I sat up with my king-sized pillow comfortably propped against the headboard. Amari did the same.
“So . . . are we just going to sit and talk?” I tilted my head toward Amari before a slick smile covered his face.
He lifted the covers and gestured to my body.
“What else would you like to do?”
I blushed every shade a Black woman could at Amari’s suggestive comment.
“You’re kind of fresh, aren’t you, Mr. Snowden?”
He chuckled and patted the comforter.
“I’ve been called worse.”
I stared at Amari when he said that. Who in their right mind would say anything awful about such a wonderful person?
“Seriously, Ruby, I’m down to talk about whatever you want.”
I nodded, appreciative that Amari didn’t make me feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, even as the fresh smell of his body filled my nostrils.
“Ask me a question then.”
Amari furrowed his brows and tapped his chin with his fingers before meeting my eyes again.
“When was the last time someone treated you with care?”
I sucked in my breath, shocked by such an intense, loaded question. I racked my brain for the answer, wondering how truthful I should be with a man whose body heat mingled with mine. Although I’d seen Amari naked, moving with him to the next level of emotional nudity frightened me.
“My parents and brother love me hard. I have several friends who check on me occasionally. I have good colleagues and teach the sweetest students in the world. I’m a blessed woman.”
Almost before I could get the words out of my mouth, I sensed Amari’s displeasure at my answer. He shook his head and tsked.
“No, ma’am. I’m talking deeper. Who’s there for you when the hurt of your past raises its ugly head?” He reached for my hand, which I gave him readily. “Go there with me, Ruby.”
I clutched the cover of my bedspread with my free hand, suddenly remembering how this blanket was the same one I snuggled up in after Larenz left me to grieve LaRue alone. If this blanket could talk, it would share stories of trauma, abandonment, and betrayal. Amari was diving into the sea of hurt I hated to discuss.
“No one.” I whispered the words as Amari squeezed my hand.
Instead of responding, he held my gaze. I wanted to look away but couldn’t, as his concern for my well-being shined like the summer sun on his face.
“You deserve good things, Ruby, the best of things. Never doubt that.”
“Are you referring to a man caring for me?”
“Yes.”
I pulled my hand from Amari and clutched my blanket tightly.
“I have male friends too.”
“Hmm . . .”
Instead of asking for clarification, I waited for Amari to elaborate. Something told me he wasn’t a man who liked leaving conversations or situations open.
“Do you have the kind of male friends that make you scream their name so loud the shingles on your raggedy roof will finally fall off?”
I jerked my head and stared at Amari with my mouth open.
