Page 46 of Adonis Gates

She chewed on her bottom lip for a second, staring into my eyes, almost like she was searching them for her answer before she said, “okay, but promise not to get mad if I want to take things slow.”

“We can go as slow as you want to go, baby. As long as we go together,” I admitted and she nodded, giving me what I wanted.

That pretty ass smile.

“Okay then, yes, I’ll be your girlfriend.”

That was all a nigga needed to hear. I leaned in and kissed her deeply to seal the deal. I was making the nigga that fucked up and missed the chance all those years ago proud. I’d finally gotten my chance with her, so I silently vowed to make my time with her and make this shit better than she could have ever imagined it to be.

My brother and Bre returned a few minutes later, so we all loaded into the truck. We took Bre home first, and I asked Jru to walk their asses to the door because I wasn’t going to be bothered with her hoe ass mama again, but I did wait outside of the truck for them to return.

We headed to Jru’s parents’ spot to drop her off next and I walked her to the door after helping her out of the car.

“Thank you again for tonight, Adonis. I really enjoyed myself.”

“No thanks needed,” I said as I pulled her into my embrace. “What you doing tomorrow?”

“Going to look at some places and cars with my mom.” She sighed. “It’s a little embarrassing, but it’s time I get my own car and place of residence so I’m not worrying my parents.”

“What’s embarrassing about it?”

“I’m twenty-five, living with my parents and without a car.” She chuckled. “I’veneverhad my own car. I’m probably going to have to bleed my savings account. It’s sad actually.”

“Naw, that nigga you were with is sad.” I frowned. “But check it, you can drive one of my cars until you get right.”

“What? No,” she shook her head. “I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“I just can’t. The last time I depended on a man…”

“Naw, we ain’t doin’ that shit,” I cut her off. “I ain’t shit like that nigga, so we not gon’ start no comparisons. I’m offerin’ you one of my rides because you my girl, and I can’t drive three fuckin’ cars at a time. Just use one of my whips for now, and focus on gettin’ you a place, love. After that we can look at some rides.”

“Adonis, I don’t want you feeling obligated to do stuff like that for me…”

“But I am obligated, baby.” I smirked. “I’m ya man now, and ain’t no fuckin way I’m gon’ let you be worried about some shit I can easily resolve.”

“Your truck and Jeep are too big and manly,” she pouted playfully.

“I got a Camaro too.” I laughed. “I’ll have it to you by the morning.”

“Okay, but this is only temporary,” she asserted. “As soon as I get my place secured and furnished, I’m getting a new car.”

“I hear ya.”

“Good,” she replied then lifted onto the tips of her toes to kiss me. “Goodnight, Adonis.”

“Goodnight, baby.”

Chapter Fourteen

Jruelle.

“Thanks again for inviting me today, Rhea.” I looked at her and smiled as we paid for our services.

We’d stayed in heavy communication with one another since leaving Atlyn Bay, and I was grateful. It was refreshing to talk to and do things with someone that wasn’t related to me, so when she asked me to come meet her for mani’s and pedi’s then lunch, I jumped at the opportunity.

I wasn’t feeling the best when I got up, but I also didn’t want to lay around the house and do nothing either, so I came out. Derrick had begun calling me again, as well as sending threatening messages, so getting out of the house was the best thing for me to do because I didn’t want him showing up to my parents’ house causing problems.