Honey Brown

Chapter 8

KENDRA

She's hugging me, I thought as we held each other in her entry way.

And is she sniffing me? I need to let go now before I lose control, and take her right here on her door step.

"Goodnight," I said as I walked to my car. I can't believe she hugged me. I was smiling so hard, my cheeks hurt. I could still feel her curves, and smell the coconut oil in her hair. I wished I could have held her longer.

I have no idea how I made it home, my mind was so consumed with smooth, caramel colored skin, and the smell of sugar.

I have to come up with an excuse to see her again, I thought while lying in bed that night. I wasn't too thrilled to be lying alone, but I figured the sooner I went to sleep, the sooner I could talk to her again. I drifted off to sleep, formulating ideas on how to spend more time with her.

The next week passed by, and was pretty uneventful. I was still racking my brain trying to think of an excuse to hang out with Liv, without coming off as a creep or too aggressive. The most frustrating part of it all was having to deal with Cherri.

"Hey, Kenny," she walked in my office, "A few of us are going to White Ice for happy hour."

White Ice was a local bar that my colleagues and I frequented.

"Why don't you come with? I could use the company, Travis has been on my nerve all day," she invited me.

I really didn't want her getting any ideas about me being interested in her, and I impulsively wanted to turn down her offer. Then, images of Liv's face appeared in my head, and I realized this would be the perfect opportunity to see her again.

"What time?" I asked Cherri.

"We were going to leave around 5:00 p.m.," she replied.

"I'll probably go, let me see how much I can get accomplished, and I'll let you know," I told her.

"Great!" she beamed as she headed back to her desk. I quickly pulled out my phone, and texted Liv.

Hey, how's your week going? She responded a few minutes later.

It's going well. The check came in, and I think I found my new shop.

Perfect, we now have a reason to meet up.

I want to hear all about it. I'm going to happy hour at White Ice, want to join me?

Sure, what time?

5 p.m.

Great, I'll see you then.

I smiled as I called out to Cherri, "Hey, I think I will go with you guys."

White Ice was within walking distance, and we got there around 5:10 p.m. I quickly scanned the bar, and noticed that Liv hadn't arrived yet. The hostess led us to our usual corner, and we ordered a couple of pitchers to share.

I sat on the end, and Cherri made sure she sat right next to me. She tried her hardest to engage me in conversation, touching me and giggling, but I kept my attention on the door.

After about half an hour, Liv finally walked in. She was wearing a yellow blouse and jeggings. It may not have been exciting to others, but I could eat her alive. She completed her outfit with nude ballet flats.

Cherri was saying something to me, but I couldn't even pretend to listen to her any longer. I got up, and walked over to Liv. She graced me with her brilliant smile. "Hey," I said as I hugged her. I assumed we were now on "hugging" terms.

"Hey yourself," she replied as she hugged me back.

"I'm happy you came, let's find a table," I said as I searched the room.

Once we were seated, the waitress came and took our drink orders. I ordered another beer, and she ordered a red velvet martini. "What?" she asked as I grinned at her.

"You would order a drink that tastes like cake," I teased her.

"Shut up," she blushed. It occurred to me that I loved seeing her turn bright red.

Note to self: make her blush as often as possible.

Our drinks arrived, and she began describing the new cake shop. I'll admit, I barely heard a word she said. I was too busy staring at the way her nose scrunched up as she talked, the way her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and how she used her hands to emphasize her thoughts. I was jolted out of my trance by a hand landing on my shoulder.

"Hey Kenny, who's your friend?" Cherri asked, with a slightly hostile tone. I looked up at her. Is she serious?

"Hi, I'm Liv," she smiled as she extended her hand. Cherri just stared at the outstretched hand. Liv pulled her hand back, and shot me a questioning look.

"Liv, this is Cherri, we work together. Cherri, this is my friend, Liv," I introduced them.

Cherri ignored her, "Kenny, when are you coming back to the table, I miss you," she whined as she draped herself across my shoulders. I could have smacked her at that moment.

"I'm with my friend right now. Maybe later," I told her as removed her arms, "I'm sure Travis can keep you company in the meantime." She scowled at the both of us before returning to the group.

"Well, she seems uber friendly," Liv said sarcastically.

"Sorry about that," I apologized. "In her mind, we're dating. She couldn't wait for me to break up with my ex," I explained.

"And I'm getting in the way. Maybe I should go," Liv pretended to get up while feigning apology.

"Very funny," I said as she laughed, "I'm actually glad you're here, you saved me from a night of that."

"If looks could kill, I would be dead right now. You should see the way she is glaring at me," Liv said.

"I don't even want to turn around," I replied.

"Then let's get out of here. Give her something to really be mad about," she suggested.

"You know what will make it even better?" I said as we stood to leave.

"What?" she asked.

I grabbed her hand, and interlaced my fingers with hers. We turned and waved; Cherri looked murderous. As soon as we were out the door, we were laughing hysterically.