Who Gets the Friends? Read online

  “‘Bout time you showed up.” She turned to one of the women she’d been talking with, an attractive young black woman. “This is my friend Tom. Tom, this is Rashida, my bestest BFF ever.”

  Tom smiled. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Rashida smiled while looking him up and down. “Karly’s been telling me all about you.”

  “Nothing bad, I hope.”

  Rashida gave him a sly grin. “All good things.”

  “Come on,” Karly slurred. “This is a party and you don’t have a drink. We need to fix that.”

  Before Tom could protest she steered him to the cash bar across the room.

  “Scotch and soda,” he instructed the bartender.

  “And two more Jello shots,” Karly added.

  Tom glanced at her. “Not to be nosey, but how many of those have you had?”

  Karly laughed. “Enough to enjoy myself.” She gave him a wink. “Guess I’ll have to workout a little harder next week, huh?”

  Tom chuckled. “I guess.”

  She slung an arm over his shoulder. “Unless you help me work it off later.”

  He looked into her eyes. Daddy always warned me about women like this. “You aren’t driving tonight, are you?”

  She shook her head. “Rashida’s the designated driver.” She patted his chest. “Don’t worry about me.”

  They rejoined her friends, but after Karly downed both Jello shots, she immediately left to talk with another guy. Tom sipped his drink and felt nervous.

  He indicated the people jamming the room. “Quite a party. What’s the occasion?”

  “Just a pre-holiday bash,” Rashida answered. “Karly told me you two work together.”

  “That’s right. What do you do?”

  “I’m a massage therapist.”

  “Really. I’ve never met one of those before.”

  Her look turned sultry. “I can do wonderful things with a body. Just put yourself in my hands and you’ll be amazed at how good you’ll feel.”

  Tom took another sip. Man, if you don’t work this, you’re a bigger asshole than I thought. “I’d like to take you up on that sometime.”

  She rested her hand on his forearm. “I’m sure I could fit you in. I understand you were recently set free.”

  Tom laughed. “I hadn’t thought of it that way, but yes.” He hesitated. “Are you unattached at the moment?”

  “Mm-hmm, and I plan on staying that way for a while.”

  “Why?”

  “Relationships tend to complicate your life and I’m happy with the way things are.” She took a swallow of her soda. “I don’t want to burst your bubble, but I think there’s something I should tell you.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I know Karly invited you, but she has the hots for that cowboy over there.”

  Tom looked at Karly hanging all over a muscular guy in jeans, a denim shirt and boots.

  “Thanks for setting me straight.”

  “I just didn’t want you to get your hopes up.”

  “I didn’t have any expectations so no harm done.”

  She smiled. “Good.”

  He heard the music change to a slow tempo dance number. “Would you like to dance?”

  “I’d love to.”

  They found a clearing and assumed a light embrace. Tom guided Rashida through some easy steps and was surprised when she rested her head on his chest. He moved his hand to her shoulder and inhaled her scent. Pleasing but not overbearing.

  “What’s that cologne you’re wearing?” she asked.

  “Tuscany.”

  “Mmm, I like it. It suits you.”

  “Thank you. So does yours.”

  She nestled a little closer and ran her hand along his back. Tom enjoyed holding someone soft in his arms, someone who obviously wanted to be there.

  When the music stopped, Rashida peered into his eyes. “Mind if I ask you something?”

  “Of course not.”

  She ran her fingertips along his cheek. “How do you feel about black women?”

  “Black women in general or any one in particular?”

  “In general.”

  He picked up on the look in her eye and her tone of voice. “I’m an equal opportunity lover.”

  Her face brightened a bit. “I’m so glad to hear that.” She sighed. “It’s getting a little stuffy in here. Mind stepping outside for some air?”

  “Lead the way.”

  Rashida grabbed her coat and purse, then led Tom toward the door. Karly stopped them.

  “Hey, what are you doing with my Marathon Man?” she teased.

  Rashida winked. “Don’t worry, I’ll have him back before bedtime.”

