Chapter 9 #2
“Sis, it’s four in the morning, what’s going on?” Stella said as she stepped into the living area. I had the landline cord in my hand when I faced her and her face scrunched as she looked over my body.
“Baby, you sweating crazy. What happened?”
“Jeffrey,” I groaned.
“Oh naw. His ass really bothering you all the way out here?”
“Yes, girl. I just can’t escape his ass. I should’ve left my personal cell at home or changed my number before the trip. Something.”
“Well, then we’re heading to the mall as soon as we land so we can change it. I’m sick of his ass chasing you. We wanted to beat his ass when he showed up at the studio.”
“I’m glad y’all didn’t. We didn’t need that kinda drama before flying out.”
“Yeah, but look at you. You’re just as stressed now, if not more than when we left. You were smiling and happy as hell when you got home from your date just for this fool to suck it right out of you again.”
“Armond is on his way over here.”
“Well, isn’t he a gentleman?” Her brows wiggled and I couldn’t help but shove her playfully.
“Girl, shut up. He’s really nice. Like really, really nice. Crazy as hell though.”
“Shit, that might be good for you. Maybe his ass can handle Jeffrey so you can get back to living your life freely. You’re my girl and I’ll follow you around the world, but you don’t need to be running forever.”
“Thanks, boo. You know I love you and Marsha for constantly riding for me.”
“Always, baby, you know this.”
“Yeah, yeah I do. Look, I didn’t mean to wake you up. Get some rest. We’re going on that morning excursion shit Shavonne set up.”
“Fuck that. I’m sleeping in. I wanted to go, but bish, I’d fall asleep and miss the whole thing.”
I laughed and shook my head because I knew she was serious. I was just happy she came out here and stopped me from panicking. She always came in clutch for me and I loved her endlessly.
“Get some sleep, boo. I’m sure once he gets here, I’ll be right behind you.”
“Uh huh. I’ll see you in the morning,” she pouted.
“Don’t do that.”
“I just hate seeing you struggle. If you can’t sleep even after he comes, you know where to find me. I’m serious,” she said.
“Fine. You have my word.”
She smiled and hugged me then trotted off to her bed.
We’d been best friends since I was twelve.
She was a year younger than me. We met Marsha in high school and we’d been the three amigos since.
They followed me to South Carolina and now Dallas.
I didn’t ask them to; they just came and had been my foundation ever since.
Even with their warnings to me about Jeffrey, they still held me down and I was grateful for them.
I decided to take a quick shower to get this sweat off me and as soon as I walked back into the living area, there was a knock on the door. I looked out of the peephole and Armond was standing back far enough for me to see him and see nobody else was with him.
I opened the door and smiled at his casual attire, a pair of sweats and a white tank with white socks and a pair of Nami slides. Only the chain around his neck and his watch were visible and his hair was down and framing his face. He looked damn good.
I found myself stuck on him and had to quickly move to the side to let him in.
“My bad. Hi, Armond. Thank you for coming through. Come on in.”
“I’ll always show up for you, mama.”
We hugged and I truly didn’t want to let him go. I loved every bit of his warmth even though I’d just showered to cool down.
We kissed and I kicked the door closed, locking it without removing my lips from his.
It only lasted for a couple seconds before he pulled away and started casing the place.
Just from my little observations about him, I knew he wasn’t going to stop until he was satisfied.
He went straight to my room after clearing the living room and kitchen.
“I’ll check their rooms tomorrow. Don’t want to intrude like that,” he said as he felt around the dressers.
“That’s fine with me.”
“I don’t like that motherfucker having eyes on you. What does he do?”
“Nothing, currently. He was in the military and was a detective, but he lost that shit cuz of his drinking habit.”
“He’s an alcoholic and pressing you to get back with him. He’s insane.”
“That’s putting it lightly.”
“Get rid of your phone. I noticed you turned it off. Good.”
“That’s my plan.”
He finally stood up straight and sighed. He faced me then pulled a phone from his pocket.
“Here. You can use this until you get back to The States, or shit, keep it, I don’t care. It’s a secure line. Nobody will be able to trace it or any numbers that you call. I always carry multiple lines with me and I haven’t broken this one in yet.”
“You giving me a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?”
“Yes. Is that hard to believe?”
“Hell yeah, this shit is expensive.”
“Expensive? Oh, you’re going to learn about me, mama.”
“Armond… I… thank you,” I concluded. I had to catch myself. He was giving me a way out and I was about to reject his gift. This was nothing to him and I had to realize exactly who had taken a liking to me.
“You’re welcome, baby. I got you and my numbers, business and personal, are already stored in it. Other than that, it’s clear to do whatever with. I’d probably stay away from social media though until the threat is neutralized.”
Neutralized? Shit. Maybe I should keep him around instead of pushing him away. He very well wants to be involved.
“Armond. You truly don’t have to go out of your way for me.”
“He fucked up by putting his cards out there. If he had access to you at this resort, then it’s now my problem as well.”
“Okay,” I replied softly.
I stared at the phone and twirled it around in my hand nervously. I truly didn’t want to add to his problems.
“Were you able to take care of whatever earlier?” I asked.
That made him stop looking around and set his eyes on me. I guess he wasn’t used to that question because his brows furrowed and he looked kind of annoyed.
“You’re worried about me and I’m over here worried about you?” he asked.
“Well, yes. I hope I didn’t pull you away from your business.”
“Brandy, last time that I checked, I called you. I wanted to see if you were awake because I missed your pretty ass. I hated having to cut our time short like that.”
“Well, I missed you too, Armond.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes.”
“I guess I need to make sure I stay over here until I catch this flight later,” he said, completely making me shut down at his news.
“Are you coming back?” I finally asked.
“You have what? Two days remaining here?”
“Yes.”
“Then unfortunately, mama, I won’t be back, but I do want to link up with you once you’re back home if you’re willing to give a guy a chance. I know your boy put a bad taste in your mouth, but I promise you I’m nothing like that fool.”
“You don’t even know where I live, Armond.”
“I expect you to tell me, and honestly, it doesn’t matter. I’ll fly wherever you are.”
“I’d like that. I think you’ve proven yourself worthy on more than one occasion,” I teased.
“Oh yeah?” He closed the space between us and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Yep. Sure have.”
“Hmph. Well then plant them lips on me and show me how much you’ll miss your man,” he replied.
I smirked then did just that. I wasn’t claiming him yet, but shit, since he wanted to claim me, I’d give him this kiss. I missed his soft ass lips anyway.
After a couple minutes of a serious tongue tango, we pulled apart and I climbed into my bed. I pulled the comforter to make room for him and he kicked his slides off, pulled his tank off, and climbed right in. He lay on his back then pulled me to rest on his chest.
“I like you right here,” he said, then kissed the top of my head.
“I like being right here,” I replied.
He tucked his arm around me and kissed me again. I exhaled slowly and found the most comfortable position against him. Shortly after, I found my eyes getting heavy and I finally dozed off to sleep.