“You’re so beautiful, kind, and loving. You’re a strong woman who inspires other young ladies like you. You show that there’s no obstacle you cannot overcome, and your faith is strong.”
“Ohh, baby. Thank you.”
“Now can I get some?”
I hit him on the shoulder. “Ash, quit playing.”
“I’m serious.”
“What’s your love language?” I asked, changing the subject.
“Acts of service and quality time.”
“Mm. I like that for you. If you had to describe our romance in one word, what would it be?”
“Intense.”
“Yeah, I agree with that. I love the way that you love and protect me. You have an all-consuming love that not only inspires passion inside of me, but it also intensifies my desire for you. I don’t want that to ever change.”
“We’ll work hard to make sure that it doesn’t, girl.”
He closed his eyes and set the card aside. Dropping his head back, he sighed.
“Ash, what’s on your mind, baby?”
“I know we said we’d take things slow, but I want you around me. All the time. I’m not asking for your hand in marriage,yet.”
“No, I get that. It’s too soon after your divorce. But what are you asking?”
“I want you to move in with me. If this house doesn’t work for you, I’ll sell it, and we can find a new place together.”
“How about you slow down?”
“No, Chanel, I’m serious. I want you and me together. I want you in my arms at night when I lay down, feeling your breath against my face, and you lying on my chest, listening to my heartbeat. I want to wake up in the morning and watch the sun rise and shine through the curtains on your face. I want us sitting at the island, on the couch, in the bed eating dinner together.”
I hopped up and straddled him. Taking his face in my palms, I leaned forward. “I want that too.” I kissed his lips, and hewrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer. When I pulled back, I replied, “On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“I keep my penthouse apartment. I’m not ready to sell it yet.”
“Scared you might have to leave me and return there?”
“No. I was thinking about keeping it for my office, a separate place to handle business.”
I had moved out of the original apartment building and into another one immediately after Shaniece was killed. I hadn’t felt comfortable returning to my old apartment, even though she was dead. I knew that the building wasn’t secure, and knowing that my safety could be compromised like that terrified me.
“I think we can make that happen, baby. Just tell me what you need.”
“Just love me.”
“You already know, baby.”
FIVE MONTHS LATER
“Defense! Defense! Defense!”The crowd chanted loudly around us, and the adrenaline was sucking all the oxygen from the arena.
“CSP! CSP! CSP!”