  They continued on their way. Am I dreaming this?

  When they were outside Rashida zipped up her jacket. “Have you ever been to a masseuse?”

  “Yeah, I have. I liked it. Very relaxing.”

  She turned him around, then placed her hands on his shoulders, kneading his muscles. Damn, that feels good.

  “You have broad shoulders,” she commented, “but you’re very tense.”

  “Guess it’s because I’m out of practice when it comes to socializing and meeting new people.”

  She continued massaging him. “Nervous about being around strangers?”

  “A little. I’ve always had a problem with it.”

  “Lean your head forward.”

  Tom did as she requested and she moved to his neck.

  “You’re really tight. I’m surprised you don’t have a headache. What you really need is a full body massage.”

  Boy, do I. “Can I make an appointment with you?”

  She turned him around, then surprised him with a kiss. “I have an opening right now.”

  He laughed uneasily while a siren rang in his head. “Not that I’m complaining, but why are you coming on so strong with me? We just met.”

  She traced her finger along his jaw. “I’m a sucker for handsome white guys.” She paused. “Plus I was in the gym with Karly this morning and watched you working out. I told her I wouldn’t mind meeting you.”

  “That’s it?”

  She gave him an impish smile. “I’m also horny and I was hoping to find someone to scratch my itch tonight. Does that make you feel better?”

  “Getting there.”

  She rubbed his cheek. “I carry some of my massage oils in my purse, for emergencies.”

  “Do you often get nine one one calls for an emergency rubdown?”

  She laughed, showing a set of perfectly white teeth. “All the time. Massage is great foreplay.”

  Tom pulled her in for a lingering kiss. “Too bad I live so far away, since you have to drive Karly home.”

  “Yeah, that’s a shame. Luckily there are a few motels nearby. In fact, there’s one next door.” She kissed him. “We could slip away, have our fun, then come back in time for me to pour her into the car.”

  Tom gazed into her soft eyes. Why the hell not? “Then let’s go.”

  Tom closed the door to the motel room, then pulled Rashida in for a hungry kiss. She devoured his mouth, slithering her tongue deep into his mouth. Her lips were full and tasted like raspberry lip balm. Tom felt more excitement the longer they kissed and his cock strained against his briefs. He pulled her sweater over her head, exposing her braless, firm breasts, then mouthed them, sucking her nipples into hardness.

  Rashida hissed. “That’s what I like, a man who takes charge.” She kissed him and whispered. “Let’s get comfortable.”

  Tom watched her slip out of her tight jeans and admired her firm bronze physique in the dim light. Her stomach was flat, her hips curved in just the right places and her pubic bush was trimmed. He quickly stripped off his clothes and felt his cock jerking to life.

  Rashida took a bottle of oil from her purse, then gestured at the bed. “Lie on your stomach and get comfortable.”

  Tom followed her order and pulled a pillow under his face. Rashida straddled hi
s lower back and drizzled some oil onto his skin. She began a deep massage at his shoulders, pressing her skilled fingers into his muscles.

  “Just close your eyes and relax,” she whispered while kneading his flesh. “Think about somewhere pleasant, a faraway place like the beach.”

  Tom began to relax, inhaling the scent of lavender. Rashida worked her hands down his back, then kneaded his butt before moving to his legs. His muscles finally loosened up and he felt weightless. Rashida worked on the soles of his feet, hitting his reflex points.

  “Roll over,” she said.

  When Tom was on his back Rashida poured some oil onto his chest and began massaging him again. He felt a fluttering in his stomach and began to get aroused again. When Rashida reached his hips, she ignored his hardening cock and massaged his thighs.

  She chuckled. “I think someone’s getting turned on. Are you relaxed?”

  “Oh, yeah. You have the touch.”

  She continued working on his legs. “I know what you really want me to touch, but I’m going to make you wait for it. That makes it better.”

  His cock grew the longer she massaged him. If I don’t get inside her pretty soon I’ll explode.

  He opened his eyes when he felt her fingertips lightly tickling his erection. Her hands were soft and slippery from the oil. Rashida teased him expertly, lightly stroking him with one hand while her other one caressed his balls, as they tightened in anticipation. She dripped some oil onto his hard-on, then wrapped her hand around it, slowly stroking him to full hardness. After a few minutes of merciless teasing, she ran the tip of her tongue over his swollen head, then down his shaft. She took him into her mouth and sucked him. Tom closed his eyes again. If I watch her sucking me I’ll shoot off right now.

  Rashida sensed that he was approaching orgasm and stopped sucking. “Not yet, lover. Not until you scratch my itch.”

  “Rashida, I really want you.”

  She kissed him. “I want you, too. Did you bring a condom?”

  Tom reached for his pants, then took a condom from his pocket. Rashida took it from him, then unrolled it onto his cock. She sat against the headboard with her legs pulled up to her torso. His eyes lustily explored her moist pussy on display. Rashida placed her middle finger on it and began teasing herself.

  “You like watching me play?” she asked.

  “Uh-huh. Makes me hot.”

  She rubbed herself for a couple of minutes. “My pussy’s on fire, lover. Think you can put it out?”

  Tom rolled onto his stomach and nestled his face between her spread legs. He licked and probed her with his tongue, savoring her hot pink chocolate. Rashida tasted good, a combination of musky arousal and her natural scent. He parted her lips with his fingers and drove his tongue in as far as it would go, then moved to her clit. It was hard and swollen. He sucked it between his lips and began working it over with his tongue.

  Rashida gasped, then put her hand on the back of his head, pushing his face into her. “Aw, damn, lover, that feels so good!” She rocked her pelvis against his active mouth while he sucked and licked her. She took in a sharp breath. “Oh, yeah, that’s it! I’m coming!”

  Rashida’s body tensed and her hips bucked as she climaxed. When her first wave subsided Tom kept licking her, enjoying her taste.

  She slithered along his body, then kissed him hungrily, lightly chewing on his lower lip. Tom’s hand squeezed her ass, then he ran his fingers between her cheeks, playing with her from behind, slipping his fingers into her. She positioned herself above his hard-on, grasped it, then slowly lowered herself until he was all the way inside her. She leaned forward to bring her clit in contact with his hard shaft, then rode him in a steady rhythm, her palms resting on his chest.

  “That was incredible, lover,” she panted. “You want me to come for you again?”

  He kneaded her ass while she moved against him. “Yeah. I want you to come over and over again. I like making you come.”

  She gave a lusty chuckle while tweaking his nipples. “I love an unselfish lover.” She took in a breath. “You’re getting bigger inside me.” She rocked a little harder. “Oh, yeah, I’m comin’ again.”

  She bounced on his cock and moaned again when she climaxed. She tightened around Tom’s cock, bringing him to the edge.

  “Rashida, I can’t hold it any longer.”

  She rocked against him. “Give it to me, lover. Make that thing explode inside me.”

  Tom came with a loud moan. Rashida kept moving against him faster, rewarding herself with another orgasm. When her body relaxed she lowered herself to lie on top of him. Tom pulled her face to his and hungrily kissed her, driving his tongue deep into her mouth while running his hands along her smooth back. He squeezed her ass.

  Rashida raised up slightly, looked into his eyes and caressed his cheek while catching her breath. She gave a low chuckle. “Feel better now?”

  “Oh, yeah. You were right—you do amazing things with a body.”

  “Glad you liked it. I feel better, too.”

  “Got your itch scratched?” he teased.

  “And how.” She peered into his eyes. “It’s been awhile for you, hasn’t it?”

  He rubbed her shoulder. “How could you tell?”

  “Because you made love to me like a sailor coming off six months of sea duty.”

  He paused. “Yeah, it has. Thanks for reminding me that I still know how.”

  She planted wet kisses on his cheek, then whispered. “How could any woman let something like that get away?”

  “Because it didn’t earn six figures and have a membership at the country club,” Tom quipped.

  She gave him a curious look. “That’s the kind of relationship you got out of?”

