Page 19 of Beautiful Harmonies

“Okay. Y’all can stay with me out there. I have a house in Houston.”

He smiled and extended his hand to help me from the bed. The minute I stood, Mi’Junae woke up. As far as I knew, she’d slept all night. I hugged him around his waist then went to my duffel bag to get my toothbrush and shower gel. Having them fly back with me meant everything to me. I really wanted to spend more time with him too.

There was no way I would press him about his time. His sister needed him, and I felt like I was distracting him. I didn’t feel that way until I got here. Had I thought about that before I left, I wouldn’t have come. However, Mi’Junae seemed to take a liking to me, and I liked her too. She was like the little sister I always wanted growing up. After my brother, Jayden, was born, my parents said I would just have to settle for him, because they weren’t getting pregnant again.

I quickly showered and handled my other items of hygiene, then left the bathroom in my panties and bra to find Deontray was still in the bedroom, consoling Mi. I could have crawled under a fucking rock to avoid his gaze and how it set my body on fire. They were completely quiet in here, so I had no inclination that he could have possibly still been in the room. Turning around, I cringed as I went back into the bathroom, realizing I was wearing a thong, and my ass was on full display.

My face was hot as hell, so I knew it was red. My light complexion guaranteed that. I should have backed out of there. I lowered the lid on the toilet and sat there with my face in my hands.God bless it!I stood up and decided to brush my hair intoa ponytail. Embarrassment had flooded my entire being, and now, being around him would be somewhat awkward.

While I knew that he would eventually see me naked, it would be when I was ready and during the height of passion.Shit!I could hear my phone chiming repeatedly in the bedroom, so I opened the door and peeked out of it to see they were both gone. I stepped out and quickly put on my leggings before either of them came back.

I grabbed my phone to see a few text messages from Tiana and Mulan and one from my mama. They’d probablybeenawake since they were two hours ahead of us right now. I opened my mama’s text to see a simple message.Good morning, baby. Have a safe flight. See you when you get here.

I smiled slightly then responded.Good morning, Mama. Umm… Deontray and his sister are flying back with me. They’ll be staying at a hotel, but I wanted to make you aware. I just found out this morning when I woke up.

I saw the bubbles appear, letting me know that she was responding. When her message came through, there were wide-eyed emojis and the emoji with the hands over the mouth. I chuckled when I saw it. Then her message came through.I know you don’t eat all the food that Louisiana is famous for because you’re weird, but I’m going to cook a feast that’s sure to offer their souls comfort.

I rolled my eyes. She always teased me for not liking étouffée, gumbo, or boudin. I just wasn’t really into any of the Cajun dishes. I ate seafood, but that was about it. She was probably taking gator out of the freezer and inviting family. I slowly shook my head at the thought.

Thanks, Mama… I guess. Don’t invite too many people. I don’t want them to be overwhelmed.

Don’t worry. I’m only gonna invite the princesses. I know their privacy is important, especially after what happened. See y’all soon!

I set my phone on the nightstand and pulled my T-shirt over my head. Just as I did, there was a knock at the door. I remained quiet for a moment, then heard, “Baby, can I come in?”

My eyes closed involuntarily, and I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Yes,” I finally got out.

When the door opened, Deontray smiled. He stepped inside, leaving the door open. I was so hot I felt like I was about to start sweating. He came closer and extended his hand. “I’m sorry I was still in the room. Mi was having a mini panic attack, saying it felt like she was living a nightmare. I didn’t think to let you know that I was still in the room when I heard the shower turn off.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I should have peeked out first.”

“Why are you red, baby? You have no reason to be embarrassed. That body is pure fire. Damn!”

My face only got hotter. “It wasn’t intentional. I wasn’t ready for that.”

He pulled me to him as he licked his lips and held me in his arms. For a moment, I thought he was truly concerned until he said, “You want me to strip down to my drawers so you won’t feel alone in this? I mean, I have no problem with you seeing me that way.”

I pushed against him as he laughed. He pulled me back to him. “I’m sorry, Kamari, but it’s not that serious. Come here, baby.”

He went and sat on the bed and pulled me to his lap. I sat as I stared into his playful gaze. When I looked away, he said, “Nah, baby. Look at me.”

I slowly turned back to him as he asked, “Are you a virgin?”

“No,” I all but whispered. “But I’ve only been with one man, and that ended a couple of years ago.”

His eyebrows lifted slightly. “Damn, baby. I been referring to you as my angel, but you areal-lifeangel. Being able to save yourself that way is beautiful. I plan to be your last. I understand your apprehension now though. I wish we were all that way. Somewhere along the way, sex became a recreational pastime. No one, including me, truly sees it for what it was intended for anymore.”

Lightening the moment, I asked, “For having babies?”

He smiled and chuckled a bit. “You know what I meant. For two people who truly love each other… who want to do life with each other. Just imagine that you were wearing a swimsuit, and we were about to go to the beach. I promise not to make light of your feelings again. Okay?”

I nodded and gave him a small smile. “It’s okay. I’m behaving like a child.”

“No, you aren’t. You’re behaving like an innocent and pure adult. Seeing you that way should be reserved for someone you love. I get it, baby. For real.”

I kissed his lips as his hand rested at the small of my back. His understanding in this situation only made me heat up with desire to journey to the unknown. However, with the way I reacted to him seeing me almost naked, I knew I wasn’t ready. I almost couldn’t wait until I was.

The humidity slappedme across the face as soon as we landed in Lafayette, Louisiana. I wanted to get back on the plane and just stay there. LA was warm, but this shit was different. With the way Mi’Junae’s face was all scrunched up, she was clearly thinking the same thing I was. Kamari was all smiles like nothing was wrong.

---