CHAPTER 1: KICKOFF
There was this rush of excitement in the air. I felt it in my bones the second we stepped out of the car. The summer night had a beautiful chill. That chill only added to the celebratory event if you ask me. I had just gotten my certification as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). It was the first time in six months all four of us were together. A night with my besties from college. What could go wrong? We all met freshman year in college, and became the best of friends. We were the four T’s: Todd, Tadeo, Tao, and there was me, Tyson. How did such an unholy alliance happen? An act of God.
Tadeo had promised us he could get into the hottest club in all of Manhattan to celebrate. Tadeo was an event planner in the city. He had great connections. If he said he could do it, then trust that he could do it. Among our group, I was closer to Todd than anyone. For some reason, we just bonded with each other differently. Todd was the queer one out of the group. The rest of us were as straight as an arrow. Todd would often joke with me that maybe I was queer and just didn’t know it yet.
I allowed him to joke like that. He knew my boundaries and respected them. I loved women. Pussy was my favorite meal. I never got tired of it. I could eat a pretty pussy for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Hell, I could even munch on it for a late-night snack. Women loved me. Honestly, how could they not? I was often labeled a fucking heartthrob for women. I exude charisma and confidence. My smile was magnetic, and I often mixed charm, intelligence, and humility. I was effortlessly captivating without trying. Simply put, I was just me.
The line to get inside the club was wrapped around the building. The loud beats of the music could be felt outside. This massive body of a human stood at the door. He was no doubt a bouncer. He was intimidating at first glance. His face was stone, and without strain, his veins poked out the side of his neck.
“Come on, follow me,” Tadeo instructed.
We all followed suit. This beautiful blonde bombshell standing in line caught my eye for a brief moment. She was wearing this sheer black dress that left very little to my imagination. I wanted to fuck her before the night was over with. She caught my brief stare. We gave each other a naughty smile. I hit something. It felt like I had run into a brick wall. Only it was a person.
“My bad. Sorry about that, man,” I said as I looked at his face.
Something happened to me the moment I looked at him. I felt flushed in this weird way. He was painstakingly beautiful. I had never seen a guy before that I thought was beautiful. I was secure enough in my sexuality to admit when a guy was nice-looking. This dude was hot and beautiful at the same time. He was Puerto Rican, and his skin had this warm caramel hue with a healthy sun-kissed glow. His hair was dark with a sleek fade, and he had high cheekbones, full lips, and dark eyes that expressed a wave of confidence and passion. He had an entire entourage with him. One of the guys with him was about to say something to me, but he held his hand up and uttered something in Spanish.
As he spoke to the guy, he never once looked away from me. His stare made me feel a bit anxious. That was a rare feeling for me. No one made me feel that way. I was used to making people feel out of sorts, but never had it happened to me before.
“Watch where you step,” he finally said. His voice was deep and smooth.
Whatever spell I had been under was gone. I could apologize to anyone when I was wrong. I couldn’t, however, take disrespect from anyone. That would always cause me to be a little hostile. He turned and took one step.
I fired off, “Don’t be a dick, bruh.”
He quickly spun around, “What you say to me,” he asked as he walked up to me.
“You heard me,” I said as I squared off with him. “I didn’t stutter. I articulate my words well.”
We stood there staring at one another with our chests puffed out. Neither one of us wanted to appear weak to the other. The last thing I wanted was a fight. I’m no violent person by nature, but if you come knocking, I’ll answer the door. My boys were already inside the club, so it’s safe to say I was outnumbered. I wasn’t going to back down from this clown.
“You didn’t see me walking there,” he asked in an aggressive tone.
I chuckled, “If I saw you, I wouldn’t have run into you. Now that I think about it, you owe me an apology.”
“I owe you an apology?” He was shocked that I had turned the tables.
I explained, “Yeah. I apologize, but you made that rude comment. There wasn’t a need to be an ass. So, apologize, and I’ll forget all of it.”
