Always the One (Always and Forever 1)

Making my way out to the floor, I box up that awkward exchange and go over everything the three of us discussed today. I’m ready for the day to be done and to get back to Trey. I miss him.

Trey

I SLIDE INTO KINGSTON’S BMW around nine that night, three hours past the time I wanted to be done. I’ve been texting Shayla all day, but haven’t heard much back except for random one-letter answers. Knowing she was busy today with the investor—even saying his title bugs me—I try not to dwell on it and instead think about spending the night with her.

“I hooked up with Lana,” Kingston says, just barely above the music coming from the speakers. He doesn’t take his eyes off the road as he weaves in and out of traffic. I look out the window, not sure if I should say something or just let him have the floor. It felt like he had more to say, but he stays silent. It’s as if he wanted to just say it to say it, so he doesn’t have to carry this secret anymore.

After a few more minutes of silence, I take a deep breath and answer on an exhale. “Do you like her?”

He looks more conflicted than he did when he told me he slept with her. I know what he’s going through. I’ve been in love with Shay for years, and I suffered many years alone with this secret. He grips the steering wheel and moves his hands over it as if he is trying to wring out a towel.

“Yeah, I do like her, but she has to be a damn tease and make it…hard!” He releases the steering wheel, only to create a fist before bringing it down in aggravation back to where it was moments ago. “She makes me so mad, Trey. She tells me how much I mean to her and how much she wants me. Then we make love and, Trey… Fuck, man, I’ve never made love to another woman like I have with her.” The agony on his face makes me feel even worse, this is my best friend, and I can’t help him. Lana is a different breed though—hot and cold, on and off.

“Have you told her you like her?” I ask hesitantly, hoping it doesn’t upset him more.

He shakes his head in response before he murmurs, “No.”

I start to play with the cuff of my leather jacket, thinking of what else I can offer him or how I can give him peace of mind.

“You know, man, she hasn’t been the same since Joel, but if you like her, keep fighting. Show her that you aren’t him, that you’re not a coward, and that you’re the man she needs.” This all seems a little foreign to me, because for the last couple of years he has helped me with the Shayla situation, always providing advice, but now the tables have turned. They’ve turned, and I feel like I can’t offer him anything valuable other than a pat on the shoulder with a quick good luck. Nothing else needs to be said, and I know that for right now he just needed to tell someone else.

My phone rings in my hand, causing my face to light up like Christmas when I see my girl’s name. “Hey, baby, what’s my girl up to?”

“I just finished cleaning my room, now I’m ready and waiting for my hot date to pick me up. What about you?” she replies sarcastically.

Hearing her say she’s in her room makes me think of her in her bed, tucked close to my side. Within seconds, I think of forgoing dinner and just staying in bed, learning my woman again. Stealing her kisses, robbing her laughter, and owning her soul. Shayla doesn’t realize this, but she’s completely changed my outlook on life. Yes, I still struggle with my past that my mom fucking destroyed, but Shayla makes me want to try. “I’m headed back to come get you, what’re you wearing?” I hear Kings cough next to me. Reaching across, I punch his arm, hard.

“I’m wearing black, ripped skinnies with a rock tee, just for you.” She’s blushing; I can hear it through the phone. Fuck, she’s beautiful.

Changing the subject for Kingston’s sake, I say, “I can’t wait to hear how the meeting went.” An excited squeal blasts through the phone. I laugh as I hold it away from my ear to save it from being ruptured. I’m happy that she’s so happy. This is a one-eighty from the other day, and I’m so fucking excited to get her in my arms tonight.

“Perfect, we are almost there, I’ll be up in a minute, you can tell me all about it then.” We finish up the conversation and five minutes later we pull into the parking garage. Getting out of the car, I adjust my jeans, making sure the rolled cuffs are sitting on top of my brown boots. I’m not sure why, but suddenly I feel insecure, like my outfit doesn’t look as good as I wanted it to. You got the girl, Trey, don’t be a pussy.

Kingston senses my unease, meeting me around the back of his car. Answering my subconscious question. “You look fine, dumbass. Geez, you’re turning into a little bitch, I swear.”

He can’t be serious, I’m sure the conversation in the car about Lana was pretty chummy.

“Okay, well, while I’m over here acting like a little bitch, don’t let Lana steal your man card.”

“Oh, you are so funny, bro. Ha, ha, ha,” he replies in a mocking tone. I don’t see how he doesn’t find me funny; I think I’m hilarious.

We make our way toward the elevator when I wrap my arm around his neck, bringing him down into a headlock, trying to lighten the mood. I’m rubbing my knuckles through his hair when I hear a high-pitched squeal. I detest when girls do that, but not in this case though. I couldn’t be happier to hear it. I look up and see my beautiful girl running toward me. I told her I would come get her, but she’s a little impatient tonight, obviously.

Her outburst gets me distracted enough that Kingston takes a shot at my side. I wince, pushing him aside just in time for Shayla to jump into my arms. Wrapping her long, tan, thin legs around me, she crushes her lips on mine.

Her kiss is welcomed and her warmth is needed. Tasting like mint and her, she’s my personal aphrodisiac. She lets my tongue ease its way past her lips, and I take full advantage of this opportunity. We spend a good minute fighting for more friction when I hear Kingston cough. Fuck, I forgot her brother was here, my bad.

“Get a room, sluts.” She finally leans back to look at me.

“You look so handsome, T,” she says, running her soft hands over my jawline. I haven’t shaved in days, so my face is covered in stubble, creating a light shadow of a beard.

“Leather jacket paired with a gray V-neck tee and blue boot cut jeans rolled up once at the ankle. It’s like I dressed you myself, handsome. Very fashionable,” she teases in her cute flirtatious way.

“What can I say? I learn from the best. Besides, you look even better.” Really, how in the actual hell did I get so lucky to have her? Her auburn hair is down and curled, with her makeup dark and sultry, reminding me of a temptress—my temptress. I lean in when she blushes from my compliment and bite her neck, making her throw her head back with a laugh. Her neck is exposed so I take the opportunity to feast.

I start kissing, licking, sucking on her, noticing that Kingston isn’t there anymore. He needed to leave. Brother or not, I’m not stopping. I also remember that we’re still in the parking lot and I better stop before I lay her down right here and let everyone see what’s mine.

“Baby, you’re killing me.” She brings her head down when my lips part from her neck, her green eyes now shadowed with a dark haze. I know that look; that is the look of pure want.