Austin's Desire

By K. K. Harris

Austin James is a 30 year old Financial Manager at his family’s car dealership. His father has dreams of his oldest son taking over the family business but that thought couldn’t be further from the reality. Austin has no intentions of running the family business but his own ranch is another story entirely. He enjoys spending his free time focusing on his ranch and continuing in its current success thanks to his very competent workers. His mother, even though her intentions are good, she can be overbearing with wanting him to settle down with any one of the many choices she sends his way on a daily basis. Unfortunately for her she has had no luck in that matter. Austin has a preference that his family thought would be just a phase so they constantly steer him in the direction they prefer he stay with. One night out away from his normal surroundings he catches a glimpse of the most graceful, elegant beauty with the most enticing light brown eyes. What is it about her that made him shut out the entire scene around him? How can he quench his thirst for Desire?

Deja Campbell is a 26 year old free spirited fitness instructor who operates her own workout and dance studio. She enjoys her single life a bit too much her best friends and sisters who are married with children would say. Unfortunately she doesn’t agree with the too much statement, she rather enjoys the freedom of not having put too much into a relationship and not being able to trust that it will stand the test of time. Although her sisters couldn’t have picked better matches in their husbands she just doesn’t see the same fate for her life at the moment. Maybe one day but her trust issues and preferences in the opposite sex just does pose to be a hindrance. A horrifying breakup in college turned her opinion on romance or having a happily ever after died with the heartbreak from the embarrassment her ex, Marcus caused. Even though it’s extremely cliché but currently love doesn’t live here anymore. Only careful laid out plans of one time encounters when the need arises but seriousness has flown the coup.

When these two unsuspecting unattached individuals from two different walks of life meet what will the outcome of their brief first encounter be?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. K. Harris
• Release date: Oct 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301451012

K. K. Harris

I am a wife and a mother of three children. I am a complex soul if I had to describe myself. Why, some may ask, mainly because I'm a jack of a lot of trades. Not all by any means just quite a few... Not only do I enjoy reading, writing, I also enjoy praise dancing. I am currently the dance coordinator at my church. The complete opposite of the characters and themes of my books but I guess that could only be described as writing what I know or better yet what I knew in a past life. Come take a ride with me on this rocky road of literacy.

Book preview

Chapter One

Austin walked into the dimly lit calming atmosphere of the poetry club, The Crock Pot, located in an area of Little Rock called the Heights. At first he found the name of the club to be quite strange but after conversing with the owner he got the jest of the meaning behind the name. Dave Price went on to explain that a cook puts a variety of ingredients into a crock pot to slow cook, simmer, and you create a slew of different flavors wrapped in one special meal. Poetry can be a meal to feed the soul, mind, and spirit. In turn the body will be nourished from the inside out. So Austin tries to fit in his monthly feeding from The Crock Pot at least once a month to titillate his eccentric inner being. The being that is frowned upon by his more culturally biased parents. After the long hard days working as a Finance Manager at the dealership his family owns, crunching numbers all day, this is exactly what he needs to unwind.

Austin, how are you? Dave greeted his regular patron turned friend.

Dave my man. Austin returned the greeting with a friendly yet manly handshake. Besides lacking my soulful meal for the day, I’m good. How about yourself?

Man, business as usual. How’s the ranch?

Great, and thanks again for connecting me with your cousin. He is the full business I must say. Mike could run that ranch with his eyes closed it seems.

No problem, thank you for giving him a chance. Glad it’s all working out. I really appreciate you taking the time to even consider him for the position, it’s hard out here to find employment in his situation.

He was open and honest about everything so I couldn’t knock him for his past indiscretions. We all have a past or something in the past that we are not entirely proud of. Shit happens, let’s just be real. Plus he has proven himself to be an outstanding addition to the team.

That’s what I hate about society. If you never give a person a chance then how do you know if they have changed or not. A person can’t redeem themselves if never given the opportunity to show the growth they have accomplished.

Spoken like a true poet. Austin joked.

Ha, yeah no thank you. I just run this place, I don’t speak. Dave replied.

So what’s in store for me tonight?

Oh my brother from a less pigmented mother, do I have a treat for you! He said rubbing his hands together.

Uh oh, I never heard you get this excited before. What am I in for tonight?

You will see my brother, you will see indeed.

OK. I guess I have to take your word for it huh?

