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nineteen

“W ow, this is beautiful.” I gawked at the setup before me. Onyx told me to be ready by seven without disclosing any details about our date. He’s full of surprises, so I wasn’t the least bit worried; however, this far exceeded my expectations. I told him about how much I loved painting, but I hadn’t expected anything like this.

In this room, there were two canvases with a table filled with all of the supplies we’d need to paint. In front of the canvas, I noticed a couch and wondered who would be sitting on it. To the left sat a table covered with a black cloth. On top, I saw two bouquets of flowers, a bowl of fruit, some chilled wine, and accompanied by an assortment of snacks.

“Hello, how are you two doing today?” Tyeis stepped into the room dressed in overalls with paint marks splattered all over them.

“Hey girl, what are you doing here?” I knew she was an artist, but I didn’t know much else.

“I’ll be your instructor for this evening. Let me know when you’re ready to get started. Here are some robes for the two of you. If you need a changing room, there’s one across the hall.” I peered down at the robes and then turned to get confirmation on what we were doing.

“I don’t think we’ll need the changing room. I’ve seen every part of this canvas already.” Onyx winked in my direction. I blushed under his gaze. There’s something about a man affirming your beauty that melts my heart. I wasn’t blind to the fact that Onyx has seen his fair share of women, yet he makes me feel as though I’m the prettiest woman in the world.

The stigma of dating an athlete can leave anyone feeling insecure. In the beginning, I struggled because I didn’t want to be in another situation where my heart ended up on the chopping block. Onyx handled me with so much care, making it impossible not to fall hard for him. His calm demeanor balanced out my loud, outspoken one.

“Alright, well, I’ll give you two a moment to get changed, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Tyeis smiled before turning to walk out of the room.

“Strip,” His deep voice rumbled all of my senses.

“W-what do you mean?” Clearly, I missed all of the clues as I stared at him in confusion.

“This is a body painting session. I figured if we were going to create beauty, I needed to find a way to incorporate the most beautiful work of art I’ve ever known.” My breath hitched while I hung on to his every word.

“You’re gonna paint me?” I inquired, attempting to gain a bit of clarity. Onyx chuckled, walking up to me until we were chest-to-chest.

“Naw, Shorty. I’m about to cover your sexy, thick ass in paint, lay you on this canvas, feed you this fruit, then fuck you silly.” He professed. Rarely have I been rendered speechless until I met Onyx.

The way he gave out demands and told me how things were going to be, turned me on. I love a dominant man who knows how to lead. It made it easy for me to submit to him. I stood there as Onyx unzipped the white corset top, I had on. Although I’m a plus-sized baddie, I loved being naked. There was no shame in my game because I knew I looked good.

Whenever Freedom got upset with me, he’d try to make fun of my weight. In the beginning it used to hurt my feelings, then I’d observe myself in front of the mirror and remind myself who I am. Onyx paid me no mind as he helped me out of my clothes. Within seconds, my cargo pants were pooling at my feet. My left arm covered my breast as I stood before him.

“Damn, you don’t have a clue how sexy you are to me. All the fellas have different supermodels and actresses taped to their lockers, but I smile hard as fuck when I open my door and get to see your gorgeous face and body covering mine. They can only fantasize, but I get to curl up with my crush anytime I want.” I buried my face into my hands to hide the tears.

They weren’t from sadness at all. The way he expressed his feelings overwhelmed me at times. I’d spent years begging for a man to choose me or at least admit he cared about me. Now, here’s this amazing human openly declaring his admiration for me without being asked. As women, we believe we have to teach a man how to love us, when in reality, if he wanted to, he would.

They are capable of being everything you need them to be; you just have to be the woman they want. Dating Onyx opened my eyes to the fact that Freedom never loved me. He settled for me out of contentment, but I wasn’t his person. The reality crushed me at first then I realized I allowed it. I settled for less than I deserved when I could have had the world. I promised myself I’d never downgrade for another person. I couldn’t expect anyone to see my value if I failed to set the standard. I owed myself more than that.

“Come’re,” He commanded. Wrapping my body into his warm embrace. “You know I’m not one to do too much talking; If I said it, it’s law. I love you, Bebe.” I snickered at him, calling me by the nickname his nephew Zane had given me.

I’d met his family a couple of months ago and fell in love. Onyx didn’t grow up with the typical family, much like me. His mother abandoned him when he was born, and he had no clue who his father was. His grandmother raised him, and she did an incredible job, might I add. A lot of things concerning our childhoods were similar all the way down to us both being estranged from most of our family. My mother constantly lied about how much she took care of my son, but in reality, I helped pay her bills. Even though she wasn’t the mother I needed, she was the one God gave me.

“I love you, too.” He pecked my lips, stepping back to remove his shirt. I eyed him curiously.

“What are you taking your clothes off for?” Tyeis seemed nice, but I’m not sure how I feel about another woman seeing my man naked.

