Page 47 of The Phyre that Burns

“Don’t exaggerate, Phyre. I’ve only been here a month. What did you do before then?”

“I’ve already forgotten what living without you was like, but I know I don’t wanna do that shit again.”

My heart melted as he pressed his lips against mine. He held me tight as he slipped his tongue into my mouth, and our kiss became intense. When he lifted the back of my shirt and tried to slip his hands into my pants, I had to cut him off.

“Absolutely not, baby. You’re gonna make me late,” I said, taking a step back.

“I can be quick.”

“The lies you tell. I gotta go. Love you.”

I rushed from his office as he returned my sentiment. My breathing was labored by the time I reached the truck. I’d missbeing with Phyre this weekend, but I was excited to see my best friend.

“You’re pathetic,”Lennon said, shaking his head and laughing.

“Call me what you will. I miss my woman,” I responded before taking a sip of my drink.

“Wait. What did I miss?” Kevin asked.

After Ginae left, I worked in my office until Lennon interrupted me at about five o’clock. He suggested we grab a bite and a drink, and I invited Kevin.

“Ginae’s best friend is in town, and they’re staying at his condo. He’s acting like he can’t function,” Lennon responded.

Kevin chuckled. “Oh yeah. I think I remember Phoenix mentioning that a few days ago. It’s just a weekend, bruh. Suck it up.”

“Fuck both of y’all. A nigga can’t miss his woman?”

“Most men welcome a break from their women,” Lennon offered.

“Nigga, you probably need a break with your two-family having ass,” I said.

“Fuck you, bruh. You stay coming for my lifestyle. You sure you’re not jealous?”

I shook my head. “Hell no, I’m not jealous of your ass. The only woman I need is Ginae Burns, soon to be Jordan.”

Kevin laughed at me and Lennon’s back-and-forth before adding his thoughts. “I look at it this way. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Being apart gives you a chance to miss each other.”

“I’ve spent the last thirteen years missing her. It’ll be a long time before I’m cool with not being in her presence for more than a few hours. I might lose my mind by Monday.”

“Shit. You won’t make it to Monday, bruh.”

“You don’t have to wait,” Kevin announced, looking at his phone.

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Phoenix texted saying she’s going out with Ginae and her best friend. They’re going toPitch Black.”

I raised my brow and gave them a look. “Y’all down?”

“Don’t act like you need us to tag along. You’ll go alone if we don’t go,” Lennon teased.

“Damn right. Y’all going or what?”

“I’ll roll. Phoenix and I haven’t gone out in a while. Once the baby is here, we won’t have as much freedom,” Kevin said.

“I’m not doing shit tonight. We can use my driver,” Lennon offered.

We paid our tab and went home to get ready since we were still dressed in our work clothes. It was still early, so after I showered, I FaceTimed Ginae.