Page 35 of Lyric Squared

“It’s not your main bedroom,” I corrected her, “but the one you love sleeping in when home alone because you’re furthest away from the door and that comforts you… makes you feel safer.”

It’s me you’re talking to,I thought. When it came to her, I paid attention to detail.

“You hurt my feelings,” she confessed, spreading her legs exposing parts of her that I’d only dreamt about. And now that they were in my line of vision, I could admit that my dreams hadn’t done them much justice.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” she pushed.

“For whatever you want me to be sorry for,” I replied as I pulled my shirt over my head.

Once it was completely off and I could see again, I noticed her position had changed. Her legs had closed as she sat up in bed tying the string around her waist.

“What’s the matter?” I stopped to ask, placing both hands in the front of my briefs. The comfort it brought me was unshakable. I imagined it was the same for someone who sucked their thumb.

“Just forget it, Ken.”

“Keanu.”

“Whatever the fuck you want to call yourself. Just forget it. Just forget I ever wrote you. It was a mistake. I’m still regretting it ‘til this day and you being here is not helping. You should leave!”

“So what, you can cry yourself to sleep? Nah. I’m here and I’m staying because I know that’s what we both want.”

“Where did you park?” Her eyes bulged as she stood to her feet.

Gently, I pushed her back onto the bed and then placed my hand back into the waistband of my briefs.

“What does it matter?”

“I don’t want my brother riding by and seeing your car outside.”

“Not that it would be an issue if he did, but don’t worry your pretty little head. I’m not parked in your driveway.”

“Well, enjoy the walk back.”

“I’m not leaving.”

“I said forget the letter.”

“I can’t. Neither can you.”

“It meant nothing,” she argued, her words stinging.

“It meant everything,” I admitted.

“Why are you here?” She softened, eyes watering.

“Why the fuck you keep crying, Lyric?” There was a very thin line between lovers and friends and it was blurring each time I saw tears in her pretty brown eyes. More than anything else, I wanted to know if she was well.

“Because you made me feel like a fool… even now I feel foolish.”

“Why?”

“Because as much as I don’t want to, I still want you.”

“And you’re going to keep wanting me. That shit doesn’t just go away because you’re upset or in your feelings. It intensifies. So, why are you willing to deprive yourself for the sake of pride?”

Lyric’s pretty, yellow skin looked edible. Her big and light brown eyes, a distinctive characteristic of the Eisenberg crew, were as seductive as they curves on her frame. From head to toe, she was undoubtedly the finest motherfucker I’d ever seen. Not that new-aged fine, either. The one that reminded you of Halle or Megan Good. The girl next door seduction those two possessed was exactly what Lyric had and it was exactly what had drawn me to the girl next door.