Yes sir, but just know you don’t want to miss this. So go on and get your bathroom break out of the way. Put in your order for your drink, food, or whatever and sit tight. This performance is going to blow your mind. When I first saw it… MAN… that’s all I can say because it left me speechless. Dave rambled until he just blew out an exasperated breath.

That good huh? Austin asked because he was really intrigued now about this awesome performance that has his boy all discombobulated. Dave only nodded his head. Well in that case let me get an order of the buffalo hot wings and a beer.

I tell you what, go ahead and make your way to the table. I will bring the beer and put the wings on order for later cause you will need to give all your attention to the stage. I’m just saying. Dave chuckled and walked away.

Austin was more interested now than before at his friends excitement. He has never since he met Dave saw him this excited about a performer gracing the stage. It must be a fine woman or something phenomenal of that nature but yet and still he couldn’t believe that either. Dave’s fiancée is a beautiful woman and he only has eyes for her so that can’t be it. All sorts of beautiful women would approach Dave on a nightly basis in this place but they are politely let down every time. That was rare for Austin from any influences of his family life, with his mother being quite a looker according to his friends when he was in high school but his father still steps out on her till this day.

When Austin’s mom caught his father red handed with a red head temp that breezed through the dealership once he went to his mother and asked why she put up with the blatant disrespect. Her only reply was that in order to afford these luxuries a woman had to deal with some minor intrusions. What a shame so many women take on that mind set and a total waste of brain cells to believe that crock of bullshit.

Walking to the designated table in the front of the club that was reserved for the owner and his special guests, Austin couldn’t help but give brief head nods in acknowledgment of the flirtatious greetings he received in passing a few tables full of women. He didn’t often pick up women in clubs but tonight, a little extracurricular fun would be just what the doctor ordered. It’s been a while since he has been extra with anyone. After his last blind date that his mother set him up on he has been keeping busy to refrain from accepting anymore setup attempts by her. The last date ended in some very compromising positions to say the least. Thankfully he always accompanies any dates to their homes instead of his to avoid awkward morning after’s.

I forgot to ask about your little date. What happened after y’all left? Dave asked when he sat down with Austin’s beer and a coke for himself. Just because he was the owner he didn’t take advantage of that title and drink alcoholic beverages while working.

It was something. Austin replied taking a swig of his beer.

Something huh?

She was pretty just not my type. I only went out with her to shut my mom up.

She didn’t seem too pleased with your choice in clubs, I noticed that much.

"Hell too pleased is not even the correct analysis of her attitude, she was so uncomfortable. She kept asking me do I come to this place often. Is it safe? Do they play any other kinds of music? What kind of place is this? She let it be known she wasn’t really smart worth a damn. I assume my mom just really wants me to have a trophy wife. This chick was so damn dumb it didn’t even make sense. I assume the only poetry she had ever heard of was Dr. Seuss stories. Austin gave Dave his observation of Deidra and their date. Dave found it so funny he put his head down to stifle his laughter because they were drawing an audience. Just let it all out." And Dave did just that.

Damn I needed that laugh today.

I bet you did. Austin retorted while taking a swig of his beer. Just when he said that the lights dimmed and the announcer took the stage.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

Good evening!

How are you guys doing tonight? Are you enjoying yourselves so far? A chorus of yes’, feeling awesome, feeling great, and plenty more responses that expressed how happy they were to be there.

That’s good, well prepare to be taken up a notch. We have a special treat for you lovely folks tonight. This brother from another mother comes to us straight from Texas. You’ve all seen him before but never like this. He has incorporated his soulful words with not only music but a little dance as well. The combination of hearty words, soothing music, and a sexy dance is so unheard of but let me tell you it is absolutely phenomenal. Without further ado we here at The Crock Pot would like to introduce to some and present to others, Mystery! There was a thunderous applause welcoming Mr. Mystery to the stage. He sauntered out in a custom fit brown vested suit without a jacket or tie. Fresh square toe, snake skin lace ups. His freshly twisted, perfectly manicured, mid back length dreads were tied neatly to the back. To any and every woman in the crowd he was the epitome of an ebony God but on the inside of the man himself he likes the same thing they do but that was on a need to know basis.

