Over the Hedge Read online

  “Sure…that will give me time to finish drafting this message.”

  I instantly became apologetic. “Oh, why didn’t you tell me you were busy? I would have let you get back to work instead of sitting here running my mouth.”

  “No worries. It’s not a big deal. Besides, I love it when you stop by,” she said, lowering her gaze.

  “You sure? Cause I would hate to overstep my boundaries, and you to start avoiding me.”

  “That wouldn’t happen. I mean it. I really love when you come by and we get a chance to talk.”

  “If you say so, but don’t be afraid to tell me to buzz off.” The words were leaving my mouth, but I didn’t mean any of it. I think at this point I’d shit bricks if she asked me not to see her anymore.

  “Never. Go on up to the lab so we can leave,” she urged.

  “Okay. Be right back.” I took an extra five minutes so Lashawnda could have time to finish what she was working on. I should’ve been a gentleman and just offered to get what she wanted, but it was my first opportunity to be alone with her outside of the office.

  “You ready?” I asked Lashawnda, peering over the top of her cubicle.

  I froze, mesmerized by her fingers flowing quickly over the keyboard. My mind flashed with images of her gripping a very personal part of me. I gripped the top of the cubicle hard, hoping to get rid of them. It was no help. My position caused me to look down at the tops of her voluptuous breasts. They were slightly lighter in tone than the rest of her dark skin.

  Hmm…what color would her nipples be?

  Lashawnda looked up and gave me a big grin. It was reminiscent of the first time I saw her in that same spot. She plucked the earbuds from her ears.

  “Hey, I didn’t hear you walk up. I’m almost finished.” She typed a few more lines and then locked her computer. “Let’s roll.”

  I walked around, moving the chair from behind her as she grabbed her purse from the bottom drawer and stood up excitedly. I reached out and grabbed her forearm to steady her, so she wouldn’t trip. She looked up at me with an expression I couldn’t read. My eyes traveled from her eyes to her lips as we stood silent. This was the closest I’d been to her. The first time I was able to touch her.

  Say something! My mind screamed.

  I was about to tell her how beautiful she was, but her friend Jenny came strolling by and interrupted the moment.

  “Hey, girl,” she said to Lashawnda giving us a quizzical look. She then turned to me stuck out her chest and cocked her hip to one side in a seductive manner. Her voice came out an octave lower. “Hello, Sean.”

  “Ms. Reed,” I said in a businesslike mien without sounding rude. Ten more seconds, and I would have been able to get the words out of my mouth. Just ten more seconds.

  “Oh, no need for formalities. You can call me Jenny,” she said, placing her hand on her hip and smiling flirtatiously.

  “Okay, Jenny it is.” I turned to Lashawnda. “So, you ready to go?”

  “Oh, where are you two off to?” Jenny asked before Lashawnda could reply.

  “We’re headed over to the little café across from the garage. I’m dying to try their raspberry cheesecake,” Lashawnda said.

  “Oh, that sounds delicious. But aren’t you supposed to be on a diet?” Jenny asked.

  I felt Lashawnda’s posture stiffen. Her gaze fell as she took a step away from me. “It’s nothing so extreme I’m giving up all of the things I enjoy,” she mumbled.

  I put my hands in my pocket and clenched my fists. If Jenny thought her antics were winning her points with me, she was sadly mistaken. Over the last few weeks, she tried desperately to get me to notice her. I always seemed to run into her in the stairwell in the mornings. On my way out in the evenings, she would coincidentally be leaving at the same time. Unfortunately for her, I did notice, and what I saw, I didn’t like. There was no denying Jenny was a good-looking woman. However, she could kill all of her efforts since my attention was elsewhere.

  “Raspberry cheesecake sounds great for a Friday afternoon. Would you like us to bring you back a slice?” I asked, giving Jenny a stiff smile.

  “You’re right, Sean. That does sound like a good idea. I’ll come with you guys,” she answered. “I’ll meet you downstairs. I’ve got to grab my handbag.”

