Page 5 of Embrace

Outside of her door, my headache of a best friend sat in a waiting room chair staring at something on his phone. When our eyes locked, he stood up and greeted me with his perfect pearly whites.

“How was it?” he asked. His voice was deep and smooth like velvet.

“Easy,” I answered. “You’re up!”

He chuckled. “I hope I get matched with a Houston hottie like Meg. What Juvie say? I need a Hot Girl.”

“Oh brother, get a load of this guy!” I dramatically teased him.

He mushed my head and headed into the office.

“Have fun!”

“Hello, Mr. Snow. Thank you again for joining me this afternoon. I’m Lamya Montgomery. I’ll be handling your case,” the woman greeted me. She had an inviting smile that eased my nerves. “Welcome to Arranged Hearts—where destiny decides who you marry.”

Lamya was short as hell, probably no taller than five feet and three inches. However, most women were short compared to my six feet and four inches in height. She had skin the color of khaki work pants, and a small, moisturized curly afro.

“Call me Blaze. Mr. Snow is my father,” I joked.

“Got it, Blaze. Please have a seat. We’re going to start with a few preliminary questions,” she explained.

“Straight to business. I like that.”

I claimed my seat on the couch and adjusted my shorts as I got comfortable on the cushion. Lamya placed the tape recorder on the table and crossed her legs at the ankle. She listed off questions about my age, career, and shit like that. Easy questions.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what brought you here today? You’re an attractive man, I don’t think you have trouble getting women’s attention.”

I chuckled. “If I’m being honest, I’m here because Suvi’s scary ass wouldn’t have come on her own.”

“Suvi? You and Miss Summers know each other?” Lamya quizzed.

I nodded. “Hell yeah. We’ve been best friends since before we were born.”

“How is that?” Lamya queried with amused eyes.

“Our moms were sorority sisters and best friends. They said their kids would be best friends too, and it was true. Suvi and I are like peanut butter and jelly, the perfect combination. I’d be peanut butter and her ass would be jelly, though.”

Lamya grinned. “That’s so cute!”

Suvi and I were destined to be best friends. I knew her better than she knew herself. We’d been glued at the hip since we were old enough to talk. I was two years older than her, but once we got older, the age difference didn’t matter because we were always together. I kept the young niggas out of her face, too. Niggas knew not to fuck with Suvi, or they’d have to pay the consequences.

“Let’s dive into some of these questions.” Lamya’s words broke me from my thoughts.

“Bring it on.”

“What are the most important values you look for in a partner?” she asked.

I smiled. “I need a woman who values family and communication. I grew up in a two parent home with two siblings. I loved the dynamics of being able to watch my parents love each other and love us. I want that in my own marriage. I also need a woman who knows how to communicate because I’m not a mind reader. I need to be able to trust my woman will communicate because I don’t do the arguing shit. Screaming and cussing each other out is for toxic mothafuckas, and I ain’t toxic.”

Lamya nodded. “Perfect. Can you describe your ideal first date?”

“I’m an adventurous nigga. I like to do out of the box shit. I think my ideal first date would be something outdoors. Rooftop movie, picnic in the park, or an outdoor hiking course with dinner waiting at the end.” I’d tried to plan some exciting dates, but women preferred expensive dinners instead.

Lamya shifted in her seat. “How important is physical intimacy in your relationships? Is sex important?”

“Fa sho. Any nigga who says sex isn’t important is lying. I’m a physical lover. I like to hold my lady, kiss and rub my lady, and make my lady orgasm intensely.” I licked my lips. “I have to be with someone who can match my energy. I’m not an overly sexual ass nigga, but we have to have sexual chemistry.”

“I know you mentioned growing up in a large family earlier. Do you want children of your own? If so, how many?” Lamya inquired.

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