Page 9 of Sweetest Temptation
The bar clanged back onto the rack, and I let out a breath, chest heaving as sweat dripped from my face. My home gym was my sanctuary, a place where I could relieve all my daily stress. No investors, no contracts, no bullshit—just me, sweat, and the weights daring me to quit.
I grabbed my towel, wiping my face, when my phone buzzed on the bench. I smirked, seeing Jamila, my sister's name on the screen. She was always calling me when I was in my quiet zone and on my personal time. Nonetheless, I swiped to answer.
“You know it’s barely ten in the morning, right? Some of us are trying to live.”
“Live?” she said, mocking me. “Boy, you ain’t doing shit but in that gym trying to kill yourself. Anyway… Don’t forget you’ve got a meeting at noon.”
“I know.”
“Do you, though?” She teased. “Because last time yousworeyou knew, and you showed up twenty minutes late. Clients don’tlike waiting, even if you are rich with money and good looks.” She scuffed.
I chuckled, reaching for my water bottle. “So, what you’re saying is… I still look better than you.”
“You wish, negro. Mama and Daddy broke the mold when they had me. Don’t play with me, big-headed-ass boy. My edges lay perfectly, my outfit is always crisp… I’m the one carrying the family’s name on my back.”
“Carrying it?” I laughed. “You are barely carrying that tablet you bring everywhere. You work for me. I’m the one who’s paying you the big bucks.”
She huffed. “Whatever. Just be on time today. And wear the navy suit. You know, the one that makes you look less like an asshole.”
I grinned. “That’s your favorite, huh? Are you trying to live vicariously through me?”
“No, I’m trying to make sure my paycheck clears. But, for real, Samir. This can be a good deal. Don’t fuck it up by being a meanie. Leave the attitude home today, please.”
“Good thing I’ve got you then,” I said.
“You damn right. Don’t be late. Noon, sharp.” She paused before speaking again. “Oh, and yourwifecalled.”
“Ex-wife.” I grunted.
“Someone needs to tell her ass that. She keeps throwing around that title like she ain’t been divorced for the past two years. I swear, I’m still trying to see what you saw in that bitch.”
I chuckled lowly. “You really want to know?”
“Ew! No!” She groaned as I continued to laugh. “You play too much.”
“That’s what I thought,” I said, smirking. “Where’s my niece?”
“With her sorry-ass father.”
“You laid down with that sorry-ass nigga,” I responded. “If it wasn’t for my niece, I would’ve been had that nigga in the dirt.”
“Damn, Samir.” She sighed. “You don’t have to remind me that I fell for a fuck nigga. I know what I did. I don’t regret my daughter, I just regret who I chose to be her father.”
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. You were young and thought he was solid. We all make bad picks sometimes. But outta that situation came my favorite person in the world. So, it’s cool. We good.”
She let out a small laugh. “Yeah, yeah. You just love that girl more than you love me, admit it.”
“Facts,” I said, grinning. “My niece got my whole heart. You? You just get on my nerves.”
“Boy, whatever!” She laughed again, lighter this time. “Just be good today.”
“Copy that,” I said. “And tell my niece her uncle said he loves her.”
“Will do. Bye, Mr. Attitude.”
“Later, trouble.”
I shook my head and headed upstairs for a quick shower. In my room, I went straight for the bathroom, peeling off my shorts and tossing them into the hamper. After brushing my teeth, I went through the little skincare routine my sister had me on, washing my face with a fancy cleanser she swore by. I couldn’t even lie, the shit worked. My skin stayed smooth as hell. I could dig it, but I’d never admit that shit to her. She’d clown me for life.
