Page 31 of More to Love

This morning I had a new attitude. I wanted a man that was already spoken for and that was the blatant truth. Where I wanted to give him my ass to kiss, I couldn’t because then my emotions would show. He didn’t have that privilege to get anything else raw from me.

“She does. I’ll be in the car.”

He walked out and I headed upstairs to gather Akeera. She was sitting on the bed not wanting to move. She was halfway dressed not wanting to finish herself. We’d been going through this for a while now and I didn’t mind.

“Beautiful one we have to finish. We can’t skip school today.”

“I don’t feel good. I’m tired Ri.”

“I know you are, but if you can help me then I promise I’ll have a treat for you after school.”

Usually when I mentioned treats, she would jump at it, but she didn’t this morning which caused concern. I got a better look at her face and her high yellow skin blush red. Something was wrong. I placed the back of my hand to her forehead and felt that she was burning up.

I gently laid her down and ran to get the thermometer out of the bathroom to take her temp. She was quickly scanned, and her temperature was 102.4 degrees. I immediately changed her back to a set of pajamas and tucked her back in bed.

“So, you have a fever and have to take some medicine. Are you okay with that?”

She gave a slight nod, and I went to retrieve it from the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. I poured up her directed dosage and administered it. She gave me no fuss about taking it.

“Are you hungry or anything?” She shook her head from side to side like I knew she would. “What about something to drink? I believe I bought some Pedialyte the other day.”

“Yes. Ri, can you stay with me in my room? I don’t want you to go.”

This precious girl won my heart over without applying any pressure. She could ask me to do whatever, and I would jump at it. There was an instant love developed for her. She was too sweet and adorable not to give her that kind of affection.

“Sure, sweet pea. Let me go tell your father that school is a no go today and grab your juice. I’ll be right back.”

I gave her a soft kiss on her cheek and headed downstairs to take care of what I just briefed her on. Hendrix was still waiting in the car for us to join him. I knocked on the window and waited for him to roll it down.

“Where my baby at?”

“She’s back in bed. Can you call the school and let them know she has a fever?”

“Yeah. I’ll do that now. What does she need?”

“Is this her first time being sick?”

“The last time she got sick was years ago. If I’m not mistaken, it was about three years ago. She catches slight colds, but they’re usually gone within a day or two. Is she alright?”

By this time, he was stepping out of the car and we were continuing the discussion as we reentered the house. He followed me to the kitchen and stood by as I fixed a small cup of Pedialyte for Akeera. I hated that she wasn’t her bubbly self. I always looked forward to her smiles.

“The only thing she requested was me not to leave her bedroom, so I’m bound to her four walls for the day. Is that alright with you?” I questioned.

“Whatever she wants, she gets. What can I get you so that you’re comfortable?”

His hand casually held on to mine as we stood there talking everything over. I wanted to remove myself from his grip, but I was also enjoying the fact that he touched me without a second thought. However, boundaries were set, and I wanted him to understand he didn’t have me like that anymore.

“I’ve asked you to stop touching me. Why can’t you respect that?” I tried not to show attitude, but I was trying to make a point.

“Because the f⁠—”

“Alright y’all. I’m heading out.” His words were cut short when Aviana jogged down the stairs, making us aware of her presence. He stepped back, creating the distance I’d requested earlier. “Why aren’t y’all gone yet? What’s the hold up?”

“Akeera has a fever. I’m heading up to tend to her now. Enjoy your day Aviana. It’s a pretty one. Excuse me.”

I stepped around her and continued upstairs. Hendrix didn’t understand the effect he had on me. If that man would’ve said fuck his woman and for me to bend over right then and there, I probably would’ve done it. That was how hot and bothered he made me feel. Those boundaries were more for me than they were him.

As a woman that was big on acting like a lady, I was willing to throw my morals away once more to get another round with him. My body hadn’t recovered from the rendezvous we indulged in the first time.