Part 17 (1/2)

”Kay, stop!” she pushed, and then moved to the door.

Kayson laughed at KoKo as she celebrated her ability to escape him.

”You so silly...but on the real,” he switched his mode, dropping the smile from his face. ”Watch everybody's response tonight. We don't trust n.o.body but us.”

”I got you, baby,” KoKo nodded then blew him a kiss. ”Hurry up, Boss; you're late,” she looked at her watch then opened the door.

”You wanna be late,” he moved toward her.

”Stop playing,” KoKo's eyes got wide.

”You so d.a.m.n scary,” he stopped and turned around.

”Whatever,” KoKo said as she headed downstairs.

When KoKo stepped off the elevator, she could hear several conversations; and as she got closer, she could see the staff pa.s.sing out drinks and hors d'oeuvres. She put a smile on her face and entered the great room.

”Good evening everyone,” she said, looking at the team which was very well dressed in all-white.

”Boss Lady,” Baseem held his drink up in salute and everyone else followed.

KoKo walked over to Baseem to meet the woman she had heard so much about.

”This is Simone. Simone, this is my Boss.”

”Pleased to meet you,” Simone put her hand out.

”You too. Please enjoy the evening,” KoKo shook her hand, taking in her attire. KoKo gave her the eye. ”Baseem, we have a meeting in thirty minutes,” she walked off.

Baseem smirked, he knew that the silence and exit was her way of saying she approved. Simone squeezed Baseem's hand and looked up with a little discomfort in her eyes.

”You good, ma. KoKo barks louder than she bites.”

Simone took in some air and tried to prepare herself for the night.

KoKo worked the room as she awaited the arrival of the heavy hitter so they could get started. She smiled and joked enough, then moved on to the next person.

”Hey, Bas,” Zori said, leaning in and hugging him tightly.

”Hey, mama; how you been?” he asked, thinking of the last time they were together.

”I'm good now,” she flirted. They stood in a slight eye lock until Zori broke it and looked over at Simone. ”Oh, hey...I'm Zori and you are?” she asked, extending her hand.

”Hi, I'm Simone,” she returned the jester with a half-smile.

”Well, I hope you enjoy the evening,” she gave her the once over. ”Baseem, call me if you need anything, you know I have your back,” she pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. ”See y'all later.”

”A'ight,” Baseem said feeling the heat coming up from between Zori's legs; and to be honest, he wanted to feel it. He shook it off as he felt the heat rising from Simone's brow.

”What's up, why you looking like that?”

”No reason, I'm good,” she said, forcing a smile on her face.

”We good, beautiful,” he leaned down and kissed her forehead. ”Just relax and enjoy the night.”

Simone nodded her head and gripped his hand as they moved through the room. She looked at all the high-end paintings and furniture. The picture above the fireplace of KoKo and Kayson had her intrigued.

”Is that the Boss's husband and why isn't he in charge?”

”That is the Boss. But his woman is just as thorough. That is how you build a strong team; you can have a rabbit running with a beast.”

”I see,” she said, then turned her attention to the expensive vases and figurines.

Baseem continued to move around the room with Simone on his side then headed to one of the couches to take a seat with Chucky and Pete and their wives. Simone eyed the variety of cheese and crackers and various flutes of white and red wine. After the introductions, the mood lightened; Simone found out that she and Chucky's wife had both attended Temple and the conversation was on from there. Simone began to loosen up and feel her spot in the room; that is until the s.h.i.+ft of energy went to the entrance when Goldie walked in the room. Baseem's eyes glued themselves to her as she moved through the crowd. She was dressed in an all-white jumpsuit with a high collar and a deep V that went almost to her navel; accented with a silver waist chain. Her breast sat up perky and her a.s.s was more than voluptuous as she stepped in her silver Louboutin's.

Goldie commanded the attention of the wondering eyes as she moved gracefully to where KoKo stood. Baseem's eyes followed her every step. Her golden locks were pulled back into a bun showing off every beautiful feature in her face, then she smiled and lite up the room. Baseem smiled unconsciously, gazing at the length of her neck as she tilted her head to laugh. Simone looked up into his eyes and a knot formed in her stomach.

Baseem blinked back to reality then looked over at Simone. ”Excuse me for a minute,” he patted her hand and kissed her cheek.

Simone smiled as she watched Baseem walk toward Goldie. When he wrapped his arms around her waist, Simone dropped her smile and grabbed a gla.s.s of wine and a piece of cheese.

”Where's my little friend?” he asked.

”He is fast asleep with the rest of the little royal family,” she smiled.

”Tell him we have a play date,” he joked.

”I sure will. Did you get the pictures I sent to your phone?”

”Yes, I did; he was rocking that Burberry,” Baseem smiled.

”Because his G.o.dfather spoils him,” she nudged his shoulder.

”You know that's my dude. I'll see you in the meeting,” Baseem hugged her again, enjoying her fragrance.

”Okay,” she turned back to KoKo to continue her conversation.

Baseem rubbed his hands together then gained control of his smile as he turned, heading back to his seat.

Simone felt his presence and looked up giving him a s.e.xy glare.

”Hey, you,” Baseem said as he took a seat.

Simone just widened her smile as she brought the wine to her lips. Baseem crossed his legs and sat back, then he pulled her close to him. She nuzzled against him, enjoying the comfort of his touch. Just as she began to enjoy the moment, Kayson walked into the room causing everyone to pause and acknowledge his presence.

Baseem got up and came to attention as they awaited the Boss's first words. KoKo moved to his side and took him by the hand; then touched every eye she could. Kayson scanned the crowded room taking note of who was present and who was not, then began.