“Baby, you want this. This will take you to another level, showing the world that we belong in any genre. A rap artistwho sings Country, or a Country hip-hop star. Genre-bending, award-winning, phenomenal entertainer. Maybe you did have a void, and maybe that’s why everything is happening now with you finding out about Jamie to give you the inspirational energy that you need.”
I tilted my head to see his scowling face. “One night with me and you’re ready to risk the life you’ve been building? The same reason I didn’t fight to tell you that I was pregnant remains the same now. I’m not going to be the one to hold you back.”
He shook his head. “Naw. You don’t want to leavehim. He probably pissed you off, and tonight was about getting back at him. You probably want him to find out. Show him you can get fucked by a star. You don’t even feel guilty about breaking your vows.” His heart beat faster under my ear, and I lifted off his chest.
“Look at me. I don’t feel guilty because the love I feel for you is still true.” He kept his gaze averted, and I turned his chin toward me. “Honestly, I am angry with Kody. He’s been cheating on me, and I still wanted to be faithful to him. To honor our vows. Even told him the truth about what happened between me and you because I didn’t want to lie to him.”
His frown shifted into surprise. “You told him? Should I watch my back?”
I sarcastically replied, “Not at all. He thought I was lying to make him jealous…that you couldn’t possibly want me when you can have women like Teyanna.”
He whistled. “That man crazy. If it were the other way around, I’d be combing the streets for him. At least I get why you showed up in that dress. Loved you in it, but it’s not you.”
“It’s not, but I wanted to be sexy for you.”
“You can be tore up from the flo up and you’re still sexy.” Freedom teased.
I chuckled with him, the tension finally easing between us.
“Until I saw you on that stage tonight, I thought we might have a chance. I bawled the entire time you performed because I realized our story ended a long time ago. Last night…wow…it seems like a lifetime ago, you made me feel alive again. Like the me I used to feel. You made me so happy, Free.
I don’t think I stopped smiling that day in the hall when you noticed that I didn’t have braces, and I wore braids. Not even Lori could tell what was different. You made this shy girl feel seen back then and now. I have always loved the way I look in those pretty eyes of yours. Maybe I am being selfish by being like this with you when I know we don’t have a future.” My deep emotions shattered my voice. “Might…lose my baby son…if Kody ever finds out about us…Yet, I couldn’t stay away from you. How dare you ever think that I’m using you or that I care that you’re a superstar? I’m risking so much for this moment with you.”
He pulled me back down on his chest, and he gently rubbed my back. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I love you so much, and the idea of not being like this again kills me inside.”
I had no words for him because I couldn’t see how we could work and if we would grow together with our very different lifestyles. All we could depend on was right now, and right now I wanted him again. My hand drifted to his dick, and my touch stirred him. I reveled in his growing hardness and that I had a hold on this man in ways no other woman had, as he had on me. “Instead of talking and focusing on what could happen, I would rather fuck if that’s okay with you?”
I could feel his grin.
Freedom refused to agree that we didn’t have a future, though he promised to focus on establishing a relationship with Jamie. I left his bed reluctantly on Sunday morning, showered, and drove home, prepared for whatever would happen once Kody and my children returned home.
I walked around my home, taking my time through each room that I’d carefully decorated, marveling at how fast life can change. On Friday, Freedom was the furthest from my mind. By Sunday, he’d resurfaced to the top of my mind and heart. My boys would soon learn they had different fathers and may end up living under different roofs. Kody would certainly demand custody if Freedom were in the picture, and although he struggled to be patient with KJ’s hyperactivity at times, he loved his son. I might be the better parent, but he was still a good one.
Kody arrived home first and entered the side door by the kitchen, and smiled when he saw me at the stove. “Smells good. Please say it’s your famous lamb and potatoes?”
“It is. Felt like cooking for my family.” I glanced at him, and my stomach churned from the glow that enveloped him and the recognition that whoever he’d spent the weekend with made him feel like Freedom made me feel. He walked behind me, kissed my cheek, and looked over my shoulder at the food on the stove.
I asked, “How did the rest of the weekend go with Alloid Group?”
“Good. They have a couple of projects that’ll start in six weeks. If they like what we do with the renovations to the rec center, they’ll give us more work. You were right to underbid. They chose us over other Atlanta-based companies.” He squeezed my shoulders and moved to the refrigerator. “When are the boys coming home?”
“They’re on the road now. Probably within an hour or so. I’m cooking for everyone.”
“Guess we don’t have time to get it in.” He pulled out a bottle of water and leaned against the counter, watching me. “How did the rest of the weekend go with the reunion? From the pics I saw, it looks like it was a success.”
“It was. Had a fun weekend catching up.”
“Did you and Freedom speak again?”
“Yep.” I looked over my shoulder at him before refocusing on the stove. “Freedom wants to meet Jamie the next time he’s in town. I figure we wait a couple of weeks to tell Jamie while we still process it. Maybe one Friday after school, while KJ is with one of his friends. I can do it myself, but I think we need to have a united front, so Jamie knows you still love him.”
“Did you discuss child support?” He asked.
“No, though he’s already opened an account in Jamie’s name and deposited money. Don’t believe we’ll have to fight him for child support.”
An impressed Kody nodded. “Did he tell you how much?”
“No, and I didn’t ask. Freedom wanted to tell him and let him see the amount whenever they met.”
