Chapter 12 Autumn
The sun’s rays cast a glow through the blinds as I stared at the beautiful man lying next to me. His pecan skin, full lips, bushy eyebrows, and chiseled face had me infatuated with watching him.
Those three moles along his jawline and the one under his eye were beautiful and unique.
Everything about him was beautiful to me, which kind of scared me to feel this way about someone I barely knew. But the thing about this crazy dynamic between us was that I felt like I’d known him for a while.
It could be because his and Kenzi’s caring spirits drew people in without them even trying. Of course, Ghana was a bit different because of his struggles, but I felt his genuine energy and the love he showed when he was calm.
Last night was the best sex I’d ever had. I wasn’t shy about my sexuality. I didn’t mind initiating sex or talking dirty along with my partner. There was something about talking back that excited me.
It was one of the reasons Chris and I divorced. He thought I was trying to be the man in the bedroom, and that was nowhere near the case. I allowed him to take the lead, but when it was my turn, I liked to have control.
I held back a little with Ghana last night because I didn’t want him to think I was trying to dominate him. Honestly, I think he liked it, though.
I slid out of the bed, grabbed my phone from the nightstand, then crept downstairs to brew some coffee. It was a little after five, so I knew my mom was up at this hour. I wanted to call her before she went into prayer mode at six.
The phone rang twice before she picked up.
“Good morning. Blake residence.”
“Good morning, Mommy. It’s me.”
“Oh, hey, sweetie. I didn’t expect a call this early from you on a Saturday.”
“Yeah, I kind of woke up early . . . You got a minute to talk?”
“Of course. What’s on your mind?”
“Uhm, I, shoot, I don’t even know where to start.” I chuckled lightly.
“Just start from the beginning, baby.”
“Okay. So, Kenzi has a brother who suffers from impulsive bipolar disorder. She asked me to treat him, and well, I did, but things have progressed beyond him just receiving treatment from me.” I bit my thumbnail nervously as I leaned on the counter.
“You have a degree, sweetheart. Explain this better for me.”
“I-I like him. A lot, and it’s only been a week. I know I shouldn’t, and it goes against the rules, but I can’t help it. He’s really sweet when things are . . . clear for him.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Yeah. I guess I just want to know what you think about this. I know what I’ll be getting myself into if I decide to allow this to manifest between us, but do you think I should?”
“Well, baby girl, I can’t tell you how to get to Sesame Street. Use your GPS, chile.”
We both giggled. “Mommy! I’m being serious.”
“I am too, sweetie. The GPS is your mind and what you feel in your heart. Keep in mind that you have to factor in my grandbaby and the fact that he has a mental condition that may cause harm or put you in harmful situations. It’s only been a week, Autumn, and I can tell by your tone that you are certainly considering allowing this to manifest.
“Use your discernment. God gave it to every soul on Earth; some just never tap into it, but you know how to. It’s why you’re in the field you’re in.
You’re an adult, and you make your own decisions, and you’re smart.
If you’re feeling him that much, then I’m sure you know what you’re doing, baby.
You don’t need anyone’s opinion on what you already know. ”
I put the phone on speaker and took out the ingredients for the coffee. “Yeah, . . . you’re right. Can you pray for us?”
“Of course, baby. What’s this gentleman’s name?”
“Ghana.”
“I love that name. Very unique. Is he African?”
I smiled. “It is. And yes, African American.”
“Hmm. You've found yourself a Mandingo warrior. Lawd, help her.” We both laughed again.
“Alright. Close your eyes and let the prayer and the Holy Spirit guide you.”
I closed my eyes and bowed my head.
“Oh, gracious and Heavenly Father, the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
We come to You as humbly as we know how and ask that You cover us in Your blood.
God, You know what we stand in need of this morning, and You granted us the sight of it again; we ask that You cover these two souls who are hopefully joining together to become one.
We ask that You touch Ghana and Autumn from the crowns of their heads to the soles of their feet.
“Give them wisdom and a strength that will carry them to the end of time. Lord, if it’s in Your will, give them a sign that You are walking along this journey with them.
Give Ghana the peace his mind seeks and the love they both deserve.
Send your Holy Spirit to guide them along this path that they have embarked on, and redirect any negative thoughts, feelings, and energy that may come their way.
