CHAPTER NINE
Amara
A week later I stared at the endless racks of dresses with a feeling of dread. I never thought I’d be shopping for the perfect outfit to wear to my ex-boyfriend Darriun's wedding.
“How about this one?” Stacy held up a slinky red dress. “Too sexy?”
I shook my head. “I don't want to look like I'm trying to upstage the bride. Let's keep looking.”
We shuffled through dress after dress, I was growing more disheartened by the minute. Attending Darriun’s wedding felt like ripping open an old wound.
Stacy seemed to sense my sadness. “Don't worry, we'll find the perfect dress. And remember, you will be the sexiest woman here on the arm of the sexiest man alive.”
I smiled, “Do you know how grateful I am for your support?”
“I know you are girl, that’s what besties are for.”
My smile grew bigger before I turned back to the dresses. Finally, buried deep in the racks, I saw it. A classy knee-length dress in rich emerald, green, with an elegant bateau neckline and fitted waist. It was perfect.
“That's the one!” Stacy clapped excitedly. “You need to try it on now.”
“Okay,” I said and headed to the nearby dressing room.
I emerged from the dressing room a few minutes later, the green dress hugged my curves like a glove. Stacy let out a low whistle. “Darriun's going to regret the day he let you go when he sees you in that dress!”
“I hope Andrew likes it. Forget Darriun.”
“Right! Now let’s find you the perfect shoes.”
After finding some metallic glittery heels, I paid for the outfit, feeling much better about attending the wedding.
“How about we treat ourselves to a spa day?” Stacy suggested. “Mani-pedis, facials, the works.”
“That sounds amazing.” I smiled. Some pampering would be just what I needed.
We arrived at Essence Spa about twenty minutes later and sat side by side, cucumber slices over our eyes, I said, “I can't believe the wedding is only a few days away. Part of me wishes I could just skip it. But I know I need to be since I accepted the invitation. I didn’t go through this whole book boyfriend date for nothing.”
Stacy patted my arm. “It'll be hard, but once it's over, you can move on. And I heard the reception has an open bar and a chocolate fountain!”
I laughed. I knew with Andrew by my side I would get through this wedding in one piece.
***
The next day was Saturday, and I was glad to have time off from a hectic week at work. Since the housing market had improved a little, more couples were buying first-time homes. Today was beautiful and I luxuriated in the soft glow of the early evening sun that bathed my townhouse in a warm, amber hue as I lounged on the sofa, lost in the pages of a romance novel that promised happiness ever after. My cellphone buzzed against the wooden coffee table. Reluctantly, I reached for it, expecting a message from Stacy since she had to travel out of town on business.
I grimaced when I saw who the message was from.
“Amara, you need to be careful with Andrew. There are things about him you don't know.” The text from Darriun, like a chill breeze, extinguished the comforting warmth around me. His words, meant to be a warning, mingled with a shadow of curiosity and anxiety within my chest.
Was this some ploy to unsettle me, to claw his way back into my life?
“You couldn’t possibly tell me anything about Andrew that I don’t already know,” I lied. “Please don’t text me again with any nonsense.”
I put the phone down and tried to refocus on my book, but Darriun’s text kept intruding on my thoughts. What could he possibly know about Andrew? My mind swirled with questions and doubts, each one more disturbing than the last. I couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to his words, or if this was just another attempt to manipulate me.
Andrew and I are just pretending but, he had proven himself to be truthful. He said he wasn’t dating anyone, and I believed him. What reason did he have to lie? Andrew's patience and understanding had helped me heal from the difficult circumstances I had with Darriun in the past. I had hoped he was everything Darriun was not: honest, gentle, and supportive. But now, Darriun’s words were planting seeds of doubt in my mind.
I decided to call Andrew. Hearing his voice would help calm my nerves and, perhaps, provide some clarity. The phone rang twice before he picked up.
“Hey, beautiful,” Andrew’s voice was warm and reassuring. “How’s your day going?”
“Hey,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light. “It’s been good. Just relaxing and reading. How about you?”
“Pretty good. I’ve been working on some tedious new contracts for a project. But enough about work, what’s up?”
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to bring up the subject. “Actually, I got a message from Darriun today.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. “What did he want?”
“He said there are things about you that I don’t know and that I should be careful.”
Andrew sighed. “Amara, you know he’s just trying to mess with you, right? He’s probably jealous since you told him that you were bringing me to the wedding.”
“I know, but it’s just… unsettling. I hate that he still has this power to affect me.”
“Don’t let him. He’s out of your life for a reason. Don’t let him get into your head. I know we haven’t known each other long but I’m really into you, Amara, and I’m not hiding anything from you.”
His words were comforting because I was falling for Andrew too, but the nagging doubt lingered. “I feel the same, Andrew. I just needed to hear your voice.”
“Anytime, babe. We’re going to get you through this wedding and see where we go from there. Don’t let him upset you.”
