.”

  ****

  “So, what did you think?” Scott wiped his forehead with a towel.

  Mariana took his towel away and carefully blotted his face. The gesture was small but

  spoke volumes between the former couple. “Perfect. Perfekt with a K.” She smiled.

  “Ah, you’re learning.” He smiled.

  “It’s taken me a while but I’m getting the hang of it.” She continued to blot his face. “I didn’t know you had such smooth moves.”

  “Really?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Okay, not in those ways,” she clarified, “your cane work was quite impressive, Scott.

  You could teach these young bucks a thing or two.”

  “It’s a science that took me a long time to perfect. I still practice all the time. You never know when you have to show up and then show out.” He mentioned.

  The admission surprised Mariana. “You never practiced when I was at home?”

  “Some things needed to be kept private,” his baritone sent shockwaves to her core, “and that was one of those things.”

  “Well, I have a dance I would love to show to you at some point,” she finished blotting his face, “I think you might like it.”

  “Oh?” His eyes smiled. “What is it?”

  She beckoned him to lean down. Her lips brushed against his earlobe. “Come to my room and you’ll find out tonight.”

  Scott no longer cared about mingling with the other Nupes when his ex-girlfriend promised him something that would be more fulfilling. He could see the Nupes any other time. “When?” He huskily asked.

  “After you’re done here,” she wrapped his sweat-soaked towel around her neck. She handed a spare room key to him. “I’ll be waiting.” She began to walk away.

  “Hey,” he called after her and she walked back to him. He wrapped an arm around her back and pulled her hard against his body. “I can’t wait.”

  Mariana’s clit clenched with need but she kept her composure. “Neither can I.” She walked away.

  Scott still had some business to attend to. Maybe if he played his cards right, they would be over as soon as they begun.

  Three

  “Take Care” by Janet Jackson blared out of the small stereo, filling the entire hotel room as Scott entered it. He noticed the tea light candles that were sporadically placed throughout the room, giving it a very romantic feel, and was quite impressed at the extent Mariana went to give him a show. To be honest, he would’ve been happy if she just wore booty shorts and did a little twerk. He was happy with whatever Mariana gave him.

  He entered her hotel room with no expectations so it shocked him greatly when Mariana appeared out of the bathroom wearing the pink lacy crotchless teddy she knew was his favorite. It was then Scott knew, not only was she expecting sex during her trip, she specifically was expecting from him.

  “Motherfucker,” the words escaped Scott’s mouth as his eyes followed Mariana’s body.

  He’d seen her naked many times but that particular piece of lingerie caused the madman to leash out of him. It left very little to the imagination but spurned numerous fantasies waiting to be played out.

  She led him to an awaiting chair where he promptly sat. She locked eyes with him as she began to dance, slow and sensual, touching her breasts and smoothing her hands down her waist. She turned around and bent over in front of him so he could get another good look at her. Her legs were spread wide enough where he could see her pussy print and Scott bit his bottom lip in anticipation of tasting it again.

  She suddenly turned around and gave a slow grind before she morphed into a shimmy.

  Seeing Scott’s eyes widen and his lips mouthed an, ‘Oh shit’ told Mariana she got his ass exactly where she wanted him.

  A hand began to travel down to her pussy and she wanted to play with her swollen clit in front of him, delivering an oft-requested but always-ignored fantasy from him. Scott’s hand suddenly grabbed her and he shook his head. “Come here,” he mouthed and freed his cock from his slacks.

  Mariana kneeled down and grabbed Scott’s cock with both hands. He smelled wonderful

  – musky, salty, and just plain, man. She licked the pre-cum off the mushroom tip before she took a few inches of him. She heard him hiss a moan while his fingers played in her hair.

  She sucked slowly, letting a bit of saliva form in the back of her throat but she took all of him inside her willing mouth. She opened wide and relaxed her throat again, making a slurping sound as she swallowed him before she came back up. She rolled her tongue around the length, while her hands worked a twisting motion around his length.

  She sucked slow, then furiously, and most of all, hungry for him. No, she didn’t want him

  to fuck her mouth like he’d done so many times before; there would be a time and place for that later. No, she wanted to savor his taste, his length, and enjoy him.

  When Mariana told him she could give great head, Scott admitted he laughed at how confident she was. So many women promised the same thing and he was bored each

  time. With Mariana, it was like going to church and drinking from the Holy fountain.


  Pleasure shot up his spine and his toes curled. He steadied himself through deep breathing through his nose but he didn’t know how much longer he could sustain it. His feet curled into tight balls, his thighs trembled with pleasure, and he had two fistfuls of Mariana’s hair tight in his grasp as he watched her head bob up and down his thick shaft.

  Before he could come, he interrupted her. “Fuck me,” he requested.

  Mariana simply smiled. If Scott thought he was the only one playing chess between them, Mariana just delivered a spectacular checkmate for his ass. “Always.”

  She straddled him on top of the chair and slowly eased herself onto his hardened cock.

  He guided her hips as she carefully took inch by inch until he was completely buried within her. She steadied herself on him, pressing her breasts against his chest, and feeling his pounding heartbeat as she relished the thickness inside of her.

  She felt completed. She felt…at home.

  “Are you…?” She paused as her body remembered how he felt and was yearning to feel him again. She slightly trembled at the thought of what was going to happen and began to doubt if it was a good idea. Would things go back to status quo? Would it just be a business trip that went too far like the last one? Would he even care anymore?

  “Would I what, baby?” He wrapped his strong arms around her waist and patiently waited for her answer.

  She let out another small sigh and swallowed. Again. “Are you going to take care of me?”

  He knew what she’d asked without saying it. It was more than just a sexual request. She meant everything - work, at home, with their families.

  Their lives.

  He cradled her face as he locked eyes with her. Her brown eyes were wide open and full of trust, love, and lust. She wanted him. She needed him to do whatever he wanted to her.

  It was too soon for the other exciting part of their relationship and he respected that. It’ll all happen in due time.