Page 48 of So I Know it's Real

“Why are you saying no?” Durk quizzed. “You better get up there and do your shit. Don’t be worried. I already told you what I’ll do to a nigga for laughing at you.”

Tickled and tipsy, I tossed back the rest of my drink and then danced to the front of the audience. The lead dancer instructed us newbies to start slowly and progress to a quick whine. A warm breeze bathed my skin, ushering a smile on my face as I put on a show. I couldn’t recall a time I had ever felt so free, especially under the lustful eyes of a man, yet the more Durk cheered me on, the looser I got. Once my impromptu dance lesson ended, I giggled all the way back to my seat.

“That was so much fun! I swear I’ll never forget this day.” I shimmied my shoulders. “Now, it’s time to get in the water.”

Durk shuffled in his seat as he reached for his glass.

“Don’t be scared, my love. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Lucky, please.” He grumbled. “I’m much bigger than you. Plus, you don’t have a floating device this time.”

A sliver of frustration drove my lip between my teeth. “All right. Let’s just get our feet wet.”

Durk laughed but didn’t smile. “I’m creating a monster. Let’s roll.”

We took a shot for the road then hiked down to the water. It wasn’t far from the party, but the blend of liquor and walking through sand wasn’t the best combination.

“Aww, hell nah! The sun is about to go down!” Durk exclaimed once we approached the shoreline.

“That makes it even better. Come on! I’m going to teach you how to float. If you can float, you can swim.”

Durk griped and moaned, but he stepped out of his sandals and removed his shirt. Sculpted to the gods, his dark skin glistened under the falling sunlight. No matter how intoxicated I felt, I wasn’t at the point where I would get naked in public, so I kept my dress on as I strolled into the small waves.

“Lucky, wait! What are you doing?”

“Come get me!”

I ran out of his reach but spun around once the water reached my waist.

“Why are you playing with me, woman?” Durk asked as he latched his hands under my arms and lifted me out of the water.

“It was the only way I could get you out here,” I replied, looking down at him. “I have a feeling you’ll go to the end of the earth to find me.”

“You damn right. Now, show me what to do.”

I clapped excitedly once I was back in the water. “All right. The first thing you must do is relax. If you’re tense, you won’t float. Your body must be leveled. Think of it like laying on water.”

The first few times Durk tried to float, his body lowered beneath the water like a rock, but once he got the hang of it, I removed my hands from under his back and thighs. When his lids lowered, the butterflies in my belly went wild. An immense sense of pride overpowered my body, bringing tears to my eyes. He would probably curse me out at the thought, but the tattooed man resembled something out of heaven. His willingness to be vulnerable in my company was beautiful.

I was in love...

“Daddy,this was sweet, but you did not have to make lunch,” I said, eyeing the spread of sandwiches, potato salad, and chips on the kitchen table.

My daddy kissed my cheek before walking to the sink and washing his hands. “The boys called and said they were hungry after their appointment. I got to keep the champs fed.”

I rolled my eyes. “They had to fast before their appointment, but they are being dramatic. They only missed breakfast.”

After the twins fixed a plate and found a spot in the den, my daddy cornered me before I could join them.

“How are you doing, baby girl? Are you feeling fine?”

I looked at him skeptically. “Yes. Why do you think something is wrong?”

“Your mom told me you have a doctor’s appointment this afternoon.”

“Oh. It’s nothing serious. Just an appointment with my lady doctor,” I replied, hoping it would stop his prying.

“Lady doctor, huh?” He scanned me with narrowed-eyed scrutiny. “You’re glowing. Must be that man. This has been your longest relationship since Calvin.”

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