Page 21 of Autumn & Woods
“Nah, I’ma do it. ‘Cause I’m not the type to chase no woman, Autumn,” I said, voice low and even. “But I’m not gon’ sit here and let you play like this shit between us don’t hit different. I see how you look at me. How you move when I touch you. You let me in—literally and otherwise—like you been waitin’ on a real nigga to show up.”
Her breath hitched, and she looked away. The truth sat heavy in the air. I leaned down, let my hand slide up the side of her neck, then gripped her throat. I looked her dead in her eyes.
“I’ma fuck you like you're already mine.” She didn’t say a word. So I kissed her, deep, tongue in her mouth like I had every right to be there. And she let me. Pulling away, something hit me so I asked, “What ‘bout you?” I asked. “You got somebody waitin’ on you to come home?”
Autumn let out a dry laugh. “No. I’ve been... single for a while now.”
“By choice?”
“By peace.”
I chuckled. “That’s cute.” She blinked up at me, cheeks flushed, lips swollen. “You feelin’ me,” I said. She didn’t deny it. “I’m feelin’ you too.”
But right before she could answer, the sound of wild ass laughter from downstairs broke the moment. Somebody turned the music up, and it was loud enough to rattle the damn floorboards. We both looked toward the door like the spell was broken. I exhaled and rubbed my jaw, then leaned over to kiss her one more time on the forehead. “We gotta get back down there before somebody start askin’ questions.”
Autumn giggled, removing the sheets from her body. “Somebody is probably already asking questions.”
While we fixed our clothes and shit, I was already planning the next move. Already thinking about how I was going to get her back in my bed later tonight. I needed round two and three.
W es l i p p e do u tof the spare bedroom quietly, easing down the hallway like two kids who just got done doing something grown. I fixed my hair on the way down, dabbing the edges of my gloss with my pinky, heart still beating like it hadn’t come down yet.
Downstairs, the house was full of Thanksgiving. The TV in the living room was blasting a football game, with uncles yelling at the players as if they could hear them through the screen. Aunties were sipping liquor and wine, laughing at old stories and gossip. Taj’s kids ran through with juice mustaches and toys, ducking past knees and coffee tables as if it were an obstacle course.
I spotted Big Mama in her recliner, blanket over her lap, drink in hand, laughing at somebody’s domino loss. That kind of laugh that shook her shoulders and made the gold in her toothflash. Woods and I didn’t say much as we made our way out to the back patio, where the vibe was mellow but lit.
Ty was out there with his little date tucked up under him. Taj was rolling up, and a Bluetooth speaker on the patio table was pushing out an old Bryson Tiller cut. Smoke floated effortlessly in the air, thick with the scent of weed and hookah. Red cups were lined up on a foldout table.
“Look who finally showed they face again,” Taj said, clocking us with a smirk. “Y’all went missin’ for a good lil’ minute, huh?”
“Mind your business,” Woods said with a half-grin, grabbing a cup from the table.
I eased into the seat next to Taj and fixed my skirt, trying to keep cool. That sneaky sex glow had me feeling a little too seen.
“Mm-hmm,” Taj teased, nudging me. “You glowin’ like you just got blessed.”
“Shut up.” I cut my eyes at her. Woods shot me a low glance, lips curling, and I ignored him. That’s when Yohana popped back into the backyard, and her eyes landed on Quamaine. Then me.
“Damn,” she said with a laugh too loud, too fake. “Still sneaking away for pussy in the spare bedroom?” I looked away, sipping my drink, refusing to give her air.
Ty narrowed his eyes. “Yo, what’s your issue?”
“Oh, I don’t have one,” Yohana said. “Just wild seeingthis onehas really moved on. Pulling the same moves on anewbiehe used to do with me.”
Woods shook his head, taking the blunt from Ty. “Yo, if you can’t handle bein’ around me, my peoples, and mywoman…your ass can leave.”
“Qua, please! I know you’re not over me. You think any chick’s gonna wanna fuck with you when you—”
SLAP.
I didn’t even realize I’d stood up, but Yohana’s face snapped sideways so fast. The silence that followed was deadly. She froze, hand to her cheek, mouth parted like she couldn’t believe it.
“Oooh!!!” One of the aunties hollered out from the screen door.
“Been trying me all day,” I said calmly, voice low. “Please take that shit somewhere else.”
Taj jumped up. “Yup! Time to go! Yohana, get your shit and exit stage left.”
Ty’s date grabbed her purse and scooted far left like she wanted no parts. Woods stayed in his seat, cool as hell, just watching me with this look in his eye.
