Forever Black

  I went to the bedroom and put on the top. The length was long enough to cover my ass, which made it perfect for leggings. I walked to the bathroom where Peyton was doing her hair. She looked at me through the mirror and whistled, “Look at you miss thing; every guy at the club is going to want to tap that hot ass,” she smiled as she lightly smacked it.

  I rolled my eyes. Peyton is one of those people who does not have a filter; she says what’s on her mind, at that moment and never gives it a second thought. Her mouth spits before her brain thinks.

  I smiled as I hugged her, “Thank you; it’s perfect.”

  “Awe, it’s nice to see you smile again Elle,” she continued straightening her hair.

  I asked Peyton about Caleb, and she said he was a friend of a friend, and they went out a couple of times. I found it odd since this is the first time I’m hearing his name. She said she started seeing him right when Kyle left me. She didn’t think it was appropriate to talk about her dating life so soon. To be honest, I was touched by her thoughtfulness not to mention it, but at the same time I was pissed she didn’t.

  I looked at myself in the mirror one last time before going out. I decided to throw some soft curls into my blonde hair that I already straightened and rubbed off some of the eye shadow Peyton painted on me. I was starting to feel glad I decided to go tonight; I needed some fun.

  Caleb came to the door and whistled at the both of us as Peyton opened it. He gently kissed her on the cheek and walked over to me holding out his hand.

  “I’m Caleb, nice to meet you.”

  I shook his hand and told him the same. His grip was firm, and from what I could tell so was his body. He wore his short brown hair messy but in an attractive way and his black eyes were piercing. I could see why Peyton was attracted to him. The three of us slid into the cab that was waiting for us outside. Peyton had her arm around Caleb’s as they nuzzled each other. Suddenly, I felt like a third wheel.

  “So, what club are we going to?” I asked. Caleb broke his gaze from Peyton and looked over at me.

  “I thought we’d go to Club S.”

  I frowned trying to think of how I knew that club, and then it hit me, my friend from the soup kitchen, Frankie is a bouncer there. I gasped.

  “Isn’t that a sex club?”

  Peyton looked at me and smiled, “Elle it’s a normal club; it just so happens that some people go there to find others to have sex with.” She said it so casually as if it was no big deal. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

  “Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the S stand for sex, as in Club Sex?” Peyton and Caleb both smiled at me. “Great, now I’ll have to be on the defense all night.”

  “Live a little Elle,” she laughed.

  I crossed my arms and looked out the window as they started making out. I was not about to live a little by having a one night stand with some random guy; that wasn’t me. I only had sex with one guy in my life, and that was Kyle.

  Chapter 4

  The cab dropped us off in front of the club, and I was astounded by the line of people who wrapped around the building for at least 2 blocks. I smiled, for I knew there was no way we were getting in tonight, which was OK with me. I preferred to go out for a quiet dinner.

  Caleb slumped his shoulders, “Fuck, look at that line; we should have gotten here earlier.”

  As the crowds of people in line were patiently waiting to be let in, and I was wishing to get the hell out of there, I heard someone yelling my name. My eyes grew wide as I cautiously turned my head.

  “Elle, is that you? Hey Elle, over here.”

  I looked over in the direction where the voice was coming from, and it was Frankie waving his hand and motioning for me to come over. The three of us walked to the entrance and stood in front of the large, burly man named Frankie Lasher. His 6’4” wrestler body was enough to intimidate anyone. I could see why the club hired him as a bouncer. He put his arms around me and gave me a squeeze.

  “Good to see ya Elle; you guys clubbing here tonight?”

  I pulled from his embrace, “We were going to, but wow, look at that line, I don’t think tonight’s going to be a possibility.”

  “Nonsense, you three go in.”

  I gave him a dirty look as he lifted the rope for us. Caleb and Peyton were ecstatic and beaming from ear to ear. Frankie lightly grabbed my arm as I walked past him, “If you do not feel comfortable in there or you need me, come out here and let me know.” I smiled at his generosity and nodded.

