Page 32 of His Secure Embrace
“I’ll probably pick up something on the way home. I just need some air and some space.”
“Okay. Let me take your bag to the car for you.”
“I got it?—”
“Baby, please. Let me do this for you and make sure you get to your car safely.”
“Fine.”
I picked up the duffel and walked her to her car. I opened the driver’s door for her, and she climbed in. I placed her bag in the back seat before I leaned against the window and puckered my lips.
“I hate that you’re leaving me, but I know the time apart will be good for us. It’ll give you time to process your emotions after such a rollercoaster of events. I love you.”
She pouted. “I love you too, James. You’re perfect.”
“I’m not perfect by any means, but I think we’re perfect for each other. A beautiful balance.”
“Something like that. I’ll text you when I make it back to my side of town.” She brought her car to life. “You put gas in my car?”
“Yeah. I know you had run some errands the other day. I wanted to make sure you were good if you needed to go anywhere else. Let me know how much your dinner is, so I can pay for it.”
She shook her head. “Thank you. You do so much for me. You don’t have to?—”
“Brielle.”
“Fine.”
“Good.” I pecked her lips several times before I patted the hood of her car. She backed out of the driveway and sped off down the street.
If my lady would not be home, then I was going to take up an extra shift at the club. I’d grown so accustomed to her being by my side, it would be weird to go to sleep without her in the bed.
One nightaway from my man and I was a wreck. I’d tossed and turned all night in my bed and woke up mad at the world. Nothing compared to the scent of James on the sheets of his bed. Nothing compared to the warmth his hold on me had. His soft snores were the perfect lullaby. The thump of his heart against my ear was the perfect white noise I needed for a peaceful rest.
When night two rolled around, I’d tossed and turned for hours before I sat up and grabbed my phone. It was well after eleven o’clock at night, almost approaching midnight.
I sent the eyes emoji to the group chat and hoped my friends were up to keep me company because James was at work tonight.
TAVA:
girl, what are you doing texting this late at night?
LYNAE:
she probably finna say something about that man that’s been holding her captive the last month lol
ME:
Forget both of y’all. I’m just up bored. All I wanted was for my friends to entertain me.
TAVA:
Girl, you better tell that man to entertain you. Why you not laid up under him like you were?
LYNAE:
Don’t tell us its already trouble in paradise
ME:
