Chapter 9

9

D ejvi

"Ah!" she whispered frantically before giggling. "This is so sweet, Dejvi. You're spoiling me."

"You said physical touch and gifts are your love languages, right?" Enjell nodded as she picked up the roses in the passenger seat of my Challenger and sniffed them. "Then get used to this."

Along with the flowers was a small tray of chocolate covered strawberries from Supreme's shop, but I planned to take her shopping before the actual date started. I needed to know her clothes and shoes sizes along with rings and style preferences. We talked about our days on the way to the mall, and I was glad she seemed to be in better spirits.

It would have been nothing for me to pay her bills, but I could tell this was something she wanted to do on her own. There was only so much I'd let her suffer through, though. As a man, it went against my nature to watch her stress over things I could easily handle. Out of respect for her, I'd give her the space to figure it out on her own. If I got to a point where I couldn't take it anymore and she still wouldn't let me help, I'd have to leave.

When we pulled into the parking lot of the mall, she said, "Ooh, are we going shopping?"

"We are. I need to know your sizes and style for future reference."

Enjell eyed me skeptically before chuckling and nodding her agreement. I got out and walked over to her side of the car. After she was out, she asked, "So you have this and the Charger. Do you have any other cars?"

"Nah, just these two, but I want a pickup truck as well."

"Typical. I bet once you get it, you'll all of a sudden have work to do around somebody's house."

I laughed because that was the same thing that happened to my cousin and friend when they got their pickup trucks. We walked hand in hand into the mall and ended up staying for just over an hour. She ended up getting a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps that I couldn't wait to have dangling from my shoulders, along with a couple of dresses. After I took her to Elite's jewelry store, we'd head to the actual date location.

"I know I told you I like gifts, but I don't want you to think you have to always buy me stuff," Enjell said.

"I know I don't have to, but I want to love you the way you want to be loved. If that's buying you shit and bringing you flowers, that's the literal bare minimum that I can do."

I saw her blushing out of the corner of my eye as she remained silent. After several seconds passed, she asked, "So how can I make you feel loved? With what kind of service?"

"Bringing me lunch that day had me smiling all day. Stuff like that works. I don't think there's a specific list. Just… whatever you feel led to do, I'll appreciate."

Her eyes rolled as she smiled. "So, cook for you. What about your home? Is it in order while you're gone? You do your laundry and keep the house clean?"

"It's fairly easy to keep it clean because it's a small loft. Laundry is a different story. I do have a habit of letting that pile up because I have so many clothes to choose from."

"Okay, I'll handle that. You can either give me a key or bring me your dirty clothes before you go to the station, then pick them up when you're getting ready to head back home."

I looked over at her, and it was my turn to do so silently. I wanted to tell her she didn't have to do that, but I appreciated the gesture. The rest of the ride was spent vibing to the music that played. We both liked old school music, gospel, and R&B. I liked true Hip Hop, not a lot of the mumble rap that was popular today. The playlist we were listening to was a mix of Tupac, Nipsey Hussle, and Kendrick Lamar. I was surprised she knew and could rap along to as many of the songs as she did.

That made me like her a little bit more.

"Hmm…" Her curiosity piqued as we headed toward the event center. "What's in here?"

"You'll see in a moment."

"Ugh."

I laughed and led her inside. For our first date, it was important to me that it be something recreational. I didn't think the classic dinner and a movie would have been awkward, but I wanted something that wouldn't feel overly intimate to keep her out of her head. Getting her to even agree to this was a surprise, and I didn't want her to feel like things were moving too fast between us.

For the next six hours, we had an immersive date that included candle making, a cooking class, and a three-course dinner that we prepared for one another. I already knew she could cook from the lunch she prepared, but having a meal fresh from her hands tasted like a true gift. If she wanted to get serious with her cooking, I'd back her 100 percent. I told her as much, making her smile.

"This was really fun, Dejvi. It was the perfect first date. You combined cooking with two of my favorite hobbies and doing them with you made this even more special."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Does that mean I earned a second date?"

"Yes," she cooed before taking a sip of her wine.

"What opens you?"

"Hmm?" Enjell asked, looking up at me with those dark, slanted eyes that kept me hypnotized.

"What makes you melt?" Her mouth opened and snapped shut. "How do you like to be pleased?"

Her hand covered her throat as she chuckled quietly. "You mean sexually or in general?"