  We walked through the small hallway that led into the main entrance of the club. I’ve been to many clubs, and this is by far is the most crowded I’ve ever seen. I looked around at the tables that filled the place. A massive bar sat off to the side with fluorescent lights that hung down from the ceiling. The oversized dance floor housed large projection screens and displayed a full color laser show. The walls were suede with soft lights that glowed off them. The music was blaring as the floor was thumping beneath my feet forcing my body to move with the beat.

  Peyton pulled me and Caleb to the dance floor where we danced for what seemed like hours. I needed a drink, so I left them to dance as I made my way to the bar. I took the only bar stool that was available at the end and ordered a Cosmopolitan. I was sipping on my drink when I noticed a man and woman arguing at a table not too far from where I was sitting. She had her shaking finger pointed at him and then proceeded to poke him in the chest several times. I couldn’t help but shake my head and laugh. I kept looking over at them to see if they would kiss and makeup, but noticed he was yelling now. His finger was pointing at her, and his face looked angered. The tall beautiful woman slapped him across the face, turned on her heels and scurried off. I stared at him and took notice at the look on his face which showed no emotion whatsoever. He just sat there and stared straight ahead.

  I kept looking over in his direction because he was one of the best eye candies I’ve ever seen. His light brown, almost blonde hair was shorter on the sides as his longer top had waves to it. I could not help but stare at his prominent square jaw and chiseled cheek bones. I could not tell the color of his eyes because he was too far away, and the lighting was inadequate, but I could tell just by looking, anyone could easily get lost in them.

  “Yum Elle, I see someone has stolen your attention,” Peyton smiled as she looked over at him. Oh god I did not need her knowing I was checking this guy out because she would be the first one to run over, tell him, and try to set us up.

  “He only has my attention because he was just bitch slapped by some woman.” She let out a loud laugh, and that was my cue to change the subject. She dragged me out to the dance floor where I danced and endlessly fought off horny guys as I kept getting shuffled in the crowd.

  It started to get extremely hot in the club, and I needed some fresh air. I told Peyton I’d be back as I headed towards the door. As I stepped outside, I saw Frankie escorting Mr. Eye Candy out of the club.

  “Ok Mr. Black, you have had way too much to drink tonight, and it’s time for you to go home.” He was stumbling from side to side and mumbling something.

  “Frankie, what’s going on?” I casually asked.

  “Hey Elle, this gentleman has had too much to drink, and he started causing a scene when the bartender refused to serve him.”

  “What are you going to do with him?”

  “I just escort them out, what they do after that is not my concern.”

  I looked at him and cocked my head, “He can barely stand, how do you expect him to get home?” My head was telling me to stop immediately because it knew what I was about to do, but my heart was telling me to help him. “I’ll make sure he gets home safe,” I said to Frankie.

  “Elle, that is not a good idea, you don’t know whom you’re dealing with here.”

  I put my hand up, “I know what I’m doing, and he needs help.”

  Frankie shook his head, “You have a good heart Elle, but sometimes I think you’re crazy; please be careful.”

/>   I grabbed my cell phone from my purse and called a cab. Mr. Eye candy was sitting on the cement against the wall. I took notice at his expensive black tailored suit and the white shirt that was partially unbuttoned, showing off his muscular chest. His 6ft stature was lean, but seriously muscular. Like his hair and face, his body appeared to be perfect. I walked over to him and grabbed his arm to help him up.

  “Come on, let’s get you home.”

  He looked over at me with his drunken green eyes, “Do I know you?” he slurred.

  I patted him on the back and walked him to the curb just as the cab pulled up. Before I pushed him in, I took his wallet out of his back pocket. He stumbled into the seat, and I climbed in next to him. I opened his wallet, took out his driver’s license and handed it to the driver, “Drop him off here.” He handed his license back to me, and I took it upon myself to read his name.

  I patted him on the arm, “Nice to meet you Connor Black.”

