“Why do you want me Bentley? I’m damaged goods? Tarnished and tattered,” I stated. I figured it was time to call a spade a spade.
“I pride myself on having the rarest things this world has to offer. Heidi Mitchell, if you were anything average, I would not be trying so hard to make you Mrs. Bentley Atkins. Your voice settles me, your laugh soothes me, and when you call me love, I tend to soften. I like women in general, but you… Yeah, I’m figuring out what all it takes just to love you. I know what I want, and I know what I need. I saw you on my thirty-first birthday and been mesmerized ever since. Imagine me seeing you walk back in my life a year later. I felt like the luckiest man alive. Don’t take that feeling away from me,” he expressed.
He gave me an earful and every word he spoke was with conviction as well as confidence. This man was letting me know he wanted me just as much as he needed me. I’d heard both Royce and Genesis voice their feelings about their wives out loud. I’d seen both of them niggas show their wives how much they loved them out loud. Here I was having the same cloth cut man doing the same for me. He wasn’t budging on choosing me and that had my pussy purring uncontrollably. With my guard being up for so long, I didn’t think a man could have such effect on me.
“You want me, you don’t need me,” I corrected him just to see how he’d respond.
“My wants play on my needs. What I want is a woman that can love me unconditionally. However, I need that unconditional love to come from you. What I want is a loving family, but I need your womb to produce it. What I want is a bond so unbreakable muthafuckas gon’ be questioning why I’m God’s favorite. However, I need them to know that bond was built with you, and you alone. I’m not a fool Heidi. I know how to respect my woman as well as love and cherish her. I’ve always been an appreciative man so understand when your name goes from Mitchell to Atkins, things gon’ change. I can promise you that.”
“Bentley.”
“Mrs. Atkins… Damn, that shit sound good,” he replied with a smirk.
It does, but I am not ready… for marriage or you!
“Can we just eat and not think about us? We’ve been here for a while and haven’t even made a decision on a wine. Let’s focus on that, please,” I said switching gears.
“There’s a us?” he inquired with a raised brow and sly grin.
I’m feeling you Bentley Atkins, so I guess there is.
“Wave the hostess over so we can satisfy my appetite. Is that alright with you? I mean, I enjoy speaking with you and everything but big mama hungry,” I jested.
He offered a chuckle and threw his hand up. He listened, and I appreciated that so much. When I spoke, he answered with a reply from understanding. Bentley Atkins was no Royce or Genesis, but he was still an Atkins. Those men knew what they wanted and stood ten toes behind their decision.
I knew this was going to be a hell of a challenge moving forward, but I was preparing myself mentally. Men were unpredictable but the Atkins men weren’t. Bentley wasn’t giving me a choice in this, but I appreciated the fact that he allowed meto think there was one. I hadn’t thought as a wanted woman in years. This was new and somewhat arduous.
However, I wasn’t walking away this time. Love was a game to others, but I lucked up finding someone who wanted it just as bad as I did. Time and distance were the real test.
Roxanne was back with a smile on her face. “What can I get you two tonight?”
“I hadn’t had a chance to glance at the menu, but I ate Coq Au Vin a time before. I’ll settle on that,” I said handing over the menu.
“I’ll have the same paired with a Pinot Grigio. Thank you,” Bentley answered.
Nodding, she walked away leaving us alone once more. I cleared my throat and brought up the invitation Niyani gave for her man’s album release party. The conversation had been of nothing light, and many bases were covered. Seeing him again was likely.
“So, I will be in Miami soon for an album release party for Phoenix. My best friend dates him. Is there anything I should know?” I inquired. I didn’t need to know shit, but it felt good throwing bait out there.
“Nah, just make sure they know I’m your plus one beautiful.”
Hmph! You catch on fast.
You never really know someone until they’re put in uncomfortable positions. I was curious to see if all that protective talk had actions behind it.
“That wasn’t an open invitation love.”
“Was it not? I mean, if you wanted more time with me, that was all you had to say.”
“Why would I want more time?” I countered.
“This is the last you’ll be seeing me beautiful. Either make it count or plan for more. It’s clear you’re choosing the latter,” hesaid keeping his sharp eyes on me. I couldn’t tear my gaze away if I wanted to. His presence was very demanding.
“It’s that easy?”
“What? Fuckin’ with me? Hell yeah. Whenever I’m needed, I’ll forever be one call away,” he assured me.
He’s dreamy, but you don’t know that man Heidi. He’s willing to earn you… so make him.