Someone in his crew yelled, “Put him on his ass, Hen.”
For some reason, he looked around. People had pulled out their cellphones and were recording. I honestly didn’t think much of it at the time. Society has gone down the path of everyone trying to have a viral moment. He must have seen something wrong with it because he smiled and slowly backed away.
“I apologize,” he said. “I thought you saw me. Have a good time tonight.”
He turned and walked away. Someone in his group was about to say something, but he put his thick, manly hand up, signaling that our brief exchange was a one-and-done. I walked up to the doorman. He was staring at me hard. I told him that I was with Tadeo, and he let me in. No questions asked. Just as I passed him, he grabbed my shoulder. I looked at him, and he said…
“Not many hold their own with Hen. Respect.”
He fist-bumped me as If I was a local hero or something. I stepped inside the nightclub. There were bright lights flashing, and the floor was thumping from all the dancing. I was instantly hit with a throwback beat of A$AP Rocky’s “Fuckin’ Problems.” The dance floor was packed, and every woman I laid my eyes on looked like she could be the next warm pussy I played inside of.
“I love bad bitches; that’s my fuckin’ problem. And yea, I like to fuck. I got a fuckin’ problem,” I rapped along with the song.
I was determined to have fun. My body responded to the beats of the music. Todd spotted me from across the dance floor, and we waved at one another. He quickly made his way across the floor to me.
“Tyson, where were you,” he shouted over the music.
I pointed, “Outside.”
“Why? Is something wrong,” he asked.
I smiled, “You worry too much. The night is young. Let’s just have fun. Let’s dance,” I screamed.
Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” intercut, and the club lost its mind. Todd was a huge Beyonce fan. I could never understand why he was single. He was such an attractive guy. He had the body of a track runner with short blonde hair and piercing green eyes. He had a little cupcake of an ass on him. He deserved to have guys falling over him left and right.
Todd and I were lost in the beat, but something pulled my attention. I could feel someone’s eyes on me. Above the crowd was a catwalk, and standing there staring down at me was the guy I had run into outside, Hen.
He was smoking on a blunt as he stared down at me. The way it sat between his thick lips made it mesmerizing. The way he looked at me made me feel this strange type of warmth. Todd realized I was zoned out, so he stopped dancing. He turned his attention in the direction of my eyes, and he saw Hen staring at me.
Todd asked, “Tyson, who is that guy?”
I heard his question, but I couldn’t answer him. I was caught in this stare-down with this Hen character. It was then that I really got a full look at him. I saw more than his hot, beautiful face. He wore clothing that allowed me to see how much he took care of his body. The dude appeared to be athletic, with a lean, toned body.
“I don’t like this,” Todd raised his concerns. “He’s staring at you like you’re a snack.”
Before I could deny what Todd was saying, Hen licked his lips. I didn’t know if he was doing that for my sake or what, but I felt a tingle in my man parts. I had to get away and collect myself. No dude should have been affecting me the way he was. I couldn’t explain what was happening to me. I had zero control over what I was feeling, and that alone was sort of terrifying.
“Be right back. I need to use the restroom. Find the others,” I told Todd.
I quickly made my way to the bathroom. Thank God there wasn’t a line. I made a beeline to the sink. I splashed some water on my face. For some reason, I felt like I was on fire inside. I grabbed my stiff cock through the fabric of my pants.
“Why the fuck are you acting like this? What is wrong with you,” I yelled as I looked at my hard-covered member. “We don’t react to dudes making googly eyes at us.”
The sound of the bathroom door opening interrupted my confrontation with my penis. I made my way over to the urinal. My body could sense the strong presence of someone behind me. I fought the urge to look back over my shoulder to see who the person was. It didn’t take long for the mystery person to be revealed as Hen.
He took the urinal next to me. We both slowly turned our heads toward each other. His eyes met mine, and mine met his. His eyes slowly dropped. I could feel them moving down my body and onto my most prized possession. I had never in all my light felt so unsure of myself. The blood in my body began to rush south. I could feel my penis starting to be hard in my hands. Why was this man affecting me this way?