We talked for a little while longer before hanging up, but even after our conversation, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling. I decided to take a walk to clear my mind. The fresh air and the familiar sights of the neighborhood usually helped when I needed to think.
As I strolled through the park near my townhouse, I replayed my relationship with Darriun in my head. Was Darriun a liar? Of course, he was because he didn’t even let me know that he was still in love with the woman he’s going to marry. Darriun had a way of making me doubt myself and question my decisions. Darriun breaking things off had been one of the most difficult things to accept, but it was also the best decision that worked out the best for me.
Now, with Andrew, I had a chance at real happiness. I couldn’t let Darriun ruin that for me. But what if there was some truth to what he said? I had to find a way to know for sure without letting it consume me.
I reached the end of the park and decided to head back home. On the way, I passed a small café where Andrew and I had breakfast a few days ago. The thought of our happy moments together gave me some comfort. I needed to focus on the present and not let the past dictate my future.
When I got back to my townhouse, I noticed a small package at my door. It was from Andrew. Inside was a note and a beautiful silver bracelet. The note read, “Just a little something to remind you how much you mean to me. Love, Andrew.”
Oh, my goodness! Did he imply that he loved me, or was that just a sentiment that was generic? I was already shocked by the word love because I was already on my way to falling in love with Andrew.
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. Andrew’s thoughtfulness was just another reason I respected him. I slipped the bracelet onto my wrist, feeling a sense of reassurance.
Later that evening, I received another message from Darriun. This time, it was a photo of Andrew with a woman I didn’t recognize. The caption read, “See? He’s not who you think he is. These were just taken last night.”
My heart raced as I stared at the photo. The woman was leaning in close to Andrew, her hand resting on his arm. I could feel the panic rising, but I knew I had to stay calm. I needed to talk to Andrew about this.
I dialed his number again, my fingers trembling. He answered on the first ring.
“Did my beautiful lady like the bracelet?” His smooth baritone voice sent a tingling down my spine, but I really needed some truthful answers. Pictures don’t lie.
“The bracelet is beautiful Andrew. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome beautiful. That’s not the reason you called, is it? You sound upset.”
“You’re right. Darriun sent me a photo of you with some woman together last night. You were standing in front of the same restaurant where we first met. Who is she?”
There was a moment of silence before Andrew replied, “That’s a colleague from work. We had a late meeting and I guess someone took a photo. There’s nothing going on between us, I promise.”
I wanted to believe him, but the photo had shaken me. “Is that why you changed dinner plans with me at the last minute?”
“I couldn’t get out of the meeting, Amara. Trust me, I would rather spend time with you than go over boring contracts. I didn’t think it was important. Amara, you need to trust me. I’m not hiding anything from you.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I want to trust you, Andrew. It’s just hard after Darriun.”
“I understand. But remember, I’m not Darriun and he’s doing this to get under your skin. Don’t let him succeed. We can build something real, and I’m not going to let him destroy that.”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “You’re right. I’m sorry for doubting you.”
“It’s okay. We’ll get through this together. The wedding is next weekend, and I’m looking forward to working on us as a couple.”
“Thank you, Andrew. I’m looking forward to it too.”
After we hung up, I felt a little better, but the unease still lingered. I decided to call Stacy. She always knew how to put things into perspective for me.
“Hey, girl! What’s up?” Stacy’s cheerful voice was a welcome sound.
“I’ve had a bit of a rough day,” I admitted, explaining the situation with Darriun and the photo.
“That guy is a piece of work,” Stacy said. “He’s just trying to mess with your head. You and Andrew are solid. Don’t let Darriun get to you.”
“Thanks, Stacy. I needed to hear that.”
“Anytime, Amara. Remember, you deserve to be happy. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”
We talked for a while longer, and by the time we hung up, I felt more at ease. Stacy was right. I couldn’t let Darriun’s attempts to disrupt my life succeed. I had to trust in what Andrew, and I was building together.
The next morning, I woke up determined to put Darriun’s interference behind me. I made breakfast, played some music, and tried to focus on the positive aspects of my life. Andrew called me later that day, and we made plans to have dinner together.
That evening, as we sat across from each other at the restaurant where we first met, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Andrew reached across the table and took my hand.
“I’m here for you, Amara. No matter what Darriun tries, he can’t break us.”
I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. “I know. And I’m not going to let him.”
We enjoyed our meal, laughing and talking about everything but the drama that had unfolded. For the first time in days, I felt truly at peace. I realized that as long as Andrew and I communicated and trusted each other, we could overcome any obstacle.
***
Andrew
Driving back to my place, the soft strains of jazz filled the SUV, creating a soothing backdrop for our quiet conversation. The gentle rhythm of the music seemed to echo the calm we had found in each other after dinner. Amara sat beside me, her hand in mine, her touch grounding me in a way that was both new and familiar. The city lights blurred past us as we drove, their glow reflected in her eyes, which shone with a mixture of love and tenderness.
