Expect The Unexpected (H-Town)

Unexpected

A|N: Dino, Hakeem, and Kaedi are pictured above.

Dino

I rang Kaedi's doorbell twice before she finally opened it.

"Hey—Ha... Dino?" She blinked, confused. "What are you doing here?"

"Can't come see my girl?" I asked, stepping inside.

She laughed and headed for the kitchen. I followed her in and locked the door behind me.

"When did I become your girl?" she asked, leaning against the counter.

"I wanted to tell you we got a video shoot coming up for Knockin Da Boots," I said. "I was wondering if you wanted to be in it."

"Me?" She folded her arms. "You know I'm not into that kind of stuff, Keven."

I bit my lip, staring at her.
She was fine as hell.

Why didn't I see myself with her when it mattered?

"KEVEN," she snapped, waving a hand in my face. "Earth to Keven."

I sat on the counter. "What's up?"

"Hakeem's on his way over," she said calmly. "So if you don't mind—use the door."

"So you kicking me out for a dude you barely know?" I asked, standing up.

She scoffed. "His name is Hakeem. And I know him well enough. You disappear for a week, then pop back up like nothing happened. I don't know what you want from me."

Her voice rose. "One minute you looking at me like you love me, the next you making it clear you don't. Which one is it, Keven?"

I exhaled. "I don't know, Kaedi. I really don't."

She looked down, biting her lip. "Then let me move on. I'm in love with you, and you know that. But you stay undecided—running around with them chickenheads."

I laughed, but her words hit harder than I expected.

"What chickenheads?"

"Kia," she said flatly. "I saw her leaving your house."

"You saw that?" I laughed nervously. "Damn, you stalking now?"

I grabbed her waist without thinking. She landed against me.

"Dino, let me go," she warned.

"And if I don't?"

She inhaled sharply. "This is exactly what I mean. You do stuff like this, get my hopes up, then—"

I kissed her.

She kissed back.

Everything escalated too fast—hands, breath, heat. I lifted her onto the counter, her sweater coming off, my jersey following. Her arms wrapped around my neck.

"Dino... Keven..." she whispered. "We have to stop."

"Do you really want to?" I asked quietly.

She pushed me back just enough to breathe. "If I'm losing my virginity, it's gonna be to the man who's madly in love with me."

That stopped me cold.

We stared at each other.

I leaned in and kissed her again—slower this time.

"Can't blame me for trying," I murmured.

She rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. "Get out, Dino."

The doorbell rang.

"Saved by the bell," she said throwing her sweater back on before rushing toward the door.

I walked into the living room just in time to see Hakeem standing there.

"You remember Keven, right?" she said casually. "He was just leaving."

"I'll call you later," I said, already walking out.

"Of course you will," she replied, unconvinced.

That look she gave me before closing the door—I couldn't read it.

And that scared me more than anger ever could.

Kaedi

Hakeem finally decided to use my number again after a week and a half.

Yet all I could think about was almost having sex with Dino in my kitchen.

"Kaedi!" Hakeem laughed, waving a hand in front of my face.

"Oh—sorry," I said, embarrassed. "Let's get started."

We sat on the couch and spread his papers out. He handed me his assignment.

I noticed him glancing around.

"You looking for something?"

"Nah," he smiled. "You just got a fly crib."

I smiled back. "Okay—your assignment's not bad.

Three pages on discrimination or gun control. Which you picking?"

"Discrimination," he said. "More sources."

Prepared.
Focused.
Fine.

"What you smiling about?" he asked.

"You just keep impressing me," I admitted.

"I can impress you in other ways too," he said, smirking.

Before I could respond, he kissed me.

I kissed back.

Things moved quickly—too quickly—but felt different than with Dino. Intentional. Grounded.

When we finally pulled apart, he smiled.

"Smart, pretty, nice body, great kisser," he said. "I think I like you, Ms. Roberts."

I blushed and stood up. "Thanks. You not so bad yourself."

He winked and picked his pen back up.

And that's when it hit me.

This wasn't just about jealousy anymore.

What am I getting myself into?