  He looked at me and put his head on my shoulder. I let a small smile escape my lips.

  Chapter 5

  The cab pulled around to the garage area. “This is where they like to be dropped off. He should have a key that fits that elevator over there; his name should be on the inside next to the key hole telling you which floor he is on, good luck.”

  I stared at the cabbie because one: how did he know this and two: I had no intention of taking him further than the elevator. I opened his wallet and thumbed through his money. I shook my head at the fact he only had several $100 bills. I took out a hundred and handed it to the driver, “Keep the change,” I winked.

  A large smile swept across his face, “Thanks ma’am.”

  “Don’t mention it; you can thank him next time.”

  I opened the door and grabbed his arm pulling him out of the cab. I put his arm over my shoulder and walked him to the elevator. He kept stumbling almost taking me down with him. I searched his pocket for his keys. It was that awkward moment when I put my hand in his side pocket and felt something semi hard that were not his keys. I pushed the button on the elevator and he looked at me.

  “You are a beautiful woman, and I’m going to fuck you really hard,” he said as he grabbed my ass. I sighed and removed his hand from my behind, “Only in your dreams sweetie, only in your dreams.”

  The elevator opened. I escorted him inside and looked at the different keys on his key ring wondering which one fit the elevator. I turned to him as he was leaning up against the back of the elevator, “Can you please show me which key goes here.” He flashed me a drunken smile and seductively took the key ring from me; picked which key and held it up. “Thank you,” I smiled.

  I inserted the key into the lock next to his name as it took us up to the top floor. The elevator doors opened to the biggest and most beautiful penthouse I have ever seen. Ok, it was the only penthouse I’ve ever seen, but it was still beautiful. My full intention was to lean him up against the wall and leave; I’d assume he would pass out on the floor and wake up in the morning; that was until he looked at me and said he was going to be sick. I rolled my eyes as I asked him to take me to his bedroom; I figured that would get his attention real quick. He pointed to the stairs, and I held onto him, trying to hold him up as he tripped up each step. We finally made it to the top as I saw a bathroom on the left. He didn’t make it. He vomited all over his clothes. I shook my head for this was a sight that was all too familiar to me.

  I hurried him to the bathroom where he leaned over and hugged the porcelain of god for a good hour. I stood there admiring the beauty of his bathroom. The taupe walls and black granite countertops gave it a classic, but luxurious look.

  I found a washcloth and ran it under lukewarm water. I walked over to him as he sat against the wall with his head down. He smelled liked vomit, and I had to get him to change his clothes.

  “Come on buddy; let’s see if we can get you changed.” I put his arm around me and with a little help from him; I lifted him off the floor. We made it down the hallway to his bedroom. I opened the double doors that led inside and gasped; his bedroom was bigger than my entire apartment. I took him over to the king size bed and sat him down.

  “Are you an angel?” he slurred as he gently rubbed my cheek. His skin felt warm, and his touch felt nice, too nice as it gave me tiny goose bumps.

  I took his hand away, “Yeah, I guess I am.”

  He drunkenly smiled and fell back on the bed. I knew this was going to take some work, trying to get his clothes off, but I could not let him sit in his own vomit all night. I took his shoes and socks off first. I climbed on top so I was straddling him and unbuttoned his shirt, rolling him from side to side taking his arms out. It probably would have been easier to take his shirt off in the bathroom, but I didn’t think about that. I moved down to the button on his pants; oh god I cannot believe I’m doing this. My thought was, just to let him lie there and sleep it off, but his pants received the worst of his vomit and he genuinely smelled. I unbuttoned his pants and lifted his hips so I could pull them off. It was a struggle, but I finally managed.

  I could not help but look at his sculpted body as he laid there almost perfectly naked only in his black silk boxers. I’m only human, right? He was lean, muscular and perfectly defined from head to toe. I felt dirty standing over his passed out body checking him out, but no one should ever look like that perfect, it is just not right. I needed to move him up to his pillow. I put the cool cloth on his head, and he stirred. I grabbed under his arms and pulled him up the best I could. I turned him on his side in case he vomited again; a slight groan came from his mouth. I found a blanket, on a chair in the corner of his room, and covered him with it. I sighed and looked at the clock on the night stand; it read 1:00 am.

