Page 12 of Saved By A Small Town Country Boy
“Thanks.” Taking my wine, I continued on my stroll through the market, stopping at different tables to see what they all offered.
By the time I made it to Redwick’s booth, I already had a handful of bags.
Several people crowded his booth, so I knew his fruit had to be delicious.
My eyes landed on freshly cut watermelon, and my mouth salivated.
Just from staring at it, I can tell that it’s sweet—just like how I liked it.
“Remedi!” I heard my name and whipped my head in that direction to see Khali standing behind the booth with a smile larger than the sun on her face.
“What are you doing here?” I questioned her and stepped to where she took a seat on a stool. I know that’s a crazy question to ask her when clearly, she’s sitting behind the booth. Obviously, they were here to sell fruit.
“Daddy brings me with him a couple times out the week.”
“And where is your daddy ?” I hadn’t noticed him when I walked up. I just know she wasn’t sitting over here by herself handling all these customers.
“He went to the truck to grab the rest of the corn. We ran out.”
“Ah.” I nodded and grazed my hand across the grapes.
I wasn’t here for them, but they looked juicy.
Just might have to grab some while I’m here.
One of the other customers handed Khali some cash, and she placed it into a container.
“How’s Beauty?” I collected all of the fruit that I wanted to grab and placed it down in front of her.
“She’s great, thanks to you.”
“Good. I like to hear that.”
“There’s Daddy!” she shouted, pointing behind me.
When I turned around, I saw Khalif trotting in our direction with a crate in his hands.
The way his biceps flexed through the blue plaid shirt he wore, I fanned myself with my hand to cool off.
That crate looked as if it was heavy, but he was carrying it with ease.
A woman stopped him, gripping him by the forearm before he could reach us.
The corners of her mouth creased as she looked up at him and talked.
She looked to be twice his age, but that wasn’t stopping her from flirting.
I knew that’s what she was doing from how hard she was grinning to her playfully slapping his arm. He didn’t even crack a smile at her.
I can understand what he’s been through. Never in a million years could I ever imagine losing the love of my life. Most people would’ve moved on by now, but I can tell that it still bothers Khalif. I’d been around for a few days now, and I have yet to see this man smile.
Khalif’s eyes connected with mine. They drew me in like a magnet.
This was certainly one good-looking man.
Any woman who’s capable of getting him would be lucky as fuck.
He’s hardworking, got his own, and I’m sure he’s loyal.
He wouldn’t have an issue getting anyone unless they don’t like kids.
Khali is cool, so she’s going to make a great stepchild to someone.
I just don’t know if I want to attempt to crack the code.
It’s been so long since I took a man seriously. I kind of like my freedom right now.
Khalif moved closer, and that’s when I realized he was no longer standing there, talking to the woman.
Sweat beads formed on my forehead. I’m not sure if it was from the heat or the fact that I was mere inches away from Khalif’s fine ass.
Not to mention that he smelled heavenly.
A smoky, warm scent tickled my nostrils.
“Remedi,” left his lips as he stepped around the table.
Spinning on my heels, I replied, “Hello to you too, Khalif,” and swiped my fruit off the table.
“We’re going to church tomorrow. You want to join us?” Khali stopped me mid-stride.
I haven’t stepped foot in a church in so long.
It’s not like I’m not religious or anything.
Just didn’t find the point in going anymore.
The last time I went was when I was a teenager.
I grew up in church. Didn’t miss a Sunday school or Bible study, but once I got out to California, I stopped going.
I’ve grown to believe that I don’t have to go to a building every week or sometimes twice a week to let God know that I believe in Him.
“Uh…” My eyes drifted from Khali to Khalif. He didn’t even bother to look in my direction. “I don’t really want to intrude.”
I thought that was going to be enough for me to get away from the situation, but nope. “Please?” Khali pressed her hands together at her mouth as if she was about to say a prayer. She batted her long eyelashes at me, waiting for my response.
“Okay, fine.” I’m sure if I didn’t agree to it, she wasn’t going to let up on the matter.
“Khali, I’m sure that Remedi has better things to do than to go to church,” Khalif finally spoke as he stepped alongside her behind the booth.
“No, it’s fine.” Turning my attention back to Khali, I said, “I’d love to go to church with you.”
“Okay!”
I popped one of the grapes into my mouth and walked off.
As I strolled back toward my truck, my phone rang.
Fumbling with my bags, I unzipped my crossbody and pulled it out.
It was a number that I didn’t recognize.
Swiping the screen, I placed the phone to my ear and listened to see if I could recognize the voice on the other side.
“Remedi?” The masculine voice came through the line.
I couldn’t place it, so I said nothing. “I know you’re there, I can hear you breathing.
This is Detective Raymond Steele with the Atlanta Police Department.
I’m calling because—” Before he could even finish his sentence, I hung the phone up, and his number immediately popped right back onto my screen.
“Shit,” I mumbled under my breath and rushed to my truck.