Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
When we finally stopped kissing, the song reached its crescendo and I found myself lost in the moment.
Lei brushed his lips against mine. “I love you, Moni.”
Shivering, I whispered, “I love you too.”
Every worry and fear melted away under the warmth of his gaze.
I didn't want this night to end, didn't want the magic to fade.
The final notes of the song lingered in the air and we held each other, moving to the beat.
So perfect.
DJ Hendrix shifted to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” but with this reggaeton beat that had the crowd howling.
I pulled back slightly, still holding onto him and not wanting to break the spell.
God, I never want this night to end.
Lei locked his gaze on me and then to my shock, dipped me slightly.
Chuckling, I felt a delightful sense of vertigo.
He lifted me back up, moved his arms from my waist and grabbed my hand.
I quirked my brows. “You’ve got moves.”
“A few.” Without warning, Lei spun me around.
Oh shit.
The world blurred.
Then, I was back in his arms.
I let out a joyful shriek.
“Alright! Alright!” DJ Hendrix’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Now you know that this ain’t a real party without the Electric Slide!”
I laughed, coming out of the heavenly cloud of Lei and our love. I almost forgot other people were around.
With that, I scanned the space and realized that damn near everybody was out there dancing. Even some of Lei’s top security men had their shirts off and was jamming with some of my Aunt Betty’s friends.
Wow. Okay then. The East knows how to party.
DJ Hendrix did some scratching and then chuckled. “Everybody who is still sitting, get your butts on the floor, because it’s time to slide!”
The crowd roared with excitement and I couldn’t help but grin.
I glanced back at Lei who had his eyes wide open in shock.
Yes, baby. Welcome to a Black family.
A few other Four Aces appeared unsure of what was happening.
This was the moment to truly join our cultures. No Black cookout, wedding, or family gathering was complete without someone declaring it was time for the Electric Slide.
I got out of Lei’s hold. “Do you know how to electric slide?”
“Romeo taught me, but I am really rusty. I haven’t done this in many years. Not since I was a teenager.”
“Well, you’re going to be doing it a lot from now on.”
He laughed. “Is that right?”
“Yes, Mountain Master.”
Shirtless, Banks came over wearing this green hat, his shades, and showing off his bulging muscles. “Go on over there and sit down, Lei. You don’t know nothing about this.”
Lei rolled his eyes.
I flipped Banks off. “My baby knows what to do.”
“If he doesn’t, I’m going to laugh at him.” Banks got on my side. “And Lei, you need to get your cousin, man. Chen thinks he’s at an Elvis Presley concert.”
Lei frowned. “What?”
“Check him out.” Banks pointed.
We turned to the left and caught Chen apparently listening to his own song. He was shaking his hips fast and moving his legs in this wild, jerky rhythm.
Fen danced around him, clearly hearing this special song too because she was matching his rhythm. She added her twists and turns here and there and they both laughed together oblivious to it being another party near them.
Well. . .uh. . .at least they’re having fun.
Duck was a few steps away, phone out and recording the entire thing, barely able to hold his own laughter in.
“Chen!” Banks yelled. “What are you doing?!”
I hit his arm. “Leave him alone. He’s having fun.”
“He’s having a fucking seizure.” Banks put this toothpick in his mouth.
“Boy, get that toothpick out of your mouth.” I held out my hands. “What are you doing? Cleaning your teeth on the dancefloor?”
“This is part of my swag.”
“Put that shit up.”
“Damn, Moni.” Frowning, Banks took the toothpick out of his mouth and placed it in his pocket. “Can’t never let a brother be.”
Lei laughed.
Banks glared at him. “What’s so funny?”
Lei winked at him. “I keep forgetting that Moni has been a Mountain Mistress long before she met me.”
Banks raised his eyebrows. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.” I made sure to stay between them. “Let’s dance. And why are you over here hating? Where are your assistants at?”
“Man, Sweet, Savory, and Salty got swept off their feet by some Four Aces. But I told them that would happen.” Banks shrugged. “I never hate. Charge it to the game. I’ve got other flavors on the mental rolodex.”
The music came on and the first notes of the Electric Slide filled the air.
Everyone in the yard started sliding in sync—well, almost everyone.
Chen and Fen remained dancing to their own groove.
This is going to be a blast.
As I danced along, I checked behind me.
Lan and Thandie had paired up, dancing with Hu, who looked shockingly out of character. His jacket was off, his shirt halfway unbuttoned, and he was laughing—a real, genuine laugh.