The emotions were too much for my soul. I quickly stuffed my erect penis back into my pants. I walked back to the sink and washed my hands. I looked in the mirror, and he was staring directly at me. His eyes were piercing mine even through the mirror. Neither one of us said anything for several seconds. He then took a step forward in my direction.
“I can see it,” he said. “You have that rich, deep brown skin with a smooth tone. Your eyes gleam with warmth and intensity. You have an athletic build.” He looked my body over from behind as he said that last part.
He spoke with this charm that highlighted his easygoing personality. There was an almost effortless coolness about him that I didn’t fully understand. He was drawing me in without any real work. His confidence, along with his rhythm for life, was on full display.
“What? What are you saying,” I asked, confused.
“Please don’t interrupt. I don’t like it,” he said.
I replied with a stern voice, “That’s too damn bad because I talk when I want.”
He exhaled, “No one speaks to me the way you do. It’s not allowed.”
“I’m not no one. I’m someone. I’m Tyson Hill, to be exact,” I said, introducing myself.
“Tyson? I’m Santiago Hernandez. I’d really like to finish my assessment uninterrupted. That is, of course, if you don’t mind.”
I was about to protest, but he held his hand up, and I stupidly did what I saw others do. I went quiet. It wasn’t because I felt obligated to do it or anything like that. It just caught me off guard. He came and stood directly behind me. His warm breath tickled my skin and made my insides crawl. He placed his hands on my shoulders.
His strong hands make me feel weak in my knees suddenly. I couldn’t understand, nor could I explain what was happening to me. My stomach felt like it had knots growing in it. My breathing had become labored.
“Your shoulders are broad and toned,” he said as he squeezed my shoulders. “I can feel your muscles. Fresh fade, which means you keep your appearance up. That adds to your overall appeal. I saw you smiling when you were dancing. It was magnetic. You have a chiseled jawline and sharp, symmetrical facial features. You captivate attention. I see why she picked you.”
“She,” I asked. What the hell are you talking about?”
He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “My girl. She likes you. I give her anything she wants, and tonight, she wants you. I think your little show outside turned her on.”
I could feel his body pressed against mine from behind. He felt heavy and, dare I say, erotic. In my mind, I began to pray for God to send an interruption because I was about to risk my manhood and question my sexuality. He had me dangerously close to the edge.
“Santiago,” I whispered.
“Everyone calls me Hen,” he said.
“I’m not everyone,” I reminded him.
He softly replied, “No, you’re not. You’re getting away with things most people never could.”
“Why is that,” I asked as I turned around to face him.
He answered, “I don’t know. I’m still figuring you out, Tyson.”
The energy flowing between us made me feel uncomfortable. There was tension in my body, and as I studied him, I realized there was tension in his body. He smiled, and it was such a bright smile.
I blurted out, “I like girls!”
“Good. So, there shouldn’t be a problem with you and my girl having a little fun.”
I shook my head, “I don’t understand. You say your girl, but it feels like you’re seducing me.”
He laughed, “I’m discovering you. I haven’t begun to seduce you.”
Nervously, I asked, “You would try?”
“I can’t answer that just yet. Not until the rules of the game have been established. You should come hang with us in VIP.”
“I can’t.”
He looked upset by my response, “Okay.”
“Not for the reasons you think,” I began, “my friends are here with me. I just got my DPT certification. We’re celebrating. Probably should have waited till I found a job to celebrate, but when in Rome.” I laughed at my own nervousness.
He responded softly, “When in Rome, you do things you’d never do before.”
We stood there face to face in total quietness. I wasn’t sure anymore of anything. I just knew that I wanted to stand there with him all night, not talking, not thinking, not even living. I wanted to just exist within the confines of my confounded feelings.
I asked, “If you were in Rome right now, what would you do?”
“Depends on who I’m there with, Tyson,” he said.
