Page 16 of His Secure Embrace
As I lay down, awaiting sleep to take me, I pulled out my phone and texted Brielle. We’d been talking for about a week. Our schedules hadn’t aligned yet to allow us an official date, but the time would come eventually. I asked her about her morning and what she planned to do the rest of the day.
Around three, I pulled on my gray sweatpants and a T-shirt, then I left the house to get my SUV detailed. I rode around in an all-black SUV with gold accents. My favorite feature was the customized engine I put in there. My big ass vehicle could hit two hundred on the dash easy. I could go toe to toe with the luxury shit.
After I checked in my car, I sat in the lobby. I was a faithful customer at the car wash. Me and the owner, Magic, were cool. He always gave me a discount when I pulled up.
I’d been mindlessly scrolling on the internet when I heard her voice. I looked up and my eyes found Brielle almost instantly. She held a long selfie stick as she spoke with Magic.
“Hey, jewels! I’m back with another hidden gem in the city. We’re here today with Magic Montrose at Magic’s Detail. He’s one of the few hand wash car washes in the city and he takes pride in making sure every customer leaves satisfied with their experience.”
Magic grinned as he introduced himself and playfully flirted with her. I sat back and crossed my arms. I watched her reactions intently. Despite Magic blatantly flirting with her, she continued to make the interview about his place of business.Brielle was sunny and energetic. Her aura was attractive as hell. To see her in her element was beautiful and entertaining.
Brielle naturally attracted me, which was new and kind of terrifying to think about. The last two or three relationships I’d been in were nothing compared to how I felt about Brielle. Time after time, I’d opened my heart to a woman only for them to play with my kindness. Although I’d been hurt numerous times, I still remained open and receptive to falling in love.
“Y’all make sure you come by Magic’s Detail and tell them Jana’s Jewels sent you for a good discount.” Brielle ended the video and retracted the selfie stick.
“I appreciate you for giving my business a spotlight on your platform.”
“Of course. I love supporting Black-owned businesses. I want you to continue to thrive, especially after seeing the shine on my car.”
Magic licked his lips. My foot tapped incessantly on the floor as I watched him try to charm my woman. He placed his hand on her waist, and she respectfully sidestepped him, but I was already up and stalking toward them.
“Yo, James! What’s good, bro?” Magic asked as he saw me approaching.
I nodded and closed the distance between me and Brielle. I cupped her face in my hands and pulled her into a hungry kiss. She held my waist to keep her balance as she kissed me back with the same intensity.
Our first kiss.
The feel of her lips on mine released a calm within my spirt. My soul was content. The possessiveness I felt melted away, and a serene calm engulfed me. Brielle was my peace.
Our lips parted, and her tongue greeted mine. I was about to forget all of my home training and fuck her in the lobby of the carwash. She placed her hands on my chest and pushed me away slightly. I held her in place but removed my mouth from hers.
“Hey, James.”
“Hey, my love.” I grinned as she wiped her lip gloss off my lips.
“This you, bro?” Magic asked.
I nodded. “All me. Yes, sir.”
“Congratulations. You’ve got yourself a good one, brother.” Magic dapped me up.
“Thanks.”
“Let me check on the status of your car. I’ll see you around. Thank you again, Brielle.”
I nodded and stuffed my hands in my pockets while Brielle and Magic exchanged a few more words. Once Magic had walked away, Brielle’s attention returned to me. She squinted her eyes and crossed her arms.
“What the hell was that?” she questioned.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Don’t do that, James. You know exactly what the fuck I’m talking about!”
I shrugged. “I tried to stay in my lane, but when I saw him put his hands on you . . . I kind of snapped. I needed to let him know you’re mine.”
“You ruined our first kiss. You literally threw a tantrum like a child instead of trusting me to put that nigga in his place. Why would you make our first kiss in this fuckin’ car wash? That’s not romantic at all.” She pouted her lips and stomped her feet.
“You’re cute when you’re upset.”
