Quarantine and Chill (AMBW standalone Romance) Read online

  “Sure.” He watched my every step. “If it’s okay, can you let her know I’m here and that I’ll call her in the morning?”

  “Yes.”

  “And don’t forget that we’re finishing this movie.”

  The phone rang again.

  I grinned. “How could I not? In fact, rewind back to the sex scene.”

  “I sure will, and I’ll make you a nice caramel macchiato too.”

  I blushed.

  He laughed.

  The phone rang again.

  I walked into the bedroom and answered, “Hey.”

  “Good.” Zora’s voice held excitement. “You’re not asleep.”

  “Nope. What’s up?”

  “I threw up in the toilet.”

  “O-kay.” I shut the bedroom door. “Did you need to call me in New York to let me know that?”

  “Jade, I might be pregnant!”

  “Oh.” I froze. “Oh shit. That’s great. Right?”

  “Or I might have the coronavirus.”

  “Okay. Stop. You don’t have the virus.”

  “I’m freaking out.”

  “Breathe. You don’t have the virus. I don’t even think vomiting is a symptom.”

  “Corey left to get a pregnancy test. He’s all masked up. I’m losing my mind, hoping he doesn’t get infected from the uber guy or the cashier person or maybe someone coughing in the store or—”

  “Zora! Stop.” I swallowed. “Breathe.”

  She exhaled.

  “You can’t think about that stuff.”

  “How do I not?”

  “By thinking about something else.”

  “Well, that’s why I called you, Jade. Give me something to keep my head off of my possible pregnancy or deadly virus.”

  I moved away from the door and went closer to the balcony to make sure Kamal didn’t hear me. “So. . .for one thing your brother is here.”

  “Kamal?”

  “I hope you don’t have any more brothers. I definitely never met them.”

  “What is Kamal doing at my apartment at. . .” She must’ve checked her watch. “It’s almost two in the morning over there.”

  “Earlier this afternoon, he arrived with bags and alcohol. He had his own key.”

  “Shit. I forgot I gave him one.”

  “And so Amber and he had a situation. I won’t get into it. I’ll let him tell you, but they’re not together—”

  “What situation?”

  “He’ll tell you.”

  “Why can’t you tell me?”

  “Because it took him all damn day and several beers to say it to me. So, I doubt he wants me to blab all over town about it.”

  “Did that bitch Amber do something to him? If yes, I’m going to kill her.”

  “That’s the other reason why I’m not telling you anything.”

  “Whore.”

  “Well. . .” I shrugged.

  “Oh my God. Did she cheat?”

  “He’ll talk to you about it.”

  “She cheated. That cunt!”

  “Ouch.”

  “She’s lucky I’m stuck here. If I weren’t, I would be over there slinging her over his condo’s balcony—”

  “Relax, Zora.”

  “Whore.”

  “Zora.”

  She sighed. “I can’t believe that cunt.”

  “Either way, he’s going to stay here for a week to let Amber pack her things and fly back to Cali.”

  “He should have put that trash out on the street.”

  “Zora.”

  “That’s where trash goes.”

  “Anyway, that’s it and Ganesha is doing fine—”

  “Where is Kamal going to sleep?”

  “He said the couch is fine.”

  “He’s too big for the couch.”

  “I know. I was going to volunteer myself for the couch, but he shut that down.”

  “He would never.”

  “So, maybe he’ll get an air mattress or something.”

  “That slut.”

  “Zora, relax.” I sat down on the bed. “By the way, since you’re stuck at the resort, do you have to pay for those extra days?”

  “No. The resort is taking the costs, but we’re expected to handle our own meals once our paid days are up. Which will be complicated because there’s no stove or anything in this suite and most restaurants are closing.”

  “Hopefully, you can find something. Is there a microwave in there?”

  “Yes. It’ll do for now. Maybe we can find a hot plate.”

  “That would work.”

  “Oh. Corey is back.”

  “Good. Let me know what the results are.”

