Chapter 7
T h e f i r s t t h i n g I did when I opened my eyes was check the time.
It was eleven in the morning. I lay there for a minute, staring up at the ceiling with a nervous flip rolling through my stomach.
Today was officially Valentine’s Day, and Ahmad was coming over tonight.
I knew the lace had to be giving and the Remy had to be on chill.
I rubbed my thighs together, my mouth already dry just thinking about later.
I slid my hand down the side of my waist and let out a shaky breath.
I’d been on edge for weeks, and now that the countdown was over, I felt like a damn teenager, all nervous and horny as hell.
I peeled back the covers, slipped into my robe and slippers, then walked to the bathroom.
The hot water hit my back, and I let my head fall forward under the stream.
I took my time exfoliating, then moisturizing afterward.
I sprayed my signature scent and tied on my robe with a smirk.
I wasn’t rushing the day. I was going to ease into it by making myself breakfast, cleaning up, and preparing a simple yet delicious dinner.
With music playing softly from the speaker on the kitchen counter, I whipped up some cheesy eggs, strawberry French toast, and seasoned bacon. I was just about to sit down and eat when a knock at the door made me freeze mid-sip of orange juice.
I frowned. “Who the hell…?”
I grabbed my phone just in case, checked the peephole, and my whole body went still. Travis stood there wearing a bomber jacket and jeans. In his hands were roses, chocolate, and a little black jewelry box. I blocked him last month, so his married ass showing up like this was wild.
I unlocked it and cracked the door slightly, one arm crossed over my chest. “What are you doing here?”
His face softened. “Can I come in, baby? Just for a minute.”
“I really don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I just need to talk to you. Please.” He held the roses up a little higher. “I’m not here to cause drama. It’s Valentine’s Day.”
I sighed. My better judgment told me to shut the door, but curiosity and a need for closure made me step aside. Travis walked in slowly, looking around like he missed the place before turning his head towards me.
“You look good,” he said, voice low. “You smell good, too.” I stayed quiet, watching him set the roses and gifts on the entry table before turning to face me. “Tae… I miss you like crazy.”
I tilted my head. “You’re still married.”
“I know.” He ran a hand over his beard. “But I’m getting a divorce. I already talked to a lawyer.”
“And you want what? Me to wait?” I crossed my arms tighter. “Be your little secret until you figure it out?”
“No, I wanna do this right. For real. I need you.” He stepped closer. “Every day, I think about you. You been on my mind heavy.”
I took a small step back. “I’ve moved on, Travis.”
His eyes flickered. “With who? I know it’s not that young dude I caught you with.”
“That’s not your business.”
“You still fucking him?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Travis, please.”
His jaw clenched, but then he shifted tactics. His voice dropped, eyes warm. “Remember our mornings like this? Me bringing you flowers, that little breakfast you used to make… you used to smile for me like I was your whole world.”
I swallowed.
“Tae,” He reached for me, gently, fingers brushing my arm. “I still know your spots. I still know what makes you shake.” His hand slid up to my neck, and I didn’t stop him. His lips grazed my jaw, then the curve of my ear.
I exhaled slowly, heart pounding. His hands were warm and familiar.
His lips trailed down my throat, and for a split second, my knees weakened.
My robe shifted slightly, and he kissed the top of my shoulder, muttering something about missing the taste of my pussy.
And then… Ahmad’s face flashed in my mind.
The way he looked at me. The way he touched me.
The way he stroked the life out of me like I was his and only his.
I stepped back. “No.”
His brows drew together. “What?”
“I said no.” I grabbed the roses, chocolate, and jewelry box off the table and shoved them into his chest. “Take your shit and leave.”
He stood there stunned. “You serious right now?”
“So serious.” I pulled the door open. “We’re not doing this. You’re still married, and I got somebody real this time.”
“Real?” He laughed bitterly. “You met him, what, a month ago?”
“And he’s got more potential than you ever did.”
He stared at me for a second, nostrils flaring. “Bet.”
“Buh-bye.” Travis stormed out, and I slammed the door behind him, locking it.
I stood there for a moment, heart thumping hard in my chest. I wasn’t angry.
I was just annoyed and maybe a little embarrassed, too.
Travis really thought he still had access to me.
That after all these weeks, I’d fold just because he showed up with roses and sex memories.
I walked away from the door, shaking my head.
This day wasn’t about Travis. It was about Ahmad and me.
I warmed up my breakfast and enjoyed every bite.
Afterwards, I spent the next few hours cleaning and straightening up.
I pulled out some new candles and even put fresh sheets on my bed.
When I was done, I started prepping dinner for later.
I planned to make steak bites, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted asparagus.
Once the prep was done, exhaustion took over.