“Barry, if you’re trying to pull at my heart strings—forget it. His company was failing. I had the money to give it the life-line it needed. He has the names and the connection Calhoun Investments need. One hand washes the other, that’s how I see it. I can’t help if I was the better business man and came out on top.” Gabriel exhaled as if he was tired of talking with the man.
“It’s the way the game is played. However, what I don’t have to do is mingle with these people. They ain’t my type of people, period. They don’t like me, and I don’t like them. I ain’t good at being phony. That’s what I hired Kenny for.” Kenny put his hand on his chest.
“I’m hurt bro! I really am!” I laughed because he didn’t look hurt in the least. He didn’t even deny it. Exacerbated Barry turned to look at Kenny.
“I’m going to get everything ready for the Peterson meeting. Can you please talk to him?”
“Why do you always turn to him?” Gabe said repeating the same words he had said to Kenny earlier to Barry now. “Once I make up my mind that I’m not doing something, what makes you think he can change it?”
Barry threw up his hands as he scooped his briefcase off the counter. “He does have a way of making you see reason when you get like this.” He responded before he left out the kitchen doors heading back into the main section of the house. Kenny chuckled shaking his head.
“Just face it bro, Mac and I are like your left and right arm.” Gabe and Mac both grunted. Kenny walked over to stand next to us.
“Kenny don’t even start, I said no, that’s it!” Gabe grumbled, but instead of addressing him, Kenny lifted my hand in his.
“Sweet Yasmin, have you ever been to a ball?”
“A ball?” I chuckled. “Like Cinderella and Prince Charming kind of ball?” I hoped I didn’t sound like the country mouse Shanice was fond of calling me. Gabe turned around facing me. And instantly the room felt smaller. I bit my bottom lip, as my heart accelerated at having those intense brown orbs back on me.
“Kenny let it go!” He grumbled. Kenny looked over at his friend and blinked innocently. I giggled, he was a mess.
“No Gabe, you should know if your future wife has been to a ball or not. For what girl would not like to go to a ball like Cinderella.” He turned to look back at me smiling devilishly.
“Yasmin, would you like to go to a ball?” I looked at Gabriel who was watching me. Oh, my goodness was he waiting on my answer. Would he go if I wanted to?
“It’s for a really good cause; raising money for little children with Autism.” Kenny continued. I didn’t know what to say. I had never been to a party outside of the one last night. Let alone a ball. And come on, I watched Cinderella. What girl didn’t want to go to a ball? But Gabe didn’t want to go.
“Is it important that he goes?” I looked directly at Kenny. Gabe’s gaze was too much. Kenny smiled at me.
“Yes, beautiful Yasmin it is.” I nodded returning his smile.
“Okay, yes, I think I would like to go.” Kenny turned to look at Gabe.
“Would you deny this poor sweet child her first dance at a real ball?”
“It would be my first dance anywhere.” I thought I would volunteer. Gabe’s eyes missed nothing that had to do with me. He took in my body language, my smile, the excitement in my eyes.
“What you gon’ do for me?” He whispered. I bit my bottom lip confused. I looked back at Kenny for help but he held up his hands shaking his head.
“Only you can make that deal. But I would really appreciate it if you do.” Mac chuckled shaking his head as he poured orange juice in a glass.
“What—” I cleared my throat because my words came out a croak. I couldn’t help but feel that this country mouse was in the room with a couple of alley cats.
“What do you want?”
His eyes lowered to my lips. I inhaled sharply when he brought his rough thumb up and rubbed it across my lower lip that had just been trapped between my teeth. Then he leaned in till his mouth was gently touching my ear. A shiver raced through me.
“I want to taste you!” He whispered, and another shiver raced through me. I bit my lip embarrassed, because all this Kenny watched from where he stood only a feetaway without an ounce of shame. He saw each shiver that raced through me.
“Damn man, I’m jealous as hell.” He mumbled.
“Nigga, beat it!” Gabe hissed palming Kenny’s face and shoving it away from us.
“Go upstairs! You got your wish, I’m going to the damn party are you happy!” Kenny grinned.
“Thrilled my brother.”
“Thank you, Princess.” He picked up my hand and was about to bring it to his lips but Gabe growled. I mean he actually growled. Kenny dropped my hand.
“Alrighty then.” He said wisely turning away from us.
“Mac my good man, I’ll catch you on the other side.” He clasped hands with him, before he followed Barry out the kitchen.
Gabe who was still standing between my legs reached in his pocket and pulled out a black card.
“You talked me into going to this thing, so you got to dress the part.” He picked up my hand and put the card in it.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a credit card.” He said dryly. I shook my head.
“No, I can’t take this. I have a few dollars saved, I’m sure I can find me an inexpensive dress that’s nice.”
“Mmm mmm…” Mac said shaking his head. “Wrong kind of ball princess.” His words were so dry they almost felt insulting.
Gabe gently turned my chin so