  Nervousness laced her voice. “I will.”

  “And your brother said he is going to call you later. Please, pretend like you have no idea what is going on.”

  “I will, but he better tell me the whole story. I want to know the exact reason why I’m murdering Amber.”

  “Just be nice and find out, if you’re pregnant, Mrs. Baily.”

  She giggled. “It sounds so weird when you say my new last name.”

  “Goodnight, girl.”

  “And good morning too.”

  We hung up.

  I headed back into the living room. Besides the light from the television, darkness bathed the space. He must’ve turned everything off.

  Kamal glanced over his shoulder. “How’s Zora?”

  “She’s fine.”

  “Good.”

  I walked over to the sofa. “You still want to finish the movie?”

  “Definitely.” He patted the space next to him. “Did you tell Zora that I’ll call her later?”

  “I did.”

  “Good.”

  I sat down.

  Kamal picked up the remote and turned the movie on. He’d done as I requested and rewound to the sex scene.

  “Yay.” I swooned.

  Kamal chuckled.

  Brooke and Ace made passionate love on the screen. Their moans and groans rose above the beautiful melody playing. My body hummed with excitement.

  Kamal placed his arm behind him. Almost like a move a teenager would do on his first date. But I knew it was no more than Kamal getting comfortable. Still, I leaned back into that muscular arm and enjoyed its comfort for the rest of the movie.

  I’m glad he’s here.

  Chapter 6

  Kamal

  Close to Home

  The next morning, I slowly opened my eyes. My back ached along with my arms and legs. Before the end of these seven days, the damn sofa would kill me well before any deadly virus.

  Then I heard soft snores next to me and realized that the warmth surrounding my core wasn’t a blanket. Jade lay within my arms. Her head rested on my chest. One of her legs curled along mine. We’d fallen asleep on the sofa together.

  Damn, she feels so good.

  Trying to get my attention off that fact, I shifted my attention to the television screen. The Netflix home page showed. The movie must’ve watched us pass out. I didn’t even remember the ending. The last scene I could think of was Ace choking one guy while Brooke kicked the man in his chest. I closed my eyes after.

  Continuing to hold Jade, I checked the window. Sunlight peeked from the white curtains.

  I yawned.

  What time is it? Doesn’t matter. It’s Saturday. Maybe, I can sleep this nightmare away, and when I wake up the virus is gone and Amber too.

  I looked down at Jade. This week’s new routine would take some time getting used to because Jade’s gorgeous face and lovely body was all in it. Somehow, I had to get used to seeing her more. Even if she wore more clothes, my attraction for her would continue to rise. The only solution was to keep some distance between us.

  Then, why am I still holding her?

  I should have let her go, but I didn’t. I watched her sleep for a few minutes, observing the way her long eyelashes perfectly curled at the tip. I inhaled the flowery fragrance of her
hair.

  Jade was undoubtedly a magnificent and kind woman. I’d meant what I said to her last night. Jason didn’t deserve her, no matter how nice he was. She should have the best. That meant me standing aside too. I’d just caught Amber having sex with another man. This made me emotionally unavailable. Jade deserved better. She shouldn’t be a rebound to me or any other man.

  I’m definitely keeping my distance. At least we had fun last night. She pulled me out of my depression. What would I have done without her?

  Spending this alone time with Jade had been interesting. Usually, I only exchanged a few sentences with her. During our school years, all of her visits went to Zora. I was just there to point Jade in whatever direction of the house my sister was in. By college and after, I would bump into Jade anytime I went home to see my mother. Jade visited my mother weekly, knowing how lonely my mother was and how much she missed Zora and me. I had really appreciated it because many times I felt guilty for leaving my mother on the West Coast all alone.

  Instead of Amber, I should have moved my mother in this January. Hmmm. Maybe I should do this now. I have three bedrooms and lots of space.

