“I’m here now.” His arms returned to my waist. “Mrs. Finch is at my house watching her.”
“Aww…my man is growing up and actually listening to his woman.”
He shook his head wryly. “You better behave. There’s a woman at my place waiting for me to come home.”
We chuckled.
“Oh, I bet Mrs. Finch loved that you asked her. She’s determined to get some from you,” I teased. “What made you change your mind about a babysitter?”
Jashaun cupped my face with his smooth palms. “Love.”
I exhaled at the simplest explanation of all.
He continued, “I love that I make your heart flutter. I love that I make you smile. I love that I make such a strong woman weak for me. I love you, Soraya Bryant, and I love that you want to show me off like I plan to show you off for the rest of my life.”
“What are you saying, Mr. Howard?” I wrapped my arms around his neck, craving him, loving him, wanting him to take me out of my sexual misery.
“I want to be your husband one day. So, all this breaking up with me and pouting when I say or do something you don’t like ends now. We hash it out until we come to an agreement or compromise.”
“Duly noted.” I poked his forehead. “You are one of the most stubborn men I know besides my daddy. You’ll see when you meet him.”
He grinned. “Ooh, I get to meet the parents in New Jersey.”
I caressed his nape. “You mean your future-in-laws?”
Jashaun beamed. “First, I need to formally introduce you to Jussica. What about we go with you on that trail ride next weekend? You can teach her all about horses while I keep my distance.”
“Wait…you don’t like horses?” I arched a brow.
“Nothing against them. Fell off one once, so I’m good on that.”
“Nope, you’re getting back on.”
He shook his head. “On second thought, what if I introduce you to her as my girlfriend tomorrow, and if she’s still comfortable with you, then you take her on the trail ride?”
My head flung back in laughter and belief that he and I might just be forever.
ELEVEN
jashaun
The next Saturday,I worked in my home office while Soraya spent the day with Jussica at a trail ride. Jussica could barely sleep and woke up earlier than usual, so excited about horses and being with Soraya. She barely batted an eye when I held Soraya’s hand, nervously yet proudly, and told my daughter that we were together. I wanted to add that we would marry one day, and Soraya, anticipating my words, stopped me. She later pulled me to the side and rightfully told me to take it one step at a time, and that whenever I decided to officially propose, to include Jussica in the ask. And after that introduction, she has visited Soraya’s place daily. Now they’d been gone for most of the day and would return soon. For once since I’d been a father, I was able to just be without feeling guilty about neglecting my daughter or my woman. My Spotify blasted my fav dirty south playlist.Ms. Jacksonby Outcast had been on repeat three times when my doorbell buzzed.
When I checked my phone, I cursed.
Mara stood at the entrance with folded arms, shades covering her eyes, and the audacity to show up unannounced.
I buzzed her in and texted my mother and Soraya that Mara had returned and was at my place. I opened the door before she knocked lightly. She coolly said, “Hello. I’m here to get Jussica.”
Refusing to address her while she stood in the hallway, wordless, I stepped back and allowed her into my home. She walked past me, her high ponytail bouncing with every determined step, and called for Jussica.
“She’s with my girlfriend,” I replied calmly, knowing that the tornado brewing within both of us would unleash any minute.
“Figures.” Mara crossed her arms and scowled deeply. “When will they get back?”
“Not sure. They’ve been gone since this morning. If you’d called and told me you were coming today, I would’ve told you to come see her tomorrow.”
She frowned. “You mean, you would’ve made sure Jussica stayed here so she could see me?”
