Page 40 of And Everything In Between

“What? I’m only saying what we’re all thinking,” Blake shrugged, unrepentant.

The park bustled around them, families enjoying the perfect weather, couples walking hand in hand, life happening in all its messy, beautiful chaos.

Two weeks ago, she’d been drowning in responsibility, barely keeping her head above water. Today, she sat among family, feeling lighter somehow, even though nothing about her circumstances had changed. Except for one thing.

Giovanni Dowlen had walked into her life with those knowing eyes and open arms, offering something she didn’t know she was allowed to want, presence without demands, support without strings, space without abandonment. But her favorite of all, consistency.

Maybe her friends were right. Maybe it was time to stop fighting the current. Maybe it was time to make the call. But maybe they were wrong and love didn’t come so easy to others like it did for them.

But first, before she let her doubts take over her mind and stress her even more, she walked to her car and pulled out her phone. She needed to see the video.

She opened Instagram and smiled when his face popped up in her feed. Scroll after scroll, the car show filled her screen, him shaking hands, laughing with kids, posing in front of his builds, and others. Her mind wandered to that night. The way he’d handled her body with care each time. He’d gifted her enough orgasms to hold her over for another year. The breakfast and the foot rub. Any woman would be beating down his door. So why wasn’t she?

Pulling herself from her reminiscing, she found the video and hit play. She was expecting a general recap of pictures of the cars, smiling kids, and the vendors. But halfway through, the clip slowed and rewound, then played in slow motion, the moment he stepped out of his car and saw her.

Her hand flew to her mouth as butterflies filled her belly. She looked around like someone was watching her before pressing play again.

She watched him walk toward her like she was the only thing he saw. Like he’d been waiting to find her in a crowd of noise and movement.

Her friends were right, she did want this. She’d been praying for someone to look at her like he did. To handle her with the kind of care that was personal and custom, like his Monte. She wanted someone to offer something she didn’t have to chase, visit, compromise, or survive in order to have. One day, she’d trust enough. Be shown enough.

Her fear was letting go of her apprehension and then losing herself. She couldn’t gamble with her heart; it was too sensitive, too tender for games and playing around with no regard for other people. She didn’t get that vibe from Giovanni,but a man could say anything to get what he wanted. And he had for sure said all the right things.

But as she watched the video for the third time, she muttered, “Maybe it is Giovanni.”

#

Los Angeles

On the other side of the map, Giovanni adjusted his watch and followed his sister through a set of revolving doors, trying to stay focused. He was annoyed, and for multiple reasons, but he understood business had to be handled. He’d worry about his missing lady later. This was day one of many meetings it would take to get the show up and running.

He couldn’t lie, his mind wasn’t fully in it. He was irritated, not because the schedule was packed, but because today came with a surprise he hadn’t prepared for. It was just like the devil to send a storm when you were trying to get right and enjoy your blessings.

His ex, Sienna, of all the people, was back in his orbit after two years. Apparently, she had weaseled her way into another foolish man’s life. Now her phone calls made sense. This was a coincidence, but not one she didn’t know was coming. He hadn’t seen her in years, and now here she was, hovering at his shoulder, breathing the same air as if she still belonged anywhere near him.

The shit didn’t sit right. Because honestly? She was lucky she was still alive after stealing his fucking money and disappearing. Anybody else would’ve met the barrel of his gun. But she was slick, slippery, and she knew how close to the line to skate.

“G,” Spirit said, pulling him slightly to the side as they neared security. “I know your mind is scrambled. I overheard you talking to Momma about this Paige girl. Get your head in thegame. You’re no good to her if you don’t handle this and lay the foundation for the future.”

“Spirit, what are you going on about? I’m good. You and ma talk too damn much.”

“Giovanni, please. Lie to someone who doesn’t know everything about you.” She raised an eyebrow. “You’re in love. Or something close. And it’s okay. But business first. If she’s the one, she’ll be there when we get back.”

“I hear you.”

But those wordsyou’re in lovebounced around in his head.

In love?

Hell nah.

He couldn’t be.

Or could he? He’d been showing signs. Acting off. Sad in her absence, even.

He loved her laugh, loved her smile, loved the way she invaded his space. But was he in love? A man in love wouldn’t be giving Paige space he didn’twantto give. Spirit saw it. She didn’t miss shit. And that’s why she was his number one, his partner, and the highest paid person on his team.

“Do more than hear me. Get it together.”

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