  Two years ago, my mother had battled cancer. When Zora or I wasn’t in California for medical appointments and chemotherapy, Jade stayed by her side, holding her hand. For that, I would always make sure Jade was in a good place. Earlier I had lied and said Zora bought her sculptures for me to design my living room. It was false. I’d been following Jade’s career from the very beginning. Anytime she put a new product out, I made sure to get a piece for the office or my condo. She was such a good person. She deserved nothing but success.

  If you weren’t Zora’s best friend. . .or even so close to my mother. . .I would. . .

  I had to get that thought out of my head. Jade had become family. Starting a relationship with her would complicate the connection. I was shit when it came to women and love. I didn’t know if I sucked at romance or was crap with choosing the right women.

  No. I can’t mess with Jade. That’s crazy. Mom would be in every facet of our situation, making sure it was all perfect. Zora would freak out.

  My bladder signaled, letting me know that any future pondering must wait.

  But I didn’t move. Instead, I studied Jade’s face some more. It was easy to see why her odd boyfriend had pulled out a ring. She’d been a cutie when we were kids. Now, she was drop-dead gorgeous.

  I almost don’t want to wake her up.

  If I didn’t have to go to the bathroom, I may have stayed right there and held her. In my mind, I told myself it wasn’t a big deal to feel this way. She was warm and soft. A family friend. Shouldn’t I want to keep her safe within my arms?

  She smells good too.

  I inhaled her fragrance some more.

  What is this?

  I sniffed again.

  Roses maybe. Blackberries and. . .vanilla. Hey. Stop smelling her and go to the bathroom.

  Slowly, I moved my arm. Next, I slid her small frame over to the other side of the small couch.

  How the hell did we stay on here? I’m surprised we both didn’t fall off in the middle of the night.

  A low groan left those full lips, and then her eyes fluttered open.

  “Sorry,” I whispered. “I had to go to the bathroom.”

  “Ummhmm.” She stretched her arms, gazed around, and noticed her leg had been hooked around mine. “Oh, my God. Did I fall asleep on you?”

  “Yes.”

  She moved off me. “Sorry, I—”

  “No. You kept me warm.”

  She blushed. “Still, the couch is already uncomfortable. I didn’t need to add to it.”

  “Trust me. You made it easier to bear.” I rose. Unfortunately, I had morning wood. A typical occurrence, but not how I wanted to say good morning to her. Especially since my cock pushed through my pants and pointed Jade’s way. Her face was barely a foot from the bulging tip. She widened her eyes.

  I cleared my throat, walked off, and did my best to adjust the length. “Sorry. It’s biology.”

  She chuckled behind me.

  “Oh really?” I called back at her as I continued to the bathroom. “You think my cock is a laughing matter?”

  She screeched.

  “What?” I stopped in the bathroom’s door and looked at her.

  “Cock? Really?” She stood and yawned.

  “Sorry. Should I say penis?”

  “It’s more appropriate.”

  “Because talking about my morning erection with you is appropriate?” I chuckled, closed the door, and flipped the toilet seat up.

  She yelled back, “It’s more appropriate than cock!”

  Meanwhile, I like it when you say the word. I should make you say cock all day. I wonder if I can.

  Smirking, I pulled out my softening cock and pissed. When I was finished, I flushed, made sure the seat was down and went to the sink to wash my hands. I studied my reflection in the mirror.

  You look exhausted as fuck. What are we going to do about that?

  I dried my hands and decided to hit the shower. Hopefully, the cool water would calm me down. I turned it on. As soon as I stripped naked and stepped under the warm spray of water, I tried not to think of Jade’s warm body against mine. My cock swung heavy between my thighs. I really wanted to jack off, but I didn’t need Jade hearing. I looked down at him.

  Sorry. I already pointed my cock in her face. One deviant thing at a time.

  My hands yearned to rub soap all over my length and slip them up and down. And I knew what vision would play out in my head. Jade in those damn red long johns. I saw myself, unsnapping the back and revealing her fat ass.

