Distract Me Read online

  “Come on. Please, dance with me?” She begged. I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide my smile from her.

  “I guess I’ll have to, Ella, before these guys steal you away from me.” She pulled me by the hand onto the dance floor so fast that we were bumping into people.

  “Hey, little mama. Ain’t gotta ask me if I want to.” We stopped in a small clearing of people and started to move to the beat and singing the lyrics to each other.

  This song always made me feel sexy, and it soon took over my body. Moving my hips slowly back and forth against Mariella in a playful way, we sang word for word. At first, I didn’t realize, but we were drawing some attention from a few men watching us from the bar. But I wasn’t looking for attention from a man tonight. As we continued to dance, I had flashbacks of the strong man who had sat in front of me earlier today. I wondered how his strong shoulders would feel under my hands. But I would never see him again, so I needed to stop thinking about him. With hungry eyes preying on us, we walked from the dance floor as the song ended.

  I thought about getting another drink, but it was so crowded around the bar. However, another one wouldn’t be so bad. Two drinks wouldn’t make me trashed... plus we were taking a taxi home. In New York, that wouldn’t be hard to do, and Mariella always split the taxi fare with me. My income as a teacher was enough to get me by in my small apartment in this big city, but it wasn’t anything to get rich on or spend carelessly. In truth, it wasn’t about getting rich here, it was about the kids, and I was just happy to be living here. I love going into work every day knowing I am the person they pull inspiration from, but my little fourth graders teach me life lessons as well.

  Glancing around the club, I rolled my eyes at the overcrowded tables that surrounded us. There was no way we could get a drink anytime soon. This place was crazy. I don’t know why Mariella insisted we come to an opening night of a new club. I was already exhausted from waiting too long outside and too long for a drink. A loud crash came from the side of the bar, and two men broke into fists of rage with each other as a beautiful blonde haired woman in a red dress pulled at one of their arms. Her body flew across the floor as the men tackled each other. Of course, it had to be some act of jealousy between the three. This is why I don’t like to be around drunks. Your head gets cloudy, and your decisions are warped. Mariella’s head snapped back at me as soon as she saw the guards carrying the two men out of the bar.

  “Adi, are you ready to go home? It’s been a busy day, and I don’t mind cutting it short tonight.” I was thankful she always knew when I was uncomfortable.

  “Yes, please.” I yawned from the exhaustion of the day.

  My mind was still on overload from the chaos. Men were bumping into me and slurring their words as we made our way to the exit. The air was cool for a May evening, and I took a deep breath allowing myself the space I needed away from the loud bar. Grabbing my necklace, I looked around for a taxi coming our way. Sure enough, there was one pulling up to the curb right in front of us. Placing my hand in the air, the driver nodded at me as he pulled over in front of us.

  I snapped at Mariella. “Come on.”

  As soon as my head turned away from the taxi, a man rushed into the back seat just before I could put my arm up to signal we had first dibs.

  “What the fuck?” I growled.

  There were some real jerks out tonight. I let out a growl and stomped over to the taxi door. Mariella followed me on shaky legs.

  “Oh, shit, she’s pissed.” She smirked at me, but I was in no mood to play around.

  Just as I reached for the open door of the taxi, a large hand extended out and covered mine.

  “Excuse me, do you have any manners?” I wasn’t letting go of the door handle. This was my taxi.

  Snapping my head into the taxi to see the asshole, I was so mad I couldn’t even stop between my words. They just seemed to mush together in my fit of rage.

  “You just threw yourself inside without a fucking care or consideration for us, who were standing here first.” It felt as if hot steam exploded from every hole in my head as I shouted at this man.

  It was dark so I couldn’t tell his expression as I yelled at him, so I ducked down to take a better look at the asshole who didn’t have respect for women. My body froze, and my word vomit seized. My distraction was right in front of me—again. I was surely seeing things. Did my rage make me hallucinate? This couldn’t be him. I felt my rash start to well up on my neck.

  “Shit,” I mumbled. Mariella was too busy laughing behind me to realize my panic.

