TWENTY-FIVE
Kross truly won’t back down. That’s evident in the gorgeous pink and cream orchids waiting for me.
I stare at my favorite flower for seconds before sitting behind my desk. Reaching for the accompanying slice of vegan strawberry shortcake, I read the handwritten French phrase into my phone to translate it. “ Bonne journée, ma belle . Have a nice day, beautiful .”
The thoughtful gesture and note are a sweet way to start the day, especially after battling my yearning for him all night.
A huge part of me wants Kross, but I’m worried it’s only a temporary attraction that isn’t worth ending my relationship or hurting Iree.
Wanting to thank him, I text instead of call. I’m afraid hearing his voice will make me weak.
Me: Thank you for the
orchids and sweet treat.
I stare at the screen, waiting for him to text back. A nervous breath trickles out as the phone vibrates in my hand. Kross is calling me.
Heart racing, I clear my throat and answer. “Hi.”
“Good morning. You’re welcome.”
“You could have just texted.”
He chuckles softly. “Nah, I want to hear your voice. You have plans later?”
“Why?”
“Hang out with me. I’m taking the night off.”
I squeeze my eyes shut while fighting the urge to accept. “Um, I should focus on my relationship. I owe it to the connection we had to make every last effort.”
His agitated huffs fill the line. “Fuck, Davi. Why are you forcing yourself to stay? He doesn’t even make an effort for you. Why do you want that misery?”
“Kross, you don’t understand. I’ve known Jamir for five years. I barely know you after two weeks.”
“You already know the painful parts and the happier side,” he rasps. “You’ll learn way more when you spend time with me. You can’t deny that there’s something intense, and it isn’t just an attraction.”
My heart is telling me he’s right.
“If you can’t see me later, come to the club Friday night. Check out the performance.”
“I’m seeing Jamir Friday,” I reply. “It’s date night.”
That causes a deep rumble. “Don’t force yourself to fuck him.”
“Kross,” I groan in frustration. “He’s my man.”
“Your man? All right, Davia. See you when I see you.” He hangs up. I know he’s upset because he didn’t use his nickname for me.
“Dammit.” I slump back in the chair with a moan. The sudden buzz makes me grab the phone fast. My shoulders wilt when I realize it isn’t Kross calling back. It’s a text from my mom. She wants to meet for lunch.
Pushing Kross from my mind, I move through the morning, working hard until lunchtime. Then I drive to the restaurant.
Mom smiles as I approach the table. “Hi, daughter.”
“Hey, Mom. Thanks for texting me.”
She shrugs. “You said we should spend more time together. We’re both busy, so I figured we could sneak in something on our breaks. I even made sure they have vegan food.”
“Thank you.” I look through the menu.
“So, is everything sorted with Jamir?” she asks before drinking.
“Uh, yeah.” The only man flooding every space is Kross. Just a thought of his touch makes my body shiver. “Ahem.”
“You okay?” Mom checks, scowling.
“Yes.”
I order veggie dumplings and a non-alcoholic drink when the waitress comes over.
“Why did you go vegan?”
Her question confuses me. “Uh, I was getting sick, remember?”
She knits her brows together. “Really? I don’t remember that. I thought it was a friend at school who convinced you or something.”
“Wow.” I sip some of the sweet drink. “Doctors couldn’t figure out why. They thought it might have been on my father’s side. But there’s no information on him.”
She clicks her tongue and flips her wavy hair off her shoulder.
“Who’s my father, Mom?”
“Geez,” she grates. “Why are you asking that?”
“I figured I’d try.”
“Davia.” She picks up her glass. “I don’t want to talk about him. He didn’t want a kid. You’re better off not knowing.”
“Mom, that’s—”
“I’m pregnant.” Everything fades around us.
“Sorry, what?”
“Six weeks,” she says with a smile. “That’s really why I asked you to meet me.”
“Um…” I can’t think straight. I pick up my drink and set it back down. “You’re forty-three. You were drinking wine the other night.”
“That’s fine,” she dismisses. “I’m still young at forty-three. My doctor says I’m in great health and can go through with the pregnancy. Aren’t you excited for me? You’ll be a big sister.”
“A really big sister,” I point out. “I’m twenty-eight.”
“Well, I’m grateful for the second chance. I always wanted a do-over.”
That statement places a sour taste in my mouth. “Because I ruined your life?”
“Stop it,” she hisses. “It isn’t about you, Davia.”
Feeling a tension headache, I hang my head and massage my temples. “Who’s the father? Is it your new friend?”
“He’s a good man,” she asserts. “I haven’t shared the news with him yet. Planning a surprise.”
“This is certainly a surprise,” I mutter under my breath. “What about Grandma and Grandpa?”
“They’ll know when I tell them, so keep it a secret for now.” She softens her expression. “It’ll be okay.”
“Sure, Mom. Whatever you say.”
Though all I’ve pondered on the past three days is seeing Kross, I fight against the burning desire to work on my relationship.
Jamir swore not to cancel another date night and wouldn’t be late again. So, as Friday evening rolls in, I shower and moisturize with a tropical butter that makes my skin glow and smell so sweet. I slip into a satin dress, spritz Tom Ford vanilla sex perfume, and fluff my reverted curls.
I slip into heels and wait in the living room. When it reaches eight o’clock, annoyance starts to grow. I stand and pace around, looking out the window periodically. Patience dissipates as nine o’clock comes around. “You have got to be kidding me.”
Exasperated, I call his ass. I hear men laughing in the background when he answers. “J?”
“Hey, baby.” His chill response aggravates me.
“Are you serious? It’s nine. I’ve been waiting.”
“Shoot! It’s date night,” he drones. “D, baby, I completely forgot.”
I tilt my head to the ceiling, feeling like an idiot. “Seems you easily forget me these days. All you give me are crumbs.”
“I’m sorry, damn. I got caught up. I’m in Potomac but leaving in half an hour or so.”
“Stay there,” I snap. “Have fun. I’ll do the same.”
“Davia, what the hell does that mean?”
“Just as I said. Goodnight.” I end the call, power off my phone, and strut into my bedroom to change into something sexier. I’m going to see the man my heart is yearning for.