Page 16 of Love's Instant Replay
“Oh, for real. That’s?—”
“Nigga, you ain’t gotta try to fake like you don’t want to ask questions about ole girl.” Jaleel’s laughter pierces the line.
My cheeks start hurting from the continuous smiling at the thought of Kyelle, so I’m unable to dispute Jaleel’s claim.
“Whatever.”
“Whatever, my ass. Even though you’re capping, she did ask about your ass.” My heart leaps at hearing that because I have definitely been thinking about her, which was the motivation for my check-in.
“Oh, for real. What did you tell her?” I try for a cool delivery that Jaleel instantly shoots down like a missile.
“Sucka ass nigga.” Laughter echoes around the interior as I hold my breath, waiting for Jaleel to answer my question. “I didn’t have to say shit because your parrot quickly told her that you were working and shit. Hell, with the way Little Bit was dominating the conversation, I think you’re gonna be fighting her for ole girl. I have never seen her brighten up and take to a woman like that. Ole girl clearly got both of y’all asses in a chokehold.”
“Hm. Alright, since y’all straight. I got a move to make, and I’ll be at the crib in a few hours.” The urge to pull up on Kyelle increases upon hearing Jaleel’s statement, making it imperative for me to end this conversation and be on my way.
Forty-five Minutes Later . . .
“I can’t believe you brought me here. You don’t even look like the type to drink coffee.”
Grinning, I watch Kyelle sitting across the table staring at me with wonderment. “I don’t. But I just wanted a little bit of your time, and you seem like the type to appreciate something subtle like this. If I’m gonna work on getting more of your time, I gotta think outside the box.” Shrugging, I pick up my lemon-infused water and take a drink.
“Hm. So I’m worth the effort, huh?”
“The kind that sneaks up on you when you’re minding your business, and suddenly, you’re drinking citrusy water you despise just to create a moment.”
“You could’ve chose somewhere else.”
“Could’ve. But then I wouldn’t be sitting here wondering why someone I’ve only spent limited time with feels like my one.”Shrugging, a slow smile upturns my lips when Kyelle’s eyes bulge slightly.
“The one, huh? That’s either really insightful, scary, or premature.”
“I’ll take insightful, especially if it means I get to sit here a little longer without you considering running for the exit.”
Giggles escape Kyelle’s mouth as I smirk while enjoying the cadence of her humor at my expense.
“Oddly, no red flags form at the thought of you, so I think you’re good. But I am curious about why you feel that way already.” Kyelle’s keen eyes peer into me as her giggles end, and she takes a drink of the coffee concoction that sounds more sweet than caffeinated.
“It’s in the way you bite your lip when you’re thinking, how your eyes light up like you’re capable of painting stars in the sky. Or your smile that has me trying to catalog every instance that you bless me with it, so I can repeat the action. Hell, you don’t even have to try. I’m already gone.”
Laying my cards on the table seems fitting in this moment because the truth is, Kyelle is who I want. That thought is why I not only pulled up on her but asked her to meet me at this new café for coffee, knowing I don’t indulge in it.
“Wow. What does that mean to you?”
“It means I want us to spend more time together. I just want the freedom to be in your presence. To that end, will you go to a barbecue one of my teammates is hosting?”
Kyelle bites her lip, and a slight smile upturns mine as I give her a few minutes to ponder my invitation. After practicing my teammate Stefan mentioned having a few of us over to unwind and release before the hustle and bustle of the season begins. My acceptance came easily, and I instantly thought about asking Kyelle to accompany me. Most of my teammates are dating or married, and whoever isn’t will bring someone they feelcomfortable with, so it’s only right that I bring the woman filling the empty spaces in my mind.
“When is it?” Kyelle asks after several beats of silence.
“Next Saturday evening.” With us having practice in the morning, Stefan opted to host his barbecue in the evening so everyone has a little downtime beforehand.
“I’ll provide my answer before the night is over. So tell me a little bit about Kaeden, the man. I’m sure I can do an internet search to find out your stats regarding your profession. I’m more interested in learning things I can’t find at the click of my fingers.”
“See, this is that unique shit that’ll have your stomach swelling every two years with a five-carat diamond resting on your left ring finger. Interrogate me, Ms. Ky.” A lopsided grin takes shape as I attempt to quiet the drum cadence in my chest.
“You’re a mess, Kaeden.”
“Nah. I’m foretelling our future, my baby. You’d better keep up. Now, what would you like to know, because I want to provide you with the details you care most about.”
