Page 10 of Surrender to Love

“I’m not fighting; I just love you,” she says, then turns her head.

I can’t even hide my smile. It’s no doubt bigger than it should be for a nigga my size but I can’t help it. I real shit have loved Kyrah almost from the moment we met. She insisted on just being friends, and because I wanted her, I went with it. Hell, I would have agreed to any fucking thing after that first night. When a man knows, he knows. One look at Kyrah that night at the winery and all I heard in my head was she’s mine. I felt that shit with everything in me, and when she smiled and said my name, I was locked the fuck in.

She might not remember this shit or her words in the morning, but I will and I’ll know she meant it. One thing alcohol will do is have a person speaking the truth and she has told me hers. Twice.

She loves me and I love the hell out of her.

“I love you too, baby,” I say, then wrap my arms around her.

Within seconds she’s asleep and soft snoring fills my ears. She’s definitely intoxicated because this is the first time I’ve heard this. I don’t care though. I love every part of the beautiful ass woman laying on me. She can snore as loudly as she wants.

I don’t fall asleep as easily; I never do. So as gently as I can, I pull my cell out of my pocket, put it on silent, then text Tre. That nigga stays up late like me. It’s already after one. There’s no way I’m going to make it back to Diamond Falls to open in the morning. I would legit have to leave here in four hours.

Me: I need a huge favor.

Tre: This late?

Me: No. In the morning. Can’t open.

Tre: This ain’t about Matika, is it?

Me: Fuck no. Kyrah needed me. Had to come to CF. Not going to make it. Choppa can come in to help with the vehicles. I’ll hit him.

Tre: Bet. I got it but you’re opening the next two Mondays.

While shaking my head, I text:

Me: No prob. Thanks.

Tre: I’ll hit Choppa. Take care of your girl.

After placing my cell on her bedside table, I ease down to get more comfortable and close my eyes. Within minutes, I’m knocked out with her. I don’t get up until I feel her move and say my name.

“Shiro. Shiro.”

“Yeah, baby,” I finally answer.

“What are you doing here?” she asks and I open my eyes. Her pretty but confused gaze settles on me.

“You told me you needed me, so I came.”

“I was at Giselle’s.” Her eyebrows tent then she shakes her head and asks, “And I called you?”

“Yeah, baby. You called and texted, so I came. I’ll always come for you.”

She’s smiling but her head is still shaking. After sighing heavily as hell, she says, “Slice H2O. That shit is strong.”

“You drank that cheap shit? My nephews fuck with that. What y’all doing drinking them shits?”

“Long day and I needed something new,” she says and I notice her eyes drop then her head bows.

“Ay. What’s that about?”

“Life… Bullshit… The past.” She sighs then starts to move but my arm around her stops her.

“Ay. Come on. You can’t just say some shit like that and move. What’s going on with you? Why’d you need Slice H2O?” I insist.

“I need a hot shower and some tea. My head is killing me.”