“Calm down, I have to make sure my shirt doesn’t get any paint on it, when I’m stroking this paint on your body.” The lust in his eyes caused a flood in my panties. His gaze traveled downwards as he smirked.

“Don’t even worry about it because I’m going to devour that pussy as soon as we leave here. I’m praying I don’t fuck up this lady’s studio.” I giggled. Onyx’s sense of humor warmed my heart. He kept me smiling and laughing whenever I was in his presence.

“Alright, are we ready to get started?” Tyeis popped her head into the room. My robe hung from my shoulders with the strings tied in the front. I wasn’t shy in any way, so I didn’t mind her being in the room with us.

“I believe so, even though I have no idea what we’re doing.” I expressed. Ty beamed, walking closer to us.

“This is a special service I offer for my clients. It helps to explore your sensuality while also using paint as a way to express yourself. I’ve been a huge fan of body painting for a long time. There’s a beauty in it many may not understand. Anyways, I’m going to have you step over there where the sheets are laid out. Onyx will be provided with all of the colors of his choice to use on you.

There’s music playing, but if you want to connect to your own playlist, please feel free to do so. I’m going to show him a few techniques on how to handle his brushes, and then I’ll be out of your hair. Once the two of you are done, I’ll take a few pictures for you as a keepsake. Now, I’m not a professional like my husband, but I do okay.” She snickered. The relationship between her and Loyal felt so loving and carefree. He’s a true character, but they seemed to balance each other out.

“I trust you.”

“Let’s get started, shall we?” She led us over to the sheets and then gave instructions to Onyx. He wore a stern expression on his face while she walked him through the process.

“Now, the first few strokes of paint may feel cold, but your body will adjust almost immediately,” Ty advised. She told no lies because the moment he touched me with the paint, I jumped.

“Relax, shorty. You’re in great hands.” Onyx winked at me before continuing.

“Do you even have a vision, or are you just throwing paint anywhere?” I asked, wondering if he planned to create a real image or slather me with paint.

“The vision has already been established; I’m simply adding garnish to an already exceptional masterpiece.” I would give him that because he has a way with words. I simply stood there and allowed him to have his way with me. Each time, he gazed into my orbs, it felt as if he saw through my heart and soul.

“It should be a crime to have such beautiful curves all over your body. Every part of you feels smooth and perfect as hell.” My eyes darted to his jeans, where I could see his hardening member. My mouth salivated, knowing I’d be riding him before the night ended. I loved sex, but Onyx took it to another level. With my previous partner, it felt one-sided. It never mattered whether I got off or not as long as he got what he came for.

With Onyx, my pleasure mattered more than anything. He took his time to explore my body from top to bottom. His touches were calculated and intentional when it came to pleasing me. He would stop at nothing to make sure I felt completely satisfied before reaching his peak. I never knew a woman could have more than one orgasm in a single session, but my record with Onyx was six. He drained me each and every time.

“What’s on your mind, Bebe?” Onyx stroked his brush across my lower belly. He rested on his knees as he continued to paint me. I shook my head in response to his question, not wanting to tell him about how my mind imagined him laying me across the fruit table and devouring me whole.

“You already know I don’t do all that head-nodding shit. Let me know what’s on your mind. How can I bring your thoughts to reality?” My chest heaved up and down rapidly. My palms grew sweaty while my nipples hardened through the paint, he’d covered them with.

“You don’t even have to speak it because I can feel the heat radiating from your pussy. Well, my pussy.” He bit his bottom lip, sending my hormones through the roof. Logically, I knew we could not have sex in this room, but my throbbing clit sang a different tune.

“You’re lucky, I’m not on that type of time right now, or I’d bend your sexy ass over and have you screaming my name all through this building. Spread your legs for me, though; I need to make sure I cover even an inch of your gorgeous ass.” This must be what torture felt like. I contemplated saying fuck it and jumping on top of him.

“Yea, just like that. Let me get between those juicy thighs.” I stifled a moan.

Most men only cared about penetrating your body, but Onyx consumed my body as well as my mind. He put thought into our dates, even when he invited me to his games. He insisted I got the best seats possible. I hated being the center of attention, so I preferred to sit where most people were seated. He felt I needed to be courtside, especially when it was a home game. It drove me absolutely nuts.

At home, I got to be Bree, but out in public, I became Onyx Jefferson’s girlfriend. I’d become an involuntary influencer overnight, and I was still adjusting to it. Onyx didn’t seem to mind the limelight; however, it came with an immense amount of pressure. He told me I handled it better than most, but I preferred to be out of the camera view as much as possible.

“Turn around, so I can get your back too.” I peered in his direction. My goodness, this man must have been created with extra care. His cocoa complexion radiated in the sunlight. I loved staring into his sexy hazel orbs when he pinned me to the bed. I understood why his female fans lost their minds when he entered a room. Onyx’s aura was unmatched.

“You know I don’t like repeating myself. Turn that ass around.” I’d gotten distracted with admiration; I forgot his instructions. Pivoting in my spot, I obliged his request.

