Page 27 of Nothing Like Your Ex

“I’m just saying”—Kwinn’s shoulder lifted—“Melo is fine as fuck.”

“I’m with you when you’re right.”

“Exactly. I’m just playing, though. I’m only going to chill, listen to this song, and bring my tail back home,” Kwinn said.

She didn’t sound convincing, but Saiko let her make it. “Alright. That’s what I like to hear. I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed if you did see what the dick was hitting for. I know you need some.”

Kwinn cackled, hating that she was even laughing at such a serious matter. “No, bitch for real. I was in heat so bad the other day, I was masturbating between meetings.”

Saiko fell out laughing, but she understood. No one had warned them about their sexual appetite or ovulation in their thirties. It was almost criminal the amount of times Kwinn made herself cum.

“Just horny and sleepy.” Saiko wheezed.

“Girl.” Kwinn laughed. “But it’s fine. I’m in no rush to do anything with him. I like his vibe. He’s always been cool.”

Nodding, Saiko agreed. “Yeah, he has. You’re just having fun. Nothing wrong with that.”

“Nope. Nothing at all.”

Having fun was the plan, and Kwinn hoped to keep it that way. They talked until she reached her destination.

“I think I’m pulling up to the building, though. So, I’ma text you,” Kwinn said.

“Okay, love you. Call me on your drive home.”

Kwinn told her she loved her too and let her know she would. Her nervous jitters hadn’t been present until now. Over the last week, she’d grown accustomed to seeing Melo’s number light up her phone. She hadn’t saved it yet, for many reasons, mostly a superstition she had about saving men’s numbers, but only time would tell.

Their conversations had been something she looked forward to, and she couldn’t deny that she liked the attention he gave her. Talking to Melo felt easy, and she didn’t have to perform or lead the conversations. He asked questions and actually listened, and when he complimented her, it never felt like he was just saying some shit because she was a woman he wanted.

Still, walking into his world felt different. Kwinn checked herself out in the mirror before climbing out. It was that time of year when it was still warm even though the sun had gone down hours earlier. For that reason, Kwinn wore black high-waisted spandex with a contour bra top and a matching crop-zipped jacket from MAG Co. To keep up the sporty look, she slid on her black pair of 72 spring sneakers from Marc Jacobs and wore her hair in a sleek ponytail.

Grabbing her mirror silver Speedy 20, Kwinn climbed out of her car. Security was posted near the entrance and greeted her with a tight smile.

“Kwinn?” one of them asked.

“Yes.”

He nodded. “A’ight. I just need to check your purse real quick.”

“Oh, no need. Yes, my gun is in here, and I’m not coming in unless it can.”

Both men looked at one another and laughed. “I was just fucking with you. You’re good,” he said, pulling the door open for her.

Kwinn smirked and stepped inside. She didn’t get a chance to walk far; Melo was coming off the elevator to meet her. Talking to him on FaceTime and seeing him in person were two totally different experiences, and Kwinn had to catch her breath. Melo was too fucking fine with his fresh cut and glossy eyes. She admired the slightly sagging black shorts with heavy pockets, a crisp white Stafford tee, and a pair of coke white Air Force 1s. He had on minimal jewelry, but his chain and watch still glistened like the diamonds on his bottom row of teeth.

“What’s up, my baby. I thought I told you to text me?” Melo said as he stepped in front of her.

Kwinn lost her ability to speak for a few seconds as she stared at his handsome face. She wanted him to use those juicy lips to spit a nasty verse between her legs.

Shaking her head, Kwinn smiled innocently. “Sorry, I forgot.”

“We gon’ work on that. Come give me some love, Pretty.”

Without warning, Melo pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. Kwinn froze for a moment, then relaxed as she inhaled him. The citrus-woody scent, the smell of weed, and his minty breath made Kwinn’s insides quiver. Comfortably, her arms wrapped around his neck as if she’d been hugging him all her life.

“You smell so damn good,” he rasped, and pulled back to meet her gaze. He hit her with his charming smile while his hand stayed at her waist.

Kwinn didn’t mind being held in his embrace. “Thank you. You smell nice, too.”