Page 51 of Filthy Commitments
“I am picky. When I found her, I scooped her up and made her my wife as quickly as she’d let me.”
Tammy nodded. “Any plans for kids yet?”
“Yes,” I said.
“No,” Asia said.
Everyone laughed, except me. I wanted a baby. I wanted one with Asia so bad it was nearly all I could think about. And she had shut me down about it. I wasn’t used to being shut down.I didn’t like it.
Josh showed me pictures of his two kids and glowed with pride. The other guys all had kids too. I was the only one with a fake wife and no kids.I was pathetic.
The lights went low, and music began to play. I swept Asia into the middle of the floor to dance with her and get away from the others. “You didn’t have to be so honest about the kid thing, Asia.”
“Well, I’m sorry, it just kind of blurted out of me.”
“Don’t you see how they all have wives and families and I have nothing? It’s embarrassing. Humiliating.”
“You’re being dramatic. I’m sure some of the people here aren’t married with kids. There’s no rush to do all that, Jett.”
“If there’s not then why do I feel like there is? Why do I feel as if I’ve been doing shit wrong my whole life? Now, I’ve missed out on things my friends have already experienced?”
“You’ll get those experiences too, one day.” She leaned her head on my shoulder. “Time Jett, remember?”
“Oh yes, how can I forget about the elusive time that you want so much of.”
I was mad. Hurt. And feeling done.
With what, I didn’t know. But I felt like I wanted things to be done. One way or another, I wanted things to end. The lie, the love, something needed to stop.
Her hand moved to cup the back of my neck as she looked into my eyes. “We have one more thing to get through, Jett. Then you and I will sit down and figure out what we’re going to do.”
I had no idea when I lost all control. But I had lost it. Asia was telling me how things were going to be. I was going through the damn motions.
“Asia, I don’t like this.”
“Me neither.”
“No, I mean I don’t like you acting as if you’re in charge here. I’m still in charge.” I shouldn’t have even had to tell her that. “We still have a contract.”
“Yes, we do. And I’m doing what you want me to.”
A force was pushing me that I seemed unable to control. I took her out of the gym, away from everyone. Leading her out to the football field, I leaned her against the fence that surrounded it. “I might want you to get into another contract with me. One with more stipulations. This freedom thing isn’t setting well with me. I want you, Asia. It would mean more money for you if you agreed to one.”
Her soft hands caressed my face as she looked at me with love in her eyes. “Jett, I’m not about to get into any more contracts with you or anyone ever again. You’ve taught me that I’m not the kind of woman who can live that way. I don’t want any more of your money. I want to be with you, but I want to be free. Free to be with you on our terms. Not some contract’s terms. Do you understand?”
I did understand. I knew then and there, she was perfect for me.
I didn’t realize it myself until she gave me the right answer. Asia wasn’t using me for my money. She wanted my heart, and that’s all she wanted.
Holding her chin, I ran my thumb over her lips. “Asia, you’re the one, baby. You’re her.”
She was perfect for me. I knew I’d do everything I could to make her mine in name. She didn’t stand a chance of not becoming Mrs. Jett Simmons for real.
Asia
The night had been long, full of funny stories about Jett and his friends. I felt like I knew Jett a hell of a lot better after meeting the people he called friends in his younger days. I also felt like Jett wanted to move forward with me a lot faster than I thought was smart.
Another thing I could blame on the fake marriage.
