I folded my arms across my chest and leaned against the counter. “No, I wouldn’t want you to be in that situation. I don’t want to have you explain why I left, so I’ll stay and try to get along with her.”
He gave me an uncertain look. “Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Gosh, this is crazy.” I dropped my hands to my sides.
He cupped my face, causing me to look at him. “It doesn’t have to be. You?—”
Nash stopped talking when the subject of our conversation walked into the kitchen. He let go of my face and turned to face her.
“Hey, Nash. Can I talk to her for a minute, please?”
Nash looked from me to her like he didn’t want to agree to it.
Lightly, I touched his arm. “It’s okay.” I gave him an assuring smile. Once he left the room, the girl and I only stared at each other.
She was the first one to break it with a sigh. “My apologies, I’m Am’Marie.”
“Kenzlee.”
“I sense you don’t like me, and I’m not the type of person to cause confusion with anyone. We keep seeing each other, and every time we do, the men around me go to you. Jonathan finally told me who you were to him. I never knew about you when Jonathan and I were together, but we aren’t anymore. Things happened in our re?—”
I cut her off by holding up a hand. “Please spare me the details. I don’t want to hear anything about Jonathan, you, or your relationship. It’s not my business, nor do I give a damn about Jonathan. I was wrong about the way I acted with you when you knew nothing about me. I knew it was all Jonathan now. However, it’s in the past, and I don’t care.” I shrugged since I didn’t care to know about what the hell she and that man had going on. “Congratulations on your child too.”
Am’Marie gave a small smile. “Thanks. I see that you’re in with the crew now. Just know we can get very wild at times.”
I smiled. “Yeah, I’ve seen the way the twins and Nashton act together.”
She laughed. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”
Nashton came back into the kitchen and looked between us with a concerned look on his face. “I see my kitchen is still in good shape with no bloodshed. Is everything good?”
The only thing I could do was shake my head.
“Yes, Nash. Everything is good.” Am’Marie walked out of the kitchen, leaving Nash and me alone.
He came and wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’m good, babe.”
He smiled and kissed my lips. “Good. I’m happy to hear it. Now let’s go entertain our guests.”
And we did. I truly enjoyed myself with his sisters and Am’Marie. They wanted to play cards and drink wine, and I knew how I was when I drank wine or even liquor. I was ready for them to leave so Nash and I could have some alone time. I felt myself a little too much. I wanted some alone time with my man.
Later that night, Nash and I cuddled in the tub, taking a bubble bath. My back was to Nash’s front.
“You handled that well. I’m proud of you,” he whispered in my ear.
I smiled. “I realized I was wrong and knew I had directed my anger toward the wrong person. Am’Marie didn’t know me or know I was with Jonathan. I should’ve had all my anger on him, but I needed her as an outlet too. Still, I’m happy to have let that go.”
Nash hugged me tighter. This was lovely and something I had never done before in my previous relationships. Nash and I had a lot of firsts together, and I looked forward to each one. If someone were to tell me I’d be this happy since my last relationship, I’d tell them they were a liar. Look at me now. I was happy and in love with a man who changed me. I thank God for him every day. He didn’t have to bring a man into my life like he did, but he brought me a strong one too.
“I thought for sure you’d use that technique I showed you, but I’m glad you realized it wasn’t needed.”
I chuckled and reached out to grab his hand. “Please, Nash. I’m not a fighter. I’d never fight someone unless I have a reason to.”
“It’s all good. I don’t fight unless I have to too. It had been a while since I’ve had to lay someone the hell out.” There was a hardness to his voice that had me wondering what had happened.
“Do you mind telling me what happened?”
“It was my sister’s ex-boyfriend. He tried putting his hands on her in front of me. He thought I wouldn’t do anything since I’m quiet. I don’t bother anyone. Plus, I’m laid back, so he thought he could get away with shoving her how he did. I beat his ass so good that he begged me to stop.”
