Page 56 of Myself

“Your secret is safe with me,” he assures me. “Oh, and by the way. Like I said, I spoke to Fredrick earlier on my way over here. I told him if he didn’t have it done in a week, he was fired.” And with that, he walks out.

I fall back down into my seat and run a hand down my face. I have made a name for myself, and that name comes with contacts. I pull my cell out and dial a number for someone I haven’t spoken to in years, but I know he’ll answer. Just in case Timothy can’t fix this situation with Conner.

It picks up after the fourth ring. “What’s up, Jaycent? It’s been a while,” the man says.

I lean back in my seat. “It has. Still taking care of unwanted business?”

“For the right price,” he answers, and I smile.

“Good to hear. I could use your services ...”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

BECCA

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“Are you serious?” I ask, staring up at him wide-eyed.

Jaycent nods. “He won’t tell anyone.”

“Of course, he will,” I say as I get up off my bed. “God, Jaycent.”

“It wasn’t like I had a choice.” He growls. “He walked in and ....”

“I know.” I sigh. “I just don’t want him to tell me I can’t see you.” He laughs. “Why do you find that funny?”

“He’s not gonna say that, babe. He said you were an adult and can make your own decisions.”

“Then why did he buy me this apartment?” I snap.

He places his hands on my shoulders. “Give him a little credit. Please?”

I nod as I bite my bottom lip. “Yeah, I guess so. I’m gonna see him tomorrow anyway. I’ll wait and see what he has to say then.”

“I think you’ll be surprised.”

“Doubtful,” I say grimly.

He kisses me softly on the lips and smiles against them. “Don’t worry. I promise it’ll be okay.”

I pull away and nod my head. I want to believe him. “Okay.”

“We never got to finish our conversation earlier.”

I swallow nervously. “Which conversation was that?”

He steps to me. “The one where you agree to move in with me.”

“Jayce.” I breathe. “I thought you were joking.”

He frowns. “Why would you think that? Of course, I was being serious.” I get that tightening feeling back in my stomach at his words. I want to scream yes as I jump up and down but ... there’s always a but.

“I’m not sure we’re ready for that,” I say, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. I’m gonna cry.

“Becca, we’re not some couple just starting out. I didn’t just meet you last week. I’ve known you my entire life. I’ve loved you for four years, and you’ve told me that you'd felt that way about me for longer. Why would we take it slow? You want to just date one another?” I shake my head. “You want to be mine?” I nod, and he smiles. “I want to be yours too. And this is the next step.”

“You want to take that next step with me?” I ask as a slow smile spreads across my face.

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