“Playing video games? Or passing that test of yours?” she offered.
He grimaced. “No, not that. And especially since I failed, and I can’t take another for a few months.”
“Oh no, Solomon, I’m sorry.” She gasped, bringing her hands to her mouth. “Oh goodness, I hope everything with me didn’t distract you from what you were supposed to be working on.”
“I admit that failing was not a fun experience, but I think it was just the nail in the coffin that I needed.”
“For what?”
“My pride. My self-righteousness. Thinking that I was better than my parents because I was choosing to do something impactful while they only focused on expanding their business. Forgetting that they’re good people, and the reasons behind some of their moves are not always as materialistic as I think. And the pride that I had thinking I had to hide that part, especially with you.”
“But Solomon, you didn’t lie to me. I was just hurt and frustrated and, honestly, embarrassed.”
“But I had plenty of opportunities to give you more information. I didn’t because I wondered if who I was and the family that I came from would affect how you felt about me.”
Kenya sat up, slowly stretched her legs out. She inhaled and exhaled and turned her head to him.
“Howdo youfeel about me?” she breathed.
He glanced at her and then looked out over the valley below.After a few moments, he lifted his hands, placing them into the shape he’d seen her do several times.
She glanced over and cackled. “Do you need help with directions, Dr. Solomon?”
Remaining quiet he dropped his right hand, leaving the left one formed into an L.
Heat crept up his neck, lodged in his throat. “I want this to mean more to you than what direction to take. I want you to know that I love you, and I need to tell you what I would have said—”
“What? I—” Her voice sounded thick. “I love you too.”
“Wait before you kiss me.”
She giggled at his words.
“I need to tell you what I would have said if I had had the guts to call you back that—”
“Oh, Solomon, you don’t have to do that. I’m good. I—”
“Hi, my name is Solomon Anruchi.” He wouldn’t let her finish her excuses. “I’m a doctor of physical therapy working under a temporary license until I take another test in January. My parents own Fayson Couture, along with Fayson Incorporated, and although they always wanted me to take over the business, that is not what my heart wants to do. I like to plan because I’m afraid of being out of control, and when I met this incredible woman, my heart”—he placed his hand on his chest—“lost control. And it scared me. Because this woman was not only beautiful but vibrant and exciting, full of life and passion that blew open my boxes. And I knew my life would not be the same as soon as I met her.”
“Now who is the dramatic one?” Kenya swiped at her eyes.
“What I’m trying to say is that I’m sorry—”
Kenya put her hand out, turning her face away. “Solomon, you don’t have to—”
He grabbed her hand, tugging her until she was a breath away. “Let me finish, woman.”
Her eyes widened, but she stayed silent, a smile toying at her lips.
“I’m sorry I, or anyone else, made you feel like you weren’t good enough. I’m sorry for your shame, and I pray...” He reached over to brush imaginary debris off her shoulders. “I pray shame off you. Hit the door, Jack.”
“And don’t come back. No more,” she breathed.
“No more,” he echoed. “Now we kiss.”
She grinned like the setting sun, placed a hand on either side of his face, and pressed her lips to his.
36
