Page 30 of Aug
“Ti– it’s all good. I got you, baby.”
Her door opened as the words left my mouth. A hand extended to help her out. My blood began to boil instantly.
“Put your hand down before it be the last night you use it, my nigga. I’ve got her.”
I exited the driver’s side and made my way around the SUV, pulling the jacket of my tux on as I did so. I took Ti by the hand, helping her down and onto the ground safely.
“You’re a madman,” she whispered.
“For you, I’ll be that.”
“He was only trying to help me out.”
“You don’t need help from another man with your man within eyesight. Never, Ti. Same goes for me. As long as you’re around, it ain’t shit another woman can do for me but get out of my fucking face.”
“That is true–” she agreed.
“Alright then, madwoman.”
Chuckling, she nodded. “You have a point.”
Before settling into our seats, we stopped by the restrooms. The bar was our next stop. We approached our seats fully prepared to enjoy the show. And, that’s what we did.
For once in my life, everything was right. I nearly split the sides of my mouth from smiling at a swaying Tiana. She was hardly in her seat, forcing me out of mine. Her body was pressed against mine nearly the entire night. It was the greatest feeling.
Pulling away from her complex without her was the most difficult task I’d faced in years. However, I wanted her to understand the importance of building something beyond the bedroom. I wanted in her head and in her heart. Her bed was a place I had a lifetime to spend time in.
I wanted to end our night on the high the orchestra and our energy had supplied. Balle had to run in the morning and I needed to be beside her. Leaving Tiana before sunrise wouldput a damper on the mood we’d just set. I crept down the road behind her place without regret. I’d scored again.
Got them fucking digits.
Tiana was the newest contact in my phone. Quite frankly, the most important one.
EIGHT
Get up,Ti. August’s voice forced me awake.
Rehearsal had beaten me down to the bone, and rest was nearly the only thing on my mind. However, I’d made plans to be with the Childers, and I wouldn’t miss them for the world. Not only because they were currently my only social circle, but also because I didn’t want to miss this moment or the memories it would create.
I slid my phone from underneath the covers. Three rounds of vibration had pulled my eyelids apart four minutes prior. But I had yet to adjust my eyes to the bright screen. The blackout curtains had it pitch black in my place.
August’s name on the screen was no surprise. Four days had passed since our date and I was anxious for the next one. With Rome’s sister’s wedding approaching, there would hardly be any time in between events for Aug and I to get free time. But, once it was all over, I was promised a weekend away.
Get up, baby.
I’m awake.
Get up, Ti.
Chuckling, I tossed the covers off my body. I planted my feet on the floor and steadied my phone to snap a photo. I knew him well by now. Before reading his text, I knew exactly what it said. He had become my personal alarm clock. He knew my schedule by heart. There wasn’t a time I didn’t receive a wake-up text or call when I needed to be up and preparing for what was next.
I’m up, baby. Promise.
I miss you.
Then, come get me.
Don’t tempt me, because you know I will.