  “Just tell him to scoot over, and we will share,” she shouted from behind me.

  She didn’t have a clue that I was in shock. Pushing in front of me, she slid onto the seat next to him. He moved over to allow more room for me to scoot in. The taxi driver began yelling for me to get in or get back out on the curb. I had no choice, so I climbed in and bit down on my lip. This was going to be the longest ride of my life.

  Mariella smiled at him politely. “Sorry for my cousin’s outburst. She’s a little tired.”

  I nudged her arm. “Shut up.”

  I got the courage finally to look over at him, and his dark brown eyes were already staring back at me. I couldn’t look away. His eyes were sucking me in. They were beautiful brown with a hazel tint. He parted his lips with his tongue, and I heard his voice for the first time.

  “She’s right. I should have asked you ladies if you were waiting first. It’s my mistake,” he said in such a deep voice, it sent chills down my body.

  Still keeping eye contact, I grabbed my necklace for comfort. My voice was so low it was almost at a whisper. “It’s fine. You didn’t know,” I added.

  “Where are you ladies heading?” he asked as he turned away from me and looked out his window.

  “Home. We’re going home, right Adi?” Mariella spat the words out before I could think of anything to say.

  Damn, she used my name. For a moment, I thought maybe he didn’t remember me, but now that she used my name, I knew it would for sure spark something.

  “Yes, home.” I cleared my throat.

  He leaned forward to mumble something to the driver about dropping us off first and putting it on his fare. This made me mad. Why is he doing that?

  “No, you really don’t have to do that.” My cheeks flushed with frustration.

  “Stop, Adi. He’s being nice. Just be nice back.” Mariella hit my arm.

  I was pissed. Why is she taking his side? She was a little hoe, letting her vagina rule her now. Honestly, he was so fine that I couldn’t blame her. I was dealing with my own struggles between my legs with just the sight of him. His sexy black polo shirt allowed me to get a better glance at his tan, toned arms, which were always my weakness in a man. My eyes shifted from his shirt down to his tighter dark jeans he was wearing with an expensive pair of black shoes. He is more casual than earlier and even sexier. His dark black hair was loosely styled back again, and it made me want to run my fingers through it.

  Closing my eyes, I needed to get a grip. What is wrong with me? This man is a stranger, and I don’t know anything about him.

  “My name is Ryder, and I hope I can give you a better first impression than I did by stealing your taxi.” As if he was reading my thoughts, he extended his hand out to us.

  He smirked, and Mariella caved by giggling and grabbing onto his hand to introduce herself first. He extended his hand over to me next, but I hesitated. His long fingers waited to wrap around my small hand. This man was already making me wet with just his handshake. You’re being ridiculous, I told myself. I placed my hand in his, and he rubbed the back of it with his thumb. Electricity ran through me, but I gave him a weak smile hoping he didn’t see the flash of heat that was overtaking my body. My hand didn’t want to let go, but I nervously took it back as I grabbed at my necklace. He looked at my fingers playing with my charm.

  “That’s a beautiful necklace,” he said.

  “It is. It belonged to
her mother. The L is for Leann.” Mariella looked between us as she answered him.

  “Mariella!” I growled as my hand smacked hard down on her leg.

  She was brave tonight, and I’ll talk with her tomorrow when she’s sober about her loose lips. He nodded as his eyes followed the gold chain and continued down further to my chest. My nipples hardened under my shirt. I felt exposed, so I pulled my blue blazer closed. This man is undoing me with just his eyes. He rubbed his light stubble on his jaw line. It wasn’t there earlier, but it made him look more relaxed this evening. The taxi came to a stop, and we were now parked in front of my building. He reminded the driver that he was paying the full fare, so I decided that was my cue to open the door to get out. Leaning forward to exit, I felt a quick tap on my shoulder. Looking over my shoulder, I turned and saw his sexy grin. His teeth were such a beautiful white. This man was perfect.

  “It was nice meeting you, Adi. I hope you forgive me for jumping in your taxi.”

