Page 19 of Love's Instant Replay
“Come on. Let’s have some fun.” Taking my hand into his, Kaeden leads us to the side of the house instead of back through the front door he took to come outside.
Old-school R&B music mingles with laughter and clinking glasses as smoke from the various grills permeates the air upon reaching the massive backyard. People are scattered in groups, and some are leaning on the deck with red cups in hand. My smile expands upon seeing the varied styles of dress of the attendees, letting me know I made the right choice. Jerseys, team caps, shorts, tennis shoes, and a few women in dresses round out the attire for the night. The heavy aroma of barbecue enters my nose, causing my stomach to grumble, reminding me of the limited food I’ve eaten today. A few heads turn when Kaeden and I enter the yard, causing my stomach to flip and my pulse to increase.
“Relax. I got you, my baby,” Kaeden says low enough for only me to hear as if he has a magnifying glass to my internal struggle. His half-cocky, half-comforting smile is just what I need to exhale the air gathering in my lungs.
“Look, y’all. Kaeden finally brought somebody worth introducing.” Someone yells from the deck where the grills are going.
Kaeden chuckles, flashing a grin that melts my defenses just like I’m sure he does on the field.
“Let me introduce you to the host, and then I’ll introduce you to the rest of these knuckleheads.”
Due to Kaeden’s overprotectiveness when I attended his practice, I was only able to meet his teammate and best friendRickey before he practically dragged me to my car. Leading me to the deck, my eyes bounce around the area taking in the hulking group of men gathering as all eyes seem to be watching Kaeden and me. Climbing the few steps, Kaeden doesn’t release my hand when we walk to a dark-skinned guy with dreads whose back is to the grill while watching our approach.
“This is Kyelle,” Kaeden introduces before his tone becomes firm and his voice carries just enough authority to quiet the teasing. “Be nice.”
The guy leans off the grill and starts talking, letting me know that he must have gotten an A in charm school. “Welcome to my humble abode, Kyelle. I’m Stefan. I hope you’re hungry because there’s plenty of food, so help yourself.”
“Nice to meet you, Stefan. Thanks for allowing me to invade your space,” I say.
“Not a problem. If this nigga has you here, then all is well because?—”
“Man, you’re talking too much as usual.” Kaeden cuts Stefan off, who starts laughing. “Come on. Let’s see how the rest of these niggas act.” Leading me away from Stefan, who's still laughing, Kaeden takes me to the other teammates who also attempt to throw subliminal messages that Kaeden shuts down.
The playful nature of the men in attendance causes the rest of my nerves to dissipate as I settle into the calm vibes circulating around the area.
“There’s food done. Do you want to grab something?”
“I know y’all are great football players, but does that translate into culinary arts skills?”
“Oh wow. She’s funny,” Rickey says, causing me to look over my shoulder because I didn’t realize anyone was in close proximity to Kaeden and me to overhear my question.
“I’m just saying. Having the ability to run plays on the field doesn’t mean any of you know how to throw down inthe kitchen.” I shrug, and Kaeden laughs when Rickey starts instigating.
“Aye, Stefan. Kaeden’s wifey just called you a slouch in the kitchen and said she prays your food doesn’t cause bubble guts when she gets home,” Rickey says, grinning.
Laughter escapes my mouth when Rickey’s childlike eyes peer at me like he hasn’t done anything.
“Wow. You allow strangers to come into your home, and they insult you without having a bite of the decadence you’ve prepared,” Stefan says, holding his chest while pouting.
“Shid, it’s cool, bro. More for me,” one of the linebackers says before taking a bite of the rib he’s holding.
Giggles erupt from me as Kaeden and those in attendance join in, effectively ending the debate about whether or not I should trust the food.
Following Kaeden through the sliding glass door into Stefan’s kitchen, the noise of laughter and trash talk becomes muted. Cool air dances against my face like a whisper as Kaeden leans against the counter, crossing his arms over his magnificent chest. His eyes study me intently as his gaze softens in a way I appreciate in this private moment between us.
“Are you good?”
I respond by running my hand over my head to smooth the nonexistent flyaway. “Yes. I’m just trying not to say or do anything that could embarrass you.”
A low chuckle escapes Kaeden’s mouth before he uncrosses his arms and pulls me closer. “Embarrass me how? You’re the best thing I’ve ever walked in here with.”
Heat crawls up my neck, but before I can protest, Kaeden’s mouth brushes mine, . . . gentle at first, then firmer like he doesn’t care if someone catches us. My fingers grip his shirt, grounding myself in the quiet intensity of this pivotal moment.
“Kaeden!” Stefan’s booming voice startles me, causing me to slightly pull back. “Don’t be in there rearranging my furniture.”
Kaeden doesn’t move; he just turns his head while holding my waist. “Man, shut up. Ain’t nobody on that type of time.”
Shaking my head, laughing nervously, I whisper, “Now they’re really gonna talk.”
