Page 55 of Chemistry: The Chemist

Chem wasn’t the mess he claimed to be. He had ways, but we all did. There was something special at the very core of his existence, telling me he knew how to take care of a woman and provide her with a blissful life. Telling me he knew how to love. He knew how to trust.

As our time together continued, it was becoming very clear. I was anxious for more of him. More of that. Whatever it was.

“You must make your mother proud.” I smiled, watching as he scrubbed the towel together to get the suds going. From the fruity aroma, I knew he wasn’t preparing to cleanse his body. He was preparing to cleanse mine.

“Maybe one day I’ll get to ask her. Around the fire pits of hell. I’m sure she’ll be there when I make it.”

I wish I’d found the same humor his smile exposed, but I didn’t.

“Chem.”

“Yes, Eden?”

“Is your mother al–”

“Turn around, baby. If we’re going to talk, it won’t be about my mother.”

I gave him full access to my back. Gently, he scrubbed it with the towel.

“There are clothes waiting for you. You’ll find them in the dressing room right next to mine. Dinner will be served at seven. Please don’t be tardy, Choc.”

“Dinner?”

“Yes. Aren’t you hungry, yet?”

“Starving.” I breathed. For more about you. Your family. Your life. Your world. Your background. Your pain. You wear it right on your shoulders.

“Good, then. That’s settled. Seven.”

“Seven.”

“This man.”

Blushing, I ambled toward the black silk slip-dress on the bed. Black, strappy Gianvito Rossi slingbacks were on the floor in front of it. Another blue box was split in half, exposing the bangle inside. The receipt was missing, but a quick snap from my camera led me to the listing.

“Twenty-seven thousand dollars?” I whispered, hand over my mouth. “For a bangle? God, that’s an entire car.”

“Not the kind we drive, Choc.”

I spun around to find Chem behind me. I hadn’t heard him enter the room, but I should’ve smelled him. He was divine. Natural scent and added fragrance. Both were mesmerizing.

“Get out ya head and put that shit on.”

He vanished, leaving my mouth wide open and the heartbeat between my legs irrational again.

I need to know more.

But why? I fought with myself, attempting not to let my inquisitiveness cheat me out of a good time.

Deciding against sulking or overthinking, I began preparing myself for the night. The dress, shoes, and jewelry weren’t the only things waiting for me in the dressing room. So was a vanity, Dior makeup, a full brush set, and a note. The scribbles on the white paper were evidence Chem had written it.

Time is lost upon me when you’re near. The sun has awakened me for thirty-six years straight. Since I laid eyes on you, it’s been your face. Visions of you. The sight of you. The thought of you. I’m an imperfect man, so far from the person society tells women of your caliber to trust, to allow in your world, but fuck that. Fuck all of that. Fuck the world. Cause I’m fucking you, Eden. And since I’ve begun, nothing has made sense in my world. Everything is perplexing. I’m writing to let you know I won’t always have the words. It’s not often I do. But, I’ll show you, every chance I get, that you’re more than just a frame. More than just a face. More than just a thrill. You’re something I look forward to, just like the rising of the sun.

I crashed the paper into my chest, crumbling it slightly.

He’s troubled. Tears burned my bottom lash line.

He means well. I choked as the thought surfaced.

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