Page 35 of Tension

“You want some company tonight?”

I used the hand that was still on his chest to lightly pat him.

He was feeling this way more than I was.

In the past, I may have pushed my own boundaries. Taken him for a test run. At least seen if he could get my engine hot.

But I knew he wasn’t what I wanted, and I had wasted too much time on a nigga I didn’t really want already.

I wasn’t doing that again.

“You're a nice guy, Dr. Debaro, but I'll be honest with you, I'm not really feeling it.”

He lowered his head and gave me a small pout.

Then we both started to laugh.

“Well, Nurse Banks, I have enjoyed your company, and I hope that we can at least continue our friendship.”

I nodded in confirmation as he made his way back down the hallway, and I went into my room.

CHRIS

“I ain’t seen you in a minute, girl!”

Tevin, one of Nia’s cousins, came over to hug me.

“It has been a while,” I told him as we let go of the hug, but he kept an arm draped over my shoulders.

We were at Nia and Langston’s housewarming party. All of their friends and family were here.

I wasn’t done with my rotation in Clam Shell, but I came back for the party. I was really missing my girls, too.

“What you been up to?”

Before I could answer him, strong arms pulled me in from behind, breaking Tevin's hold on me.

The hint of vanilla in his cologne told me who it was before his touch fully set in.

One arm wrapped around my belly, pulling me into his body. With his front pressed against my back, I surrendered into him. His lips grazed my ear as he spoke.

“I been missing you, Honeydew. Come find me later.”

He kissed the side of my cheek before letting go.

“What’s up, Tevin?”

They dapped up, and Vel walked away.

My eyes followed him, and I knew Tevin was looking at me, but I couldn’t look away from Vel.

“What’s up with y'all?” Tevin asked.

“We just friends,” I told him, my eyes still following Vel.

“Can I be your friend, too?” he asked sarcastically.

I finally looked at him, rolled my eyes, and walked away.