Page 2 of Sweetest Temptation
We fell deeply and irrevocably in love, our connection growing stronger with each passing day. He had this quiet confidence about him, like he belonged in that space more than anyone else. I thought we had it all: love, trust, and a future together. Every day, I found myself looking forward to those classes just to be near him. There was an energy between us, an unspoken connection that grew stronger with each passing day. And in those moments, I knew we both were falling for each other. But now, his actions have left me with a heart heavier than the emptiest of canvases.
Suddenly, the sound of my cell phone ringing caught my attention. I was too emotional to speak to anyone, but I noticed it was my bestie calling me. Sitting up, I wiped my face and forced a shaky breath. I didn’t need to look to know my eyes were probably red with my makeup smeared from the tears.My fingers hovered over the phone screen for a moment before I swiped to answer it. I took another breath, louder this time, before bringing the phone to my ear.
“Hey, boo,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, weaker than I wanted it to be.
“Hey, girl. Are you good?” I could hear the concern in her voice, the kind of warmth only someone who truly knows you can offer.
“I’m fine,” I responded with a lie, the words slipping out before I could catch them. Then, feeling the lie weigh heavily, I quickly added, “Well, not fine… but… I’m okay.”
“No, you’re not. Talk to me, friend.”
I tried to hold it together, but the floodgates opened before I could stop them. The words spilled out in a rush, every painful detail tumbling from my lips. From the flowers showing up at work, to the gut-wrenching moment I discovered my husband had a baby with someone else.
“Bitch! I know you are lying! He did what? Oh, hell no! It’s on. Where is he at? Let me go home and get my taser. This nigga got the game fucked up!”
I could hear talking and music in the background.
“No, Ny. I’m fine. He’s gone. I threw him out. I just want to drink some wine and go to sleep.” I sniffled.
“Hell no! Listen… I’m at a bar not too far from you. The one on Melrose. I was on a date, but this nigga lame as fuck. I’m about to kick him to the curb. Get your ass up. Dry them tears. Get dressed in something sexy and meet me here. I’m not taking no for an answer. I’m sending you the address. Get here, Nova. If not, I’m going to come and drag your ass out of that house.” She didn’t give me a choice to protest before hanging up on me.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them away. I needed to be strong and to figure out what to do next. I couldn't let this betrayal define me, but the path forward seemed sounclear. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, knowing that this was just the beginning of a long journey. But for tonight, I was going to drown myself in a few shots and forget about Jerome's cheating ass.
As much as I didn’t want to, I ended up at the bar. I knew if I didn’t, Nyala would surely make good on her threat.
“Nova, I am so sorry this happened to you. I swear, it’s on site when I see Jerome’s ass.”
We were sitting at the bar, and I was on my third or fourth shot of Don Julio. I couldn’t remember.
“Ny, the baby looked to be around three years old,” I said, my voice trembling with raw emotion. “This man has been cheating on me for God knows how long. I’m so hurt, friend. Why me? Wasn’t I good enough?”
I felt pain in my chest. I was unraveling right in front of my friend. I didn’t know how to fix it. How do you fix something that has been broken by the person you loved and trusted the most?
“You are good enough, Nova. The problem isn’t you, it’s Jerome’s loose dick ass. Don’t ever feel that way, boo.”
I sniffled as she wiped my face with the back of her hand.
“How could I have been so blind, Ny?” I whispered, staring down at my drink. “I gave him everything. I was there for him, every single damn time. And now this… this baby, this secret life he’s been living behind my back… I don’t know how to feel anymore. I don’t even know who I am in all of this.”
“Nova, you’re not the one who made this mess. You’re not the one who cheated. This isn’t your fault. You were doing everything right. It was him who fumbledyou.”
“But I should’ve known, Ny. I should’ve kicked his ass to the curb the first time he stepped out on me. How could I be so stupid?” My voice broke on the last word.
“It’s not your fault. You love him. He’s your husband. And that’s not something to apologize for. Don’t let him make you feel like you’re less than because you aren’t. This isn’t about you not being enough. It’s about him being too small to see the amazing woman standing in front of him. You’ll get through this. It’s going to hurt, and it will take some time, but you are going to get through this.”
“Fuck Jerome! I should find some dick and cheat too,” I said before chugging back another shot.
“Bitch, as much as I wish you would, you won’t. That’s the alcohol talking!” Nyala laughed at my outburst.
“I bet you I would. What do you want to bet?” My words came out as a slur. “If Jerome can do it, I can too,” I spoke with confidence.
“Nova, you are not the type to have a one-night stand. Let’s stop the bullshit. Let me go let my date know that he can leave. Then I’m going to release some of this alcohol. I’ll be back. Hold my seat.” She stood from the barstool and headed toward the back of the bar.
I sank into the barstool, the familiar warmth of the place doing little to ease the knot in my throat. I took another shot, letting the burn of the tequila crawl down my throat. My fourth one. Fifth maybe. I’ve lost count. I slammed my glass down. It hits the bar top with a dud. I don’t bother to look up as the bartender slides a fresh one my way. I press the rim of the glass to my lips, about to take another drink, when I glance to myright, just enough to see a tall figure slide into the empty seat next to me. Nyala seat.
I don’t know why, but my heart skipped a beat. And it’s not because this man has that “I own this room” swagger, but he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen in my life. His chocolate skin glowed under the dim bar lights, a deep, rich brown that reminded me of the smoothest espresso, the kind you want to savor by sipping slowly and letting it linger on your taste buds.
His hair was cut low with waves, and his beard was sharp, as if someone had sculpted it just for him. He had this buoyancy about him, the kind that doesn’t need to announce itself; it just is. I can feel the weight of his presence even without him saying a word, and for a split second, I wondered if he knew what kind of effect he’s having on me.
