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  She’d seen his body in various stages of undress many times throughout their nearly twenty year friendship. But his body had changed.

  He seemed leaner, he’d always had an athletic physique, now his sinewy muscles seemed more defined, you could say he was almost a clichéd sculpted Greek god. The perfect eye candy.

  She wondered if he was tanned all over or just in the visible areas.

  His left arm had moved, she noticed something that had never been there before. In the black italic Old English lettering read “Lexi.” Snapping out of her trance like state of adornment, recognizing what the symbology of the placement of body art meant. Feeling a twinge of grief with the knowledge, he’d never feel for her, what he felt for Lexi. She walked away telling herself to pull it together.

  Even though she wasn’t a big fan of coffee she always kept some on hand in case of company or that rare occasion were she had the taste for it. She brewed a pot, then sat out a mug. Opting for a glass of orange juice for herself. She made a simple breakfast; scrambled eggs, sausage links and wheat toast.

  Setting the plates on the table she heard a groan followed by movement that came from the living room. “Good morning, Roomie.” Jackson yawned, “Smells good in here, I could definitely get used to waking up to home cooking in the mornings.”

  “Really, don’t get used to it.” She hadn’t meant for her response to sound so bitchy. “Soon as I start this new job I’ll be going to bed at this time…” she grimaced. “How was your flight?”

  “Good, it wasn’t too bad—cold?” he said as a smirk spread across his face.

  “Huh?” she looked at him confused, then realizing where his line of sight was directed. Crossing her arms over her chest trying to cover her ever present taut nipples, she huffed and said, “Don’t be a pig! It’s really not a good trait Jackson.” Acting annoyed however she was extremely flattered.

  “I’m not a pig, Shay.” He laughed, “I’m a man!”

  “Eat your damn breakfast. Pig.”

  “Oink, oink.”

  Her eyes did a quick sweep down the length of him, where he stood leaning against the entryway of the kitchen. Only to look up to eyes looking intently into hers. She’d seen that look before, mostly directed towards other females, with the exception of the brief encounter years ago that they’d shared.

  She stepped back, as he stood up straight. Felt butterflies as he stepped forward. A million and one thoughts running through her mind. She had to be imagining this?

  But she wasn’t.

  Jackson was standing in front of her now. Her breath hitched as he cupped her face and ran his thumb over her lower lip, removing it from between her teeth. Not once breaking the eye hold on one another.

  “Shay,” was all he managed to say before her cellphone rang. She turned her head in the direction of the sound. “Leave it.” He all but demanded in an almost muted husky tone.

  Never in her twenty-eight years had she ever heard so much testosterone in one man’s voice, the sound that reverberated from his voice made her kitty start to quake. She could feel the blush spread across her cheeks.

  “I really should get that.” She said as her voice slightly croaked from shaking…

  Chapter Three

  Jackson wasn’t sure what had come over him. He always thought Shayla might have been attracted to him. His suspicions confirmed when he saw her body react, the moment he noticed she was looking him over.

  It was a bittersweet feeling, when she’d taken the phone call. If she hadn’t, he wasn’t sure if he would have been able to stop himself from possibly putting their friendship in jeopardy.

  He liked the fact she wasn’t like other women. She was herself, she never tried impressing him. She didn’t wake up to doll up or make sure every hair was in place.

  The night before he noticed she had looked different while she slept. It was her hair.

  Her hair was usually a tumbling mess of curls that she normally fashioned in a high top messy bun. He couldn’t remember ever having seen it down, except for when they were young children. That awkward picture day, the times they’d gone swimming in their youth, and that one incident he accidently walked into the bathroom when she was stepping out of the shower. Now it was down and straight, reaching just above her waist.

  He watched her as she talked on the phone, while he ate the breakfast she’d prepared for him. Only to push the plate away as his member came to life, with thoughts of what it would be like to run his hands through the new sleek dark brown hair with hues of caramel colored tresses as he gave her the ultimate orgasm. Wondering if her moans would turn to whimpers or loud animalistic cries as she came.

  He had to get the thought of it out of his head. It was hard like other parts of him. Finding his way to the bathroom. He turned the shower dial to cold, stripped off his clothing and stood under the frigid spray of water. Bracing one hand on the wall in front of him and used the other to relieve the pressure that wouldn’t obey.

  Getting off the phone with Dawn, who unbeknownst to her had just saved Shayla from what might have been a huge mistake. Having heard the shower as she made her way to her room to change into an old pair of ripped jeans and a t-shirt. She left a quick note on the table for Jackson.

  Jack,

  Went to the hardware store for paint and supplies, with Dawn. Be back soon.

  Shay

  Returning an hour later with the items to cover the extremely pink walls, she found the note she’d left still on the table with a note from Jackson under her writing.

  Shay,

  Went out, be back later.

  Jack

  His note was pretty vague.

  She wondered if he was upset with her for taking the phone call or taking off. What was he thinking anyways earlier she had thought to herself. She’d just come to terms with them never going forward in their relationship. Now she was questioning herself. Would it even be worth it? Only thing Shayla knew for certain was that she wasn’t going to be his rebound.