He nodded at the crowd a thank you for the more than warm welcome. The audience finally calmed down as the band started a slow sensual beat. While he bobbed his head to the beat, he walked to the part of the stage that had something covered up with a large red velvet curtain. Everyone was curious as to what was beneath the curtain. No one could have prepared them for what was revealed. There was a chrome portable stripper pole attached to a stage. There was a collective hush over the crowd trying to figure out what or who was going to take that stage.

This piece is called ‘Dance with Desire’. Mystery introduced.

Mystery started with his first line and out sauntered an exotic, full figured, caramel goddess with some black sequence boy shorts that were far from sleazy. Her full breast were covered with a matching all black crop top and some sexy black platform, peep toe, stiletto heels sprinkled with enough sequence to match the boy shorts.

What the… Austin trailed off completely in a daze as he watched in awe at this awesomely sexy vixen grab the pole with her delicate hands and started a slow matrix like twirl with her long shapely legs curled perfectly around the chrome pole as she did her spin. Her upper body strength was truly remarkable. He was truly captivated, as well as the other patrons, at how graceful she maneuvered her body around the tall metal.

That’s exactly the response I thought you would give. Dave smugly stated at Austin’s reaction. Austin didn’t even bother replying to his observation of the instant attraction he was experiencing watching the dancer swirl, climb, and turn flips. The skills she was presenting were beyond amazing.

Desire climbed the pole with ease using her thighs and upper body strength. Once she was to the top she removed her hands and remained high on the pole gripping the pole with her inner thighs. She did a back bend and grabbed the pole while upside down releasing both legs to perform a split pose. Coming out of the splits she crossed her legs at the ankle, extended her arms above her head spinning around the pole letting her hair blow in the wind. She was definitely an export pole dancer because the removal of clothes was not needed this in itself was sexy as ever. Finally the words faded back in for Austin, feeling every word as if it was coming from his own mouth.

DANCE WITH DESIRE

AS I SIT WAITING WITH VISIONS OF PURE ECSTASY

BACK TO THE SCENE

AS I HEAR THE SOUND OF LOVELY HIT THE STAGE I GET TUNNEL VISION

SHE IS THE ULTIMATE FANTASY

AS SHE LOVES THE STAGE

MY MIND OFF IN THE DISTANCE

FANTASIZING

EVERY BREATH SHE TAKES

EVERY MOVE SHE MAKES

MY HEART IS SOFTENED

AND MAKING ME WANT HER MORE AND MORE

FROM HER SENSUAL LIPS

TO THE CURVES OF HER IDEAL TEMPLE

I FEEL LIKE A SOLDIER STANDING AT ATTENTION

WATCHING HER EVERY MOVE

GETS ME CLOSER TO MY…

WATCHING HER EVERY MOVE

I DESIRE TO HAVE HER

DESIRE TO LOVE HER

DESIRE….

Austin had never seen a stripper that gets bucked naked work a pole as good as this sexy vixen on the stage. The entire room was stunned at the exotic show and the soulful words of Mystery. He has been known to have all sorts of mystery guests and surprises during his shows but this one takes the cake by far. The show was obviously coming to an end because he stopped to give his attention to the artist known as Desire as well and watched her perform a series of stunts that she ended by twirling down the pole with only her thighs and one hand landing on her feet.

Mystery as well as the crowd of patrons that stood to their feet immediately, applauded the best performance that Little Rock has ever witnessed. They met in the middle joining hands and bowing. Mystery leaned over whispering something to Desire that caused her to express a hearty laugh showing a beautiful smile that caused Austin’s heart to skip a beat. He felt a tightening in his chest consuming him with a little jealously having him wish he was the recipient of that smile. Praying to himself that the joke wasn’t an intimate one.

You can have a seat now. They are gone. Dave teased.

Where on Earth did you find her? Austin asked as he fumbled to plant his butt in the seat.

I didn’t, Mystery did. I just caught his show last month when I was visiting in Dallas. Mona and I were in the same state of awe as you were at this wonderful show.

… Silence.

I figured this would leave you speechless.

How did you figure that?

Was I wrong?

No! Both gentlemen laughed as they chatted about the highlights of the show. The comforting sounds of neo-soul could be heard throughout the club serenading couples on their first date as well as those that have known each other forever and a day. As if on cue one of the stars of tonight’s performance made his presence known. The crowd started applauding again and he humbly accepted the praise with several head nods while smiling the entire way to the table the two men sat at.

What’s up playboy? You’ve done it again. Dave greeted.

