Page 45 of This: Blake & Emon

“You really think I’d run something dirty through a place meant to help people?” His voice was quiet but firm. She shook her head. She hadn’t even thought of the implications her words carried.

“Nah, don’t do that,” he said.

She knew what that meant. As loud as she had accused him, he wanted an even louder recant.

“No.”

“Don’t ever question my character like that again, especially not in front of others. I ain’t that type of man, and you know it. I’ve never lied to you. Never broke a promise. Never put you in harm’s way. Stop doubting what’s in front of you. Damn.”

Blake’s eyes filled with tears. “I just got scared.”

“Of what? That the man you love ain’t who he says he is?” he asked, his voice elevated a little bit, shoulders slumped. He sat up, looking into her eyes. He didn’t want her to cry, and he didn’t want her upset, but trust was a must. He didn’t know what else he needed to show her or tell her that would make her believe what she was seeing, living, and feeling. She could take whatever he said to the bank and cash it. He’d never lie to her. Mistreat her. Mishandle her. Pickthatoverthis. Never. What she felt was real. What she felt was true. What she wanted, he wanted too. He reached into his pocket. “Let me show you exactly who I am.”

“Emon,” she gasped. The ring caught the streetlight, flickering slightly as he held it up.

“I’m the man who’s tryna love you forever, wanting nothing more than to build something real with you. I’m the man who wants to make honest moves, so our kids never know the struggle. Never have to break a window for food. I’m the man who wants you to be my wife, but I need to know you believe I’m who I say I am. I ain’t feelin’ or understanding this straddling the fence you doing. Not wit’ me.”

Emon wasn’t being cocky, at least he wasn’t trying to be. He felt like she could do this with any other nigga, but she couldn’t with him. Emon had been straight with her from the jump. He’d done more than show her that. Yeah, maybe his pastwasn’t clean, but his future was crystal clear, and it had her in it. He just needed her to be as sure about him as he was about her.

“I know, and you’re right.”

“Blake, I’m asking you right here, right now. Do you trust who I am enough to be my wife? Because I can’t build a future with someone who’s always looking for the catch.”

Blake shifted in her seat, sat on her knees, and turned the light on in the truck. She screamed when her eyes landed on the ring. It was beautiful and his words touched her. She was wrong, and she knew it. Intrusive thoughts were a bitch, and the enemy was always busy telling lies and trying to trick people out of their spots. Well, she vowed to never let that happen again.

“Oh my God, yes, Emon. I believe you. I trust you. Forever. I want to marry you. Yes, baby,” she screamed, grabbing him around the neck. He pulled her across the center console into his lap before resting his head on her chest.

“For real?” he asked, looking up. “For real?” he asked again, pecking her lips repeatedly. He didn’t want to spend his life proving he was who he said he was, but he would if it meant he’d have her for forever. She was worth that, but it didn’t need to come to that. She could believe in him.

“What’s more than for real?” she asked, returning the kiss, pretending to think.

“Yeah?” he confirmed once more with a smile. He never thought this day would come. Never thought he’d meet a woman that he wanted to do forever with, but here she was in his lap, gently massaging the back of his neck. He thought he was dreaming.

“Yes, Emontez Jarvis Dowlen, make me a Dowlen. Please make me a Dowlen.”

“Ok, I’ll do that for you,” he agreed. Blake grabbed the side of his face and smothered his mouth with hers. Emon and Blake shared a kiss so passionate they felt like they were floating.It was nasty, hungry, and sloppy, just how she liked it. Blake pulled away to look into his eyes. She was ready to get back home. Emon slid the ring on her finger and kissed her knuckles. It was beautiful.

“I love it. It’s beautiful,” she admitted, ogling and wiggling her finger.

“No take backs,” he whispered in her ear.

“No take backs needed,” she whispered back. Blake crawled back into her seat but refused to let his hand go. She was engaged. She was a fiancee. She couldn’t believe it, but yes, she could. Emon was right. He hadn’t let her down yet.

“I love you, Blake the Lake,” he said, kissing her knuckles again before placing his hand on her thigh and squeezing.

“Heard.”

They held hands silently on the way home. Nothing else needed to be said. No music played, just the beating of their hearts. They were content, feeling blessed.

They made it home in no time. Emon exited the car and came around to collect his woman. “Get on,” Emon prompted.

Blake climbed on his back and allowed him to carry her into the house. “I love you,” she said, kissing him behind his ear.

“You better,” he joked, placing her on her feet when they made it in.

When the door closed, Blake handled what needed to be handled. She didn’t stop until he was sucked and fucked dry of every drop. He deserved that and then some. She’d said and showed how sorry she was for ever doubting him until they were both spent.

What a night.

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