  “So if his parents are loaded why didn’t he go stay with them?” Dawn asked as they finished rolling the last coat of white paint over the former pink flamingo walls, bringing Shayla out of her thoughts.

  “I’m not really sure.” Shayla said as she started cleaning up the mess of paint cans and trays.

  “Well I can’t wait to meet him.” Dawn said while placing the paint roller into a box and discarding its once fluffy attachment in the trashcan that Shayla was holding out to her. “I really have to know if he looks just as yummy in person as he does in those photos!”

  “Dawn, you’re too much sometimes!” Shayla laughed.

  Having finished the room the two women made their way to the kitchen, where Shayla made them a light dinner. Nothing fancy. A fresh tossed salad to go along with a frozen pizza.

  Jackson still hadn’t come back. Shayla was beginning to doubt he even would after the close encounter they’d shared that morning. Maybe he’d decided to stay with his parents?

  He hadn’t even called.

  Not that he needed to. However just before she placed the frozen pizza in the oven, a delivery service had come with a king sized bed.

  She wasn’t quite sure that it would even fit in the newly painted room.

  To her amazement it did. The frame was beautiful, she was surprised that it was something he’d picked out for himself.

  It must have cost him a small fortune for the bedroom set. The headboard had engraved leafing with a tufted button black leather backing, the footboard matching its counterpart with its own leafed engraving. Along with the bed came a matching twelve drawer chest that included a beautiful mirror. The cherry wood finish looked great against the freshly painted white walls.

  “Earth to Shayla.” Dawn said while stabbing her fork into the modest salad. “What the hell are you thinking about?”

  “Nothing.”

  “If you say so…” her friend said while arching an eyebrow. “You look like you’re in a daze on pl
anet Bullshit.”

  “Nope,” Shayla replied, “How are things with Mark? You never did say.”

  “Better, after our little scare.” Dawn answered shoving the last forkful of salad into her mouth. “But it made me realize I do want to start a family…soon.”

  “How’s Mark feel about that?”

  “He’s still a little standoffish about the whole baby idea. I think he’s coming around though.” She said with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

  “That’s good.”

  “Speaking of Mark, he should be here soon,” Dawn said looking at her cellphone. “Still can’t believe you kidnapped me, just to put me to work. And I don’t even get to see the hot piece of eye candy.”

  “I didn’t kidnap you.” Shayla laughed, “You know you would have come over anyways just to try checking out Jackson.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. What’s your point? We’ve been here all day, it’s almost seven, and I still haven’t got to see that yummy goodness of a man.”

  Shayla couldn’t help laughing at her pouting friend, “You’re married, remember?”

  “So? I can look!” Dawn said with a big smile while fluttering her eyelashes. Shayla envied Dawn’s carefree attitude. She wished she could be more like her at times and throw caution to the wind. “Anywho, do you think anything is going to happen between you and Mr. Yummy?”

  Before Shayla could respond to the question, another was asked from a deep husky voice that came from the entrance of the kitchen, “Who’s Mr. Yummy?” both women simultaneously looked in the direction of where Jackson stood waiting for a reply as both stared at him.

  “N—no one…um—Jackson this is Dawn. Dawn, Jackson.” Shayla said quickly making the introduction seem awkward with her fumbling attempt to talk.

  “So you’re the infamous Phantom Jackson?” Dawn stated rather than asked.

  “I suppose I am.” Jackson replied looking from Dawn to Shayla, wondering what he’d walk in on, “Okay, what am I missing?”

  “Nothing!” Shayla blurted out before Dawn got a chance to speak. Wondering how much of the conversation he’d actually heard. She didn’t even know how long he’d been back let alone how long he’d been standing there. Couldn’t have been long she thought.

  He almost looked as if he were jealous, “Yeah…right.” He said with a clenched jaw and walked out of the room.

  “Dawn stop looking like that!” she whispered sharply.

  “Like what?” Dawn laughed, “He’s deliciously yummy! If I were you I’d have gobbled him up a longtime ago!”

  “Shh! Keep it down!” Shayla hissed harshly, making her friend burst into full-fledged laughter. “It’s not funny!” she scowled and began clearing the table “You’re such a bitch.”

  “Oh, Shay…you love me though. You know, I’m just poking fun.” Dawn said laughing. “Come wait with me outside.”

  Leaving the kitchen, Shayla noticed Jackson had disappeared again as they made their way through the house and outside to the front porch. “I know I asked this already, but, why is he staying with you? I mean if he comes from money, and he isn’t hurting for cash with that bedroom outfit he just up and bought. Something just doesn’t add up.”

  “Like I said, I’m not really sure. He really didn’t get into why he came back in the first place and I didn’t think to ask. He knew I’ve been looking for a roommate.”

  “You should find out.”

  “Nosy much?”

  “Yes.” Dawn laughed as she stood to leave when Mark had pulled into the driveway. “I’ll give you a call later. I have tomorrow off again. It’s my turn to do the kidnapping, do some shopping?”

  “Alright, sounds great to me.”

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do…or do!” Dawn exclaimed with a winked.