You already know how I do. Mystery greeted with a smile. They embraced in a manly handshake and one armed hug.

Yea I do. Dave laughed. And now so does the rest of Little Rock. He added.

It’s about time somebody wanted to shake some things up around these parts.

That’s for sure. But anyway, I would like to introduce you to a good friend of mine Austin James. Austin this is my cousin Deon better known as Mystery.

Nice to meet you Austin, Dave has mentioned your name a time or two.

Nice to meet you as well and I hope he wasn’t bad mouthing me too bad. Austin gave Dave the eye which only caused Dave to raise his hands in surrender.

Never that, nothing but good things I can assure you. I would love to take a look at your ranch while I’m in town if you wouldn’t mind showing me around. I have been seriously considering purchasing one in Texas myself but I don’t have a clue where to start honestly.

Sure thing, just let me know when you’re available. By the way, wonderful job up there.

Thanks a lot I really appreciate it. I do what I do but my girl brings my words to life. Austin couldn’t help the pang of jealousy that pierced his heart hearing Deon call that beauty ‘his girl’. He had to snap out of his wayward thoughts before someone picked up on his mood change. He needed a drink ASAP.

Man if I didn’t know any better I would say it was better than the first time I saw the show.

She is truly skilled, tasteful, and graceful with her craft. Deon replied.

That performance was truly a work of art. Austin threw in dreamingly as if he was reliving the entire show in his head.

That it is. Deon said giving Dave the side eye as if they were communicating with their eyes both recognizing what was going on with Austin and his sudden quietness.

"So where did your girl go?" Dave asked to further grate on Austin’s fragile nerves. Deon realized what Dave was up to and decided to join the fun.

She decided to cut out early and call it a night. We had a very eventful day to say the least.

Don’t tell me you working that poor girl to death. In a perverted mind that isn’t thinking clearly could run away with that statement and read more into it than what it was.

You already know how I get down. He vaguely commented perusing the room looking for a possible companion for the night.

Well I think I better call it a night. I have a big meeting in the morning. Austin grew tired of the back and forth about the sexy woman that was obviously already spoken for. He would give anything to be that one. Deon just give me a call when you are ready to check out the ranch. Here’s my card. He added passing him a business card.

Thanks Austin I appreciate it. I will be calling soon. Deon replied with a genuine smile. I just gotta check with baby girls schedule because I think she would love to see it as well. Horseback riding is on her to do list. He added to keep skating Austin to the edge of the cliff. From the looks of his face it was indeed working, he looks like he could chew on some coals and spit out diamonds.

I’m looking forward to it. Dave, I will talk to you later. Deon it was nice meeting you. He flashed a tight smile before leaving not paying any attention to the two men silently but hysterically laughing until he was out of earshot then the flood gates of laughter opened up. He was just in a huge hurry to get away before he made a fool of himself without even knowing anything about the ebony beauty he knew only as Desire. He has never been the type of man to step on another man’s toes over a woman but this just might be his first lesson. He would give anything to get to know the lady of his dreams better.

********

What the hell was that all about? Deon asked.

Just trying to help my brother from another mother. Ruffling his feathers will make him get up off his scary ass and quit waiting on the opportunity to fall in his lap. I knew he would be feeling ole girl the first time I saw her in her grown up state. When she hit that stage and his jaw hit the ground let me know that my assumptions were indeed on point.

I could tell he was a bit miffed at my vague words of handling my business how I do. They laughed again.

"So what’s up with Miss Desire?" Dave asked putting emphasis on the name.

Shit you already know how she is. She ain’t dying right now, hell if ever. So damn content on being free and single to do whatever or whoever without complications. NO feelings, NO problems is her motto.

She still on that bullshit I see. Every dude is not the same I hope she knows that.

Nah but she will if my prediction for this outcome is correct.

Well at least we on the same brain wave on this one. Now after you are done flirting with your possible conquest of the night maybe we can devise a flawless plan to push these two together.

Umm, yeah maybe tomorrow because I need to see a man about a dog, LITERALLY. Deon gave his cousin a knuckle bump before disappearing into the crowd. It would be wonderful to see his friend of forever live happily ever after but right now he needed to feel a little happiness in the here and now.

So, we playing match maker now? Dave’s favorite girl in the whole wide world asked with a brow raised.

I don’t know what you mean Miss Lady.

Oh you don’t huh?

What?

