Chapter Four | Porsha
Chapter Four
Porsha
I’M DRIVING THROUGH the winding mountain roads near Trinity Falls, my eyes scanning the terrain for the perfect lot to build our new home. The area is breathtaking, with majestic peaks and lush forests promising the peaceful life I envision for Nia and me. I’d found a lot on the Texas Acreages for Sale website and have been driving around for forty-five minutes trying to find it.
I can’t stop thinking about Asa though, especially now that I know we’ve matched on the Book Boyfriend Dating site. I’ve been keeping our communication minimal, even though he’s rated a staggering 99.5 percent match on my profile. Ignoring his messages has been hard, particularly because the adult version of the kid I used to babysit is so damn dreamy. Just thinking about him makes me blush, my body reacting in ways I haven’t felt in years and I can’t fucking believe it. But I need to take care of myself first, before jumping into another relationship.
Another ten minutes pass before I realize I’ve taken a wrong turn and find myself driving by a lake. As I pass, I spot a group of men fishing and hanging out, loud music blaring from their F-150’s. A group of the hunkiest men I’d ever seen in my freaking life dip in and out of this lake, bouncing back and forth between their trucks strewn around the lake, parked in tailgating fashion. They hop from truck bed to truck bed, burly, athletic and like nothing you see walking the streets of downtown Houston. I know one thing for sure. If Zahara was here she’d shit a damn brick. I laugh, envisioning my bestie breaking her neck to holla at one of these gods.
Then one of them catches my eye—Asa, along with his brother, Dylan. My heart races unexpectedly, and because there’s no one around to witness it, I let a shutter pass through my body because the thirst is real. I keep driving for a half mile and pull up to the Trinity Falls Search and Rescue headquarters. I park, hoping that wasn’t the entire search and rescue team I just passed down at the lake. I step out of the car, trying to steady my nerves, and head inside. The interior is bustling with activity; the walls lined with maps and rescue gear. A man I assume is the chief looks up as I enter. “Can I help you, ma’am?”
“Yes, please,” I say, my voice shaky. “I think I took a wrong turn. I’m looking for a lot. It should be off Highway 87...”
Before I can finish, Asa hurries in, his eyes lighting up when he sees me. “I thought that was your car,” he rumbles. A sexy smile spreading across his face. His skin was still damp from frolicking around in the lake, his gray tee shirt clinging to his beautiful, toned body.
Lord Jesus. Who is this kid, and why have You sent him to torture me?
I swallow hard, holding my composure. “Hi, there,” I say, my voice embarrassingly too high. “I was just asking for directions.”
Asa steps forward. “You lost?”
A look of worry clouds his face, though his presence is both comforting and overwhelming. “I can help you with that,” he offers. “I know the area.” He walks over and towers over me. I can’t believe it. The kid, who when I saw him last stood shoulder to shoulder with me, now hovers over me like a protective, slim-thick giant.
“She’s looking for a lot somewhere near Highway 87,” the chief says. Asa nods.
“I can take you,” he says.
I hesitate, glancing at the chief, who nods in agreement. “That would be great,” I say finally, my heart pounding in my chest. “Thank you.”
We head back to my car, and Asa hops in the passenger seat, directing me through the winding roads. His proximity is intoxicating, and I can’t help but steal glances at him, admiring his strong jawline and hazel eyes.
“So, you’re really going through with this move?” he asks, breaking the silence. “I think you’ll love it out here. It’s a good place for a fresh start.”
We drive in silence for a few more minutes until we reach the lot. “Wow, it’s close to you guys,” I say.
“Headquarters? Yeah. Good thing, too.” He winks at me mischievously.
The lot’s perfect—spacious, with a stunning view of the mountains and surrounding by trees and greenery. The land’s well kept, the grass cut low and I can already picture my new home here, a place where my daughter and I can finally feel settled.
“Hawthorne Road,” Asa says, his voice soft. “What do you think?”
I step out of the car, taking in the view. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper, peace washing over me. Asa stands beside me, his presence calming.
“I’m glad you like it,” he says. “If you need any help with the move or anything else, you know where to find me.” I smile.
“I appreciate it.”
Asa walks me around the lot, pointing out distinct features and explaining what work would need to be done to clear it for building. “You’ll need to remove a few of these trees,” he says, gesturing to a cluster of pines. “And grading the land will be important to ensure proper drainage. Living out here means you’ll have to stay on top of things, like maintaining access roads and dealing with wildlife.”
I nod, absorbing the information. “It sounds like a lot of work, but I’m ready for it. This place is perfect.”
The warmth of his smile echoes in his voice. “I’m glad you think so. It’s a beautiful area, and I think you and your daughter will love it here.”
We walk back to my car, the sun setting behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over everything it touches. I lean against the back of my car, enjoying the view. Asa stands next to me, close but not too close.
“So,” he begins, a hint of hesitation in his voice. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Why’ve you been ignoring my messages on the dating app?”
I take a deep breath, feeling a little guilty and nervous. My bad. “It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you, Asa. I just... I’m not ready for something serious right now. I joined the app because I wanted to have some fun, release some steam. I didn’t expect...I don’t know.”
He turns to face me, his expression sincere. “You can release some steam with me,” he says. “No pressure, no expectations. Just two people enjoying each other’s company.” I look into his eyes, feeling a pull I can’t deny. We sit on the back of my car, watching the sun dip lower in the sky. The rumble of thunder interrupts this peaceful moment and the sight of storm clouds rolling in. Before we know it, the rain starts in a torrent. “Let’s get inside,” Asa yells, jumping off the hood of my car and helping me down. He opens the passenger door and helps me in, my clothes already getting soaked. “I’ll drive,” he says, climbing into the driver’s seat. Asa starts the car and carefully navigates the winding roads, the rain pounding against the windshield. Despite this torrential downpour as we drive through mud and gravel along a winding mountain road, I’m calm. I don’t know if it’s Asa’s presence, or maybe the realization that I don’t have to figure everything out right now. I can take things one step at a time, starting with my sudden and unexpected journey with Asa.