Change of Heart

Skye’s Prologue

Knox was the kind of man any woman could easily fall in love with. He was tall, handsome, witty, had his own money, and came from a solid family. For months, he’d been badgering me for a date, and I finally gave in, so I’d have to be extra careful tonight.

I knew I’d have a good time, but I couldn’t allow myself to have too much of a good time, because falling for him wasn’t an option. I preferred having multiple men on my roster, keeping them in rotation. I called them entanglements, and right now, I didn’t need another one.

I took one last look in the mirror to ensure the wide-leg jeans, modest Kelly green heels, and matching sleeveless bodysuit were still what I wanted to wear. I grabbed my cropped black blazer as I left my bedroom and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” my son Stokely asked.

He’d be starting his third year of college in the fall and was home visiting for a few weeks.

“On a date with Knox.”

“You finally gave in, huh?”

“He wore me down, but he only gets one. I’m not interested in anything beyond this date.”

“Dang, Ma. You’re cold. I could do without hearing all the flirtatious stuff he says to you, but I low-key think he likes you for real.”

I’d met Knox a few months ago at a singles mixer. We spent the night talking, and I could admit, he had piqued my interest. Although I was attracted to him, I decided it would be best not to exchange numbers, telling him I’d consider it if the universe brought us back together.

Well, my best friend, Nyomi, was not only in a relationship with his older brother but had recently found out she was carrying his child.

The universe had brought us together a few times, and I was a woman of my word.

When we were in the same space, he flirted, and sometimes the things he said made me blush, so I finally agreed to go out with him.

“You’re a young man, Son, so when I say this, you’ll understand. Knox will say all the right things to get me to have sex with him, and if he gets what he wants, he’ll move on to the next. I’m not falling for it.”

Stokely nodded.

“In many cases, you’re probably right, but I’ve peeped the way he looks at you.”

“How is that?”

“Like he likes you for real, but since your mind is made up about him, I guess that means I won’t be awakened tonight by y’all doing the nasty.”

“Boy, bye.”

I kissed his cheek and left. Since I didn’t want Knox to know where I lived, I decided to drive myself. He was offended, but that wasn’t my problem. I didn’t think I’d be in any danger if he knew where I lived, but I also didn’t want him popping up at my house uninvited.

The Black Elm Art Institute was hosting an event called BEA After Dark, and he’d gotten us tickets. It was an adults-only event, and the first time they’d hosted an event of this kind.

This was something I would’ve normally attended with Nyomi, but she was in love and all about spending time with her man, which I absolutely loved for her. She must have sensed me thinking about her because her name flashed across my display.

“What’s up, sis?” I answered.

“You didn’t back out on him, did you?”

I smacked my lips and rolled my eyes.

“No, I didn’t back out. I’m on my way to the museum now.”

“You drove? Why didn’t you have him pick you up?”

“Because there is no reason for Knox St. Patrick to know where I live.”

“Skye, he’s not a stalker.”

“I didn’t say he was, but that doesn’t mean he should have my address.”

This time, I heard her lips smack on the other end of the phone.

“You’re ridiculous, but whatever. I hope you can find parking.”

“I already reserved a spot in the garage. I’ll be fine.”

“Good. Have fun and do all the nasty things you’d tell me to do.”

“Umm, I think I’ll pass on that. Taking my advice has gotten you into quite the predicament.”

We shared a laugh.

“True, but I found the love of my life, so it was worth it.”

“I’m truly happy for you, friend, but that doesn’t mean that’s what’s happening here. I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

A few minutes later, I turned into the parking garage and found a spot. When I got out of my car, Knox stood a few feet away.

“Oh, hey. Perfect timing,” I said.

“I guess so. You ready?”

“I’m debating on if I should take my blazer inside in case it’s chilly from the air conditioning, but I don’t want to hold it if it’s not.”

“Give it to me. I’ll hold it.”

I smiled, closing and locking my car before handing him my blazer. We exited the garage, and when we reached the sidewalk leading to the museum, he made sure I was on the inside, away from the street.

“I guess I can’t ask you what to expect since this is the first event they’ve hosted of this kind,” he said.

“I suppose we’ll find out together. What did you do today?”

“Helped Nyeem move into his dorm.”

“Oh, yeah. How could I forget about that? Did it go smoothly?”

Nyeem was Nyomi’s son. He was starting his first year at Black Elm University and was on the football and track teams. Knox was one of the assistant football coaches, while his brother Kilo, Nyomi’s man, was the head coach.

“It did while I was there. I left a little early to get ready for our date.”

“You didn’t have to do that. We could’ve rescheduled.”

He laughed. “Nah. I don’t trust that your pretty ass would’ve followed through. It took me long enough to get you to agree to this.”

I giggled and gently bumped his arm with my shoulder.

“Don’t do me like that. I had my reasons for turning down your invitations and ignoring your advances.”

“I’d love to hear them.”

He looked at me with an intensity that caused my body temperature to rise. Knox was dangerous, and I knew that from our first meeting. I didn’t trust myself around him because being in his presence made me question everything I believed about love and relationships.

“I bet you would.”