We both laugh because her family is huge.
When we sober up, I notice, “I can’t believe we never met.”
“Oh, I’m three years younger than you. By the time I started high school, you had already joined the league.”
She’s right. I attended college for two years, then went on to pursue my dream. And I’ve never regretted my decision for a second.
“Maybe we should just stay on the phone the whole night,” I tease her. “That way, I don’t have any other choice but to keep my hands to myself.”
“Maybe I don’t wanna keep my hands to myself,” Lisa retorts.
And my poor cock pushes on my fly so hard, it’s a miracle my jeans don’t rip at the seams.
Four
Lisa
Did I just say that out loud? Oh Lord. What is this man doing to me?
I hurry to add, not giving Malik time to bounce back on my insane comment, “we could go out.”
I hear his deep inhale through the phone line.
“Public places are not great if we want privacy. Even exclusive ones.” After a few seconds, Malik adds, “this is what it will be like to be with me, sweetheart.”
I wish I was next to him. Wish I could lay a hand on the side of his handsome face. Wish he could see my smile. Read on my face, I would brave all the crowds of fans in the world for the privilege of walking by his side.
“I don’t mind, Malik. You deserve all of it. The recognition, the love, the admiration. I’m sorry if it’s not always easy to handle.”
“Thank you.” There’s a note of incredulity in his low timbre. “Fuck, baby, how did I get so lucky?”
I giggle like the fool I am.
“I’m the lucky one.”
His husky laugh is like a pinch to my nipples.
“Let’s settle on both being lucky.”
“Works for me. So what do we do?”
“I’m taking you out to dinner. Text me your address. It’s a fancy place, but it’ll only be us, so wear whatever you want.”
* * *
I crane my neck to look up the tall building of The Clemence Five-Star Hotel, located downtown Monterey. It’s a beautiful, immaculate historical building. I’ve lived in this town for most of my life and never had the opportunity to step inside this luxurious place.
After we hang up earlier, Malik sent a car to pick me up. I feel like Cinderella at the ball, getting hauled around in a fancy carriage.
I followed his advice and changed into a pretty, but not overly sophisticated, knee-length red dress. The soft fabric hugs my curves in all the right places and I can’t wait for Malik to see me… and maybe do more than just look.
I thank the driver after he’s helped me out of the sleek town car and let the valet know I was here to meet Mister Ford. The young man’s eyes grow wide and he greets me effusively while guiding me to the rooftop restaurant.
When we step out of the elevator, my heart seizes in my chest. There he is. Just as immensely tall, impossibly broad and ridiculously handsome as I remember. I’m tempted to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. That all this is truly happening to me. This man, this place, our connection.
Malik changed into a pair of washed denims and a cream sweater this time. He looks good enough to eat and I’m absolutely famished, so it’s a good thing we’re out.
We smile at each other as we close the distance between us. Everything else fades away. The valet saying his goodbyes, the server greeting me on the rooftop restaurant, the incredible view of our town, the clear sky and ocean in the receding daylight. Everything. It’s just him and I.