He swallowed. “I was going through a lot of shit.”
“You werealwaysgoing through a lot,” I replied. “I just didn’t realize I was supposed to drown with you.”
He rubbed the back of his neck, exhaled, and tried for a softer tone. “Well, glad you’re doing better.”
“I am,” I said. “And I plan to keep it that way so you can stop calling me.”
He nodded slowly, stepped aside, and gestured for me to pass. “Merry Christmas.”
“You too.” I walked around him without looking back because I wasn’t the same woman who used to wait for him to show up. And right now? I had bigger things to worry about. Like the baby I was carrying and the man I was dodging.
A few shops later, I’d grabbed everything I wanted to buy. I purchased a candle set for Kourtni and bottles of perfume for the rest of the girls, including Rhonda. I also bought a bottle of aged whiskey for my daddy and a few designer silk ties. The last store was another designer boutique. I walked in slowly, eyes roaming. There was this Gucci cologne set that caught my eye, and a hoodie I knew would look good on Woods.
“That cologne is a bestseller,” the older man behind the counter said. “Lotta ladies buy it for their men.”
“He’s not my man,” I replied too fast, then winced. “I mean… not officially.”
He smirked. “If you’re buying him designer cologne and clothes, he probably will be soon.”
Outside, it was getting dark early, and it was only four o’clock in the afternoon. I walked toward my car, bags on each arm, brain fried. But in the middle of all the chaos, all the planning, all the “he’s not my man” mental gymnastics… I knew something for sure. I missed Woods. Bad. That’s why I gave in last night over the phone. My body needed it.
I put all the shopping bags in the trunk and then unlocked the car. I just sat there for a second, resting my head on the steering wheel. Of course, my phone would start ringing. I stared at it, torn.
This man was relentless, and I loved it but hated it at the same time. Ugh. Why is this happening? With a sigh, I answered, my voice light. “Hey, you.”
“Where you at?” His voice was low, smooth, that grown man tone that always sat too well in my chest.
“Out.”
“Out where?”
“Out shopping.”
“For who?” he asked, dragging the question like he already knew the answer.
I smirked. “Does it matter?”
“If it ain’t for me, nah.”
“Oh my God.” I rolled my eyes.
He didn’t miss a beat. “It’s cool. You already got my gift.”
I laughed despite myself. “Boy, shut up.”
“I’m serious,” he said. “Wrap that pretty pussy up in a bow and have it waitin’ for me.”
I bit down on my lip to keep from smiling too hard. “You want me to gift wrap my pussy for you? That’s crazy.”
“Nah, baby,” he said, voice dipping even lower. “That’s Christmas cheer.”
“You are ridiculous.”
“You asked.”
“Well, what are you doing anyway, sir? Besides harassing me.”
“I just touched down.”
