Page 7 of Bully

Moore’s chuckle was sexy as he lowered his gaze down my frame. “Enough.” Licking his lips, he returned his eyes to mine. “Your man can’t take the trash out for you?”

“I don’t have one.”

“Can I handle that for you then? Otherwise, please make sure you put a chair or something in front of that gate door, beautiful. You could’ve gotten seriously hurt climbing over that gate.”

“I know, I know. I wouldn’t have done something so extreme, but my baby is here and I didn’t want her to be alone. Lesson learned though, and if you want to handle it from here on out, I would really appreciate that.”

“I got you. I can reach the lock from outside the gate, so I’ll take care of it when I do mine.”

“How can I thank you?”

Moore smiled. “By being careful and taking care of you and your baby.”

“I can do that,” I agreed softly.

“Good.” Our eyes remained locked for a while before he added, “Have a good day…”

“Innvy,” I offered, extending my hand for him to shake.

“Innvy,” he repeated, slowly enunciating each syllable. “Have a good day, Innvy.”

“Thank you, Moore. You too.”

I watched as he crossed the yard and walked away, unintentionally planting his features in my memory. He was definitely my type—tall, dark, handsome, and tattooed. But that didn’t matter. I didn’t suspect the ghost of my relationship with Bully would let me entertain another man any time soon.

I made my way back upstairs to finish getting me and Innah ready. Since I had a long day with six clients, I would drop her off with my parents. My tribe made being an unexpected single mother as easy as they could have, but I tried not to take advantage of their willingness to help. At the end of the day, Innah belonged to me and Bully, and just because he wasn’t here, that didn’t give me an excuse to pawn her off on anyone else.

She was dressed too cute in a jean dress and gold jewelry ensemble, so I took a few pictures, got her settled in the car, and then we headed out. I noticed a dark car across from my home, but I didn’t give it a second thought since the house across from mine was for sale. Maybe someone was about to tour it.

My parents’ home was about a twenty minute drive from mine, and the whole ride, I thought about my encounter with Moore. He was the first man I’d admit to being attracted to since Bully left. He also made me blush. It didn’t matter. The man hadn’t even expressed interest, but if he had, I would have turned him down. I decided to call Neo and check in to get my mind off him, and we talked until I pulled up to my parents’ home.

I wasn’t able to get Innah out of her seat before the front door was opening and Daddy met me halfway. He gave me a side hug and kiss on the cheek before taking a grinning Innah out of my arms. She loved both of my parents but she gravitated toward my daddy. That made my heart ache because it made me believe she would have been a daddy’s girl if Bully was around. It was always bittersweet watching her interact with Daddy. He and the crew did everything they could for her and me, and I was eternally grateful for that.

Since I had a long day, I didn’t plan to stay long, but I did want to speak to Ma. She was standing at the door ready to slather Innah’s face with kisses. The sound of Innah’s giggles made my heart light. Life wasn’t all cupcakes and champagne, but I had a happy, healthy baby, and that’s all that mattered at the end of the day.

“Hey, baby,” Mama greeted me as she gave me a hug.

“Hey, Ma. How are you?”

“Good. You look nice.”

“Thank you.”

“You got time for breakfast?”

My head shook as Daddy looked back for my response. “Nah, busy day.”

“Can I at least make you a quick smoothie or yogurt bowl?” Daddy asked.

I opted out of telling him I planned to stop by Starbucks and told him I’d take the yogurt bowl since I could have that later for lunch. He wasted no time getting Innah set up in her chair before starting on it, which gave Ma time to ask me about my morning. I told them about the gate slamming shut behind me, and while Ma was as amused as I was, Daddy was furious.

“From now on, don’t even bother with that shit, V. I’ll do it,” he offered.

“You don’t have to. My next door neighbor said he would. He saw the whole thing on his camera and came to check on me shortly after.”

“Well that was nice of him. Is he single?”

“Ma.” My eyes rolled as I shook my head. “Please don’t start.”

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