Page 30 of His Secure Embrace
“Wow. Are you sure? It wasn’t too long ago you and Celeste were falling out. Don’t you think you’re moving too fast?”
“No. I’m not moving fast enough actually.”
Jasmine’s lips pulled up into a smirk. Then, with a high-pitched teasing tone, she replied, “Aww, brother. You’re in deep, ain’t ya?”
“Deep as hell. I can’t imagine my life without Brielle in it.”
“Okay! So when do I get to meet my future sister-in-law?”
“In due time. I’m ready for y’all to meet, but she’s nervous. It’ll happen soon though.”
“That’s good. Can I see her page?”
I chuckled. “Her pages are Jana’s Jewels.”
Jasmine gasped. “Get out of here! No way you’re datingthatBrielle. I freaking love her content. I’ve been following her for about three months. One of her videos went viral, and I binged her content. It was cool to see local places I know get recognition on the internet.”
“Damn, small world.”
“Tiny world. I ain’t even know you were her type. Now that I know you got the contact, I need you to put in a good word about my small business.”
“Jasmine, what fuckin’ business do you have?”
“You know I do lashes, James. Don’t piss me off.”
“You don’t even take that shit seriously. When you get a website and stop doing social media DMs for clientele, maybe I’ll connect y’all.”
She frowned. “Fine. I will lock in and get shit done.”
“Thank you.”
“So, tell me about her. How do you know she’s the one?” Jasmine asked as she turned her body to get a full look at me. I pulled into her driveway and put the car in park.
“It’s a feeling I can’t describe. My heart races and my soul smiles when she’s around me. My palms sweat while my bodyrelaxes when she touches me. She makes me feel safe and secure. I can let my guard down and be free when I’m with her.”
Jasmine covered her chest and cooed. “Aww! My big brother is in love!”
“I really am.”
“I love this for you. I’m patiently waiting for my turn.”
“Put yourself out there and be open to heartbreak and healing. I went through that shit with Celeste, but I didn’t let it break me or scare me away from trying again with someone else. Dating can be scary, especially for women, but be vigilant, vulnerable, and open to love.”
Jasmine nodded. “It’s easier said than done. There are so many men who pretend to be everything we want and need in a partner and they show their true colors when we’re in too deep.”
“Just know, I’m gon’ always be here for you. Let a nigga break your heart, and I’ll break his jaw. Let a nigga think he can play with your feelings, and I’ll have his mama asking his cousin to photoshop him in front of them ghetto ass clouds. You’ve got a protector in me.”
Jasmine wiped at her teary eyes. “Thank you, James.”
“Any time, big head.”
My mood was light. I couldn’t wait to have Brielle back in my arms after the long day I’d had with my family. As I neared my house, I noticed a familiar car parked on the street. There was no way in hell the owner was at my place.
I parked in the driveway, hopped out, and smiled at the sight of Brielle on the front porch. I took in her appearance. She hadon one of the mumus I’d bought her. I grabbed the bags from the passenger seat, and my smile fell into a deep frown. What the fuck was Celeste doing here?”
I closed my eyes and took several calming breaths. Before I could speak to Brielle, she excused herself back into the house. My gaze landed on Celeste. She looked a mess but still wore the expensive shit she loved to blow money on.
“Celeste, what the fuck are you doing here?” I asked in a calm tone. She was still in the postpartum phase, and I didn’t want to push her over the edge.