I asked my question more directly, “If we were the only two people in Rome together, what would you do, Santiago?”
My question raised his heartbeat. I could almost hear it beating in his chest. His eyes narrowed as the wheels in his brain turned. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the bathroom door opened, and we moved apart as if we had been doing something wrong. That could only mean that we were on the brink of doing something wrong.
“Tyson, you okay in here,” Todd asked as he bent the corner.
He stopped in his tracks. He gave me this disapproving look. It reminded me of being a child and disappointing my mother. She would always give me a look that was very similar. I hated that look.
“Everything is good, Todd,” I said.
“You made a bathroom friend,” he asked.
Santiago frowned, “What are you insinuating?”
“He’s shocked,” I interrupted, “that I’m still able to make friends even at 25 years of age.”
“VIP section, Tyson. I hope to see you there,” he said as he walked away.
As he passed Todd, he looked him up and down. Todd returned the favor. They didn’t speak, but I could tell Santiago wasn’t a fan of Todd’s. My eyes found themselves scanning down Santiago’s backside. They came to a rest on the plump ass that was sticking out. I forced myself to look away. The second Santiago was gone, Todd started to squeal.
“Fuck me, that man is fine,” Todd exclaimed as he fanned himself with his hand.
“I guess,” I said.
“Please. You have eyes. You always speak of a nice-looking dude. I know you saw all that walking out of here.”
“All of what,” I asked defensively. “I wasn't checking him out.”
“Calm down. I know you’re not gay. I was speaking of his sex appeal. What was he like?”
I smirked, “He was a blend of rugged charm and smooth charisma. A damn heartthrob.”
Todd laughed, “Who knew two heartthrobs could be friends? Please tell me we’re going to the VIP.”
Against my better and confused judgment, we went to the VIP section. Tadeo and Tao had met some girls and were busy having a good time with them. Todd wanted to try to be close to Santiago, but his crew had other plans or orders. I was the one assigned a seat next to the heartthrob and his girlfriend, Jessica. Jessica was absolutely beautiful. She was everything you’d want in a woman. This woman was making it clear she wanted me.
She had a good time touching me and exploring every part of my body that she could get to. She especially took a liking to my dick. She wanted my black member to fill her depths, and I wanted to swim in her pussy. The entire time she was playing with me, Santiago sat quietly, watching and smoking. After he’d had enough watching, I followed him out on the catwalk per his request.
“Jessica wants you. I think you want her as well. This happens only one way. You sign an NDA,” he said.
I instantly started to laugh because I thought it was a joke. He didn’t laugh. It was a serious matter that I had gravely misjudged.
“If this is a joke to you, then see yourself out,” he said.
“I’m sorry. It’s not a joke. I didn’t think you were serious.”
“Look around, Tyson. We’re the only people in VIP. I have a crew with me and detailed security. I’m a big deal.”
“It’s evident now.”
He turned and looked out at the people on the dance floor. I wanted to fuck Jessica, but more importantly, I wanted to keep talking to Santiago. I wanted to do a good job in hopes that he would keep me around or invite me back. Back to where? That part I didn’t know. What I did know was that I had to fix my blunder.
“You know,” I began, “you never told me what you’d do if it were just you and I in Rome.”
He straightened himself up and turned to me. He took a long puff of his blunt. He drew the smoke in slowly with his gorgeous lips and then he exhaled, blowing all the smoke in my face. I breathed it all in slowly.
He moved through the smoke like some god. Our bodies inched closer together. Those dark eyes of his finally betrayed him and revealed his lustful nature. It sent a tingle down my spine. My body froze, unable to move or break free from his spell. He inched his face closer and closer to mine. I closed my eyes and braced myself for whatever he wanted to do or give me.
He whispered, “Sign the NDA and find out, Tyson.”
I opened my eyes just as Wale and Rihanna’s “Bad (Remix) started playing. For the first time in my life, I wanted to be bad with a guy. What the fuck?!
TO BE CONTINUED
