Page 54 of Bear

Shadow: I have my ways. You’re not the only motherfucker with connects. Now take my congratulations.

Me: Thanks, man. How’s the fam?

Shadow: Good. How’s Cecily?

He sent a smirking emoji and I laughed a little. Everything seemed easier once I let Cecily into my heart. I was even laughing at stupid shit.

Me: Good.

Me: You were right. It’s been her all along.

Shadow: Motherfucker, I knew this.

Me: Yeah, yeah…whatever. Send me a picture of my niece. She misses me.

Shadow: You miss her. My daughter doesn’t miss men.

Me: No arguments here. Did you give her the speech already?

Shadow: I gave her the speech coming out of the womb. No men until she’s married.

Me: …Or Uncle Bear will decapitate them.

Shadow: After Daddy puts a bullet in their head.

Shadow sent a picture of him holding Sarah and I wondered if I could have that in my life too. A little Cecily with big brown eyes and dimples.

“Who the fuck is that and can I marry him?” Kareema’s voice came from over my shoulder. Nosey ass.

“That’s my boy. And no. He’s married. With a kid.”

“I see the kid but is he good with his wife? They happy?”

“Yes, Kareema.”

“Dammit. Why do you have sexy friends that I can’t harass, Bear? You’re no fun.”

“You’re pretty, Kareema. Don’t act like men aren’t chasing you.”

“They are, just not the right ones.” Cecily walked into the kitchen wearing a yellow sundress that made her cinnamon-brown skin pop. I did a double-take, tracing the faint line of her thongs beneath the thin material and in seconds, my arm was around her waist and my lips were against her ear.

“Take your panties off and put them in my hand. Now.”

“Bear,” she warned.

“I’m serious. I want to smell your pussy fresh out of the shower.”

“Y’all know whispering is rude, right?” Kareema peered over her mug of coffee and swung her gaze from me to Cecily.

“Sorry about that.” I winked at her and moved away from Cecily. I knew she’d do exactly what I asked, that’s why when she excused herself to go to the bathroom I smirked. She was back in a few seconds. While I sweetened her coffee, she stuffed her panties in my pocket.

“Thank you,” I said, clearing my throat. “Here’s your coffee.”

“Thanks.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek. Her scent was intoxicating.

“So, please, God tell me this is a thing. Like y’all are boyfriend and girlfriend.” Kareema aimed her manicured nail at me then Cecily. I grabbed my mug and sat at the island.

“Ask Bear.”