"Both."

"In general, I love an intentional man. A considerate man. One who pays attention. Those three things are like an umbrella that cover a whole lot more. Sexually… you did a lot of what I like that first night. We did a lot, so it was kind of all over the place."

We shared a laugh, and my dick started to harden as something in the pit of my stomach stirred.

"What do you want more of?"

"Guess it depends on the mood. I liked everything we did. I do look forward to trying more with you."

"Like oral? Toys?"

Enjell fanned her face and squirmed in her seat. "Yes. You're… into toys?"

"Me using them on you… hell yeah." As she took another sip of her wine, I asked, "Does that night have to do with that girl calling me Mr. Chlorophyll?" I hadn't expected the question to make her choke and laugh. "Oh shit!" I jumped up from my seat and patted her back. Eventually, I had to laugh with her. "Are you okay, love?"

"Y-Yes," she muttered, blinking rapidly as her laughter subsided. "That was Malaysia. I was hoping you didn't hear that, but yes, it's about that night."

I waited until I was back in my seat to ask, "How in the hell did that come about?"

I listened as she ran down the conversation she had with her sister, and it was amusing to say the least. Her sister kind of reminded me of my brother. You honestly couldn't prepare for what would come out of his mouth. He was usually on his best behavior around strangers though.

"That's funny, though, because I do put chlorophyll in my water."

Enjell's head flung back as she laughed. "Malay is going to love this. And I think it's safe to say I'm going to love the taste of you in my mouth."

"Mm." My head bobbed as I bit my bottom lip. "We can leave right now and find out."

"I'd say yes, but I'm actually looking forward to our dessert."

Our conversation continued to flow smoothly as we ate and headed out. I'd truly enjoyed myself and didn't want the night to end, but I also didn't mind giving her some space if that was what she needed.

A Little While Later…

I was addicted to her whimpers and moans. Each time she whimpered through trembling lips, it urged me to keep going.

"Dejvi," she whimpered, gripping my hands as her body shuddered underneath me.

What was supposed to be me cleaning up the mess we'd made between her legs led to me placing closed mouth kisses against her swollen clit.

Her ragged breaths and whimpers made me ache as I gently dug my nails into her thighs and spread them again.

"Dejvi," she cried, back arching off the bed. "I-I can—it's too—"

"I can't stop, baby. Not yet." Enjell gasped as her swollen bud pulsed in my mouth. She whimpered again, legs closing around my neck.

Her incoherent slurs made my dick throb as it hardened all over again.

"I know, baby. I know…" The low, desperate tone of my voice caught me by surprise as it trembled. I'd never been so devoted to providing a woman with pleasure, but pleasing Enjell had quickly become an addiction that I didn't see myself shaking any time soon.

She grabbed a palmful of my locs and pulled, and that sent me over the edge. I feasted on her pussy, not letting up until her cum was soaking my beard. Even with the idea of her wanting to taste me in mind, I would have to wait for that. I needed to be back inside of her. It felt like eternities had passed since I'd felt the warmth of her walls. I was man enough to admit I was addicted to this woman, and I didn't think I'd ever get enough of her.

My phone vibrated, which threw me off. It was on Do Not Disturb, and only those on my favorites could get through. Since I'd told everyone I had plans this evening, I could only assume it was an emergency. As much I wanted to slide into Enjell, I had to at least see who it was.

I tumbled out of bed and grabbed my phone off the dresser before making my way back between her legs. The sight of Robin's name and picture made my heart skip a beat. My oldest female friend was calling me, and I had no earthly idea why. Sending her to voicemail, I shot her a text and told her I was busy and would call her back ASAP. When she called right back, Enjell dropped her arms and legs from around me.

"Just answer it," she grumbled, pushing me off her.

"I'm really sorry, love. I'll turn it off."

"You don't have to do that. It's obviously important."

"Yeah, but you're important too."

Her head shook as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Answer it, V."

Oh. Okay. So she calls me V when she is upset… Good to know.

The only reason I answered was because she left the room. "Yeah?"

Robin cleared her throat. "V… are you okay?"

"Yeah, but you caught me at a bad time. Is this important?"

"I wouldn't be calling if it wasn't. I'm back in Memphis. Can you come to my parents' house?"

That gave me cause for concern. Robin had moved to Chicago for her job a year ago and was so busy I hadn't seen her since she left. If she had randomly come back home, something had to be wrong.

