Besotted

Chapter 3

Bryant POV

As I'm leaving the office to get ready for my date with Cressida, my uncle calls me to his office. "Nephew, can I have a minute?", he calls out as I'm passing his door.  I walk in and he takes off his glasses, placing them on his desk and leaning back in his chair. "Jace tells me you made a move on my woman after the meeting yesterday", he says with half a smirk. I wanted to burst into laughter but I held it in. "If you're referring to the very single Ms. Cressida Taylor who is clearly not interested in you and also young enough to be your daughter unc, then yes. Yes I did. And don't think I haven't heard about your dirty old man ways and the run in with her brother", I said with a raised eyebrow. That part bothered me the most. I'm not a fan of men who 'see what they want and grab it'. He throws his hands up in fake surrender, "hey, I'm still a man nephew. But can you blame me?" I just shake my head. My uncle has always been more than uncomfortably forward in his approach to women. Never had a wife but has at least ten children we know of. Jace is the only son he has with the woman he claims was 'the love of his life'. She passed away from breast cancer when Jace and I were 7 years old, but my uncle was definitely never faithful to her and has the kids to prove it. 

"Long as you keep your dirty old man-ness to yourself unc, we won't have any problems. We are family, but you know I'm not with all that". I state as sternly as I can without reacting too much. He laughs like it's an inside joke and I roll my eyes and check the time. "I have to go unc, I'll see you Monday". Soon as I get to the parking garage, I spot an all too familiar gold Honda Civic out of the corner of my eye. I take a picture to add to the album of Theresa sightings on my phone. Yes, I actually had to start collecting evidence of her bullshit behavior. Soon as I get in my car I'm ready to call and cancel with Cressida but my phone starts to ring soon as I go to my contact list and it's her.

"Well good evening beautiful", I answered. I could hear a smile in her voice as she said "hello Mr. Wilson". I was tempted to tell her to call me Bryant but 'Mr. Wilson' just sounded too sexy to correct. "I was calling to make sure we were still on for our date tonight?"

Without hesitation I said "of course". I know it might seem stupid, especially with Theresa creeping around, but I couldn't help not wanting to lose a chance with Cressida. "Text me your address and I'll see you at 7:15". After hanging up with Cressida I looked around the parking lot and saw that Theresa was gone, but I also had another text from that same unknown number.

All i wanted to do was talk to you. You don't have to keep ignoring me. I love you Bryant.

I rolled my eyes and drove out of the parking lot. On the way home I kept looking to see if she may have been following but didn't see her car anywhere. It really felt like I was being paranoid but this was a crazy way to live, constantly looking over my shoulder for my crazy ex wife. As soon as I got home I poured myself a drink so I could calm my nerves and get ready for tonight. I tossed back the 2 fingers of bourbon and poured another to sip on. I went into my master bathroom and stripped down to my boxer briefs. After doing a light trim on my beard, I put a shower cap around my locs and ran myself a hot shower to help release some of the tension I'd built up this week. After getting out of the shower I dried myself off, put on deodorant, put lotion on my body and threw on some boxer briefs before walking into my closet. I decided on a pair of medium wash fitted distressed jeans, a dark gray v-neck, and some Sperry's. I unrolled my barrel twists and ran a little black castor oil through my hair and shook my dreads so they fell on my shoulders in waves. After spraying on a little cologne I turned on my security system, locked up and headed off towards Cressida's house. 

*****

Cressida POV

I was super nervous about the date tonight with Bryant. I've been single for so long, and haven't been on a date since I met Mathias. I'd had a weak moment last night and called him over, much to my disappointment. I made him leave right after and have been avoiding his constant texting all day. He even sent flowers to my office as an apology.

**The Night Before**

All I could think about was Bryant. I only just met the man this morning and now he's keeping me from going to sleep. Tossing and turning in my bed I wanted to make a bold move and invite him over but I didn't want to give the wrong impression. Instead I called Mathias because  knew he would be awake.

