Page 11 of Love's Instant Replay
“Nah, but I at least got my dick to act like it has some act right. Let this be a lesson to you though. Unless we’re soaking in a tub together, no baths, showers, or putting lotion on your body when talking to me. A man can only take so much stroking his dick before blue balls set in from no penetration.”
“Wait, what?”
“It’s alright. I forgive you this time because you didn’t know. But the next time, you’re gonna have to let me hit that pretty mothafucka through FaceTime, my baby.”
Another shout of laughter escapes my mouth at the outlandish words leaving Kaeden’s mouth because I have never had a man say anything remotely close to me before.
“How do you know it’s pretty? Oh, and how would that FaceTime hitting action work exactly?”
“Stop playing with me, Kyelle.” Kaeden’s torment makes me smirk while getting comfortable in my bed.
“I’m sorry, Kaeden. Let’s start over. How was your day?”
“Mediocre as hell after leaving you.”
Butterflies swarm in my stomach, my pulse races, and my lips upturn at hearing Kaeden’s words as I settle into our conversation.
That Saturday. . .
The sounds of pads slapping and Coach Sumlin’s booming voice around the practice grounds should be able to cause me to be in tune with my surroundings and engaged with what’s going on. Yet, amid the noise, I can only focus on the steady rhythm of my breaths. Standing on the edge of the field with my eyes razor-sharp while lining up against one of our receivers, I’m ready for the next play. My eyes are fixed on our quarterback, Jaelon, waiting for the snap, and I’m ready to chase down the ball. Practice is winding down, and I can’t shake the feeling that something, someone is missing. For a split second, I take my eyes off my opponent and scan the stands before my eyes zero in on her, my bookstore future bae.
Kyelle’s mahogany skin glows under the sun’s rays, and her prominent smile—bright and easy makes my chest tighten with a foreign feeling. Unlike me, Kyelle appears cool as a cucumber, but there’s something in the way she’s looking at me that has my heart racing, even while awaiting this next drill. The whistle blows, and I shoot off the line with quick feet as my eyes lock on the receiver. My mind is torn between the play and wandering back to Kyelle. I’m trying to focus on the play, but the thought of Kyelle being in the stands has me feeling like I’m running more than the ball.
Reaching up, I snatch the ball out of the receiver’s hands making a beautiful interception. My heart leaps when I look toward the stands to see Kyelle on her feet, clapping with a broad smile that brightens her face.
“Nice play,” Kyelle shouts, and her words hit me like a boomerang as my chest swells.
Tapping the football against my hip twice, I point it toward Kyelle, returning her easy smile.
“Quit showing off, nigga. We still have a few plays to go.” Rickey runs up, snatching the ball from my hands before running back to the line of scrimmage.
If I were a lighter shade, my face would be red from Rickey calling me out because Ihadbeen trying to impress Kyelle. A smirk slides into place as I follow Rickey back to the line when Jaelon taunts me.
“Damn, I guess Mica won’t be the only female you’re showboating for this season, my guy. I’m glad my days of showing off for pussy are over.” Jaelon smirks.
“Nigga, you tried it. You nearly twisted your ankle last season trying to show LeKendra how smooth on the field you are,” I say, laughing.
“Playtime is over. Stop bullshitting and run these plays.” Coach Sumlin’s booming voice ends the conversation between Jaelon and me as the other guys laugh heartily.
My eyes return to the stands, and the sight of some random guy talking to Kyelle spikes my body temperature, causing me to grimace.
“Well, I’ll be damned. Who is thick ma to you? If you’re already territorial, I’m gonna need an introduction after practice,” Rickey says beside me, forcing me to shift my gaze from Kyelle and the unknown man.
“That’s wifey.” The two-word declaration falls from my lips without hesitation or permission, and a low chuckle escapes my mouth upon seeing Rickey’s eyes balloon.
The sound of the whistle blows one last time, signaling the end of practice much to my delight. It’s been a great and productive practice, but I’m more interested in the aftermath of mingling with my teammates and the people in attendance, . . . primarily Kyelle. Searching the stands, I zero in on the crowd of gathering people, looking for Kyelle in the sea of onlookers. Like a moth to a flame, I’m able to spot Kyelle immediately. Knowing that Kyelle is only here to support me has my heart jumping and leaping in my chest. With Mica not feeling well, no one is here for me which makes Kyelle’s support welcome.
Jogging off the field, I toss my helmet on the bench before moving toward Kyelle, my eyes lighting up with every step. My grin is effortless as if the whole world is fading away, and I will be fine as long as Kyelle remains present.
“What’s up, big head?” A smirk slides into place as I bump Kyelle after sitting beside her.
Pulling off my sweaty shirt, my eyes connect with Kyelle as her brow raises, and a hint of a smile upturns her lips. “You aren’t even a little tired after running up and down the field.”
Shrugging, I lean against the metal frame, assessing Kyelle from head to toe . . . purple blouse, black slacks, and a pair of black open-toe heels. Kyelle’s hair is pulled into a low ponytail that sways with every move she makes.
“Do you want to go keep me company while the trainer stretches me out since you’re concerned with how I’m feeling?” Hiking my brows, I smirk at the wonderment and curiosity in Kyelle’s eyes, making me wish I could read minds.
“Uh, you have a trainer stretch you after practice?” The hiking of Kyelle’s brows and wrinkles spreading on her forehead gives me the context of those two words.
