Can’t Get Enough - Contemporary, Interracial, Erotic Romance

Part I

This was a stupid idea.

She glanced around the converted library. Part of her would rather explore the old stacks instead of sitting through a speed dating session.

I should have never let Crystal talk me into this.

The host cleared her throat. “Now for the rules. Women stay seated. Men rotate to the left. You have a total of five minutes. Then you move on. You will here this sound,” she shook a cowbell, “when it is time to move on. If you find a possible match, you can exchange numbers and move to the lounge area to talk further. Now ladies, be seated.” She waited for all the women to find a seat before clanging the cowbell, “Start dating.”

Faith Hardison plastered a fake smile on her face and resisted the urge to check her cell phone.

Leaning back in her seat, “So what did you say you did again?”

“I’m a clown. I have a children’s party entertainment business.”

“Sounds interesting. Tell me more about….” At that moment the bell sounded, “Sorry time’s up.”

“I was hoping we could exchange numbers.”

Faith smiled, “Sorry. I’m afraid of clowns.”

The next guy sat down and Faith immediately reached for her purse, “Want a piece of gum? All this talking has made my mouth dry.”

“No thank you. The other lady said the same thing.”

“So why did you decide to try speed dating?”

Bad breath guy leaned forward, his arm rested on the table. “I figured it was the best way to meet a bunch of women at one time with little effort. Wanna exchange numbers?”

“No thanks. I’m really just here to support my friend.”

By time the fifth guy had sat down, Faith was tired of the endless stream of not right for her guys.

“Let me guess. You’re divorced. Your ex is a bitch. And you’re looking for a sugar mama like in the Beyonce song.”

The man sitting in front of her let out a deep, rich laugh. “Not quite.” He held out his hand to her, “I’m Michael Samuel.” He smiled, “I see you’ve had the same luck I have. Do you know there is a lady down there whose opening line is she’s double-jointed?”

Faith laughed, “I’m Faith. Sorry. This has been an interesting evening to say the least. I never realized how many,” she paused, “unique people were looking for a little love or romance.”

“I understand. No offense but this is not my idea of fun. I’d much rather be at home, in the kitchen or at a sports bar.”

“None taken. So tell me Michael, what brings you to speed dating night? Looking for love? Romance? The one? A one night stand?”

“None of the above. The truth?”

She nodded.

“My best friend roped me into this. He didn’t want to come alone. And I, like an idiot, agreed on my one night off.”

“Sounds like we have similar best friends.” She leaned forward. “I have an idea.” Faith glanced around and then lowered her voice. “Since you don’t want to be here and neither do I. We pretend to exchange numbers and go over to the lounge area to talk.”

He smiled again, showing off deep dimples, “I wish I had sat here first. It would have saved me from the lady who wanted to know what my portfolio looked like.”

She returned his smile just as the bell rang.

Michael stood, holding out a hand to her. She placed her hand in his, ignoring the way her stomach began to flutter.

Butterflies mean nothing. Plenty of men can make your stomach quiver and knees weak. It could be lack of food too.

Part II

“I didn’t know if you were driving or not and figured a bottle of water was the safest choice.”

“Thanks. But a beer would have been okay.” Faith suddenly became aware of their hands touching and pulled back,  clasping the bottle tightly in an attempt to hide her desperately in need of a manicure hands.

“So I already know your best friend talked you into this. What else should I know about you?”

She shook her head, wondering how much she should say. What do you tell a guy on a pseudo first date?

“I haven’t had sex in three years. By choice. I’m a tomboy. I have a tendency to talk to myself and answer myself. And sometimes I talk aloud when I really mean to say it to myself.”

“Do you realize you just said that out loud?”

“Shit. Sorry. I have a tendency to do that. Sorry.” She took a long drink of the water. “How about that beer?”

“Are you driving?”

“No.” She paused, “On second thought, if I know Crystal, she probably found a decent Mr. Right Now or Mr. For the Night. So I better stick to water.”

At that moment, Crystal came over with a tall, dreadlocked man with a goatee. “I’m going to take Nate home.” She whispered, “Can you find a ride?”

“Excuse us for a second.” Faith stood, grabbed Crystal’s arm and dragged her a few feet away. “What happened to we come together we leave together? Do I need to remind you that this was your idea?”

“What? He’s hot. And unlike you, I’m not celibate. I like sex.”

“I like sex too.” She said a bit too loudly. Blowing out a breath, “Fine. Do what you want. I’ll catch a cab home.”

“He looks a little square but maybe he’s good in bed.” Crystal said. “Look just try to have some fun.”

“And you be careful. He may be a dark chocolate, less muscled version of  The Rock. But he could still be a perv. Call me when you get in. And call me if you go to his place. Or at least text me with his address so I’ll know where to send the police. I mean it Crystal. If I don’t hear from you by this time tomorrow. I’m sending your brothers after him.” She paused, “Better yet.” She pulled her phone from it’s case and went back over to where the guys were talking. “Say cheese, Nate.” She snapped his pic with her camera phone. “Have fun.”

“Come on Nate. I wanna show you that tongue trick I was talking about.” He just smiled, grabbed her hand and led her away from them.

Michael waited for her to be seated before he sat down again, “It’s good how you look after you friend.”

“Sometimes she can be her own worst enemy.”

“I can give you a ride home if you’d like. I promise I’m not a pervert.”

“I think most perverts would say that. And I appreciate the offer but I’ll take a cab. It’ll be kinda hypocritical if I didn’t.”

“What if I want to see you again?”

She pulled a business card out of her back pocket and got a pen from the side table where brochures for the speed dating service was sitting. After quickly scribbling her cell phone number on the back, she handed him the card. “I’m at the number on the front most of the time. But if I’m not there. That’s the next best thing.”

Faith watched for his reaction while she called for a cab.

He’s gonna be just like the other guys. Drop the card and run when he sees what I do.

He turned the card over so he could read the front.

Under the Hood Automotive, Faith Hardison Owner & Head Mechanic