  Jenny walked away, leaving me with my mouth hung open. How did I go from being hopeful to wanting to flip a table? Five minutes ago, this was not how I envisioned this little trip. Maybe, if I’m lucky, she’ll forget by the time we reach the first floor. Or, maybe she’ll twist her ankle on her way downstairs. Either scenario would work for me.

  “Let’s go,” I said to Lashawnda, looking at her apologetically. The excitement wasn’t as great, but at least I got to spend some time with her.

  “She’s not that bad, you know. You might enjoy her company,” Lashawnda said.

  “Yeah, I’m sure,” I murmured.

  I put my hand on the elevator door while she stepped in. Her hand brushed against my side, making me tremble.

  “You smell really nice.” Her eyes closed briefly as she leaned in to get a good whiff of my cologne.

  “Oh—um…thanks.”

  “What is it?”

  “Burberry Brit.”

  “I like it.”

  “I…um…I noticed how you smelled too.” I cleared my throat, feeling heat creep up my neck. “When I started a few weeks ago. I was in the elevator with you. Thought it was my imagination since I couldn’t get the scent out of my head.”

  “Really?” She looked up at me quizzically. “I would have remembered.”

  “I was a bit preoccupied. Head down, back turned away, and I had headphones in.”

  “Oh, that was you?” She giggled. “I remember thinking you were so rude when I didn’t get a response for saying good morning.”

  “Yeah, my fault. Guess I gotta stop walking around with my headphones so loud.” I chuckled, thinking about the video that popped up in my messages. Thank God she hadn’t heard it. “So, I told you mine... tell me yours.”

  “My what?” she asked.

  “What you use to smell so good.”

  “My sister actually throws together a bunch of oils and butters when she’s feeling creative. I’m her test subject. Most of the time I’m wearing body butter from the Body Shop. I only wear perfume when I’m going out.”

  “Nice. It works for you. Like right now, you smell like sugar cookies and lemonade.”

  Lashawnda tilted her head and laughed softly. The gentle bite of her lips did very little to tamper down the attraction I felt for her.

  “Well, you’re close. It’s coconut and lime.”

  Not thinking, I stepped closer, invading her space. “It’s intoxicating.”

  The elevator chime sounded as the doors opened. We turned to see a waiting Jenny standing in the lobby.

  So much for hoping for a miracle.

  Lashawnda noticed the change in my posture and bumped me with her shoulder.

  “Hey, relax. I’m sure we’ll enjoy ourselves,” she whispered. “It wasn’t her company I was looking forward to,” I said, staring into her eyes and hoping she understood what I meant. Brent’s advice was great in theory; but whenever I got too close to Lashawnda I was a bundle of nerves.

  On the walk over, I became even more irritated by Jenny’s presence. She chattered on and on about the new employee they hired in HR. At some point during the conversation she was having with Lashawnda, I had seriously considered pushing her into oncoming traffic. As we approached the cross-walk, I reached over and pushed the alert button on the electronic post. As I stuffed my hands in my pockets, I felt an arm slip through the bend in my elbow and grip my biceps.

  “Oh, Sean, you must work out a lot,” said Jenny, looking up at me.

  The sidewalk was pretty narrow, so Lashawnda was forced to stand behind us. I felt really uncomfortable knowing she was looking at this woman holding onto me. She probably felt like the third wheel. It was times like this
I wished I was more like Brent. Something like this would never happen to him. The walk signal lit up, and we stepped into the street. Not wanting to think it through, I reached back and grabbed Lashawnda’s hand and linked our fingers.

  “Come on. I can’t have you getting run over on me,” I said, smiling down at her.

  She returned my smile and squeezed my hand. I was in heaven. When we crossed the street, I pulled my arm away from Jenny. An older couple walked by us, and I hurried to catch the door to the cafe for them. Jenny walked in afterward, and then Lashawnda. We were still holding hands when we stepped up to the counter. Jenny noticed and gave Lashawnda a heated look I didn’t miss.

  The clerk behind the counter greeted us. “Welcome to Camille’s. Would you be interested in trying one of our fresh fruit smoothies today?” Her blonde hair was pulled into pigtails and her smile was wide.

  “Just give us a minute to look at the menu.” Jenny rudely addressed the girl before taking one of the menus from the counter.

