Page 58 of Dare You to See Me

Me: Hi Soleil. Dahlia mentioned to me that your friend Kyle is going to be picking her up today?

It only takes a few seconds to reply.

Soleil: Yes. I was going to tell you this morning, but you were busy. Kyle is already on her approved list so there shouldn’t be a problem.

Me: Oh no problem. And I apologize for being caught up this morning. You know how Mrs. Davis is.

Instead of responding with words, all I get from her is a . I feel guilt settle in my stomach like a ball of fire.

Me: Will you be home this afternoon?

Soleil: Yes. Why?

Me: I’m hoping you’ll allow me to stop by and apologize for yesterday.

Five very long minutes pass before she responds and I can breathe again.

Soleil: Sure. Come on by after school. I’ll be here.

Me: Thank you. See you in a few hours.

“Alright my kiddos. We are having an outdoor classroom this afternoon for science.” The kids all cheer as I share my good mood.

I look over at Dahlia who beams and I think to myselfI do it for you.

TWENTY-FIVE

SOLEIL

I watchthe clock as it strikes four-fifteen, wondering what time Malik will be here. I also check my phone, hoping to see a response from King, but the only message is one he sent me last night.

Staring at my laptop screen, I let my thoughts wander. The way Malik acted yesterday caught me off-guard and has me contemplating whether or not a relationship with a jealous man is something I could handle. I guess it beats a relationship with a man who cheats on me. But is one really better than the other?

I throw back the last dredges of my soda when my doorbell rings. Stopping at the mirror hanging in the hallway, I take a deep breath before pulling open my door.

Malik stands there wearing similar clothing from yesterday, a smile and large gift bag.

“Hi beautiful,” he says and my body melts.

What was I supposed to be mad at him about, again?

“Hi.” I think I smile, but I can’t say for certain as I feel numb from my hair to my toes.

Some new sensation always seems to wash over me when I see him. Belly flutters, heart racing, floating, falling, and now numb. It’s like my brain is trying to throw hints my way that this guy isn’t someone to pass time with.

“Come in,” I tell him. “Sorry.”

He takes two steps into the foyer and leans down, placing a soft kiss on my cheek that has them burning hot and red.

“Mind if I take off my riding boots? They’re clunky and I’d hate to mess up your floors.” He’s so tall and handsome and staring up into his gray eyes I get completely lost. “Soleil?”

“Huh?”

“My boots?” He looks down at his feet and I follow the same path.

“Oh. Yeah. Right. Of course.” I point to the living room where he can sit and pull off those shoes that look like fancy ski boots or something.

“This is for you.” He holds out the bag and I grab it, looking curiously into it. “It’s an early birthday present. A little dove bird told me.” He winks having picked up on my nickname for Dahlia, and I blush.