Chapter 8
What about Fayth Lael Miles has me ready to go to war with my best friend? As I fight the urge to walk away from this frustrating woman, I remember when I knew things between us were anything but reminiscent of brother and sister.
“Who is that nigga with Fayth?”
“He’s the latest man vying for Sunshine’s affections. I’m sure he will do something for her to send him packing because Sunshine is rough on these niggas,” Roman informs me.
My eyes are on the man holding Fayth’s hand with his chest out and a goofy smile that I want to knock off.
Murderous thoughts invade my mind at him touching, kissing, and fucking Fayth.
Heat is boiling my blood at Fayth bringing this nigga to the cookout and prancing him around her family.
The longer I stare at Fayth and this lame hold hands, the faster my heart beats.
I feel like I’m being violated, and Fayth isn’t more to me than my best friend’s sister.
Yet, the offense makes me want to snatch her from the man’s clutches.
“Say something, Quintyn.” Fayth’s tear-filled voice cuts into my thoughts as her hands grip my shirt.
My chest is palpitating, and pain is radiating across the entire top part of my body upon feeling Fayth’s shoulders shake in my arms. Knowing that I’m not the only one feeling the effects of the distance between us has me ready to wave the white flag.
Holding Fayth in my arms and feeling her heart beat rapidly against my chest feels right.
Closing my eyes, I savor this moment before attempting to comfort and calm Fayth.
“Ssh, Lay. I don’t mean to yell at you, but I’m frustrated as fuck.
I’ve been struggling with my feelings for you.
I want you, and having to consider outside entities isn’t something I want to do.
I want to have the freedom to explore what we can become without you worrying about Roman.
I know this is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.
You want to put the cart before the horse before knowing if we’re even compatible.
I’m not feeling it. I’m a grown-ass man, so walking on eggshells isn’t something I’m open to doing. ”
Fayth’s head lifts from my chest, and the water glistening in her eyes has me ready to do whatever to remove her pain.
“I want you, too, so what do you suggest we do?”
“See if what’s between us is worth saying fuck the consequences when shit hits the fan.” My chest beats wildly the longer I stare into Fayth’s hypnotizing brown eyes.
Fuck! I love this woman, Roman be damned.
“Can we take it slow? I am willing to move forward if we can do that and in secret. I know you said no eggshells, but can you please do this for me?”
Lowering my head, I kiss her, causing my heart rate to increase as I forget everything but the opportunity to explore Fayth’s lips. At this moment, I know there’s nothing I won’t do for Fayth, including agreeing to be her secret.
“Sunshine, are you up here?” Roman’s voice is like a bucket of cold water, causing Fayth to still in my arms.
Disconnecting our lips, I stare into Fayth’s weary eyes, silently communicating for her to be cool because I got her.
“Where the hell is she? Her fucking SUV is still outside,” Roman rants before his retreating footsteps sound.
“I know we gotta get back, but to answer your question . . . for now. Hiding like a scared little boy isn’t in my wheelhouse, but I’m gonna acquiesce for you and for now.”
My heart skips a beat when Fayth’s eyes twinkle with merriment, and she nods, causing me to peck her lips twice before releasing her from my embrace.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll hit you up later with details of our first date. In the meantime, let’s get out of here before your cockblocking ass brother comes back.”
While I agreed to slowly develop something with Fayth, I haven’t had an opportunity to go through with making plans.
Work has been busy, and I’ve had to work more hours due to a few kitchen staff quitting.
The timing is off because I genuinely want to explore things with Fayth but haven’t been able to.
The unexpected diversion has forced me to avoid dealing with my resistance to being a woman’s secret.
Ordinarily, I’m a man who doesn’t believe in compromising himself to this magnitude.
However, getting a chance to see if there’s something real and tangible with Fayth has me surrendering to what she needs.
Another thing is Roman has been popping up at my crib and the restaurant as if he has a sixth sense. Like now, I was ready to text Fayth, but Roman just popped up.
“How do you deal with Devvon being married and shit, bro? I’m struggling with the thought of some nigga swooping in and moving me out of my position with Sunshine.”
This nigga. While I understand Roman having to step in and help with Fayth after their mother left their father, this is ridiculous. Roman has to know that his sister isn’t a little girl anymore. Besides, I’m the nigga with plans to push him out of the way.
“Remind me again . . . How old is Fayth?”
“Thirty-one. Why?” Roman frowns.
A low chuckle escapes my mouth at Roman not seeing the error of his overbearing ways. The vibrating of my phone prevents me from responding temporarily as I fight the goofy grin upon seeing Fayth’s secret name with an incoming text.
Peaches & Cream:
I was just thinking about you. I hope you’re having a good day. *winking emoji*
Giving Fayth this moniker had been my attempt at thinking of something inconspicuous if Roman was ever near my phone. Remembering the taste of Fayth’s nectar is what led me to change her contact name to this one.
Me:
Sitting here with my best friend. I’ll hit you back.
Peaches & Cream:
Okay.
Returning my attention to Roman, who’s drinking his beer while staring at the TV, I finally answer his question from a little bit ago.
“At some point, you’re gonna have to realize that you can’t keep Fayth under your thumb forever. She’s not a child that needs your protection or your guidance. Loose your hold, man.”
A grimace slides into place, causing another chuckle to escape my mouth at the wrinkles on Roman’s forehead and the tightness around his eyes.
“Man . . . It’s hard because my fuck ass father tried to destroy her, and I’ve been protecting her for years to make up for it. I don’t know how to let her do her if I’m being honest. Protecting her?—”
“You mean smothering her and making her feel like she’s dealing with a different version of the man you despise. You gotta chill, man.”
An image of Fayth and I holding hands with a carrier strapped to her chest, walking along some unknown boardwalk, invades my mind when silence ensues around the room.
I hope Roman hears me because my pursuing Fayth in the shadows will only be temporary.
When the rubber meets the road, Roman must loose his hold so I can secure my place in Fayth’s life without resistance from her or him.