“Thank you, ma. I got the best seat in the house.” I chuckled. The paint felt cold, but as Ty explained, it warmed up instantly. The front had a few dry spots already. As much as I enjoyed the thoughtfulness behind this, I knew the shower I’d be taking afterward would be heavenly.

After he covered me with paint, it was my turn. Not too many people knew this, but painting used to be a hobby of mine. Although nowhere near Tyeis’s level, I knew some basic skills. It took about an hour and a half for us to finish up.

“You both did so good. I’m going to take a few pictures and then print them out for you. How does that sound?” She asked. We both nodded our heads while posing for the camera. Onyx and I had quite a height difference, so I got a good laugh when Ty stood up on a chair to get a better angle.

“I don’t say this often, but you two make one fine-ass melanated couple. I love to see it. Sincere’s already a handsome chocolate drop, and if you two have children, those babies will have some gorgeous ass genes.” For some reason, I received compliments from women better than men. When another woman affirms your beauty, you just know they’re telling the truth.

“Thank you, love. It’ll be a long time before I even think about having another baby, but I appreciate you.” I felt Onyx tense up, but I didn’t think too hard about it. We took a shower together in order to wash off the paint, then got dressed back into our clothes.

I checked my phone to see if I’d gotten any new messages, then stuck it back into my purse. The rest of the date went by smoothly, ending with us having dinner at the Lucky Crab. I told Onyx how much I craved their crab cakes a few weeks ago. Normally, I come at least once a month, but life’s been keeping me busy. Once again, he brought my desires to life.

On the ride home, I noticed Onyx seemed unusually quiet. Normally, he’d be goofing off or something, but his silence sent off alarms in my mind. I glanced at our hands interlocked together, thinking maybe I might be overthinking. However, my gut told me differently, and it’s rarely wrong.

“What’s on your mind, baby?” He briefly peered in my direction, but no words were spoken. My anxiety caused my mind to run wild. I was used to arguing and loud talking when there was an issue, so his quiet demeanor scared me.

“Back at the studio, you mentioned you weren’t planning on having kids for a long time. It kind of bothered me a little bit. Not because of anything you think or feel. I guess for the first time, I realized our age difference may be an issue.” The word issue caused my stomach to churn.

“Wh-what do you mean by that?” I prayed he wasn’t getting ready to break up with me.

“We’re in two different seasons in life if that makes sense. I’m getting older, so I’m ready to settle down and start a family. Whereas you’re still figuring life out, you know?” My head shook vehemently.

“Maybe I’m overthinking, but it feels like we may want different things. I don’t want you to feel like you have to compromise because we’re in a relationship. We got together quickly, so there are topics we haven’t talked about in detail. Including starting a family.” I thought back to my earlier comments with Tyeis. I meant what I said, although it’s clear Onyx may have taken them the wrong way.

“I want to make sure I understand you before I react. You have concerns because I’m not ready to have more children right now?”

“Honestly, it’s really about me. I told you about my previous relationship, but there’s a lot I’ve never shared with you. Lyrissa and I were together for almost five years. We were going to get married and everything, but then things took a turn. She started becoming distant, and I tried to fix whatever it was.

"I’d wanted children for a long time, but she wanted to get married first. I promised her once I signed my new contract, we’d start planning for a wedding, and for the most part, she seemed satisfied. About six months before we were set to get married, Lyrissa revealed her pregnancy to me. Of course, I felt ecstatic because it’s what I wanted. In my mind, everything was falling into place.

"Eventually, things came to a head when a nigga approached me, claiming my woman and unborn child as his. I’m not one to take anyone else’s word, so I went to the source. Of course, she cried about how lonely it was when I was on the road and how sorry she was. The shit crushed me, although I’m not one to dwell on things. Life goes on whether you want it to or not. Ever since then, I’ve felt this sense of pressure to make up for the time I’ve lost. I don’t want to be in another relationship where I’m placed on someone else’s timeline, only for them to end up betraying me in the end.” His revelation broke my heart, but it also gave me more insight into his thought process. I may not always agree with him, but I respect his feelings. He does the same for me, too.

“I understand your concerns, but I can assure you that we’re on the same page. We haven’t been together long enough for me to feel ready for a baby, but I see my future with you. Right now, I want to enjoy our relationship as we learn more about one another. I made a promise to myself that I would not allow my past experience to hold me back from opening up to you, and I meant that. When the time is right, I’m going to give you as many babies as you can handle. I do want to get married first, though.” I loved the fact that we were able to communicate about our fears and feelings openly because had I jumped to conclusions, this would have turned out differently.

“I would love nothing more than for you to become my wife. I guess I just needed to know we both wanted the same things. I love Sincere like he’s my own, but I’ve always envisioned having a big family. It’s something I never had, and I want to spoil my children as much as possible.

“You’re so good with my son, and I know you’re going to be an amazing father one day. I can’t wait to be able to share that experience with you. Just promise me, you’ll never stop loving me.”

“That’s a promise, I can easily make. I’ll love you until I take my last breath.”