  The clerk rolled her eyes and looked past Jenny at Lashawnda and me. I noticed the way she eyed me up and down before zeroing in on our clasped hands. I don’t know what went through Lashawnda’s head in that instant that created a change. She pulled her hand away and grabbed one of the menus when she saw the woman looking at us.

  Okay, got it. No randomly holding hands with her in public.

  “Ashley, can you tell me what comes in the morning sunrise smoothie please?” Lashawnda asked, reading her name tag.

  “It's got bananas, orange juice, mango puree, raspberries, and strawberries. We can add some protein powder or a shot of ginseng if you’d like,” Ashley replied, still boldly eyeing me.

  “That sounds really good. I think I’ll get one of those. Can you please leave out the bananas?” Lashawnda said, placing her order.

  “You don’t like bananas?” I asked.

  “I do, but not in my smoothies. They tend to be a bit overpowering.”

  “True, they can be. I think I’ll have the same thing,” I said to the clerk. “And two slices of your raspberry cheesecake as well.”

  Jenny turned to me, still failing at her attempts to flirt. “You must love cheesecake. Can you really eat two slices?” she asked, once again placing her hand on my arm. “I bet a big man like you must have a strong appetite.”

  Lashawnda stepped forward to pay for her food, but I was quick to pull out my card and hand it to the cashier. She turned to look at me with a confused expression.

  “Everything’s together,” I told the young woman.

  “Oh no, you don’t have to.” Lashawnda tried to give her card to the clerk instead.

  “Please. My momma raised me to be a gentleman. If you don’t let me pay, it would be like slapping her in the face. You don’t wanna slap my momma, do you?”

  I knew I was laying it on thick, so I threw in a look I hoped came across pouty and pulled Lashawnda’s hand with the card away. It was a low move, but I had to work with what I had.

  “No, Sean, I don’t want to slap your mother,” Lashawnda said, laughing at my puppy dog expression.

  “Good.” I grinned. “Go find us a table. I’ll bring our food.”

  The small café was crowded, but she found a spot outside on the patio. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and a gentle wind swirled around her, pressing her flowy top against her body to reveal her curves. I ignored Jenny completely. Watching Lashawnda from inside gave me a perfect opportunity to ogle her. The full sway of her hips as she walked, the easy grin she gave so freely, and those big brown eyes as she looked up into the bright sky. She always looked great.

  What I wouldn’t give to see her with nothing on.

  “Order’s up,” Ashley called from the opposite end of the cafe. I grabbed our food and headed outside.

  “Well, that didn’t take long.” Lashawnda turned toward me.

  “Here you go, one smoothie without the bananas,” I said handing her the tall cup. “And, a slice of raspberry cheesecake.”

  “I didn’t order any cheesecake,” she said, pushing the plastic container back at me.

  “I know. I got it for you.” I sat down and pulled the fork from the plastic wrapper. I opened the cheesecake as well and stuck the fork in before handing it to Lashawnda.

  “Sean, I’m fine.” She tried pushing it back to me. I looked at her sternly, daring her to try it again. With a heavy sigh, she put the container in front of her and grabbed her smoothie, taking small sips.

  The conversation was light, and Jenny started telling us about a party she went to last weekend. I noticed Lashawnda had yet to take a bite of her dessert. I reached across the table and took the container from her, cutting a slice with the fork and holding it in front of her face. I was pushy. I hated she felt so self-conscious because some girl made a stupid remark.

  Jenny stopped talking. She and Lashawnda both stared at the piece of cheesecake six inches from her mouth. She quirked her eyebrows at me and shook her head no.

  “Okay, I’ll go first just to make sure it tastes good.” I put the fork in my mouth and ate the cheesecake. I cut another piece and brought it back to Lashawnda’s lips. “It’s good,” I said licking my lips. “Now, it’s your turn; you can’t have me eating this thing all by myself.”

  Lashawnda was stunned and intrigued at the same time. I could see her eyes watching my mouth. I didn’t know shit about dating. But, I knew when a woman wanted me. She was interested. I knew she had to be. I wasn’t the only one curious about the other person. I had always been a take control type of guy at work. At this moment that’s exactly what I was showing her.