“Order their steps, guard their hearts, and bring peace to their minds. These and all the things I ask in Your Mighty Name. Hallelujah. Amen and thank God.”
“Amen,” I replied.
“Amen.”
I quickly turned to see Ghana leaning against the entryway with his eyes closed. His pajama pants hung low on his waist, showing that perfect V-cut with no underwear underneath. That tool between his legs made an imprint that had me licking my lips.
His eyes opened and came to me. They were glossy as he walked closer to me with a small smile on his face.
“Is that him?” Mom asked.
I nodded like she could see me, unable to really focus since his dick had my attention.
Autumn, your mother just got finished praying, and here you go, lusting.
I shook my head at myself and smiled. “Yes, it’s him.”
“How are you, . . . Mrs. Blake, I presume?”
“Yes, it’s Mrs. Blake. How are you, son?”
“Better,” he replied, eyes on me. “Thank you for the prayer and faith in us. I know it’s still a little too soon, but the Big Homie knows what He’s doing. If I don’t know anything else, I know whatever this is that’s happening with your daughter is meant to be.”
Mommy tittered. “Are you sure about that?”
“I am, and you just confirmed it through your prayer.”
“Hmm. I’d love to put eyes on you. Autumn, when the time permits, bring your friend by the house to meet me. No rush, but soon, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” We said our ‘I love yous’ then ended the call. Ghana pulled me into his arms and dropped a kiss on my lips. His kiss lingered a little as my arms went around his neck, and his hands rubbed my booty.
“Good morning,” he greeted.
“Good morning, handsome.”
“You’re not supposed to be out of bed yet,” he whispered against my lips.
“My body is an alarm clock. Even when I’m not scheduled to work today, I still manage to get up like I am.”
“Damn. Now I’m disappointed.”
I frowned. “Why?”
“After last night, you shouldn’t be out of bed.”
“It’s f—”
“Nah. I’m about to fuck you back to sleep.”
“Oh my God! Ah!” I laughed jovially as he tossed me over his shoulder and carried me out of the kitchen.
Ghana and I spent most of the morning talking and sexing until he had to go handle some business. I took that time to shower and get home to prepare for part two of our date.
I strongly believed if he didn’t have anything to do, he would have kept me hostage in this loft. Before leaving, he left a note, a single red rose, and an Amex card, instructing me to go to the spa.
The warmth swarming in my belly had me placing a hand over my heart, swooning.
It wasn’t just because of the gesture. I could spoil myself, but it was because of who it came from. When reading over his files from his previous therapist and trips to the hospital, any person would have possibly run away from him.
He had a history of violent behavior, but it wasn’t geared toward people—not that I knew of. I’d learned it was always triggered by something someone else had done.
Just spending a week with him, I could tell he was easily triggered by certain things people would say or a memory. I wasn’t afraid, but I made sure to be alert and aware of what I said or did around him.
Consideration was key.
I grabbed my clutch and left the loft, heading home to get dressed and start my day.
After getting dressed, I headed out to Above All Nails & Spa Bar.
I made sure to call up Willow and Kenzi before I left the house to meet them.
Of course, once we met up, they wanted to know what happened on the date, but I wasn’t telling, mainly because I knew Kenzi didn't want to hear the dirty details of her brother and me, so I only told half the truth.
While we sat getting a pedicure, Kenzi brought us up to date on the wedding, and a woman wearing a blue pantsuit entered the area, carrying an envelope and a bouquet of assorted flowers.
“Is there an Autumn Blake present?” she asked.
“That’s me,” I replied. I already knew who it was from, and I smiled widely when she handed me the flowers and card.
“Have a good day.” She smiled and walked off.
“Lord, what the hell have you done to my brother?” Kenzi asked, staring at me.
“Hunching on him.” Willow giggled. I noticed she was on her third glass of champagne.
I smirked. “You need to be hunching on something, while you talking.”
“I’m perfectly fine being celibate. These men are trifling these days.”
I waved her off. “You all talk, but when Ethan comes around, you can’t even hide the stars in your eyes.”
“Ethan? Better known as Henny?” Kenzi asked.
“Yup. The one she swears she ain’t crushing on.”
“Autumn, please. No one is thinking about that man.” We were silent as we watched her before we broke into a fit of laughter.
