The Deep End

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Shai stood up, "Damn, I'm thirsty. You think they'll give me a cup of water if I ask them?" She said as she looked at Wyatt.

Wyatt nodded, "Yeah, they'll help you out."

"Great, I'll be waiting for you on the field, Tia."

"Shai!"

"Girl, I'm thirsty!"

As she rushed past her Tia sighed, leaning back in her seat in an attempt to ignore the embarrassment. She made a mental note to strangle Shai when this was all said and done.

"You're silent now? That's crazy, you were just eating my ass up. What happened?" He asked as he ascended the remaining stairs. He took the seat right next to her, his body so close she could feel the heat radiating off his body.

She shifted in her seat, trying to angle her body away from him in the tight space. "What I think about you isn't a surprise."

He laughed, his voice low, "Can't you be nice to me for today?"

"I don't have to do shit but-," he repeated her words back at her, "stay Black and die."

He laughed again, clutching his stomach with the force of it. "You're mean as hell, damn."

"I'm not mean, I just don't like you, Wyatt."

He smirked, "So, you know me now."

"What, you're a football player? So? You want a cookie for something you signed up for?"

"Aight, you got me with that one. I'll let you get that off for now."

His eyes met hers and silence ensued for a moment. He leaned closer, his arm brushed against hers. He was so close she could smell the sweat and grass on his skin. And a subtle hint of sandalwood and lotion. He licked his lips before sighing, "Tia, about the project... let's meet tomorrow, in Hallie Brown. Second floor. I'll do my part."

"What?" She asked, "where is this coming from?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Listen, you're only gonna hear this from me one time..."

A slow smile slid across her face and she leaned forward, her elbow knocking into his. "Oh, you have words of wisdom? I think I might like whatever this is."

He smiled, his teeth on display. Silence passed between them again, and with his face so close she noticed dimples sink into his cheeks. Their eyes locked, and his smile began to fade, his eyes wandering to her plump bottom lip. He could hear the sound of her breathing, and noticed the rapid rise and fall of her chest.

Her lips parted and suddenly they were closer, facing each other completely.

He bit his bottom lip, trying to regain his composure. He cleared his throat, "You were right. My bad for skipping on you. It ain't just my grade to worry about."

A smile slid across her lips again and she laughed. She couldn't help herself.

"You're laughing real hard." He said as he smiled again. Realizing he liked the sound of her voice when it wasn't hinged with irritation. Her laugh was melodious... pretty.

"I like being right. It sounds like the angels singing. Like a message from-," he cut her off, waving a hand as he chuckled, "Aight, aight, you milkin' it now, Tia."

"I am," she laughed, "it just feels so good. Maybe you do have a brain up there."

He stood then, swiping a thumb over his nose. "Not too much on me, I'm being nice. Come on, now."

"Alright, alright."

"You gone be nice too?"

She tilted her head, "Now you're pushing it, negro."

He laughed. "We on for tomorrow?"

She nodded, crossing her arms over her chest, "I guess so. At 5."

He frowned, "8."

"Boy, be serious right now."

He raised his hands in defeat, "Aight, 5. See, I'm staying nice."

He shook his head then, chuckling as he descended the stairs. Before he got too far he stopped and turned to look up at her, "You like me now?"

She rolled her eyes, trying to contain the small smile peeking at her lips, "No. I really don't. But I'm willing to tolerate you."

He pointed a finger up at her, "I'll change your mind. What's not to like?"

As she watched him go she rolled her eyes. "I really doubt it. You're not that damn smooth."

He laughed as he continued his descent, his voice echoing as he said back, "We'll see, Tia. We'll see."

How and where and when to make, to make a move... "There U Go" Johnny Gill