  I just smiled. I would probably regret it later, but I just didn’t have the energy to keep up a conversation. As I stepped up on the sidewalk from the taxi, I heard a loud thump behind me. My eyes darted back to see Mariella falling from the taxi door and landing in the street.

  “What the hell happened?” I lunged forward to help her to her feet, but she started throwing up all over the curb.

  “Mariella!” I yelled.

  I was in shock. I didn’t think she was that drunk. My blood started to boil. Of all nights, she picked tonight to be a disaster. I tried grabbing her by the arm, but she kept falling back into the street. Horns were honking, and the taxi driver was screaming at me.

  “Get her away from my car!” The driver glared at me through the window.

  She wouldn’t budge as I pulled her from the curb. A door slammed on the opposite side of the car. “Great!” the Taxi driver was going to kick my ass now. I looked up to apologize for Mariella, but I was surprised to see it was Ryder standing over us.

  “Let me help.” Ryder grabbed her arms and pulled her up to her feet.

  He bent down to tell the driver to move on, and he would call another one to pick him up in a few minutes. I panicked at the thought of him helping me upstairs with Mariella.

  “I’ll help you get her upstairs, and I don’t have to go in if you don’t need me to.” He grabbed my shoulder.

  He read my mind again. I nodded as we carried her to the elevators. The doors opened, and we stepped into the hallway that led to our door.

  “This is us.” I stopped. Pulling my keys from my clutch, Ryder held Mariella still against the wall.

  “You’re so strong. Will you help me to my bed?” Mariella giggled and rested her head on his chest.

  My cheeks turned bright red from embarrassment. I’ll kill her tomorrow.

  “We’ll get you to bed, don’t worry.” He grinned.

  She rubbed her hands up and down his chest. “Whoa, these muscles! Seriously, Adi. Feel them!”

  She grabbed my hand before I put my key in the door and placed it on Ryder’s chest.

  “Sexy, right?” She winked.

  She fucking winked at me. She’s out of her mind. Quickly pulling my hand away, my key shook as I placed it in the door. Somehow, I managed to open it.

  “Do you need me to walk her in?” he asked as he watched me.

  Part of me wanted to say no, but my body greedily wanted more time with him.

  “If you don’t mind.” I didn’t look him in the eye because I wasn’t confident in my answer.

  “No, of course not.” He smiled.

  Holding the door open as he carried her inside, I hurried in front of him to show him where Mariella’s room was. Our short hallway felt like a mile walk to her room. His eyes scanned the picture frames hanging on our wall. Relief set in when I realized my bedroom door was closed. I didn’t need more of an open invitation for him to stay. My breath hitched when his arm brushed against mine as we placed Ella on her bed. He watched me as I took off her shoes.

  “Are you staying the night?” She draped her arms around his neck.

  “No, sorry, Mariella, but maybe I’ll come back to visit soon.” He placed her hands on the bed.

  “Just lie down and relax with me.” She pouted.

  Jealousy was not a trait I was used to, but I was definitely feeling it at this moment.

  “Is she always this much fun?” He laughed.

  “I’ll just be a few minutes with her.” I rolled my eyes and pointed to the kitchen for him to exit.

  “Okay, I’ll just wait out here.” He walked away watching me.

  I tucked Ms. Disaster in and closed her door quietly. My legs felt shaky from the nerves settling in. The distraction is in my apartment. I can do this. I just have to thank him and send him out. Just stick to the plan.

  Pausing, I checked myself in our hallway mirror. Surprisingly, I still looked good after this long day of chaos. Giving myself a silent cheer, I fixed a few pieces of hair before stepping into the kitchen. As I entered the kitchen, I saw him before he saw me. He was checking his phone and leaning against the cabinets. He looked too comfortable. As I walked in, he looked up from his phone.

  “I, umm...” We both spoke at the same time, but he let me finish.

  “I just want to thank you for your help. She’s not normally like this, and I couldn’t have gotten her ass up here by myself.” I was still mad at her.

  “It’s no problem. I can’t complain.” He grinned as he looked down at his shoes.

  “It gave me more time with you,” he added.