“Bitch, please. Anyway, open the card, Autumn. Let me see if my brother knows what he’s doing.” She beamed.
I opened the stationery card and read over it. My mouth dropped in shock when I looked at the name and address printed in gold lettering on it.
“What does it say?” Willow asked.
“It says to be at Infinity Beyond by four p.m.”
“Infi—giiirlaaa! That’s Milly’s dress shop! Her sister-in-law, Kera, is making my dress for the wedding. You over there putting roots on my brother when you’re supposed to be evaluating him.”
“Oh, I’ve been evaluating him, alright,” I said, sticking my tongue out at her.
“Ew. Please stop.” We all laughed.
“No, but seriously, this thing with your brother was very unexpected. I’m not saying I’m in love or anything, but I really like him, and when he’s not stewing in his thoughts, he has a cute sense of humor.”
“I wouldn’t call it cute, but he can be funny. Growing up, it was very few and far between, but it was there. Just never had a lot of moments with laughs involved.”
“I’m aware, and I want to help him connect to that side of him often.”
“I know you can do it.” She stared at me for a second before she continued. “How do you feel about him meeting Taylor? What about Chris? How do you think he’s going to react to you having someone now?”
“Darn it, Kenz. One question at a time, girl,” Willow said and laughed.
“What? I’m only concerned. This is my brother, my best friend, and a father figure. I’ve seen him go through a lot of changes. Just want to make sure you’re aware that he’s definitely all in with you now, and if you’re ready for what’s to come behind that.”
I sighed and looked down at the flowers in my arm.
“I feel comfortable enough to introduce him to her soon. As far as Chris, out of respect for the child we share, I will introduce them when I introduce him to Taylor. I’ll be sure to prep your brother because one thing I don’t need is Chris offending him and him crashing out .
. . Hell, come to think of it, I don’t think they should meet. ” I giggled lightly.
“Girl, screw Chris. That tacky germ doesn’t deserve any respect from you. If anything, you should let Ghana put his biker boot up his funky behind. It’d serve his ass right for screwing his assistant. Funky troll!” Willow seethed. Once again, Kenzi and I laughed at her proper ass.
“It’s okay, Will. I’m so over that catastrophe. If my baby is happy, I care nothing about what they're up to. I went through it and got over it. Sometimes it isn’t always the man’s fault that they step outside of their marriages.
“I admit that I wasn’t as attentive as I should have been. I was busy with school and working a lot, and when we did have time to be alone, I was always too tired to do anything besides give him lazy sex.”
Willow shook her head. “Yeah, but you fixed that after you graduated. So don’t go blaming yourself because he couldn’t be patient enough not to seek sex outside of you. He knew the stress you were going through, and instead of trying to alleviate it, he put more on you.”
“I agree with Will, Autumn. He made a vow for better or worse, so he should have honored that. But anyway, let’s not get off topic.
I’m looking forward to seeing how things go with you and my brother.
Just . . . treat him right. He has no problem taking care of people that he likes, as you can see.
I just want him to be happy and healthy. ”
“With the way he’s spoiling me, I’m going to make him very happy.” I smiled mischievously.
Kenzi gagged. “You’re disgusting.”
I laughed and took her hand. “Don’t worry, sis. I got you, and I got him. Unless he shows me otherwise, I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.”
She smiled. “I believe you.”
“I just have one question,” Willow said, looking at me.
“What’s that?”
“Is it big?”
“Oh, hell no! Take me out the fucking group chat!” Kenz exclaimed as we hollered. I grabbed my phone and went to my text messages, pressing Ghana’s name to send him a message.
Me:
Kera Moring? You’re really showing out, Mr. Abara.
Mr. Big:
It’s nothing, baby. Keep being you, and you gon’ stay spoiled. Pretty ass can get anything you want out of me.
Me:
All I need is you, your loyalty, and your dick.
Mr. Big:
Keep talkin’ that shit, and you gon’ get that pussy sucked from the back.
Me:
Don’t threaten me with a good time, Mr. Abara.
Mr. Big:
That’s a definite promise, Ros. See you tonight.
I closed out the text thread with a soft smile on my face. I had a feeling this thing with Ghana was going to progress beautifully.
I had high hopes.
Even though the future was unclear.