“Okay,” I breathed, still feeling the effects of his kiss. “I want to stay, too.”
25
With my back pressed against the front door and my eyes shut tight, I tried to say goodbye on Wednesday morning.
“I need more time with you,” Lamar growled, before crashing his lips against mine.
Minutes passed, and it was clear we were both getting riled up. I placed my hand on his thick erection that stretched his boxer briefs enticingly.
He moaned into my mouth. “Don’t start what you can’t finish.”
Pulling out of the kiss, I stared up at him. “If I didn’t have to work, I’d stay longer. If you didn’t have to work, I’d stay all day.”
He gave me a soft kiss. “I was thinking… this weekend’s game is in New York… But next weekend is a home game. You could come up on Friday”—he kissed one cheek—“and you could just stay here and chill until I get back from practice on Saturday, and then we could do whatever”—he kissed the other cheek—“and then you could come to the game on Sunday.” He kissed my lips. “What do you think?”
“It gives me more time with you, and it marks another thing off my list,” I said with a grin. “I think I like that plan very much.”
We finally said goodbye, and he watched me until I drove away. I was downright giddy as I headed toward the highway. It was a fifty-eight-minute drive to Richland, and I probably smiled the whole way as I replayed the night in my head.
As happy as I was, it was still a long day.
But as soon as I left work, I called Aunt Addy.
“Addison, your favorite author is on the phone,” Monica announced when she answered. “Jazmyn, your aunt and I were reading those chapters you sent all day yesterday. We’re ready for that final chapter. We need to know who did it!”
“Thank you!” Grinning, I felt a mixture of pride and excitement as I turned onto the main road. “Hey, Aunt Addy!” I greeted her. “I’mgoing to be done with the book tomorrow. I didn’t have time to work on it last night, but I’m almost finished.”
“Addison is smiling,” Monica reported. “We’re on the edge of our seats!”
“I’m so glad you liked it.” The tiredness that had plagued me all day temporarily evaporated as my pride and glee gave me a rush. “Now tell me about your day.”
“Addison had some breakfast, took a nap, and now she’s watching some game shows. She’s pointing at the football, so I think she wants to know about your beau.”
Snickering, I shook my head. Even though Monica was speaking, if my aunt could’ve said it, she would’ve. “He’s not my beau! But Lamar and I did go out last night. It was a double date with his best friend. It was really nice.”
“Met his family. Met his friends. Go on dates. Yep, sounds like ‘just friends’ to me,” Monica teased.
“Haha,” I mocked. “Aunt Addy, I just called to check on you, and Monica has jokes!”
“Addison shook her head because she agrees with me!” Monica laughed lightly. “But Addison has been doing well, is getting her rest, and she’s got plans to see Rose tomorrow.”
“I like what I’m hearing! I’m glad you’re doing okay and feeling okay, Aunt Addy. I love you, and I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Saying goodbye, I sat in my sadness for a moment. It felt like I hadn’t heard her voice in forever.
My heart ached.
And then I thought about her enjoying my story, and I smiled.
Even though I was tired, I went into my apartment, pulled out my laptop, and worked on that final chapter.
I had high hopes of finishing on Wednesday, but I was asleep by seven thirty. But I did finish Thursday night, and I sent it off to Aunt Addy’s email account. And Friday after work, Monica called and told me that they loved it. I didn’t realize how happy and fulfilled I felt hearing the praise.
I told Lamar when he called and got the same reaction.
“I’m proud of you,” Lamar told me as I curled up in the bed. I hadhim on speakerphone, propped up on the pillow next to me. “You said this was something you’ve always wanted to do, and now look at you. That’s what’s up!”
“Thank you.” I grinned, letting the warmth of his words coat me.
