“Would you be mad if I asked to hang out with Miller tonight?”
“Not that you have to ask me for permission for anything, but why would I be mad?”
“I don’t know, because you just got back. Plus, you were jealous when I spent time with him before, so...” She shrugs her shoulders to punctuate her uncertainty. On the outside, Bree comes across as a strong independent woman who takes no bullshit from anyone, least of all someone she chooses to spend time with. What I’m realizing is the opposite when it comes to her personal relationships.
“Okay, well first of all, I was only jealous of Miller because I thought you might be together. I know that’s not the case now, so nothing to be jealous of. He’s a good dude and he’s your best friend. I get that.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. Guys don’t typically like when their girl hangs out with another guy.”
“Whoever made you feel like you can’t be one-hundred percent yourself and hang out with whoever you want to hang out with can suck my dick.”
She giggles and I’d love nothing more than to kiss her rightnow to show her how unbothered I am by her relationship with Miller.
“I’m serious. I’m not one of those insecure men with trust issues who can’t handle a night away from their woman or the fact that their woman has friends of the opposite sex. I trust you and I trust him. Hell, I spend more time with him right now than I get to spend with you.”
“Thank you.” She squeezes my hand. “We typically have a movie night when he gets back from an away series, but I told him I was busy the past two nights so I could spend them with you.”
“No wonder he was mean mugging me in the locker room yesterday, Bree. I stole his time with you and didn’t even know it.” I chuckle remembering the glare Miller shot me when I walked into the locker room after dropping Bree off at her house. I had no idea what I did, but the guy looked like I pissed in his cereal all night.
“He’s just a drama king. He’ll be fine. He was texting me earlier asking if he could come over tonight after the game, which is progress because normally he just shows up and then yells when the door is unlocked.”
“Speaking of, we need to talk about that. I was distracted the other night, but your door shouldn’t be unlocked in the middle of the night, even if you know I’m coming over.”
“It wasn’t unlocked for that long.”
“How long was it unlocked?”
Her eyes dart to the left when she answers. “Well I don’t know, but that’s not the point.”
“I think it was the point, Princess, but I have an idea.” I pull the brass key out of my pocket and hold it out to her.
“What’s that?” She looks at me curiously.
“A key to my place.”
“You’re giving me a key?”
“I want you to be able to come and go as you please. Easier to be sneaky if you’re not waiting in the hallway for me to comehome.” I wink. The worry this was a fling for her tickled the back of my mind every now and then, especially since she was still adamant we keep our relationship a secret.
I wasn’t going to let that stop me though.
Like Fields said, I just had to keep showing up and prove to her I was in this. It’s why I took her to the community center with me yesterday. Sharing my life with her outside of the mandatory community service hours, the stadium, and the bedroom was important to me. She is important to me.
“Are you asking me to give you a key to my house?” Her skepticism makes me chuckle.
“Nope, you don’t have to do that. Not until you’re ready.” I offer the key again and she finally takes it.
“Until I’m ready? Cocky don’t you think?”
“Confidence. There’s a difference.” Risking it, I lean forward and give her a quick kiss.
“Right, well.” She glances out the door, clears her throat, and stands from the chair, straightening her dress. “Should we head to the meeting?”
“After you.” I wave my hand toward the door, letting her pass, and she slaps my stomach on the way by.
“You’re terrible.”
“No one saw, Princess. Calm down.” I follow her to the door and down the hall to the conference room. We’re the first ones here, which isn’t surprising considering Bree’s need to be early and the most professional in the room.