  Lashawnda leaned forward, causing her chest to press against the edge of the table. She wrapped her lips around the base of the fork and used a little pressure from her tongue to slide the cheesecake into her mouth. An uncontained moan slipped out as she swirled the soft texture in her mouth, enjoying the sweet and tart flavors exploding on her taste buds.

  “Mmm…that is very good,” she said, looking down shyly.

  “See, told you.” I took another piece and popped it in my mouth, turning the fork over and licking the remnants from between the prongs. I went back for another cut, but this time I offered it to Lashawnda; which she willingly took. The exchange happened over and over until there was just a drizzle of raspberry sauce on the bottom of the container. I scooped it up and held the fork out to Lashawnda.

  I felt my cock twitch behind my zipper when she grabbed hold of my wrist and held it still while she licked and sucked the fork clean. This woman was going to make me embarrass myself in public. I had to have her. She was mine. I was staking my claim right here and now.

  I took the cleaned utensil from her mouth and gave it one last lick. “All done.” I didn’t recognize my own voice as it came out in a husky whisper.

  “Sean, I see you bought two slices. Is that one for me?” Jenny asked batting her lashes.

  I had forgotten entirely about Jenny’s presence, again. I pushed the other cheesecake over to her. “You can have it. I’m quite satisfied.” My eyes didn’t leave Lashawnda’s face who was busy trying to avoid my gaze. I really need to spend some alone time with her.

  CHAPTER 9

  LASHAWNDA

  “Hey, Sis. What are you doing out of class so early?” I questioned. I stapled the slip of paper with my notes with the lab reports. A flash of color passed my desk, and I looked up quickly.

  “Dang it!” I dropped the stapler and watched as two crimson dots appeared on the side of my thumb. Not the first time I’ve stapled my thumb; but it hurts like crazy every time I do it.

  “What was that?” Crystal asked.

  “Nothing,” I mumbled, reaching for the first aid kit for some cleansing wipes. “What were you saying?”

  “The students got out early today,” Crystal replied. She was working as a substitute teacher for a middle school for the past year. There were times she complained about not having a permanent teaching position. She enjoy
ed working with the students, even the difficult ones that were going through puberty.

  “Oh cool. So, what are your plans for this afternoon?” I asked.

  “I was supposed to meet Brian for a late lunch, but he called and canceled on me. Something about the server crashing at work and him needing to be there.” I could tell she was annoyed by the situation.

  “Hey, things happen,” I replied, trying to lighten the mood. “What’re you going to do now?”

  “You remember that guy from the other day when we went to lunch? You know, the one you rudely interrupted my conversation with? Well, he asked me to come by his studio to check out his work.”

  “Come on, Crystal. I thought you and Brian agreed to start over. Why are you spending time with some guy you just met? You know this isn’t a good way to get back at Brian for canceling on you.” I warned, hoping she didn’t do anything she would regret.

  “Oh my gosh, Lashawnda! I can’t believe you think I would cheat on Brian! Allen is a photographer, I wanted to hire him for Dad’s birthday party.”

  “Oh…my bad,” I said, biting my lip.

  “Yeah, your bad for real. Shit, the man is drop-dead gorgeous. And, Lord knows I could use a good rough pounding,” Crystal sighed loudly. “I know you were just looking out for me. I meant to tell you about him, but you were having a meltdown, so it slipped my mind. Speaking of which how is green eyes?”

  “Oh, Sean. He’s…great.” My face flushed when I remembered running to the store to purchase the cologne he wore. I sprayed my linens and the inside of my car as soon as I got it. The scent wasn’t exactly the same, but close enough. I felt like he was right there with me when I closed my eyes at night.

  “Great as in you asked him out and y’all plan on blessing mama with some grandbabies?”

  “What? How did you go from date to babies in the same sentence?” I shrieked. I could barely get two decent words out when the man was around. The thought of procreating with him would probably give me a heart attack. Not to mention the way women are always blatantly flirting with him. The man had options. I wasn’t one of them.