Chapter 21
Mr. Lays Pipe:
I hope you enjoy my attempt at waving the white flag.
Quintyn’s random text has my brows pinching together and my pulse racing because I have no clue what he’s talking about. Loneliness has been suffocating for a woman who thrives on being alone.
Me:
*side eye emoji* ??
Seeing Quintyn’s read receipt has me on the verge of crashing out when my doorbell goes off, causing me to freeze.
I flinch when the doorbell sounds again, forcing me to move toward the front door.
Unconsciously, I look at my attire before looking over my shoulder and continuing to the front entrance.
Upon arriving, I whisper a silent prayer because the possibility of Quintyn being on my doorstep after weeks of no contact has me jittery.
Sweat beads form on my forehead, and my body temperature elevates, making me feel moist under my arms. When the doorbell sounds a third time, I slowly unlock the locks and open the door.
Only Quintyn isn’t the person standing on my porch.
“Rome?”
“I’ve missed you, Sunshine.”
Falling into Roman’s open arms, I sob escapes my mouth when he wraps me in a tight embrace, rocking me from side to side. I have been in a perpetual state of torture, not being able to talk to my big brother.
“Let’s take this inside before your neighbors think I’m hurting your crybaby ass.”
Disconnecting my arms from Rome, I reenter my house with him following me.
My chest feels like it’s gonna explode, my mind is reeling, and water from my eyes is blurring my vision, making me grateful for knowing my way to the living room.
Feeling Rome’s presence behind me, a rejuvenation of adrenaline surges through my body.
Entering the living room, I move toward my couch and take a seat, smiling wide when Rome sits beside me.
“After talking to your man—Damn, that shit is weird to say out loud.” Rome shakes his head as I fight not to react to his acknowledgment of my relationship with Quintyn.
“Anyway. We talked, which allowed me to see that I had no right to control you. I’ve been fucked up thinking about acting even the slightest bit like Scott.
My request wasn’t just unfair to my friends; given this situation, it was unfair to you.
Nothing before this has caused a hiccup in our relationship, and uh—I?—”
“You aren’t the only one to blame. I should have told you. The truth is I have been in love with Quintyn for years. I just hid it so you didn’t find out, but I only regret how you found out about us. Quintyn is it for me, Rome. I’m sorry if that’s not what you want to hear.”
“This shit is wild. My best friend and little sister… I didn’t see this coming.” A low yet strained chuckle leaves Rome’s mouth as he rubs his eyes.
God, I hope he isn’t having a visual of me and Quintyn having sex because I can promise him it’s not the disgusting act he believes it to be. My mind momentarily gets distracted with images of Quintyn’s head between my legs and my juices saturating his chin and beard.
“M—”
“What the hell, Sunshine?” Rome’s question hits me like a bucket of cold water, instantly causing the vision to vanish.
Opening my eyes that I didn’t realize I had closed, I stare at Rome’s wide eyes and slacked mouth. Oops! Let me get myself before Rome crashes out on me and my neglected libido.
“So, is it safe to say that you’re okay with Quintyn and I being together?”
“Yeah, but please do me a favor and consider my need for adjustment when we’re anywhere together.”
“I can do that. Thank you, Rome. I love you, and I missed your presence.” Tears slide down my face as my chest tightens and releases while looking at my brother.
“Come here, crybaby.” Pulling me into his arms, Rome holds me tight, making me believe all is right in the world again.
Well, it will be once Quintyn and I are back in good standing.
Mr. Lays Pipe:
This is me still waving… meet me here in an hour. 9227 Greene Bish Rd.
Rome has been gone for an hour and a half, causing my thoughts to immediately shift to Quintyn.
Great minds must think alike because I have been getting dolled up with plans to pop up on Quintyn.
Knowing that he not only reached out to Rome to talk has my chest expanding with adoration.
It’s Quintyn’s dedication to me for me. If I had any doubt about how Quintyn would respond to my silence, his reconciliation with Rome erased every seed of uncertainty.
Me:
I’m not familiar with this address.
Mr. Lays Pipe:
Trust me.
I do, baby . Exiting my message app, I put my phone down and continue putting the final touches on my makeup.
When I’m satisfied with the soft beat on my face, I stand and smile when air breezes between my legs.
The black V-neck maxi dress with an elegant slit detail has me grinning from ear to ear, knowing that Quintyn is gonna want to devour me once he sees me in this dress.
The open-toe heels with straps around my ankles make me happy I’ve taken the time to paint my toenails.
My shoulder-length hair is in wand curls, adding to my look and further enhancing the seduction I’m going for.
Grabbing my clutch, I exit my bedroom and head toward my garage.
Plugging the address into my GPS, I turn up the jazz music playing and begin my journey. The drive takes twenty minutes, and I instantly frown upon seeing multiple cars in the parking lot. I pick up my phone from my cup holder and quickly text Quintyn.
Me:
Uh. I’m here but there are a lot of cars in the lot. Am I at the right place?
My adrenaline wanes, causing me to nibble on my bottom lip, cautious of the lip gloss coating it.
Mr. Lays Pipe:
Yep. Come in.
My forehead wrinkles, and my eyes tighten after reading Quintyn’s text, but shrugging off my concern.
I grab my clutch and exit my SUV without thinking about my attire.
Within a couple minutes, I’m walking through the front doors.
The lighting in the room is dim, and jazz is softly playing around the area.
A gasp escapes my mouth when I see Quintyn on one knee with Rome, Mom, Mr. and Mrs. Layton, Ms. Ruby, and various family members scattered around.
“I’ve been thinking, and since our relationship was broadcasted in front of a large crowd of people, so should this moment.”
Tears instantly fall from my eyes when Quintyn’s words register in my mind.
“Oh shit. Hurry up before her ass cries too hard to hear you,” Rome interjects, causing laughter to echo around the area.
Quintyn lifts his hand, and the room quiets again, allowing him to continue speaking, and my heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest.
“Do you know what I love about you, Lay?”
I’m too frozen to answer the question, causing Quintyn to smirk before continuing.
“You lead wholeheartedly, and you challenge me to do the same. You make me better. You make me take risks, so I don’t always take the safest route.
” Quintyn looks over his shoulder at Rome and laughs before moving on.
“I can’t imagine living without you for those things and so many more.
I want everyone in this room to know that you’re more than a temporary placement in my life.
So, will you do me the honor of marrying me, Fayth Lael Miles? ”
Oh my God! Quintyn just proposed and did it in front of our family. Wow!