Page 88 of Stay with Me

“From your lips to God and Rem’s ears,” I chuckle.

“If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.”

I nod. “Thanks. I think it’s too complicated for anyone outside of the two of us to help. I’m staying the course. It’s getting there,” I reply.

“Damn, now that’s love. You’ve been after her for how long?”

“Longer than you know. It’s always been her. There’s no one else.”

Jamel grabs two tumblers from the bartender and hands me one. He lifts his glass and waits for me to do the same. I turn to him fully and lift my glass.

“To love easing the way and God making it clear,” he toasts.

“I’ll drink to that. One hundred percent.”

“Salute,” we both say and down the brown liquor.

We’re so close. I can give her a bit more time. Things are good. Not everyone gets their happily ever after the same way. This just happens to be our way.

“Hey, I’m going to call it a night,” I say as I go to put down my glass.

He nods and clears his throat. “You guys have a room for the night, right?”

“Yeah, we’re staying in a suite. I have a little something planned for the night.”

“Have at it, my man. I’m going to treat my baby to a good night too. It’s the consistency. That’s how I win her,” he says with a wolfish smile on his lips.

“I hear you.” I pat him on the back and head in the direction I last saw Reminisce.

I find her talking with some friends as they look as if they’re about to leave. I walk up and place a hand on her back. Rem turns to look up at me. The smile on her face turns up, brightening her entire face.

She has looked so gorgeous tonight. The dark navy blue dress she has on accentuates her figure, and the heels on her feet scream to be wrapped around my neck and waist. I’ve been tempted to carry her away multiple times.

If this weren’t her best friend’s engagement party and she wasn’t helping out, I would have cornered her by now for just a taste. A long deep taste. I shake the thought off, knowing we’ll be in our room in a bit. I’ll get to have my fill then.

“You almost ready? I’m going to head to the room soon,” I say.

“Give me one sec. I’ll be ready and we can go together. My feet are killing me. I could use a bath and a moment to breathe.”

I kiss her forehead and flex my fingers against her back. I love that the scent of her perfume still lingers after all these hours. I want to bury my face in her neck and inhale.

However, I release her and nod as I take a step back. Giving her space to finish with her friends. I step out into the lobby and wait.

As I stand waiting, I get this feeling as if I’m being watched. I begin to look around inconspicuously. Mostly everyone here are guests making their way to their cars or the hotel next door.

I try to shake the feeling off, but I can’t. I walk out the front door and take a better look at my surroundings. Narrowing my eyes, I look closer at a figure in the parking lot. From here I can make out their form and the fact that they are smoking a cigarette as it glows in the darkness.

Once my attention is focused on them and I start to take a few steps in that direction, they toss the cigarette and hop on the back of a bike. I ball my fists and work my jaw. This time I’m not going to brush this off.

I pull my phone out to give Harris a call, but Reminisce comes out looking for me. Knowing how this might trigger her, I put my phone away and hold my hand out for hers. I’ll give Harris and my captain a call tomorrow. Tonight will be all about my woman.

The brotherhood I lived amongst believes I’m dead. I’m not going to worry Rem over a feeling. If I want to move forward, I have to be willing to let go.

CHAPTER 33

On My Way

Knight

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