“Might be time for you to go cut it all off.” MJ’s hairline had started receding early, and when he got tired of the jokes, he shaved his head bald. “Give it up.”
Time to steer this conversation to the matter at hand. “I got shit to do. What’s up, bruh?”
“Listen, a partner of mine got a lead on some property on the west side of your state, between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.”
Curious, I asked, “Where at?”
“A town called Wellspring. Heard of it?”
“Yeah.” When we were kids, my parents couldn’t afford to take us on extravagant vacations, so we spent a lot of time on the road exploring Michigan. Wellspring was a small town, mostly Black population. Like Flint, their economy was tied to a major company, Wellspring Water Corporation. We’d driven through there several times but had never stayed longer than the few minutes it took to fill up the tank. I heard that they’d built the town up, but I still hadn’t made a trip to visit. “What kind of property?”
“Used to be a retreat center. Several smaller cabins, acommon house, a few bungalows. Figured I’d toss the idea to you since you’re diversifying your portfolio and delving more into hospitality.”
My mind started turning with the possibilities. If the land was already zoned for a retreat with several different structures, it would be easier to develop it into what I needed. “How much land?”
“About a hundred and forty acres.”
I didn’t need to be convinced. I was already on it. “Send me the details, bruh.”
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen just in time to see an email notification. “Already done,” he said. “Check your email.”
“Good lookin’.”
After opening the message, I scanned the attached document, made a few notes to myself while MJ informed me about the new product that he would be sending to me. Once I read everything, I forwarded a copy to Laiya. No time like the present to hop on a potential investment opportunity.
“You should receive your supply next week,” MJ confirmed. “It’s time to eat. Oh, Mo told me to tell you hi.” He snickered. “She also told me she might leave her husband if you’re interested.”
Monica had kept in touch over the years, too. I’d managed to avoid her not-so-sly hints every time she messaged me on social media. She was nice, beautiful. But I learned fairly quickly we were not compatible. “Tell her to stay married.”
MJ cracked up. “Bruh, don’t do my sista like that.”
A soft knock on my office door drew my attention away from the conversation. Everyone had gone home for the weekend, and I wasn’t expecting anyone. Probably was the cleaning lady, but I never wanted to get caught slippin’. With my thumb, I flicked the safety off on the gun I kept on my hip. “Hold on, bruh. Yes,” I called.
Alaiya peeked inside. “Hey. You busy?”
I motioned for her to come in. I peered at my phone. “Tell Mo I said what’s up,” I told MJ. “I’ll keep you posted about that property.”
Ending the call, I stood. “Aren’t you supposed to be at the engagement party?”
She took her coat off and tossed it on an empty chair. But she didn’t move. She simply stood at the door, her eyes locked on mine. “I wanted to talk to you.”
Rounding my desk, I approached her. “Did something happen at court today?”
Alaiya flashed a grin. “That’s why I’m here. To tell you I’m officially single.”
I inched closer to her—until we were so close I could feel the rapid beat of her heart against my chest, smell the hint of mint on her breath. I didn’t respond to her declaration. I just kissed her.
Her low groan as she wrapped her arms around my neck, leaning into me, giving herself and her mouth to me, nearly did me in. When she parted her lips, I dipped my tongue in her mouth. I reached behind her and turned the lock on the door.
No interruptions.
There was no space between us, but she still felt too far away from me. I pinned her against the door. I didn’t give a damn about anything else in that moment but her. She’d offered me a slice of heaven that I never thought I’d reach, and I wanted to hold on to it. Forever.
I can’t let go.
She moaned into my mouth, gripped my hair in her fist and tugged gently. “Spence,” she breathed.
I trailed kisses down her chin, her neck, then back up to her earlobe. Nipping her tender skin, I murmured, “Yes.”