"Hey sexy, I thought you had plans tonight", he answered, his ego pouring through the speaker. "Just shut up and come over. I need you to handle something real quick", I retorted. I was already annoyed with myself for calling him at all. He laughed, "okay baby I'll be over in 15". Ugh, "I told you not to call me baby. Just hurry up", I didn't even wait for a response before I hung up. Seems rude I know, but Mathias pushes my buttons intentionally because it turns him on for some odd reason. He thinks my attitude is sexy, especially when I am genuinely annoyed with him. He shows up exactly 15 minutes later and starts stripping my clothes off as soon as I open the door to let him in, closing it behind him. We make it up to my bedroom and momentarily I get lost in the moment just because my body was craving to be touched. He lays me on the bed, parts my legs and just dives right in head first causing me to gasp. I can feel his tongue sloppily lapping at my center and immediately regret this entire situation. Of course he doesn't catch on to my lack of enthusiasm and keeps going like he's driving me crazy. After lapping at my p***y like a dog at his water bowl for about ten minutes he grabs a condom from my nightstand. While he puts it on he completely ruins the moment by opening his mouth, "girl I'm about to tear this pretty p***y up". He doesn't see me roll my eyes and with one semi-dry thrust he enters me. Next thing I know he's maybe 10 strokes in before he starts shaking on top of me, then he just collapses on the bed next to me! To say I was pissed is an understatement.

"I think you should leave now", my agitation apparent in my voice.

"But Cressida I just got here".

"And you just finished, so now it's time for you to go back home so I can finish as well". I lean over and grab my vibrator out of my nightstand drawer and head to my bathroom. "You can let yourself out Mathias".

"Are you serious right now?", he asks rolling out of the bed and following me. I turn to face him when I cross the doorway of my bathroom, turning on my vibrator as I close the door in his face. It only took me about ten minutes on the highest setting before my orgasm crashed around me and I took another shower before I came back to my empty bed and dozed off.

**Present**

As I was getting ready for my date I decided to call Sunni for some girl talk. Of course I had to recap the disaster of a booty call. She was completely hysterical at my disappointment. But I would have been just as amused had it been her instead. "A man with an ego as big as his should be able to bust down in the bedroom thoroughly every time, not just occasionally", she said, still rolling with laughter. "I promise you girl, after last night he most definitely will never taste this cookie again".

"You should have just Bryant, that way you can see what he's working with and know for sure if you want to go on this date or not".

"I was so tempted but I don't want him to think I'm just some hoe looking for a quick f**k".

"But isn't that what Mathias was" she starts rolling with laughter once again as I'm oiling my skin. "Hang up the damn phone Sunni"!

"Okay, okay, okay", she says trying not to laugh. "Just call me tomorrow and let me know how it goes with Bryant. Love you girl"

"Love you too", I say before she disconnects the call. After oiling my skin I wrap my towel back around my body and walk over to my vanity. I decide on just some eyeliner, mascara and gloss for tonight since the weather is nice. I put on my matching tennis bracelet an necklace set with some diamond studs and fluff my curls. I loved my natural hair. In it's curly state it falls perfectly around my head and hangs just below my shoulders, very 'big hair-don't care'. I then put on a black strapless lace bra and panty set before slipping into a fitted powder blue strapless dress that hugged my every curve and stopped just a couple inches above my knee. I paired it with some nude colored wedges and as I checked my reflection for the last time my doorbell rang. I peek out of my bedroom window and see a candy apple red El Camino parked out front and rush downstairs, suddenly more excited about this beautiful car than Bryant waiting at my door. I open it and "damn". The word left my mouth before i could catch it. "I-I mean hi, Bryant". Smiling at him shyly catch a whiff of his cologne and suddenly my knees feel weak and the only thing keeping me from falling is my grip on the door knob. 

"You look amazing", this time he made no efforts to hide the fact that he was eyeing me up and down. Then he licked those succulent lips of his and I internally lost it. This man shows up to my door with his hair down looking like a modern day Jesus and every impure thought possible is flashing through my mind causing my heartbeat to crash between my thighs. I quickly regain my composure enough to thank him and lock my door. He holds out his hand for mine and as our skin touches I feel fireworks. He walks me to his car opening the door for me and helping me in. Major points for chivalry Mr. Wilson, I think to myself. After he gets in and drives off, I settle in to the hum of the engine.    