“You know,” Amara said, her voice barely louder than a whisper, “tonight has been perfect.”
I glanced at her, feeling a surge of affection. “I'm glad. You deserve perfect.”
Her smile was radiant, lighting up the dim interior of the car. “So do you, Andrew.”
We continued to talk, our voices low and intimate, sharing hopes and dreams, plans for the future, and small secrets that only deepened our bond. Each word was a promise, to the strength of what we were building together. The drive felt like a dream, a bubble of warmth and security that insulated us from the world outside.
When we finally arrived at my house, I parked the car and took a moment to look at Amara, savoring the way the moonlight played across her features. “Welcome to my home,” I said softly.
She squeezed my hand, her eyes full of warmth and curiosity. “I adore this place.”
“Thank you. I want you to make this your home away from home.”
Amara smiled as she nodded. I meant those words. This house was too big for one person. It was meant to be filled with a wife and babies. That thought didn’t scare me, it sent a warm sensation through my heart.
My mansion was an old, elegant structure, a blend of classic and contemporary design. As we walked up the stone steps, I could see her taking it all in—the extensive entrance with towering columns, and the expansive front yard bathed in the soft glow of strategically placed lights. I unlocked the door and led her inside, the familiar scent of cedarwood and vanilla welcoming us.
“Let me show you around,” I offered, and she nodded eagerly.
The interior of the house was just as outstanding as its exterior, with high ceilings and spacious rooms filled with tasteful, modern furniture. We moved through the living room, with its plush sofas and large fireplace, and into the kitchen, where sleek appliances and marble countertops gleamed under soft lighting.
“You have a beautiful home, Andrew,” she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
“Thank you,” I replied, leading her down the hallway towards my bedroom. “I'm glad you like it.”
When we reached the bedroom, I opened the door and let her step inside first. The room was my sanctuary, a place of comfort and peace. The king-sized bed was adorned with a soft, grey comforter and an array of pillows. Large windows offered a stunning view of the garden outside, the moon casting a silvery light over everything. The scent of lavender, from a diffuser on the nightstand, filled the air, creating a calming atmosphere.
Amara walked over to the windows, gazing out at the view. “It's beautiful,” she murmured.
I moved to stand behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her close. “Not as beautiful as you,” I whispered into her ear, feeling her shiver slightly at my touch.
She turned into my arms, her eyes meeting mine. “Tonight, has been amazing, Andrew. Thank you.”
“I should be the one thanking you,” I said, my voice husky with emotion. “You make everything better.”
I leaned in and kissed her, softly at first, but with growing intensity. Her lips were warm and inviting, responding to mine with a passion that made my heart race. I deepened the kiss, my hands roaming over her back, feeling the softness of her skin through the fabric of her dress.
She sighed against my lips, her fingers threading through my hair, pulling me closer. The world outside faded away until there was nothing but the two of us, lost in the moment. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest, matching the rhythm of my own.
I gently guided her towards the bed, never breaking the kiss. As we reached it, I paused to look at her, taking in the flush of her cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes. “Are you sure?” I asked, needing to be certain.
She nodded, her gaze steady and filled with trust. “I've never been more sure of anything.”
With that, we fell onto the bed together, a tangle of limbs and laughter. I took my time, wanting to savor every moment, every touch. I ran my hands down her sides, feeling the curve of her waist, the smoothness of her skin. She arched into my touch, her breath hitching in her throat.
“Andrew,” she whispered, her voice a mix of need and affection.
“I love you, Amara,” I said, my voice trembling with the depth of my feelings. “So much.”
“I love you too,” she replied, her eyes shining with tears.
I kissed her from head to toe, feeling the softness of her skin beneath my lips, tasting the hint of vanilla and lavender that clung to her. Each kiss was a promise, a pledge of my love and devotion. Her skin was warm and inviting, her scent enveloping me, heightening my senses and drawing me deeper into the moment.
We made love slowly, tenderly, each touch, each kiss, a reaffirmation of our bond. The world outside ceased to exist, and all that mattered was us, together in this moment. The scent of lavender enveloped us, mingling with the warmth of our bodies, creating a cocoon of intimacy and trust.
Afterwards, we lay tangled together under the covers, our bodies still humming with the afterglow. I held her close, feeling the steady rise and fall of her chest, the soft warmth of her breath against my neck. The room was silent except for the faint rustle of the sheets and the distant sound of the wind outside.
“Promise me we'll always have this,” Amara whispered, her voice drowsy.
“I promise,” I replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Always.”
We drifted off to sleep like that, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside forgotten. In that moment, there was only us, and the love that bound us together. The challenges we faced seemed distant and manageable, overshadowed by the strength of our connection.
As I closed my eyes, I felt a overwhelming sense of peace. With Amara by my side, I knew we could face anything. And as the night enveloped us in its gentle embrace, I held onto that certainty, letting it guide me into a deep and restful sleep.