  Okay. We’re good. Wash up and get out of here.

  “Fuck.” I picked up the purple bottle, sniffed the top, and poured some in my hands. “Here’s a bonus of staying with a woman. You always get the best hair products. They just know the right things to buy.”

  I washed my hair with Jade’s shampoo and then used her body wash. “Yeah. This is why she smells so good. I thought that was blueberries and roses.”

  For one second, I considered rubbing the bodywash all over my cock.

  Enough. Let’s go.

  Since the shower had been a spur of the moment choice, all I had was the towel to wear out the bathroom. I dried up and left.

  “Wow!” She held her hands in front of her.

  “Sorry. I forgot my clothes.”

  “Oh no. This is fine. I’m just. It’s all nice. I mean. You know? Everything. . .whatever. I’m getting some orange juice.”

  “You like how I look in a towel.” I winked at her and walked over to my clothes. “Jade, you’re also right about something you said earlier. That couch won’t do. I may need to camp out on the floor.”

  Her gaze hit my abs. Blinking, she turned away. “The floor is going to be horrible.”

  “Not as bad as the couch.” Standing next to my new bags of clothes, I stretched my back and then worked out the kinks on my neck.

  “You’re going to sleep on the floor?” She headed to the kitchen.

  “Maybe. The only question is, will you also join me on the floor this evening?”

  She tripped a little and caught herself. “What?”

  “Since you clearly like being my blanket, I figured you would be fine with moving it to the floor.”

  Sarcasm coated her next word. “Hilarious.”

  “Is it?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, that idea is funny?” I leaned my head to the side and stretched my arms. “But not as funny as my cock?”

  “Would you stop saying that?”

  “Why? It’s inappropriate?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s not.” I extended the other arm and massaged the aching bicep. “Say it.”

  She gazed at me. “Say what?”

  “Cock.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s going to be freeing for you, and I get a kick out of hearing you say it.”
>
  “And why is that?” She went over to the fridge, opened it, and bent over, looking for something.

  That damn Love Me Not Long Johns should have been illegal in the state. I couldn’t help it. I paused from stretching, arched my head, and drank in that full, round ass.

  Damn. Had I been Jason, you would have been complaining about too much fucking.

  The buttoned flap teased and enticed my hungry fingers.

  “Do you want some breakfast?” She glanced over her shoulder and caught me looking at her ass.

  Fuck.

  “Umm. . .” She rose. That cute blush covered her face again as she carried eggs over to the counter. “Do you. . .umm. . .Do you want breakfast?”

  Should I apologize for staring?

  She blinked and looked away. “What?”

  “Put the eggs away. We’ll order something. You shouldn’t cook.”

  “But we have food right here and there is a virus happening around us. We shouldn’t have other people cooking our food.”

  I nodded. “Good point, but at least let me cook.”

  “You’re going to make breakfast?”

  I leaned my head to the side and cracked my neck. “I can make an awesome omelet.”

  A skeptical expression hit her face. “I’ve got breakfast this morning. You can do it tomorrow.”

  It sounded odd. For a moment, I forgot that she would be the sight of my mornings for the rest of this week. It would be weird to get used to, but a complete pleasure to experience.

  Yesterday, I had left my condo wondering how I would ever forget about Amber. This morning, I woke up holding Jade. Even this short exchange had been more cheerful than any morning in my condo with Amber for this entire year. I never knew what Amber I would meet in the morning. Half the time, I hoped she stayed asleep.

  Jade placed one hand on her hip. “Is that fine, Mr. Patel?”

  “Perfect. But you should let me help.”

  “Nope.” She went back to the fridge. Her ass jiggled under the red cotton.

  She can’t wear this anymore.

  I walked over to the counter and leaned on it, enjoying the curvy show.

  What are you doing? This is Little Jade. The girl next door. My sister’s bestie. The one that’s hands-off, when your cock is concerned.

  She turned around and appeared surprised I’d come so close. “You have a devilish look on your face.”