For the record, even though you always deter me away from hooking anybody up, I must say that this is a good match up. I believe these two souls need each other desperately so I won’t prod but I will offer my assistance. His fiancée Deidra said with a smug smile. Especially since we know how dear Deon can be. Him and his wondering eye.

Ok only this time I will not fight you because I really think this is for a good cause.

Oh well thanks for the approval. She sarcastically responded. Deidra knew her expertise were needed and she was going to put in her input whether he liked it or not.

I’m just saying, so what do you have in mind soon to be Mrs. Price?

The real question is, what don’t I have in mind Mr. Price?

This sounds interesting.

Indeed it is.

Chapter Two

Lil lady?! While you’re in here frowning at the mirror, are you ready? Deon cut into Deja’s rant about performing in front of their hometown. He was looking oh so dapper in his slacks, button down with vest, and metro lace up’s. His dreads were neat, freshly twisted, pulled back off his face to high light his flawless milk chocolate complexion. Incredibly sexy lips outlined with a perfect goatee. To any other onlooker Deon would be the epitome of the sexiest GQ model to ever grace a runway let alone a poetry stage but to Deja he was just the best guy friend any chick could ask for. His stage name definitely left something to the imagination, Mystery, so many wanted to uncover what the mystery was about Mr. Deon but only few knew what others speculated.

Don’t get your boxers in a bunch Mr. Deon. Deja exclaimed.

Don’t get funky with me Miss Deja. He stated calmly leaning on the door frame.

Tsk, tsk, funky with you? Never!

You do look quite sexy, might I add.

Why thank you dear heart.

Now I repeat are you ready to knock these closet freaks socks off with this new shit they know nothing about sweetheart?

Well since you put it that way, I am indeed ready to show these bumpkins how we do it in other parts.

That’s what I’m talking about. He exclaimed. Hello Desire, see ya later Miss Deja! With that being said the duo left the backstage area approaching the stage cautiously. Mystery left his companion at her entrance point and proceeded to center stage to start his piece. After he announced what he was going to do the music started to pump through Deja’s veins like a drug. He quoted that last phrase before they parted ways accurately because just then Deja took on her inner sexy personality and strutted on the stage not acknowledging any of the patrons watching her every move.

She seductively stalked the pole before she climbed and started her skillful yet effortless routine. Flips, back bends, spins, and splits were some of her many basic tricks on the pole. The crowd never exists when she performs in front of people while Mystery does his sexy poems but tonight she had an even stronger urge to WOW the audience. An unexplainable force or pull had her zoning out and relinquishing her body, soul, and spirit to bring the most arousing performance she has ever done. When it ended she almost requested an encore for her own satisfaction.

Damn you almost made my soldier stand at attention and question our friendship! Deon whispered in Deja’s ear while the audience were on their feet with applause. She just blushed and giggled because she wasn’t herself up there that was her extremely turned on other self.

What got into you out there? I’ve never seen you so into it like that before. Now that was intense even for me.

I honestly don’t have a clue. It’s like an invisible force was driving me to push harder and give more. Weird huh?

Well whatever it was, if you were a stripper who worked off of tips, you would be able to pay my bills and yours for the rest of the year.

Do I need to change my profession?

If you do I will kick your ass, right fast. Try me! Deon said seriously. But if I was you, I would charge the strippers that do come to you extra for that kind of skill. Bottling that passion and energy up would make you a very rich woman.

I hear you talking.

Honey screw the talk, I recorded it Sis. Megan interrupted from the doorway with a smug look on her face. She and Megan went back like eight tracks. Nikki and Gwen walked in laughing. They have indeed been friends along time and the test of drama has tested them beyond belief.

You didn’t?

You think I didn’t when I did. Girl stop, I’m hoping you plan on teaching a class about channeling the inner freak more.

Girl that was amazing, you almost had me questioning my sexuality. Gwen said and everybody nodded their heads in agreement.

Y’all so damn sexy I question myself sometimes too. Deon complimented them.

Ninja whatever since we know you don’t swing that way we gonna let that slide. Nikki said.

Hey ladies!

Hey Deon!

Whatever trick quit fronting, you know you are strictly di… Deja was cut off by the sound of someone knocking on the door frame announcing their arrival.

Hey pretty girl, how are you doing? Deidra greeted.

Hey honey bun, I’m good, how are you?

Girl, girl, girl… She said