Crystal  

His house is huge. Like he’s a single guy overcompensating for something. “Wow, do you think it’s big enough?”

“Depends, Tigress.”

“On what?” I know I’m asking for it because he’s giving me a look full of dirty thoughts.

“On how many babies we have.” I don’t say anything because I’m not ready to surrender to the idea of forever with him. It scares me to think he could leave me. Then what would I do?

“So, show me around.” It’s still sunny out, and yet all I can think about is going to bed…with him. Damn, I’m the one who wants to slow down, and yet, being near him sends naughty tinglings through me. What are we going to do for the rest of the day?

“Yes, ma’am,” he says, bowing to me. He takes my hand and walks me into the house. It’s freaking stark, empty as if new.

“How long have you lived here?”

“A couple years,” he remarks offhandedly, shrugging while walking through his barren living room. There’s a large TV with a couch and small table. That’s it. This place should be decked out.

“Never considered adding anything to it?” I question.

“I work a lot,” he adds, taking me into a bad ass steel and marble kitchen with black wood cabinets. I’m in love.

“How much is a lot?” I ask, rubbing my hand along the island countertop.

“About ninety hours a week.”

I whip my body completely around to face him as he leans on the kitchen sink. “Damn, wow, no one wonder you want me to stay here. The only time we’ll see each other is when you get home before bed.”

He closes the distance, trapping me with his hands pressing onto the island’s surface, his face inches from mine. “I’m going to make time for you, but for now I need to go back in.”

“I’m surprised you came for me.”

“There was no way in hell I was leaving you with someone else. I don’t give a fuck that he’s just a roommate. Living with a man other than me…well that shit’s not going to happen.”

“You’re very territorial,” I accuse him.

He nods, then leans in running his nose down my neck. “That I am.” He places a small kiss on my shoulder. I want one on my lips, but he backs away.

“Do you want to stay here or come with me?” he asks, grabbing my hand and leading me upstairs to a spacious bedroom. There’s a large bank of windows that face a huge yard with the same black metal fence that surrounds the entrance. The grass is well-maintained, but that’s about it. The rest of the yard is just as empty as the house. I close my eyes and I can swing set and little children running around laughing.

“You like it,” he asks, sliding his arms around my waist and rests his chin on my head. It feels so natural that I melt into it and slide my arms on top of his as we stand there.

“I do.” I turn around in his arms and ask, “How long are you going to be?”

“A few hours. I’m meeting some potential buyers for a couple storefronts we had built.”

“There’s still a lot of places to expand here.”

“I noticed, but I figured since the population’s small it wouldn’t need a lot more.”

“People want more choices and jobs. Speaking of, what were you going to Dallas for?”

“A substitute teacher position. I’m certified, but they are full and I didn’t want to work too far from home, so I could only get the sub spot.”

“Fuck, we can always use more here. What grades do you teach?”

“Kindergarten through fifth.”

“That’s great. I can call the principal.”

“Please don’t pull any strings for me.”

“I’m not, Crystal. I’m calling because you want to teach, and we need them.”

“Yes, but you’re who you are. Everyone will just do what you say. Merely a suggestion to him and I’m getting the job.”

“Baby, I’m not going to bullshit you. They will do what I ask. But you know once they find out you’re mine and anything you want will be given. How about you get your files to submit and I’ll stay out of it. Hopefully, they’ll review it before they find out you belong to me.”

“Oh, I have all that at the apartment.”

“Okay, hold on.” He steps away and pulls out his phone. “Hey, Rico, yeah. Make sure you grab all her files. Oh yeah?” He turns to look at me but doesn’t say anything. I wonder if they found anything or maybe Corey said something stupid to get himself in trouble. I don’t care what happens to him. I’m kind of glad he’s satisfied with waiting because Corey acted differently today. “Yep, bring that too. Tonight, same time as yesterday. Yes, she’s at my house. Bring her things here after you stop at the club. Thanks, brother.” He ends the call, then turns to me. “I’m sorry, Tigress. I need to go.”

“Okay, I’ll find something to make for dinner.”

“If there’s nothing here, call for a pizza. Here,” he says. He drops a hundred on the table, squeezes my hand and then rushes out the door. Fucking bastard didn’t even kiss me goodbye.