"Is everyone okay?"

"Yeah, just get here as soon as you can."

"Aight, I'm on my way."

After disconnecting the call, I showered and got dressed. By the time I was done, Enjell was walking back into the room. Her eyes scanned my frame before she went to the closet and replaced the towel around her body with a robe.

"I'm sorry, baby, but it actually is an emergency. I'll call you and let you know if I'll be able to come back."

"Okay. Well, keep me posted either way. I hope everyone's okay."

Without giving her any details, I nodded and gave her a kiss before briskly leaving her home. I'd told her about my friendships but was unsure how she'd feel about me leaving her to see to Robin. She didn't strike me as the insecure type, but until I knew what was going on, I'd be careful of what I said and when. My relationship with Robin had always been platonic, and I didn't want Enjell doubting that while I was away.

When I arrived at the Baxter residence, I didn't know what to expect. The door was already unlocked, so I made my way inside and went straight to the living room. At the sight of me, Robin hopped from her seat and rushed over to me.

"Dejvi!" she squealed, wrapping her arms around me.

Seeing that she was physically okay filled me with relief as I hugged her. "What's going on, Robin?"

Releasing me, she took my hands into hers and led me over to the leather sofa. We sat down, close enough for our knees to brush against each other.

"I need you, and we don't have a lot of time."

"Time for what?"

"Our pact."

I looked around the room as if there would be clues to what the hell she was talking about. Robin and I had been friends since we were in high school, and I had no idea what she was referring to. Massaging my temple as my head shook, I pulled in a deep breath. I was seconds away from being back inside of Enjell's wet, warm pussy. Now, I was playing Clue with Robin's ass.

"Okay. I need you to break down exactly what you're talking about, woman."

With a giggle, she set her hand on my thigh… a little too close to my dick for my liking, but I'd let it ride.

"Okay, so you remember what happened our senior year? Sonya had a baby and ended up having to drop out of school because her parents and baby daddy didn't want to help?" I nodded my agreement. "And we said if we weren't married by thirty-five, we'd have a baby together to avoid having kids with the wrong person." Oh shit . "We said by thirty-five, we'd be secure and established enough in our lives to have a baby. So… I want to cash in." Oh God . "Your birthday is in three months, so we have to do this now. I want to be pregnant by then."

For a while, I just stared at her. When my mouth finally opened, it was with boisterous laughter.

"V!" she yelled, pushing me. "Be fucking mature! This is a serious situation!"

"Wait." Pulling in a deep breath, I tried to reel in my laughter. "You're serious right now? You really called me over here for this bullshit?"

Sucking her teeth, she crossed her arms over her chest with a pout. "It's not bullshit, Dejvi. I'm serious about this. You promised me a baby, and I want to cash in. My birthday was in July, and the only reason I didn't bring it up then was because I thought I was going to have a fair chance at a stable relationship. That's dead now, so I want us to do what we promised each other we'd do."

The tears in her eyes let me know just how serious she was. "We signed a contract," she continued. "I thought you were just as serious as I was, but it's clear I was wrong. You were just playing with me all along."

Taking her hand into mine, I sighed.

"I was serious… then. But, Robin, that was a long time ago. Almost seventeen years."

"So? You're not secretly married, are you?"

"Of course not."

"Then it doesn't matter. We agreed if we weren't married by thirty-five that we'd do this. You owe me a baby, best friend."

"This is… a lot." Standing, I looked down at her, waiting for her to burst into laughter and tell me she was playing a joke on me. "I need time to think this through, Robin."

"Fine, but don't take long. Your birthday is in three months, and like I said, I want to be pregnant by then. We can start trying then if you want, but I'm anxious to get pregnant now." She stood and took my hand into hers. "I've waited a long time for this, V, and it's finally about to happen." With a smile, she gave me a kiss on the cheek. "I can't wait to have a baby with you."

Swallowing hard, I nodded slightly and walked away. I had honestly forgotten about the pact I made with my best friend. When Robin and I agreed to have a baby together if we weren't married by thirty-five, I wasn't expecting her to hold me to it. Now that I'd finally met the woman I was sure I'd spend the rest of my life with, Robin wanted me to make good on the promise we'd made. How was I going to give my best friend a baby and keep this new thing I was experiencing with Enjell too?