  “Goodbye Dawn.” Shayla laughed and waved. She sat out there on the front steps of the porch for a moment after Dawn had left. Enjoying the fresh air, watching the neighborhood children making do with their last hour of daylight before being ushered in by their parents. Wondering if she’d ever have a family of her own.

  She wasn’t in a rush, she was only twenty-eight. However it was something she thought of often enough. Her friends were all starting out their lives making families of their own. Whether they were getting married or having children. She had her career, a home, she just needed the husband to fit into the equation. One day she’d find someone, she thought to herself. And if not then she could always adopt or go to a sperm bank she mused.

  The screen door creaked behind her. She turned and watched Jackson approach her and take a seat on the porch step beside her. “Your company leave?”

  “Yep.”

  “Thanks for painting the walls.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ve been meaning to get rid of that pink since buying the place.”

  “You know you didn’t have to, I would have done it.”

  “I wanted to—it gave me something to do today, besides lay around.”

  “Would that have been so bad?” he asked with a sexy smirk.

  “Listen about this morning—I,” Shayla started before he cut her off.

  “What about this morning? There’s nothing to talk about.” He was ending her conversation before she could even begin the discussion.

  He was looking at her blankly again. Just as he had done the day after he’d kissed her all those years ago. And she knew he was going to brush the incident off as he had done before. She just wasn’t sure she’d be able to do the same as well this time.

  Chapter Four

  It had been a month since Jackson moved in. The near kiss hadn’t been brought up and was all but an almost now distant memory. That night on the porch had been the last time they really exchanged words.

  It was almost as if they avoided each other like the bubonic plague. Shayla felt like she was living with a total stranger and not the man she’d known for over half of her life. Of course they’d exchanged the occasional pleasantries in passing, but that seemed to be as far as a conversation went.

  At first it bothered her, she felt like she had done or said something wrong. However after starting up work at the new job, didn’t leave her much time to dwell on the matter. The new job was going great. She’d met some new friends, but certainly missed her old ones.

  Working third shift had been difficult to get used to at first but now she was in the swing of things. Who was she kidding? It was killing her that Jackson barely said two words to her on a good day. Couldn’t he be graceful enough to look into other living arrangements? Or at least go stay with his parents?

  With the weekend nearing, she was excited, it would be her first free weekend since beginning the job. On top of that it was Memorial Day weekend.

  Her and Dawn had started a little tradition a few years back, of having a cookout with just a few close friends, to kick start the summer. They always had their cookout on the Saturday leading up to the holiday. This year was Shayla’s turn to host the shindig.

  Spending the night before preparing the traditional side dishes of salads of pastas, vegetables and her favorite fruit salad. Shayla was glad to have most of the stuff done and out of the way. All she had to do was wait for Dawn to arrive to finish putting things together.

  While she waited she spent the time cleaning the grill and giving the inside of the house a quick cleaning. Her vacuuming must have woken Jackson because when shutting off the machine he was standing at the foot of the steps with a peeved look on his face. “What the fuck Shay?” he growled. “It’s nine in the fucking morning, Saturday morning at that! Don’t you have better things to do, than trying to piss me off?”

  “Wow, I’m so sorry Jackson, I didn’t know I needed permission to clean my own damn house!” she throw back at him now irritated herself. He hardly had spoken to her since moving in and picks scolding her as his first means of communication. She turned, placing the vacuum roughly against the wall, storming off to the kitchen, with Jackson following behind.

&nbs
p; “Shayla that’s not what I meant!” he said annoyed, “I’m just saying couldn’t you be a little more considerate, you knew I was up there sleeping.”

  “No, Jackson, I didn’t know you were sleeping, it’s not my main priority in life to know your every move!” she snapped back angrier than before. “How am I supposed to know what or where you are? I assumed you weren’t even here!”

  “Well Shay maybe you shouldn’t just assume shit, you just made an ass of yourself.”

  “Only ass I see is the one standing in front of me!” she countered.

  Wiping his hand down his face out of frustration trying to calm himself. “Before you say anything else, I’m leaving, when I get back I expect your attitude changed.” He said slowly in an almost menacing manner.

  She heard the door slam a moment later. What the hell was his problem she thought to herself on how childish he was being. Taking a deep breath she tried calming her nerves, he was not going to ruin her day!

  Dawn had arrived not long after the argument with charcoal, cupcakes and ice for the coolers. They finished setting up the backyard with tables, Tiki lanterns, and had started up the fire to cook the meat just in time for Mark to take over the responsibility of flipping burgers and caring for the array of meat.

  Guest had arrived on time. Only one that didn’t show was Jackson. He stayed away a good portion of the day. Shayla had thought she heard him upstairs but didn’t go to see if it was him or not. Not wanting to cause a scene.

  Her friends all seemed to have had a good time. Mark had left early leaving Dawn behind to help clean up with some of the other friends that remained. Shayla had to admit even though that morning had started out the day on a fairly bad note, by the end of it she had fun. “Where’s Mr. Yummy?” Dawn asked just before midnight as she gathered her things to leave. “I would have really liked to ogle him before going home.”