Page 18 of Can I?

“Like both my parents, but I truly look up to my mama. She’s such an inspiration to me. We umm . . .” I glanced over at him, feeling like I could trust him already. “We got into it, and it was my fault. She didn’t talk to me for almost a month. I felt like I was dying inside. That was why I didn’t want to try to form any new relationships. I knew without her being in my life, I wouldn’t be good for anyone.”

“Damn. That must have been a tough time for you. I saw how happy you were at the diner that day.”

“I forgot you were there to witness that tearful reunion. It was so hard. It’s still hard, because some of the family still ain’t talking to me.”

“What did you do?”

“We’ll save that conversation for another time,” I said as we approached the ramp to go back to our seats.”

“Okay. Can you sit next to me though?”

“I can do that.”

He smiled and grabbed my hand as we walked back in the stands where my family was. The rodeo was in full swing, but I didn’t care about the other events. I only wanted to see the steer wrestling and the bull riding for Red Squared and Carter Legend. Unfortunately, the bull riding was last. It almost didn’t matter, though, because we wouldn’t receive our winnings until everything was over anyway.

When I sat next to him, I looked over at Ashanni, and she winked at me. I smiled and caught a glimpse of my mama as I was turning forward in my seat. She had a slight smile on herface as well. Finally, things were back on the up and up, and I couldn’t wait to see where this thing with Ferris would go.

CHAPTER EIGHT

FERRIS

Ididn’t give a damn where we were going to eat. I just wanted to be near her again. Milana had such a sweet spirit. That was her dominant aura. As with any woman, I could tell she had a little fight in her if you crossed her wrong, maybe even a lil ratchet behavior just by the way she talked. She was so cool, though, and I just wanted to be right next to her to soak it all up.

After we’d finished eating, she went back to her original seat next to Ashanni and their other cousin that was always with them. She ate all that damn food, and for a minute, I thought she was gonna suck the bones like my grandmother used to do. She’d suck those damn bones until they were white. To hell with that. I didn’t know why she used to do that shit.

We ended up deciding on the Southern Kitchen and Bar once Red Squared and Carter Legend won their events. I swore those white people were looking like somebody pissed in their food when those three black people claimed their buckles and winnings. They’d get over that shit eventually. Whenever black folks were in the competition, our goal was to dominate. Milana was all smiles when she accepted her money. She was amazing at what she did. I had no choice but to respect her hustle.

“So, did you and Ashanni talk while we were gone?”

“Talk for what? She said she ain’t ready to settle down just yet. I respect her for being honest with me. She knew I was feeling her, but she also knows that I’m older and could possibly be ready to lock somebody down. While I feel like she’s too young, I can’t stop thinking about her ass. She’s so fucking beautiful.”

I nodded. My hope was that she would eventually change her mind, because Asad was feeling her something serious. I felt like that nigga was two steps from being in love with who he thought she was. It was like he could barely function in her presence. I had never seen anything like that until witnessing his interaction with her. I had to give it to him. She was definitely beautiful.

“You gon’ be cool in her presence?”

“Yeah. I mean . . . I wanna be in her presence. You tell anybody I said this and I’m gon’ go upside your big ass head.” I chuckled as he continued. “I’ll take whatever she give me. I’m feeling her that much.”

“Damn.”

As he drove, I sat here thinking about what he said. He had to love her. That was some serious shit. I wasn’t willing to be strung along had Milana not made a move. I was grateful she did, though, because I really wanted to get to know her. The time we spent together at the rodeo wasn’t nearly enough time, but hopefully, once we got back home, we would be able to carve some time out for each other.

I was busy, and she was, too, both trying to make names for ourselves in our different industries. I wanted to be a sought-after gamer, having to turn down jobs, and she was chasing that NFR championship. If she competed anything like I saw today, that championship would be hers for the taking. I couldn’t wait to get to know her better and learn what made her tick. Those glossed lips were calling me to them. Her most exotic feature had to be her eyes. They were extremely slanted, like a fairy.

Once Asad turned into the parking lot of the restaurant, I saw her getting out of her mother’s trailer. She’d changed into a dress, cowboy boots, and had her winning buckle attached to a belt.Damn.I didn’t waste any time getting out of the car. I could hear Asad chuckling, but fuck him. He could play around with Ashanni’s ass if he wanted to, but I refused to let Milana get away from me.

She glanced over in my direction, and when her eyes met mine, she smiled and waited for me. That shit alone put a pep in my step. When I got to her, her smile widened a bit, and she grabbed my hand. She pulled me closer to her and began walking again, heading inside the restaurant. I released her hand to open the door and rested it at the small of her back.

The moment we stepped inside, I could see her dad and brother watching me hard as hell. Her dad was somewhat familiar with me though. I’d seen him a couple of times at Mr. Red’s house. He would be there hanging out with him and Mr. Legend. He probably didn’t pay much attention to me though. I also remembered seeing him on TV. He’d done a reality show centered around tattoo artists. They were deeming him the best in the south. That was a hell of a crown to wear, especially since there was a tattoo parlor every couple of blocks it seemed.

“I’m glad you’re allowing me in your space, Milana.”

She turned to me as we waited to be seated and smiled. When she put her hand to my cheek, I wanted to kiss it so bad. Staring into my eyes, she said, “Me too. I feel like I would have missed out on someone amazing had I not reached out. I’m glad I did.”

I smiled back at her, then she looked away. The urge to pull her close and slide my tongue into her mouth had increased to dangerous levels. It didn’t help she had these stilts of perfection on display. She was regal in every sense of the word. Instead of the Stetson she wore, she needed a crown of jewels. When I wasable to tear my gaze away from her, I saw her mom approaching. I smiled, because I was kind of excited to meet her.

“Hi, I’m Milana’s mother, Tiffany?—”

“Henderson Semien. Yes, ma’am. I’m aware, and I’m honored to meet you. Sorry I cut you off.”

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