Page 24 of Crossing the Lines for Love

“What? Boy, no!”

“Then I don’t see the issue.”

“You know what? I’m about to hang up because you’re not the kind of influence I need in my life right now. Goodbye!” I didn’t bother waiting for his response and ended the call.

I was grateful I didn’t see Montrell’s car when I arrived at my apartment. Here I was, trying to behave like a child of God, and my friend was urging me down a path of destruction.

Once inside, I went directly to my room and removed my clothing. After putting everything in the hamper, I went to thebathroom and started the shower. While the water warmed, I did my face care routine.

I tried hard not to think about Niko’s invitation, but while I bathed, I went back and forth with myself. My mind knew what to do, but my body urged me to experience him just one more time.

After lathering my body with my favorite body butter, I went to my drawer to grab some pajamas, but somehow, I ended up in a pair of black leggings and a hoodie, not bothering to put on panties or a bra.

Randi, what the hell are you doing?

“I knewyou wouldn’t disappoint me. Come inside,” I said when I opened the door.

“I almost changed my mind several times, but here I am.”

I closed the door and pulled her into a hug. Feeling her wrapped in my arms, body against mine, even with both of us fully clothed, was an exhilarating experience. Aranda was something special, and I refused to ignore the forces drawing me to her.

“I’m glad you came,” I confessed when I released her.

She turned and walked deeper into the house without responding, not stopping until she reached the kitchen.

“Nice place, at least what I’ve seen of it.”

“It’s not my place, but thanks.”

“Oh? Who lives here?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s an Airbnb. I rented it for the weekend.”

“The weekend? Niko, I’m not spen?—”

I grabbed her by the neck and pressed my lips against hers. When I pulled away, her eyes remained closed, and her lips puckered for several seconds. She opened her eyes and tried to move away from me, but I tightened my grip on her neck.

“Coach Sampson might run shit on the field, but when you’re with me, you’re Aranda, and I’m running shit. Don’t tell me what you won’t do because you know, just like I do, it’s a lie. No negativity while we’re here. Let’s enjoy each other’s company and worry about the reality of our situation later. Deal?”

She only hesitated for a moment before nodding, and I released her. “Something smells good. Did you cook?”

“No, there wasn’t enough time for that. I stopped by my job and picked up some things I remembered you liked.”

“That was nice of you. Where’s the bathroom?”

“It’s around the corner on the right. I’ll have your plate ready when you come back.”

She smiled and disappeared around the corner. As promised, her plate was on the table when she returned, along with one of the famous teas sold at the restaurant.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Do you need anything else?”

“No. I’m good.”

I fixed my plate and sat in the chair across from her. We didn’t know much about each other, so I wanted to use this time to change that.

“Tell me about Aranda Sampson. Oh, I mean Coach Sampson.”

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