Page 22 of Mine

“I just… got overwhelmed.”

“Why?”

“I spent so much time trying to mold what I had with my ex into what I needed it to be.” Chuckling, I wiped away a stubborn tear that managed to fall. “Being around men like you, Jason, and Tyler reminds me that relationships and love are easy when your partner is similar to you. Easy when someone puts forth the effort. I feel like I made myself suffer trying to make him someone he wasn’t instead of waiting for someone who could treat me the way I wanted to be treated.”

“I don’t think that was a waste, though. I believe we have to be with people who aren’t what we want so we’ll know what we do want. I also believe being with someone who didn’t give you what you needed will make it easier for you to accept and appreciate someone who does.”

Rasheed turned me in his embrace.

“You might be right,” I almost whispered, making him chuckle.

“Might be.” I smiled, but it turned into a grin when he tilted my head by my chin and kissed me. “You good?”

“Yeah, but I think I need a break from people for a little while.”

“Cool. I’ll uh… give you some space and let your sister know you’re okay.”

When he turned and tried to walk away, I grabbed his arm. “I wasn’t talking about you.”

With a smile, he cupped my cheeks and kissed me again before we headed to my room. We both laughed when Daddy told us to make sure we kept the door open. Rasheed and I talked more about our values and beliefs, principles, future goals. Weeven shared our MyCharts, and I was glad we were open and on the same page. While I wouldn’t say I planned to have sex with him, if it happened, I didn’t want to have to stop and worry about that kind of stuff.

After we parted ways, Mama and Paisley asked me a million questions about him. I answered them all with a smile. I wasn’t sure what would happen between us after the wedding, but this time with Rasheed was healing a part of my soul that had been aching for a really long time.

The Bachelor and Bachelorette Party

“My sweet trouble.”

My eyes closed at the sound of Rasheed’s voice. The co-ed bachelor and bachelorette party was tonight, and I’d been avoiding him all day. It wasn’t really intentional. The stylists came and I was helping them make sure everyone looked good for the party tonight. Before that, we all went shopping because some of us didn’t want to wear what we’d packed to the party. And during breakfast, Grandma had taken up a lot of his time when he wasn’t talking to his parents. When he was free, I stayed away.

After last night, I started feeling like things were moving too fast between us. It could have been because I’d gotten on Facebook for the first time since my conversation with Houston to upload some pictures and videos and he was in my inboxagain. Whatever the case, I played it safe and kept my distance. It didn’t look like I’d be able to do that tonight though.

Turning, I took in a sharp inhale at the sight of him. He was dressed in black slacks and a form fitting black collar shirt that accentuated every rippling muscle he had. Silver and platinum jewelry made his oiled, milk chocolate skin even more decadent. It appeared he’d gotten a fresh line up on his tapered fade, his beard was glistening, and dark shades covered his eyes, adding more sex appeal to his look.

“You’ve been a bad girl.” Rasheed closed the space between us. “You’ve been hiding from me.” Lowering himself to my ear, he said, “When we get back, I’m going to punish you for that.”

“Aww you look so beautiful!” Paisley commented as she and our parents entered the foyer.

Rasheed casually walked away, and I was so surprised and turned on by his threat that I couldn’t speak right away. Paisley’s brows wrinkled as she gripped my arms.

“You okay, Sis?”

Clearing my throat, I nodded, swallowed, and licked my lips. “Y-yeah, I’m okay. You all look great as well. You ready to party, babe?”

“Yaassss,” she cheered as she clapped her hands.

“Good, because tonight is all about you and your man. Don’t worry about anything. We’re going to make sure you have a good time…”

“Good niiight,” Paisley slurred. “I love you!” She tripped stepping down from the small step into the foyer, which threw off her balance, causing her to topple over. Had it not been for Jason catching her, she probably would’ve fell right on her face.

Covering my mouth didn’t stop my laugh from pouring. “Good night, P. Please don’t let my sister hurt herself, bro.”

“I got her, sis,” Jason assured me before picking her up bridal style and carrying her up the stairs.

We were the last few to enter the mansion after the party, and what a party it was. As fun as it was, me, Shayla, Tyler, and Rasheed stayed sober and alert so Jason and Paisley could really have a good time. We didn’t want anyone who had any issues to disturb them, so we took care of everything. By the time we made it back, I was tired.

“Well, good night, guys,” I said with a wave, purposely avoiding Rasheed’s eyes. He’d been teasing me all night. Being close but not close enough to touch. Looking but not speaking. I was craving him, aching for him, and I had no idea what he had in store for me.

Everyone said good night… except Rasheed.

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