Page 85 of Zimyra

Yeah, right…

I push the visor back up and put the gloss back into my purse. I don’t know him as well as I feel like I should by now. Part of that is my fault because I was doing everything to stay away – to keep our relationship strictly professional, but that’s all out the window now. I should’ve known that when he threw me upside the wall and nearly sucked my tongue right out of my mouth. So, today, that’s my goal – to find out everything I need to know about this man. He wants to make himself a part of my life – fine, but I’m going to insert myself into his as well.

He pulls into a parking space. I get out and stretch beneath the warmth of the sun and pull in fresh, morning air. Axel grabs a backpack from the backseat and says, “Alright. Let’s do this.”

“What’s in the backpack?”

“Water and snacks. I can’t have you out here hungry and thirsty.”

I grin.If I am thirsty, it won’t be the kind water can quench.

“This is a nice place,” he says.

“Do they have beautiful parks like this back in Bridgeport?” I ask him.

“Of course, but being one hundred percent honest, I’m not exactly the outdoorsy type.”

“That’s a shame,” I tease.

“Why’s that?”

“Because it’s in nature that makes us closer to our Creator. He made all of this, you know. When you touch a leaf or feel water against your skin, you’re feeling an extension of his love, mercy, and power.”

“I suppose I should get out more, then.”

“Today is a good start.” We take more steps, listening to the birds and watching people walk and run past us. I ask, “What kind of person are you since you’re not the nature type?”

“I’m a person who likes working, making money, and supporting myself. My father instilled hard work in me at a young age.”

“Working is good. Leisure is also good.”

“It is, but it doesn’t pay the bills.”

“No, but it helps you to reset so you’ll be in a better state of mind to work.”

“Oh really, says the woman who wanted to lay on the sofa and eat snacks all day.”

I let out a small laugh.

He says, “What are the men around here doing to cause a woman like you to be single?”

“It’s not them. It’s me. Or, let me put it like this—the best way to avoid drama and stay free of a lot of unnecessary nonsense is to just keep to myself. I’ve mapped out a path for my life. I need to focus and stay on that path. Plus, I’ve always been self-sufficient. I find that most relationships are born out of necessity.Heeither needs something from her, orsheneeds something from him. It’s never really love.”

I glance at him and watch him frown. He says, “That’s a bit harsh.”

I shrug and say, “That’s just how I see things. I don’tneeda man. I take care of myself. Well, last night, you took care of me, but that’s unusual. I take care of myself because you can never really trust anyone, can you?”

“You can. You trust me.”

“I do trust you, but how many hearts have you broken, Axel? I’m sure there were plenty of women who thought you would bethatman for them. Right?”

“Yes.”

“They trusted you. They trusted that you would feel the same way about them that they felt about you and you didn’t. Therefore, you left them with a broken heart after thinking they were going to have some pretty hazel-eyed babies and a handsome husband who wanted to give them the world.”

“Wow! That’s your assessment of me.”

“I know a heartbreaker when I see one.”

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