Page 10 of Aug

Time passed us by. I wasn’t sure how much, but neither of us were in a hurry to return to the real world. I wanted to stay locked in our bubble for as long as we could. But there was a dinner we were expected to get through and both of our spots were empty.

“Spend the night with me,” August asked, ejecting his semi-hard from my body.

He switched the positions of the handles on the sink. Partially cold and partially hot water began running.

“Where?”

“At my place.”

I couldn’t suppress my smile.

“That’s doable.”

“It wasn’t a question, Ti. I was letting you know what your plans were for the night. I want you in my space.”

“Getting on your nerves.” I chuckled.

“You don’t get on my nerves, love. Your energy– I miss that.”

“I’ve missed you.”

“Yeah?”

“Then let’s do some ’bout that.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“Put your plans on pause. I’m kidnapping you for the weekend.’

“What about work?”

“Balle will be at her man’s for the weekend. If she leaves the house, Koen and Saint’s new detail will make sure they’re good.”

“He has a detail now?”

“His father’s wishes. Things have been uneasy since everything happened with you and Balle.”

Rome was affected by Aliza’s plan to become Prima Ballerina, a title that would never be hers. Not even in hell.

“Understood. Better safe than sorry, huh? There are a bunch of crazies in this world.”

“I’m one of ‘em. ’Bout you… and ’bout her.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck as he placed a warm towel against my center. Carefully, he cleaned me, making sure he didn’t miss a spot.

“I’m ovulating, August.”

“And–”

“A weekend with you could have lasting results. Results neither of us are prepared for.”

“How do we make sure we’re not signing up for some shit we’re not prepared for?”

“Protection?”

Chuckling, he shook his head. “Don’t insult me.”

“I was hoping that didn’t sound like the plan.”

“It ain’t.”

“Pull out?”

“I can manage that. I guess. But what about this evening?”

“We’ll need to visit the pharmacy.”

“I’ll make sure you get whatever you need. Just tell me what it is.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t forget.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

He lowered me from the counter and began cleaning himself. It wasn’t until I was on my feet that I noticed he’d slipped my panties off. Once he’d removed as much of me as he could from his skin, he stuffed them into his back pocket.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously, Ti.”

I adjusted my clothes and patted my makeup dry with a paper towel.

“You first?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“No. I’ll go first.”

“You still haven’t told her, huh?” He asked, kissing the skin of his teeth.

His smile haunted me in my sleep. It was the most precious thing I’d ever seen.

His teeth were pearly and perfect. His hair was trimmed to perfection.

The accent that rolled from his tongue was familiar, but it sounded so much better coming from him than the others I knew from Channing City.

Deep, dark brown skin coated every inch of him.

His eyes were dark and mysterious and maddening.

They stared holes into me effortlessly. Veins sprouted from his hands and arms and neck and legs and feet.

He hadn’t missed a chance to stiffen his core or build his muscle.

And, his regime was put to good use every time he picked me up like a small sack of potatoes.

“Tonight. That’s the plan.”

“When you’re at her crib, getting your back blown out?”

“Minutes before,” I teased.

“As long as it’s no secret.”

“It’s not. I just needed to make sure this was–”

“It is, Ti. It’s as real as it fucking gets, baby. I wouldn’t have approached you if my only plan was to waste your time. You’re too close to comfort to even play like that. Just in case you ever, don’t… don’t wonder if this is real because you won’t ever experience anything realer.”

I nodded.

“Understood, sir.”

“Now, you first.”

He opened the door and guided me out. He didn’t wait to emerge. He was right behind me with his hands around my waist. My stride halted at once, making him bump into me.

“Where’s my husband?” Roulette blurted, interrupting whatever moment the siblings were having in the hallway.

“I refuse to let another couple out-fuck us at our own dinner. It’s unacceptable.”

The Childers joined in laughter as I grew red in the face.

“Well– well– well–” Royce said, tilting her head.

“Ummm… I understand, girl,” Range admitted, sipping from her cup.

With her fingers, Rome formed a heart, refusing to humiliate me anymore than I was already.

Thank you. I mouthed and blew her a kiss.

“Ladies,” August cleared his throat.

“I’ll be back in shortly,” Rome assured him. “Two minutes.”

“A lot can happen in two minutes,” he told her.

“She’s fine,” Rugger spoke up.

“Say less.”

Instead of sticking around, I followed August back into the great room where everyone was engaged in conversation.

“Would you like another drink, Ti? I have two minutes to spare.”

“I would love another drink.”

“Have a seat.”

After making sure I was situated, I watched as August made his way out of the door. The little girl in me was screaming to the top of my lungs. This was it. This was the moment and the man I’d been waiting for my entire life. He was ice cream with a field of cherries on top.