  Tom hesitated. “Forget I said that.”

  “It’s okay, lover. We all have people like that in our past.” She laughed softly. “She’s gonna be so pissed when she hears what she passed up.”

  “Who?”

  “Karly.”

  Tom suddenly felt uneasy. “You aren’t going to tell her, are you? I have to face her at the office.”

  Rashida ran her fingers along his cheek. “Just enough to make her wonder what she missed out on. Think we could do this again sometime?”

  Tom kissed her. “I’m sure we could.”

  Chapter Seven

  Jessica set her tray on the table in the hospital cafeteria, then took her seat. She sipped her coffee and looked at the not-very-appetizing food she had chosen. Processed turkey roll and warmed-over sweet potatoes left over from what they served the patients. The lime Jello adds color, though.

  She took a small bite of food and chased it with coffee. It was Thanksgiving and she found herself thinking about her family. She smiled wistfully as thoughts of holidays past flooded her memory. The smell of turkey and fresh bread coming from the kitchen, everyone visiting, laughing, catching up on things. Why did I volunteer to work today? Was I really afraid of being alone?

  Jessica’s thoughts had been pre-occupied with Tom the past few days and she couldn’t get her blunder out of her mind. How can I get back in his good graces and convince him that I’d really like to get to know him better? He won’t return my calls. He might not be someone I’d like to see on a regular basis, but I’d like to at least find out. The smile returned. He really is a good kisser and he didn’t push things the other night. He’s really nice, too, something I don’t get from most of the men I’ve been out with since my divorce. I think most of them have forgotten basic manners, but not Tom. Who am I kidding? After what I did, he’s probably on to the next encounter. I wouldn’t waste time on me, either, after that.

  She looked up when she saw a man approaching her table, offering a big smile. Her eyes did a quick scan out of habit, taking in his cream-colored nurse’s aide uniform and trim physique. Jessica muffled a groan and felt her spirits sink. Hank Mobley, one of my ex-husband’s buds. Five years since we’ve been divorced and he still never misses an opportunity to come
on to me. Same thing he did after the divorce.

  “Hi, Jessica,” he began. “Didn’t expect to see you here today.”

  She pasted a smile on her face. “Hello, Hank.”

  He took a seat, set his coffee on the table, then gestured at her plate. “Guess you wouldn’t recommend the holiday special, huh?”

  “I’m not very hungry.”

  He sipped his coffee. “I’m glad I ran into you. Do you have anything planned Saturday night?”

  Jessica took a calming breath. Here we go again. “Actually, I do.”

  “That’s too bad. I scored a coupla tickets for the hockey game and thought you’d like to go.”

  If he was the least bit aware, he’d know how much I detest hockey. “Sounds like fun, but I already have plans.”

  He nodded. “I understand. Maybe we could get together for a drink after work some time.”

  Jessica took a long swallow of water. And as soon as we did, you’d be calling my ex to brag about it. Might as well be direct. “No, I don’t think so, but thanks for the offer.”

  He gave her a curious look. “Hey, come on, Jessica, it’s me, Hank. We’ve known each other a long time. I never figured you for the big freeze.”

  Jessica felt her blood pressure rising. “Just what did you figure me for, Hank? An easy lay? Maybe you heard about what happened to my last boyfriend and thought I was just waiting for someone like you to sweep me off my feet?”

  He raised his hands in defense. “Whoa, wait a minute. Where’s all the hostility coming from?”

  “The ink wasn’t even dry on my divorce when you started calling me. I was your best friend’s wife, for crying out loud. Did you secretly lust after me while John and I were married?”

  He gave an uneasy laugh and avoided eye contact. “Well, I suppose…”

  “I’ll take that for a yes. I also know how you like to brag about your conquests, but you won’t be adding my name to your list.”

  “Aw, come on, that’s just talk. You know, guy stuff.”

  “Hank, you have a lot to learn about sensitivity. I don’t want to be rude, but I told you before that I wasn’t interested and I’m still not.”