  “Well, thanks again. Please, let me pay you for the taxi.” I blushed. I wasn’t exactly sure how to respond to that. I reached for my clutch on the table, but he grabbed my hand and stopped me.

  “No, I told you it was my apology for stealing your taxi, so I owed you.” His hand lingered on mine longer than it should have.

  There was a silence, and I felt awkward. My fingers played with my necklace to gain balance. So many thoughts ran through my head—from earlier and to where we are now. It was just a confusing mess, and I was afraid I would jumble my words if I tried to put it all together right now. My gratefulness from earlier was distracted by the lust I was feeling now. I wanted to thank him for his decision earlier at the parole hearing. It meant the world to my family, but I wasn’t sure how to bring it up.

  “Do you want a drink?” Opening a cabinet, I put a glass down on the countertop.

  “Sure, anything... as long as I get to stay longer.” He put his hands in his pockets and smiled.

  He’s cocky, but I like it. Normally, I would have rolled my eyes and showed him the door as soon as he walked in, but he was different. I’m drawn to him. Turning away from him, I looked in the fridge with the biggest smile on my face. Truthfully, I was so happy he was standing in my kitchen even though the events that got him here were a little fucked up.

  “You like sweet tea, don’t you?” I asked as I poured some in a glass.

  “Yes, the sweeter, the better.” He reached for the glass and brushed past my hand.

  I almost dropped it when I felt the warmth of his hand touch mine. Get a grip. I was acting like a sixteen-year-old girl with raging hormones and a boy crush.

  The time on the microwave said one o’clock, and I suddenly felt relief. The day I prayed to be over was finally gone. A weight instantly released from my chest. Today was a new day, and even if it’s only been two hours in, I was turning a page.

  He reached over and grabbed my arm, rubbing his thumb in circles on top of my wrist. I was looking at his hand when I felt his fingers reach under my chin to lift my face up to look at him. Staring back at him, his eyes looked through me. I couldn’t pull away. He was quiet, but I could read his face and knew what he wanted because I wanted it too.

  Silently, I prayed for him to touch me again. As if he was reading my mind, he pulled me close to him. His body felt strong, and I instantly felt safe in his arms. I just met this man. He’s a strange
r, so this is ridiculous. My mind wants to tell my body to stop reacting to him, but I can’t stop it. I think he feels my heart racing as his eyes settled on my heaving chest. His fingers slide down the opening of my blazer, pulling it open. My skin lights up with chills from his touch as his fingers move across my chest and stop on my charm. His thumb plays with the L engraving.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispers.

  Closing my eyes, I soak in his touch. My body is on fire. His large hands feel soft on my skin as they rest on my neck. I opened my eyes as he pulled me to his lips. His tongue gently parted my lips with his as we melt together. Wrapping my arms around his neck, he continued to devour my mouth with his. This was the first make out session I’ve had in over a year, and I didn’t want it to end. My body felt warm and tingly as his tongue massaged against mine. Grabbing my face, he pulled me in tighter, sucking on my bottom lip. I moaned against his mouth as he slid his tongue in and around my lips. Laying my hands on his shoulders, I let myself go deeper into the kiss. Nothing existed around me. His hands felt strong holding my face to his. His touch was more than I imagined it would be. I reached up and ran my fingers through his gorgeous dark hair. I needed to feel it because it’s all I thought of earlier. It drove him wild. His body came crashing into mine, and he picked me up by my ass to sit me on the countertop in front of him. He broke away from my mouth and kissed down my neck, sucking softly down my collarbone. Leaning back, I push my body into him. A loud shatter to the floor made us both jump away from each other. We looked down to see the glass of sweet tea broken into small pieces on the floor.

  “Shit.” I pulled away from him.

  The broken glass was now shimmering against my hardwood floors.

  “Ouch.” Our heads slam together as we both tried to see the mess of glass on the floor.

  I rubbed my throbbing head. We laughed for a few seconds, but I stopped to bite my lip.

  “Sorry, I got carried away.” I smirked as he looked at me and frowned.

  “Sorry? I rather enjoyed it.” He smiled the cutest smile that made me want to kiss him again.