Page 31 of And It’s Still You

Three beeps indicated the call had ended. Shea and I glanced at one another before bursting into laughter.

“You didn’t have to do him like that.” I snorted, wiping the tears from my eyes.

“He better watch himself, real shit. If he becomes a problem, let me know.”

“I don’t think he will, but I’ll let you know if he does.” Shea side-eyed me, and I snaked my neck at him. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Let me find out he’s one of yo’ needs.”

“Neil? Hell nah. He has community dick. I’d never lower myself to or open my legs to someone who will fuck any woman walking. Let me find out you’re jealous, Shea.”

“Jealous? Never that. Territorial? As fuck.”

“Trust me, I know.”

“Did you ever figure out where I’m taking you?”

Honestly, I’d forgotten all about it. I was too focused on trying not to bend over the desk and tell Shea to fuck me to an oblivion. It took me a second to alter my thoughts, and when I did, my eyes widened.

“Zip lining?” I asked.

“’Bout time you figured it out. I thought it would be a good way to make up for some of the things I missed out on, the things I didn’t do with you. How much longer do you have to work?”

“Uh, I need to go over at least three more accounts before I call it a day, so maybe two hours.”

“That’s cool. I’m going to go handle a few things, and I’ll be back to pick you up. If you get done before then, just call me.”

“Will do.”

Softly, Shea pecked my lips and headed toward the door. I called out to him, stopping him in his tracks. He turned around and eyed me.

“What’s up, Love?”

“I, uh . . . I can save this for later if you want some company.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. My report isn’t due until the end of the week, but I like to stay on top of things. Like I said before, I need some fresh air, and I’d love to ride around with you like I used to.”

Car rides were our thing. As teenagers, we would ride around for hours, listening to music and just vibing. When Shea got into JMG, the car rides lessened. He never wanted me riding with him while he worked, but sometimes, I could sucker him into it. Those were the best rides. No one could tell me anything, being O’Shea Collier’s girlfriend riding shotgun while he made his plays. It was crazy how things changed.

Shea’s smile was contagious as he agreed and told me to get ready. I tidied up his office and went to his room to shower. I’d fallen in love with his bathroom. It was spacious and like a woman’s dream with the tub and separate shower with two showerheads. I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d had any woman there before, but I quickly dismissed the thought because I’d have an attitude for no reason.

Once I was clean, moisturized, and dressed in my favorite workout set, I made sure my pixie was laying perfectly before going to find Shea. He was standing on his back patio, on the phone while smoking. From where I stood, I could see that he was on a video call with his father and sisters. I didn’t want to interrupt, but when he noticed me, he waved for me to join him.

Shea held the blunt out to me. Hesitantly, I took it. I didn’t smoke often, only on special occasions or when I had the urge to. With everything that had been going on, I needed a little something to take the edge off.

“Oh, shit. Not you got Moya smoking.” August cackled. “Hey, girl.”

“Hey, August. How are you?”

“I’m good, girl. Tired of being in the damn house, but Onyx and O are holding us hostage. How are you? You look good. My brother got that glow back for you, huh?”

I blushed and passed the blunt back to Shea, instantly feeling the high hit me. “Maybe he does. Maybe it’s all me.”

“Well, whatever it is, it looks good on you.”

“Thank you. Hey, Wednesday and Onyx.”