My God, help me! I may not recover if Alijah isn’t being genuine with me.
Stop being dramatic. Even if this isn’t real, you’re strong enough to dust yourself off again.
My conscience is real bipolar today with these various statements in my mind. But the truth is, I’m here and won’t let doubt make me change my mind about this man.
“I need a shower and a nap. Damn, I’m tired.”
“Mhm. But tell the truth—it felt good to get some air.” Alijah laughs, and I want to punch him as I pull away and see the mischievous grin.
“You’re so wrong. The next time you suggest some air, I’m ignoring you.”
Alijah’s laughter increases as he leads us back to the parking lot where his vehicle is parked. I have to fight the giddy feeling that surges through me when Alijah interlocks our hands for the return walk.
“What do you want to do the rest of the evening?”
“Watch a movie and color,” I say.
“Man, I ain’t colored in years, but I got you. Just don’t tell anybody. I can’t lose my G card over that girly shit.”
This isn’t my first relationship, but it definitely feels different than the others. Sex with Alijah is different, and time with Alijah feels new. All of it makes me want more moments with him. Despite the rigorous jog, it wasn’t too bad because I did it with Alijah by my side. Alijah jogged at my pace when it got to be too much, and I’m grateful that he considered me, even with that small gesture.
“Alright, before we get in, we need to stretch so you don’t get stiff. It should help with any soreness,” Alijah says when we’re on the passenger side of his vehicle.
“Why can’t you stretch me after the shower?” I pout.
A low chuckle escapes Alijah’s mouth as he shakes his head before he speaks again.
“While I would love nothing more, not doing so now will prevent me from spreading those legs later. Help me, help us.” Alijah winks and then demonstrates the stretches he wants me to do.
Without another word of rebuttal and the thought of missing out on sex with him tonight, I follow his lead. At first, I want to cry from the initial stretch, but after a couple of seconds, the discomfort fades. By the time we’re done and I’m in the passenger seat, I appreciate Alijah’s foresight. My body doesn’t feel as pained, tight, or strained as it did when our jog ended. A goofy smile forms as we pull out of the spot headedtoward home. Ooh, who knew the meaning of home would hit differently so soon.
Chapter 18
Alijah
“No. I understand. But if you could just—no, that won’t be necessary. I appreciate your time. Thank you. Please let me know if—” Deshona pulls the phone away from her ear and slams it down on the island.
When Deshona’s head drops into her hands, I stand up and make my way to her. I bend slightly and wrap her body into my arms before I place light kisses on her cheek, neck, and the back of her head.
“Having a bad day, mama?”
Deshona nods her head, and I tighten my grip when a light sniffle hits my ears.
“That’s the third person who’s snapped at me today. It must be shit on Deshona day or something. I still have two more hours before I can log off and forget about all of it until tomorrow.”
The wheels in my head turn as I think about ways to improve her evening. A smile upturns my lips when several things come to mind. Deshona gave me some direction on what her man can supply, and today is the perfect time to show, not tell.
“Finish your day. I got you after you’re done.” I kiss her head again, then return to my laptop and send an instant message to my boss.
A. Dawson:I need to log off early to handle something personal.
M. Kinley:No problem. Have a good evening.
A. Dawson:You do the same.
I close all my open programs and then shut down my laptop. Once that’s done, I stand and stretch, then pick up my laptop before I leave the kitchen. Thankfully, Deshona is back to work and oblivious to my moves. When I reach my bedroom, which can possibly be transformed into a joint office since Deshona and I have been sleeping together, I partially close the door and do a quick search before I put the night's plans into place. After that, I leave the room, make a pit stop in Deshona’s room to grab some things, and then proceed to the bathroom.
More than anything, I appreciate time being on my side, so I return to the kitchen in no time to retrieve a flustered Deshona. Her face is red, her eyes look sad, and her shoulders are uptight, which makes my plans for right now perfectly timed. Wordlessly, I remove the laptop from her hand and place it on the island. Then I take her by the hand before I lead her out of the kitchen and around the corner toward the bathroom.