  I was exhausted and desperately needing some sleep. It was then I realized I never told Peyton I was leaving. I ran down the stairs and grabbed my purse off the table. I took out my phone and saw a text message from her.

  “Frankie told me what you’re doing, and I know you like to play Good Samaritan, but I’m worried, text me.” I quickly replied.

  “I’m fine; I managed to get him home, and he is passed out on his bed. I’m heading home now; I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  I stood in the hallway and looked at the stairs. Memories were flooding my mind as I had to walk back to his room to check on him one last time. He had rolled on his back, so I rolled him back on his side. His bed was so comfortable that I decided to sit next to him and make sure he stayed on his side the rest of the night. Then maybe get a little bit of sleep.

  I awoke from a dream I had about my father. I quickly sat up, but my brain had not fully registered where I was. I scanned the room and looked over at him sleeping peacefully. I shook my head in disbelief that I fell asleep for so long as I made my way to the bathroom. I splashed some water on my face and downed some mouthwash I found in his cabinet. I ran my fingers through my hair and headed downstairs. I should have just left right then and there, but I needed coffee, and so would he when we woke up.

  I walked to the kitchen and stopped dead in my tracks. The mahogany cabinets topped with dark grey granite counter tops were utterly stunning. A large curved island sat in the middle of the kitchen with a built-in stove on one side, as three stainless steel ovens were built-in opposite the other wall. I found what I needed and made a pot of coffee. I had a recipe for a hangover cocktail that I used to make my dad every day. I scanned the kitchen and surprisingly enough, it had everything I needed to make one. I had my back turned to the doorway, making the hangover cocktail, when I heard someone clear their throat. I was startled, and I slowly turned around.

  He stood in the middle of the kitchen in a pair of black pajama bottoms that hung low on his hips outlining his muscular form. I gulped at the site of him standing there, hung over and still looking as incredible as he did last night. He looked at me and cocked his head to one side.

  “Did I not go over the rules with you last night?

  “Huh?” I f
rowned.

  “I don’t do sleepovers. You were supposed to leave after I fucked you; so would you mind telling me why you’re still here, in my kitchen, making yourself comfortable?”

  His tone was arrogant and crude, obviously he did not remember anything from last night, but I didn’t expect he would. His green eyes looked dark and angry, but he’ll have to get over it; I didn’t have time for this. I set the glass with the hangover drink on the counter and slid it to him. He narrowed his eyes at me.

  “I asked you a question, and I expect an answer.”

  I sighed and rolled my eyes, “Listen buddy; I don’t know what you think happened last night, but you didn’t fuck me; I would never give you the pleasure; trust me.” Ok, I was lying, I would have given him the pleasure, but he didn’t need to know that. He cocked his head and stared at me narrowing his eyes.

  “You drank yourself into oblivion at the club last night, and they kicked you out. I was walking outside when it happened and being the good person I am; I called a cab to make sure you got home safely. Then you proceeded to vomit all over yourself, so I had to get you to the bathroom and out of your clothes, because frankly, you smelled.” He raised his eyebrows.

  “I was on my way out the door when I decided to check on you one more time. I went back to your room and you were lying on your back, so I rolled you on your side again in case you vomited; I would not have wanted you to choke to death.” He shifted his weight and crossed his arms. “I fell asleep from exhaustion after dealing with you, and when I woke up I decided to make you a pot of coffee and a hangover cocktail. I was leaving in a few minutes, and I did not expect you to be up for at least a few more hours.”

  He took a few steps closer, “So, you’re telling me nothing happened between us?” I rolled my eyes, didn’t this man listen to a word I just said.

  “No, nothing happened; I just needed to make sure you were going to be ok; you were obnoxiously drunk,” I looked down.