Page 18 of Love's Instant Replay
“Maybe I need a smaller pair that won’t irritate my ears after a few hours.” Putting the pair in my hand down, I reach up and remove the hoop from my left ear before doing the same to the right.
Staring in the mirror, I give myself another once-over before my fingers unconsciously begin unbuttoning the romper and sliding it off my shoulders. “Why am I struggling with this? Ugh?” Throwing the romper on the pile gathering on my bed, I move to my closet for something else to put on.
Rummaging through my closet, I stop on a pair of denim shorts with fraying at the bottom, giving me an idea that I grab onto. “Why am I overthinking this? I’m just gonna be myself.”
Pulling the shorts out, I grab a shirt that fits my personality. Once I have the items in my hand, I grab a pair of pink and white tennis shoes that will match the shirt perfectly. My phone buzzes with an incoming message just as I’m back in front of the mirror. Moving to my nightstand, my pulse increases upon seeing Kaeden’s name on the screen.
Kaeden:
Hey, I’m checking to see if you’re good.
Quickly looking at the time, I realize I’m running later than when I told Kaeden I would be at the cookout. “Shit.” Typing a quick reply to Kaeden, I set my phone down to get dressed for the umpteenth time.
Me:
Sorry. My nerves have been choking me, and I’ve changed outfits numerous times. I’m getting dressed now and will be leaving my house shortly.
Quickly slipping into the shorts, I zip and button them before admiring how they complement my figure. Grabbing the shirt, I pull it over my head before a wide smile upturns my lips upon reading the slogan,I Speak Fluent Urban Fiction/Black Romance. The shirt is one I purchased from a content creator on social media, Sassy Silverman. The pink lettering will perfectly blend with my tennis shoe selection, allowing me to be comfortable. Rushing to my dresser, I grab a pair of no-show socks and plop on my bed to quickly put them on my feet. Once that’s done, I put on my shoes just as my phone buzzes again.
My heart is racing, and my hands shake from the jitters flowing through my body. After my shoes are secured, I move to my nightstand and smile upon reading the new message from Kaeden that instantly calms me.
Kaeden:
No need to be nervous, you’re gonna be with me, and behind you I’ll happily fuck somebody up. Now stop tripping and bring your ass, Ms. Ky. *winking emoji*
Me:
On my way.
Grabbing my clutch, I give myself a final inspection in the mirror before nodding and walking out of my room. With every step I take toward my front door, my confidence plays catch-up.
Nearly An Hour Later . . .
Between the distance to get to my destination and the reality of what I’m about to embark upon, my nerves have returned tenfold. Pulling into the circular driveway, I take in the lavish mansion-like structure and swallow the moisture gathering in my mouth. My hands are sweating, and spikes are tingling in my hair. Exhaling, I grab my phone and text Kaeden to let him know I’m here before I lose my nerve.
Me:
I’m outside.
As if he’s been waiting for my message, Kaeden responds immediately.
Kaeden:
Say less. I’m coming to get you.
Despite the presence of the sun, the urge to put on my sunglasses begins creeping into my mind, and I bite my lip before deciding to face the situation head-on. Grabbing my clutch, I exit just as the sight of Kaeden’s commanding and sexy figure steps outside.
“I’m glad you made it safely, Ms. Ky. I was thinking you were about to stand me up and have me looking like the ugly duckling in this bitch.” A grin upturns my lips as Kaeden leans in, placing a light kiss on my cheek.
The woodsy scent of his cologne invades my nostrils causing my body to heat from how amazing he smells.
“We wouldn’t want that now, would we?”
Kaeden smirks before giving me a once-over that has heat filling my cheeks that I’m grateful he’s unable to see due to my complexion.
“Hell nah. You look good, my baby.”
“Thank you.”