*****

Bryant POV

I decided to take Cressida to a little Jazz cafe I'd discovered shortly after moving back home. It was a little hole-in-the-wall spot with a chill atmosphere, great music and was a perfect place to have good conversation without it being overwhelmed by the surroundings. She looked around in awe and smiled, but it quickly faded as we were appraoched by the waitress who boldly greeted me as if I had walked in alone. "Good evening handsome, I'm Aneitra and I'll be your waitress this evening, and any other evening if you desire", she said with an extra layer of desperate seduction as she looked me up and down. Before I could reject her offer, Cressida spoke up, "Aneitra was it? Hi, I'm Mr. Handsome's date this evening, and any other evening that he may desire. I understand that you find him attractive because, I mean look at him. But being that you provide services in this establishment in hopes of earning tips before the customers leave, a friendly piece of advice, avoid blatantly flirting with men who are clearly taken and show their women some respect". She finished he statement with a venomously sweet smile and I can't lie, I was definitely turned on. She was so calm anyone watching would have assumed they were having a friendlier exchange. Aneitra's face went sheet white and instead of  pressing the matter she led us to our table, took our drink orders and left us to mull over the menu. 

"So any other evening I may desire huh? I think I just might take you up on that offer", I said to Cressida after the waitress left. She smiled that beautiful smile of hers, and rolled her eyes slightly. "Let's see if you can get through this evening first", she chuckled. "I haven't decided yet if you'll be worth basking in the jealous stares of other women yet".

"Well I guess I better make a grade-A impression tonight then. Because I would also love to bask in the jealous stares of other men". She flashes me a seductive smile, looking at me from under neath her long, thick lashes and let's just say, tonight might be a little 'harder' than I had anticipated. 

After looking over our menus, the waitress Aneitra returns with our drinks and this time makes it a point to address Cressida first. At least she learns quickly, I can't help but laugh to myself. We place our orders, my eyes never leaving Cressida's face. After the waitress leaves again she asks, "why are you staring at me so intently?", seemingly shy all of a sudden. "Well for one, you're honestly the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. At the same time I'm trying to understand how woman with your beauty, brains and talent is even single?"

"It was a choice mostly. I don't want to get into the heavy stuff so soon so I won't. But life happens. And when it does we make decisions that we intend for the betterment of ourselves". I nod in understanding. "So what about you? I can tell from the slight indent on you finger that a ring was there once upon a time".

I take a sip of my drink and look down at my hand, "I was married once upon a time. But I've been divorced for a year now. As you said, life happens and we do what we feel is best for ourselves".

"So what brought you here to work with your uncle?", she asked.

"I'm was actually born in Colorado. My father was never really content here so we moved around quite a bit but I moved back shortly after I got married four years ago. I was working at an accounting firm before my uncle reached out to offer me a position. I have degrees in both business and finance so he wanted someone who who felt he could trust with operations at his new hotel. Basically someone to keep the books straight and the place running smoothly so he doesn't have to be as hands-on as he is at his other properties". Aneitra brings our meals and I watch as Cressida takes the first bite of her food and a moan escapes her mouth that makes my d**k jump. Just like that, I'm fantasizing about making her moan like the lobster alfredo she's eating. Lord help me. 

We eat in silence for a few minutes before I ask, "how is it you managed to become the top female real estate developer in this area? That's a pretty big feat at a young age".

"My dad was an architect. I had always been fascinated by the blueprints he would draw, especially the bigger projects. As I got older I saw that I had a more artistic eye so-to-speak when it came to projects. That's why I took on the contract with Chas. It's no secret that I don't particularly care for his lack of manners, but I do admire his vision to reinvent some of the vintage buildings here making them a little more modern without taking away from their appeal, rather than letting them sit and rot or just knocking them down".

"Nice. I can agree my uncle does have good taste in work. But enough business talk. Tell me Cressida, what's your favorite color, cuisine, and dream destination?" She looks up at me and laughs a little and I smile back, "I wasn't joking when I said I wanted to get to know you".

"I see", she said with that beautiful smile. "Well, my favorite color is lavender, I adore Italian anything except pizza, and my dream destination has always been Rome. What about you Bryant? "

"Okay, don't laugh at me now, but I really like the color pink", she looks at me wide=eyed but I can tell she is holding in her laugh. "Don't judge me". I say say jokingly defensive. " I won't actually wear it, but let's be real. How many times have you seen something pink and it wasn't beautiful?" I can tell she's thinking about it then she says, "okay I'll give you that one. Continue".

"My favorite cuisine is definitely pizza", I say with a laugh as she playfully rolls her eyes. "The one place I've always wanted to go is New Zealand".

"You are a complex man Mr. Wilson", she laughs, "but that's a good thing. I'm not exactly an easy woman myself". 

We continue talking and listening to the band play for another hour or so before we're ready to leave. I pay, and as we exit the cafe, I see Theresa's car parked behind mine. f**k. My. Life.